First 3 Days of the Virgin Islands

In spite of everything we made it to St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands late afternoon on Saturday. Funny story. On our drive to Crystal Cove we were in a full 14 passenger van Taxi. The other passengers were all retirees and they thought our kids were sweet. Kohen picked up on this fact and became very talkative. He kept saying, "Scuse me sir," to the driver and then he would say something random about a bird he saw or whatever. At one point he quietly told me he needed 'to go poopy' and I quietly told him we were almost to our destination. Next thing I know he says, "Scuse me sir, I need to go poopy." He said it all matter of fact and the whole van got a good chuckle out of that.

We dropped off our things in the condo, threw on swimsuits and walked about 50ft out to our beach. Sapphire Beach happens to be one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island which was awesome. The weather was warm but rainy but we didn't care we were just happy to be there.

Sleeping posed a problem the first few nights and naps because Kohen kept the girls riled up until all hours and finally in a literal answer to prayers I thought of using ear plugs. It worked like a charm and they slept well the rest of the trip though Kohen did still have to sleep in our room for the week cuz he remained a bit mischievous.

There was a kitchen and so Nathan got groceries and in a gesture of true love he made, served and cleaned up breakfast, lunch and dinners the entire week...My heart skips a beat just thinking about it :). It made it feel like a real vacation for me. The Condo was older but well kept and met all of our needs. We mostly just got up, went to the beach, came back for lunch and naps and then back out to the beach until dinner. The weather was not perfect the first three days but we didn't care, it was still warm and beautiful.

Gramps

Well, things never go quite as you expect do they? Last Friday afternoon as we were preparing to leave I got one of the worst phone calls. My grandpa had died suddenly of a massive heart attack. It was so unexpected, I was totally in shock for several hours after I got the news. I felt helpless because there was really nothing I could do to change our plans. I know he wouldn't have wanted me to do that anyway. There was a private viewing the next day and per his wishes he was cremated the following day. The whole thing is all still so surreal.
As you might guess my mood was less than jovial the first half of our trip. I felt guilty for being where I was and for enjoying myself which is stupid and I know it. And then sometimes I would not be thinking of him at all and then something would remind me of him and I would get teary out of nowhere. It has been tough trying to accept this reality.
What I want to say in regards to my Gramps is that as far as grandpas go- he always met or exceeded my expectations. He was a good man, not perfect, but one who tried to do right. He worked dang hard and had a thumb that was greener than Al Gore. Seriously- he was an amazing gardener. I won't bore you all with details and stories but I will just say that when I reflect on my childhood, nearly all of my fondest memories include my grandpa.
I was not looking forward to writing this post, and my fears have been confirmed as I feel my words are indeed grossly inadequate. Just know that this man was a superstar in my life and I will miss him terribly.

Woo Hoo!!!

The time has finally come! Our little family is getting on a plane tomorrow morning and by early afternoon we will be in St.Thomas, Virgin Islands!!! Several months ago Nathan and I decided that our family had had to spend so much time apart last year that all we wanted to do was go sit on a beach somewhere and play together. So this is Nathan and I's Christmas and we are both so excited to spend time as a family.
That brings me to the unfortunate news that I don't think I'll be blogging for a week while we are away because last night our laptop decided to officially go on fritz. Apparently it wants nothing to do with the Virgin Islands. Killjoy. Frankly I am a little nervous about being away from the blogosphere for a whole week! That, my friends, is an embarassing admission. Reading all of your blogs is such a fun way to procrastinate my other responsibilities. I indulge more than is prudent. But it is so fun I can't bring myself to feel guilty about it.
Randomly, American Idol has started. It is nice to have some new TV but I am also feeling a little disenchanted with the whole thing. For some reason it seems like a lot of the people who are auditioning that are terrible- are slow or something. It is one thing to say 'you can't sing' to an adult who, let's be honest, already knew they couldn't sing. It is something entirely different to make fun of people who are as innocent as a toddler and don't get that you are mocking them. I don't know, am I being overly sensitive? Also irritating this year is that Paula Abdul is recording a reality show of herself going through the Idol process so she is totally playing it up to her reality cameras that are off to the side of the auditioning area. I am so sick of watching her over react for her cameras. But all I can do is roll my eyes. I mean, I'm certainly not going to just turn it off am I? ...Am I?
Anyway, you'll have to keep checking CNN for a new super nova sighting in the Virgin Islands. But don't worry, it's just me. That's what it looks like when my bright white legs are revealed. Though since my skin cancer last year, sightings are more and more rare...to everyones relief :)

A Beautiful Disaster

Oh Aly...We were watching our very favorite movie 'Singing In The Rain' when Aly got upset about something minor and bonked her own head while she was being sassy. So then I had my tutu clad Aly laying prostrate on the floor kicking her legs and the scene was so funny I couldn't resist taping it. Please excuse the movie in the background...Aly had little trouble doing that.

'Dungeons' & Dragons

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! On the eve of Saturday the Jensens traveled back to Medieval times to see how Lords and Ladies really lived -minus the lack of plumbing, fresh water, the plague...that was all extra. Nathan heard an ad for Medieval Times which does a dinner show while the Knights really joust and sword fight and they use real horses etc. Nathan and I could hardly wait to see the children's reaction- especially Kohen's. We let Kennedy wear her favorite princess dress and Kohen got to wear his Dungeons (aka.-his armor). We met our friends the Lintons there and all of the children were amazed by the building because it looks like a giant castle on the outside and the inside was decorated accordingly. Kohen was awe struck long before the show even started. When they served us our dinner on all pewter dishes -without any silverware- Kohen thought it was great and dug right in while Kennedy was turned off by the idea of getting her hands dirty, on purpose. The show started, Kohen's mouth dropped to the floor and pretty much stayed there until the show was over. In fact, beside cheering for our sections Knight (who won the tournament, btw) Kohen hardly said a word except for when someone would leave the arena he would get upset and say, 'I want the horses to come back!' or 'I want the dungeon (knight) to come back!'. Kennedy especially enjoyed the Princesses royal role in the show. And even Aly remained pretty entertained. It was so fun to take the kids to see the show, but as Kohen goes around swinging his sword at all of the 'wenches' in our house this morning I am hoping he starts to forget some of the new fighting techniques he saw. Ah, but it was still worth it to see their reactions. And the peasants cheered!!!!

A Tutu For You?

Alyssa has discovered her sister's tutus. The first few days she wanted them on I thought it was sweet. Then she started going to the dress up bin first thing in the morning to pull out the tutu and then come and grunt at me and push at my legs while I'm trying to make breakfast -and by 'make' I mean pouring cereal into bowls- until I put the tutu on her. Next thing you know she's wearing it all day and we would barely be able to persuade the layers of pink tulle off of her for bed by assuring her it would be right there on the rocking chair in the morning. And so the cycle continued until I was gone one night while Nathan got the children ready for bed. I came home just in time to kiss them each good night (what perfect timing) and when I got to Aly she stood up proudly in her crib still wearing her tutu. I figured Nathan had tried in vain to get it off of her and in my mind I told myself surely my superior mothering skills would be able to convince her to take it off. I pictured myself triumphantly carrying out the wad of tutu above my head like a trophy... but Aly gave me a sassy little reality check when she pushed my hands away and kind of told me off, though it was hard to decipher because A. it was baby talk/shout and B. she had her pacifier in since she was in bed, but I got the message loud and clear- NOT HAPPENING. Realizing it was a lost cause I tucked her in, tutu and all. I don't really mind this obsession, I know it could be much worse. Yesterday she decided that it's even better if she wears two tutus. Say that ten times fast.

Nathan's Jr.

Since Nathan has been home Kohen has been his constant shadow. Nathan can't take a shower or go to the bathroom without Kohen following along (hmmm, sounds like my life). I caught this moment as they did their exercises before getting cleaned up for the day. It was so funny to see Kohen try and do the exercises that Nathan was doing. Kohen even inserted a gratuitous grunt every now and again even though he was not working out his abs so much as his neck. He was so proud of himself to be 'working out' with his dad. And I am always glad for the break I get when Kohen is hanging out with dad.

Tubes: Take Two

Right after we moved to VA Nathan and I noticed that Kennedy wasn't hearing properly. We took her in and found out that she had fluid in both ears that didn't get infected but just stayed in there keeping her ear drums from vibrating, thus the lack of hearing. So a set of tubes were put in and over the next few months I was surprised to find Kennedy had several ear infections (when tubes are in the infection just leaks out- yucky, but nice not to wonder if they do or don't have an infection, plus you just have drops to take care of it) though she never complains of pain. Eventually she started having blood coming out of her ears...disturbing the first time to be sure. But turns out it isn't a huge deal, just led us to find out her ears have continued to get infected and the pressure ended up pushing both tubes out and in a matter of days we were back to square one with a Kennedy who said, "Huh?" about a hundred times a day. So last night we got Kennedy's favorite dinner of "China Food" so she could fill up since she would be missing breakfast- and yes she has mastered the art of using chopsticks...showoff. Anyhow the surgery went well this morning minus the part where she proved she has some Wilcox in her by throwing up afterwards (like she did last time) from the anesthesia. She came home and called for Kohen to come up and snuggle with her which he gladly did and I'm not gonna lie, it made my day to see him comforting her. Of all the health problems I am grateful for this relatively minor problem that is easily fixed, and that generally our children are healthy.

Is Three Really A Crowd?

The other morning I was feeling so sick with a head cold and Nathan decided to take on Saturday morning cleaning with the children by himself. The kids helped for a while and then petered out and eventually Nathan found all three of them like this in Aly's crib. They were each 'reading' their own books and kept each other occupied for quite a while. It really made my day that Nathan thought to take a picture. I am rubbing off him :)

Calvin and Hobbes

There are so very few things I love more in life than Calvin and Hobbes. If you know this strip then you will appreciate this post. If this is your first introduction then 1. where have you been and 2. you can go ahead and just thank me now for all that reading these comics will provide you. You're welcome.

I of course shared my love of Calvin and Hobbes with my little brother who was at the time, I dunno, 9ish? and I remember my mom was conflicted with letting him read them because Justin enjoyed them so much but she also said 'they gave him ideas'.
At any rate, nothing pulls me out of a foul mood than reading a few pages of a C&H book. I have started several times going through trying to make a list of my favorites but it is pointless. The list of those that are not my favorite is much shorter.

Goldilocks

I had to post these pictures because I have to memorialize the closest thing to 'Goldilocks' as Nathan and I may be possible of producing. Both of us have straight hair, though mine is obnoxiously and defiantly so. I was surprised and pleased when Aly's hair was lighter than Kenna and Kohen's but then as it has started to come in it has a little wave in it, just enough to tease me - and it doesn't take much for it to straighten out. So please take a moment to appreciate the miracle that this picture illustrates, even if the miracle is only temporary.

New Years Eve 2007

A couple of friends and I thought that we were so smart. We were talking about how we would love to be able to share the New Years Eve experience with our little ones but none of us are willing to turn their schedules upside down to do so. So we came up with the idea to celebrate New Years Eve along with Barcelona where it would be New Years in our early evening. That way we could have our children participate in ringing in the New Year but still get them into bed at a decent hour. Anyway, we went with the Spanish theme having salsa, tacos, toquitos etc. and even let the kids bat at a couple of pinatas which was easily the highlight of their night. I think I will perfect the idea and maybe we will celebrate in proxy with Paris next year...Devoi pron???

A Song And A Dance

A song and a dance to say farewell to the year 2007~ Nathan played some of the kids favorite songs with Kohen at his side helping him tickle the ivories while the girls whirled around the floor. Aly has taken to one of Kennedy's tutu's and she wants it on first thing in the morning and shouts baby curses at me when I have to take it off to change her diaper. She was excited to get to dance with it on and Nathan and I can't believe the moves Aly has picked up from Kennedy. Welcome 2008!!!

The Cliffs Of Insanity

So as you all know I have spent the week fretting about having to speak in our church Sacrament meeting today. When I was asked to give the 15 min talk my first question was, "Can I show a video?" which would have been a lot funnier if Bro. H. would have realized I was joking. I tried everything to get out of it. I even breathed in all of my sick husband and children's breath hoping to develop pneumonia. When I told my mom that she said, "you don't really want to be in the hospital" and I replied, "yeah I would. That would be a real day off." Of course I was being dramatic. I know how serious Pneumonia can be (i.e. Tara's 8 inch scar across her ribs) but I needed everyone to know I really didn't want to do this. So I work on the talk and thanks to Shelly's input I got things headed in the right direction and Saturday night I am feeling surprisingly good. Nathan and I are headed out for a date night when he casually says to me, "I don't know if this is going to be good news or bad news..." Which always means, he knows and it's bad news. He had invited two of his good guy friends (who are not LDS) from his work to come and listen to me speak at church!!!!!! Oh no he didn't!!! Please no!! But yes, yes he had. I was totally sick to my stomach with nerves. These two guys are really great and they were coming to support me as much as from their curiosity I am sure. And I know you are thinking that this would actually be the perfect day to have friends come to church- and you are right I am sure but stop thinking that because, hello? you are supposed to be on my side!!!

Anyway, I tossed and turned all night and had various talk-related nightmares. Morning rolls around and I feel completely wiped out. The nerves build all morning until I find myself sitting up on the stand waiting for my turn to speak and playing an odd game I made up named 'I'd-rather-be'. The game was over when I realized that at that moment I would rather be in labor than about to do what I was going to do...again with the dramatics. But I really meant it at the time. Anyhoo, I gave the talk and it must have gone alright because nobody stood up and shouted, "BOOO! BOOOO!" like that creepy witch lady from Buttercup's nightmare in Princess Bride. And I actually have a good sense of accomplishment tonight though I am totally exhausted due to my lack of restful sleep last night and wearing my self out with pointless- but total compulsory- stressing. It makes me wonder why I am up blogging in sheer delirium rather than tucked into bed...If I read this tomorrow I don't know if I'll mean it...anybody want a peanut?

Never Put Off Till Tomorrow...

Alright. I need some help. I was asked to give a talk in our church Sacrament meeting this coming Sunday. I used to love the opportunity to speak in public settings but as I have gotten older I have lost some of that confidence and desire to speak. Plus I am supposed to speak for about 15 min (15 min!?) and that seems like such a long time for me to talk without putting my foot in my mouth or saying something embarrassing. So I was hoping you might help me out a little. My topic is on Procrastination and how that effects us spiritually. So I would love it if anyone would share their feelings, insights, or even experiences and maybe it will help inspire me...and help me not to procrastinate writing this talk until Sunday morning.

Christmas 2007

Our first Christmas not at home in Boise with family was...different. The Bells included us in all of their traditions and activities so we ended up having a great holiday. Christmas morning Nathan and I quickly realized we usually have 3-5 other adults around to help us keep things under control so when it was just the two of us things got a bit chaotic and in about an hours time we were both pooped. But Christmas is so fun again now that our children are old enough to really enjoy it and get into it. It is magical again and I am so grateful for that. The pictures are pretty self-explanatory but the one of Kohen is him in his pirate hat and patch reading his treasure map making a goober face. Then we have Kennedy trying on the cutest outfit from aunt Natalie but the tights that are supposed to fit a 5 year old went from Kennedy's neck to the floor and we all had a good laugh about that. Don't worry Nan, I exchanged them for a smaller size :) And check out the paper doll Kennedy made- my mom sent the coolest book full of clothes and hair etc. you put on the paper dolls, my Aunt Sheila and Kathy make and sell them and Kennedy loves them. Merry Christmas to all!

Shake It Like That

So this is the song where AlyCat got her nickname from the line 'Shake it like that Alley Cat'~ of all of the genres of music and different songs we listen and dance to around here this is Aly's favorite. In the second video you will see my favorite trick (well, first observe Kohen being a goober with his cowboy hat on in the background) no matter where in the house Aly is, when she hears those first few counts of the song she literally comes running! Sometimes for fun Nathan and I will take turns taking Alyssa to different rooms and then start the song just to see her race in so she can get to her moves. I don't know, this may just be fun to Nathan and I but oh well :)

All I Want For Christmas

All I want for Christmas...Is to get the heck off Santa's lap!

It's the age I think. Everyone seems to have a picture of their little one trying their hardest to escape the maniacal grip of this 'Jolly Old Fellow'. Aly was suspect from the moment I tried to set her on his lap; she did this whole monkey thing where my arm was outstretched trying to shake her off and it was like she had all four limbs clinging to my arm trying to avoid touching that red polyester at any cost. A lot of parents pine after that perfect picture of their children with Santa but I get a kick out of the more candid ones.

Traditions

Here are a few of our favorite traditions:

1- First is the Family Home Evening where we go to the store and the kids each get to pick out a toy to give to Toys For Tots. Then we go to a Fire Station and drop them off. This can be difficult with little ones who don't understand that the toy isn't for them, so this is the first year the children got to choose. Before I just found a good deal and brought it home for them to then drop off. This year the firetruck had just come back from a call and 2 Firemen invited us in to see the trucks and gear. Kohen was in awe. It made this years trip there even more special. On the way home I asked the children if they had a good feeling in their heart when they gave that brand new toy away to someone who needed it more and when they answered 'yes' I explained that that good feeling was the Holy Spirit telling them that they had done a good thing. Never one to leave good enough alone I prattled on for a few moments before Kennedy interrupted and politely asked, "Mom? Can you be quiet? I am trying to listen." Confused, it took me a minute to realize she didn't mean me but the Holy Spirit.~

2- I had this idea a couple of years ago but didn't think the kids were old enough until this year. Since they are going to be getting new toys at Christmas we spent an FHE filling up a trash bag full of their toys that they decided they were done with and ready to donate to someone who might need them more. This went so much better than I expected- after I assured Kennedy it was completely up to them what they did or didn't give and we cleared up that they couldn't donate their siblings stuff ("I think Kohen is done with this" Kenna said as she tried to donate Kohen's favorite truck) it went really smoothly and they were so excited to give their toys away and I feel great cuz now we have space for new gifts, everyones happy.

3- Then we have Mr.Peeps. Sound creepy? Well, to me too at first but this is the best tradition so far. We heard this at a parenting class and they gave us a poem about Peeps explaining how he works. So the story goes, Santa sends Peeps to watch the kids and he reports back every night to the North Pole how the kids have been that day and so he is then in a different place each morning. This works so unbelievably well I wish Peeps was here all year. All I have to say is "Peeps is watching" (which would sound creepy under any other circumstance) and the whining voice is swallowed back or the toy is relinquished or a whack turns into a pat on the back, it is hilarious to watch. But I have had my eye out to find a smaller elf to take over so Peeps can retire (the only elf I could find is about a foot long and has a porcelain face and hands, too big and fragile). My friend April alerted me to The Elf On A Shelf and I am all about it. A book to explain the tradition, a small movable Elf to hide in lots more places more easily- perfect. Same tradition, same results- but easier!

4- Christmas Stories- This is another favorite because my children seriously look forward to it so much. I have accumulated some great Christmas/Christ themed books over the last few years, my favorite being I Believe In Santa Clause because it compare Christ and Santa and teaches how Santa is a symbol of Christmas and so, Yes we believe in Santa Clause- it doesn't sound so special when I explain it but trust me it is simple in it's spiritual ties to Christmas. I think the key to keeping the books special is that I pack them away each year with the Christmas decorations.

So that is just a few of our favorite traditions that we have started over the years~ hope you've enjoyed~ I'd love it if anyone wants to share their favorite traditions in the comments!!!

Videos Are Back!

Oh my goodness I am so excited!!! There has been a glitch for months that has made it impossible to upload video and it is finally worked out and then I realized I haven't even been taking video. But I have one of Aly saying some of her words and then showing off her cough at the end...Enjoy!!!