Christmas Letter 2010

Dear Family & Friends,
It seems as though this holiday season comes sooner and sooner each year! We feel blessed to have so many wonderful family members and friends in our lives. We always enjoy letting you know about the changes life has offered us within the passing year and look forward to hearing of yours!
We’ve been in Pahrump for two years now; oh how time flies! We feel we were led here for so many reasons. One of which; In February, Danny was called as the Bishop in our Ward, in all honesty the call surprised us both! We have been humbled and greatly blessed for his service. I was recently called as the 2nd Counselor in the Young Women's program. We have gotten to know so many wonderful people and feel blessed to be a part of the Manse Springs Ward.
In June, Danny’s Campus Foodservice business was outbid by one of the largest food providers in the world. Therefore, he lost his community college contracts at all 3 colleges .This has been most humbling; however, we feel blessed to have much love and support from so many of you. I am grateful for Danny and for his hard work and for the wonderful husband and father he continues to be. Danny is an entrepreneur and continues to amaze me with his brilliant business ideas, one in which he is currently working on putting to action.
Another reason we feel we were led to Pahrump was the starting of my preschool. With Danny “out of work”, the preschool has been a huge blessing! Pahrump Valley Preschool has thankfully grown a lot this year, with 3 classes and currently 24 students'.
My mom is thankfully still living with us and has been a big help in my school, with the kids and with the cooking!
Some of you might have heard we were expecting baby number 6 back in July, but unfortunately after 11 weeks of pregnancy I had a miscarriage. We were grateful for the love, prayers and support from many family and friends and feel blessed with the knowledge that there is a purpose in all things. We are not yet finished bringing these wonderful choice spirits into our home. They just fill our home with so much joy and love and none of us our ready for that to end! We feel greatly blessed for our 5 children that bring joy to our life daily!
Max now attends 2nd grade and continues to GROW quickly! His size and his interests make it hard for me to treat him as though he's only 7 years old. Max has been a soldier for Halloween for 2 years now and told me he plans to be that again next year. His Christmas wish list consists of a bb gun, knives and the Wii. Max will be turning 8 in May and is looking forward to being in scouts. He has been enjoying school a lot more this year, it always helps to have friends in his class and a teacher he likes. Max's favorite school "activity" is still P.E.; which, he received student of the month in October for. With Danny being home he helps make life less stressful, which has made Max much happier and much easier to deal with, which of course is another wonderful blessing!
Hanna is attending Kindergarten and just as I suspected, loves it! She has the most perfect Kindergarten teacher which makes school all the better! Hanna received student of the month last month for her class. She has also had one of her writing papers displayed near the office that she received an award for. Hanna continues to be a wonderful big sister and a big help to us all!
Van just turned 4 years old last month and attends my preschool class. It is fun to have him in class with me (for the most part) and watch him interact with the other children. Van has become my "class clown," he only likes going to class if the kids that laugh at his silliness are there. It feels good to know that Van is starting to "pick-up" on a few of the things I've been teaching him for the past couple years, yeah!
Daisy has really gotten comfortable with being 2! Anyone that knows Daisy from church would not believe this about her, but boy can this little "sweetie" scream! Everyone loves Daisy, she loves being held and if she knows you'll hold her, you've got a friend. She has really gotten attached to her blankie and when Daisy wants to be held you'll know!
Walt is my most innocent looking child, but has been my biggest destroyer! I swear he walks around the house so innocent looking with that thumb in his mouth just thinking of what he can get into next! I could list a whole list of items he has destroyed; better yet, I'll just quote Daisy, "Walty did it!"
We feel so blessed to have our crazy lives with our five beautiful healthy children. We wish to extend our reverence and love to the Savior as we commemorate his birth at this time of year and at the same time extend our love to you. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love, Danny, Jennifer, Max, Hanna, Van, Daisy & Walt Jensen

The DESTROYER

The other day we forgot Max wasn't getting his usaul ride to a friends house so by the time we picked him up from school we were 40 minutes late. Danny had picked him up and said that you could tell he'd been ctying. I felt so bad I said, "when you guys get home I'm going to take Max to get a treat." When they got home Danny left the car running while getting the kids out of the car because Max and I were going to get that treat. As soon as Danny got Walt out of his car seat Walt jumped up front and locked the door. Danny yelled for Max to hurry and unlock the door, Walt looked at Danny and as quick as could be he threw the car into drive! Max unlocked the door and Danny was able to put it back in park a few seconds too late. The plant and the front pillar of the house got banged up and the car got a little scratched up with a little crack in it, but thankfully no one was hurt. We feel so blessed that no one was hurt, the other 3 kids were standing outside the car already, to the side of the car. Hanna said, she tried to stop the car (with her hands). Scary!

Max

Max has said a couple of funny things lately and I just remembered I need to get them down before I forget.
First of all he is only 7, but his looks and interests make it hard for me to treat him as though he's only 7. Max always wants something for Christmas that is much too old for him. This year it's a BB Gun, last year it was a REAL bow n arrow. Since he was 4 he has asked for a DS, X Box and lately a Wii (and I just don't think you need to spend that much on 1 child, and I don't love having that sort of stuff around all the time). We were thinking of getting the Wii this year as a family gift, but we feel our other kids are still just a little too young, maybe next year, we'll see. Max was complaining that he has never gotten what he's asked for (which he might be right from age 4 and up). He said, "Last year I wanted a real bow n arrow and you got me a fake one!" We'll see if he's happy with his "fake" bb gun this year (it's the airsoft bb gun, they still shoot far and are scary, we will have lots of safety rules).
Oh man, now I can't remember the other funny thing, I'll have to post it later.

Thanksgiving 2010

We enjoyed our traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Danny's brother Jeff's house. This is the only picture I took, it was of the pies. Hopefully, I'll get some pictures later from Danny's mom.
This year Danny and I made a turkey ( there were 2), rolls, sweet potatoes, acorn squash, cream corn, 2 pies and artichoke dip. There just has to be a lot of food at Thanksgiving!
We all had a great time visiting with the family. We even stayed the night so that I could do some "Black Friday" shopping with everyone, which I enjoy even though I don't buy much it's still fun going.

OUCH!

Hanna fell off the trampoline and landed face first on the big'ol rocks. Poor girl. OUCH! When I toke this picture she was feeling fine, but she's a girl and had to put on her sad face.

Hanna is Student of the Month

Hanna received Student of the Month in her Kindergarten class today. This is what her teacher Mrs. Moore said about her, "Hanna is a very polite and kind young girl. She comes to school ready to learn and is not afraid to ask questions. Hanna loves to help me and others who are in need. Her smile brightens our room. She loves to read and write and has made great progress in each area. I am so glad Hanna is a part of our class. Congratulations!"

Hanna knew there was going to be an awards assembly today and she asked me if I got a letter from her teacher. I told her I couldn't say if I did because it's suppose to be a surprise so don't ask. After school she told me she thought she would get the award since I told her not to ask. She is a little smarty! I was sad I couldn't make it, but glad Danny was able to be there.
Great job Hanna, we are so proud of you!

Happy 4th Birthday Van

Van turned 4 on November 10th. I made some cupcakes for his preschool class and then the next day he had his cousins Zachary and Ruby came for a sleep over and miniture golfing. Van has always been the easiest to please when it comes to his birthday. I told him he could have a birthday party and dad could do a magic show and the kids told him he would get presents, but all he wanted was Zachary to sleep over and go miniature golfing. So that is just what we did!
4 things about Van...
-he likes to make others laugh (kids or adults); he is my class clown in my preschool.
-he loves his feet and his armpits tickled; he can really hold in the laughter too.
-Van needs to strip down when going #2. This has just been recently and I try so hard to talk him out of it, but he says it's going to get on his clothes. He is also very private when "going" he always says, "get out mom, get out".
-Because of Van's age he plays so well with each one of his siblings (usually while playing with 1 at a time). Which means if he can play well with each of them he can also fight just as well with each of them!


We are so thankful to have Van in our lives and we're excited to watch him grow up with his siblings that love him so much! Happy 4th Birthday Van, we love you!

Quick Trip to CA

We went to CA on Saturday and spent the afternoon with my sister and then went over to the campground where Danny's family was camping. We had dinner with them and played a little game of a minute to win it. Went to church with my dad (he's gone to sacrament for 3 weeks now) in Chino, Sunday morning. Stayed at my dad's, passed out candy on Halloween night and then came home Monday.

Halloween 2010

This was the 1st year my sister-in-law didn't do her Pumpkin Carving party, so I had a little one with a few friends. Carving pumpkins with friends make it much more fun!

Passing out candy with grandpa and grandma on Halloween night in CA.
Princess Hanna, Cowboy Walt, Indian Daisy, Darth Vader Van & Soldier Max.

Time Out For Woman

I was able to attend Time Out For Woman this last weekend in Las Vegas and had such a fabulous time! I was so excited to hear from Shawni Eyre Pothier and Linda Eyre, they are wonderful woman that I look up too and strive to implement their amazing parenting techniques in my home! I was happy to get a picture with them and even get their autographs, heehee! I bought their newest book "A Mother's Book of Secrets" and am so excited to start reading it! Here is Shawni's blog http://71toes.blogspot.com/ Here is Linda and her husband Richard's parenting website http://valuesparenting.com/ The sisters awesome website http://powerofmoms.com/ and the sisters blog http://looslifamily.blogspot.com/

I had a great time with these wonderful ladies! We went shopping on our way into Vegas Friday, had dinner and then attended the Friday night meeting.

We heard from Dallyn Bayles (an amazing singer who is currently on tour with The Phantom of the Opera and has also been on tour with Les Miserables.) We also heard from John Bytheway, who is amazing as well, and from Ardeith Kapp! After which we stayed the night at the Marriott and heard from more amazing speakers Saturday. We heard from Linda and Shawni, Mercy River, Brad Wilcox, Jill Manning and Kris Belcher all of it was just fantastic! I can't wait to attend again!

Self Body Drawings

Max had started making his "body" drawing at school and was excited to show us (his secret) at parent night. Well, he had missed school that day, but was "well" enough to go that night, he was so excited to show us and then it wasn't up, because he wasn't there that day. I felt so bad. The parents were suppose to find where their child sat by finding their "body" drawing. Max had been talking about it all week, without giving away the surprise. I felt so bad when he realized his body wasn't up. He acted fine, but I knew he was a little sad. So I told him we will finish his at home and make Hanna and Van one and hide them for dad to find and guess who is who. The kids had a great time deciding where to place/hide their body. My dad was even in town that weekend to find their bodies too. The kids just cracked up showing them off!
Max at the computer.
Hanna on the toilet.
Van in bed. When hiding Van's, it was on the girls top bunk under the covers, but I wanted a better picture. The kids had such a great time doing this!

What Does Yea Mean?

Yesterday during morning scripture reading Hanna asked, "What does yea mean? Does it mean like Yeah! We're going to die, Yeah!" Danny and I thought this was so funny I just had to post it. Aren't kids the best?!

Daisy and Walt Turn TWO!

We had a waffle breakfast for Daisy and Walt on their 2 year birthday and gave them each a gift with just our own little family. Then on Labor Day my mother-in-law was getting the family together for the holiday so we celebrated their birthday again with the Jensen's.
Daisy, is talkative, energetic, gives everyone "loves", has a set of lungs when mad, but for the most part one happy little girl. When I ask Daisy how old she is, she finds it very funny to tell me, "NO!" She's 2 alright!
Walt, looks like a quite little angel with his white hair and his thumb in his mouth almost every second of the day, but if you can't find him you know there's trouble! Walt is still mommas boy! I love how Daisy and Walt ask for one another and bring each other their blankies when the other is upset. They had to learn to share at a very young age, they take care of each other, they are best friends, they fight, and when they are together they seem to get into everything!
We feel so blessed to have these two little two year olds in our family! They bring each of us so much joy! We love you Daisy and Walt! Happy 2nd Birthday!

Back to School 2010

Max started 2nd grade today in Mrs. Dean's class. Hanna will start Kindergarten on Thursday in Mrs. Moores' class, today she had her pre-test and did a great job! Van is officially in my preschool class. This year I'm teaching a M/W morning Preschool class, a T/TH morning Pre-K class and a M-Th afternoon Pre-K class.
Why can't Van take a "normal" picture? Max and Hanna, my "big" kids. Smile Van...at the camera!
Hanna with her Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Moore.

Baby Wasn't Ready

Baby number 6 was not ready to come to our family yet. I had a miscarriage. We know there is a purpose for all things and we are doing fine.

Baby Number...SIX

Jensen baby number 6 is expected to arrive around March 17, 2011.

Yellowstone Trip

We had a great time with the "Gravell" family in West Yellowstone.
• We went to my old roommates in Rexburg, ID and rode horses.
• Danny and I got to go to the Rexburg, ID temple.
• Showed the kids my old school "Ricks" now known as BYU-Idaho.
• Saw bison, elk, wolves and bears (wolves and bears at the museum).
• Danny, Max, Hanna, Van, Micheal, Kurt, Skye, Rebecca, Kristine, Baxter and Greg all got to go river rafting. They were in two rafts Baxter in the front of his and Hanna in front of hers. They had a great time! Thanks to my mom and dad (they forked the bill). My mom and I stayed with baby Vincent and Daisy and Walt. We went to lunch and then threw some rocks in a beautiful little lake in Big Sky MT.
• Went to Mammoth Hot Springs and Noris one day.
• We went to Old Faithful and a little creek another day.
• Walked around West Yellowstone, ate ice cream, swam and relaxed.
• Went to Bear and Wolf Discovery Museum.
• Drove a lot, which means we had to put up with a lot of screaming from Van. The twins did great, it was Van who I wanted to beat most of the drive.
I really wanted to see the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, WY and a few more things, but the trip was already getting hard on the kids. Another time I guess.

Mischievous Twins

These little monkeys have been getting into everything lately. Here are a few things they have gotten into within the past couple of weeks...
Made there own Bubble Bath (with some help from the ring leader, Van).

Vaseline

*BEWARE I might sound like I'm neglecting my children, but it's just that these twins are so mischievous!

• Walt pulled a chair up to the kitchen counter, got on top rubbed oil and butter all over his arms and legs.
• The very next day (after cleaning Hanna's bathroom of course) I found Walt, Daisy, the sink, toilet and bathtub covered in vaseline. I had to use corn starch and dawn to get it out of his hair.
• Yesterday I was trying to take a nap and I woke up to Daisy, Walt and Van in Hanna's bathtub with the full bottle of bubbles and some shampoo dumped out with the shower going. The kids were sliding down the end of the tub and bubbles were everywhere!
• We were just at my brother Kurt's and when we realized Walt wasn't in the room with us, we knew he was up to no good, we found him coloring himself and the carpet with a permanent marker, sorry Kurt.
• Lots of mornings the babies wake up early around 5:30 and I usually just keep on sleeping, knowing that when I do get up there will be lots of messes for me to clean, like...oatmeal, popcorn, broken glass (I've jumped out of bed a few times to this noise), toilet paper filled in the toilet, usually water on the floor, diapers off, and anytime I start hearing them say "popical" (there words) I also jump up because they've been known to be holding a knife, even a huge chopper, to open the popsicles (I have most of the knives up high, but they seem to always find one).

Beach Camping

Well, we finally got off to our trip Monday afternoon while we waited for our car radiator fan to get fixed and after starting we pretty much sat in traffic the whole way to CA. I forgot about the 4th of July traffic it took us 8 hours to get to the beach when it was only suppose to be about 5 hours, ugh! Anyway, we made it, well kind of... on our way we were thinking this is going to be so much work with all our little ones so we changed plans (we were suppose to go to San Mateo and camp 2 nights with our friends and then go to my sister's and camp one night on her mother-in-laws beach). We ended up staying all three nights at my sister's beach. Our poor friends got rained out after one night and stayed at a hotel the other 2 nights. The beach weather was no good! The sun just never came out! The kids still had a great time playing in the sand, running from the water, swimming in the lap pool, being with their cousins Baxter (and Vincent), being with grandma and of course they enjoyed the camp fire!

Daisy and Walt after falling in the water.

Daisy made her a little spot to watch the water.

We were able to see my Grandma Mike who is doing fantastic, visit with my cousin Heidi while the kids swam with her kids at my aunt Joann's.

We also stopped by my dad's and swam some more, had dinner and enjoyed visiting with Grandpa Ernie and Grandma Debi.