Lawyer Inc.

What's Happening With 12 Days Left

2011-05-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hello all, it's been ages, yes ages because I was a different age when I posted last. So anyway, I woke up this morning and remembered that I am to be wedded in a week and a half. A week and a half that won't negotiate with me to slow down. I've heard reality doesn't hit until the night before the marriage...or even the morning of. This will probably be true for me since I haven't felt the "hitting" of it all. I think about it all day...so why aren't I freaking out? Maybe I was just born to be this way--cool.

So anyway, something exciting happened last night. We went to go look at a cottage after looking at a basement apartment in AF...I almost wanted to just say yes in case we don't find anything afterward, but Nick insisted that we just see this one last place before we make any decisions- I'm glad I listened. We drove over to a whole different city which is exciting-Lindon is the name. Like London but with an "i". So we turn on this little hidden road with a little hidden number such as 40 E. We go a ways and find that its a quiet old hidden road. We already like it. Then we see the address and see the cottage behind the old home. My first thoughts were, dang not as nice looking as the pics. So we go and meet the people and take a look inside- very very small...mini everything. But perfect for us. by the end of the tour inside we were undecided, until we took a tour of the yard. It sold us. Blossom trees everywhere, vines covering the whole house, a tree house, and old brick garage for us, basically enchanting and magical. Nick had the biggest grin on his face and right then I knew it'd be the one. So long story short we expressed deep interest and emailed the application that same night. They called up our references, and called me today and said they want us to live there. Joy for the days I say! Well, we'll live there right when we come home from the honeymoon. It's all coming together...just like everyone says it would :)

If I don't post until after the wedding, then I leave you as Mrs. Britney Lawyer. If I do post before, then I'm still a Jensen.

Happy May all! Ta

Why Nick is my Fiance

2011-02-06T22:11:00.000-08:00

I have a Fiance named Nick, or Nicholas. He's the man of my dreams, though only 6 months ago, I was sure he wasn't, as the world was just telling me to hold on, wait for it, you'll fall for him! I was not amused. How much I now understand the word "Stubborn" as I once was for quite some time. All along I thought I knew him and I had judged him too quickly. I am eternally grateful he did not give up (though he almost did). Now, might I brag? Here's the 10 top reasons why he is my fiance.

1. He sings like an angel, and when he does I find myself loving him more.
2. He builds things. What a handy man.
3. He is intelligent.
4. He draws/paints/sketches take your pic!
5. He makes me laugh, sometimes so hard I can scarcely comprehend the brilliance of his humor.
6. Ever since the beginning, he liked me for exactly who I was.
7. He compliments me quite often.
8. He plays with my nieces and nephew.
9. He flew to California and surprised me with a proposal of marriage.
10. He is going to be the father of my children.

that my friends, is Nick Lawyer.

Proposal

2011-01-16T22:13:00.000-08:00

2011-01-15T22:36:00.000-08:00

Engaged!

2011-01-15T08:15:00.001-08:00

Well this is the story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down and I'd like to take a minute just sit right there I'll tell you how I became the....Ok here's the story for those who care to know because it's long and I would much rather write a message for all then one by one.

The Proposal
On January 12th, my brother and I had gone off on our own in Disneyland. After we rode Jungle Cruise, he said to me, "I have to show you something cool by the castle" I thought...something I've never seen? Bring it on. So we walk across the castle, and my family is all there at the main street circle, how convenient I thought. So they all follow us. We get to snow whites wishing well and I told my brother, "what's new? Sorry but this is no surprise I've seen this area before." So then my sister in law tell us (all who were surrounding the wishing well) to make a wish. Then she started taking pictures of me. Hmm. Then I turn around and see a cast member from fantasy land approach me. She said, "Are you Britney"? That threw me for a loop. I responded, "Yes.." Then she outstretches her hand which held a pamphlet with my name on it that said Princess Britney. What in the world I thought. Then I see my whole family with their video cameras out. Then she tells me to follow her as we venture across the other side of the castle by the plaza. During our walk she kept asking my magical questions that I didn't know how to answer cause I was weird-ed out by it all, literally answering "uh" and "I dunno". So we get to the other side and there stand two more cast members from fantasy land holding a sleeping beauty music box. They open it and there was a Tiara. Still dumbfounded, she put it on my head and sprinkled pixie dust on my head and told me to make a wish. I couldn't help but wish that Nick was here to propose, but during all this I thought, maybe is doing all this just to make me feel special, like he was saying "Hi" from home. I thought that until she said "Do you think there's a prince charming somewhere?" Then my mind just went blank. I answered again, dumbly. She said lets go check. So we walk under the castle slowly. I'm looking to my right and to my left. "What the?" I'm thinking to myself. Then right as we come under from the castle, i feel a tap on my shoulder from behind and there Nick is. My hands flew to my mouth in wonder. I kept saying "Why are YOU here?!" (I had to inquire of my words at that moment because I couldn't remember I was in shock!)He sang a few words of my favorite song, The Luckiest by Ben Folds, then said some sweet things, and got on his knee. He had the engagement ring and it fit! It is a diamond Mickey. How appropriate. Anyway he popped the question and I said Yes and I hugged him for a long time. Then I backed away laughing, then I hugged him again and that repeated for three or four times. Hugged my fam, started crying, balled on his shoulder, then........................ we went on Peter Pan.

The End.

New Photos

2010-12-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

2010-11-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Smile

2010-10-24T22:33:00.001-07:00

I, like my sister, have once again acquired an opportunity to photograph my cousin and his beautiful fiancé-best part is, I get to take her bridals soon. Those to follow. Enjoy!

This is the chosen one

special thanks to east Mapleton neighborhood

What's New?

2010-09-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

So the past couple days have felt very cool, and I am holding on to the chance that it might be because fall is approaching and will arrive when it should and not prematurely. Last year as I recall, it came so late, we basically didn't have fall. It went right into winter almost. sheesh. Well, I am counting down the days when I can take all my summer clothes out and hang up the winter ones. It is so much more fun to dress for winter/fall than it is for summer. I hate summer. Anyway, school is fun. I am taking only two classes, math and American literature. I enjoy the second one. Math, I am just wanting to pass and get it over with so I can take 1030 next so I can be done next semester with math forever! A recent decision has been made, one that I should have made after I graduated from High School, and that is to live In Logan with Grandma. What a splendid time that will be! So far I am just planning on moving next summer, but if plans take me a different direction and things are going good there, I will stay and transfer to Utah State. Ah the college my own mother attended. Anyway, when I brought the idea up with Grandma, she was thrilled and we both wish I could go now. But, there is a bit much going on here that I cannot let go of quite yet. I plan to acquire my associates at UVU and then move. Anyway, hooray for Logan, I love that little town. And what an opportunity to be able to live in the house my mom lived in and better, her own room (that's right, ''I call the yellow room!'' - a phrase often used when we would travel to grandma's house) Well, I am just so excited for these next months, fall, Halloween, going to Roberts with my sister and nieces to admire the fall and Halloween decor, listening to cmas music in my cozy car with snow outside, well Christmas might be too far ahead, so for now I will just express my excitement for fall. It is so cozy and fun. I have almost been employed at Macey's for a year. WOW. that went by fast. I like it there, though last week and all this week I am a cashier! My optimistic attitude tells me I will supervise again soon once the newbies are trained (two new supervisors). But, I am grateful to have a job and to be able to provide for myself with gas money and tuition and car payment and insurance. Oh, no money for clothes shopping, or going out to lunch. That was so last year. Disneyland sucked most of that money out of me, but I will never regret going! Well I am going to continue reading "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, then arise for a busy day, oh, Happy Birthday Lindsey!

ta.

The Land of Disney

2010-08-11T23:55:00.001-07:00

After a year and two months…I returned faithfully to Disneyland. It was magical as always. I went with my Best Friend who is getting married soon, so it was sort of a bachelorette party-the ultimate bachelorette party eh? We drove down on a Monday and got there in 9 hours! Found our hotel fine, and a half hour later, we were on the trail. We stayed till mid night of course, then enjoyed another 4 days including a morning at the beach. I upgraded my pass to an annual, truthfully I felt naked using a little paper card with a barcode, can’t remember the last time I had one of those! I even lost my annual pass on space mountain, but with much searching and checking up on various lost and founds, they had it at the ticket booth! Turns out when the park closes, they walk through space mountain, I cant imagine what they find…oh, my pass! anyway I was rejoicing all day. So the park was crowded, but being a party of 2, we didn’t stress too much. We were quick and slithered our way through the madness. We rode every ride in both parks, except three. Some we rode more than 4 times, ha! Anyway, I loved being back. I missed it so much. It was like being home. Here are some pics of the magic.

Us with the guy who drives the fire truck

Us with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies!

A Bit of Me

2010-07-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time since I last posted anything, so now I will post something. Summer 2010 has been fun. As school ended mid June, I have found myself working, and playing tennis-that is about it. Oh, I also bought a car on July 10. It was a long process and the car wasn't fully mine until just about two days ago. How I love my car. Quick story on why I had to enter into such a debt: around the end of June, I went outside to start my car cause I was going to go somewhere. I put in the key, and it clicked and then was silent after more tries with the ignition. I sighed. After having tried jumping it several times with different cars, it didn't budge. Two weekends ago when I went to Moab, my dad who stayed behind checked out my car to see what might be wrong with it, turns out the problem was beyond us and our money so I said to myself it is simply not worth it. So i went car shopping the day after we returned from Moab (fun trip btw, hot hot hot but Moab is always a fun getaway) I found myself a '97 Toyota camry with a sun roof I should add. It is so much fun.

Well, that's probably the newest of things in my life right now. Today is Pioneer day and my parents and Brian are in Logan, unfortuntely I could not join them as I have to work all weekend. How I love visiting dear Grandma and that old house. Anyway, since they are gone, we few siblings had a bbq at my sisters and swam in the pool. It was a fun time.

My Disneyland trip that I have been counting down to since May is almost here! I can hardly wait. How I've missed it so.

Supervising at Macey's is grand except for the fact that they cut over 1,000 hours among all employees and it leaves us with very few baggers and cashiers which results in my having to step in a checkstand and not be abe to "supervise" c'mon boss! It has been better past few weeks so as is well.

Until recently I have decided to elaborate on my major, yes it is still creative writing, and yes I still would like to become a great author some day, but for starters, I want to gather all my poetry and future poems and make a book like my grandma's. A simple hard bound book. Nothing professional, no legit publishing, just something that my work can be safe in and all typed up. I want to start looking into it soon.

Newly Found Interests

2010-06-26T21:19:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to have my official photo shoot for my best friend who is getting married. What fun we had, and I had editing! enjoy my newly found interests.

5 Down 5 to Go

2010-06-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Well, today was my last day of summer semester. I'm glad I went (i never do summer) because I got three classes over with in 7 weeks rather than in three and a half months had I waited to take them in the fall. However, I have some sad news. Ever since fall semester ended last December, I had rejoiced in knowing I had broken the Jensen curse by passing Math 1010. I got a C- and assumed (which makes an -ass- out of -u- and -me- so I shouldn't have done that) that I passed it because in previous math courses, I got a C- and was fine. So life went on quite jolly as I was still in awe that I passed, but the other day as I went to register for fall 2010, I stumbled upon some upsetting news, in order to proceed in higher math courses starting with 1030 you need a C to pass. C- is not a passing grade. This basically ruined my whole day. Imagine yourself living life for 6 months celebrating every day the graduation of a hard math course. Sharing such joy with others and spreading the tidings. It is still depressing to this moment, but I keep my head high as I have just registered for the course again, BUT with the teacher I had before who is quite excellent. I probably would've have gotten a D- had I not had her as a teacher. So now I know I will pass this time. Also what comes as a sadness, is that my getting my associates will be post poned by a semester. That is right- Post poned. Another joy I shared too soon. This is what is new in the life of Britney Jensen. Good night and good luck.

The Year is Half Over

2010-06-03T01:14:00.001-07:00

Where in the world did this year go? I just can’t wrap my finger around the fact that it is indeed June now. June. That means 6 months ago, 6, I embarked to Maryland. 6. Crazy now time flies. Life is good. I am simply loving my new position at work. School is going by fast, only 3 more weeks! Although I’ve had hard hard weeks, I still enjoy it. The Barrett Film Festival In Logan was a lot of fun. Being there made me realize or rather, remind myself how much I love my extended family. What fun we all have. Well last Thursday I watched my little brother, my best friend, graduate from AF high. Really? I couldn’t quite grasp that it was his turn. But I just graduated…or at least I thought I did, it has been three years. High school seems like a dream looking back at it all. I miss the old days more than anything. While watching my moms home videos of her and her siblings as kids, made me cry, bawl actually. How wonderful it was to see them all so young. If I could do anything in the world it’d be to watch my mom grow up. Perhaps someday I can. Well this summer is going to be an exciting one as my best friend and I have planned a week long trip to the happiest place on earth. How excited I am. I am playing tennis more oft, now that the snow has seemed to cease finally. Thanks winter for butting in line of Spring. You better let Fall last till November. Well again, life is wonderful. I love my friends (especially the dozens I’ve made at work) and my awesome beyond awesome family. I am one lucky girl. Anyway, here are some pictures of the times. Good ol’ times

visiting dearest grandpa

just cute.

after a short walk up the hill

Friends forever and ever

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over this cuteness.

I Love Fun Times

2010-05-02T23:03:00.001-07:00

My life is good right now. I just feel like great things are about to happen! Some already have, my promotion, and school that is starting in three days! Man I just feel pumped for the what’s ahead and I don’t even know what it is! Anyway, it’s been a fun week and I would just like to share pictures of the times…enjoy

I love my family…

Enjoying babies at a cousins baby shower

My niece and Alex

So exciting having them in town!

Good friends having a good time

Me and my nephew

Tee hee…I’m proud ok?

The Re of a Union

2010-04-29T12:47:00.001-07:00

Hello Babies, It’s so good to see you again…

They are simply the cutest of them all. So glad they’re here for a while!

The Happs April 2010

2010-04-25T19:51:00.001-07:00

While performing my regular duties as a Macey’s cashier, I was approached by my supervisor. She told me shut down my check stand, then came closer and said quietly, “Kerry wants to speak with you in his office, it’s not bad it’s good.” Kerry is my boss’s boss…anyway so I thought, OK nothing to worry about she said it was good. When we reached to his office he basically got right to the point and asked me if I would agree to being promoted to a SUPERVISOR. I happily accepted. He said some very nice things to me that I will never forget. Having worked at Macey’s for only 5 months, I felt deeply honored. Supervising is a tough job even as I just look at my supervisors doing what they do I think to myself, “Man I’m glad I don’t have that job!” Well what goes around comes around. I am excited. This is definitely a major mile stone in my employment career. I hope I will be good at it and work extra hard. I will be working twice as much and will only have one day off. With school starting in a week and a half (8 weeks long not to mention) I will be busy than ever before. I hope I can handle it!

Other news, oh yes school! Starts May 5th and I am so excited. I’ve always loved school, learning more specifically. Going in the summer will be different as I have never done summer before. My three classes will be fast moving and I will do my best to keep up! Life is good right now. I’m proud to say I’ve saved a lot for summer tuition. I have Emily and KC to thank for that. I’m also grateful I got my job back at Macey’s easily, and now I’ll be a supervisor! So many exiting things are seeming to fall in my life right about now. I love my family and friends-they rock.

So excited to see the triplets as they have just arrived here in Utah. Can’t wait to snuggle them like the old days. Sweet sweet babies.

Song me and my friend have learned for the ward talent show :)

2010-04-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Baby Mine

2010-04-07T13:02:00.001-07:00

To Ruby, Bennett, and Alex

This was the song we’d always listen to as we’d rock them to sleep when they were still in swings.

Baby Mine don’t you cry

baby mine dry your eyes

rest your head close to my heart

never to part

baby of mine

Little one when you play

don’t you mind what they say

Let those eyes sparkle and shine

never a tear

baby of mine

If they knew sweet little you

they would start loving you too

all those same people

who scold you

what they’d give

just for the right to hold you

From you head down to your toes

your not much goodness knows

but your so precious to me

sweet as can be

baby of mine

The Jeep Safari 2010

2010-04-04T16:23:00.001-07:00

‘Tis the reason we go, the title there. It’s always fun just to be in town when the jeep safari is in action because of the tourism and numerous off road vehicles. I and all my siblings including niece and nephew all left Thursday late afternoon and stayed till Sunday. We enjoyed hiking/walking through devils garden and eventually branching off to Landscape Arch. The weather Friday was chilly but blue skies-it would look like a beautiful day to swim from inside. After a delightful lunch of Pita Pizzas made the way my cousin Emily makes them, we went over to Potato Salad to join the gathering and watch the dare devils venture up the treacherous hill. It was way intense! We had a barbeque that night and enjoyed playing games and chatting in the condo. Saturday morning, the ladies went on a brief walk through the mysterious neighborhood that we never had toured before-a lot of neat houses! The guys all golfed while we hung out in the condo with the chillin’s. That afternoon, Ben Lindsey Sawyer and I drove over to Gemini Bridges. It was a fun trail however being overcast, it was still a bit chilly. We enjoyed eating out that night at La Hacienda. It was sooooo good. This morning (the day we left) it as clear skies and warm weather-the day of all days to be perfect. How Ironic. The kid inside me wanted to swim no matter what so Saturday I, Brad, Brian, and Reese swam anyway despite the freezing weather-the water was warm so I thought why not.

Always sad to leave Moab. We always have a great time.

My Birthday Of All Days

2010-03-28T21:58:00.001-07:00

I could be so close to Dinosaur World and yet, so far away! (clifford fans) Well I am now 21. Yes, it does feel different. I am officially legal I guess. Today was a good day. Went to my ward for the first time after these past two months being gone. It was lovely seeing all my friends again. Always fun to have a birthday on Sunday because then you get to see everyone and be spoiled jk ;) Well all the sibs and offspring came over for a petite party and it was delightful. I received exciting treasures and enjoyed having my nephew and niece help me un wrap. Well Birthdays seem to fly right by but we all enjoy the day when we feel we’re on top of the world. It’s the day we stop to recognize how awesome we are. Just kidding. I think my favorite present was the big suprise Emily and KC gave me…the game Wackee 6. I probably laughed for a whole minute out of excitement. Thank-you thank-you. Well after 5 long years, it is finally my turn to report to the DMV of Utah and obtain a current drivers license. 2010 bring me good things!! To infinite and beyond!

Although only an aunt of three, I feel the luckiest one of all.

I love her. That is all I can say.

Hip Hip…HOORAY!

Remembering

2010-03-27T22:52:00.001-07:00

While in Maryland, I was introduced to a song which is now my favorite. The Luckiest by Ben Folds. Just now I was listening to it and we all know how songs remind us of things, places, events, and people. I started missing the place where I spent two months of my life. I’m missing the babies. I was browsing through some pictures and videos from my trip and wished so badly I could cuddle them. I often share the story of how we would get the babies up from their naps, after crying for hours and the immediate relief they have in their eyes. We’d place them on the couch, still wrapped up tight in their swaddles, tears streaming from their red eyes in their ears, and they literally would laugh and smile non stop. I don’t think there is anything cuter. Immediate forgiveness seemed to take over our minds from them being little naughties and not napping. I have never seen happier babies than Alex, Bennett, and Ruby. I guess having three babies means having triple the happiness. I was told and I knew myself that once I was home again, I would have “withdrawals” from the babies and find myself catching habits I formed there and hearing cries that aren’t there-well truth is, none of those have occurred and I don’t know why. The other truth is, I wish they did, more than anything. I wish I woke up in the middle of the night swearing I could hear crying. I wish I had a baby to feed every three hours, preferably three to choose from, I wish I could baby talk again (my niece Stella is 18 months and sometimes I find myself cooing to her at a more premature level than her own, I smile because I know I acquired it from the triplets) It is good to be home, but I’ll never not love those who made me who I am today. I almost wanted to cry when I just thought about how I will see the honeys in less than a month. What will it be like? Will the littles recognize me? Will they smile and coo like they did when I would crouch down to their level and stroke their tear stained faces? I do hope so. I love them and I’ve never learned so much about motherhood then with what I did with these babes.

Ah Goo!

Girls Night

2010-03-25T11:56:00.001-07:00

Well I am home. I was so excited to see my sisters, mom, and niece at the airport greeting me. It was a little weird at first, but I got into the swing of things pretty quickly. We went straight to park city for a night of fun! We went shopping, then went to check in at the Homestead-a cute old fashion country motel. Then we went back to park with and ate at Baja Cantina, a mexican restaurant down town. It was so good, and we enjoyed watching the snow fall out from the big windows. So cozy!

We went back to our hotel and enjoyed swimming and hot tubbing ,and playing games in our room. It was so fun to come home to that! So good to be home.

girl power!

1 Day

2010-03-21T19:01:00.001-07:00

How do you say goodbye to a home and family you've grown to love after two months? I'm at a loss of words at this final night. If you could gather all the kindness and generosity in the world, it would make Emily and KC Robinson. I know I've helped them a great deal with the children, but I will always feel that there's something more I can do for them for all they've done for me. I will miss them and this home and town I've grown to know. What a fantastic opportunity this has been. I will cherish it for the rest of my life for when I become a mother, I will look back on these two months and know that this was where I learned it all-really. We've been through a lot here, but every second was worth it and I will never take it for granted. Being a part of these babies lives and watching them grow has left me feeling incredibly grateful and lucky. Numerous inside jokes have been created under this very roof and it's what brought us closer together. Emily, you are one of my top role models in my life. I love how close we've become as cousins, almost sisters! I will never forget the wonderful times we've shared. Emily, KC – “Lets get wacky!”

Good-bye Alex
Good-bye Bennett
Good-bye Ruby

I love you

My Family

The Swiss Family Robinsons

2 Days

2010-03-20T19:55:00.001-07:00

-Today was a great day! Babies wore spring clothing for the first time! It’s so warm outside probably mid 70’s! If by some miracle I might make it to see the infamous cherry blossoms, but I will be pessimistic and say it most likely won’t happen, not that I don’t believe in miracles…

-Emily and I went to target, I bought her a 16x20 frame for a gift that is coming in the mail that I will unfortunately miss out on the arrival :( It’s partially a secret as half of it is already obvious. I’m so excited though even If I can’t be there.

-We all took the babies on a walk today in their umbrella strollers and they loved it! We walked around a big part of the neighborhood and just couldn’t get enough of the beautiful weather!

-Emily and I watched Cloverfield. Scariest movie I have ever seen- the end.

-I got to help make Thai food with noodles and peanut sauce! It was delicious! Tasted like no bake cookie sauce with chinese noodles. I think I shall make it for my family in the near future.

-We enjoyed watching Psycho on the patio in the dark with cozy blankets- it was my first time seeing it and it actually was scary, and being outside in the dark helped a great deal.

-One more day of the babies and I don’t know what to think, doesn’t feel like it’s the end really. I wonder if I’ll cry (Never have been a cryer in all my days of life) but I must remind myself that I will see this wonderful family in one months time. All is well.

Pictures of the day

(After the walk and all very tired.)

A R B

3 Days

2010-03-19T19:09:00.001-07:00

-I started packing today and am pretty much set :( why? Because I don’t want the stress of doing it the day before I leave; I’d rather spend my last day playing with the babies and soaking in the fact that my two months are already up.

-We had a karaoke party with the Newsies and the babies! They actually liked it, they had their eyes on the movie for a while!

-I love the patio with the gravity chairs, I read my book on it and had a nice power nap.

-After three days we finally finished The Prestige! I still find myself learning new things in that movie, I asked Emily like 15 questions, bless her heart.

-Emily and KC are out on a date and I’m so glad! It’s kind of fun to have the house to myself although I don’t really do anything different. The babies are sound asleep and we still cross our fingers for a full nights sleep from them…but waking up once is still better than when they use to wake up 2-3 times only a month + ago. Amazing

Wearing the beanies I made for them! Fun project that I brought here. ha ha looks silly not matching their outfits (except Ruby), but these babies can make anything look cute!

4 Days

2010-03-18T20:41:00.001-07:00

-Alex woke up crying around 3 am, but we let him fuss until 3 45 when we got all three up. So many times we thought he’d go back to sleep for good because he’d be so quiet for about ten minutes, but then break out again. Soon enough they’ll sleep through the night and I’m sad I’ll miss this big marker in their lives.

-My third day in a row of running! Great way to start out the day. The route I made up is really good I think- I run about three blocks until I get to an avenue. I run up one side and then walk back down and do that four times then I power walk back home. So I feel I’m doing a bit of everything.

-Emily and I had a lot of fun watching The Village during the babies second nap! It’s sooo good!

-We fed babies cereal again today. Bennett doesn’t like it, Ruby doesn’t mind it, and Alex LOVES it- so much that before the spoon touches his lips he’s already chomping. It’s so cute.

-One of my favorite movies The Four Feathers came from Netflix and we watched it, it being Emily’s first time. The babies also watched it with us once they woke up in their comfortable bumbos- they seem to make great movie chairs.

-We got to go to Target. Always nice to get out especially to go shopping. We came home and finished the Prestige which we started yesterday. We enjoyed banana splits during it.

Just chillin’

5 Days

2010-03-17T19:07:00.001-07:00

March 17-

-Started off the morning greeting babies at 7 am in their cribs- they are always so happy when they wake up first thing. I went running again, I made up my own little route that I will stick to the rest of the week.

-Emily and I watched The Music Man but had to push pause as we both caught each other falling asleep, so we took a quick nap then continued on.

-I got to help make dinner and I learned how to make Irish beef stew and Irish Soda bread (hmm St. Patrick's day, how appropriate!) It was easy and fun.

-While dinner cooked we enjoyed playing Quiddler on the porch in gravity chairs. It was so relaxing being out in the almost 70 degree weather! We enjoyed ourselves very much.

I have fun posing the babes…

tee hee

6 Days

2010-03-16T17:44:00.001-07:00

-I went for a run this morning in the beautiful neighborhood! It’s like Logan mixed with Pennsilvania very beautiful. When I came home, Emily and I did Pilates which I had never done before. Quite interesting but felt good!

-There were many moments today where Alex would not stop talking! It was so adorable. He just puckers his lips, scowls and looks right into your eyes. It’s so funny!

-Emily made a very interesting meal tonight! It’s called Caus Caus, she thinks it’s from India. I had never had anything like it in my entire life! Very good.

- We found ourselves without a movie to watch. PANIC! Emily went to the library to grab some while I sat on a gravity chair on the back porch reading a book in beautiful spring weather! It was probably close to 65 degrees! Awesome. So anyway she brought home Spanglish, The Prestige, The Music Man, The Village, Cloverfield, and Psycho. Already watched Spanglish (**) but those movies will keep us company for the rest of the week.

-LOST is tonight, I hope it’s as good as last weeks! I’m so excited to join my fellow LOST club back in Utah and finish this thrilling final season.

A few new movies I’ve seen here that I recommend (which a lot of you have probably already seen):

-Lars and The Real Girl (Ryan Gosling)

-The Passengers (Anne Hathaway)

-It Could Happen To You (Nicolas Cage)

-Love Happens (Jennifer Anniston and Aaron Eckhart)

-Shallow Hal (Jack Black)

-One Fine Day (Michelle Pfeiffer)

Well time is ticking and I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to leave these dolls…

7 Days

2010-03-15T19:38:00.001-07:00

I remember my last night at home before my journey to Maryland. My entire family gathered for a small farewell for me. I distinctively remember my sister in law Lindsey saying to me “It will go by way fast”. At that time I had brushed that aside due to bigger things on my mind, “I’m leaving everything for two months!” To me two months felt like it was going to be a long long time. It seems like it was yesterday when Lindsey told me that and now I’m going to see her in 7 days. I’m going to see everyone very soon and It’s quite mind boggling. One day while here, I was thinking to myself, “Why do the days go by so fast?” And then It hit me when one day Emily and I were watching our reason-movies. I think I will go home in a humongous movie mood. I’ve watched probably 15 new movies I had never seen before. I’ll make a list at the end! Well anyway, Emily and I have had some pretty funny times, times where we cried laughing, and times where our stomachs were sore the next day from laughing. I will miss it very much but I’d now like to start a small journal of my last “good” times with the Robinsons.

We’ll start with today, or rather, this morning and I mean morning!

-March 15- We all got up at 2:45 am to feed the babes (we weren’t too ecstatic due to us being use to them waking up at 4 previous days) and the day before we had all been joking about how tired we are as we sit like zombies in the living room too tired to even hold the bottle up right, silent for the entire feeding. I told Emily I’m going to be so outgoing when we wake up early tomorrow you just watch! I’m going to be like, lets party! Well that next morning came and the conversation went like this: cough or two “just eat” possible snore…? achoo! oooooo Aa goo! (little naughties sometimes wake up!)

-Emily went to Costco today while I watched He’s Just Not That Into You. I thought, “fine I’ll watch it!” it wasn’t too bad! The babies are so funny when we pick them up from their naps after they’ve been crying for an hour. The second we put them down on the couch all next to each other, they immediately begin cooing and smiling. It’s like we immediately forgive them for not napping cause of the cuteness. They get away with everything.

-Emily and I watched Michael Jackson’s This Is It movie and danced with the babies to the grooves. They stiffen up as we help them stand and hold their hands. It was so cute.

-My four year old niece called me today and she talked to me more than she ever has on the phone. She read to me or rather, discussed what she saw in the pictures of about 4 of her books and she also made a list of things she wants for her birthday, lets see she wanted three pairs of shoes all different colors, I think blue, green, and purple. I love her and I can’t wait to see her.

-Emily and I enjoyed this evenings, “2020 Inside the Bachelor” a reminisce of all the seasons on abc. As I am back home watching it I will think of her because she was the one who converted me (even though I was hooked ten minutes in of my first episode!) Well that concludes Monday, March 15. Until next time, I’m Britney Jensen.

I’ll also take and post a picture a day of the Littles

Timeline of the Triplets

2010-03-10T18:09:00.001-08:00

To show their progress of how they’ve improved with sleeping in the night

December 27-

Babies did not sleep for more than a half hour.

January 12-

Babies slept for an hour at a time, maybe a little longer if lucky

January 23-

Babies sleep in their swings waking up separately every half hour to forty five minutes only to be rocked back to sleep.

February 6-

Babies put into cribs for the first time and wake up every two to three hours

February 20-

Babies wake up to eat twice a night to eat ( 1 and 4 am)

March 10-

Babies wake up once in the night eat and sleep in their cribs in the day time!!!

It’s fascinating how far they’ve come in just two months and how their bodies just know to change! Xoxo Alejandro, Benny Boy and Rubes!

Sunday Photo Shoot

2010-03-07T13:35:00.001-08:00

I Think I've Fallen In Love

2010-03-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

How can you not love a baby who has been crying for two hours, but smiles at you when you pick them up as if you are an angel? How can you not love a baby who stares into your eyes and smiles, instead of finishing their bottle? How can you not love a baby who's eyes will follow you as you walk away wondering where you're going? How can you not love a baby who kicks their legs to no end? How can you not love a baby who giggles amidst crying because they've given it all they've got to play for one more minute? How can you not love a baby who is fast asleep dreaming in your arms, perfectly still and silent, you feeling as if all the frustration and anger and sadness never happened because these angels are perfect. It is easy to love these things of a baby, but it's easier to love all this when it's triple the smiles, triple the sweet tears, triple the kicks, triple the giggles, and triple the sleeping angels.

After placing them on the couch after a long two hours of crying, they smile under their tightly wrapped bunties relieved to see missed familiar faces. They're ready to play with their red eyes and tear wet cheeks. I missed you babies.

Missing It More Than Ever

2010-03-05T10:05:00.001-08:00

\ Dear Disneyland. . .

Because I never get sick of you. . .

and the magic has never gone away. . .

I’ll see you soon

Land That I Love!

2010-03-02T19:11:00.001-08:00

Well, I did what I wanted to do and that is tour all of D.C. and Arlington Cemetery last Saturday. Emily took me the first Saturday that I got here but we were there for only a few hours and only visited a few things and it was great, but I had the entire day off this time and I got to spend it with a friend visiting from Utah. It was so fun being there again. My first visit was in 2002 then in 2006 then in 2010. Hmm…I see a pattern; every four years I come upon visiting D.C. I like it! I should keep it that way. I don’t know what it is about all the historical monuments all around me but I absolutely am fascinated with it all. It was so wonderful being back.

Got to go up in the Washington Monument! Great view

Sitting in front of the white house was possibly one of the most exciting things of the entire day! So much history inside there.

Celebrity Day

2010-02-22T10:38:00.001-08:00

Over the past few weeks, we have watched alot of movies, and I mean alot- I love movies so much and with all kinds of actors and actresses coming in and out I thought I’d take a moment and give a shout out to my personal favorites and the movie I love them most in….

1. Jim Carrey- Bruce Almighty

2. Nicolas Cage -National Treasure

Greg Kinnear- Sabrina

4. Tea Leoni –Fun With Dick and Jane

Kate Winslet- Finding Neverland

that’s all :)

Happy Cupid Day

2010-02-18T14:17:00.001-08:00

It was a lovely day full of kicks and giggles and lovely scents of Valentine flowers; A wondrous breakfast and a delightful dinner.

Having too much fun with Bennet…

Mwahaha! The power of Baby Einstein

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful

2010-02-10T11:32:00.001-08:00

Take a look part 2 of The Blizzard of 2010

hidden are two cars and three houses from the front living room window

We’re Here Live to the Snow!

2010-02-06T16:09:00.001-08:00

It all started yesterday around 4 pm. Frozen rain began to invade our lands and crops. It was the beginning of the end. Over night it grew to be about a foot, then up until this evening it is officially 2 feet. News channels are calling it, The Blizzard of 2010! Run for you lives! Or rather…stay where you are! (as if we have a choice) I find all this “chaos” quite cozy actually; we all do here in this little home. Around noon today, we found a foot of snow up against the front screen door-we were literally trapped in! I found it all entertaining. When hearing about this snow storm that would approach I thought, can’t be more than Utah’s worst, but now I do declare I don’t recall Utah ever having this much snow. Maryland won the competition. While KC was shoveling this late afternoon, Em and I took a plunge and hastily ran outside to play for a minute or two; we even took silly pictures and videos. It was rejuvenating for our souls that’s for sure! Anyway here are some pictures of the craziness…

Lighter Notes

2010-02-03T08:40:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we became one helper short. It seems as though the moment Janice left, everything became chaotic. For the first time since we arrived back home, Emily and I were all alone-three fussing babies and only four hands. This was it, this was how it was going to be. The sky seemed to darken and the chills from outside seemed to seep through the walls. Emily and I gazed into each others fearful eyes… Ok it wasn’t this dramatic, I just wanted to have some fun. But really, ironically the time Janice left was the time of day where the babies have their fussy time. It lasted for an hour or two until KC finally came home. They just cried for no reason-very frustrating. All was well when the evening arrived. We had time to relax and take a deep breath. But around 8 o’clock something happened that changed our entire…night. We put them in their cribs IN their room and they slept all through the night waking up only twice to eat. We even had time to watch the LOST premiere! I’ve come up with a plan to distribute shifts-from 9 to midnight, KC will be on call when one wakes up. Then, from midnight to 3, I will be on call, then from 3 to 6 Emily is on call. I think it will work perfectly because we can all sleep in our beds, and only get up for 20 minutes to feed. We’ve even come up with a S.O.S. code-three knocks means I need a helper, six knocks means I need both of you cause all three are awake. I will report back on the results of this plan later.

We got to go to the Annapolis mall on Friday, what an adventure that was! We all had the babies strapped to us, and they actually did very well!

Now, I’d like to discuss for a sentence or five, my thoughts on the premiere of abc’s LOST. I had predicted that it would steer back to the beginning where all the passengers of flight 815 are on the plane again and it doesn’t crash! Well here’s what happened, it started out with the passengers on the plain as they were on September 22, 2004 but this time, instead of Rose panicking about the turbulence, it was Jack. Significant? I think YES! It was a twist indeed. What should’ve happened had the plane not crashed happened including landing in Los Angeles safe and sound. Only question I have, is this a flashback or a flash forward with all memories of the survivors forgotten, as if all they’ve been through never happened, there is time travel so maybe it took them back to Australia when they first boarded the plane. Why is Shannon not on the plane with her brother boone? So many questions, but I look forward to the unveiling of long time questions as this season continues and will eventually end for good. Long live LOST!

E True Cheverly Story

2010-01-29T19:07:00.000-08:00

An Average Day in the Robinson Household

7:00 am Wakey up SQUIRM!!
Grunts....grunts....growls....gruntsSTRETCH!!!
7:30 play time- they wake us right up with their cuteness.
-Feeding (every three hours)
-Pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat EEERP (cheers from all)
-Eee Eer Eee Eer Eee Eer Eee Eer (rocking chair) and much etc.
-Whimpering and crying, and breathing through conjested noses when napping.
-Chica a Chaca Chica Chaca Chica Chaca Chica Chaca (the swings...best way I could think of to spell the sound ok?)
-Sneeze- ACHOO hooooo ACHOO hoooo (we die every time the boys do that)
-Nap Time
-Television heard in the backround (Now it's time for the weather report in DC, Larry take it away!......... President Obama plans to visit Tampa on Wednesday, more about that tonight)
-"Tonight's gonna be a good night" (song stuck in my head that I blurt out alot)
-Will you throw me a burp rag?
-Shh Shh Shhhhhh Shh Shh Shhhhh
-Nap time (sometimes lasts for an hour sometimes, 5 minutes. They seem to sleep longer when held)
-Ah goo ah goo ah goo! (noise from the babes and us...)
-Hahahahaha hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha (That's Emily and I laughing throughout the day).
-Shhh Shh Shhhh Shh Shhhhh
-Nap time
-"What movie should we put in now?"
-"Daddy's home!" (around 6 pm)
-Dinner time at last
-Babies like to watch us eat while they sit in their bumbo chairs. We are always too distracted by their coos and smiles to have our own dinner table conversations.
-Dishes put away, Dinner is always a nice pause.
-Bouncie bounce bounce bounce sway.....sway....sway.... not working, shoulder time....pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat pat
-Eee eer eee er eee eer eee eer eee eer
-Will you throw me a burp rag?
-Sneezing...AACHOO hooooooo. ACHOOO hooooooo
-Grunts....grunts...growl....
-Shh shh shhh shh shh shhhh
-Eee eer eee er eee eer
-Bed time
-9 pm- Goodnight guys thanks (emily and I to KC and Janice)
-2 am-thanks guys goodnight (time for our shift)
-Sometimes babies are so good we take turns going back to bed and resting for another hour or so, or we just camp out in the living room. I like the couch, Emily likes the air matress. I like Maryland.

...in case you were wondering

Three of Everything

2010-01-27T15:15:00.001-08:00

Every day is baby day!

and of course…

Day 5 and I still have two months exactly till I go home. I love how slow time is going here because I am just trying to soak in every minute of this experience. We watch movies all day and recently finished the Lord of the Rings series. Right now we are watching Tommy Boy which I’ve never seen before so I am having a good time! Emily and I made bean dip today and had the hardest laugh we’ve had yet. I made breakfast yesterday morning…turned out delicious thanks to Emily cooking up her homemade syrup! I am learning so many cooking skills! When the babies are asleep we catch up things, for example Emily will work on the babies room (which is complete) and do laundry while I make some phone calls or try to catch a power nap. No matter what we are doing, we are always having a fun time. Every time I see all three babies laying next to each other, with their constantly kicking legs, I still can’t believe there are three of them. As I write I see three car seats all lined up next to each other-amazing. And when I see each swing with babes or without, it is breathtaking. These babies are so cute and so precious. Play time is between 7 and 7 30 am and we just watch them coo and smile and kick their legs and swing their arms and even though we are tremendously tired from camping in the living room getting up every hour to feed and put back the babes back to sleep, we are still smiling and laughing with them. I’ve recently discovered that the best way to keep a baby asleep and to catch a nap yourself at the same time is to sleep with them on the couch or on a bed. Until we get them in the mode of sleeping in their cribs, I want to try to nap with one of them as much as I can-it’s smart because if they start to wake up I’m lying right next to them and can still be half asleep while rocking them with my hand. I don’t have to get up and pick them up. This green goo is named Gary-the babies favorite toy in my opinion. But why does he have name? About 4 days ago, Emily picked up this toy and started waving it at one of the babes. She said “Oh dis is scary!” But I stopped her and said, did you just say Gary? Is his name Gary? She laughed so hard and said “No, I said SCARY!” Just a funny side note because it is always a joke when we pick that toy up. Now to get back on track, these babies are only getting older and better with everything they do. They will soon be starting to sleep for longer hours in the night, and soon old enough and good enough to take to the mall and downtown DC. Oh speaking of DC, Emily and I got to go on Sunday. We took the Metro system and got there in 15 minutes. I was so excited to be there. We went in a few museums, enjoyed sipping hot chocolate strolling along the long stretch between the capitol and the Washington Monument- felt awesome being there. The weather was chilly…but not too cold to need a coat. Forecast the day before said it was to rain all day. It did until we left for DC so we were really lucky. We finally left at 6 30 ish after walking past the Washington monument and the World War II memorial- beautiful. By this time it was dark and we were tired, but it felt great to us getting all that exercise! Until next time, ta.

And It’s 4 am In Cheverly

2010-01-23T01:49:00.001-08:00

I don’t think there’s a more perfect time to write than in the quietest of night-that’s right, the quietest. The triplets are all sound asleep in their swings…unswinging. Emily and I both went to bed at 9 30 and she got up at 3 and I stayed in bed till 4 now she’s back in bed for another hour or so. I told her to not get up if it’s quiet. I like the morning shift of 2 to six better than being up from 9 to 2. I don’t know why. In the hardest of times with these babies (which actually hasn’t been to dramatic) I am always finding myself having fun no matter what and I think it’s because I am in Maryland! We don't get outside hardly at all, but that’s ok because I’m in Maryland it’s a great feeling.

The flight seemed to pass extremely fast without any turbulence. The babies were so good and quiet only crying out maybe twice and only for a short period of time. It was so fun just carrying them around the airport and getting on and off the plane babies strapped to us-just cute. On the drive home through the beautiful freeway (I cried out once approached the onramp saying, “There they are! The infamous eastern highways!” Driving on Maryland/Virginia freeways is a nature walk in itself.) The babies cried and cried…but then we started rattling the rattler and instantly they were calm. Good thing they’re at the age where they notice those blessed gadgets! Once we entered into the Cheverly I instantly fell in love as it felt like we were driving through the cutest of towns in Logan. Every home (old and cute) was hidden in the trees. I felt like we had entered a forest. Well the second we got our luggage in the house, it was time for work: eat, sleep, play, sleep, eat, etc. First night I could not sleep one minute even in my oh so comfortable bed, an air mattress that I love so much I want to switch it out with mine at home! (my room was so clean and cozy when I arrived- I truly feel at home) So I stayed up till 6 am then slept till 9. Felt great the rest of the day after finding myself a small power nap while feeding Bennett. We celebrated KC’s birthday with a wonderful dinner of Lasagna, garlic bread and salad with a finish of raspberry cheesecake. I found it extremely delightful and decorated so cute-I praised Emily’s culinary influences. So then we sang a harmonious Happy Birthday then enjoyed gift opening. After that proceeded to play as many rounds as the babies would allow us to Banagrams. So the second shift began and this time I did fall asleep. Emily and I both awoke at 2 am and slept off and on like the babes till 7. The day went on like normal. It’s always fun to have the television on even if we’re watching Days of our Lives or The Bonnie Hunt Show; just to have background noise is fun. I enjoy every minute of being here. The babies are so sweet and I think I’m starting to fall in love with them. I love this opportunity more than words and I love being involved in their little lives. I found out the best news today from Emily, she’s going to take me to downtown DC on Sunday! I was so ecstatic. I can hardly wait-only one day more! Well today is Saturday and it will be a good day. I am crocheting a beanie for Alex. Ruby’s was already made before we flew out. Once Alex’s is done, I will start on Bennet’s- just a fun project to do on the side.

Of Aprons and Tomatoes

2010-01-07T22:20:00.001-08:00

A short story

When they handed me the stiff, crisp dark blue apron, I chuckled to myself as I reflected on my first job where I also wore an apron very similar to the one I had in my hands. I thought to myself, “Will I ever escape from the apron world?” I brushed that very small issue aside and took my apron and shirt and went home. I would start my first day of work the following morning, a Thursday which was perfect for me because I had no school that day. I put on my apron before I left my home like a good new employee, and was on my way. As I pulled into the large grocery store parking lot, I steered my eyes toward the area where I was told we as employees could park. I did so still cautious if it was the right area or not (I was nervous because when I filled out my employment papers, there was a blank provided for my license plate number, for the reason of my car being ticketed if I parked in a no employee parking-zone area). All the same I liked to think I was going to be ok. I walked into the store, feeling a bit shy due to the fact that every employee was probably looking at me because they knew I was new. I was afraid that I’d walk the wrong way or open the back door the wrong way, or that my kakis were the wrong wash or that my hair was too simple! Are all new employees that paranoid? So I went to the back room to clock in. I was feeling pretty excited to finally do it myself; the previous day during “tour” time I observed various employees bush fifteen buttons then swipe this cool card then press another seven buttons. I remember thinking I could not wait until I was not “new” anymore.

I clocked in that Thursday morning, feeling one step closer to being learned. When I was done (it only took 18 seconds) I turned around and stood still for a moment or two bewildered at what I should do next. Where was my supervisor who would come and rescue me from this dark hallway? I didn’t know if I should go out to the front or find a dark corner and wait till someone found me. I hated standing there looking “new”. Finally, surprised that I had to be the one to tell someone I was new, told some random person in an apron that I was new and was looking for a manager. I was found and put right to work behind the register. As a kid I remember taking field trips to a Museum for children and there was a pretend grocery store. I thought it was the most fun activity in all the world. I remember I always wanted to be the cashier and make the beep noise as other kids brought their plastic peppers and cereal boxes to the black conveyer belt. As I stood there with my manager standing right behind me literally breathing down my neck watching the ever move of my fingers and toes, I took the first item and as slow as I could be, (not on purpose) I ran it along the scanner. BEEP it was in the computer: WF BL BEANS. As if I wasn’t feeling dumb enough that I took five minutes to ring up two boxes of cereal and some more canned beans, my manager would slip out random side notes about everything. It wasn’t that I was doing everything wrong, she was just giving good pointers and I appreciated it. Things were going pretty good as I tried my hardest to make eye contact with the customer AND slide their grocery items, AND make conversation with them, AND continue to bare the embarrassment of my manager right behind me telling all that I am brand new. I remember when I worked at an ice cream parlor, new employees had to wear a tag that said they were new. Can a sigh of relief ring through the store? That would be excruciatingly painful to bare but I suppose having someone stand behind you telling what to do comes pretty close.

As time goes on (which passes very quickly here in the grocery store world) I notice the produce coming forth. For once in my life, I had a smart moment and knew there would not be a bar code on these thin plastic bags. I grabbed the Tomatoes, “What do I do with these?” I ask humbly. The reply comes, “set it on the scale to be weighed then type in 9133”. I did so and it rang up TOM ROMA. The dark days have begun. A code for ever produce item, and eventually I’d come to learn that there would be a code for every kind of tomato- is there a trap door underneath my shoes I can refer to? Each check stand came with a code sheet for every item that is in stock. I don’t know why I didn’t use this right away because Instead I turned around and asked the cashier behind me or if I had to, called out to a manager which I hated doing! I hated asking people. I was so caught up in how annoying it was so type in so many codes all starting with a 4, that I didn’t realize that soon I will have most of the common ones down! 4066 4070 4011 4068 4187 4062 why don’t we just add Pi 3.145673847382947398147398?! It seems just as complicated! I was amazed that other employees could just shout out a four digit code while having already memorized sixteen other codes. Oh the day when I can punch in that code on my own!

Now Tomatoes are like beetles; they don’t taste very pleasant and they are squishy; the way they nestle in my palms as I gently take hold of them to lift them up and then set them back down on the scale. A certain kind of Tomato came through, they were called Zebra- a much more expensive breed due to their exquisitely sword shaped green leaves that embrace the rounded tomato. Why are there so many different kinds of tomatoes and what makes them more expensive than the other? The soil which nourishes and produces such crimson fruit? I was sure at one point in my life that the earth holds soil of it’s own unique kind. Unless you go to China, I’ve heard their soil is much much colder and can cause fevers when in contact with human skin. I am not exactly sure why this is nor do I ever care to be sure because Tomatoes are unpleasant unless they are chopped in flea sized pieces mixed with refried beans and guacamole that came from a fresh pillow soft Avocado on sale for 99 cents--delicious.

My hands grow pretty dirty through out the day which means my poor dark blue apron becomes filthy as well, we’re like a team my apron and I, we both grow with filth and dislike tomatoes (juicy tomato juice does not perform an artistic masterpiece on dark blue). I’d like to say it is because of those retched tomatoes, but I cannot do so because they are safely secured in those dinky thin plastic bags they provide for you at the produce section. I could tear through those bags with my eyelashes. Maybe I should try doing that some time because forty-seven out of fifty-three customers will have tomatoes in their cart. Thank goodness they are scent free in those one penny bags.

I once knew of a a girl who could eat tomatoes like apples and grape tomatoes like grapes. I wish I could do that, they are truly healthy…but I still won’t do it, throw me an apple and I’m off both sugar and fat! We as a human race are so interesting in our differences in what we like and dislike. I love refried beans, you hate them. I hate banana peppers, you eat them for a snack. Why can’t we all like Tomatoes…uh…did I just admit that I wish I liked tomatoes? Ok I will admit it-they are so healthy and of a pretty color and they are abundant in variety. Enough of this poor allowance of tiny slivers of smashed tomatoes in my salad or bean dip. Is it possible to teach our minds to like a food of which we never have? At the end of the day, as I exit my check stand and release my till from the register to go to the back and enjoy recounting what I’ve been entering and receiving for seven hours, I untie my loosened apron bow, and hang it up on the trail of hooks, and gaze outward from the large windows overlooking the entire store. As the vegetales vegetables say, “If you like to talk to Tomatoes…” Another day of Tomatoes I say to myself. Perhaps tomorrow I will like them.

The End

Long Live The Christmas Season!

2009-12-29T23:25:00.001-08:00

Christmas came and gone like a car speeding past you. It seems almost impossible to grasp the reality of how fast years really do fly. I remember perfectly everything I did last Christmas of 2008, and now it’s almost 2010. This time last year I did not have a job so all I had to stress about was school. Having a job this year creates double stress and twice as busy of a life. I did not think life could get this busy. I love Christmas and unfortunately, this year I really had no time to grasp all the tiny details of Christmas that I love. I’ve listened to Christmas music every day as I went to school, I watched Christmas movies, but something was missing. As heart broken as I was with being so busy not even having time to soak up the fact that it is Christmas already, I topped it all off by working on Christmas Eve. It was a good day even though it was terribly busy because I was able to involve myself in a true Christmas service- an employee I worked with had his house robbed the previous night of his entire family’s Christmas presents. When I was informed, I extended a plea of giving from anyone who could donate a little something to this big gift basket. At the time he was finished with this shift (it was also his last day of work) we brought him to the back room with his parents and presented them with the gift basket, $180, and an 8 feet see through stocking filled with toys. It was very touching indeed. I was grateful that I was able to part of that experience because it brought a little more of Christmas in me. Well at closing time, I became extremely frustrated with the remaining customers as they pleasantly took their time through my line even when they noticed the lights were dimmed meaning “It’s time to go people”. This one woman took her precious time writing a check as I am anxious as anxious gets to get home to my family. Well I was able to be out of there by 6:30 pm still gathering all the while that It was Christmas Eve. I’ve never had a harder time believing in something. I got home very tired and emotional. My family was all ready to eat at the table. I changed and went to the table again, still trying to believe that I was not dreaming. The night passed very quickly. It was nice watching “It’s A Wonderful Life”. That brought my spirits up a little. I was sad most of the night though. All that was going through my mind was “Where did the year go???” Well Christmas day eventually came and it was a wonderful Christmas day filled with the joy that wasn’t quite felt on Christmas Eve. I was glad I felt it though. It is now December 30 and I say to the world, it is still Christmas. New Years is a part of the “Holidays”. How and why would you want to throw away your Christmas tree the day after Christmas? After all the work you’ve put into that and home decorations why would you want to take it down? While working through the Holidays, it grieved me to hear people say, “I can’t wait for Christmas to be over”. That phrase right there tells me they have forgotten what Christmas is all about. Yes the rushes are tiring, but it’s their own fault for putting it off so drastically. Christmas is turning very commercial and it appears to be all about presents more than it ever has before. I hope I can do as much as I can next year to enjoy every tiny beautiful thing about Christmas.

One thing I have always loved about my family traditions after Christmas, is how we go to Logan my grandparents house for New Years. It is so wonderful knowing after Christmas day is over, we still have that fun fun trip to take! It is just a relaxing time. Something about Logan is just relaxing. We play ping pong, watch movies, tour the old town and just have fun being with each other. I can’t wait! I love Logan and I am going to live there someday. Well, After new years, we will be back to the real world and that means for me another new semester of school. I enjoy school, but I will miss Christmas and the holidays terribly. There is no happier time in my life then during the cozy peaceful November and December months. But it is comforting to know that it really will be here very soon.

And A Happy New Year

2009-11-30T11:17:00.001-08:00

Oh the weather outside is delightful, but the fire is so frightful…

I love winter and I love this time of year. In the words of Bing Crosby and Danny Kay, “What is Christmas with no snow?”

I remember that It snowed last Christmas and it was glorious indeed. It seems as though once Christmas is over, snow and ice is just ugly white cold slushy dangerous stuff; perhaps. However, I still love snow storms.

This past thanksgiving was pleasant aside from me having a cold. Luckily Thursday wasn’t the height of my sickness so it was bearable…it was the next day which is decoration day. I have to rest every ten minutes because my throat was so painful every time I tried to swallow. It got that way from moving around a lot. All the same, I played the Christmas music and I got the decor up.

I’m so thankful for my family. I love my parents and siblings and the relationships I have with them. I love that we are a Disney family and that have the opportunity to vacation together so often and with Disney; it really is a dream come true. I’m thankful for my education and that I’m as far into college as I am. I love that I know where I’m going with my career and that if feels right and I enjoy it. I’m thankful for my employment. It was tricky getting a job, but I have one now and it’s a lot of fun. I’m thankful that home is a safe place for me and that I always want to be there. I’m thankful for good health and good health of my family. I’m thankful for the privilege I have to tend my nieces still. I’ve been doing it twice a week for four and a half years and it’s been very rewarding. I’m so lucky to have a way to make a bit more money on the side. My sister is so generous to me in this. And most of all, again I’m thankful for my family and the love we share with each other; the love clearly comes from Heavenly Father.

On a slight tangent, I’d like to one day come in contact with Kozy and ask them why they cut off Christmas music on December 26. Hmm…We wish you a merry Christmas we wish you a merry Christmas we wish you a merry Christmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! New years is part of the “Holidays” and I really wish they’d realize that. Now, I’ll still listen to the Christmas music on my ipod if they won’t play it, but it’d be nice to turn it on on the radio when my ipod is dead.

What is playing on my Ipod you ask? Well I listen to only the best and the music I grew up listening during the holidays:

Mannheim Steamroller

Pat a Pan

Joy to the World

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Deck the Halls

Stille Nacht

Good King Wenceslas

Neil Diamond

Morning Has Broken

White Christmas

The Christmas Song

War is Over

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

What I love about my family’s New Years tradition is that we go up to Logan and stay with our grandparents. Although Grandpa Scott passed away in June, It’ll be slightly different without him there. It’ll be quieter with less laughs. But of course we won’t forget him. So it’s fun to know after Christmas we still have our trip there to look forward to. We have snow ball fights and play pool and ping pong as it snows outside, we go to Smith’s Market Place to buy treasures for the men and their New Years shoe. I love that tradition and I get weird looks when I tell people about how on New Years Eve we lay out our shoes and in the morning there’s a little gift or two with candy; it’s just another fun surprise to look forward to.

What’s most hard to believe is that it’s just this time of year again. I remember more than perfectly everything I was doing a year ago. Once we get to this time of year, time freezes which makes the year until now seem like it really flew.

Well until my next post, Merry Christmas.

Our Disney Cruise…Off the Florida Key

2009-11-26T21:47:00.001-08:00

I finally found the time to talk about our cruise. There’s so much to say to I had to take a lot of time to do it! Enjoy!

November 7, Saturday morning we made our way to the airport. I was feeling sick all night and crossed my fingers extra tight, tighter than the parent trap twins, that I’d get better for our most magical vacation. Feeling mediocre on the way to the airport, and on the plane, I finally felt recovered Saturday night; I was very glad. We stayed at a most exquisite Marriott in Orlando near the airport. We had a pleasant night, aside from our twittered stomachs anticipating what we would see the very next day. In a hurry, that very next day came swiftly. We got ready and caught our van that would deliver us to the port of dreams. After about an hours ride, a very frightful one to most of my kin, rumors have it that the driver was going eighty, though I didn’t mind nor notice, we arrived at Port Canaveral and spotted as if it was a contest who could spy it first, the Disney Wonder. Once we got out of the van, a perfect Florida breeze hitting our faces, we made our way through an unfamiliar detour due to construction right at the site. We entered the doors under the huge sign that read DISNEY CRUISE LINE and got through security safely, except for my elder brother Ben…you’ll have to ask him yourself ;) We nearly walked impatiently up the escalators up to the enormous lobby where we would check in and board the ship. To much of our surprise, the entire building was decorated for Christmas. I was so glad because I had been hoping it would be; and seeing the lobby decorated triggered our thoughts to the possibility of the ship’s interior to be all decorated. I’ll skip ahead and give away the surprise that it was decorated! As we finally entered in the boat the greeters asked our last names then announced through their microphones, “Disney Wonder please welcome the Fowles and the Jensen Family!” It was quite thrilling really. Well this being our second cruise, we found ourselves a bit more familiar with our surroundings and where to find our rooms. We did so speedily, and went directly to Beach Blanket Buffet. We enjoyed a big lunch and then went off to explore the ship. At around three or four in the afternoon, the sail away party began with dancers and even some Disney characters hopping on stage to dance as well. It was very fun to be in the crowd dancing away knowing all this fun we’re having is only the beginning! Before the ship took off, we heard it’s horn blow loud and clear “When you wish upon a star…” How cute is that. And before we knew it, we were treading water. That night there was a show in the Walt Disney theater called The Golden Mickey's and what it was was parts of almost every Disney movie played out on the stage; it was very entertaining. My favorite one was Tarzan. Anyway, after that we just explored some more, ventured to the various lounges and hallways. Again, it was so delightful to see beautiful Christmas wreathes up against the windows, and Christmas trees here and there and the main lobby where we first walked in had a enormous tree by the stairs. It was glorious to see these decorations throughout the ship and what was even more wonderful is that there was music playing in the halls and elevators and that music was from Disneyland! I did not remember that happening from our first cruise so it was so fun. The first night was a lot of fun because the boat rocked a lot because of our speed and it was extremely windy outside. My dad and my brothers and I all went to the bow of the ship and stood at the very front. The wind was so strong we could hardly walk without having to hold on to the railing. It blew against our faces that we could hardly open our eyes. They tried their best to play basketball. It was funny to see their shots blow right back at them after shooting. I’ll never forget that night.

Well, Monday morning we arrived at Nassau and got off the ship at around ten a.m. All of us went straight to the scooter rental place to get our scooters, then we rode them around for a while, then us ladies were dropped off at the flee markets while the men rode away happily (All this while, little Reese was being taken care of at the adorable Oceaneers Club.) We found cute purses and jewelry and didn’t have to spend all that much! Well I don’t want to keep going into unnecessary details, so I'll be haste. Mom and dad went to Atlantis, while me and the older sibs did some more joy riding to a beach a bout a half our along the coast. It was so neat to ride around and get to know the country instead of lingering in boring tourist boundaries. Well we all had to be back on the ship at 6 pm or it’s ‘so long Disney Wonder, hello life on an island with no airport.’ or so I’ve heard they have no airport. Anyway, that night was a lot of fun…we…ok I actually can’t remember what we did exactly but I know what we did was absolutely magical! During the cruise, we had dinner at three places. Sunday night was Animators Palate, Monday night was Parrot Cay, Tuesday night was also Parrot Cay and Wednesday night was Tritons which we did not do, a few of us went to the five star Palo while the remainders wallowed in self pity due to insufficient age/lack of desire and possibly money (Palo is an additional $15). Well the reason why I brought up where we ate is because that was where we were able to first meet our waiter/waitress. They were great to us and we will always remember them as we still remember our first ones! My favorite place we dined at was probably Parrot Cay. Our table was right by the huge window. We were quite lucky.

Well moving on to Tuesday, November 10. We arrived early at Disney’s private Island, Castaway Cay. The weather was perfect, as it was at Nassau. I somehow lost my family as they went ahead without me and ventured to the beach while I wasted precious time searching for them on the extra large boat. Frustrated at them I gave up and went ahead to the beach hoping to stumble upon them. I took a few pictures by myself and had some “alone” time I guess (not like I needed it) but then as I approached the family beach (there are three beaches, the family beach, teen beach and serenity bay for people ages 18 and older) I was spotted by my father. I was relieved I will be frank. I felt like a child, so upset that I was lost, though I did not shed a tear. Well we all enjoyed a relaxing morning on the beach. The water was very warm once you got use to it. It was so amazing to sit on the sand breathing the Bohemian air and looking at the ship just parked there so still thinking, “I can’t believe we’re here.” Every minute on that island was truly fascinating. Well, after not too long, we were already quite anxious to go rent our bikes. Little Reese was dropped off with the oceaneers and we went ahead on our bikes and went exploring. Our surroundings were beautiful. We were even fortunate to receive a little precipitation while riding. It was a humid warm rain, but still neat. Once we dropped of the bikes after a relaxing hour of riding, it was time for lunch. The barbeque they had for us was exceptional. Disney just loves to party so while we were eating there was music playing, games going on, and of course characters wandering about. I loved it! Well, after lunch we made our way over to Serenity Bay. The man in charge of rentals for tubes and pads let us have five of them for free because we told him we were only going to use them for an hour or so, not the entire day like as the offer called for. Now Serenity Bay was my favorite. The water was as warm as a pool. Laying on that pad drifting slowly was one of the most relaxing times of my life. It was so quiet and a light cool breeze would brush over me but not make me cold because the water would flood over me a few inches or so. I did not want to leave.

So we spent about an hour at Serenity before we had to start making our way back to the ship. We got some shopping in and some last minute pictures of the beaches and the Flying Dutchman (the ship used in the movie Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Mans Chest is parked there) with the ship; great picture with the two together.

Well it was sad as my mom and I leaned against the railing saying goodbye to Castaway Cay. Were were at sail again and were going to be for the next 36 hours. Tuesday night was the traditional Pirate Party Disney holds every night after Castaway’s visit. All it really was was dancing. We were all kind of thinking…”ok we get the point…you guys like to dance” but hey, I got into it so it was fun! That night after we all did some shopping in the little stores, we met in the Walt Disney theater for the showing of the new Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey. It was good! And also that night at eleven p.m. was Karaokee at Wavebands lounge. My brothers Bryce and Brad both did Johnny Cash songs and I did Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean and then Ben and Lindsey did a duet from Grease. It was a fun night!

Wednesday November 11 was our day at sea. We swam and ate and ate and swam. In the afternoon some of us went to the showing of “UP” in the Buena Vista Theater. I loved it! It was my first time seeing it and I almost cried. Hanging out on the deck was a lot of fun. Seeing nothing but the ocean was thrilling. There’s a brand new cafe called Outlook cafe that has all glass windows above the Cove (adult pool) so you can see everything including the ocean. Around six thirty that evening, a thunder storm occurred. It was so awesome to see the waves slowly get higher and rougher and to see the rain drops collapsing constantly on them. Although we didn’t feel a difference in the rocking of the boat, we still got the same affect just by staring at the waves crashing against the boat. As we hung out on the deck, we began a game of shuffle board. About five minutes in, were were surprised to see Captain Hook walking towards us, then we were even more surprised to see that he wanted to play with us! So we handed him a stick and he played for a few minutes. We were so lucky that dad came outside in time to take pictures of us with him. Those pictures are priceless. That night it was our night to dine at Palo. We got to dress up which was fun. Mom and dad and my youngest brothers didn’t come, only I and my elder siblings. It was dark outside but we could still see and hear the rain hitting the large glass windows. It was fun to be able to look outside. After dinner, we met up with the others to hear the most exciting news! Mom and dad added more points to our vacation club and the reason for that action is because only on the ship were they offering points at a killer discount, and so they couldn’t resist! They saved thousands of dollars. We were all so excited. This means our Disney vacations will come even sooner after each other. So after that little pow wow we made a movie together. Just took random clips of funny things we were doing on the ship, as if we were being spied on. Lindsey and I spent a little while longer in Cadillac Lounge located on deck 3 at the bow of the ship. We got to know a waiter there named Ross. He was very nice, and very cute I’d like to add. What was crazy is that as we were sitting there, the time being about eleven thirty, we looked behind us toward the huge windows, and saw that we were already slowly approaching our dock. I couldn’t believe it. My brother in law Chad and I, always being the ones who stay up last and latest, went out on deck and watched us port. It was neat. After that, we retired and we all woke up to one last breakfast at Beach Blanket Buffet, then sadly walked off the ship. We took a few last looks at the Wonder before our van picked us up. We immediately already began reminiscing of our experiences and thrills and it was that way on the ride to the airport, waiting for our flight, sitting on the plane, getting off the plane, and in the car driving home. Today is Thanksgiving November 26 and we all watched videos and pictures together in our theater laughing and loving every minute of it. The day after we returned, we all still felt like we were on vacation. We didn’t know what to do with ourselves. It all seemed like a dream that cruise. It was truly magical and I wouldn't cruise with any other line. Long live the mouse! :)

Dear October

2009-11-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Farewell October. Like the others you flew by incredibly fast, but you truly are my favorite month. You sent fall a bit late I'd say...but you also snowed and that was thrilling! I'm going to miss you terribly because I love everything that goes on: Halloween, red and oranged leaves, cool breezes and just a fall feeling! I love the cozy feel every day. Now, I want to let you know what I was for Halloween, you're final day. I was wind blown on the 30th and then a milk jug on Halloween. I got to wear those to work so it was fun! Ahh I still can't believe how much I already miss you. Although it is still fall out, it won't last for too much longer because snow is going to invade, but don't worry I'll still love you more.

Love,
Britney

I'm Still Single. . .

2009-10-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait to be married and have about one hundred and fifty more things to write about. It is a different world writing from a single life. I have no stories of funny things my kids did, or stories of my honeymoon, or stories of my pregnancy. . .but some day I shall. So I will keep writing independently and freely; after all my major is creative writing, so I should get all the creative poems and stories in before life takes over and I start having to write about non-single life!

Opinions vs. Facts

2009-10-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

I'd like to write about something that's been on my mind lately, something I've noticed with people. First I'd like to bring up the terms we call Opinions and Facts.

Opinion: A belief that may or may not be backed up with evidence.

Fact: A pragmatic truth, a statement that can, at least in theory, be checked and confirmed.
(source: Wikipedia)

Example 1. Lets pretend I was talking with some friends about who the best looking actor is. I say, "I think Hugh Jackman is so attractive". They then say, "He's really not."

1. Hello, I was giving an opinion and you can't say to me he's really not. Where is your proof that he's really not? Where can you confirm that? What this person should have said instead was, "In my opinion, I don't think he is."

Example 2. Lets say I was talking to a classmate and said, "I like the name Logan." And then they say, "That's not a name."

1. Hello, who are you to say it's not a name? Do you have back up? A statement saying it's not a name? I didn't think so.

Example 3. Lets say a friend of mine began to discuss the issues among congress. I notice confusion she has with one cabinet and the other. I correct her and say, "Actually I think it's this way other than that way." That would be more factual than opinionated because I could find proof for my answer.

I've heard people who will correct wrong facts in a mean way. All we have to say is, "Actually I thought it was this" or, "It might be this!" or, "I actually heard this". No need to get excited for knowing something someone does not and then make them feel stupid for not knowing it. This has happened to me many times and I wish people would just word their phrases differently; so instead of saying, "I can't believe you didn't know that" or "Wow everyone knows that". (sarcastic tone) they could say, "Oh, I thought you'd know that." or "Well now that you know that, isn't it great?"

I bring these thoughts up because it's becoming so common these days. People will interfere when someone gives their opinion by trying to outsmart them (when the opinion giving person was not trying to prove factual knowledge) and transform the "opinion", turn it opposite, and make it to sound factual-very unnecessary. People should not get offended or think they have to hurry and outsmart a person because they disagree with the opinion; they need to stop and think hey, they were just speaking their minds-nothing official.

That is all.

The Wonder

2009-10-24T13:48:00.001-07:00

On January 27 2009, my family embarked on our first Disney cruise and had the time of our lives. Being in the Disney Vacation Club allows us to vacation more than we ever would with incredible benefits! We are so lucky that we are already going on our 2nd Disney cruise!! We all can't wait. I wrote a poem out of my excitement. . .

The Wonder

Just over the bridge
there is a ship of red and blue.
Larger than ten houses,
there will be nothing you won't do.

We pull out our tickets;
our passport of dreams
and anxiously make way,
hastily it seems.

We are greeted by smiles
asking our names
then ringing through the ship
we catch a glimpse of fame.

Through mazes we find our rooms
then interest soars;
tall and wide we roam
up and down twelve floors.

Three pools on our left,
a movie theater on our right,
mickey mouse passing by,
cuisines at every sight!

We cannot help but smile
when smiles are all we see.
The horn blows strong and clear
filling our bodies with glee!

The water begins to hustle;
a view with no end.
The Florida breeze cools,
the Disney ship has begun to send.

2009-10-24T13:47:00.003-07:00

2009-10-24T13:47:00.001-07:00

Some Sun and Poetry

2009-10-20T09:06:00.001-07:00

Over the UEA break, my family and I had the pleasure of going to Moab. The weather was perfect, not hitting above 70 degrees. We visited Dead Horse Point and Park Avenue in Arches. They were spectacular, especially Dead Horse Point- I had never been there before. At Park Avenue, we dropped dad, Bryce, and Brian off at the beginning (Brad was back at the Condo, he wasn’t feeling too good-very sad)and we drove to the end and walked up to meet them halfway, people passing us said, “This way’s harder! You should’ve gone down instead of up”" I wanted to explain that we know the route, we were just going this way to meet up with our kin. Very funny.

Anyway, on Saturday our last day, Grandma Julie, who we had the wonderful company of, was paining and pasting away in her thick creative scrapbooks. I sat next to her out on the deck and listened and watched her in the zone. I was very much intrigued by it all. I stood up and said, “Grandma, I’m going to write a poem about this very scene, what your doing.” She laughed and was thrilled. I took a seat on a near by anti-gravity chair (newest addition to the condo) and started writing. After only about twenty minutes or so, I presented to her my poem:

Grandma’s Paint

The sun gives
ideal source
for drying acrylic;
perfect for her pages
on which she pastes
thoughts and pleasures.

Light breeze ripples
on hardening liquid.
Cool eases heat
that hits her forhead
but even then
strokes of stained fingers
on crinkled paper
ignore unsettledness.

Birds afar conquer
allowing new ideas
to enter book;
cars hum, them also
implanting a new head title.

All now that is heard
are dogs, birds, faint bugs
and grandma's brushing,
paper crackling.
The king of creative
could not even compete.

She closes book;
cracking of new and
past entries.
Thicker than a brick,
she'll return on inspired ideas.

I felt so honored when she then cheered with glee (like Grandma does) and demanded she have a copy for each of her books. I was very excited. Later on after a few changes in the poem, very minor, I wrote it on a half sheet of lined paper and set it on the table on the deck, next to her crafts for her to see. She was very excited. If there’s anyone to be complimented on my poems by, it’s Grandma. I like to say I have adapted her style of writing to my own. I hope one day I can have a book of poetry like she does.

Dear September

2009-09-29T13:25:00.001-07:00

I can’t believe how fast you went by! Don’t be offended or anything, but I’m glad your over because that means it’s time for October, which brings red leaves and cold, and eventually Thanksgiving and Christmas! It was a fun month though. You were full of corn mazes, babysitting, bunko and decor shopping. Thanks for displaying all Halloween decor so early! Makes me so excited! Well, there’s not much else to say except, I’ll see you next year and we both know that will come by faster than we think.

Love,

Britney

Chesnuts and Pumpkins

2009-09-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

I cannot put into words how much I love Fall, Halloween, and Christmas. A cold, rainy fall morning is another's hot sunny summer's evening. I am in love with the upcoming seasons. Just thinking about them makes me smile. Right now, I cannot wait to see the mountain's trees turn all the way Red. I cannot wait to see orange leaves on the ground and covering my car. I cannot wait to hear the wind howling, knowing it's carrying a cold chill, and I cannot wait to wake up to the sound of rain, a sky full of grey clouds, and fog covering the mountains. That is a moment where I'm most happy.

I just decorated my room for Halloween, decorations bought last year, over $40 worth (I spend more money on decor than clothes!) I think Halloween is my most favorite holiday to decorate for and yes, I decorate my room, where else can I?! I put up spider webs on my one piece of furniture (a humble straw chair) and on the corners outside my closet and on my lights. I also set up my harvest spice candle that has filled my room with the glorious scent of fall. I put up fake leaves and hid pumpkins in them, and I laid my pumpkin fleece blanket on my bed. If that's not love for Halloween, I don't know what is. It's amazing how scents remind us of things. I went to my sisters house the other day, and when I walked in, I smelt fall. I smelt Halloween, I smelt Christmas. Immediately, I was there again.

Ah Christmas. Is it any wonder that the time we celebrate Christ's birth is truly the happiest, most peaceful time of the year? It is when people come together. When shopping at the grocery store, everyone seems to be a bit more friendly. It's when we're standing in a terribly long line while Christmas shopping, but not at all frustrated, because we can see snow outside, and we can hear Christmas music playing. At least that's how it is for me. I love the Christmas rush, and although it appears to be a stressful time for most (the shopping etc.), I try to make the most of it because it only comes once a year and there is not any other time in the year that can even come close to how the Christmas season makes us feel.

I cannot wait to leave school, speedily zipping up my coat because it just started to snow. I cannot wait to get into my car, blast the heater, and turn on Christmas music on Kozy, cheeks still ice from outside. I cannot wait to arrive home from school, see the Christmas tree through the front window, and hear Christmas music playing in the kitchen. I cannot wait to go in my room to work on homework and see the decorations I put up a month early. I cannot wait to watch White Christmas and The Bishops Wife with my dad. I cannot wait to hear Mannheim Steamroller and Neil Diamond Christmas music, because that is really where it all started for me. And last of all, I cannot wait for. . .

Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire

Yuletide carols, being sung by a choir

Folks dressed up like Eskimos

Tiny tots, with their eyes all aglow

To see if Reindeer really know how to fly

To know that Santa's on his way

Two turtle doves

Tree tops glistening

Children listening

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

How to Write a Deep Poem In 10 Minutes

2009-09-15T14:59:00.001-07:00

(caution: take heed only to your risk, amateur poet ahead)

Pick something or someone write your poem about. Gather unfamiliar words and form them into Renaissance dialogue (optional). Leave out or replace unnecessary words such as because, however, actual, awesome, again, etc. Right click on words to find synonyms that may sound more sophisticated and refined. Don't refer to anything directly. Use metaphors and analogies.

Here is a poem I wrote in 8 minutes.

Falls Ending

Post rains visit

as drenched leaves follow.

Gusts seem to speak;

recollect on seasons haste

memories among scents.

It is your crimson,

not white, I wish to see.

Vibrant skies

harmonizing with

everything you have

given to my ground.

Now comes white world.

Fall last seemd to pass,

devoid of farewell.

Frozen rain raids,

layering your colors.

Here, exodus

of this glorious setting,

'til we meet again.

Chocolate Rain

2009-09-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterdays rain put a smile on my face. I was at school at around 11 am talking to my good friend out on the grass when it started. We both sat there letting the rain collapse on our heads and clothes and we loved every second of it. Everything about yesterday looked like fall and it was brilliant. The clouds hovering over Timpanogas made it look like it was snowing. Words cannot describe how much I love and am excited for Fall and Winter. We pull out our winter clothing and start buying hot chocolate. We light our fire places, or put on a movie while in cozy pajamas. I think the most priceless moment anyone can have in their lives, well in my life, is cuddling up with a blanket, drinking hot chocolate by the fire, while it's snowing outside. I cannot wait for that. I am also excited to be able to watch White Christmas and The Bishops Wife, some of my personal favorites.

I humor people when I tell them i decorate my room for the holidays. It's my excuse for not having my own home, but hey, when I do, I will already have plenty of decor! Halloween is probably the most fun to decorate for, then Christmas.

Well, again, yesterdays weather got me excited so I thought I'd post a little note on the upcoming seasons.

There and There Again

2009-09-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

It seems to always be too late to answer frequently asked questions on here. All the same, I'll talk a little about school and answer the question I'm always asked.

I love school. I once wrote a status on Facebook saying how much I loved it, and my friend replied to it by saying something along the lines of "ha ha ha i love it too! ;)" and we all know the winky face means just kidding. So I replied by saying, "No, I really do love school!" And it's true. I enjoy learning and listening to lectures. I think their brilliant. It's amazing how different school is and your learning when not only the class is good, but the teacher is personal leading to effectiveness. I love when teachers take the time to get to know you. It seems to assist you in taking the class more seriously, and making the best out of it.

I am now a sophomore at Utah Valley University. I go Monday, and Wednesday 8 am to 3 pm, and Friday 10 am to 1 pm. I am taking Math 1010, Shakespeare, English 2010, and Art History. So far my favorite is probably Art History, because all it is is the teacher talking, filling our minds with greatness!

My favorite semester so far has been Fall of '08. I took a tennis class, that was fun despite not learning new skills, and just playing against other team members.

I remember my first semester in college, Spring of '08. I slept over at my sisters house who at the time lived in Orem near by and since my first class was at 7 am, I thought It'd be smart to stay over, being so close. I remember parking by the new library which back then was still being built. It was still dark outside and there was hardly anyone around. My first class was History which I loved. But I only loved the lectures. The teacher never asked us our names, he never encouraged us to meet the person sitting next to us, and he never discussed in class how we were doing on the quizzes (there was never any homework). No matter how many times I read the chapters, or how many notes I took, I failed every single quiz. They were very hard and I only wished they were on what was talked about. (Maybe they were and it was just too early to concentrate, yeah that's it) Well I guess the story is over now that I've become the victim.

Moving on. I once wrote a short story in 11th grade. To me it was one of the best things I had ever written. How it came about was my teacher had everyone write down on small strips of paper a place, a noun, and an action, then he drew one of each out of the jar. We ended up with a Chef, a rooftop, and the action was running. We all had to write a short story including those three things somewhere in it. So, the first thing that popped in my head before I had even thought up a story line was my title, "The Running Chef's Rooftop." I then thought to make it about a restaurant that is run down but brought back to life by some kind of motivation given to the old man who once owned it and lived in the apartment above. It was about a page long. I was so proud of my details and imagery, that when I read it for the class, I made sure I read it slowly and clearly (something that I have weakness in). When I was finished reading it, I received a decent applause and a "Great job" from my teacher, I think. I guess I was over prideful because I was so hoping my teacher would ask me for a copy to show to future classes as an example of "greatness" Yeah right. But nonetheless, It did not diminish my confidence and pride. I still loved the story. Today, I do not know where I placed "The Running Chef's Rooftop" and I've tried at least thrice to re-write it and I cannot. Perhaps it's one of the stories that cannot be re-written again, for it has already been mastered.

I love to write which is why I started this blog. If anyone has any prompt to offer, any idea for a short story, PLEASE let me know!
'Till we meet again

LOST-From Genius to Crap

2009-09-08T20:06:00.001-07:00

Calm down, this isn’t my opinion, but it is of others and I’d like to take a minute to discuss why and how a person could think such a thing. My personal background with LOST goes like this: In 2007, I watched the pilot episode of Season 1 while babysitting. Just one episode, nothing more. I was so intrigued by it all that I bought the season the NEXT day! It left me in such suspense that I couldn’t wait until I came back to this house to watch the next episode, it’d be a week at the least! Well, I wouldn’t have it, I wanted LOST for my own. So I handed over $50 to the target cashier and literally skipped to my car with glee.

Ever since then I’ve been a fan and have kept up with every season. Season two is personally my favorite followed by one, then three. One is a lot of fun because almost every episode (after the first disc or two because it’s slow with introductions) there is mystery and suspense. About a month ago, my friend Chanelle, who I introduced the television show to, and I were watching an episode where one of the “passengers” on the plane who before this scene, we find out he was never on the plane and is most likely what they call, an “other”, sneaks up on the young passengers, Claire and Charlie in the jungle, and my friend screamed at the top of her lungs! It was very funny and to this day I’m still laughing at how loud she was.

Anyway, that wasn’t the first time we were on the edge of seats with wide eyes just waiting for another intense part. LOST is full of it. Now Season 2 gets good with new characters from the other side of the plane on the other side of the Island, and a new discovery, The Hatch which is an underground living space. With thrilling suspicions and psycho flashbacks, Season 2 is worth it. Now I’ll briefly go through season three and four. Three we discover about three more hatches on the island that contain unresolved surroundings and people. Season four we feel relieved because there’s a freighter out in the ocean to pick up the survivors of the plane crash, but then we find out that really these rescuers primary objective is not to rescue. Season five began in January of 2009. With season four already slanting down with creativeness and reality, five brought some of it’s fans down and disappointment.

A close friend of mine replied when asked what he thought about season five by saying he hated it. Absolutely hated it. I was able to understand a little of where he was coming from. The Island disappearing under the water, one of the survivors shooting a young boy, and the ending of light hearted moments found in Season one and two. There’s no more scenes at the end of episodes where there's fun music playing and everyone is friends and everything seems to be o.k. That's the LOST we all fell in love with in the beginning; how there could be this black smoke that kills people and then Boone dies, but everyone is slowly brought together by a kind word, or a joke, or a laugh. That's how LOST was kept alive in us because there was variety.

I like to say LOST is every genre: Romance, Action, suspense, Comedy, and Drama. It's true! But in season five some may recall LOST let go of the genres we love and only held onto drama and suspense. Where's the comedy? Where's the love? I miss season one and two! Again, these are not my opinions, but I can surely understand someone who would think this way. LOST is still an amazing show, but the writers seem to be running out of ideas and replacing them with ridiculous twists that shatter our own imagination. Let us hope season six is the best one being the last one!

By Raise of Hand…

2009-09-08T14:26:00.001-07:00

Who’s heard of Ernest Shackleton, The Marx Brothers, or Harold Lloyd? What about the films, Snowball Express, It Happened One Night, Shackleton, or maybe Newhart or The Honeymooners? I’m writing about this today because these people and films are classic and I’ve asked a lot of friends (most of whom are my age) if they’ve heard of either, and they reply to my great sorrow, no. Even if you, readers, have not like my young friends, take an interest now and fill your mind with new knowledge of greatness.

To name a few…

Ernest Shackleton

I once had a conversation with a friend who is in my singles ward named John. We got on topic of great shows and I asked him if he had ever heard of Shackleton. He replied, No, and it surprised me. He seemed to be the kind of chap that would know of him. Because of my own personal fondness of such a man, I knew there’d be no way I’d leave the conversation not having taught another person what I know. So, I taught.

Ernest Shackelton was an Anglo-Irish explorer who was one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. He was a great leader because his goal was to not let one man in his entire crew die. He was determined to make sure every man came home alive. In 1915, Ernest Shackelton embarked on one of the most astonishing, harrowing and ultimately inspiring polar expeditions in the history of exploration. With his ship ice bound and his food supplies running from scarce to barren, Shackleton’s leadership enabled all 27 of his original crew members to survive the one year ordeal and return to England. His instincts and ability to guide through the most desperate and derisive circumstances is the stuff of sheer, unequaled heroism. (See 2002 film “Shackelton” with Kenneth Branagh)

The Marx Brothers

My father introduced these great people some three years ago. Taken back by complete randomness and awe, I fell in love with the geniuses comedic aspects of each Marx Brothers films. I too ask my friends if they’ve heard of them and they reply, no. “Ah! But they’re so funny!” I reply. And they are. I believe that everyone has a small recollection of viewing them sometime in their life at home, but they cannot recall an episode or funny line.

Possibly some of the most comedic actors in the 20th Century, Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo, all brothers, come together in five classic Hollywood films in the 1920’s. They include, “The Coconuts”, “Animal Crackers”, “Horse Feathers”, “Duck Soup”, and “Monkey Business”. After these five films were made, the youngest brother Zeppo, did not continue on to be in the last four films made in the early 1930’s. The Marx Brothers humor is unique and Irresistible!

*fun fact: Hawkeye Pierce in the 1970’s television hit, M*A*S*H, based his character role off the thick eyebrow and moustache goofball, Groucho.

Harold Lloyd

I was introduced to Harold Lloyd about three years ago and laughed my head off in one of his silent films. I’m not quite sure why Charlie Chaplin is more popular than Lloyd, but I will say that in my humble opinion, Lloyd is as funny if not funnier than Chaplin; he does his own stunts too ;)

Harold Lloyd ranks alongside Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton as one of the most popular and influential film comedians of the silent film era. Lloyd made nearly 200 comedy films, both silent and "talkies," between 1914 and 1947. He is best known for his "Glasses Character", a resourceful, success-seeking go-getter who was perfectly in tune with 1920s era America.

Dear August (2009)

2009-09-07T20:21:00.001-07:00

I miss you already but at the same time…you being gone means the holidays are even sooner! You are the month that school started once again for me. Thanks for not being too hot. I have a feeling it’ll be a early fall/winter. I hope your excited as I am even though you’re long gone, but I have no doubt we’ll see each other before we know it! Well during your month, I was able to do a lot! Like i mentioned at the beginning, school started, I got to watch my friend, who’s in the National Guard, jump out of a helicopter, I got to spend the entire day with my cousin who got married! I got to attend the breakfast, the temple pictures, and the entire reception, It was lovely, perfect weather too, and I went to the Bean Museum with my siblings and their kids. Well, you were a good month, we’ll see what September has to offer! We’ll talk soon!

Music Videos from the Toilet Store

2009-09-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

Armi Ja Danny - I Want To Love You Tender

Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up

They’re called, Family

2009-09-07T19:45:00.001-07:00

I was born in Boise Idaho on March 28, 1989. We moved to Pleasant Grove one year later and have lived in this house for 19 years. My family is very close and I'm glad we've stayed in this house as long as we have because we've been able to make so many memories here.

Dad- He is probably one of the funniest people I know. He's such a good person and I'd trust him more than anyone. I think he has an amazing singing voice and is spectacular at the piano.

Mom- I love the little things she does. Her funny faces and noises. I'm proud to say I got those from her. I love it most when she's in a good mood, it changes everything!

Ben-We were the closest before he left on his mission. I wrote him the entire time. Next to my dad, he's one of the funniest people I know. Sometimes he makes jokes that no one really laughs at, but I laugh my head off. He is my hero.

Lindsey (Sister-in-law)- Before Ben started seriously dating her, he told me, you and Lindsey are a lot alike, and we are! She's crazy like me and we can be dorks and laugh about it!

Bree- My only sis. Ever since her first daughter Reese was born, we've gotten very close, closer than ever before. She's hilarious and I love that I've been able to tend for her for four years.

Chad (Brother-in-law)- The first thing he said to me when he first came over to our house was, "I like your bracelet." What a suck up. He's of course like my older brother. I admire how he gives me random calls in the week just wanting to talk and ask me how school is going. Chad is rad.

Bryce- Oh Bryce. What to say. He's my bud and ever since he's returned from his mission a year and a half ago, we've gotten close. Going to school together, homework together, and being in the same singles ward. We have fun making stupid jokes.

Brad- My best friend. If there's anyone weirder than I am, it's him. We get along better than peanut butter and jelly. He makes me laugh all the time. We accept each other despite our oddities and peculiarities.

Brian- The most humble kid I know. He's my spongebob buddy. He's someone who will laugh at anything and is up for watching a movie with me anytime.

Reese (My niece)- I can't believe she's four. I've watched her grow literally, every since she was born I've been tending her twice a week and to this day. Words cannot describe how much I love that girl. She is so funny and I feel so lucky to be her aunt.

Sawyer (My nephew)- What a handsome boy! I know we'll be friends when he's older...he doesn't like me that much yet :p He's so stinkin cute and I love seeing him learn new things including how to talk!

Estella (Reese's sister)- Cute baby girl. She's turning one in just one month and I can't believe it. Her personality is so fun and she's such a crazy girl! I love it! For the first few months we all thought her personality would be calm and quiet, but now, she's wild like her sister!

Life as a Nanny

2009-09-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

I've been babysitting for over 8 years and it's been quite an awarding experience. I started at the age of twelve or so, tending for kids in the neighborhood. In the beginning up until about 2005, some of the families I was with were the Warrens,and Waldvogels. The Gordons and Kirbys from then till this past summer, and of course my sisters kids from 2005 to now. When asked what I do, I recently discovered that it might be best if I just answered, I'm a nanny, instead of, I babysit. It just sounds better doesn't it? So in 2006 I got my first "real" job at Cold Stone Creamery. I was employed there for two years exactly. May '06 to May '08. It was...a good job, I started at $5.15 an hour to $10. The ten an hour came about after I told my boss I wanted to quit...she asked me if maybe I could work ever now and then, once or twice a month for $10 and I said sure. So I did that from March to May 10 and that was my last day. Anyway, I suppose I'm getting off track, but during those two years at the stone, I still was able to babysit erm...nanny? And I'm glad because I was able to make a little extra cash, and stay in touch with friends that I've known for so long. For the first 5 years I never said what I charged, I just accepted what they gave me. About a year ago, I started tending for two more families and we actually discussed what pay was reasonable. It worked out great. To this day I still tend for those two families and another family once in a while that I've been with since i was 14. I love it. I love kids and I wouldn't trade any experience for this. I want to be a mother more than anything and I hope all these years of tending kids will benefit!

4 Places I Love

2009-09-06T17:31:00.001-07:00

1- Home While I was in high school, I always came home for lunch and I hardly ever hung out on the weekends with my friends, I never went to Football games or dances (besides Sadies, Homecoming etc.) Sure I had friends, but it was purely choice to go out or stay home. I loved sitting on the couch and just taking with my family. I loved watching movies with my little brothers. I just preferred to stay at home, I felt safe and happy.

2. Disneyland Maybe it was because my first trip was when I was about 4, or because...well I can't think of any other reason of why I love Disneyland so much. I believe the magic comes when you visited for the first time as a child. When you couldn't believe that Aladin had his arm around you for a picture, or that there were pirates singing to you, or how Mickey would dance and perform magic on water. There's magic in Disneyland and we all know that once we step inside, it literally feels like anothe r world. We forget there's a world out there, that we have jobs back home (ahem...except me) and tests we have to study for. You feel H-A-P-P-Y and totally relaxed. I am proud to say that my family is a Disney family. As a family we've been about 11 + times. I love the memories we created there. Being in the Disney Vacation Club since 2005, we have been able to stay in the Disneyland Hotel twice and go on soon to be, two Disney cruises.

3. Logan Sigh. I love Logan. It is where my mothers parents have resided for over thirty years. Their river side mansion home is where I'd like to say I grew up. My first trip there was when I was about one year old. I have been at least once a year since then. Now growing up, Logan to me was my grandparents house. It was like their house was called Logan. Now we all love our grandparents house, the ones we too grew up in. We love the smell, the pictures, and the memories we created in every corner of the house. I love the smell, and the pictures. I love that all my cousins can share with me so many memories and that we can all reminisce on practically everything that went on in that house. And what went on? Diet Coke and Pepsi in the basement freezer, Gum on top of the frigde in the bizarre ceilinged kitchen. The ping pong table, Pool table and Air Hockey. It's calling on the way up in the car which room we want to sleep in! Our choices are as follows, The Yellow room, The Exercise room, The Frog room, The Guest Room (which now has recently been changed to the Golf Room in honor of Grandpa Scott) Blake's Room, and Clark's Room. I personally stayed in the Yellow room most often. Mom and dad got Blake's Room, my littlest brother Brian got Clark's room which was a perfect size bed for one. My oldest brother Ben got the exercise room (I wonder why) and my sister would either kick me out of the Yellow room and I'd stay in the frog room with Brad, or...yeah she'd kick me out. So now taking small trips back up there we can't help but see our young selves and why we now love every little thing in the house. Until recently it's especially memorable ever since Grandpa Scott passed away in June. I took a trip up there in July with my mom and little brothers. We found Grandma out reading on the deck next to her new garden that she's ever so proud of. She told us of how she was going out on a walk one day and caught herself calling to Grandpa if he wanted to come. She of course realized that he wasn't there. But no matter what, being there will always remind me of him. Everything around me is all Grandpa Scott. This might be silly, but I want to name my son Logan in memory of Grandpa because he was born there and passed away there. And I also love the city more than my own. I would like to live there one day. There wouldn't be any other place I'd rather live.

4. Moab My grandparents bought a condo down in Moab in a complex right by the Moab Golf Course some 15 + years ago. Ever since then we've all had the chance to go down and there and enjoy the red rock surroundings and tour Arches National Park. I love Moab for some of the same reasons I love my grandparents house; the smell, the memories, and the location. We too choose the rooms we want to stay in. We have a choice of the bedroom with two beds, or the doll room (I'm not sure who started that name but there are dolls in there!) and the Master bedroom which us kids never get to have. We always sign and comment in the guest registery started by Grandpa. It's fun to read entries from cousins and aunts and uncles who stayed there past times and how they tell of what they did during their stay. We always go swimming maybe twice a day at the pool that's just three condos away. We hike to Delicate Arch or Balancing Rock, or Park Avenue. What also goes on down there is the Moab Music Festival. Not many people know what that is so perhaps I'll explain here. My Uncle founded this Festival with the assistance of his father, Grandpa Scott. This month will be 19th year since this spectacular event was started. It is held mostly in the outdoors in the deep of the canyon where red rocks encircle you and the cool wind brushes against your face as you hear the most beautiful voices and instruments bounce off the rocks and echo through the valley. That is how I describe the Moab Music Festival. Call now at 18003356789 to book your tickets this month! Just Kidding.

3 Q's I'm Asked the Most

2009-09-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

For people who will probably ask me these questions in the future, I'll go ahead and answer them now.

1. Q.Why did you decide to go to AF high instead of PG? What about the boundries?

A. Well, first then boundries said I had to go to PG then it changed and I had to go to AF, then it changed again and I was free to decied. I didn't like PG Junior, I didn't have any friends, and my brother was going to AF so i could ride with him and not have to take the bus, plus it's closer.

2. Q.Where are you going to school and what are you studying?

A. I'm at UVU and i'm going into Creative Writing.

3. Q. Who do you babysit for?

A. I babysit for my sister twice a week and the Budges every Friday night, who are in my stake

The Best Vacation Ever

2009-09-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

On May 27th, 2009, my cousins Drew and his now Wife Julie, Elise and her Husband Jeff and I set out on our dream vacation to Disneyland. Something that we had hoped for and wanted for years! Our last day was May 30 and we headed home the next day. The weather was great and the crowds weren't too bad! Being with my clan who are on top of things and wanting to do one thing after the other, we got ALOT done! It was brilliant. I'll never forget our last day we were in the park from 9 in the morning to midnight. No break-it was fantastic.

ODE to a Disneyland CHURRO: By Britney Jensen, on occasion of the Disneyland trip 2009
written April 2009

Alas another trip comes near,
the magic kingdom awaits.
I wait, I smile, and I can’t sit still.
I countdown to . . .

Your churros
priced at $3.00.
There you are
sitting in a small booth
ran by an employee
who knows nothing
of your genuineness.
I hand over gas money,
then handed to me is you.
I gently grip your long body.
Sugar flakes
falling lightly on my pants.
My fingers attract
your shiny tiny cubes,
hoping to be licked later on.
I open my mouth,
eyes closed,
hearing the crushing,
collapsing sweet bread,
tasting the
delicious texture.
The sound of flakes falling
brushing against
the napkin.
I wipe around my mouth,
clap my hands together
to release excess
sugar.
I’m done, and I’m pleased.
Churro, you are the reason
I come to Disneyland.

I Need to Write!

2009-09-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! I finally made it! Why I didn't do a blog before? I didn't have any patience figuring out how to do all this! Alas, here I am. Now I'm just going to get into my topic of today, "I Need to Write". So I went to American Fork High School and had the most amazing creative writing teacher, Mr. Beeson. The class was so much fun that it was what made me decide on what I wanted to major in, in College. It's stuck ever since. I talk to a lot of people who say they've changed their major many times, and I think, that sounds like a pain! I've kept my major the same, and not because it'd be a pain to change it, but because I love it. I love writing and actually should do it more...which is why I want to start blogging! It will get me to write everyday about everything. Well this has been my intro. Enjoy the rest of my life!