Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

1. Prologue - Phantom of the Opera
2. Battle - Colbie Caillat
3. Happy is a Yuppie Word - Switchfoot
4. Homecoming Dance "Beautiful Sky" from High School Dance Company
5. Country Comfort - Keith Urban
6. Several Ways to Die Trying - Dashboard Confessional
7. Full of Grace - Sarah McLachlan
8. Always on my Mind - Michael Buble
9. Black & White - Sarah McLachlan
10. Stumble - Natasha Bedingfield

Well it appears that I have a broad range of music that I enjoy.  Operas, Rock, Country, Emo (Dashboard), Big Band, etc...

I liked that.  Easy post

Crafting

Here is picture of two of my most recent crafts around the house.  The first one I did was the board saying.  It's one of my favorite sayings.  I had a lot of fun painting the board, crackling it, and then adding the vinyl.  I thought it turned out great.

Then yesterday morning I did the wreath. Yes, it's made out of a book and it's one of the cheapest crafts ever.  All you need is a styrofoam wreath, a book, acrylic paint and a glue gun.  I thought it turned out great.  I learned how to do it here with Living with Lindsay.  She has a lot of great craft ideas. Check it out!

A picture of you and your family

For this I will consider "my family" the immediate family that I lived and grew up with.  This was on our wedding day. There have been some changes since then, but we are such a large family that we will be growing/changing all the time.  Love and miss them all!!!

A Letter to Someone Who has hurt you recently

Well, not many people hurt my feelings.  I feel pretty lucky in that I'm easy going and don't take offense easily.  But the other day, I did have an experience that made me feel pretty bad.  I didn't really know the person so in some ways that makes it better, but in this "letter" it will give the story.  I'm obviously not giving this letter to them because they were a stranger basically to me.  But maybe it will help get the emotion out anyway.

Dear Stranger,

I was hurt pretty badly when you asked me "When are you due?" the other day.  To my quick response all I could say is that I have a 4 1/2 month old.  I know that my body isn't the same, but from one stranger to another, that is not something that you ask.  Get to know someone a little better before getting to that question, maybe even ask around to see if someone else knows before asking.  Might help in avoiding a hurtful conversation.  Just so that you know, stranger, I cried on my drive home that night.  Yes my 10 minute drive, the whole way.  I was hurt.  Not only haven't I been able to lose any of my baby weight and have been extremely self-conscious since having my son, but also I can't fit in any more than 5 of my shirts and 2 pairs of pants. 

On the other hand, stranger, thank you for helping me realize that I really need to crack down and start doing something about my weight and body.  You have inspired me to work out even harder in an effort to shed these extra pounds.  I will meet this goal and I will fit into my clothes again.

I forgive you for your question and I know that it wasn't meant out of harm, but out of curiosity.  

Sincerely,

Me

How you found out about Blogs and why you made one

The first time I really found out about blogs, I think, is when my mom made one for our family to keep in touch and update each other about our lives.  It lasted a little while and then most people turned to facebook to do that.

After I got married I had wanted to start a blog for awhile.  It took some time to convince myself that I would actually keep up on it and make it worth it.  After I had realized how impersonal and short Facebook can be is when I decided that I wanted to start a blog.  A blog can be more in depth and can be more interesting than just writing a status and uploading pictures on Facebook.  I also wanted some sort of journal system.  I also write in my personal journal, but this is faster and easier for me to update on a daily basis with pictures.

Enjoy!

Another picture of you and your friends

 So when this question came again, I decided that maybe I should look through some pictures and when I did that I realized how many great friends I made in college.  I had such a great experience at BYU-I and I'm glad that I moved away and lived on my own to have such amazing experiences with such great people.  Many of these people will be my friends for a lifetime.

From left to right: Bree Leach, Melanie Pike, Me, Brittany Pelletier, Mamie Reeder, Natalie Hessing (lying down)

From bottom left: Brianna Hessing, Mamie Reeder, Natalie Moon, Cheryl Eyre, Me, and Brittany Pelletier

Dance Friends from Left to Right:  Brionna, Rachelle, Kellie, Serene, Jenese, Me, Lorraine, Caroline, Brianne, Chris, Shae and Brooke

Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

I used to listen to music a lot.  But I've noticed ever since I got married (meaning ever since I wasn't alone in my car to sing along with my iPod) I don't listen to music as much.  I'll listen to whatever is on the radio at the time I'm driving, but I don't make as much of an effort to have an iPod with me all the time.  I have actually found it to be nice.  It reminds me of talks that I have heard at General Conferences about making our lives less "loud/cluttered", or in essence more peaceful and quiet.  I remember once after a long time of not using my iPod, I was on Trax on the way to work (40 min commute both ways) and I tried listening.  I couldn't stand anymore than 5 minutes because it was too much noise.  I've gotten so used to a quiet life that it's hard to go back to having so much going on. 

Well, if you can't already tell I have a passion for music and I think wholesome and uplifting music can be very pleasant to listen to.  Now, when I say that I'm not always referring to EFY, Christian, Gospel  based music because there is a lot of music out there that can be interesting and nice, but doesn't have to be strictly focused on Christian topics. 

When I lived in Utah this past year, I was riding with my dad in the car and I noticed that he had the Classical Music station on.  We got into a conversation about how he has tried listening to this station more to stay away from a lot of the other worldly stations.  He had noticed a change in his mood and his behavior in just a short few days of listening.  I tried it and I noticed it too.  Classical music I think is incredible and very pleasing to listen to.  It's amazing how talented some of those people were and the outstanding pieces that they created. 
 
So because I don't listen to music all that often anymore just because I really don't have the time or the place to just play it all the time, I couldn't really say what songs I would listen to in certain moods. But if I really had to think of some songs/artists that I would listen to when I'm in these moods, here is my list:

Happy: Cary Judd, Mae, or some LDS music
Sad: Hymns (I'm not really sad a lot, but hymns comfort me when I'm sad)
Bored: old music from my middle/high school days.  They bring back a lot of memories and I think it's funny
Hyped: Music that I've danced to (mostly from dance performances in high school or college)
Mad: I don't get mad all that often either.  And probably the last thing I would do is blare some music because it would just be loud and annoying and would bug me even more

Something you’re proud of in the past few days

THESE!!!!  Okay, so this was more than a few days ago, but I'm VERY proud of myself.  I consider myself a pretty self-motivated person and if I want to learn how to do something I go and do it.  So recently, I taught myself how to can peaches.  I went and picked the peaches myself at an orchard here and canned them.  I thought it was actually fairly easy and they taste AMAZING!!! I will definitely be canning more in the future.

Short term goals for this month and why

Study scriptures and pray daily
Lose 5 lbs  (I'm determined to get this baby weight off)
Work out at least 3 times a week
Eat healthier and cook at home more

Keep my house cleaner
Serve others around me
Do my Visiting Teaching
Watch less T.V.

The list could probably go on and on, but I think it's important to set goals for myself.  It gives me focus on how to improve myself physically and spiritually. Wish me luck! 

A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

There are a lot of people in my life that I think have made an impression or had an impact on me.  But, if I had to say one person that had the biggest impact on me thus far in my life, I would have to say my mom.

So, I may be biased, but I have the BEST mom in the world.  Not only has she been through a lot and has always been an example to me, she has taught me everything about how to be the best person I possibly can.  She has taught me how to be independent, how to problem-solve, how to rely on the Lord for just about everything.  And the thing is, she didn't tell me how to do these things, but she leads by example.  She was always there rooting and supporting me (and all of her children) in anything they did.  She knew how to lift my heart if I was going through a rough time.  She was a person I knew I could fully rely on and trust.  She has real unconditional love for all of her children and serves anyone and everyone.  She will always be such a great example to me at all times.

Thank you mom for the person you have helped me become.

Your favorite Super Hero and Why

Superhero: [soo-per-heer-oh] -  any of various comic-strip characters with superhuman abilities or magical powers, wearing a distinctive costume, and fighting against evil

I can't say that I have been interested in many superheroes over the years.  So I don't really have a favorite.  Of course I've watched some of the movies, but they haven't had any real impact on my life so they haven't been a superhero to me. 

Someone who I have always considered to be my superhero is my Grandma.  Jane Lundberg. Even though her aging body and sickness has taken over her, she still is a sweet and amazing lady in my eyes.  Birthing 8 children, taking care of hundreds more in her own daycare, being the queen of bread-making and the most loving person ever.  When I think of superhero, I think of someone who has been an example to me as well as inspired my life.  She is definitely one of those people. Self-less and full of service.  A lady with superhuman abilities who filled my life with magic, and was always determined to fight against the evil in this world.  She has an amazing testimony and has always directed her life towards the Lord and the temple.

 

A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

Because I have loved so many places I've been, I'll give a few places.  I couldn't just pick one.

Not a picture of me, but I have been here. The Cathedral Rappel at Pine Creek Canyon, Zion's Nat'l Park. Absolutely breathtaking!  Thanks Jake for the adventure and challenge.

Famous Mama's Restaurant on Washington Square in San Francisco. Thanks mom for such a great trip. Hopefully we can get back someday.  My mom dreamt of the pancakes that we had to go back a second time.  I loved that trip!

Darby Ice Caves.  7+ hours in a cave, rappelling, rock climbing, crawling, etc. This was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.  But it was so interesting, challenging and neat.  My husband pushes me to try new things and I'm grateful for that.  It helps me to experience more in my life, because there is so many great things out there to see and discover.

A habit that you wish you didn’t have

Clothes on the floor...

When i get dressed for the day, or get changed out of any clothes, they immediately go on the floor.  Regardless of whether they are dirty or clean they just go on the floor.  I could take a few seconds to either throw them in the dirty clothes bin or hang them or fold them and put them where they are supposed to, but I'm in in such a habit of leaving them on the floor.  It isn't until I can't stand having them there (about a weeks time) that I end up picking them up and either putting them in laundry or put away.  It's lame, I know.  I AM trying to break this habit though.

A picture of you and your friends

There is rarely a camera around when I am with my friends.  Trust me I do have friends, but I don't have any pictures with my recent friends.  So, here is a picture of me and my best friend.  This is us, sleeping out on the street in L.A. waiting to get tickets for the Price is Right Valentines Show.  So FUN!!

The Meaning Behind your blog name

Well there isn't much meaning behind it.  It's just our name.

Jensen Family

We are a family and our last name is Jensen. Currently there are three of us.  Jake, Chelsee and Joshua.

Pretty simple, right?  Maybe I should be more creative.

A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about your family

Well these are the two most recent pictures of our family, besides the ones from Jake's White Coat Ceremony on Saturday.  Those ones aren't on my computer. 

1. Before Jake and I got married, I never thought we would be here...

Congratulations Jake!  So proud of you!!!

2. I would rather do 1 hour of yoga than run for 10 minutes.   If anyone knows me, they know I HATE running.  I love stretching and everything about yoga.  I love that it's a cardio workout, stretching and mind-clearer all in one.  Running would be on the contrary.  I would be out of breath and hurting. 

3. Jake and I love to watch TV series.  We watched all of Lost and right now we are working on Heroes.  If anyone has any great suggestions for other TV series that can be streamed instantly through Netflix let me know.

4. Even though I grew up in Utah, home of the greatest snow on earth.  I've only seen a ski resort a handful of times and have only downhill skiied once.  Jake and I have been X-Country skiing which is really fun.  I'm hoping to get out more this winter.  All Jake wants for Christmas is to see me take a Ski Lesson.

5.  Jake and I are shy people.  Even though I think we are easy to get a long with and can be open once you get to know us, you won't find us being the loud talkers of the bunch.  Sometimes I think people might take this the wrong way too.  I think some may think that we aren't interested, but we just are shy.  It's a stretch for me to go up and introduce myself to someone.  Typically I would wait for them, which I should really start working on.  Because I'm sure I'm missing out on some great relationships out there.

6. If I had extra spending money,  I would rather save it or spend it on something for other people in my family than on myself.  Jake hates this for the fact that I won't even go buy a pair of pants, even though I know I need them, just for the fact that I talk myself out of REALLY needing them.

7. I really don't like the Salt Lake Valley.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVED being close to family and having so many great outdoor things close by.  But both Jake and I agree that we could never live in the Salt Lake Valley (or the majority of Utah).  Too many people, too big of a city.  Living in Rexburg really did change us.  I can see us settling in a smaller town (closer to a fairly big town). All my time growing up, I thought SLC was the bomb.  But no... I could never see myself living there forever.

8. My fingernails grow ridiculously fast.  Joshua inherited my fingernails.  Jake has never cut his fingernails with clippers.  He has a terrible habit and they have never gotten long enough to cut.  We are working on getting him to stop.  But 25+ years in the habit is a hard one to break.

9.  I still feel like I'm 18.  I'm currently teaching dance and it's weird for me to think of some of these girls' teacher.  They are in their senior years of high school and I feel like I should be right there with them.  I love teaching some of my classes for the fact that I get to feel young again.  Then I come home and realize that I'm on my own and all grown up.  I have a baby, bills to pay and a husband.  Crazy how fast time flies!!!

10.  I hate HOT weather.  If I could have the weather outside at 70 degrees and sunny everyday I would be in Heaven.

11. Jake is semi-ambidextrous.  He eats and writes with his left, but does just about everything else with his right.  We are thinking Josh will be a lefty.

12. I love Pre-20th Century movies/shows.  (Pride&Prejudice, Sense&Sensibility, Vanity Fair, The Duchess)  I don't know why.  I've always though that I would have liked to live back then.  Then I remember how many women died during childbirth and what living was like back then and then I remember why I like the time I'm living in now.

13.  I have anxiety when things aren't put in to their place or not cleaned how I would like. Let's just say that Jake and I have different cleaning styles.  So even if Jake cleans something his way, I will most likely go back and do it myself.  Unless I'm too lazy to care.  Maybe a little OCD, but there is nothing wrong with that right.  I just like to have things done a certain way.  Maybe it's the way that I grew up. I get great satisfaction when something is cleaned right and when I've organized something

14.  I loved being pregnant.  I wasn't sick, I wasn't uncomfortable, I was busy with work, and I really enjoyed it.  Sometimes, I actually miss it.  It will be interesting to see how the next ones go.

15.  Joshie loves bath time.  I've probably already said this a million times, but it's one of my favorite things about him.  He will babble, giggle, coo, and splash a ton while in the bath.  I get so much enjoyment out of just watching him in the tub. 

30 Days of Us/Me...

I saw this on one of my friends blog and it was originally titled 30 Days of Me... But I thought I would do 30 Days of Us/Me instead so that anyone who is even interested (probably not many) could get to know more things about our little family.  Plus it will give me something to do as I have a lot of spare time while Jake is in school.  Join in the fun if you would like.  Here are the days:

Day 1 - A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about your family
Day 2 - The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 3 - A picture of you and your friends
Day 4 - A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 5- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 6 - Favorite super hero and why
Day 7 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 8 - Short term goals for this month and why
Day 9 - Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11 - Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogs and why you made one
Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16 - Another picture of yourself
Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22 - What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23 - Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25 - What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27 - Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29 - In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?