The Jensen Family

Thanks Little Debbie

2011-04-12T15:03:00.001-07:00

We purchased a box of these little treats. They are creamy, rolled in chocolate, and somewhat delightful. Homebaking is much better but in a pinch.....

Anyway, Landry LOVED them

After each bite she squeeled, and said, "ummmm, ummmm, ummmm." quote.

Oh joyful goodies

giggle, giggle, ummmmmm, ummmmm.

She LOVED them,

Got VERY messy

and wouldn't share ANY with me......

Well, maybe a little. We had a fun, scrumptious afternoon.

What I Did and Didn't Know

2011-02-21T12:53:00.001-08:00

I knew that we were going on a romantic Valentines weekend trip to....

Russ told me Tuesday evening that on Thursday we were heading to the big city. Russell had the plane tickets booked, the hotel room reservered, a babysitter arranged (Thanks to my Mom, she drove the boys to and fro and they loved it) and my resposibilities covered.

Sweet, so sweet.

but.......

what Ididn't know!!!!!

Cameron was planning the same thing for Jodie.

They met us there!!!!!

Yay a weekend with my best friend

I didn't know the flowers would be so beautiful.

I didn't know the Granville market was so neat.

So many good things to see.

And eat.

I didn't know Landry was going to be so good. She was a perfect tag along.

And I didn't know the view from our hotel suite would be so fantastic.

I do know that I love Russell. He is so good to me and I Love him immensely. He is

teaching our boys so many good lessons. Somewhere there are four little girls who are going to be very lucky someday to marry a Russell replica.

I don't know who you are, but I do know you are going to be very blessed little ladies.

Happy Valentines Day to my favorite person in the world.

I Love you Russell.

Updated Pictures

2011-02-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

I am so far behind in updates that I figured I better post some of Landry just for Aunts, Cousins and Grandmas who haven't seen her for a while.

Snoozing

A surprise awakening

So Happy!

We love this Girl

New Design by Me!!

2011-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

I really needed a spot to file bookeeping items and magazines etc... but got tired of the old filing cabinets that I had moved from house to house. This house I figured needed updated filing furniture. So I got an idea. About 3:00 am ,I am guessing, I dreamed this up. I love it, it turned out better than I thought and it's very handy.

The Finished Furniture

You will need two of these. A very willing husband, did I mention how much I love him? and a trusty side kick who I also love.

They made me a new base that would raise the old file cabinets off the ground a bit. Looks a little more like a piece of furniture.

I primed and painted old file drawers.

And added a cool, fun color found also in the rooms rug.

Peacock Blue, (thanks Karli)

Before:
Old, unmatching drawers, handy but not too pretty.

Landry's Blessing

2011-01-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

Landry was blessed on October 10th, 2010. 10-10-10, we thought that was cool and 10 has always been my favorite number, and so it remains. Grandma and Grandpa Jensen visited for the blessing which was also Landry's big brother Caleb's deacon ordination and Landry's Dad was set apart as a member of the Stake High Council, a big day in our home.

Dad and boys all wore matching pink ties for the special occasion

Bridger's tie may have been a little long

The dress that Landry was blessed in has a unique story. For 15 years I have been anticipating the blessing of a little girl. I carefully set aside the dress I was blessed in. A little ivory dress made from acetate ( the poor man's silk ). The little ivory dress was made by my Great Grandma for my Grandmothers doll. My Grandma Kennington presented it to my Mom the night before I was blessed because a dolly dress was better than the little sleeper my Mom had to bless me in. I wore the little dress, it was so charming. Years passed with Russell refusing to bless one of the boys in the dress, thank heavens. Then one evening my dear sister Karli helped me prepare the little antique for a Y.W. lesson and accidentally burned a small hole in it. Note to self and others, poor man's silk burns easily with a hot iron. No worries it only adds to the history of the dress. Finally when we didn't think the dress would ever be used again, Landry blessed us with her coming. So I went to pull out the little ivory frock. Where is it? I can't find it! I searched and searched. Went to my Mom's house and searched, back to my house and searched, made the boys and Russ search, then back to my Mom's. I cleaned and wiped out every closet in my house, dug through every bin and did a very thorough search. Even the night before Landry's blessing I was sure I would find it. I prayed and prayed and by the morning of the blessing the little dress still hadn't presented itself so.....

To my dismay I decided I had better find something else to put on our baby girl. My Mom had given me a dress for Landry's blessing but it needed some altering so on the morning of her blessing I sat at my sewing machine with scissors in hand. I cut off about 2 feet of fabric, moved lace about, trimmed the slip, added some detail here and took off detail there and dressed our baby in a newly altered little cotton dress and a little pearl bracelet. She looked beautiful and what really mattered was the that her Dad gave her a wonderful blessing and she is ours.

Landry Reed Arrives

2011-01-05T13:34:00.001-08:00

Landry joined our family at about 8:30 am on September 21st, 2010. I had c-section with an epidural planned but apparently the "numbing juice" doesn't work on me so instead of feeling the whole thing I chose to be put under entirely. By the time I awoke 7 lb 1 oz Landry had already met her Daddy, 4 brothers, Grandma Gulbranson and Auntie Karli.

Even before I woke up I remember the nurses telling Russ that she was healthy and weighed only 7lbs, 1 oz, a whole pound less that our next smallest boy. I smiled to myself in my sleep.

We are so excited to have her here safe and we all love her to bits. Everyone says she looks like Coleson, Bridger and her Dad. It looks like she might have a dimple, blue eyes and fuzzy pink hair.

Caleb has been the most excited through this whole journey, he was the first to hold little Sister

Mckay will be a loving brother, and even though he was kicked out of his own room by a little sister, you can tell he still loves her.

I don't know, does it look like Dad loves her already?
Lots of pink hair.

Bridger is no longer the baby

Coleson is pleased.

Daddy visited us everyday over the 4 day hospital stay. He spent lots of time kissing Landry.

A Little Girl Room

2011-01-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

A quick glance at Landry's room.

I repainted (for the 4th time) the red shelves from another room, added some inexpensive pots and flowers and anything else that matched the color scheme.

I have to admit, I was rather excited about decorating a little girl's room. Mckay on the other hand was a little bummed because we had allocated the room to him and had come up with some really neat "teenager" things to do for him. He was so good about giving the room up for baby.

We started by doing a very simple wainscotting and changing the boy color for several coats of primer and later a very feminine color chosen by Dad.

Dad also designed and built her a closet which is even larger than mine.

We found some things from around the house to accent the room. An old mirror with a little red paint, an accent table used in another room became a change table and a little tricycle, which you can barely see, is tucked in the corner.

Finally, I painted a crib a fun color and Dad insisted on installing a chandelier (Do we see a Daddy theme here? I think he already likes the girl). The hutch is from my mother with quilts I have been collecting for years sitting on top.

Window dressings are coming and I have a pretty quilt I am putting together, All reds and pinks, so fun.

A Pink Shower

2011-01-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

I loved the pretty light fixture, thanks Sarah

Pink cupcakes were so delicious and all the wrappers were handmade.

Before the arrival of Landry, a.k.a Pudge, some of my dearest friends threw her and I a wonderful shower. Thank you Allreds for the pink party and to all the attendees. My best friend came all the way from Ft. McMurray, My sister came from Utah and all my other dear friends and family brought wonderful gifts and lots of kind words. Thank you so much for being such big supporters in the years past when things didn't always turn out as planned and for being good friends who are happy for me when great things come. I love you all !!! Now, just wait for baby to put all these cute clothes and toys to good use.

Saturday Excursion

2010-06-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Friday night we planned a Saturday complete with lanscaping, lawn mowing, and lawn tidying but what to do when you wake up and the forescast is rain? Well, we packed a lunch of hotdogs, chips and watermelon and headed for a trip north of Fort St. James. Russ will be working in the north all summer and we plan to camp a lot with him. We decided to go hunt for a good camping and fishing spot where the boys can ride bikes and play.

After 2hrs of driving we pulled over to change a flat tire caused by a sharp rock in the trail, it was then we realized that in our haste to get on the road we had forgotten mosquito dope, never a good thing in Canada in June. Back on the road for 1/2 hr we arrived at our first camping option, Kloch Lake Forestry Campground. We built a fire in the rain, the boys have talent, and quickly rigged fishing poles. As the boys headed to the lake I pulled out our lunch and fashioned us some roasting sticks.

We enjoyed lunch, a little soggy but fun. The boys headed back to the lake for a few more casts and low and behold Mckay caught a 4 lb. 24 inch lake trout. If we had our doubts whether to stay at Kloch lake for the summer or not, I think they were resolved with a few extra casts.

Then we packed up and headed to the block that Russell and his crew will be logging. The boys and I sat in the truck with a dead fish, mosquitos and that nice musty smell you get after your clothes are wet and redried by a smoky fire, while Russ walked a kilometer or two to check the area. Still no mosquito dope.

All in all it was a fun day and I was grateful when I climbed in bed about 10:00 that night for rainy days, stinky boys and wet fish. What a good life we have been blessed with.

La Petite Fleur

2010-06-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend I did a cake for a young couple in our ward. The pictures should have been better but I forgot my camera at home and as you can see the R.S. kitchen had to serve as my backdrop. Nontheless, it's a charming little cake and was lots of fun to do.

Garyn, feel free to correct my French.

Fourteeen

2010-06-08T10:14:00.001-07:00

Mckay turned 14 on June 7. I can't believe it, five years to a mission. This year Mckay's menu wish was Russian Chicken on sticky Rice, Bacon Carbonerra, Potatoe Salad and of course Birthday Cake (can you say carb overload). I baked the cakes, layered them and happened to have some purple and green frosting leftover from this weekends wedding cake. As I finished the meal Mckay volunteered to decorate his own cake and did a fine job. Hopefully next year the leftover frosting might be blue, red or even black. The other boys loved the idea of decorating your own birthda cake so we may have come up with a new tradition. Happy Birthday Mckay, I Love You.

SURPRISE!

2010-05-26T11:57:00.001-07:00

23 weeks into our newest adventure.

Vancouver Temple - Our Temple

2010-05-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

On April the 29th at 4:00 am Mckay and I boarded one of two buses with 110 other youth and leaders and headed for Langley, British Columbia to participate in a dance celebration that we would present to the Prophet, Pres.Thomas S.Monson.

Half way between Prince George and Quesnel the bus blew a tire, so we waited out in the cold wind for a little over and hour to have the tire fixed. Several road construction stops and 15 hours later we climbed off the bus and the youth were escorted through the temple to see what was for most their first experience of a temple open house. I loved to see the spirit working in the lives of the young people as they came out of the Temple and shared their feelings.

We arrived shortly after the temple tour to the Langley event center (4 hours late), the practise already in full swing. Our director Sister Shelley Murley stopped the practise to announce that Prince George stake had just arrived after a fifteen hour travel and the crowd of youth cheered our weary youth on. What a neat experience it was to have them so warmly respected for their sacrifice.

The weekend was full of events, dances, practise, practise and more practise. Good food, workshops and the highlight, the Prophet spoke to the youth about courage in doing what is right and his love for Canada. He even requested that the youth sing O Canada to him.

Then we put on a wonderful show. All 7 stakes in the temple district had been practising for several months but only had a day and a half as a whole and it was so spectacular. I was so proud of the Prince George Youth and thought their production was the best, of course.

I am glad to have had a part in the organization of this awesome event and so grateful to the youth of P.G. for their good attitudes and willingness to be obedient. We were all blessed for their efforts. In the end I was also proud of my own son who missed several events in order to take upon him some extra responsibilities. I was glad to see him ,when I caught a glimpse, holding doors for young women, letting leaders go first in a food line and making new friends. I think he is pretty terrific.

I am also grateful to a great bunch of little boys (4 to be exact) and a husband who cheerfully watch me carry out my responsibilities. I was so glad to see them attend and enjoy a fun celebration for our new temple.

The next day all of us, except Bridger, were able to attend the Temple for it's dedication. What a blessing this temple will be for the Jensen family. I look forward to many baptismal trips, endownments and maybe even some marriages to attend in this, our Temple. What a wonderful time we live in and what an awesome goal we have made to all return to this Temple together some day.

Garyn and Jill Gulbranson Cake

2010-05-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the most fun cake I have ever done, mostly because the creation occured while working with my very talented, generous, and fun aunts and cousin. My aunt Lauri did all the work, baking the cake and making hundreds of flowers. I just got to help frost, stack and fondant the cake and of course place the pretty posies. Thank you so much for sharing this creative experience. I LOVE this cake, it is soooo beautiful. Oh and Congratulations to my little brother Garyn and his georgeous bride Jill.

Caitlin and Blake Cake

2010-05-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

A very fun cake to create for my cousin Blake and his sweet new bride Caitlin. Thanks for asking me and for giving me a challenge to create something that I had not done yet, a western theme that tasted delightful.

No Time

2010-04-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have been working so many hours on the upcoming Vancouver Temple Celebration that our stake youth are dancing in that I haven't had a minute to post for months. As a matter of fact, I still don't have time to post but I must, I need a break and a little time to myself to remember the creative side of me.

This is a little something I made some time ago and have wanted to post. I found a " Nasty, Rusty, Dirty old piece of junk." Quote Russell Jensen. An old bed spring with lots of potential is what I referred to it as. I washed it, it was a bit dirty, and hung it on the wall with some equally dirty, nasty old hooks I found at a yard sale and put some pictures of my favorite men on it.

I think it makes a very fun, unique wall fixture. And it makes me happy when I see it.

The Pictures were taken by my talented little sister Kara.

Hockey Day in Canada

2010-03-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

The weather turned out perfect for our own personal ice rink. We had an unusual warm spell and thaw and then a cold freeze. As a result we had our own rink and the boys took advantage.

This is not a true picture of a Canadian boy plating hockey. Most children have real sticks. Our boys, keep in mind, are football fans and so had to scour the farm for anything that could whack a puck. They came up with an old stick, a goalie stick, something too long to handle and of course Bridger drew the short straw and got the old crusty broom.

It was still lots of fun, they had to forced to come in for dinner.

the next weekend the boys turned in their egg monies for some street hockey sticks and have been playing on the rink ever since.

Snow Fort 2010

2010-03-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

The boys love to build snow forts. This is this years masterpiece. Shovels, picks, wet snow, and determination helped complete this one complete with a tunnel, and later a roof.

The men wanted me to highlight the tunnell.

And their Dad getting stuck in the tunnel. He was extricated when the boys pulled on his feet and I greased his hips with crisco, okay, only part of that is true.

The Kayla Cake

2009-12-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

Thank-you for the creative liscense, one of my favorites so far. A beautiful cake for a very charming couple who are obviously also very good friends.

Christmas Gratitude

2009-12-27T11:06:00.001-08:00

After all the gifts were opened and after watching the boys literally jump up and down out of excitement I went to take a shower and dress for the rest of a fun filled day. I smiled to myself over how much fun Christmas has been sitting by Russell and watching our four sons. Then, tears filled my eyes and I was overcome with profound gratitude to my Heavenly Father for my blessings. Indeed my wonderful husband and four little boys are my biggest joy. I kneeled and thanked Heavenly Father for the gift of His son, the ultimate gift to us all and thanked Him for little men who I love and am so blessed to have. I thanked Him for a husband who cares and sacrifices so much for me, and for brothers and sisters who I enjoy spending time with. There are so many other things I am grateful for and I realize I am so blessed.

I recently read this quote by President David O Mckay:

Despite discouragement and disheartening conditions throughtout the world, Christmas is the happiest season of the whole year. But let us ever keep in mind that people are most blessed whose daily conduct most nearly comports with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, at whose birth was proclaimed: "Peace on earth, good will toward men."

I guess that's why Christmas is so great for all of us because maybe it's when we all are most giving, most kind, most thoughtful and express the most gratitude. I hope in the new year I can practise being a little more Christ-like and make my everyday conduct a little more like His teachings. Imagine the blessings the world over if we all, one person at a time, committed to carrying Christmas, the happiest season of the whole year, a little bit further.

Any Opinions?

2009-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

I am in need of some ideas. I found this adorable, great, fun, and soooo chic sign at an antique shop in Utah. My dear Russell once again rearranged luggage and boys and found a way for me to get it home. The sign has been featured in my little sisters photography blog and now here it rests on a very tall wall in my entry way. I found the green window frame at the local dump, my favorite place to shop. I intend to put a hutch under it but I think the window itself needs some pazzazz. So to all my crafty, creatively minded friends post your ideas, I will consider them all.

Merry Christmas to Me

2009-12-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

They say it's about "time" when you give gifts. I agree. When I give gifts I try to take a little time to think about the receiver, and then make them something I think they will enjoy. Maybe the receivers view me as the aunt on "A Christmas Story" who sews pink bunny slippers and a gastly pink bunny costume for poor Ralphie.

Anyway, I have missed giving a little time to myself this year so last night and the night before I gave myself a little time to do something that I love , create. I stayed up until 1:00 am snipping, bundling, twisting and wiring and this is what became of my time to myself.

Merry Christmas to Me.

2009-12-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

We have been running from one end of this province to another, in a million different directions for a thousand different events and everyday seems to get a little busier than the last. So I decided we would take a break, skip a couple of activities and decorate gingerbread houses together. We had SOOOO! much fun and the boys have asked that it be a new Christmas tradition.

I gave a few cake decorating tutorials about tip selection, preparing the icing bags, how to hold and squeeze the bags and then they were off.

We used gum drops, skor bits, mini shredded wheat, pepermints, tootsie rolls, marshmellows, pretzels and lots and lots of royal icing.

They worked intently and all did a super job.

Such a good job infact we set up a little village with lights and snow and sat back to admire their masterpieces.

So much fun and a new tradition.

`

Improvements

2009-12-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

Then, when I left them alone for a couple of hours for a meeting, they made improvements. You gotta love the fun imaginations of boys.

2009-12-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

True, when the weather turns -38 (the temperature at our house on Monday morning) things aren't all pleasant. Cars don't start, the chickens eggs freeze before you have time to collect them, machinery breaks down causing thousands of dollars in repair, your nostrils stick together when you take breathes, the bumper on your car breaks in two when you bump a snowbank, Elk from miles around come to eat from your haystack and the furnace runs non-stop. But if it wasn't this cold you wouldn't see stunning scenes like this as you drive down your driveway.

Football Fanatics 2009

2009-12-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

I will say that the reason for not blogging for so long can be blamed on the sport of football but the truth is that I could blame my delay on a myriad of different things. Enough excuses, lets get back to blogging.

This Season Russell coached Mckay's Junior Banham team who went 10 and 0. That's right, never lost a game. As a matter of fact they never won by fewer than 34 points. The boys played incredibly well and were a lot of fun to watch. Caleb's team did very well as well but lost in the championship game to a team from Prince George. It was Caleb's best year yet and he's ready to win next year.

Russell's Vikings did so well in the regular season that they were invited to play in the Provincial Tournament against a lower mainland team, the Cloverdale Cougars. So on the weekend of November 14th we loaded up on a charter bus with the team ans headed for Kamloops, where the boys lost a hard fought battle and sustained their first loss of the season.

The three little boys and I dressed up to show our love and support for coach and #31. Oh and it was bitter cold, I mean really cold but... we were fans none -the- less.

This is some of the team on the bus down. The roads were terrible, cars all over in the ditch, even a large 40 foot boat was sunk in a snowy drift. Our bus driver Walt got us there safe and sound.

Oh and I couldn't forget this little ditty. Russell, what was he thinking, got his team of young men hyped in the final season game by promising to let the boys give him a mohawk if they won by more than 30 points. The game ended with the score of 62 to 0, well beyond the 30 point spread. SO........ well see for yourselves.

Coleson stands in the picture purely horrified of what he friends are going to think of him now.

Russ is a good sport and I think that's part of the reason the young Vikings respond so well to him as a coach. I love that he tries to teach more than just football, things like integrity, responsibility, teamwork, sportsmanship and all that good stuff.

All in all a good football season in the Jensen home, now on to Basketball.

Proud of Their Produce

2009-10-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

The boys are very pleased with their summer efforts. They love gardening, they water, weed, fertilize and take tender care of their plants. They were excited to arrange and pose with their vegies. Rhubarb, Tomatoes, Cucumbers (last count this year was 57), Apples, Lettuce, Zuchini, and colored carrotts (thank-you Grandma and Grandpa Jensen). Good Job Little Men.

How Bad is this Recession ?

2009-10-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Seriously, this is funny stuff. I am not a meat snob, as matter of fact when Russ and I were first married we ate a deer that we hit and killed, very tender! But I found this article, recently written for the Mackenzie B.C. newspaper, very funny. You are indeed looking at the North end of this South facing Moose, and I am just wondering if the ropes were neccessay, it seems to me the fella isn't goin' very far very fast. And.... there are more fun articles which I will post throughout the winter. Stay tuned.

Summer Tenting

2009-09-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

This humble little yellow dome is where my four boys and I slept for several weeks this summer. I love tenting, the cool damp air, the sounds of yelping coyotes in the field, no phone call in the early morning and no alarm clock. We had fun visiting into the night, and telling ghostly stories and of course giggling, lots and lots of giggling. Poor Russ had to leave for work early so he didn't have the pleasure of waking up with a sore back or rushing indoors in the middle of the night for a potty break. He didn't seem to mind either.

Tenting brings back some fun childhood memories for me. Some of the same things actually (giggling, potty breaks, ghost stories) but we added bags full of fresh cherries and listening to the sounds of fighter jets and small engine planes land in our nearby airport. Ahhhh!!! it makes me smile now just thinking about it. Hopefully my boys are making some tenting memories that will someday bring a smile to their faces.

2009-09-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

I did do something this summer and this wedding cake proves it. Actually I did a lot of things, more posts to come regarding all my summer successes. This however, is one thing I had the pleasure of creating. This lovely cake was for a very lovely young bride named Stephanie. Can't wait to move on to the next cake project in just a few weeks.

Today was the Day

2009-09-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Lately , several mothers of young children have either told me directly or written some of the following comments. " You're so lucky." " It won't happen for me in at least 6 years." " You must be so relieved." " What will you do with all your time?" " Finally, peace and quiet, I never have peace and quiet." Well, I don't share their sentiments. Today was the day. My four boys, some of them full fledged young men, climbed on the school bus this morning. Bridger is in the first grade, everyday all day. Coleson is in third, Caleb in 6th and can you believe it, Mckay is in 8th grade starting highschool. I am the sort of mother who likes spending time with her boys. We like working together, playing together, reading books together and just being together. It's noisy here, I like it. It's dirty here and sometimes I don't mind that either. I am blessed to have my boys, I wish I had more because peace and quiet is a little sad to me. I think we should all be a lot more grateful for little toddlers, they don't stay little for long. I am glad that I tried to enjoy little messes, little cries, little dirty diapers, little soiled clothes and little boys cause they are not so little anymore.

So, yes I am lucky. I am lucky they were happy to go to school this morning. I am relieved they were excited to meet new teachers. And what will I do with my time? Oh, maybe write a few children's books, maybe I will teach school again or get the nursing degree I always wanted to earn. But the peace and quiet, I am glad, isn't permanent.

Today was the day things changed for me, good things are coming and there are things I will miss, like 4 little boys.

I like this quote, often quoted by the Prophet of the world,

President Thomas S. Monson

" Your home is the most important school your child will ever attend,

and you are his greatest teacher."

Glad to be my sons' Mom

Jana

Kara's Contest

2009-05-19T11:19:00.001-07:00

Here is where you would find a button of my sister Kara's blog and photos by emilie contest. That is if I knew how to do it. Look later, my sister Karli is coming to help me enter this really great contest from Kara. You could win too.

Happy Birthday Russell

2009-05-19T10:35:00.001-07:00

Today is my Honey's birthday and so far it's not gone exactly textbook. As you can see on my previous post it has snowed a lot over night. Two years ago we reshingled the roof of our store on Russ' birthday and it got so hot that the tar and little rocks on top of the shingles peeled off where we stepped. This year is the most opposite. I am also at work all day today, followed by two meetings I have after work. To top it all off I am not home tonight until 10:00. I feel bad, but since I won't see him all day and there's a good chance he will check my blog, I wish him a very happy birthday and a big I love you. You are the best man in the world and thanks for all you do for me. I LOVE YOU

Snow on the 19th of May

2009-05-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

No, this is not an old picture I just downloaded from my camera, nor is this a really good example of my photo shopping skills (of which I have none). This is indeed the view from my car after dropping the boys off at the bus this morning. Yes, May 19 and we have a lot of snow. Town has sunk into a mild depression. Even the annoyingly bubbly bank teller was short with me this morning. I don't blame her, this is down right stinky. I can be grateful for one thing though, typically everyone here plants there gardens this last weekend and I was too busy doing a wedding cake so I had no time for planting, lucky for me, my plants will live another day. In the meantime, cry for me Argentina, cry for me, I am getting tired of snow.

Just like Dad

2009-05-12T11:05:00.001-07:00

Russ has never been more proud. He has raised an entire army of weed burners. Equip with water tanks, hoses, matches and of course deisel, the men of the house went weed burnin' this weekend. As you can see by the jovial expression here on Bridger's face, it was a great time. Can I just mention that these pictures were taken just 5 minutes before we were to leave for a dinner appointment at a friends house and that I don't think all the Tide, Febreeze, or Oxy clean in the world will ever get the smoke smell out of these clothes.

They actually took turns seeing who could stay the longest, unseen in the smoke plumes. Of course, that sounds like a lot of fun.

Sometimes I just try not to look.

2009-05-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

We are building a firepit and barbeque area. Oh what fun we have been having. The boys have been a huge help, pounding nails, leveling the ground, placing weed barrier and building the pit. It was a fun weekend project which is really close to being revealed. I am currently decorating it with items found in old sheds, at reuse barns and the dump. Wait until you see the finished product. And you are all invited to our next bbq and weiner roast, BYOS (bring your own smile). Stay posted

Playing Pioneer

2009-05-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up a power outage was very exciting. My Mom would cook on her old wood cook stove, flashlights and candles were a must we all huddled around the fireplace for warmth and we called it "Playing Pioneer". I know we loved it more than Mom did, we didn't see the eminent need for bathing or using the toilet, there was always the great outdoors and water boiled on top of the wood stove for those trivial things. The other day I was reminded of playing pioneer when just minutes before leaving for church the power went out in our whole community. We still went to church and had a very nice testimony meeting in the dark. The last two meetings were cancelled due to a cold building and no pottys. So, home we went to play our own version of pioneer. We made our lunch in the fireplace (toasted marshmellows and hotdogs) visited and read further on the book we are reading together, The City of Ember. It was a nice day and the power came back on that afternoon.

BB Guns and Boys

2009-04-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Spring is here so why not get out your gun? Sounds logical if you are a 12 and 10 year old boy.

You can shoot pop cans off of the barbwire fences

Or shoot holes in your Mom's favorite shed's window

Ahhh! the fun off Spring, A Red Ryder, a can of BB's and hundreds of possible targets.

At least they didn't " shoot their eye out."

Yipee Break Up is Here

2009-04-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

Russ is on breakup, the time of year when the logging roads break apart and are not usable, so he's home with me. Those who know me well, know that this is a good enough excuse why my blogging has taken second stage. Those who don't know the details of Russ and break up are just about to find out.

When Russ is working and especially when he is at camp I rule as a friend, mother, and confidant. However, the day breakup begins I stink it up. It's not my fault, I really love spending time with Russ. We play together, visit, build, renovate, catch up on new release movies and do what ever we darn well want. My friends and family don't always understand that one day I might run to the phone to see what we could possibly do together and just like that the next day I may not even answer the phone at all.

So you can see why my blogging has suffered some, I am spending time with my husband and really I am not even making apologies. Just be patient with me, in only 3 short months Russ will be back at work and if you will still take me I will be back on top as best friend, mighty crafter, teachers help and fun sister. See you then. Jana

P.S. this doesn't mean I won't blog at all just keep checking up on me.

How to Build a Kub Kar

2009-04-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Oh, the Kub Kar. After this year we have assembled 7 Kub Kars and have estimated that we have 6 more to go. The boys love the Kub Kar rally (also known as the pinewood derby).

The scout leader hands out the little red box, complete with a block of wood, tires and 4 tiny, very loseable nails, I am speaking from experience here.

The boys sketch and finally choose what the finished car, the winning car will look like.

They meticulously sand the now formed block of wood so that any wind resistance will be avoided.

They carefully and skillfully paint on the design.

Dad adds the wheels, the weights and the all powerful graphite.

And the race begins.

The racers are nervous. Will they win? Will the "Blue Thunder" pull out a win?

Will all the hard work and effort pay off?

Nope! each of the boys won one race each, the big trophy has slipped from their grasps again. Their final race was fought brother vs. brother and as you can see no feelings were permanently hurt.

I have to say I am really pleased with my boys. Aside from Dad cutting out the shape and helping with weights and tires, the boys completed their cars on their own and they had a lot of fun doing it, plus they were good sports and that's not always easy when all that work only merits one little win each.

March 31st ?

2009-04-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

This is what the northern world woke up to on March 31st. Yes, more snow, will it ever cease?

Ohhhhh!! the agony, the depression, the utter dispare. Wait, I won't let it get me down, I will fight this thing.

So like any other stubborn Gulbranson girl I decided I would face the snow head on and not let it get me down. I yelled up the staircase for the boys to join me and even before breakfast was to be served we had began the spring clean of the mudroom. You see, I have a theory, that if you take out all the winter clothes, wash them, pack them in bins and place them high in the shelves winter will disappear.

The boys didn't understand the reasoning but one look at my agitated face and they were off to work. We cleared everything out of closets, washed walls, floors, doors, moulding and every other source of wintery dirt. And you know, there may be something to my theory after all. The very next day things started to warm.

Oh, it's certainly not spring yet, but I think Mother Nature may have understood my frustration and is giving us a little sunshine. And you know, the boys really haven't minded blue fingers, wet feet or the chattering of their teeth. Like any other little boy they have only appreciated the cleanliness of the mudroom.

Bridger putting away skates and washing shelves

Good bye cruel winter.

Duties and Doughnuts

2009-04-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

The General Priesthood Session of Conference is one of the favorites in our home. While the men are away on Priesthood duties, the younger boys and I make doughnuts. We look forward to the priesthood coming home and telling us about their favorite talks and listening to their favorite stories. We sit around the table, listen, sip ice cold milk and eat a fresh, warm doughnut. The other boys always look forward to being the next to attend Priesthood meetings with their Dad. This year was a first in our little family, Grandpa Jensen, Russell and Mckay all went to the session together.

Doughnut dough.

Cutting the doughnuts

Into the deep fryer

Out of the fryer

Rolled in Sugar

Coleson's Baptism

2009-04-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Coleson who was baptized on April 1, 2009 by his father Russell. Coleson has been excited for months about this special day. We discussed baptism the night before at Family Home Evening and practised what would take place the next day. I gave the talk on baptism and his brothers sang a song. Two others boys, Kaylon McKee and Tias James were also baptized. Thank-you to all his aunts and uncles who attended and to Grandma and Grandpa Jensen who came all the way from Utah to be here for Coleson's big day. The only people Coleson missed were his Cousin and best friend Conner and his other best friend Brennan Loose. It was a great day.

The Joy of Service

2009-03-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I packed a laundry basket full of the items I would need for the Stake Youth event in Prince George. It brought back memories of my mother doing the same thing with laundry baskets. I am in the Stake Young Women's Presidency and in that basket are all the things I needed to perform my duties that particular day. There are 280 meatballs, a bag of pencils, a 45 minute workshop on virtue, several dozen chocolate chip cookies, a picture of the Salt Lake City Temple, My church bag, several surveys and some mutual activity ideas for the Young Women Presidencies. I am so thankful to serve in our Stake, it takes a lot of work and requires sacrifice on the part of my husband and children but I hope that someday my boys will pack up a similar basket and head out the door to fulfill their responsibilities and remember a picture like this. We are blessed when we serve. I am thankful to parents who taught me well and who continue to be a good example of church service.

Spring is Coming

2009-03-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

I had to find and post a picture I took last year from my flower garden to remind me that Spring is indeed coming. Today we set a new record low in Vanderhoof -38 degrees at my house this morning. Yet we keep praying for cold weather and thankfully Heavenly Father is answering our prayers. at -38 he must really love us this week.

The Thing about a 10 Year Old

2009-03-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Our ten year old is Caleb. Caleb is a marvelous boy with so many gifts. Caleb's gifts are not the sort that are as easily recognizable as some other peoples gifts but they are very important and very genuine.

Caleb has the most fun sense of humour, which he gets from his Dad. Caleb can make anyone laugh and sometimes at his own expense. He doesn't mind looking "uncool" if it gets a laugh it was worth it. We all laugh daily at Caleb. He is especially good at knowing just when to throw out a movie quote that fits the topic of discussion and can make us all laugh. He can always make a tense moment into a fun experience. Just a couple of days ago the boys and I were driving home from town and I was giving a stirring lecture on something like why we don't hang on the trees outside of the church or why we look people in the eyes when we order food or maybe it was about why we treat a brother better than we would treat anyone else, it could have been any number of things really. The boys listened for at least 10 minutes without saying a word so I asked, " Are you listening to me?" " Yes Mom." reported Caleb, "We are smellin' what you're stinkin'" Now normally I don't find those things funny but it reminded me to chill out a bit and find the humour in the response. Caleb is always a comic relief.

Our ten year old tries very hard. He has a twelve year old brother who picks up on anything with ease so Caleb tries hard to keep up. But Caleb works hard, tries hard and does very well at anything he puts his mind to. This year in basketball he was on the same team as Mckay and started off not knowing exactly what to do. By the end of the year Caleb was named the team's "Best Hustler" and had improved so dramatically that he was one of the top players, even fans from the other teams cheered on Caleb because of his impressive hustle.

Caleb's best gift is his soft heart and tender feelings for the underdog. Caleb befriends the friendless and even though he is the smallest in his entire class he is know for sticking up for the children that are bulllied. You can always find Caleb cheering someone sad. The other day at school the most popular girl in the class was heard telling another girl that she dresses horribly and it looks like she has a poor family. Caleb walked up to the very sheepish young lady and told her that he thought she dressed well and asked her to play with him that afternoon. Caleb has also taken it upon himself to help an older grandpa in the ward. Every Sunday Caleb finds Mr.Lunzer and helps him across the slippery parking lot to and from the church building to his car. His example has encouraged his older brother and several other young men to do the same thing for other seniors in the ward. We love Caleb's compassion.

Yes, Caleb can be a little rowdy in primary class and his humour a little disruptive in his school class but Caleb has the qualities that really count and we love him for all these good things. We would have a big hole in our family without this ten year old.

Scout Camps

2009-03-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

I don't always understand the inner workings of a young man's brain. Winter scout camps leave me only more befuddled. This weekend Mckay and his scout troop are going on a winter campout. Let me give you the numbers. 12 young men, 7 leaders, -17 C weather, 2 days and 1 freaked out Mom.

I am happy at times like these that I am a girl. I can still sleep in my warm bed, eat a warm dinner and watch a good movie.

I have to say the clincher was when they were handing out the freeze dried dinners. The scout leader held up the first meal and commented, " This is a chicken and rice dinner." Two hands went up to claim the chicken and rice delight. Next he held up a spagetti dinner. " This is spagetti and meatsauce, he said, they are really good, but they do give you really bad gas." up flew the other 10 hands. That has to be the number 1 reason I would not like to attend a scout camp. You don't get stuff like that at girls camp but you do trade stench for crying, complaining and screaming over bugs and dirty nails.

Coleson's 8th birthday

2009-03-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Coleson. Cole or Coley bear as we like to call him, turned 8 on February 26th. The birthday celebration dragged out for several days, I think Ryan McCoy calls it a birthday week. Wednesday evening Coleson's Dad came home a day early so we gave out gifts and sang happy birthday over the candlelight of an angel food cake. Thursday we had Coleson's official birthday by singing again and him answering many phone calls from aunts and uncles, cousins and friends from around the world, literally. Friday, we had the Elders over for a discussion and dinner and again sang happy birthday and ate Coleson's birthday meal, tacos. We love Coleson and wish him a very happy 8th birthday.

This year Coleson received a very cool yellow bike complete with rear shocks and hand brakes, can we get a Awhhhhh!!!! He also recieved several matchbox cars and some collector cards. From his Grandma and Grandpa J $25.00 American, which we explained is close to $107.25 Canadian. From Grandma and Grandpa G a brand spankin' new set of scriptures.

Coleson is very excited to be baptized in April when Grandma and Grandpa J come for a visit.

I Support Karli In Blog Wars 2009

2009-02-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

Click here to visit my little sister Karli's blog and help her win a contest she's having with her husband. Make a comment and you can even win a sweet price.

A Gift for Russell

2009-02-26T12:40:00.000-08:00

A little bit late for Valentines Day but since I love Russ everyday of the year a gift is never too late.

From the moment I met Russ I understood how much he liked football. At a time early in our relationship he introduced me to his football card collection which was stashed secretly in the back of his closet in two large shoe boxes, wrapped in duct tape and labelled "DO NOT OPEN". We have moved these boxes from one apartment to another even from one country to another and finally here into our new home. The moment finally came to cut open the tape and rummage through the little treasure. The boys who love football too, were so excited to be given some of Russ' favorites like:

Barry Sanders, John Elway, Eddie George, Steve Young, Walter Payton, Dan Marino, Ty Detmer, Joe Montana, Earl Campbell, and Randall Cunningham, to name a few.

As I watched the men's faces light up with each card my little brain also lit up.

I made my way to Michael's craft and purchased some large frames at 50% off

(that's not cheap love). Mckay helped me pick out the best cards, 84 in total. I mounted them on green paper in memoriam of the Philadelphia Eagles and set them into the frame. Since our media room is everything football these tiny treasures made a big impact and a fun addition.

If you look closely you can spot Russ' two favorite football stars. Mckay and Caleb have their own Rookie cards nestled in amongst quarterbacks and linemen of the NFL. Who knows, maybe one day a Caleb Jensen 2008 or a Big Mac 2005 will be fished out of the back of a closet and treasured by another little boy?

Little Walker Hurren

2009-02-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

I wrote the following poem for my nephew Walker who loves to visit aunt Jana's house. The last time he visited we found a few things had, well...been destroyed. Things like the Peeps all eaten, several packages of gum chewed and Mckay's school essay cut into some very tiny pieces. I hope he visits again soon, we are prepared to take some precautions.

Little Walker Hurren

(adapted from Little Orphan Annie Poem)

When little Walker Hurren comes to our house to play

we hide the crayons and markers and put our gum away.

We clean up school projects and hide them in our desk

and cover any items that make a papery mess.

We conceal our easter candy, the kind we all call Peep

I guess they are no big loss, the things are very cheep (ha ha cheep, get it)

We hate to take precautions, we love the little fart

but if we are not prudent, other things will soon depart.

Am I Too Old?

2009-02-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we made a quick trip to P.G. to pick up a Valentines Gift I had preciously bought for Russ. While we were driving down the snow drifted streets we watched a 40 something year old woman and her child. She climbed over the snowdrifts and then reached back to lift her toddler over (this is where I should tell you we stopped and helped her across the street but we didn't so I will continue). As she turned to retrieve her child we all noticed the word "juicy" splashed boldly about her behind.

That's when Russ piped up. "You know", he said " when you become a certain age you should never wear pants with any type of words or phrases on your butt. I can see a seventeen year old wearing their team name on their buttocks but that's about the extent of it." He continued on about age appropriate dress and especially the fact that ones butt should never be highlighted. I, fishing for a compliment either on my age or my anatomy asked, " Am I too old to wear...?" Before I could even finish my sentence the silence in the back of the car was broken by Mckay who very quickly and with much seriousness replied, " Yes, Mom you are."

Thanks for your honesty Mckay. No "juicy" pants for me.

The Thing about 12 Year Olds

2009-02-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

Twelve year olds are great people. I have one, his name is Mckay and I think he is the best 12 year old ever. Mckay has lept from my arms and grown up to be such a little man almost overnight.

Twelve year olds are strong-willed. My 12 year old is a little stubborn yes, but so far his stubborn nature is taking him in a very good direction. Plus, who doesn't love a strong-willed, stubborn personality, right Russ?

My 12 year old might not admit it to all of you but he loves his Mom. With his Dad away all week, each evening Mckay asks things like: " Are you warm enough Mom?", " Do you want me to put the little boys in the bath for you?", " Do you want me to warm tea water?", and... " Goodnight Mom, I love you." He makes me beam.

My 12 year old loves me but please no public displays of affection. I was recently summoned by said 12 year old to bring his skates to school. It's a 15 min drive and I had already been once so a deal was struck over the phone. I would deliver the skates and he would hug me in public and say something like, " Thanks Mom, you're the best." With some insistence the plan went accordingly.

Twelve year olds are kind, thoughtful, very responsible and cute as all get out. They get phone calls from girls with silly crushes almost every weekend but one mother put a stop to that, he's mine for several more years.

You can depend on 12 year olds. Mckay gets things done and usually better that I expected. You can reason with 12 year olds and darn if they aren't a whole lot of fun to hang out and visit with. And, did you know that my 12 year old wakes himself up 15 minutes earlier than the rest of us to make his bed, shower, brush his teeth, style his hair and put some yummy smelling stuff under his chin, every morning. That's good right? A boy who likes to shower and clean his room.

I am so grateful for Mckay, he has developed a fun sense of humor, he's a gifted athlete, a good student and often complimented for his good manners and he's a good dancer to boot. Twelve years have flown by and I wouldn't trade one minute of them. Mckay is a blessing in our home and he makes things so much easier on me.

I am looking forward to future years with a 13, 14, and older young man.

4 Billion plus 11 served

2009-02-19T12:57:00.001-08:00

It started off so well. Four Moms and 7 little boys. We met in town all climbed into two cars and were off to the big city of Prince George for some shopping fun. We decided that crafting Wednesdays could only go forward if we went and purchased more crafting product. Stop #1 Walmart, Stop #2 Michaels Craft. We were doing so well and the boys were so patient, especially Gavyn who sat ever so quietly and didn't whimper once. So we decided to take them to McDonalds, the one with the giant playland where they could have fun and enjoy themselves.

And then it happened ...

We entered the Victoria Street McDonalds at 12:35 pm. The joint was packed. The boys were antsy so most went straight to the jungle gym. The lines were long and the service was slow. Luke had wet himself minutes before so Karli made me responsible for retrieving her food while she went to the restroom to change Luke. She stepped out of line and weaved her way through the crowd of hungry people, only to return about 15 sec. later, weave her way back through the crowd to ask for a restroom key. Can you believe they lock the doors? So she quietly asks for a key at which point the cashier yells out,

" Some one needs the bathroom key!"

" Who needs what?" bellowed the manager.

"The lady in the red coat," barked back the cashier, "needs the key to the bathroom!"

"______ (insert cashier name here) get the key!" she yells back.

So with eyes rolled to the back of her head the cashier walks out from behind the counter with said key, makes a come with me motion and holding the key high in the air calls out even louder than before, " Anyone who has to go, follow me!", while marching toward the restroom.

Surprisingly Karli and Luke were the only ones to step forward. Everyone in line had a giggle as she followed _______ (insert cashier name again). back to the restroom.

The fun didn't stop there.

Becky, who is fighting a terrible cold and has a bad case of the sniffles, was the last to order. We were all seated in the playroom, laughing about the restroom incident, when Becky entered the playroom. Somehow she made it through the crowd, down the hall and through the playroom door without any problems. Only, six inches from her seat she somehow managed to drop a very large rootbeer and child's sprite onto the floor. It exploded and just about everyone got a little taste. It was pooling under the tables and running down the walls. The same cashier was summoned and half hazardly cleaned the mess. I wondered if that eye roll she does is what got her hired? Soon after, Becky has a refill in her hand and had actually made friends with another woman in the playroom. She probably felt bad for Becky since all we did was laugh at the typical Becky blunder. :)

Tina, (name changed to protect the innocent) and her daughter Sydney chatted with Becky for a while as Becky explained things like the fact that there are only 2 girls but 17 boys in the family, how we travelled to Prince George for a shopping trip and how loud and crazy our boys were. Sydney had come to play but simply cowered in the corner, too many boys. Plus the small pond of pop on the floor sort of prevented any kids from actually getting to the play area.

When we finally got ready to go we sent the boys up the slide for one last run, put on their shoes and started out across the sticky floor. Then almost simultaneously Gavyn turned green and vomitted two meals worth, (McDonalds fries and chicken nuggets, and pears in case you needed to know) all over Mindy and the floor and Aidan fell out of the gym, hitting his head. Aidan was screaming, Mindy was panicking, and I... grabbed my camera. Tina ran out of the playroom, (and this is no joke) yelling, "You guys are crazy." She did return however, with guess who... you got it, our little cashier with the potty key.

We laughed as we helped clean up, partly because Tina sat at the play steps dry heaving and the cashier mopped as she mumbled something to herself.

What an adventure.

We left at 1:36 pm and were surprised that in only one hour we were able to hurt one child, spill two sodas, sniffle and sneeze on one innocent woman, puke on the floor, convince Tina to never have another child and really really annoy ______ (you know the drill).

I think next week we better hold Wednesday craft day back at my house. Prince George will not be ready to see us anytime soon. Oh, and a big shout out to Rochelle who was supposed to come with us but at the last minute decided to stay home with her three. Good move Rochelle, she's smarter than the rest of us. And again, on Wednesday craft day we missed Kara, maybe today she will not feel bad for having been absent.

Science Projects Part 2

2009-02-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

As per my previous post. The boys and I agreed that we would do a good job on the science projects so as to merit an A. However, we also agreed not to over achieve and avoid the District Competition. Mckay did not get the memo, jumped ship, bailed on us or just plain did not pay attention to me. Mckay is going to Districts with his Kinetic Kuestion science project. Caleb worked very hard and did a great job and according to his teacher aced the interview but was the last eliminated from his age group so he is not attending. Good job to both of you and Good luck Mckay.

A Secret Admirer

2009-02-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

A secret admirer for Mckay. His Dad claims he was down town when an unnamed mother approached him and asked him to deliver this valentine to Mckay. It was a beautifully decorated box with a homemade cupcake inside and a charming handwritten note that said "Happy Valentines Day". Much to Mckay's disappointment his Dad's lips are sealed. A secret is a secret.

The cupcake was delicious so I suggested Mckay take the box to school and MIA and see if it fit anyones foot, he just thought that was weird.

He is a very sweet, handsome young man who can also dance very well so I couldn't blame the secret admirer one bit, a good choice.

2009-02-17T14:36:00.000-08:00

Valentines day ahhhhh! the day of love. This year Valentines day was filled perfectly with all the things I love. Russell took me dancing on Friday night, I love dancing. Mckay, our resident babysitter, and the others played with LEGO all night and ate hawaiin pizza. A good night was had by all.

On Saturday we all decided to have a nice dinner together. We made tortillini with marinara sauce, breadsticks, the olive garden salad and included some sparkling cider. Caleb and Coleson set and decorated the table while Mckay made the salad and Russ and I prepared the pasta and dessert. Dessert.... yummy, we had fondue. It was SOOOOOO! much fun.

Chocolate fondue with pineapple, pretzels, green apples, bananas, marshmellows, angel food cake, ripple chips, kiwis and my favorite, strawberries.

One dirty face

two dirty faces

The third dirty face.

Dirty face number 4 did not want to appear on my blog with chocolate on his mug.

By the end of the night we had had so much fun visiting and laughing together and the food was so good. So good in fact that we were all so full that all the men had to rush to the scale to see how much weight they had gained during the evening. Russ was the only one disappointed with the sudden spike. Caleb, our slightest fella, ran out yelling, " I'm 60 lbs., I'm 60 lbs. I am a man now." If only we were all as excited over a little weight gain.

Happy Valentines day to all, may the love of dancing, food, family and all things good be yours.

2009-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

There's good new and bad news. Bad news, our store's roof is poorly insulated which causes giant icicles to accumulate along the roof line. The good news, look at the cool icicles. The boys have fun knocking them off, sword fighting with them, making jails in the snow and yes, (much to my disgust) licking them. Added bonus, no bleeding tongues or lips yet.

Wednesday Crafting

2009-02-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

My sisters and sisters-in-law have decided to spend Wednesdays doing fun crafts that we can decorate our homes or beautify our lives with. This week we rummaged through my old fabric scraps and color matched some pieces for table runners. We cut the scraps and are excited to sew them together next Wednesday. Only thing wrong with the day, no Kara. Stay tuned.

Karli and Rochelle's fabric

Jana's retro fabric

Mindy's fabric

A Good Imagination

2009-02-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

I find it so curious what my little men can come up with to entertain themselves. Yes, there is life without the x-box, T.V., or a computer. In our home you can play with electronics if... it's Saturday, all the chores are done and it's too cold or raining outside. This works well and brings out some very fun, creative play. This is Coleson's last creation, a hunting backpack complete with everything a man might need to hunt a trophy buck. He snuck around the house in silence (my favorite part) for hours one afternoon. I love a good old fashioned imagination.

a tree blind

the backpack

homemade binoculars

guns and ammo

scented doe spray

horns for rattling

Amazement and Wonder

2009-02-10T15:25:00.001-08:00

I had to take this picture as proof that these two brothers can get along. I didn't even make them sit down together. Yeah!!!

Sledding

2009-02-10T15:08:00.001-08:00

I try not to brag, I really do, but we have got the funnest sledding hill here on the Jensen farm. We get to host the funnest sledding and chili parties and to share our hill with others. Some days I pick up the boys at the bus stop and we go for an hour. We even get the skidoo stuck and spend hours getting it unstuck. We laugh together and pose for pictures together. It almost makes me wish the snow never melted. Just kidding Mindy, I even get tired after a while. While the snow is here though, we make the most of it.

A Scream with Buttercream

2009-02-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

I was asked to teach some ladies in my ward some tips on cake decorating. It was a fun night with lots of good company and some very studious pupils. Good job girls.

An Unbirthday Party

2009-02-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

ouch!!!!

Ouch #2!!!!!

The little boys on hearing that this party is only for the

big boys.

In the Jensen family we celebrate birthday's #8, 12 and 16 with lots of friends and meriment. I am the lazy/practical kind of Mom that doesn't celebrate every birthday in a huge way, just the important ones. In June (yes 2008) Mckay turned 12. We were slow at the party thing and just got around to celebrating a couple weeks ago. He invited lots of friends from school and his football team. We took them downhill sledding, tubing behind the snowmobile and then inside for cocoa, chili, chips, and cookies. They had fun. For the first time, of the 20 kids invited half were girls and this has Mckay's Mom nigh to tears. We even sent some kids home slightly wounded, it's never fun until someone loses an eye or as the case may be, scrapes their hip and bloodies their ear. Happy unbirthday Mckay. I can't believe he is so big and what a great young man he has become.

Science Fair 2009

2009-02-10T13:18:00.001-08:00

I question, are Science Projects designed to teach children the wonder of science and the world around them or are they intended to send every mother into a fit of insanity. This year "we" did two projects. After pouring over options we settled on "Candy Confusion" (Caleb) and " A Kinetic Kuestion" (Mckay). The boys tested to see if children ages 4-6 confused candy with similar looking medicines and which type of sled travels most quickly down a hill. Both very pertinent projects to our household. While complaining to my Mom about the boys' lack of urgency and how I swear if I didn't get on their cases , nothing would be done until panic set in the night before the projects were due, she reminded me that one year as Korlyn was carrying in his completed project another young man in his class opened the door to the school for Korlyn and asked, " Hey Korlyn, do you want to be my science partner." Now there's a Mom who saved herself some agony. Poor kid. Grandma Gulbranson was an honorary judge this year but we have yet to see how the boys did. I admit, I and the boys came to a consensus that I we all wanted them to do well, get an A and have fun but under no circumstances did we want to win the Science competition because this years winner gets the honor of taking their projects to the District Level held in Vancouver this year. Yikes, Vancouver a 10 hour drive. Maybe I am a little more like the above mother than I care to admit. Anyway, they were fun, they are in and we are all pleased with Mckay and Caleb's efforts. Good Job boys.

My Man Russ

2009-02-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

I've written quite a bit about some really good things in my life, today I'm going to tell you about one really GREAT!!! thing, my husband. I can hear the groans and gags from my less than sappy siblings but hey, I like the guy and this happens to be my blog.

Russell, also known as Russ, Rusty, Honey, The Warden, Rusky, Coach, J-Bird, Babe, Hot stuff, President Jensen, Rusky and Dad, grew up in Roosevelt Utah. I could say a lot of things about Roosevelt and the characters who live there but I grew up in Vanderhoof so I will keep certain things about Roosevelt to myself.

Russell has no sisters, few female cousins, and aunts only because they married his uncles. Russ is not at all feminine. He is a man's man. He fixes things, builds me stuff, loves football, adores fire and grunts a lot. The grunting I may have made up but he is manly.

Russ can also be very sweet and "ungrunty", is that a word, ungrunty? When he's not being manly he watches chick flicks with me just because I want to see them. He brings me flowers. Every May my favorite wild flower (Solomon Seal) grows like crazy and every year he picks arms full and puts a huge bouquet in every room of the house. He rubs my feet and visits with me. He takes care of me when I am sick or in the hospital. Russ goes clothes shopping with me and likes it, except on one occassion when he drove up to the door of the store my sister and I were shopping in and honked the horn. He also wakes up in the middle of the night to help me move indoors from the tent when I am scared, this has happened several times. And he is teaching his boys all of these sweet things.

Russell loves meatloaf, Fords, hunting, camping, 80's rock, Pepsi and The Philadelphia Eagles.

Russ hates ....... well nothing I can think of., he's pretty easy going. Anyone who meets Russ likes him because he is so much fun to be with. He is kind to everyone and can make you laugh and laugh and laugh. (may I refer back to Roosevelt Utah)

Following are some things Russ has made for me...

Hall table

Hall shelf

Bedroom fireplace and mantle

Basement fireplace and mantle

Mudroom Organizer and Bench

Barn doors for the basement

Beds for older boys

Beds for little boys

At the risk of sounding too sappy I love Russell. He is my best friend and I love being with him, playing with him and working with him. He's the guy of my dreams and he makes me happy everyday. He treats me like he loves me and like I am the only important thing in his life. Did I already mention I loved him?

A Russell, everyone should have one

I love you.

Personal Protraits

2009-02-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

Last week my sister posted a great blog in which she took a
picture of herself and wrote and all her likes and dislikes. It was
the picture that I paid particular attention to. I have been on facebook
for well over a year now and all my friends still tease that my profile picture is a
silhouette of a man. So I asked Kara how does one do a self portrait of herself so that I can update my facebook page and finally post a picture of myself on my own blog. Following are the tips she gave me and the pictures I took using all her wisdom. Thanks Kara

"Take the picture from down low." she said

" A little from the side." she said. Is that a hair in my mole?

"Show a nice toothy grin, people like to see teeth."

"Pout a little, all the hot models do it." she said

Wait, I might be getting it.

Finally, Bridger took this one of me. Maybe I should leave

the picture taking up to others, even if it is my five year old.

Winter in February

2009-02-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

I can't see all work that needs to be done on our house because it is covered in snow

This is the view from my bedroom window

I can't see all the work that needs to be done at my store.

The roads are always more excited to drive on.

The frost is gorgeous, natures little bit of "Bling"

By this time of year people are itching for the snow to leave but they have come to a realization that this is Canada dumby, spring is a long way off. I decided to make list a few things that are really great about winter in February.

Attached and Aged or Fresh and Fancy?

2009-02-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

Fresh and Fancy

Attached and Aged

I get attached to things like sick animals, kitty blankets, my neices and nephews, old windows and cars. I can remember lots of different cars we used to drive when I was young. A burgundy and white Suburban, a 13 passenger van and my very own 1971 Datsun. Right now I am quite attached to my 2001 gray Suburban. The boys call it "the bat mobile" because I killed some bats one night which got stuck in the grill and made for some really cool close up observations. They also call the car the "crash up car" because of some minor dents and break downs. Oh sure two windows won't roll down, the wipers work when they feel like it, it doesn't idle well, it has stranded us several times, we go through tires like crazy, 1 rear light is out and so is one head light, (we are a perditler's dream). But, I like the old girl. We have hunted in it, hauled lumber for the house, carried football teams, driven youth to dances, lent it out for a hearse (twice) and made some great family memories in it. After one particularily bad break down this Fall Russ surprised me with a new car-see above photo. But much to his dismay it sits in the garage because I am attached to my old gray mare. What to do ? What would you do? Drive old "not always so faithful" or pull the new "younger-looking" gal out of the garage. I might add that the new car has heated leather sets, an awesome entertainment system, gets much better mileage and drives sooooo nice, but hey, that's only if those kinds of things are important to you. So what'll it be? What do you think? Attached and Aged or Fresh and Fancy.

2009-02-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday the boys didn't have school so we worked hard all day on science projects. By the time dinner time rolled around the darn kids wanted to eat, the fifth day in a row. I myself was exhausted from trudging through the snow, timing children, and the worst, watching a 10 year old type. I decided to take the little workers out to dinner. I filled them up on hamburgers, fries and an ice cream treat. On the way home, the car was warm, their bellies plump and their body's and mind's exhausted. In the quiet car Bridger started telling jokes, 5 year old jokes. I think they went something like this. What did the 6 say to the 2? Boy you are little. Silence. What did one cloud say to the other cloud, you're not fluffy. Silence. On and on he went, each joke as funny as the one before. All the while the others sat quietly, I thought they were all asleep until he told this joke, What did the horse say to the pig? (you might think I have this backwards but wait) Hey fella, why is your face hairy? From the backseat finally a response. Caleb chimes in with a great ba -dum -ching!!!!! you know the sound of a drum after a funny joke. That made us all laugh which satisfied Bridger who decided to quit the comedy routine on a high. Caleb saves the day with wit and humour again.

2009-02-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

It's funny how we are always reminded how much our children learn from us even when we aren't aware we are teachin'. Mckay loves football and loves to watch it. This weekend was of course the Superbowl. I really wanted the Cardinals to win mostly because I think that Mr. Curt Warner looks a lot like my very own Mr. Russ Jensen. That's beside the point. Anyway Mckay, Grandpa Gulbranson, Gulbranson brothers #'s 1,2,3, and 6 and their families, a teenage friend of Korlyn's and one very frightened non-relate family, brought lots of yummy food and came to our house to watch the game. After all was said and done about 30% of our crowd was excited the Steelers had won, the other 70% not so happy . Interviews were observed, happy fans were filmed and a whole heck of a lot of confetti was dropped onto the field. Then it happened my football loving son called out,"Somebody is going to have to clean up all that confetti." Ahhh, just like his Mom, stop in the merriment to think about who the heck is going to have to clean up all the mess. I love it.

Wedding Cake #?

2009-01-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

I love creating these little works of art. This week I made another wedding cake this time for Chet and Angela Mecham. After 1 box of margarine, 1 tub of shortening, 18 cake mixes, 72 eggs, 14 bags of icing sugar, a pinch of salt, and hours of work Voila !!!! Thanks to my beautiful assistant Karli H and to my mentor Lauri O.

Things I'd Love to Do....but can't

2009-01-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

Paint or Re-paint

I don't know what it is about fresh paint but it does something for me. Maybe it's my nose remembering the fun times I had at BYU-Hawaii while I worked with some great girls and good friends. We worked in the paint shop and painted road lines,houses, refrigerators and the mens dormitory. Anyway, My idea of a good spring cleaning is to repaint walls, in a new color of course. But... my wiser than I or is it tired of getting out the ladder, husband said, "NOPE", not this year. We've only lived in this house for two and a half years and I've already repainted three rooms. So, I'd love to repaint this spring, but can't, maybe this summer?

Beekeep

It looks like so much fun and what a great way to trap a little bit of heaven for free. We have 320 acres of yummy wildflowers, clover and alfalfa fields, the bees would just love me and the boys would love honey butter on fresh scones. But... Russ is deathly allergic to honey bees, one sting and he's a gonner. I'll just give up on the bees and get my honey from my "honey".

Keep the Moose off my lawn

The moose have succesfully "trimmed" all of my birch trees for the last few winters. Moose love the tender new growth of birch trees. To date I have tried yelling at them, running after them arms flalling and screaming, chasing them in my suburban with the boys cheering me on from the back seat, and most recently I convinced Russ to shoot them in the butox with a shotgun, hey don't judge me, I like birch trees. Can you believe nothing has thwarted them? I'd love to keep the moose away but can't.

Size 6

I'd love to be a size 6 but can't and you don't need to know all the details.

Keep the Livestock in

I'd love to keep the annimals in the pen where they belong. Moose out, Horse and calves in. The Moose, Deer, and Elk jump the fences everyday to get to and from food. In the process the fence has taken a beating. We fix the fence in the Spring and Fall but it never seems to stay tight or effective. This morning I woke up in the dark and stumbled to the shower. While showering I had an eery feeling that someone was watching me. I am still not sure if I was worried for my safety or for their poor eyes but I was a bit freaked out. As I showered the sun peaked over the horizon and the room was lit with beautiful morning sun. It was then that I saw him, peering into the bathroom through the window. I let out a very convinving scream as my horse stood there watching me climb out of the shower. Even the sight of me in my nothings didn't seem to scare him back to the pen. So, first request when I see Russ this weekend, please tighten the pasture fence again.

People

I'd love to slap some people up-side of the head but can't. Is it just me or are people getting less bright? I am surprised by the things grown, church attending people do and the things they are teaching their children to do. That's my little rant for the day, now I must go repent. Anyway, sometimes I would like to slap some sense into people but can't.

That's it, my list of cant's for the day. I am sure I will think of more another time. Add some of yours, I'd love to hear them.

Well Water?

2009-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

I am going to blame this post on well water because it's too painful to think about being a horrible mother. Bridger (5) had eight root canals this October and this week he started complaining that one of those eight teeth was hurting. By Tuesday evening he was punching his face, screaming and literally jumping up and down in pain. Tell me this, why do these things start at about 6:00pm when there is no prayer of finding a dentist? By 4:00 am we figured out that if he gargled with cold milk and I sat him upright on my lap, he could fall asleep and fall asleep he did. After two and a half hours of very restful sleep I was up an at 'em with the other boys. At 10:00 am (the time anyone in Canada arrives at work) I woke up Bridger and we headed to the dentist who told us that we would have to go to Vancouver (10 hr drive) to a Pediatric dentist and that he could get me a quick reference in only three weeks. Three weeks of screaming? A few phone calls later I had an appointment in Prince George but not until the next day. Bridger's tooth calmed down some and he slept pretty well all day. By 6:00 pm Wednesday night the pain started back but this time was accompanied by a flu. Now poor Bridger was in pain, had a fever and was throwing up, another crazy night. We were headed to Prince George (one hour drive) by 10:00 Thursday morning with bucket in hand and doped up on Advil. At 12:00 another root canal was done and Bridger, numb from forehead to chin, was finally sleeping well in a warm car heading for his bed at home. I was so relieved. When we were only ten minutes from the house Bridger finally awoke, he sat upright and said,"Mom, me and you have had two rough nights." I so appreciated that simple sentence, he had recognized that I had helped him and he was grateful. Being a Mom isn't always fun but I am happy to be doing it. And hey, Uncle Blaine, if you are reading this the other boys have good teeth so I'm not all bad.

Caleb

2009-01-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

Caleb (10) has always been a very witty and funny little boy. He also has a knack for talking too much (where does he get that?). His teachers tell me he is very funny and usually makes the entire class laugh and hard to control. What to do ? Anyway, I was in the school helping out the other day when his teacher asked to talk to me (rarely a good sign). She recounted the previous days events with a red face, tears in her eyes and a strange giggle in her voice. "Yesterday, she said, the class was asked to list things that would not be allowed in the classroom. I wrote on the board as the kids called out , "knives", "swearing", "bullying" and "guns". At which point Caleb (who is all of 55 lbs of bones and sinu) stands up flexes his barely visible biceps and calls out, "except for these guns." Apparently the class was estatic and the T.A. had to leave because she was unable to stop laughing. We always enjoy Caleb's humor.

2009-01-29T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well, we all have our good moments and our bad. November was a gloomy month in our home. At 13+ weeks I lost another baby. This baby was our 6th late term loss since Bridger was born. My doctor and several specialists were certain that they had my issues figured out. A genetic blood disorder called Factor V Leiden causes my blood to clot more that a "normal" persons. It also causes clots to form in the placenta or cord and cuts off the blood and oxygen supply to the babies. I and the doctors were positive that a daily heparin injection would keep my blood from clotting. However, it was not to be. We have learned not everything we want is the same as what Heavenly Father wants for us. We hoped for another baby, the boys prayed fervently and blessings were given but we are thankful for what we have and with or without another Jensen, we are happy and very blessed.

Winters a Comin'

2009-01-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

We've yanked out the garden, put up the hay and pulled out our coats and gloves, now on to the wood haulin'. When we built the new house we put in geothermal which both cools and heats the house through coils of water in the ground (don't ask, I couldn't tell you) but we also put in a wood burning fireplace which has both cooked and saved our bacon from freezing. We love the crackle of the fire on the cold days and the red glow in the evenings and those of you who know Russ know he just plain can't stop making fire. So before things get too cold we chop and haul wood for the winter months. It may look like I don't do any work around here but hey, sombody has to take the pictures and be the boss and there has to be some sort of perk for being the only girl in the house.

Grim and Gruesome

2009-01-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

EEeeeEEEKKKK!!!! Halloween, another one of Russ' favorite holidays. Russ' idea of the perfect Halloween is to buy lots of his favorite candy, take it home,dump it in a large bowl, shut off all the lights, hide in the basement, pretend you're not home and commence to eat all the candy. He's a bit of a stick in the mud at Halloween. However, the boys enjoy it and it gives me a chance to fire up my sewing machine and get creative. this year the boys made things easy...well fairly. Mckay attended a youth party where you had to come dressed as a Lord of the Rings character and aside from making a helmet out of an old hard hat and gluing hair on his 12 year old chin, Gimly was a cinch. Caleb was even easier as a hippie and Bridger was glad to have hand-me-down pirate paraphernalia . Then... Coleson made the strangest request of "A man with no head." I thought and thought and came up with a great idea and as always Russ made my ideas a reality. Coleson made a pretty good headless guy and got rave reviews at the town fireworks that night. Thanks to my stick in the mud for all the help, we love ya.

Back to School

2009-01-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

Summer always has to come to end. Usually I am ready for school to start but this year I was a bit sedate to see my boys climb on the bus, maybe it's because for the first time in twelve years I don't have anyone home with me. Mckay began 7th grade, Caleb 5th, Coleson 2nd and Bridger is in kindergarten. I'm not one for change especially when it comes to my boys, but as Sir Winston Churchill reminds me " There is nothing wrong in change if it is in the right direction." Certainly they are headed in the right direction toward school and hey, maybe this change will point me in the right direction of finishing the laundry, actually organizing my quilting fabric and a few more subtle improvements I need to make.

#26 and #31

2009-01-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

The Jensens love football and this year both Mckay (#31 ) and Caleb (#26) did well. Mckay's team took second place in the league with Mckay running the majority of the touchdowns, the kid has wheels. Caleb's team didn't do as well but they had fun and we are pleased to say that in the end Caleb did a fine job and earned the team trophy as Most Sportsmanlike. I happen to be very partial to Caleb's coach who sacrifices a lot of time to help the team learn some confidence, learn football and have fun. Coach Jensen, I love you.
GO VIKINGS !!!!!!!!!

Camping 2008

2009-01-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

Each year we set family goals. In 2008 we all agreed that our family goal was to camp a lot in the summer and I can say that we definitely accomplished the task. Russ worked two hours from home all summer so we packed up and followed him to Canyon Creek Campground in Hixon. While Russ worked the boys and I camped, rode bikes, swam in the creek and lazily read books. We had sooooo much fun. In the Evenings Russ ate dutchoven dinners around the campfire with us and we played card games in the trailer. The showers were warm, The weather beautiful, and the company was pretty darn good too.

2009-01-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

Kasey and Mckay June 2008

Kasey and Mckay June 1996

Summer 1998 ish

Celebrating a birthday together.

A milestone was met this year. Mckay turned 12 and was ordained a deacon which coincidently happened on the same day his uncle Kasey, who Mckay idolizes, gave his mission farewell talk. Mckay celebrates his birthday one day after Kasey's, actually only 40 minutes later than Kasey's and Mckay is still disappointed that I couldn't have hurried just a little faster. Mckay will dress like Kasey, play football like Kasey, cheer for the same NFL team and hopefully serve an honorable mission like Kasey. Anyway, this was an important day and I was so proud of both my little brother and my not so little boy.

My Fifth Child

2008-10-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

A few years ago my sister and I started a new business that we named " Upon the Shelf ". We sell home decor including furniture, linens, shelving, baby gifts and a lot of other cute decorations. After 1and 1/2 years in business my partner moved south to Utah and here I am, left with all this fun. We are doing well and I wanted to share a part of this with all of you. Above are some pictures of the store. The witch outside is part of our Witch-A-Palooza event where we decorate the store and ourselves in witch attire and have great sales especially for our customers who shop in costume. Fun things are always on the go. An Upon the Shelf website is currently under construction, thanks to my sister Karli, so look for its link on my blog soon. Anyway, when I complain that I am busy this great little shop is one reason for the craziness, but I like being crazy.

Emergency Room Visits

2008-07-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

Boys, I love them but... Why must they be so rowdy? This week I took Mckay (12) back to the emergency room for the third time in just five months. In march he broke his nose and had to have surgery to have it straightened. His Dad told him it was cool to have a crooked nose like Peyton Manning but thankfully he didn't want a Peyton Manning nose so it was fixed. In April he broke his wrist playing dodgeball. "He's a little aggressive." says his P.E. teacher, but he did get an A. Sunday at Grandma G's he lept over a flower planter, walking around it doesn't occur to boys I guess. We're not sure it was the smacking it on the planter or the landing that did it but indeed he has broken his toe. Two weeks out of football should slow him down, yeah right. Just needed some advise on convincing the four to walk not jump, and tone things down, I am tired of the emergency room. HELP!!!

Oscar Meyer and Stinky Stella

2008-07-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

I have a soft heart for the underdog so when my Dad offered me a calf who's mother had died and was heading to the cow palace himself, I said I would take him. We have named him Oscar because I thought it was a cute name and Russ said it would keep us focused on what Oscar was going to become, (think Oscar Meyer). Oscar is spoiled, the other day he was heard bellering for us and we found him with his front feet perched on the front steps. After Oscar was with us for a week we were offered calf number two who as you can see looks alot like a skunk. She was named Stella, if you've seen Over the Hedge you will understand why. Anyway our farm continues to grow one orphaned animal at a time. By nephews and neice are enjoying helping to feed them when they visit aint Jana's house.

Gardening 2008

2008-07-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

My summertime love is gardening. I love weeding, the smell of wet dirt and spending time with my boys ( Nobody fights when we are gardening). I guess I love it because weeds stay away for weeks and watering gives instant relief to the plants. The Vegetables are just a nice little bonus. Laundry and cleaning on the other hand never stays away and I just don't get the same sense of gratification from a clean sink. I get this gardening bug from my sister Kara, who also dislikes housework. Anyone who knows Kara knows that this is an outright lie but it should get a response out of her. Let's just say Kara could help me housekeep and I could certainly help her garden.

Piece of Cake

2008-07-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

I have been making wedding cakes for a few years now. This Spring and Summer I have done six of them. I really enjoy the creative side of it and I especially like it when a bride gives me her colors and says, "Do whatever you think looks good, I trust you." Yipee, it keeps me up nights planning and scheming in my head. These are the latest cakes I have done, also the only ones I have pictures of. Thanks to my Aunt Laurie I am also making some money doing what I love. Two more cakes in Aug., oh what fun.

Hooked on Fishing

2008-07-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

Well, fishing isn't my first love, actually it doesn't even rank in my top 10, but my boys and husband love it and I love them, so I fish. Our favorite lake is Camsel and we like cooking over a fire, feeding our pet squirrel (affectionately know as Hamey) and laughing together. How blessed we are to live here in this beautiful part of the world and enjoy the sparkling blue water and green trees and yes even the stinky fish.