11 days to hug Elder J

 ​There was a lot more normalcy and routine to this week.  After almost 4 months of not having routine it felt good to go back to what to the structure. 

Today Aubrie is coming up because she called for a Family Extravaganza for today. We also have a Jensen extended family bbq that we will go to first and then come back here.  I feel grateful each and every time one of you kids help organize something that helps us be together or be closer.  I will always feel like that.  

Hallie nannied for a family in Spanish Fork for a few days and now she is watching Gillespies for this week.  Then she will mostly be home I think. 

Blake and the Cwood football team played Juan Diego this week.  It was such a let down for the team.  They really wanted to win that game.  Many good things happened but they still were outplayed.  Blake's discouragement came out his eyes after the game. WE gave him a long hug.  Hard things like that--being on a team that loses so much--and still giving your best effort is SUCH A GOOD LIFE LESSON.  and I am glad for it for him. 

I got a text from Amber Kay that made me so proud of you all.  I love to hear that you are being helpful and hardworkers and GOOD to people in your lives.  I just love it!  TOday in church after the sacrament Scott and Blake came and sat down and Scott was on the row behind us and he was alone because his parents and Autumn were in the choir. Without missing a beat Blake reached back and asked Scott if he'd come sit by him which he did.  Great social awareness and an example of being good to people. 

I sent you a video of Lucas reading the scriptures one morning because he just looked so cute with his tired face and sounding out some of the hard words.  He is such an early riser and so quick to jump out of bed.  He's so easy to wake up.  Lucky guy! (hope that sticks for him).

Talking to Lauren Whitaker this week (Lola's mom) she was talking about her son Bodhi and that he has "sticky thoughts" she called them.  Thoughts that he has over and over that he lets mull around alot in his head. they stick and are hard to not think.  She is trying to help him have more productive "Sticky thoughts" since he is prone to have them.  

"This never works when I do this", "I am always late and so irreponsible" "I dont do enough of xyz" "I am not fun enough, I take life too serious" "I mess up so often on xyz, even when I recommit every time".  Its when we way the same thing over and over and create stickines to it so that we BECOME that sticky thought.  It is an interesting idea. 

Id like to deliberately plan some things for our family to do together from October 5th-Oct 28th.  We all have full schedules and plenty to do. I want to be deliberate about somethings to do as a family.  We wanted to take a trip but I don't know if that will happen in that window of time with some other big things happening.  Id like to go camping away from cell coverage at least.  Any ideas yall of things we should do together?  Also, Aubrie if you have a rugby match on Oct 16th it seems like we need to try to have Lucas baptism on the Sunday instead of Saturday.  (you will be back Sunday right?) Do you know the plan or can you find it out asap.  What do you all think about his baptism being Sunday afternoon (if its possible).

Carter Oliphant spoke in church today.  I thought his talk was excellent.  One experience he shared was that he was so disappointed and kind of angry when he had to come home from his mission because he has a spinal degenerative disease he didnt know baout and it was making his particular mission tricky for him physically. 

About a week after he was home his mom reminded him of a conversation he ahd with his grandpa his senior year.  Carter was telling his grandpa he planned to graduate, go to college for one year and then go on his mission.  His grandpa pretty frankly said "you should go on your mission right out of HS or you wont go."  Carter was pretty offended by the conversation and in his mind thought "do you think I am not good enough or dedicated enough to the gospel to go to college first and not get out on my mission still".  He did ultimately listen to the advice and went on his misison.  After his mom reminded him of that conversation he decided to reframe the year mission he had and not be mad that the second year was taken away but that his grandfather was inspired to tell him to go right out of HS and that the Lord knew his health situation (that he didnt know yet) and how much Carter wanted to be a missionary and God wanted him to have a chance to be able to be a missionary for a time but that meant he needed to go on a mission with different timing than he was originally planning.    It was a compelling experience to share. 

Ok, God is good.  All the time. ;)

Whew what a week

 I just want to take a picture of right now. I am so grateful for the Soirit that I felt today during sacrament meeting (the Missionaries had double booked and didn't show up for Sac meeting and so we had a testimony meeting of favorite hymns which turned out to be an amazing meeting).  Because I am going to bed just feeling despair. And sometimes that happens over very non essential things.  There isn't power so no AC, I have so much insulation up my nose, I had to vacuum up the insulation and dirt off the floor to lay this mattress on the floor to have a place to sleep. Our house is in absolute chaos. And I don't know WHY we are living in it. I'm sweating like crazy, nothing is in order or clean and everything inside me is the opposite of calm. 

I know it's going to be fine I know all the things. But right now I just am so completely exhausted in every way. And have no desire to be more patient. 

So anyway, I've been listening to the BoM on 1.5 x speed on my phone. I'm already behind where I should be but it's nice to inundate my life with scripture:) 

Dad comes home from his trip tomorrow morning which I'm excited about. He's been gone for a week but it feels like three weeks :-) and his travel season is starting back up so I just want him to be home for a few days. 

Aubrie is back from Ecuador and was so kind and spent 48 hours here helping a lot with cleaning and moving things and also just infusing fun and energy into everyone here in the family.

We want it on a nice walk after church today just tell Clara and I

Hallie and I went to her temple prep class tonight and it made me really excited for her to get to receive her endowments in a week and a half :-)

I was watching the two youngest Pratt boys and we just did not make it up to Elder Marriott homecoming.I couldn't do it.  I'm glad we got to see him and meet his family last week since we didn't make it today. I would've loved to have been there.

And sadly I took no pictures that didn't involve something related to the house like paint colors or railing or dust piles. That'll have to send you some awesome ones from Alaska!

Sure love you Robbie muy mucho! Can't wait to talk to you tomorrow. 

Mama 

2 months outta the house

 ​Time is flying by. 

We are moving from G&G Jensens to an Airbnb up near Olympus today.  We will be there this week and then go camping for a few nights up in the Uintahs near where Blake is going to be playing football. (at Duschene HS).  Anyway after that we are hoping to move back into our house.  Its been 2 months and we are anxious to get home.  Kind of.  Not with how messy it is right now;) It is so exciting though.  Its looking SO good! 

Blake started school on Wednesday so hes 3 days in to it.  He's taking AP Physics and AP World History (A block which he isn't excited about but I think itll push him). HE is taking Beginning Painting, Auto2, ASL and Commercial Photo.  Should be a good year I hope!

Hallie and Paige went to Vegas for Benson Boone concert and then drove back up to St. George to go to Sand Hollow and go swing dancing.  They drove Aubrie's car down to have good gas mileage.  I made the appointment for Hallie to go through the temple which is Sept 10th. I am so looking forward to that day. And we will all be able to go together when you are home a few times. 

Clara started up with ballet again.  Dad and I went to the temple yesterday morning with grandma and left later than we wanted to.  Everyone was asleep when we left and Clara had her first ballet class with her new Academy at 11.  We got home at 11, and she had JUST been woken up by Blake and was running around the house in tears.  I stopped her and gave her a hug and said "its okay its just a class" and she cried harder "IM JUST STRESSED!".   

Lucas is playing flag football with dad and Jimmy as the coach and the funnest team, its Jacob, Lincoln, and 3 other kids from Wasatch.  Itll be such a party. 

I dont think the lease is signed yet for DBAT Ogden, and they wanted to be under construction already.  But it seems like its close. 

WE are excited to see Ashley when she comes up here in a week or so.  Brandon is flying to SLC on WEdnesday to go to Provo MTC.  I am planning to run to the airport to see him. We are planning to go to Elder Peterson's homecoming next Sunday morning and get to meet him and his family.   I feel like everyone we know is coming or leaving on a mission.  Just like our own kids.  IT feels good to be in the thick of that missionary goodness. 

I had an awesome birthday this week.  Dad surprised me with a "free" trip to Chicago with him and Blake (for a business trip).  I haven't spent time there so itsll be fun to do that.  THat is the first temple dad ever went to to do baptisms so thatll be cool to take Blake there.  WE hiked that morning really early and no one complained ;) and then went to breakfast at Sharons Cafe like we usually do. Yummy breakfast;). WE went out to dinner with G&Gs that night ( we were going up the canyon but there was crazy rain and wind) and did I lOVE yous which is the best gift of all.  It was good to talk to you Robbie!

Clara, Lucas and I wanted to do some work and be helpful so we went to LIz and offered to mow their lawn/weed etc.  Lincoln helped us and it felt good to work hard and get dirty.  They jumped in the truck and we went to get drinks after at the gas station. 

It's hard for me to not send you all the photos and videos of our house. IT has consumed us the last few months in many ways.  Its turning out so beautiful and functional. 

Love you son!

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Dog days of summer

 Your BYU application is submitted.  Doesn't that feel like a weight off your shoulders?  Aubrie was able to get the scholarship application submitted as well.  Now we pray ;). 

Were you able to contact the senior couple to get Broncos email address to reach out to him? 

We are moving from the Pratts house to grandma and grandpa jensens house (likely) in a few days.  It has been such a huge blessing to live here at the Pratts the last 3 weeks.  It's helped things move faster with our house and also having AC ;) But we have been close here in the neighborhood to run over to the house for things we need or to spend a few hours working on things so easily.  That will be more challenging once we move to Jensens.  But we still need to be out of our house, and it will be good to spend some one-on-one time with them. 

Electric took up this whole week and at the end of the week they put windows in too.  So the house is partially closed up now. 

Hallie left to go to AZ to babysit the Sullivans for 12 days. Tell us how its been Hallie!  It feels so different with just 3 kids here.  Aubrie we would love to hear an update from Ecuador too!

WE spent Wednesday night in the canyon with G&G Haynie celebrating my moms birthday.  It was not so hot and even though we got rained out eventually during i loves yous--it is always feels good to be in the mountains. We gave mom trekking poles for her birthday and a family picture from the reunion.

We had Lucas' birthday party last night at DBAT.  It is always fun there after hours to have the place to ourselves.  Its nice to have a built in place for parties that is super fun.  Blake and dad made it a fun party with lots of games (dodge ball etc) and no one wanted to leave the hitting cages at the end of the night.  

Dad, Blake and Clara went to Mangums cabin with the youth and did games and boating Saturday. Dad said he and Blake flew 10 feet in the air on one tubing round.  Lucas and I went down to G&G Haynies to go to a international folkfestival with them which was a lot of fun.  Amazing dancing and some were so unique. They ended the dance show with fire dancing from Samoa.  IT mostly captured Lucas attention (it was outdoors so that helps). WE spent the night and just hung out and played games and ate breakfast the next morning.  I love LOVE being around them.  

We love you all muchisimo!

Mama

We are all melting away

 Our family has been in transition too long.  I am craving routine and normalcy.  But it will still be awhile. Maybe part of me wonders if things will be the normal ever again that I am craving.  I have been missing the more simple years with all the kids at home playing outside in the forest and doing bathime and stories everynight. 

I sure love watching you kids all growing and having life experiences so I guess I'll just enjoy where we are at.  

We watched a commencement speech yesterday for Come Follow Me that I recommended we watch after listening to it myself a couple times.  Eric Church gave the graduation speech at NC Chapel Hill a few weeks ago and it is excellent.  (famous country singer) The framework of his speech is all of the strings on a guitar and what pillars they each are in our life and how they need to be in tune and even be evaluated to see what is out of tune and needing change

1-low E string (the foundational string that is the thickest, deepest and holds all the other notes in a chord--this is FAITH and its note that the world is always trying to make us forget

2-A string--it starts us into the song or chord when you play.  FAMILY.  He said--this string is not. aholiday string, its an everday string.  (This was to graduating college kids--he said "you are ambitious and have a lot that will happen over the next 10 years, yor family will tell you that its okay they understand as you get busy and don't have time for them. Dont listen to them althought they genuinely mean it.  Dont seek your family when its convenient, do it when it takes something from you to be with them.  Show up for them." 

3- D string. It is the heart of the full chord and its the most important to creating beautiful music.  This is your SPOUSE.  The most important decision you will make.  who you choose will either allow you to create incredible harmonies and being equally yoked will allow so much capacity, choosing the wrong partner can delve into increased life chaos.  (SO TRUE)

4-G string (AMBITION)--dont wait at the cusp of potential for a written invitation.  tackle life and all its opportunies and WHEN you fail, cause you will fail tune the string and keep trying.  

5-B string--COMMUNITY.  bloom where you are planted (not matter how long you will be in that place). Coach the team, volunteer, (be a strengthand contributor in your ward no matter what it looks like) know your neighbors by name (not usernames) and be helpful. Be careful to spend so much time virtually with pretend relationships and be deliberate and involved with those physically around you locally. 

6-High E string--INDIVIDUALITY.  The world doesn't need more cover songs.  They need originals.   Fight the impulse to always want/need to be like others.  Be your best you. 

It was excellent.  So worth listening to a few times. 

I went on a long walk early this morning, listened to a little bit of a favorite podcast and then just turned it off to think.  there are some things that need tuning in my life.  (normal and has happened before).  Still figuring out what that looks like.  It is easy for me to take action and change things quickly.  Its not as easy for me to really dig in mentally to the whys behind some things I feel or think alot that aren't helpful to me. 

We love you all very much!  Dad and I know how frustrating we can be as parents and also how much fun and good our family is.  I wouldnt want to do it with anyone else.  You are all my favorite people no matter what.  I cannot wait to all be together for a few weeks. 

Today Aubrie leaves for Ecuador at 11 am (Utah time) and Hallie is doing a kids camp in Pratt's backyard all week. 9-4 every day. We all miss you Elder! Our house addition has consumed us a lot these last 2 weeks. But it's moving along and we are loving how it's turning out. We are staying at Pratts house while they are gone for about a month and are extremely grateful for that. DBAT Ogden is almost official (signing of the lease) and dad and Dave seem super pumped about how DBAT is going generally at both locations. Lots of family time lately at the reunions and Jensen's before that that have been in town. Jensen is here at FSY in Provo this week and we will get to hang out with him this coming weekend. Dad Emmaleigh Brown and I also planned an extended reunion just on Saturday. Russ and his wife Stacy and their two kids are staying with us for a few days to be here for that reunion We bought a hot tub (used but in good condition!) it feels like such a huge move because we have all wanted one for so long. Elliot's family has been watching Sandi for the last several weeks from everything they say they're all in love with her and she has been getting along so well with their dog. It's such a blessing that they were willing to take her and that it's been going well because I'm not sure what we would've done otherwise. There's no way she would've stayed in our house by herself very well. Yesterday I drove down in the morning and went to Aubrie's ward because she was speaking in church and also doing a musical number with Kalisi and her other roommate Caroline. I'll send the voice memo of them singing it was really really good. Aubries talk was excellent as well. Afterwards I got to meet a lot of people in her ward and then hang out with her roommates and some other people in her apartment. It was just fun for me personally to get a glimpse into Aubrie's life and observe everything and talk to everyone. I could do that once a month Paige has been here this past weekend because two of the boys that Hallie and Paige became close to from FSY last year were speaking together in their ward before leaving on a mission this week. They said the talks were really good and both boys are just so impressive. Beck had his farewell this past Sunday which we didn't make it to and I'm so sad about that. He leaves for Mexico in a couple of days. Jack Brixton and Bo all sing a song while Jack played the guitar and Henny bore his testimony in Spanish and then Beck spoke. It was all really good as you can imagine.

 Hello Elder Jensen-

We got a text message from Tristan Nielson that was a picture of you and your comp with a younger couple (and he went to CHS).  Kind of fun to get those random pictures from people with you having small world moments. 

We are ramping up for lots of Haynies to come into town by end of this week and starting our reunion next Sunday.  I am looking forward to it so much.  I wish our house could hold people but it is what it is.  Doxeys were here for most of this last week and Lucas had so much fun with Norah, Kali, Jacob, Charlie and Danny.  He loves playing with cousins.  

Things are moving along with the house.  It feels more real and exciting.   Joan Fisher passed away--so sad-- and her funeral was Saturday.  SHe is such an inspiration to really LIVE life. 

The elders in our ward are really awesome.  I am glad they are here. They taught our neighbors the other day and I just hope they keep being open to them coming and meeting with them.  

Dad and Blake went on a river rafting trip to Moab with the stake young men for about 4 days.  Sounds like it was pretty awesome all around. 

I was sitting on the bench today with just me, Lucas and Clara.  It felt so different and I don't know if I like it. 

Clara is home from Brighton camp and thought it was so epic, rapelling, amazing sunrise hike that she had to wake up at 2:00 am for, met tons of new girls, had a really good testimony meeting etc. 

Dad and I have had a hard week of feeling like so many things are not where we want them to be with each of the kids, and with how are family life is going.  We need to recalibrate.  We set some goals tonight.  

We heard from the Tanners and we are good to come pick you up on the first in the morning.  We are going to book our tickets this week.  Dad kind of thought through an itinerary where to go each day and you maybe you can fill in the gaps/work that out with dad. It seemed like a good circle of your areas and we have from Thursday afternoon -Monday afternoon.  I am so grateful to get to come and meet these people we have been hearing about for so long. 

Cant wait to talk to you tomorrow!

Love-Mama