Rear View Mirror, 2011

Looking back at a year filled with awesomeness and excitement I'm counting down my ten favorite events.  I will also add a video or two of my favorite songs of the year, and name my least favorite song.  So come along as I revisit my faves of 2011...

#10.  80's night!  There should definatley be more of these in 2012.  And, although I start my list with something a little silly and not nearly as significant as my Team Awesome counter part Rachel and her birthing a child where else can you find awesomely reminiscent music, that (most of you reading this) may or may not have been conceived to??? 80's night had me at Can't Touch This, and will keep drawing me back with Whip It, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Safety Dance, and Always Something There to Remind Me.  And in true 80's fashion I must do all things in excess and here is a little jewel to keep you interested:

#9. Playing Uno with the fam!  Where else can I out drink my husband, sister, and brother in law be served a roll extra flaky and not win a single round of a game that I should be pro at?

#8. Our family mini vacations.  This past year we took sometime to get away even though we didn't venture far.  Places we went included the Renaissance Fair, Bearizona, a spring training game and Casa Grande for a visit with Morgan, Shay & Miss Kayla.  These trips were so much fun.  

My favorite part of the Renaissance fair was probably Mason buying me a claddah ring...

My favorite part of Bearizona was seeing a baby white buffalo born while we were there, and spending our sixth wedding anniversary with the boys on a family outing.

Our Favorite part of spending time in Casa Grande was
getting to see Morgan, Shay, and Kayla.  The boys loved
spending time with their cousins too.

#7. Karaoke @ Antelope Lanes with our Bud family & friends.  Let me tell you Mason and Gabe (Ramirez) sing a mean version of Boys II Men's End of the Road.

#6. Family Reunions!  This summer we had family reunions with both of my parents sides of the family.  We enjoyed meeting all of our cousins, second cousins, and maybe even a few third cousins mixed in there too.  My boys loved meeting the Garduno - Aldrete clan.  This reunion included food, beer, a pinata, and a brunch served in Matt's Saloon.  This is also the day Tucker claims to have became a "real mexican"  insert photo of Tucker in a sombrero...(so apparently that pic is saved to the other computer...the one thats broken...) but you get the idea.  

One air plane ride and a very long car ride later we had made our way to Thermopolis, Wyoming to visit with my mom's side of the family.  That trip was amazing, and again we got to meet family that we had previously only heard of.  The trip included a visit my great grandparents house that I hadn't been to in over 10 years, and it is still just the way I remember from my childhood.

#5.  I got a new boy friend...

Okay not really.  But Francis and I had a blast @ the Bruno Mars concert in Phx.  Despite forgetting to wear our capes (inside joke) we let Bruno sing about how amazing we are, and about how he'd catch a grenade for us, he recounted our first time, we talked about marriage, but eventually we broke it off, which led him to a really dark time in his life filled with liquor store blues and it rained.  Eventually he got over us and spent the next day lazy and not answering his phone :(  (It is quite possible that the only people who read this and understand it are Francis & Rachel and for that I apologize for everyone else I will try to make it up to you with a little diddy by the man himself.)  I <3 U Bruno!!!

#4. Halloween!!!!  Here's the nights cast and characters:

Ricky Bobby ...... played by Mason Kent

Rotting Mummy.....played by Tucker Kent

Frankenstein.........played by Keaton Kent

Batman.......played by Zak Kent

Superman.......played by Eli Kent

& last but by no means least

A random honey bee.....played by the awesomely fantastic queen bee herself Jessica Kent!

# 3. Date nights with my husband!  I love getting out with him and reconnecting!  He is a wonderful husband and father I truly appreciate everything he does for our family.

# 2. Watching my boys grow and learn everyday.  I am blessed to spend my life surrounded by my children.  I have more happiness and love in my life than I ever thought I could possibly deserve, and I thank God for everyday I get to spend with them...even the messy house, haven't slept for more than 5 hours a night, its 7 pm and everyone is hungry moments; I cherish them all.

# 1. White Water Rafting!!!  (Need I say more?)  It was freaking amazing!  Including being thrown out of the raft!  I loved it and can't wait to go again!!!!

As a side note the rest of our Wyoming vacation was pretty awesome as well but we all really loved the rafting.

  And, like I promised favorite songs: 1. Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO 2. Crazy Girl - Eli Young Band 3. Fly - Nicki Minaj & Rihanna.  Songs that are completely stupid but no matter what I do I can't get their horribleness out of my mind....1. Red Solo Cup - Toby Keith (although if I have to listen to this I prefer the Glee Cast version.) & lastly Moves Like Jager - Maroon 5.

So here's to you 2011!  And, be warned 2012 I dare you to be 10 times as awesome as 2011 was.

Lots of news and fun things to look forward to in the new year!!!

I have so many exciting things to tell everyone about I don't even know where to start...

Lets see, we have a new house resident!  Madison moved into our garage and is working with Mason and my dad at Hensley.  It has been fun having him here and he seems to really like his new job.  His kids Brycen and Allie came and spent the week before Christmas with us, and we had a blast :)  The kids and I baked cookies and decorated them, we wrapped presents, and watched Christmas movies.  It was a great week and the kids enjoyed having their cousins over to play.  

Tucker had his last ear appointment of the year yesterday.  And...his ear drum is healed!!!  No hole, and no measurable hearing loss.  We are so grateful that the surgery was a success.  He has another follow up in June just to make sure that the ear drum is still intacted at that time but for now he has been given the all clear and most importantly he has regained all of his lost hearing in his left ear.  I could not have asked for a better out come.

Zak had another round of blood work yesterday to see if his liver enzymes were back within normal range. Fingers crossed, and one very upset 3 year old later...his levels are much better and down from 259, to 62.  He will be retested in three months and we are praying his levels are within the normal limits (under 40).  So for right now its just a waiting game.  I already see a huge improvement in him and he is back to his active and lively self so I am pleased.  

I just found out today that my brother Luke is in the hospital again, and had another surgery on his leg.  This time the doctor left his leg open and placed a surgical wound vac in his leg to help drain the infection and gross unwanted material from his leg.  I am happy he got to spend Christmas with his family but I wish he was healed.  My mom is in Texas with him this week and I am hoping that she can get more answers and help get him set up on a path to recovery.  It has been well over a month and a half since he first had issues with this knee surgical site, so now I pray he is on the mend and able to again go home and be with his family.  I am praying for him everyday.  

I saved the best and most shocking news for last.  Mason has decided to take some college classes!  Yes, you read that correct.  It is NOT a typo!  Mason is going to college!  For anyone who knows Mason really well will know that just the fact that he wants to take college classes is amazing.  He is smart and perfectly capable but I never thought he would want to go back to school.  I am so proud of him wanting to do better for himself, I am proud that he wants to explore the opportunities he can have after returning to school.  

I am looking forward to the following things in 2012:

1.) Tucker & Keaton starting basketball the first week of Jan.

2.) Starting my last semester at Yavapai College (Jan 18.)

3.) My new role on the PV Little League board & baseball season in March.

4.) Spring Break and time with my kids :)

5.) Possibly going to Vegas for Ashley's birthday.  And, going with her to see The Hunger Games.

6.) Graduation!!!! I will finally have finished my associates degree. :)

7.) My mom, sister, and aunt coming to visit for said graduation.

8.) (A possible surprise trip to Disneyland to celebrate graduation, Keaton's birthday, and Mason & I's anniversary.  Shhhh this is a surprise.)

9.) A summer without school, college classes, or plans.

10.) A new year, new beginnings, new friendships, new chapters, and many new memories.

So here's to the New Year and hopes to take only the most cherished memories from 2011 with us, leaving behind all the negative. 

Best Wishes, 

Jess

Best Christmas Ever

I have absolutely no complaints about Christmas.  I got the most amazing gift, spending time with my family and having everyone I love around.  Although my mom was not here I got to visit with her a couple weeks ago, my sister was in town and a little Christmas Miracle my brother got out of the hospital and was able to spend Christmas with his family.  My in-laws were here and we had a wonderful dinner with them and my dad and mom Karen (step mom).  The day was only topped off and made even better with an intensely animated game of Uno.  Thank you to all my family and friends for an unforgettable and possibly one of the best Christmas's ever, I love you all.

The Best Christmas Present!

Friday was an amazing day for the kids and I.  We got an unexpected visit from my mom!  The boys were so excited to see grandma and Aunt Ashley.  Mom flew into Vegas picked up my sister and drove down to Prescott just to see us.  Saturday mom took Keaton and Tucker out to buy basketball shoes, and the little boys got new shoes as well.  My mom brought us buffalo meat, and filled up our pantry with food.  We had a wonderful time with Ashley and mom.  I wish they could have stayed in town longer but just the fact that she came to see the boys for an early Christmas present was more than enough.  I really do have the best mom in the world! 

Dear Abbot, Church of Latter Day Saints

Chicken Lover,

Although there is nothing taught in Primary class about the way in which we treat animals, they are a creation of our Lord.  A good man takes care of his animals, but wicked men are cruel to theirs." Proverbs 12:10  For there is no where in the Mormon belief that forbids eating animals I believe this scripture does offer a definition to how these animals should be treated.  For it is also said by George Q. Cannon said, “These birds and animals and fish cannot speak, but they can suffer, and our God who created them, knows their sufferings, and will hold him who causes them to suffer unnecessarily to answer for it. It is a sin against their Creator.”  I believe this to mean not that one may not eat chicken but to cause them to suffer is to be a sin against our Lord.  So the opportunity that lays in front of you if under more humane circumstance my be a wonderful opportunity for you I think that taking a partnership in a business that you yourself has labeled as “miserable, and painful” lives is not in your best interest.

Sincerely,

Abbot 

Torn between two choices,

“No other success can compensate for failure at home.”  -David O. McKay

With this being said it is the Mormon Churches wish for the family to be central to God’s plan. God has organized us into family for a reason, and to learn to love one another selflessly.  I do not think your work is not important for you are providing a charity that helps all of God’s children, but if you wish to marry and build a life with this woman you must make that family and life you build with her a priority even over your job.  The focus on family is not just meant to be your family within your home but also within the church and your community.  Each of us is a literal son or daughter of our Heavenly Father, Hebrews 12:9 so if you marry and begin a family of your own allow those around you and even your wife to help you continue your business.  In the Church of Latter-Day Saints families come first, but I urge you to use our church family to help you in both of your roles.  I call upon our church family to share with you our talents and gifts, and remember God’s Church exists to help families gain eternal blessings.

Sincerely,

Abbot

Buddhist take on Dear Abbot letters.

Chicken lover,

“…in seeking to escape from suffering ourselves, why should we inflict it upon others?”  as stated in Surangama Sutra. 

To believe and place so much focus on eliminating suffering this situation described is not within the teachings and beliefs of Buddha or the Buddhist faith itself.  To attain liberation from suffering and gain contentment and peace one should not kill any living animal.  You yourself have described the chickens at this farm to be suffering in pain from the conditions in which they live.  To believe in the Buddhist faith you should desire peace and liberation from suffering not just for yourself but for all sentient beings.

You have already yourself questioned the circumstances of taking a position in such a business based in the inhumane suffering of another sentient being.  No amount of worldly goods, neither money nor opportunity will help you gain the enlightenment and serenity the faithful Buddhist strives for.  Be true to your faith

Respectively,

Abbot  

 

Torn between two choices,

Love is one of four Buddhist Immeasurables, under this Buddhist definition love is to want others to be happy.  Usually love has a lot of attachment applied to it in more common definitions and in marriage it is as if attaching ones self to more worldly things.  But, to have true love, where you want happiness not just for yourself but your partner is to truly know love.  I feel like you have this in mind and you feel as though you must choose, your job that provides you with the opportunity to be charitable and do good deeds, or be married.  If you are questioning your options because you are worried your partner will be unhappy with the amount of hours your job requires you are already thinking of her happiness which is to love.  Although there is no written Buddhist literature for or against marriage the Dalai Lama is quoted saying this: “too many people in the West have given up on marriage. They don't understand that it is about developing a mutual admiration of someone, a deep respect and trust and awareness of another human's needs...The new easy-come, easy-go relationships give us more freedom -- but less contentment.”  With all of this said I call you to look more closely at your reasoning for marriage, it you wish to be attached to this person because it is what you feel is expected of you at this point in your relationship or rather because you love her and are content with the admiration the two of you share.

Respectively,

Abbot

Dear Abbot Letters, written from the Jewish perspective.

Dear Chicken Lover,

As a member and firm believer in the Jewish ritual, and the teachings of the Torah I think you already know the answer to your question.  You have taken the time to list several reasons why you are concerned with becoming a partner in this business, your description of the living condition of these animals, as well as the treatment of these animals they endure to be manipulated to grow fast are all reason that as  a Jew you should consider.  It is far more complex than being faithful and making the decision to only eat kosher foods but rather to understand what is kosher food.  As you probably know kosher meat, and poultry products come from farms and kosher slaughter houses that are in accordance to Jewish law.  These laws include the actual act of slaughter and the process of draining the animals blood, even the butcher, who is a man well trained in Jewish law, historically the butcher and the rabbi would often be the same man; for to eat the blood of an animal is forbidden by the Torah in Leviticus 7:26-27.  The conditions that these animals are placed in are contrary to common Jewish ideals of tsa'ar ba'alei chayim (the injunction against causing unnecessary pain to animals). As you pointed out in your letter you know that these conditions and the treatment of these animals is cruel, and despite it being a good opportunity for you I urge you to follow your faith, and listen to that inner  voice that has already told you this is not compassionate treatment of these animals.

In Shalom,

Abbot

Torn between two choices,

I have read your letter and know you are concerned about your work schedule putting stress on a new marriage.  Let me ask you some questions first, how is it that you have met the woman you love?  You have made time for your relationship to mature to the place you are today.  This is time that you have already balanced with your schedule.  Your work is very rewarding and important, and so I ask why do you have to be torn at all?  Written in the Talmud the Jewish community is taught that 40 days before a son is conceived a voice in heaven announces his “bashert” or soul mate, a match made in heaven.  This is not to say that any marriage including one with your bashert is without complications, all marriages require an abundance of effort, dedication and energy.  My point being that is you want to marry her, if you feel she is your bashert as long as your love, dedication, and energy is in line with making this relationship work, you will continue to find a way to balance both positions in your life.  As written in Genesis 2:18 God has not intended man to be alone, he created a partner for man.  Love, companionship, and intimacy are the core purposes of marriage if you have found this than you should ask your love to marry you.  Continue to do the work that you do for you feel fulfilled, while doing it and I believe that you can do both, and I wish for you to feel the fulfillment and joy that a loving companionship can brings.

In Shalom,

Abbot