White Shirts

Could somebody please tell me how we went from this:

To this:

In the blink of an eye? I mean really...not to be cliche, but where does the time go?

One of the gifts we got Tanner for his birthday/baptism was a book called "White Shirts". It is a book about events so special and sacred that a white shirt or outfit is worn. Just a side note: If you are a baby from the 70's like me, you may have had a different color blessing outfit...mine was pink and my sister in law's was green! Mine was still cute though and nothing says you HAVE to have white for a blessing that I'm aware of!
ha ha Anyway, it is written to a son from a dad about the most memorable events in a family's life. From baby blessing to baptism to receiving the Aaronic Priesthood and lots in between and after. When I saw the illustration of the baby in its blessing outfit and then the boy getting baptized, it really hit home. Yesterday when I saw Tanner sitting there in that cute little white jumpsuit, it really didn't seem like too long ago that I dressed him in that little blessing outfit and took him over to our church to be blessed. It really brought it all into perspective for me that they REALLY do grow up fast.

It was a really nice day. Sunny and beautiful! Tanner is a great boy and we are really proud of his choice!

Another side note: From now on, I am going to assign someone a job to take pictures. I just CAN'T do it all! Cleaning the house, getting kids ready, preparing food and assigning food...etc. Somehow, I didn't get out my camera and snap many pictures...imagine that! So next time, just like someone bringing the brownies, someone will be OFFICIALLY snapping pictures. I learn more and more as time goes on!

Getting ready for a baptism

 

I just finished Tanner's birthday week...phew, that was exhausting! I have been sick for days now, but am finally on the mend. Can I just say, winter...blah! How could I possibly avoid it after 3 out of 4 kids were sick and I am probably not taking very good care of myself! I love it when today the doctor said, "Don't do anything for a week." Um, let's see...how is this possible? The kids do like to eat! I think I am just so exhausted, but I'm gearing up for my boy's baptism next week! Here are some shots from his photo shoot last week. Thanks Andrea!

A Tribute to our 8-year-old Birthday Boy! January 13, 2009

SEE ALL ABOUT TAN IN POST BELOW:

Happy 8th Birthday Tanner!

Well, it is happening. My first-born is turning eight years old! How did this happen? I have asked myself this many, many times. I have told him to stop growing numerous times and could he PLEASE just stay my little boy forever? He has always replied with an, “I can’t mom, I HAVE to grow.” And he’s right. There is nothing I can do to stop it, so instead I am trying to enjoy it…or at least deal with it!

In many ways, he is very much still a little boy. He still loves to sit on laps. He loves adults in costume such as Chuck E. Cheese, Disney characters, and Cosmo. It wasn’t too long ago that he has hugged one. High fives were never enough, always a big hug for Tanner! He still likes to play with his little brothers and sister and absolutely thinks Happy Meals are the best meal ever (I try not to think about what this says about my cooking skills!) But in many other ways, he is growing up also. He is more independent. He’s been known to use the microwave and toaster (quite often now), vacuum the floor and play football outside with the big neighbor kids (we are talking Jr. High kids, and they ask for Tanner!) He is fast losing those little boy qualities as fast as he will lose more teeth.

It was love at first sight with this boy! He was my little miracle and my life suddenly took on a whole new meaning the day he arrived. I couldn’t be more grateful for this special little auburn-haired boy (one of his friends at school calls him “Captain Carrot”!) It has been hard to let go, but I wouldn’t want to hold him back, so I am bravely forging forward in my journey as I watch him grow. Hopefully during the process, I can be the best mother he needs.

Happy 8th Birthday to my Tanner!

Jensen Christmas Loot 2008

For those of you that are interested, there may be more posts below you may not have seen. The video below this slideshow is Tan's reaction to receiving a Wii. Santa didn't put it under the tree, he "accidentally" put it in the corner by the couch and Dad said, "What's this over here?" after all other presents were open. Tanner was one happy boy!

Holiday Parties

 

This seemed to be the year of holiday parties for us. We had the Kirkbride party(Brandon's mom's side of the family). It was at an elem. school complete with games and pinatas! Look below for Megan's creative way of doing one of the games. Too cute. We had my family party(Jen's)complete with a special visitor-Santa! Tanner would have stayed on his lap all day listing off all the things he wanted-seriously, he basically had to be pried off! It was pretty funny. We had the Jensen/Washburn family party(at Brandon's mom's house). This was where our family sang "Angels We Have heard on High"(the kids did really really well) and then Zach wanted to do a solo, "Away in a Manger." I have posted that below also. We also had the Jensen family party up at a cabin in the Ogden area. Grandma and Grandpa Jensen host that every year. On New Year's Eve we had family pictures taken(Brandon's siblings and families) and hung out to play until after 10 pm. It was a lot of traveling and playing this season, but the kids enjoyed it. Zach especially was sad to see the holiday break end and go back to school ,claiming his "happiness had ended"!!! I am sorry to say that my happiness did not end with the start of school again! I must be a mom!

Kelly Returns!

 

Brandon's brother Kelly returned from his mission in Thailand on December 19th. We all gathered at the airport that night(a huge group) and everyone was so excited! The weather was terrible and many flights were delayed. His plane couldn't land and had to refuel in Las Vegas which put them landing in Salt Lake at 1:30 am! Talk about disappointment! Most of us went home, but a few stayed including Brandon, Tanner and Megan!

Brandon's Birthday

 

The world now knows what b-day Brandon celebrated on December 9th! I'm a little behind on blogging with all the holiday action, but I am catching up! We went to eat at Thai Chili Garden, I suppose we could say in honor of his brother Kelly who just returned from his mission in Thailand. When we came home he opened his gifts and we had cake and ice cream. The cake turned out really good. I just bought it from Albertson's and then printed a stretch Y logo, cut out the Y and put in on top of the cake. Tanner was pretty impressed with my skills! he he

Christmas Blankets

One of the best purchases I made this season, was buying each of the kids a Christmas blanket(a couple weeks before Christmas). It wasn't something I planned on, but when I saw the blankets for such a great deal I decided to buy ONE. Then I realized I had better get FOUR. That happens a lot where I think ONE will do just fine, and then I realize the kids may fight so I just end up buying FOUR. You know how that is! Any-hoo, I didn't know how much they would love these blankets! They are super soft and just made them feel special. They take them in the car and sleep with them. With the exception of Gavin who thought it rather insulting that I was trying to replace his "dee-dee"(blankie). So I have sort of adopted his for now, and I even ended up buying one for Brandon. It's been a fun memory and I'm so glad we have them. Hope you all had a great Christmas. I know "Wii" did. More posts to come!
Tanner loves his blue snowman blanket!










Megan loves her gingerbread man blanket.









Zach's nickname is Moosie and he loves red!



Gavin's(aka Mommy's adopted blanket for now!)

Temple Square and Festival of Trees

 

I find myself not keeping up with the blog as I should for two reasons:
1. I am extremely busy and trying to get ready for Christmas.
2. I am also into Facebook and spend time on that too.

So I am making an effort to keep up on the blog. We went to the Festival of Trees and Temple Square last week. Megan danced at the Festival of Trees and did a great job. Then we headed up to T. Square with the other thousands of people who had the same idea. There was also a game getting out of the Energy Solutions Arena so it was pretty well packed throughout all of Salt Lake. A lovely time to choose to take the kids! Ha ha. But, all in all a nice time. Exhausting...but it was really beautiful.