Easier said than done...

 FYI:  we will get a NEW family photo in November so you can see

how great we all look now!!!!

Easier said than done to keep up the blog......  :)

 Today is Friday, Friday just another Friday! [inserted just for Whitney] heheheheeeee

I of course have not written, maybe I should've to release stress that obviously my body was feeling.  But alas I didn't...this is a small attempt to catch people, family, friends, and 'journal' up. 

Dana is a better 'home mom' than I ever was!  He works hard to keep things in balance at home so I can work and go to school.   He is handling the change of roles much better than I, especially under the stress of the holding pattern you are in working with Social Security.  Many times we have talk this dilemma through and we come back to disability is the road.  Some may feel it is a cop out, but what do you do when you are mid 50's can no longer do what you have done your ENTIRE career, your lifting is limited to 50 pounds or your bicep will tear, your neck is fusing, back pains you, benign tremors don't allow fine motor skills without frustration and flinging things, you can't sit for long, can't stand for long, and generally have a headache most of the day?  Retrain? sure, no worries, but who will  hire a late 50's man [by the time you finish] over a younger person and pay less?  It will not be said that way, you will just be overlooked during the hiring process.  Truly a conundrum.  But he is a trooper AND  puts up with all the females in the house on top this.

I am well. I have been in school a year and a half, with a year and a half left!! Here we come January 2013.  I will toot my own horn and tell you I have made the Deans List every semester and the Presidents List for 2010 school year.  I have found a new job at Utah State University.  I an a staff assistant II for the Regional Campuses and Distant Education Vice Provost.  I LOVE IT!!! And we have insurance, and everything.  Truly God watches over us.  I just recently went through a scare.  I was switching a medication and thought I was having a reaction, after four days of symptoms, I finally had Dana take me to hospital.  Turns out my body was slowly leaking blood and I was half full.  My vitals were great, because my body is an excellent adapter.  It would loose and due to circumstances I won't list, it wasn't able to produce more so it adjusted.  The Dr's think this has been going on for about 8-9 months.  No wonder I felt cruddy but could never put a finger on any one thing!!  So they put five pints in me, a few easy scripts and now I am healing and adjusting to being full.  Almost as tiring as loosing it I think. :) 
As I enter this new motherhood roll, kids growing and leaving, I realize I didn't enjoy them enough while they were young.  I didn't enjoy those moments as much as I could have.  Dana assures me it is okay. He's the greatest.  No wonder I love him so.  We can't wait for grand children, I mean we can, but think it will be wonderful!!

Matthew is terrific!  He has found the 'real deal' in a cute woman named Amy.  She served our country as well, Marines, and has made him happier than I have seen him in years.  They are both attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.  She is studying fixed wing pilot and minor in Arabic. He studying helicopter pilot and minor in weather.  Both are taking very good care of each other, I can't wait to meet her in November as they are coming for Thanksgiving. YAY!!

Melissa is well. She is a free agent, which can make her happy and irritable at the same time.  Jobs are SO scarce.  She really misses her soda and magazine money.  But still continues to help around the house, listen to her music, Facebook, and walk outside.  Her smile is contagious when she shows it. And can't wait for James to return as well.

James, oh James has 90 days left on his mission.  I cannot believe how fast this has gone.  The last few months have been super fast and I hope the next three go just as fast.  Although I want him to have the time to complete why he is there, God has a mission for him for sure.  He will be a free agent upon his arrival home and through all of that.  I personally can't wait for a hug... awww .... and his laughter.  I secretly hope he will not rush leaving the 'nest', but we will see right? 

Whitney my Whitterbug is super fantastic!! Especially at this time of year when there will be NO 'Back to School' stuff.  She is taking a bit of time off and hopefully find a second job, and save.  She has worked a lot of hours this summer, and enjoyed getting things on her own.  And with one income, that is a blessing.  She is happier, more talkative, and enjoyable.  The stress of high school can be crushing and I am proud of her for coming out alive and hopefully unscathed. 

            Our lives are small, we don't do much, but we love and spend time together and know that our

family is forever.

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.