Empty Nesters - sort of

We're without children right now. Dexter took a job at Scout camp and only comes home part of Saturday and Sunday. Dwayne, of course, is still up at Job Corps and comes home for the weekends. It's just me and Emo and the dogs for the time being. So far things have been somewhat nice and quiet (and much cleaner).

Our friend and neighbor, a real hero

Tyler and Meredith Jensen used to live in our ward until military service caused them to move away for awhile. Meredith worked with me in the Primary for many years and we have been good friends. Tyler was Dwayne's favorite Young Men's/Scout leader and one of the people he looks up to the most. When Dwayne received his Eagle Award, Tyler was the person he chose to give his mentor pin to. We're so proud of Tyler for serving our country well and know the hardship Meredith has gone through worrying about him and raising their two energetic children.


Provo Man Receives Silver Star
First time award has been given to a Utah Guardsman in recent memory

Caleb Warnock
Daily Herald (www.heraldextra.com)

On Jan. 27, 2007, 1st Lt. Tyler J. Jensen of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and his combat patrol were ambushed by 100 anti-government forces in Sangaar, Afghanistan. The Provo resident's heroism that day earned him a Silver Star, the first awarded to a Utah National Guard member in recent memory.

"1st Lt. Jensen repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to save a fellow soldier who was wounded. His courage, superlative combat skills and tactical leadership under overwhelming direct enemy fire were instrumental in preventing the enemy from overrunning his patrol," said military officials at a ceremony at Utah National Guard Headquarters in Draper on Thursday morning.

The Silver Star is given "for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force," according to Army regulations. The decoration is the third-highest medal for valor, after the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.

"There is a little more press here than I was expecting," said Jensen with a wide grin to a dozen or so photographers snapping pictures. "In some ways it is easier to be in the infantry than surrounded by so much press. You don't know how to shoot back at them."

Jensen described the award as bittersweet.

"In many ways it was a wonderful honor, very humbling and greatly respectful and I do appreciate all the honor you and the country have attributed to me, but in other ways this is really hard because there are so many of my fallen friends and fellow soldiers who were not here and were not able to receive this award."

Jensen thanked his wife, calling her his hero.

"You have stood by me through so much," he said. "You do so much more than I could ever imagine."

He also thanked his parents, saying their "constant prayers have not gone unanswered."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. called the Utah National Guard "the greatest Guard in the United States," and said he felt "totally inadequate" addressing the men and women in the armed services.

"It is pretty cool to be governor, but it is exceedingly cool to be able to pin on a Silver Star and Bronze Star with valor, knowing what they represent," he said. "Thank you, our heroes, for taking time from your schedules to serve our country and protect and defend our liberty. Freedom isn't free, and many in this room feel that more acutely than others."

Huntsman said he recently took his sons to visit a graveyard "and all they wanted to do was go to see the graves with flags," he said, struggling to control his emotions. " ... The next generation is watching and learning and paying attention to all of this and you have been setting a remarkable example. I thank you as the governor and more importantly as a dad."

Captain Chad A. Pledger of North Ogden received the Bronze Star for exceptional gallantry and valor in the face of a determined enemy in Afghanistan, and had to go back to the rostrum after forgetting to thank his wife.

Referencing that faux pas as "the nearly career-ending mistake," Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet said he wanted to talk to the wives of Jensen and Pledger who "felt such anxiety in your absence and joy in your return and continued devotion to you as you continue to serve your country. You are an extraordinary example to all of us."

Tarbet said he had become what he least wanted to be in life, an old man sending young men to war.

"But what remarkable young men you are, and what a privilege it is, and how you grace the uniform and make us all proud, it is a truly remarkable thing," he said. " ... You make us proud, and for you two, the best is yet to come."

Dwayne is graduating!!!

Dwayne will be graduating from Weber Basin Job Corps (with his high school diploma and culinary arts training) on July 31 at 2:30 pm. We're so very proud of all his hard work. He quickly worked his way up to GOLD level (the highest) and stayed there. Although he finished high school earlier this year, he stayed to complete his culinary training. Dwayne passed off all of the requirements for the culinary program in only 11 months (it's supposed to take 12 months). From now until he graduates, he is working at the Ogden Golf and Country Club and learning from the chef there.

After graduation, Dwayne plans to take some classes at Utah Valley University and put in his mission papers.

Officially Smart!!!

I did it! I finally got my bachelor's degree.

This was the last graduation for Utah Valley State College. Beginning July 1, it becomes Utah Valley University.

Sharon took some time off of work to come up and watch me graduate. It was fun having her here.

Loren came in from Phoenix for the festivities as well. The boys enjoyed spending time with Grandpa Loren and I was flattered that he would go to all the trouble for an in-law.

Dwayne spent the week here so he would be around for graduation. He "dressed up" in his chef's jacket.

It's kind of hard to believe it's all over, but I sure am glad that it is. I'll miss learning things in school, but I won't miss the homework. It's nice to be able to think clearly again and to be able to focus now that I'm not so overwhelmed. Thanks go out to everyone who encouraged me and sent their best wishes.

Surprise Trip

My incredibly wonderful and handsome husband gave me a memorable gift in honor of my graduation. We took a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas to see Phantom of the Opera at The Venetian. It was our first family vacation in ages and we got to stay with Sharon and see her apartment. The show was AMAZING! I'm really into seeing how things work and all the backstage stuff, so I was absolutely mesmerized by the elaborate set pieces and costumes and how the sets moved and transformed during the show. The only disappointment was that the chandelier did not fall during the performance we attended. Las Vegas has changed and grown a lot since I was last there. I'm happy with all the connections between hotels and the elevated walkways. Unfortunately, the attempt they once made to have a family friendly focus is completely gone. It was fun hanging out with Sharon and getting away from things now that my homework is history. This week has been much more fun after having some time away to relax. Only two more days til graduation...

Dwayne's new style

Dwayne has decided to find some sort of style to how he dresses. A friend of his helped him to pick out some new clothes on his last shopping trip. He is now wearing Avirex shoes (skater shoes you wear laced but not tied), plaid bermuda shorts, and designer t-shirts (Hurley, Zoo York, Sean John). I'm not too crazy about the look, but everyone else thinks he looks great. I think it's just hard for me to see him in anything but courderoys or cargo pants, attitude t-shirts, and converse shoes. He's gaining some new popularity with his new duds, so I guess it's okay.

Well...only 23 years after graduating from high school and being promised a way would be provided for me to finish my education...I'm nearly finished!

I will be graduating April 25. This 40 year-old mom will finally have that nifty piece of paper that proves to the world that I'm worth hiring and worth paying better wages.

On Monday, I have to speak at a scholarship luncheon to thank the Woodbury family since they provided the money for my scholarship. The toughest thing about being done with school will be that I won't get more moments like this where I'm special and get acknowledged for my work. Back in the real world, there is plenty of work to do and accolades are rare.

I know all of you are incredibly busy and live far away, so this is more of an announcement than an invitation. I wish I could have you here to share this moment with. Bill's Air Force ceremony to receive his first real rank was wonderful. Rick's graduation made me appreciate even more his uniqueness and his great accomplishments. Sharon refused to do the whole ceremony thing, but she donned a cap and gown so I could at least have a picture; one I still treasure. I wonder if Mom had any idea how far any of us would go... I have also been able to attend graduations for Emerson's brother, Gene, and our sister-in-law, Brenda (bachelor's and master's). We were able to surprise Emerson's mom when we showed up for her graduation for her associate's degree a few years ago.

Dexter is mostly happy that it's not on his birthday this time. He is spending his birthday competing in the Utah state solo and ensemble competition. I hear his solo is fantastic. Dwayne has been done with his high school work for some time now and is focusing on finishing his culinary arts training. He is also taking a driver's education class so he can finally learn how to drive. Emerson is taking classes to become special education certified (required by Heritage) and is having them count towards a master's degree. With Bill, Sharon, and Holly working on their master's degrees too, it's hard to feel like I am accomplishing much...lol.

President Hinckley

A friend of mine sent me this touching segment on Glen Beck's show where he talks about the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Wildlife

Our winter this year has been tough on everyone, even the critters. The buildup of snow has interfered with wildlife being able to find food.

Since Heritage is at the mouth of Provo Canyon, we've had some of the local wildlife make their way to our campus. The first was a young moose that DWS had to come in and tranquilize to haul off. He had come in to eat the hay we have for our horses. We've had deer a few times. Today there were three mule deer wandering around trying to figure out how to get off the property. I actually had my camera, so I took a bunch of pictures. I also got a picture of one trying to jump over the fence (unsuccessfully).

The state is trying to feed the animals back in their regular environment to prevent more problems. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of deer hit on the roads this year and they expect a lot of younger deer will starve to death.

Mario Mom 2008

How do you welcome in the new year when you're 40 years old, have two teenage sons, and you're going into your last day off before launching into full time work and college craziness again?.... You stay up all night playing video games, of course. The boys talked me into playing Mario Kart. I'm more of a Tetris or Pikmin type when it comes to video games. I can't handle watching very many things on the screen at one time or being under the pressure of time. I'm also severely uncoordinated and can't do all the crazy button combinations that my kids can. I think everyone's familiar with my driving, so you won't be surprised to find out I have even more trouble steering with an overly sensitive joystick on crazy courses while throwing objects and being pummeled by everything my sons are throwing at me. My revenge was that I eventually made them keep racing the same course over and over so I could get the hang of it and I eventually won some races. We stayed up all night and took a quick nap before going to see a movie on New Year's Day. It may be an odd way to celebrate the incoming year, but I had a great time.