Jensen Journals

Happy 12th Anniversary

2012-01-08T21:43:00.005-06:00

Today is our 12th anniversary!! Looking forward to many, many more years together :-)

Flying Monkeys

2012-01-04T08:14:00.008-06:00

Instead of two monkeys jumping on the bed, I had two monkeys flying off the bed!! They were giggling hysterically doing this. It's so cute as along with being brother and sister, they're BEST friends too!!

Baby Gift

2012-01-03T08:41:00.007-06:00

I made this album in November for my cousin who's expecting her first baby this month. Can't wait to see pictures of little Reid in here. Ahhh...babies are so sweet!!

Ballerina Girl

2011-09-20T16:30:00.004-05:00

Lily is finally a little ballerina girl. She's been wanting to take dance for the past 6 months and we signed up for a Mommy and Me class at Achieve Dance Academy for the fall. It's one class per week for an hour. She wasn't too thrilled with the tumbling part of the class but she loved the last 30 minutes when she got to put on her ballet shoes and dance.

I think we both are having a great time!!

Donuts

2011-08-21T15:37:00.002-05:00

I just felt the need to express myself today as it appears that I seem to be the only person in the world who does not like donuts. Yep, it's true...I do not like donuts and the very smell of donuts makes me gag!!!

I used to not be this way. Oh, I used to be able to eat long johns and cherry jelly filled donuts with no problem but then I became pregnant and for me pregnancy and donuts did not mix well. I thought after I had Lily my tastebuds and stomach would allow me to eat them again. Nope!!!

But here's the bad part...I'm in a family who loves donuts and ice cream. My 15 year old son is thrilled when we drive down the road and he sees the sign at Krispy Cream, especially when it says "hot donuts". Me...yuck!!!

All I'm asking is not to be judged (LOL).

First Day of School

2011-08-18T09:21:00.013-05:00

On August 10, school started and this year we have TWO in school!!

Will is a sophomore and Hayden started kindergarten. Both had great first days. So far so good starting this year!

Slip-N-Slide Fun

2011-08-15T08:33:00.010-05:00

We got a Slip-N-Slide this summer and it's been a big hit!! It's the perfect thing to do on a hot summer day.

Staycation "Vacation"

2011-08-02T19:51:00.005-05:00

Anders and I are both on vacation till Monday August 8. HOORAY!!! I'm tired and need a break.

Instead of going out of town we decided to stay home this year. We have things to do here at the house plus we figured we would find plenty of fun things to do here in town.

At dinner one night we made a list of what everyone would like to do. Some things are bowling, movies, swimming, Fired Up pottery studio, school shopping, putt-putt golf, ice cream shop...etc. For staying in town, we have a lot of things on our list.

Off to enjoy our Staycation!!

This Summer

2011-07-29T05:50:00.013-05:00

I realized the other day that I haven't updated my blog for the entire summer. GASP!! It's been a busy summer and we've done some fun things but for the most part I've spent my summer working and that's not good :-(

I work in HIM (Health Information Management) night shift at a local hospital. When I started in the position in January I was "told" what my hours and schedule would be. This is no longer the case...most of my weeks are 50 hour weeks working 5-6 days a week. We've been on mandatory overtime since the beginning of May with no end in sight and it's been hard. VERY HARD to do.

Since getting the diagnosis of Meniere's disease/Vertigo it's made it especially hard to do as when you get very tired it flares up and I've spent a lot of my summer vomiting, dizzy and in bed when not at work.

I scan charts 2-3 nights a week and the pages flipping across the screen make me nauseas and each night I scan I make sure I have a liner in my garbage can at work as at least once my head is going to be in it vomiting. It also doesn't help that the thermostat is set way too high within the department plus one woman I work with at night can't function unless she has the radio set at "blast your eardrums" on the country music station all night. (I'll leave out the details of her singing along with it too...LOL!!)

When asked during my 6 month evaluation if I had any concerns I casually mentioned these issues. The response given to me was buy a fan and maybe I need to get ear plugs or a headset. I almost laughed out loud. No wonder the turnover rate is so high for this area. I couldn't figure it out but now I totally understand. I got a glowing review and was told how much they valued me being there but I don't feel so valued. I feel miserable :-(

It all boils down to, I'm done. Stick a fork in me...done!! I'm going back to the ER working 3 days a week. Beginning August 21, I'll be an ER employee again. Thankfully, I've been asked to return since I've left the ER and the minute I hinted about coming back, I was welcomed with open arms. Ok...enough about work.

We have had a fun summer though. In June Tina, Tony and Matt came down and visited us for 5 days. That was really nice and the weather was good too. We've also done fun things around the house such as the Slip-N'-Slide and gone to the movie theatre.

Next week Anders and I are both taking some days off before school starts and we've got some activities planned too. Going to squeeze out the last few days of summer break doing good things!! The kids go back to school on August 10 and that's not too far away. I'll have a sophomore and and kindergarten student now.

We are alive here in the Jensen household and sorry for no posts for so long. Off to get this day starated as it's Friday and it WILL be a great day!!

Pre-K Graduation

2011-05-31T09:54:00.012-05:00

Hayden had his Pre-K graduation and it was SO cute!!

We had no idea that they would actually be wearing little caps and gowns and be called up to get their graduation diploma. They sang two songs and one had the macarena dance moves along with it. After the "ceremony" they had cake and punch for the graduates and family.

Now Hayden can't wait till August so he can go to Kindergarten.

Friends

2011-05-20T02:14:00.007-05:00

Sometimes friends know when you need this...

and this...

and a whole lot of this...

I have to say, I think this is the prettiest bouquet of flowers I've ever received. It is BEAUTIFUL, absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

Kelly, Bev, Amy, Cheryl and Jana...this has brightened my entire week. Thanks for being such thoughtful and kind friends.

Happy National Scrapbook Day!!!

2011-05-07T02:07:00.003-05:00

Vertigo

2011-05-05T16:19:00.008-05:00

Ok...I thought I would try to add a little humor to the past 10 days of miserable. Couldn't hurt, right??

Off and on, sometimes I get dizzy and feel my one eye twitch but usually it will go away or I think it's the beginning of a migraine and start "operation migraine prevention". Well, last week at work I got this feeling but it was much more intense. I was burning hot and so sweaty and then the darkness feeling came along. Next thing I knew I was on the floor with my old ER co-workers above me. Seems I passed out and hit my head in the process too. Oh Great!!

After being hooked up to every machine I think possible in the ER, passing out again when asked to stand plus vomiting in the CT machine I got the grand pleasure of becoming an inpatient on the 6th. floor for two days. I also go the lovely "Ruby Red Slippers Sign" posted on my door which meant I was a fall risk. So along with being a dizzy patient I now felt like a geriatric patient with the sign on my door.

I got to come home and day one a little better, next day better and on Friday...I felt a lot better. Time to enjoy the Royal Wedding!!

Saturday, with grand plans of scrapbooking and going out to eat, something started to go wrong AGAIN!! I was so dizzy again but this time burning up with a 102 fever. Sunday was a total blur of sweating, chills and dizziness.

Monday I was in with my family doctor and after being used again as a human pin cushion it was determined along with the vertigo I had a severe infection wrecking havoc with my body.

Tuesday and Wednesday came the lovely n/v/d (code for nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) I secretly wished for someone to come and put me out of my misery. I dropped my iphone behind the bed so I couldn't call or text someone to come and do it. I just hoped for some random burgler at that point.

For now I'm on FMLA till 5/16. I have to see an ENT and a physical therapist who specializes in Vertigo and balance issues.

I never really gave vertigo much thought. Years ago I saw the Alfred Hitchcock movie called "Vertigo" and it was creepy. Now that I have it...I still agree...it's creepy!!!

Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T11:35:00.010-05:00

Today was the Royal Wedding for William and Kate and I was one of the crazy ones who was up at 4:00 am to watch it live.

I remember seeing Charles and Diana get married 30 years ago. (I'm not stating how old I was as I'd be dating myself but I was little at the time) Myself and my cousin were staying with our grandparents in Vincennes, IN and our grandma woke us up in the middle of the night to watch and then she fixed us a traditional British breakfast. I was totally entranced as I didn't realize that actual Kings and Queens really existed.

Wish I could have been there to see them ride by but at least I can say I've been to London and seen the sights they were showing on tv today.

Growing

2011-04-25T09:46:00.004-05:00

Last week Lily had her 3-Year-Old Well Child pediatrician appointment. She's progressing well and there were no concerns.

We're completely potty trained and very rarely have accidents. Even now, on many mornings she wakes up dry, so it will be very soon and she will no longer have to wear potty pants at night.

She weighed 29 lbs and 4 oz which puts her at 32% on the growth chart. She's also 38inches tall and this makes her at 66% on the growth chart for her height.

We had issues with the scale...she cried again. Not sure why she's so afraid and doesn't want to stand on the scale. She was also very shy with the doctor and had to be examined with her sitting on my lap. Once we were done with the examine and leaving the doctor said bye to her in the hallway and she was all talkative then...LOL!!

iPad 2

2011-04-21T10:35:00.005-05:00

Ok...I normally don't get into "electronic gadgets" Give me the basics and I'm fine. I have an iPhone and in the beginning I didn't really want one till after I got it, and then I found out how much I really liked it.

The same with the iPad. I've played with them at Best Buy but it wasn't anything that I thought that I would want. Well, after playing with a few of my friends iPads...hmmm...well...peer pressure gave in and I wanted one. Bad part is there are hard to find but this Tuesday I became the owner of a white iPad 2 and I got a pink cover to go with it. Yes, pink!!! I think Lily is rubbing off on me. I find myself getting more items in pink.

Oh well...got to go play!! :-)

Tooth Brushing

2011-03-24T13:33:00.006-05:00

These two little monkeys can have fun doing anything, especially when they're together!! They were being silly and giggling while brushing their teeth.

The Girls

2011-02-20T19:32:00.003-06:00

Guess what we're working on?

2011-01-23T04:42:00.003-06:00

We're working on potty training!! This past month we've been at it full force and she's doing well. We still have accidents, but they're getting to be fewer.

We had Minnie Mouse panties but we went to TJ Maxx this week (love that store) and found some Hello Kitty ones plus a book about the Princess who's learning to go potty too. Very cute book!!

I hope very soon I can report that she's "graduated" to big girl panties all the time.

Me Pretty

2011-01-19T05:40:00.004-06:00

While I was getting ready, Lily decided to get ready too and put on some of my lipstick. After she did this she went to go show daddy and her brothers and was telling them "me pretty".

Project Life

2011-01-18T20:18:00.006-06:00

I am currently doing Project Life. I really like this concept where you take a photo a day and jot down a few sentences about everyday life on that day.

I really like doing this as it will be fun to look back at the end of 2011 and see what our life was like this year.

Project Life is an idea originated by Becky Higgins. I really like her scrapbooking style and her overall style too. Here's her website.

Lily

2011-01-11T20:46:00.000-06:00

Lily loves her new Disney Ariel doll.

Dancing In the Stars with Lily

2011-01-10T01:28:00.004-06:00

This weekend I was clearing off my memory cards in my cameras and came upon this little gem from November.

I like to watch Dancing With the Stars. I think it's fun to see the routines and costumes. It's one show that I will always DVR.

Hayden and Lily enjoy watching it too but instead of calling it Dancing with the Stars they call it Dancing in the Stars. LOL!! They like to dance together and maybe in the future we got a little brother/sister team going on but for now they jump around the living room and kitchen. It's so funny as Hayden tries to dip her and tells her to do this and that, to which I hear "ok Hey-hun".

On this day Hayden was at Pre-K so Lily had to dance alone. What's a girl to do?

First...go get your brother's knit hat and put it on your head.

Second...put on as many silly band bracelets you can find on one wrist.

Third...put on your pink tu-tu while still wearing your froggie jammies.

Fouth...dance and dance!!

Happy Anniversay

2011-01-09T07:30:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was our 11th. wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been married for 11 years. Time has gone SO quickly.

A lot has taken place over the past 11 years. When we first became a family it was just the three of us and Will was only 3 1/2 years old. We've had two more additions to our family with Hayden arriving in 2005 and Lily in 2008 and we've had two four legged family members arrive too. Fritz arrived in 2002 and Lucy has been with us 3 months. We've got to travel a lot too with trips to Denmark, Canada, Bahamas and several visits to Florida. Plus with the expansion of our family we moved into a larger house in 2009.

I can't wait to see what the years in the future will bring. With us together, we can deal with anything. I hope it's nothing but joy and happiness.

I'm so glad Anders that you "picked me" and for the record, I'd pick you all over again too. I love you so much!! Happy Anniversary honey :-)

Sick Mommy

2011-01-06T09:46:00.002-06:00

So far 2011 has brough illness to our household. Doesn't the virus bug know that the mommy isn't allowed to be sick? I guess the virus didn't get the memo so it decided to come and visit for a good 36 hours. What a miserable 36 hours it has been!!

Now let's hope the rest of the year is better in the health category.

End of 2010

2010-12-31T11:37:00.003-06:00

I can't believe that 2010 is now coming to an end!! This year has flown by and I have a feeling next year will be the same way.

2011 is going to be a good year I believe. Anders and I celebrate our 11 year wedding anniversary on January 8th. I start my new job at work on January 24 and on that day also Lily will be going to daycare for the first time. She's excited to go to school with Hayden, so I think this is going to be a fun experience for her. We are hoping to do some landscaping this year on the front yard and get some rooms painted. We are planning to go to Destin/Panama City, Florida this summer. Also, will be the summer assembly and family coming to visit us again.

The most important thing is we're all together and in good health. Looking forward to many more experiences and blessings in this new year.

Change

2010-12-22T18:01:00.003-06:00

Sometimes you need a change and not because something is bad, but because you want to try something else. This is what I've done in my work life.

I work nights weekend option in Patient Registration at a hospital emergency room. I've been there for 2 1/2 years and overall it's been an OK place to work considering you're in the emergency room and you see and hear everything plus it's open 365/7/24.

I saw a position that interested me and also knowing and like who would be my new co-workers, I decided to apply. Within 3 days of applying I got a phone call for an interview and then 5 days later I got a phone call from HR stating they wanted me to come. So as of 1/23 I'll be working in HIM (Health Information Management) and I'm excited about it. I'll still be at the hospital but now in a different area.

I'm glad that I took that chance and looking forward to the change.

Cricut Expression

2010-12-06T16:09:00.003-06:00

My Cricut Expression is in the house!!! I am so excited and can't wait to use it!!

I took a Cricut class to learn all the "ins and outs" of the machine a few weeks ago and one of the projects we did in the class was cut out vinyl to make a stencil for glass etching. Very easy and so cute too.

Momma is one happy person!!

Tangled

2010-11-30T22:27:00.007-06:00

It was cold, gloomy and drizzling rain. I wanted to do something fun on this cold day but wasn't sure what to do. Hayden didn't have pre-school today so he would be home with Lily and I. Then we saw the commercial for the Disney movie, Tangled.

I showed them the previews online and they both were very excited to go. Off we went to the early afternoon movie at Showplace Cinemas and I'm SO HAPPY we went!!

It was one of the cutest movies I've seen in a long time. Hayden and Lily loved it and I did too. They both were so cute sitting and eating their popcorn and giggling. About 40 minutes into it, Lily climbed onto my lap for the rest of the movie. (Even better...getting snuggle time in with my girl)

It was so cute hearing them tell Daddy and Will about the movie. You should hear a 2 1/2 year old try and say "Rapunzel"...hilarious!!!

This is one movie I will purchase when it comes out. On the fence about this movie...don't be...it was GREAT!!

Aebleskiver

2010-11-23T01:59:00.005-06:00

I'm in the mood to cook.

Also, I think my sweet husband is homesick for Denmark and his family living there. He even got out the Danish cookbook that was given to us when we got married and looked at recipes and talked about eating the different things growing up.

When we've visited Denmark I ate many things but many I'm not sure what I'm exactly eating. All I know it tastes good. One of the best things I've had is this dish that looks like meatloaf only to find out that it's liver pate. Plus the dark bread...mmmmmm...yum!! (Where's my sister-in-law when I need her to help me with the names of things....LOL!!)

One of the things that he likes are Aebleskiver. I have the pan that my mother-in-law brought to me from Denmark when she came to visit. I'm going to make these for him in the next few days. I need to make sure I have some Nutella on hand as this makes them extra yummy!!!

Hello

2010-11-11T14:03:00.004-06:00

It seems I start blogging again and no sooner than I get into it, I fall off the wagon again. At least I fell off for good reasons. I've been busy. This time of year it seems so much is going on. Last week and this week on Monday evening I've been taking a Cricut class at a new scrapbook store called Make Time To Create. Cute store with a bit of everything crafting.

Also, I've been cleaning and removing things that we don't need from the house. I don't like clutter. I've got it all in once spot now and now I need to sort it all out and donate some things, sell some things and toss some things.

Most of all I've just been having fun (plus a few nights of work too each week)

Fall in Southern Indiana

2010-10-25T21:48:00.007-05:00

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I LOVE it when the leaves change and the landscape is a sea of many colors.

A few weeks ago we went to French Lick to ride the train and it was so pretty on this sunny afternoon. I asked Anders to stop so I could take some pictures...beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

Hayden + Lucy = LOVE

2010-10-19T13:39:00.003-05:00

I think someone loves their new puppy a lot?

Fall -- Hello Kitty Style

2010-10-15T11:27:00.002-05:00

Craft Projects

2010-10-13T07:54:00.016-05:00

This past weekend I went to Montgomery, Indiana at the Gastof Amish Village for our annual girls weekend Croptoberfest. I had a wonderful time and it was great to see everyone. Only one person was missing but she had a good reason...a new sweet baby boy made his arrival a few weeks ago. The weather was perfect and the food was yummy too!!

I have been scrapbooking every week and was a little burnt out doing the traditional scrapbooking pages. I decided to do something "out-of-the-box" for me.

My first project was a little 6x6 album with pages that hold CD's. I backup my photos to an external hard drive but I also burn my photos to a CD. Now I've got a cute book to keep everything in. Once I put the CD in the envelope, I'll label on the front of the envelope with details of what's on the CD. On the cover it's a bit hard to see in the photos but I used my new iRock tool and embellished the cover with yellow, purple and orange rhinestones.

My next project was a cute flower photo album held together by ribbon. I decided to use pictures of Lily since it was a bit girlie and with it being a flower and Lily is a flower name. I still need to journal on the last page. The photos are on the day she turned 1 year old.

I think my projects turned out pretty cute!!

Pretty Girl

2010-10-12T21:39:00.003-05:00

Doesn't this little girl look cute in her new collar? Lily picked it for her so of course it had to be pink. It has a little dog bone charm with pink rhinestones on it. So cute!!

New Addition

2010-09-24T13:56:00.008-05:00

Here's pictures of our new addition to the Jensen family. Our little Boston Terrier.

We've decided to name her Lucy Bella Jensen. She was born on 8/10 and at the moment is only 6 1/2 weeks old and weighs 3 lbs. She's a little cuddler and is so funny. Isn't she the cutest little thing??

Winner...Winner...Chicken Dinner!!

2010-09-23T23:14:00.005-05:00

Ok, I didn't win a chicken dinner (ha-ha-ha) but I did win something. It always makes your day when you win something. :-)

On the blog Pigment of My Imagination she was hosting a give-a-way of one of her beautiful flower pins. The pin I won is the on the top right hand corner...sort of a coral color and let me say it's BEAUTIFUL in person. It's going to look so good on my winter cardigan sweaters. Thanks again Michelle for giving away such a pretty item.

Pre-K

2010-09-17T12:05:00.003-05:00

Hayden started Pre-K at Kindergate on August 17. He only goes 3 days per week and this past month, he's really enjoyed it. It's cute hearing him sing the songs they sing and how excited he is bringing home his papers and art projects.

New Family Member...Maybe??

2010-09-16T01:06:00.011-05:00

Guess who may be coming to be a part of our family??? Yep, one of these little girls. The breed is a Boston Terrier and I just think they're one of the cutest dogs around.

We're talking and thinking about it. With me now being home during the week it would so much easier with potty training and not having a puppy alone in the beginning. We'll see...I'm so bad I've already been thinking of names if we get one of these little girls. :-) I hope it works out. If not, maybe in the future we'll get one. It's a big decision as a dog becomes a member of your family for a long time. I want to make sure we're making the right choice for us and for the dog. But really, aren't they just the cutest???

Lily and Mommy

2010-09-14T20:37:00.001-05:00

I sure do love my little girl.

Pink Eye

2010-09-14T18:38:00.006-05:00

Lily loves the color pink but I don't think this is something that she wanted pink...her eye!! We're on Rx eyedrops and antibiotic.

Here's the odd thing...she loves getting her eye drops in her eye. With the boys you almost had to wrestle them to the floor to get drops in their eye but she loves it. Ha-Ha!!

Shopping

2010-09-10T09:13:00.011-05:00

It's that time of year again where the seasons are beginning to change :-) I tried on Lily's clothes for fall/winter and she's outgrown almost everything so we "had" to go shopping.

Having a girl is a dangerous thing as there are so many cute things!! Of course Gymboree and Crazy 8 had a fantastic sale plus sent me coupons too...couldn't let those go to waste, right??

Here's some of the cute things that I got for her. We also got leggings, jeans and hair accessories.

Because...

2010-09-09T13:24:00.003-05:00

The universe is always speaking to us. Sending us little messages, causing coincidences and serendipities, reminding us to stop, to look around, to believe in something else, something more. You have to be willing to step away from what we consider normal life. You have to have imagination.

Scrapology

2010-08-31T15:51:00.011-05:00

In August was another year of all of us meeting in St. Louis, MO for a girls scrapbooking weekend at Scrapology. The even started on Friday and I didn't think I was ever going to get there. On Interstate 64 were two horrible traffic accidents. At one point I sat in traffic not even moving for a little over an hour. From my house to the hotel it should have taken at most 3 hours but it ended up taking me 5 1/2 hours. I was beyond frazzled but once I got there it was well worth it!!

It was myself, Kelly, Lynn, Jana and Val. Good food, good times and good friends!!

Just Because...

2010-08-16T08:51:00.003-05:00

Posted just because I think it's a cute picture of my sleepy girl with her puppy, Fritz. (All dogs are named Fritz you know...LOL)

First Day of School

2010-08-12T16:11:00.004-05:00

Wednesday was Will's first day of high school. I can't believe that I'm the mom to a Freshman!!

Sun Catcher

2010-07-30T07:36:00.006-05:00

Hayden and I got a sun catcher craft kit at the store to make together. He picked a cupcake to make as he said cupcakes are "yummy".

We had so much fun with this project and he worked very hard to make sure the pellets went into the correct spot. He just got impatient waiting for everything to melt together and then cool down.

As you can tell, it turned out beautiful!! It's hanging in the kitchen window for everyone to see.

Hot Summertime Fun!!

2010-07-29T05:42:00.012-05:00

I remember being a kid how much fun it was to run through the sprinklers and play with the garden hose on a hot summer day. Instead of just a plain garden hose, I found this cute little caterpillar that has wiggly arms and squirts water at Wal-Mart.

I decided to get the camera out and take some pictures of everyone playing in the water. Will and Matt at first didn't get in the water but once they saw how much fun Lily and Hayden were having, it was only a short time before they went and got their swimming trunks on too!!

Everything is OK

2010-07-25T20:40:00.005-05:00

I was notified that I haven't posted on my blog for several weeks and once it was pointed out to me...it's true. Sorry!! I've been a bad blogger.

Nothing is wrong but actually things have been fantastic!! We've been busy with summer.

In June we had a week long visit with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew. We have such a good time when we're all together plus my sister-in-law is one of my best friends. We're a lot alike but she's the blond-haired Danish version of me...LOL!! They took Will back to Chicago with them for 2 1/2 weeks and then we went up for a long weekend to stay with them and bring Will back home. I love going to Chicago.

I've been working full work weeks too. Things have been hectic and tense there but I really think it's all going to work out to be ok. It's a job that provides me the availability to go and earn money and the freedom to leave the job behind when I walk out the doors and that's the whole reason why I work the hours I do. I'm home during the day with the kids and I don't have to put them in daycare.

The Lia Sophia jewelry is going fantastic!! I've had several parties and have been able to earn almost everything I had on my wish list. It's so much fun!!

More things are on the horizon too...the final days of summer doing fun things before school starts again on August 12, Scrapology, St. Louis and heading to Chicago again with my Aunt to take Lily to the American Girl store.

Sorry there's been no posts but everything is ok.

I'll be posting pics this week of some of the fun we've been having this summer.

Poison Ivy

2010-06-21T17:10:00.004-05:00

This horrible plant is causing havoc for my husband and sweet baby girl!!

Anders got it a week ago and went to the after hours clinic as it was the weekend. They gave him some meds and it started to clear up but it didn't clear it up completely. Within days it has came back with a vengeance. This morning he went to see our family doctor to get some steroid medicine.

A few days ago Lily had a spot on her face which is now on her nose and other cheek. I think we're going to have to go see the pediatrician as it's getting worse instead of better and I don't want it to get near her eyes.

So this makes it official...everyone in our family is horribly allergic to this stuff!! Yuck!!

Summertime

2010-06-04T18:23:00.001-05:00

With all the heat and humidity this week, I think it's safe to say that summertime has hit Southern Indiana in a big way!! It's been HOT HOT HOT!!

8th Grade Graduation

2010-05-28T00:39:00.013-05:00

Tuesday was Will's 8th grade graduation from Thompkins Middle School and I'm now the mom to a high school Freshman. His 8th grade class was almost the same size as my graduating high school class. There were 147 kids in his grade. Next year he will be up at Central High School.

That evening we had family over for a small get together. He told me when he graduates high school I can do a "real party" for him. LOL!! We told him he could go anywhere or have anything he wanted to eat. He asked that I fix him Italian Steak in the crock pot with corn and mashed potatoes. One of the nurses who I work with makes cakes and she made him an adorable chocolate smiley face cake.

I think he enjoyed his presents too. He got money, basketball, new mouse for the computer and a iPod touch.

I can't believe that he's soon to be 14 years old and in high school. He's also about 1 1/2 inches taller than me too. Where has the time gone?? I have a feeling the next four years are going to fly by too.

Zoo

2010-05-27T10:17:00.017-05:00

The other week I took Hayden and Lily to Mesker Park Zoo. It was a very warm Friday but we still had a great time!!

Me + Lia Sophia = HAPPY!!

2010-05-23T17:39:00.009-05:00

Yes, I am now a Lia Sophia Jewlery Advisor. I've been a customer for years and loved the jewelery. I was wanting to get a few new pieces and decided to just take the leap and become an advisor. If you already love something, then it's easy and fun to talk about it to others.

I am having my Open House on Sunday June 6 at 3:00 pm. Stop by and see all the new jewelry, take advantage of all the specials for June, have a snack and visit.

Apples

2010-05-22T17:56:00.003-05:00

I keep a bowl on the table with fresh fruit. Lily and Hayden had got into the fruit and Hayden got one apple and was eating it. Lily...well, Lily climbed onto the table and took bites out of every single apple in the bowl and put them back into the bowl. It looked like some ravinous creature had attacked the fruit.

Chip

2010-05-20T23:03:00.007-05:00

We have a new family member and his name is Chip. He's a Snow White Russian Dwarf hamster. He's not full grown but still in the "toddler" stage. He's the sweetest little thing and he's providing a lot of entertainment to the family. Hayden really loves him as you can tell by the photo.

My Title Today

2010-05-19T13:49:00.005-05:00

Along with being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, boo-boo kisser, cook, chauffeur and employee; I can also add the title of "Human Kleenex".

I guess you can tell what's going on in our household this week with Hayden and Lily. (Sigh)

Ice Cream

2010-05-16T23:27:00.002-05:00

Yummy ice cream break!!

A Post

2010-04-26T09:15:00.005-05:00

I realized today that I haven't posted anything to my blog in weeks. Why? Not much to report. I work, I sleep and repeat. That pretty much sums up my past few weeks. It seems I'm working a lot here lately and when the shifts that you work are in the middle of the night...it's not fun. If and when you have a day off it's spent sleeping and trying to play catch up.

Cuteness in a Cup

2010-04-06T15:35:00.002-05:00

Lily - 2 Years Old

2010-04-05T09:16:00.008-05:00

Lily turned 2 years old on March 14. Here's her newest pictures...

Becoming Jane

2010-04-03T11:29:00.008-05:00

Last night I watched "Becoming Jane." It was a movie about Jane Austen and her life before she became the famous author. How she found love and was unable to marry due to her station in life. Their relationship was frowned upon by family all due to their economic situation. Even though it was romantic it was sad too as in the end they did not end up together and live happily ever after.

I admit, I'm drawn into old period piece movies. Especially, anything to do with Jane Austen. Pride & Prejudice and Emma are two of my all-time favorite movies. I think I've seen both dozens of times.

It was an enjoyable movie and if you're a Jane Austen fan, then I would recommend you watch this.

Home

2010-03-29T07:46:00.004-05:00

Hello Spring!!

2010-03-28T13:52:00.008-05:00

I rarely do something for myself or buy myself something anymore. Why?? I don't know. I think it's something that moms do to themselves over time. You always want to do things for your kids, spouse, family and friends and somehow you push yourself to the back of the line.

I've been sad and stressed the past few weeks and I think the reason why is I always put other things first. I can't do that anymore. Once in awhile I need to ask for help and take time out for me, so I did that. Anders watched the kids for a few hours and off I went by myself. At first I felt guilty about it but then I realized it was nice. I went and looked at the craft stores, ate lunch, tried on shoes and went to look at purses.

Instead of only looking...this time I bought myself something. I got a new purse and the matching wallet. I love it!! It's the new fabric line of Vera Bradley called "Make Me Blush." It just says spring to me and it makes me very happy and we all need some happiness, right?

Clouds

2010-03-27T07:19:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, we were traveling up to Indianapolis and along the highway we saw a factory. This factory had the big smoke stack and steam was coming out the top. Hayden saw this and got real excited and started pointing and telling us to look and how they were busy today working and making this...

He thinks the factory was making CLOUDS!!! It was a sunny day with blue skies and big fluffy white clouds and this factory was making them and popping them out of the smoke stack!!

All of us were giggling and he was just so excited seeing the factory busy at work making clouds. Oh, what goes through the mind of a 4 year old little little boy. Glad we were able to hear some of it yesterday.

Beauty Tips

2010-03-25T06:17:00.003-05:00

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

2 Year Appointment

2010-03-20T00:56:00.009-05:00

On Friday morning we went to the pediatrician for Lily's 2 year appointment. We were doing fine till it was time to step on the scale. She's afraid of the scale. I asked if Hayden would stand on the scale first to show her it was ok. Did big brother help. No way!! I think he's afraid too...really, it's just a scale. Anyways, we got her to stand on it while she had her eyes tightly shut and mouth open wide screaming.

Once we got in the room she calmed down as they've got butterflies on the walls and this cute funny picture of a frog in a chair. Lily doesn't call frogs - frogs but she calls them ribbits. All was going fine.

Then we hear the doctor in the hallway and I tell them that he's coming soon and I bet we're next. Hayden leans over to Lily and says "Hey Lily, you're going to have to get a shot." This causes Lily to start saying "no, no, no" and grabs her shoes and says "shoes on." Hayden and Lily have a doctor kit and they play doctor on Pluto and me all the time. They think it's funny to give people shots but when it's one of them...it's not funny anymore.

Within minutes he comes in and she's ok with it. Not too bad. He listened to her heart, checked her ears, eyes and then asked me some questions. You could tell Hayden was stressed about it. Even the doctor called him her little bodyguard. We were done with everything except that final shot. Then the nurse came in and Hayden then tells her "Hey Lily, here's the shot. It's gonna hurt." Again, eyes closed and mouth open wide screaming. It was over in the blink of an eye but she hated the tiny bandaid and wanted it off.

With clothes back on and two animal crackers later from the nurse, we were doing ok. Me...a little sweaty and frazzled but we were done. In all the commotion I forgot her statistics sheet and had to go back in to get it. Here's info:

Weight - 25 lbs. 6 oz in the 36% growth percentile

Height - 34 1/2 inches in the 79% growth percentile

Developing perfectly and a little advanced in some things but he said that is due to having a sibling close to her age. She wants to mimic what he does. We made it and no more shots till kindergarten. I just got confirmed what I already knew. I got a perfectly healthy and happy little girl.

Job Offer

2010-03-19T00:41:00.004-05:00

A good friend of mine is the store manager at our local Gymboree store. I'm not looking for a new job or looking for a change but she contacted me tonight and made me an excellent job offer to work at the store. What a surprise!!! Not sure what I'll do but it sure did make me feel good and the 40% discount on all purchases is enticing too. Hmmmm...something to think about.

Eclipse

2010-03-16T12:41:00.000-05:00

The countdown begins...

Bento Box Hello Kitty

2010-03-15T11:05:00.004-05:00

Isn't this just the cutest? It's Hello Kitty made out of food in a bento box.

A bento box is a Japanese single-portion meal. It usually consists of rice, fish or meat, and pickled or cooked vegetables. Wouldn't this be a cute thing to see when you opened the lid to your lunch box?

Copic

2010-03-12T01:05:00.005-06:00

I have found something that is wonderful and I can't believe that I haven't found it sooner...Copic markers. Wow!! They're pricey but oh so nice!! I only own three markers but the three that I own, I love them.

Lily

2010-02-22T10:50:00.003-06:00

Thoughts

2010-02-05T20:32:00.002-06:00

Why???

2010-02-01T10:47:00.006-06:00

Why does Pottery Barn Kids feel the need to send me their catalogs? They have the cutest things for kids, but especially little girls. These three rooms are so adorable!! I love them but I know my bank account won't like it. Ahhhh...at least I can admire and get ideas.

Guess Who's Going to the Super Bowl???

2010-01-24T20:48:00.003-06:00

The Indianapolis Colts that's who!! Yes!!

Favorite Photos - Part IIII

2010-01-23T18:47:00.011-06:00

This is the final group of pictures from our trip. The grand total sent to Shutterfly to get printed was 217 photos. We had such a great time!!

Favorite Picture - Part III

2010-01-19T10:17:00.008-06:00

Favorite Pictures - Part II

2010-01-18T10:21:00.013-06:00

Favorite Pictures - Part I

2010-01-16T16:05:00.009-06:00

Here's the first batch of some of my favorite pictures from Disney. The dinner was at Chef Mickey and as you can tell all the kids had a great time. Lily kissed all of the characters on the nose and wasn't afraid at all.

We're Home

2010-01-14T10:31:00.005-06:00

We walked in the door last night at 8:00 pm. Close to 400 pictures later and three suitcases full of laundry...we're home and had a great time.

It was cold. I never would have guessed that Florida would have frost warnings and sleet one morning. They said it was the coldest it had been in 30 years. We could have complained and had a miserable time but we just bundled up and put on our gloves, hats and coats and off we went and we had a GREAT time!! Some afternoons it warmed up in the middle 50's and that felt good. The longest line we had to wait in was 15-20 minutes. Most were 5-10 minutes only. We rode several popular rides over and over which was fun to do.

Flying went good too and I was so thankful for that as I am so afraid of flying. Sunny with blue skies on both days.

Many wonderful memories made. Pictures to be coming in the upcoming days.

Alien Pinecone

2010-01-05T05:01:00.008-06:00

A few weeks ago Hayden and I went to Joann's and they were having a craft project for kids. They had pine cones and all kinds of accessories to use to decorate it. As you can see in the photos, Hayden fixed his up good.

I asked him why did he have so many eyes? He told me that he was an alien pine cone. The pipe cleaner around the middle is his scarf too. (I guess they get cold...ha-ha)

Welcome to the family Alien Pine Cone Jensen.

4 Year Olds

2010-01-04T05:36:00.009-06:00

I don't understand why people who have kids themselves feel that they can criticize your children and make comments (that you can hear) especially when they aren't justified.

We went out to eat this weekend and Hayden is 4 years old. He was being good and eating his food so we allowed him to get a dessert. At our house when I make an ice cream sundae many times I put chocolate syrup and a cherry on top. He was disappointed there was no cherry and his eyebrows went down and he made the "pouty face" and said he didn't want it. He wasn't making a scene but he was not happy.

Daddy told him to get his coat and come over to sit with him. When he pulled his coat off the back of his chair the chair fell over. No loud noise was made but yes, it did fall over. He came back over and picked it up. We then overhear the comment to the group "oh, that's the typical Hayden"...really??? I guess you don't spend much time around our family as that is NOT the typical Hayden.

After that comment to the group it wasn't heard how Hayden then felt bad and apologized to his daddy and came over to me and apologized without being told to do so. Now that is "the typical Hayden".

2010

2010-01-01T20:41:00.007-06:00

Another new year is now upon us. I can't believe that in a few days Anders and I will be celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary. Where has 10 years gone? It's gone so fast.

Also, within a few more days we will be leaving on vacation. I think ALL of us are getting very excited. The only bad part is the flying. I DO NOT like to fly. Just the thought of flying makes me nauseous and it makes my hands sweat. At least the entire flight is supposed to only take 2 hours. It will be worth it...it will be worth it...it will be worth it...{sigh}

One of the projects I'm going to do this year is Project Life by Becky Higgins. The concept is you take a photo a day and write just a few sentences each day. There are other suggestions on how you could use the kit but that's how I'm going to use mine. I think it will be so nice to look back on 2010 and see what life was like for our family. The small things, mundane tasks, fun times, work, school, playing...our life. It's a scrapbook but to me it's a daily diary with a snapshot included.

Today is day 1, now only 364 days to go :-)

Gotcha!!

2009-12-02T23:46:00.008-06:00

The other morning after breakfast I was going to get Lily and Hayden dressed and I couldn't find Lily. I go into our bedroom and she's in my closet messing around with my shoes and purses. She doesn't hear me and is busy snooping away.

I'm sitting on the bed watching and listening to her pull down my clothes and get into my purse. She's pushing the buttons on my phone and giggling, having a good time. I very quietly say "Lily...where are you??" She then lays down real quiet and doesn't move for several minutes.

Finally, she's sees me and jumps up. She's a cute little stinker isn't she??

Disney World

2009-11-24T15:29:00.003-06:00

In 6 weeks we will be on a jet plane heading to DISNEY WORLD!! We're staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort on the property for 7 nights/8 days.

All 5 of us are very excited and counting down the days. I think Hayden is the most excited though. Every few days he wants to watch the Disney vacation planning DVD and talks about going to see Mickey, Pluto, Buzz Lightyear and The Lion King (which he calls Lion, The King)

While there Anders and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. I think this is going to be a great place to spend it.

New Moon

2009-11-20T10:50:00.001-06:00

I'm heading to the movies tonight to see New Moon and I'm SO excited!! Can't wait!! I've already got my ticket pre-reserved. Girls night out too...extra fun!!

Daddy's Little Girl

2009-11-14T19:55:00.001-06:00

Adorable

2009-11-13T13:52:00.006-06:00

We were on the way to the meeting and I thought that I would take a picture of these two in their new clothes. This was not an easy task...trying to get them to look at me, smile at the same time, hold still and then Lily pulled her hair bow out. (That's what she's twirling around on her finger.)

At least they look adorable!!!

Take a Nap

2009-11-12T11:41:00.006-06:00

The other day around lunchtime Hayden was being a real stinker. He wasn't listening and had a grumpy attitude. What he needed was to take a nap but he didn't like the sound of that and was then REALLY grumpy.

When I got him in his bed he told me he wasn't laying on his pillow trying to test me. I told him that's fine with me, that he didn't have to lay on his pillow but he did have to lay in his bed and not get up.

About 30 minutes later I went in to check on him and this is what I saw. It just cracked me up as you can see that he's NOT laying on his pillow but he did fall asleep which is what he needed.

The Line Up

2009-11-09T13:47:00.005-06:00

Ok Pez dispensers, all of you have been charged with taking up room in the cabinet. None of you have any candy inside anymore, so some of you will be sentenced to go to the junk drawer.

Now...turn to your left...

...and now turn to your right...

...Hello Kitty, please come forward. You are my favorite and it's my kitchen so you may stay with me. The rest of you Pez...move along quietly to the drawer. You may get to come out again if we have more candy.

The Farmer in the Dell

2009-11-08T11:45:00.003-06:00

"The Farmer in the Dell" is one of Haydens favorite songs. He sings it all the time but he's got the lyrics a bit mixed up.

He sings "the farmer takes a wipe." I asked him one day after he finished singing what does the farmer take? He wiggled his head and raised his hands and told me "he takes a wipe, for his hands."

LOL...what could I say after that?

Hello Again...Hello

2009-11-02T14:39:00.007-06:00

Sorry about being such a bad blogger. Life is keeping me very busy. I work in the Emergency Room in Patient Registration and it's been crazy with the multitudes of people coming in each night. All is going ok on the home front. It seems each week one of us is feeling icky and at the moment it's Anders. He has a cold going on.

I need to upload pictures and do some posts on our family. We made our reservations for Disney and bought the plane tickets, so we're officially going on vacation in January. I can't wait and I'm counting down the days.

This Vans A Rockin'

2009-10-18T02:38:00.006-05:00

Those who know Hayden know that he's an outgoing funny little boy. Full of life and loves to sing.

I have this CD in the van which is a whole lot of kids tunes such as Farmer in the Dell, Oh My Darlin', Row-Row Your Boat...etc.

It was just he and I this afternoon out running errands and he was singing his heart out in the back of the van. When the song ended and was going to the next tune he tells me "Mommy, this vans a rockin"

Rock on little man...rock on!!

New Toy

2009-10-09T23:34:00.005-05:00

Ok...momma has a new toy and LOVES it!!

Our 2-year plan was up with Sprint. We knew we were going to switch to AT&T but I just wasn't sure about getting an iPhone. I just didn't understand what all the hype was about it...I mean it's just a phone.

Now that I have it...OH MY!! I love it and I love that it's an iPod and camera also. I've been playing with it since I've got it in my hot little hands. :-)

Happy World Card Making Day

2009-10-03T00:33:00.006-05:00

Now go out there and make some fabulous cards today!!

Growing Again

2009-10-02T21:22:00.005-05:00

On Monday we went for Lily's 18 month "Well Baby" appointment. She got one shot and is growing and developing right on target.

She seems to be a bit advanced on her speech. He was asking what words she can say and I was telling him everything. He asked if she could say any two syllable words. She can say momma, daddy, see that and the day before she said wow-wee. As soon as I told him that she yelled out wow-wee. It was so funny!! Here's her current statistics:

Weight: 23.6 lbs (36% percentile)
Height: 32 3/4 inches (87% percentile)

Missouri Botanical Gardens

2009-09-30T15:01:00.013-05:00

A few weeks ago while in St. Louis, Lily and I went to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. It was BEAUTIFUL. I'd love to go back in the spring to see all the flowers in bloom. It was such a peaceful place to visit.

18 Months Old

2009-09-27T00:15:00.007-05:00

I'm a little late in posting but Lily turned 18 months old on September 14. I can't believe that my baby girl is 1 1/2 years old. Where is the time going?!?! I want it to slow down.

These are just a few pictures from the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. I went with hopes of getting some good pictures but his little girl was on the move non-stop.

I'll post more pictures later on this week. This was a beautiful place to visit. I can only imagine the beauty in the springtime when everything is in full bloom.

I Want to Play Too

2009-09-26T23:48:00.008-05:00

On this night at the soccer field it was a warm humid evening and Lily was a hot little girl. She enjoys watching big brother Will play. I don't think she can actually figure out which player is him but when they clap and cheer, she will stop and do the same.

She was content to play with her soccer ball for awhile but then decided to run off to the empty field behind us. Only a few more years Lily!!