Marik sang a song at his school this year "the ABC's of Christmas. It was so cute to see him hold up his suitcase and proudly sing "V is for visitors". (Side note...he had been telling me for weeks that B was for big hoods, and I said no, it is probably big hugs, but he was adamant that I was wrong, so I asked his teacher. "B is for baked goods.":)

I did homemade pj's for Christmas Eve this year, so I thought I would post this blurry picture of the kids modeling them. We had a great Christmas here in Florida. David had both Fridays off during the kid's time off school, so we were able to enjoy having him spend time with us.

The Nutcracker

Porter and Preston really wanted to be Russian Bakers in their 4th grade school play "The Nutcracker", and they were able to get to the school early enough on sign up day, thanks to Rebecca to get what they wanted! 3 of us (moms of the bakers) then helped them learn a dance for the play, and they did so good! I think our group were the quickest learners.

After their final performance, they had a field trip to see the ballet version of the Nutcracker. When I asked Porter about it he mentioned it was different from their play, and he told me how, then said my favorite comment: "They had really tight pants." I'll admit, when I have been to ballets, I wonder as well if there isn't some way around that. At least our Russian Bakers didn't have to wear tight pants!

10 Years Old

I am always nervous about birthday parties, but Porter's 10th was not too bad. He has really nice, well behaved friends which doesn't always help when you get all of them together, but they were great! It was nice to have the park in our neighbourhood to play capture the flag and run around and play together without being cooped up in a house!

David mentioned something recently about Porter driving a car and it freaked me out a little. Double digits. We are not too far away, and Porter grows up in more ways than just his height every day. He is a big help to me, and a good example to Autumn and Marik. He does really well at school, and is a good friend, brother and son. Happy Birthday Porter!

Thanksgiving with Martha Stewart...I mean Aunt Sandy.

David was working nights at Thanksgiving, so I decided to take the kids to Indiana for Thanksgiving with my Aunt Sandy, Uncle Jim, and Kayla, their only daughter that was home. I am so glad that we went! The drive was long, but the kids were pretty good, and we had such a great time. I think it has been a while since I had a Thanksgiving Dinner that delicious! Can you believe that on top of a gourmet meal, the table was totally decked out, complete with place cards?! It just so happened that the family the Alstons had invited over had all three kids the same ages and genders as ours! The kids made friends quickly and had a great time!

Aunt Sandy and Uncle Jim also got tickets to the Pacers game Friday night! It was a very exciting game, ending with a Pacers loss in overtime. It was my first time at an NBA game, as well as the kids. We did a little shopping, eating, talking, playing....the kids had a great time....my cousin Kayla was so fun with them! Thanks, Alstons!

New Posts, Old Dates

Flag Football

Porter was able to be on a really great flag football team this year that went undefeated until the final game! They were pretty sad to walk away with a silver medal, but they really were amazing for 9 and 10 year olds! I was impressed, and Porter really improved, he even got an interception and touchdown!

This is a familiar scene! Not that Porter and Preston are on the sidelines, but that they are together. They are in all the same classes at school and church, and do a lot of the same activities.

Boo for Halloween!

:) Had to use that title...I have talked to several moms about how Halloween is our least favorite holiday. I spent many stressful hours trying to make the kids their costumes, and then it is so hot here they don't really want to wear them too long. Then you run yourself ragged going to all the school functions and parties, and you are just left with crazy kids and probably some cavities. Bah humbug! :) I hope the kids had fun. :)

Marik's preschool goes around the neighborhood surrounding the school and really cashed in with trick or treating!

The kids are still really into Star Wars, so this year we had Darth Maul, Darth Vader, and Padme.

Neil and Beth's Wedding

David and I were able to get away without kids and head to Sarasota, FL for his good friend and co-worker Neil Ellis. It was a beautiful wedding on the beach. They are such a nice couple, and we felt lucky to share in the day with them.

"This is My Day..."

Autumn was so cute on her baptism. I think she grinned from ear to ear the entire time. :) It was a really special day, and we enjoyed sharing it with family and friends.

Autumn

Autumn turned 8 on September 22nd, and had a party at our pool with her friends. Grandma and Grandpa Cahoon were there to throw kids in the air in the pool, and other parents stayed to help me out, so it all went very well!

Autumn"s sunny disposition and eager to please personality, makes it a huge blessing to have her in our family. She is very sensitive to others and helpful to me. I hope she always stays this way!

Marik if Four!

Marik was pretty psyched for his first birthday party with friends! It was a little crazy as the party was supposed to be at our pool, but it rained all day, so all the kids were in my house, and I didn't have much planned aside from food. :)

You've got to love how the kids get closer and closer to the birthday boy opening his presents.

Marik invited his friends from Abacus to come after school, and the girls stuck together. I don't blame them...the boys can be a little intimidating:

Marik continues to always make us laugh and fill our lives with fun and joy. I can always count on him for a hug when I need one. He is fun, but also very sweet and we are so glad he is part of our family!

First Day of School

It is way too dark in the morning to go to school! In our county school starts at 7:45, so we are on the bus at 7! The kids have to wear school uniforms this year. It is pretty cute to see all the kids in their collared shirts.

Porter is in 4th grade this year and is in Mrs. Nettle's class.

Autumn is in the 2nd grade in Ms. Elder's class and loving it!

Marik is in preschool this year with a lot of his friends from church. He is really loving it and comes home excited about his day! His teachers are Miss Melissa and Miss Susan, who he talks about quite a bit.

Southern Alberta

After the Edwards Reunion we headed back to Raymond to spend a few more days with my family. It is always enjoyable to hang out with my parents, Ashley and her kids and Jess and Cheryl. One of the days there we went to Writing on Stone Provincial park which was a huge hit for the kids. I think it was a highlight for Porter especially who loved exploring the hoodoos.


I called as many Jensen relatives as possible to get together at a park in Lethbridge. We did pretty good for a last minute idea! Prize winner of the night was Emily who had a baby the day before!! Below are some of my favorite relatives: Cheryl, Amy, (me) Laurel, Emily, Tiffany, Ashley and Dena. Note that I am wearing pants. I enjoyed every minute of the weather. Although I love Florida, I am not sure I will ever grow to love my constant sweatiness.