JJ's Journal: 1982

   From the Personal Journals of My Father

Rex Buckley Jensen 

1982

Sunday, January 17, 1982

Annual School Picture
Monticello, Utah
September 1982
Age 3

Left about 10:00 this morning. Had breakfast in Provo. Shopped a little at Grand Central and headed for home. Got home about 5:30. House was spotless and the kids seemed to have weathered our absence in fine fashion. Mother had come over and taken Jordan and Jody to her house for the weekend. She looked beat when I picked them up. It was sweet of her, but not necessary. The boys are very responsible and capable, and we really do not worry much about leaving them alone anymore. GOOD kids. It was good to see them all again. 

Wednesday, January 27, 1982

Pauline came to visit with Jordan after school. Jordan had fallen off the bar today while assisting in the breadmaking and had a shiner on his left eye. That kid is a Linous, [sic] if there ever was one. Everywhere he goes lately he has his blanket slung over his shoulder and his finger in his mouth. He is also capable of more mischief and is far more bull-headed than any of other other Jensen's. Hope that does not portend of things to come. 

Thursday, January 28, 1982

Dirty, wet, weeping, & tousled hair JJ on
the driveway of his Monticello home.

After school I went home, changed into my jogging suit and went to the grade school to coach the pee-wee basketballers. Stayed after and played for an hour with Joe and Paul. 

When I got home Jordan was nowhere to be found. Pauline was gone with Jessie, and I was sure that Jordan was with her, but since he has recently learned to open the outside doors, and since David said that he heard Pauline tell Jody to watch Jordan, I had visions of Jordan out in the snow. It started snowing quite heavily about dark.  

NOTE: Dad never mentioned when or how I eventually turned up. Clearly I did!

Monday, February 8, 1982

JJ on the kitchen counter
making cookies with Mama.

Shakespeare all day at school and then work on the letter that will go out on the Reunion of the class of '62 until 5:30. Home for supper, and then an evening at the apartments getting people signed up. I have everyone signed up now except Virginia Archuletta. 

Sure like Frieda Reck. She is quite a Lady. I am loaning her some money, and to partially repay me, she said she wouldn't mind tending Jordan. That would surely be a good thing for us both. 

Monday, February 15, 1982

JJ in Grandma Smith's backyard in Centerville, UT.
We grandkids spent many hours in this old tire swing.

Left Grandma Smith's about nine this morning. Drove with the kids down and had a look at BYU's new stadium. They let the contract last week and are going ahead with all 66,000 seats. Is that going to be cool? They were working on the site today and I drove the van in and let the kids look around. ...

The house was an ice burg [sic] when we got home. Turned the heat on in my bedroom and let the kids sleep there. Planned the week, i.e. who would fix the meals, tend Jordan, etc. and we all slept together. Paul is a bit under the weather. 

Tuesday, February 16, 1982

Went home and built a fire for Paul and Jordan. It has been foggy all day, and while the temperature is not too cold, it sure feels cold. 

In Grandma Smith's 
backyard.

Was my turn to fix supper tonight. Fed the troops a steak (venison) dinner with trimmings.

Wednesday, February 17, 1982

Took Jordan to Frieda Reck's today. [He] seemed to be unconcerned about it. Went at Noon just as he was coming out of a nap, and he seemed happy enough with his state of affairs. ...

Called my Sweetheart and talked for about 15 minutes. She really wants to stay up for another week, and I think I will see if I can't let her do it. She deserves a respite from Jordan. 

Thursday, February 18, 1982

Wrote Pauline a letter after school. Also sent an article and a letter along to Aunt Ida. Miss my woman. I would have a hard time living alone. 

Delivered some checks, ran some errands, checked Sheri Mosher's apartment (she moved out recently) picked up Jordan and went home. All the kids are in their own rooms tonight and I slept a lot better without all their sleep-mutterings, sleepwalkings etc. 

Friday, February 26, 1982

I took Wayne (Hyrum W. Smith) to the airport and had a short visit with him. Things are not going as well for him as he would like to have them go, but everyone has their trials, and I guess he is having his. Poor guy. Even so, he is now linked with a Mr. Hobbs who has a successful corporate motivation program, and Wayne feels good about the possibilities there. In any event, I am convinced that he is going to be a great financial success when he finally finds his niche. ...

Pauline and I ran some errands, i.e. picked up my chainsaw (which cost me $40 to get a tack out which Jordan had put in) picked up our Kirby Vacuum, and bought Pauline a pair of new shoes. 

Later, we had a nice visit with Mother Ruth and Lucille Reading, and then I took Pauline to a lovely dinner at Bratton's in Bountiful. So good to be with my Love again. 

Wednesday, March 3, 1982

Spent the evening at the house. Fixed the toilet that has been plugged in the kids upstairs bathroom. Turned out to be Jordan's plastic urinal guard that was the culprit. No, Jordan was the culprit, no doubt, for throwing it down the toilet. It took me an hour to take the toilet up, drain it, and pull that guard out with pliers and then put the toilet back, clean up the bathroom and shower. That kid has caused me a lot of expense and trouble the last week, what with the $40 bill for the tack in the chain-saw and now the toilet.

Tuesday, March 23, 1982

Had band day at the school today. Pauline came down twice; once for the twins; once for Paul. Jordan loves to wander. 

Tuesday, March 30, 1982

After a long day at school ... I went home, played with Jordan (he is sooo CUTE!) repaired the fence that blew over on the north side of the sand pile, thought about what we plan to do with the place this summer, took a ride on the Honda (started with the first kick!) and then spent the evening in the study working on taxes. Taxes are an exercise in ambivalence for me. Love to hate them, but quite enjoy it once I get going.

Sunday, April 4, 1982

Church membership passed five million recently. A great milestone. Just the beginning of things to come. It is great to belong to THE CHURCH!

Tuesday, June 1, 1982

When I got home I ate, had a nap, and then took Jordan for a ride on the motorcycle. He really likes to ride with Dad on the bike. He drives his mother crazy, what with being constantly into things, or disappeared. I crave the little "Mutt." I think he is going to be a whiz if we can just channel all that energy into the right direction.  

Playing in Grandma Smith's
backyard sandpile.

Saturday, June 16, 1982

Wayne and Gail have had a very hard year since leaving the mission. ... [They] moved to Centerville from California, and are moving into a new home today. They have really been tested since being released, and I hope they will find a little more security and solidarity in their new home. 

Thursday, July 1, 1982

Took Jordan on a long Bike ride after the nap. He asked to go home in the end, which he has never done before. Didn't think that kid would ever tire of riding the motorcycle. 

Saturday, July 3, 1982

At four this afternoon I took Paul and Jordan and the Jeep and we went up on the land so Paul could practice his driving. He is crazy to drive and Pauline has been teaching him down on the Church Parking Lot. 

Tuesday, June 1, 1982

My 3rd birthday party, shared with my cousin,  
Preston Bunker, celebrating his 1st birthday party.
Perhaps my earliest memory was of this white cake 
with green frosting that my dear Aunt Nedra
had baked for the occasion.

When we got home, the kids, even Jessie were on the stairs to greet us. They had the house spotless. What a bunch of kids.

Wednesday, July 28, 1982

Had a nice ride to Salt Lake. David and Wayne helped tend Jordan and Jessie and we had a nice visit; my Love and I. 

Friday, August 6, 1982

Drove home with Jordan and Jessie and Jody and Pauline today. It was a long trip with the little ones and were very glad to get home. 

Monday, September 20, 1982

Toy car and dump truck received
for my 3rd birthday.

Worked in the office until about noon and then took Jordan and went up to the Mountain in the Jeep to have a look at the wood situation. Found several good spots and enjoyed Jordan as I hiked around looking. He is such a precious spirit and he is so crazy about his Dad. I have a very large tender spot in my heart for that little boy. I am so sorry now that I missed so much with the other boys.     

Thursday, September 23, 1982

I got packed ... and headed for Provo via Ephraim. Jordan cried his eyes out and wanted to go with Dad, as he always does. Really tore my heart out to leave him wailing on the sidewalk. Felt very alone. 

Was a long drive to Ephraim. Several times on the trip my eyes would mist up as I would think of Jordan standing crying on the steps as I drove away. What that little boy means to me is beyond description. I have never had a child so devoted as he and it is very difficult to leave him so often.  

Friday, October 15, 1982

Jordan was so excited that he didn't stop talking once all evening. What a kid; what energy; what a Joy!

Saturday, October 16, 1982

We took Jordan and Paul to the Parade. When I found Dad, he said that he had remembered where he had left the tickets and Pauline had gone back to the car to get them. I forgot myself and cussed. How ashamed I felt. I love Dad so. I am still so impatient. I felt bad about it and gave him my ticket and sent him into the stadium. Jordan and I waited outside until Pauline came with the tickets.  ...

Jordan slept under our feet for a time, and was something of a very cute little "pain" the rest of the time.

                                                                                                October 18, 1982

Dear Paul, David, Wayne, Joe, Jody, Jordan and Jessie: 

            I wish there was a way I could explain how much I have missed you all and how much I want to come home with you. I have never felt so alone in my life, and if I didn't have all of you to come home to, I am not sure what I would do. 

            Thanks for being such great kids. You will never know until you are mothers and fathers yourselves how utterly priceless it is to have good children.  

            When I called Mother today and she said that the house was spotless when she got home Saturday night, and that Jessie was well taken care of, I just wanted to hug and kiss every one of you. 

            I love your wonderful Mother more than words can express. The [recent past during my travels up to Northern Utah] has been a tough time for her. You will never know how much it has meant to me that each of you has tried to be helpful and considerate of her while I have been gone. It means so much to me that each of you are willing to cheerfully help in any way you can. It is pulling together when the going gets tough that makes great families, and I hope that we will be able to pull together and be very close all our lives. If we don't we will have missed the main purpose for Heavenly Father's sending us here on earth to be a family. 

            I am looking forward to coming home as soon as possible. I hope to be a much better father to each of you in the future than I have been in the past. I am so deeply grateful for each of you and for what you mean to me. 

            Please try to do the very best you can in everything you do. Please know that I love each one of you with every fibre of my being, and that I would do anything for you. 

 

                                           All my love,

                                            Dad

Friday, October 22, 1982

My beautiful wife and Jordan and Jessie were waiting at the airport for us. Jordan was almost hysterical with glee; Jessie much more reserved, and Pauline looked so beautiful and seemed so happy to see me. 

NOTE: Dad did not journal over the final two months of 1982—a very unusual occurrence given his dutiful journal writing for so many years both before and after this point in time. It was a very dark time in his career and involved a real estate investment turned sour that cost him a large amount of money. He was gone from home a lot in the months surrounding the incredibly stressful fiasco, and I suppose he just lost the heart to jot down his daily record of events until the dark cloud had begun to pass from his experience. 

...........................................................................

Sleeping with JimBob on the couch in
Grandma Smith's basement and
Library room I so cherished.

Additional Memories from 1982:

• Perhaps my earliest recollected memory was of my third birthday party in August 1982. My Aunt Nedra made a white cake with green borders (icing). My younger cousin, Preston, joined me and our two families for a double birthday party (Preston and I shared a birthday; he was exactly two years younger than me, being born on August 21, 1981). 
• I remember sitting on Santa Claus's (Grandpa Ned's) knee and asking for a "puppy dog" for Christmas. I had seen a picture of a stuffed puppy in one of my mom's Avon catalogues, and wanted it more than anything else. Santa did not disappoint. Of all the possessions of my childhood, few of them still exist in my possession. But perhaps the most salient and significant of these extant possessions is "JimBob the puppy dog," who sits in my office atop one of my bookshelves to this day. 

—Dr. JJ

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

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JJ's Journal: 1981

  From the Personal Journals of My Father

Rex Buckley Jensen 

1981

Sunday, March 29, 1981

Annual School Picture
Monticello, Utah
September 1981
Age 2

Fifth Sunday. Didn't go to any meeting. Jordan and Jody have cough and so I stayed home with them. Had a good sleep. Fixed dinner. Had a good time with family.

Friday, April 17, 1981

Kent Beckstrom of Kaysville [Utah] approached me in the store today about the possibilities of buying the store. Told him that had he been here yesterday, I probably would have let him have it. Had a good talk. Seemed like a nice fellow. The thoughts of selling the store are so tempting in many ways. 

Things have been pretty quiet around the house with the kids all gone. Have really enjoyed having a few quiet moments with Pauline. The moments are never very quiet unless Jordan is asleep however. We have certainly not had a child like Jordan. He never stops getting into things for five minutes.

NOTE: I think my dad either had a poor memory of his previous five children at age two, or he spent a lot more time with me as a toddler than he had them. It was probably some of both! Whatever the case may have been, I probably was not significantly more fidgety than most other toddlers. 

Tuesday, May 12, 1981

Kent Beckstrom and Roger Terry arrived at 11:00 a.m. this morning. I spent several hours with them. Both were high on the store, and seemed to have no qualms about anything. Kent left a $30,000 check with me with the balance of the down to come on July 15th.

Dad and my older brothers in the backyard of
my maternal Grandmother Smith's home in
Centerville, Utah.
Circa 1979

Shortly after they left this afternoon, Pauline, Jordan, Jody and I left for Salt Lake so that I can attend the pre-construction conference to be held at the Federal Building in Salt Lake in the morning.

Jordan was a stinker and did not fall asleep until we were within 10 minutes of Grandma Smiths. It was a long trip. 

Stayed up until 2:00 a.m. telling Grandma Smith of our decision and the events of the past several weeks. She seemed very positive about it. I wish I felt so good.

Thursday, May 14, 1981

Another long trip home with Jordan all over everything, as usual. 

Note: to my knowledge, I never sat in a car seat as a baby or toddler. We were rural folks living in a Intermountain Western State and I doubt many (if any) people in my small town used such safety restraints in the early 1980s. Hence, why I was "all over everything" on a long road trip. My how things had changed by the time I became a father myself in 2013!

When we got home I went in and laid down on the bed for an hour. Really a tough hour. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that these decisions would be this gut-wrenching. 

I stayed at the store until three in the morning ordering. Tried to get everything we will need for our storage as well as wisely ordering for the store, under the conditions. Sat and thought about things until 10:00 p.m. Will be very glad when this is all over.

I know that financially, it is a big mistake. On the other hand, I am praying that I will be able to adjust to the new lifestyle; be enthusiastic about going back to school and make the most of it. 

Pauline seems to be very pleased and excited about the prospects. 

Friday, May 15, 1981

This afternoon I visited with Hal Jensen at the District Office about my teaching next year. He was complimentary and seemed pleased that I was coming back next year. Said there were some tough times ahead for education, however. 

Hans Jensen
1886-1952

Deposited the check that Kent Beckstrom gave me last Thursday. That makes it official. Nothing we feel now will change it. It is still hard, but I suppose we will be able to get used to it.

NOTE: My great-grandfather, Hans Jensen (1886-1952) had been a career grocer in my hometown of Monticello, Utah. A story was handed down in my extended family about how, in the early days of the 20th century, Hans used to cut out large chunks of ice from frozen ponds in the wintertime and then store them in cellar-like conditions to provide refrigeration capabilities in the summertime. 

After returning from Europe following the end of World War II, my grandfather, Ned Adams Jensen (1918-2004) followed in his father's footsteps, spending his entire career in the grocery business as the owner of Jensen's Food Town, located across the street from the two homes where my father lived growing up—and the home where I spent a lot of time visiting my Jensen grandparents between the years 1979-2006. 

My father grew up working in his dad's store. It was where he learned to work hard and be organized and responsible. It was also the primary way he earned his own spending money prior to serving his mission and attending college at BYU. As a high school student in the early 1960s, dad earned 25 cents per hour from his labor at the store, which enabled him to buy guns and ammunition for hunting, a jeep for transportation, exploration, and adventuring, and whatever else he needed or modestly desired. 

JJ's Paternal Grandfather, Ned Adams Jensen

Later, while attending college at BYU, Dad grew disenchanted with his studies and became so discouraged at one point that he decided to drop out of school and follow in his father's footsteps by making his career in the grocery business. Fully intending to put his plan into action, he packed his car with his belongings and drove home to Monticello. 

Grandpa Ned was not having any of it.   

He explained to my dad that his own career options in life had been limited because he had never attended college, and he would not permit his son to do likewise. He told dad to turn right around and return Provo to finish his college degree, and that was the end of the matter. Because Dad followed this good advice / injunction of his father, he did indeed accrue additional career options, including the freedom to sell Jensen's Food Town in 1981. 

My four (4) older brothers all spent time working in the store during their childhoods in the 1970s. They started out as little boys making just 10 cents per hour! I was too young to have the same opportunity. I remembered the store not as Jensen's Food Town, but as as Kent's market. Nevertheless, given the fact that it was one of only two grocery stores in town (when it wasn't the only grocery store in town), I did spend a lot of time there growing up, either shopping with my parents or buying candy by myself or with my cousins or friends. Suffice it to say, the local grocery store was a fixture of all of the Jensen's lives growing up, and for a variety of reasons.  

Saturday, May 23, 1981

Grandpa Ned and my Father
Monticello, Utah
October 1945

Last day at the store, officially. With a two-day holiday coming up we were very busy, and the place was almost embarrassing we were out of so many things. It was very hard for me today, but we got through it. David and Wayne helped me cut up half-a beef and some extra hamburger, after which we emptied the coffin frozen case for defrosting. Got home about 10:00 p.m. What great boys.

Monday, May 25, 1981

Later this afternoon, I came back to the store by myself. Perhaps that time was the hardest of all for me. Sixty [60] years is a long time. My emotions were very close to the surface as I sat in the office for the last time, and as I walked the dark isles [sic] for the last time. 

I wrote a little article for the newspaper; wrote in my journal, and went home.

Ten years from now, I sure hope that I will be able to truly feel that we did the right thing. Right now, I am not truly sure. There are some very long tugs at my heartstrings. 

This home in Monticello, Utah, belonged to my paternal

Grandparents. It was situated across the street from 

Jensen's Food Town, which my Grandpa Ned owned 

and worked in his entire post-war career. The home was 

finished in 1961 — in time for Dad to enjoy the luxury of 

his own bedroom for his senior year of high school at home. 

For most of his growing-up years, the family lived in the 

home next door to the west. Growing up, I did a lot of 

yard work for Grandma Jensen, for which was often 

generously paid — as a wee lad's manual labor wages go.  

I pray to my God to find the strength to find my calling in life; to go after it, and to finish up in good and complete form.  

Saturday, June 20, 1981                                              

Tonight the boys decided that they wanted to take me to dinner for Father's Day. We ended up at the Elk Ridge Restaurant in Blanding. It was a royal rip-off. They wanted 70 cents for a small soft drink. The place was packed with smokers and the whole experience was not something I would want to repeat.

Most memorable thing about the whole trip was Jordan eating everyone's raw onions. He got started and just ate one after another, to all the other kid's amazement and glee. When he was all done with the onions we gave him some tomato which he spit out with disdain. And so it goes. 

Monday, June 22, 1981

Uncle Steve came over this morning and I spent a good part of the afternoon with him. ... I told him about selling the store. We talked about many other things. Even had a conversation about the chances of surviving a nuclear war. He seemed to think that here the chances would be quite good with just a little advance preparation.

June 21, 1981

Dear Dad,

            As this Father's Day has approached, you have been very much in my thoughts; probably more so than at any previous time that I can remember.

With Dad in front of our home.
Monticello, Utah

            I have thought about material gifts that I might give you; but I suspect there really isn't much that you need or want. I hope that I can find the words to express to you my love and admiration on this special day, as my gift. 

I suppose few boys or men ever really appreciate their own fathers until they get into the "business" of fatherhood and realize the magnitude of the calling and the sacrifice necessary to be a great dad. As I struggle to be a better Father, and I realize what you have gone through for us, my love and appreciation grows and grows. 

            Many things have gone through my mind since we sold the store. With all the problems and difficulties, the store did give us the opportunity to work closely together and to really get to know each other. I am deeply grateful for that opportunity, because I know that I have one of the kindest, most honest, most patient, most dedicated fathers that ever lived.  

            Words do not describe the admiration I have for your dedication all those years as you built the business during some very trying times. Times that would have broken most men in the same situation. 

            It is difficult to say how much it meant to me to have a Father that was solid, well respected, and stable; and that made it possible for me to grow up without the fears and frustrations of many who do not have that security in their lives. 

            An era has passed in the lives of the Jensen Family with the sale of the store. I pray daily for the strength to measure up in my new challenges, as you did with yours; that one day I will be able to pause and feel a warmth and satisfaction that only comes with a job well done. You have so much to be proud of in your life, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me share it with you. Surely some day I will look back and say that the years I spent at the store with my Father were the best years of all. 

            I am filled with gratitude for your support of my decision to sell; and I pray that your retirement will be enjoyable, and satisfying. I approach my new challenges with humility, some uncertainty, and I pray that I will be able to endure to the end of a successful career, as you did. I pray that the decision to sell the store was the right one; that I will now be able to pursue some of my other interests and desires, and thereby fulfill the measure of my creation. 

            I love you Dad. Thanks for the tremendous influence you have been in my life. 

            Happy Father's Day. 

                                                                                                                                    All my love, 

                                                                                                                                    Buckley

Tuesday, June 23, 1981

Came home and went swimming. All the kids were already there. Jordan threw such a fit that we took him along. He was so cute swimming. Brave little mut! I'll never forget his tiny body shivering, lips blue, but grinning from ear to ear and begging for more. What a boy.

Wednesday, July 8, 1981

Took Pauline and the kids to help today and we cleaned up Dan DeHuts apartment (#3). It was one of those experiences you like to forget. Place was a mess, but we got through it with a lot of soap, elbow grease and wonderment at how human beings can be so low. This Turkey had worked on engines in the bedroom and had the carpets black with grease. 

At Pauline's insistence, I took everyone (Julie Bunker too) to the Juniper Tree Restaurant for supper. Kids had a ball. 

Friday July 10, 1981

One of my earliest handles on a college 

FOOTBALL -- which would prove to

be one of my life's great loves / hobbies 

as an enthusiastic fan of BYU 

(1988-2005), Florida (2006-2010), 

Ohio State (2012-2020), LSU (2020), 

and Florida again (2021-Present).

Cute things happened this afternoon. I took Jordan with me to the bank to make an apartment deposit. Left him in the car while I went in. When I came out, he had opened the door of the car, leaned out, pulled down his britches and shorts and was proceeding to make a puddle on the asphalt. The last time he was with me at the Exxon Station I got a little upset with him for going on the seat. He did it right this time. Sure was cute. He was right proud of himself. 

Sunday, August 9, 1981

For the past several days we have lived at Feugal Hall in the Heritage halls Complex at BYU while attending parts of the big Joseph Smith Sr. Reunion. The nicest thing about the whole business, however, was just being on the BYU campus. We really had a good time, and so did the kids. Nancy Smith, bless her heart, took Jody and Jordan so that the rest of us could really relax and have fun. That we did. 

Tuesday, September 8, 1981

Another good day at school. After, in company with Jordan and Joe, I went down to the apartments to see the fence progress. Those guys do not mess around. Sure is going to look nice.

Wednesday, September 23, 1981

Some of the government-subsidized housing apartments
my dad built in Monticello and managed for over two decades.

Arrived home from school tonight to find that Southern paving had almost finished the tennis court. Kept Jordan inthralled [sic] all day. He loves keys and heavy machinery. Some kid, he.

Friday, September 25, 1981

The homecoming parade took place this afternoon. I am the 8th grade advisor this year, but did not do much on the float. Twas just as well, because the wind took care of the float within five minutes of being out of the garage anyway. Pauline, Jordan, and I enjoyed the parade three times before going home for the day. 

Monticello played Nucla [Colorado] in the homecoming game tonight. Team looked good. Won by the score of 37-6.

Sunday, October 11, 1981

Jordan Rex with his baby sister, Jessie Ruth.

Paul and I drove home this morning. Stopped in Price for fertilizer and breakfast. Toodled into the driveway at about 2:30.

When Pauline got home she said she had been having labor pains for several hours, indeed since the night before. I took her to the hospital at about 5:15 and at 6:45 we were blessed with the birth of a beautiful new little daughter whom we are going to name Jessie Ruth. I was right there for the whole affair, and once again was impressed with the sacredness and miraculesness of it all. Pauline had a relatively easy time, and I breathed a giant sigh of relief when it was all over. 

Spent the rest of the night it seemed calling all the relatives and getting ready to head back to Salt Lake on the bus. 

Head never went down and at three o'clock [a.m.] I climbed aboard the Trailways bus at the Monticello depot and headed back north. Pauline and I didn't think that it was a good idea that Mother Ruth come down by herself, and I needed to get the Van and take care of a few other little errands. 

Thursday, October 22, 1981

After school today we cut wood. Jordan assisted, and was quite a helper, considering it was his first bash. What a kid that one. ...

Showered, put on the duds and took all the kids except Wayne, Jordan and Jessie to the Community Concert. A ten-man chorus called the Chanticleers. Really first-class. We were only there for the second half, but it was the best half, and I enjoyed it, despite trying to stay awake. 

JJ with his older sister, Jody.

Monday, October 26, 1981

Took all the kids to "FOX AND THE HOUND" by Walt Disney tonight. Was a cute show, but I was bored to tears, and with Jordan on my lap most of the show it was anything but fun. Best part was watching Jordan and Jody giggle. Boy, they really get involved.

Friday, October 30, 1981

By special arrangement with Mr. Maughan, Pauline, Jody, Jordan and Jessie and I left for Salt Lake at noon today. 

Arrived Provo and left the vanagon to have the heater fixed. We walked up to a restaurant for supper. Pauline forgot the diaper bag and I walked the three and a half blocks between Chuck Peterson's and the Golden Spike four times. 

Finally did get some supper. Had to wait until almost eight to get the Van, and we were very disappointed to discover that it still was not fixed, after all that. 

We drove down to Salt Lake and Grandma Smith's. She was happy to see us as always, and it was good to get there. I spent several minutes on the phone tonight calling classified ad numbers that had advertised the Rex Rabbits the past several days. From what the owners said, it looks good. 

Dad's Rabbit Raising Venture

Sunday, November 1, 1981

I did pick up three rabbits for $10 each from a guy in Magna. Got to Centerville to pick up Jody about noon. Said goodbye to Jordan, Jessie and their beautiful Mother and Jody and I headed for home.

Stopped at Mike Mittanks in Mapleton and spent $1650.00 on 8 Rex Rabbits. Still a bit difficult to spend that much on rabbits, but I guess we ought to start with good stock, and Mike's is as good as anything I have seen. Paid $350 for one big white Buck!

Thursday, November 5, 1981

After school tonight Dad came over to talk. Had a nice visit with him. He went out and saw the bunnies. Called my lovely Lady tonight. Sure miss her. Miss Jordan and Jessie too. Things stay uncluttered too long for comfort without Jordan around. 

Monday, November 9, 1981

Rushed home from school today to get everything in order. Had the house about as close to perfect as it is possible to get when my Sweetheart, Mother Ruth, Erma Madsen, Jordan and Jessie arrived. They really were surprised by both the trees and the china cabinet. Think Sister Madsen liked our house too.

Up the mountain getting firewood, I admiringly gaze
upon my dad's large bow-shaped chainsaw.
Circa 1983-4

Saturday, November 14, 1981

Called Wyman Redd this morning and asked if I could rent his saw. He said he would bring it by about 9:00. Jordan and I took a load of trash to the dump and were back when he arrived. He brought two large saws with bows and set to work cutting. I was hardpressed to just lay the logs out for him, he was cutting so fast.

We cut all the wood I had back there in about an hour and a half. Sure sold me on the "bows" and I think I will order a new saw and bows for both the new one and the one I have now. I think that getting a two-ten year supply of wood would be a very good investment. 

Jensen Family Photo
December 8, 1981

Tuesday, December 8, 1981

Started on poetry in my classes this morning. I ache to try and find a way to have these kids give poetry a chance in their lives. In many cases, however, it is just like everything else: They condemn it without a trial. That is so sad; especially when one considers the implications of a life-time.

As soon as school was out tonight, I rushed home and got all the kids dressed in their Sunday best for our bi-annual family portrait. It is a hassle, but I sure treasure the pictures that we have, and it will be well worth the effort as soon as it is over. Got the guy here at the school from Whit's Studio to take the pictures. He took about 12 shots and I hope that at least one of them is good. 

Went to the ward party at 6:00. Pauline picked up Maryelle and her daughter. I took Jordan and the Jeep since I was to leave early. 

JJ on his second birthday.
August 1981

After dinner, I went to see "Tess" a new movie out based on Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the D'urbervilles. Roman Polanski directed on location in England (guess) and it was a three hour epic. Reminded me of Dr. Zhivago in tone, atmosphere and subject matter. Really was well done.

BYU beat USU 51-43 tonight. Was televised live on channel 2. Greater love hath no man than to miss that. 

Monday, December 14, 1981

Worked on Poetry in school today. Read the kids "The Cremation of Sam MaGee" and "The Highwayman." Kids seem to be grasping onto the poetry. Really seem to be enjoying it. I sure do. I would like to teach poetry full-time in college. Wouldn't that be fun?

Jensen Family Picture
Monticello, Utah
1981

1981 Christmas letter from Grandmother Smith to her grandchildren.

—Dr. JJ

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

Author's Note: This is the 541st Blog Post Published by Freedom Focused LLC since November 2013 and the 323rd consecutive weekly blog published since August 31, 2020.   

Click HERE for a compete listing of the other 540 FF Blog Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Freedom Focused SAL QUOTES  

Click HERE for a complete listing of Freedom Focused SAL POEMS   

Click HERE to access the FULL TEXT of Dr. JJ's Psalms of Life: A Poetry Collection

Click HERE for a complete listing of Self-Action Leadership Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Fitness, Heath, & Wellness Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Biographical & Historical Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Current Events, Cultural, Philosophical, & Miscellaneous Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Dr. JJ's Autobiographical Articles

.........................

Tune in NEXT Wednesday for another article on a Self-Action Leadership related topic.  

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JJ's Journal: 1980

 From the Personal Journals of My Father

Rex Buckley Jensen 

1980

Wednesday, January 9, 1980

Baby JJ
Monticello, Utah
1980

After a hectic morning of trying to get twice as many things [done] as I had time for ... e.g. the big red couch out of unit #5 and into unit #11 in the snow with Monte [Christensen] and several other dozen things; and after starting out late and calling Flannery's in Farmington we actually did start for Alamagordo [sic]. 

It was an overcast rainy day. Beautiful in a sinister sort of way.

Had a good trip to Farmington. First time I have ever been there in a car, and the first time for anything south of Farmington. 

I tended the car at Flannery's. They replaced my leaking oil filter and oil free, and the blower was just a blown fuse. No real problems. Went back to the Holiday Inn where I had left Pauline and Jordan and we all went to supper. Back at the room we enjoyed some TV and aloneness. 

Saturday, January 12, 1980

This afternoon Steve and Andrea [Donna?] took Pauline and Me (and Jordan) down to El Paso and then across the Rio Grande to Jurez [sic]. We got there late and things were about closed down for the day, but we spent about an hour in a market place and bought some fun things for the kids. I bought a rustic orange colored painting of two Indian tee pees that sort of appealed. ... 

It took us an hour to find our way back across the river and to the freeway and out of El Paso. We listened to BYU trounce the U of U on KSL which came in well, on the way home. 

When we arrived home about 8:30, I went out and bought Kentucky fried Chicken and all the trimmings and we enjoyed a feast. 

Friday, January 25, 1980

Tonight was the long-awaited Osmond Family Concert at the Marriot [sic] Center in Provo. The Osmonds never entertain in Utah, and this was a once-only with all funds going to BYU. Needless to say it was sold out. We invited Dave White's family to go with us. 

It was quite a concert. The place was packed. The Osmonds were everything we had thought they would be and it was quite a night. Little Jordan slept through all the racket under our feet, and so we had a grand time.  

Wednesday, October 15, 1980

Big storm moved in today. Really cold. Snow. I climbed up on the roof and cleaned out the chimney and got a fire started. 

Boys are doing a good job on their stewardships. We take Jordan to Kit Stephens each morning, but he is a pain at night because he requires constant watching, and he won't eat well. One has to literally Trick him into eating.  

Thursday, October 16, 1980

Kids got their school pictures today. Really lucked out again this year. Good shots of all; especially Jordan.

Saturday, October 18, 1980

Highlight of the day was the BYU-USU game on T.V. ABC carried the game as their regional telecast, and it was quite a game. Many records broken and an aerial show the likes of which I have never seen. It lasted for almost 4 hours and the final score was 70-46. McMahon threw for six touchdowns and ran for two. I think BYU could have scored 100 points if the first team would have been allowed to "pour it on."  

Mother [Grandma LaVerda] has kept Jordan and Jody this weekend, and that has made life easier for us at home. Sure miss my Frou [sic]. 

Sunday, October 19, 1980

Mighty Jensen HUNTERS

Dearest Polly ...

We worked until 11:00 p.m. Friday night, came home and had pizza about midnight, got all the guns, knives, binoculars etc. out and ready for the deer hunt, and fell into bed about 1:00 a.m. Incidentally, Mother [Grandma LaVerda] got Jordan and Jody Friday night and is keeping him over the weekend. She really dotes over Jordan, feeds him well, (which we have had a hard time doing) and I know he gets better care with her than when he is here with us. Sorry Love, but us boys just ain't the MOM that you are! ...

Mother [Grandma LaVerda] had us over to dinner to celebrate my birthday (tomorrow). And Jordan looked like he had gained five pounds. She really stuffs him. Jody elected to stay with Grandma again since tomorrow is a holiday at the school (deer season).  

Sunday, November 4, 1980

Dairy truck was waiting when we pulled into Monticello. Unloaded it, while Pauline got Jordan [from Grandma LaVerda's]. 

—Dr. JJ

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

Author's Note: This is the 540th Blog Post Published by Freedom Focused LLC since November 2013 and the 322nd consecutive weekly blog published since August 31, 2020.   

Click HERE for a compete listing of the other 539 FF Blog Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Freedom Focused SAL QUOTES  

Click HERE for a complete listing of Freedom Focused SAL POEMS   

Click HERE to access the FULL TEXT of Dr. JJ's Psalms of Life: A Poetry Collection

Click HERE for a complete listing of Self-Action Leadership Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Fitness, Heath, & Wellness Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Biographical & Historical Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Current Events, Cultural, Philosophical, & Miscellaneous Articles

Click HERE for a complete listing of Dr. JJ's Autobiographical Articles

.........................

Tune in NEXT Wednesday for another article on a Self-Action Leadership related topic.  

If you liked this blog post, please share it with your family, friends, colleagues, and students—and encourage them to bookmark this blog to access a new FREE article every Wednesday.

Click HERE to buy the SAL Textbooks