reminder to self.

Do not go to the gym and do upper body and expect to have a simple time wake surfing at the lake the next day. That is all.

decisions, decisions.

I decided not to go here...

So that I could buy one of these...

In order to go here...

To visit these lovlies...

I cannot wait.

Probably one of the best decisions I've made since deciding to rent movies from the LIBRARY! :)

(yes- today's rentals included Sister Act 2 and Hocus Pocus.)

EFY round one.

Whoever said EFY was just for high schoolers was TOTALLY wrong. I had probably one of the most amazing weeks last week as a counselor. I started off scared... to... death. Knowing that my testimony had to be strong enough to carry 8 girls all week was quite the thought- but I quickly learned that I didn't have to do it myself- and that the whole reason I was nervous was because I wasn't relying on Heavenly Father as my number one helper.

My girls were absolutely amazing!! I was so nervous they wouldn't like me, or think I was crazy... (which is normal). But they were fantastic! We became friends so quickly and I miss them so much already!! It's amazing how easy it is to get along with someone when your goals are similar. Even if it's just for the week.

Heather, Karli, Lauren, Ally, ME, Sharla, Emilee, Emily and Tawnia.

Running on five hours of sleep a night is not something Stacie Jensen normally signs up for- but I would do it over and over and over again. When I went to EFY as a youth I always told myself I would go and be a counselor, but I had no idea what a great experience it would be. Not only did I have lots of questions answered for myself- but I got to play, too! I am a big fan of playing. One night a friend came to visit after lights out, and I went to say hi to him... and some of the building counselors were out patrolling the area... I all of a sudden got so scared I was going to get in trouble for being out of my room... haha. But they came and chatted with us and then left. I can't believe I am old enough to be out of my room after 11pm. WO.

Anyway. My testimony was strengthened by these girls and boys. The theme this year is "Be Thou an Example" and that is truly what they were and are. I know it is not easy to stick to your standards when you are growing up- but they are doing just that- and if they can do it- so can I.

1% down...

"I can do this 99 more times." -Mom
If mom can do this that many more times... I think we can all grin and bear it. She's a trooper.

"I hope they call me on a mission, when I have grown a foot or two. I know by then I will be ready... To teach, and preach and work as missionaries do."

picture stolen from magnificent sister.

... I HOPED they CALLED HIM on a mission?
... I KNOW HE LEFT on a mission?
... I hope we can make it through the next 2 years while he is on a mission!
... He is already pretty tall.

Call it whatever you want, but Elder Derek Kort Jensen is officially a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. AKA- La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias. He is headed to Guatemala in a few more weeks and I have already started saving my pennies to go visit after he gets back. I don't think I have ever planned a vacation 2 years ahead of time- that is dedication if you ask me.

Derek reported to the MTC last Wednesday, June 3rd. His flight left bright and early but we were there to love and support him-- and share our tears with him. It really was a nice and generous thing to do. Not many people share their tears... but, given the circumstances- we obliged.







I am not going to sugar coat it... the days leading up to this eventful morning were long and exhausting. Derek is the greatest little brother and best example ever. He is a best friend to so many people and so many people miss him SO much. He was ready to get out there. I am proud of him. We wanted to play so much before he left and get so much in, that by the time he left, we had had it. I am grateful that sometimes all he wants to do is sit and watch ESPN and not impress anyone. (Wait- did I say "sometimes?," because I'm pretty sure I meant "almost always".) My bad.

Our family is extremely blessed to have Derek... and hopefully one day the Stauffer's family will be blessed also. :) It is so hard being in the same town as him and not being able to hear his silly comments and ridiculous ideas on life. I am jealous of his companions in there... I hope they know how lucky they really are... and what they are getting themselves into.

I LOVE YOU DEREK! I MISS YOU EVERYDAY! SEE YOU IN 99 MORE WEEKS! (plus a few)

don't worry- this book has pictures.

Yes, in the past few weeks my life has become a short novel.

I went home on Dylan's 16th birthday! :) Yes, you heard it. The big 1-6. Thank goodness he so nicely informed my mother that "there will be LOTS of girls, now." Last time I checked the Jensen boys always bring around lots of girls. I wonder if that just means it will be magnified now that he can date them? OH, brother... literally.
He was in Beauty and the Beast at the High School. He played Gaston- quite fitting. My favorite part- "How can you read this? It has no pictures!" Typical.


Derek and I, with our sweet charm and batted eyelashes, convinced mom to write Dylan a sick note to get out of school so we could go to Santa Cruz for lunch. Nothing fixes a "sick boy" better than pizza my heart.


Then... we rent to Reno. Classic Jensen family vacation. You might go to Europe (Ashley Molinaro) to celebrate a graduation... or maybe you go visit your boyfriends family. Maybe you take a cruise to enjoy the sun and relax. Well, brothers and sisters, every year, without fail, we attend the Jam On It basketball tourney in Reno- and no... there is no where else we would rather be.









Upon resentfully returning home- we went to visit my boyfriends in Oakland. Yes, they continue to do well- and their pants still fit them nicely.



Dylan went to Prom and Dylan had Pops Concert. He is popular and busy, and so very handsome! Can I say that?


Derek turned 19!! And did a few other things... I'll save that for a different post because it is mucho importante. :)

I babysat some cute girls... we built Fairy house and sang High School Musical songs. They even re-inacted some of the scenes for me... I kept waiting for Zac Efron to show up... but to no avail. Oh well, we had a good time anyway.



And then today... Ash and I flew back to Utah. It's never fun saying bye to my family. I love them a lot, and we have a lot of fun together. We especially bond the best through inappropriate comments or pushing each other around. But when we are nice to each other, Mom likes us more- so we lean that way as much as possible. Even though she is a bully, too. Everyone should know that. :) MAMA J KNOWS HOW TO HOLD HER OWN. DO NOT MESS WITH HER.


Life is wonderfully grand.
That is all.
It's a lot.