ABC's

Age: 38
Bed size: California King
Chore I hate: Cooking
Dog's name: Cooper
Essential to start my day: Shower
Favorite color: Blue
Gold or silver: Silver
Hair: Getting it done tomorrow
I am: Looking forward to vacation
Job: Financial Aid Advisor
Kids: 2....one boy (Zachary), one girl (Sydney)
Living arrangements: Self sufficient home
Most likely: Won't get to sleep in this weekend
Nickname: Stacey Jo
Overnight hospital stay: Too many
Pet peeve: People who talk about things they don't know
Quote from a movie: It's so fluffy
Right or left handed: Right
Siblings: Chris, Amy, Ben, Laurie, Tammie
Time I wake up: 6:45 a.m. or later if I can manage it
Unique thing about my car: I have owned it for 11 years
Vegetable I hate: Cauliflower
Ways I run late: Oversleeping (accidentally of course)
X-rays I've had: Foot only
Yummy food I make: I totally don't cook if at all possible
Zoo favorite: Monkeys...they totally crack me up

Thanks Heather for the post. I just love stealing your amazing ideas.

Vote for the CUTEST Baby EVER

VOTE KYA - #152123

Hey everybody Kya is in the running to become the next Gerber Generation Star please help us out and vote! You can vote everyday throughout the month of November!

Go here to vote:
http://www.gerber.com/photo/?source=10086655&utm_source=Gerber&utm_medium=email&utm_content=VotingReminder&utm_campaign=GerberGeneration&#/vote/

Thanks everybody and feel free to tell neighbors, friends, family, and strangers. haha

Just to Remember

This post is just so I remember the details when asked again.

Yesterday, I got a call from the Junior High. They thought Zack had experienced a minor seizure. I found from Lisa's blog she took Sirri to Dr. Sena so I got an appointment immediately and took Zack in.

The principal reported that Zack had gotten up and walked to the counter in the classroom and was looking at something. This was okay because he was suppose to be doing that. Mr. Harrison then saw Zack kind of zone out and slump. He said that it looked like Zack had lost his equilibrium. He went and got Zack back to his seat and asked him if he was alright. When I asked Zack what he remembered, he said he remembered standing at the counter and then being in his seat and having Mr. Harrison ask him if he was alright. He said that it was like a dream and everything went really white.

The principal took Zack to the gym and had him walk briskly from one side of the gym to the other and said Zack's coloring and equilibrium looked fine. They called me and let me know. Mr. Harrison was pretty concerned and felt that although Zack has acted out in class for attention before he really did not feel that this was an attempt to get attention or something he could have conjured on his own.

The doctor said he felt that there was something wrong but that they want to do an EEG before they take any further steps. His EEG is scheduled for the 5th of October. If he has another episode before then we will call and get his date moved up. The doctor did think it was a one time occurrence as we do not have a family history of this nor has Zack ever had anything like this in his history.

He also said that he felt we have time on our side as it was unlikely, in his opinion, that it would occur again.

No changes in medications, activities, daily routine, foods, interactions, etc. prior to this. Also, the night before he did have a football game but there were no hits that put him down or out. There have been no accidents or injuries recently either.

Now when I go to the next doctor I will at least be able to remember what Dr. Sena told me.

45 Lessons of Life

My mother-in-law sent me an email and it was so good I had to share it. I have tweeked a few of the things on the list but I think it is a great list of lessons.

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month. Better yet, don't have credit cards.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. Whether you think you can or think you can’t you are right.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words…"In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you doesn't matter.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

31. However good or bad a situation is it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.

37. Your children only get one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

So Cool!!

I just discovered this AMAZING blog for Moms in the Rexburg area. Check it out.....

http://www.rexburg-mom.blogspot.com/

You can find all types of cool things.

I Wonder

Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you had made the decision to do one thing instead of another? Sometime I wonder what my life would have turned out like if I had served the mission I had been called to rather than getting married.

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I would enjoy life more and worry less.

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I had taken school more seriously sooner rather than later.

Sometimes I wonder if Dr. Pepper, cake and ice cream are the answers to life's problems rather than eating healthy, diet and exercise.

What is it that you wonder about?

Jade Sua Jensen

I am an Aunt!!! Well yeah, I know you knew that, but I am an Aunt AGAIN!! Congrats to the proud parents of our latest niece!! We love you guys.

As a side note, this is the first time Kelly is seeing his daughter. He is stationed in Iraq so these are the first images he is seeing of her. Pray for his safety and quick return. He is scheduled to return to the states from deployment around the middle of July.

Update Finally

June 1st. Ok so far so good. Made the first post on the first day of the month. Likely this will not happen again, but the attempt was made so wish me luck on keeping things updated.

This past weekend was my birthday (Ugh). Another year older. I sluffed church (Mom don't die of embarrassment) to go to West Yellowstone. Each time I go I mentally check off what I still have to see in the wild. You know the list: elk, deer, bison, mountain goat, bear, wolf, coyote, etc. This year I FINALLY saw one of the more elusive animals on my list. I saw TWO wolves as we were leaving the park!! I could hardly believe it. I have to say they are huge. I took a few pictures but left my camera home today. Oh good excuse to post again tomorrow. So watch for photos of the grand adventure coming soon.

On another note, school is out for the summer and the kids are running around enjoying this new freedom. It will not last for long as I am putting them both in summer school this year to help keep them out of trouble (wish me luck with that one) and on track.
Finally, Laurie and her family came to visit a few weeks ago and we had a BLAST! Love when they come. It is always fun to sit around the campfire and enjoy laughing and talking together. We even made it to Green Canyon to go swimming. Baby Tyler absolutely LOVED being in the water and wasn't fussy a bit. He loved climbing up and down the steps to the pool much to the dismay of Laurie and I. We could only shake our heads and chuckle at him. He was so proud of himself.

Crazy

My life has been so crazy this past few weeks I don't even know sometimes if I have eaten or taken a breathe during the day. Between work, church and family I am so busy my life is CRAZY.

Last night we had a parent's meeting at the Junior High (yeah I know I am old my 11 year old will be in 7th grade) to help us get our students prepared to enter Junior High. Looking over the list of courses that the kids could choose for electives I kind of got a lump in my throat thinking that my children are really growing up TOO fast. It is an exciting time for Zack. He even brought home paperwork to participate in student body representation. I was so surprised but it was a good surprised.

I really want to work in my yard and garden but each night when I get home my time and attention is pulled so many different ways that when I get the moment to stop and catch my breathe, it is time to go to bed.

I know that one of the signs of the times is that time will be sped up for the righteous sake, but could it slow down just long enough for me do get in my garden and prepare my lesson adequately for Primary on Sunday? That would be so great. I don't think it will happen and as it turns out I might already be holding my breathe since I cannot seem to ever catch it.

I Love Bellas!!

Every time we go to Utah we have to stop by Cabela's. It is my husband's favorite store. He always takes my brother-in-law Mac and which ever of the kids that want to go with him.

Whitney loves this tradition. She had a conversation with her mother about this very experience a couple weeks ago and it is WAY too cute not to share:

Whit: Mom I love Bellas.
Laurie: Bellas?
Whit: Yeah, when Stacey's dad comes he always takes us to Bellas. I love Bellas.
Laurie: Stacey's dad takes you to Bellas?
Whit: Yeah and we see animals. Daddy took me to Bellas tonight and I just love Bellas. When Stacey's dad comes to visit again he will take me to Bellas.

Seriously....I LOVE this girl!!



"Stacey's dad and Whit"

Roller Coaster!!

This past week has truly been a roller coaster.

We came home Saturday to find Jackie had been shot. The kiddos and I rushed her to the vet but to no avail. Unfortunately the injuries she sustained were such that we had to put her down. The kids and I cried all weekend. Syd told me she would never be happy again until she got a new dog.

I have been looking all week for a new dog for her. It couldn't be just any dog, this had to be a special dog. So after many Craigslist postings and emails and searching the pound and adoption centers in Southeast Idaho and the surrounding areas....it is with relief that I introduce the latest additions to our family....



Cooper and Killian. They are brothers rescued from Teton Valley area. They are taking their time warming up to Jake, but I think it will be OK. The kids are in HEAVEN!!

Wish me luck. I am sure I will be pulling my hair out and wondering what I was thinking before this is through.

WORKING!!!

Sharman took off for a mid-life crisis adventure last week. He and two of his guy friends rode their motorcycles from St. George down to southern California and back. They had a great time but were very glad to be home. (Not nearly as glad as Sharman's 7 year old daughter was!)

Anyway, Sharman has been home all winter hating not working. He has been a fantastic house husband. He cleans, cooks, does laundry, gets the kids where they need to be, and is a jack of all trades. But each year around December he starts getting antsy and drives me crazy. He whines about not working and how bored he is.

This year, after he headed out on his adventure, the phone calls for work started. Yippee!! Now, after a winter vacation off, he started his first day back at work! He got 4 calls during the week to come look at work. I am happy he is finally busy again. Now I don't have to listen to the crying.

Two Front Teeth....Not Really

Yesterday, after countless days of tears, pleading and whining, Syd lost her other front tooth. She has this big gap in the front of her mouth now. It is kind of funny. Mostly I hope she keeps her mouth closed because it sort of grosses me out when she has to make weird faces and play with the large gap in her smile.

She is so excited for her Dad to see that she has NO front teeth!!

Oh My Gosh!!

First of all, thank you to my sister-in-law who notified me of a problem with my blog. But for those of you who have noticed, yes, I am private again because some BIG JERK got my blog to redirect to a completely different website. I am working on get a cute background again. Hold on and hopefully I will get it figured out quickly.

Wow

When I got to work this morning, I found the following post from a friend on Facebook...."I forgot how much I like you!"

I cannot begin to describe the emotions that I felt. Needless to say, this person was definitely an angel in my life today. And for the record....I forgot how much I like you too!

Not Little

My not so little daughter wanted me to pull out her front tooth this morning. I grabbed a hold of that tooth and with a little bit of pressure pulled it right out. She freaked out! Now that it was out she didn't want it out. She was afraid it would be bleeding. Nope. Hardly any blood. That tooth has been hanging in there just waiting to come out.

The good news is that school pictures were yesterday and she had a full set of teeth. Now we only have one last baby tooth up front to coax out and my little girl is not so little anymore.

So Sick

This Sunday after I got home from church I knew I was in trouble. I started feeling yucky. Well pretty soon, it was beyon yucky to full on vomit. Yep, I was so sick. I seriously just wanted to die. Yesterday I still felt awful.

My hubby is not the greatest nursemaid. He proceeded to drag chairs across our concrete floor; listened to the radio at full volume; watched movies in the next room at regular volume; cooked smelly food; yelled at the kiddos; and didn't get the hint when I asked three times if we had any Sprite that I wanted a Sprite to drink. When he is sick he gets sick for days on end and everyone better watch out. When anyone else gets sick they better hurry up and get well because he has no patience for illness.

I am headed to the doctor today. Maybe they can find out what is wrong. I feel so rotten I don't even want a Dr. Pepper. I must really be sick!

One And Only

Yes life is sometimes really crappy. Yes we have trials and discouragements. Yes we are tested and tried. But as President Thomas S. Monson stated......

"This life is our one and only chance at mortality."

The Alligators

New Wards mean new friends. My most favorite new friend is Alligator.

This is alligator. He is truly the cutest, funniest, most adorable side kick anyone could ever ask for. I love you alligator!!

This is alligator's sister Emalee. Emalee is an amazing drawer. She is sweet and thoughtful and just as much fun as the alligator.

This is alligator's brother Dallin. Dallin is a soft spoken, smart, talented young man. He has a sweet spirit and a contagious smile. He can melt your heart.

This is alligator's biggest sister. Kenadee is in my Primary class and she is very smart. She is always so happy and spunky. She is a very good girl and I love being around her.

Yep, new doesn't always mean bad. In fact, I have been very happy with my Alligator family!

The Details

The culprit.....

The victim.....

The details.....

Wednesday night I came home from work, opened the door and found Zack panicking and saying we had to get in the car and go right now. He had cut himself AGAIN! This time, he was climbing in his loft and happened to put his knee down right on top of the head of one of his arrows. It sliced his knee open.

We took him to Community Care and had them look at it and they put three stitches in his knee. The only catch, he cannot fully bend his knee for the next five days because it will rip his stitches out.

Did I happen to mention that he just began the spring wrestling season and his first tournament is in two weeks?

Ode To Wednesday Night

The following is read to the tune "Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime" and tells of our visit to Community Care with Zack AGAIN for stitches.

Oh what do you do on a Wednesday night

When you come home and you see....

Your 11 year old running around

Clutching a towel to his knee?

Do you tell him don't despair?

Take him to Community Care?

Hold his hand while they put stitches in 1, 2, 3?

Is that what you do? You and me!

Oh what do you do on a Wednesday night

When the doctor asks how this could be?

Do you just shake your head

wishing you were somewhere instead?

Or do you tell him of another injury?

Is that what you do? You and me!

Oh what do you do on a Wednesday night

When your life finally slows down enough to think?

Do you reflect on your day?

Wonder what your mother would say...

And smile knowing this will pass like a blink?

Is that what you do? Me too!!!

Too Much Fun?

What happens when you spend too much time sledding? Well this is what Zack looked like after being pulled in a sled behind Doug's car.

Yep, unhappy cold camper.

Zack and Romi love this.

See we are really brave! Well, maybe it looks funner that it really was.

Quick Review

Zack getting his braces on. Yep it is quite the ride.

Taylor, my cute little niece, wearing a shirt to remind me that she is my spider monkey.

Syd and her Daddy watching a presentation by President Thomas S. Monson at the Visitor's Center on Temple Square.

Syd shows some of the stone quarried by the early pioneers to build the Salt Lake City Temple. You can even see some of the marks left in the stone as they chiseled out this granite.

Enjoying a minute of rest as we walk through Temple Square on our vacation in August 2009.

Tragic Accident and Miracles

There is a woman in my sister's ward that she goes visiting teaching to. She had a tragic accident happen to her family. Her little nephew drowned. He is in stable conditions, but still has a ways to go. This is from her blog.

So many of you have asked what you can so to help Matt, Sara, and Bronson. We have set up an account at Wells Fargo.

PLEASE

instead of buying food to make them dinner..Donate $5, $10.. whatever you may have on their behalf. As we all know the ICU isn't cheap. Just the life flight for B cost $15,000. The account is set up under "The Bronson Staker Donation account". IF we could even make a little dent in what will be an EXTREME amount, I know they would be tremendously grateful. In speaking with Matt, I know all he asks for are prayers. This is MY plea. My desire to in some small way help them. Thank you to those of you who have done so much. For the PRAYERS that you have sent up. I can't thank you enough, I still can only imagine how they feel and their own thankful hearths for them. Much love. M.

Please go to Bronson's mothers blog and read about it at http://www.stakerzxposed.blogspot.com/. Go to Feb. 1st posting because that is where it starts. I am also asking for everyone who reads this to please keep this family in you thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

Oh How I Love Them

Aside from my own children, I have been blessed with four other amazing kids in my life. Justin, Garrett, Ashlie and Hallie Beagley live just down the road from us and I have Ashlie in my Primary class (FINALLY)!! I take piano lessons from their Mom. Each Monday I get to go hang out with this kiddos. They are so amazing. Each time I see them I am guaranteed a running, jumping, throwing themselves in my arms hug and squeal (mostly from Garrett) as I catch them and hug them back.

There have been days I am so down and discouraged and one of these kids will come climb in my lap and let me hold and hug them. Don't get me wrong, not one of them is the wimpy kind of kid. They are all tough and play competitive sports (Hallie played football with the boys this years).



Last night their parents delivered something from town for me and as they were leaving, my sweet Garrett had to run back for one final hug before he left. I cannot express how that touched my heart. Each of these kiddos are so different but have all captured a different special spot in my heart. Oh how I love these kids; almost as much as my own.

Wordless Wednesday