Angel baby Jane

My heart has been aching all weekend. My dear friend lost her beautiful 13 month old niece suddenly this last weekend to meningitis. I never had a chance to meet Jane but I had seen many pictures and videos as I am friends with her mom and dad, Christy and Bryan, via facebook and instagram. I always felt like I could connect with Christy as she has 2 boys and Jane about the same ages as my 2 boys and little girl. Her boys love super heros and remind me a lot of my boys. Jane was only about a week younger than my Alexis. When I heard that Jane didn't make it, I just burst into tears. I'm not completely sure why, but this has hit me like a freight train. My heart just aches for them, I feel sick to my stomach. I can only imagine the heartache that Bryan and Christy are feeling at this time.

Through all of this, I've come to realize how precious time is. I have been holding my kids a little closer and tighter. We never know how quickly our lives can change and how much can be taken away just like that. I am so grateful that I have the knowledge of the Gosple and know that families are forever. I know that Bryan and Christy will get to see Jane again. What a comforting knowledge this is. Jane was too perfect to be on this Earth any longer. Heavenly Father needs her on the other side now. I hope that Bryan and Christy can find peace in this knowledge. "In my leisure moments I have meditated upon the subject, and asked the question, why it is that infants, innocent children, are taken away from us, especially those that seem to be the most intelligent and interesting...The Lord takes many away even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again...All children are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the moment that children leave this world, they are taken to the bosom of Abraham." -Joseph Smith

Our newest addition...Alexis Jensen

Last year, right at this time, I knew I was supposed to be having a baby girl join our family. Around July/Aug 2011, the thought that we were to have another child kept weighing on my mind. I thought about it all the time, wondering if it was the right time to get pregnant and if we were ready for another one. I was still in school with 1 year left. Would being pregnant during all my hard tests and final boards even be possible? Would I stll be able to keep my grades up or would I forget everything with my pregnant brain? Could we afford another baby then? Those were some of the questions I kept asking myself.  Then I kept thinking it would be the perfect time. If it worked out right, we could plan to be pregnant and have the baby due right when I graduate, that way I would not have to take time off work to have a baby or start working till after the baby was here. Plus the pregnancy would go by fast having to concentrate on school the whole pregnancy. I was getting pretty convinced it was the right time. I had been praying about all the time. I began to get answers in many ways. Lessons at church were taught about extending your family, that there is never a perfect time. I had even opened church magazines and ended up reading a random article about bringing children into this world. All these things were telling me that we were supposed to have  another baby.

Now convincing Josh was a little bit harder. He wasn't so ready to start over yet. After all, our youngest was 3 years old. I kept trying to convince him and give him all the pros. Then when general conference came on in Oct 2011, the answer came to him too. There was a talk about how fathers are supposed to raise there daughters, and me and Josh both knew it was ment for us and we were supposed to have a little girl. It was such a spiritual experience and so amazing to know that our prayers had been answered.

In order for the baby to be due after my graduation in Aug, we couldn't be pregnant till at least Dec, and that would make the due date really close to my graduation. So we decided we would start trying. On January 16, 2012, I got the positive pregnancy test. I was so excited yet still nervous. It was all real.

The pregnancy went by great. It felt different from my boys but didnt' want to get my hopes up that it was a girl. Then in May we got the confirmation that we were indeed have a baby GIRL!!! We were beyond excited, yes even Josh was too. I graduated Hygiene school with my 4.0 and honors, passed all my tests and my boards and ended up getting my Dental Hygiene license. Then I had to wait 4 weeks to have this baby.

 On my due date, Septemer 25th 2012, I was induced and at 12:59 pm Alexis Jensen was born weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and 19.5 inches long. It was such a smooth delivery and has been a great recovery. I've had almost no pain at all. Alexis is SO beautiful and all I do it sit and stare at her whenever I'm given the chance. She has been such a great baby. I wish she wasn't going to grow and change so fast.

I am so blessed to have such a beautiful, healthy baby girl. She already has us all wrapped around her finger. The boys love her and are doing so great with her. I know Alexis is supposed to be here on earth at this time. I feel so blessed that I am able to be her mother. What a blessing it really is. I am so thankful for prayer and for the gosple in my life.

                                                               Perfect little feet

 

Me and my angel

 

                                                                 Sleeping Beauty

 

 

HOME

In exactly 2 weeks, I will be driving to this place and calling it HOME!! I'm so excited, I can hardly wait!!

Pregnancy...

I feel as though I am having a love/hate relationship with being pregnant. Don't get me wrong, I think pregnancy is a very beautiful thing and is such a miracle. There are just many ups and downs with it all. The loves of being pregnant...

• I have a healthy little GIRL growing inside ME that I get to bond with for 40 weeks (hopefully a little less)
• As I get further along, I have an excuse for having a big belly.
• I like that I have the pregnancy glow and I often get comments about it
• I get to park in the expected mother parking in the front row at the mall (which is very nice when I have to my 2 crazy boys with me too)
• I have something to look forward to in Sept when we get to bring this baby into this world
• I love to feel all the movements of this baby, it really is so amazing
• My boobs grew like 2 cups sizes, which is more of a  plus for the hubby I guess

The dislikes of being pregant...

• I get to go through summer being huge while I see other girls super skinny and in bikinis (knowing no matter how hard I work out or eat good, I will not look great this summer)
• I have AWFUL ligament pain in my pelvis that makes many things very painful, including sleeping and rolling over, walking, and putting on pants.
• Because of the ligament pain, it is hard to move around and play with my kids very much.
• I can get very cranky and grumpy for no reason at all, and I feel so bad when I do. But I honestly feel like I just can't help it sometimes.
• I get very winded, even just from walking a little bit.

Overall, I am very happy and extremely lucky to be able to be pregnant and have healthy children. I know I am very blessed to have such smooth pregnancies and really shouldn't complain. I can NOT wait for september to be here and meet my little girl. I still can't believe its a girl. I am lucky to have people around me that deal with my moodiness and help me out so much. I can't wait to meet our princess and get my old self back again and get our life situated. The next few months are going to be crazy as I prepare to take my HUGE test in July, another one the end of July, my Clinical exam to get my license in Aug and graduate dental hygiene school in Aug as well. Then I get a month to prepare for our baby and move back home to Utah!

WHY I RUN

I love running...


Because it gives ME my own identity. I'm not just a mom. I'm a RUNNER.


Because people tell me I can't or shouldn't. Say those words, and you can guarantee I WILL.
Because it feels good.

Because even when it doesn't feel good, it feels good
afterwards.

Because I love the sweat.

Because I love the hills.

Because the best showers are post-run showers.

Because it's taught me to push myself.

Because I can push and explore my limits.

Because I sleep better and deeper at night.

Because it keeps sickness away.

Because it reduces stress.

Because it fills me with positive emotions.

Because running to music feels like dancing.

Because it's the one thing I know I can accomplish in a day.

Because it makes me feel unconquerable.

Because I could probably outrun any attacker.

Because of the sprint to the end.

Because it gives me a quantitative way to track my fitness progress.

Because my kids are watching and learning. They think they're runners to.

Because it is fun.

Because races are addicting.

Because early-morning runs allow me to see the sunrise.

Because it gives me freedom.

Because no other exercise compares.

Because it's ME time.

Because monster mom becomes happy mom.

Because when I'm done, I feel like I can conquer the world.

Because I can.

Day Four

Day {4} Meaning behind your blog name

Well, I'm by no means creative at all. I think the creative gene went to my 2 sisters and kind of just skipped over me. But A Forever Family is pretty self explanatory. We are hoping to make it to the temple this year and get sealed for time and all eternity. What can better than being with your family forever? Can't wait!

Day Three

Day {3} Pet Peeves



One thing that really gets me is hearing people swallow. That drives me nuts.


I hate gossip. I hate when people talk bad about other people.

There are really not a lot of things that bug me. I'm pretty laid back and can handle a lot of stuff.
Pretty boring, I know.

Now off the subject, School is going so great. Between classes and studying, it takes up all my time, but I am learning so much and really enjoying it. The biggest downfall is not getting the time I need with Cory and Zack. When I was leaving for school yesterday, Cory asked where I was going. So I told him school and he said "again?" in the saddest voice and then sighed. It was so sad. I just have to keep telling myself that it will all be worth it in the end. Only 5 more weeks till the end of this term then I'll finally have a 2 week break (where my sis, Bobbi, better have her baby so I can come see him).

Cory started preschool in January and I cannot believe the difference its made. He has gotten so smart and can talk so much now. Zack is a little smarty as well. They make me so proud! Its Josh's dad's birthday this sunday and we are going down to Salt lake for the day. Cory and Zack are so excited to make him a cake and sing him happy birthday. We can't wait. I know I say this a lot, but I love my boys SO much! I miss them like crazy when I'm at school. I love to just sit and watch them play together and play with me. Zack tells me everyday and I'm his best friend :) He always knows just what to say to make me feel better. He's my cuddle buddy and will always give me the best hugs and kisses, especially when I'm down. LOVE THEM!!

With summer coming, I'm missing southern utah SO much. I miss being only 45 min from St. George and Zions, and I miss going to my neices softball games. I miss just hanging out at my sisters and letting the kids all play together. I miss hanging out with my nieces and being able to just talk anytime about anything. I miss being closer to Salt Lake and all my family up there. There are a lot of things I miss right now, but I am very glad to have my family with me that I do have. Josh has been great through with my schooling and studying and helps out a ton. Its made such a huge difference. My mom has been amazing. She is always willing to help out with the boys when Josh cannot. She is such a great mom.

Until tomorrow, Have a good night!

Day two

Day {2}: Your favorite movie

I honestly can't think of a movie that is my absolute favorite. I have been trying to think all day and still can't come up with any. There are not many movies I can watch over and over again.

But one that I really do like is this one

The Wedding Planner

I'm a sucker for chick flicks

Another one I like is Prince of Egypt.

I like this one cause it brings back memories as a kid. Me and my little sister used to always watch this on sundays and sing along with it. Good times!

Day ONE

day 1: recent picture of yourself and 15 interesting facts about you

Not the best picture, but the most recent one I have.

Now here are the 15, probably not very interesting, facts about muah:

{1} After watching American Idol this season, I have really began to love Jennifer Lopez she is just so dang beautiful!

{2} I am the first in my family to graduate college with a degree, barely before my little sis

{3} I have never ever been to Disney Land

{4} I have the 2 most handsome boys you will ever see, they are my life

{5} I married my high school sweetheart

{6} I am in school for Dental Hygiene, which requires a lot of time and dedication

{7} Before getting married, I lived 3 hours away from Josh, had my own house, worked full time, attended school full time, and was raised my kids by myself. It was a hard time but such a great time for me to grow.

{8} My addiction is going to the lake. I have ALWAYS been a huge fan of boating and really anything to do with the lake. When I see a lake on tv, I crave going there.

{9} My favorite food is my dad's steaks. Best EVER!

{10} I seem to retain things really well when it comes to school, but tend to be very forgetful about other things

{11} I get asked almost everyday if my boys are twins. Sometimes it feels like they are.

{12} I love having my boys only 14 months apart. They are best friends

{13} Being a mom is truly the best thing in this world.

{14} I will do anything for my family and friends. I will always put them first and whenever one of them needs help, they can always count on me. I will drop anything for them.

{15} I am a really good listener. I love when people talk to me and tell me anything.

There you have it, my not so interesting facts about me. Now time to go study for a test I have in a few hours. Wish me luck! Hope everyone has a great day!

30 Days About ME

I have had a couple blogging friends do this cool 30 day thing. I thought it would be such a fun idea to do and fun to have to look back on!

Here's the list of things...

day {1}: recent picture of yourself and 15 interesting facts about you

day{2}: your favorite movie

day {3}: pet peeves

day {4}: meaning behind your blog name

day {5}: your parents

day {6}: your celebrity crush

day {7}: an animal you'd love to keep as a pet

day {8}: a hobby of yours

day {9}: a place you love

day {10}: a person you love

day {11}: favorite tv shows

day {12}: photo of you taken ten years ago

day {13}: something you're afraid of

day {14}: your makeup bag

day {15}: your family

day 16: something you're looking forward to

day {17}: favorite book

day {18}: what makes you different from everyone else

day {19}: something you bought recently

day {20}: favorite song

day {21}: your friends

day {22}: a place you've traveled to

day {23}: favorite recipe

day {24}: favorite photo

day {25}: plans/dreams/goals you have

day {26}: a habit you wish you didn't have

day {27}: a picture of you last year and a picture of you now

day {28}: something that stresses you out

day {29}: put your ipod on shuffle, what are the first ten songs

day {30}: photo of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days
this will be interesting

My best buds

Back when with Baby Zack and little Cory

I love to read blogs. Lately I've been reading quite a few blogs of parents who have lost their children. I have always known how lucky I was to be able to have kids and have them be healthy but these blogs certainly remind to cherish every minute I have with them. My boys are my best buds. I cannot express enough how much I love them. I cannot thank Heavenly Father enough for trusting me enough to raise these little angels. How did I get to lucky? They have taught me patients, unconditional love, innocence and so much more. They have remined me how important family is and how hard we need to work so we can be together forever!

I love to just sit and watch them. They are so perfect. They are best friends and love each other so much. Cory is so good to always include Zack in everything. I love how well they get along. But they are boys and so they do have their moments. They are growing so fast and becoming so smart. I love to hear Cory ask me questions about things I had no idea he would know about. They are always full of suprises. I love how they both always want me and come to me when scared to shy. I love knowing they love me and I can comfort them always. I love laying in bed with them just watching them sleep. They've got the cutest little faces.

My kids are my pride and joy. My biggest goal in life is to teach them the ways of the Gosple and raise them to be gentlemen. I will always be here for them and they can always count on me, no matter what. I LOVE YOU ZACK AND CORY!!

Soon to be the complete Jensen family

December 17th 2010 is the day we are FINALLY getting married. After 7 1/2 years of dating, we are tying the knot. Less than 2 weeks to go! I can't wait to be married and start working to go through the temple. I don't know why we've put if off for so long. Things are finally beginning to fall into place. Josh's job was able to transfer him up here to Idaho where I got accepted to school. We were able to find a place with no problems and make our way up here. We are excited to finally seal the deal and be married. Just can't wait till its for time and all eternity.

Summer is here and gone

I can't believe summer is about over. I went way too fast. I am excited for the new adventures that lay ahead. I've applied to a dental hygiene program in Boise Idaho and should be hearing back next month if I got in. What a big change and great opportunity that will be. I can't wait!!!!

Cory and Zack are growing up too fast. I just love them to pieces. They are like best friends, well most of the time. I love having them so close. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Cory is in pre school now and gets to ride the school bus. It is so cute. He is potty trained now and is becoming such a big boy. Zack just loves Cory SO much. He copies everything and anything Cory does. They are so cute and fun together. Best buds forever and ever. I am SO lucky to have these precious boys in my life. I wouldn't trade em for anything.

Yesterday I ran in my first marathon, the Cedar Half. I didn't decide to do it till this last Tuesday so I had NO training. Fortunately I was able to run the whole thing, 13.1 miles. But I am totally paying for it today. I know I can do anything I put my mind to. I just have to have faith. I can't wait for my next marathon. It was such a great accomplishment. I finished 190th place overall (out of over 500) and my time was 2hr 16 min. Not bad for no training. My niece Dani ran it with me. She totally pushed me and kept me going. She was so awesome and such a great encouragement. The best part was running past Cory and the rest of the clan in the park, cheering me and Dani on. Only 2 miles left. My family is so awesome and SO supportive. I love them all so much!

So much has happened this summer and if I posted it all it would be like a million pages long. So I'll just post some pictures instead and hope thats good enough. I just can't express enough how much I love my 2 boys. They are little stinkers at times but most of the time they just melt my heart. I love them So so much and can not wait until we are all sealed together so we can be a family for time and all eternity. I know I've strayed too far in my life and made some bad mistakes but I have learned so much and I know how important the Gospel is in my life.

Me and Cory in Escalante on the farm

Cory's Birthday present
Family Powell Trip 2010
Cory's first school bus ride

SUU Alumni

So I am now officially graduated from Southern Utah University. I don't have the highest degree or the best, but none the less I have a degree. In fact I'm the first in my family to achieve this! I will now be looking to apply to a Dental Hygiene program in Idaho and hopefully start in January 2010. Its a big move but will be worth it in the end.

Cory and Zack are doing great! They are growing up too fast. They have become the best of friends and I am loving every single minute of it.

Finally

Hey everyone. So I had to make a blog for a class and I decided I might as well try and stay up on it. So here we go. I love to brag about my cute boys. Cory will be 2 this month and Zack is 10 months. I can't believe how fast time goes. Zack finally started sleeping through the night which is great. They are so much fun. Cory is really into the Monsters Inc. movie right now. He watches it so much. I'm glad its warm now so he can get outside and run. He loves being outside. He loves bikes, trucks and 4 wheelers. We went to a monster truck show last weekend. Cory loved it! Zack got to stay with grandma since it was kind of loud. Then we went to Sand Hallow and played on the shore. The boys loved that and had a great time. As for me, I'm just working a ton right now and getting ready to take a few summer classes. So anyway, I'll work on getting some pictures up soon.

Web 2.0-What does it really mean?

An Outstanding Video out of Kansas State University

Web 2.0 is all about content and text. I found it interesting when it said that we teach the computer everytime we click a link. It is amazing how the web can link the whole world together and you are able to share your ideas and thoughts by expressing them in a blog. I found it intersting how hyperlinking can link you anywhere. Its crazy to think that there is a blog born every second. There are so many people out there using this idea and taking advantage of sharing what they feel everyone needs to know.