Reflections

I have been overwhelmed with a feeling of appreciation for this beautiful family of mine. I feel the need to express to each of them how much I love them, adore them, and need them in my life.

Porter keeps me on my toes. He makes me grind my teeth several times a day, don't get me wrong. But he has such an easy way of making me smile- he has me wrapped around his little finger for certain. He is definitely the cherry on top, the icing on the cake, the exclamation point on the end of the sentence that is the Jensen family.

Maisyn holds a tender spot in my heart. She always has. Having her when we did, was what saved me during a dark time of life. I remember her snuggling up to me just to make sure I was ok. It's hard to watch my kids grow up so fast, but Maisyn and I seem to have a connection that keeps us close - in spite of the "growing pains"!

Sydney was a gift from God. Literally. All of our children are but she was handed to us wrapped up all pretty with a bow. We thought we were done with 2, at least for a long time. But Heavenly Father helped us see otherwise. She has such a sweet, caring personality- always has. It's a joy to have her around. And it doesn't hurt that she is quite the detective when I loose things!

Riley is growing up to be such a beautiful young lady. I remember taking her shopping as a toddler and having to stop often so she could arrange the cans and boxes on the shelf just so. She has been blessed with the gift of organization. It's easy for me because we have so many of the same interests. We could watch home shows together for hours. But she has strength beyond what I used to know. She has determination and drive and I love that in her. And to see her smile at her little brother just warms my heart.

Payton, our #1. What a girl to start this all. She is strong. She is beautiful. She is driven. She is teenager! But wonderful all wrapped up together. I'm often impressed watching her. She is fiercely independent and always has been. I know it will serve her well in her future. Some days I wish I could just hold her and keep her mine- but what a blessing to see the success that is hers.

Last, but definitely not least, Larry. The love of my life. My world. He was my miracle. He never fails to remind me how much he loves me - in what he says, in what he does. He works tirelessly for me and our children (and lots of other people, too.) I often question how I deserved someone like him. I hope he feels just a fraction of the love he gives to me. He is my best friend. The one person I want to spend time with all the time. He makes me laugh when I don't want to. He makes me smile when I don't have a smile left. I will always feel indebted to my Heavenly Father for this sweet man in my life.

So that's my family. My family. It feels good to say it. I know all of us feel strongly about our own, but I just had to share it today. I am very blessed. I acknowledge this every day. I hope I show it to each of them. I hope I can complain a little less about my burdens today. I hope I can smile and laugh a little more, leave worry behind and make sure they feel it back. I hope each of us can hug our kids more often, tell our husbands or wives how amazing they are. Remember how precious life is and that, together, it's that much better.