Welcome Randy & Atacha!

Our good friends Randy and Atacha just moved her from Cleveland and we are so excited to have them here! Randy served his mission in Argentina with Kevan and they are best buds. It has been so fun having them here so far. We hit up the malt shop last weekend and Atacha had us over for dinner Sunday night, so sweet of them. Danny and Albert also served with Randy and Kevan and it has been great all hanging out together. Still nothing can top quality time with  my man! 

 

Starting with Kevan... Kev, Danny, Albert, Randy, Atacha, Jennifer (Atacha's little sister who is in town for a few days to help them get settled)

Me and sweet Kev!

P.S. I love the malt shop... check it out, inexpensive shakes that are delicious. We shared the banana cream pie shake and love love loved it! 

I also loved this...

... and wish I could eat this for breakfast everyday.

Working Woman

It has been a long two days of orientation. See, you might have thought from the exciting posts the last couple weeks that my life is actually exciting, but usually it is just the same old day in and day out. Which is also good. The last two days I have been orienting to my new job. I have teared up several times, but I am glad to say it is not because i am overwhelmed, it is because I am so touched but the things I've seen and heard in orientation. They show these really touching movies about nurses who touch peoples lives through what they like to call the "healing connection". This is the movie that really got me crying. After this movie we were talking about how it is that special effort, your touch, that special connection you make that makes people feel that they are not only being taken care of, but they are cared for. At orientation I shared a little bit of my story and why I became a nurse, so now you get it...

Almost seven years ago my brother, Brady, started getting headaches and after several weeks of this was admitted to the pediatric unit. He was thirteen at the time. He was diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis and was life flighted up to a children's specialty hospital after a few days. During our time there the nurses who cared for us were amazing. I remember getting a little stuffed fabric doll in a hospital gown. They explained to us the different tubes and machines Brady would be hooked up to and let us practice putting in IV's on our fabric dolls. They made a poster all about Brady's favorite things and gave him a batman blanket to keep. I say these nurses cared for "us" instead of my brother because while they did provide all the physical care my brother required, they were also there for "us", his family. My brother had a hard few days in the hospital and unfortunately on October 26, 2005 passed away and returned to our Heavenly Father. It was a very hard time for my family and I, but was made much easier because the of the special way the nurses had helped us out during this difficult time. This experience taught me so many things and also gave me the desire to be a nurse. I didn't just want to fix peoples boo boos though, I wanted to be the nurse who people remembered because she made such a hard time in their life a positive one. I wanted to be the kind of nurse that no matter what the patient was going through, their day was brighter because I was there to be compassionate and help them out and care for the person instead of just their body. So now I am a nurse, on labor and delivery. While this is usually a very happy place, it can also be a very sad place. I love that either way I can be the nurse who makes this once in a life time experience special for them. I love that my actions will have an impact on the experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives, and I want to make those good experiences. If my patients do have to deal with difficult circumstances, I want to be a nurse they can rely on. I want them to be able to ask me questions and lean on me for support and know that I will care for them, that I am there for them. I want to touch people's lives the way my life was touched by nurses I barely knew, who made a time of great suffering easier because of their care, because of their love.

This is the last school picture we have of Brady. We sure love him and miss him.

Nursing is truly learning the healer's art. It is learning to heal the mind body and spirit. This talk and it's message encompasses some of what I feel about the privilege and joy I have in learning and practicing the healer's art.

Oh YES I did!

Today in the mail I got my nursing license... yes, Yes, YES! I'm a real nurse, officially now. Yes! Oh, and only one more day until I start working my dream job. YES!

Football Camp

It is official... fall football camp has begun. That means my husband is at our university from sun-up to sun-down lifting, watching film, in meetings with coaches and practicing in the boiling sun. Yesterday there was an open practice where family could watch and I was dying of heat just sitting in the shade while Kevan is out in the sun with a helmet on running, hitting, and sweating his guts out. I am so proud of him and all the hard work he puts into football. My proudest moment yesterday though had nothing to do with football. Near the end of practice the team was huddling up, and all the sudden I see Kev sprint off from the main group. One of his team mates was on the ground just straggling behind the group and Kev put his hand on his back and made sure he was okay. Then the trainer took over and Kev went back to the huddle. I am so proud of my boy for looking out for others and being a team player. Go Kev! He looked really good on the field too, smooth and strong and confident. If you ask me, he is the best football player in the world, (it's true)! 

Number 46 - best linebacker ever! 

My man in action! 

 

Kind of gross they all pile in these cold tubs after, but I guess it's good for their muscles and to cool them off! I won't be hopping in one of those ever though! Kev's on the left pounding down a Powerade protein drink.  

So since this is Kev's life, my time has freed up a little bit. I spend each morning riding this...

...and running miles and miles (feels like it anyway) with my team mates. Today I even did an Insanity (seriously insane, try it) workout with my sister-in-laws, and then we hit up the pool to lay-out for a little while. Then we made some good food for lunch and called it a day. Here's us in our swimsuits with our delicious pasta with a spinach, garlic, tomato and pesto sauce and some shredded chicken. It was so good! 

Then I came home to this... 

... letters from my sweet missionaries! One is from my cousin Josh who is serving in Anaheim, CA. He comes home in two months and I can't wait to see him! The other is from my cousin Tara who is going to Italy but is in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) right now. I am so grateful for the missionaries in my life and I am especially grateful when I get letters and get to hear from them. Go missionaries! 

Oh, P.S. I got to go to a fun little birthday lunch yesterday. It was my cousin Gabby's birthday, so my mom and I went to lunch with Gabby and her mom, and sister Justine, and Aunt Ginger to celebrate my mom, and Gabby's special day. Our poor waiter, it must have been his first day or pretty close to it because he kept making absolutely awful mistakes and I just wanted to tell him that it's okay - it gets better! Ha, but in the end it all worked out and we thoroughly enjoyed our free birthday brownie with ice cream. Yum! 

 

Yes the waiter took these pictures, and no, neither of them really turned out. It's okay man - it'll get better! Ha, and after these photos were taken my mom commented on how that's why you always ask a woman to take your picture. 

P.S.S. I start my new job on Monday, wish me luck!

 

Happy Birthday Mom!

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday, so happy birthday to the most wonderful mom in the world. All growing up I have always wanted to be just like my mom and I love it when people tell me I am! She is the most amazing multi-tasker ever. It seems that she always has a million projects going on at once, and not little projects, big projects. Yet she is able to balance everything and do it all. She is my number one supporter no matter what I am doing. She is there for everything she can be, and not just for me but for my siblings and husband and even extended family. When you walk into her home you are immediately welcomed, she has a way of making everybody love her and often the teenagers who come to hang out with my brothers end up talking upstairs with my mom divulging their whole life story. I look up to my mom so much, so here is a shout out to you mom... I love you! You are one of my best friends and always will be. Happy Birthday!

 

These are pictures from my wedding... obviously we have a great time together!

New RN... And Other Stuff

I got the job! I am now a Labor & Delivery (L&D) Registered Nurse (RN) at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center (UVRMC)! I go in to fill out paperwork tomorrow and I start with orientation next Monday! I feel so incredibly grateful for the way everything lined up in my life and I know that is in large part due to the guiding hand of my Heavenly Father - and of course thanks to all my family and friends who have supported me all along the way. 

Today we took Jacob out to Maria Bonita so he could get a taste of some authentic Mexican food. We had a blast hanging out, talking about the Spanish language and missions, and eating delicious tacos! 

Jacob and Kev - love this picture.

Me and my bro...

My man

And Jacob again... eating Maria Bonita's delicious rice soup stuff.

Tonight for family night we went and got snow cones with the Bills. Family Home Evening (FHE) is every Monday night. We spend time with family, whether it be just our little family (me and Kev) or our extended families. We usually have a little uplifting spiritual thought or lesson and then a fun activity. We had a blast hanging out with the kidos and eating yummy snow cones with ice cream in the middle! Lucky us... 

Hanging out, eating snow cones.

Jake & Kev - a miracle they are both looking, and smiling!

Cute close-up, not so smiley...

What a great way to start off the week!

Ward Temple Trip and Date Night

Yesterday was a good day. It started off with a temple trip with the youth in our church group. We went to the Provo temple so the young women and young men in our ward could do baptisms for the dead. That means that they were baptized for people who were not able to be baptized during their time on the earth. The person they are baptized in behalf of then has the choice in heaven whether they want to accept the baptism or not. It is considered a service in our church and is something we are encouraged do do regularly. In addition the temple is considered a place of peace, where God can touch are hearts. The grounds are breathtaking and the temple itself is always a magnificent building. My favorite is at night when you can spot a temple from quite a distance because it is white and shines in the midst of the darkness. We had a great time at the temple!

Some of my cute young women who attended the temple.

The incredible view from the temple grounds.

The Angel Moroni - this golden figure is on the top of the temple as a symbol to the nations, setting this building apart from the ones that surround it.

Me outside the temple, aren't the grounds beautiful?!

Me and Kevan - we love it when we have the time to go to the temple together.

Kevan with some of his young men and the other young mens leaders.

This is one of my very favorite temples, it is just 5 minutes from our home and is absolutely gorgeous!

When we got out of the temple we got a call from Kevan's mom telling us that KC was in town! That is Kevan's brother and he is away completing an internship this summer. We were so glad to see him and decided to all go out to dinner to spend some quality time together. Kevan's three brothers were able to come and our sister-in-law Stacy and Craig's girlfriend Rachel, oh and I can't forget cousin Matt. We decided to go to Carraba's, a family favorite! They have a really good $15 summer special that included an appetizer or dessert, plus a salad and main course. So good! KC left back to his internship today, we sure will miss him!

 

Starting with Kevan and going around... Kevan, Me, Rachel, Craig, Stacy, KC, Matt, and Kelly.

A great end to my week, and Kevan has Monday and Tuesday off and I'm all done studying, so I'm looking forward to next week! Plus I'll hear back about the L&D position. I hope you all had a great week and I hope this next one is even better!

Good News!

Thursday was an incredible day... we have three big items of big news to share!
#1: Kevan had a super hard conditioning test first thing in the morning. He had to run 90 yards in under 30 seconds, then he would get a minute of rest and have to do it again. He had to do it 10 times and he did it! He passed the fitness test! That was a great way to start off the day. In addition, that was his last practice of the week! He gets the rest of the week off and I think even next Monday Yeah!

#2: I took the NCLEX! I drove up to Draper to take it. I was so scared, I didn't get the results I wanted the first time! The first 75 questions felt easy, so I thought I'd be done at 75 (that's the minimum number of questions you can get) but my test kept going. I took a break at question 150 and was just feeling a little discouraged. I had studied so hard and just felt like it wasn't going well. I went back in to finish but at question 230 decided I needed another break. I had to keep myself from crying when I went to the restroom. I didn't want 265 questions again and I felt like I was having a hard time focusing at this point. I was just ready to be done. I went back in and after one question my computer started "thinking". My first thought was - oh no, it froze! Luckily I was actually done! I was done and I was 100% sure I had gotten the last question right. That made me think that I might have passed, why would it have my test end if I got the last question right unless I passed? Then I went home and that screen shot made me feel 100% sure that I had passed. Well, today I paid $7.95 to get my results early, and guess what... I passed! I was so incredibly happy! I'm officially done with studying and I never have to take that test ever again!

See where it says grade... and then it says "Pass"... woot woot! 

#3: My little brother Jacob got his mission call. YES! It came Thursday afternoon and so Thursday night we invited over family and close friends to find out where he was going. You see, he had put in his papers to serve a two year mission. That means that he had gotten vaccinations and all his dental work taken care of and then got an interview with his bishop (an ecclesiastical leader) who said he was worthy to serve a mission (there are certain physical and spiritual standards you must meet in order to be able to serve). From their his papers were sent to Salt Lake City, where an apostle reviewed them and received inspiration where they felt God wanted him to go. Today we got that information in the mail. As we all gathered around we heard Jacob read...

"Dear Elder Jensen,
       You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Mexico City, Mexico mission."

At that point we were all cheering like crazy! I can't believe my little brother is going to be living in Mexico for two years! He went on to read that he will serve for 24 months and will be speaking Spanish. It said that he was report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on November 28th, 2012. Now he has requested that day be pushed back so he can finish out his first semester of college. He will be leaving January 9th! Jacob, we are so proud of the choice you have made to serve a mission. This is an incredible example of sacrifice and you will have an amazing experience serving our Heavenly Father and serving a mission to bring the people of Mexico City to the knowledge that they have a Savior, Jesus Christ, and share with them the joy of the restored gospel. I am so proud of my little bro!

Jacob and his mission call right when he got it. Look how happy he is!

Jacob reading his call to all of us.

Jacob talking to my Nana & Papa who were in New York when he opened it.

Jacob with Aunt Jamie and Uncle Andy.

Jacob with all his buddies who were there to support.

Jacob with his cousins Parker (left) and John (right) who will both be putting in their papers during the next six months. 

Jacob with Uncle Jeron and Uncle Casey.

Jacob with some of his Young Mens leaders.

Jacob with some of our good friends, and neighbors, the Austins.

Jacob with the Rumsey's - they are like family, we go way back!

I had to include this picture of Dave and Lindsey - love your face Dave.

Jacob with the Pearce family. Their daughter Tara (not pictured) is currently in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) preparing to serve a mission in Milan, Italy and Jordan (blondie on the left) returned last July from a mission in Paris, France. 

Justin with our amazing Uncle Jon and his cute daughter Alexis.

Jacob and one of his best friends, Dallas, who got a mission call last week to serve in the Melbourne, Australia mission. They'll be serving at the same time!

Jacob and his buddies, (left to right) Trent, Dallas and Ben.

Jacob and our cousin Allie and her husband Justin.

Jacob and his friend Kelani.

Jacob and the Conger's - Dave looks almost as good in this picture as he did in the one above!

 

 Our cute little family... Me & Kev, my mom, Jacob then Justin and my dad.

 

We love you Jacob!

So all in all Thursday was an incredible day, from start to end, with the grand finale being Jacob's call. It will be so fun to spend the next few months with him and I am looking forward to seeing where my new nursing license will take me!