CHANGES!!!
I have moved to a new blog! It was easier to start over, then try to redo this one the way I wanted to! So, change your links, and I'll see you there!
http://www.anndeeanddevon.blogspot.com
I have moved to a new blog! It was easier to start over, then try to redo this one the way I wanted to! So, change your links, and I'll see you there!



I guess that things are getting to the "end of the tunnel" with Devon. He got promoted right before Christmas, and because of the holidays and needed firearms training, he's finally started as a Transport Officer a few days ago. He passed the firearms test-holy crap it's hard! And get's to carry a city-issued handgun-wierd! So, he goes back and forth from the jail and the courthouse taking inmates to their court hearings and stuff like that. He says it's interesting, and a bit wierd to be doing this-I mean it's only people you see on TV and stuff that do this! Well, I guess it's one more step to "the goal" of becoming a police officer. He just started the 2nd half of the police academy, and will finish in early May. Hurray for that! I'm so excited for him, and proud of him for his hard work. I'm also so glad that there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
When I was married into the Jensen family, and first heard about their New Year's Day tradition, I didn't think much of it. But . . . I participated in it, and I was floored! The Jensen's have a coolest tradition that is the brain-child of Dev's dad, Larry. He collects great prizes throughout the year for this occasion. Anyways, it is BINGO as you might have played, but there are a few twists that make it Ultimate BINGO! Here's how it goes. Everyone gets two BINGO cards. When you get a BINGO, you pick a mini candybar from the huge bowl in the center of the table. (If you figure it out, that's a lot of candybars for BINGOs from two cards!) Anyways, the utlimate is a "blackout" (where the entire board's numbers have been called). When you get one, you yell it out, and your name is placed on a list. Because you have two BINGO cards, you get two blackouts. After everyone has gotten one for both cards, we start picking our prizes. These are the essence of the game. We have, for the last 3 years, chosen to get prizes that have to do with emergency preparedness. So, we have great camping gear, first aid kits, and other emergency stuff that you want to buy, but don't get around to. Anyways, everyone picks out their prizes according to the order that they got their blackouts. (It can get a bit competitive with the really coveted items!) So, it's a great day. We do it every year in 2 sessions: the kids' BINGO-with just fun prizes, and then the adults' BINGO with the emergency preparedness items. Well, it's a great tradition, and we enjoy it every year. THANKS PAPA JENSEN!

Here's 1/2 of the kids' BINGO prizes, and Devon's bro, John.

Here's the other 1/2 of the kids' prizes!

This is a picture of BINGO in action. The big bowls in the middle of the table are full of mini candybars. YUMMY!

We were so excited to have a white Christmas this year! The hill across from my parents' house is SO FUN for sledding! We had a ball, and some awesome wipe-outs!


Hinkley, after he's been sniffing the snow.

Me losing my sled!

Devon and Micah wiping out.
We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We spent Christmas Eve with my family, and opened a few gifts, and then spent the night and Christmas Day with Devon's family. We had a great morning, and enjoyed the quiet day. We hope you had a wonderful time with family!

Yes, I played Dance, Dance! Wow, I really can't dance!
Pictures from Christmas Eve at the Jones'.
Devon's dad and the tree Christmas Morning at the Jensen's


Me and "my stash" on Christmas morning. I got just what I wanted-books and shirts. Thanks Santa!


On Saturday, we had our Jensen family Christmas party, and went with the theme of "The Polar Express." We "built" a train, and then went to various activities. At the end, Santa Claus himself even showed up! It was a busy day.
Making our "Polar Express"!
All Aboard!

Devon pusing the "caboose."

The kids playing "Don't Eat Santa!"

Mr. Claus himself!