A Jensen tradition....

The Jensen family has been going to Sun Valley since about 1976. It's hard to believe that my kids have been making the same memories as I did over 30yrs ago. Hiking, river rafting, horseback riding, Penny Lake, Red Fish Lake, Sun Valley Lodge, the Sunday brunch...the list goes on. Of course, over the years new memories and experiences have been added. We go up almost yearly and always in the spring/summer months. We headed up last weekend for a classic Jensen get-together. For the last couple years, my mom and dad have put together an evening devoted to family and games. They put together great stories and memories about our g'parents and other ancestors. Love that we get to learn about and remember them.

A new highlight this year was the beautiful, new YMCA in Ketchem. The kids loved the pool, climbing walls and hang-out rooms for the babies, kids and teens.

We also celebrated Megan's 30th birthday. You're so old Megan. ;)

We took a quick hike up the canyon. For the kids, half the focus of the hike was finding (and fighting over) the perfect walking stick. Jenna was so content riding on Uncle Ron's shoulders. Cracked me up to look over to see her with her face upward and eyes closed enjoying the sun and breeze on her face.

The kids had a great time flying airplanes with PaPa on the big hill behind the Big Wood condo (the same one we've been going to for +30yrs!)

We also enjoyed a beautiful horseback ride near Red Fish Lake. Amazing how differently an older body takes the ride...man, my knees and rear were sore!

A Sun Valley trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to Red Fish Lake. The log lodge and cabins remind of the old "Parent Trap" movie. We love having a picnic lunch, digging in the sand, paddle boats, playing catch, Baci ball, soccer etc on the front lawn...all with the gorgeous backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains.

A hot dog roast and s'more session are usually on the schedule as well. This year he had a great time watching the guys play baseball. AND...the girls even

jumped in to hit a few balls. :)

THANK YOU so much Mom and Dad for making this wonderful trip possible. I appreciate all the time, effort and money that went into planning this trip. What wonderful memories! Love you!

In the neighborhood...

Last week, the kids and I were in Sandy near my Grandma and Grandpa Jensen's old home. They've both been gone for a couple of years now and I couldn't resist driving by. I wanted to see if the house was still the same color. My grandpa painted it a great shade of green... pea soup green that is. Well, the new owners have now painted it a lovely shade of caramel. It's amazing how easily a place can trigger so many memories. My Grandparents lived in this house for the last 20 years or so of their lives and most of my memories of them took place there. Here are just a few:

*Rhubarb pie

*chocolate chip cookies with zucchini...pulled out of the freezer in an old ice cream tub

*clogging in the backyard for G'ma, G'pa and Arva and Merrill

*the white candy dish

*watching 21 Jump Street in the basement during our Sunday night visits (just the kids...not the g'parents! lol)

*Grandma's old doll, framed in the living room

*The hallway with the multi photo frame with family pictures of all the Jensens

*Grandpa's office with all the bookshelves and old typewriter

*neatly tied bundles of mail, photos, coupons, etc with handwritten notes by my g'ma

I'm so glad we took the time to drive by...it was wonderful to fill my mind and heart with memories of them.

What's the business with the Strabismus?

So, we learned a couple new words at our house last week: Amblyopia and Strabismus.


Over the last several months, I had noticed Sarah's right eye wandering inward a bit when she would read or do homework. Next, came the failed vision screening letter from the school. We only have one person to blame for Sarah's eyes. We blame mom for her teeth, but the blame goes to Chad for this one. His "lazy eye" was corrected when he young with an awesome pair of thick glasses...the ones with the lovely bar across the top.

We've learned some very interesting things about the eye and Sarah's condition. She was pretty much legally blind in her right eye. Basically, the left eye was stronger and the brain stops using the right eye so that eye loses it ability to see (if I'm explaining this correctly!). Even more fascinating, Sarah has no depth perception. When given a 3-D test she was unable to see any of the dimensional objects. Luckily, with treatment, this should all be reversible. With Sarah's age and type of condition, we qualified to be part of a study. In this study, the treatment plan is to try to fix the sight with glasses only. Usually, this condition is treated with a patch. Not that it would be the horrible if she had to wear a patch, but we are glad she doesn't. The best part...free glasses! They will check-up on her and if there is no improvement, they will screen (or blur) the left lens. This would take the place of patching...again, no patching...a good thing.

Right now, the glasses are still very much a novelty. Something else to make Sarah look and act older. I love that she looks adorable...I hate that she keeps looking older. It's been exciting to watch her see things in a whole new way!

Monkey...Airplane...Soldier

Each year our kids take swimming lessons from the Guy family. For the last couple years, Josh and Andrew have made great strides in their swimming abilities. Sarah, well, she's been working more on the social aspect of swim lessons. This year, we decided to only enroll Andrew and Sarah. Neither one passed their level last year: Andrew did very well, but the end of level testing was very difficult and Sarah...she just talked her way through lessons last time.

This year was a different story. From the first day, I could see Sarah had stepped up her efforts. It was so exciting to watch. Andrew continued to do wonderfully as well. Sarah and Andrew were very aware of the testing day and both wanted to pass to the next level. Sarah did a fantastic job...swimming across the deep end unassisted and she even did her "monkey, airplane, soldier" or elementary backstroke. Yay! She passed her level. It was so cute to see her feel so good about herself.

Next was Andrew's turn. Since he is in a higher level, his requirements are much more demanding. He had to swim 2 (long) lenghts of the pool doing the front crawl, then tread water for 1 min. followed immediately by 1 length of the elementary backstroke. After a few minutes of rest, 1 length of the butterfly, 1 length of breast stroke, 1 min of a backfloat, finished with 2 lengths of the backcrawl. Very physically demanding! Well, Andrew only had 1/2 length to go to complete the requirement when he got sick and threw up at the side of the pool. I think he may have swallowed water and was just exhausted and nervous. He felt really embarassed and was very upset. Bless his heart, I felt so bad for him. He didn't want to get back in the pool, but I knew he'd regret not finishing his chance to pass his level. He agreed to try again when the class was over. I could tell he was even more nervous, but bravely entered the pool. He had to start the whole 2nd series again. He struggled, but kept pushing...I could tell on his face he was determined to finish. AND...HE DID! I was so very proud of him...so proud that he pushed himself so hard; mentally and physically. I love this picture that shows a big smile through his eyes that were teary just minutes earlier.

I loved seeing the pride and satisfaction they both felt when they succeeded. The next morning, Sarah held her certificate and happily said to Andrew, "I can't believe we did it! We passed our level!" Fabulous, fabulous job and big kudos to both Sarah and Andrew. I am so proud of you!

Up to no good...

I like projects, I really do, but at the moment I'm asking myself WHY? I think I'm a glutton for punishment or maybe I just like paint fumes? Whatever the case, I'm in the middle of a big mess. Yea, go ahead and laugh....I know you think I'm crazy and you're just glad you're not me right now. ;) Someday in the future and I've awaken from the paint fumes, I'll be done with this mess and I'll be sure to share the end result. Until then, I'll be painting away while Jenna stands at my feet repeatedly telling me, "you bad guy, you bad guy." (funny how seeing me with my face covered she makes that connection)

Well done boys...

This last Saturday, the boys had their Spring piano recital. They have both worked really hard...even though they don't always want to! Thank you boys. They had both of their songs memorized and didn't even seem nervous to be playing in front of everyone. Wonderful job Josh and Andrew! Just don't get too comfortable this summer...we will be starting up again in August.

Off track fun...

It's that time again. Time to try to entertain the kids while they are off track. Luckily, my mom came to the rescue. She called on Friday and wanted to meet at "The Living Aquarium" in Sandy. We had never been and the kids were excited to check it out. They loved seeing the jellyfish, the octopus and the shark. They even got to touch a stingray and some star fish. The kid had a wonderful time...thanks Grandma!

Family + food + flowers=

Memorial Day!

Well, this year, you also had to add in the rain. Even with that variable it was still a wonderful day! Chad and I had a nice low-key morning at home. Love those mornings. In the afternoon, we headed up to my parents house. We had a BBQ (eaten indoors!) and banana splits. Mmm...I haven't had a banana split in years. My mom even bought the banana boats from DQ...thanks mom for going to the extra effort. I received a personal garden tour from my dad. My dad loves working in his yard. As I've grown older with a yard of my own, I enjoy playing in the dirt a bit as well. It's fun to learn from him and even transplant a few plants from his yard. We headed down to the Kaysville cemetary to visit G'ma Ruth's grave. The kids loved carrying the flowers. They also loved reading names and dates on other headstones...wondering who these people were and what had happened to them. It's nice to have a day to reflect on the lives of those we love so dearly. I am so grateful for the heritage that is mine. I love and miss my g'parents and other family members dearly. I often reflect on the pieces for me and my life that are so much of who they were. From remembering my pioneer heritage, my love of art and even the way I load the dishwasher...all little pieces from them. I am grateful for these little reminders.

Said by Sarah...

Just moments ago as I was sitting at the computer, Sarah sat next to me. She said, "Sometimes it feels like I want to be a kid forever. I don't want to grow up." I remember having the exact same feelings when I was her age. I assured her that we would always have each other, even when she's grown up. I told her the best part of me growing up was having her (and my other kids). If I hadn't grown up I wouldn't have her. With that she said, "I love you, mom. I'm so glad I'm in your family." And I'm so glad I've grown up so I can have moments like these.

Happy Birthday SARAH!

Sarah couldn't wait to turn seven today. She was so "over" being six and knew that seven was just oh so much more cool. We do friend parties every other year and this year was her turn to celebrate with friends. After much deliberating, she decided on a garden party theme. The invitations were little seed packets with the info printed on them and filled with seeds (Nerds candy). Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate today, so indoors it was. The girls potted their own flower and painted a butterfly to put in their pot. They dug for bugs and worms in the garden (paper clips and rubber bands in a bowl of rice...blind folded). They also took turns unwrapping layers of wrapping paper with garden gloves and tools to reveal a little surprise (a "thank you" of sidewalk chalk). The girls ate finger sandwiches and flower cupcakes. I think Sarah had a wonderful time and really relished her day in spotlight! Mom had lots of fun putting this together, but will be going to bed early tonight! :)

(sorry about the lame photo placement...any tips? The layout options are so limited grrr..)

Sweet freedom for Josh's arm!

Yay! Josh got his cast off this morning. Aside from a dirty hand, peeling skin and a strange tan line his arm looks great! It was really cool to see the x-ray and see how the bone had healed. I was surprised how much of the bone re-growth you could see. Apparently it will take about 6mo for the bone to be completely healed. He has to wear a splint for the next couple weeks, but that's much better than the cast. He's anxious to get back to playing baseball....just no sliding into home!

Ode to Ang :)

How can I begin to say how great it was to have lunch with these friends yesterday? Friends are one of the best things in life and these girls are no exception! I haven't seen Angie (Graham) Hyde for 9 years. I squeezed her so tight when I saw her...I just didn't want to let go....I cant' stand the thought of too much time passing before I see her again. She looked as cute as ever....loved her shoes so much I had to take a picture. Don't you love them? Yea, thought you'd like to see them. ;) I'm sure that anyone that knows her would agree that she radiates a light and love for life like no other. To say I wish we could hangout more often is an understatement. From our singing days in "Silhouettes," to shopping at "Big John's," to snapping self-portraits yesterday, we can always pick up right where we've left off! Trish and Bridgette even came out to see Angie...we've all missed her so and didn't want to miss the chance to catch up. Sweet Bridgette came by even though her twins were asleep in the car. We sat in the parking lot and talked as long as Bridgette dared let her car and A/C run! Trish also made sure she got there in between Dr's appts and taking care of her beautiful new baby. I have to say I'm so grateful I got to see Trish as she is moving to Boise in 2 weeks. So thrilled for Glen's new job and that their house sold so quickly (7hrs in the this market? Amazing!). I love these girls (I guess we are women now?!) so much and I am so grateful they are part of my life!












(would you believe I forgot my camera? Gasp...I know! At least I had the camera phone!)

So exciting...

to watch and help with the wedding preparations for Chad's sister Tammi! We are all so thrilled for her and we can't wait to meet Shep. He sounds so wonderful and we are so glad they've found each other! She will be coming to Utah for a shower in June (she lives in CA). It was fun to make these invitations for her shower...I don't get to play with paper nearly often as I used to. My sister, Heather took the most amazing engagement photos and I couldn't resist using one on the invitations. I can't wait to celebrate with Tammi when she comes out for the shower!

Potty Limbo

We are right in the middle of potty h*e double hockey sticks, umm, I mean limbo. I bet you are all jealous aren't you. Good times. The Medeiros children seem to have the late potty-training gene. All my kids have been 3...maybe I'm doing something wrong? Maybe they just hate giving up the feeling of a wet heavy diaper? Who knows. I broke down and bought the Dora potty. I thought that Jenna might enjoying relieving herself in front of the TV. We've had minimal success....which is actually a lot of success considering I had never gotten her to "go" on the big potty. Last week she pee'd for the very first time on the potty (Dora, not big one). There was much jumping up and down. I promised her we would go get a treat. She pee'd her pants by the time we got to store. Oh well. I obviously missed the mother's class on potty training. Anyone still have their notes they want to share? Send any suggestions and good luck our way. We won't be going far...not in panties at least!

Did I mention I love Spring?

The new blossoms and colors of Spring make me sooo happy! I walked into a store the other day and seeing all the spring colors just made me want to giggle with glee. Here are some blossoms from my cute miniture apple tree in my front yard. Hope they bring a smile to your face like they do mine.

Happy Birthday to our sweet Jenna!

I can't believe our baby is 3 today! (we won't mention that mom couldn't get the day straight and thought it was tomorrow) I can't imagine what our family would be like without Jenna(a little more quiet, yes). She is our little spitfire and is a very busy little girl. She easily keeps up with her big brothers and sister. At the moment, she loves "Little Einsteins," "Scooby Doo," "Goosebumps" (she has an affinity for scary movies, for real), cheese, salad, being outside, being loved and held by mom and dad (she's always been our little koala bear), putting on perfume and make-up. She's a tough little cookie and a pretty princess all rolled into one! We love you, Jenna!

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Love the one on the bottom right...

do you think she's done
with the camera?!

Josh rocked it at State!

Josh and his partner, Tyler, competed last Friday at the State Debate Tournament. They took 5th place! Overall, the negative teams out-debate the affirmative teams. Out of 18 teams on the neg side, 7 got perfect scores (including Josh). Josh and his partner actually beat the team that took 2nd on the affirmative side. So cool. I hadn't seen him debate yet and it was so fun to see him in action. They did a great job. I especially loved watching them whisper and take notes to prepare for rebuttals from the affirmative side. I had to chuckle at his 'rockin' photo...a little scary how easily he does that...guess he's taking after his dad! lol Congratulations Josh and Tyler!