How incredibly attractive (HOT) he is!!!!!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
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.
How incredibly attractive (HOT) he is!!!!!
Our big 4 yr old
*Disclaimer* The auto-focus on our camera is broken so these pics are not what they could be. So sad!
Since we've moved into a bigger place we've had the privilege of inviting more people into our home since there is actually space enough to do so! Azure loves an audience so this has been good practice for her. With each new person we've had over in the last month or so she likes to put on a pretty entertaining act. She usually does this when it's just us but, she seems to up the ante and go a little more over the top with company around.
Clearly she gets this from me. And it's actually quite fulfilling to be able to see what I was like when I was this age. I feel like I understand who I really am from watching her. Isn't it amazing that we both depend upon one another to fulfill our own individual eternal destinies? There is no doubt in my mind that we were together before coming to this earth. Our existences have been intertwined since the beginning of time.
She has a very keen sense of humor. She likes to say, "No way. I don't think so," and then do this fake laugh where she squints her eyes. She cracks everyone up. She is a total clown. She wins people over by first making them laugh (which she also gets from her Daddy).
She loves to write documents in Word. This is what she wrote the other day: Azure 4 Vince 1. She can spell at least 10 words on her own including her and Vince's name. She is a bit of a perfectionist and often throws fits if she doesn't write a word or a letter right the first time. This has been challenging to deal with.
So, onto her birthday....
The night before we had put up black out curtains on her window to see if it would help her sleep longer. ( Though she rarely wakes up before 8am) She had previously told me that she did NOT want them up and that if we put them up she would rip them off. So, upon finding them in the morning she was very upset and started to cry. I heard her crying coming down the stairs and thought, "Oh no! She's already crying on her birthday." After asking her what was wrong, I tried to distract her by saying, "Guess what?! Today is your birthday! Happy birthday! Do you want to open your presents?" Her pouty face immediately turned to a grin and she rushed over to her presents. Last year she got way too much stuff so this year we asked her friends not to bring presents to her party.
She had a nice stack of presents from her grandparents and Aunt Tally and us so it was still plenty. Then she happily played with her new toys while Charles and I got the house, the cake, and other food items ready for her party. As simple as I do parties, they are always stressful for me. (I don't do favors, elaborate spreads, or matchy-matchy decor.)
We told her when she turned 4 she had to stop sucking her thumb. Her response? "I don't want to be 4. I'm still 3."
Azure had requested a carousel cake probably the day after her 3rd birthday. After looking at elaborate carousel cakes online I decided there was no way I could pull it off so I opted for a 3 tiered homemade cake with a carousel cake topper on it. I oked this first with Azure and she said it was fine. I used the same cake recipe as last year except with almond extract again and it's one of the best cakes I've ever had! The 2 bottom layers I did a butter cream frosting with lemon extract and the top layer with Nutella as the frosting. The cake itself didn't look too great but, good golly it is delicious. Charles also made a fantastic strawberry frozen yogurt made with Greek yogurt in the ice cream maker. Thank you Sarah for the recipe!
Azure wanted to make bracelets at the party so that we did. Except she was the only one who didn't end up making one! Then we watched a slideshow I made for her. I'd post it but, the music didn't turn out the way I wanted. I think I'm going to start making the slideshow a tradition for birthdays from now on. They are so fun!
After the slideshow it was time to sing to the birthday girl! We all basked in the 2 full minutes of complete silence as all the kids ate their cake and ice cream. Luxurious I tell ya! We had all different guests than last years party due to so many friends moving away.
After her friends left we headed to the mall so that Azure could ride the carousel. Then we let her pick a restaurant to eat dinner. After spending all day (and the previous night) in the kitchen making a 3 layer cake and homemade ice cream I certainly wasn't making dinner! She chose McDonald's because of their play place. She actually wanted to go to Chick-Fil-A for the same reason but, it was a couple miles further so for convenience sake, Charles talked her into McDonald's.
All in all I think she had a good day. So, that makes it a success!
Since we've moved into a bigger place we've had the privilege of inviting more people into our home since there is actually space enough to do so! Azure loves an audience so this has been good practice for her. With each new person we've had over in the last month or so she likes to put on a pretty entertaining act. She usually does this when it's just us but, she seems to up the ante and go a little more over the top with company around.
Clearly she gets this from me. And it's actually quite fulfilling to be able to see what I was like when I was this age. I feel like I understand who I really am from watching her. Isn't it amazing that we both depend upon one another to fulfill our own individual eternal destinies? There is no doubt in my mind that we were together before coming to this earth. Our existences have been intertwined since the beginning of time.
She has a very keen sense of humor. She likes to say, "No way. I don't think so," and then do this fake laugh where she squints her eyes. She cracks everyone up. She is a total clown. She wins people over by first making them laugh (which she also gets from her Daddy).
She loves to write documents in Word. This is what she wrote the other day: Azure 4 Vince 1. She can spell at least 10 words on her own including her and Vince's name. She is a bit of a perfectionist and often throws fits if she doesn't write a word or a letter right the first time. This has been challenging to deal with.
So, onto her birthday....
The night before we had put up black out curtains on her window to see if it would help her sleep longer. ( Though she rarely wakes up before 8am) She had previously told me that she did NOT want them up and that if we put them up she would rip them off. So, upon finding them in the morning she was very upset and started to cry. I heard her crying coming down the stairs and thought, "Oh no! She's already crying on her birthday." After asking her what was wrong, I tried to distract her by saying, "Guess what?! Today is your birthday! Happy birthday! Do you want to open your presents?" Her pouty face immediately turned to a grin and she rushed over to her presents. Last year she got way too much stuff so this year we asked her friends not to bring presents to her party.
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| More silly faces |
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| The not-so-pretty but great tasting cake! |
Azure wanted to make bracelets at the party so that we did. Except she was the only one who didn't end up making one! Then we watched a slideshow I made for her. I'd post it but, the music didn't turn out the way I wanted. I think I'm going to start making the slideshow a tradition for birthdays from now on. They are so fun!
After the slideshow it was time to sing to the birthday girl! We all basked in the 2 full minutes of complete silence as all the kids ate their cake and ice cream. Luxurious I tell ya! We had all different guests than last years party due to so many friends moving away.
After her friends left we headed to the mall so that Azure could ride the carousel. Then we let her pick a restaurant to eat dinner. After spending all day (and the previous night) in the kitchen making a 3 layer cake and homemade ice cream I certainly wasn't making dinner! She chose McDonald's because of their play place. She actually wanted to go to Chick-Fil-A for the same reason but, it was a couple miles further so for convenience sake, Charles talked her into McDonald's.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Charles Stewart Jensen, PharmD
"He did it. He did it. He did it! Whoo!" *End Dora theme song*
This past weekend (Fri & Sat) Charles received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Friday was the hooding ceremony and Saturday the actual graduation. Miah and Trini flew out to support Charles and we were so happy to have them and show them around Savannah.
We are glad that Daddy is no longer in school! Though, I'm not sure if that will translate into him having more time with his residency starting July 1st and being in the Bishopric :) He has really done a great job being a full-time student while having church responsibilities plus a wife and children. We are proud of you Charlie!
And here's what they looked like 3 years ago just starting the Pharmacy School journey at his white coat ceremony. (Blogger won't let me upload the pic) We've come a long way! It's been a crazy ride. Mostly good. And we've learned so much more than just about drugs and how to dose them :)
*Stay tuned for pics of Miah & Trini's visit PLUS Azure turned 4 yesterday!*
*Stay tuned for pics of Miah & Trini's visit PLUS Azure turned 4 yesterday!*
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Recent Developments
Thanks for all the well wishes regarding Charles' new calling. I had my first experience as a "single mom" in Sacrament meeting today and it wasn't my favorite Sunday ever but, definitely not my worst. There is growth to be had as we learn how to juggle these responsibilities and I know the Lord will sustain and help us figure this out.
Vince learned to sign "sleep" this week. We were at the park during his normal naptime and he looked at me and signed sleep. I was so happy that we could communicate using sign! We left immediately so I could put him down and he went right to sleep.
He has also been saying, "Ut-oh" over and over and over again when he drops something until it's picked up again. The first time he did it was when he was in the living room and Azure and I were in the kitchen. She looked at me with such excitement and said, "Mommy, he's learning how to talk now!" I was so happy to share that moment with her. It's such a phenomenon to witness the very beginning of skills that we take for granted, like walking and talking. Another happy mommy moment.
Vince learned to sign "sleep" this week. We were at the park during his normal naptime and he looked at me and signed sleep. I was so happy that we could communicate using sign! We left immediately so I could put him down and he went right to sleep.
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| Another one of her "silly faces" |
He has also been saying, "Ut-oh" over and over and over again when he drops something until it's picked up again. The first time he did it was when he was in the living room and Azure and I were in the kitchen. She looked at me with such excitement and said, "Mommy, he's learning how to talk now!" I was so happy to share that moment with her. It's such a phenomenon to witness the very beginning of skills that we take for granted, like walking and talking. Another happy mommy moment.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
16 months
I guessed that Vince would walk at 15 months. With only one week to go I didn't think he'd make it but, last Monday, May 30th he took his first steps! He sneaked off to the couch and then started laughing so I'd look at him and he was walking!!! He loves to clap for himself. And when he falls he says, "Whoah!" in this cute growl type voice. Or he'll say, "Ut-oh!" I wouldn't say that he is walking yet. He can only take about 8 steps before falling, but he did take his first steps at 15 months.
He has gone through such a huge mental growth spurt in just one weeks time! It is incredible. He's like a different baby. With only having Azure to compare him to (I know, you're not supposed to compare your children right?) there are times when I've been slightly worried because at this age Azure was talking a lot (about 30 words) and could do about 25 signs. But, it's like he's just been holding back because he really knows and understands so much. More than I've given him credit for.
This week Vince has started calling me "Mom". He says it when he runs out of food, when he wants a drink, when I leave the room or if he senses some kind of danger. I would prefer "Mommy", hopefully that will come later. He's also started signing bird out of nowhere. He knew how to do it all along that little stinker, because he does it so well! He can also sign fish. I pulled out some animal flash cards and he has been mesmerized spending up to 20 mins just looking at all of them and making the sounds for each one. He can moo and tries to do a monkey sound which I just love.
It is so fun to see his development and personality emerge a bit more. We've been listening to The Prince of Egypt soundtrack a lot lately in the car. If you haven't heard it, you should. It really is a soul moving musical masterpiece. Every time I hear it, I get tingly. Every single time. I love it! My dream is to be in the musical and either play Zipporah or Jochebed. Since I'm the chorister I am always conducting music these days and when we listen to this song I pretend I'm conducting the orchestra. Vince thinks this is one of the most hilarious things ever and we just laugh and laugh while he and Azure wave their arms around conducting every time the Israelite slave song (Deliver Us) comes on.
He now has 8 teeth, including 2 bottom molars. We skipped his 15 month well-check so I don't know how much he weighs. I think he's due for some immunizations at the 18 month so we'll find out then.
A week and a half ago we went down to 2 nursing sessions a day from 3. He's adjusted well. My body has been doing some funky things though like wanting to continue eating even though I'm full. Like it still thinks I need more calories. I don't remember this happening when I went down from 4 to 3, but 3 to 2 seems like a big deal to my body. Now, is when I have to stop having 4ths of yummy desserts. Nursing sure does my body good :) I think by 18 months he'll be ok to wean. Azure was 18 months when I stopped nursing her so I feel okay with that age.
His eczema has flared up again big time. I think the shag-like carpet in our new house is a possible cause. That and he's been in chlorinated water 2x in the last week- at the pool and a splash park. Chlorine is really bad for his eczema but, he really loves the water. It is so sad to try and keep him out when it's hot and everyone else is having a gay ole time.
He has gone through such a huge mental growth spurt in just one weeks time! It is incredible. He's like a different baby. With only having Azure to compare him to (I know, you're not supposed to compare your children right?) there are times when I've been slightly worried because at this age Azure was talking a lot (about 30 words) and could do about 25 signs. But, it's like he's just been holding back because he really knows and understands so much. More than I've given him credit for.
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| Drinking "miewk" |
He now has 8 teeth, including 2 bottom molars. We skipped his 15 month well-check so I don't know how much he weighs. I think he's due for some immunizations at the 18 month so we'll find out then.
A week and a half ago we went down to 2 nursing sessions a day from 3. He's adjusted well. My body has been doing some funky things though like wanting to continue eating even though I'm full. Like it still thinks I need more calories. I don't remember this happening when I went down from 4 to 3, but 3 to 2 seems like a big deal to my body. Now, is when I have to stop having 4ths of yummy desserts. Nursing sure does my body good :) I think by 18 months he'll be ok to wean. Azure was 18 months when I stopped nursing her so I feel okay with that age.
His eczema has flared up again big time. I think the shag-like carpet in our new house is a possible cause. That and he's been in chlorinated water 2x in the last week- at the pool and a splash park. Chlorine is really bad for his eczema but, he really loves the water. It is so sad to try and keep him out when it's hot and everyone else is having a gay ole time.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Backlog picture dump
Here are all the pics/activities that I never blogged about.
Azure did an 8 wk gymnastic session starting in Jan and ending in March. I think she enjoyed it for the most part though, she says she didn't. To be honest, I didn't like it myself. However she really loved soccer so I think I'll be putting her back in come Fall. She did really like her gymnastics coach, Coach Jennifer.
Then we came home and Charlie made us corned beef for dinner.
I had to post all of these, they're too good not to. They are so cute it kills me!
One of Azure's favorite things to do is "play fight" or "play rough" with Daddy. Sometimes Vince joins in and other times he just screams because he's frightened by all the yelling going on. This is fast becoming our nightly ritual before bed.
My favorite day was when we hiked Clingman's Dome on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The air was crisp and cool, perfect for an uphill climb. Wholesome recreational activities with these 3 rank pretty high on my "most favoritest things ever" list. It makes my heart happy. Azure was talking to random people on the trail and ran ahead until she out did herself and realized she'd expended all her energy. Hard to believe that's possible. Then she begged to be carried the rest of the way. Luckily for her, the way back was down hill.
The Great Smoky Mountains are gorgeous! The drive into the National Park was breathtaking. We oohhed and aahhed quite a bit. After our hike we drove into Tennessee for dinner. The Tennessee side was much greener than the NC side. We drove through Gaitlinburg but, ended up stopping in Pigeon Forge to eat. Pigeon Forge is home to the famous Dollywood which unfortunately we didn't go to. Charlie is a big fan of Dolly Parton. I, on the other hand, not so much. He has been known to belt out "Jolene" in the shower and at other random times.
- Azure's gymnastics
- St. Patrick's Day
A Clydesdale for Grandma Jensen
- More green smoothie pics and silly faces
- Cherokee, NC
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| Picnic lunch on the deck |
My favorite day was when we hiked Clingman's Dome on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The air was crisp and cool, perfect for an uphill climb. Wholesome recreational activities with these 3 rank pretty high on my "most favoritest things ever" list. It makes my heart happy. Azure was talking to random people on the trail and ran ahead until she out did herself and realized she'd expended all her energy. Hard to believe that's possible. Then she begged to be carried the rest of the way. Luckily for her, the way back was down hill.
The Great Smoky Mountains are gorgeous! The drive into the National Park was breathtaking. We oohhed and aahhed quite a bit. After our hike we drove into Tennessee for dinner. The Tennessee side was much greener than the NC side. We drove through Gaitlinburg but, ended up stopping in Pigeon Forge to eat. Pigeon Forge is home to the famous Dollywood which unfortunately we didn't go to. Charlie is a big fan of Dolly Parton. I, on the other hand, not so much. He has been known to belt out "Jolene" in the shower and at other random times.
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| "a real smile" aka a laugh, says Charlie |
We felt like we were in Yellowstone for a bit when we saw a bunch of people stopping in the middle of the 2 lane highway through the Park to look at a bear. The mob mentality. It reminded us of when we were dating and went to Yellowstone in August 2005 and people stopped traffic to take pictures of buffalo milk that squirted out from a nursing calf on the asphalt. Interesting.
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