Book Worms

Our family comes from a long line of book worms.  I think it started with Lico Bear (grandpa).  From an early age I remember him ALWAYS reading.  His addictive example was passed onto me and my sisters.  Through the years, I have painstakingly prepared my children to develop a love for reading (see post - Confessions March 2009).  Now that it has been properly instilled in the older three – I have had to reverse the cycle and use it as a parenting tool to my advantage.

“ You can read after you finish your chores.”  (with a smile)

“Let’s get the yard work done and then go to the library.”

“Hurry and brush your teeth and get into bed so that you can read for a bit.”  (and me too)

“You better be good so that your books stay in your room!”  Kids – Sniff sniff.

“You’re grounded!  No reading tonight!”     Kids  - Whaaa!

(Fablehaven book signing with Brandon Mull -

La has had all 4 books signed over the years.)

After many endeavors of persuading my children to share a book and save money by purchasing only ONE book, we now have several double copies of books and series.  No one wants to wait for someone to finish a book.  

Each room has a personal library and mine is slowing dwindling and moving into Makayla's library which is now organized with a dewy dismal system.   

From early on, Cameron and I have told the kids that we would always pay for half the price of a book if the kids wanted to purchase it.  Makayla has taken full advantage and most of her earnings go to build her library.  Jarin also buys his own books.  I cringe every time a school book order comes home.

Jarin was awarded 'the boy who read the most in the fourth grade' prize 

by the Lehi Burningham Truck Company.

Now that T has moved from 'readers' to chapter books - he too has joined the book worm club.  He still delights in the Captain Underpants books - as if he needs any more potty humor to foster his savvy personality.

Since passing the chewing book stage, the girls now feverishly browse 

through picture books for a good solid hour.  

I love that time.

I love their piggies too.

Graduation and Retirement

Playschool Graduation 

Congrats Kerri and Rebekah!

Teaching children has been such a wonderful part of my life and I will continue to teach and learn forever. However,  I am biding farewell to my school teaching days.  I have experienced all grade school grades substituting, a quarter teaching Jr. High Spanish and Teen Living, and two wonderful years teaching my favorite Kindergarten classes.  1o years ago I retired from the public school and began teaching preschool in my home - Playschool.  I taught 6  years as my children reached  preschool level and loved it.  Last week ended my path as I watched my two little Ladybugs graduate with my most favorite preschool group yet (10 amazing children). 

  

Closing the door to this part of my life is bittersweet.  I don't have plans to teach in the public school again and I don't want too.  I love staying home with my children.   I look forward to see what doors/windows of opportunity come my way.  

Pirate Day - Arg!

Rebekah and Kerri

Cute little ol' lions.

Kerri and Rebekah

Pajama Day

Your guess is as good as mine :)

I'm thinking Rebekah is on the right.

Friendship Day

Kerri and Rebekah

Lunch? Don't ask!

Tasks that make my heart grumble...

1.  Making and creating 3 home lunches for school each morning - ugh!

2.  Opening lunch boxes after school to see the contents only half eaten.

Tasks that make my heart sing.....

1.  Pizza day at school every Wednesday!

2.  Saying goodbye to 3 lunch boxes for 3 whole months - yippee!

Soccer Season

Soccer season has come and gone - tomorrow we sign up for another 5 months of Autumn and Spring Saturdays consisting of rain, wind, snow and shine.  We seriously debated on signing the twins up this Fall.  Imagine 5 kids getting ready for 4 different games at 4 different locations at 4 different times and Cameron gone to school for half those Saturdays - no thank you!  

Maybe next next year.  

    The Knights    

Go Makayla!

The Dragons 

Go 'Happy Feet' - aka Jarin!

7-Up  

GoTrevor!

Healed! Hallelujah!

A week ago, the kids participated in their annual piano recital (post below).  The morning of the recital, Jarin was goofing off with the soccer ball in the house.  I was downstairs when I heard the house tremble above and Jarin moan in pain.  Since it was not his usual pain tone vocalized throughout the house, I knew that he was hurt; and being the horrible mom that I am, I just rolled my eyes and lumbered up the stairs.  Hey, anyone that continues to play ball in the house after being told not too, does not get my immediate service.  The little stinker fell on his right pinkie finger and smooshed it.  I did feel bad after I realized that he would not be playing in his recital later that day.  

We couldn't tell if he broke it or sprained it and being seasoned parents of small injuries, we decided to let time take its course.  

On Monday, much to Jarin's distress, I made him go to school with two popsicle sticks taped to his fingers.  I later learned that he took them off and stashed them in his pocket to play ball at recess.  

A week has come and gone and his pinkie finger has healed.

Below is Jarin's performance on a not so grand or tuned piano, but a well loved piano.

Piano Pianists

"It's time to tickle the ivory!"

This is the daily phrase used to remind my children to practice and become fabulous pianists.

Through the years, we have been blessed with some amazing piano teachers. 

Here, we have Anne who is so fun and loves the kids - it shows in her contagious smile.  

These little piano recital moments are highlights in a mommy's career.  

It makes me forget all the micro-managing piano practices and monthly checks.

I just sit back and enjoy and then anticipate the chocolate cake for refreshments afterwards.

Way to go my little Jensenites!

Trevor - he so knows he's on camera.

Jarin and his substitute player.

Lala - short and sweet and beautiful.

Jarin's New Email

What is a nine year old boy going to do with an email address?  

I just don’t know, but Jarin did.

Jarin had been asking for months to get an email address.  

When asked why, he simply replied, “Cause everyone has one!” 

Hmm, doesn't ‘everyone’ have everything?  I went on to ask him who in THIS neighborhood had one.  Apparently not one of his many friends had one, however, everyone in his class (except his friend from our neighborhood) had one.  I found that hard to believe so I was not sold.

Later he came home and told me that his piano teacher (bless her heart) told him he could have an email address once he passed off the hymn, The Star Spangled Banner.  I really don’t know how Jarin finagled his way into that one.  Since he was so clever, I agreed.  Well, that boy practiced and practiced and to his teacher’s delight, he was the first nine year old boy out of her students to pass that hymn off and have it memorized.  I was so dang proud of him that dad set up a email account for him.

After the email etiquette talk of rules, I gave him some addresses to add to his address box.  What proceeded was several ‘prank emails’ to his sister (had to have a chat about that one), lots of funny hallmark cards sent to family and friends and his school teacher, and a continuous email dialog between Jarin and mom……

 

Read this or die! - Email Title (I guess I had no choice but to open and read it.)

Jarin:  How about you don’t yell and I won’t be sassy this week.  Write back if it’s a deal.

Mom:  Sounds like a great deal!

     Love you.

Do I yell that much?  

(To defend myself – I will raise my voice after asking ever so nicely the first three times – after that I yell.)

 

Jarin:  Sometimes. Tell Trevor to chew with his mouth closed - um um.  GROSS!

(Apparently Trev was standing next to him eating something.)

Mom:  Hmm, I don’t know what to tell ya.

Jarin:  Don’t fart. Yes you fart as much as that million 'thank you' hallmark card.

            (This response totally cracked me up – I needed a good laugh.)

Mom:  (still laughing) 

Jarin:  Mom I love you and my foot kinda hurts and you’re the best and

I hope you get over your cold.

(Ah, he is sweet, isn’t he?) 

Jarin:  Mom, I'm at school right now.  What are you doing?

Mom:  Jarin dear,  while you are progressing toward your profession of becoming a doctor, engineer and professor;  I am home doing the dishes, washing your underwear, cleaning the toilets, and making chocolate chip cookies for your after school snack - all in that order.  Lots of Love!

(He came home fully expecting to find warm chocolate chip cookies – it’s a good thing that I really did accomplish all of my duties that day.)

My Bears is a Bear!

Blue and Gold Banquet 

         (February)

Jarin - my Bears - is now a Bear - grrrrrr!

Moms are granted the honorary 'Mom Pin' at each Cub Scout advancement for several reasons. This is to make us feel like great mothers or lack of it (fortunately I get to feel both).  Here are our qualifications for earning the pin.

1.  Sewing patches on shirts 10 minutes prior to a Pack Meeting.

2. Arguing with Jarin to tuck in his shirt in for the umpteenth time.  I don't care if no one else does!  

3. Skimming through his book a dozen times to make sure he has passed off enough for an arrow point.

4.  Reminding Jarin to take his cub book to den meeting only to find it on the table after he has left -grrrr.

5.  Rushing to make cake box cookies for a pack meeting treat - one month I dumped two boxes of Fruit Roll Ups into a bowl and pushed Jarin out the door as a last minute treat.  Turns out that they were the most popular treats.  Go mom!

6.  Threatening Jarin to complete two requirements before he can do anything else.

All in all, it is the Scout leaders that deserve the 'honorary pins'.  They are amazing and I thank them a hundred times.  I know that these little pins really are an honor to wear and are reminders for bigger and better mom tasks ahead.  In reality, they are reminders of what little boys will grow up to be - wonderful young men - I will enjoy him now. 

Go BEARS!

Way to go Jarin!  

He also received his Duty to God Award.

We love you!

Dad is honored as the supporting actor in this role.

He actually sits with Jarin on Sundays and completes requirements with him.  

Perhaps I should bestow my pin on to him.

Did I mention that we are proud of you?  

We are!

The Boys are Back - grrrrr!

April Fool's!

Being blasted by cold water from the kitchen sink sprayer at 6:30am is not a jolly event.

"April Fool's!  shouted Lala from a discreet distance away.

I was soaked through before I spotted the tightly wrapped rubber band around the water sprayer's button.  I walked away flustered tying to turn my annoyance into good humor.  

Too bad she forgot to video record it - hee hee.  

I can play this game too.  

I did the easiest most classic April Fool's joke.

Take a look....

I really did make the 'yummy' cake muffins from beans.  

Just substitute an equal amount of pureed beans (canned with liquid) for the oil.  

You can't even taste it and you get protein.

Works REALLY good with box brownies.

I'm not joking.

Sugar - Sugar - More Sugar!

Our family celebrates each opening Saturday with sugar cereal - ta dah!

After much debate on what kind of cereal really is healthy for breakfast, the kids and I designated a sugar cereal day.  I am not a big supporter of big colorful boxes claiming whole grains and good for your heart stuff.  I won't even buy them if they are more than $2 a box.  Yet, I couldn't imagine the thought of squashing childhood dreams of Saturday cartoons with big Tupperware bowls of sugar.

How we decided....

Weekdays?  No way!  Send the kids to school and have their brains run low on sugar fuel before 10 am.  Nope. 

Sundays?  Hum....squirmy kids in the chapel, only to send them to their Primary teachers to deal with - no, I don't think so (I am one of those Primary teachers).

Saturdays?  Ah, sleeping in and fend for yourself day.  Yes, Saturdays became the kid's most treasured mornings.

Unfortunately, soccer season takes up five months of those Saturdays and involves three of the five kids.  I soon cursed those dang cereal companies as I watched Jarin loose energy before the first quarter of his game even ended.  

My mommy nutrition education kicked in - I had to compromise.  After everyone inhales their sugar intake for the week, I supplement it grudgingly with a protein meal before each soccer game (protein shake or eggs and wheat toast).  So much for, "Start your day with a delicious bowl of Kellogg's cereal and you'll benefit from it's nutrients."  HA!

It just goes to show that you can have your sugar and eat it too.

#7 Disneyland Trip

Farewell Disneyland

Alas, we cannot end this mini-series without telling the 'Lost My Child at Disneyland' story. You always hear about them, my friends have personally experienced them.  Me, nope, not until this year.  

As we stepped our very last step out of Disneyland, we headed to the ginormous Disney Store on Downtown Disney just to torture our children by looking at stuff we were not going to buy. We left and headed to the tram with speed to catch the next departure.  Just as the tram pulled up, I counted heads.  "Hey, there is only one green coat girl!  Where is the other green coat girl?"  Rebekah was NO where.  We stepped back, gave the kids instructions to STAY, Cam went one way and I ran the other way.  We ran through the entire ginormous Disney Store with no luck.  My heart was starting to beat to the repeated words of a mother's prayer.  I circled back to the kids who informed me that a lady had seen a green coat girl with a cast member.  Whew, now where?  Just then, the same lady yelled from the moving tram that she was inside the gates.  Wow!  That far?  I ran and found Rebekah with a lady cast member preceding to Disneyland Park.  Apparently, Rebekah told the lady that we were too fast and she couldn't keep up and lost us.  No words can describe the relief of a safe child.

#6 Disneyland Trip

Disney Characters

It has been voted that Disneyland 'Rules'!  Going to Disneyland two years in a row has been an indulgence for us Jensenites.  I loved it and I hope that my kids will always remember the magic.

We received several 'yahoos' for Utah from other Ute fans

 throughout the three days.

  

Even Tigger is a Ute fan.

It rained and poured throughout our third day of fun fun (hence, the wet look).  Fortunately, we had rain ponchos and the lines were so short that we were able to go undercover for most of the down pours.

Yeah for memories!

#5 Disneyland Trip

Jedi Training

I now have three official padawans residing in my home.  Although, they are trying to perfect the Jedi hand movement to convince me of giving in, it is not yet working.  This year we were determined to participate in the Jedi Training and walk away with the 'Force'.  I followed the handy dandy Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and arrived 30 minutes early - actually 15 minutes early, had my kids plop in the front row and told them to wave their arms outrageously  to be chosen.  As any mother would do, I prayed that all three would be chosen in this highly defensive training program.  The whole presentation was entertaining and exceptionally well done.

Focused and training

Serious and training

Determined and training

Darth Vader comes and tempts the young padawans into joining the dark side.

Lala stuns Darth Maul  with her pretty looks.

Jarin yells, "Go Utes!" before charging his opponent.

Trev knows the Force is with him - there is no doubt!

Foiled again, Vader walks away in defeat.

May the Force be with you.

#4 Disneyland Trip

My Princesses meet Disney Princesses

After quenching the big kid's thirst for excitement, it was time to indulge in some girly time. Standing in line to meet the Disney Princesses was torture for my 5 spoiled kids since they had no concept of what waiting in line means.  Going to Disneyland the first week of March is a different experience then going during one of the seven weeks of spring break or summer for that matter.  

Cameron was back at the hotel working for a couple of hours so I was flying solo. The wait in line was about 40 minutes.  We hadn't stood in line for more than 10 minutes on any ride, so I pulled the 'yummy' snacks out to ease the pain.  After 20 minutes, Jarin and Trevor couldn't handle it anymore.  They did not want to be subjected into meeting Princesses.  The fact that they were the only 'big boys' in line did not please them one bit.  They groaned several times, "This is the longest line in history!" (Whatever!) I didn't have any threatening tactics with me - we were in Disneyland.  So I settled by scooting the older three to ride It's a Small World to get them out of my hair.  Normally, I would never let them go on their own, however, considering the small amount of people in the park and the 5 minute wait for It's a Small World  plus the duration of the ride, I figured we'd all be done at the same time - and we were.

Snow White and the two cute Ladybugs.

Rebekah and Kerri are hilarious when they pose - 

what looks like pain is actually an attempt to 'princess pose'.

Cinderella

Worth the 40 minute wait?  

Absolutely!