My Dad!

So most of you who know us pretty well know that my dad died of Cardiac Arrest Tuesday afternoon. While his death was sudden, it was not unexpected. He was very ill and had deteriorated rapidly in the last 10 weeks. My mom and I feel that it was a blessing for him that he went quickly and didn't have to linger in pain for months and months.

Blessing or no, I am sure going to miss him. Dad's been a pretty big constant in my life. You could count on him. If I ever needed anything he took care of it. And when I made the really big mistakes that teenagers do (like bending the car door off its hinges or hitting the only other car in an empty parking lot) my dad's response was invariably-- "Hey, that's what insurance is for. " Or when I called in tears caused by a "B" in chemistry he said, "So what?". Giving me the perspective that I desperately needed. I knew I could count on him for loving support no matter what.

And, I could ask him anything in the world and he would know the answer. This was very useful. Who needs the internet when you've got a walking jeopardy game in your front room. I would watch in awe as he blew Ken Jennings away every single day.

Lately, though, the things that I remember the most are the times he spent with Nathan and Katie reading the same story time and time again, because they wanted to and he didn't mind. Or the time that he let Katie put stickers all over his face, or the many times he and Matthew worked the Jumble puzzle together. I saw him, more than once, hold my mom's hand or share a private joke with her. I am so glad for the last four years we've had to get to know our Grandpa better. What an incredible example of a steadiness, loyalty, and intelligence he's been. I cannot tell you how I'll miss him.

In Lieu of A Christmas Card

In trying to simplify my life and waste less paper and stamps, I am posting our Christmas letter on this website. I will, however, be sending letters to those luddites I know.

Hello Everybody,
We apologize for the late letter, but better late than never– which is what happened to last year’s letter. In reflection of 2007 we are so grateful for the Lord’s hand in our lives. We know for certain that He watches out for us, especially through our trials.
ROBERT– Robert’s had a pretty busy year. In May he had emergency surgery for a detached retina. This same retina detached 2 more times until July when he had a third and final surgery. We are so grateful that his vision has been restored, although the world’s pretty fuzzy without his glasses. Throughout this really trying time, we have been clearly watched over by our Heavenly Father. In addition to changing his glasses 3 times a day, Robert currently serves as the Young Men’s President in our ward and plays BIG HUGE MEAN DINOSAUR with Nate every day. Oh yeah, and he’s built an addition onto our master bedroom that takes up every spare moment of his time and waking thought.
GAIL– I visited my Grandma on her 96th burthday in San Diego, served with Robert as a Ma on the Stake Pioneer Trek, was called to be the Stake YW Secretary, Took a family vacation to Yellowstone, ran the school Book Fair, was called to replace Robert as Gospel Doctrine teacher, visited San Diego for my Grandmother’s funeral, and visit my Dad every day in the hospital. He’s been diagnosed with Stage IV Colon cancer and has undergone two major surgeries. (Leg and Colon) We are hoping that he’ll be able to regain his strength and be able to come home soon so we can try chemotherapy.
AMY– Amy is a kind, talented 11 year old. She has, this year, discovered her singing voice and can be heard throughout the house. She has a beautiful, clear voice and it’s a delight to hear her. She helps so much with Nathan and she is beginning to be a very good babysitter. We have definitely benefitted from her babysitting abilities. She plays the piano, violin and is learning to play Tennis.
MAGGIE– Maggie is 10 and in the 5th grade. She is super smart and loves school. Her teacher places a lot of emphasis on history and Maggie’s enjoyed learning all about the world around her. She is a gymnast and musician, playing the piano all the time. She loves to read fantasy novels, do handstands in the living room, and tell you all that she’s learned today.
MATTHEW— Matt is 8 and in the 3rd Grade. He loves school, Pokemon, and all things Harry Potter. He has read all 7 books, as have his sisters, and can quote absolutely every detail of each book. He plays basketball and piano and does gymnastics. He also teases his sisters mercilessly, and is a really fun big brother to Nathan.
KATIE is 5 and will start Kindergarten this year. She is learning to read and loves to color, do gymnastics, play princess and make us all laugh. She’s got a lot of personality.
NATE is 2 and well on his way to becoming the absolutely most spoiled/Delightful child we’ve ever seen. Everybody, including the kids think he is so cute, even when he is being "not cute". He usually gets what he wants because of this cuteness. He really is too cute– impish, articulate, and funny.
We hope you all have a wonderful 2008. We love hearing from you.
Love,
The Jensens