Truly Blessed / Embarrassment

Well the embarrassing part is it has been months...yes months since I posted.  Thought this would be easier than a journal. Ha! Fat chance.  I can in no way catch everyone up with the comings and goings at the Jensen's.  To many people events and time has passed. So you missed stuff...good news!  We are still here and slugging through the days.

Dana tore his left bicep last month.  Hasn't worked since and is going to threapy.  We opted out of surgery.  He is progressing well.

I am still in school, and will be until January 2013! Ah so far away..... I have managed to keep my grades up, but stil do not test well.  Bummer.

Matthew is WONDERFUL!! He loves absolutely loves flying! and has done well in classes as well.  He is also going to receive the office of an Elder when he comes for a visit.  He and we have been truly blessed.

Melissa's time at DI has come to an end.  She is now bored at home. We are going to try to get her in an elementary school to volunteer until the economy jumps up. Fingers crossed.

James is excellent and enduring his first whole summer in Argentina.  He has just been transfered and is now further South, almost into the other mission. We can't wait to talk with him on Saturday!!!! Yay for Christmas!!

Whitney is well on her way through her SENIOR year.  Sadly Senioritis has engulfed her and we hope to get through the next five months... She will be great once it is done!  But has no real plans for what's next.  I don't blame her, there is a alot and one day at a time works.

I just looked out the window and we have snow falling! Big fat fluffy flakes.  I love white Christmases, even driving in it isn't bad.  It is nice to have windows to see out of. 

We have our health, love one another and have the Gospel in our lives....We are truly Blessed

Another Fall Season

At 9am in the morning I am here at work and looking out at the beautiful day!  Fall has arrived and the mornings are cooler, days cooler and nights heavenly!  I LOVE Autumn!! It reminds me of the scene in You've Got Mail, when Meg Ryan talks about pumpkins and the smell of office supplies, pencils in particular!  Makes me smile even now thinking of it.  I love Fall!!!  And a small tidbit of information it is the best time to strive and loose a few pounds as our metabolisms speed up to compensate for the warm comfort foods of winter. 

This blog isn't followed by many which is fine as I suppose it is more of a Journal than blog.  Since it has been a while since I have written, rest assured not much has occurred in our lives.  Usual is usual.  We eat, work/school, sleep and then do it all again.  Kinda monotonous.  And very unexciting.  All children are healthy and well.  Adjusting to their respective activities.  Matthew LOVES flying.  He has been up 4 or 5 times and has hovered and loves every second!  He gets a bit nervous and tense, but eventually loosens up.  He is working hard at his studies and also his spiritual situation.  Mostly due to James and his example.  Which is SO wonderful.  That boy has a spirit and to be touched by it clear from Aregentina says much about him.  James who is doing so well has been gone ten months already!  I hope the rest of the time flies quickly too!  His cute Josie is doing well and has survived a month with us.  That says much about her personality to survive!! haha But she is a sweetheart.  She even handles her homesickness well.  I am happy for her and her choices, I hope she is too. 
Whitney has been enjoying her time in High School, well as much as she enjoys school..... Her class load is pretty tough and she will be challenged this year, but I have no doubt that she will handle it fine.  This week is Homecoming and Her and Josie have been attending a few events together...THANK YOU Josie!!  It has been an experience to see Whitney excited for the games and such.  Today her hair was all curled cute and school colors worn.  To bad all the guys of Logan High are to stupid to notice quality... but her time will come.  It will be kinda fun to see her hit by the love bug when it comes. Course he may have to carry a bat to get her to see it! hehehehe
Melissa is still working at Deseret Industries, her time is short there as they are a temporary stop.  With the economy I don't expect much from her job search, but it seems to really tire her and make life more difficult.  Her spirit is so sweet, yet so hard....
I am aching for my sister.  Life has dealt a tough hand and I admire her strength and love her to pieces.  But sadly other family hasn't seem to accept her  choices and there is a gap widening the ties that bind.  IT is a sad situation, sadder still that walls are being built higher than the one Europe tore down.  Actions have a way of affecting long after the event itself.... LOVE YOU BABY!!!!
Well now my schooling.  What on Gods green Earth was I thinking?!?!?!?!?! Obviously not.  I am six months in and twentyish more to go... Must  Not   LOOK  at BIG picture....M U ST L O O K AT teeny tiny corner.... LOL Upside? Meeting great people and I do like learning.

Matthew

Many of you have asked about Matthew.  He is AWESOME and so happy to be on his own in Prescott, Arizona!! His school will start in August sometime and he is going to be a helicpoter pilot!  He is STOKED and has had the physical and is raring to go.  I miss his face and smile, but know that he must fly on those wings of his.  He has a great buddy Dan and his family there to spend time

with and they have taken a couple day trips.  It is beautiful country, of course they are south of Sedona so that is where the beauty comes from.   He bought  Gecko to keep him company and his new pad looks perfect.  But wishes he had AC.... Seems crazy that my first is so old... But right at the same time. 

Happy July 24th!!

For those who aren't in Utah - July 24th is celebrated by the whole state!  It is when the poineers, weary and sick from the long crossing of the United States FOUND their place of solace.  I can't imagine the joy that brought.  Yet their trials really were just beginning anew.  So much has gone into the spreading of this GOSPEL, the good news.   I look back at the knowledge I have of their lives and of course the history of the church and marvel that such faith and dedication had such humble beginnings and has grown to a world wide church!  God bless those who gave all...  The best part of the parade? THe local missionaries coming along singing 'Onward Christian Soldiers'

With our neighborhood 'corner of fire' I thought of James the whole time as last year, he helped set them off!  He would;ve loved this year..
We have had a terrific weekend and it has been a blessing tom e who had the week from hell. Yes hell.  We went to the Farmers Market, had breakfast from the Lions Club, watched a parade for the 24th and listened to a 'family band' Three brothers - lots of budding talent there.  And we wandered through the local little zoo.

Today I will have the opportunity to sing in the church choir about our 'blessed, honored Pioneers' and then teach my boys in Primary!  I wondered about an all boy class, exception of two girls...one moved and one rarely makes it.. Today? David and Goliath!!! I wanted to make sling shots, Dana adamantly said no.. :(  Whatever, but it will be great! 

It is a beautiful day and I love the quiet and cool  of this valley.  I truly hope that all things work to keep us here.  I will not go into my fears! As I worry about too much...  imagine that? haha 

In a few short weeks we will add to our family with a boarder of sorts, a beautiful young lady from Las Vegas is going to come live with us!  She will attend school and continue to wait for James.  What a blessing she is in his life.  I can't imagine the feelings he must have for her...hopefully much like mine for my honey!   Only 15 months will prove it, wow how fast 9 moths have gone. Most likely not for him... and then I realized that the poor kid will come from winter there to winter here... Bummer for him.  But the snow? BEAUTIFUL!!

Bieber Fever

My oldest daughter has Justin Beiber fever....yes it's true.  And she saved and bought tickets for her and 'the bestesst mom in the world'  aka me to go see him.  WOW who would've thought that there were so many who liked the guy who looks twelve!! hahaha  It was the funnest watching her watch the concert!  She grinned ear to ear the entire time!  She was so nervous about going that she trew up Saturday before going to work and barely ate the whole day... Poor kid.  But was worth her discomfort as sh "had the time of her life!"  It was fun I must admit a nice bonding time for her and I.  But the 6 year old behind us that screammed that nice high pitched scream???? NOT so nice! :)

wHeW!!

Wow and another month has passed... I can't say where the time went as I know- hither and yon!  So many thoughts and feelings are rumbling in the nogin that I feel a time has come for yet another blog.  This has been so nice for me, don't know about you readers, if there are any! hehehehe But my journaling skills or desires were so low on the totem pole.  I must thank Amanda Hale from my stint at the Logan Hospital PBX for this 'new' outlet.  THANK YOU!!  well here goes the rumbling.. . tumbling . . . .
I decided to get off my meds.  I am a month 'clean' and what a month.  Anti depression pills sure work, they just numb you, so now I get to re-learn how to be human, how to adjust thinking and emotions.  It is tricky!! Oddly as I surfed the internet I ran across some infor that Benadryl happens to help dt's...SCORE! two birds one stone my allergies and dt symptoms. They are no picnic and I feel for those who are addicted to worse.  Of course I also have a brief experience with pain pill addiction.  Wow who would've thought I know?? Little 'ole me.   hahahaha  I miss my boys. Their hugs and laughter.  The talks we had.  They are grown and doing their thing. 

Matt loves AZ and is STOKED to be a pilot- new major in college and he hasn't even started! Go for it I say!  James sweet James is doing fine in Argentina.  New companion and area.  New trials and personal growth.  I am glad he has a sweet gal to give him additional support.  Josie is coming in about amonth to live with us and get some schooling.  I hope we don't drive her crazy!! Always a possibility.  Melissa is growing in a direction I haven't a clue on how to handle.  She tells me 'there is nothing wrong with her' yet her new evaluation and those who know her, know different.  How frustrating it must be to be in her skin... I am at a loss as to what direction to guide her,  She seems so unhappy and aren't we here for joy?? Where is hers? Oh well Saturday whe will be happy as Justin Bieber is playing in SLC.  And since I am the 'coolest mom around' get to go with her...contemplating ear plugs..... ;)

This Sunday  marks a huge and wonderul day, our 25th wedding anniversary!! Who in all the land would have thought that we could and DID make it this far??!!!  It seems like yesterday, yet the age of the kids tells me different.  I love my man more now than then.  Crazy how that happens.  He is truly a Saint! He is so good for me.  I am proud to be Eternally his.  Hopefully he thinks the same, I feel that he got jipt in the deal...but he assures me not.  See? A Saint. 
I am going to school faithfully, it isn't too bad. Interesting mostly and my grades are pretty good 3.88.  But I wonder if I will see a benefit to all this?? The world seems such a mess.  I hope that somehow we are pulled from the brink we seem to be steamrolling toward.  I try to do the day to day thing. But sometimes that blasted Big Picture takes over and you just kringe. 
Oh and FYI in case you don't know I am a confirmed GleeK!!!!  I love that show.
Oh and Dana, Whitney and I saw Eclipse, yes even Dana!  He says he now understands why the girls are addicted to it!  hahaha He said it was good.  I am sooooo glad it was better than the first two.  I love my roses in the front of my house.. so many colors and scents.  I miss my friends from Vegas.. some are there some have left also.  I love my primary class, but miss YW. All a time and season.  And just to end me randomness...Love Micheal Buble's voice!!!
Ha I guess no one should ever ask what I am thinking....very dangerous random and flighty.   wHeW!!

Memorial Weekend

On this weekend we met Dana's sister Cheryl half way to Boise at a camp ground by Twin Falls ID.   WOW we haven't seen her kids in a while and their kids! What a great time we had.  My kids enjoyed seeing their cousins and second cousins.  Again pictures will come soon!!  I think it is so weird to see them married and with children.  Cheryl loves the grandbabies!  And Chad with his Hanah....she turns him to mush when he holds her.  And Ruth and her Maran those big blue eyes like daddy- who is totally wrapped around her finger too!  We stayed in these great cabins and just talked!  Although funny thing, it was a bit nippy and the owners brought fire pits around AND wood.  Well every meal was planned simple.....no matches!!! So someone ran to get them.  It was funny 7 families and NO way to light a fire.  Note to self, PUT A LIGHTER IN GLOVE COMPARTMENT." hahaha The next day we went to some falls, so beautiful.  The weekend rocked!!  We kept Matt to ourselves Monday for a bbq.  And we had some great people Josie and Jo Anne in Richfield went out of their way and put flowers on Dana parents grave in Elsinore cemetary.  Ah it touched his heart and mine.  No wonder James has fallen...

JuneBugNonsense

WOW! Like a roller coaster ride this is.  (master Yoda hahaha)  My time with Matthew has come to an end as he is off on his college adventures.  As he left early the 4th I was doing fabulous!!! I was so happy for him, the Dana reached in for a hug and turnedd to me with wet eyes.... then mine came.  Darn it!  But he is so ready to abe on his own.   He arrived in Arizona on Friday the 4th.  Meet his friend from the NAVY and his family, ate and conked.  Then Bright and early checked into his apartment.  ONE of HIS VERY OWN!!! He is so excited.  Bought rugs and bathroom acessories, also now has a Gecko... but not a bed as yet.  His great friend Dan gave him a couch and chair and loveseat.  The pictures we saw it looks like a bachelors pad.  But it is what it is.  It is so nice to have him happy again.   I will get pic posted, but doing this at work wont allow me to get the pictures.  Melissa is well and doing her part at DI, not liking the work but loving the pay.  Ha sounds familiar.  Her new ' test observations' tells us  she is High function Austistic.  Makes sense.  And there are great programs here in Cache valley for her.  I just want her to be happy.  She was sad to see Matthew go.  He's her buddy.  Whitney is DONE with her HS Junior year.  That is so astounding for me... she is a Senior now and goig to be a fullfleged adult in September.   Time passes and you just don't see it until one day-WHAM!! She is a beautiful girl and much in characteristics of Matthew and Dana.  Those are not bad things, not at all. Just not typical girly.  She's my buddy. 

Now for James.  He is growing everyday.  Teaching and learning about himself.  What an experience he is on.  His letters are positive, as tehy are instructed to be.  Sometimes you read through the lines and know its been rough.  But his eternal optimisticness wins out.  I have pictures, umm same story as before.  But I WILL get them up.  He has asked a sweet firl to wait for him.  That was hard and huge for him.  He is well aware of what that means and has no desire to have her do anything she doesn't want to do.  But she IS!!  Josie is a wonderful ying to his yen.  Her spirit is strong and love of the Gospel inspires me and more him, which is the important thing.  I am getting to know her and well she's part of the family now. YAY!!

Dana and I continue to work together. I love it seeing him daily like this.  He is such a good man.  Tired of his work but after 35 years who can blame him.  He absolutely loves the peace and quiet of LOGAN.  We both do.  Old age I guess.  I am working hard in school to keep the grades up.  I'd like to graduate Suma Cum Laud.  So it takes work.  It amazes me the people who just don't get the importance of education and to be grown up.  I am sure the same was said about my generation.   Ha age again. some days I feel it, some I don't.  But my mind???? Always young!!!! Yeah BABY!!!

Mothers Day

James and Comps/Andies in the background.

This Mothers Day was a great one!  I can't deny it. At BYU Womens Conference with my Sister-in-law I met up with a cute girl my Missionary James is writing.  We worked it out, well she and her mother really worked it out to come up to Logan from Las Vegas to talk with James on the Mothers Day call. A complete surprise for that young man!! A good one I will add.  Also my beautiful sister Kaisa and her husband drove from Kemmerer, WY to see Matthew and talk with James and my mother and father came up from Sandy.  We had a great visit with James, of which he totally broke the rules of 'no crying etc' on the call when he sang in Argentian Mother I Love You from the childrens songbook.  It was the prettiest thing I have ever heard!  We sang Happy Birthday to him since he will be 20 on Sunday!  No longer a teenager, but he promised never to grow up.
And my wonderful Matthew brought me yellow roses!! My favorite! and even included Josies mother with a boquet of her own.  He is such a sweet man!  How did I end up with two men who are so thoughtful and wonderful?  It is their father!  They are who they are because of his example.  Who he learned from his father.  It touches my heart deeply.
I am grateful for my mother, whom I look so much like.  It does irritate me, yet she is my mother who gave me life, taught and cared for me.  Times were not easy for her I am sure, but we always knew she loved us.  And still does. 
Womens Conference was a completely great time and proved yet again how much our Father in Heaven knows us, loves us and watches over us constantly.  The spirit was strong, lessons wonderful and the beauty of the sisterhood of the church still amazes me.  Also the weekend proved tome how COMPLETLY out of shape I am!!! They 'old' ladies were out walking and stairing me.  I was gasping for air!! Totally embarrassed I might add.  Enough to work out?  Well that remains to be seen..... ;)  I also spent time with his friend Josie and her mother.  They are great people and I am glad of the support they have given James.  He has a great support system.  It says much for the caliber of person he is.
I also need to say that even though motherhood is the HARDEST job ever...it is the very best job ever and I am so happy to be the mother of four beautiful children!! I love them with every bit of heart and soul!!! Te amo!

April Beauty

I L-O-V-E Spring!!! It is my favorite season.  Everything is new and turning green and blooming, albeit my allergies are going to go nuts!  But all is fresh and clean.  Like everything taking a big yawn and stretch to ready themselves for the upcoming months. 

I have enjoyed Utah for the season for sure.  I enjoy my job.  It has given me time to stretch back into the business world and also to do my homework from school.  Yup you read that right, school.  in 35 short months I will have my Bachelors in Business Administration.  Continuing education is very important.  Not only to earn more mentally but to make myself more valuable to the employer.  Being unemplyed that long has taught me that.    And by the age of students, I am not the only one.

Dana and Matt went on a road trip this past weekend to get him in school in AZ and settle what they could.  Then they went to Vegas for the NHRA races.  Andapparently had a great time.  Both are sunburned I hear.  I can't wait to have them back, the girls and I were lonely I think.  We did nothing exciting.  Which sort of blew.  But what do you  do?

I did color my mothers and I hair.  I added some addative to cover the gray, we both now have a strawberryish blonde color hair.  But it is ok.  I talked to Susan and she was going to church as Karson is nearing 8.  I hope they were welcomed nicely.  I love our ward.  We had ward conference yesterday and the choir sang.  It was beautiful if I do say so myself. 

It has been 9 months since my friend died.  Her girls seem to be doing ok.  Better than I could've, it sure has brought them together.  And their father. 

The economy seems to be slowly slowly recovering, it still may get worse- who knows.  My tendonitis is acting up again.  I hate it. 
We were able to go to a live session of conference two weekends ago. WOW the conference center and the choir are so much more in live sessions.  And to see all those of the same faith!! heart warming. 
My heart was full- an then reality always seems to catch you and chain you back.  UGH!!!!  Bbut it all must go on.  Pray pray pray for comfort and help.....

Been A While

I realize today as I sit and play Bejeweled that my blog has been ignored.  So here I am to update, more for me than anyone who reads I am usre of it.  Matthew has been home about three weeks.  I realize that he is a man now, not my little blonde boy.  I knoew this would happen to all of my children, but how strange for it to happen without you there.  His experience in the NAVY has been good and bad, but he grew up into a wonderful man!  I love him so very much!  We cooked breakfast today together, and he has become very handy in the kitchen.  Not just bachelor food, but his mates and he traded skills.  Also his musical talent has grown.  Some is the Heavey Metal type, YUCK!!! But when he plays Bob Marley or messes with his acoustic guitar there is such talent and peace.  He has even used the electric piano I bought to learn to play.  You may say to yourself, "I didn't know she played."  Well She doesn't, that is one bee in the bonnet that was squished before flight.  I was even thinking about selling it, but maybe I'll gift it to my son who does.  By the way, he plays by ear. 

James is in Argentina doing a wonderful job with the Lords work.  He had a baptism last week and and we thrilled.  He has seem many times the Lords hand in his mission so far.  His letters are him and yet there is a strength there that is amazing!  His spirit is so missed within the walls of this home, but I am happy to share it with those in South America.  He says his clothes are like tents and no one taylors in Chileanos, I think that is the town he's in.  We miss him daily but yet he is here.  It's hard to explain.  He was very insistant to take pictures when Matthew got home so here is a fammily photo, minus him of course.  So I can't or rather won't change the main photo until we are all together again. But here is what we sent him.

Great and scary news . . . .

I have signed up for a BA in Business at Stevens Henager College.  I an very anxius about the whole thing!

If I have any regrets of my life it is that I never got a degree, I quit to start the family and all that goes with that.  But now after a year and half without work, I find that the desire is here so I latched on!! I start o Monday!!! Yes that's right this Monday.  In 36 short months I will be a college graduate!!  I have a great support system and I know it will only add to my current 'real world' skills.  Something that I found I needed in the last year or so.  I will be more valued. By the employer that is, not to those who love me.  As I know they love me for who I am now.  On that thought, why are we so  hard on ourselves in our younger years?  I had such a low low self esteem, and I do say deal with it still.  But not as bad most days.  Why does the worlds opinion count to us?   I have grown closer to my Father in Heaven in the past few years and I have seem a side of me I am not proud of.  And now know that no matter what those who truly love you are there regardless.  So pishaw on the world and it's opinion!!!!! 

And can I just add I have the best husband in the world?  I do I really do, I feel for those of you who don't have him.  He is my strength and rock.     Even when I am mad with him, I know he is the best ever!!

Matthew

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

DATE!

Last Saturday evening Dana and I went on our first 'date' for quite some time.  We were going to a show.  Thanks to my most excellent friend at the hospital we were able to go out in December with a gift certificate she gave me, that was for our birthdays.  So this was a real thing.  I think we both kinda wanted to opt out, after a long day, a short shift at the hospital and the emotional up and down of having my nephew move out and my son move in fresh from the military, we were ready to chill, but we persisted!  I really really wanted to see BLINDSIDE.  Since we have waited so long it is at the Cinema 5, I think.  Never will we go to that theater! Their ATM was out of order, they do not take cards of anykind and luckly Dana had cash! Which we Never EVer Do!! so in we went.  The theater was full above so we sat right in the front of the above seating, better than it could've been but they seats practically laid us both back flat!  It was kinda funny to us big people sit then go back and be shocked!  It would've been a fun video ro look at in about 20 days.... or more.  The pre-views were going and we settled in, still miffed no popcorn or drinks could be had.  But as the movie began I was drawn in.  I love Sandra Bullock and laughed at The Proposal!! But this was something different...and wow did she pull it and Tim Magraw.  The young man who played Michael was especially gripping.  Such humblness and grace for a big guy.  I thouroughly enjoyed the time.  But wouldn't recommend the theater, maybe an off night??? I don't know but well we never carry cash all by debit.  So I guess we could plan ahead, but do any of you really know me???? Is this a stronge or even remote talent??? Pretty sure you are all shaking your heads no or laughing out loud.  But the date was nice.  I think we can make another few months without one.

Next.  Matthew loves meat! Well food really.  And he wanted to BBQ.  Dana is the best BBQer,, hmm is that a word? Probably not but it works.  So the boys spent Friday together and ran errands.  There is much Matt needs to do to leave the NAVY and be ready for school.  And they checked out Horlackers [sp] I know this isn't correct.  Five steaks one inch thick for $35.00. I thought pretty good. Dana said it didn't smell in there and the woman cut them, seasoned them and said they were tenderized.  When I arrived home at 5 they were very excited about the purchase! But the baked potatoes were still on the counter, washed and wrapped, I told them it takes a good 2 hours to get an excellent tato. No they said it will work.  Dana started the potatoes, 30 minutes later started the steaks.  All the while Whitney is trying to take 25 photos of Matt for her photo class.  I parked myself infront of bejewled.  Time progressed, steaks done, potatoes....needed at the very least 1/2 hour more, so we nuked 'em.  Well as we settled in to watch Couples Retreat for 'pizza and movie night' minus one meal for another, we decided this.  I you REALLY REALLY want a great great wonderful steak??? Horlackers is it!  So much better than anything I have ever had!!! And the tato was passable, add butter and sour cream yum!   We were all sosossoo stuffed! And left overs were just as good Saturday. 

It's an interesting thing how our lives ebb and flow, damn and run.  Mine is at a point I never imagined, but of course that would mean I had thought and planned ahead...again not a sttrong or remote talent I have.  I love and hate this stage all at once.

Oh and thrilled to have a full time position!! Working at Valley Office Systems, with my honey of 25 years!  Things are good. Life is good and God is great! Maybe pictures later???? Don't hold your breath hahah ;p

Update Update

Hello!!!! Happy Valentine's day early!  We have absolutely NO plans.  So that is fine with me, really and truly.  I haven't been enamoured with this holiday ever. Probably since I never had a sweetie until I got married.  And he gives me flowers daily.  Not the real kind, but his actions show me how much he loves and cares for me.  Much more than flowers and cards.  Of course I won't turn them down or even chocolate, but they aren't necessary.  He does so much for me! Cooks, cleans and pays the bills, he even fixes me breakfast
if he is cooking his.  Everyday if I asked for some.  So what could be better than that?? Nothing duh!
 I did get him a card, I hope he likes it.  It is a smooshy one but had to get it. Because if he does all for me then its all being done, so what do I do? Bring caos and grief into his life.  Kepps the heart pumping!!! haha

I do hate this holiday for those who don't have a significant other.  Like my 17 year old.  It would boost her spirits much, but what do I do? Grab some stranger off the street for her? NOT and that wouldn't even get me nominated for Mother of the day . . . so in silence she grieves or pouts.  Her day will come I know it, but those words don't cut it either.  She got her first job! At a theater.  I am so excited for her.  It will be a great experience and money! WOOHOO who doesn't like money???  And she can now pay for some insurance and gas. Thats a load off the parental units.  And begins her accent into adulthood, which you try to hold off for as long as possible, but still comes to quickly.

I do have a beatutiful new watch and band from my co-worker at work!  She is so great and made me a black/white one with a wonderful new face!!!! I LOVE IT!! Thanks Kristi, you rock!!

I have enjoyed my new job.  I haven't trained yet so I sit for 8 hours a day waiting for the phone to ring... hmm sounds like another job I have had recently... hahahaha But it will come along. I enjoy working with my husband.  And the men there are so gentlemanly, not like the salesmen in Vegas.  I am working todday with Melissa.  She is so funny! And a great human being.  Don't you love people llike that?  Ones you can talk to and chat, relate and laugh with ?  I do. 

Matthew is now in the United States.  He loves it here in the states.  Its nice to have the familiar language and restaurants.  We thought he 'might' be home by now, but they were unable to push him through so fast.  They couldn't get all the appointments necessary done for him and Presidents day on Monday of course set everthing back.  So we are looking at late Wednesday.  Just to have hime back and to talk anytime! What a relief.  But being there so long he got stuck with a 12 hour watch on Monday.  Not a happy moment there.  But he has definately had worse.

James.  WOW what great emails we get from him.  He is embracing the mission and really enjoying Argentina.  I am so pleased for him andless worried that he is at least enjoying it.  He is brown as can be now and lost even more weight.  I would say he is close to 100 lost now.  His shirts are baggin on his neck! And I know they fit when he left.  He has the same great smile and oh how Imiss the humor and spirit he has with him.  I hope the next year and nine months moves quickly and successfully for him.  How could it not?  He love sthe Gospel and the work.  His first companion set the tone and I hope the rest follow suit.  I pray daily so that's gotta count....

New Job

So now a year ans six months after being laid off from the auto industry I have managed to acquire a full time position!  Actually it is through the great job my husband does that I was able to get this job as it is with the same company he works for.  Valley Office Systems.  I will be the girl Friday!!  So I am back into the flow ~ YAY!!  And some worries will hopfully be put to rest.   I have worked part time at the Logan Hospital answering phones graves/every weekend.  Gets old after a while.  And I also should mention the temp job with the Nevada JATC last winter.  But Halelujia [sp] I am working.

It is interesting the ups and more downs you go through when you can't find work.  Either to qualified or under qualified.  AND so many people out there looking.  I can see where word of mouth is so so worth it.  If you can get the information out to people.

Dana and I have worked together several times over the past 25 years and it is a great setup for us.  Understandably not for most couples.  We can though and it is nice.  I can't say I like having to get up and going early now after all the 'down  time' I have had, but I am sure will adjust quickly.  And also not being home for the girls.  But again they will adjust and all will be well.  They are growing up and soon Whitney will be working.  That is wierd!! So I really have no need to be home all the time.  

James is doing great on his missio in Argetina. He is in a town at the base of the Andes!! It is hot and they are teaching a lot!  I love him so and miss miss miss him....

Matt is done in under two weeks!! Wow seems like forever, but just yesterday.  Strange feeling.  I will have him for the summer and then off to college in Arizona he goes.  It will be great for him to get a degree!! I miss miss miss him and love him.  Can't wait to rub his bald head!!!

Long over due

So I find myself in a crazy spot in life.  I never really think life through like some people, I have just taken it as is comes.  For instance getting married.  I always knew I wanted to, that it would most likely happen and that was it.  Then voila! I am married.   I didn't stress abot the groom or what life would bring.  And it has brought much. So to follow this thought I never thought about getting older, just knew it would happen.  Now I am forty something ~ and getting older. Looking like my mother, grey hair, big belly and almost grown children.  I never thought through or worried about them growing up and leaving as true to form it wasn't my style.  Now I am faced with it.  since the baby it 17.  I have two maybe three worries. Will Dana and I still have things in comon without the kids around.  Will the children be okay and be strong for their trials? And will they remember us?   I most likely won't stew about all this but just have that nigling feeling.  LOL

Matthew has less than 20 days left in the NAVY, after a long four years.  Melissa is getting so grown up for her!  So cute!  James my man is in Argentina and according to his email of last Monday is loving it!  What a great spirit he has.  Sometimes I wonder who raised him? It couldn't have been me!! hahaha
Whitney my best friend and baby is resisting growing up.  She is scared, worried, resentful, nervous and any other adjective you can add.  I understand all that, but she needs to move forward.  But is doing well in school, finally brought her grades up!! And seems to be a bit more accepting of the new leaders in YW.  Change is hard for her.  Who would've thought that? Not me, she seems so confident.  That may be her smoke screen I guess.

All in all the new year of 2010 has been a good one.

Art work we are getting an on site Supervisor which will be great!!  I applied I surly need the hours, but not the stress.  So maybe another part time?  I keep looking for a full time, but they are few and far between with all the layoffs the pool is filled with lots of talent.  I try to let God be large and in charge.  He knows what I need. 

!! 2010 !!

Wow 2010 is here!  I remeber 2000 in Green River Wyoming.  I worked the Green River Recreation Centers New Years Eve Party.  Middle schoolers EVERYWHERE!! haha It was very fun though. 
Now here it is 10 years later.    Since then we have move to two states, three cities and five homes.  Had three high school graduations, sent our oldest to the NAVY and subsequently to Japan, have just recently sent our third oldest on a mission to Argentina and watched our two girls grow and mature.  We have gained four pets, two in the last year!!  I have been to the deepest part of my mind [I hope] and survived. I have gained and lost both literally and figurativly close friends.  I have loved my one and only spouse for almost 25 years this July! And have watched my waistline grow, shrink and grow ~ argh to that!
But no matter what has happened it has been a growing experience and hopefully for the better.  I am stronger and more intune at this moment to my Heavenly Father.  I know I am his daughter and he loves me as I am.  He hopes for more, but will take me as I am.  Funny I feel that same way about my children, part of his plan I am sure ! : ) 
I hope I will remember my lessons learned, move on to grow and learn more!  I hope to gain more understanding of the Gospel and to serve my family, ward and community better.  I hope to love more fully, laugh more and dance everyday.  I hope to smile at those I don't know know and to hug those I do and not let one moment go by without realizing the gift it truly is.  Happy New Year ! !