CRAVEN a LOUDER

Baby

2011-11-08T17:07:00.001-08:00

We want one.

God Bless America

2011-11-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

I know it is not the 4th of July, the snow on the mountains outside proves that, but this has been on my mind so I must share...

We had a long family discussion last night about how blessed we are to live in America. My brother and brother-in-law talked about living outside of the United States and some of the difference. The more I travel the more I realize just how blessed we are to live in the United States. There are so many people who live in countries around the world, that do not have the comforts and freedoms we have.

My brother Michael mentioned one time that he wanted to kiss the ground when he landed in the United States after serving an LDS mission abroad for two years. I am always to grateful to come home, too. My favorite is presenting my passport to US Customs. A few weeks ago, the customs officer said to me, "Welcome home." I almost cried.

My sister, Lisa, sent this to me more than a year ago. It did not have the same impact then as it does now. I think watching the news lately and the political debates have given me the "dooms day" attitude that President Harold B. Lee counsels against.

Harold B. Lee's said, speaking of America:

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.

I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through." (Ye Are the Light of the World, 350-51)

*The picture is of my brother Michael when we went to NYC in 2008.

Reunion 2011

2011-08-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

I look forward to reunion-ing with my family every year. The Walters are great hosts!

I wish I would have taken pictures, but I didn't. So I'm sending you to my sister's site. She takes better pictures and I love to read her take on things--better than my own.

http://laughmommy.blogspot.com/2011/08/up-at-ranch.html

Enjoy!

Summer party 2011

2011-07-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Each year the company I work for has a summer party. In years past, it's been held at Thanksgiving Point or Seven Peaks. This year we had a tailgating party and went to an RSL game. I thought it was appropriate as we sponsor RSL.

My favorite part: CC agreed to come with us. We don't have children yet. So we adopt nieces, nephews or neighborhood kids for an afternoon or evening on a regular basis, so we feel like we belong. AND we've found they make everything more fun! Plain and simple.

A close second: The matching T's. 100's of us in matching T-shirts. Truthfully, I felt like a kid again. In an oversized matching T-shirt at Disneyland or Disney World with my family. Mom insisted on dressing us alike. She claimed it was easier to spot us in a crowd. (The summer party T-shirts were such a hit people were stopping us to ask where they could by one. I can't say the same for our Disney vacations.)

Mr. President?

2011-06-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

June 2, 2011. It's official. Mitt Romney is running for President!

I think it is no secret I like this man.

I was lucky to be a small (I stress "small" and add a VERY) part of his previous campaign. I helped with a National Call Day in Boston, was present at the 2008 New Hampshire Primary, attended a Q&A breakfast with my mom, and participated in a fundraiser. Yes, I asked my friends and family for their hard earned cash.

2008 New Hampshire Primary
Mitt Romney addressing the crowd as we awaited word.

This was before we heard that Mitt lost to McCain.
McCain 37% Romney 28%

Breakfast w/my Mom. Isn't she cute? Mitt, you're cute too.

It was fun to see how the political process works. I learned one thing: It's a lot of work. You have to respect those who run for office. It takes time, time, time, an army, AND money.

Good luck Mitt.

Go. Real. Salt Lake.

2011-05-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we like to dress in RSL swag.
Sometime we like to eat Mediterranean food.
Sometimes we like to hang out at Rio Tinto Stadium with Kyle Beckerman.
Sometimes we like to watch soccer in a torrential downpour.
But mostly we like to hang together.

Thanks for going to the game with us! We love you Phillip and Katrina.

Can you tell she's pregnant? It's amazing, huh? She's due July 5.

Princess sleep over

2011-05-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

We had a slumber party last night. Not just any slumber party, a princess slumber party. The party started with a trip to the Disney store. These adorable, sweet girls fell in love with the bathing suits. MJ with Minnie and CC with Tinkerbell. I couldn't argue with looks of longing in their deep blue eyes. Besides, I have to keep favorite aunt status so I caved--the 20% of sign sold me.

All the way home, I wondered what we were going to do with new bathing suits. It was raining and cold outside. Then CC had a brilliant idea, "We can swim in the bathtub." We did just that. Okay, THEY did just that. I watched and "bathed" in their happiness. And all the water that sloshed and splashed out of the tub as they pretended to be mermaids.

On our way into the mall, we passed a group of young teenagers smoking in the courtyard. CC said, "Why are they puffing that smoke out of their mouths. Don't they know it's bad for them." Pause. "They need Jesus in their life." Part of me hopes they heard every word.

Summer vacation

2011-05-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Remember how you felt as a student in elementary school, junior high even, as the summer approached? I loved my summers (STILL DO), specifically those summers where we'd go on vacation. Of course there were times we'd take a stay-cation instead. And I'd worry as I wondered what in the world I'd tell my friends come the first day back, as they bragged about going to California or Hawaii. Now I have to laugh. What I wouldn't give for 3 carefree months--trip or no trip. Stay home, play in the yard, go to the library and wonder what to do next...sounds fun to me!

So I may or may not be in my thirties now; still, I look forward to summer. And in the spirit of summer and our younger-selves, Derrick and I decided a vacation is important this year. Where should we go? Or should we stay-cation? Of course, it will only be a week NOT three months.

Where should we go?

I want to go here...

And lay on this...

He wants to go on the man-cation and do this...

This is his version of fun in the sun and the sand...

Hmmm...

Stink'n w/the bangs

2011-05-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

I look younger with bangs. I might be keeping them. Sorry Derrick.

Tam and Kim, "let's go fly a kite..."

For those of you who don't know. Derrick bought tickets to Mary Poppins yesterday--without prompting from me. Eight tickets to be exact. Why? Because it's too fun not to share with some of our favorite people. Basically, my husband RULES. I am SO excited.

Bangs?

2011-05-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have had bangs my ENTIRE life. At Derrick's request, I have been trying to grow them out. Today is the first day my co-workers have EVER seen my forehead. I think I might be scaring them. No one is saying anything.

Hello wrinkles! Or what my mom calls "laugh lines." I might be getting old. Sad.

Mom's Day

2011-05-08T20:52:00.001-07:00

We had dinner with Derrick's family and talked for hours. I never dreamed I'd marry into such a loving, kind family.

Then we visited my mother and family. We played Farkle most the night. I watched Derrick interact with my siblings and parents--and I loved him more. At one point he whispered in my ear, "This is what I always wanted. Younger siblings to play games with..." At that moment I was grateful families are forever. I can't imagine being without him and them.

My sister in law gave me a little keepsake today that reads, "Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." This is true of my mother. Mom, I love you. I REALLY love you.

(Forgive me for another wedding photo.)

Mary Poppins

2011-05-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

For those of you who know me it will not come as a surprise that I LOVE Julie Andrews.

I have seen Sound of Music and Mary Poppins more times than I can count. And while in NYC last year, I talked my cute husband into seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway. HEAVEN! It was brilliant. The music reminded me of everything good from my childhood.

Currently, I am reading "Home: A Memoir of My Early Years" by Julie Andrews. I have enjoyed every page. I had no idea her life was so difficult. She is inspiring.

The point of all of this: I have been inspired to take voice lessons. I know what you're saying, "You should have done that years ago." True. I am old, but we're suppose to develop our talents, right? This is one I'd like to have, so I'm taking lessons. Thanks to Em, I have a great teacher too. (Emily graduated in musical performance from UVU.) She had a very talented professor, Serena, who has agreed to give me private lessons. I am SO excited. Nervous BUT excited.

Thank you Emily. Thank you Serena. Thank you Maria. Thank you Mary Poppins. AND thank you Julie Andrews.

(BTW: The Mary Poppins is coming to our own Capitol Theater. Derrick, please.)

HANDSOME

2009-12-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

There is only one person in the world that can make me this happy...

My best friend, sweetheart and husband for now and FOREVER--Derrick Louder.

Handsome, thank you for making me "incandescently happy."

Happy Anniversary!

12.20.2008

GOOD GIRL.

2009-04-28T14:37:00.001-07:00

My niece called me yesterday with a big announcement.

"Aunt Jenn? Aunt Jenn!"
"Yes, Gracie."
"Guess what?"
"What"
"Aunt Jenn, I read the whole Book of Mormon reader!"

Grace, again, I am SO proud of you! You are a very special young lady. I love your guts, cute girl.

IT'S HER BIRTHDAY

2009-04-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

To my brilliant, talented, poised, beautiful sister:

Happy 24th! I am confident this year will be ultra special for you AND Paul.

And good luck at your concert tonight. You're going to be stellar. We're all praying for you.

I love you!

SHE'S HERE!

2009-04-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Kate Craven was welcomed into the world this morning, around 2am.

She weighed 5 lbs 14 oz.

She is beautiful and healthy.

Her parents, Michael and Chrissy, are thrilled.

And so are her aunt and uncle.

Happy birthday, Kate!

WELCOME HOME!

2009-03-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

A friend once told me, "Distance makes a heart grow fonder." It's true.

Derrick came home last night from yet another trip.

When he walked through the door it was like seeing him again for the very first time.

I felt the butterflies and the same rush of emotion I experienced on June 11, 2007--our first date, a blind date.

Babe, I love you!

MY MOM

2009-03-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is my mother’s birthday. I'd love to give her something that will convey how important she is to me, but I don't think there is a gift in the world that can do that.

I'm not sure what I did to deserve the mother I have; maybe God is just merciful. On occasion I have called her perfect, and those that don't know her smile cautiously. I know what they're thinking, but they’re wrong. There is such a thing as a perfect mother. I know, because she is mine.

Mom, I love you. Thank you for your faith in me, listening ear, testimony, phone calls, kindness, love, prayers and example. Thank you for putting your education and career aside for me. You’re brilliant. I know you could have been anything you wanted to be; instead you chose to be...

*My therapist: Thank you for saving me by listening, speaking your mind, making your expectations clear and expressing your love.

*My chef: Coming home from school to warm bread or cookies was something I remember fondly.

*My nurse: I’ve always had faith in your ability to make me feel better.

*My teacher: Without your instruction, I would have never graduated or taught seminary.

*My coach: You encouraged me to develop talents I didn’t know I have.

*My seamstress: I know of no one that can make a beautiful dress, without a pattern, in a day—except you!

My accountant: You have taught me the importance of managing money, and living happily with what you have.

*My best friend: When everyone else let me down you were there, quietly waiting.

I could go on and on… Mom, thank you. Thank you for being my mother. And thank you God, grandma, grandpa and dad for giving me my mother.

Happy birthday Mom!

DERRICK AND JENNIFER

2009-02-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Finally.

I have been married 2 months and 4 days. If would have known what I was missing, I would have married long ago. Of course, I'm confident my joy comes from marrying the right one, in the right place, at the right time.

Now that I'm married I realize each step led to the next, and God was working miracles in my behalf all along. Though, at times, I wondered if I was making the right decisions, I am glad I listened to my parents, siblings and that quiet voice in my head. The end result: I am married to my best friend, Derrick Louder.

So, my thought today is that God is aware, involved and loving us each step of the way. Regardless of the trials you're currently facing, your FINALLY will come. Mine did.

ENGAGED!

2008-10-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

UGH...

2007-09-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Friday. Noon. Accident.

Truth is I have nothing to complain about. Bruises heal and cars can be replaced. Still, it has caused drama in my life so I thought it deserved a couple lines.

I was getting onto the freeway, headed north bound, at the Highland/Alpine exit. I was in the left hand turn lane facing east, starting into the intersection. A Nissan Pathfinder heading west, also getting onto the freeway, in the right turn only lane, made an illegal lane change. He decided last minute that he didn't want to get on the freeway, and struck me on the front passenger side. The impact spun me around, throwing me into a Honda Ridgeline. This time I was hit on the front driver's side. Needless to say, my air bags deployed. At first I couldn't feel anything, then the shaking started. I spent the next hour waiting for the police and filing an accident report. Then almost four hours in the hospital. Since then I have had a number of aches and pains and not a lot of sleep. My dreams have been repeats of those few seconds.

It's almost been a week now and it just seems like a dream. A dream I never want to re-live.

I'm simply grateful "someone" was watching over me... AND thankful for those who responded so quickly--Clint, Greg, Karalee, Michael and my dad.

GOODBYE, PHILLIP.

2007-09-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Phillip's farewell. He is serving in the Moscow West, Russia mission. His talk was exceptional. Not one of a pre missionary but that of an RM--the result of 19 years of preparation. It was an emotional day.

Wednesday, he entered the MTC. His leaving did not become a reality until "Called to Serve" ended and we were asked to say goodbye. We cried. I bawled. He tried not to look us in the eyes, for fear of crying himself. As he walked toward the sign marked, "missionary exit," I wanted to yell, "Stop, don't go!" Selfish, I know. Instead, I stood with the rest of my family and we looked toward the door with tear stained faces. With his exit he took a piece of our hearts. Needless to say, I am already counting the fast Sundays until he returns.

I don't remember it being this difficult when Michael and Karalee left. Maybe because they left together and I knew they had each other? I'm not sure. I do know Phillip has always preferred to spend time with us over his friends. We have spent countless hours on the lake, watching movies, taking road trips, talking, playing speed scrabble, making cookies and laughing as a family. I loved knowing that if I didn't have a Friday night date, Phillip would be at mom and dad's, ready to greet me with one of those Craven boy hugs. Yes, over the years he has become one of my closest friends.

So it might just come down to this: As the oldest I am a little protective. I'm having a hard time letting [him] go. Afraid that our little family dynamic might be taking another turn, never to be the same again. I know the next two years will not be easy. Still, I know he will be okay. We will be okay. I will be okay. And he will be blessed as he serves, just as I was.

Phillip, I love you. We already miss your smile, teasing and hugs.