7 years and 5 months

We celebrated our 7 yr anniversary on May 20th. No cruise this year :( We're grateful that Zeke goes down to sleep between 7-8pm every night and doesn't wake up until 7-8am. So, we're free to get a babysitter and go on dates after we put him down. We've left him several times now with babysitters after we've put him down for the night and we always say, "We're 99% sure that he won't wake up, but if he does just call us." Then, when we come back 2-3 hrs later they are shocked that he didn't make a peep.

Charles had never been to The Melting Pot so we went. We got cheese and chocolate.

Our marriage gets better and better every year. We've gotten better at communicating and understanding each other. I think me not having brothers and him not having sisters was a real challenge at first, looking back. And, we're still learning but, we're better now. And, our love has grown so much deeper. He is my best friend and I look forward to spending the rest of eternity with him by my side pa' siempre. Lover of my soul- Charles Stewart Jensen.

 And, this little one turned 5 months, 5 days after our 7 yr anniversary. This is our 2nd or 3rd attempt at solids. Still getting used to it. I only offered it a few times a week, not every day.

He started to sit a little, supported, of course so I tried the jogging stroller. I'd been waiting to use it so I could run again. And, then the heat intensified and now I will have to continue waiting until September. Oh, well.

As I pushed and looked at both sets of legs, I remembered that Vince was Zeke's size when I first bought this and that Vince's legs were now as long as Azure's were at that age. Goodness, these babes grow quick. I love them.

Sept. 1, 2010 Vince almost 7 mos

Nothing sweeter than nursing my babies to sleep. It's a symbiotic relationship that I cherish more than almost anything at this stage I think. I am so grateful I've been able to nurse them all w/ minimal issues. I know it can be a touchy subject for some that can't. There are many things other women can do for their children that I can't. And, this is one thing that has just always been special to me and I'm grateful I can and for the fulfillment and joy I get from it. How peaceful to drift off sucking on mommy's warm, delicious milk. Not a care in the world. Sleep in heavenly peace, my Christmas baby.

He started doing this squinty smile bearing his gums. I love it! And, I love greeting him every morning when he wakes up. He's so happy to see me and I'm so happy to see him! Time, slow down!

He had an eczema flare up but, not as bad as Vince's b/c we used the Aveeno Eczema Therapy on it, which keeps it at bay.

Now, some higher quality, non-phone pics. 

I adore this sweetie boy!

 How they watch movies (before we rearranged the living room)

April

Charles and I finally got smart phones (him end of March, me beginning of April). Blessing and a curse I think. Like all technology. I'm now an instagramer and hope to blog more by uploading pics from there to here. Now, that I've finally figured that out!

Zekiel Baby was 15 lbs 12 oz at his appt on May 17 (8 days shy of 5 mos)! Porker. He has been trying to sit up all on his own before even turning 5 months. What the heck?! I was just rereading the blog from when Vince was this age and he was a little more developmentally behind. I think it may be b/c I had double swaddled him for so long- he didn't sleep very well if I didn't. He always had plenty of floor time when he was awake though, so I don't know. I never thought about it until just rereading now.

Here's some picture catch up from April.

Pie Plate Eyes x3 :)

Azure taking notes during General Conference. Makes my heart oh, so happy :)

She made her own superhero costume.

Charlie bought tulip bulbs for me for Christmas. I wasn't supposed to see them, but found them in his trunk. The week after Zeke was born he was out in the back and front yard digging and planting away. On Easter they started blooming. It was beautiful! Tulips are one of my favorite flowers. They don't last long here in the life-sucking heat but, here they are in all their beauty. That Charlie is sure charming :)

 10 days shy of 4 mos. He started rolling like crazy that week from front to back and back to front every time I put him on the floor!

Vince crawled into bed with Azure, so sweet!

 

 Zeke's first and only "couch nap".

 

This girl has been a reading machine lately! It makes me so happy that she enjoys reading so much. We skipped a few months homeschooling before and after Zeke was born, so we'll be working through the summer. I hope to do a post on all the things we've done for homeschool this past year before she starts public sch at the end of Aug.

 

Our monthly temple trip. It is difficult making the 5 hr round trip with these 3, but we have been able to feel the powers of Heaven blessing us as we make the monthly sacrifice to go. This time especially, Charles and I felt the blessing immediately in our marriage. A very memorable trip :)

The little things

When Charles and I were first married we started a morning ritual of reading Pres. Hinckley's Stand A Little Taller devotional book together (it contains a scripture and a short commentary from Pres. Hinckley). Then we concluded with a prayer and went our separate ways to work.

About 5 months after we were married I became violently ill with pregnancy and started going into work late or not at all (it was a tender mercy that my job that year was extremely flexible). Thus, started the new ritual of Charles reading the devotional book to me while I laid in bed sometimes half-asleep or fully asleep or occasionally awake. Then he would kneel by my side of the bed and pray and then leave for work.

Almost 6.5 yrs later he still does this. And I am usually still asleep :) I am not a morning person and Charles likes to refer to me as his corpse bride since I am almost always asleep when he leaves for work. Though, we haven't read Pres. Hinckely's book now for 2 yrs or so (he grew tired of it after reading it 3x in a row) he still kneels by my bedside and prays.

It is and always will be a fond memory in my heart that he takes the time to do this. Though, I don't always remember the exact things he says in the prayer, since I am half-asleep, I can feel of his love and my Savior's love for me as he does this. Sometimes he's rushed in the morning and running late- doesn't matter- he stills prays with me. One of the most striking characteristics I first noticed in Charles when we first met and started dating was his integrity. His commitment to pray with me every morning continues to be an example of that integrity that I first noticed.

In celebration of The Family: A Proclamation to the World this month I want to echo that "the family is ordained of God." And that "marriage between man and a woman is essential to His eternal plan." And it is through the love, mercy, atonement, and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ that the love that Charles and I have for each other (and our children) can last eternally.

"O love that binds our family, O love that brings my heart to thee,

Pure love that lasts eternally- Come, fill my soul today; Come, fill my soul today.

O love that overcomes defeat, O love that turns the bitter sweet,

Pure love that makes our life complete- Come, fill my soul today; Come, fill my soul today."

(O Love That Glorifies the Son)

Yes! Yes, I will!

It was our 5 month anniversary from our first date. I remember going to sleep that night on my knees in prayer sobbing tears of joy and gratitude at the bottom bunk of my bed in the Peach Palace. Charles had just proposed. We were going to get married! He would be my husband! I would be his wife!

I kept touching my ring over and over again. I would hold out my hand to see it, grinning ear to ear, shaking my head in awe and then would again have to wipe away a new wave of tears.

I wish I could still wear my ring, but it's too big. I was about 15-20 lbs heavier when we got engaged. And he still loved me :) I thought about re-sizing it but, it fits when I'm pregnant and I am waiting to see what size my fingers are after we're done having children. I'd hate to make it smaller now only to have to make it bigger again later. Who knows, maybe my body will do something crazy again and I won't lose my baby weight with the last pregnancy.

We may not be perfect, but we are perfect for each other.

Sunrise

We awoke at the sound of the alarm. Gratefully Vince didn't hear it. I was sure that somehow he was going to wake up and see me (he is such a light sleeper that boy) and then our sunrise date would be over. I crept down the stairs grateful that, unlike our stairs at home, these didn't creak. Azure stirred on the couch but, I was not concerned about her. Even if she awoke, she'd go right back to sleep.

I changed clothes quickly and quietly in the light of the dimmed lamp downstairs. "Ready?" Charles whispered. "Yeah," I answered anxiously. We set out to the elevator hand in hand, giddy that our dream was becoming a reality. For our 5th anniversary in May we really wanted to go to Hilton Head and stay at a bed and breakfast for a night without the kids, but we couldn't make it work. And since moving to Savannah we had talked about watching the sunrise on Tybee. I'd seen many a sunset on West Coast beaches but, never a sunrise on the East Coast. But, now here we were 5 months later at my sister and brother in law's timeshare in Hilton Head, SC, childless at the moment and about to watch the sunrise on the beach.

"Ahhhh....Dang it!" Charles exclaimed. "What?" I asked somewhat concerned. I didn't want anything to interfere with this near perfect set-up. "It's cloudy." "It's okay," I said quickly, relieved that it wasn't something worse that would send us back in.

It was strange. We were on the beach about 8 hours before, admiring a cloudless sky full of stars. As if that were not amazing enough- to have an hour alone to stargaze and take a dip in the jacuzzi. The temperature was perfect, though because we were wet, it felt a little brisk. As we walked towards the sand, the air filled with a sweet scent that stopped me from going any further. We took a moment to just inhale slowly. "What is that?" I asked squinting at all the plants and flowers around in the darkness. "Honeysuckle? Jasmine?" I said aloud, half-wondering to myself and curious to know if Charles knew. Honeysuckle we decided. Yes.

We laid on Charles' towel, used mine as a blanket, and cuddled up to point out constellations. Hilton Head being so isolated from big cities, we could see many stars. Though light years away, they were penetrating and piercing. We talked. We sat in silence. (Well, beside the rhythmic rolling of the waves.) We contemplated the enormity of the universe (mind boggling) and the mercy and goodness of that God who created it, yet knows our intimate heartfelt desires personally. Amazing.

Then our night was over. But, yet here we were again 8 hours later. Ahh, that honeysuckle again! The clouds had brought in a little more humidity and the air was thick as it mixed with the salty sea. Honey-suckled sea-mist: about one of the best scents I've ever smelled.

Once we stepped onto the pathway leading to the beach, the sea oat covered sand dunes came into view and the oats swayed a bit in the breeze. The sand was cold yet soft. We started to run towards the dim light of dawn. It felt so good to run. To fill my lungs with that wondrous air. To feel the sand seep through my toes. To be serenaded by the crashing waves.  To have Charlie at my side.

We stopped finally and sat, anticipating the arrival of the sun through the clouds. Lyrics float through my mind as I hug my knees and lean on Charlie.

"It seems so exceptional...

Sun comes up and shines so bright

Disappears again at night

Just another ordinary miracle today"*

We couldn't pinpoint the exact moment the sun arose over the ocean, as the clouds blocked our view. But, the clouds could not hold back the rich color spilling out. The vibrant pink, orange, and lavender. Gradually the light grew brighter until it illuminated the whole sky. It was hard to imagine how dark it was just 15 minutes before.

We sat again looking out at the waves tumbling around. We reminisced about the time we watched the sunrise in Laie and how the beach was covered with thousands of large crabs. How I was scared and thought they were spiders at first. We laughed. We kissed. We inhaled. The love of God is manifest in the rising of the sun.

*Sarah McLachlan, Ordinary Miracle

For the record

Things you don't particularly notice when your husband sits right beside you in Sacrament meeting...

How incredibly attractive (HOT) he is!!!!!

Since he's now on the stand, we sit directly in front of him about 5-7 rows back so I get a pretty good view and I couldn't help but swoon (to myself) today. Good looks, charming personality, pure heart. How did I get so lucky? I'm a blessed woman.

Surprise!

Last Sunday we had a bit of a surprise when a member of our stake presidency called us into his "office" (which was really the Employment Specialist room). First, he met with Charles separately. Then with me separately. And then with us together. I love that our church leadership involves both spouses when extending a calling. When he announced the calling for Charles as the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric I reached over, grabbed his hand and gave him a gentle squeeze. He squeezed back. And then I felt tears of gratitude, of humility, and a little pride. Is it possible to feel humility and pride at the same time? I think so. Thoughts?

We are in this together.  I guess this is one of the reasons we didn't go to Albuquerque or Tampa. The Lord wanted Charles to be the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric here in Savannah. He wanted us to grow and develop and learn better how to give Christlike service. I'm grateful for a God who knows what we need better than what we think we need.

And though imperfect, my husband is worthy and willing to accept this calling. He is a man that both I and the Lord can depend upon. That's why I feel a little pride. I'm glad he is mine. But, even more glad that he loves the Lord more than he loves me.

5 years

I often say this but, really if I could live one day over again, it would be our wedding day. It was so magical. Everything I had been praying and wishing for (since the age of 3 when you start pretending and first think of getting married) had come true.

Last Thursday night our Bishop sent out an email asking for volunteers to go help out the tornado victims in Fayetteville, GA for the following day until Sunday. It was extremely short notice and Charles had so much to do. We had a house full of unpacked boxes. He had to study for his rotation and prepare for his grilling on Monday. He could of easily just blown it off- too short notice, too much to do. But, not my husband.

At church on Sunday they had announced that some people from our ward had gone to help. I felt honored that Charles was numbered among them. "That's the kind of man I married," I thought to myself. I love him for honoring his priesthood and stepping up to the plate even when his own is full.

I love our marriage. Even though it's far from perfect. Since he's the clerk, one of his responsibilities is to count how many people are in attendance in Sacrament meeting. When he gets to our row I love to mouth all sorts of numbers at him to try and mix him up :) And he just shakes his head and smiles. I love it! I love the humor that permeates our marriage. I love feeling secure in his love.

Since early on in our courtship he has impressed me with his integrity. And he still amazes me. He makes me want to be a better woman.

5 of the greatest things that have happened in the past 5 yrs:

1. Having Azure & Vince
2. Going to Hawaii on our 2 yr anniversary
3. Going to Casa Laguna on our engagement anniversary last Dec
4. Our trips to Key West & St. Augustine, FL
5. Growing closer together through trials/sicknesses/tragedies (intense morning sickness, PPD & colic with Azure, our car accident, emotional turmoil that comes from being YW president, Pharmacy sch stress, mastitis and seizures, moving- 3x, the tick, dealing with insensitive "friends" & preceptors)

Oh those dimples!

It's been a great 5 years. I'm looking forward to eternity with him and our beautiful children.

A deeper love

Charles and I were only married 13 months and 1 day before Azure was born. It was a relatively short time to have a child free marriage. We don't regret the decision at all. The timing was perfect in many ways and an answer to prayers.

Sometime ago I came across a "dot/square game" (not really sure what it's called) in one of my old church notebooks. It was from April General Conference 2007. We had gone up to Salt Lake to watch it. We didn't have tickets into the actual conference center but, we watched it in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Between sessions Charles and I played this dot game. I smiled wistfully looking at it. Charles had beat me savagely. When was the last time we played a dot game? That very April 2007, almost 4 years ago. In Sacrament meetings as we used to sit just the two of us, we would rub each others backs and massage each others hands. Now, our hands are occupied doing other things- rummaging through bags to find snacks, sippy cups, diapers, wipes, toys. Wiping noses, chubby little hands, picking up spills, messes, the like.

Sometimes in the midst of the madness, our eyes meet and we give each other a wide eyed exasperated look and I secretly wish that it was still just the 2 of us- that we could sit through a meeting distraction free and massage each others backs and hands. But, I know had we stayed in that stage of our lives our love would not be as deep as it is now.

It makes me sad when I hear people talking about marriage as a ball and chain. Though, I know that bad marriages can be viewed as such. Marriage has been the wind beneath my wings. I could not be the woman God intended me to be without Charles.

"[Spouses] will find that their combined strength is more than double the strength of either one of them alone." (Hugh B. Brown) Life's greatest joys are made manifest in family life, in MARRIAGE! 

Besides the quote at the top by Pres. Eyring, (which I think is my most favorite) here are some other favorites:

"Marriage can be more an exultant ecstasy than the human mind can conceive." -Spencer W. Kimball

"Believe that your faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does." -Jeffrey R. Holland

Our marriage is far from perfect. But, we love the Lord and we love each other.

We got married

Thursday, May 20th was our 4 yr anniversary. No Hawaii or dinner cruise this year. With each year and each child, it seems that our extravagant celebrations become less and less. But, we still had a celebration and it was a great anniversary.

To start out, Charles and I made breakfast together. Crepes and strawberries. We usually don't have breakfast together so it was nice.

Azure and Vince both napped at the same time which allowed me to get a nap in. I woke up and realized it was their anniversary present to me. What considerate children :)

Getting ready for a night out on the town :)

My dear friend Katie babysat Azure for us. We took Vince with us out to dinner to Uncle Bubba's oyster house (Paula Deen's brother). The food was good, not spectacular. The menu was mostly low country cuisine. So, I got my fave low country dish: shrimp and grits. Charlie got the Low Country Boil which is a close second. The view of the marsh was nice, though we regularly mock marsh views here.
Vince did pretty well and was in and out of slumber for most of the time. We decided to head out to Tybee Island which was only 10 mins away. We sat on a life guard tower, watched the waves, and reminisced about our wedding day. After putting the kids to bed we watched our wedding video. I, of course, can't watch it without crying. I feel so incredibly grateful every time I watch it. It was the happiest day of my life. Everything I had ever dreamed of happened that day. It was my fairytale come true. It is my fairytale come true. Make no mistake, Charles is my perfect match and I am madly in love with him. I am ecstatic to spend all of eternity with him :)