Happy New Year!

One of these years I'm going to start a new trend for our family and send our Christmas Letters. I really do think about it, and I do try, but I rarely get it together. I've been looking through posts though, trying to get my letter done (still not finished!) but it's been fun! I thought I'd share my favorite posts of 2009:



1. I can't pick just one for January 2009. I had two great surprises in January. One was my dear friend and former companion, http://ackroydhouse.blogspot.com/2009/01/so-many-good-memories.html, and the other was when Allen bought Jill and I tickets to Stomp!



2. It's hard to believe that Jill has only been swimming competetively for a year. I think this was her second meet. Seems like forever ago!! Swim Meets and swim practise have become a mainstay in our life.



3. One great thing in 2009 was that I started a new job. This post in March marked the day that I could officially move on as all my work from 2008 was finally paid. I've really enjoyed this year with the new company I work for. The recession caused things to not quite be as lucrative as I'd hoped, but I'm still glad to have made the change. It's a great company and I'm glad to work for them.



4. In April I got to go on a fieldtrip with Peirce's class. They got to to attend COP school. It was a really great experience to attend. I love the pictures in this post. I wish school could be like this more often. The learning there seemed to be so memorable and so authentic. I loved it!



5. In May I got called as the Primary President for our ward. I can't this is a great post or anything, but being called to work in primary has been really great, and I think deserves mentioning. I've loved it so far!



6. In 2009 Peirce learned to ride a bike. It was life-changing. The funny thing was we had to work so hard to convince him to give it a shot! I had a post that I had written where I took pictures of videos of a FHE where we decided we were going to make him learn to ride (which didn't go very well) but Peirce really hated those pictures and videos so I deleted the post. After a lot of tears we talked to him about bike-riding and said we would never force him to ride his bike and that he could just learn on his own when he thought he was ready. Well, he tried and tried and tried...and he finally did it! This summer he spent a LOT of time bike-riding. It was really great. Here's one of my favorite pictures of him riding his bike.



7. In 2009 we really made great strides on our efforts to accumulate a better food storage. It's interesting because our income was not stellar at all in 2009...but through it all somehow we were able to accumulate more food storage than we've ever had. What a blessing! I've really appreciated the Provident Living co-op and our stake's Provident Pantry workshops. What a blessing!



8. In the summer we had a lot of fun! Attending a drive-in movie of Grease (the sing-along version!) was quite memorable! Good times!



9. I've wanted these lunch boxes for so long...and I still love them! The truth is, I don't mind making lunches at all. I made some 'systems' this year to help me make lunches more interesting and I think it's working...at least I feel better about the lunches I send with my kids to school!



10. We've always talked about going away somewhere for General Conference weekend - and this year we finally did it. We went to Drumheller. Kind of seems like an odd destination of choice, but we sure had a good time there! Definitely a memorable weekend.



11. Not my favorite topic, but it can't be ignored in significant events in 2009. My dad was diagnosed with cancer in the Spring. In November the diagnosis became more dire and they determined that he had two to six weeks to live. We've had many blessings along the way, and move of all we're grateful that the predictions were wrong and he's still fighting! We're still hanging on for a miracle.



12. Visiting with family in December has been really wonderful. Also very memorable was our family's experiences, thanks to Allen's assignment, with the Pageant. It was a lot of work, a lot of memories, and we'd do it again!



So that's it. 2009 has been full of great memories and great blessings.



Oh, and here's a fun post I ran into today. 12 Oddest Stories of 2009! Enjoy!



Looking forward to 2010!!

Raising Independent Thinkers and Learners...how???

I've been thinking a lot about teaching, and how to bring up kids are passionate about their own reading and learning. Today while I was reading the Book of Mormon I reflected on this again. I read about Lehi's vision and all he learned from his vision. Nephi was so touched by this he wanted to have the same experience. He then goes and prays and has the same vision and is taught the meaning of it all. Right after he experiences this he goes to his father's tent and finds his brothers are fighting. He tries to help stop the fight, and ends up telling them all the great things he's learned (1 Nephi 15). It must have been quite an experience for Nephi to learn all this. He actually ends up spoon-feeding his brother by telling them everything about the dream and what it all means. Their response must have been disappointing. They said what he'd told them was hard to take, and they were even angry with him!

Why did Nephi go pray and gain understanding on his own?
And why was it his brothers just couldn't get it and wouldn't do that on their own?

It's interesting too thatright after that they get the Liahona (1 Nephi 16). It's as if the Lord was trying so hard to get them to hear him and learn from him.....he gave them something that would absolutely tell them where to go.

Gospel Doctrine.com says:

(1 Ne 10:17) I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and
know of these things

One of the reasons Nephi was privileged to see
the things that he did is that he had a great desire to know the things of the
Lord. The Lord blesses us according to our desires (Alma 29:4). Another prophet
who was blessed with visions of heavenly glory based on his faith and desires
for righteousness was Abraham. Although raised by an idolatrous father, Abraham
desired to be a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed
great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a
greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and
desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became
a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers
(Abraham 1:2). Paul emphasized the other important component which was Abraham’s
exercise of great faith, For the promise, that he should be the heir of the
world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the
righteousness of faith (Romans 4:13). Thus, we see that faith and desire open
the heavens to those who diligently seek the Lord.

Bruce R. McConkie:
“The Holy Ghost, as Nephi expresses it in a passage
of superlative meaning and beauty, ‘is the gift of God unto all those who
diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should
manifest himself unto the children of men. For he is the same yesterday, today,
and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the
world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. For he that diligently
seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the
power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well
in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one
eternal round.’(1 Nephi 10:17-19.) In harmony with these words of transcendent
beauty are those of latter-day revelation that say simply to every member of the
Church: ‘God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the
unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost.’ (D&C 121:26.) Such is the promise, and
the promise is sure. The sole need on the part of any individual is to comply
with the law that entitles him to receive the promised revelation.” (A New
Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 489)

I would think that just giving the information isn't the best idea. Although, the Lord did, in effect, do that by giving them the Liahona. Perhaps sometimes it is appropriate.

How do you move from that to the next level though? How do you encourage, inspire, teach them to go and learn on their own?

In Lehi's vision he sees that some of his children are eager to taste of the fruit of the tree, but others don't care to. Is it that some of us are just more apt to follow and taste the fruit for ourself? Or is there something that can be done to cause them to want to tase it? It seems clear to me that no explanations can ever replace experience.

Our Own 12 Days of Christmas Carol

12 siblings and spouses all together for once

11th hour shopping

10 days of vacation

9 pounds gained...because I

8 too much dinner

7 bags of wrapping paper

6 foot tall cousins

5 hours of driving

4 nurses a day stopping by

3 siblings in my family having fun together

2 happy children

and 1 van dead on the side of the road!!!

Hanging Out With the Dudleys and the Nobles

On Sunday we got to hang out with the Dudleys and the Nobles. Nickee is my cousin. I spent a lot of summers with her. Now she lives in Las Vegas and I don't seem to see her a lot - but it was great to visit with her and her family!

Ashley, Aunt Marvelle, Nickee and Gaylene

Taylor, Cam, Lauren and Uncle Clifford

Dillon and Jordan looking on while Gaylene marshalls everyone for dinner.

Brad being our lovely hostess.

Jordan was one tired boy!





Preston and Peirce are the same age....only a month or so apart. They became friends quickly and had a great time playing together. I especially love how Jordan's smile is just like his dads!

Merry Christmas!

I forgot to take pictures at our own house. We spent Christmas Eve at the pageant being costume assistants, make up artists, parking attendants, and donkey kickers. Good times!

Our kids were up bright and early on Christmas Day (5:30 am kind of early!) We opened presents then went back to bed for some needed rest.


Christmas at the Jensen's:

After we opened presents we headed down to Lethbridge for Christmas dinner. Everyone was there in our Jensen family!




The coveted NY jersey signed by Brian Trottier!

Dad is home now!

Christmas at the Ackroyd's

Later that day we went to Raymond and spent most of Boxing Day there. Everyone in the Ackroyd family was there: Two grandparents, six kids, six siblings, 17 grandchildren, a cousin and cousin's son, and 1 dog. Talk about a full house!

Lots of snuggling time

Movies on a big screen!


Babies to hold and cousins to play with!

Lots of food and lots of visiting

Babies for everyone to hold!
Lots of catching up to do.
Family pictures, of course!
And interesting new books to read!

A great time was had by one and all!!

So sorry to hear, Crystal

I really love Facebook. Some people think Facebook is creepy...or that people that enjoy it have issues. I have really loved connecting with old friends though!

Recently I found a good friend of mine, Crystal. I was saddened to learn that her dad died this week.

On December 19th, 2009 Bert Jensen passed away at the Kelowna General Hospital.
Survived by his loving wife Pearldene of 60 years, daughters Jane and Crystal
(Daryl) and son Kevin and three grandchildren. He was a wonderful, loving family
man and father. A devout follower of the LDS Church. He was an avid pilot and
flew in WWII. He moved his family from the farm outside of Youngstown, AB, to
Lethbridge where he worked as a realtor before finally settling in Kelowna, BC.
It was during his time on the farm that he developed his keen eye and was a
great shot. While enjoying his retirement in Kelowna Bert played slo-pitch and
also umpired many games. He will be forever missed and remembered for his calm
and level headed disposition. There will be no service as per his request. In
lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kelowna Diversified Industries ,
550 Fuller Avenue, Kelowna, BC in memory of Bert would be appreciated.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting http://www.mem.com/Tuesday , December 22, 2009

I always really liked Crystal's dad. My heart goes out to the Jensen family!

Our Bishop and his wife (both just a little older than me) both also just lost their fathers. I have another friend, Sandy, that also recently lost her dad:

CHARLES EVAN STEED, beloved husband of Dianne Bohnet Steed, passed away in
Raymond on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at the age of 70 years.Besides his wife,
Dianne, he is survived by his son Jim (Shonna) Steed of Raymond, his daughter
Lori (Richard) Hall of Rosemary, AB, his son Robert (Linda) Steed of Raymond,
and his daughter Sandy (Chris) Autry of Provo, UT. He is also survived by 17
grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and a sister Lois Bourne of
Magrath.Friends may meet the family on Sunday, December 6, from 7:00 to 8:00
p.m. at the Taylor Street LDS Church, Raymond; or prior to the funeral service
at the church on Monday, December 7, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 12:45 p.m.The
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at THE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, Taylor Street Chapel, 221 North,
400 West, Raymond, with Bishop Greg Peterson officiating. Interment to follow in
the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.Southern Alberta Generations Funeral Home

I remember when it seemed like everyone I knew was going on missions, then the getting married phase, then the having babies phase. Now am I in the age where people start losing their parents? Eeesh. I don't know if I like this!

Nativity Pageant

So, Allen's spare time (and more) has been filled with Nativity Pageant for the last couple of months, and especially this week. We are acting in the Nativity Pageant as shepherds...and he runs around and puts out fires, helps with parking, security, or whatever else has to be done.

Last night he helped with putting the sheep away. Apparently they need to demand more respect from these sheep. Or maybe they just need to trust that those sheep don't need someone to tell them where to go!

His cousin, Sam, is the director for the pageant, and the professional videographer of this escapade:

Pageant Rehearsal

This year Jill and Peirce and I are shepherds in the Nativity Pageant. Here's a shot of us as all the shepherds arrived at the stable in Bethlehem to see the baby, Jesus.




Jill really wanted to be an angel this year - but she's a little too short for the costume. Not too short to take a chance to go stand in the angels' spot though!

We have new donkeys in the pageant this year. They've used the same donkey for about 20 years, but that donkey recently died. So now we have a new donkey and her baby. It's not going that well. The baby can't stand it when it's not near the Mama, the Mama doesn't like people trying to leader her nor is she particularly fond of Mary riding her, and neither like the lights or noise. But they're cute!

Peirce and he sheep. Peirce said, "They all have names on their tags....and they all say ewwwww" on them.

No Peirce...that'd be 'ewe'!

Better be good!

Peirce got a message from Santa!

Fun Meet

Peirce had another fun meet. It's fun to see him get so much better at this! It was really a good time!

What the boy really wants is to win a ribbon though!

I never knew.....

I never knew being a swimming parent would be like this

I never knew it would take up so much time

I never knew I'd enjoy being at the pool from 7 am - 9 pm all weekend long

I never knew I'd feel so disheartened about a timer telling my daughter to swim on the left when they meant the right

I never knew how hard it would be to get that straightened out mid-race

I never knew it would be so fun to cheer all the kids on the team on

I never knew there'd be so many good races

I never knew I'd be so glad I'm good at packing lots of food to take with us

I never knew my daughter would take off time practically every time she raced

I never knew it would be so heartbreaking to see your daughter get DQ'd

I never knew I'd enjoy visiting with other parents so much

I never knew it would be political

I never knew there was so much to learn

I never knew my 7 year old would enjoy having out watching swimming and playing with friends so much

I never knew my kids would form such great friendships with their swimming friends

I never knew those close races would give me such a flipsy stomach

I never knew I'd end up being a treasurer and spend hours volunteering and at meetings

I never knew I'd have to help with the coach evaluations and contracts

I never knew I'd appreciate coaches so much

I never knew it would be so inspiring to watch these kids compete and train

I never knew I'd get such a hoarse voice from all the cheering

I never knew I'd spend so much time driving to and from and watching practises

I never knew the coaches would be so influential in my kids

I never knew kids would make such amazing improvement from meet to meet

I never knew I'd rely so much on experienced parent swimmers

I never knew I'd form friendships with parents from other clubs

I never knew I'd see people so often that I don't know but recognize them since they're at every meet I'm at

I never knew owning a DS would be so handy

I never knew I'd want one of those big long lenses to get better pictures at meets

I never knew there'd be so many tears

I never knew there'd be so much joy

I never knew it would so great

I never knew I'd feel so proud









Jill's Meet Results from this past weekend:

100 free: seed time 1:33.13 new time: 1:23.84 (B time is 1:21.90)
400 free: seed time 6:26.41 DQd (time was 6:22:23) *Would have been a B,
but is a MQT
100 back: seed time 1:36.86 new time: 1:32.73 (B time is 1:32.60)
200 back: seed time 3:30.00 new time: 3:12.12 *B
50 breast: 51.04
100 breast: seed time 1:46.04 new time: 1:44.04 *B
200 breast: seed time 3:50.00 new time 3:44.63 (B time is 3:44.00)
100 fly: seed time 1:52.00 new time 1:32.76 *B
200 IM seed time: 3:21.99 new time 3:28.78 DQd (MQT is 3:26.90 and B is
3:22.70) Jill said she realized she was going to DQ and so he figured why push
herself on this one :0)

She also swam 2 relays....so with the preliminaries and getting into the finals she ended up swimming 12 races this weekend. WOW! What a weekend!

Two Tests Tomorrow!

We have two programs at our kid's school. One is the French program that our kids are enrolled in. The other is called TLC, or Traditional Learning Centre. It is an alternative program within the board and is apparently academically rigourous...but not reserved for elite students. They have a bunch of things that parents have to agree to - most of which make me squirm. And whenever I get into a discussion about a parent to find out more about the program I become less and less interested.

One of the things that really gives me the willies is the emphasis on daily homework. Right from kindergarten they do homework every day. I often hear parents complain in casual conversation about the homework - but whenever I say something about it they're quick to jump to the defense and say, "Oh, it's really not that big a deal."

I'm not sure why I get some different responses. It's those casual conversations that make me uncomfortable.

Yesterday when we were going into the gym I ran into a friend whose child is in the TLC program. She said to me, "Man! The buses were sure late today."

I had to stop and think....they were? Oh ya...maybe they were.

She added, "Oh ya! Totally stressed me out. My sons has two tests tomorrow you know! There isn't much time to do homework when the bus is so late."

It really took me back. Her son is in Grade two. I had to wonder...two tests? Are these tests in a doctor's office? Allergy test? What are you talking about?

Nope. She was talking about school tests. A spelling test and a math test...for her Grade Two child...that they had to study for. Seriously.

I couldn't really say anything so I just gave me best, "Oh really" and tried to sound sincere.

But my thought was that if you're hurrying your child home from his 7 hours at school, to do some homework and prep/studying for a test to ensure he does well...something is wrong!

1. I don't believe kids need homework...especially in elementary school. I think it's nice for the parents so that they know what's going on in school - but I don't buy that it helps them be more successful in school.
2. If your kid hasn't learned the stuff after being in school all day, it's too late. So what's the point of the homework? Maybe it should just be assigned to mom and dad!
3. If your kid has been in school all day - don't you think he should have a little down time to play with his/her siblings, roll on the floor, chase the cat, make a snow fort, or maybe even watch tv?? I would dare say that these days especially, kids need time to just be kids! There's too much structure and planning and hurrying.

Life's too short!! Lighten up! Let kids be kids!

Seriously. Those push push push school programs make me really uncomfortable. And the funny thing is the more I talk to parents about them, the less I like the idea. We're just really glad to be where we're at!

Christmas Concert: Teach the Children

Our school has had the most terrific Christmas concerts for the past two years...and they really are Christmas concerts!

Peirce got to play the role of Santa in the concert. The story was the 'Teach the Children' story where Santa asks someone to teach what all the symbols of Christmas mean.

Peirce's class all read their Christmas wishes. Peirce's wish was that his Papa's health would improve. Brought a tear to my eye (and apparently a few others as well!)

This video is hard to hear....but I posted it because it shows the beginning of the concert. Peirce was Santa and put an item on the "mantle: for each for each symbol of Christmas that they talked about.

Here's Peirce's class singing their song:

Quand la pere noel....

Sing for peace....

Miracles

"A miracle is an extraordinary event caused by the power of God.
Miracles are an important element in the work of Jesus Christ. They include healings, restoring the dead to life, and resurrection. Miracles are a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith is necessary in order for miracles to be manifested" (Guide to the Scriptures, 165).

Last Sunday in Primary we got talking about miracles. Since the conversation miracles have been on my mind a lot.

In Primary we were actually talking about remembering the Savior during the Sacrament. I found a great talk by Elder Holland that really helped me realize how I could do a better job of being focused during the Sacrament. He said:

• Think about the Savior's childhood - and think about your own childhood


• Think about the Savior's parents - and think about your own parnets


• Think about the Savior growing up and learning - and thinking about your growing up and learning.


• Think about miracles he did - and think about miracles in your own life


• Think about how he taught - and think about lessons you need to teach


• etc.

When I got to the miracles all the Senior Primary kids gave me this look like I was speaking Greek. I said to them: "What? You guys haven't seen miracles?"

We got into an interesting conversation about miracles and whether or not we have miracles today. It made me think that we need to make sure we're telling our children when we see miracles happen!

I think we had a bit of a miracle this week. We drove back from Lethbridge in the middle of the biggest snowfall we've had here in 10 years...and the roads were amazing. And when we got home there were no drifts blocking our way into our neighborhood, like so many other people in Calgary experienced. The sidewalk and roadway in front of our house was actually almost bare! At least there was enough bare space that we could park, unpack, and move the car with no problems at all. All this week I've gone to places where the roads are just terrible and people get stuck in huge piles of snow....but we haven't had any of these problems. It's a miracle!! I really think the Lord has been looking out for us this week. It's like we had a cloud of safety over us - while the clouds showered down snow everywhere else. I can't say if it was a real miracle or not...but I sure am grateful

Reminds me of the Israelites:

Ex. 40: 34-38

34 ¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:

37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.

38 For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

Good Books!

We are reading the greatest books these days!! It's funny how reading goes through phases. We sometimes travel through these dry deserts where there's nothing great to read anywhere..and then we suddenly find we're in a feast of great books! We're feasting right now. :0)

A friend introduced us to the Hank Zipzer books. They're hilarious! Peirce and I are reading Niagra Falls, Or Does It? They're by Henry Winkler...and if that isn't cool enough by itself I don't know what is! The books are laugh out loud funny. We get a good chuckle going every chapter, it seems!




Jill and I are reading Number the Stars again. We picked that book for the school book club. Can't wait to discuss it with them! I love reading books with Jill.

Not since March 1998!!

In March 1998 I was pregnant with Jill - and we had a doozie of a snow storm. The one this weekend rivals that one!! It's not that cold...but man, is there a lot of snow! Today we drove from Lethbridge back to Calgary. The highways were good...but when you get into the city streets, especially the side streets, it's a challenge! So much for our mild winter!

Here are a few pictures I borrowed from other websites! The links are noted under each picture.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/your_weather/details/620/1665440/3/caab0049?ref=ugc_city_thumbs

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/your_weather/details/620/1665448/2/caab0049

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/your_weather/details/620/1665460/lethbridge,%20ab/upload/

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/your_weather/details/620/1664508/5/caab0049

School Book Club

I've wanted to do this for so long...and finally have the chance!



I'm paired up with a teacher and we're doing an extra curricular club....grade 4-6 book club. It's so fun!



Today we discussed The Invention of Hugo Cabaret. It's so fun to discuss books with kids! For an activity we played, "I'm reading Hugo Cabaret and I've read about....."


A=Automaton
B=Booth (as in toy booth)
C=clocks
D=drawings
E=Etienne
F=France
G=gar (as in train station?)
H=Hugo
I=

....and so on and so on!

It was fun!

Sunday Seven - November 29, 2009

This is what I'm grateful for this week!

1. Recreational Therapists. I have marvelled for days, at what a wonderful surprise we got visiting my dad on Thursday this week.

2. In-laws who let us stay at their house so often these days. We go visit my dad every week and tend to stay at their house during our visits. They're so accomodating, and kind, and provide great food! :0)

3. Amazing Weather. I am stunned at how warm it still is! Up until now we've had no snow on the ground here...and most days my kids just wear a hoodie to school. It's a nice change after last winter! We got some snow Friday. How long will it stick around??

4. Flexibility. I'm so glad that we have flexible work schedules. Of course, that sometimes means that we work far most than most people, it seems. But on days when we can take the kids out of school and take off for the day, I'm so grateful for it! Just have to keep that in mind on those long working days I guess!

5. Christmas Lights. My neighbors have their Christmas lights up and on nwo and it's so nice when I'm working late at night to sit and look at the lights. I remember when Peirce was younger and was so crazy about Christmas lights. I think I'm crazy about them too! (Well, to be clear, I'm crazy about looking at them - but apparently NOT crazy about putting them up!)

6. Good health. I seem to be surrounded by all sorts of people with health challenges these days...and I'm so grateful that I've enjoyed good health. What a challenge it can be for some!

7. Skype. My sister made me download Skype a little while ago. I can't believe we didn't do this sooner! It's so fun to talk on Skype to my dad and mom and my sister and her family. I have a friend that is living in Australia right now and we talk on Skype too. Amazing little tool!! And the best part: it's free!!

Welcome Winter!

There are times when I don't like my job. And then there are times when I'm SOOOO glad I work from home! Today was one of them. We had our first real snow fall of the year, and as per usual, it resulted in all sorts of terrible traffic. Many people who normally have a 25 minute commute took at least 3 hours to get home today. It's days like this that I'm so gald I don't have to get out on the streets!!

This was all such good timing. Much better than having it on a Sunday night so everyone has a bad Monday. And good thing it came AFTER our trip to Lethbridge!

They closed the highway north of Calgary because it was too treacherous. They said at one spot there were more than 60 cars strong out in the ditch, smashed into each other, and stuck. What a mess!

This is one of those bendy-buses in Calgary. (Thanks Sonja for the picture!)

A Friday night is a perfect night to stay home, make a cake and have ice cream with warm cake!! (And next time I make a cake I'll put the sugar in it....oops!)

Hospital Surprises

We have been going to visit my dad in the hospital every week the last few weeks. He is now one week past his expected death date. He joked a number of times about that today.

My kids are happy to take a day off school to go visit. We tend to not go on weekends because:

1. Dad gets a lot of visitors on weekends. Well, who am I kidding. He gets visitors every day of the week. Maybe it has something to do with having old people as friends (i.e. more open time!). I'm not sure....but it's always a good time there! Apparently though, weekends are even busier.

2. Weekends seem to be so crazy for our family! It's hard to shirk all our responsibilities at the office, with church, and with activities for our kids....and since we can do it during the week we try to do that. It's working well so far.

Sometimes though hanging out at the hospital is not that exciting for Peirce. Jill is getting to that age where she loves to sit and listen to the adults talk - but Peirce, not so much. Today he cried when we were heading there because, as he said, it's just so boring!!

Well, what a surprise we had today!! One of the hospital's Recreational Therapists showed up with a Wii, a number of card games, crafts and board games, and a DVD player....just for us to use!! It was so amazing! Peirce and Jill made crafts, played games, and played with the Wii to their heart's content. It was such a blessing! I don't know how we got on her list for this surprise, but we sure were grateful! I just wish I had taken some pictures!

Never! No never! Not ever again!!!

I hate the end of the month. This month the end of the month is pushed up for us because it's American Thanksgiving tomorrow. Lately it seems like every month things are coming down to the wire with my projects. I'm so tired of it! It isn't for lack of trying. I am working hard every day and putting in way more hours than I want to be. I can't let myself calculate how much I'm making an hour because it's pathetic right now!! I've got to change this. I vow to never have this end of the month stress again!! Never! No never! Not ever again!!

Stop the Ride! I want to get off!!

I went to a meeting tonight that was for the people on the ward council and the ward missionaries. They're building a new temple here. President Melchin had a meeting with the Stake Presidents, and in turn our Stake met with the Bishops and High Council and Ward Mission Leaders a few weeks ago and talked about how sacrifice brings blessings and gave the stakes in Calgary a challenge to do more missionary work. Our meeting on tonight was to discuss what our ward will do to meet the challenge.

I hate to be a Laman/Lemuel grumbler....but my first reaction was, "Oh no! I have enough to do!" And as the meeting went on that feeling only grew. It was interesting to me that the Bishop confessed that he felt the same way while attending the meeting with all the Bishops. He said that at the end of the meeting the Stake President asked him to say the closing prayer. Our Stake President is amazing and seems inspired in everything he does - even down to who he asks to say the closing prayer. The Bishop said as he prayed he felt the spirit witness to him strongly that we can do this and that if we follow the counsel we will be blessed and won't be overwhelmed.

I hope so. I'm sure feeling lately like my life is just a little too full and if I add one more thing there will be a big mess to clean up thanks to everything flowing OUT of the cup! I still tend to feel a little overwhelmed at the idea - especially since my husband is all gung ho! and wants to make plans to have people over and do social things to try and be better member missionaries.

As a missionary I had little patience for those members who felt like they'd done their bit as far as missionary work goes, and who had no time for missionary work. Now I'm one of them!!

I'll try to repent......

It's Coming!!! Let me be the first to say, "Merry Christmas!"

Love this video!

Sunday Seven

So much to be grateful for!


With this week being Thanksgiving in the states, a lot of people on Facebook seem to be posting things they're grateful for. Made me think I need to get back in the swing of my Sunday Seven Posts!! This week's Sunday Seven has a family theme.


1. My dad.

My dad has not been doing well the past couple of weeks. He was diagnosed with cancer in the Spring. It's been a real roller coaster ride. The news, "You have cancer" really takes one back. But then they said that if you have to have cancer this is the best kind to have....and the roller coaster ride has continued. One day it's positive news, then a bomb drops and we get quite worried. Right now he's in the hospital with a big mass on his spine. A couple of weeks ago they told him he had 2-6 weeks to live - but he's determined to prove them wrong....and if you ask me, an attitude like that is 9/10 of the battle.

2. My mom!

My mom is amazing. She can do anything. I love her to death and I love to visit with her and I worry about her lately with everything going on with my dad.

3. Cousins

My kids are blessed to have lots and lots of cousins. My mom has a sign on her fridge that says:

Grandma's House: Where cousins become best friends.

It's so true. The other day I was IMing with my cousin Nickee and we were talking about the fun things we remember doing on our Grandparents ranch. We had so much fun as cousins! I'm glad my kids enjoy their cousins so much and have such a good time with them too! These are pictures of their Jensen cousins:

They have three cousins on my side of the family, and 16 on Allen's side of the family!! That's a lot of cousins! I think they're very very lucky.

4. My siblings

My brother and sister are a hoot. Life is always a party when my sister and her husband are around, and it's just increased when Neil is around too. I'm so lucky! We really like Neil's new girlfriend, too. We're cheering for her to be officially added to our family!

5. My extended family

And this is just one side! This is my mom's side of the family a couple of Christmas' ago. It's so fun to get together with all of them!!

6. The family I married into!

I have been so blessed to marry into the family I married into. They're wonderful and I feel like I fit in quite well. I admire them all for so many things. They're all amazing people. Wish I had a picture to post!

7. My dear husband

Oh how I could go on! I appreciate him so much for his desires to do what's right, to work hard and provide well, and to be a good dad. We have so much fun together. Hardly a day ends without us lying in bed and ending up in a fit or laughter over one thing or another. It's a great way to end a day!

Who knew it would be so fun......

I know. I know. Every mother thinks her children are wonderful. But I just have to tell you, I think these two are so great!! I think this picture captures them so well.

I love how they get along (when they get along). I love how they're so excited about life. I love how whatever they do they give it their all. I love how funny they are. I love how they have learned to tease their dad back. I love listening to their stories of their days at school. I love how they get obsessed about things. I love hearing about their friends. They're just plain fun!

I actually wrote this post up a long time ago but never posted it. Today seems like a good time to use it! This is a little write up I did for their teachers when they were asking about their strengths at the beginning of the year:

What I want for them most is to love school and for the people there to appreciate the wonderfullly interesting and talented people that they are.

Jill

Jill's strengths: She's got strong linguistic skills and actually has decided she wants to be a Linguist when she grows up. She's always been a talker and had good vocabulary. She loves to write and often journals and writes stories. She loves words games and reading. She also has a really good memory. She is very creative (one of the most creative people I know!) and loves drawing, clay, painting, etc. She also is very sensitive and good with people. She's not usually prone to peer pressure and tried to be a leader. She tends to be rather kinesthetic too and can't sit in one spot for too long! She's also very competitive...but she tries to keep that under her hat a bit.

What areas I'd like to see Jill grow: I'd like to see Jill be organized and take responsibility for her learning. She can really get into something if its somethimg that's peaked her interested. She can really shine if allowed to work on projects in her passion areas of interest.

What is Jill passionate about:
- the earth - she's a bit of a tree hugger!
- zen - she's conscious of her need for peace, creativity, etc.
- friendship - she's very social!
- Purple!!

Does she enjoy reading?
Is the Pope Catholic? Do one legged ducks swim in circles? Is the sky blue? Does a Big Mac have sauce? Oh ya...she will read for hours. (Especially if the hours are past her bedtime.)

What kind of a learner is Jill?

She's very visual (art, drawing, puzzles, colors) and has very strong auditory and language skills. She also is often very logical/analytical. She likes to know how things work and likes to create/re-create her own version of something she's observed)

Does your child participate in any extra curricular activities?
Jill is in a competetive swim club. She swims 3 times a week and would like to swim more! I'd like to say she does piano too - but sh'es not as serious about piano (much to her mother's chagrin)

Do you have any areas of concern for Jill? Mostly I want Jill to enjoy school and be appreciated for the great girl she is. We sure love her!

Peirce

Peirce's strengths: Peirce watches carefully and once he knows the routine/expectations/rules/system you can count on him to follow! He's also very good at creating (loves crafts, painting, etc) and has really good find motor skills, He's also very good at being a friend. He was very very quiet as a baby and we worked hard to get that boy to talk - and he has definitely turned that into a strength too!

What areas would I like to see Peirce grow? I would like to see him grow as an independent learner...and learn to LOVE reading.

What is Peirce passionate about?
TV (Ugh) - truthfully, Peirce seems to need a little time on his own to cave and TV seems to provide that for him.

He is passionate about what he perceives to be the rules/right things to do. He also really loves '"Boy's Club" (i.e. special time with Dad). He's passionate about having a good time...all the time!

Does Peirce like to read and/or be read to?
He loves it. This past summer he's started to like listening to chapter books read by Mom, Dad or Jill...or on CD. He's becoming a great reader and is especially into joke books right now.

What kind of a learner is Peirce? Logical/Matmatical - he's always been obsessed about things being lined up and organized. Since being able to count he counts EVERYTHING. I think he is also quite kinesthetic (always squirming and loves to hold hands/snuggle, etc.) He enjoys quiet time alone and will play in his room for hours - but recently he's become a budding socialize too - so I don't really know if he'll learn best independently or working with someone. His language skills are really improving. Peirce talked really late and was on a PUF grant for speech at Providence Pre-school. He certainly shows no sign of weakness in that arena now! We read the Book of Mormon together every morning and there's rarely a word he can't figure out.

Does Peirce participate in extra curricular activities?
He swims at swim club two times a week and will go to two swim meets (fun meets) this year. He has a near perfect backstroke! He's also learning to play piano (just started)

Areas of concern: My greatest hope is that Peirce will be happy at school and feel loved...because we think he is priceless!!

Family Photos

My SIL is simply amazing. She's amazing in many ways - but today we'll focus on her photography skills. She did a photoshoot for us of our family. Check out the pictures here! There's more!

The Witches by Roald Dahl

Peirce and I are reading Witches, again.

I'm quite amazed at time with Roald Dahl. He's famous. People loves his books. Movies are made out of his books! (the ultimate money-making author situation)...but sometimes I find his books just so odd.

Witches is the perfect example:

• It's scary - but kids seem to love it. At least Peirce seems to go at it similar to how people pass a car accident and rubber-neck. He seems to love to dabble in these seemingly scary stories


• It's bizarre - a cigar smoking grandma? Come on! Kids should never bath more than once a month? Eeesh.


• There are chapters that just seem thrown in there and don't need to be there at all...like the chapter called The Heart of a Mouse. It has nothing really significant to do with the story. Why is it there?

I don't know how he gets away with it. Somehow it works though. I think this was the third time we've read this book together. I tried to get Peirce to do more reading out loud to me - but he really balked that. He loves to just sit and listen to the store. He soaks it all in...and then he's scared and has to come get in our bed in the night. But when I threaten to stop reading it because my bed is crowded....he cries and begs me to continue.

What is up with that??!

Sunday Seven

1. Family - I've had quite a bit of family time lately. Cancer is trying to beat up my dad and so my brother has come out to visit, and my sister and her family. This past week was beaucoup family time. Despite the stressful time it is, it's still great to spend time together with everyone. We always have a lot of laughs when we're together. I really appreciate that.

2. Primary - Have I mentioned lately how much I love my calling in Primary? I love doing Sharing Time. I love conducting. I love interacting with all the kids. I love working with the presidency we have, and the teachers we have. It's a great experience!

3. Healing - this past week was two years since we lost our little Destiny. I'm happy to say that I really finally feel like I'm able to think or talk about her without just breaking down in tears...although sometimes I do have to swallow hard. But I am grateful that those wounds do heal. I so look forward to the day when we can get to know her!

4. Soy Beans - I now have a year's supply of soy beans! I love our co-op and the difference it's made in accumulating a much better food storage.

5. Opportunities! I contacted a Charter School Board here in Calgary about subbing. I had also contacted the main school board but their sub list is closed. I wasn't that broken up about it because their application process is really arduous. I will still work on getting an application in, but in the meantime I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to do some subbing with the Charter School.

6. Allen - I so appreciate his desire to be a good husband, and a good dad, and a good Priesthood holder. We often have talks about what he's trying to do in his calling or what he's learning about in his personal study, or his desires to attend the temple often - and I'm so grateful to be married to such a good person.

7. Jill and Peirce - These two are so great. I can't believe I've been blessed with such good and kind and smart and darling children. They are easy kids to be a mom to - and I'm grateful for that!

Hospital Visits

My dad has been fighting cancer for the past six months. Recently things haven't been going very well. He has a mass that is growing along his spine which has limited his feeling in his legs. He's bed-bound but it seems like the chemo treatments are working as today he could move his feet again and did have some feeling in his legs.

Today we were all there to visit and see how he's doing. It's been really great to be here visiting with him.