Day #24--Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is Thanksgiving, and I am thankful that the weather is going to be fabulous the next couple of days which allows not only us, but all of our friends and family, to travel and spend time with loved ones. Be safe and enjoy your time together, no matter where that might be!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Day #23--My In-Laws

Today I am thankful for Keith's family. I have them to thank for the man that Keith was raised to be. They are responsible for the Dad that he is. Keith's brother and his family live just several blocks from us, and are always ready, willing and able to help with the kids if necessary. I am very lucky to have married into the family that I did!

Day #22--Kids Night!

Tonight I am thankful for a free night on the calendar, and kids night at Valentino's. Valentino's is pizza and pasta buffet restaurant in Ames. Whenever Tuesday rolls around, the kids are always hoping that we are heading there. We went tonight and filled ourselves way too full, as usual. We were even fortunate to be able to meet some friends there. We ended up with a table of 13 people. What a great night!

Day #21--Field Trips

I am thankful that I am able to go on field trips with the boys. Cale doesn't have any any more, and Jared still just has a few but Trevor still gets to go on field trips! This morning I met the bus at the Ames Public Library and went on a tour with the 2nd graders. It was my 4th. time to go on this tour...once with each of my boys and once with our niece, Maddie. After the tour, the kids were able to check out 2 books.

The boys know that I don't do the "outside field trips." Like....to parks to hike and climb. I'm on the docket to go on 2 more field trips with Trevor this year. One is to CY Stephens to see the play "Fancy Nancy" in February, and the other one is to the Science Center in May.

I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to go on these field trips with all of the kids.

Day #20-Early Birthday and Christmas Presents

Today I am thankful for early birthday and Christmas gifts......

My iPhone has been ordered!! It should arrived just in time for my birthday! I was DONE with my old phone and how buttons always stuck. And for the record....Keith is benefiting from an early Christmas gift, too....he's got a black iPhone on it's way!

Day #19--Saturday night church

Today, (Saturday...even though I am late posting this and it is already Sunday!) I am thankful for Sunday night church services. We don't have Sunday School this week because of Thanksgiving, so that means it makes perfect sense to go to Saturday church. We don't have any reason to get up early in the morning. No alarm clock, and since I am posting this shortly after mid-night, I think our decision to go to church on Saturday night was brilliant!!

Good Night.....

Day #18--My Crock Pot

I am thankful for this......

MY CROCK POT!!

I love being able to just throw things in my crock pot before I go to work at noon and then have it ready whenever we are. Since we have 3 boys playing in 3 different basketball leagues we never know when we will be eating. And if we are all eating at the same time is anyone's guess!! I'm always looking for new things for the crock pot so if you have any simple ideas that 3 semi-picky boys will eat let me know! I tried something new in it last night!

Day #17-7 weeks!

Trevor is home sick today. I brought him home yesterday after I went to volunteer in his classroom and he looked at me with some sad eyes and was holding his head sort of funny. I've seen that look many times. Keith doesn't recognize it, but a Mommy knows her child. "You don't feel good, do you?".....No. "Do you want to come home?"......Yes. I took him down to the nurse and sure enough....he had "the fever." So, I packed him up and brought him home.

Last year he had "the fever" a lot. Every 2 weeks to be exact and it lasted 3-5 days. He missed A LOT of school. I was ready for the truancy officer at my door but they never did show up. He never had anything else with "the fever." No runny nose. No cough. No upset stomach. And nobody else ever got it. It was the weirdest thing! Towards spring he stretched out his time to 3 weeks, then 4 weeks, but I still didn't feel right about it all so I took him to the doctor during one of his fevers over the summer. He didn't think that there was anything to worry about but they tested him for something called "frequent fever syndrome." It's just what it sounds like...frequent fevers, and no other symptoms. Well, that came back negative and we were told "you are just this lucky." Right. Lucky.

This is his second fever of the school year. The last one was 7 weeks ago.

So, as odd as it may sound....today, even though he is sick, I am thankful for Trevor making it 7 weeks between fevers! It's always good to be thankful for little victories! (Lisa and Renee....he has over taken my Kindle! Even if it is just to do a word search!)

Day #16--A great group of friends

I can't begin to tell you how thankful I am for the boys' great group of friends. They have each fallen into a crowd of friends that are kind, polite, and respectful. I am especially pleased with Cale's friends as he nears high school. They have always been so kind to Jared and Trevor and will include them when they are here, or let them play with them at the pool, or sit with them at McDonald's after a football game. Their friends are good kids who are also good people. I guess that I should also be thankful for their parents. Good kids don't just happen.

Day #15--A quiet night

I am thankful that we had a quiet night last night and I was in my jammies by 5:30, and in bed early.

Day #14-Our School District

I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for our school district!! We are very lucky to have such a perfect blend of teachers and administrators. They all know how to bring out the very best in my children and prepare them for what the world will bring their way! We are truly blessed!

Day #13-My Church Friends

Today I am thankful for my church and the friends I have met there. We drive into Ames to go to church and Sunday School. Because we live in a different town then our church is in there are people there that I would not have otherwise met. I am thankful for God bringing me, not just to new people, but to good friends. Really good friends. Friends that like to have lunch with us after Sunday School! Even if they do things like this......

Day #12-Nieces and Nephews

Today I am thankful for my 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

**ABBY**

**LUKE**

**GARRET**

(with Cale)

**MADDIE**

(with Jared and Cale)

It has been my pleasure to watch them grow into the people that they are. All 4 of them have very different personalities and are a joy to be around. They were delightful little ones, they are polite, smart, funny and charming kids and I am looking forward to them being responsible, mature adults. I know that they will be. Love them all!

Day #11-Veterans Day

Today I am thankful for all of our Veteran's who gave their time, their talents, their service, and some gave their lives so that I have so many things to be thankful for.

THANK YOU!

Day #10--Good Report Cards!!

I am thankful today that conferences are over and these 3 guys are right on top of everything!! They are getting good grades, they are hard workers, and they are great friends to their class mates. Their teachers tell us that they are kind, considerate and respectful to everyone at school.

There isn't really much more we could hope for from them. Great job, guys!! Keep up the good work!!

Day #9--Early Outs

Today I am thankful for Early Outs at school! When the kids get out at 12:30, I don't have to go to work!! I usually fill the afternoons with trips to the dentist, doctor or orthodontist for the kids, but it just feels good to only deal with my own kids....not 50 kids that belong to someone else!!

Day #8--HD TV!

Today I am thankful for HD TV! I never thought it was much of a big deal, but once you have it you will always wonder how you lived without it!

Day #7--Trevor

Today, I am so thankful for my baby...Trevor! Even if he is 7 1/2, he is still my baby. He is so charming, funny and mature...and he's got a great giggle! The poor 3rd. child is always wise beyond his years. He's our resident Smarty Pants because of his math skills, which makes his dad VERY happy!! He has a list of girlfriends that seems endless, and he's also got one fiance, who he proposed to when he was 4. Look at him...is it any wonder the girls swoon over him?

I love his laugh and I love how he still sleeps with his favorite blanket. I also love how he sleeps with about 7 different stuffed animals lined up between his pillow and his headboard, and then selects a different one each night to snuggle with. And I really love how he likes to climb in bed between Keith and I on Saturday mornings, or if we are awake, he'll come down and crawl into my lap so we can rock and snuggle. I don't really ever want him to grow up. I've asked him not to since he was 3, but he keeps getting bigger, cuter, wiser and smarter. I guess there isn't much I can do about it, except enjoy every little inch of him now while we still fit in the same chair!

I LOVE YOU, TREVOR!!

Day #6-Jared

Today I am thankful for Jared Scott Jensen. He came into this world about 3 1/2 years after Cale and has kept things interesting ever since. Most of it for the better! I'm pretty certain he was a good baby because I can't remember that he wasn't! He is such a pleaser. He loves to help out in any way he can. If I need something done without complaining, I always look to him first. He has a laugh that comes from his toes and we get to hear it a lot because he is our comic relief around here. He is compassionate, and caring and still lets me snuggle with him--even at the age of 10. He is smart, kind, funny, a great helper and a good friend.

He started middle school this year and I can't hardly believe how fast he is growing up. His sense of humor keeps us on our toes and laughing all of the time. I love this kid from the bottom of my heart. I am looking forward to watching Jared grow and mature. He is such a joy.

I LOVE YOU, JARED!

Day #5-Cale

Today I am thankful for my first born...Cale August Jensen. I have often said that I feel sorry for him because he is our "trial and error kid." We do things with him, and then learn our lesson and will do something different with the other two. He was such a calm baby, and broke us into parenthood with ease. He has a great sense of humor, an unforgettable laugh and can tell you all sorts of statistics about baseball, too!! He has now matured into teenager that we are very proud of. He is smart, kind and a good friend. He's considerate and caring. I sometimes watch him from across the room and think about how lucky we are to have a son just like him.

Next year he will be in high school and I can hardly wait for all that is yet to come. However, I shudder to think about him being in college in just 5 short years. I love every bit of this kid. I am so proud of him and thankful for him....and thankful for what he brings to this family.

I LOVE YOU, CALE!!

Honoring a Life--In the Line of Duty

Two weeks ago today, the boys had the day off of school, and they got up just like a school morning and we went to the Johnston High School for a funeral. It was for Des Moines Firefighter, Kirk Pederson. Kirk grew up in Grinnell on the same block that I did. He graduated from High School with my brother, Kevin. He was a drummer in the marching band with my brother, Todd. Kirk's parents are some of my parents' very best friends.

He was a healthy person who loved to exercise. Seven months ago he was on the tread mill and had some chest pains. He went to the doctor and was diagnosed with lung cancer. Because he never smoked and because of his job they called it "occupational cancer." The cancer was caused by all of the carcinogens from the smoke from fires. The cancer spread to his liver, his throat and his brain. Because it was considered job related they called his death "in the line of duty." He was given a funeral with full honors.
One of the reasons that I took the boys was because I knew that it would be something to witness and that I hoped that they wouldn't soon forget. We drove into the parking lot under the large flag draped between the two ladder trucks. We sat in the parking lot for a little bit and saw firefighters coming in from all over the state.

The service itself was very touching and emotional. It included the "Bell Ceremony." That is when they ring the bell 5 rings....5 times. Known as 5 5's it announces a death in the line of duty. All of the firefighters in attendance stood and the announcement that included something along the lines of "Firefighter Kirk Pederson has died in the line of duty on 17 October, 2011 and has been relieved of all of his duties." There was more to it, but I just can't remember it all, and I can't do it justice if I don't get it exactly right.

All of the firefighters in attendance were the first to be escorted out of the high school and waited for their orders.

This person called all of them to attention as the casket was exiting the gymnasium.

Honoring Kirk on his way by. It was very solemn as they did this. The bag piper lead the pastor, the casket and the family out. Everything was very slow and deliberate.

His pall bearers were his "brothers" from Station 9, Second Division.

One of Kirk's final wishes was to ride on the fire truck one more time with his fellow firefighters. Unfortunately, they were not able to get that done before he died. However, his last ride, to his final resting place, was aboard the fire truck. His family is watching. He had just married in May. You can see his wife and her 2 sons, and Afton who is someone that he always considered and treated like his own daughter. You can also see his parents and his 2 nieces. His brother and his wife are just out of this picture.

From here, they took him past Station 9. I asked if they would stop and I was told that they would drive by it very slowly and whoever was in the station at that time would come out and salute. We did not follow the truck, but were told that on every overpass out of Des Moines there was a firetruck with firefighters saluting.

After going by his station, the truck took him to his final resting place in Grinnell. He was buried with full honors while the bag piper played right next to his sister who had taken her own life just 10 days prior to his own death. They were buried 8 days apart. It's all so sad. It's really more then parents should have to deal with.

I hoped that this was something that would stick with my boys. I know that it isn't an experience that I will soon forget.

Day #4-Keith

Today, I am thankful for my husband. We have known each other for more then 18 years, and have been married for more then 16 years. We met when I was living in Des Moines with my brother and his wife, Barb. Keith and Barb worked together. I would go with Todd and Barb to some work functions and would see Keith there. We would talk a little. And then I would see him at church, too! (That's a great thing to be able to tell people...we met at church!!)

Shortly after we met, he announced that he had taken a new job and was moving away from Des Moines. So...I asked him out!! (I couldn't keep waiting for HIM to ask ME out!) He said yes and we met for drinks that very night, and the rest is history!! We've had our ups and downs, but at the end of the night, I'm glad that it's him snoring on the couch--like he is as I'm typing this!

I know 3 guys who are also thankful for their Dad. They (and I!) love the time they can spend together playing catch in the yard, or talking about what was in the Sports section of the paper, or on ESPN. When the kids were little, one of my favorite things was to watch him walk off to the bathroom with all 3 of them when we were out to eat. Since I am the only girl, I would enjoy the few minutes alone with a little giggle! I love watching Keith sitting between them at church...helping them to follow along, understand things, and sometimes just running interference so they don't get into trouble!! He is such a great example of a Christian Dad. It does my heart good to watch them together!

I am just so grateful that Keith and I are going through this crazy thing called life....together!!

I Love You, Keith!!

Day #3--My Parents

Today, on November 3rd., I cannot being to tell you how grateful I am for my parents. Ever since I can remember, they have filled our house with love and all sorts of laughter. They have been such a great example to me when it comes to having a good marriage. They just celebrated their 50th. Anniversary, so they must have something figured out!! They have showed me how to be a good parent. They have always lead by a Christian example. The list of things I have learned from there could go on and on.

They are also wonderful grandparents to all 5 of their grandchildren. They are always interested in how things are going in school and at all of their activities. They will drive over an hour each way just to listen to a band concert in which Cale played all of about 10 minutes. They make it a point to make it to as many ballgames as possible. They even hit some of the away games!! And they always show up at our house with treats and snacks!!

I could keep going about them, but I'll just lump it into the thought of "I'm thankful that God placed me in their lives, and in their hearts." I Love You, Mom and Dad!!

Trick or Treat

I really miss my kids not dressing up as something cute for Halloween. Jared went with his Vikings jersey on, and Cale (yes, Cale!) went with his Cardinals stuff on. Jared is on the edge of really wanting to go any more, but Cale LOVES it!! He will go until he's 30 if I let him! Trick or Treating is one of his absolutely favorite things to do!! At the age of 14, I'm certain he is one of those kids that people talk about as they walk away from the door. ("He's too old." "He doesn't even really have a costume on.") I just can't tell him no. It's pretty harmless, as long as he isn't pushing the little kids out of the way for another Kit-Kat.

Trevor couldn't decide until the last minute what he wanted to be. He thought maybe a spy. I wasn't sure what a spy wore that made him look different then other people. This costume was my idea. It was simple, it was cheap and it was WARM! Can you tell what he was?? He was a....

CAT BURGLAR!!!! :)

(And his joke? "How do you know you've had a cat burglar?"......"Your cat is missing!")

Thankful Day #2-Kevin

Today, November 2nd., I am thankful for my oldest brother, Kevin. I just love his dry sense of humor, and he's got a great laugh. He is very proud of his niece and his nephews and always makes a supreme effort to make it to at least one of their games for every sport or activity they are in. Between him and Todd, they always made sure that I was adequately teased all during my childhood! What would a little sister do without a couple of older brothers?! I don't know, and I don't want to find out!

Even though this is a picture of him and Jared, he has a little extra special bond with Cale. Not only do they share a birthday, but they also share a middle name. Kevin August and Cale August. We all love when Uncle Kevin comes for a visit...especially the boys!

30 Thankful Days-November 1--Todd

The last few years I have listed something every day of November on my Facebook page that I am thankful for. It was suggested (Renee!!) that I list it on my blog, too. We'll see how I do. Some how, I don't seem to be able to keep up with my blog very well.



Today, November 1st., I am thankful for my older brother, Todd. Today is his birthday. Since we were little, we have always been very close. Whenever I have something, good or bad, that I need to talk about he is generally the first person I call. Several years ago, things got a little dicey between us for a number of reasons, but now I am just so happy that we are back to where we once were. He is still one of the first ones that I call. He is a wonderful brother, a caring son and an excellent dad. My birthday wish for him is to be happy. He SO deserves it!!