Home Again Home Again Sick-ety Sick & Resolutions 2013

We had to cut our vacation short due to sickness otherwise we would still be in Idaho.

So far, Seth has been the only one who hasn't caught it.

Lucky duck.

We've had a rough couple of nights with Lilia's stuffiness and Porter's tummy issues.

Not to mention my incapacity.

So, our New Years isn't going to be all that exciting tonight!

Because I'm on anyway, I'll update on my yearly goals for everyone who cares...

...me.

Resolutions 2013:

1. LOSE WEIGHT!!--I know, totally cliche. But, seriously, I've got 50+ pounds (yes, you read that right and it's totally embarassing) of extra junk in my trunk that needs to disappear by next year. The eating of my body weight in delicious foods that weren't exactly the best for me this last Christmas vacation will just make it that much more fun to say the final number of pounds lost by 2014.

2. Be more patient--It's hard to keep patient when you're feeding a little one who needs you and another little one who needs you is basically trying to climb all over you while feeding so he can get more attention. I need a constant reminder that I will miss this and I need to savor each and every moment.

3. Keep positive--duplicate from last year. I'm gonna be honest and admit that I'm in denial about moving to Wyoming next July. I need to think positive about this, and I need to get my rear in gear with getting Porter into a school there...eeeek!...positive thoughts, positive thoughts...
I've honestly gotten much better about the girls now that it's been a year and a half and I have sweet Lilia to look after, but I still have my moments. I also seem to freak out in paranoia over her a lot more than I ever did with Porter, so that's something else to try to be positive about.

4. Spend more one on one time with those I love--Can never get enough of this, but always seem to have something that gets in the way of just enjoying being with members of my family. Immediate and extended. So, I'm going to make an extra effort to put my family before my chores. (Hard for me since I'm kinda OCD about what I need to get done at home)

Happy New Year!!

Parts and Letters

 

I began the process of trying out for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir last July.

I had prayed about it and felt that it was what I should be doing.

There are three parts to this audition process.

Part one was a sent-in application with an audition tape/CD with specific singing requirements recorded on it.

I was a bit nervous about this, as I hadn't really sang for a while.

Not since Oregon.

I know I had Divine help during my recording session with Kelly, and felt really good about my recording.

Even though I know my pitch went sharp due to nerves and a lack of accompaniment.

As I sent in the required items, I thought to myself, whatever happens, happens.

I got a letter in the mail a couple weeks later stating that I had passed the first part!

I was surprised, but very pleased.

It meant I was that much closer to being able to achieve my dream!

Part two was a music theory test.

I picked up the study material and began studying right away.

I was more nervous about this than I was about the first part since I have never been super awesome at theory.

But, this time around, it clicked.

When I went in to take the test at 8 months pregnant, I was worried my pregnant brain would keep me from remembering what I studied, so Seth gave me a blessing.

In order to pass, I had to get a score of 80% or higher.

I had never cared about the results of a test before like I cared about the results of this one.

As I was taking the test, I found things to be easier than I thought they would be, and felt I did well.

I had even gotten to take the test with an old friend from Twin Falls who happened to be trying out at the same time!

Two weeks later, I received a letter with my results.

I had passed!

I can't tell you how excited I was about this.

Then, the nerves returned when, two weeks after having a baby, I went to Temple Square to finish up the final part of the audition process--part three.

Part three was an interview with the choir president, and an in-person audition with the conductors of the choir.

During my interview it was heavily stressed that I needed to be able to dedicate 5 years to the choir.

I told them I could dedicate one full year (next May to May 2014), but I couldn't guarantee five years.

My in-person audition didn't go as well as I would have liked since my body wasn't where it needed to be after birth, so I felt this didn't help my situation much as far as making the choir was concerned.

But, I felt they understood the physical limitations.

I was so excited to meet Mack Wilberg, my favorite music arranger, and was even a bit giddy that I got to shake his hand.

Yes, I'm a nerd.

He even told me that I had "a very pretty voice".

Which also made me a bit giddy.

But, as I left the Tabernacle, I felt I wasn't going to make it.

Not because of how I sing, but because of the yearly time commitment.

Saturday, I got my last letter with my results.

Here is what it says:

"Thank you for your participation in the recent auditions for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. You did very well and we were glad to have you participate.

We would love to hear you again and invite you to re-apply when you will be in the area on a more permanent basis."

So, my feelings were right.

Not going to lie, I'm emotional about this.

But, I'm so extremely grateful for the opportunity I never thought I would be able to have to try out.

I'm grateful for the help I received from my Father in Heaven during the process.

I'm grateful that I was able to see an old friend.

I'm grateful that I was able to meet and shake hands with Brother Wilberg and Brother Murphy.

I'm grateful that I now know I do have what it takes to be a member of the choir.

And, those positive thoughts are what I'm dwelling on.

If Seth and I move back here for any reason (because no one can say things will absolutely be one way or another even with plans that seem to be set in stone), I will try out again.

Hopefully, if and whenever that is, I will be able to make as much as a 20 year commitment.

Thank you for your support.

Love.

Graduation

After 8 years of schooling, during four of which Seth:

"Sat through 1,710 hours of lecture

Participated in 690 hours of lab exercises

Took 72 midterms

35 written final exams

5 lab finals

Passed at least 35 mini proficiencies

Passed 1 big proficiency at the end of the second year

Spent 1,960 hours in clinic

and for the privilege, paid $42 per hour"

--Dean of Optometry

(And, that doesn't even include studying for and passing 3 major boards exams in order to be certified)

He is finally DONE!

May 19th was glorious.

It began with a "hooding ceremony" where the graduates were formally given their graduation hoods.

I enjoyed the ceremony, but most of all I enjoyed our friend, the class valedictorian David Glabe's, speech.

The fact that he mentioned Seth bringing caffeine to study groups to try to keep everyone awake was an interesting bonus.

After Dave, the keynote speaker spoke of the importance of putting family first.

I ended up wishing I had brought tissues.

Porter was very enthusiastic as the hoods were handed out.

Seth after getting his hood...pretty much how we saw him during the whole thing.

And then it was time to give the hood back and move on to graduation.

(Yah, I know, I didn't really get it either)

Pops joined us for the main event!

Which was great!!

We also got to sit by our favorite family...

We didn't pick the best seat, so this was our view of Seth...

...you're welcome for the arrows.

I filled with pride as Seth's name was called.

My man graduated with DISTINCTION!!!

...which means he had a stinkin' high GPA!

Without further ado, let me introduce...

...DR. SETH JENSEN!!

(After getting used to living a life basically without my husband, I'm really excited about this.)

Then, it was over and time for pictures.

Porter loves helping. Especially when helping involves moving something with wheels.

Congrats, all you DOCTORS!

Devin Farr, Eric Johansen, Colton Crowther, Aaron Cole, Shawn Skinner, Brandon Reed, Dave Parkinson, Dave Glabe, Seth, Scott Pitts

 And, all us WIVES!!

Tana, Jen, Jenny, Claudia, Kristina, Jen, Tara, Brianne, Me, and Erin

 Let me tell you, I would have never survived this whole thing without these girls!

I love every one of them and hope this isn't goodbye forever.

But most especially, I wouldn't have survived without this one.

Love you lots, Brianne!

We all endured so much together.

Not just Optometry stuff, either.

Not to mention, someone Seth was sure happy to have around...

...there's no way he would've survived without Scott.

We sure are going to miss all of you!

And, this cute dynamic.

You would've thought they never were apart.

Thanks, Clark, for coming!!

Dr. Seth Jensen O.D.

I love my Optometrist.

Resolutions 2012

Looking at last years resolutions, I feel I did pretty well. It definitely helped that I wasn't called to visit teach ever since I got pregnant. As I'm still not a visiting teacher, I'm not adding that one this year. If I become one? I'll just try to be better at it for the sake of last year's resolution.

On to 2012:

1. Spend more one on one time with Porter. Yes, I'm making this number one again. I did better last year spending time with him, but now I want to make sure he and I get our own mother-son dates every month. I mean, he's going to be starting school soon (ack!), and I want to get in the habit of making more time for him and me alone before he's gone most of the day.

2. Be more thoughtful. I like to think of myself as relatively thoughtful, but in all honesty I can be much better at this.

3. Keep Positive. This encompases two aspects of my life at the moment. First, I need to continue to stay positive about the girls, and second, I need to stay positive about moving. All the moves we are doing/have done/will do is starting to give me chest pains make me crazy stress me out when I think about them. I need to not sweat the moves. (Only 2 this year...)

4. Limit time wasted. Another duplicate. I'm seriously the world's best time waster. Pinterest has not helped with this one.

Happy New Year!!

Then Let Us All With One Accord Sing Praises To Our Heavenly Lord

I flew back!

To Portland, that is.

Isn't that view gorgeous!?

It's right outside the back window of my host, Carrie's home!

Anyway, I came back for a very special reason.

To sing as a member of the Portland Ensign Choir and Orchestra one last time.

Why?

Not only to see and sing with these lovely talented ladies again...

Emily, Carrie, Betsy, me

...but to be able to sing again, period.

I lost my twin girls right before the final June performance earlier this year.

During the concert they were dancing to the music inside me.

It was very hard to even think about singing without them being with me.

I needed to sing in the same setting one more time, this time without them, so I could have an assurance that I would be able to sing ever again.

With a goal in sight, I overcame my vocal trial.

I'm happy to say.

I felt my girls cheering me on during all three performances.

I can even say I'm positive they joined in with the audience on our encore.

Thank you so much Dave, Emily, Patrice and especially Carrie!

Love you all.

Straight to You

For our date night, Seth and I went to see...

...JOSH GROBAN!!!!

Seth was so extremely excited that he shouted!

Actually, no he didn't.

In reality, it was more like this...

But, that probably goes without saying.

Josh was travelling with Eric Lewis, or ELEW who was on America's Got Talent.

Source

He's a Jazz/Rock pianist and he was quite entertaining!

After about 10 minutes of him, though, I was getting anxious.

He's not who I came to see, but he did a great job and I really enjoyed his show.

It doesn't change the fact that I came for Josh.

I was SO excited to see him!!!

Not just because he's just so darn good-looking...

Source

...but because his singing gives me chills!!

I have a confession:

I'm one of "those fans" when it comes to Josh.

I literally cried a little when he started singing, I was that excited.

Not kidding.

I am a person I occasionally make fun of!

Interesting realization.

Let me tell you, though, Josh did not disappoint!!!

He's just as incredible as he is on his albums!

If not more incredible!

Didn't think it possible.

Charming personality, great entertainer, and talented guy!

Wasn't expecting this!!

Now I just need to become famous so I can have the chance at an opportunity to sing with him.

Any tips on how to accomplish that?!

Totally serious.

It was an amazing concert!!





Um.ber.ella.ella.ella

Porter's had too many "accidents" lately, so we gave him a goal.

No accidents for a week and you can have something new.

Bribery works well in this household because...

...Porter didn't have an accident and got a Lightning McQueen Umbrella!

He can even open and close it himself!

And, the best part?

There's a Lightning McQueen on the handle.

We're ready for the rain!

Well...not that ready for it.

You get the idea.

Hard Things

This last week I made a goal for myself to do two "hard" things a day.

One physically hard thing and one emotionally.

It's been an interesting week, but I'm happy to say that I can do hard things.

I've made it a goal to continue this until said hard things are done pertaining to the girls.

I don't know when that will be over, but I've found when I accomplish my hard things for the day, I feel better.

And, that's progress in my eyes.

On a different note: I realize our blog is a little difficult to look at right now...

...but we appreciate you accomplising that one hard thing a week :)

Loves from us.

Resolutions 2011

Visiting last years resolutions, I'm happy to say that I met every goal!! Well, the punctual one got slipped up a couple times, but I'm very proud of myself.

On to this year...

1. Spend more one on one time with Porter. I think I spend a lot of time with him...in front of a movie. He's really a very independent little boy, and I think that's partially my fault. I think I have made him independent because I usually have things to do. I want to make sure I spend an hour just hanging out with my son.

2. Be a better visiting teacher. I'm the world's worst, I think. I haven't gone visiting teaching for over three years. Shows how bad it's gotten.

3. Get out of the stinkin' house at least once a day. Self-explanitory. This year's going to be a little rough, so I need to make sure I keep this one. (And, yes, my house is stinkin' at the moment.)

4. Limit time wasted. I've gotten better at this. No more FarmTown, but I still spend too much time online on the facebook homepage, looking at craft blogs, blogging myself, and catching up on everyone's personal blogs. I need to limit it somehow, and know that if I don't get it done, then I don't get it done and it's not a big deal. (Sorry loyal readers...)

Portland Mormon Choir

Those who know me best know that the dream choir I would love to be a member of is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

My whole lfe I have wanted SO bad to be a member.

My desire became even greater when they added the Orchestra at Temple Square.

(Which my Aunt, cousin, and high school friend are all a part of)

Maybe that's the violinist in me.

Every time I listen to their music, I cry.

Not only because of the Spirit I feel in their inspired hymn arrangements, but because of my overwhelming desire to sing with them.

Being that Seth and I will be residents in Wyoming when all of this schooling is over, that dream has been put on hold.

Who knows if it will ever happen.

At BYU-Idaho, I was a member of Collegiate Singers.

We sang with the BYU-I Symphony Orchestra for an oratorio.

And, I would have to say that is my favorite memory of that choir.

(My sister was in the orchestra...made it better.)

Now that I've grown past that part of my life, I believe the closest I will get to grabbing hold of my dream is being a member of the Portland Mormon Choir and Orchestra.

I tried out for it this week.

And, I found out this morning that I made it!

I can't tell you how grateful and excited I am to be a member.

Now, I just need to convince Seth that Utah is a nice place to have a practice. *wink

5K Run/Walk for Sight

I ran my first race.

Ran the whole way pushing Porter in his jogging stroller.

*Laura, Lisa, and I ran*

And, I did it in 32.4!

It was awesome.

Here's all the PAVA girls who participated:


*Laura, Debbie, ?(help!), Lisa, and me*

We loved it!

There was a raffle at the end of the race, and for the first time, I actually won something!




Ray-Ban Aviators!

Sweet.

Health Issue Update

Well, I finally heard from my doctors...

Turns out it was something viral and my liver enzyme levels are going down gradually.

So, I'm fine!

Good thing, too.

I am getting tired of long walks and lighter home workouts.

Gotta keep it up, though, right?

Only bad thing is that I am still tired easy.

That should go away soon enough.

I hope.

First {dot}

Seth has officially finished his second year of Optometry school!

Not only did he finish, but he finished flawlessly!

My man got straight As!!

Congrats, Seth on receiving your first {dot}!!

D and another {dot} to go!

Some Achievements Worth a Mention

Seth has passed his 21 point exam!!!

That's a weird way of saying he knows how to give a full eye exam flawlessly.

GO SETH!

Plus, I've reached my goal of losing 30 pounds!

YAY!

Took a year, but totally worth it.

...I wouldn't be upset if I lost 10 more...

heehee.

New Years Resolutions 2010

Let's see...what do I want to accomplish this year?

1. Stick to my healthier lifestyle. I find I fall from habits after doing them for a while. I don't think I will this time, but I will make a goal to stick to it anyway.

2. Make time to really ponder what I read in the scriptures. That's a long one. I read and ponder while I read, but after, I don't really give it a whole lot of thought. Maybe if I take some time each day to sort of review what I learned that day, it'll stick with me more.

3. Be punctual. Yup. We're gonna try this one again.

4. Limit time wasted. When I have nothing to do, I sit on the computer...play some games...mainly Farmtown...watch shows online...pretty much any show that interests me, really. I need to have down time, yes, but I dont need hours and hours of it.

I think that's good enough for this year :)

Happy New Year!

New Years Resolutions 2009 2.0

Remember these?

Well...

...here's how I did!

Goal #1: Be Healthier~I work out. In fact, I've lost 25 pounds! I eat healthier. I can still do better in the eating dept. But, I can safely say I've reached that goal. Pass!

Goal #2: Study the scriptures more~honestly, I can't say I've "studied" them more, but I am definitely reading them more. I now read an article out of the Ensign every morning before working out, and I read the scriptures every night before bed. Like goal #1, I can do better. As far as reaching this goal goes...probably not as much as the first goal...but I will pass myself anyway since I'm the judge of this whole thing in the first place ;)

Goal #3: Be punctual~Still about the same as I was last year with this one. I was BETTER at being on time, but I'm still falling way short. Fail.

Goal #4: Be organized~I have a daily schedule including daily chores, a weekly menu, a monthly budget, the apartment is relatively decent at all times when not going crazy busy with a million concerts in two weeks time...and I even have the whole year's worth of songs scheduled for the Primary! I'd say that's a pass. I still waste time sometimes, though...

I realize this is more for me than anyone else. I find it's actually quite motivating to write these down publicly.

Halloween Happenings

We went to the PAVA Halloween Party, and won Best Family Costume!

Pretty sweet!

It was a lot of fun!

I was a little surprised at how few people dressed up this year, though.

I wasn't the only ladybug:

She has me beat on the cute level by a LONG shot

And Porter wasn't the only bee!

Best picture we got.

Poor kid even complained to Daddy about how much he didn't like his costume:



Seth had some fun competing...

Awesome shot, yes?

All in all we had a really good time.

On Halloween day, Seth had a lot of studying to do, but I still wanted Porter to have the trick-or-treating experience, so we went to the ward "Trunk-or-Treat" to be in a safer environment since it was just the two of us.

Porter said titeet twice, but said Tate too every time. :)



Even if you can't tell in that picture, he really did have a good time.

I would have taken more except my batteries died. Go figure.

I hope you all had a great Halloween with lots of candy!

PS:

Just to document it,

I've lost 20 pounds!!

only body shot I've taken in a VERY long time.

...20 more to go! ;)