The Sweet Smell Of Summer

The days here are getting longer and warmer which is a blessing to all of us. The children are spending more hours of the day outside rather than inside. Laughter and tears seem to be heard in the distance around this place. Laughter of many fond memories that the children are making and tears of many scraped knees. All of these are sounds that I try to record into my memory because I know that someday it will be quiet. We as mother's are so busy and sometimes forget to stop and lavish in the Joy of our children. I am guilty of this many times over. But each night when I lay in bed and reflect over the day's events I smile and can seem to only remember the joyful times of the day. I thank the Lord for blessing me with those moments and taking the bad moments away. What a great God we serve. I will end this post with a quote from my ten year old, "I don't know what it would be like without Jesus."

Papa Gary's post

Here are some pictures to kind of bring you up on what had happened so far this spring in R.O. Iowa.

The kids wanted some chickens...... so grandpa was asked to help build a chicken coop. these are some pictures to show how things went....... bear in mind that there were other projects that just had to be started while building the coop.









I had lots of help with building........
















Trying to get it right........















Accuracy counts........















More measuring ..... we will get it right...




















We keep going, and measuring......













I had to keep talking to my 5 year old to convince her not to run......









Working to get it right..........

Get the nails started............

Go in dog gone nail...........

Well I got the other one in, I won't give up on this one.............

There is suppose to be 6........ looks like they are all here......

HEY..... I was suppose to pet you...... you pecked me...........

See we have 6 baby chicks..............

They are all eating...........

Hey..... unhand me........ I am not happy with you holding me....

Nice new home...... but the kids make me nervous............

A Still Small Voice

That still small voice. How many of us really stop and listen for His direction? Just a little disclosure about this post. I believe I am writing this post to help me listen to the still small voice. Please do not take offense to anything that is written. I wonder if we sometimes think we are doing God's will when really we are doing our will. In the world we live in we really don't have to listen very long because no matter where we turn we could say we heard his voice. In a song, or a sermon, from a friend with a confirming word. Maybe we really do need to take time to turn off the music, turn off the phone and just sit at His feet and listen to what He is saying. Not just pray about it and then the first thing that looks like it is a yes jump on it and say, "Oh this is from the lord." Maybe He will say No or not at this time. How do we know if we don't quiet our hearts and just listen. I think I have spoken enough, I am now going to spend some time in a quiet place and listen for His beautiful voice to guide me where He wants me.

Random Pictures

Here are some random pictures of the kids and some of our daily happenings. Levi likes to help with the laundry and the never ending sock pile. I think he just likes being pushed around the house in the basket. I look at this picture and think A family that cleans together stays together. HA HA HA. Even the little guy is learning how to help with daily chores. This is our sweet listen Kharis dreaming about how good these brownies will taste once they are finished.

Well big sissy and Kharis decided to take a lick before they were done. I guess it is true the cook needs to always try their own before everyone else does.

All I can say about this one is she sure does know she is cute.

Great grandma and Levi. So thankful I have this picture. Levi is the first Great grandson on the Jensen side and we were beginning to think that this family line would be coming to an end.

Almost a Month

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I posted. I really don't know where the time has gone. We have been very busy and also very sick. The sickness has finally left the house and I really feel like Spring is in the air. All the clothes have been rotated and we are ready for some warm weather. I love the change of seasons and am so glad that the Lord gave us these times to rejoice and see new life again after a long winter. He knows our every need.

A Post For Grandpa Gary

We had some wonderful much needed sun today and the kids took advantage of it. Here is little Kharis waiting very patiently for her turn.......

ON THE SWING!!!!!!

The kids had a blast. This post is for you Grandpa Gary. Thanks for helping us create such wonderful memories with our tree swing. The Kids love it!!!!!

Good Bye Faith

These past couple of days have been very sad for a dear family member of mine. My cousin Jeff and his wife Katie were expecting a beautiful baby girl due the end of May beginning of June. Well Sunday morning Katie had not felt the baby move and was concerned. After going to the hospital and having an ultrasound they received the news that the baby had died. Little Faith was born still yesterday afternoon, and was laid in her parents arms with a sweet little good bye smile on her face. We all know that she is in her Heavenly Father's arms right now, but we also know that her parents will miss her deeply. Please pray for this dear family in the days and weeks ahead as we know that God will be the only one who will be able to carry them through this next phase in their lives.