Jensen journey

what is going on?

2011-11-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

What's up? The girls and I had a great Halloween. Sophia was a real trooper and was rewarded for her efforts. Even Sylvia got into the grove running up to all sorts of people sticking out her hand in hopes of a treat. Stevie was a witch and stayed in character the whole evening :) I was a clown it came natural for me. The only downside to the evening was missing Steve. He's been gone for about two months training for another job which were being told might not happen now. Were both a little shocked but all things happen for a reason and were waiting to see what that is. All in all we had an awesome October and are blessed to have a lot of good friends here in Texas.

I'm still here

2011-09-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoy the randomness of the pictures they are of our last couple weeks in Japan

It's not easy moving internationally with three kids under eight but we did it , how with lots of bribes and lots of sugar and maybe some melatonin too. We wouldn't mind living overseas again but were happy to be back in the states.

Kokosai street

2011-07-09T01:59:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Stevie Jensen

In 5 weeks or so

2011-06-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

we leave Okinawa so

no more dragon boat races

all day beach benders

Kissing on the seawall at sunset. ( look at his face what a drama queen :) )

Beautiful flowers in random places

And the best Ramen in the world! Thanks, Japan for beng so wonderful.

I lasted all of

2011-06-09T15:47:00.003-07:00

Two and a half days! I had a card for a free subway but you have to buy a drink and side and too my shame it was too much temptation so I spent two dollars and thirty cents. Next time I'll try for three days .

5 days

2011-06-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

This picture is solely for the grandmas has nothing to do with the post :)

Steve and I saw an article on Yahoo about a lady who went ten days without spending money it intrigued us so we decided that we were going to try that for five days. We started yesterday -Sunday it's an easy day for us not to spend money. Today Monday is a different story cause I just looked to see if I had any more swiffer wet wipes to mop my floor and guess what I don't,so two choices I can not mop my floor for another 4 days ( I would probably pull out all my hair before that ever happens) so it looks like I will be making up some homemade cleaning brew. This is going to be challenging but we both love a good challenge. I'm hoping to break some bad habits namely going to Subway three times a week ( I know I know ) Wish us luck!

Uh mother of the year? maybe not

2011-05-08T03:45:00.000-07:00

My seven year old tried to run away tonight ....... she came back in after 5 seconds but still come on it's mothers day . Gotta love Stevie she's soooo much like me . Happy mom's day !!!

One

2011-05-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

What a year! Happy Birthday little misses

They won't always be like this

2011-05-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Gotta remember to enjoy this time.

Were Debt Free

2011-04-26T03:21:00.000-07:00

Yup were debt free!!! and I promised Steve I would stop drinking pop when we were so now I guess I gotta step it up , wish me luck.

I"m still here.... sorry

2011-04-24T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hey we are alive and well ! The deployment is over and we are back in good ole Okinawa where we will be living until sometime in August will move to Texas! Steve is going to be a UAV pilot (yay) and he also pins on Captain in May. We are super happy he is home and our family unit is whole again. As soon as I get pictures organized I promise to post , thanks for hanging in there with me! By the way this fabulous picture of Sylvia was taken by my good friend Erin Baxter.

Another Stevie Post

2011-01-22T21:44:00.000-08:00

Sitting in the car listening to Taylor Swift's Love song

Stevie: mom who's Juiilet?
I'm thinking wow cool so I tell her the whole morbid story about Romeo and Juilet
Stevie: who wrote Romeo and Juilet?
William Shakesphere
Stevie: Oh I know him he wrote Star wars!!!
Uh no
Stevie: I know know he's the guy who plays Luke!

Uh ok. I know I didn't have the heart to correct her or I'm just lazy.

Will you stop saying that!

2011-01-19T11:04:00.001-08:00

Dear Stevie, stop sending me notes about poo, I know you know how to spell other words. I love that you write me notes that say you love me but when you call me poo face it kinda puts a damper on it. I am so glad you are writing though even if most of the letters have pee or poo in them at least your p's are looking really good.

Miss you

2011-01-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

Were halfway through yay ,were only half way through wtf this is taking forever. I have to sides positive and negative for the most part positive is winning. When I start feeling sorry for myself I think about what he is doing working 12 to 13 hour days seven days a week no hugs from little girls missing your baby learn to crawl, watching Stevie practice karate. There are so many great people in the world it's sad when someone horrible takes over the news and our thoughts with atrocious actions. This is a shout out to all the men and women who stand for something good and noble for those who sacrifice their time and money for the greater good, my family thanks you.

What to do what to do

2011-01-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a great Christmas and new years, we did. Wish I had brought my camera cord but in my haste to leave I forgot it oh well sorry. I asked Stevie what our family goal should be for this year her response save up to go to Lego land sweet I'm down. Steve has been gone for three months only (hopefully) a 100 more days to go, yipee. Our anniversary is next week I don't really know what to do or if I should do anything. I mean I sent him a package full of my love :) but it feels weird to celebrate something like that by myself not really sad just awkward. I guess I want others opinons what would you do or have you done to celebrate something like that or not.

I wish you a very happy New Year.

The trip of the century

2010-12-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

We made it to Utah! Yay! we got here on the 16th of November. We waited all day at the terminal on Kadena just hoping we would be able to get on a plane to the states and lucky for us at about 9:30 in the evening we boarded a c-17 that was so fun and the trip to Alaska was so painless. Alaska was freezing we only spent 12 hours there long enough to get a hotel room and let the girls chill out and sleep a bit. Then we boarded the c-17 and flew to Nebraska From Nebraska all hell broke lose I bought us tickets that took us to Vegas and then to oakland then to Salt lake city those flights were not very fun Sophia screamed for about 20 minutes on the flight to Vegas that was a fun moment or eternity. Were here now and we are loving all the grandma and nanna time. I don't know when were going home yet will figure it out for now were just loving life and enjoying family time.

Robbie robs

2010-11-14T03:22:00.000-08:00

I wanted to put pictures up of Sophia and Sylvia next to pictures of their big brother just to see how similar they all look to each other. It will be 4 years this month and I might actually get to see his grave on the anniversary which makes me happy. I know that he is where he needs to be . I also know that he is still apart of all of us and watches out for us this fact is comforting now even more that Steve is in Afghanistan. I miss Robs but I am grateful that in each of his sisters I still get a little glimpse of him. We love you Robbie.

Let me go home baby I'm done I wanna go home

2010-11-14T03:06:00.000-08:00

I am going to attempt to space -a my way home this week those of you who have experience with this please wish me luck :) for those of you unfamilar with the term it means space available which means I can try and catch a military plane that is going to the states. The one I am hoping to catch is a c-17 and that c-17 will be making three stops I am praying that we don't get stranded at anyone of those places and that my girls don't declare a munity.

Month mark

2010-11-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

I know kinda lame I'm posting about
Steve being gone for a month but in my mind

I needed for me to get past this first month and I would feel like I got over a hurdle of sorts.

Now over that first hurdle yay uh now for the next one ? and the next and the next :)

I took the ladies out for a scoop of ice cream and told stevie when we hit the 2nd month will get two scoops and so on and so forth she is overjoyed at that and Sophie was so happy she had no words to express her happiness.

Hip Hip HOoray it's Halloween

2010-10-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

Nanananana Bat Girl aka moms cheap so she threw pj's on me and
black makeup across my face.

This is no ordinary Princess this is Princess Peach ( HOLLA)

She hates me but I love making my children wear riduculous things

What ? Oh no the blue under my eyes that's not makeup that's

called sleep deprivation. Hey Steve this is an Uber sexy picture of

me in fact I like this look so much you might just see this exact

look when you come home in 150 days .

Just thinking

2010-10-29T06:29:00.001-07:00

Lately I have heard and read about some losses people are suffering it makes you stop and think about what is really important it reminds me to stop kiss that kid on the forehead say a nice thing to the person who snaps at you. You just never know what someone is going through maybe they lost their job or a pet maybe even a child. My heart hurts for you who are going through trails and losses and I wish for you a happier tomorrow.

Birthday baby

2010-10-09T04:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to someone far more talented then I Stevie was able to have a fabulous birthday cake.

Green side scene

White side scene

Home made light sabers , best thing ever! Steve put these together for me, thanks babe.

R2-d2 showed up, I think Stevie has a crush.

So I spent hours crumpling paper and I put that in the tent then I shredded many coloring books and bills and filled our kiddie pool with that as well as the balloons added streamers for a little pzazz. Then I threw a bunch of candy covered in tin foil in the tent, pool and tunnel told the kids they were asteroids and that they needed to collect them. It was amazing it kept them busy for two hours!

Looking for asteroids

Look at that she is totally posing I love it.

Let the fighting and crying commence

Upside huh I don't know how that happened this is still such a magical picture why? I just may use it for blackmail purpose's.

Wow shredded paper is sooo much fun.

Mom who's cheap = a very homemade looking death star , I just couldn't justify paying 30 dollars for Darth Vader pinata.

My pinata was to heavy and not reinforced enough to stay attached to the string so we had the kids kick it and hit with a plastic bat.

Die death star

wow you wouldn't believe how hard these kids can hit, ouch.

Hurry grab the candy

More candy, sweet more cavities.

Sophia loves rain boots and mom loves rain boots cause I don't have to put them on she does it on her own, yay!

I heart my Jedi.

Trick candles rock except when the kids starting spitting on the cake oh well the cake was so good we couldn't taste the slobber.

Sideways pictures make me look thinner I will have to start doing this on purpose.

Lego's are the new black for Stevie, I'm trying to be witty I hope your impressed.

Yay presents!!

Happy Birthday Stevie! You amaze and amuse me, I can't believe how you grasp the depth of things. Since your dad has been gone you have been such a great helper and you have been giving extra hugs to me, thanks ( your not cuddly so hugs from you are extra special) You made us parents and for that I will always be grateful, you also made me realize the world was more then just me and that has saved my life in ways you will probably never know. I feel that you give me more then I can ever give you, my only hope is that you will think I was a good mom and that you knew even though I was crazy at times I truly loved you and your sisters. I heart you .

so weird that she can fall asleep like this.

Come visit me in paradise!!

I have so many Freckles!

2010-10-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hey you thanks for being patient and kind
sorry I freaked out a ton this summer
see you in a while crocodile.

did you get a smiley face or a sad face?

2010-09-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

squirmy

Stevie's teacher has a behavior sheet for each kid where she puts a smiley or a sad face. This week Stevie got 4 sad faces and one smiley oh and her teacher puts squirmy under some of the faces. What first grader isn't squirmy. Anyway I'm not letting Stevie know that is dislike this method of whatever but I'm letting you know.

Cheer up Charlie

2010-09-19T05:17:00.000-07:00

I have read so many books on how to handle stress and I can't remember a darn thing right now and so I've been eating my feelings which I know isn't healthy but it's a lot better then me raging around. I think once Steve leaves I will calm down a bit but right now uggg it's a tad overwhelming . So many things to think about and contemplate, hoping I made the right choice to stay in Okinawa . I don't feel why me I knew when he joined the Air force he would deploy sometime somewhere just didn't think I would have 3 kids and live in another country. It will be interesting and there will be meltdowns some by the kids but I suspect mostly by me.

Multi activity post

2010-09-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

Up at Hedo point

There was a big white chicken

and lots of wind blowing through our hair.

and a surly 6 year old who thought she was to cool for this trip

and a mom who was really scared to look

over the edge.

We took back alleys wait that's all Japan has. Lots of looking on the city Naha

Watching Steve play on the playground

and making your two year old go down a slide.

Lots of tire swing action to get a smile out of surly.

We just like making this one dizzy it's super funny to watch her walk

afterword ;)

Our first Monorail ride MONORAIL (name that Simpson's episode)

Visiting beautiful temples and staring at the Tokyo tower
Tokyo tower is Japan's equivalent to the Eiffel tower.

I'm not sure what this Deity's name is

Beautiful and peaceful

Another beautiful temple, the Tokyo Temple is beautiful !

I was so happy to be able to go in and participate in a session.

Tokyo by night

Lots of subway rides this is on the way to Disney.

Lot's of new fashion trends

Black tights are super popular worn under shorts

There is no age limit when it comes to wearing Disney apparel
P.S I bought some of the heart shaped glasses I love them

Entrance to the park

Yeah pictures are fun

This is one of many pictures people have asked
to take with the girls. Sophia just thinks it's normal that everyone

should adore her.

opps snuck this one in twice, lucky you.

Ariel's Playground =super cool

Don't let that face fool you he loves it.

Off the airplane time to go home, Sophia screamed at the top of her

lungs for the first 15 minutes of the flight she's been a super demon l

think an ear infection is to blame.

Angel baby of mine

Happy Birthday Sophzilla!!

You are a love and a terror, teaching me to try new parenting

techiniques. You are learning new words like cereal and
popcorn. You seem intrested in the whole potty thing will see
if we can have you potty trained by the time dad gets back.

Blow out the candles, she either wouldn't or couldn't so

Tim and I helped.

No it's not poo it's frosting

We have had a great two week vacation and now it's time for school and

back to semi normal life. Have a great September!

100 Days old

2010-08-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

Here in Japan they celebrate a child turning 100 days old
so we found this party hat and made Sylvia wear it so we could take
these awesome pictures !
Sylvia, you are a beautiful chubby baby

Dear Sylvia, you make us smile and laugh the last 100 days have been

great can't wait to see what the next 100 days bring.

Sleep

2010-08-09T16:09:00.001-07:00

This one sleeps for 5 to 6 hours a night

This one goes to bed when she feels like it and wakes up every two
to three hours. Sorry the picture is funky, I'm still learning.

Guess who is sleep deprived..? ME.

Yoshi (mushy mushy post reader beware)

2010-07-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

Yoshi is his call sign ( I don't know some weird military thing)

I've known this man since I was 19, we've been married for 7 years going on 8 in January. I've seen him work to earn a degree in mechanical engineering while holding down multiple jobs, I watched in a daze as he put Robbie's funeral together while taking exams at school I gotta tell ya this guy is my hero. Today was his 29Th birthday he didn't ask for anything and was so grateful for the meager meal and birthday cake I put together. I feel ashamed that it took knowing he's going to be gone for six months to remember and not take for granted what a wonderful person I'm married to. I'm going to miss him so much but I know it's not forever and the deployment is relatively short when compared with others and for that I'm extremely grateful cause I can only be with out my rock for so long.

cabbage patch

2010-07-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Princess editon cabbage patch doll
Newborn cabbage patch doll

The life and times of Stevie

2010-07-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

I have a sister in law who is a Doula and with each of her pregnant mommas she gives them
a cool belly cast and she talked me into doing one so this is mine I did this at 37 weeks? I let stevie color it :) If you are intrested in what a Doula is and what one does here is my sisters doula blog www.idoulamoon.com

NOT FOR ANOTHER 20 YEARS little girl

My oldest baby and my baby-baby

I stole the camera here our some pictures I took .

Ok mom took tthis one I took the rest

How come you have the camera and I don't

Baby teeth and grownup teeth trying to make it work Close up

CHEESE!!

Clothes

2010-07-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

Picture courtsey of Stevie

I'm in need of some clothes I always wanna wait till I lose all my baby weight but I wanna look like a million bucks now so if you have some great online shopping sights that you go to please let me know, thanks !!!

Bummer

2010-06-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

He's leaving us for six months but we get to keep him a little longer so were going to go to Tokyo see if we can find Godzilla, visit the temple and see how Disneyland Japan compares to the one in the good ole USA .

Good news

2010-06-23T00:27:00.000-07:00

The camera will be back on Monday along with Steve and some neato pictures of Alaska till then enjoy these older pictures

I guess I am mortal

2010-06-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

After each c-section I have always lucked out in the recovery department, but as they say the third times a charm. I'm doing fine just not bouncing back as fast also I find it irritating when a dr blows of your concerns and tells you to take motrin and ibuprofen, yuck. I see the dr again soon and as taboo as it might be I'm going to ask for an actual narcotic ,I know your not suppose to ask for things that actualy take away the pain but I'm going to try for that :)

Sylvia is doing good she does even better when Sophia's not slapping her in the face. Stevie is a big help with Sylvia she holds her almost as much as I do. Stevie is very much into the Junie B. Jones book series and has decided to start mimicking that girl ( thanks Bonnie for getting her started :) ) If you have ever read any of the Junie series you will understand why I might be a tad frustrated and ok it's a little cute. Steve is gone for a couple weeks of Summer kind of happy and jealous he gets to escape the madness for a little while he's weird though he likes being home with us. I know my posts are a nightmare to read I jump all over the place and my grammers well it's uh not up to par but Steve isn't here to look it over and help me edit ( I miss my editor)

Have a great summer!!

A real live doll

2010-06-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sylvia

2010-05-30T06:11:00.001-07:00

um

2010-05-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

So my last post was kinda of awkward I am really happy I have a girl :) but I can't forget that somethings are meant for a journal and not a blog so pardon my postpartum

Life in picture form

2010-05-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

look who came to Okinawa!!!

This is a great picture

Welcome to our life, which is a little more chaotic mixed with extra happiness !

Sylvia Dee Jensen

2010-05-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to meet baby

Sylvia and her daddy

She was born with a thick head of brown hair

Yay I did it!!

Big sister numero uno

My beautiful Sophia

Sylvia and Sophia meeting each other

She loves her, she has been so soft and gentle with her.

Three females in one house, uh oh.

Sylvia comes home. Stevie has been so thoughtful and attentive to

Sylvia.

Syliva Dee Jensen was born on the 7th of May at 9:40 am she weighs 7 pounds and one oz.

I'll just share pictures right now and maybe when my head is not so much in a fog I'll tell the whole story.

Brittany and Ili and Wyatt an awesome family

2010-05-05T17:09:00.001-07:00

While in Okc Steve and I made some awesome awesome friends we just took to each other right away there names are Brittany and Ili . Brittany and Ili had there first baby about 10 days ago an adorable little guy named Wyatt. I learned this morning that little Wyatt has passed away, my heart breaks for our friends. I was trying to think of any wisdom I could give having had a baby pass but there isn't anything one can really do but get on his or her knees and pray to our kind and loving Heavenly Father. Brittany and Ili we love you guys and are so happy we were able to get to know your little man through pictures and know that in the upcoming years we are here for you whenever.

Nesting project

2010-04-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sophia was so kind to take over the dishes so I could work
on my project

The beginning, lots of sanding. Steve took pity on me and bought

me an electrical sander what a guy huh?

I used Glidden latex paint in the color Hint of yellow I can

see the yellow but Steve says cream oh well I like it.

Okay I think this is like the third coat of paint

Found a stencil and a shade of blue I liked

I originally wanted to find new pulls but that would have made the project to pricey so I settled on using the same pulls and painting them blue then after they were dry spraying them with a gloss protect ant.

How did I put the knobs on? with heavy duty adhesive spray of

course. I was to lazy to find the actual hardware.

The finished project
each dresser cost 15 dollars and I figured the total to be 65 dollars to do them both. It was a fun project a lot of work but I think it was worth it.

Grandpa Wally

2010-04-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

I'm adopted most of you know that and on my biological dad's side I had a Grandpa named Wally, who recently passed away, I never really got to know him but two things stand out to me the most about him, his smile I loved it, and he was a teaser who dosen't love that? I can't help but smile when I think of him wish I had been able to visit once more to introduce him to Sophia I have a feeling she would have adored him :) I'll miss you grandpa but will be smiling always when I think of you.

Easter and then some

2010-04-11T04:45:00.000-07:00

The two lovelies in new Easter P.J.'s and the Easter bunny
was thoughtful enough to bring them their own bunnies.

They are twins .

The only egg Sophie will eat is one filled with candy.

Found egg drooped egg protected candy from other

children.

Steve stealing candy from babies "oh," he says, "whatever, I'm helping the baby find candy."

Group picture

Fun Easter present sent from Grandma Bonnie

I love baby falls asleep eating pictures.

My brother Spencer use to do it all the time especially

when we ate pea split soup.

Blah. 26 more days till we meet baby!

The end product of mustache March, till next year.yay.

4th birthday

2010-03-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

This week we celebrated Robbies fourth birthday, we had a brownie cake and we have made it a tradition to buy one gift for the girls to share we try to buy something that we think Robs might have enjoyed playing with too. It was a good experience we talked about how we are an eternal family and that even though Robbies not with us at this very moment we can all be together again as a family. Even though Robs has been gone for almost four years we can still feel the gap , whenever I look at Stevie playing the Wii by herself I know he would be right there by her maybe arguing over who gets to be Mario and who's better at beating Bowser. I see Steve trying to teach him how to play basketball and helping him learn how to tease his mom and sisters. I see him around playing with Sophie teaching her to get into trouble. I see where he should be sitting when we read stories at night and sometimes it makes me smile and sometimes my heart hurts. I have so much to be thankful for and I love that I have two healthy happy girls to remind me of that little boy.

Camping at Okuma

2010-03-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

We were able to go camping with some friends of ours. It
was a beautiful campsite the girls loved getting dirty
eating tinfoil dinners and smores they even enjoyed
sleeping in a tent.

Sophs and Steve, if I was a better photographer I would

have gotten the ocean in the picture.

Look how blue the water is! I think it's the same color as

her eyes.

I have no idea what this little hut type thing is but

Steve said pose so we posed. I'm looking at Stevie and

her legs look so long I can't believe how fast time

flies.

Stevie fell fast asleep on the drive home, she played hard

and she got to stay up untill ten the night before running

around with the other kids and stuffing her face with

chcolate and marshmellows Yay for being dirty and smelling like fire. It took me three

days to get the campfire smell out of my hair.

This little girl refused to sleep on the way home at least

she kept herself entertained by playing peekaboo

Still mustache March

I still think he's cute.

Steve wanted a scooter but I said I wanted him going back to the states in one piece so no scooter sorry Steve

Almost home, see the palm trees?

Driving in Japan has been a bit of a stressful thing for

me Steve adapted pretty quickly I'm more of a I'd like

to stay alive driver.

Stevie's school work I love what it says , see the big blue

wall she told me it's a tusnami ( she pronounces it as

salami) I think they must have done this assignment

the tsunami warning we had. She gets so nervous

about things sometimes I think Steve and I have been

to honest about things maybe we need to start

sugarcoating more ?

I leave you with a chocolate pudding shot.

Have you seen these?

2010-03-03T02:39:00.000-08:00

This is really cute can you read what it says?
Well just in case you can't it says I want to be a zookeeper
Stevie Jensen. She is doing really well in school were
very proud of her.

Don't mind my glazed expression. Just look at the belly.

One thing I've noticed about my body when pregnant

is that if one part grows the others all want to grow

with it.

Here he or she is, we meet in 9 more weeks!!

My smart husband helping me make our super cheap but

chic headboard. This is the template. Then we used all the cardboard around our home

Made sure it would stand on it's own

Found some awesome fabric that we can drap over the top and I chose to just place it on the foor behind our heads but I have seen one placed in a silk screen and hung on the wall which looked great too so maybe that's a future plan.

Took a closer picture so you can see the pattern of

the fabric a little better. I love it!

What baby has never tasted diaper cream?

This is got to be one of the cutest babies who has

eaten it. Can you see the little freckles?

Love is .....

2010-02-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

Love is ... Stevie's smiles

Love is.. Sophia's kisses

Love is sharing my life with these two

Here have some randomness

2010-01-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Love these guys, they are suppose to be guardians against
evil spirits. Here's what I do when she does

this. ( the red stuff on my face a self heating mask)
Christmas morning!!

Stevie's really excited to open those gifts.

At the park.

Sophia and her friend Mike eating kimchee.

Tea party at grandma Bonnie's

25 cents equals

Lot's of laughs

Bye

Earthquake

2010-01-17T02:46:00.000-08:00

The day after the big earthquake in Haiti, Okinawa had one but, it was nothing compared to Haiti thank goodness! It was however big to me our house shook, the lights swayed, the glass rattled and my heart was beating out of my chest. Wow! Well being the paranoid person I am I looked up a few things on earthquake safety I read two articles both had different advice but I felt like they were basically saying Hope for the best that's all you can do. I'm wondering am I the only one that hates feeling powerless? I think that's the reason I am scared of flying is I have no control over that plane if it goes down um well that's it. As I get older I'm trying to let go and just have a little faith in God. It's not easy.

My heart goes out to the people in Haiti, I wish and pray that the recovery teams will be able to locate all those still alive trapped underneath rubble. I am proud of my country for stepping in to help those in need this is one reason why I love my country.

Roles and Goals

2010-01-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

Last night I was able to go to a Relief society activity ( Relief society is an organization for all women over 18 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints) We talked about our roles as women and the goals we have for those roles. It was very interesting to me because I never put the two together, for example one of my roles is being a mom and some of my goals for that role is I want to be open, honest, kind, devoted and patient when my kids are starting their own family I hope they look back and see those things. Anyway it gives you something to think about right? Happy new year and success with all your goals and roles this year!!

Christmas part two

2010-01-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Sophia with Great Grandma Honey.

Steve trying on Phillips new shiny pants

and there's the back :)

Yum! Pretty sure Sophie gained some weight at

Grandma Bonnie's house.

Blue looks good on you.

This is Philip he sleeps a total of fours hours a night

ahh to be 18 again.

Me in my new Pj's, gotta love new pajamas.

Grandma Bonnie reading to the girls and it looks like I

caught Stevie picking her nose.

Steve and his adorable big sister Robbin.

Game on. Seth won can you believe it? I still can't.

Told you Chris is never far from a grandkid.

Clara and Sophia became friends despite cavemen

instincts.

This picture makes me smile :)

So does this one, I have a picture of Stevie in this same hat when she was about two I can't believe how much they look alike.

Home for the Holidays part one

2010-01-03T16:03:00.001-08:00

On the way to Wyoming to meet up with the Jensen clan

The girls just chillin

Was introduced to a new nephew, this is little Sam he
is adorable!

Chris is never far from a computer but he's also never very

far from the grandkids, they love him.

When at Yellowstone you have to see a bear

and Wolves. The kids loved it.

Cousins Clara and Makayla.

This is the portion size Sophia expects at every meal :)

Meal time at the condo yay for dishwashers!

Uncle Curtis hanging with the monkeys.

Our favorite free place to visit in Utah, The Bean Museam!

Stevie loves all the dead animals and I think Sophia will fall
into swing.

What's Christmas without a hug from Santa? What's

even better a hug from Santa and Mrs. Claus at Costco

yay!!!

See you soon!

2009-12-06T03:28:00.000-08:00

Off to see the family will post pictures soon :)

Little bits

2009-11-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Today is Thanksgiving, we decided to walk to MacDonald's
for breakfast .

No we didn't order the hot dog with eggs were not that

cool maybe someday.

It will be three years tomorrow since Robbie passed

away can't believe how fast time has flown since that day.

Can't help but wonder how he would fit in our crazy family

and in between two girls yikes. We love and miss our Robs

but one day will all be together again and that knowledge

helps us through our hard days .

Here is Steve, he is an awesome dad and a

great husband. He's also very , very cute.

Stevie, is thankful for Mario and school and

she is very excited to see all her grandparents and aunts

and uncles soon.

Princess Soph, soph is our resident doll. I honestly believe

that she knows how heart broken we all were before she came

she is such a love and she has just helped as all so much.

Although she can be quite a drama queen at times going to

have to nip that in the bud soon.

It's so nice to be apart of a family and our family is such a strong and crazy little bunch I have no worries that the next little Jensen will fit in smashingly the ultra sound I had at 12 weeks should a little bean that was moving everywhere so pretty sure he or she will fit in with this crazy lot. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Coco Curry house

2009-11-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

Steve and I went on a date, we ate YUMMY
cheese nan

Then ordered delicious curry with mounds of white rice

Steve got chicken-cuts curry and I got veggie curry.

It's so nice to eat without any kids.

My husband who I adore even when he refuses to pose

for a picture.

SOOO good but don't take my word for it come visit and

you to may partake :)

One of our beautiful children who we were so happy to see

after a wonderful date.

2009-11-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

Infertility

2009-11-06T04:28:00.000-08:00

I don't understand why some women struggle with infertility and others do not. I look at my own mom and wonder why? Nina's a wonderful person someone who was responsible a great healer and protector yet she had to adopt her children from women who were irresponsible, immature and selfish. For my own selfish reason's I'm grateful that they chose to adopt children, and that because of their choice I came to have a life filled with love and hope. I thought when I got married I would have the same problems as my mom so I was pretty surprised when we found out we were expecting Stevie and since then I have taken it for granted. It's something that shouldn't be taken for granted and as I see people I grew up with or know struggling with it I am ashamed of complaing about being pregnant or complaining about a child who's been keeping me up. I know that I am blessed with the family I have been given, I know that we are all blessed and all struggling with diffrent things. All we have to do is be there for someone who is going through the low points to see how much we are blessed.

Costume mania

2009-11-03T03:22:00.000-08:00

This girl is so awesome, no princess here.

Easiest costume ever a tired pregnant Gypsy. Honestly how
am I looking can you tell this is my fourth kid?
Once again awesome.
The mullet is trying to eat Sophia
Poor kid her dad kept making her put on silly costumes

Like this one which Steve found particularly amusing
because of the
monkey butt.

Well we got a huge load of candy no razor blades or narcotics so all in all a good year. Here's to the upcoming Holiday season and all the weight to gain.

Wig Friday

2009-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Steve's Mom sent us a box of Halloween
Goodies, one of which is this awesome wig.

so of course we all had to try it on

and of course

we ALL looked stunning

Here is our first piece of Japanese art also I

wanted a picture of me looking normal before I blow up
again.

Thirsy? why here's a vending machine.

The best looking manhole cover I have ever seen.

Princess Peach

2009-10-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

can you see her Mario mustache?

number 9 kicks the ball at least once a game but finds more enjoyment
lying in the grass.
will keep her.

Happy Birthday Stevie!!!! Your dad and I can't believe that you are 6 ,has it really been that long since we brought you home from the Payson hostpital ? We were so scared really we thought the nurses and doctors were crazy to let us walk out of there with you. Dad and I always say you were the one who got us to the temple and that was the happiest day of my life. Sometimes you drive me crazy and other times, time with you gets squashed because of Sophia's needs but you should know you are a great kid, you are going to go far. Stevie you will be an awesome leader you are already a great sister even when Soph's recks your toys. We love you so much even when all you talk about is Mario super brothers. Love love love you!!!

Goodbye Old Friend

2009-09-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Diet drinks oh how you have been my constant companion since highschool but it's time to finally say goodbye. This will be no small task for me when they say a person's body is half water mine has been made up of diet coke. My adrenal glands need a vacation and the wallet say's no way . Will always have the memories of going to cheveron with Heather and getting fountain drinks in the wee hours of the morning or Denny's when all I could afford was a diet coke. I won't forget the way the bubbles tickle my throat on the way down but I must be strong. Goodbye old friend

Picture post

2009-09-16T18:32:00.001-07:00

Sophia hates hats

First day of school!!!!

Wago Family land

Party !!!

Lay off me I'm starving

A decent picture of us ( slowly I lose the chipmunk cheeks)

Steve figured out how to get her to walk :)

What to do ?

2009-09-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

(do you see the dino in the back? 75% off woot woot)

I turned 26 last Sunday (yay always getting closer to 30) I have since entering my 20's tried to do some kind of goal just one for that year. One year I read the Book of Mormon another year I got a hold of all of my siblings on their birthday with a card or a phone call (which was no small feat but totally worth it) I can't think of anything for this year, which really bothers me . I feel that I need to always be doing something, learning something new but nothing inspires me right now. What? you say, your in Japan learn the language see the sights these are all things I will do but I don't feel that they are goals, something I can look back on and say I did that. I want a personal accomplishment. I could use some inspiration do you have some to spare?

Soph Soph

2009-09-05T23:48:00.000-07:00

Once a upon a time there was a silly family who loved
each other and loved life they decided they wanted to
add to all the love and laughter so they decided to have
a baby. Pretty soon they were all dreaming of what their
baby would be like.
Mom said our baby will be a good sleeper.

and Happy!!!

Stevie said my baby will make me laugh and
make lots of messes.

Dad said my baby will laugh at my jokes

and I know it will be a boy so he will watch sports with

me!!

Our baby will be loved by lots of grandmas,
grandpas, cousins, uncles and aunts
and lots of old Japanese women.

Our baby finally came and she was just what
Stevie wanted someone to make messes and makes her
laugh till tears come out.

The baby was just what mom wanted a great sleeper and

cuddlier then she had hoped. The baby was also what dad

wanted, someone who laughed at all his jokes and who
will watch TV with him.

Most of all Soph you were just what this family
needed. We might have wanted a boy a first but
so glad God was in charge instead of us. You have
helped build the bridge over the hole in our hearts. Happy 1st
birthday Soph soph!!!!!!!!

The jokes on me

2009-08-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

Come to find out that this Kanji is only half of the word I wanted I guess when you come to Japan they can tell you these thing. Yay for me :)

Friends????

2009-08-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

Okay,this is a pity post so reader beware.

We moved in 07 to Florida then summer 08 we were in Okc then spring 09 we have the awesome opportunity to move to Japan love it!! I'm tired of trying to make friends. Thats it I'm tired of it I'm tired of people making snap judgements of me sizing me up I hate this song and dance. I'm lazy I guess I miss people I clicked with just haven't found it here yet. Life is good just miss a little female friend time.

Club Med

2009-08-12T03:49:00.001-07:00

Are your children screaming at you and tearing your
walls out of boredom?

Here's the solution fill the front entry way of your home

with water

Next sit back and watch them eat soap bubbles

and fight over toys.

Bonus your floor gets cleaned with

out any real effort!!!!

Goodnight

2009-08-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

Sundays we love to take walks right as the sun is setting there is usually a nice breeze coming off the water and if we time the walks right Sophia goes asleep for the night :)

10 + 18 =28

2009-08-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

Guess who's 28 ? and shows no signs of the Abm

gut.

My prep work for an awesome ice cream birthday cake

yummy brown chocolate things

the finished product a success

Here is a fat little child on my counter
this little dumpling can officially stand by herself .

and here is the other one who is so proud of the

goatee she has drawn on her face.

Is there trouble brewing ahead I'm sure there is but

I'm sure it will be loads of fun so I'm in :)

Wish we could share these moments with the people we love but for now will just say

Wish you were here!!!!

Why I love the dollar store

2009-07-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

I bought these plates at a local dollar store,super glued picture hangers on the back let it dry then hung them up. I love the color blue so that was my only criteria for the plates , next time i might try red. What do you think?

Objects to Objectify

2009-07-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

Two women who won't be objectified

Japan is a wonderful place there is so much to see and do. I love to go shopping and see all the bizzare things for sale what I don't wanna see is the porn. Porn is everywhere and it's not at all discreetly displayed. Okay so I know there is porn everywhere so avoid it right? I do but what really makes me mad is walking through a store with toys seeing a dad and his like 10 year old son looking at porn and laughing pointing at the pictures right next to Stevie. I was very, very mad had I know any Japanese angry words I would have let it loose on that disgusting man. I cannot believe he was allowing his son to look at porn. Sir, thank you for teaching your son to see women as objects I think it's great you want your son to see that all women easily spread thier legs and that women want to be disrespected and abused, thank you so much for being such a great father I applud your fabulous efforts.

Any way I don't think my spell checker is working but I don't think anyone will be surprised at my abuse of the English language.

Okinawan adventures

2009-07-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

Stevie at the entrance of the local zooOne of the many wild animals we encountered (seriously)

Stevie and Jayden chilling at the children's museum

Wall art at the museum. Wouldn't that be fun to have on a kids wall or a playroom? I really like that.

Sophs and I being cool at Medea point

A toilet.

My artsy photo. I thought this would great as like a wall stencil just on one wall, maybe a bathroom or dining area? I thought the leaves looked like stars very cool.

Stevie feeding ELEPHANTS can you believe how brave this chick is?

North korea

2009-06-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

Lately I haven't liked North Korea I must admit I've never been fond of the place or their leader but now living rather uncomfortably close to them I worry a little more about things like nuclear war a little more. North Korea, Steve doesn't need to keep working unholy hours. I understand that you are putting on a big show to ensure that your next leader (who's only 26 and likes to drink, is stubborn and very physically fit or so his personal sushi chef says) has success but all this threatening and bullying makes me think that the race horse you picked will come in last. Why can't tyrants see their downfall, is it because they have to much pride? I don't understand these men why do they let their people starve, why do they kill their own people I'm talking to you Iran. I thank God that I found a good guy, I also want to give thanks to Mark and Levi and their families. Lets all hope and pray that nothing happens with North Korea.

Outside my front door.

2009-06-14T04:11:00.000-07:00

Our Home ! We have the bottom floor but we have a room upstairs you can see our chairs on the balcony.
A womens clothing shop, I love the name but not the clothes.

I got these girls to pose for me while they were taking a smoke break.

The pirate park !!

A shi shi dog. These things are everywhere they are suppose to bring good luck.

Araha beach, can you see the ferris wheel in the background?

Stain glass archway we walk under on our way into town.

Canal that leads to the ocean, above the canal is the stainglass walkway.

We've been in Japan for two months now and it's feeling more like home but I've tried to keep in mind home is anywhere Steve and Stevie and Sophia are but at times it's been a struggle for me. Stevie is being so difficult lately I figured she was lonely so I got a job watching two little girls for the summer so far so crazy I don't know what I was thinking but it's only for the summer and with the extra money I hired a HOUSECLEANER whoooooo !!

Living overseas has it's advantages and a cheap housekeeper is one, second is extra money for military spouses to go to college which is what I will be doing this fall so wish me luck.

zip line vs. stevie

2009-05-27T03:13:00.000-07:00

Stevie is a fearless little monkey!!! This little girl amazes me she gets a new bruise everyday and never complains or cries I expect that she will be aquiring a lot of road rash as she has taken up skateboarding. I love this little girl although her stubborness is getting a little more pronounced everyday and would I be a bad mother if I said I'm a little excited for all day kindergarten this fall?

Churaumi Aquarium/a wordless post

2009-05-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Florida

2009-05-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

It must be because we live by a beach but lately I have been thinking about our time in Florida, I only have positive memories which is weird cause I was a train wreck when we lived there. I keep wishing I could go back and be the me I am now I hope that makes sense. I have to keep reminding myself that the knowledge I gained there is helping me here so it was good for me to struggle. I keep thinking about the great friends I made there and how thankful I am that they took me in and taught me new things new perspectives they gave me much needed confidence. I hope someday that we get stationed together again but for now I have really good memories and a very grateful heart. I am happy to be here and am trying to be brave I want to wake up each morning and think of all the new possibilites not dwell on the diapers and the cleaning. This is life and I want to live it and I finally realized that I need to do more then pass the time with only the mundane things I think I hope that I'm teaching my girls a valuable lesson with this perspective. Were good, life is good and tomrrow will be great

Lots of diffrent subjects

2009-05-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

Look she's smiling yay!! Sophia is our resident drama queen so all of her subjects are happy when she is.

This is where she sleeps at night ;)

This is Steve's favorite place to be, it is a local restaurant that lets you cook all the meat you can eat right at your very own table , I'll admit that it's kinda of neat but I guess I find it annoying to pay someone so I can cook my own food, am I crazy?

Our lovely blue bathroom, urinal included!

More pictures to come and lots more grammatical errors my apologies.

Life in the sun

2009-05-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

part of the entrance to the tatami room, love it !

closet door in our new home I love the trees!

Part of the front gate

The view from my window

Part of the surrounding city plus those concrete things are a part of

sea wall.

outside my window :)

Here are some pictures, were doing good if you want our telephone number or address let me know. uh sorry these pics are so random our computer is a piece and I'm tired :)

Okinawa

2009-04-27T22:56:00.000-07:00

Hey no pics yet just a quick little update. We got here on the 17th after a very miserable 19 hour flight with two kids who did a pretty good job behaving so that was awesome but sorry not coming home for at least a year and not ever making that trip with out steve. We found a duplex that has some american aspects as well as Japanese I have already had three women try and take off with sophia I'm going to start taking pictures of that it's pretty funny anyway lots of pictures soon we miss everyone !

Tattoo

2009-03-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

After Robbie's death I wanted something of him close to me all the time, I thought a necklace or a picture in my wallet but that did not feel permanent to me so I started thinking about getting a tattoo and I have always pushed the thought out of my mind simply because I know the Prophet has asked us to refrain from getting tattoos and the Prophet is always right, this post is in no means a justification I only wish to clear up why I decided to get one. I wanted to honor my son and his part in our family, I want to be asked occasionally who Robbie is to keep him alive that way and for me this is a little more closure. Thanks for understanding!

Paper anyone?

2009-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

YUMMY!!

close or spaced apart?

2009-03-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

look at me manhandling my baby :)

Steve and I know we have one more person to add to our family and we are wondering do we wait like a year or two before we start trying again or should we just take the crazy plunge and go for baby #4? I'm not worried about the financial aspect of another person we are blessed that Steve has a great job, I'm also not worried about my body not being ready to go through another pregnancy yet I'm more concerned about the emotional and mental well being of the family if we decided to have another one so soon. What do you think?

Traveling Circus

2009-02-28T21:59:00.000-08:00

this is in Idaho can you believe it?

Faith teaching stevie to drive

Stevie and cousin Faith

Blurry pic of Uncle Mark and soph

Sophia and aunt Briana

The deer at Robbins home

Oh Sophia loves her cousins Len and George!

Hey here are pictures of our fabulous trip to the West coast. The girls and I had lots of fun visiting family and I fell in love with my new gps thing.

Why Stevie is so cool

2009-02-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Stevie is so cool okay so last year when we asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up she told us she wanted to be a garbage man which how many kids say that? (okay her dad wanted that one too) but then for the last couple of months she has wanted to be a horse jockey uh though when she says jockey it sounds like junkie so we have had to explain to people but how cool is that and now she wants to be one of those people that guide the airplanes out to the runway she decided on that vocation after our plane flight home last night. I just love that she doesn't
have the usual run of the mill job answers ok ok maybe i'm biased about how cool she is oh by the way while writing this she lost her first tooth!

It's Official, maybe

2009-02-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

Okay everyone were suppose to be outta Oklahoma and at our new island home by march31!! so we will be taking leave a week before that and will be in utah so anyone who wants us to come by and say goodbye let me know !!

ICE

2009-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

I experienced something new today an ice storm, I might have been through one as a kid in Illinois but I don't reamember so anyway during an ice storm the whole state shuts down including the airforce base so Steve has the day off tomrrow, yeah!!! Outside is like a big giant ice rink fun and scary at the same time. It's nice to have days where you lay around with each other eat yummy food and just play. The girls (i love saying that) are doing good both are growing so fast! Stevie enjoys singing to us in Spanish and is still very much our social butterfly, Sophia just had her 4 month checkup where we learned she is exactly 2 feet tall and weighs 14 pounds 10 ounces, she is just learning to hold on to her little chew toys to play with and really lights up when her daddy is talking to her. Steve is still in training and were both wondering if it will ever end? I don't know how he puts up with the endless paper work and all the schedule changes uggg!! He is great and the last six years with him have been fun and he's given me so much I am a lucky girl. Anyway just thought I would ramble and let those who we miss know whats going on with us hope all is well with you and your families!

Growth

2009-01-16T23:06:00.000-08:00

Only 3 weeks to go

Love at first sight!!

Sophia has good looking family

Yeah he's wrapped around her pinky

Same sense of humor as steve

Christmas

Beautiful

Cats are disugusting

2009-01-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

This has been sitting on my downstairs neighbors windowsill for two months!!!

It use to be a smaller pile but it keeps getting bigger

Maybe this is an obvious answer to some of you do you think I should let the guy know it's there or should I just wait to see how long it takes him to find it? YUCK!

Shout out from OKC

2009-01-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

This is our best attempt at a family picture sorry folks.

Beautiful Utah. This was taken while driving through spanish fk.canyon

Stevie !! I can't get her to pose anymore.

Sophie in a doll stroller, she's our little doll!

Merry Christmas from the Jensens!!!

2008-12-01T08:55:00.001-08:00

Merry christmas

2008-12-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Well were off to Utah for the month so I don't plan on posting anything for awhile so here it is, Merry Christmas!!

Missing you

2008-11-25T06:12:00.000-08:00

Hey Robs, not much to say that you don't know, we love and miss you it will be the same every year until we are reunited. I am thankful for the time spent with you and I am thankful for the lessons I'm learning from your death. I am so thankful for Sophie and the healing she has brought to the family. Robbie I hope when you look down from where ever you are that you can be proud of your family.

Stevie's favorite letter

2008-11-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

Stevie told me today that her favorite letter of the alphabet is the letter P, why I asked ? because poop starts with p. I don't even want to know what Freud would say.

creepy propaganda

2008-11-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

Steve and I took Stevie and her friend to toys r us tonite and as we are making are way through the gizzilion isles of toys we stumble on to the dolls and there is particular doll that when you walk past it's sensor goes off and it coos at you but if you pay attention to the coos the doll says Islam is the light !! Steve and I had to listen to the doll a couple more times just to make sure we weren't hearing things, another lady in the isle told us that there was a story on the news about the dolls and how they were all suppose to be taken off the shelves but I guess they forgot to do that here in Oklahoma. I wish I could think of a witty when to end this post so I'll let you come up with one

Adventure in OKC

2008-11-08T18:53:00.001-08:00

The Oklahoma zoo is awesome!!! We went in September but I'm lazy and didn't get around to posting till now. It's a big zoo the kind of place you can spend the whole day just wandering around, it has a lot of diffrent exhibits and the weather was perfect we loved it and we plan to go again.

california seals

Meekrats, very cute!!

Red and black and slimey green

2008-11-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween or happy onset to diabetes, wow lots of candy ! Hope you all had a horrific halloween, we had
fun dressing up and you all can see what a fat vampire I make and my husband is skinny vampire (ugg he lost

all his pregnancy weight alot faster then me) and we have skeletor and a beautiful princess/fairy. Great times!

why am I still awake?

2008-10-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hey!!! love this whole newborn thing wow what a rush!!!!!! Sophie is a need to be by you all the time baby so she likes to be by steve or I all the time including all the hours of the night so in my delrious state do I care that I have puke on my bra no am I going to change it noway I don't want to do anymore laundry then the 3 loads that are on my couch do I cringe that I 'm eating m&ms at midnight ? no because I need the instant sugar rush to keep myself from falling over and hey there dark chocolate m&ms so it's all good right? don't tell me cause I want to be in denial. Do I feel bad that stevie got up today and ate frostinig for breakfast cause her mom and dad couldnt drag themselves out of bed yes will it happen again tomrrow yup (note to self buy sugar free frosting) I like where were at though I laugh more then cry so I guess thats a good thing I'm glad and grateful that Steve is such a great guy and has gotten me going to the gym again he's very supportive don't know how I got so lucky thanks for reading my rant

just pictures

2008-10-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

sophia is almost 11 pounds people and I say power to the breast cause it is best!!!