Thankful for my brothers

Dean, Greg, Jerry- November 2009

1972 (nice pants, Dean!)

Easter 1974 (who put Greg in pink & flowers on Jer?
I think I also know why Dean wears pearl snap shirts now)

Christmas 1973 (I still have that elephant)

As it is the month for "being thankful", today I am writing about one of my great blessings, my brothers. As we all get older and have more perspective, the relationship between all of us is stronger and more valuable. I think it is interesting that 4 children can come from the same two people, but have their own traits, their own strengths and weaknesses, their own values, and their own very strong opinions. Whenever we all get together, we have such a fun time and lots of laughter. I am blessed that I can call each one of them my brother, and my friend.
Love you guys!

"A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams." ~author unknown

20 years of friendship

"But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. "

~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

As I prepare for another birthday, I was thinking about all the blessings I have in my life. They come in many forms, most of them family and friends. The blessing you see above is my friend, Jen. I met Jen the summer of 1989 at the University of Montana Honors Institute. Little did I know how she would touch my life then, and still 20 years later.
We spent that 2 weeks together on campus learning Human Interpersonal Communication, sneaking out to go dancing, having pie, having a water fight, climbing to the "M", and sleeping one night in her car.. "the grocery getter". After that 2 weeks, we communicated mostly via mail. I was recently looking over the many letters she sent and loving the fact that I kept them. We didn't see each other, I don't think, until I was in my 3rd year of college and stayed with her in the "Liberty" in Bozeman for 1 semester. Again, her presence was a blessing... we shared not only a home, but much laughter, some tears, and even the little purple garbage can.
Jen, I am grateful for the fact that you have been my friend. We've been through some big events in our lives, and you were always by my side. Not literally, but I always knew you were there. Having you in my life has made me a better person. Thank you for listening when I needed an ear, thank you for crying with me when I needed a friend, thank you for laughing just when I needed it, and thank you, for being you.

Happy Birthday Mom!

My Mom turned 39 again yesterday. At least that is what she told the people at the restaurant. You do the math... here she is in 1972, sitting next to my dad by the tinsel adorned Christmas tree with a baby me! Mom and Dad shared their birth date, right down to the year. I think that is pretty ironic! Don't you think my mom looks young for her age-- whatever that is? I love this picture of her on the boat at Lake Blaine!
Hope you had a fantastic day, Mom! We love you!

Harmony at the Stenseth Home for Wayward Beagles

This picture says it all... (L to R) Bert, Abby, Maggie

Candy Hangover

Halloween was certainly a success, if success is determined in pounds of candy! It is fortunate that the kids can't eat nuts, because their stash would probably last until 2012 if the Snickers & Reese's were left in their bags. Lucky for Rich & I, we are not allergic to nuts, so we have free reign on all that they can't have!
Cole had his friend Tyler (the egg & chicken hatching out of the egg) and Tyler's cousin, Tristin, over to trick or treat in our neighborhood. Morgan had her friend Anna, dressed as an Ewok, and friend Avery, a spooky bat, along for the candy gathering. I didn't get a picture of the three of them... how did that happen? Rich was nice enough to brave the elements... you can see that my costume isn't made for Fall in Utah. I stayed here and handed out candy. We had a ton of "older" kids this year, I think because it was Saturday night. One grown up trick or treater was my neighbor, Marcia, with the "bad golfing accident" look. How fun to be a kid again!

October Accomplishments

The kids both had busy October schedules with all their activities, school work, and preparing for Halloween!
Cole completed a community service project in mid-October. He took 70 fliers around to houses in our neighborhood asking for donations to the Utah Food Bank. On a chilly Saturday morning, he went back to those homes to collect the food. In all, he collected 165 pounds of non-perishable food items, which were delivered to the Utah Food Bank.
Morgan was chosen as October Student of the Month at Willow Canyon Elementary! She was nominated by her teacher and selected by the principal for her good work, her respect for others, and her great attitude! She got to have lunch from McDonald's with the principal. Way to go!
We are so proud of our kiddos!