Second half of May

The second half of this month has sure been a lot more busy and fun-filled than the first half. And that is mostly because of the return of Kylee and Brody for the summer. I have absolutely loved having them around, and look forward to the whole summer being one fun activity after another. Everything is just not fun and games however. They've both been a great help around the house and yard. Kylee has been motivated (after watching the food network in Europe- since that was the only thing in English) to try new recipes, so she's been busy in the kitchen making some delicious meals and treats for us. It's been awesome! I love coming home from a hard days work (haha) to find her (and sometimes Brody) slaving away in the kitchen. I could really get used to this. Brody's been great to help with a few odd projects- including assembling a new canopy in the backyard and helping repair some bikes for Jake's Eagle project.

We had a fun family party at Tom and Freda's the weekend Ky and Brody got home. They had gone to a lot of work to plan Survivor/Fear Factor/Amazing race type games. We first did an obstacle course at the park which was easy enough, so to make it more fun, we had to wear some funny animal noses. Next we had to try and keep 3 balloons in the air for 1 minute while staying in a confined space. Then each team had to race to a store and buy some type of dessert and come the closest to $5 that we could. And last, but certainly not least were two fear factor activities: one being putting a netting over your head for a minute containing 25 live crickets, AND, eating a bit each of pickled pigs feet, smoked herring, vienna sausage, and liver. No thank you. It was quite entertaining watching most everyone else do it though. I was very impressed with everyone who did it- esp Ky with the crickets because she was FREAKED out, but did it anyway. It was a fun night.

For Jake's Eagle project, he's been collecting bicycles over the past few months to donate to some Burmese refugees here in Logan who have no form of transportation besides the bus. He's rounded up over 60 bikes! He had some friends, leaders, and all of us help him two different times to get them cleaned, oiled, and tires repaired and, for about 15 others, a lot more than that. It's been a great project, and he's done a terrific job of taking the lead and doing what he's needed to to make it happen. Mike has also spent hours helping and encouraging him. Tomorrow is the day we deliver them to the apartments where most of the people live. I can't wait!

I LOVE MY NEW LIVING ROOM! It's been so nice to have some new, nice couches and to totally change the look of the room. If ever you're looking for furniture in Cache Valley, may I recommend Ashley Furniture? They have great prices if you pick up the furniture yourself instead of having it delivered.

I'm still waiting patiently for spring to arrive and stay around for more than a couple of days. I really don't mind the rain, because it makes everything so green, and I know before long we'll be sweating it in 90 degree weather. It will be nice to wash my car and know it will stay clean for more than two days, to leave the house w/o a jacket, and to sit outside and feel the warm sun on my face.

And finally, Jessica has started a blog! Check it out at jessicanjensen.blogspot.com

The Best day of the Year!

My favorite day of the year has come and gone, and as always, it was the best! The top 5 reasons why I love Mothers Day so much: #1. I don't lift a finger all day. I'm waited on hand and foot- no cooking or dishes! #2. If there gets to be the beginnings of anything I don't love (fighting, knuckle cracking- or any other annoying repetitive noise) all I have to say is "it's mothers day" and it immediately stops. #3. My kids and Mike (and even Freda and Mom) all write me the sweetest, kindest, most loving cards and tell me why they love me. #4. Gifts! I always get spoiled by Mike and the kids, and by Freda, and lately my mom! It's great. #5. I feel like a queen all day long and I love it!

Here we are having our first cookout of the year, and actually being able to spend the afternoon outside enjoying the WARMTH. It's been in short supply this spring (it was great to have Jessica's boyfriend Brad join in the festivities).

The only thing missing this year (and this was a BIG miss) was having Kylee and Brody with us. Talking to them on SKYPE was the next best thing. . . and also knowing I'd be seeing them in three short days!

We had a great, competitive game of croquet with it coming down to me and Brad in a shoot out with me being the loser. He didn't take my pleading that it was mothers day seriously enough!

Thanks family for making my day so wonderful! I love you all so much.

This and That

Jessica took a country swing dance this past semester at USU and enjoyed going country dancing most Monday and Wednesday nights at the fun park. Here she is with her friend Jason showing off her moves.

Jakes last lacrosse game was today. It was played on the football field at LHS. Too bad it was raining and freezing cold for the spectators. . .

The other day I was at Lee's Marketplace and saw this Lee's plumbing truck park in front of the store so I just had to take a picture of the three Lee's. haha

And finally, what you've all been waiting for. . . pictures of Jessica's newly decorated bedroom. It was so fun to put together with much help and suggestions from Lindsey. I really appreciate all her time and great ideas. I love how it turned out.

Tune in next time for pictures of my newly remodeled living room!