Long time...

Holy cow, I didn't realize how long it had been since I had posted anything. I couldn't even remember our blog address. That is so sad. Had to go to Kacee's blog to get to ours.
Lots has happened in our family's life. A move, a broken arm, and saying good bye to such dear sweet friends. We said good bye to Arizona last Thursday and said HELLO to beautiful Colorado on Friday. We are living in Colorado Springs now and just love it. We are very cold, they had a early winter storm come in. But it is suppose to warm up for the weekend. Hurray!!!

Summer fun...

We have all had a fun summer so far. Lots going on. The kids have been busy. So the next couple updates are going to catch everything up. I haven't been the best at keeping updated.

Craziness, I tell you!!!

I'm going CRAZY!!!!!!
The last couple of days have been nuts for us. Having to keep the house spotlessly clean, kids wanting friends over everyday, a teenage daughter who thinks we should shop everyday, is really taking its toll on me.. The kids hate me getting after them for every little thing. And I hate it to. It is to hot to go outside and play. And, being on edge every time the phone rings thinking it is a realtor is no fun. The house has only been on the market for 5 days and I'm done.
Sorry to complain, just need to vent.
We were getting ready for a little camping trip and then had our plans change. So, now the car needs a little TLC that wasn't in the plans. The kids are excited and can feel all my stress. I'm praying hard that our situation as far as finding a job and putting our lives back in order changes soon. I'm not sure if our lives will ever be totally in order.
We can't wait to see our new little cousin/niece. And, some of our other cousins. We are going to stay with our good friends and we can't wait. Big fireworks are in the plan along with some much needed cooler weather. HURRAY!!!!!

It is official

So, it is official our house is up for sale!! Yes, you are seeing things right. It hasn't even been a year. Kurt found out about 3 weeks ago that his facility that he manages is going to be closed. So we are job hunting again. I can't believe it. We found out about it just 3 day before we left for our cruise that we had been planning for our 16th anniversary. (I'll post about that soon.) So I sat on my bed and cried for about an hour. I couldn't believe this was happening to us again in just less than 2ys. Then decided to tell the kids. They were in shock and then asking if we could move to Utah or back over to Mesa to our old neighborhood. So, how do you respond to that? My answer was we'll see. I'm not sure where we are going to go. But of course I want to say YES!!! So in the meantime the kids will start school over here, unless Kurt gets a job before school starts. And I'm going to still work at the school as an aide. I'm excited for that.

But, if anyone knows of any job openings let us know. haha. We'll keep everyone updated to what is happening with our family and where we are going. Say lots of prayers that it will all come together soon. I know that the Lord is in charge and that it will all come together in his time and good things are waiting for our family. I think we just all get impatient at times and want things to happen now. And the Lord doesn't work that way. Hope all is good for our friends and family. We love you all and pray for you all everyday.

Oh, a camping they will go!!!

It's Girls Camp time. They left last Monday. And, Kacee and Brittany were so excited to be going, even though they weren't going to LoMia. (at least, that is what they wanted their mom's to think.) I know Kacee was. It was a little different this year for Kacee. I was suppose to go with our ward, but I decided about a week before everyone was to be going that I needed to stay home and get things ready for our house to go up for sale. I've been lucky to go with Kacee the last 2 yrs., and attend girls camp for 6yrs in a row. Saying things were a little different for our house is an understatement.
So, Sis.Eich was the lucky one to take my place. I'm so glad she got to go. She is our 1st coun. in yw. She never went to girls camp as a yw, so this brought all sorts of fun excitement for her and the girls. I'm sure some of the girls were wanting to show her all the things she missed as a youth. Like how to get your pants stuck on a fence as you are climbing back over it from going in the woods. haha!!
As a ward we decided to sew the famous backpacks that we have made in our old ward for girls camp. They really turned out cute. This picture doesn't do them justice. I was sewing 23 backpacks and Bishops gift from the girls till 2am on Sunday night before they all left. But, hey that is what we do. If I hadn't been sewing, I would have been packing till that late. Some things never change. The ward theme was LION KING.
Each girls and leader in YWs and Cabin moms decorated a square. Then I sewed material around them and put it together. It really turned out cute. I would love to someday learn how to get them all to square up. They were a little off. Hope our Bishop loved it.

Our Family Update....

Well, the school year has ended. Summer has started and I'm already pulling my hair out some days. The phrase, "can I have _______ come over to play?" everyday, multiple times gets old. But, I love having the kids home.
Kacee graduated from 8th grade and is now an official Freshman in high school. YIKES!!! I'm feeling old. Kurt and I finally took our dream vacation for our 16 Anniversary - a cruise to the Bahamas. Still wish I was on that boat. It was os amazing. And, Kacee and Eric are off to girls camp and scout camp.
Kacee will be going to EFY and then is hoping to get to Utah in July to visit Uncle Brian, Auntie Laci and the girls. But really it boils down to Kacee just misses her cousin Cami so much. If we could live next door it wouldn't be close enough. What a blessing to have such great Uncles and Aunts that set good examples and love my kids for who they are.
But the hardest news for our family thus far - just before we left on our cruise Kurt was told his facility that he manages is going to be closed. The company that he works for was bought out in January and the new company doesn't want to keep the small facilities open. So as of the middle of July he will be out of work again. Two times in two years is so much fun. Not really. So, we are putting our house up for sale, and aren't sure where the Lord is going to take us next. But, we have faith it will all work out.
We are torn. We want to go back to Mesa to be closer to all of Kurt's family and our friends. But, we also want to go to Utah to be closer to Christine's family. Not to mention having four seasons, one of which has much cooler summers, sounds good too. Time will tell. Say lots of prayers for us.

Kacee graduated

Yes, Kacee graduated from Junior High. This whole graduating ceremony thing from junior high is baffling to me. I never had a graduation ceremony when leaving 8th grade. We just left and were excited to be going to high school.

So, Kurt and I are feeling a little older today. But, very proud. Kacee received an award that all the teachers voted on who should receive it. One girl and one boy received this award. Along with the award was a gift card to Staples. She's not sure what they were thinking when they came up with that part of it. She would have rather of had cash. I told her not to complain, she can use it to buy supplies for the next school year and save me some money.

We are so proud of her. She is a great student. She just amazes us everyday at what she excels in.

Way to go Kacee. We love you!!! xoxoxoxox

Eric's Court of Honor

It was Eric's first court of Honor in the ward. He was excited and nervous. He was helping with the flag ceremony and getting awards. He received his First Aide merit badge, Tenderfoot, and 2nd class. He had to get instruction from his scout leader so he didn't poke me. (I don't think they forget how to pin their mom's. They get lots of practice at it in cub scouts.) He was so cute about it and did a great job. And, he didn't poke me. I'm so proud of you Eric. You are doing such a great job in scouts. Keep up the good work.

Kacee, Eric and Verrado Track!

These were long, hot afternoons.
We just loved watching Eric running against the big 7th and 8th graders. This was his first season. He always tried his hardest and that is what counts. He always would say, " I did my best".
Kacee couldn't decided if she wanted to do track again this year. She really was missing her friend and track buddy from last year - Lexi. I had to remind her that she lived on the other side of town. She finally decided to run and I was so excited. I just love to watch track. I had a great PE teacher in 7th grade that got me interested in running hurdles and ran them every spring till my Junior year.
Kacee had a great season. She ran the hurdles, 100m, long jump, and triple jump. She did so good. She made the semi finals, and alternate for the finals in long jump. This was the first year their school had a track team and the girls team took 1st at the finals. We were so proud of them.
Eric's good friend Colby Clifford ran also. So the other perk to the season was to be able to spend the time watching the kids run with such good friends and company. We all had many laughs and drinks from sonic. What could be better?!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! Today has been a great day. We did the whole Easter Bunny thing this morning, then quickly got ready for the day. Kurt's brother Eric blessed their new baby Mara in their home this morning. What a great way to start the day. And the blessing he gave was beautiful. Our kids were so excited to see their cousins, even if it was a short visit. Then we left to drive back over to our ward.

This was the first Sunday, of many, that we got to sit without Kurt. He has been called to be the 1st counselor in the Bishopric. So, now I'm a single parent again. I need to remember to have patience with my kids. But, I always feel like we're being watched and we are not perfect.

Anyways, I got to teach YW's today. I was asked to teach an Easter lesson. So, I decided to teach about the last 8 days of Christ's life. My good friend Heidi had given this lesson when we were serving in YW's together in SR1. It was such a neat lesson. Hopefully the girls liked it. I felt a little rushed, but it all turned out good.

So, the day is coming to a close and I was sitting and thinking about all the things that have happened and blessed our family since last Easter. I'm so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows each of us. And blesses my family each and every day. And for our Savior Jesus Christ. What a specialy gift he has given each of us. I can't imagine the pain he must have felt that night in the garden and he knelt and prayed for each of us.



In our last stake we had the priveledge to attend a fireside given by Mark Mabry , "Reflections of Christ". It was on display at the Mesa, Arizona Temple's Visitor Center. It is a fireside I will never forget. So I thought it would be fitting to watch some of the pictures he took.

(if you have music linked, you will want to mute it.)

Happy Birthday to Emmalee!

Happy Birthday to you!

Emmalee, I can't believe it was 10yrs ago

that you came into our lives.We knew you were suppose

to come and bless our lives. Your birth will be one

that will never be forgotten. Your Grandma McCune

still talks about it.Your first week here on this earth

was spent living in a motor home in front of Grandma &

Papa Jensen's house in Las Vegas. We were getting ready

to move to Provo, Utah so that Dad could go to school at BYU. You were such a sweet little baby and you are even sweeter now.

Today has been a little crazy with the track meet. Thanks for waiting for

us to celebrate your birthday and being patient.

Thank you for being such a good little helper.

I know I can always count on you.

Happy 10th Birthday, We love you so much!

Thunderbirds

When I think about the memories from growing up in a little town called Lompoc, California, one that comes to mind is the Air show at Vandenberg Airforce Base. It was one of the most amazing things I saw as a child and still to this day is just as beautiful. So, one of the perks of living on the West side of Phoenix is being able to see the Thunderbirds from our backyard. On Friday night we watched fireworks being shot out of the backend of a Mig. (I think that was what kind of a plane it was) That was so cool. Then on Saturday we took the kids up to Luke Airforce Base for the show. I felt like a little girl again. The planes are so amazing, I can't imagine flying something so big and powerful. What amazing men and women the pilots are. Then the real treat came. The THUNDERBIRDS!!!

They are so beautiful to watch up in the sky. Eric, Emmalee, and Katie werejust glued to the sky the whole time. Watching the kids with eyes so big is so much fun. It is one of the joys of being a mom. We looked and looked for the Jobe family, but never saw them. Next year time we'll have to call and meet up with them.

Eric, Sarah and family came out and met us there. The cousins were so excited to see each other. It was fun to watch the 3 boys run around from plane to plane. Kurt took a video of the Thunderbirds flying over us. What a sight to see.

She is finally 8 and it's Baptism Day

Katie is the newest member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And, Katie's day could not have been any more perfect. We sure did miss all the family and friends that weren't able to make it. But want to say thank you to all those that came and supported Katie in her decision to be baptized. It was a beautiful day.

It was a weekend full of many events. Katie's baptism, our sweet Bishop was released and a new Bishopric was called - Kurt was called to be the 1st counselor in the Bishopric, and Kacee received her Young Women's medalion. Needless to say we were all exhausted by Sunday night. But what a great weekend. Full of precious memories.

Baptism Invitations....

Okay, so for two weekends in a row we have tried to get a great picture of Katie at the temple. The first Saturday we were there she got a little frustrated with the whole process and told us enough was enough. I know, not Katie. If you have figured out Katie's personality yet, that is just how it goes and there is no talking her into more. So, I decided the next weekend while we were out in Mesa getting haircuts, we should stop and take some more. Well, with a little promising of a Sonic Oreo Blast it was a done deal. Except I just had to stop at a fabulous scrapbook store for supplies for my crazy idea to make Katie her own baptism book. (haven't even started it yet - YIKES!) While at the store she tells me her tummy isn't feeling good. I told her it was just because we haven't had anything for lunch and that she will be okay. And, that was the end of that.
Now, knowing my kids track record I should know better. And should have started for home with a very big cup in the car just in case. But no, I just had to stop and take pictures at the temple. So, that is just what we did. We got her in the dress and got one picture (which wasn't good at all) and start to walk over by the visitor center, when it happened. She started to put her hands to her mouth, I'm having flashes of Oreo all over this beautiful white dress, and I start to pull her hair back and the dress back. Now, it is Saturday at the Temple and there are Brides everywhere taking pictures. And, there is Katie chucking into a bush. So sorry Temple ground workers and brides.
The dress did okay until Katie decided she had to fling the stuff off her hands.
Dry cleaner here we come.
So, this is the picture we went with. With a little cropping it turned out pretty good. Wish I was made of money and could send one to everyone of our friends, but no such luck on that one. So, for all those who care Katie's baptism is this Saturday.
We are so excited. And, I'm having many emotions. This is my last one to be baptized. Time sure does go by fast. Next thing I know I'm going to have my oldest driving and dating. YIKES!- not ready for that one. But we love to tease Kacee about it and have told her who we would love to see her second date with. (Jolene we'll have to talk) The first date will be with her DAD!

Happy 8th Birthday

Boy does time go by fast or what? I can't believe that our Katie "bug" is 8years old today. And that my baby girl is going to be baptized in about 3 weeks. We are so proud of you and all that you are accomplishing. You are such a joy in our lifes and always keep us on our toes.

We love you!!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Sunday night

Sunday night Kacee and I had the opportunity to go to a Stake fireside: "Commitment to Excellence". Our stake has made a commitment to each girl that if they complete the following list they will receive a special gift from the Stake Presidency and Stake YW presidnecy. The four items they must complete are:

1. completes 4 yrs of girls camp & gets her camper award
2. completes her personal progress and earns her medalian by graduation of High School
3. graduates from Seminary
4. is worthy and prepared for temple marriage ( interview with Bishop & Stake Pres.)

If a girl does this they will receive a Hope Chest and on the inside of the lid is a painted picture of the Mesa Arizona Temple. It was beautiful! Our Stake YW presidency and other sisters from our stake talked about what our spiritual items could and should be that go into our Hope Chests.

*goal setting
*leadership
*dedication
*knowledge
*journals
*individual worth
*faith
*testimony

Each of the ladies talked about the YW leaders that made such a difference in their lives. When we serve in a calling we don't think about what kind of a difference we are making. We just do our calling and do to the best of our ability. But Sunday night it just seem to hit home for me or hit me right between the eyes. I'm so thankful for all the YW leaders I had. And, the great Bishops I had. They all taught me something from that list above. I just hope I can and am doing the same for the girls I'm serving in our ward. Every YW in this great church is special and worth all the time and effort. It was such a great night and a great meeting.

So, what is in you spiritual "hope chest"?