Payton's 3rd Birthday

Oh how the years fly by. My little "angel" is another year older. She is growing up so fast, literally, 6 inches and only 3lbs since last year. Needless to say she is super tall and super skinny. We of course had our swim party again this year. She loves to play in the water and doesn't want to do anything else. My mom and brother Jak showed up, lots of friends and other family....maybe one year we will get the Jensen's to come out.


She gots lots of crayons, paints, and stuff to draw on everything. She is so into dressing up and dancing around, so we got her lots of little dresses, hats, scarfs and other things. She was so excited to have dresses to twirl in.


Everyone says that she looks like my Grandma and this picture proves it. Doesn't she look like a little old lady in the Red Hat Club? So cute.


She wanted a princess cake but she isn't really prissy or girly so I racked my brain to try and come up with something unique that fits her personality, so here it is. If you can't tell it's a dirt mound with all kinds of bugs and snakes. Payton loved it, the first thing she said was "Mom, look, there's a little girl like me trying to eat a snake like I do". I am so glad she liked it and was happy she could finally eat a worm(gummy, of course).

We got Brody the Black Spiderman (Venom) costume and the kids couldn't wait to fight each other, it's hilarious till Payton gets a right jab, the video cuts off before you get to see her clock him back.

After moving the masks so that the could actually so we didn't have anymore mean jabs but watch what Payton does at the end, it's pretty funny.

GOT TAGGED!!!!!

A. ATTACHED OR SINGLE? Attached for 5 years, it seems like we've been together forever?
B. BEST FRIEND? Curtis, it's great how best friends can fight and still love each other.
C. CAKE OR PIE? Pie, but only Pumpkin at X-Mas or Thanksgiving
D. DAY OF THE WEEK? Sunday-Movie night with the kids.
E. ESSENTIAL ITEM? Measuring Tape & Pen/Paper
F. FAVORITE COLOR? Blue-Warm, Calming, Matches EVERYTHING
G. GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS? Worms-but only the Red and White ones
H. HOMETOWN? Fortuna, California
I. INDULGENCE? Cheeseburgers- Homestyle
J. JANUARY OR JULY? July because its hot and there are fireworks
K. KIDS? Brody (4) Payton (3) Diesel (3) Curtis (32)
L. LIFE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT? My Husband, Kids, Family
M. MARRIAGE DATE? May 17, 2003
N. NUMBER OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS? 3 Brothers and 2 Sisters
O. ORANGES OR APPLES? Apples
P. PHOBIAS OR FEARS? Heights and Snakes
Q. QUOTE? "Be careful of everything you say and do, Karma will always come back to get you" --WOW that rhymed
R. REASONS TO SMILE? Curtis in a good mood, the kids behaving, a good workout, healthy food
S. SUPERMAN OR WONDERWOMAN? Wonderwoman, power to the SHEERA in us all.
T. TAG 5 PEOPLE? Aubrey, Brittney, Ali, Stephanie, Alaina
U. UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME? I hate feet and I don't like to go on vacation without my house being clean.
V. VEGETABLES? Cauliflower and Celery
W. WORST HABIT? Making To Do lists, accomplishing everything on the list then being mad because I should have put more on the list.
X. X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND? Ultrasound, I like to know that everything is ok in there.
Y. YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Crown Burger and Fries with their DELICIOUS fry sauce.
Z. ZODIAC SIGN? Libra

Fun in the Sun--St George 2008

Every year the Jensen family caravans down to St George. We decied not to hike this year. We just wanted to relax and get some sun. Not as many pictures this year, we were too busy having fun. Payton loves swimming and never wanted to leave, she got quite a nice tan also.
Brody was a little fish. He loved wearing this suit so that he could swim all by himself with the big kids. He couldn't get enough of jumping in the water.
For those of you who were there you will laugh at this funny photo of Angie and Gavin "cuttin' it up". We had a great time with everyone staying up late playing games.
The kids fell asleep on the way home and we were bored and wanted to watch a movie. We strapped one of the screens to the steering wheel so that Curtis could watch too. I know...we are dorks.

On the way home we stopped at the Ancient Life Museum in Lehi with Jill and her family. This is Brody in the middle with Jace on the left and Jared on the right. I'm so glad he got some good bonding time with his cousins.
A shark made it inland and decided that our family looked like we were edible, luckily I have kung-foo grip and showed that shark what was up.
Oh the joys of coming home from vacation. As we pulled in the driveway we saw something that looked like a skunk headed for the backyard towards the dogs, it was actually a PORCUPINE (check out the claws on this thing.) It turned around and looked at us and decided to take a rest on the side of our house. We tried calling Animal Control and Wildlife Services but neither would come help us. As we were trying to get pictures it would turn around and start bristling its spikes, SCARY!!!! So, Curtis went around the house to put the dogs in the kennel and found our back yard flooded from a broken sprinkler pipe the dogs got to. Then as he went to go inside, our front door was unlocked and open. He heard something in Brody's room and thought we had a burgler in the house. After an extensive search, found nothing, and our night slowly wound down. Luckily the porcupine was gone the next morning or someone would have gotten an earful.

Had a couple of ideas...

I can boat, I can swim now all I need is fins.

Come swim with me for my 3rd birthday

Roy Aquatics Center

Saturday, August 9, 2008

11am till you drop

You can call mymom if you have any questions.

THANK YOU SO MUCH...you can say whatever you want, you don't have to use this. LOVE YOU!!!

Memory Fading...please help!!!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.
EVERYBODY PLAY! I want to see what memories you have!!(especially since mine is failing me)

And those of you that read my blog and never comment, I see you and you better say something!

Slacker

Yes, I know I have seriously slacked in my blogging abilities lately so here is a little run down. We will be tearing off our roof this weekend and planning that has been nothing short of a miracle. Going to reroof, insulate, redo attic fan, rebrace roof, put in skylights in the kitchen....in the meantime we have spring cleaned the whole house, had a yard sale, rearranged all of downstairs, finished fencing the back yard, put privacy fence in the kennel, put the roof on the kennel, helped my mom with her remodeling, and tried to fit in some fun days with the kids in between my gym. Take a breath, yes I know but really there is no time to breathe. Next weekend is St George, the week after is Payton's birthday, the week after is John Edwards (no not the politician), and the week after both kids start school. So you see no time for blogging. Not to mention I am 10 weeks out from my next competition. No stress in our lives. Please love me and understand my lack of communication.

Boise 2008

So every year we go to Boise to see my cousins. This year they had lots of plans for us which was nice. No thinking on my part and lots of fun. Uncle Dan took us fishing at the Dam near Idaho City. It was a hot day but the kids had tons of fun catching lots of fish, and I got some much needed sun.

This is how the kids looked shortly after we started to head back to Aunt Cheryl's house. I'm not sure what it is with my kids but they always seem to have the broken neck syndrome. It's usually when they are trying to pose super cute or when they pass out from a fun day. It looks so WEIRD!
We spent the morning at Shane and Stephanie's letting the kids play indoors with the girls but Brody needed a little boy time. So, we headed over to Brooke and Jamie's house where they have their own water park out back. The kids were in heaven cooling off on this super cool slide. Now I just have to talk Curtis into getting one of these so we have somewhere clean to swim. But somehow I don't think it will last long with our horses/dogs. They would love it to pieces, literally.
The real reason we came up was to see baby Robert Daniel be blessed. My cousin Nanette finally had a boy. It's about time. Not even a couple of months old and they are already buying him a lifetime hunting and fishing license. I have a feeling this little one will be spoiled. Payton couldn't stay away. She wanted to play dress up and rock him herself, too bad he is almost as big as she is.
Brody and Payton couldn't get enough of the pool. It was a nightly ritual to cool off. The kids are so proud of themselves that they swim in the deep end all alone. It makes me want to cry, they are growing up way too fast. Brody loved jumping into the deep end without having someone catch him, and of course in Spiderman gear. They decided that it was much more fun jumping over Adam's head...don't worry, there were only a couple of kicks to the head.
Of course Payton had to jump in the deep end too. She couldn't quite jump as high, but Adam's arm was perfect height. She couldn't stand getting her face wet at first, but she wasn't going to let Brody have all the fun.

Thanks Aunt Cheryl for letting us invade your home. Sorry about Adam's Bird (Payton wanted to play with the bird, thought Adam's shoe would be a good home, then decided it wasn't. Needless to say she literally squeezed the poop out of it, pulled its tail feathers out trying to get it out of the shoe and then took a nap with it.) We hope it can survive the trauma of its chance meeting with our little shedevil.

Proof of Human Evolution

So this is my little brother Jak for those of you who don't know or can't tell. Yes, he does look a little Neanderthalish but it's really the rocker look gone bad. He spends his days long-boarding the road of downtown SLC or playing music with his band, thus the mountain man look. Being the incredibly loving and talented sister that I am, I convinced him that it was time we relieved his head and face of the creatures that have no doubt taken up residence in his habitat. Graciously, he let me cut his hair AND beard as long as he didn't look anything like he did in the military. After about an hour, a forest full of hair, and some minor sideways looks he thought the job was done. But again being the loving sister that I am, the job could not be done if he still smelled like a Neanderthal. SSSOOOOOOO, just got the wash job of his life....watermelon shampoo for the hair and baby soap for the face and beard. (He didn't have much choice as you can tell).
Now doesn't this look so much sexier, (of course not to me dorks, but the groupies will be in heaven especially if the watermelon shampoo absorbs). He still got a rocker look but at least now you can see his handsome face and those gorgeous eyes. Love ya Jak...thanks for letting me torture you once again. They say once you grow up the teasing stops, I guess we got a lot of growing up left to do. Thanks for the fun time.

Living Planet Aquarium

So, every Wednesday my friend Jen and I take our kids somewhere fun. Today was the Aquarium in SLC. This is what 9 kids with only two adults looks like. It isn't as hard as it may seem, luckily Jen and I get along fabulously and have no trouble disciplining each others kids. Needless to say mine usually mind and hers don't dare backtalk to me. So everything runs pretty smoothly. No, we are not crazy....just well organized.






So to spare you all the fish pictures, which turned out great by the way, I just thought I would show my silly kids petting the Manta Rays. Brody was hesitant at first. Putting your hand into a big pool of water to touch something slimy and foreign is never appealing at first. After awhile though I couldn't keep him out of the water.













Payton on the other hand was ready to dive in. As you can see someone had to hold on to her, she was ready to go bottoms up. She got pretty wet but totally enjoyed herself. She kept saying that she wanted to take one home to put in her fish tank. Yeah right, the think would be dead in 24 hours, dressed in a onesie with a bottle in its mouth and strapped in her baby stroller. Nice try though.












I came home and mowed the lawn and Brody just wanted to sit in the swing and watch. Precious little guy couldn't hold out any longer. He played so hard all day and didn't get a nap. Doesn't he look so angelic and peaceful. Man, I LOVE my kids. I swear they are the best two kids on the whole stinkin planet. (Sorry sisters....yours come in a close second). I am so proud to be their Mom.

Grandma Sippy Cup

Brody started out the morning with finding ways to make mom happy. First he beat me to the bathroom and wouldn't let me have a turn. Then while I was having my turn in the other bathroom Payton starts yelling in her nasally tattle-tale voice "MOOOMMM, Brody is playing with the phone." After yelling at Brody to stop playing with the phone I hear him talking to someone. "My name is Brody, yeah my mom's here, she's in the bathroom" To which I make haste to the kitchen and lo and behold there really is someone on the other end. Thinking he pushed redial and called Grandma or JuJu I grab the phone while growling at Brody and he tells me it's 'Debbie'. Me-- "Sorry the stink pot is bein' a butt again." To my surprise the female on the other end says "Hi Maam, my name is Deborah and I am with the North Ogden Police Department, is everything ok?" WHAT THE H*LL!! He dialed the local Police Dept. and no it wasn't 911, it's like 782-????. I don't even know the number but he managed to figure out the perfect one to call. After reassuring her 5 times that everything was ok, I hung up and Brody says "Mom, that's Debbie. She says she wants to come play...can she play mom?" How can I get mad when he is so dang cute.



Today was Grandmas Birthday. We took her shopping for some clothes and the kids wanted to get her a cake. I didn't have time to bake one so we got this really cute one. It looks like a water melon with big plastic ants on it. She loved it and the kids were so cute singing happy birthday and blowing out her candles for her. I promised I wouldn't put the right amount of candles on so she didn't have to worry about the house burning down. So I put 8 and 1 for 81, duh.




She is 81 today and sure doesn't look or act like it. Sometimes I wonder where her battery compartment is 'cause that women is amazing. She can run circles around me even on my good days. The kids absolutely adore her and nothing could make me happier. They get so excited to see her even though she's around almost every single day. I hope I can be half the person she is when I am her age if I even make it that far. She is the sunshine in our lives and I hope that never fades. She is truly a blessing.

Happy Birthday JuJu !!!!

Today was my mom's birthday and the morning started off eventful as always. Brody wanted chocolate milk and I couldn't help but laugh at his silly milk mustache. He couldn't quite understand what was so funny till I convinced him to let me take a picture so he could see. Isn't there some weird resemblence to Hitler. Yeah, I thought so too. Of course he has to pose, so stinkin' cute.






Of course, Payton couldn't be left out. Such a sassy little stink. When the kids fight I make them give each other hugs then tell each other what they love about the other. I usually hear..."His hair, Her eyes, His hands..." But no, Payton had something else in mind. After slashing Brody's face (her favorite target of choice if you can't tell why Brody always has scabs on his face) she gave him hugs then said "I love Brody's Pee Pee". It didn't help that my mom was laughing her butt off as I'm trying to tell Payton to think of something else. She was too busy thinking is was a game since there was giggling going on. I should have known Little Miss would throw a curve ball in there one day.








The kids were so excited to celebrate her birthday. The kids called her on speakerphone this morning to sing to her but it didn't quite go as planned, of course. Brody told her we were making her a cake and Payton chimed in "Yeah, it's a surprise". NOT ANYMORE STINKER!! Guess we need to have a conversation about secrets and how they work. I guess telling a 2 year old to not tell anyone was a little far fetched. Oh well.





JuJu though high fours were in need today. Curtis cooked a fabulous Salmon dinner and the kids and I made a German Chocolate cake.
I love how silly my mom is willing to be with my kids and to see how much they truly adore her. It's always fun when JuJu is around. Love you Mom and Happy 44th Birthday!! Yes, I put your age in there. You gave it away anyways with the high fours. LOVE YOU.

Mother's Day

This is my Mother's Day craft and yes I did make one for myself. The big ones are toilet paper rolls and the ones that look like lilies are the kids handprints made to look like the flower. It was a fun project even though we were up till 1am. I personally don't like getting flowers 'cause they just die, and you will die if you give me roses. So, these were great....won't wilt, weater, or die from lack of starvation.

We spent the morning looking for this little pup that Payton loves to kiss, Day Z. Long story short. She was missing for 2 weeks. Mom wasn't exactly sure where she jumped out of the car...somewhere between her house and mine. Needless to say Mom has blisters on her feet from searching and we had scoured our neighborhood. Curtis and I hiked into the mountains and about an 1 1/2 hours later Curtis found her. Mom's best Mother's Day ever.

We had a BBQ at our house that afternoon and Jak entertained the kids with his skateboard. Brody insisted that he was faster than Jak (yeah right, no one can beat "Loleta Lightning") and wanted to race him up the street. I love how Jak is always willing to entertain to our kids silly demands.

So naturally Payton had to race Uncle Jak also. She was so funny telling Jak to get behind her 'cause they were racing. Jak just laughs at her and says "Ok Princess Payton, whatever you want". If only men could have that attitude with their wives this world would be alot more peaceful. I have a feeling the World is in for one big shock with this little diva.

Payton loves to skateboard and decided that Jak no longer needed a board because this was hers. "I like to skateboard, this is mine Jak, Thank you". Well at least she got the Thank You in there and wasn't downright rude. HA. Wow what a little ball of fire this one is and she doesn't even have red hair. Now that's scary.

Jak and his wonderful ideas in showing the kids how he has fun. Barreling towards the street trying to do some kick, flip the board, jump thingy and I got lucky catching the crash shot. He cracks me up.

Brody like skateboarding too, but found better entertainment trying to hit whoever was pitching to him. Not sure where he got that sense of humor from. The kid has great follow through and it was so funny watching him laugh hysterically when the ball would hit someone or make them run for it. I'm sure we have a little jock on our hands. First it was Golf but Jak almost got hit in the "Woo Hoo" so we decided this might be a little safer. Not sure if it was much better but he sure had fun.

Sorry this is so long but my cheeks hurt by the time everyone went home, just thought I would share. This would be my bossy butt Payton. She wanted to play soccer but everyone had to be in the exact spot she wanted them to be in, the correct distance apart, and in the right order. They also could not kick or touch the ball unless she said so. I guess this is Payton Says, soccer style. All Jak and Phil could do was laugh which really pissed her off so she took the ball away and told them they had to play something else if they couldn't listen. Someone please help me.

To end the night with it's own bang of fireworks Jak got a brilliant idea. Use Diesel as his own powered skateboard pull. He started out ok until Diesel saw kids and another dog up the road and proceeded full steam ahead while Jak mildly yelped. (Who am I kidding, he screamed like a little school girl).

I love my kooky family and had a great day. Thank you Mom for bearing some odd children who enjoy watching each other in pain while peeing our pants with laughter. It makes life interesting and wonderful all at the same time. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Diggin' For Dirt

So we built a fence in our front yard and the kids decided they wanted to help. The holes were about 2 1/2 feet to 3 feet deep and it got hard getting the dirt out of the bottom. Payton jumped right in and had a blast filling up her bucket to help Mom and Dad. She was quite proud of her dirt.




Brody hopped in the hole and it fit just right, which made it hard to dig and fill up his bucket. In the end, he just wanted camera time. He always seems to be posing. Watch out America, my little model in well on his way.

Soon after hole digging holes (they made it throught one hole easy... out of 8 holes. PUNKS. Brody begged to climb like spiderman and that is where he stayed the rest of the time



















Payton decided she wanted to lick a worm and this is how the picture tuned out. She is hilarious.....she will nurture any animal that comes her way. I love how compassionate and observant she is.






And last but not least... Diesel had to show what he's got. Nothing feels better than freshly cut grass to lay in. I love that our children are always outside and ready for any adventure we throw their way.

Babies, Babies, Babies

Wow!! Instead of spring chickens there are spring babies! Lots of them!

This handsome little boy is Vance Paul. He is almost two months old and this is at his blessing.
We are so glad Paul and Candace finally decided to add to their family.










This is baby Rouje Bella. (Pronounced Rouge, like Baton Rouge). Such a beautiful little girl and so cuddly. She is about 2 weeks old and I couldn't seem to put her down.










This would be Jaxon Ray. He is the first Great Grandbaby on Curtis' side of the family. He gave his mom a hard time but was worth the wait. He is only 1 week old and Dad is ready to sign him up for Little League. Silly men.









And this cute little one is Joseph. He came four weeks early and was still 6 lbs 1oz. I can't imagine how big he would be if he came at the right time. I guess that's why he decided now was the right time. He is healthy and home being mauled by his excited 5 brothers and sister.






These babies have made life hard for my husband. I am so baby hungry and all I wanna do is hold them and cuddle. I sure do miss having a baby in my arms. Brody and Payton have grown up way too fast and don't want to just lay in Mom's arms anymore. Phooey on them. Guess Payton's doll babies and my chance visits with these ones will have to do.