Scared & Thankful

We have recently made up a book group in my neighborhood and this month we read the book Scared by Tom Davis. We couldn't have picked a better book for the month of November. It is an amazing story about the African people and ALL the hardships they deal with day after day. When I finished this book I felt so lucky to be where I am and I felt so guilty for complaining about the things I complain about. Here are a few examples of those things I complain about, but should be grateful for:

• I complain about my kids getting sick, coughing so hard they throw up, and keeping us up at night. I should be grateful that this is all I have to deal with. Not only can I get medicine quickly for any sickness, but really, how hard is it to deal with a cold? So many other people have real health issues. In this book it talked a lot about the AIDS problem in Africa. I think I should be thankful for the coughs in my life.
• The endless laundry. Trent and I can't figure out how we finish 3-4 loads, get them folded and put away, and the laundry chute is full again. We are always grumbling about the never ending laundry. But we are so lucky that we even have clothes to wear, cute nice clothes too.
• Meal times that last forever. I dread meal times. I dread the fight with the kids to get them to eat what I make, I dread the messes they make, and I dread the clean up. From start to finish it probably takes a good hour and that is when I only make a PB sandwich. In this book it talked about the people going days without food, they didn't know when their next meal would be, and a lot starved to death. It is disgusting that I complain about having to feed my kids. At least I have food to give them.
• Taking care of my kids. You all know I complain about this and I shouldn't. I am very lucky to have 5 cute kids to raise. The main little girl in this book took care of her younger siblings and she was only 10. She never complained and she gave everything she had to others. Once again, I feel guilty.
• Cleaning my house. I am sure no one likes to do this. The people in this book lived in a little village in one room houses and dirt floors. I am sure they wouldn't complain about mopping their kitchen floor if they had one to mop.
• Cops. I complain about them pulling me over and giving my tickets, but who wouldn't right? This book talked about the corrupt government in Africa and crime that goes unpunished. We are lucky that we have 'people' to protect us and arrest the bad guys.
• Men. I honestly don't complain about men, especially the men in my life. I have lucked out to have an amazing husband, dad (in law), grandpas, and brothers (in law). The men in this book were horrible to their women, horrible. I am blessed.
• Taxes/Government. I hate seeing so much money being taken from my paycheck. It kills me. But how lucky am I that I live in a free land. That our roads and other things are fixed for us, we can do whatever we want, and we get the chance to vote for our leaders.

I would recommend this book to everyone. It is an amazing, sad story. It has made me stop and think about my life. How did I get so lucky to be born when and where I am? How am I so lucky to have a beautiful family with an amazing, hot husband? How come I get to eat 3 (sometimes more) meals a day? How come I can go shopping anytime and by a whole new outfit that I don't even need? Why do I get to eat a big Thanksgiving meal until I can't eat anymore?

I hope I can change my attitude about my life and realize how amazing it is. I really do love it, I just need to act like I do. Here is to Thanksgiving, hopefully I can live up to what I have been blessed with.

Isn't Family Night...

...supposed to bring the family closer together?

The night started out with a great idea for our Family Home Evening-go to Jill's and let Trent fix a couple things. The kids were excited to go see Jill and Brooke as always. Unfortunately, they didn't behave. Aiden spent a good part of the night in time out. Upon arriving, Jill told all the kids not to touch her Christmas tree (which is beautiful), so what is the first thing Aiden does??? You got it, he touches the tree. Time Out. Jill had a curtain rod on the floor and I told the kids not to play with it, so what does Aiden play with? Time out number 2. The night continued like this and by the end of it that kid was pretty close to being beaten. Before you judge me because of that last sentence just know that there were a couple other events earlier in the day that led up to Trent and I having no patience left for Aiden's tactics.

And not to single Aiden out completely, the rest of the Hoard was having issues too. By the end of the night we told the kids we were going to put big worm bugs in the ears to make them hear us and do what we say. You know, just like the new Star Trek movie when Niro puts the big slug in Captain Pike's brain to get him to do what he wants??? Ya, we are psycho parents, but Andrew didn't like the idea of a big bug in his head. Maybe the threat just might work...And once again, before you judge us, maybe come and take over our household (watching 5 kids, meals, cleaning, laundry, AND working) for a couple of weeks and then we can talk.

So, I am thinking that next Family Night we are all going to go to separate rooms and ponder the complexities of life. No interaction with each other = less of a chance of yelling parents and time outs. Sound good? It sounds 'Heavenly' to me.

Boy Talk

Aiden was catching up on the gossip with his cousin Josh. I guess he figured it would be a long conversation and decided to make himself comfortable.

Who is Their Mother?

That would be me, I just have no control over them...

Vents

Do you remember doing this?

I sure do. The other day each kid was on a different vent in our house. It was pretty funny.

Mini Softball Reunion

Friday night we had a mini softball reunion at none other than Firehouse Pizza (I had to get my FHZookie in for the week). It was fun to catch up with these girls. Softball was basically my life from the time I was 8 until I graduated High School. I would hang out with my fellow teammates all summer long, with tournaments every weekend and practice every other day. We had a great time together. I always get a little sad when I think back to my softball days. I miss them.

Here is a pic of the girls that lived close enough to come. Me, Jenny B., Melissa, Jadee, and Laura. Maybe when we have our next reunion we will have a few more girls. Thanks for the night Deja Vu'ers!

Ooowwuuuu!

Last night we had a little girls night at Jill's new pad. It was AWESOME! We had a little impromptu dance party to cheer Jill up after she got the wrong costume in the mail. I know, Jill doesn't realize Halloween is over. We danced our hearts out to Shakira's She Wolf. We have some video footage, but I still want people to like me so I am not going to post it...

The reason for the gathering was to watch The Proposal. It was all right. I had heard that it was SO good, so it was kind of a let down. Although, I didn't mind looking at Ryan Reynolds body. Wow.

Thanks Brooke and Jill for having us over. It really was so fun, hilarious, relaxing, and weight gaining. I loved every minute of it!!!

J & C

Jake and Candice got married yesterday. She was beautiful, he was handsome, and they were so happy. It was perfect!

We tried to get a family shot at the temple. I have to emphasize the word tried.

A few shots waiting for the bride and groom to come out.

They had their wedding dinner at The Point. It was awesome. And a night without kids made it that much more awesome.

We are so excited to have another member of the Jensen family. We couldn't have asked for a better wife for Jake!

Congrats Jake and Candice! Hope you are having fun in Hawaii! Just a little jealous as I think about the snow that we are supposed to get...

Girls Night Out(s)

Friday AND Saturday night I got to go out and enjoy some 'me' time with a bunch of girls. It is always nice to get out of the house and Trent is always nice enough to watch the kids anytime!

Friday night I went to Kimmy's Nickel Auction. This was an amazing experience. If you are like me, you have no idea what this is. A bunch of girls get together and sell things they don't want/use anymore. And you bid in 5 cent increments. It was awesome! Take a look at all the stuff I came home with for only $3.80. Amazing isn't it? What really took my price up was that big pad of scrapbook paper. I purchased that for $4.25. Got into a little bidding war for that one. And if you are wondering how I only spent $3.80 after I said the paper was $4.25, well, I sold a purse and a pair of shoes and made $1.05.
Here is a list of my loot: 2 shirts for Oakley, pullups, Revitalift, Garnier deep conditioner, scrapbook paper pack, 2 picture frames, glass Christmas tree, princess coloring toy, vegetable cutter, and a bag to bring it all home in.


Saturday night I went out with Kristen and Alyssa for a much needed girls night. It had been a while since the 3 of us had been together. We went to Chili's where we ate way too much food and then we went and checked out Alyssa's amazing Lining Room. These girls are some of the best and I love how close we have gotten over the past year. I am already looking forward to seeing you both again!

Kristen (Piggy), Alyssa (Toots), and Me (Stinky). We earned these nicknames at girls camp. And I won't share how we earned them to the whole wide web world...

The Skinny...Part 2

All right everyone. I really wasn't expecting to get so many comments on my skinny jeans. A lot of you requested more pics before you could make a proper decision. So here you are, the jeans with the boots and, scarily enough, a shot of my backside. Don't judge the bum to harshly...its a work in progress...

I, for one, love the pants with my boots. I think the tags will be coming off soon...

And to answer some questions: the boots and the pants came from Ross. And actually, come to think of it, I think the shirt did too.

The Skinny

I have crossed to the dark side. I purchased a pair of skinny jeans (which is kind of an oxymoron since I had to buy size 11 to acutally fit into any of the 'skinny' jeans). I never thought I would end up with a pair of these pants, but it had to be done. You see I bought a pair of sweater knit boots that MUST be worn over pants. Therefore, I had to buy some pants that would fit inside the boots. The result: Skinny Jeans.
I actually really like how they fit, but I can't bring myself to take the tags off just yet. I can just hear Trent making fun of me already. He hates skinny jeans. Really hates them. I do have to say that they aren't the 'painted on' skinny, which makes them a little less appalling. So tell me what you think. Should I be brave, remove the tags, and strut my size 11 legs in the skinny...or just take them back to Ross and buy a serving dish or something.

My Heros

Most of you know I HATE moths. Hate them. And lately we have been getting a ton flapping around our house at night. Gives me the willies. The other night Aiden and Andrew took their bats and started whacking the moths. I loved every minute of it. Not only did it keep them occupied for a good 1/2 hour, but they killed the enemies as well.

Aren't they so brave?

The Aftermath...

What do you get when you have 5 kids going trick or treating multiple times?

20 lbs of candy.

Seriously, 20 lbs. And that is after 5 days of eating the candy.

Thank goodness for my rec center pass. I am going to need all the exercise I can get.

Our Halloween...

Here is a quick recap of our Halloween Celebrations. We had a few. First up would be the Preschool Playgroup. I am in charge of this group for one of our Enrichment Activity group things??? That being said, I don't really do it. But I felt a little guilty having not done anything for over 6 months, so a Halloween party was prepared with playtime, decorating cookies, and scavenger hunt.
I guess the reason I am in charge is because my kids make up more than half of the group. Thanks to those that came! It was a good time.

The next celebrations was trick or treating at Trent's work. We do this every year. The kids get so much candy there that we really wouldn't have to do any 'real' trick or treating. Maybe I will try that next year...

Here is the whole family of ZOMBIES! I love their costumes and makeup. They just look so cute and spooky.

Since most of the Jensen's work for DFCU, all the cousins end up trick or treating there. Megatron, Optimus Prime, and a little ballerina joined us for the fun.

On Halloween night went out to Jensen's for a Halloween party. We had some good, good food, and the kids got a ton more candy. I really don't know what we will do with all of it.

None of the kids were that excited about getting their picture taken. And, the picture of Trent and I is from the party we went to the week before. I just didn't have the energy to do my makeup and hair again. I guess I really didn't have the energy to undo my hair again. That rat's nest was a pain to get out.

Hope you all had a great Halloween!