Motherhood

Me and my Mommy when I was first born :) 

Lately it's hit me deeply how sacred and incredible motherhood is. I'm not a mother yet, but for some reason this Christmas time I've really been touched when I'm reminded of the importance of motherhood by the story of Jesus being brought into this world by His mother, Mary. Even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ needed and was provided a mother.
At church we have been reviewing the story of Mary and Joseph and every time that happens I cry tears that are only caused by the Holy Ghost. It wasn't until this year that something stood out to me: Mary, a young woman like me, brought our Savior to us. Without her strength and faith, we would not have been given the atonement. Without her example and love, Jesus Christ might have forgotten His role on Earth. But Mary believed and she taught Him and lead Him in the right direction.
So, because of that, I just wanted to thank my own mother publicly for being such an amazing mom. Although I won't always admit this in person, I love that I am so much like her. :) She is kind, loving, strong and determined to always do what is right. Many people say I'm a lot like her, and finally after I've gotten through my dumb teenage years, I see that as the biggest compliment in the world. She's always been a rock in my life and I couldn't have asked for a better mother.
Motherhood is so sacred and important, I hope that all you moms and future moms realize how special you are simply because you're a woman and have the power to be a mother.

Fall is Here, Hear the Yell

Well, so far I have survived being a first grade teacher and I am LOVING it. I admit, there have been days where I'm totally overwhelmed that somehow I have to teach these 6 year old kiddies how to read. There are days where my management is down the drain and I feel like they are the teachers and I am the student. I have learned how to be firm and tough and I've cried after being mean to them. However, first graders are SO loving and forgiving and the sweetest kids ever. Over all it's been hilarious and I love those 28 kids more than I can explain. By Friday night I miss them already. A favorite part of teaching is how funny they are. 

Here are some awesome quotes from some of my kids this year:

• Me, before the fire drill: "Now remember, the most important thing to get out of the building is you  not your backpack. I would be really sad if you were in the fire and I never got to see you again." 
• Student: "Yes you would, in the resurrection!"
  
• Student: "Mrs. Jensen, do you have a library card?"
• Me: "Yes, why?" 
• Student: "Cuz I will check you out!" Winks and smiles at me. Learned that one from his dad. 

My students also randomly broke out into the school song one day during some quiet art time. Pretty hilarious. I felt like I was in a musical or something. 

Anyway. Tyler and I have been having a blast and he has come and helped out in my classroom a couple times which the kids love. We've done a few other fun things, here are some pictures to update you. :) 

Katie and Aubrey joined me for a very short walk for Autism.
We did this for one of my student's brother.  Afterwards we went to Paradise
Bakery and got yummy muffins and nasty hot chocolate. Love these girls!!!

We've been together for over 3 years and FINALLY rode my dad's horses together.
It was fun visiting my daddy and riding the horses a little. 

I'm on Sunny and Tyler is on Bo.

Here we go!

:) 

We threw a surprise birthday for my big brother :) 

Me and my big brother. Love you Happy 25th Birthday!

Laughing about how our pictures together often look like a couple. 

Jayden got a hold of my camera. I've taught him well what to do!

The whole group minus my sister who took the picture.

Happy Birthday Tyler

I figured I should probably whip up a quick blog for Tyler's birthday, since he is my darling husband. 

Let me begin by telling the world what an amazing, strong, spiritual, and loving person Tyler is. In his life, he has had some serious trials that most do not have the strength within to overcome. Most people simply don't have the willpower to change like Tyler did.He found power within himself to turn his life around completely to be a better, happier person. I don't think he will ever understand how much I really admire that in him. 

Something else I admire and love about Tyler is his patience with not only with me, but all people. I rarely see him get frustrated with anyone or say something negative about another person. He always seems to see both perspectives without taking sides. I've noticed that this positive attitude brings peace about him. This outlook is contagious and I try harder to follow his example.   

Tyler is a deep thinker and he is very smart. Some people don't see that in him because he's not boastful about it and can sometimes be quiet. It's awesome though because Tyler sees the world differently than most. 

He has an eternal perspective and finds ways to see things in a spiritual manner a lot.I love that about him too. 

I could go on for hours about everything I love about my sweet husband. As cliche as it sounds, Tyler truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me.He lifts me up when I'm sad, makes me laugh always, and is the most loving and sweet guy ever. I am so proud of him for how hard he works and all that he has accomplished. Happy Birthday, Tyler. Thanks for changing my life for the better. :) 

P.S. Thanks for letting me post this cheesy blog about you. 

Up in Real Life

If you've seen the movie "Up" you'll know how adorable their little house is. Well, someone who has wayyyy too much time and money on their hands built a house that totally mimics it, and it's here in Utah; only about a half hour away. We just enjoyed ourselves going to see it and for free too. :) So fun! 

Us and our future house ;) 

Cute close up

They had 2 rooms built for kids in the Make a Wish foundation :) 

This is the other room for the Make a Wish foundation girl 

They put her as the princess, so cute :)

Life is busy but life is fun

Just letting everyone know we're alive and BUSY! Being a 1st grade teacher is a ton of work and so much fun. I adore those kids and I hope they're learning to like me. :) Tyler started school up again while also working. We've managed to stay busy while also catching up with old friends and spending time with family. We also had the exciting experience of welcoming our new nephew, Jaden Jensen, into this world. Tyler's older brother, Kyle and his wife Shannon are the proud parents. :)

First week of school 

Went to a friend's wedding. Congrats to Tyson and Lynnie.

Me and some old friends dancing at the wedding. 

 Wendy and I had a blast at the wedding. 

I threw a birthday party for Brianne!  

Some of our old friends all came and it was so fun.
Here's Bri, Cory, Curtis, and Me acting like children. 

Cory, Curtis, Dan. I love having lifelong friends!

Bri, Me, Cori, Alyssa, Andrea 

Happy Birthday Bri-Bri!

We've been going to the Jon Schmidt concert for 9 years now! Here we are waiting. 

We had so much fun. Love these girls. 

My mommy came too 

So did the fabulous Ally Best 

And my big brother and his wife. I forgot to get a picture with her
(she was at the restroom or something at this time).

Gorgeous sunset!

Tyler helped Jayden learn to play baseball better. 

Kaylie making KacyAnn dizzy haha. 

LOVE THIS! Welcome to the world, Jaden :) 

On a date night together. Couldn't be happier!

Avoiding Homework.

So far my Summer vacation has been boringly filled with college homework. I'm finishing up my last semester at UVU while also trying to get my classroom put together and having fun! I have been able to squeeze in some fun, like this weekend. I ignored my homework and focused on relaxing. My friend Katie and I stayed up util 12:30 a.m. working on fun projects for my classroom which was a hilarious blast. And my Dad took me and my siblings + spouses wave running at Deer Creek! It was HEAVENLY. I love being out on the water/with my family. I wish I had another month of just fun, but behold, there are first graders waiting for me to teach them in a few weeks.