Monthly Archives: September 2010

Tonight we celebrated the completion of YEAR 9.

We first went to dinner at Little America. As we sat “looking over our menu” we reminisced about anniversaries past. “Can you even remember any of them?” Wyatt asked, “it doesn’t seem like we’ve done anything memorable.”

I then spouted off about each anniversary – what we did on the day, where we were living, what was going on in our lives, the gifts we exchanged. Wyatt pulled at his collar uncomfortably.

He said “I want to get you something special this year.” He explained it was our first year after “the five year plan.” The end of struggling and going without.

We then both laughed uproariously.

Instead we went to a movie.

So . . .

YEAR 9.

It almost deserves it’s own graphic sign.

We hunkered down. We watched the five year plan come to an end, and then watched as the economy, both macro and micro in our household, tightened. We raised our kids, we planted flowers, we built “the business,” and took on additional sources of revenue. We remodeled yet another house. We didn’t leave the state all year. We didn’t even hardly leave town other than a couple weekend trips to Manti. We discussed things of importance, and things that were nothing consequential. We cried occasionally. We laughed a lot. We did not hardly work on our own house projects, as per Christensen family goal 2010. We went to the rodeo, kept traditions alive. We taught Olivia to ride a bike, we took jumping pictures, we got Calvin keys, and then more keys. We watched as Everett grew before our eyes. We talked about our goals and dreams, and we content to live in the now.

Year 9 was a good one. Looking forward to year ten.

I’m thinking our back east road trip . . .

DearEST,

Today Olivia learned about dinosaurs at pre-school. She came home with a pill that “grew” into a dinosaur in water. She brought one home for Calvin too. That’s just like her to think of her brother and share with him.

In the meantime Calvin, Everett and I built the awesomEST blanket fort ever. It will be headquarters for our week o’ fun. After we picked up Baby Sunshine from school we hit the Post Office and mailed those rebates (told you I’d do it ) as well as a few pictures for my new internet friend Cindy. I should have more internet friends. Problem is my unfriendliness in real life translates in magnificitude (ha ha, I love that word. I totally just made that up. I know, I’m the coolEST) on the internet.

We made Place Mats like these - paper towels & contact paper

This afternoon we played outside and made place mats a’la these. Frescas Frijoles I say. They turned out pretty good, and Olivia was all too thrilled to color on them.

Then I fed the missionaries. I know, can I be any more on top of it? Lemon Chicken Pasta and Boston Cream Pie. Did you know that Boston Cream Pie is really good? I don’t think I’ve ever had it before. But alas I sent the leftovers home with the mish’s.

BECAUSE . . . we got mo’ junk at the store today – chocolate chips were on sale, so cookies it is for the week! And ice cream and bananas for banana splits. I stopped short of giant marshmallows to “roast” in the tent. We’re going to Par-Tay Calvin style.

Oh, and I daydreamed about Christmas . . . of course you’re not surprised by that. Speaking of which, off to do some internet searches for Christmas gifts. I’m thinking Mickey for SuperCal.

Love you, Miss you, You miss us ‘cuz we’re having mo’ fun. And yes, that was a little jab since you’re off on an international adventure, and I’m here watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for the kajillionth time.

-Anj

PS – In other exciting domestic news, it must be said: My new vacuum came today. I am the happiEST and the cleanEST, except that other than straightening up for the mish’s tonight, cleaning is not on my agenda this week.

4 large red bell peppers
3/4 pound ground chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
2 teaspoons House seasoning, recipe follows
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup jarred cheese and salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped green onion tops
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup hot water

House Seasoning:

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months

Today was the first day of school. Olivia has been looking forward to this all summer long!

We got her dressed in her new outfit. And those thrown back shoulder’s and off kilter hips- that’s all her. She works that camera!

In our excitement we were a little early (like twenty minutes ) So we took the time to snap a few pictures for the history books.

After school I asked Olivia if she made any new friends. She said very matter-of-factly: “No.”

Well, maybe next time.

It’s the night before . . .

The night before everything changes forever for my little family. The night before nothing will ever be the same. And I can’t help feel a little melancholic and a little sentimental – perhaps even a little dramatic.

Tomorrow Olivia starts preschool.

And I know that sounds like a trifle in the spectrum of things that could happen. But, it’s the start of something so big – HUGE – really . . . the start of Baby Goose’s formal education.

And isn’t that a monumental thing?

For years and years to come she will have “back to school” days and the end of summer, and christmas vacations, and recess and second period and freshman year and so forth and so on . . .

And baby girl will never again be all mine every day. I will have to compete.

And that makes me a little sad.

This post will need refinement later. I mostly wanted to write down the blessings Wyatt gave each of the children tonight:

Olivia

• health and strength
• clear mind
• make friends easily
• you are a joy to be around
• you will have lots of fun
• you will have lots of friends
• be aware and help others
• be safe and protected
• be an example to many people
• learn to pray when you are away from your family
• be happy and strong
• teach your brothers, you are an example to them
• feel the love your family has for you

Calvin

• be big and strong
• you are a happy boy
• have fun playing with your brother, sister, mom and dad
• you will develop at an advanced rate
• learn
• be obedient
• be happy and content
• know how much you are loved
• learn from your sister
• be safe and protected
• be an example to your brother
• grow strong like daddy

Everett

• you bring joy
• you will grow strong and healthy
• you are a joy to your family
• be happy

It is now mid September, and I just lost my site AGAIN!!!

And you’d think I’d learn from last time, but I didn’t. I don’t have a backup of my site any more recent than the last time. I’m hoping and praying that they can recover the files.

Oh dear. I want to cry.

In celebration of Baby Sunshine, who is having her very first “back to school” weekend, we had a very special dinner. The theme of the dinner, and this year’s school year is: “The Glory of God is Intelligence.” We talked about how now that she is going to school she will start to learn lots of new things – how to tie her shoes, and make art projects, etc. etc. We told her that all those things she will learn will help her become more and more like God, because Heavenly Father knows all things. She was sent to this earth to gain experience and knowledge, to become more like Him. Going to school is an important part of that process. I hope she will enjoy the years ahead of formal education. I have the feeling she will like it very much.

Back to school dinner. The banner in the middle says “The glory of God is Intelligence” – our theme for this school year.

Olivia with her back to school crown.

Calvin had a back to school crown too because he looks forward to the day when it will be his turn to go to school.

We set the table with all things “Olivia.”

Ah, little Everett, I LOVE YOU!

Thursday night Carrie and I sat up talking, when suddenly we heard Everett crying from his room. Not just crying – screaming in a panicked sort of way. We jumped up to go to him. Poor boy, when I walked in his face was covered with something white. When I picked him up I smelled it. Vomit. Baby boy had thrown up all over himself. He then proceeded to vomit on me. Several hours later he finally settled down back to sleep.

The next morning we were supposed to drive out with the Smith’s to Manti. In light of Everett’s condition we slept in, then debated the trip. But then, how could we disappoint Calvin, who had been crying for three day’s straight waiting for the day we would “go to Manti.” Besides, we reasoned, we hadn’t really been anywhere all summer. We loaded up, and headed down.

Day one was spent in the shade of the Cottonwood next to the garden, talking about nothing important, letting the kids have run of the yard (and tractor, as was the case with Calvin). We ate pizza and watched TV and Olivia and I colored. Everett seemed better. No fever, no other symptoms to give alarm to illness. He was happy and content playing with each of us.

Of course that night the regurgitation returned. We cleaned him up, and put him back to bed. He did better the rest of the night.

The next morning Rick washed the lawn mower, I washed Cal’s bike; all in reaction to Calvin, who had tried to wash both with tire shine found off the back porch. Tire shine is goopy stuff. Still, Rick was gracious, and both came clean.

Later we all packed up for an afternoon drive in the mountains, and a picnic at the lake. Poor little Cal was so tired, he just begged to be carried everywhere. The weather was perfect, the views incredible. And Wyatt and Cal did a good job of not completely melting down.

That night Mike and Bret came down. Dinner was everything Labor Day weekend should be: Burgers and fresh veggies from the garden. Rootbeer floats and movies, and bed early for me because I had been up the night before with Everett.

Sunday really was  a day of rest. A little R&R, a walk, a few pictures, and more movies. Little Ev had a rough night Sunday night though. He threw up a couple times, and generally had a hard time sleeping. He survived, and I did too, though by Monday I was really dragging from the several sleepless nights.

Monday morning we didn’t do much. We packed and cleaned – the five of us can sure make a mess fast – and then headed North and back to real life.

The weekend was lovely. Thank you to the Smiths for the accommodations, entertainment, delectable cuisine, and general graciousness of us and our vomitous/mischievous children.