Jens is 15!

Time to do a little catching up.  I realized the other day I haven't posted since mid November. November and December are chock full of events for our family so get ready for a bunch of posts to follow.  First off was Jens'15th Birthday.  This was an off year, so we only got the boys for a few hours on the day after their birthdays.  Jens decided he wanted to do the family dinner on that night instead of go out someplace special.  So, we happily obliged.   

On the menu: Well, I can't remember exactly.(that's the problem with waiting too long before you blog about things) We were gonna have Brisket, but it was super expensive so I believe we opted for Ribs and Beer Can Chicken.  We probably had the usual sides of Del Monaco Potatoes and Salad.  Jens asked for a homemade cheesecake instead of a traditional birthday cake.  So we had a pretty good meal.  But that is usually the case when we use the smoker. 

Jens  is getting very excited to be ever closer to the magical age of 16.  Driving is on his mind already!  He is such a great kid.  Very kind, thoughtful and helpful when he wants to be.  I have been very impressed lately as he makes it a point to thank me and Jed personally for things we do for him and his brothers.  Things like making dinner, keeping a clean house or spending time with them playing games.  It does a heart good to hear a heartfelt thanks for things that you are going to do anyway. Jens participated with  the choir "Because We Sing" again this past year.  They performed at the Assembly Hall at Temple Square. He has really enjoyed that time being part of the group and learning new songs and getting to know the music.  Jens also played in the Timpview marching band this past summer.  It was a lot of work and probably more intense than he thought it would be, but in the end I think he really learned a lot and enjoyed his time doing that.  This fall he has been in the pep band and has been playing at all of the home football games.  Another great opportunity for him to use his musical talents.  Jens is still a huge fan of video games.  He has a very competitive spirit and really HATES to loose.  Sometimes this works to his advantage while at other times it can be a disadvantage.  The younger brother and cousins are getting old enough to be a legitimate challenge to him.  Let's just say there have been some games ending abruptly because he hasn't been winning.  But in the end, he is a great brother and friend to his cousins.  We are so thankful to have Jens in our family.