Adventures in Irrigating

K.C. and I took off for Logan about 6:30 Sunday evening. When we got there, Phillip was there with Grandma. I had mentioned to Brenda that K.C. wanted to talk to Phil before he left. Phillip served his mission in St. Petersberg so he was full of information about what the Russian people are like, little superstitions they have, what you can and can't do there, what kind of food he will be eating, and what the church is like there. He also taught K.C. some of the things he would be saying, and wrote a simple prayer for him. It was really helpful and sweet of him. I know it meant a lot to K.C. and eased his mind about going to this foreign country.

About 11:00 p.m. found some flashlights and went up to the big ditch by Uncle Ken's house to see if anyone was using the water. Nobody was so K.C. opened up the gate and then followed the water all the way down to make sure there wasn't anything blocking the ditch. It gets all overgrown with grass and weeds till the water can hardly get through. Then when we got to where it turns over to Grandma's house, I got out my flashlight and we made our way across the little ditch through all the trees, and bushes and barb wire fences till we got to grandma's house(very creepy but kind of fun!) We had to open a few gates, then the water was running nicely in Grandmas cement ditch.
We thought we would let it run on the north lawn all night, then in the morning it would be done and we could spend the time on the other lawns. That one always takes the longest to get to the bottom and is usually burnt up in that area. K.C. got up about 4:00 to check on it but couldn't see how far it had gotten. We both got up about 7:30 and went out to look. It had only gotten about half the way down the lawn. This lawn his little hills and dips that you don't even notice unless you watch where the water flows. This really threw us off our plans! So we spent the next 2 hours moving the pipes down that lawn to get it to the bottom.

While I was waiting for the water to move, (there is a lot of waiting, standing around time...I remember daddy saying that made him more tired than anything...just standing and waiting for the water to move) I got to thinking about the water not making it down to the bottom of the lawn, even though it had all night to run, and how it just ran off to the path of least resistance. I thought of how wasteful and unproductive the use of the water had been...just going off to the low places and sitting in a puddle. I thought how sometimes our lives are like the water. We are all just flowing through life, mostly in the right direction, until we come up against a challenge or a hill to climb. When we are faced with something that is hard, it's easy to get off the path we need to be on and follow the path of least reisitance to the lower ground. We can't progress if we are not learning and growing stronger through our experiences here on earth. I've found that I'm happier when I try to take on challenges that come my way with faith that Heavenly Father knows what I need in my life to become the person I'm supposed to be. Just some thoughts...

Lots of hugs and holding hands and promises to write.

K.C. had never seen the stuff daddy brought back from Tahiti so we looked through the chests over in the old house. I love the smell of the things in those chests. Grass skirts, head dresses, shell necklaces and bracelets, beaded bags and belts. That chest always seemed magical to me. K.C. found this cool map of all the islands tucked away in the corner of the chest.

He also found a cool Poloroid camera that looked like it could have been one of the first ones made. It was about the size of a loaf of bread, and weighed about 5 pounds. Cool pop up flash!

K.C. and I tried to catch some fish to take home. They are really smart and fast! The fish pond is another thing that is missing daddy's special touch. It is full of algae which gives the fish plenty of places to hide. We tried for about an hour and ended up with 2 fish.

I have so many great memories of sleeping out in the "Dream House" daddy built. As soon as it was warm enough, all of us girls wanted to sleep out there. We would get our jammies on and then run out the east room door around the corner to the front door of the shack. This was the tricky part. You had to get in the door without letting any mosquitos in. This was after daddy put netting all around the walls ...before that, there was a mosquito net that went over the bed that made sleeping out there a real adventure. We would spend most of the night giggling or telling scary stories or playing card games or else scared to death of the noises in the night. We could usually look over and see mom and daddy sitting there at the kitchen table doing the crossword puzzle for some security. When we had friends over, they would usually get too scared and have to go in the house. We would always wake up to the rooster crowing at the crack of dawn.

This was one of my favorite places to sit and read and think.

Everything was really dry...even though we have had so much rain, the trees keep the rain from getting through to the flower beds and some of the flowers that Teina had planted had died.

This has always been one of my favorite flower beds. Always Impatients or little begonias because it's so shady. It's kind of falling apart though... nobody there to repair it when it comes apart. Daddy was always right on it whenever anything needed to be repaired. He wasn't one to go out and buy something new unless it was totally unfixable. He would just go in the garage and somewhere amongst all of the things he had collected, (he saved everything...old nails, boards,wheels, pieces of glass...you name it he had it) he could find a part or make what ever he needed to repair things.
Anyway, he always kept everything in perfect condition and it is a sad reminder as you look around the yard that he is not here.

When we were leaving, K.C. was giving Grandma a big hug and she said "He's my guy" and then she looked over at daddy's picture and said " I sure wish my guy was here." I sure wish he was too.

This is the 2 fishes new home sweet home. I hope they are happy and that the crane doesn't eat them.

This was just a pretty lily that was blooming in our yard.

K.C. and I had been wanting to go to the Temple again so we planned for early Thursday morning. Kelley would have gone with us too but he has started working at a regular job! He had a guy that he had worked with before call him last week and ask him if he would come and work for him. They have a few big projects that will give them work for quite a while. We were so grateful to have the work. I hate to see him have to work so hard though. They are using these huge block that I know weigh a ton and he comes home exhausted. He fell off the scaffolding the other day and skinned himself up (more than usual) and twisted his knee. I know it is still hurting him. He doesn't complain though and is glad for the work. I hope he won't have to keep doing this kind of work for too much longer.
Anyway, the Jordan River Temple is closed right now so we decided to go to the new Draper Temple. We didn't get going quite as early as we had planned, but got on our way in time to go to the 10:00 session. We got on the freeway and remembered we wanted to get some names to do from Uncle Kim. So we called him and told him we were coming to get some. When we got to their house, we thought we would just pick up the names, but they invited us in to see their house and to meet Mia's niece and nephew who were visiting them. Kim got to talking to K.C., and Mia started telling me about her sister and the problems she was having ( a whole other story) and by the time we got on our way, we thought we would barely make it to the 10:00 session. We got to the Temple and walked around to the front doors and were surprised to see a line of people at the door. We got in line and soon realized we were not going to make it to the 10:00 session. I have never seen anything like that before. I guess because the Jordan River Temple was closed, a lot more people were coming to this Temple. While we were waiting in line, Gordan and Diane and Diane's brother were coming out the doors. They had just been to Diane's brother's daughter's wedding. K.C. was telling Diane's brother he was going to Russia on his mission and this lady behind us said "Oh my neighbors are going there the same day as the mission President of that area." We have had so many coincidences like that lately. It seems like almost everywhere we go, someone tells us about someone who is going to Russia. They must be sending an army of missionaries there right now.
Anyway, when we finally got up to the desk, the man said " you can probably get into the 12:00 session" We were fine with waiting a bit. I told K.C. I would meet him in the chapel. I got dressed, ( after luckily finding the last unused locker) and went up to the chapel. I waited and waited and no K.C. One of the workers there came and asked me if I was waiting for someone, and I told him "Yes...my son. Can you go see if he is ok?" So he went to look for him and came back and told me he would be right there. Finally, K.C. came in and said he had forgot to pack his pants and tie. This Temple doesn't rent clothing, so K.C. had just told the people at the desk what had happened, and they gave him pants and a tie. I'm so grateful for the kind workers at the Temple! We had a very full session. In fact, they had to bring in chairs for us to sit on. The rooms are so small. About half the size of Jordan River Temple.
Anyway, the session was wonderful. The movie we saw there was a little bit different. They had enhanced the color and changed the pictures a little bit, and it was beautiful ! We were the last people to go through the veil, so I was able to watch K.C. I don't know how to put into words the feelings I had as I watched him... he had been upset with himself for not being able to remember all of the parts he was supposed to say. I tried to explain to him that nobody remembers it all after being there one time! I am still learning everytime I go to the Temple. He thought he should be able to though. So as I watched him trying to do everything right, I realized that tears were running down my face and I was pretty much overcome with love and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for letting me have this special spirit to raise as my son. I tried to pull myself together so I could say the things I needed to say. We sat together in the Celestial room for a while and talked. It was a pretty special day for me ...one that I want to wrap up and tie with a bow so I can get it out later and remember it when I am missing him so much.
Friday morning, we went up to stay with mom. I was thinking I would have to go alone, then K.C. said he wasn't doing anything and would like to come with me. I was sure glad to have his company. When we got there, mom seemed kind of confused. She was just sitting there at the kitchen table staring out the window. It makes me sad to think of her doing this all day long. I made her some lunch, and we talked for a while, then K.C. and I went outside to work. There was a few flowers left in the greenhouse so we planted those, then started cleaning out the rock garden. It was so overgrown with morning glory and ferns and creeping jenny, that it took a while before we even got down to where you could see the plants that were supposed to be there. Later in the afternoon, the clouds rolled in and it started thundering and lightening. We kept working till it started raining. When we went in the house mom was all nervous. She doesn't like the thunder and said she was afraid. K.C. played the piano for her to take her mind off of it. Then it started hailing and the thunder was so loud, it made her windows rattle. It was pretty intense storm. I was a little afraid myself. It was probably from just telling K.C. about the storm we had had there when I was about 8 years old. The lightening had struck this really tall pine tree we had just east of the gazebo. It split the tree and it tipped over onto some electrical wires, then the whole tree burst into flames. I remember all the neighbors gathering around and the firetruck having to come put out the fire. Pretty much the most excitment Providence city had seen in years. Anyway, the storm soon passed, but not without beating up the flowers and the lily pads in the pond. They were in shreds.
Mom and I sat and looked through these old books that Aunt Pat had put together of newspaper clippings of things that went on in Providence. She had wedding announcements, birth and death announcments, any events that happened, she had kept them in these big binders. Uncle Clyde was the Mayor for years, then Pat took over the job, so I think they knew about everybody in town. It was fun to look at because I had never know what had become of some of my old friends that I had grown up with. I got married pretty young and only kept in touch with a few friends after I moved away. It was interesting to see what they had done with their lives and the accomplishments they had made.
Saturday morning, Brenda called and said her and Leslie and Teina were coming over to make some plans for the next month. It was wonderful to see everyone and get to visit for awhile. We worked out the irrigation schedule and planned a little family reunion-fix up the yard day.
We worked in the yard a little while longer, then headed for home. I had told the Hendersons I would play the piano for their nephew's baptism, and K.C. was the little boys primary teacher so he wanted to be there too, so we had to get home. We ran into some bad traffic and just barely made it in time to get to the baptism.
Later, Kelley and I walked over to watch the fireworks at Taylorsville days. They had this guy singing before the fireworks that sounded just like Neil Diamond. In fact I think he sounded better than Neil Diamond. The fireworks were amazing. I tried to take some pictures, but it was just with my camera phone and they don't begin to do them justice. They are the kind of fireworks that shake your insides and make you cry because they are so loud and beautiful...you know what I'm talking about.

Plant Killa meets the slime creature

Gross! This slime has taken over the pond! We have been battling this moss problem since last summer. Asked at Western Garden if they knew what to do and they said to put these little bales of barley in the pond...also to stop feeding the fish so much.

Well we tried both of those things and the moss is just as happy as ever. This is what it looks like after cleaning all the moss off by hand about 3 weeks ago. Besides looking and smelling bad, it makes the water flow off the sides of the rocks so it is lost in the dirt and the water level of the pond drops about 5 inches a day.

K.C. and I got after it last night and cleaned most of it off. The moss has really grown to the rocks so you have to scrape it off...even that doesn't work very good. I think I will e-mail Larry Seagers (the guy who knows everything about plants) and see what he thinks will work.

ok. I am a plant killer. Kelley is constantly accusing me of killing our plants. (just because of one little incident where I put some broken off pieces of a house plant down the garbage disposal. He even has sound effects of the plants screaming as they are ground to bits. thanks for that)

Anyway, I had gotten some more flowers to finish up my planting the other day (when it was nice and cool and rainy) and put them on the patio till I could plant them. Then yesterday, it was HOT!

(not arizona hot, but a big jump in temperature from what it has been here) I had them sitting nicely in the shade (in the morning). tThen by afternoon, the sun beat on them from the west and cooked them. AAHHHHHHH!!!!!!! As soon as I realized what had happened, I watered them really good and gave them a good pep talk on manning up and being tougher than a little heat. I told them how my reputation was on the line and I would never hear the end of it if I killed all these plants! Didn't see a lot of action...just laid there all limp and wilty. Oh dear.

Simple Pleasures...

My heart is just feeling really full today for all the simple pleasures I enjoy in my life. So I thought I would mention a few.

First: My adorable granddaughter. How cute is she? When we were at Katie's house she fell in love with this snail out it her courtyard. There was also one on the wall going up the stairs to Katie's apartment that never moved that she was quite concerned about. I think it was petrified to the wall. Anyway, this one was making its way across the cement one night and Olivia wanted to stop and make friends with it. She likes to touch it's little eyes, which I'm sure the snail did not enjoy. When we were done looking at it, and ready to go inside, she said "Where is it's mommy?" She did not want to leave it outside alone without it's mommy. So we showed her a bunch of bushes and said that it's mommy was in there waiting for it to come home. She took it carefully and placed it in the dirt by the bushes. "Bye snail...go find your mommy!"

She called me today to thank me for the package I had sent her. She was so darn cute..."Oh Gramma your the best! Thank you Gramma, I love you!" Doesn't get any better than that.

This was after she had just finished off a Balboa Bar. Best mustache ever.

Next, my wonderful husband and Father to our children and sweet grampa to Liv. Sunday was Father's day and I hope, a good day for him. I know that Katie and Camille wanted to be here with him so much. Sweet phone calls really brightened his day! Candice came over and helped me make dinner. Megan came over later and ate with us. She was just home for the day so that Ryder could spend Father's day with Kevin. Then she is going to come home next week again to finalize her divorce. Even through all the crap she is going through, she is always cheerful and funny!. She gave Kelley the sweetest card and a nice gift certificate.

Candice gave Kelley these awesome corn on the cob holders (which we didn't waste any time trying out) very cool.

Could be used as serious weapons if necessary.

Anyway Sunday started out in the middle of the night when I woke up in the in a panic from a horrible dream I had had. It was one of those unprepared dreams where you are supposed to do something important and everyone is watching you and you totally don't know how to do it! I had gotten up to the piano to play for the choir to sing and opened the book and it looked like it was written in another language! I had been so nervous about playing this song for the choir to sing , it was out of the Hymplicity book where they make the accompanimant very beautiful, and the choir sings the melody mostly from the hymn book. I had really practiced it a lot because it was very hard for me, but still felt really unsure of myself. I was extra nervous when Nancy called the day before and said we weren't going to practice again because it was Father's day and it was too hard to get the primary kids (they were singing parts of this song "I know that my Redeemer lives") there early to practice. She was just like..."Oh it will all work out!" I love Nancy and her amazing attitude! I wish I could be more like that!

Anyway, before I left for church, I said an extra prayer that I would be able to play this song without messing up too much. I was pretty nervous right up until the time we were supposed to go up there, then K.C. put his arm around me and said "you will do just fine" As I walked up there, I felt a calming peace come over me and played the song without a mistake. This was definitly one of those times when I give all the credit to the Lord. Thank you thank you!
After church I was walking out to the car and went by the Stake Presidents office. I had the thought come to me to look in his office and say hi. I was already out the door, so I dismissed the thought, but it came again so strong, that I had to turn around and go back in. So I poked my head in his office and wished him happy Father's day. He said " Sister Jensen, Why don't you come in and visit with me for a minute. " So I went in and had a pretty amazing talk with him. First he asked me about Kelley and talked about how much he loves him. I have been getting that a lot lately. He really is an amazing man who is a friend to all and has touched so many lives..I think his sense of humor makes everyone feel comfortable around him and often eases a difficult situation. President' Child said he appreciated so much the way that Kelley is always willing to do anything that is asked of him, and that he can always count on him. Then we talked about our families and what each of the kids was going through right now in their lives. He gave me some wonderful counsel that was important and comforting and helpful for me to hear right now. Once again, I said thank you dear Heavenly Father for noticing me and hearing and answering my prayers.

I'm so grateful for my wonderful daughters. Each one is so unique and different... so beautiful in their own way... I feel so blessed to know that they are mine forever. Each one has their own talents and gifts and it is so amazing to see them use these to lift and bless the lives of those around them. They are each as different as night and day but they all have one think in common and that is how good they are to their parents. They are always loving and respectful, thoughtful and concerned about us and what is going on in our llives. It means so much to me to know I can call on them anytime and just chat. They are all very funny! I know they got their dad's sense of humor cause I'm just not that funny! They can always make me smile. When I can't be with them, just being able to talk to them everyday makes me happy!

I'm really thankful for this great young man and for the time we have been able to spend together. I think I enjoy his company so much because he enjoys the same kind of things and gets pleasure out of the same simple things that I do. Like playing the piano, or reading a good book, or looking at the different flowers in the garden and appreciating the beauty of each one. snap! snap!

He also loves it when I ask him to help me move my pots of flowers around to just the right spot! Thanks for that!

Last night, I went out and picked a bowl of raspberries out of the garden. There's nothing better than fresh raspberries on your cereal in the morning! I also picked a big bowl of peas. Kelley was helping me shell them when he said " you know it's not really worth the effort for the amount of peas you get." He is probably right... you can buy peas for so little, but I guess it comes back to that whole idea of getting pleasure out of the simple things in life. To me, the satisfaction of knowing we grew these peas, and getting to eat about every-other one as I drop them in the bowl, and having a few bags to put in the freezer is worth it to me.








Yummy!

Good Times...

Thanks for sending me these pictures Candice! So much fun! We need to go back real soon!
(but till we do, great memories make me happy!)

It has been kind of rainy and cool this week but the weatherman was talking about how great it was going to be on friday so we decided to go up fishing. Just like promised, the day was beautiful!
We had a wonderful day...not so much with the fishing...Kelley caught 3, I caught 0 and K.C. caught this stick.

Everything was so beautiful and green, we decided to park the boat and go for a hike.

We almost got to the top of the mountain, and Kelley's flip flop broke. Very Bad! There was no trail and lots of prickely things to step on. So he kind of shuffled down the mountain and K.C. and I kept going.

Lots of pretty wild flowers blooming

We wanted a picture of us together at the top of the mountain so K.C. laid down on this big rock and situated the camera just right with the timer, then ran and got on this shot. He realized after a few minutes that he had gotten bit by bugs when he was laying on the rock!

I was feeling like a big smarty pants because we were looking at the orange lichen growing on these rocks and somewhere in the cobwebs of my highschool biology memories I remembed what they were. So I asked K.C. if he knew what that orange stuff was on the rocks. I should have known better. He not only told me their scientific name, but went on to tell me how they are formed the different varities and under what conditions they grow. Whatever! I knew that. (No I didn't.)

By the time we got back to the boat K.C. was all itchy and had this big bite on his face. Yikes! There was some freaky big red ants. You couldn't stand still very long or they would get all over you. It was ok though cause we sprayed some windex on it when we got in the boat. he he

So glad we got to spend this great day together.