Happy New Year 2014

We were so happy that the Friels, Penny and the Staggs all joined us to ring in the new year! 

We had lots of yummy food, played minute to win it games, had great conversation, had our little photo booth props and we even had a dance party! It's always a plus when you throw a party and you have fun friends and family join you! 

It was the most fun I have had in a while! 

This is Jana and Macie's handiwork! So cute.

Braden got this volcano for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa Jensen.  It was the perfect activity to keep the kiddos entertained.  It was hilarious to hear them uh and ah when it 'erupted'! 

The minute-to-win-it games were also a hit! 

...I can't remember but I think I beat Scott!!! 

Our new year resolution started as work out more...then somehow it changed to make out more.  

We definitely need to do more making out!!:) 

We all had way too much fun with our photo booth props.  

Later we all broke out our dance moves! Everyone danced! I loved it! 

It was so much fun and just how I was hoping the night would go.  

It was a successful party!

Welcome 2014!

Christmas 2013 | The Report

We had yet another successful Christmas at the Jensen household.  

Can't believe another Christmas has come and gone.  

After so much anticipation, Christmas morning finally arrived.

The children came upstairs and said, "Santa came to our house!!!" 

They were beyond excited.  

...and Brooke! oh man! She was a joy to watch.  She was thrilled that she had presents.  

She LOVED opening her presents and we LOVED watching her be so excited! 

It was so magical in every way.  

I felt so grateful that Scott and I can give that feeling to our children.  

Not necessarily because of the material things, but what it means to give, that's the feeling I love.   

We were so blessed this Christmas. 

I love being able to capture their expressions!

Her dream came true! 

We were so glad to have my mom spend the holiday with us!

Scott is a simple man! He was thrilled to get a shoe polish kit! Love him! 

The kids spent the rest of Christmas day playing with their new toys and reading their new books.  

I love that part of the day on Christmas.  The house gets quiet after breakfast, kids are busy playing.  

We had a yummy Christmas dinner together. 

My tummy was happy.  

Love this little girl! 

My sister and her family joined us later and we had more fun watching everyone opening presents again!:) 

Christmastime Part II

One of my favorite traditions during Christmastime is building gingerbread houses. 

I think what I like the most about this activity is that we are together as a family.  

It is actually magical.

These are the moments I hope the children remember.  

Brookie was particularly into it.  Mostly eating the candy. 

The boys tediously worked on theirs.  

They are both perfectionists.  

Our handiwork.

What a fun night! 

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Another fun and meaningful tradition we have is the reenactment of the Nativity. 

We were so glad to have the Friels and Penny over and we had a great night together.

I was especially grateful for the reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.  

The children were children and were a little wild but 

I hope they remember that Christmas is about our Savior.   

The two year-olds were not interested in being part of it.  

They thought jumping on the couch was more fun!

Then, the kids put a little show for us. 

They sang Christmas songs and danced around! 

Cutest kids ever! 

So grateful for these wonderful people in my life.  

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On Christmas Eve, we decided to make tamales with my mom and the kids.  Sadly, Scott had to work.  

The tamales turned out delicious and at the end of the night Brielle, Braden and Brooke had a little program planned out.  Brielle and Braden wrote their feeling about Christmas and Brooke sang Jingle Bells.  

I think there was a common theme: "Christmas is about Jesus, not the presents!" :) 

My kiddos on Christmas Eve in their new jammies. 

These three little people make this time of the year so magical. 

Around Here│Christmastime

Soon after Thanksgiving, the streets of Salt Lake City turned into a winter wonderland.  

I love the first snowfalls of the year.  

We got a real tree this year and our house smelled so good.  

I am not a fan of colored lights but the kids and Scott demanded them and I couldn't say no.  

Our tree was fresh for about 2 weeks, I faithfully watered it hoping that it would last until Christmas but by Christmas it was super dry.  We were all a little disappointed.  But we enjoyed the wonderful smell nonetheless.  

Christmastime is such a magical time.  The children were so excited and it seemed like we waited forever and ever until Christmas day.  

Brookie's cheesy smile has been cracking me up!!! 

She sure has the cheesy smile mastered.  

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We got to go to the Internal Medicine Holiday Ball.  It was such a nice break and we were glad the Clarkes could make it too.  The food was good and we enjoyed some good conversation with our friends.  We are grateful to know them.  

Scott and I danced for an hour and we called it a night! 

It's always fun to spend some alone time with my husband.  

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Trent, Scott's cousin, is headed to Africa on his mission next month.  Jana had a little farewell party for him at her house.  It was nice to see them all and spend a few hours together.  

Trent is such a nice guy and we are proud of him for making such a good decision to go serve.  

I loved watching Brookie interact with Uncle Chuck.  

...and I can't get enough of the cheesy smile!:) 

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Someone told me about the Christmas window stroll at the Grand America Hotel downtown.  

Scott was off one Saturday and we decided to go.  It was such a fun outing and the gingerbread house was especially amazing! It's probably the biggest gingerbread house I have ever seen.  

The windows did not disappoint.  It was fun to see them all.   

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My little niece Vanessa turned one! Nya and Rob had a little party for her and we enjoyed being together celebrating her first year on this earth! 

She is honestly the sweetest little girl and we are SO happy she is part of our family!

We love her so much! I can't believe how fast children grow.  She brings so much joy to all of us.