Everyone Should Have One

A Jen, that is.

My sister, who I know I used to call Jenny (because I wrote that in my journals) but is most definitely now a Jen, is truly a delightful person to be around.  Hard to believe, but there was a time when we did not get along.  Like a lot of sisters, we had different styles.  She was clean whereas I was sloppy.  She had a number of organized collections, I trashed most things I owned.

Once, when I wanted to borrow a sweater of hers, she insisted I sign a contract which included a list of charges I would incur should I return the sweater late, dirty or not hung up (I'm pretty sure I still owe her money for that).

Another time, I actually gave her a black eye after we tussled on the piano bench.  It's not like I purposely punched her, but I did swing my arm back pretty hard after she pushed me (at least that's how I remember it).

I'm sure I was just an annoying younger sister.  We are only seventeen months apart and one year apart throughout school, so we had a lot of the same friends even though we each had our own things.  Still, we loved each other in spite of it all.

It was during college, however, when my sister became my friend.  I love being with her.  It helps that we have children around the same age who adore each other. Sadly, it's a lot more difficult to gather now than when we lived two hours apart, so when an opportunity to spend three straight weeks together arose (a week in Utah for BYU football camp, a week here at my home before the family reunion began and the week of the reunion), we took it.

It all began in Provo where we rented a house together.   The mornings were spent watching our boys play football, but each afternoon, we managed to do something fun.  One of those days involved a very thorough tour of the BYU athletics facility.  We had a tour guide who took great pleasure in showing us the parts of the building that aren't normally seen by the public.  Included were the film room for the athletes, the training room with the hot and cold pools, the head coaches offices and a conference room used by the big time donors.

Can you guess what they are doing?  It helps if you read the sign behind them.

Some future players, perhaps?

Our tour guide showing off the fancy schmancy conference room.

One evening we hiked the "Y".  I'm sorry, but that is a really hard hike.  It is steep and kind of boring because all you do is zip up the side of the mountain on switchbacks.  All the murmuring stops once I get to sit on the humongous white Y.  It's quite amazing.

Cute kids.

On the way to my house, we stopped at Wilson Arch for a quick hike.  We did it in flip flops, which wasn't the best idea.

So strong!

Love my boys.  I'm so fortunate to get to do these fun things with them while their dad works hard to pay for it all.

The day after we arrived, I talked Jen into running in a local 5K with me to complete part of a family challenge we had organized.  She's in much better shape than I am, and I slowed her down, but it was a great way to start the day.  Jay had all the kids cheer us on at the finish.

A typical scene of me running behind Jen.

All done.

Part of our goodie bag included dog treats, which Sam wanted to try.  That made it a challenge for all of the kids to try one, but none of them got it down like Sam did.  Odd kid.


Our older boys have always been close, but it was really fun to see Henry and Sadie bond throughout these weeks.

Jen and her husband, Christopher, put on a rather spectacular fourth of July show in front of their house each year.  Their kids were definitely disappointed with our non-existent show, but we did get them Pop-Its to throw at each other.

Later we went to a park to watch the local fireworks show.

One evening, Jen accompanied me while I re-hiked my nemesis.  It was validating to hear her say that the end was scary.  We both got up without incident (i.e. weeping and wailing on my part).

Jen with D-town in the background.

Not many guests come with the intention of cleaning and organizing your home.  O.K.  a lot of mine seem to, but one of the reasons Jen decided to come out for so long was because she possesses talents that I lack.  Specifically, she can organize a space whereas I just fill up the space.  I wish i had taken before pics but this is an after picture of my garage following a hard day's work with Jen in charge.

We collected a lot of garbage with all of the organizing and left it outside one evening with a plan to take it to the dump the next day.  Mistake!  There are raccoons that like to break open trash bags and spread out your trash if you leave it outside.

She not only organized my garage, she organized my basement, my laundry room, the sun room and the mud room.  When her husband came, he hung hooks and pictures and accomplished in a few days what would have taken me months (years???).  She even helped me with my kitchen.  I thought I had that organized but after she pointed out the awkwardness of having my spices share a cupboard with the cups and glasses, I just let her do what she wanted to do.  It's much better now.

Before the masses came, we headed up to the local ski resort for some summer fun.

Jonas and Sam

Ansel and Seth

Owen and Jen

Christopher and Sadie.

Vroom, vroom!

Jen takes Owen on the final turn.

Like I said, everyone should have Jen.

But I'm especially glad that I do.