Everywhere I Look I See Pink

My team at work thinks it's great that I have all girls, and they know how much I love pink. So they all decided to wear pinkish today in my honor. Quite hilarious and a very nice gesture. Most of the guys had to buy pink shirts for the occasion. My team leader told me privately afterwards that she hoped I could tell from this gesture how much my team appreciates me. Definitely a good day today.

Left to right, back row: Derek Mosier, Rusty Van Andel, yours truly, Jessica Weist, Patrick Hollis, Annette Hughes.

Left to right, front row: Kelsey Cox, Deb Stott Wiley, and Ben Kirk (missing).

Puzzle Mania

Why I Work

This is Christian. Often while I'm in my room upstairs doing homework I hear Leah and the girls downstairs laughing and having a great time together. Last night was one of those nights. It's at these times I'm reminded of a poem Leah wrote for me many years ago. She wrote it as a token of love and appreciation for my work and sacrifice on behalf of her and the children. I love that poem, and I love her for composing it just for me. It's indeed a great reminder of why I work. Thanks for that gift, Leah!

"Why I Work" by Leah Jensen

All day long I sit in my spot;
I sit and I work, easy or not;
Upon one occasion a stranger approached;
He stood with a grin as if he’d been coached;
He asked me why I worked when it’s sunny;
Is it for fame or pride or money;
I answered him quickly for the reasons I knew;
I work and I toil for my blessings aren’t few;
A beautiful wife whom I love like no other;
She is my best friend and a wonderful mother;
My children bring laughter and joy to my soul;
A love fills my heart too much to control;
An answer so simple and yet so complete;
Before I knew it I was on my feet;
With that the man left not saying a word;
I quietly sat down – I knew I’d been heard;
All day long I sit in my spot;
I sit and I work easy or not;
I work for my family this much is clear;
I will continue to work from year to year.

I had a dream...

Anna just told me about the dream she had last night. She said that she was at church and she saw Jesus.  She came up to Him and touched Him with her finger. She said it felt so good. Then she proceeded to tell me she wanted to have that dream every night. 

I love that sweet special girl. 

General Conference Memes

Enjoyed a wonderful session of General Conference in April. So many inspiring talks. As we did last time, we created memes of our favorite messages for family home evening.

Lunch Date

Went to lunch today with Holly and Julia to Wendys. Lots of fun.

Super Heros

I took the kids to exchange library books, and the kids just had to get some pictures posing as a super hero. So fun. Sure love you girls. Love, dad.

Heavenly Quartet

We recently purchased a song book with popular radio songs from the past few years, and the girls have just loved learning to play their favorite songs on the piano. In this particular instance, I caught Katelyn and Holly playing the piano while Charity and Julia were harmonizing. It was just lovely. I love these times when they're utilizing their talents and making Heavenly noise. I sure do love my girls. Love, dad.

Nauvoo Trip

We took a family trip to Nauvoo today. Leah played with the kids while I went through a session in the temple, and then I did the same for her. While it was my turn with the kids, we learned about rope, candle, barrel, and bread making, we danced with statues in the garden, and sat at the feet of Jesus. It was a great day.

Puppet Show

We were rearranging our living room, and Holly saw an opportunity to put on an impromptu puppet show. Allison actually sat still for a few minutes and was quite entertained. So cute and creative. Way to go Holly. Sure do love you! Love, dad.

1st Semester Grades

Notre Dame posted grades a few weeks back for my first semester in the EMBA program.  I was fairly confident going into finals, but I wasn't sure how things would end up coming out of them.  Turns out I got straight A's!  I am thrilled and humbled, so grateful for the support all around me as I've been going down this road.  Leah and I both prayed fervently to know if this path was right for our family, and we felt the confirming witness from the Holy Ghost that it was.  I feel so fortunate to have a wife and children that have been so understanding and patient while I've been so busy.  I'm fortunate to have my mother living with us to assist, yes, but also to connect with our children like never before.  Above all, I'm grateful to a patient Father in Heaven who has helped me so much through this first semester while I deal with my human frailties.  My goal in this program is not to get a particular GPA, but to comprehend, retain and be able to apply what I'm learning.  That's been the focus of my prayers the entire time.  Toward that end, I put forth my maximum effort.  Thanks Leah, our girls and my mom for being there for me.

Mesmerized

We are in the process of rearranging the TV room, and I caught the girls mesmerized in front of the TV watching a show they'd never seen before. I thought it was such a fun sight I had to snap a pic. Sure do love you girls. Love, dad.

Daddy Daughter Date

23 June. Holly had a coupon from school for a free dinner at Dickey's BBQ and a free ice cream cone from Whiteys. Tonight I took her out to redeem her free dinner and ice cream.  Good food and good times with Holly. Sure love you! Love, dad.

18 Years of Wedded Bliss

June 20 - Ok so there have been bumps and bruises along the way, but what an amazing ride! 18 years since Leah and I got married. We have grown so much since then, toward becoming the kind of people Heavenly Father wants us to be. I thank Him every day that He brought Leah and me together all those years ago. I wanted to celebrate by getting Leah a dozen long-stem roses accompanied by 2 VERY thought-filled cards. Hah! I love you Leah. Love, Christian.

Funeral for Rachel Ann Jensen

I am so grateful we had the resources to enable me to attend my sister Rachel's funeral.  It was the perfect day.  The weather was beautiful, there were loving feelings among all the family in attendance, and the spirit was incredible.  Attached are scanned images of the program, the little biography that my father had prepared for the funeral, and pictures.  I'm attaching pictures in the next post.  The graveside service was incredible.  Some very touching thoughts shared by the speakers, and a very moving song sung by my father.  Afterward, we all went to my father's church building where the Relief Society served us a wonderful late lunch.  The evening ended with a gathering at David and Julie Jensen's home for the naming/blessing of their son Nicholas.  After I returned home I found that my MBA classmates had sent us some beautiful roses, colored in Notre Dame's blue and yellow.  Attending the funeral, along with the 2 months leading up to it, was an amazing experience, although it was and has been very difficult on me.  This is the first time I've lost someone close to me, and although I have the perspective of the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement, I still feel the pain of losing a sister for a period of time.  But at the end of the day, I know where she is and what she's up to, and that she's happy and free from her mortal challenges.  What a blessing to be part of her life and to have her part of mine.  I love you Rachel! - Love, Christian.

My siblings (left to right): Kimball, Christian, Victoria, Jorgen, David, and of course Rachel.  Not shown is Jeanette who couldn't make it to the funeral. 

My parents: Marvin Jensen and Doris Andelin.

 Kimball and Lora Jensen and their children and grandchild.

 David and Julie Jensen and their children.

Austin and Tori Williams and their children. 

Jorgen and Josee Jensen