76 Trombones

Luke and Jake had an awesome opportunity to be involved in Syracuse Community Theatre's production of Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man". Jake was in this play in high school and then played the lead, Professor Harold Hill. This time he was cast as the antagonist, Charlie Cowell. He liked getting to play the "bad guy". I know it would sound like I am just being partial, but Jake was fantastic! He really has a gift for acting and performing. For those who know him well, this doesn't come as a suprise to you. It was extra neat because he got to have Luke do it with him. Luke was a chorus member and also part of the boys band that Harold Hill organizes. During one of the cast musical numbers, (Trouble--for those who know the story/music), Harold Hill would bring Luke out in the middle of everyone and talk to him. I was so proud to see my little boy handle all of the long practices and preparations. He was honestly the cutest kid up there. Completely animated and singing his heart out--every word!

We are so grateful to all of our family and friends who came out to support Luke and Jake. We really appreciate it. Thank you, Thank you!

Here is Jake or "Charlie Cowell" trying to convince the River City citizens of the evils of Professor Hill.

There are more pictures I was forwarded from the directors, but I can't get them to upload. So hopefully I will be adding more later.

This is my favorite scene they did. Charlie and Hill are finally confronted. Hill punches Charlie and he ends up cowering offstage.

My 5 year old neice shouted out "NO" when she saw Uncle Jake get punched and collapse to the ground. So sweet!

Finally breaking character to snap of photo together.

Luke in his "Boy's Band" costume.

I loved Luke's costume. We were in charge of putting together the costumes ourselves. Jake and I put it together and my friend helped me make the pants into nickers.

Luke thoroughly enjoyed his experience. I think for while this will be an annual Swensen summer endeavor. Hopefully as ouryounger two kids get a little older we can do it as a family.

Football Season is Back!

apparently watching the games is exhausting. :)

Week 2- all the kiddos supporting the team!

Week 1 against Washington. Notice Lily's shirt? It is her onesie from last year. I just cut off the onesie part and hemmed the bottom...but with her rotund belly it looks like a belly shirt. :)

This is Jake's favorite time of year. FOOTBALL SEASON! I have to say I was proud of him this weekend that even though BYU lost, he wasn't depressed all weekend. He is an avid fan to put it mildly. But we all enjoy game time, even the kids. Our boys can sing the fight song and for a 5 and 3 year old they even like watching football with dad. Ra, ra, ra, ra, ra....GO COUGARS!!

Jake is 30!

We took him golfing. We had a fantastic time. What could be better than golfing with your wife and best friends, right?

Dinner and a movie that night with friends. So much fun!

You wonder where Luke gets it?

Monday we spent a quiet evening at home. Pizza, Cold Stone, Mtn. Dew and time with the kids.

In shock at his age?!

Daddy and his little girl!

Jake we are so grateful for you. Our life would be very dull without you. You are our hero! I always ask you what it must feel like at the end of the day to come home to a house full of people who treat your arrival as if the Beatles just landed in the US in 1964. We love you more than we can ever show. Thanks for being the best Dad and husband. Here's to the first third of your life...(yes, because I see nothing wrong with you living with me until you are 90!) I love you!!

8 Wonderful Years

For the three years I have been keeping a blog I have always made a post on our anniversary. It seems almost trite and at least repetitive to post here again, but I can't help myself.
I feel so blessed to have Jake as my husband. I think back to the beginning. It was such a whirlwind. I knew almost immediately that I was falling deeply in love with him. I was terrified at that prospect. I had been burned before by giving my heart away so willingly. Ever since that time I had kept everyone else I dated at bay. But with Jake I couldn't help it. We both have said since that it felt like there was an external force pushing us together.
As we reminisced Saturday night we laughed at the changes 8 years has brought. We are certainly different people than the 19 year old bride and newly returned missionary who entered the Salt Lake Temple eight years ago today. But I am so grateful that as we have grown up, we have grown up together. The man who waited on us at dinner on Saturday laughed that we were celebrating our 8th anniversary. As he put it, "You don't look old enough to have three kids. You look like you just graduated High School." It is funny, I still feel the same as I did back then except for one truth...I love Jake on a deeper and more real level than I ever thought possible. Our years have had ups and downs, but through it all I have been so blessed by the wisdom, kindness and love of Jake. I am so grateful for him and the life we have made together. Happy Anniversary babe! I love you now and always.
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We aren't as skinny as we used to be...(big sigh). But still cute!

Ra, ra, ra, ra, ra....GO COUGARS!

College football season has officially started, which around the Swensen household means that Saturdays are full of football, screaming, and hopefully an elated husband (when BYU wins, when they don't, watch out!). Jake was lucky enough to actually get to attend the BYU vs. Oklahoma game played in Dallas last weekend. I was thrilled they won, apparently Jake cried he was so happy, (love you honey). So like a stalwart wife I watched the game with my three kids in tow and all dressed to support our favorite team. Luke actually really loves to watch and is starting to understand the rudimentary rules and players at least. He keeps telling everyone that BYU got 2 TOUCHDOWNS! Both the boys sing the fight song and pretend to play football when they are wearing their jerseys...which they look absolutely adorable in. So, here's to an undefeated season and National Champs (this is what Jake is hoping for).

Happy Birthday Jake!

Just a quick note, (Jake hates it when I gush about him). Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! Next year the big 30! I love you with all my heart. Thanks for being everything you are to us. You are the best!

Just got back from the Windy City

Jake and I went to Chicago for the weekend. We had a great time. We stayed at the Hilton on Michigan Avenue. We walked around Millennium Park, went shopping at the huge Macy's that used to be Marshall Fields, saw Ben Folds in concert and went to Wicked. We had a great time walking around Michigan Avenue. It is so fun to be in the hustle and bustle of a big city. So many movies have been filmed there so it feels like you already know the city. There is so much to do and see but we opted to be leisurely and keep our car parked at the hotel. We walked around and visited little art stores, had a Chicago hot dog and Garrett's popcorn (something Chicago is known for). Thanks babe for a great weekend!


The "jelly bean" as Jake likes to call it. This is a interesting tourist attraction and piece of art. It reflects the city it such a neat way. When you are standing by it you can see the skyline of the city.


Inside the "jelly bean".
At F.A.O. Schwartz inside Macy's.
Wicked was fantastic. The Ford Theatre was breathtaking.

Looking down Michigan Avenue.

Rise and Shout!

The BYU mania has officially ensued at our house. Leading up to today there has been much anticipation and excitement-mostly from my hubby. I don't think that very many people understand Jake and his obsessive fanaticism. BYU football season means several things at our house:
1. Watch out if they loose. We have a 24 hour fall-out period. No one should come within a 5 mile radius during this time. This I know-depression is contagious!
2. Sleeping babies WILL be woken up during the fourth quarter. Also, at least once a season my youngest will always be drawn to tears as Daddy's screams break the sound barrier.
3. College football is a week long event. Thursday games, Sports Beat Sunday and the Bronco Mendenhall hour, Monday news articles, Friday night games and of course ALL day Saturday.
4. If they win-there may be crying (and there has been-like a little girl! Not from me!).
5.Saturdays should always be kept clear from all activities that do not include College Game-Day and checking the other various games throughout the day. Needless to say, that kick-off for the BYU game each week is almost a sacred moment-almost!
6. There will always be nachos and Mountain Dew.

Alright, so I have been teasing my wonderful husband. Not that these things aren't true, but truthfully, I enjoy the memories we have of fall and football season. I have become a true BYU fan. Growing up my dad followed only NFL. But even in college I always gravitated to BYU during games. Once I went on a date with a guy to a BYU vs. Utah game. It happened to be LaVell Edwards last game. Even though the kid was a Ute fan and the game was at Utah, I cheered for BYU. I always wanted to attend BYU or Ricks (even though that is not the way things worked out). I know that if we ever move back to Utah, for the rest of our lives we will have season tickets.

So I say...
Ra, ra, ra, ra, ra
Ra, ra, ra, ra, ra
Ra, ra, ra, ra, ra,
GO COUGARS!!!!!!!!

Happy Father's Day!

Babe, you are the best! Hands down, end of discussion. I love you more than I could ever say. I am so grateful that I was right about you when I first met you-you are the best dad possible for my children! I always knew you would be! Thanks for all you are to each of us every day. Without you life would be very dull, very empty. All my love today and always!

Thanks for always caring and wanting to be involved. Lots of love to you today. Love you Daddy!

Love you Grandpa! Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day. We were thinking of you today. Thank you so much for your love and support of us in whatever we choose.

Papa, you are such a great example to us. Jake said to me when we were down seein' ya'll that if I ever need to remind him to shape up, just to remind him of you-his hero! We love you!

I hope all you men out there who touch our life, brothers, uncles and friends, know how much you are loved and appreciated today.

Jake's new calling

Two weeks ago Jake was called to be the second counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency. I am really excited for him and this new opportunity. He has never served in the Elders Quorum. I know that he will do a great job. Last night they had there first presidency meeting. He was really fired up about there role in the ward and the missionary opportunities serving in this capacity affords. It was really special when they set him apart. During his blessing he was promised with health to be able to serve. The boys and I were promised with an extra measure of strength to be able to carry on at home when he was away. Finally, what stuck out to both of us...he was promised that as he served faithfully in his calling and truly magnified it, he would be lead in the right direction according to his career. That is such a comfort to us. As many know, we feel like it is time to start looking for a new job. Hearing that, and also a recent spiritual confirmation to Jake that it was time to really be aggressive in this matter, makes it easier to trudge ahead even if we are uncertain of the outcome. I am so grateful for Jake and his testimony of the gospel. I am so glad that my boys have a great example to look to of hard work both spiritually, educationally, and in the work force.

One of my favorite days

Today is April 12th. This is one of my favorite days because it is the day that I get to celebrate Jake! So forgive me, but I am going to gush a little. Jake turns 28 today. Happy Birthday!!!!!

When I first met Jake I remember thinking that he was way out of my league. From that first flirtatious introduction in our singles ward I was lost to his charm. However, always being surrounded by other girls at church, I was usually to intimidated to approach. However, he always found little ways to reel me back in, paying just enough attention to me to keep my interest sparked. It worked because I obviously couldn't resist too long, for soon I asked him on a date to Lagoon. Thus history was made. I was so impressed by his maturity-at least in things that really mattered, but at the same time he wasn't afraid to be his silly self. I had never met anyone so confident yet humble, funny and engaging but casual. Anyway, I was hooked-all the way. I am grateful to say that he was too. As we continued to date I remember feeling constantly overwhelmed that HE like ME! In my eyes he was too good to be true and I didn't deserve him. I still feel that way almost 7 years later.

As we have grown together throughout our journey I love him even more. He is a great Husband, Father, Son, Son-in-law, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle and Friend. Here are a few of my favorite photos of him.

I think that my boys literally are the luckiest little boys in the whole world because he is the BEST dad in all the world (sorry to all of you who thought it was your dad/husband) nope- Jake takes the cake!!!! Hay it even rhymes. Well hopefully I have gushed enough. I love you Jake more than I could ever say. Happy Birthday!

I've been tagged

I was tagged by my friend, Natalie. So, here is a little info about my hubby and me...
What is his name? Larry Jacob Swensen.
How long have you been together? Married just over six years.
How long did you date? We dated for 5 months total with engagement! We were quick!
Who eats more? Currently me, and probably usually a toss up. I am still nursing-so consuming more calories...or at least that is my excuse and Jake is on a diet and doing a fantastic job at it. Already down 15 lbs.
Who said "I love you" first? I did. He said it right after.
Who is taller? Lets think about this...anyone who knows me knows it isn't a hard feat to be taller than me...so Jake.
Who is smarter? I'd say it's Jake. Really I think that is true. I am not saying that I am not smart, but at least in IQ tests and other standardized testing he scores a lot higher than me. But we both add something to the relationship and I don't think that it is unbalanced.
Who does the laundry? 95% me, and 5% Jake. I feel that it is mostly my responsibility because I am the one home.
Who sleeps on the right? When we were first married we didn't have set sides of the bed. We were constantly changing it, depending on who got up first. But now he always sleeps on the side next to the alarm clock, so the left.
Who does the dishes? Again me. But we have a nice little system of chores. I put up on our dry erase board the chores I need his help with. At first I thought that this seemed to bossy/elementary/silly. But hey, don't knock what works. This way I feel less stressed, he knows what I need-no guessing games. Everyone is happy.
Who pays the bills? Me.
Who mows the lawn? Jake does almost all the outside stuff.
Who cooks dinner? Jake hates to cook. So always me. But I don't mind. I love cooking dinner for my family. He has had to watch me evolve in the kitchen, but is always supportive and grateful for whatever I make. The great thing about Jake is that he could care less what we eat, even if it is cereal night because Mom has had it. Although, I do think that he is getting a little pickier-he says it is because I am getting better.
Who is more stubborn? I love this question, and babe, don't hate me. But HIM definitely. But he is really working on it. I have my stubborn side, believe you me, but, still its Jake.
Who kissed who first? That would be me. What can I say? I was not usually like that, but I couldn't resist his charm I guess. Plus he had been teasing me for weeks, his whole goal was to try and get me to kiss him first. He won. See, the stubborn thing.
Who proposed? Jake, at Temple Square, December 4, 2001. It was beautiful.
Who has more siblings? Jake beats me hands down. 8 to 3.
Who wears the pants? Well, we both wear pants..ha ha. I think that Jake and I are an equal partnership with various roles but the same goal. As strong willed as we both are, we truly care about the others happiness and well-being above all, and respect each others opinions as well. But I feel that he is the leader of our home, which he does well with love, respect and the guidance of our Heavenly Father.

I tag Caitlyn, Callie, Sarah, and Heidi....(Heather I didn't tag you because you hate it).

P.S. Callie and Caitlyn, when you are tagged you just highlight this post on my blog, right click, copy and paste into a new post on your blog. Then change my answers to yours.

Jake the Master!

It's official, Jake is done with school!! Whohoo!!!!! I couldn't be more excited for him. He has worked so hard all while having two kids, working full time, moving, taking care of me, taking care of a new house etc. etc. I don't think that I could have done what he did. He rarely complained and just went about it each day with a good attitude. I am so grateful that he made the sacrifice to do this for our family. He has set such a good example for our boys about the importance of education and working hard. Jake, I love you so much. Way to go!! Thank you.

"Celebrate Good Times!"

Yeah Daddy!!!!
The sign I made for him, he saw this when he came home and that is when he knew something was up.

Jake, always the kidder.


Last night, as most of you know, I planned a surprise graduation party for Jake. I invited our great neighbors and some of our friends from our ward. It was great. No kids, good food and lots of relaxing and fun. Jake was actually surprised, which is a difficult feat. I can rarely, if ever, truly surprise him. Somehow he always finds out. But I was so good this time, he didn't have a clue. We are so proud of him. Just a few more days and school is behind him.