"Flavor The Moment"

Crowns & stuff

2011-08-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, this has been bothering me since thursday. I had to go to the dentist and get a crown. Not my favorite way to spend an afternoon. I basically had anxiety all day thinking about it. . .note to self . . .probably should make my dental appointments for the mornings so I don't have anxiety all day. When I got to the dentist office they asked me how I was. . .and I said "okay, I have been having anxiety all day" and they they told me not to worry it was going to be easy. I hate it when they say that. . .even if it is easy I still have anxiety when I go to the dentist. Anyway, when I got back to the room of death the dentist said "when I got to work today and looked and saw that your name was on the schedule and so I have been having anxiety all day" ha, ha he is so funny. Actually, that did make me laugh. Anyway, the whole crown thing wasn't so bad. He had to drill away my old filling and then build the tooth back up and there was lots of horrible noises and a shot involved with a really long needle and it was horrible. But the worst part is that they left all this extra cement on my temporary crown. And it is bugging me to death!!! would it have been that hard for them to take an extra minute or two to clean off the extra cement around my tooth. It seriously is driving me crazy. You know how when you have something different in your mouth and so you keep feeling it with your tongue and then your tongue gets all raw and sore from doing that. Ya, that is basically what is happening to me. And I have to deal with it until I go back for my permanent crown in two weeks. Ya, I know I could call and go back in and have them clean off the cement but I really don't want to take anymore time off of work to go back and have them do something they should have done in first place.

Also, Friday at work Stephen ruptured his achilles tendon and he will have to have surgery to repair it. Apparently, the Jensen's have some genetic mutation with the achilles tendon because his dad, brother and sister have all had the same thing happen to them.

David starts high school and seminary on Monday. He finished his eagle project which is very exciting. I am so proud of him. The Strauss Festival board of directors loves him, espically Jackie Lewis. He made some beautiful display cases for historical pieces from past festivals.

Katie is in LA. She has been there for the past few days. Her adventures include Disneyland, the beach, Sing-Off taping and Backbeats concert. So, jealous. She is with the Backbeats right now watching them rehearse. Next, week I will be taking her pack to Provo. I am sad about that but excited for her to get back to school and Noteworthy.

And well that is all for now.

Primary

2011-07-17T17:34:00.001-07:00

Today I taught the 9 year olds in Primary. I have substituted for the last 2 weeks. My class consisted of 3 boys. I forgot what it was like to be in Primary. I love watching and listening to the kids. Today one of the boys I taught Mom came up to me in the hallway and said this to me "I asked my son who his primary teacher was since his regular teacher was gone and he said "I can't remember her name but she is really nice and pretty" (I love this kid). " So, she has been trying to think who he meant and then today during Sacrament meeting, said kid, looks up and says "mom that's her leading the music". I love kids. Also, during our lesson today we learned about the parable of the sheep and the goats. And in one of the scriptures we were reading in Matthew 25:36 starts out "naked, and ye clothed me...." one of the boys said he didn't think he could read that verse because of the first word....ha, ha, ha

We also talked a lot about Star Wars and Six Flags vs. Disneyland. One of the boys said he has $8 and was that enough to get into Disneyland....um no not quite.

Last week we talked about the parable of the Talents. So, we talked about our own talents and I asked the boys if they had any talents. One of them said "I can make really good dinosaur noises" and then proceeded to show us how good he is at making dinosaur noises. Hmmm, I bet his mom and dad don't really think of this as a talent but who knows maybe he will grow up to do voice overs. Also, another boy said his talent was doing back flips. Future gymnast maybe? I asked them today if they had shared there talents this past week and if they did what did they do? Back flip boy said "I did a flip". Okay, good but not really what I had in mind. And dinosaur noise boy wasn't there today:( I just love kids.

Beautiful Sabbath

2011-06-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today was just a great sabbath day. I was kinda not really looking forward to church today. Last week was a hard week for me. I was very emotional, so much so, that two sisters sent me messages after church to check on me and make sure I was okay. Which was so very nice and made me feel better just knowing that people care. But I came home from church feeling drained and not really any better for having gone. So, today I was hoping for a better church experience and it was. I love how our Heavenly Father answers our prayers through others and that is just what happened today. It was very unexpected but helped me to feel so much better. So, thank you to President Taylor who was an answer to my prayer today....thank you Pres. Taylor for being in tune and for following the spirit. I am sure you have no idea how much you helped me today.

We also had a nice family day, family dinner. Thankful for today and for all my blessings. And thankful for two sweet sisters who took the time to send a message to say they care....I need to take a page from their book and follow their example.

And then there was a boy

2011-06-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

New developments....well not really all that new but I guess you can say a picture is worth a thousand words.

I have lots of things I could be posting about but I don't know I just don't feel like it right now. Ciara had Senior Ball

Ciara graduatedCourtney came home for 5 days and it was great. We are ready for summer to be here...if only mother nature would cooperate.

Words of Wisdom from my daughter

2011-04-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

I just love being able to learn from my kids. I was looking a Katie's blog today and came across this post . . . and it was just something that I really needed and so I am re-posting it here. If you don't already look at her blog you should because she has lots of great words of wisdom on there.

http://katielynn27.blogspot.com/

1. Whenever you think life is great a trial is on it's way. Don't we all know that's how it goes? And yet we are always still so shocked when the trial comes! It seems as though just as soon as everything is fine and dandy BAM! Something hits and you feel like you have to start all over again.

2. This week i have heard this story a few times. It has become my favorite story in all of the scriptures, from Matthew 14. At the end of this chapter Peter and the other disciples are in a boat. They see a figure coming across the water and they become afraid. Christ tells them "be off good cheer; it is I;be not afraid". After hearing this Peter says that if it is in fact the savior to let him walk on the water to Christ. Peter gets out of the boat and walks on the water. However, he starts to get distracted by the storm that is raging and takes his eyes of the Savior. It is at this point where he begins to sink into the water and has to as for the Saviors help. The Savior, of course, comes and helps him but asks him why he ever doubted. I always think how could he doubt the Lord when he is walking on water?!! But as i think about it more i realize that we all do the same thing. We have all seen amazing miracles, we've all felt that God is there and yet we still let our fear of storms keep our eyes from looking towards God. How stupid are we to let the storms around us get in the way of our faith?

3. and that brings me to my next discovery of the week. Fear always competes with Faith. My New Testament teacher today was talking and made me realize that we are the same person. She said that she worries a lot and is afraid of a lot of things and that she always feels awful because people say that you cannot be afraid and have faith at the same time. Even in the scriptures it says perfect love hath no fear. How is it that i can show people the love of Christ if i am so scared? This is EXACTLY how i have been feeling lately. But then she said something that made me feel so much better. She said that it is not that we are not allowed to be scared at all, but that "we have to let our faith be STRONGER than our fear". Well duh, we all knew that right? but still it made me feel so much better to hear that today.

4. Service will make you feel better, even if it's just for a little while. So i wasn't having the best day today if you didn't get that. For FHE we were going to go to this school for mentally handicapped people to just play some games and chat with them. I wasn't going to go because i have a late class, but last minute i decided i needed to go so i asked my roommate to come get me. It was actually really fun and I really enjoyed myself. Plus there was ice cream after and that always helps a rough day right? i concluded that the best way to make your day a little better is this: Service, Ice Cream, and a roommate group hug. I felt a little better after that. :)

5. Dr. Suess knows a lot of things.

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own.

And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

I just really liked this poem today...because even when we feel like we're on our own and when there isn't really anyone physically there who understands...we have a brain, we have feet, we have knowledge, so we need to act and do something!

6. Once again my mission prep teacher knows everything. And let me tell you he has made going on a mission SO appealing. Two things he said today really hit me.

"Just before or after every

significant spiritual experience

you will always have an equal

and opposite temptation by the devil."

And

"The greater the threat you are

to Satan the greater the opposition

you will face from Satan."

Hello...these quotes are a little depressing i must say, but at the same time make me realize that i really have some great things to do in life if Satan is working so hard to make me not do them. But here's the thing...we all suffer in this life and we all knew we would suffer, yet we still decided to come here. So obviously it'll all be worth it? Yeah i hope so too...

7. Faith is probably one of the most important things to have. At least for me...Let's face it. I worry a lot and i have a fear of the unknown. If i don't know where things are going...i go into panic mode. I believe that my lack of trust in people has somehow brought me to sometimes have a lack of faith. So goal number 1 of life at the moment...don't WORRY so much! Let life happen and control what you can control, but don't worry about the things you can't control (way easier said than done) but I'm trying...

8. and most importantly. God is always there. He knows you. He loves you. And he always has a plan.

Life is Beautiful, even when it's not. And there's always some silver lining somewhere. :)

Thank you Katie. I love you!

2011-03-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ten Things I am Grateful For Today

1. I only have to work 3 days this week

2. I am going to Utah for the weekend

3. I get to see my bff

4. I am going to a Noteworthy concert on Friday

5. I am going to a session of General Conference in the conference center

6. I will get to spend lots of one on one time with my favorite Katie Bug

7. David's Eagle Project is almost finished

8. Ciara found a dress for Senior Ball

9. Texting friends and nice compliments

10. Love

11. Trails, faith and unconditional love

12. Letters from missionaries that fill help strengthen my testimony

Okay that was more than 10 but it is okay cuz I can say whatever I want here.

Happy Day!

Sunshine

2011-03-18T07:55:00.001-07:00

I am just tired of the rain and am feeling like Sunshine. So, these are some things that make me feel sunny inside even when it is rainy on the outside. These are in no particular order by the way. And one more thing on my mind today. Life is like a rollercoaster. Fun, sometimes scary, sometimes you want to get off but in the end you are glad you went for the ride.

Cleveland Ohio

2011-02-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

Katie received her mission call and she will be serving in Cleveland Ohio. She reports to the MTC missionary training center on May 25th (the day after her 21st birthday). She is so exicitied. She will also be serving as a tour guide at some of the church historic sites. . .the Kirtland Visitors Center see picture

She will get to give tours and learn lots about church history. Which there is lots of back in Ohio. And she will also get to spend time sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Ohio.

It was so wonderful when she opened her call. We were able to have some family over and a couple of friends. Katie had been waiting for a couple of weeks for her call to come in the mail so the anticipation was great. It finally actually came about noon and then she had to wait until 5:30 when everyone gathered. We also had several people on the phone and Courtney was there on skype. Once everyone was finally all there and ready she opened it with a little trepidation because well because this is where you will be spending 18 months of your life. Then she read it and it was emotional for her and me and she said she just knew when she read it that this was where she was supposed to go. Ya, it isn't somewhere totally cool like Paris, or Italy or Spain and if you are not a member of the church you probably really don't get why anyone would be excited to go to Cleveland, Ohio but it is just as exciting for us.

So, now we are trying to learn all we can about Ohio and church history and we are trying to find clothes that are appropriate for Sister missionaries. Now there is a challenge. We have 3 months to get her ready and 3 months for me to try and prepare myself for missing her. But I am just so proud of Katie and her decision to serve a mission. It will be a great adventure. The Church is true.

Still Waiting

2011-02-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Well, we are still waiting. At least another week. Now we are hoping for Thursday, the 17th. Stay tuned.

On another note, today is a beautiful day here in Sacramento, California. Sunshine makes me happy! Also, makes waiting easier:)

Short Funny CJ Beats - PREORDER!!!

2011-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Missionary

2011-02-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Well, it is actually happening . . . the mission papers are in and we are just waiting. Waiting to see where Katie will be serving the Lord for 18 months. I am so excited. This is such an exciting time. We have a map up on our wall with everyone's guesses of where they think Katie will be called to serve her mission. And it is fun to just walk by and look at that map. Soon there will be just one place marked on the map, oh my!

I am so proud of Katie and her decision to serve a mission. It was unexpected. She first mentioned that she was thinking about a mission last April but even then I didn't think it would really happen. But soon I realized that she was actually quite serious and it was going to happen. That was a bittersweet moment for me. I mean as a parent who wouldn't want their daughter to dedicate 18 months of her life to serving the Lord but on the otherside is me thinking "how can I live without her for 18 months". We talk everyday even when she is away and now I won't have that and just thinking about that makes me sad. Although my happiness really does outweigh any sadness I may have. I know she is going to have some incredible experiences. It will be life changing for her. And I know that she will not regret this decision.

Katie will be a great missionary. She has a compassionate spirit and is a peacemaker. She is obedient and has a strong testimony of the gospel. And is just so excited to go and to share the gospel with others. She is so excited, in fact, that she turned her papers in exactly 4 months before her 21st birthday (that's the earliest she could turn them in). She has grown so much in the last two years. Going away to college and being in Noteworthy has helped her testimony to grow and helped to her learn many life lessons and to know that she is a stronger than she thought she was. I am just so proud of her.

So wherever she does end up serving - they will be blessed to have her. I still can't believe that I am going to be the Mom of a missionary.

That is all for now. I will post again when we find out where Katie is going. We are thinking she will get her call on Feb. 10th.

Sara Bareilles performs with THE BACKBEATS on The SING-OFF Finale

2010-12-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Backbeats You Give Love A Bad Name

2010-12-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

Another great performance from night 3. I love Courtney's vocal percussion on this number. Pay attention at 1:27 . . . .so cool!!!

backbeats love shack

2010-12-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

Here it is Courtney and the Backbeats performing Love Shack from the 3rd episode of the Sing-Off. This was one of their best performances so far. And, an inside tidbit. . .I am told the 4th episode is someone's very favorite of the whole show. So, you won't want to miss it.

Backbeats through to the next round

2010-12-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

In case you missed last nights episode of the sing off go here

http://www.nbc.com/sing-off http://www.rickey.org/

and check out the Backbeats performance of The Love Shack.

Loved the show last night. The group numbers are just so good this year. Be sure to tune in Wed to see the backbeats perform and to see if they make through to the finale. And if they do make it be sure to pick up your phone and vote for them!

So Exciting!

The Sing Off Season 2

2010-12-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

So in case you haven't heard Courtney is on the Sing-Off again. This year she is with a new group called the Backbeats. If you haven't watched be sure to tune in Monday at 8:00 pm on NBC. The show is really great. All the groups are so good. This video is just a back stage look at her group. We are so excited for Courtney to be able to a part of this show again. She also was recognized for her amazing vocal percussion skills last week. If you go here you can see/hear the judges comments. . ."Courtney you are one righteous babe".

http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/video/night-2-the-backbeats/1264173

You can also go here to watch full episodes and see other video and photos
http://www.nbc.com/sing-off

I will keep you posted on how they do.

And also go to the Backbeats site to see more photos and videos www.backbeatsvocal.com

Seussical

2010-11-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

Seussical - a musical that I am directing for our theater company. I absolutely love the music in this show. There are so many great songs. This is one that for some reason has been stuck in my head all day.

Notice Me Horton

I was just a no one only yesterday.
You showed up and showed me something more.
Now I've become a someone who has someone to believe in and to be there for.
I will not give up hope.
I was hooked from the start when I noticed your kind and your powerful heart.
So notice me Horton.
Notice me Horton . . . the way I notice you.

There are many great messages in this production. The music just makes me happy.

Lots of things happening over here in our neck of the woods.

In no particular order:

Katie is coming home for Thanksgiving vacation in one week
Katie has started working on her mission papers:)
David is beginning work on his Eagle Scout Project:)
Ciara is almost 18 - 21 more days
Ciara is applying for college:(
Courtney is back on The Sing Off for the second season
You should all definitely watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - just trust me:)
The Sing-Off begins on December 6th - you should all watch (the Backbeats)

If you want to watch some cool video of Courtney beat boxing go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ0QupUK9os

If you want to watch a short clip of Courtney recounting her first memory of singing go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85SCSzFppkw&feature=watch_response

If you want to see a short clip of the Backbeats on the Sing Off go here:

http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/video/the-backbeats-break-into-song/1260495

So, as you can see we are having lots of things going on over here. We are excited!

Attitude Test

2010-11-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, I was going to try and catch up but it was to hard and it was keeping me from blogging again. A little to overwhelming I guess. And Katie was complaining about my lack of blogging so here goes.

Answer the following questions:

1. Do you often have a gloomy expression on your face?
2. Do you forget the many good things in your life and overemphasize the few things you lack?
3. Do you feel sorry for yourself?
4. Do you think more of yourself than of others?
5. Do you think you have to much to do?
6. Do you expect things to go wrong in your life?
7. Do you blame others for your moods and behaviors?
8. Do you think life has been unfair to you?

This was from our lesson in Young Women's today. It was a good reminder for me to not be the person who answers yes to these questions. I don't want to be that person. Sometimes, I do feel sorry for myself but I like myself better when I am counting my blessings and being grateful for what I do have instead of what I don't have.

Yes, we all have trials and hard things to overcome in this life but we do have a choice of how we deal with these challenges. I am going to try harder to face my challenges with a smile and a positive attitude.

Happy Birthday

2010-05-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the most amazing, wonderful, talented, kind, caring, beautiful 20 year old in the universe!

I love you will all my heart - thanks for being you.

What's up with the weather?

2010-05-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we were having a waterfight - and this weekend all I want is a fire in the fireplace cuz it is so cold. I will say that I am grateful that it is not 100 degrees yet because sometimes in May it is already 100 degrees and that is way worse than it being a little chilly and rainy.

So, last weekend we had a party - no reason. I just thought is would be fun to have a party. We filled 500 waterballoons - yes, you heard right 500. And yes, that is a lot and yes, my fingers hurt for days after but we got really fast a filling waterballoons. Walmart has a great deal on waterballoons if you are in the market. We bbq'd and watched Rocketman which is hilarious and you should watch it and then we had a fire in our little firepit thingy in the backyard. Over all I say it was a success. And I have decided having parties for no reason is great and I will do it more often.

Things I learned from my sons birthday party

2010-05-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

So, having raised 3 girls I thought I pretty much knew everything about birthday parties and sleep overs. . .I was wrong. Last night we finally celebrated David's 13th birthday. He really wanted to have a sleep over for his birthday, I really didn't want him to have a sleep over for his birthday but since he has seen all of his sisters have had many sleep overs I really couldn't justify saying no. But it was only going to 5 boys . . .I figured no big deal. Anyway, this is what I learned last night about the difference between girl sleep over's and boy sleep overs. . .

1. Boys have two volumes . . . . .Loud and LOUDER
2. Boys like to talk as much as girls. . .just minus the giggling
3. Boys talk about farting A LOT
4. Boys really like to throw water balloons at each other and the neighbor:)
5. Boys snore. . .loud
6. Boys are very polite and gracious

and after all is said and done. . .I think we will be having more boy sleep overs.

Happy Birthday David - I love you.

KATIE'S Going to HONG KONG!

2010-03-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I (Katie) am going to Hong Kong with Noteworthy next week and I needs a few dollars (about $300) to offset the cost.

This is a really great opportunity for Noteworthy. we are going to be singing for and doing workshops with underprivileged kids there and we're really excited! thankfully we don't have to pay for it all, but I'm still just a poor college student...So if everyone just donates a few dollars it'll help a lot! I'll post some of our adventures on my own blog afterwords. (katielynn27.blogspot.com).

Just click on the "donate" button below and you can donate through paypal. It's super easy!! :)
Thank you for all of your help!

LIFE

2010-03-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

Last night David received his advancement to Life Scout. This is very exciting because now he can start working on his Eagle. I am super proud of him and this accomplishment especially considering he is not even 13 yet. He has earned 18 merit badges and will be receiving 7 more at the next court of honor. He has also earned all of his required badges as well. He has been working really hard and is hoping to get his eagle before he turns 14 which I am pretty sure he will. I love this boy and can't wait to see what other great things he will accomplish.

Where does the time go & Service is great!

2010-03-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

Junior Prom

I just can't believe that Ciara is old enough to go to Jr. Prom. Where has the time gone? She is turning into such a beautiful young woman inside and out. I am not ready for her to grow up. Anyone know how to stop time?

Ciara getting ready

DISNEYLAND HERE WE COME!

A couple of weeks ago we went and worked at an elementary school up in Granite Bay for a few hours on a Saturday morning. We raked, hauled dirt and bark, pulled weeds, filled the play area with new bark and then we got 4 tickets do the happiest place on earth! Yes, we volunteered for Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Day" program. It was a great to give service and it will be great to go to Disneyland so basically a win, win!

See all that bark - basically Ciara and I raked out all that bark and made it look all new and pretty.

WE had to move all that bark into the play area and rake it out. And when we started the hill of bark was way taller. And also here is Ciara shoveling dirt. She looks thrilled doesn't she?

Stephen, Marissa and Ciara shoveling and moving dirt. David and the Larsen kids weeding the ball diamond. They did that for about 2 1/2 hours!

Thank heaven for the sunshine

2010-02-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Why I do What I do:)

Today I am so grateful for the sunshine. I have so many things I need to do and yet I have so little motivation. I have come to the conclusion that my mood is based on the weather - when it is cloudy and overcast so am I . . .when it is sunny and warm so am I.

I needed a sunny day so I can find the motivation to get up and get some things done. I sometimes feel like I do nothing and I need to get a life. Yeah, I feel that way a lot actually and I am pretty sure that that is Satan talking in my head trying to make me feel like a loser. But when I take a moment I know that that is not true that I am actually a pretty busy person with lots on my plate.

For example right now these are things I am working on:

Stake Youth Conference - Hubby and I are in charge of our stake youth conference this year and there is so much to do, infact, I realized that the reason I kept putting it off was because I really didn't even know where to start but yesterday I made myself sit down and do something and well we got a plan together and it is gonna work.

Elk Grove Musical Theatre Company: Yes, I am President (whatever that means, I have tons of help from some wonderful women whom I admire greatly and couldn't to this without them) of this little childrens theatre company and I am also producing our spring show "Beauty and the Beast". As you might guess this does take a little bit of time. Right now I am working on designing t-shirts and getting them to the printer. Ahh, if you know me at all you know that I am not a visionary, am not creative and this little job of getting t-shirts made was another overwhelming task. I didn't know where to start and so I kinda put it off but I think I have come up with an ok design and found a printer and will get those shirts to the printer today or tomorrow. Thank goodness for the internet where I can find logos to copy. . .saved my life.

Strauss Festival - This year I am directing. Ahh, why did I say yes? I ask myself this question often. I love the Strauss Festival. It has been a part of my life for 22 years and I just love to be involved. I really have no idea what I am doing but once again I am surrounded by some amazing people who make me look good.

Luckily all of these responsibilities have different "crazy busy" times - April will be crazy busy with EGMTC, May and beginning of June will be busy with youth conference and July it will be Strauss. And in between it I still have a family to cook for, to clean up after, launder and love. And speaking of my family they are pretty great and don't get upset when the above mentioned things don't get done because I am busy with other things.

I just want to say to my fellow bloggers "THANK YOU" for inspiring my with your words, life lessons, and funny stories. I read your blogs and realize that we are all pretty much the same. We are all just trying to do the best we can and sometimes we fall way short of our goal but other times we rock! I love you all and keep posting because even if I don't comment I still love reading your stories and they make me smile and movitivate me to be a better person.

I guess I need to get off of here and go make some good use of this beautiful sunny day. Have a great day everyone.

P.S. I forgot to mention that I am also Choir Booster president for the Sheldon High Choir program and I am in the midst of planning a trip to disneyland. Whoever, said being Mom is an easy job has never been a MOM.

Help?

2010-02-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

So, I have a cute new blog header that I got from shabbyblogs.com but I can't figure out how to get a picture up there in the frame? Anybody got any ideas or know how I can to that? Your help would be much appreciated.

Nothing Exciting

2010-01-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

I don't really have anything exciting to say but I really need to put up something new. It is so windy today. I just had to go outside and save our trash cans from blowing away and my neighbors as well. Why do we have to have such a stormy day on trash day? I really just want to stay under the covers all day and read a book but alas, I do not have a good book to read. I did just read the Hunger Games (all in one day) I should have tried harder to make it last longer. I just couldn't put it down. Interesting book by the way. Still trying to decide what I think about it. It is disturbing almost like seeing a horrible accident and knowing you should turn away but you just can't, you want to see everything and then you don't all at the same time. That is kinda how I felt about that book. I mean it is about children being forced by adults to kill each other - that is terrible. Ahhh, and still I read the whole thing in one day.

And because of the wind the TV isn't working the signal is just coming in and out. No TV and no good book what shall I do? I am not going out in this weather but dang I do need milk. I think I will watch a movie. How about Julie and Julia? Yes, I enjoy that movie. Got it from my best friend. Oh, but it will make me hungry. It makes me want good food. Yes, I am rambling. Let's see if I can end this with something inspirational.

Well, I have a great family. My husband and 2 kids at home let me travel to Utah for a week to go visit my other 2 kids. I know they hate it when I am gone but they were super understanding and supportive. I love them for that and I loved being able to go to Utah. Not only did I get to see my girls I also got to visit with my best friend which is always great. So, yes, I am grateful for an amazing family.

Oh, and one more thing. Noteworthy is going to China! Yes, they are! Hong Kong in April. Now, that is exciting.

The Sing Off 2

2009-12-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

Viva La Vida

Hold On

THINK

2009-12-15T07:42:00.000-08:00

In case you missed the show or if you just want to watch it again and again and again (okay I know you probably won't watch it that much but I am and I will because I really just love it and it makes me happy). Here is Noteworthy singing "Think" from the first episode of the Sing-Off.

I am so proud of these girls/young women. I believe they did a great job, that they represent "mormons" and BYU wonderfully. They have not compromised their standards by one iota which is extremely rare in today's world. They are and do stand for truth and righteousness and I would not want it any other way.

Hard Work

2009-11-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

The girls are hard at work rehearsing for the show. They got to LA on Saturday had a meeting with important people and then were off to Kelsey's wedding reception. Sunday, was an 18 hour day of rehearsing, fittings and all the other things that go into making a reality show. I can't go into alot of details here just yet but lets say they are all working hard.

All the groups are really great and really nice and all are having the time of their lives. I don't have any pictures to post but thought I would give you all an update. Since, I don't have any pictures here is a video for you to enjoy.

Courtney & Katie cover of Beyonce's Irreplaceable

On their way!

2009-11-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Noteworthy ladies are officially on their way and I am beyond excited. Sometimes, when I think about it I am so excited I just want to cry. As I am typing this they are actually in the air flying to LA. First thing they will do is meet with NBC and then the nice people at NBC are driving them out to Kelsey's reception. Kelsey one of the girls in the group is getting married today at the Redlands Temple. (wow she really has an exciting weekend) And then tomorrow actual rehearsals begin. I know Noteworthy will be amazing and if they are supposed to win they will but winning isn't really the goal; having the opportunity to share who they are with the world is and I hope the world can see just how awesome these girls are. I also wish the best to all the groups on the show and can't wait to see them all.

Ahhh, now I think I will go do the "happy dance".

Noteworthy - Salt Lake Tribune Article

2009-11-25T15:29:00.001-08:00

Check out this article about Noteworthy that is in the Salt Lake Tribune:

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13852769?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

THE SING OFF

2009-11-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

The eight groups in NBC's The Sing-Off—competing for $100,000 and an Epic Records/Sony recording contract—will be: The Tufts Beelzebubs from Boston, Massachusetts Brigham Young's Noteworthy from Provo, Utah Face from Boulder, Colorado Maxx Factor from Baltimore, Maryland Nota from San Juan Puerto Rico The SoCals from Los Angeles, California Solo from Omaha, Nebraska Voices of Lee from Cleveland, Tennesse It's on. NBC will premiere its new singing competition special The Sing-Off on Monday, Dec. 14. The four-night show will feature a cappella groups from across the country competing for a recording contract with Eric Records/Sony Entertainment.

So, yeah this is the big news we have been waiting to share. NBC has a new singing competition/reality show in December and my girls Courtney & Katie and all the Noteworthy girls will be on the show. As you might imagine we are super excited. The show will be on Dec. 14, 15 & 16th and then the finale is Dec. 21st. The only time the audience gets to vote is at the finale. We are hoping Noteworthy makes it that far and then we can all vote!

Last night we were in bed I was asleep my husband was watching TV when all of a sudden he is trying to wake me up because there was a commercial on for the SING OFF and Courtney was beatboxing. It was only about a 10 seconds long but we were freaking out. So, now we have channel 3 on and are waiting for the commercials to come on. I know, I know we are dorks, but hey, if it was your kids on TV what would you do? So, far we haven't seen the commercial again but we will hopefully! We will be traveling to LA to watch the taping of the shows so that will be lots of fun. We are just so excited to see these amazing young women take the stage and share their talent, their love of music and performing, their beautiful spirits and joy with the world. Everyone involved with the show has already noticed that there is something different about them and they love the Noteworthy ladies. Hmm, why is that? I am thinking the gospel of Jesus Christ makes a difference.

Okay, so you will probably get sick and tired of all this but I am exicited to share the news with everyone and will keep posting any other exiciting happenings about the sing off here.
This is a picture of Courtney and Katie in front of KSL TV Studios in Salt Lake when the group went to tape some songs and stuff for the news.

WOOT, WOOT!

Almost

2009-11-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

Less than 24 hours!

Can You Feel It?

2009-11-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

Can you. . . Can you feel it? Big, exciting things are happening!

GET READY FOR IT:)

Annie

2009-11-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

After lots of rehearsals, blood, sweat, and even a few tears EGMTC pulled if off again. Both shows turned out great in the end. Jungle Book was fun and the kids were so cute. Annie, also was awesome. Someone, even came up to me after and said it was there favorite show so far! Wow, that was a really nice compliment to hear. Producing and running a theater company is hard. . .especially when you don't have a clue what your doing. It is a learning by trial and error experience for me. I have learned ALOT over the past 5 years. And I have made a lot of mistakes but when all is said and done I am very proud of what we have accomplished. Yes, there are times when I want to pull my hair out and just quit because it is so hard. But is during those really difficult and dark times I remind myself of the good things we have accomplished, the smiles on the performers faces or someone tells me thanks for what I have done and how it has helped their child or how much fun they are having and it gets me through those difficult times. At the end of the day it is worth it. I have to remind myself more often that the hardest times/things usually bring you the most joy. And that is definitely true with EGMTC. Also, I want to give a huge thank you to all the parents who help make this possible. Without them there would be no Elk Grove Musical Theatre Company. And especially to Angee Wangsgard I really couldn't do this with out you. And I can't believe it but we are having auditions for the Spring show Dec. 10th. Oh, let the fun begin again!

Here are few pictures from the show!

Annie and Sandy

Annie and servants

Ciara during NYC

Easy Street

If your out there

2009-11-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

This is a video of when Noteworthy went up to Oregon last April and performed with the group from University of Oregon - Divisi. They girls had such a great time and are now great friends.

Our Zoo

2009-11-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our zoo. Yes, somedays I feel like I am living in a zoo, literally. I thought I would share some pictures with you of our zoo.

Meet Pepper. She adopted us. I wasn't really excited to have a bunny but she is fun to have around. She just runs around our backyard. She loves carrots and sometimes she lays out on our deck and looks like she is sunbathing. Pepper has been with us for about a month. I think she is here to stay.

This is a lizard. You have to look closely to see him because he looks like the leaves. He knows how to camouflage very well. Louie eats crickets. Louie is not very exciting.

This is Kevin the King Snake. He is also a new addition to our zoo. He eats mice and sleeps. Kevin is a nice snake and if you are up to it, he will let you hold him. He likes to snuggle and get warm.

Meet our dumb birds. Yes, that is what I call them. I could also call them loud and louder or annoying and more annoying. If anyone would like some parakeets you are more than welcome to take these. You would probably really like them if you feel like your house is to quiet.

Meet Dolly. She is a desert tortoise. Dolly has been with us for several years now. We are not sure how old she is but she could be around 50+ years. Desert tortoises live to be like 100 or something so she is probably older than me. We have two tortoises but I wasn't able to find Big Buddy at the time of this posting to take a picture. He looks just like Dolly only bigger hence, the name. (i just need to say at this point I did not name the tortoises my son did when he was about 6 or 7) Anyway, Dolly and Big Buddy are married and this summer Dolly laid 7 eggs they have been cooking away for almost 4 months and here are the newest additions to our zoo!

The babies are really quite cute. They love to play king of the hill.

And now, my husband wants chickens! And Ciara wants a dog. I may have to start charging admission.

Halo

2009-10-31T10:08:00.001-07:00

Another video for all to enjoy!

Choose a Worm

2009-10-28T20:23:00.001-07:00

It has come to my attention that some of you do not have a facebook account and so you have not been able to see the videos that Courtney and Katie have been posting and per your request here is one of the videos.

Yes, a little silly but so fun. I think my favorite thing about this is that they are just making it up as they go. How do they even come up with stuff like this. . .?

motivation

2009-10-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

I know I should update my blog and I have lots of things I could blog about but I just can't seem to find the motivation. . . .I have lost my blogging motivation. . . .I guess you will all know when I find it. So, for now I am going to leave you with a quote from my sister-in-law who I am thinking of today because she is having . . . .well lets say a bad week.

"An object may consistently gravitate homeward, to its parental pull, yet there is a time, a force, a strong industrial size power, which known senses alone cannot detect, that reels the object to another, more meaningful mass. " ~c. stapp

I love this quote and the person who wrote it. Enjoy:)

More Summer

2009-08-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Thought I would show a picture of Courtney's new hair. I love it! Thanks to Jamie Gums the best stylist ever! And not sure if you can tell but Jamie also cut Katie's hair and it also looks so good. We love Jamie if you are looking for someone great to cut your hair you should give her a try 761-4648.

Also, just an update on our Olema camping trip/Jensen Family Reunion....it was fantastic. Probably the best camping trip I've had ever. We had lots of fun hanging out around the campfire, skits, playing Nertz, speed, Zarahemla, going to the beach, hiking and driving to fast! Lots of fun memories and can't wait for next years reunion.

Strauss Festival was fun. Ciara had lots of fun dancing with the Polka Troupe and they were great! Polka always steals the show. And looks like I am going to be directing next years show...it should be fun.

Ciara with her dance partner Devin Kirk (Sheryl Hodgson-Drapers son), Ciara with our good friends daughter Emma Cahoon & friend, Katie and Devin, and after the show Ciara, Katie & David.

Summer has been going by way to fast. I can't believe that the kids start school in a week. I am not ready! We have been shopping for school clothes for David and he looks great in his new clothes. He will be the best looking 7th grader at Smedberg. I will post pictures of the first day of school later. I am also headed back to Utah the end of the month. My father-in-law volunteered to take Katie and her cousin Rachel back to school and I am coming along. I will be helping both Courtney and Katie to move into their new apartment. They are going to be roommates this year. (Courtney and Katie decided to start a blog about this new adventure www.theroommateblog.blogspot.com) They are excited to be rooming together....lets hope that lasts.

Both girls will be in Noteworthy again this year...which I am very excited about and Courtney will be co-directing the group. Noteworthy will be competing again this year which means they may be headed back to New York......ahhhh, that would be so great but I am getting ahead of myself, but first they will be headed back to Marin to compete in semi-finals in March. I know this because they will make it to semi's of course. You should go check out Noteworthy's new blog at www.noteworthyladies.blogspot.com and then you can keep up with the groups happenings.

It is going to be very hard to have Katie gone again. I have loved having her home all summer and will miss her. I have gotten used to having her home again and her leaving will be like ripping a band-aid off. I am praying she will have a better year and will actually enjoy school this year. I love having grown children but hate that, that means they have to move out. I miss my kids when they are gone.

Okay, have lots to do today so I must end my rambling for today.

Exciting and Busy Week Ahead

2009-07-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

So, our family has a lot happening in the next week or so.

1st - Strauss Festival starts tomorrow. Our family has been involved for over 19 years. It is tradition. Ciara is dancing. I am taking a year off. You should come see the show---it is free.....can't beat the price.

2nd- 2nd Annual Alzheimer's 5K Run. Saturday the whole Jensen clan will be in town for the fun. Some our running, some walking and many volunteering. My father-in-law has been very involved in the planning of the race.

3rd - Jensen Family Reunion - next week we are having a family reunion. It will be so fun to see everyone and to hang out. We are camping near Point Reyes. I am actually looking forward to the event. Even though I am NOT a fan of camping. But it will be great to see everyone.

4th - And last but not least - Courtney is coming home YIPEE! I am so very excited for her to be home. She will be here for 12 days. I know the time is going to pass so quickly but It will be so nice to have our family all home together.

I will try to take pictures of all the fun events and post them. Hope you are all having a wonderful summer.

Exciety

2009-07-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

Courtney waiting for the show to start

I have something like excitement, anxiety and butterflies going on right now. I am getting David ready to go to scout camp tomorrow. He will be gone for a week and this is his first time away. I am also going to visit Courtney this weekend in Utah which I am so exicited about. She is in a play called Standing Still Standing and I am really looking forward to seeing her in it. I am driving to Utah with someone from my ward and we will be leaving after work and driving all night which is giving me anxiety. So, yes I am just full of all different kinds of feelings right now. Kinda like I might throw-up, have diarrhea and and ulcer all at the sametime. I feel so alive right now though. Life is fun.

Thoughts

2009-06-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Whats on my mind:

"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter" 2 Nephi 15:20

"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet...." 3 Nephi 14:6

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them." 3 Nephi 14:16-20

Listen

2009-06-22T10:45:00.001-07:00

I love Noteworthy. . . . that is no big secret I know but here is a video you should go check out.

A. it will make you smile
B. it is free
C. really pay attention at around the 1:40 point of the video (my favorite part)
D. a great way to spend 2 minutes

Have a great day! And please pass on the link to all your friends and help Noteworthy go viral.
(click on the link or if that dosen't work copy and paste into your broswer search bar.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmWdlMYRsVU

Kettlecorn Yumminess

2009-06-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share with you my newest gluten free treat. I have discovered a delicious treat that I CAN eat and it makes me happy. So, I thought I would share it with all of you...

I would like to introduce you to: Authentic All Natural Gourmet Kettlecorn Popcorn
it is"crispy, crunchy, sweet and salty" all in one bag!

It covers both the sweet and the salty cravings. I found it at Safeway on the chip isle. It is a red bag and says Popcorn, Indian Kettlecorn.

You should try it. Best kettlecorn I've ever tasted.

Gluten Free

2009-06-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today is day 4 of my being gluten free. So, I have had a very unhappy gut for sometime. And I have grown very tired of ALWAYS feeling icky, sicky. I am, at least I think I am, lactose intolerant and so I try to stay away from diary. I will admit I am not as diary free as I should be but lately I have tried really hard to not consume diary of any kind and even when I completely removed diary from my diet I still had lots of stomach aches and pains. Someone suggested to me that I might be gluten intolerant as well and should try taking gluten out of my diet and see if that helped. Well, that was a very scary thought because I love, love, love gluten or wheat. It is in all the good food, bread, pasta, cakes, cookies, etc. I love bread, like alot! So, I tried to convince myself that I could not have a sensitivity to gluten and tried to push that to the very darkest farthest place in my brain. But I still continued to have so many bad days, nights and just felt ughh! Last week I had just had enough of feeling bad and decided that I needed to take that leap into a gluten free diet and see if that helped me to feel better.

Day 1 was Saturday and it was hard. I mean what can you eat if you can't eat bread? I was pretty hungry most of the day. But I stuck with it and did notice that my gut was not as bad as the day before but still wasn't great.

Day 2 Sunday - ahh, well it was Fast Sunday which was good because then I didn't have to think about what I could eat as much but it was still hard and I felt really hungry but my gut was feeling better.

Day 3 Monday - I decided that I better go to the grocery store and look for things that I could eat and I found I few things but it is still hard. I need to focus on what I CAN eat instead of what I can't eat. Bitter sweet for me because my gut is feeling so much better which is good but sad because it seems not eating gluten is working for me which makes me sad. To think that I may never be able to eat yummy bread from Panera ever again is devasting. I must focus on the positive.

Day 4 Tueadsay - So, I am still gluten free (yay for me)! The hardest meal is breakfast. I mean what do you eat for breakfast when you can't have cereal, toast, bagels. Ahhh, I have discovered gluten free cereal but I am also not eating dairy so for now cereal is out. I am getting tired of eggs and when I eat eggs I really want toast they just go together! Good news I am feeling so much better. My gut is happy not 100% but so much better. And I think I have lost some weight which is definetly an upside to this adventure.

So, this is my life for now. I can't even think I may have to live this way for the rest of my earthly life. I just have to take it one day at a time for now. I am still not 100% sure I am glucose intolerant or the technical term have Celiac Disease but I will continue on and see what happens. Wish me luck! Life is hard when you can't have bread.

Customer Service

2009-05-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Yeah, as most of you know I work as temp for the county and I work at the front counter helping "customers" anyway along the way over the years I have met some pretty interesting people. And well yesterday for example I had another unusual customer. It was a warm day so I guess he decided to stay cool by wearing a bright yellow tank top with a racing back which is interesting in it self but he also happened to be a very hairy fellow and well it kinda looked like he was wearing a fur coat. Yep, he was bald but was proud of the fact that he had lots of hair everywhere else I think. Ugh, can you say "hairball". Just can't get that out of my head.

And a couple of days ago another fine American came in and said "I need to register" and I said "to vote" and he said "no, I need to register" it was then that it hit me. We are located in the same building as the Sheriff Dept. Yeah, he needed to "register" and I definetly could not help him. Don't you just love the public.

Willy Wonka

2009-04-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Willy Wonka Kids
Starring David Jensen as Willy Wonka

This is some video from our tech rehearsal not the best but gives a little taste.

Willy Wonka The Bucket House

Candy Man and kids Violet

Oompa Loopmas Fizzy Lifting Drink Room

Setting up for the show

This was a really fun show. The kids did such a terrific job. If you weren't able to make it you missed a really great time. I think it was one of our best yet. Stayed tuned for pictures of the Sr. Cast show. Alice in Wonderland.

Holi - Festival of Colors

2009-03-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

Festival of Colors

Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India, Nepal, and countries with large Hindu diaspora.

The main day, Holi, also known as Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as Holika Dahan (death of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad had when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Kama Dahanam in Andhra Pradesh.

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalugna or Falguna (Phalgun Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March.

Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colours.

Last weekend, Courtney and Katie went to a local celebration of Holi or Festival of colors. And I thought I would share some pictures with you. I don't know about you but I think this looks like so much fun. I want to do this someday before I die.

Nice and clean before the fun begins.

After --so colorful. And a beautiful temple.

Socialist

2009-03-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Socialists in Democrat clothing? What do you think? According to wikipedi this is the definition of a socialist:

"Socialists mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital, creates an unequal society, and does not provide equal opportunities for everyone in society. Therefore socialists advocate the creation of a society in which wealth and power are distributed more evenly"

Does this sound like anyone you know? Take from the rich and give to the poor.... Are you someone who is "pulling the wagon" or are you someone who is getting a "ride in the wagon". How does it make you feel if you are pulling the wagon?

A government owned bank and now a government owned auto company....even though "they" are being very careful to say they do not own or run GM they are just there to make sure it is run properly. Kinda is reminding me of the whole "frog in boiling water" story.

I am feeling more and more that are country is headed down a very slippery slope. And I don't know what I can do about it.....anyone have ideas? Please share with me.

Noteworthy In Sacramento

2009-03-18T19:01:00.001-07:00

NOTEWORTHY

Here are some pictures of the big Noteworthy weekend. In case, you are new to my blog Noteworthy is an all female a cappella group from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. My daughters Courtney and Katie are both in the group. Noteworthy came to Sacramento this past weekend for a concert. They performed at Sheldon High Schools Performing Arts Center. The show was amazing. The girls did such a great job. And we had so many people come to support them and SHS choir program. This show was a fundraiser for the Sheldon High School Choir Program which needs funds desperately and it was very successful. Thank you to everyone who came out.

Here the group is singing for one of the classes on campus. It was so fun because when the group first entered the classroom you could see the look on the students faces was very skeptical and they would say "who are you and what are you doing here" with tons of teenage attitude. You could tell by the looks on their faces that they were thinking this was going to be stupid and they were not going to like it but once the girls started singing the students attitude changed immediately and then they would turn to each and say "wow they are good" and by the end of the song the kids were sold and loved the girls in noteworthy. It was very fun to be able to see the change. And the Noteworthy girls loved it as well this was one of there favorite parts of the whole weekend.

these next couple of pictures are of the NW girls singing at lunch and hanging out with the students. They were dancing and having lots of fun.

This is a picture of Sheldon's principal Ms. Duncan as you can see by the look on her face she loved them as well.

And the next few are of the NW girls giving a workshop for the choir kids. The choir kids loved them and really got into it. Here NW is practcing the song they would sing the choir at the show. Courtney sang the solo. She sang this when she was in high school and part of the vocal ensemble.

This is just a picture of the combined song with the vocal ensemble and noteworthy.

I love this one...one of Noteworthys newest fans.

And this is a picture of two of Noteworthys newest and biggest fans from Sacramento.

Noteoworthy girls are now Huskies forever!

Katie and Ciara after the show giving each other some sisterly loves

Courtney, Kelsey and Catherine driving...yeah they did alot of driving over the weekend

Courtney and Cooley just being silly ....these girls love each other and all get along so well. I find it amazing how well they get along. I mean think about 9 girls spending that much time together would normally mean lots of cat fighting right? Nope not with these girls they truly love each other and it is great to be able to watch them and feel their love.

Here they are being thier usually silly selves.

My favorite.....the "noteworthy tie throw-down" ahhhh so cool.

NotEworthy with some of their fans from the Oakland Youth Conference. They sang for a 16 stake youth conference ....and the youth loved, loved, loved them.

More Noteworthy sillyness. I love how Rachel's hair is standing up in the next picture.

Grecian Urn---"trickle, trickle, trickle"

And here they are performing before the youth dance. Apoligize-one of my favorite songs.

So, overall it was a great weekend. It went by so fast. Again, I just felt priviliged to be able to hang out with them all weekend. I could feel the spirit so strong while I was around them. And the people they performed for also could feel that spirit. They didn't always know what they were feeling but they knew there was something special about this group. If you missed seeing them you should go check them out on my brother-in-laws website. He took some amazing video of the show. www.jensenweddingvideo.blogspot.com. It sure it sweet to have a family member who is so talented in his field of videography and is so willing to share that with us.

AMGEN

2009-02-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we went to see the AMGEN bike race in Sacramento. This was a major event for our city. The cream of the biking crop was here for this race...lets just race it was as close as you can get to the tour de france without actually going to France. It was a great day. We had lots of fun. It was great to see so many people out to support the race. We will definetly be going back next year and I would recommend it even if your not a bike race fan. I have only ever heard of Lance Armstrong and still had a really great day. It was nice to that the weather coooperted the rain held off until we were walking to our car after the race was over. Here are a few pictures of the day.

This is right near the beginning of the race. Right behind the rider is a camerman riding on the back of the motorcycle. I really want to do that. I think the cameraman was having lots of fun.
And behind the motorcycle is the race team car.

Just a picture to show how fast the riders were going.

This is a picture of Lance Armstrong. We were right at the finish line in this picture. If you look at the ground you can see chalk. People had written messages all over the street to their favorite riders. Lance was one of the riders everyone was very excited to see. This is his first major race after 3 years. He just recently came out of retirement. FYI did you know that he won the tour de france 7 times? Lance came in 10th place. He rode 2.4 miles in 4 minutes and 37 seconds.

This is just a picture of the finish line. So, next year if we are lucky enough to be part of the AMGEN bike tour you should go because if was quite exciting, free and overall a great way to spend a saturday afternoon.

NOTEWORTHY SHOW IN SACRAMENTO

2009-01-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

Finally, the time is here. Noteworthy is coming to Sacramento. Friday, March 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center. We are so excited. Tickets are on sale at http://www.noteworthyladies.com/. We would love to see you there and bring a friend or two or three. Here are a couple of links to some videos so you can get a small taste of how talented these girls are and it is even better live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcqWQRxdRMs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QNeUgXoVsY

Also, if anyone would like to help get the word out I have posters and flyers. Just let me know and I will get some to you. We really want to get as many people their as possible.

25 Random Facts about Me

2009-01-28T17:42:00.000-08:00

I copyed this from my facebook but thought it would be fun to put here for those of you who do not follow facebook. I would love to hear 25 random facts about you if you would like to take the challenge. It is a fun way to get to know each other.

1. I broke both my arms in kindergarten when I fell off the swing. It is a really funny story you should ask me about it sometime.
2. I love musicals. Yes, I love it when people randomly start singing and dancing.
3. I burp alot. I have passed this amazing talent on to my 3 girls and the smallest one burps the loudest.
4. I love piano music and wish I could play.
5. I hate having dirty hands, which is probably why I am not a fan of camping.
6. I do not like water being thrown in my face...it makes me very, very angry.
7. I love cotton candy and french fries.
8. I really like candles especially ones that smell like cinnamon.
9. One of my favorite things is new socks...if I were rich i would wear a new pair everyday.
10. I love reading...it is one of my favorite things to do. Curl up under a warm blanket and do nothing all day but read, with new socks on of course, a perfect day.
11. I wish I could sing...I like to sing but really am not any good.
12. When I was 10 I fell off my pony and dislocated my elbow...the most painful experience of my life.
13. I love the smell of hay.
14. I like to people watch and then talk to my best friend Connie about the funny ones!
15. I started a musical theatre company for youth with my friend and we are now in our 6th
16. I went to BYU-I when it was Ricks College.
17. I want to learn how to use my new Nikon D-70.
18. At my high school there were racial riots and I had to hide under a table in the cafeteria to avoid being hit by a chair. You see we couldn't escape out the cafeteria doors because they were blocked so we had no choice but to fight or hide. I hid...yes I am a chicken.
19. I love teenagers. I really like working with them. I would much rather work with teens then little kids.
20. In the last 3 years I have become an ardent fan of acapella music. Especially a group called Noteworthy. Who just happen to be the 2007 world champions of collegiate acapella.
21. I am lactose intolerant.
22. I like to watch reality TV.
23. I love to listen to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.
24. I go to wal-mart at least once a week and I prefer it over target.
25. I have just wasted a really long time doing this...when I should be doing something productive like cleaning my house.

P.S. I am putting a plug in for my daughter Courtney's blog. She just posted a really great post and you should go read it. Her blog is listed on the side under my favorite blogs "snap, crackle, pop". Check it out.

Diane Helen De Lucia Jensen

2009-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

Born September 20, 1934 in Oakland to Nicholas and Helen De Lucia, Diane passed away at home, in Rancho Cordova on Jan 17, 2009 at age 74. She devoted her life to her family, her church, sewing, painting, teaching dance, and directing theatrical productions. Of note, Diane choreographed for the Elk Grove Strauss Festival for many years. Lovingly cared for during her long illness by her husband Willis Boyd Jensen, she also leaves children Marcia Harris, Michael Jensen, Stephen Jensen, Caryn Stapp, Sarah Blair, Rachelle Anderson, Jared Jensen and their spouses, 34 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, her sisters Susan Rosenquist and Marian Brown, and brother Thomas De Lucia. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Nicholas and Andrew De Lucia. Services will be held Friday, Jan 23 at 11 am at the LDS Church, 2400 Cordova Lane, Rancho Cordova. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association.

Diane was a great inspiration to me. She was a great example of what a great LDS women should be. I was blessed to have her as my mother in-law. I miss her and look forward to the day when I can see her again and thank her for all she has done for me.

I have received many kind words from so many of you. Those words have brought comfort and peace. I have posted a copy of one the really shows what kind of person Diane was...

I was sad to hear of the passing away of Sister Jensen today. She had a life long positive impact on my life. When Rancho Cordova was still a part of the Fair Oaks Stake and I was 16 yrs young she invited me to be in the dance festival for that year. I was so shy that when my mom would drop me off at the Fair Oaks Stake Center I would wait until she left and then walk up to the Circle K. I did that for about a month. When Sister Jensen found out, she came to my house to teach me the steps. It was because of her that I went on to do the dance festivals and stake plays that I enjoyed doing so much. I know that there are many other people, including my 2 younger brothers, who were blessed because of her.

Ciara

2009-01-12T07:41:00.001-08:00

Thought it was about time I updated the blog on Ciara's JRA (juvenile rhuematoid arthritis). She had an appt. Friday with her rhuematologist. She see's him about once a month. She had some bloodwork done and it showed that her liver enzymes and her sed rate were elevated which is not good and that she is a little anemic. The sed rate lets the Dr know how much inflammation there is going on in her body so when it goes up then he knows that the JRV is getting worse which Ciara was telling him that she felt worse and that she has been experiencing lots of stomach pain. The liver enzyme is telling him basically that her liver is not at all happy with the medication she is taking and something needs to change because you do not want to have elevated liver enzymes or at least not as high as Ciara's are.

And I just want to say here that Dr. Stobie is great. He gives Ciara the most complete examine everytime we come and never makes us feel like we need to hurry along. Are appts generally last 45 min to an hour.

Anyway, so Dr. Stobie wants to figure out which medicine is causing her liver to be so unhappy and changed her off of Clinoril and put her on a new NSAID Relefen. Hopefully, this change will also help with the stomach pain. Relefen is not as hard on the stomach as Clinoril. She will continue with the methotrexate once a week which really dosen't seem to be doing much and is not causing any of the side effects accept mouth sores which is good. And the mouth sores are just a few and it dosen't help that she has braces. Ciara goes back in 4 weeks to see if the change in meds will help the liver enzymes go down and also how she is feeling. If the liver stays the same then she will probably have to go off the methotrexate if they go down then he will increase the amount of metho she is taking and he also will probably start her on a new med that you may have heard about from TV Enbrel. This is a really good med for JRV but Ciara would have to give herself a shot twice a week which believe me she is not happy about but Dr really wants to get her JRV to stop progressing and hopefully decrease. Apparently Enbrel is very, very expensive in the thoughsands of dollars range. Dr asked what kind of insurance we had and we are very blessed to have amazing health coverage. Dr even said "well make sure your husband doesen't quit that job". Yes, I am very grateful for a husband who gets up at 3 every morning to go to work so we can have this amazing health insurance.

So, we are now just waiting for the next 3 weeks to pass to see what it going to happen. Ciara is still a real trooper who never complains, gets up at 5 every morning for seminary (because she is so slow in the mornings it takes her a good hour and 20 mins to get ready) and she has only missed 3 days so far this year and one of those was because we were out of town. I am also blessed to be her Mom.

Hope you are all having a great day, week, month etc. Love to hear from you.

SADD

2009-01-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else get that blue, down, no energy, motivation feeling when the weather is like this (overcast, foggy not sunshine for days, weeks at a time)? I have it bad ....I hate feeling this way and even though I know the cause and that I feel this way every January I still feel this way. Anyway, below are a few pictures of my sunshine and what can make me happy and smile anytime.

New Look

2009-01-06T22:35:00.000-08:00

So, I have been trying to figure out how to get a "cute" blog and I think I finally did it. Hope you enjoy the new look.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-05T19:41:00.001-08:00

These are the picture of our new shower. It is so nice to have a nice new shower!

I just can't believe that it is 2009 already. I swear it was just Jan. 2008 about 3 months ago. Do you remember when you were young and it seemed that time moved so slow. I remember thinking Christmas would never ever come and now it seems like it comes every 3 months. Time is flying by and I don't like it! Now that I want it to go slow it speeds up...I am never happy.

Our New Year's Eve was not so spectacular but fun. We spent the evening with family playing games and eating (of course). Do we ever gather without food? (I am pretty sure the answer to that is no) Then we had to leave before the new year because we had to pick up Ciara and friends from the dance. Ciara went to the dance up at Mormon Center, I think she had fun but not sure how much. Ciara was really not feeling well. She has been having lots of stomach pain and joint aches and pains. I am worried that she may be developing an ulcer from her meds. And unfortunately her rhemetologist is out of town until the very end of Jan. I am thinking we will probably have to go in to her peditrician for a check if the stomach pain does not get better.

Courtney and Katie started the new semester today. Katie reports that so far her classes are fine. She has moved into her new apartment and seems to like it. Her new Bishop came over for a visit last night and she really likes him. So hopefully, this semester will be better than last and she will finally feel like this is where she is supposed to be. Courtney, only had two classes today and she only made it to one. She is still having lots, and lots of dizzyness and nausea. Lots of snow today so she decided to miss one of her classes. Hopefully, tomorrow will go better she has classes from 9 to 3. She got the bill for her ER visit today, are you ready for this....$13,649. Yeah, thats right I said thirteen thousand six hundred and forty nine dollars. And that does include the ambulance ride or the cat scan. So, no wonder our health insurance rates are so high. She was never even admitted.

David has a project and report due Wed on ancient egyptians. His project is to cook something the egyptians ate. So, tonight we made pita bread or something like it and some candy that is as david says the ancient egyptian version of rice krispies. It is sesame seeds with honey. I am not a fan of honey but if you are it is probably tastee.

And we finally got christmas all put away! Yipee, it is fun to decorate for christmas but never quite as fun to take it down and put it away but I am glad to have my house back to normal. It always looks so empty though with all the christmas stuff gone. And this is just a picture of my naked, dead christmas tree. It looks so sad.

Ciara and friends just hanging out over christmas vacation.

Hope you all have a wonderful year full of family, friends and food.

Lots of happenings

2008-12-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

So much has happened over the last two weeks and I am talking other things not Christmas. First, of all our shower decided to leak into our master bedroom so we had to tear out the old one and replace it. And as you may have already guessed this just is a hugh task. Lots of mess and lots of time especially when your husband is working lots of overtime. Well it is finally done! I think we can start using our new shower tomorrow when everything is dry. It looks really nice and will be really nice to have our shower back. Our new shower has a place to sit which should be cool. I will have to take a picture for you all to admire.

The next big happening was very scary. My oldest daughter Courtney was in a car accident. She drove home from BYU with her roommate Kristin so she would not have to drive home alone. Kristin lives in Arizona. Courtney was also going to help finish mixing the new Noteworthy album for a couple of days and then fly home. The Friday before Christmas her and Kristin were trying to make a left turn in one of those lame left turn things where you just have to wait until you can go no arrows. Well, the light turned yellow and the cars were slowing down so they decided they could go but at the sametime they decided to go a big truck decided to try and "make" the light before it turned red. Well, the big truck t-boned the little honda right on Courtneys side. Thankfully, the car had airbags which I am pretty saved Courtney from some serious injuries or maybe even death. The truck was going about 50 mph. Both girls are going to be fine. Kristin had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days because her brain was bleeding. She is home now recuperating and mostly just has some pretty bad headaches. Courtney was released the same day after lots of tests and even a catscan. Courtney is still really sore especially on her right side and has lots of dizzy spells. She also is very nervous in the car and likes to sit in the middle of back seat and sometimes she crys because of flashbacks. But hopefully, all this will pass and she will recover fully. I am sure they had angels watching over them and am very grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who watches over us. Things like this really make you think about how quickly life can change.

Courtney and Katie have to head back to Provo early because Noteworthy is opening on New Year's eve for Rockapella a pretty well known acapella group. They were on the show Carmen San Diego. I am very sad that they have to head back early but this will be a fun experience for them. Katie also moved into a new apartment and so she will have a chance to get everything organized before the new semester starts.

We had a very fun and blessed Christmas. A Christmas angel sent our family such an amazing gift (thank you so much whoever you are, we can't thank you enough for your kindness!). We spent lots of time with family, ate some delicious food and remembered our Savior. We even had a Happy Birthday Jesus cake. Hope you all also had an amazing holiday and that your New Year is filled with lots of happiness.

Back to a somewhat normal life

2008-12-09T09:26:00.001-08:00

So, now that the election is FINALLY over, I am back at home and can start having a normal life again. (whatever that is) I really need to do this more often so I don't feel overwhelmed when I finally do sit down to update. Yeah, the election was crazy! I believe it was the worst ever. Talking to everyone that has worked voter reg for a while they all said they have never been through an election like it. 80% turnout which is pretty amazing since it is usually much, much lower. You might saw it was overwhelming. I mean I love seeing people get out to vote an all but my goodness I was not prepared for the wierdness of the public. Let's just say it was defitnetly a learning experience.

So what has been happening with the Jensen Family .... let's see we had our fall production at EGMTC the Jr. cast performed 101 Dalmations and the Sr. cast performed Roger's & Hammersteins Cinderella. Both turned out really well. David was Horace (one of Cruella's henchmen) in 101 Dalamations and Ciara was Portia (one of the step-sisters) in Cinderella.

Stephen was released as Bishop after 5 years. It was very bittersweet we love having him home but at the sametime it is also sad. Especially for him. But he is now serving in the Stake Young Mens as 1st Counselor which will be great. He was an amazing Bishop for the Gerber Ward and we loved seeing him up there on the stand every week but it is nice to have him sitting with the family agian.

This is a picture of his board in the Bishops Office. Mostly written on by the youth of the ward. He didn't erase any of it for 5 years. So, it was very sad to finally have to erase the memories. So, we took pictures.

Thanksgiving was very memorable. We went to my parents house for dinner which was amazing. My Mom can cook. We had ham and turkey and all the fixins of course. My brother and his family was their as well. We decided we needed to take a family picture since it had been so long since we had taken one ...which I think means we have never really taken a family picture. Anyway, we went out onto my parents porch to gather for the picture and the neighbor decides now would be a good time to come over and visit and say "thanks" to my mom for the nice dinner she took over to his house. Well, he came right as we were about to take this long overdue family picture and for some reason just couldn't get the very large "HINT" we were giving him and well we now have a new member of our "family" in this first picture we are all laughing so hard that we just couldn't stop even for the picture. Michael the neighbor is the one peeking over katie's head in the middle back.

So yeah, here we are totally laughing our faces off, especially my family. Katie was especially wierded out by the neighbor she said "it looks like he is about to eat me"

We did finally get a "good" picture without Michael the neighbor.

Alicia, Robert (my brother), Katie, Courtney, Me, Stephen

Ciara, Dot Devey, Timm Devey

David and Michael (Robert's little boy)

Here are a few more pictures we took that day. After my parents we went over to the Jensen's for dessert, games and singing. We are putting out another CD so we had to practice.

Prop 8

2008-11-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

Just can't stop thinking of how important this election is -- we are making history. Please be a part of this important election and vote! Also, I hope you will realize the importance of Prop. 8 and what your yes vote means. Families are the cornerstone of our nation and if they fail then so will our nation. Please vote Yes! And, pray, pray and keep a prayer in your heart all day for the voters of California.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

2008-10-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I would share with you something that has been on my mind alot. Our daughter Ciara was recently diagnosed with rheumotoid arthritis (RA). I have heard of this but was not really sure exactly what it meant. Here is some information I found online about RA.

The most prevalent form of juvenile arthritis is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA. It affects approximately 50,000 children in the United States. JRA also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) because it is very different from adult rheumatoid arthritis.

What Causes JRA?
It's not known exactly what causes JRA in kids. Research indicates that it is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, white blood cells lose the ability to tell the difference between the body's own healthy cells and harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. The immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from these harmful invaders, instead releases chemicals that can damage healthy tissues and cause inflammation and pain.
To effectively manage and minimize the effects of arthritis, an early and accurate diagnosis is essential. By understanding the symptoms and characteristics of each type of JRA, you can help your child maintain an active, productive lifestyle.

Types of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Typically, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis appears between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. The first signs often are joint pain or swelling and reddened or warm joints. Many rheumatologists (doctors specializing in joint disorders) find that the greater the number of joints affected, the more severe the disease and the less likely that the symptoms will eventually go into total remission.

The three major types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are:
Oligoarticular JRA, which affects four or fewer joints. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints. The knee and wrist joints are the most commonly affected. An inflammation of the iris (the colored area of the eye) may occur with or without active joint symptoms. This inflammation, called iridocyclitis, iritis, or uveitis, can be detected early by an ophthalmologist.

Polyarticular arthritis, which affects more girls than boys. Symptoms include swelling or pain in five or more joints. The small joints of the hands are affected as well as the weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, ankles, feet, and neck. In addition, a low-grade fever may appear, as well as bumps or nodules on the body on areas subjected to pressure from sitting or leaning.
Systemic JRA, which affects the whole body. Symptoms include high fevers that often increase in the evenings and then may suddenly drop to normal. During the onset of fever, the child may feel very ill, appear pale, or develop a rash. The rash may suddenly disappear and then quickly appear again. The spleen and lymph nodes may also become enlarged. Eventually many of the body's joints are affected by swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Signs and Symptoms
The first signs of arthritis can be subtle or obvious. Signs may include limping or a sore wrist, finger, or knee. Joints may suddenly swell and remain enlarged. Stiffness in the neck, hips, or other joints can also occur. Rashes may suddenly appear and disappear, developing in one area and then another. High fevers that tend to spike in the evenings and suddenly disappear are characteristic of systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

I was suprised to learn that is not all that uncommon for young children to have this disease. It mostly effects women and most commonly begins between 30 and 50. Men do get it but less often, and there symptoms are generally more severe. Ciara also has psorisis and so this is probably connected. And she probably actually has something that is called psoratic arthritis which is the same thing and is treated the same as RA.

Ciara's RA at first was just affecting her hands, fingers and wrists but is now is beginning to travel to her hips, knees, & back. Mornings are especially hard for her and are when she has the most pain. As the day goes on she does feel better but the pain never completely goes away. It is like at 15 year old living in an 85 year old body. Her rheumatoligist wants to begin some very agressive treatment. This should hopefully help with the pain and increase her movement. The scary part is the drug he wants to prescribe to her is actually a drug used in chemotherapy. Methotrexate is given to cancer patients but is also the "gold standard" in RA treatment. We have to weigh the benefits against the side affects: nausea, hair loss, mouth ulcers, liver damage etc. Her Dr. says that she would be on a very low dose and shouldn't incur the hair loss or liver damage. If she did begin to lose her hair we would stop using that drug and he would be monitoring her liver to make sure it was functioning properly and that there was no damage.

It is hard as a parent to see your child in pain everyday and Ciara just wants the pain to stop. So, we have to make the decision of what to do for you her....let her continue with the her current treatment which seems to not be working so well or give her a very toxic drug which has really bad side affects.

If anyone who reads this has any experience with RA I would love to hear from you. And we would also appreciate any prayers you could send our way as we try to come up with the best treatment plan for Ciara.

Utah Trip

2008-09-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I finally got my pictures from our trip to Utah. Ciara and I drove back to Utah to take Katie all her stuff to move into her dorm. We had so much fun visiting with the girls and with my friend Connie.

This is a picture at one of the many rest areas we stopped at. Ciara ran up to the top of hill where you can see those rocks way in the back.

This is a picture of Courtney's apartment

This is a picture of Katies room. Not sure if you can tell but if you look closely you will see her bedspread -- this is one that she got from Grandma Jensen. She didn't want a new one she specifically wanted to take the one grandma made for her. If you look out her window you see campus. She is right across from the Harris Fine Arts building. And really close to the Wilkinson Center.

Katie's kitchen and living room. As you can tell it is pretty small. She has been doing alot of cooking though. She made meatloaf one of the first nights for all her roomies and a couple of other friends. It was a big hit. Her and roomies often cook together. Katie is also taking a cooking class which she is pretty exicited about.

Katie got a job at the creamery which is about 2 minutes from her apartment. She works at the grill making burgers etc. and she scoops ice cream as well. The creamery is always busy so she says the time passes really quickly and her left arm was very sore for the first few shifts. She is now a pro. This picture I took on her very first day and she was making her very first burgers. She looks like a pro already. I am pretty sure I embarrased her but it was fun.

Here we are trying to help Katie find where her classes are the day before her first day of classes.
Yeah, I guess we all have very different opinions on where she needs to go. We also made a trip to the bookstore. Can you say "expensive"? I can't believe how much books cost. Just for one of katies' classes the books were $300.

It took a few trys but I finally got them all in the air. We went out one afternoon to take pictures just for fun and here are a couple more of our favorites.

The trip was fun. It was so great to get to see Courtney and Katie. They went back to Provo in June to work and so I hadn't seen them in 3 months. They are both doing so great. Both love school and feel really blessed to be able to be at BYU.

Crazy for Noteworthy

2008-09-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

If you thought our family was crazy for Noteworthy before now we will be twice as crazy cuz Katie is one of the newest members of BYU's premier a cappella group. After 3 very long days of waiting for the results of auditions we finally just heard the happy news. We are so proud of Katie and Courtney.

We are also so exicited because it looks like Noteworthy will coming to Sacramento in November to perform -- we will defitnely keep you posted on that and let you all know for sure.

I also need to post about my trip to Utah. I need to download the picture and then I will post.

Back to school

2008-08-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

I am always sad when summer is over. I enjoy being able to relax and not really have plans. No more relaxing back to: Seminary, school, homework, packing lunches, theater rehearsal, flag football practice and work.

I am already tired of it . . . even though today was the first day! ha, ha.

I am excited though about heading back to Utah to see my girls. I miss them so much. I will be gone for a week and Ciara is coming with me. It will be a fun girls week!. I will be taking all of Katies "stuff" that she needs to move into her dorm. She will be living in Heritage Halls, Fox Hall #49. I am very excited for her to start this whole new phase of life. Even though it is very sad for me. I know she will be great. I am also excited to see Courtney. She is a pro at this whole college thing now. This is the beginning of her Senior year -- how fast the time has flown by. I really can't believe she is a Senior. It seems like she just graduated from high school. I am also excited for a new year of Noteworthy.

I have also just gone back to work at the County. I'm not gonna lie that I really don't want to be there for this election. It is going to be so busy it frightens me. Between the Presidential election and prop 8 we will have our work cut out for us. I am pretty sure every crazy person in Sacrmamento county will be calling or coming in! Pray for me.

Well, I guess we have to have Fall, Winter, Spring so we can appreciate Summer that much more.

Bye -- Summer -- I will miss you. See you about 9 months.

Cindy

Update Summer 2008

2008-07-30T20:27:00.001-07:00

I though it was about time I finally updated our blog. Yeah it has been way to long. We have had a very busy Spring and Summer. We had our EGMTC spring productions of "The Emperors New Clothes" and "Oklahoma". They turned out great. David played the part of Guido - one of the brothers who convinces the king to wear the "clothes", Katie was a very beautiful Laurie, and Ciara was one of Lauries friends. All the kids were great and it is fun to watch them grow and progress. This was Katie's last show with us which is sad. We will miss her.

We also went on our Stakes Pioneer Trek. It was one of the most amazing experiences ever. We felt like we were in Zion for a few days. I am not a camper at all. I won't even go camping if there aren't showers and flush toliets and was really not looking forward to going. Infact, I tried really hard to get out of it but I am so glad that I went because it was so great. Yes, I was tired and really dirty but it didn't seem to matter. It also helped to me to have an even great appreciation of what the pioneers had to go through. If you ever are given the opportunity to go on a trek -- go! I promise you will not regret it.

Katie Graduated June 4th. We are very proud of her. She will be starting college in the Fall at BYU in Provo, Utah. Still trying to decide what she will be majoring in. She actually is already living in Provo with Courtney. She got a job at Hollister. Since she is a poor college student she spends most of her time working or hanging out in the apartment with Courtney. Katie is looking forward to school starting and moving into the dorms where she will be able to make lots of new friends. We miss her terribly but are glad she able to have lots of new experiences. Girls Camp - Ciara went to girls camp the beginning of July. This is a picture of her on the hike she went on. She was a Youth Camp Leader this year. She only has one year of girls camp left. I can't believe it.
Ciara and some of her YCL friends

4th of July

Once again we went out to Woodland for the 4th. Here is a picture of Stephen setting up the fireworks.

Ciara and her friends

Ciara and cousin Tyler

David

Once again we were involved with the Strauss Festival. This was my 20th year. I can't believe it has been that long. Here are a few pictures.

Ciara danced with the Polka troupe again. This is her second year.

Ciara is the one in the yellow skirt. The ribbon dance was the best dance in the show. Polka rocks!

Easter and Noteworthy

2008-03-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

Noteworthy came out to California for the ICCA semifinal competition we were able to go down and see the performance at the Marin Center in San Rafael. It was so good. I think probably one of the best semi-finals ever. So many great groups. Noteworthy didn't move on to Finals but it was okay cuz they were still amazing. We had lots of fun with girls over the weekend. Here are a few pictures.

The family -- of course my eyes were closed in all the pictures. PS Courtney painted the hat that David is wearing.

Noteworthy performing Svatba

The kids-- they are beautiful aren't they?

the next day we went down to the temple to see Noteworthy and Vocal Point perform at a fireside -- it was so good. I loved it!

The family with Grandma Devey at the Oakland Temple before the fireside

Vocal point and Noteworthy performing at the fireside Easter at the Andersons home. Ciara hiding eggs

Walking and Singing

A perfect Easter Day -- Beautiful Katie and Darling Tyler Mad dash for easter eggs - and candy!!!
It was a perfect day for a family easter party. We had so much fun. Everyone is growing up so fast.

Story time

2008-02-25T20:50:00.001-08:00

Yeah, it has been a really long time since I have put up a new post but we have been so busy. I am working full time right now at Voter Registration. Now that the election is over things have slowed down a little bit and I feel like I actually have time to put something up here. Anyway, we have done a couple of really fun things the last two weekends. First, we went up to Oregon to watch Noteworthy compete in the ICCA quarterfinals. We had a great time. Friday night we stayed with the Harris' and had fun talking, eating and watching movies. It was a great visit. Saturday they took us site seeing around town and Katie took some pictures and then we wenton a hike to some beautiful waterfalls. It was just breathtaking.

Saturday night we went to see Courtney and Noteworthy -- it was a fun night and Noteworthy was placed 2nd so they get to move on to semi finals here in California. They will be performing March 15 @ the marin center in San Raphael. Would love to see you all there. If you can't make it Saturday they will also be putting on a joint fireside with Vocal Point on Sunday at the Oakland Temple. We loved Oregon. It was so beautiful. We wished we could have spent more time there.

Then Tuesday, Feb. 19th Katie woke up in the middle of the night in excrutiating pain -- another kidney stone! Spent all night in the ER. They sent her home with some pain pills and a "it should pass soon". Well she was still in pain on Saturday. We had been praying really hard that she would feel better by Saturday because she had a very important singing competition that night. She was competing in the Capital Music Awards for a $5,000 scholarship. It was the semi-finals. Tickets were $30 and so she felt very obligated to try and perform. When she woke up Sat. morning things were bad but she rallied and decided that she could go and try. She went on stage for a sound check and when she came off she was WHITE as a sheet and about ready to pass out. This really was worrisome cuz then we felt like she might not make it through the actual performance. But, the man in charge was very kind and let her go to his office and rest on his couch until she had to perform. She, was feeling better just weak. I started to relax a little. Finally, it was time for her to get dressed. Katies calls from the bathroom "Mom, were is my shirt?" I said "should be with all your other stuff" -- "no, I don't see it" -- "I'll go look in the car it probably fell off the hanger". So, off I go to the car to get her beautiful new shirt that we got speical for her performance. As I approach the car I see her beautiful new shirt lying on the ground, soaking wet! Yeah, I know -- my heart sunk and I thought "ok, what else can go wrong" and I knew that I could not go back to Katie and tell her that she had nothing to wear but a beautiful wet shirt that people had probably stepped on! Right then the nice man in charge came up to me and asked "is everything ok?" Well, I told him my story and he said that there was a dryer backstage we could use! Yeah, a great blessing.

So, I then went back to Katie in the bathroom and shared the story -- she was a little worried but okay -- I think the drugs helped her to stay calm. Finally, it was time for her to go on stage. I can't even tell you how nervous I was, we all were for her. But out she came looking amazing in her dry, beautiful new shirt. She sang like she has never sang before -- it was just wonerful! The judges loved her and only had positive things to say and we even heard wispers around us and they were saying "she was good". Another blessing. All, in all it was a great night and a great relief once it was over. She felt great about her performance.

The tope 3 move on the to finals. We will let you know if she moves on. We won't know until March 24th. I will say this whole experience was a testimony builder. Heavenly Father definetly listens to our prayers and cares about us.

Sorry, this was so long. There is even more but you'll have to talk to Katie to get the whole story. Hopefully, it won't be so long till then next blog.

This is not a very good picture -- took it with my phone but we forgot to bring our camera.

Beautiful new shirt!

Random Pictures

2007-12-12T20:29:00.001-08:00

So..I just found my camera after digging through a drawer, and I took it to my makeup class today to take picture of my final project (turning myself into a turtle). Anyway, after downloading the pictures I found some other great gems I thought I'd share.Here is Noteworthy last April in NEW YORK!One of my apartment mates (Kaitlyn Thatcher) has a habit of drying her clothes in me and my roommates bathroom. So to teach her a lesson, one night when we came home from work we individually wrapped all of her clothes in tin foil and put them in the oven....i woke up to screaming the next morning.
Me, mom, and dad in from of the Statue of Liberty! Me...as a turtle (I got the inspiration from the master of disguise), Today in my makeup class. yay!

Exciting News

2007-12-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

Very exciting news --Katie just found out that she has been admitted to BYU for Fall 2008! We are all super excited and happy for her. Today is a good day.

David

2007-12-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

I just want to say that I am blessed to be the mother of the sweetest, most caring, compassionate and kind little 10 year old boy ever. I was reminded of that again this evening while riding in the car with David. And I just hope that we can nurture that in him -- his future wife and family will be very lucky.

David also gives us so many funny moments to remember because of his dyslexia. Anyone, who lives with a dyslexic will know what I am talking about but for those of you who aren't blessed to have a dyslexic in your home I am sorry because it is great in so many ways.

Girls of Noteworthy

2007-12-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

I love these beautiful girls. And I miss my beautiful girl alot today so I decided to put up some pictures. These are a few of their new pictures for this year.

Love this girl!

Yeah, I am not surprised at all by this picture of Courtney are you?

Noteworthy just had a performance with all the acapella groups at BYU and they basically smoked them all -- even Vocal Point!

Beards are not allowed at BYU

2007-11-28T16:40:00.001-08:00

We have the coolest projects in my makeup class. Today was my first attempt at putting on a beard. It required 5 dollars worth of hair (wool), and a teaspoon of spirit gum (makeup glue). I got some great looks from my fellow students as i walked home from class. YAY for beards.

Legos & Fall

2007-11-26T21:02:00.000-08:00

David and Stephen wanted to see how high they could build a lego tower. It was pretty cool. When they were done we took turns shooting it with a rubber band trying to see who could knock it over. All is took was one rubberband hitting it and over it went.

These are just some pretty fall pictures that Katie took of the tree in our backyard.

BYU Halftime entertainment

2007-11-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

Noteworthy was invitied to provide the halftime entertainment for the last BYU Men's Basketball game and because we are such dorks about seeing our daughter we were able to see her in these little pieces they showed on byu tv and thouht maybe you would like to see it too anyway here are the two clips:

http://www.byu.tv/index.html?start=73347.80900000001&stop=73367.029&show=&ep=http%3A//qmplive.xlontech.net/byutv/stream/071120.qvt

Another clip:

http://www.byu.tv/index.html?start=73453.188&stop=73474.839&show=&ep=http%3A//qmplive.xlontech.net/byutv/stream/071120.qvt

Noteworthy BYU Magazine Article

2007-11-22T10:21:00.000-08:00

click on the link to go to the BYU magazine article about Noteworthy http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=2087

Tag - 7 random facts about me

2007-11-14T10:36:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Caryn and told that I need to state 7 random facts about myself and then anyone reading this needs to do the same and if you do you'll get some dishtowels or something--here goes

Random fact #1 - Indesiveness drives me nuts

#2- I can't stand the sound of people smacking their lips

#3 - I love horses

#4 - I love the Ellen show

#5 - I want to go whitewater rafting before I die

#6 - I watch the Batchelor

#7 - I kissed Jimmy Osmond

Ciara + Quad = a trip to the ER

2007-11-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Ciara went out to priarie city to ride quads with her friend Marissa and her family. They were having lots of fun until their quad flipped sending Marissa and Ciara into space. Ciara has no memory of what happened. We took Ciara to the ER because she was acting funny. She has a concussion but no broken bones. She is fine just really sore. No quad riding for her for a long while. Here are some pictures of her boo boos

road rash on her wrist, elbow and hip

When I first saw Ciara her face was covered with dirt, infact she had dirt everywhere, but she had dirt all stuck in her braces and a fat lip

Mr. Perry's

2007-11-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

Friday morning after our performance we decided to go out to breakfast. Mr. Perry's is one of our favorite places to go for breakfast, so we decided to go there. While we were waiting for our food Stephen began telling us a story about something that happened during the morning performance of Aristocats but as he started telling it he began laughing and started laughing so hard that he couldn't even talk which in turn made us all laugh at him laughing so hard which in turn made practically everyone in the whole restaurant turn to look at us and wonder what was so funny. In fact, the whole meal was a little embarrassing because we just couldn't stop laughing. Even our waitress said something to us. You see we were laughing so hard we were crying and she said something like "oh don't cry the food isn't that bad". I think the people right next to us thought we were crazy. Anyway, it was lots of fun, even if it was embarrassing -- you just have embrace those moments because they don't come along that often. And it makes me just love my family!

Honor Roll

2007-11-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

We wanted to share some very exciting news with everyone. David has been working very hard at school and has wanted to make the honor roll for the last 3 years. He has been close several times but finally after lots of hard work he made it! We are very proud of him and his accomplishment.

David and classmates who also made honor roll

Show Pictures

2007-11-05T14:05:00.000-08:00

Katie (Ruth), David (Roquefort the mouse) and Ciara (one of the daughters)

David (Roquefort)

Me giving some last minute instructions and encouragement to the Aristocats cast

Aristocats Cast

These are a few pictures from our shows this past weekend. They turned out great and the kids were wonderful. Thanks to those who made the long trek out to EG to see and support. We really appreciated it.

Fixit Men

2007-11-05T00:48:00.000-08:00

this is just a small group number we are doing in Noteworthy this year. I think it's really cute so i thought i'd share it with you all. It's not the greatest recording, but ya! here is the link!

http://noteworthyladies.com/uploads/media/music/Fix%20It%20Men.wma

Makeup + BYU = Disaster

2007-10-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am currently taking a beginning stage makeup class here at BYU. It is way fun and this week is what they call "grossies & gorries" week. We basically learn how to make ourselves look pretty gross. Here is what I did on my first try.

Sew much frustration!

2007-10-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

Don't you just hate when you can't do seem to do anything right -- well that is how I have felt for the last week. It all started last Sunday -- I spent several hours cutting out costumes for our upcoming show "Pirates in Penzanze". Monday, I started sewing Ciara's dress. Now you need to realize that the only sewing lessons I have ever had were in 7th grade home ec. I sewed a shirt in that class that I couldn't get over my head -- so not the greatest experience. But I have continued to try and sew and have gotten slightly better. I only sew on an as needed basis. Costumes are pretty much all I sew because I have to, not because I want to. Anyway, I worked on Ciara's dress for a couple of hours and it turned out really well. Infact, I was feeling really good about it. I thought it was one of the best projects I had every done. It fit her and everything.

I then started on a skirt for Katie, and right away I started having problems. I couldn't understand the instructions. So, I went over to our Leslie's (costume designers) house for help -- and I brought along Ciara's dress to show-off because I was feeling so proud. I showed Leslie the Ciara's dress and she told me I had done a great job but . . . that I had used the wrong fabric. I fabric I used was supposed to be for Ciara's pajamas not her dress. AHHHH! I think this is a sign that I really shouldn't ever sew anything ever again! I can't even begin to tell you how depressed this made me. I came home and went to bed and wouldn't even talk about to anyone. It took me a week to finally get back to my sewing project again. And well I can report success. I finally finished Katie's skirt but only after much frustration. Stephen had to help me and I had to go and buy all new fabric but well I can now say I have finally finished 1 of the 3 costumes I have sew. Leslie being the great person she is, is going to sew Ciara's dress with the right fabric and so I only have to sew Ciara's pajama's.

I will say that I have a feeling of great acomplishment now that I have finally finished one of the three costumes but I still wonder why sewing continues to be so difficult for me. I have been sewing costumes for several years now and you would think that it would begin to get easier or at least less frustrating for me. I am pretty sure that I will never be a great seamstress or that I will ever sew for fun but I would like to be able to be semi-competent at costume sewing. And because I love my kids I will continue to press on.

Wish my luck with the pajamas!

Welcome

2007-09-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog. I feel like I need to say something really special for our first post but nothing is coming to mind. Not alot happening around our house right now just the same old stuff. Hopefully, in the future we will have some exciting moments to share with you. The picture above is of Katie, Courtney & Ciara backstage at the Strauss Festival, July 2007. Our family has been involved with the Struass Festival for 19 of the 20 years it has been around. We love it. This coming year I will be the Director (Cindy). Should be fun.