Valentine's Day

We came home the Friday before Valentine's Day and noticed a big box on our doorstep:

Projects

So to make sure I got everything done before moving, I made lists...lots and lots of lists.  

One of those lists were of little projects that I wanted to accomplish.  I felt that I would want to take completed projects instead of piles and boxes of unfinished work.

Now I still brought uncompleted things here to Virginia, but I did get a lot done as well.

The first to get done was an "I Spy Bag" with my sister Kirsta.

She had seen this on Pinterest or something and thought it would be fun.

Fun with Cousins

During January and February, we had several play dates with Glenn's cousins.  I knew he would miss playing with them, so I wanted to make sure he got one last time to be with them.  

When we were up at my Mom's we spent some time with Lena, Jasper and baby Freya.  

We had a lot of fun with them.  

Eye Surgery

So back in November I went to a free consultation at Hoopes Vision to see if I was a good candidate for lasik surgery.  I had been growing tired of contacts and glasses all the time.  And so I went in just to see.  

I remember hearing about it years ago and the thought of a laser going at my eye did NOT sound like fun AT ALL!  I remember having the hardest time learning to put in contacts--way back in 8th grade!

But at the consultation, they ran all kinds of tests and then talked to me about different options.

Turns out my corneas were too thin to do lasik.  I felt kind of devastated when they told me.

But!

Fun at Grandma Esther's

I wonder why we always seem to say "Grandma's house" instead of 'Grandpa' house....I'm not sure exactly, but it was pretty much true this time because Grandpa Don wasn't there much.  He was gone on a lot of business trips and so it was just Grandma and us.

Glenn and I went to my parent's house the last couple weeks of January and into February.  I had eye surgery and it was so nice to have some help with Glenn as well as meals and company.  We had a lot of fun being there and playing.  One of the things we did a lot was watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!  One night as we were watching there was a contestant with my name, but the spelling was exactly the same!

Background Info and a Visit from Sirie

So I guess that I didn't really explain why we had a going away party for Paul...

Well Paul got a new job in Virginia and his start date was January 16, 2012.  So after Christmas, his birthday and New Year's--which was pretty low-key for us--he packed up the car and drove across the country to Virginia.  He made several stops along the way--he stayed with his sister in Colorado; he visited an old friend and mission companion in Missouri; he visited his aunt and uncle in Alabama; and he visited with some good friends of ours in Tennessee before arriving at his uncle and aunt's house in Virginia.  He lived with them from January-April.  Glenn and I stayed there in Utah, mostly to stay in the house through March for tax purposes and to find someone to rent it.

Our Helper

Glenn really loves to help us--in pretty much everything we are doing.  One time I was wiping the counters in the kitchen and then moved on to the table.  Glenn wanted to do that, so I let him...

Paul's Birthday/Going Away Party

For Paul’s birthday last year, we invited a lot of friends and family over.  It was not only to celebrate Paul’s 30^th birthday, but a chance for Paul to see people one last time before he moved to Virginia.  We were really happy with the turn-out!  We loved seeing so many of our friends and family there—thanks to everyone who came!

 

Videos of Glenn

Okay, I have a few videos of Glenn from October through December of 2011.  They just kind of show what Glenn is like and I love 'em.  He is a fun kid!

This first one is from the ward Halloween party.  I've gotten it to work somehow.

Christmas part 3

Every year my extended Jensen family has a get together.  I love getting together with everyone, even though it is really crazy with all of us there and little one running around.  

We always eat good food and do a White Elephant gift exchange game.  This is always so hilarious!  And just like any game, there are some good ones and some not-so-good ones.  I think my cousin Ben got some hot dog flavored mints...or something gross like that!  Where do they get this stuff?!

I didn't get a picture of everyone there, but I got a few.

Christmas part 2

Christmas Eve and Day were also spent with my family.

Christmas Eve Paul and I made the traditional Christmas pizza for dinner.

Christmas part 1

First Present

One of the YW in my ward gave a present to Glenn the Sunday before Christmas.  I was surprised at the gift because she was in the younger class and hadn't spent much time with me or Glenn.  I guess she would watch Glenn at Church and activities and just loved him enough to give him a gift.

And this was the best gift!  Glenn opened the bag and was so excited to see this little puppy! 

Funny Face

So while we were at the Crane baby shower Glenn made this really funny face...and we all couldn't stop laughing!  He was able to hold it for a long time, even with all of us laughing.

December Happenings

Dinner with Ethan's Family

I know I mentioned that we had dinner with Ethan and his family before, but I only shared the food pictures. Here are a few more from that night.  

 Jasper. Glenn. Paul.

Getting so Big

As I look at these pictures that I'm going to post I realize how much Glenn is growing!

He is sure getting to be a big boy!

Fun with Daddy

The Grab & Cuddle

The Beginning of December

The end of the year is always so busy, and last year was no exception!

Here are a few pictures from things we did.

Christmas Around the World

Setting up Christmas

The last Sunday in November we got out all of our Christmas containers and decorated our house.

There is just something special and fun about it all!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with my family this year.  

Paul had the honors of slicing the beautiful turkey.  And Maren making some delicious asparagus.  We really did have the best spread!  We had so much food and we were very grateful, especially since we had been unemployed for most of the year.  We were grateful to be with loving family and to share in the abundance of all of us.

November Happenings

Evelyn's Birthday Party

Early in the month of November we were invited to Paul's niece's first birthday party!  Sweet little Evelyn turned 1!  It was fun to eat her favorite foods, open presents and eat the cutely decorated cake.