Sara. Spencer. and {Mostly} Cora.

Grand Floral Parade 2011

2011-06-14T21:45:00.001-07:00

Warning: long post! This was only some of the pictures I took!

On Saturday the 11th we took Tanner, Lili and Cora downtown to meet my sister Sammy for the grand floral parade. We got a front row spot right across the street from central library.

We waited forever for it to start but the excitement in those kiddos bodies was well worth it!!

Tanner and Lili passed the time coloring with sidewalk chalk.

My favorite!

If you look on the right side of the picture you can see Jesse in blue and Irene and Ana in orange from the last season of biggest loser!

Lili Banilly!

Cora took a little nap before the parade.

Snuggle with dada! She has just started doing this the last couple weeks.

Tanner balloon fishing in the river.

Here it comes!!

Sara

Sunshine!

2011-06-09T23:00:00.001-07:00

We thrive off the few sunshiny days we get here in Oregon. My soul delights in the warm rays and my body is energized!

Today we went to my good friend Tasha and Sara's for a birthday treat. Tasha captured this moment between my sweet Cora and I.

Cora is so good at sitting up now! I'm a proud momma!

Even on the rainy days she is my sunshine!

Tasha and her family are getting ready to move to California for a year ling residency program. The kids were playing in the pod this afternoon.

Oh how I will miss Tasha and her family.
Sara

Stuck

2011-06-09T22:54:00.001-07:00

Cora is in the moving stage... And she gets stuck often now.

I took these yesterday. I'm a mean mom I know but I had to capture the moment. She wasn't happy that I was standing there and not assisting her.

Her bumper is now back on that side :)

This one was my fault because I didn't buckle her in. How she got into the position, I'm not sure.

What a...

2011-06-05T21:24:00.001-07:00

Mess!

Before I was a mom I never thought I would let my child do what I'm about to show you. Now that I am a mom, I embrace it. I realize that she is learning and growing with every mess and her clothes can wash or be replaced.

YouTube Video

She might be even cuter with food all over her!

Sara

Sit up

2011-06-05T21:04:00.001-07:00

Cora has learned to sit up with no support for more than a few seconds at a time.

She is growing up way too fast for her momma but I love to see her learn new things! It is so much fun!

Sara

How do you sleep?

2011-06-04T23:00:00.001-07:00

At 6 months Cora has decided to sleep on her tummy. I am a tummy sleeper through and through. The only thing I couldn't wait to do once I had her was sleep on my stomach! Oh I love it!

She also has found comfort in sleeping on her side.

For the most part she is still a back sleeper though.

Sara

A morning trip to the park!

2011-06-04T22:53:00.001-07:00

Today was beautiful! We ventured out for a morning walk and stopped at the park to play. Cora loves to swing and this time we tried out the teeter totter as well. She is so fun and loves being outside so we relish in the days we get sun here in Oregon!

YouTube Video

Sara

First solids!

2011-03-25T15:00:00.001-07:00

Cora had her first solids today! Dr. Rachel said we could start them and if she liked them we could continue and if not we didn't need to push it until 6 months.

Well she liked it a lot once she got the hang of it!

Nana gave her a little bit of her lemon meringue yogurt and she loved that. No pictures unfortunately.

Then we gave her some squash. I couldn't get it into her mouth fast enough.

Yum yum yum!

I look forward to the days of messy faces and stained bibs!

Sara

4 months!

2011-03-25T14:54:00.001-07:00

Weight- 13.18 lbs 40th %
Height- 24.75 in 70th%

What Cora does at 4 months-

Holds her head up really really well

Pushes up on her arms when laying on her belly

Giggles

Talks a lot

Likes to sit up and stand with assistance

Recognizes people she sees on a regular basis. Especially mom and dad. But will smile at most anyone!

Plays with her favorite toys and gets mad when they fall out of her sight or reach!

Always has something in her mouth! Toys, hands, bottle, paci at bed or nap, blankets, burp clothes...

Still sleeps through the night and takes great naps!

Likes to snuggle when she is tired.

Has auburn colored hair, dimples and the best smile ever!

Has moments of looking like daddy but looks more like momma for sure.

Sara

Summer..

2011-03-21T23:54:00.001-07:00

We long for your sunny days and warm air!

Cora is ready and waiting with her new sunglasses!

Sara

Giggly girl

2011-03-13T23:36:00.000-07:00

The last week or so Cora has started giggling more and more! It is the cutest and provides us with lots of laughter!

Tummy time!

2011-03-04T11:38:00.001-08:00

Cora is doing great at tummy time! She tolerates it longer and longer each day!

Sara

Lili & Cora

2011-02-26T10:06:00.001-08:00

Lili (the little girl I nanny) loves to play with Cora and make her smile.

Sara

Baby it's cold outside...

2011-02-26T10:03:00.001-08:00

It's 27 degrees right now!! Way too cold for us!

We've had some snow and ice and beautiful blue skies and sun. Cold and beautiful!

Sara

My little Kewpie Doll

2011-02-23T14:10:00.001-08:00

I've been told many times that Cora looks like a little Kewpie doll. What do you think?

Although I don't think Kewpie had such a scowl.

Sara

Blazers vs. Hornets

2011-02-17T09:48:00.001-08:00

We have blazer game ticket connections so for my last two birthdays we have gone to a game.

This year my mom watched Cora so that Spence and I could have a fun time together.

It was seriously the most excited I've been to watch a basketball game since high school!

We had a tough third quarter but in the end.. With the help of a packed arena and enthusiastic crowd of fans... They pulled it together and won! Breaking 100 to get us all a free chalupa from taco bell.

It was such a great birthday!

Sara

Sleep

2011-02-17T08:54:00.001-08:00

I love love love to sleep.... Obviously she inherited that love.

My sweet girl slumbers away for at least a solid 7 hours on any given night. Last night she went for 8 hours and I'm sure it would've been longer but I had to wake her to eat.

The lack of sleep was probably what I was dreading the most before her arrival. I'm happy to say that she has always been a great sleeper. Only getting up to eat in the night falling right back to sleep and at two months skipping a night feeding.. Or two.. To sleep all the way through!

I'm one lucky well-rested momma... For some reason I feel like it's going to come back and bite me in the future though.

Sara

In love!

2011-02-14T18:57:00.001-08:00

How could I not be? Look at that doll!

Sara

His girl

2011-02-07T19:38:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Spencer disappeared after putting Cora down for her nap. I wondered where he was and thought maybe he was in the office on the computer. I found him and Cora snuggled up in her room. He sure does love his girl!

Sara

So blessed

2011-02-05T21:22:00.001-08:00

I feel so blessed and grateful to have these two in my life.

Spencer is a wonderful friend, husband, and daddy.

They both bring so much happiness into my life!

Sara

Thumb sucking

2011-02-04T07:17:00.001-08:00

Cora is trying oh so hard to get that thumb in her mouth.
She has a tendency to tuck her thumb in between her pointer and middle finger so it's hard to find. She will try for it and then move on to each finger with no success.

I was a thumb sucker. For. A. Long. Time. It's not something I'm opposed to doing, I actually encourage it because that means she is more self reliant. She is not a big pacifier baby but she does like it when she is sleepy. She doesn't care if she falls asleep without and doesn't wake up needing it in the middle of the night. It would be nice if she could just use her thumb for a pacifier though so I didn't have to carry one with me at all times.

With that said I hope she doesn't become dependent on it like I did. It was my comfort thing for a long time. I guess either way, thumb or pacifier, one can become "addicted"

Sara

Two months

2011-01-30T08:59:00.001-08:00

Cora had her two month wellness checkup and shots this past week.

She was less than thrilled to be pokes but it's all for the better, in my opinion.

At two months old Cora weighed in at 10lbs 12oz putting her in the 46th percentile for weight and is 23.25 in long putting her in the 81st percentile for length. Long and slender, certainly didn't get that from momma.

Cora loves to kick her feet while she plays on her mat or even a blanket. She has discovered her hands and lives to suck on them, it's trumps the pacifier any day which is fine with me. We're working on getting the thumbs untucked from her fist so that she doesn't get frustrated when she sticks half her hand in and gags. Going cross-eyed to look at them is another favorite.

She enjoys long conversations with mom and dad and occasionally will put in her two cents. With momma she prefers to snuggle horizontally across my body and with daddy she likes to snuggle on his chest.

Her head and neck control is great and we work on tummy time each day. She'd much refer her back.

Cora is sleeping great right now. She will fall asleep between 11 and midnight and will sleep until 5 or so. She is a good napper once she gets to sleep. Most times she needs to be snuggled to do so.

Right now she sleeps in a bassinet in our room at night. During the day I try and have her take naps in her crib that way she will be used to it when I'm ready to make the transition to having her sleep in it at night.

On this day she would not go to sleep unless I was snuggling her. She would be out while I was holding her but as soon as I put her down she would be wide awake. I was laying where the blue and purple pillows are. She lasted maybe ten minutes once I got up.

I'm grateful to have this sweet, snuggly girl in my life!

Adventuring Portland and Breakfast at the Bistro

2011-01-29T17:00:00.001-08:00

As a family we have started a go see do project. Throughout the year we will go, see, or do something that relates to each letter of the alphabet. For example for A we could pick apples.

Today we did A and B.

Breakfast at the Bistro

We had breakfast at Mother's Bistro in downtown Portland with my dad, Julie, Sammy, and Taylor.

I had apple juice with my breakfast and Spencer had a Belgian waffle.

Adventuring Portland looking at architecture

After breakfast we went on a walk to look at architecture in Portland. We couldn't go very far because of Cora's eating schedule so we only got a small glimpse. I know there are so many more beautiful buildings.

Cora was alert and awake for a good portion of our outing, her A contribution. We all know what she had for breakfast, her B contribution :)

Until next month... Go, See, Do around your city!

Sara

Sweet

2011-01-27T15:52:00.001-08:00

Yep she is as sweet as she looks! Cora is such an easy baby. I imagine I'm probably setting myself up for really terrible twos every-time I say that or put it to paper but it's true! Since the day she was born she has been a communicator, she starts to fuss a little and as soon as you feed, change or snuggle her she is fine. She is not hard to figure out and finds comfort in her momma's arms, that I am so grateful for!

Sara

Lots of love

2011-01-27T14:52:00.001-08:00

We are so blessed to have so many people who love our sweet Cora!

Papa Jerome

Cousin Noah

Uncle Steven

Auntie Dawn & Holly

Nana, Shyanne and Valerie

TiTi Sammy

Cousin Tanner

Gma and Gpa Jensen

Auntie Annie

Uncle Taylor
and

TiTi Sadie
just to name a few.

No one loves her more
than...

Momma
and

Daddy
though!

A name and a blessing

2011-01-23T07:46:00.001-08:00

Cora's blessing day was on December 12th, 2010 and it was so special! Spencer was accompanied by his dad Jeff, oldest brother Ryon, our friend Kevin, and the 2nd counselor in our bishopric Brother Hoffeins.

It is such a wonderful blessing to have the gospel and priesthood in our lives and our home.

We decided not to take Cora to church right away because of the germs so we had her blessing and a nice dinner at Ryon and Annie's house. Our guests included:

Grandma and grandpa Jensen

Ryon, Annie, Tanner, and Cedar

John, Angie, and Sawyer

Grandpa Kevin and grandma Julie

Titi Sammy

Kimmie and Kevin

Kaylene

And

Brother Hoffeins

For dinner we had salad, potato corn chowder, white chicken chili, and homemade rolls. Dessert included cookies, mango bars, and cranberry scones.

A note about her dress- I wanted her dress to be something special made with love by her mommy. Something that she would cherish and hold on to. I was given this beautiful ivory colored antique fabric from a friend working at an estate sale. I then found a simple dress pattern at Joanns for 1.00. Kaylene was so sweet and helped me sew it (I'm not a seamstress by any means so I needed quite a bit of guidance). We finished it in about a day and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

I love the ivory color, the antique look and the sweet scalloped edge. Their were two different headbands that I made. The first one ending up not being worn because I needed to make it a little bigger and then I ended up liking the second one so much more.

TiTi Sammy

Grandma and grandpa Jensen live in KS so it was a special treat to have them here with us for Cora's blessing. Here they are with all their Oregon grandbabies. L to R: grandpa with Sawyer, Tanner, grandma with Cora and Cedar.

It was a special day with people who are very special to us!

Sara

Tanner and Cedar

2011-01-22T22:03:00.001-08:00

Sure do love Cora! They have since they first met her at the hospital. Ryon and Annie brought thanksgiving dinner to the hospital for us to eat with them and Cedar wouldn't stop to eat until we hid baby Cora from her.

Sara

Cora's first baths

2011-01-22T21:48:00.001-08:00

At the hospital the day after she was born. Daddy gave Cora her first bath. She loved having her hair washed!

Cora's first bath after her umbilical cord fell off. Exactly two weeks old. She loves bath time!

Introducing...

2011-01-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

Warning: this is a long post.

Cora Madelyn Renee Jensen

Born 11/24/2010 @ 9:15 pm
Ht: 20 in
Wt: 8 lbs 1 oz

Birth Timeline

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

3:45 am- I got up to do my normal bathroom run. After returning to bed I laid there trying to go back to sleep, I'm sure my mind was running wild about the impending due date of our sweet babe and all the things I still wanted to get done before she came.

4:10 am- while laying there I felt a popping sensation, it felt like a balloon popping or something like that. I was laying perfectly still. The thought crossed my mind that it could be my water breaking but in a few short seconds I thought there was no way and pushed it from my mind. She wasn't due for another 4 days and I was sure I would pass up that date.

4:15 am- I felt a little trickle, I'm sure my mouth opened as if to say "no way!" and then a gush of fluid. OH MY GOSH, IT'S HAPPENING!! My heart racing I leaned over Spencer who was fast asleep and said "Spence, I think it's happening, I think my water just broke!!" He jumped from bed as excited as ever!! I'm not sure how much amniotic fluid surrounded our little babe but I can tell you it was A LOT! I was shaky and nervous as I kneeled on our bed. As I stood up it just kept coming. I'll just say that we washed a whole load of towels and our sheets.

Approx. 4:25 am- I called my midwife to tell her the news and get my next set of instructions. Caroline answered my call sweet as ever and asked me how I was doing. We went over what had happened and she told me to relax and try and go back to sleep. I was to call back around 8 with an update. Spencer was busy "nesting" at this point. He did dishes, laundry, packed bags, tidied up the house, and vacuumed all before we left for the hospital. He refused to lay in bed with me and enjoy this time together, just the two of us in the quiet, as my mom had instructed. I didn't sleep but I did lay in bed until about 7:45 am.

7:45 am- I got up to shower and then called to give the midwife an update. Beth was now the midwife on call at this point. She instructed me to come in by noon and continue resting until then. I was having minor contractions at this point, nothing worth stopping my prep work over. Yeah I didn't rest after that call. That's when my nesting started.

Approx. 9:30 am- Spencer's SIL, Annie, came over, she was one of the special people we wanted to have at the birth of our sweet babe. Her and Spencer packed a little lunch of turkey and cream cheese tortilla roll ups, wheat thin crackers, and granola bars. We finished putting together the final things and headed to the hospital.

10:30 am- contractions getting a little stronger but still not much of anything to get excited about. We had arrived at the hospital (Legacy Emanuel) and entered the family birth center, wrong place! They directed us to labor and delivery down the hall, duh! We were shown to our room and told our nurse would be right in. Wendy was the sweetest, best nurse I could've ever asked for. She was perfect!

I was hooked up to an IV line so they could administer my penicillin for group b strep. Then I was free to do as I please to get this baby goin. My mom and littlest sister Sadie showed up shortly after, followed by my grandma.

I was really starting to feel contractions at this point. I had no clue how dilated I was because they wanted to hold off on checking me for as long as possible due to my group b step.

My sister Sadie rubbed my feet, I walked the halls with Spencer and my mom, rocked on the birthing ball, leaned over my bed, and danced with Spencer. All of these helped with the ever growing pain. I just had to focus and breathe through each contraction as they got closer and closer together.

5 pm- My midwife, Beth, finally checked me and I was 7 cm dilated. Woohoo!! Yay for soo much progress!

A new addition to the room was my younger sister, Sammy.

At this point we decided it was time to set up the birthing tub in my room while I went down the hall and relaxed in the jacuzzi tub. I was hoping for a water-birth!

My contractions were really really strong and super painful but I was determined to deliver this little girl with no medicine. I am not against it in anyway I just felt at that time it was what was best for both baby and I.

Spencer was so great at coaching me through each contraction and keeping me calm and relaxed. He was SO tired, as was I. I continued to labor in the tub until it was unbearable. I think my nurse and everyone in the labor and delivery wing could probably hear me from behind that closed door. It hurt but I pushed forward.

Approx 7 pm- I had returned to my room and got in the birthing tub there. Beth checked me again and I was now 10 cm dilated and plus 2.

I remember telling my 16 year old cousin and sister and my twenty year old sister that they should never have sex cause this is what happens and it wouldn't be worth the pain. In the end the pain is worthy the baby.

I hurt soooo bad, I was starting to panic and my brain couldn't even think past the pain. I tried many different things from squatting to sitting on the toilet but nothing helped and I was TERRIFIED of pushing!

I had asked my aunt Sharney to join us so that she could photograph this special time and with her she brought my cousin Whitney. Are you keeping track? That's nine people including myself!

I was getting extremely overwhelmed with all the people and the pain and not being able to cope with it. I asked everyone to leave except for Spencer and my mom so I could have a moment of quiet to evaluate the situation.

At that point I was done for, I could not handle it anymore and made it very clear! Wendy and Beth were very confident in my ability to continue without any pain medication but I was not. In my birth plan I had requested that no one ask if I wanted an epidural. I wanted it on my own terms and now was the time!

Wendy offered me a double dose of Fentanyl to give me a while to rest and get a break from everything. It was a-maz-ing!!! Seriously the best thing ever!! I practically fell asleep in our dimly lit, quiet room. I started to feel contractions again after about a half hour so Wendy said I needed to make a choice between going back to no medicine or and epidural. After feeling the glorious relief I did I was not about to endure the pain again so I opted for the latter.

7:45 pm- my epidural was put in by a very nice anesthesiologist. He worked in between my contractions and was done in no time! I was no longer feeling the pain again and was happy happy happy and well rested.

8:00 pm- Beth checked me again and baby's head was about an inch in. Time to get ready for pushing.

I had let everyone come back into the room as I was feeling much better. Two more people had joined the party, my dad and his girlfriend Julie.

When I first started pushing I couldn't feel my contractions so my nurse, now Melissa as Wendy had gone home for the night, had to tell me when to push. It took awhile to get it down but I was going to get this baby out. I couldn't wait any longer to see her. Family members took turns holding my legs and helping hold my back and head up while I was pushing. I don't remember a lot from this period of time, I do remember this though.

I was really happy.

I remember our midwife, Beth Stebbins, telling everyone that this is her 1000th delivery! That's special to me.

I remember asking if she had a lot of hair over and over.

My mom saying "you are way too happy!"

When the anesthesiologist came to check in I told him if I was having a boy I might've just named the baby after him. He responded by telling me that if he was a girl his parents were going to name him Tiffany, I said "Well I'm not naming my baby that!" He laughed and I thanked him.

I remember my SIL, Annie, telling me what a great job I was doing and my grandma saying "I can't believe how good of a pusher she is!"

Grandma Jensen called during pushing so we put her on speaker phone so she got to "be" there.

Anyway, I pushed and pushed and pushed some more, never really feeling too much discomfort. Then baby's little shoulders got stuck and all I can remember is them trying to put the bed back and having to raise it because my poor aunt was smashed between the wall and head of the bed. And then the worst pain of. my. life as my midwife manually turned her so her shoulders would come out.

9:15 pm- Then there was a baby right in front of me. She laid on my chest all purple and new. I cried. Well I think everyone cried. She was perfect and beautiful and oh so special to me already. Then she peed and I laughed. What an end to a long day.

Silhouette Giveaway!

2010-11-22T09:09:00.001-08:00

Yet another Silhouette Giveaway in the world of blogging!!!

I can't wait to see if I win it. Spencer knows it's the hot item on my Christmas list this year, just incase I don't.

Beautiful Nativity Sets!

2010-11-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

My sister in law, Sheena, over at The Best of Momma Chef is having an awesome giveaway!

This year for her service project she is making these nativity sets and all proceeds go to Comfort Quilts.

Comfort Quilts is a non-profit cause that makes quilts and other items for families of public safety personnel who die in the line of duty. Uniforms and/or personal clothing items worn by these heroes are transformed into quilts and other items which are provided to the family and department at no cost, with the hope that it will bring some sort of peace and comfort in the midst of their tragedy. These items are made to celebrate and honor the life, profession, and memory of these fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. These items are also made to honor the families who loved and supported them as they went out the door each day to Protect & Serve others.

Sheena, is selling these sets for 15.00 each and they come in black or brown.

Pregnant!

2010-06-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Blog- Blooming, Bright-Eyed, and Blissful!

Check out this blog to keep up with our journey to parenthood!!

Spicy Black Bean Burgers

2010-03-01T20:29:00.001-08:00

Oh so YUMMY!!!

Recipe from How It All Vegan Cookbook

SPICY BLACK BEAN BURGERS
1/2 cup flour
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 small hot pepper minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium red pepper diced
2 cups cooked or canned black beans, mashed
1/2 cup corn niblets
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp fresh parsley

Set flour aside for coating. Saute onion, garlic, oregano and hot pepper in oil until onions are translucent. Add peppers and saute for another 2 minutes, until pepper is tender. In a large bowl mash the beans with a fork. Stir in all the vegetables, corn, bread crumbs, cumin, salt, chili powder and parsley. Mix well. Divide and shape into patties. Coat in flour. Cook on a lightly oiled frying pan on medium high for about 5-10 minutes, or until brown.

I didn't use the hot pepper (I think not using this took away the spice, mine didn't have any heat) or red pepper because I didn't have them. They were still so good! I ate mine on a toasted Ciabatta with sliced avocado, tomato and onion. You could add lettuce too. Or you could omit the ciabatta and wrap it with lettuce and eat it with a fork.

ENJOY!

Giveaway

2010-02-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

Check it out!

http://thecreativeplace.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-fabric-stash-and-paper-scrap.html

I'm going for the fabric!

giveaway

2010-01-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

check out the giveaway on Make it and Love it! (Click on Make it and Love it button on my page) Baby Blvd. is giving away a 25.00 GC to spend in their Etsy shop. They don't just have baby things so check them out.

Oh the JOYS of my life!

2010-01-06T21:53:00.000-08:00

There aren't too many things in my life that I get overly excited about. I mean really excited. There are a few however. Really good deals are one of them and anything that can make me a better homemaker and wife is another.

For Christmas we purchased a new KitchenAid 5qt Stand Mixer in a lovely Cobalt Blue. In the wee hours of the morning while I was bravely battling the crowds at Kohl's and Fred Meyer my sweet husband woke from a deep sleep to stand in line at Bi-Mart. He arrived at about 4am because we thought with the AWESOME deal we were getting everyone would be there in hopes of purchasing one of these beauties. We were wrong, not a single person besides my sweet husband was after one.

We had a KitchenAid Mixer before this. My dad used to drive truck for St. Vincent de Paul and would pick up things to deliver to the store. One day he came across a 4.5qt mixer and swept it up. Spencer and I were still using this mixer, it was probably at least 15 years old and had one speed, TEN! It was quite the mess while making bread (which we always do because we don't buy it from the store) and pastries, and really anything that involved flour.

I love our new mixer with all ten speeds! It is lovely and makes my duties as a homemaker (duties that I love very very much) SO MUCH EASIER!

We have two cats in our home, we love them but do not love the hair that comes with them. We keep our home as clean as possible so we vacuum A LOT! Our vacuum is quite lack luster these days and I was expressing this concern to my dad on the phone just after I had vacuumed and just prior to a visit they were making that evening. He exclaimed that they just bought a new vacuum and that it was great. They have 4 cats so if it was great for them I could only dream of what it would do for us. They brought the vacuum with them to dinner and I got to give it a whirl throught the house. It was AMAZING, my carpets looked like they were brand new and it had picked up things that our vacuum never could. I was overjoyed and expressed it very much to everyone around!

Tonight as I walked in my front door there was a big box sitting just inside. I was elated. Giggling like a little girl in a candy store. It was a brand new vacuum, the exact one my dad had brought a couple nights prior. Where'd it come from? My dad and Julie bought it for me as an early 22nd birthday present.

Another thing to make me a better homemaker and make my tasks easier! Did I mention that I can vacuum all 1200 sq ft from one outlet! Lovely! Thank You Pa and Julie!

Ten Minute Free Write

2010-01-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

This is an assignment that I will be doing weekly for my Writing class this term. I was kind of turned off by it when I first read the directions but found it to be fun and was a a release of what I was feeling. You are supposed to write whatever comes to mind (trying to stay on one topic but if you can't that's fine) for ten minutes, don't correct your grammar, if you can't think of anything to say then write "I can't think of anything to write." I found that it was helpful for me because I was able to put my thoughts and feelings into words and asses them and how I could overcome them.

I am overwhelmed. Today is January 4th, 2010 and it is the first day of classes at PCC. I am currently enrolled in 3 online courses; Health food and the Environment, Child Development and Writing. I thought it was going to be a breeze to sit at home all day, because I don't have a job, in my pajamas and do homework. I had no anticipation of feeling overwhelmed. I do though, I feel it a lot. I am a very organized person so I started writing every assignment for every class down in my planner, I felt sicker and sicker with each assignment. My calmness suddenly became a "Oh my gosh, I can't do this. It's too much!" Then I see that I have two assignments due TOMORROW! Now I am really overwhelmed. Yet here I am, after completing this I will have submitted 3 of four assignments due this week for writing, IN ONE DAY!! Woohoo. Maybe it won't be so bad. Then I think of all the other things I have to do in life. The dishes, laundry, Breakfast, lunch and Dinner, Vacuum, make the bed, go to church, spend time with my husband, babysit, spend time with family, blah blah blah. It is suddenly overwhelming again and I didn't even mention sleeping or showering! I can do this, one day and assignment at a time. I have people who love and support me in my quest for more knowledge of the things I have an interest in. I don't so much have an interest in writing but Children and Nutrition for sure! Writing to me is one of those things that is so very important to know how to do but not one of the things I necessarily want to spend my time learning or doing. Oh well! Here I am, no longer feeling overwhelmed but ready to jump into my homework.

Yummy Fruit Dessert!

2010-01-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

We made this for dessert tonight and it was so yummy!

Ingredients:
Graham Cracker Crust
(We had a left over package of graham cracker crumbs from a Jello Cheesecake and mixed it with 5 TBS butter and 2 TBS sugar)
1 box (Makes 6.5 cups) Sugar Free, Fat Free Instant Vanilla Pudding
2.5 C Cold Fat Free Milk
Fresh or Frozen Fruit for topping

Recipe:
Mix Vanilla Pudding Powder with 2.5 cups cold milk
(Using 2.5 C opposed to 3 as the directions state will make the pudding thicker and it will set better in the graham cracker crust)
Pour into Graham Cracker Crust
Refridgerate for 1 hour
Top with fresh or frozen Fruit

(We used Strawberries, Blueberries and Peaches)

FYI: You can use full fat items if you feel the need. We used the fat free to make it a lighter, healthier dessert.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T03:32:00.000-08:00

( I was originally bothered by the lonely 5 in the background until I realized that this is our 5th New Year's Eve together! How appropriate!)

New Year's Eve was quite lack luster for us this year. We babysat for the family that I used to nanny for until 11, then went to the grocery store to buy boneless, skinless chicken breast for 1.88 a pound and Martinelli's Sparkling Cider. We came home and turned on Dick Clark's New Year's Eve Special, got on our laptops, found out interesting info, promptly called a friend while eating leftover Manicotti from Olive Garden while counting down the time until the clock struck MIDNIGHT! 8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1 A big smooch from the hubs and I was back to my phone conversation. Woohoo, it was an EXCITING night! Here it is 3:30 am on the 1st day of January 2010. I have many goals already in place and ready to be put into action. Big GOALS, that I am so excited about. Achievable goals. I am ready for this new year and for the wonderful things it will bring.

Oh Brooke

2009-11-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

Check out the Fabulous necklace Giveaway on Oh Brooke!

Make it and Love it Giveaway

2009-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Check out the giveaway from JellaBee and JellaBee Jr. on Make it and Love it! Super cute stuff. who wouldn't want it for free?!

Clear Wireless Unlimited Mobile Internet

2009-11-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

Anyone interested in taking over our clear acct? We have unlimited wireless internet for 40 bucks a month. No transfer fees and you get a 40.00 gift card for taking it over!!! It will only take about 15 min for you to transfer it into your name.

E-mail me

Cowgirl. Cowboy.

2009-11-02T10:59:00.001-08:00

Scentsy Open House (Please notice the date correction)

2009-10-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Please join us at a SCENTSY open house!

Friday, October 16th, 2009

7 to 9 pm

Sara Jensen’s home

4930 SW Lombard Ave Apt 3

Beaverton Ore 97005

(Rosina Apartments)

Coming from Canyon Rd. / Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy complex will be on your LEFT after 3^rd St.

Coming from Allen Blvd. complex will be on your RIGHT after 5^th St.

Please R.S.V.P to saraandspencer@gmail.com

503.412.8786

If you would like more information on Scentsy

And their products please visit

www.scentsy.net

Stuck. In. WYOMING!

2009-09-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Our trip to....

2009-09-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Idaho. Wyoming. Utah. Colorado. and Kansas.

On September 4th Spencer's brother- in-law, Derek, passed away. Derek was 31 and fought a hard battle with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. You can read about his condition here: http://www.phassociation.org/

Derek was an amazing person. He always made people laugh! We miss him so much but are very grateful that we were able to know him and be a part of his life!

With Derek's passing we made a trip to Kansas to be with family and to attend the funeral. We drove all the way there with Ryon, Annie, Tanner, Cedar, Mark, and Kaylene (Annie's parents). It was quite the adventure.

We started on Sunday (6th) morning at about 7 am. Stopped in Ontario to see Kimmie and Kevin. Continued on after the short stop to Utah where we stayed for the night at Scott and Melissa's (thanks guys!). We left from Utah early Monday morning. Made the trek through Wyoming and ended up broke down on the side of the highway. Annie's parents had come up to get their stuff from the house they lived in, in Oregon City and were traveling back with us, in a Budget truck. It broke down and we sat there for 5 hours! Finally we were on our way again and headed for Denver. We arrived at Annie's parents house around 10:30 and then had to wait about another hour and a half for Mark and Kaylene to get there. It was a nice little rest. We left Cedar in Colorado with them and left at 1 am to eat at Denny's and hit the road for Kansas. We drove through the night, switching drivers about every two to three hours, and arrived in Derby at 10:30 am on Tuesday morning.

Did I mention I was car sick the WHOLE entire time and that we all only got about ten hours of sleep in a span of 3 days!

Yes, it was interesting. Quite the ADVENTURE! So grateful that we saved almost 1,000 dollars by driving, in the end that made it all worth it!

I didn't get many pictures on our trip. It was a nice stay though and was wonderful to be with family!

Silver Falls State Park

2009-07-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

Kimmie, Kevin, Spence and I all went hiking last weekend (7.2 mi)! It was so much fun despite the heat, stairs and hills. We love spending time with Kimmie and Kevin and will miss them when they go back to school.

The Highlight!

2009-07-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

The ultimate highlight of my day Monday through Friday is this handsome little guy! I love him SO much, tantrums and all! I have wanted to be a mother for as long as I remember but even more so lately. Brady calms my need a little each day. I cherish every moment I spend with him. I love teaching him and playing and taking him on outings! I cannot wait to be a mama to my own little ones!

Sing your heart out Sweet Boy!

2009-07-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

Brady loves to sing three songs! ABCs, Wheels on the bus and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It is so cute and I caught him in action. These moments only make me want to be a mother and love this little guy even more! Sorry they are a little dark. I was putting him down for a nap so the lights were off. Dang the other one is too long. He sings all three songs and it is sooo cute. Maybe I can find a way to shorten it and post it later. Enjoy this one though because it is still cute!

The Children's Museum

2009-07-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

When Tanner came for his sleepover a couple weekends ago we took him to The Children's Museum! He had so much FUN! We all did actually. He loved the Water Works!

New Blog!

2009-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog!

http://bloomingbright-eyedandblissful.blogspot.com/

Tanner and Spence

2009-07-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

"Lets Run Through the Jungle!"

Tanner would say that everytime we ran through the middle of the fountains.

"Lets Race"

Tanner and Spence racing on either side of the fountain.

Beaverton Library Fountain

2009-07-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

In 90 degree weather we really needed to cool off!

Tanner is over for a special sleepover tonight so the 3 of us walked over to the library fountains.

In all the time I have known Tanner I don't think I have ever seen him have so much fun! It was a blast!

He did take a tumble (crying pic) but recovered very quickly and was right back at it.

Spencer was kind off a poop and didn't want to get wet. Tanner was very persistent in asking, rather begging, Spence to come play! So he finally gave in.

The water was very cold even in the warm weather so we couldn't stay to long much to freezing cold shivering Tanner's dismay.

Giveaway

2009-07-14T22:22:00.001-07:00

Check out this Giveaway with Make It and Love It and Kendee Watches!

http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/07/returning-sponsor-and-another-giveaway.html

They have such cute watches!

Giveaway ends at midnight tonight! (sorry for short notice but I just found it)

Love this boy!

2009-07-14T20:02:00.001-07:00

In two weeks we celebrate our 3rd anniversary! How amazing. There were days, well weeks where we thought we wouldn't make it another day. Sad, yes! However, we have held strong and are such a better couple and people for it! We have grown SO much, in so many ways!

I am so in love with him! He makes me so happy! I am so grateful to have him as my eternal companion, my rock, my best friend.

I love you ALWAYS Spence!

Blueberries!!!!

2009-07-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

This lovely little Blueberry bush resides right outside our bedroom window!

This evening I went out and picked off every ripe blueberry possible and cleaned them up.

and dried them off to put in the freezer!

I am so excited about the suckers its not even funny. There are so many more to pick as soon as they ripen. WOO HOO!

Green Clean!

2009-07-07T19:44:00.001-07:00

This is for you Kayla! It's long but I hope it helps. There are endless recipes for products to clean your home with natural products.

All of these things can be replaced with the things below. Plus maybe a couple more things.

All- Purpose Cleaners:

1/2 C. Borax in One Gallon of hot water. Can be used in a bucket or use it in a spray bottle as an everyday cleaner.

Baking soda is a great abbrasive cleaner to replace your comet. Just sprinkle it on and scrub away. It can be used in sinks, on counters, appliances, etc.

1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Mix in spray bottle. Use as a disenfectant spray for your counters, toilets, etc. Vinegar dries with no smell.

Carpet Deodorizer- Sprinkle Baking soda on carpet. Leave overnight. Sweep up as much as possible and vacuum the rest.

Spill absorber- Sprinkle spill with cornstarch or cornmeal; leave 15 min. Sweep. Vacuum.

Carpet Cleaner- 1 part liquid soap. 1 part water. Whip together by hand or in blender. Make at least one cup worth. Sponge onto carpet, rub in, wipe dry.

Dishwasher Detergent- 1 part borax to 1 part washing soda. mix together in container size of your choice. Use as you would a commercial detergent. I have used this an it works great. If there is any residue use a little more washing soda.

Mildew Remover- Mix Vinegar with water or sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge to clean affected area.

Drain Cleaner- 1/2 C. Baking Soda 1 C. Distilled White Vinegar and boiling water. Dissolve Baking soda and Vinegar in boiling water. Pour down drain. Cover with drain cover for a few minutes. flush with hot water until clog breaks.

Hardwood floor cleaner- 1/4 c. distilled white vinegar in one gallon warm water. Mix together in bucket. Wash floors with mixture and then rinse with water. Don't leave pools of water on the floor. When I cleaned house we didnt rinse the floors and no harm was done.

Basic Floor Cleaner- 1/8 c. liquid soap 1/8 c. distilled white vinegar 1 Gallon warm water, and ten drops essential oil of choice. Combine all ingredients in bucket.

Baking Soda Deodorizer spray- 2 TBS baking soda. 2 Cups hot water. 16 oz spray bottle. Mix in spray bottle. Spray when needed to deodorize a room or furniture. Will not leave any residue if baking soda is completely dissolved.

Basic furniture polish- 3 parts olive oil. 1 part distilled white vinegar. Mix. Apply with soft cloth.

Lemon Furniture Polish- 2 C. Olive, Vegetable, or Mineral Oil. Juice of 1 lemon. Mix. Apply with soft cloth and buff.

Starch spray- 1 TBS Cornstarch. 1 pint cold water. mix in small spray bottle, dissolving cornstrach. Shake before using.

Natural Bleach- 1/4 C. Washing Soda or Borax. Add to washing machine. Will whiten whites and brighten colors.

Natural Whitener- 1 C. fresh Lemon Juice. Half filled bucket of water. soak clothes overnight.

All- Purpose Stain Remover- 1/4 C. Borax. 2 C. cold water. Mix. Soak Clothes. Wash as usual.

Stainless Steel Cleaner- Baking soda or mineral oil. use either and shine with a damp cloth. Use vinegar to remove spots.

Oven Cleaner- baking soda and water. Sprinkle oven with Baking soda and spray with water. let sit for several hours or overnight. Scrap and wipe clean. Make sure to wipe well with water.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner- Baking Soda and Vinegar. Sprinkle with Baking Soda, drizzle with vinegar, scrub with brush.

Toilet Bowl Stain Remover- Pumice Stone. Keep stone wet and rubs spots until they dissapear. Works SO great for toilet rings!

Basin, Tub and Tile Cleaner- Half a Lemon dipped in borax. Scrub surface with lemon. Rinse.

Tile Cleaner- 1/4 C. Distilled white vinegar, 1 gallon water, 10 drops essential oil. Mix well. Clean well with damp sponge or rag.

Window Cleaner- 2 tsp. Distilled white vinegar. 1 quart warm water. mix in spray bottle. Spray windows and use clean cloth to wipe clean. Use rubbing alcohol to remove residue from commercial cleaners.

This laundry soap was replaced with the homemade laundry soap below. See previous post for recipe. You can use 1/4 C. Vinegar as a fabric softener. Pour it into the rinse cycle or into the farbic softener chamber at the beginning of the load. You can also use a downy ball.

A Preface...

2009-07-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

To my next post. and the rest of my life. Its going to be long, hopefully informative though.

As I have started wanting a baby more and more I have also started thinking of the ways I will care for it and the things I would want to change about my life when a child comes into it.

I have discovered a true LOVE for all things natural!

We recently went to the library and I checked out several books on living green or raising your children green. I haven't done all my research but I was astonished at the studies done.

Spencer and I have decided to slowly convert to eating organic foods. In the book "Raising Baby Green. The Earth friendly guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care" by Alan Greene, M.D.
it states that if by 2010 we raise the organic consumption rates from 3% (as of 2007) to 10% we will:

1. Eliminate pesticides from 98 million servings of drinking water per day across the U.S.
population.

2. Ensure that 20 million servings of milk per day are produced without antibiotics and genetically modified growth hormones.

3. Ensure that 53 million servings of Fruits and Veggies each day are free of pesticide residues. (that is enough to give 10 million kids five servings of F&V each day)

4. Ensure that 915 million animals are treated more humanely.
(Today more than 98% of the 345 million laying hens in the U.S. live out their lives in stacked rows of tiny wire cages. Beaks trimmed so they don't hurt themselves or chickens around them. In 2005, United Egg Producers, recommened a gradual increase in cage size for each adult leghorn to 0.47 sq. ft. By comparison, an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper is .65 sq. ft.- 30% bigger than the new "humane" goal. Sad :()

5. Eliminate growth hormones, genetically engineered drugs and feeds, and 2.5 million pounds of antibiotics used on livestock annually. (More than twice the amount of antibiotics used to treat human infections)

6. Capture an additional 6.5 billion pounds of carbon in soil (the amount emitted per year by 2 million cars driven 12,000 mi.)

7. Eliminate 2.9 billion barrels of imported oil annually (equal to 406,000 Olympic eight-lane competition pools)

8. Restore 25,800 sq. mi. of degraded soils to rich, highly productive cropland (an amount of land equal to the size of West Virginia)

Their source was Mission Organic (www. MO2010.org)

Buying and Consuming Organic foods is so much better for you!

also in Raising Baby Green:

In Aug. and Sep. 2004 in U.S. hospitals an unbilical cord blood study was conducted by Environmental Working Group (EWG). They studied the cord blood of Ten babies. There were a total of 287 different industrial chemicals circulating throught the body of the newborn. Each baby carried an average of 200 chemicals that included Mercury, fire retardants, and pesticides. Of the 287 they know that 180 cause cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal developments in animal tests.

It goes on to say that this study suggests something very important. We are the environment; there is no seperation. If a chemical is "out there" it may also be "in here," in the most protected inner sanctum of our bodies.

So they aren't sure what all this means for babies but while studies continue we can change what we eat and the way we live to protect ourselves and our children.

In an effort to remove chemicals from our home we have also decided to clean green! We just made our first batch of homemade laundry soap (next post) that is environmentally friendly and really cheap.

We use so many chemicals to clean our homes each day. There is a green way to clean just about everything, they usually cost less, make your home smell better and make them cleaner. It does require a little more elbow grease however. To me it is worth it. I was listening to the radio the other morning and they were talking about cleaning green. It was said that with white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and a lemon you can clean everything in your home. I'm willing to give it a try!

Im also over using disposable products. Unless they are for bathroom needs. Paper towels are such a waste and you can save so much money by making or buying cheap cloth napkins. One thing I have become very comfortable using in my kitchen, bathroom, etc are lysol wipes. They're out! Once the last two containers are gone we are switching to vinegar water and reusable cleaning rags. Vinegar has a horrid smell when wet but dries odorless, it is a disenfectant and will leave your home clean.

Anyway, that is just a small look inside my brain these days. I will spare you the other hundreds of pages of thoughts and feelings I have about being green to help our environment, our bodies, our bank accounts, and, for me anyway, future children.

Homemade laundry soap

2009-07-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Supplies Needed

1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap Bar

4 C. Hot Water

1 C. Washing Soda

1/2 C. Borax

10-15 drops Essential Oil/ 2 Gal. Laundry Soap (not needed unless you choose to add it)

1. Grate Fels Naptha Bar with cheese grater.

(Make sure to wash things well after making soap)

2. Add grated Fels Naptha Soap to 4 C. water

3. Heat on medium until Fels Naptha has dissovled. Stirring Constanly.

4. Fill 5 gal. bucket half full with hot tap water.

5. Pour in water and Fels Naptha solution, stir.

6. Mix together Washing Soda and Borax and add to liquid. Make sure powder dissolves completely.

7. Fill bucket with Hot Water to 5 gal. line, stir.
8. Put lid on, let sit overnight to cool.

9. After cooled, stir, add Essential Oil of your choice.

10. Put in used, clean Laundry soap dispenser. Fill HALF full and add water to fill container. (shake before each use as it will gel)

11. Be SO HAPPY that you just took one step closer to having a green home and saving tons of money!

Only 14.10 was spent on the supplies needed not including the bucket and lid.

Reciepe yeilds 10 Gals. Laundry Soap

Top Load Machine- 1 C.per load. I don't think you actually need to use that much for one load but let me try it out and I will get back to you.

Front Load Machine- 1/2 C. per load

We still have tons of left over Washing Soda and Borax so for a long time all we will need to buy is a Fels Naptha bar to make more laundry soap. Its going to take forever to use all that soap though!

I really recommend giving this recipe a try. It took about a half hour to make and will save you SOOO much money. It is also GREEN!

Recipe Courtesy of- The Duggar Family (TLC)

C walking!

2009-06-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

Cedar is starting to walk! She took about 15 to 20 steps right before this video but we didn't catch it on video. She is getting pretty good, it won't be long!

C baby and Auntie Sara!

2009-06-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Cedar came to stay the night with us this past Saturday! Oh how I love this little girl! She makes me so happy. Uncle Spencer made us a berry shake after church on Sunday and oh boy did C enjoy it! Love You C!

Blah Blah Blah

2009-06-23T21:50:00.001-07:00

So sorry for my absence. We really have nothing exciting going on in our lives right now. I noticed that everything I have blogged about is Sammy or Taylor and that about sums up how exciting our life has been.

Spencer lost his job on Monday. Stinky! We will be scrapping by until he can get a new job. We are trying to stay positive and really be frugal with our money.

Anyhoo, not much else is new. Hopefully life will get more exciting in these coming summer months!

Congratulations Kimmie and Kevin!

2009-06-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

We couldn't be happier for you two! The sealing was beautiful, the reception was amazing! We love you!

Sammy's Graduation!

2009-06-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Sammy graduated on June 6th! She looked beautiful! We are very proud of her!

2009-05-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

Taylor's Senior Photos

2009-05-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sammy's Senior Pics!

2009-05-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sammy, Taylor and I went to a park yesterday to take some nice (inexpensive) senior photos for them.
They turned out very well.
What a beautiful little sister I have. I love her so much and am so grateful to have her as my sister and bestfriend.
Love You Bino! Congratulations on your graduation!

Finally did it...

2009-05-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

I cut my hair. Its cuter in person. I like it.

It will take some getting used to because she cut a lot off.

The a-line is a little more drastic then I wanted but I think I like it.

Sammy's Senior Prom!

2009-04-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I was able to help Sammy get ready for her senior prom! I did her hair. My mom made her corsage and Taylor's bountonniere. She looked beautiful and he was very handsome. Two Little Love Birds!

Pardon me....

2009-04-29T18:59:00.001-07:00

While I Brag!

Brady and I usually do at least one shopping trip a week. Usually it is just to look because I dont have money. Today however, I had a 30.00 allowance. So, we went to Kohls. They have GREAT clearance items. This was all the stuff I bought and I got it for a pocket draining 30.39!
Black button up cardigan sweater originally 36.00- money spent 3.60
Super cute jeans (that need to be hemed) originally 44.00- money spent 8.80

Brown Dress shoes (vera wang might I add!) originally 69.99- money spent 6.99

Nike Running shoes originally 55.00- money spent 11.00

Once again a grand total of 30.39! So, yes, I did go over my allowance but to get these four items what is an extra .39?

It would have originally cost me
204.99

I never would have bought them. In this bad economy we can still be fashionable right? It just takes a little digging.

Portland Zoo!

2009-04-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry it is sideways. I always forget not to turn my camera. Brady could have spent the whole trip watching the sea lions and it was the very first thing we saw. He was talking the whole time but you can only hear him at the end because the other kids are louder than him.

This is how every trip ends!

We have so much fun. WE LOVE THE ZOO!

Miracles do happen!

2009-04-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows Spencer and his eating habits knows this is a true miracle!

Our typical Subway lunch consists of Spencer getting a huge meat filled sandwich with no veggies and the cheese from my sandwich added to it.

As you can see this one is pilled high with Turkey, cheese, SPINACH, LETTUCE, and banana peppers. His side is usually chips but this time he chose apples. I was sooo proud of him!

WE GOT IT! WE GOT THE JOB!

2009-04-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I are now officially apartment managers! We got the job and will be signing final papers on Thursday! We will be moved in by the end of the month and will take over full duties the begining of May.

We are so excited about the job and what it means for our family financially. It is a very bittersweet feeling to leave our home that we love sooooo very much. It is all for a good thing though and will help us get closer to our goal of being debt free and full time students.

We will keep you posted!

Sara

Etsy Giveaway!

2009-04-01T19:24:00.003-07:00

Check out this website http://secretstitchclub.blogspot.com/ to enter a giveaway. Its for a new Etsy site. Leave a comment on the "Come one, come all" post. Then Post something about their etsy shop on your blog and leave them another comment telling them you have. They have super cute aprons, and you could get one!!!

Etsy Giveaway!

2009-04-01T19:24:00.001-07:00

Hoping, Praying, Wishing... Waiting...

2009-04-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I have begun the process of applying for an Apartment Managing Job!

It is a local ten unit complex. We will still be in the same ward.

We can both work full-time while managing. We will have light maintenance duties. Everything that is heavy maintenance will be paid extra for or we can call the maintenance crew. Using my house cleaning experience we will get paid for turn overs if we choose to do them.

So it all sounds great, right? Well here is the best part.

My nanny contract ends in September and I am going back to school. We were a little worried about finances because I wasn't going to be working. With this job we could both be enrolled in school full-time and not work at all! It would be so FABULOUS!

We know that this is all in the Lord's hands and we have done our part and handed the decision making over to him. Spencer interviewed with the owner and his assistant yesterday and said it went really well. After the interview we were emailed contracts and background check forms and given a "you will probably get the job." They are waiting for the check to come back all clear and would still like to meet me. So, even though I hate a probably answer (as most probably do) because it kinda leaves you hanging, I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for us the next month or so.

On another note. Spencer finished Winter Term at PCC a couple weeks ago and passed all his classes with an A! I am so proud of him and how dedicated he is to his schooling and making our future better.

So anyhoo, Keep us in your prayers please!\
We will keep you updated.

Love You All
Sara

The Temple.... Families are together forever!

2009-03-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

A better understanding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLXYxmaHWQs

The Temple is a wonderful and magnificent place. A house of God. A place to learn of the Plan of Salvation and be closer to our Heavenly Father. The ordinances performed within those sacred walls bind families together in the eternities. Even after this life we are bound together by those sacred ordinances, as family. Death is not the end, only the begining of forever!

Spencer and I are grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for Temples all over the world. For the great blessings that we recieve for holding Temple Recommends and for the greater understanding that we have of the gospel and life and death because of the temple.

We should all have faith in the Lord and his plan for each of us. Hold a current Temple Recommend and visit the temple often.

Cedar Baby!

2009-03-22T16:45:00.001-07:00

Uncle Spencer gave C a mohawk with bubbles from the tub.

C was a sick little baby in these pictures.

Now remember what Auntie Sara said baby. No Walking while you are gone! No big words either!

Sleep through the night for your momma so she can sleep peacefully in a bed all by herself!

Love you Baby! See you soon (not soon enough)!

We miss you Tanner!

2009-03-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

Uncle Spencer misses wrestling with you! I miss your hugs and kisses!

Oh and your silly outfits!

Love you Tan!

We hope you are having tons of fun at Grandma and Grandma Neslen's house!

Which Animal Am I?

2009-03-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

A cow? A snake? A monkey? or a Lizard?

Hmmm....

Maybe I am all of them.

(sorry it is sideways)

Brady loves to make animal noises. He doesn't know many words but can obviously imitate a lot of animals.

The Chicken (not shown) "bok, bok, bok" used to be my favorite. That was until Presley taught him how to do the Lizard.

Such a cute boy. I love him.

Blog Slacking!

2009-03-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

So sorry for the blogging absense!

My computer still won't let me upload pictures from home so I have to wait until we go somewhere else. Once we get to that place I have to remember to do it.

Well I finally did. Hopefully we will have the problem fixed this week!

Valentine's Day 09

2009-03-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

A new tradition!
Heart Shaped Pancakes for Valentine's Day breakfast.

We had a fun day together. Spencer and I got eachother small presents because our big present was a TV that we bought with our tax returns.

Tanner came to spend the night with us on the 13th so on Valentine's Day morning he could go with us to pick up Grandma Jensen from the airport.We had just bought our new TV from Costco so we bought Tanner "Horton Hears a Who" to watch while he was over and then wrapped it after he went to bed and gave it to him for Valentine's Day!

Sacked Out!

2009-03-07T12:57:00.001-08:00

While Mom Jensen came to visit we all stayed at Ryon and Annie's for the weekend.

Danielle and Chris came from Washington with Baby Payten.

We came just a short distance from SW Portland.

If you can't tell Payten was up a good amount of the night and we all were pretty tired the next day. Mom, Annie, and I went to Relief Society which started at 10:30 and when we returned an hour later they were still sleeping! It was definitely a lounge around the house nap day.

My 21st Birthday!

2009-03-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I was the picture taker on my birthday so we have no pictures of me, or Spence for that matter.

We went to Red Robin for lunch.

Pa and Julie came. Thanks for the Micheal's Gift Card. It didn't last long but I bought a lot of great scrapbooking stuff!

Ryon and Annie. Thank You for the Scrapbooking Paper. I love it. Thank you also for everything else you do for us on a daily basis. We love you guys and are grateful that you are still here in Oregon with us!

Danielle and Chris. Thank You for coming down and spending the weekend with us. We enjoyed it so much and I was especially glad I got to spend my birthday with you!

Mom Jensen. Thank you for coming to Oregon to visit. That was the best present you gave me. It makes Spence happy when you come and me as well. Thank You also for the MOD BODS and Sparkling Cider. I really enjoyed my SOBER 21st Birthday!

I know that I already posted this picture but it is so Dang cute I couldn't help but post it again!

My Birthday was fabulous this year! Lots of love and fun that day! I got to shop, shop, shop!

Thank You to everyone for the Birthday wishes!

CEDAR BABY! I LOVE YOU!

2009-03-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

The last time I blogged about Miss Cedar was http://saraandspence.blogspot.com/2008/08/isnt-she-sweet.html?zx=98244062d0ddc8f1 and http://saraandspence.blogspot.com/2008/04/cedar-ann-jensen.html
She is getting so big now! Almost one year old. I can't believe it!

She is so sweet and very happy most of the time.

We love you so much Baby Cedar!

Sugar Cookies and Sprinkles!

2009-01-31T20:12:00.001-08:00

Presley is so fun to make things with. We made and decorated sugar cookies. Above is my favorite one. It looks like a cupcake cookie with a cherry on top.

Bowling

2009-01-31T20:07:00.001-08:00

A couple weekends ago we went bowling with Aron and Tessa.

Tessa and Aron have been my very good friends since elementary school.

Spencer was on a bowling league when he was younger and of course had the high score of the night. At the end of one game I was only a point behind though!

My Love!

2009-01-31T20:01:00.000-08:00

Mr. Boy is my baby. I have had him since he was a kitten, ELEVEN yrs!

He has grown to love Spencer and Spencer had to do the same.

Westmoreland Park

2009-01-31T19:44:00.001-08:00

and rainy days in Oregon!

Mikey....

2009-01-31T19:40:00.001-08:00

and Spencer!

We love having Mikey over, he is so much fun!

Bath Time!

2009-01-31T19:33:00.001-08:00

Brady LOVES bath time!

(Sorry if the nudity offends anyone)

Sorry for my absence!

2009-01-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

For some odd reason I can only upload pictures at other peoples homes. Hence why I havent posted in forever! So sorry for my absence, I do have things coming, hopefully this weekend!

Hope everyone is well!

Sweet Girls!

2009-01-03T23:39:00.000-08:00

Does this little Sweetie look fimiliar? It's Little Valerie! The last time I posted about her was here http://saraandspence.blogspot.com/2008/04/in-love.html

She is so big now yet still so little. Still cute as a button and a love!

Pretty Princess Shyanne celebrated her birthday today. She is 4 yrs old and loves to be a Princess.

Love my nieces!
Taken: 01/03/09

My Sunshine

2009-01-03T23:24:00.000-08:00

We started Sad :(

A little smile...

we are getting happier...

almost there...

The HAPPIEST boy I know!

Brady is the sunshine of my day. I can't wait to have my own babies because I love how I can be the one to change their frown into a smile. I love to snuggle this little boy, to comfort him, to teach him and to love him each and every day.

Taken:01/02/09

First Picture of '09

2009-01-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Taken: 01/01/09

Guess who's walking?!?!

2008-12-27T12:32:00.001-08:00

I love this boy so much!

He started walking on the 19th and hasn't stopped since.

He is like a little man now.
Sorry you will have to turn your head sideway.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

It finally worked! Here are pictures of our pretty christmas tree!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

MAD MAD MAD!

2008-12-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

I have attempted several times to upload pictures and I get nothing!

I have used three different browsers, tried on two different computers, tried pictures from two different cameras and NOTHING works!

So, irritating! I finally have time to blog and pictures at that and I can't do anything!

Hopefully someday soon this will change!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am with my BRAND NEW CAMERA, that works fabulously and I cannot upload any pictures!

Stupid computer, why now?

Anyone know how to fix this, please help!

A Blog Slacker!

2008-12-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

I know, I know I have been horrible at blogging.

Here are my excuses and what we have been up to minus pictures.

I have been busy with work.
We have done nothing exciting or blog worthy.
and
I have a crappy camera that doesnt even turn on anymore.

Okay and here is what we have been up to.

Spencer just finished his finals for school and passed all his classes with a's and b's.
I have been working like normal but seem to be extra tired now that Brady is practically mobile and very independent.
Snow has been pouring down on us for a week straight!
We have been stuck in Ryon and Annie's house with Them and their kids as well as a couple of Annie's siblings and her parents.
Preparing for Christmas is always a huge deal for us, well me at least.
I have been shopping and wrapping and decorating.
We had Tanner and Cedar over for a sleepover a couple Saturdays ago.
While over we picked up the McAllister kiddos and went to PIR to see the lights.

I can't think of much else. See we aren't very exciting!

I do know what my one big Christmas present is though and I will be taking many fabulous pictures as soon as I open it!

Be Back Soon!