Jensen Family History 2008

This has been a rather eventful year. We began the year by finishing the “studio” down in our basement (complete with sound proof walls). We also keep a bed down there for extra guests (hint, hint).  It’s become quite the relaxing spot and now I often find myself sauntering down to the studio to get away from the noise of my SEVEN  (that’s right, we had another one) children.  I usually do it under the disguise of saying something  to my son like, “Josh why don’t you come down and lay down by daddy.  You look terribly exhausted.”  It seems to work every time and so far, Wendy doesn’t seem to mind because I’ve been able to extinguish 1/7^th of the noise. 

Janika, on the other hand, never seems to get tired and wouldn’t even consider taking a nap. She turned 13 this year and is busy doing, doing, doing.  She auditioned in January for Les Miserables at Tuacahn and was accepted to be the understudy for little Eponine.  Of course I wouldn’t allow her to do it alone, so when I witnessed her quickly moving up through the ranks at auditions I threw my resume in as well.   Fortunately we both made the show and I was able to protect Janika from any of the evil influences that theater life has to offer (actually, she was the one protecting me.)  She earned a nice stash of  money for a child her age.  She also did very well in this year’s  Reflection’s Contest.  The theme for this year was “Wow!”  Janika entered in three categories:  musical composition, literature, and photography.   She received an honorable mention in  photography, 2^nd place in literature for her story, and 1^st place for her song!  Her song progressed to district and we  are still waiting to hear the outcome.  I think she’s got a great shot at it though.

Jase just turned eleven years old and likes  to play anything, anywhere, anytime.  He is great at sports, loves computer and video games, and has a knack for Rummikub.  Unfortunately this is affecting his house work responsibilities, specifically his bedroom. However, he is learning how to manage his time effectively this year and has found that procrastination doesn’t pay off.  He was accepted into the ELP program, which is a program for advanced students.  He is extremely smart and alert in school and we’re hoping that those qualities will eventually carry over into his life at home.  Jase has also been extremely involved in scouts and earned his Arrow of Light along with every extra pin possible!  He and Jared have also enjoyed their elementary school choir.

Jared has had a super year.  He turned eight years old and was baptized this year up in Ogden.  Since his baptism, he has been extremely helpful around the house.  He is someone who makes friends easily and everyone seems to know him.  He was recently awarded an Academic Achievement award that was given to three students in each class.  (I can already tell he takes after his dear old dad!)  Jared is also enjoying cub scouts and won First Place in the Pinewood Derby this year.  (Okay, so maybe he doesn’t take after me!)  Jared also enjoys sports and loves to carry his baby sister around.   

Janelle tuned 6 this year and started kindergarten.  She is very open to learning and is doing extremely well in class.  She is like a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge we throw at her.  She is very outgoing and a a great little artist, reader and writer.  She is very sensitive and cried when she heard Jared’s song on our family CD because it “was so pretty!”  She enjoys socializing with the boy next door, whom she has vowed to marry someday.  We’ll have to keep an eye on that relationship!

Jaiden is currently 4 ½ and has been enjoying preschool once again.  She has so much energy that she makes her mom’s head spin.  She loves her new baby sister a little too much and is constantly all over her!  A couple of months ago she decided that she didn’t want bangs anymore and cut them off at the scalp.  We are patiently waiting for her hair to grow back.  She is full of fun while she plays with her friends and her family and changes her clothes several times a day.  She makes up her own jokes, which fill our days with laughter -  even if they don’t make sense. 

Josh is 2 ½ years old.  Often he will play nicely by himself with his magnets or games and then pick them all up when he is finished.  He knows all of his letters and colors and can count to ten and beyond!  But if he accidentally drops something on the floor that he can’t reach then watch out!!  He can be full of fun and wanting to play one minute and then running away from me the next - wanting nothing to do with me (You’re probably thinking that he may feel a lot like his mother, since she’s had our 7^th child). 

Josh talks so well and his terminology often sounds very mature, but he still seems to let out his most frustrating feelings with harsh and penetrating high pitched screams. Though we tell him to use his words or his signs, he seems to ignore us and continues to alert the household of his misfortune. We retreat to the studio or the bathroom during these deafening moments and realize that the money we spent to complete the studio was well worth the investment.

Jenna is  2 ½ months with chubby cheeks and bright blue eyes.  She keeps her mom busy trying to protect her from the mauling of her siblings.  She has started smiling and cooing and kicking her legs. She likes her bouncy chair and swing and loves it when someone plays with her!   It is so much fun having a new baby to snuggle and hold. 

Wendy has been busy (and tired) this year going through another pregnancy while keeping up with all of the other children.   She gave birth to Jennalee Jensen Oct. 3^rd and has since stated she is finished having kids (hey, didn’t she say that in our last Christmas newsletter too?) The older I become the more I see her wisdom.  Since we have had our last child, we can now move on to the next phase of our lives - - teenagers!

Wendy has also been a huge support this year.  While I was gallivanting off to Tuacahn with Janika during the summer she stayed home, 7 months pregnant, taking care of the other children.  She’s also been a huge support to me in our new calling.  About 4 months ago I was called to be the Branch President of the Red Cliffs 7^th Deaf Branch.  The calling was a huge surprise to me, since we don’t even live in that stake, but Wendy was much more in tune than I was and on our way to receive the calling,   knew what was about to happen.   Upon receiving the calling she was open and accepting to the life of sitting alone during sacrament meeting with seven young children so that her husband could sit on the stand and reprimand his children from afar.  Serving in the Deaf branch has been a tremendous growth experience for us and our whole family.  We’re hoping that it will increase our skills in sign language and that our children will also pickup on the language.

 This year Wendy has really gotten into blogging.  She started our family blog and updates it continually. Unfortunately blogging doesn’t bring in any money and so she decided to teach an evening ASL class at Dixie College again next Semester.  She also freelance interprets for the Deaf when she gets a chance.  Like many of our friends, Wendy turned 29 this year and has chosen to remain there with her eternally youthful 29 year old husband.

I am still teaching seminary at Snow Canyon Middle Seminary but this year took on the added responsibility of becoming the principal for the seminary.  It has been a fun challenge that has extra benefits because of the wonderful people I work with.  I’ve also had the opportunity this year to once again be involved with the strengthening families program.  Teaching that class has made me realize how fortunate I am to have the family I have, and live the way I do.  Because of my new calling, and the time it takes to be involved with the Deaf branch, I chose not to do the Carolers this year.  I really miss being able to go out and sing at Christmastime, but I know I’m doing the right thing with my time.  Maybe when we have a routine down next year we’ll start it again.

 As the year seems to have flown by so quickly I’m reminded of a scripture in the book of Jacob which says , “our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream” (Jacob 7:26).  Thank heavens we are having a good dream and not a nightmare!  We’re certain that the reason we are not experiencing a nightmarish life is because of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His gospel.  During this season we find ourselves especially  grateful for his birth and for his atonement. We are also thankful that you have been a part of our dreamy life and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!!