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Adventures

Andrea Andrew Cabin Calvin Everett Nathaniel Olivia Wyatt

The Life and Death of Max Roberts
Andrea ➤ June 22, 2023

The Life and Death of Max Roberts

We were out staining the fence when our neighbor walked over to us. “Max Roberts just drowned.” she informed us. I drew a blank. Who was Max Roberts? What did she mean ‘drowned?’ How was...

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Returning to Zion
Things That I Think About ➤ May 19, 2023

Returning to Zion

Elaine Earl passed away. My heart skipped a beat when I learned that. Elaine . . . gracious, thoughtful, poised, composed. She was near death for as long as I knew her. Longer. When her...

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Week in Review — April 10 – 16
Adventures ➤ April 16, 2023

Week in Review — April 10 – 16

The week of ‘Rona. On Monday night I went out with the Everett, but I really kinda felt weird. On Tuesday I went garden shopping. But I just didn’t feel great. That afternoon I finally...

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Little Earthquakes
Andrea ➤ April 15, 2023

Little Earthquakes

On March 18, 2020 at 7:09 am Utah had a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. I remember laying in bed, and looking at the fan shaking in the ceiling above me. What was happening flashed into my...

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Bruuuuuuuuuuce
Andrea ➤ March 5, 2023

Bruuuuuuuuuuce

For Christmas, 2021 Wyatt gave me the “Christensen Concert Series” – a promise to take me to a few different concerts. The last concert of that gift was Bruce Springsteen – But he wasn’t coming...

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Painting
Andrea ➤ February 12, 2023

Painting

I finished two paintings in about a week of each other. This feels miraculous to me. One painting I’ve been working on since last spring when I first did a study for the idea. I...

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Jesus Christ is the Strength of Youth!
Things That I Think About ➤ December 31, 2022

Jesus Christ is the Strength of Youth!

In the October 2022 General Conference, Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf gave a message entitled “Jesus Christ is the Strength of Youth.”1 It was in that message that the church announced the new “For the Strength...

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A Fall Drive
Andrea ➤ October 16, 2022

A Fall Drive

On Sunday we (just Calvin, Roo & I, no one else wanted to come) took a drive up the canyon to see the fall leaves. Of course, Calvin wanted to take some pictures too. And...

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Happy Birthday Kellie!
Andrea ➤ October 6, 2022

Happy Birthday Kellie!

Monday was Kellie’s birthday! #45. For her big day I filled her bedroom with 45 balloons and tied little notes of things I loved and admired about her. Happy Birthday Kellie! One of my dearest...

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21 on the 21st
Andrea ➤ September 21, 2022

21 on the 21st

Happy Anniversary to us! 21 years! I can’t believe I’m old enough to be married that long, lol! For our anniversary this year we decided to keep it low key and stress free. We went...

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True Grit
History of Us ➤ July 6, 2022

True Grit

 True Grit: A Story about my 5th Great Grandmother, Tamson Parshley Egan. Tamson was born in Barnstead, New Hampshire on July 27, 1825. She married Howard Egan in December, 1838. She was just thirteen and...

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Orthos & A Concert
Andrea ➤ June 30, 2022

Orthos & A Concert

Roo boo and I went and got ice cream after his orthodontist appointment. Later that evening Wyatt and I went to concert up at the draper amphitheater (which we’d never been to before) for Little...

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Trail Ride
Andrea ➤ June 28, 2022

Trail Ride

Olivia, Leslee, Carrie, Beez and I all went on a quick evening trail ride. It wasn’t long, but it was fun! Ah, I miss the days of being young and going on long evening adventures...

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Our 20th Anniversary: The New England Road Trip
Adventures ➤ October 23, 2021

Our 20th Anniversary: The New England Road Trip

When we were young we thought “We’ll take back-east fall-leaves road trip.” But money and time never collided. Finally, for our 20 year we decided to make it happen. We flew in to Boston, saw...

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Easter Talk 2021
Things That I Think About ➤ March 28, 2021

Easter Talk 2021

This talk was excruciating to get through. I didn’t even attempt to “present” – I just read the whole thing, keeping my eyes and face down. I knew if I looked up I would burst...

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In Which I Am Called to Be A Primary President
Adventures ➤ January 21, 2019

In Which I Am Called to Be A Primary President

In November I received a call from the ward Executive Secretary. Bishop wanted to meet with us – Wyatt and I. I didn’t think much about it – I’ve been called into these types of...

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A&W 16 Years
Adventures ➤ November 11, 2017

A&W 16 Years

For our anniversary this year Wyatt went all out and took me to San Diego for the U2 Joshua Tree concert. I was super excited to go! While we were there we also did a...

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Tennis Ladies
Andrea ➤ November 11, 2017

Tennis Ladies

A bunch of ladies in my ward get together every Tuesday night for Tennis lessons. The coach from the highschool comes and teaches us how to play. Mostly we just laugh and goof off. But...

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Hiking
Andrea ➤ November 9, 2017

Hiking

Over the summer I was talking to Brynn and she told me about her goal to do 52 hikes in 52 weeks. I thought that sounded so lovely, I started the same thing. I’ve been...

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Hiking in the Fall
Andrea ➤ September 10, 2017

Hiking in the Fall

With the kids back in school I have been *trying* to pretend like I have free time, and go hiking more. Hiking is one of those things I really do enjoy. I love nature, and...

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Andrea Goes to Scout Camp
Andrea ➤ September 10, 2017

Andrea Goes to Scout Camp

This year I was asked by one of the leaders if I would mind going to Scout camp for one of the days (3 day event) to help out. I did, and man-o-man, it was...

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Unto Us A Dream
Andrea ➤ June 4, 2017

Unto Us A Dream

On the 15th of May I received a text message from my mom: Uncle Bob had a stroke the evening before. Things looked good though. They were able to get him to the hospital fairly...

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Women’s General Meeting
Andrea ➤ May 21, 2017

Women’s General Meeting

This year for the Women’s General Meeting I decided to take Olivia downtown to the conference center. We went to dinner first at Mimi’s and then went down to be with our sisters and listen...

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A Gospel Truth
Things That I Think About ➤ November 30, 2016

A Gospel Truth

A couple weeks ago, while cleaning my kitchen, I was listening to the BYU Devotional ago about agency. [It was on in the background and I never even looked up to see who was speaking,...

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Some Other Beginning’s End
History of Us ➤ October 13, 2016

Some Other Beginning’s End

We’re closing a chapter on our lives – and I’m not ignorant of the fact that it may have been the most beautiful chapter of our entire lives. Tomorrow we’ll start moving to our new...

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I Think I Think Too Much
Andrea ➤ September 7, 2016

I Think I Think Too Much

ON Minimalism We decided we’d put our house on the market as soon as we got home from Hawaii, around May 15th. In anticipation of that I packed the basement up – books, movies, wrapping...

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Captain Chris’ Swashbuckling 70th
Adventures ➤ August 26, 2016

Captain Chris’ Swashbuckling 70th

The day after school started I got up bright and early (4:30 am) to catch a flight to Denver, where Andi was throwing her dad a surprise 70th Birthday party. The funniest/best part of the...

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The First Day of School
Adventures ➤ August 24, 2016

The First Day of School

On Wednesday, August 25th, we finally had to accept reality and . . . go back to school.   Of course, I think the kids were thrilled. They were awake and fully ready by 7...

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Trust in the Lord and Remember Your Training
Things That I Think About ➤ August 14, 2016

Trust in the Lord and Remember Your Training

This is a copy of Wyatt’s High Council talk that he’s been giving on the circuit this year. I like it a lot, so I stole it when he had it open on his google...

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It Seems to Me We’re Supposed to Be Friends
Things That I Think About ➤ July 31, 2016

It Seems to Me We’re Supposed to Be Friends

Today our family was asked to speak on friendship and fellowshipping in the gospel. What a fantastic topic to discuss among you, my friends!  When I was growing up I suffered from a painfully shy...

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Momento’s – Organizing the kids school stuff
Andrea ➤ June 15, 2016

Momento’s – Organizing the kids school stuff

I’m not really a “stuff” person. I have one box of letters and postcards from my childhood . . . and that’s it. No trophies, no pictures (my parent’s weren’t picture people, maybe I’m overcompensating?),...

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Summer by the Spirit
Adventures ➤ June 3, 2016

Summer by the Spirit

Summer is here. By all accounts, that means “I’m Busy.” I usually start calendaring the summer over Christmas break, and this year was no exception. Plans were presented and made, and over the past six...

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Hawaii 2016
Adventures ➤ May 16, 2016

Hawaii 2016

*MORE PICTURES COMING SOON* I’m working on getting pics from all sources (my camera, my phone, Wyatt’s phone, Kellie’s phone, etc. etc.) READ PART 1 HERE Here is the report of the second half of...

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Sunday – The Book of Mormon
Things That I Think About ➤ May 1, 2016

Sunday – The Book of Mormon

Last winter I was awake in the early hours with a little one. As I rocked the baby in the pink-grey light, I really tried to meditate on the things that challenge me. One thing I...

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Time Lapse
Andrea ➤ May 1, 2016

Time Lapse

I always think I should put a time lapse camera on my kitchen – just to show how quickly and how many times in a 24 hour period it gets messy and clean. This isn’t...

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Sunday: I Was A Stranger
Andrea ➤ April 17, 2016

Sunday: I Was A Stranger

March was a hard month. An incredibly hard month. Wyatt was way too busy, and I was stretched way too thin. Between work and his new calling (which during March did not relieve his time...

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Happy March 28th!
Andrea ➤ March 28, 2016

Happy March 28th!

Monday, March 28th, 2016 was the fifteen year anniversary of the day Wyatt and I met. Fifteen years. Fifteen years before we met I was 6. And it looks like I’ve rubbed off on him...

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One of the times I completely and utterly failed at life
Tales for Tuesdays ➤ February 23, 2016

One of the times I completely and utterly failed at life

When I was at BYU I worked at the Mechanical shop. Lest you’re like me and think the mechanical shop means I worked on cars, let me correct you. The mechanical shop was the term...

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Friday
Adventures ➤ February 12, 2016

Friday

On Friday we went to the Provo City Center Temple open house. It was amazing and beautiful and wonderful to be there with my whole family even if the littles were struggling with being reverent...

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Alma
Adventures ➤ February 8, 2016

Alma

We finished the book of Alma last week. And to me that feels like summiting the Matterhorn while carrying five babies in packs upon my back. The air is fresh, and the views fantastic, and...

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Sunday Testimonies
Adventures ➤ December 7, 2015

Sunday Testimonies

It’s a wonderful day when the four kids (that can talk) go up and each bear their testimony of the gospel of their own accord. 

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About Adam
Andrea ➤ November 15, 2015

About Adam

Each week for 11 years, I have shopped at Maceys, and Adam is the gentleman who helps me with my groceries each week. He’s always polite and helpful. When ever he sees me at the...

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Summer Saturday
Adventures ➤ July 25, 2015

Summer Saturday

The morning after the 24th of July we couldn’t decide what to do. Go to the cabin? Go to Highland? Go swimming? Stay home? Finally we settled on going up over Gaurdsmans’ Pass and getting...

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Wyatt’s Sacrament Meeting Talk
Things That I Think About ➤ May 27, 2015

Wyatt’s Sacrament Meeting Talk

Wyatt and Scott were asked to speak after their return from Argentina. Here is a copy of Wyatt’s talk.  (It might be noted that he did not give this talk. Scott spoke for um, 30 of the 35...

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Girls Weekend 2015
Andrea ➤ May 25, 2015

Girls Weekend 2015

A couple years ago I decided we should have a “girls weekend” in St. George. Mostly I wanted a chance to go to St. George to see people I don’t otherwise have time for with...

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Andrea ➤ May 3, 2015

Blog Posts Coming

I haven’t written in a while. Time by myself without distraction is a rare commodity these days . . . Blog Posts Coming: Ridgecrest Talent Show The Henries Spring Break St. George/Girls Weekend Avery Everett’s...

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Happy Spring!
Adventures ➤ March 29, 2015

Happy Spring!

I remember learning this poem in 8th grade. I still think of it every time I see the spring blossoms, and wonder how many more springtime’s I will see. Loveliest of Trees Loveliest of trees,...

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A&W Go To Cancun
Adventures ➤ February 12, 2015

A&W Go To Cancun

For a work-trip Wyatt and I went to Cancun. We’ve never been there. It was fun. DAY 4 – THE ONLY DAY OF ANY REAL ADVENTURE After 3 days of going around with people from...

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Skiing
Adventures ➤ February 4, 2015

Skiing

This year Wyatt is determined that we become a “skiing family.” I grew up skiing . . . a few times a year. But I started snowboarding in 8th grade, which made me ski even...

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Adventures ➤ December 30, 2014

Sledding with the Cousins

Wynn and Heidi came to town the week after Christmas. One fun thing we did together was go sledding on our hill that is right by our house (the perfect sledding hill if you ask...

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Everett’s Teepee – Christmas Projects 2014
Andrea ➤ December 27, 2014

Everett’s Teepee – Christmas Projects 2014

I didn’t do too many home-made Christmas projects this year . . . but I did do a few 😉 The grandest one of all was Everett’s teepee. He was quite pleased to have a...

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Israel Photo Book – Christmas Projects 2014
Andrea ➤ December 27, 2014

Israel Photo Book – Christmas Projects 2014

The next Christmas project I did was a photo book for my dad. It took quite a bit of time, but I think the end result was definitely worth it. Now I just have to...

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Wheeler Road Christmas Projects 2014
Andrea ➤ December 27, 2014

Wheeler Road Christmas Projects 2014

This was the last Christmas project I did. It’s a painting I did for my in-laws of the house they built in Oregon and raised their kids while they were very young (Wyatt moved when...

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Snowflake Photography
Andrea ➤ December 25, 2014

Snowflake Photography

On Christmas morning, with kids entertained by new toys, I decided to go out and take some micro photography of the big snowflakes that were falling down. It was a fun experiment!

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Andrea ➤ December 19, 2014

Gingerbread Houses with the Stewarts

This year we invited the Stewarts over to make gingerbread houses – it was sooooo much fun! Brynn and I decided this will definitely become an annual thing for our families.  

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Adventures ➤ December 15, 2014

Windows at the Grand

One Christmas tradition we’ve developed is going to the “Windows at the Grand” with the Engh’s. Every year the Grand America hotel does a fun Christmas Window display around the lobby floor of the hotel....

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Andrea ➤ December 13, 2014

The Forgotten Carols

One of my birthday presents this year was tickets to the The Forgotten Carols. I’ve never been. I always thought it looked fun, but it’s hard to get out without kids to things like this....

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Adventures ➤ December 5, 2014

Seeing the Lights at Temple Square

One fun activity we did was go see the lights at Temple Square. It was so unseasonable warm, it was really a fun and pleasant activity (compared to some years past). We went with Leslee...

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Setting Up the Tree
Adventures ➤ November 30, 2014

Setting Up the Tree

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A Christmas/Birthday List for Wyatt’s Convenience
Andrea ➤ November 14, 2014

A Christmas/Birthday List for Wyatt’s Convenience

1- Oil Painting starter set.   2- Cricut Explore Set   3) CANON PIXMA iP8720 Wireless Color Printer  4) Gift card for a manicure (better yet, go with me 😉  5) Tickets to The Forgotten Carols  6) WOMEN’S JOAN OF...

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Something I learned from my children this Halloween
Adventures ➤ November 3, 2014

Something I learned from my children this Halloween

The weekend after Halloween was a sugary hangover of bliss. Candy and wrappers were everywhere, and everyone was jovial. But one thing that struck me was the generosity of my children. “Mom, have this!” they...

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Consistency Is Key
Adventures ➤ September 4, 2014

Consistency Is Key

I started working on back to school dinner a couple weeks ago – I started with our theme painting. I spent several hours over a couple days working on this painting – but it never...

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Summer, Day 28
Adventures ➤ July 2, 2014

Summer, Day 28

Wednesday, July 2nd was the fulfillment of a 9 year dream . . . To spend the day at the cabin . . . then go to the rodeo in the evening . . ....

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Summer, Day 13
Adventures ➤ June 24, 2014

Summer, Day 13

Art in the park in the morning. I was in charge of the art project. It was FREEZING COLD and rainy – no one showed. Swimming lessons were cancelled due to the cold. Emmett’s birthday...

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Adventures ➤ June 8, 2014

Summer, Day 3

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Adventures ➤ June 8, 2014

Summer, Day 2

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Summer: Day 1
Adventures ➤ June 5, 2014

Summer: Day 1

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Andrea ➤ June 5, 2014

Kellie Gets Stitches

On Wednesday (the last day of school/first day of summer) our friend Stephanie invited all the neighborhood kids to her house for a school’s out ice cream party. Olivia was sick, but I thought once...

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Andrea ➤ May 26, 2014

The Books We Read

I thought I should start a list of all the books I’ve read to the kids over the years (chapter books) – but then I realized I couldn’t remember them all. But I’m going to...

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Inch by Inch and Row by Row
Adventures ➤ May 21, 2014

Inch by Inch and Row by Row

I have been in the process of planting my garden the past week and a half. Today I planted the corn and sunflowers . . . 3 rows, 100 feet each, every four inches. And...

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Stories about the Little Lovelies
Andrea ➤ May 7, 2014

Stories about the Little Lovelies

There have been a few really great stories about the kid-a-roos these days . . . Olivia: She came home the other afternoon to see the new Ensign and Friend sitting unopened on the counter...

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Andrea ➤ May 7, 2014

Happenings

These past couple weeks have been pretty busy. I threw two showers for two girls in my ward that are both getting married this month. One shower was on the deck out back, so we...

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Easter Sunday Talk
Andrea ➤ April 24, 2014

Easter Sunday Talk

Two weeks before Easter I got a call at 11:00 at night. It was Wyatt, who was over at the church having Bishopric. He asked if I would talk on Easter. I was asleep when...

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Adventures ➤ March 29, 2014

Happy March 28th!

This year the Ridgecrest Elementary Talent Show fell on March 28th. Olivia and her friend Kira decided they wanted to sing a duet, and Calvin wanted to get in on the action too with a...

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Adventures ➤ March 23, 2014

Self Doubt & Motherhood

This past week I was surfing my facebook feed and I saw a picture of a high school buddy standing in front of the White House. The caption beneath was a post from his mother:...

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Troubled Times
Andrea ➤ February 14, 2014

Troubled Times

*This is a long Andrea rant. If you don’t want to read, I won’t be offended. But if you do, you will learn something about our family that I haven’t announced formally. The Ensign article...

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Andrea ➤ January 17, 2014

Reflections of Mercy

Tuesday was a bad day. Not only was I generally sick, but I was overwhelmed with discouragement. I was on the verge of tears. At a little after three I heard a knock on the...

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Adventures ➤ January 13, 2014

My Friend, Marsha

Marsha is my dear friend who lives three houses and across the street from me. This blog is littered with stories of fun times with her and her family. Last week she came over and...

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Andrea ➤ January 5, 2014

Whoah-Oh, The Sweetest Thing

Right now I’m typing on Beth’s laptop on the couch in my front room. Beth came over. After some Christmas pleasantries and a nice chat, she stood up and started cleaning my house. Beth has...

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Tender Mercies
Andrea ➤ December 21, 2013

Tender Mercies

Throwing up is the best ab work out. On Tuesday I told Wyatt I needed root beer. But he was on his way out to a meeting. So I text Leslee. Please bring me MUG...

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Andrea ➤ December 18, 2013

Lets Just Be Honest

Baby #5 is on it’s way. The story of coming to this point is one for the family history books – so convoluted and confusing to anyone who wasn’t there, it will have to be...

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November Recap: Without Pictures
Adventures ➤ December 5, 2013

November Recap: Without Pictures

Basically this: Olivia's baptism; San Francisco, Disneyland, Piano Recital.

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Adventures ➤ November 12, 2013

Bed Time Routine

Bedtimes ebb and flow at our house, like the tide . . . like the tiredness of little loves. In the summers . . . well, there is no routine, nothing is predictable, and we...

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Don’t Tell Me – Part II
Adventures ➤ November 6, 2013

Don’t Tell Me – Part II

After writing that post last night, I felt . . . Guilt.Embarrasment.Indignance.Self-Doubt. Because: Guilt – that I was calling someone out. You see, I tend to be passive-aggressive. Bad family habit. I try HARD to...

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So PUH-LEASE, Don’t Tell Me
Adventures ➤ November 5, 2013

So PUH-LEASE, Don’t Tell Me

One of the comments I get every once in a while from well-meaning people that just drives me UP THE WALL is the comment – “Oh, enjoy it.” As in – enjoy your time with...

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Adventures ➤ November 2, 2013

Such A Special Day!

Today my Baby Sunshine was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was such a glorious and special day, and more details (with photos!) will follow soon. But today...

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This is Halloween
Adventures ➤ October 28, 2013

This is Halloween

This month I’ve felt like a chicken running around with my head cut off – I’ve been to busy that Halloween really snuck up on me! Last week I finally made the kids nail down...

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Adventures ➤ October 27, 2013

The Cabin – The Summer Chronicles

This summer we finally realized a dream and bought a cabin. We spent a lot of time up there – almost every weekend. And on the weeks we didn’t go up on the weekend, we...

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Adventures ➤ September 19, 2013

Gimme Summer Lovin’ – The Summer Chronicles

It’s no secret that we love to play in the water all summer long. Here are a few clips from some of our escapades. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_oTjg7-6c4?rel=0&w=640&h=480]

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Adventures ➤ September 19, 2013

Pioneer Day – The Summer Chronicles

I’m trying to finish my summer posts . . . hopefully I can get the last couple written today! (Before the official last day of summer on Saturday) – The Last Day of Summer –...

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The Widow’s Mite and the Mother’s Might
Things That I Think About ➤ September 18, 2013

The Widow’s Mite and the Mother’s Might

There is the parable of the widows mite – in my mind a tale of the importance of generosity, of humility, of sacrifice. Of financial effort to build the kingdom of God. A testimony of...

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Adventures ➤ September 14, 2013

Rain, Rain . . .

It has been raining for the past week. Parts of Utah have flooded – though nothing as severe as Colorado. But we have been okay. Just our storm drain gets clogged, making for a giant...

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Adventures ➤ September 5, 2013

The Day We Caught Two Snakes – The Summer Chronicles

One fun day my cousin, Anna, came to visit. Anna’s family has spent the past year living in China, so it was so much fun to see them. Anna was one of my best friends...

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My Own Miracle of Healing
Tales for Tuesdays ➤ September 3, 2013

My Own Miracle of Healing

I went to see “Ephraim’s Rescue” at the theaters tonight with Wyatt. In the movie there is a touching scene where a young man in the Martin Handcart Company was given a blessing of healing...

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Adventures ➤ August 26, 2013

Freezer Jam – The Summer Chronicles

Mid July the strawberries and raspberries were both on sale. So I set aside a day to make some freezer jam. I invited Kellie and Heidi to come make some with me. I didn’t think...

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Summer Fun at the Hollywood Connection – The Summer Chronicles
Adventures ➤ August 26, 2013

Summer Fun at the Hollywood Connection – The Summer Chronicles

  One fun afternoon we went with our friends, Jill, Drake, Ila and Harvey to Hollywood Connection.   H.C. is one of those places with dizzying rides that spin you up, down, in, out, and...

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Be Your Best Self – Back to School Dinner, 2013
Adventures ➤ August 18, 2013

Be Your Best Self – Back to School Dinner, 2013

One of our family traditions is having a back to school dinner for the little lovelies. This is a time to celebrate the kids, acknowledge their accomplishments, and look forward to all they have ahead...

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A New Little Addition to Our Family
Adventures ➤ July 12, 2013

A New Little Addition to Our Family

Today we added a monumental piece to our “puzzle” of life . . . Today we bought a cabin. Now, you probably already know that it was a conversation about having a cabin together someday...

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4th of July And the Oakley Rodeo
Adventures ➤ July 7, 2013

4th of July And the Oakley Rodeo

As I type this it is 1:04 am, July 7th. It’s the first time I’ve been home in days . . . so I’m going to let the pictures tell the story.   On the...

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Adventures ➤ July 1, 2013

Travelogue – Israel, Days 2 & 3

After my rocky start to my trip, I spent the next day and a half rather uneventfully alone in Jerusalem. Carrie, Candace, and my dad were coming from Italy on Sunday morning. On Saturday I...

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Adventures ➤ July 1, 2013

A Miracle in Jerusalem Israel, Day 1

View from the rooftop of my hostel. I see the Dome of the Rock and the Jerusalem Center. But what is that Christian church in the foreground? I flew over to Israel by myself, with...

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Adventures ➤ July 1, 2013

{A Little More Than} Two Hours to Pack An Invite to Travel to Israel

A doorway niche in the old city of Jerusalem. So there is a little story about me that my dad thinks is funny, about when we went to the Olympics in Norway when I was...

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Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime?
Adventures ➤ June 23, 2013

Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime?

When all the world is green? To celebrate the official coronation of Summer we had a barbeque . . . burgers with pineapple habenero sauce; molasses mashed sweet potatoes, grilled fresh veggies, and Simply Lemonade...

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Adventures ➤ June 11, 2013

A Good Way To Spend It

Yesterday as we climbed into the car to go to baseball, I sang out – “There’s a 104 days of summer vacation . . .” At which point Olivia and Calvin jumped in and finished...

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Adventures ➤ June 10, 2013

Into the Fire

I have been gone for nearly three weeks (17 days to be exact). What could have taken me away from my little lovelies for so long? Well, last summer it was announced (and I determined...

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Adventures ➤ May 29, 2013

The Great Tragedy of Motherhood {An Observation of a Wedding}

Andi and I became friends in the fifth grade, at age 11. At that time Andi had the summer job of watching her baby sister, Lexi, who was closing in on 3. We weren’t the...

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The One with the Racoon
Adventures ➤ May 1, 2013

The One with the Racoon

As I type this (at almost ten thirty p.m.) there is Butt Rock blaring from my hallway ceiling. Wyatt has the clock radio wedged into the attic door, playing music at full volume in hopes...

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Scatter the Sunshine
Adventures ➤ April 10, 2013

Scatter the Sunshine

Grandma Brock passed away last night. It was both expected and sudden. She has been struggling with Alzheimers for almost ten years. Three weeks ago when I was in Arizona I received an email from...

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I Love to See the Temple
Adventures ➤ February 19, 2013

I Love to See the Temple

If I back-date it to Tuesday, then it count’s as a Tale for Tuesday, right?   When I was sixteen I spent one wild adventurous semester living with my aunt in St. George. Activities included...

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Adventures ➤ January 13, 2013

The View From Heaven

My sweet/awesome sister, Care-Bear made this video. These are her pictures and experiences with Sunny, but you could easily insert any one of us in this video. This is what our entire childhoods looked like....

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A Christmas Tale for Tuesday
Adventures ➤ December 25, 2012

A Christmas Tale for Tuesday

Since Christmas is falling on a Tuesday this year, I thought it befitting to have a “Tale for Tuesday” be a Christmas story . . . When I was in eleventh grade I wrote a...

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Adventures ➤ December 6, 2012

Night Out to Ride the Ferris Wheel

A week or so ago Wyatt came home with the news that there was a new (INDOOR!) ferris wheel in town, and he was going to take us all to go ride on it. So...

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Israel, Israel, God is Calling!
Adventures ➤ November 28, 2012

Israel, Israel, God is Calling!

This year I have been thinking . . . a lot . . . and there’s one particular subject that has spun round in my head as I’ve tried to find my own conclusion to...

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Adventures ➤ November 25, 2012

The Day After Thanksgiving (aka – Black Friday, aka – My Birthday)

The day after Thanksgiving was my birthday this year. First thing that happened when I woke up was Calvin brought me a bowl of cereal for breakfast in bed. He’s always a thoughtful one, that...

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Olivia’s First Piano Recital
Adventures ➤ November 20, 2012

Olivia’s First Piano Recital

Three weeks ago Olivia started piano. Tonight was her first recital! I am so proud of her. (And her teacher is too! He said in all his years of working with piano students, he’s never...

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And in Other News . . .
Adventures ➤ November 7, 2012

And in Other News . . .

Tuesday night was the big night – Wyatt lost his election. It was a sore disappointment. And in other news . . . Olivia came home today totally excited to share that she had learned...

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Adventures ➤ October 28, 2012

It’s Time to PAAAAR-TAY!

It’s the weekend before Halloween, so really, what do I expect?! Friday Calvin and his preschool class went on a field trip to Gardiner Village to see the witches. What fun! Friday afternoon we went...

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But It’s Not Because I Didn’t Do Anything Today
Adventures ➤ October 22, 2012

But It’s Not Because I Didn’t Do Anything Today

If you were to come over right now, to walk through my house (if I would let you past my front door) – you would see a mess – everywhere. Not a room in my...

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Adventures ➤ October 15, 2012

The Good Earth

{Do you remember that book? Wasn’t it horrible? I remember hating it . . . perhaps I should add it to my list to reread. Maybe I missed something the first time around} This weekend...

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I’m About to Loose Control and I Think I Like It
Adventures ➤ October 11, 2012

I’m About to Loose Control and I Think I Like It

{If you know the song that the title of this post comes from, the you will understand the meaning of this post} In talking about the past three days, I could – talk about how...

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Adventures ➤ October 7, 2012

This Week in 2008

Cal ganked a tomato off the Smith’s back porch, and devoured it before anyone could stop him.

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The Mother I Want To Be
Adventures ➤ October 2, 2012

The Mother I Want To Be

Motherhood is an eternal blow and lift to ones self esteem. When Wyatt and I converse, well, let’s be honest here, 95% of the time it’s about Wyatt’s business (or currently, Wyatt’s election) or other...

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Wicked
Adventures ➤ September 28, 2012

Wicked

Mom took me to go see “Wicked” in Las Vegas. It was soooooo much fun. Wyatt really wanted to see it too, so I talked her into letting him tag along 😉 We all had...

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Adventures ➤ September 23, 2012

Squeeze My Eyes Shut

Life goes too fast. I’m feeling very rushed. More on this later.

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The Utah Alps
Adventures ➤ September 22, 2012

The Utah Alps

With the turning of the colors, we’ve been spending a lot of time in our mountains. My mom was in town visiting Leslee and baby Oaklee on her 60th birthday. On the morning of her...

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Adventures ➤ September 22, 2012

This Week in 2006

We celebrated our 5 year anniversary.

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Adventures ➤ September 17, 2012

Everett Loves to Play The Fishy Game

It is his very favorite.

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This Week in 2007
Adventures ➤ September 16, 2012

This Week in 2007

We blessed baby Calvin. Not the greatest picture of any of us, but it’s the only one we have.

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Going to church with small children is like going to church with exotic and wild birds
Adventures ➤ September 1, 2012

Going to church with small children is like going to church with exotic and wild birds

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Adventures ➤ August 29, 2012

Your Name is Mud

This morning I noticed I missed a couple calls from my dad. I didn’t worry about it – I was in the middle of helping Leslee with a baby project. But later, when I had...

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Conversations
Adventures ➤ August 28, 2012

Conversations

Samples of conversations I had today: Calvin: Mom, you should get me some video games. Me: Why? Calvin: Because big kids like video games and I’m trying to act like a big kid. Everett: How...

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Adventures ➤ August 25, 2012

Busy

Besides the usual, this week I: made a bike rack made 2 quiet books took the kids to the pool twice took Leslee down to the Re-Store made a bajillion hair bows, clips and ponies....

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Mademoiselle Pugh
Adventures ➤ August 18, 2012

Mademoiselle Pugh

Yesterday I went up to Leslee’s house to help her with some baby projects (painting furniture). Then last night I went shopping for a gift for her. Today I threw her a shower. I noticed...

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Adventures ➤ August 18, 2012

Happy Birthday Roo

Roo’s Birthday was fast. Luckily we celebrated on two days. Maybe we’ll celebrate again on Sunday. When we got up, we all went into his room and sang Happy Birthday to him. He really seemed...

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Adventures ➤ August 18, 2012

But We Did Make It To The Dinosaur Museum

Tuesday was going to be busy. It was the last activity for “Art in the Park” – a water party with a pot luck lunch afterwards. Then there was Max’s birthday party. And it was...

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Tales for Tuesdays ➤ August 14, 2012

It was Bad Luck

One weekend, the summer after our freshman year of college, I was invited to go camping with Andi and her family. I grew up going camping with the Kierst’s. Chris, a geologist for the state...

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Adventures ➤ August 13, 2012

Brock Family Cabin Trip, 2012

Update: After posting this, Carrie emailed me a bunch of her pictures. Hurray for super-aunts who take pictures of things! Our last big summer activity was the cabin trip with the Brock Family.   It...

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Knockin’ Out the Best Two Years
Adventures ➤ July 30, 2012

Knockin’ Out the Best Two Years

I took a whirl-wind trip to St. George for my brother, Thomas’s missionary farewell. I left Saturday afternoon and came home Sunday afternoon. In those 24 hours: -Baby shower for Leslee-Dinner with the fam at...

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Today she told me
Adventures ➤ July 25, 2012

Today she told me

wisdom is knowing what you need to do nextand doing it with joy.

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Adventures ➤ July 7, 2012

Since We Didn’t Do Anything Else in June

June was pretty much a lazy month . . . So we decided we better get some projects done. We took the first two weeks of the month to get a long list of outstanding...

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Adventures ➤ July 1, 2012

Welcome Back, July!

  Remember last year, when July was over? And now it’s back! Welcome back July, we’re so excited to have you! Here is a little tour of our yard on July 1st:

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Adventures ➤ June 26, 2012

Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!

When I was fourteen the Yellow House burned down. Let me tell you more . . . So there I was, minding my own business (as usual), on the phone with Andi, curled up in...

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Adventures ➤ June 19, 2012

First Kiss

When I was five my grandpa Brock died. And since my parents were hauling us all to southern Callifornia for a funeral anyway, I guess they decided to make a big deal out of it....

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Adventures ➤ June 18, 2012

Just So You Know

I’m really bummed that we’re into the second half of June. We only have two more months left of summer. {Now that Olivia is in school, summer ends when the school year starts.} Curses!

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Arts in the Park
Andrea ➤ June 14, 2012

Arts in the Park

  This year Becca Roper in the tenth ward, and I decided to put together an “Arts in the Park” program for the kids. We’ve invited 3 wards – mine, Becca’s and the 18th ward...

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Adventures ➤ May 25, 2012

First Fishing

We went fishing the other night – our first trip of the year. We just went to a local pond. We had no luck. But the kids admired the fish of others, and had fun...

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Adventures ➤ May 15, 2012

Oklahoma!

The spring of fifth grade we decided to ride our bikes to Oklahoma. I don’t remember how this decision came about, but it was as real, and we were as determined, as could be! Andi...

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Adventures ➤ May 8, 2012

We were cuddling

And he put his blankie over my legs, then turned and grabbed my hands, putting my two fingers into my own mouth, before turning back and and resting in satisfaction against my shoulder. He just...

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It’s True.
Adventures ➤ April 13, 2012

It’s True.

Wyatt turned to me the other night and said “You know, I understood you so much better after I watched ‘Winnie the Pooh’.”

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Adventures ➤ April 6, 2012

One of Those Days

  Today was one of those days – one of those wild-monkey-poo days. As I type this mass hysteria is broadcasting in hi-def stereo quality from the basement, the ear piercing result of children being...

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Adventures ➤ April 5, 2012

A Healthy Serving of Humble Pie

Yesterday I was cleaning the basement. Let’s be honest, it was a mess. After half a week of spring break, with no school, no cleaning, and sibling slumber parties, it was like a hurricane had...

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Adventures ➤ March 28, 2012

Happy March 28th

Can you feel the betterness already?

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Garden Green
Adventures ➤ March 13, 2012

Garden Green

Of course after a long and brown winter, I’m always excited to get out and put some color in my yard. Every year my attempts find varying degrees of failure! LOL. Oh well, it’s March,...

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Planting Guide
Adventures ➤ March 11, 2012

Planting Guide

I made myself a planting guide – because I was kinda bored today. At the last minute I added a “brought to you by” at the bottom. I think I will try “pinning” it and...

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Adventures ➤ March 4, 2012

Uncle Terry

This special edition of “Tales for Tuesday” is printed on Sunday, especially for Uncle Terry. Where do you even start when you’re talking about Uncle Terry? In my family he was known as “Terry 1”...

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Painting the Roses Red, Or, dying the towels pink
Adventures ➤ February 28, 2012

Painting the Roses Red, Or, dying the towels pink

When I was nineteen I spent a semester living in Moscow. And one time we went on a grand trip through northern Russia, across the border to Helsinki, Finland where this story begins, and then...

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Adventures ➤ February 27, 2012

The Little Things

At Christmas Everett still wasn’t talking much. He had maybe a handful of words, but they were small, and used irregularly. By the end of January he was a little chatter box with a vocabulary...

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So Many Adventures Could Happen Today
Adventures ➤ February 26, 2012

So Many Adventures Could Happen Today

We went to the valentines dance. And Olivia was officially uninterested in hanging out with her mamma and pappa, but was more interested in running around with her little friends. *Sigh* But lucky for us...

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And so I made a Skirt
Adventures ➤ February 25, 2012

And so I made a Skirt

This summer will be “The Summer of No Pants” – where my days will be spent in comfortable, soft, sweet skirts. I was so excited I made my first one! I made a pattern out...

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Will You Be My Valentine?
Adventures ➤ February 15, 2012

Will You Be My Valentine?

“You forgot the question mark” was the first thing he said when he saw it. “No I didn’t. It’s more of a statement than a question.” On Monday they spent the afternoon preparing our valentines...

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Adventures ➤ February 14, 2012

Our Very First Valentines Day

tonight i am typing on my laptop – something i try to avoid ever since calvin got a hold of it last spring and busted some keys – including the all important ‘shift’ – there...

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Adventures ➤ February 13, 2012

How to Write a Crazy Love Letter

Because seriously, when was the last time you wrote one? Seriously, do tell. Solve the mystery, learn more.

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Adventures ➤ January 29, 2012

A Sealing Testimony

President Petersen is going to die. When the summer comes again, and I am eating ice cream and laughing with friends beneath the glittering canopy of kerr lanterns, his wife will be a widow, bearing...

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Adventures ➤ January 24, 2012

Wednesday was Andi’s Birthday

So I was going to write a “Tales for Tuesday” for her, and publish it on Wednesday. But Wednesday I forgot, I was participating in an online protest. So today she shall have her story....

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Adventures ➤ January 22, 2012

But January Made Me Shiver

Check out that bedhead, and that “I just woke up, get that camera out of my face” scowl. Ah, Everett, will I ever grow accustomed to you adorable-ness? Roo got to eat his first foods...

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Adventures ➤ January 14, 2012

A Letter For January

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Estonian Honey
Adventures ➤ January 10, 2012

Estonian Honey

  When I was nineteen I spent a semester living in Moscow, teaching English as a second language to ten year olds. But that’s another story. While there we went on a trip where we...

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And we partied . . .
Adventures ➤ January 9, 2012

And we partied . . .

For New Years we had the Smiths, Fergs, Fletchers, Enghs, & Soris over to party! Kellie brought “Just Dance 2” for the Wii, and it was a real riot as even the guys took off...

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Adventures ➤ January 2, 2012

Sick but Remember

I wrote this on my sidebar – under “About” It’s hard to make chicken noodle soup for yourself when you’re sick. There should be a “dial some soup” hot line for mammas when they’re sick...

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Adventures ➤ January 2, 2012

Personal Progress

Last year I took a hiatus from personal growth. Bringing a baby into the world was all the physical, emotional, and spiritual effort I could muster. I had nothing in me to do anything else....

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Adventures ➤ December 27, 2011

Someone Loves Us – Is it You?

So, about ten days before Christmas or so, we received a knock & run at the door. Outside was a treat and a basket with a stable (see picture) and two notes. One told us...

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Adventures ➤ December 20, 2011

Two Travel Tales

Today I will feature two Tales for Tuesday – because they’re both short. One: The Time I was Smooshed By a Large Lady while Crash Landing in a Hot Air Balloon When I was in...

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My Picture Perfect Reality
Adventures ➤ December 16, 2011

My Picture Perfect Reality

This is something I have been thinking about since mid October, when I saw Soleil Moon Frye (remember Punky Brewster?) pedaling her new book on some TV show – she was talking about motherhood, and...

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The Roof
Adventures ➤ December 13, 2011

The Roof

The house in which I grew up, which was (and is) referred to as simply, “The Yellow House,” had a very steep roof. This was a simple fact of my childhood, confirmed into impressive reality...

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Adventures ➤ December 6, 2011

Flaming Soccer

  Today is Emily Elmer’s Birthday (who is no longer Emily Elmer, but Emily Bowers instead). And so I thought it would be good to write a story about living on the Indian Reservation. While...

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Adventures ➤ November 29, 2011

The story of how we were attacked by two dobermans while innocently trespassing one day . . .

  This story is dedicated to Carrie, because she wanted me to write this one. When I was probably about thirteen or so, we decided to have a grand adventure. Don’t ask me exactly who...

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Adventures ➤ November 28, 2011

When I’m a Little old Lady

Dear Olivia, Calvin, Everett & Roo, When I’m a little old lady Then I’ll live with my chidlren and bring them great joy To repay all I’ve had from each girl and boy I shall...

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Adventures ➤ November 22, 2011

Singing in the Dark AKA The Time They Called Search & Rescue

When I was about fourteen my cousin, Anna and I decided to go on an evening ride. Our plan was to head up Corner Canyon. When I was growing up, the entire South Mountain was...

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Adventures ➤ November 22, 2011

Guilt Trip

Yesterday I decided a little deep cleaning before the holidays would be a good idea. I set about on my kitchen – cleaning out all the cabinets, wiping the insides and outsides down, and rearranging...

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Adventures ➤ November 17, 2011

Imagination Vacation

I’ve been waiting for Andi to make the announcement first; tonight she finally did. I’m taking that as my license to make my own announcement: Andi’s first book has been published and is available on...

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Adventures ➤ November 15, 2011

The Story of how I was almost hit by a Semi Truck while climbing a tree one fine afternoon

The summer before Junior High was a weird one. Perhaps that’s a bit vague. But  I can’t think of any other way to describe it. I was about to start at a new school —...

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Calendar, 2012
Adventures ➤ November 14, 2011

Calendar, 2012

I’ve never used a calendar until this year – something about my spontaneous carpe diem lifestyle never seemed to fit inside that box. And then I had kids – who went to school. My calendar...

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It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Adventures ➤ November 13, 2011

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I saw this cartoon recently: I get it. I do. It seems the Christmas merchandise come out earlier and earlier every year. This year I saw holiday stuff in the stores in September. It does...

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Use Your Imagination
Andrea ➤ November 11, 2011

Use Your Imagination

A fun little illustration while Wyatt and I watched tv the other night. (He watched, I doodled).

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Adventures ➤ November 9, 2011

Bill Cosby, I can relate . . .

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyMSc97UksM&w=560&h=315] I remember watching that comedy sketch by Bill Cosby as a kid. We had it on VHS – “Bill Cosby, Himself.” I remember watching it with my brothers, and just laughing and laughing....

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Adventures ➤ November 8, 2011

Swirling

The sun slanted at the late autumn angle. The horses picked their way over the canal and out into the field, the hay cut low from the farmer’s plow, the fallow littered on the frosty...

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Tales for Tuesdays ➤ November 6, 2011

Tell Me A Story

At night, when I go to tuck Olivia in, jammies on, teeth brushed, Daisy curled up beside her, her room awash in the pink of her Ikea daisy night light, Olivia always asks: “Tell me...

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Adventures ➤ November 5, 2011

There is a Tree

That lives behind my house – just on the other side of the fence. I love her. Ironically, in my mind I call her “the Spider tree.” I don’t exactly know why. But she’s gorgeous....

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More Passionately than the Stars Above
Adventures ➤ November 1, 2011

More Passionately than the Stars Above

When Wyatt and I were dating, I asked him to write me a love note – because, well, I’m a girl. And he’s a boy. I think he thought I was encroaching on his manhood....

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Don’t Ever Laugh
Adventures ➤ October 31, 2011

Don’t Ever Laugh

as a herse goes by . . . Because, well, you know.  

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Adventures ➤ October 6, 2011

Photo Dump

Two days ago it was 85 degrees. Today it is snowing. One thing about my life the past year or so, is that I have no time for photography. Even if I happen to get...

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In the Most Delightful Way
Adventures ➤ September 24, 2011

In the Most Delightful Way

Mary Poppins came to town. And we went to see it. It was magic. Calvin clapped with great enthusiasm. And Olivia grinned from ear to ear. What a fun Friday night!

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Ocean in the Red Rocks
Adventures ➤ September 22, 2011

Ocean in the Red Rocks

When I lived on the Indian Reservation I made a lemon galleon out of paper mache. And then I made fish to swim along side. Paper mache fish with giant kissy lips and beauty marks...

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Believing God
Adventures ➤ September 19, 2011

Believing God

Remember that part in The Hiding Place where the sister, the one who isn’t in the book very much, well, the Nazi’s show up at her house, and ask her point blank if her housekeeper...

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Adventures ➤ September 15, 2011

When I was a Junior

in highschool, I had silver shoes. Not grey, mind you, not pewter. Sparkly shiney patent leather silver Mary Jane shoes. Platforms, of course. I wore my silver shoes with my tie-dyed tights. Bright color splashed...

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One Month Ago
Adventures ➤ September 15, 2011

One Month Ago

Today . . . sigh.

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Adventures ➤ September 14, 2011

One Last Hurrah!

As one final hurrah to summer we went to a cabin with my family. We: fished on the lake in canoes did art projects watched old Disney movies went shooting went 4-wheeling sat in the...

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Adventures ➤ September 6, 2011

Labor Day Weekend 2011

Labor Day weekend was everything it was supposed to be – a holiday of relaxing. Wyatt worked on the roof a little. Then we were going to go to the mountains for a hike. But...

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Andrea ➤ September 4, 2011

Reality Check

At sacrament today Olivia: I bet that man is older than grand-crad. Me: You think so? Grand-crad is pretty old. Olivia: Like how old is he? A hundred? Me: No, but great-grandma Christensen is a...

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Adventures ➤ August 30, 2011

Goodbye August

As a final hurrah we went to the Dinosaur Museum one last time. It was, as always, tons of fun. Afterward we got ice cream played in a kid water feature that I never knew...

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Adventures ➤ August 28, 2011

Seek Learning

This year Olivia will start kindergarten. I’ve already spent my tears on this reality. Not only that, but my buddy, SuperCal will start pre-school. I will miss him so much. So it has been a...

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Andrea ➤ August 23, 2011

Kindergarten Testing

In preparation for school to start, I told Olivia she would be doing her kindergarten testing. I meant for it to be exciting – something to look forward to. I’m not sure it had that...

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Maternity Pictures
Adventures ➤ August 13, 2011

Maternity Pictures

A couple weeks ago Wyatt asked me if I was going to do any maternity pictures. I love maternity pictures of other people. But me . . . not so much my style. So I...

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Adventures ➤ August 12, 2011

Be Patient

Last night Leslee came over and painted my toes. I’ve always made her give me a pedicure before each baby. I think this time she was sick of it because she bought me a gift...

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Adventures ➤ August 11, 2011

Today the Dr. said . . .

That not only did I not show any indication of going into labor, but I actually showed signs that my body was no where near ready to go into labor. I’ve been on the verge...

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Adventures ➤ August 9, 2011

Houston, We Have Sunflowers!

Projects continue in flurry around here. Yesterday Wyatt painted and trimmed the shed. Tonight he put the shingles on it. He also put the washer/dryer up on their pedestals (that have been sitting in the...

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Sucumbing to Insanity
Andrea ➤ August 8, 2011

Sucumbing to Insanity

Last Friday I started cleaning the bathrooms. A typical job for a Friday. Even though I have the bathrooms down to a routine, for some reason last Friday it took . . . forever. As...

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Adventures ➤ August 1, 2011

It’s Time

Now that July is over (sigh of both sadness and relief at the same time), I suppose it’s time to start getting ready for Boy. Remember last December I wrote myself a letter about not...

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Adventures ➤ July 23, 2011

2007 Slideshow

I have SO much blogging to catch up on – 4th of July, Christensen camp out, the deck, summer days, etc.; I just can’t seem to get around to it all. But like I said...

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Adventures ➤ July 22, 2011

Home Movies

I’ve been looking for a new video camera the past few days. We bought our old camera five years ago, with nary any research. It was for Wyatt, I think we got it for his...

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Tonight The Light Is Golden
Adventures ➤ July 17, 2011

Tonight The Light Is Golden

And Olivia is sleeping in her new room. Calvin and Everett are bunking in “the boys room” and the crib is empty . . . at least for now.

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Repainting the Living Room {From the Lost Posts}
Adventures ➤ July 12, 2011

Repainting the Living Room {From the Lost Posts}

Two weeks before eJo was due, I decided it was time to repaint the living room. I had originally wanted it “Silver Sage” from Restoration Hardware. In my attempt to save $$ I took a...

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Adventures ➤ July 10, 2011

The Day Everett Was Due {From the Lost Posts}

I went {a little} crazy at the end of my pregnancy with Everett. I was so excited but had some severe nesting issues (my next post will be about how I decided to repaint the...

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The Story of Everett {Part Two}{From the Lost Posts}
Adventures ➤ July 7, 2011

The Story of Everett {Part Two}{From the Lost Posts}

  When the nurse finally said I could start pushing, I asked Wyatt to hand me my camera. I had already been instructing him on some pictures I wanted – you know, where to stand,...

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Adventures ➤ June 29, 2011

The Story Of Everett {Part One}{From the Lost Posts}

Everett was due October 1st, 2009. I was greatly anticipating his arrival, and was – perhaps – the most antsy I’ve ever been with the anticipation of a birth. Olivia had come right on her...

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Adventures ➤ June 27, 2011

Today is the . . .

Calvin started swimming lessons today. Olivia would have too, but you know, impetigo. Anyhow, he did great – blowing bubbles, floating on his back, smiling for his mamma when she wanted a picture. Mmm ....

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Yes, it is.
Adventures ➤ June 24, 2011

Yes, it is.

On Monday; when the sun is hotI wonder to myself a lot:“Now is it true, or is it not,“That what is which and which is what?” On Tuesday, when it hails and snows,The feeling on...

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Adventures ➤ June 22, 2011

Back to Being Busy

  -Deck -Murray House -Business -Baby -3 Children -Summer

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Adventures ➤ June 17, 2011

Today . . .

two gentleman came to my house and dug/set/poured all the footings for my deck and cat-walk. Ain’t life grand?!!

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Adventures ➤ June 12, 2011

Rejection and Return

This is boy, Everett. He is: well, he’s a lot of things. He can kill you with his withering scowls. He can warm you with his mischievious grin. He has the most frustrating sense of...

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Adventures ➤ June 8, 2011

Art Projects

Today I woke up feeling summery. That feeling of: energy, freedom, relaxation, don’t-particularly-care-that-the-bathroom-is-a-mess-ish. And the sky outside had clouds that make for lovely paintings. And I wanted to paint. And then I thought of making...

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The Places You’ll Go
Adventures ➤ June 1, 2011

The Places You’ll Go

Dear Olivia, Today you graduated. GRADUATED!! From Preschool. I have heard the snide, the non-parents, and the unimaginative say that pre-school graduation is overkill. To them I say bleh! Preschool graduation is a celebration! A...

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Adventures ➤ May 26, 2011

Blue Eyed Girl Meets a Brown Eyed Boy

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Adventures ➤ May 20, 2011

Weekend In Saint George

Over mothers day weekend we decided to head south. The weatherman promised they’d break 90, and I was (am) so sick of the rain and snow, I wanted to get out. Wyatt decided he wanted...

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A Story I Forgot
Andrea ➤ May 9, 2011

A Story I Forgot

The other night Wyatt and I were talking about what the craziest things we’d ever done were (consolations to long boring days of work and cleaning and cooking): There were the generic answers. You know,...

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Adventures ➤ April 28, 2011

We Went to the Carl Bloch Exhibit

*This was my favorite painting, “Gethsemane” altar piece. The description of the piece talked about Luke 22: 41-44; “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” It then told that most depictions...

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Adventures ➤ April 26, 2011

Camping in the Living Room

If you have a hankerin’ for S’mores And bedtime stories by the fire And the company of a trusty ol’ pal And a brother If you want to sleep in a bag right on the...

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Adventures ➤ April 20, 2011

Try New Thai

Last night we went to a new Thai restaurant. And we giggled as we sat at our table and remembered the time . . . We were in Phuket, and we rented a little 90cc...

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Introducing Daisy (aka Bahr Killer) (aka Fish the Dawg)
Adventures ➤ April 18, 2011

Introducing Daisy (aka Bahr Killer) (aka Fish the Dawg)

You may or may not have noticed a few weeks ago that I mentioned we have had two and a half dogs in our marriage. It’s time to introduce the “half” dog. This is Daisy....

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Adventures ➤ April 11, 2011

Today Features

three sick kids, watching cartoons in my bed. And mountains and mountains of laundry.

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Andrea ➤ April 8, 2011

Shadow Castle

Last night I finished reading “Shadow Castle” to Olivia and Calvin. It’s a book I loved as a kid. I found it on the dusty shelves at the back of my fifth grade classroom, and...

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So, I Guess I Was Wrong
Adventures ➤ April 7, 2011

So, I Guess I Was Wrong

Today was the ultra-sound. Without further ado – we’re having a boy. Now, let me say that in my excited voice: “WE’RE HAVING A BOY!!!!!!!” But let me tell you how it went. We talked...

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Website Updates
Adventures ➤ April 6, 2011

Website Updates

A few people have told me that they have been unable to comment on my blog lately. My website has been having problems for a while now. So this past week I’ve updated the code....

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Adventures ➤ April 1, 2011

All She Wants is Art with a Cherry on Top

Part of being sick is time to waste on the internet. When I couldn’t hardly get off the couch, I read . . . a lot. Facebook – BBC World News – Yahoo – and my...

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Adventures ➤ March 31, 2011

Olivia’s Big Day

Today was kindergarten orientation. KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION!?!?! Olivia had some nerves . . . “will there be toys?” she asked. “Will there be a place to play?” “Will the teacher be nice?” I tried to encourage...

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Adventures ➤ March 28, 2011

The Way It Happened

So there I was, minding my own business . . . Literally. I was in my apartment at BYU, doing homework in my living room. I heard the voices of a couple guys and girl...

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Adventures ➤ March 26, 2011

New Rooms

With me feeling better more and more each day, my thoughts have turned to the impending living arrangements. I have ideas. But I’m not going to be OCD about this! (Remember, self, remember!). The best...

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Laugh Out Loud
Adventures ➤ March 23, 2011

Laugh Out Loud

My sister sent this to me today.

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My Sister, Leslee, on her 26th Birthday
Adventures ➤ March 20, 2011

My Sister, Leslee, on her 26th Birthday

This is my sister Leslee. She’s a lot like me, but in a lot of ways we are totally different. Likes: We both listen to Country Music. We both love our sisters to the end...

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Adventures ➤ March 15, 2011

One Time

it was the anniversary of year two. We didn’t have any plans, and hardly any money. But we dreamed of having a cabin one day. So on a Thursday at work, I googled cabins for...

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It Feels Like Cheating
Adventures ➤ March 13, 2011

It Feels Like Cheating

We climbed into the car. Bruce was killing it on the radio. The leather was so hot it stuck to my skin, and the air conditioner blew at full blast. “It feels like we’re cheating.”...

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Adventures ➤ March 10, 2011

Road Trip Randomness

On Monday the day was drizzly. But by five o’clock giant snowflakes fell in fury. When I woke up Tuesday morning, a good six inches of snow had bent the tree in the front flower...

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Adventures ➤ March 10, 2011

This post brought to you by Taiwan

When I lived on the Indian Reservation, Amanda Sue and I went one day with a neighbor down to her little road side stand to sell Navajo jewelry and trinkets to touristy passers-by. My life...

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Adventures ➤ March 5, 2011

Week End

Today we had a fun surprise in the mail: a get well card and puzzle for Olivia from her cousin Dessie, illustrated by her artist-extrodinaire-mother, Melinda. I think I will frame the card and use...

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Adventures ➤ March 4, 2011

J.Kirk Richards

Warning: Only watch this video if you are you ready to cry and have it crowd your thoughts for the rest of the day – no, for the rest of your week. *Sigh* Isn’t it...

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Adventures ➤ March 3, 2011

Is there anything more lovely

than grey soft mornings where the rain only comes down incidently . . . and every moment promises the cusp of spring – the tulips are making preparations for their grand entrance, green and thick...

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Everything's Coming Up Roses
Andrea ➤ March 1, 2011

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Sunday I was surprised by my sweet sister-in-law, Jena, who came to my house with bags of groceries and a giant frozen lasagna. She brought yummy food for Super Cal and dinner for my family...

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Adventures ➤ March 1, 2011

Everything’s Coming Up Roses

Sunday I was surprised by my sweet sister-in-law, Jena, who came to my house with bags of groceries and a giant frozen lasagna. She brought yummy food for Super Cal and dinner for my family...

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Adventures ➤ February 26, 2011

Chicken Soup For the Soul

Today is Saturday, but the kids are in bed, and with any luck I will be too in a matter of minutes . . . So I’m going to pretend it’s Sunday. And if it’s...

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One Time
Adventures ➤ February 15, 2011

One Time

When I was about thirteen or fourteen, I decided to go on an evening ride with my cousin, Anna. My mom dropped us off at the horses at about four – plenty of time for...

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Welcome to the Second Tri
Adventures ➤ February 13, 2011

Welcome to the Second Tri

Last night I was laying in bed – the house was silent (Wyatt and kids were gone) and I was trying to go to sleep (at 9:00 pm). Suddenly I felt her! She did two...

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Adventures ➤ February 10, 2011

The Rollers

In the basement of my grandpa’s house, there is an old, (old) player piano. It’s nothing fancy – no electric features, it requires brute strength to pump the old pedals through the song. A cabinet...

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Adventures ➤ February 7, 2011

Hint

“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” –Isak Dinesen

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I CAN DO IT!
Adventures ➤ February 2, 2011

I CAN DO IT!

Monday I went in to see the Doctor. They were worried because I’ve been on Zofran (read CANCER drug) for my nausea, and have still been throwing up many times a day. (I’ve been trying...

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Adventures ➤ January 31, 2011

Comforts of the Past

I’m having a hard day. Are you surprised? It’s actually a bad day after a series of bad days. But I’m off to the doctor in a half hour. Hopefully that will make me happy....

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Adventures ➤ January 27, 2011

Thoughts on Thursday

This morning I was talking to myself in my head (because I’m the only one who listens) about random things – Like sledding off the roof when I was growing up. And searching for secret...

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Adventures ➤ January 19, 2011

Protecting Myself From Failure

Over the Christmas break, my super-hero-brother-in-law restored to me some of my long lost blog posts from (one of my) blog crash a year ago. One of the first posts I recovered was about my...

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Adventures ➤ January 18, 2011

Thoughts on a Good Day

This morning we were being lazy, still in our jammies and dirty bums in the basement watching cartoons, when I heard foot steps upstairs. I came up to find Jena. She had brought towels and...

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How Do You Know He Loves You?
Andrea ➤ January 18, 2011

How Do You Know He Loves You?

Remember in Enchanted when Amy Adams ran through the park with Patrick Dempsy, singing about the things a guy will do just so you know he loves you? I LOVE that scene. And how do...

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Adventures ➤ January 13, 2011

It might as well be said

because to not say it means that I have to avoid you for the next four and a half months. And while I might do that anyway, it will be because I’m in the back...

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Adventures ➤ January 12, 2011

Things I Look Forward To

I am in the depths of despair. It’s January, it’s bound to happen. I have also been married to Wyatt Christensen for going on ten years. And so I make lists – I’ve learned from...

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Adventures ➤ December 21, 2010

A Letter To Myself {Because Sometimes I Need It}

Because it is nice to receive correspondence . . . a real handwritten, hand illustrated, home-made envelope correspondence . . . But wait, this is not one of those. {SIGH} Andi, if you’re reading this,...

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My Christmas Musical Countdown
Adventures ➤ December 19, 2010

My Christmas Musical Countdown

Because I love Christmas music . . . this is a countdown of some of my favorties.

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The Visit
Adventures ➤ December 12, 2010

The Visit

I’m visiting Andi as I type this. Her house is an eclectic collection of art and memories. There’s the ceramic rhino bust she made, extruding from the top of the fireplace, an art project from...

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Andrea ➤ December 2, 2010

Get To Know Me

This is from my sister on Facebook. I’ve never done one of these questionaires, but I thought, “hey, why not.” But I thought I’d put it here rather than FB. 1. What time did you...

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Sojourn to the disneyLAND
Adventures ➤ December 1, 2010

Sojourn to the disneyLAND

TRAVELOGUE – very boring, unless you’re me and want to remember these details forever. AND EVER. Sometime back in February I think, I made a vague mention that maybe we would go to Disneyland ....

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Happy Birthday To Me
Adventures ➤ November 30, 2010

Happy Birthday To Me

  It was my birthday – and while the official party line is that having a birthday over Thanksgiving weekend sucks, this one was pretty sweet. Wyatt threw me a surprise party. Some of my...

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Andrea ➤ November 22, 2010

Power Out

In the autumn of 2000 I was living hundreds of miles away from . . . well, pretty much EVERYTHING, in a double wide with five other college girls, on the property of the local...

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Happiness
Andrea ➤ November 13, 2010

Happiness

Look closely at this pile of laundry. Happiness is a baby boy who sucks on his fingers. Happiness is stopping by the store to find Christmas gifts on a great sale! Happiness is having Carrie...

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The Proclaimation on the Family Proc Week 2010
Andrea ➤ November 1, 2010

The Proclaimation on the Family Proc Week 2010

Two years ago I did “Proc Week” – the first week of November, where I discuss The Proclamation on the Family, and what it means to me. Last year I did Proc Week again. But...

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Year 9
Adventures ➤ September 24, 2010

Year 9

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?”...

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Adventures ➤ September 24, 2010

Dear Wyatt

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...

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Back to School Dinner
Adventures ➤ September 13, 2010

Back to School Dinner

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...

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Adventures ➤ September 7, 2010

Labor Day Weekend 2010

Thursday night was spent pacing the floors with little Ejo, who was regurgitating regularly. There was no fever, nor any other symptom of blech, but the vomit was convincing. Friday morning came bright and early....

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Labor Day Weekend
Adventures ➤ September 7, 2010

Labor Day Weekend

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....

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This Post Brought To You By . . .
Adventures ➤ August 21, 2010

This Post Brought To You By . . .

So . . . take a picture every day, for thirty days! Ha! What was I thinking. I mean, really, do I need more to do in my day? The first day I missed I...

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Adventures ➤ July 13, 2010

Motherhood Upon Me

The other night I was putting my babies to bed. It had been a long day. A good day, a normal day. But I was so ready to be done. Jammies were on, teeth were...

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Everett’s First Rodeo
Adventures ➤ July 5, 2010

Everett’s First Rodeo

It was the day! First, four wheeling up at Beaver Springs. Then, dinner at the diner. Then, drumroll please . . . Everett’s first Rodeo! It was a lovely evening. *Sigh.* Leslee & Jason, Jared,...

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Grandpa Turns 91
Adventures ➤ July 2, 2010

Grandpa Turns 91

Among all the other events of fourth of July weekend, I did want to mention that we went to a Herzog family barbeque at the cabin in celebration of Grandpa’s birthday. (Hurray Grandpa). He’s 91....

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Adventures ➤ June 30, 2010

Wednesday

This was me: 6:22 am . . . really? REALLY? REALLY? Walk in from working out. Come around the corner to catch Cal doing this. Kissy kissy bye bye hubby. Baby Sunshine comes down, wild...

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Adventures ➤ June 28, 2010

Hike to the Waterfall

We went on an evening hike with our friends, the Fletchers & Sparks. I’ve never heard of this waterfall before, but it was a mo’ easy hike: short not steep short Awesome Afterwards: Snow Cones...

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Dear Manti
Adventures ➤ June 17, 2010

Dear Manti

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Andrea ➤ May 15, 2010

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Oh daddy dear you know you’re still number one . . . But every once in a while mamma gets a turn. Wyatt took Calvin camping for a stake father-and-sons activity. All week long Calvin...

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Adventures ➤ May 1, 2010

Morning 5K

We had a ward activity, a 5K fun run. Of course, I wasn’t going to run (I’m at that stage of life where running actually feels awkward – a sure sign that I’m old and...

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Someone I Really Admire
My Favorite Things ➤ April 30, 2010

Someone I Really Admire

This is my sister-in-law, Heidi. I have other pictures that are embarrassing. But we’ll save those for when I really need to call in a favor. (Wink). (Only one wink because I’m serious.) Heidi is:...

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Adventures ➤ April 21, 2010

Hurray For Good Weather!

Photo courtesy of Rick Smith Aaah! The weather FINALLY warmed up the past few days. I have been SO loving it. Yesterday it got into the low 70’s. I made the kids play outside ALL...

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Adventures ➤ March 15, 2010

Fish the Dawg

Olivia wanted a pet. She’s wanted a pet for months and months now. At first it was deep sighs and desperate pleadings for a kitty {and why not? Lyssy and ‘Azanah have at least seventeen!)...

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Stories of Wedlock
Andrea ➤ March 13, 2010

Stories of Wedlock

Saturday was the culminating celebration of many months preparation. This girl and this boy were wedded. The whole day I kept remembering when Leslee was just 18 years old – my family had just moved...

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Adventures ➤ February 27, 2010

Week In Review {Phew}

A long week, a long post. Monday: promised the kids we’d go to the pool. Became one of “those” parents when work caught up to me. Spent the morning fixing forms and working on websites....

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Adventures ➤ February 14, 2010

Will You Be My Valentine?

This is the little book I made for Wyatt for Valentines Day. Love the boy.

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Andrea ➤ January 31, 2010

The Reality of What it Is

Ok . . . So my site has been down for over a week now. I’m sure your wondering (all three people who read my blog) what the heck happened. My web host’s server crashed....

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Adventures ➤ January 29, 2010

A Red Letter Day

Today Wyatt was in search of the remote. It’s lost you see. I’d like to say I’m so neat and organized, and my children are so mellow and predictable that nothing ever gets misplaced, things...

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And In Other Pictures
Adventures ➤ January 15, 2010

And In Other Pictures

So much fun experimenting the past few days. It started out with an attempt at some self portraits. Need to work on my flash settings. Taking a flash class at the end of the month....

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Andrea ➤ January 15, 2010

Good Night My Angels

Today was one of those days . . . The culmination of one of those weeks. Nothing was enough, and it all was too much. And then . . . Tonight, after returning from date...

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Adventures ➤ January 13, 2010

Who Would Win In A Fight? Guilt vs. Fear

I’ve been talking with some friends lately about guilt – the concept and the application in life, and how I don’t have it. And since it’s now 5:40 am en la manyana, and I can’t...

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Adventures ➤ January 12, 2010

Asleep * Asleep

Today, after wrestling the kids through an afternoon of grocery shopping,and having a *Walmart mom moment in the middle of Costco (you know, those moms who yell at their kids in front of everyone ),...

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Andrea ➤ January 10, 2010

Olivia Giggles

Ignore the fact that I sound like the wicked witch of the west. Olivia is so cute. [flickr video=4262995160 secret=9f0b7375be w=400 h=300]

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Andrea ➤ January 9, 2010

Goals for 2010

Me in my purple-and-green-zig-zag-striped-shirt in my freshman year of college. You can still catch me in this shirt on a regular basis. In fact, I think I’ll wear it today 2008 was a successful year...

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We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Blogging . . .
Adventures ➤ January 4, 2010

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Blogging . . .

Because of the wild and crazy NESS of Christmas week this year, I didn’t get a chance to just sit down and watch this movie. But I did watch it in three separate installments. Oh...

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Adventures ➤ January 3, 2010

‘Twas The Week After Christmas

Cal in front of Grandma and Grandpa’s tree . . . a tree that will become Christensen family legend. The week after Christmas was jam packed and full of fun. After a rousing three days...

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In Case Martha Stewart Calls
Andrea ➤ December 31, 2009

In Case Martha Stewart Calls

A few years ago I decided to start having Christmas Eve dinner as a big meal and big tradition in our family. This year I was inspired by Jena, who hosted the Christensens for Thanksgiving....

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Adventures ➤ December 31, 2009

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas let your heart be light From now on our troubles will be out of sight Through the years we all will be together if the fates allow Hang a...

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Adventures ➤ December 18, 2009

Photoshop and An Idea

Today I was walking up the stairs after changing the laundry (HATE LAUNDRY) and I looked across the room at the stockings. “We should take a picture of Everett in a stocking” I said aloud....

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Adventures ➤ December 17, 2009

It is our life . . .

This morning Wyatt finally came up to our room after sleeping on the couch all night. “What is that?” he asked? I didn’t even open my eyes. “Spit up.” I told him. “Go get a...

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Adventures ➤ December 17, 2009

What Does This Remind You Of?

Check this out:

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Adventures ➤ December 17, 2009

Hummingbird Heaven

Today I am giving a warm congratulations to this girl. Today she is a bona fide children’s illustrator. Today I received her new book in the mail. Hummingbird Heaven, by Mike Hebertson, illustrated by Anastasia...

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Adventures ➤ December 15, 2009

Gasp, Ugh and Yawn

Yesterday was a very productive day . . . I cleaned the house, made peppermint bark and a dinner, complete with sides, I made giant leaps of progress on my home made Christmas gifts, I...

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Adventures ➤ December 14, 2009

Haul Out the Holly

This weekend was a busy, crazy, holiday weekend. Thomas and Beth came and stayed with us (my brother and sister) as well as Jared, Wade, Wynn and Wynn’s brother-in-law, Jacob (Wyatt’s family). Even though we...

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Adventures ➤ December 5, 2009

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Conversation with Olivia a few days ago: Me: Olivia! Stop being so cute. Olivia, contemplative: Well, I could be a boy. Me, confused: A boy? Olivia, convincingly: Yeah, daddy’s a boy, and he’s not so...

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Thanksgiving Week
Adventures ➤ November 29, 2009

Thanksgiving Week

To say this week was busy makes me roll my eyes. (Wyatt tells me I’m very good at that). Monday: My 30th Birthday. I said goodbye to one decade and welcomed in a new. We...

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Weekend In Review
Adventures ➤ November 15, 2009

Weekend In Review

We made cookies with our friend Braydon. Awesome. We took rides on the four wheeler. We discovered our phone camera and used it to take lots of random fun pictures when we were out playing...

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Family Week 2009
Things That I Think About ➤ November 13, 2009

Family Week 2009

It’s time once again to celebrate the family. This week I’ll be writing my thoughts on this eternal institution. My writing will be centered around The Family: A Proclaimation to the World. This Divinely inspired...

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A Principle Centered Life
Things That I Think About ➤ November 13, 2009

A Principle Centered Life

Family Week 2009 The family begins with the individual. Each member of a family has the responsibility to lift, to inspire, and to strengthen each other. In view of this responsibility, we need to live...

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Adventures ➤ November 13, 2009

On Marriage

At first I thought I would write about the importance of marriage and the attack of the adversary as seen through the divorce rate. But wow, what a downer. So I hit “Select All” and...

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Bambinos
Adventures ➤ November 13, 2009

Bambinos

“Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love...

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This Is It
Adventures ➤ November 13, 2009

This Is It

Last week my college roommate, Morgen and I went to see “This Is It” Morgen and I were (are) huge MJ music fans. Love the music. Think the dude is a little wierd. I know,...

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Another Princess
Adventures ➤ November 13, 2009

Another Princess

This is the dress I really like. I think she should wear it with a cathedral length veil. Last weekend while I was in Arizona, Leslee, Carrie, Beth, Karen and my mom all went wedding...

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Arizona 2009
Adventures ➤ November 13, 2009

Arizona 2009

We took a weekend jaunt down to Arizona last weekend. It is always so much fun to go hang out with Wynn and Heidi for a couple days. The only problem with this trip was...

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Adventures ➤ November 13, 2009

Baby Kate

You might think this post is about her:     But actually, it’s about HER.     Baby Kate was given to Baby Sunshine for Christmas last year. She was kinda an afterthought in my...

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Adventures ➤ November 10, 2009

Bibs and Burp Rags

I made these a few weeks ago (actually started them two nights before Everett was born). They are just little bibs and burp rags. I made the front out of fun blue and brown flannel...

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Trick or Treat
Adventures ➤ November 1, 2009

Trick or Treat

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Adventures ➤ August 11, 2009

Magic Stars

A few months ago a friend of mine sent me an email. It made me laugh. I don’t have the original, but it went something like this: A man came home from work one day...

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Adventures ➤ August 11, 2009

Good Things

Today I overheard Olivia say to Calvin, when he had finished his dinner: “Calvin! I’m so proud of you!” It made me happy. It made me feel like I was doing something good; she got...

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Adventures ➤ August 6, 2009

Seriously Contemplating a Move

I am seriously contemplating moving my blog from www.andreachristensen.com to a blogspot {or other} hosted domain. Why? A few reasons- the main one being that I can then use www.andreachristensen.com for another purpose {most likely...

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Adventures ➤ August 4, 2009

The Other Is Gold

This week brought the many happy returns of old friends. Wyatt’s friend Sarah from high school was in town. We got together with her one evening. Andi called last Saturday and said she and Jeff...

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The Other Is Gold
Adventures ➤ July 31, 2009

The Other Is Gold

This week brought the many happy returns of old friends. Wyatt’s friend Sarah from high school was in town. We got together with her one evening. Andi called last Saturday and said she and Jeff...

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Adventures ➤ July 25, 2009

24th Of July

We love July. This is another reason why.

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Adventures ➤ July 25, 2009

24th of July

We love July. This is another reason why.

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Adventures ➤ July 21, 2009

Dear Wyatt

Hey Babe, Today was an exciting day – full of fees and paperwork. That’s right, I submitted everything to the county for the building permit. I even got our septic and water permits done. Greg...

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Adventures ➤ July 11, 2009

I Really Love Those Sorensens

Jeff, Lenna, Courtney, Torri, Alexa & Abbey. They’re my neighbors. Jeff is a democrat. He’s a super-health-nut: organic, carrot juice, that sort of stuff. He watches the stock market and reads financial news as a...

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Adventures ➤ July 10, 2009

Five Little Monkeys Sleeping in the Bed

At some point I stumbled into bed (it was probably 10:30-ish). Wyatt was downstairs watching TV. Babies were each asleep in their respective beds. I stretched my body diagnol across the span of our King...

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The Uyghurs of Urumqi: A People Defiant
Adventures ➤ July 7, 2009

The Uyghurs of Urumqi: A People Defiant

A few months ago I wrote a post called “Friends of the Uyghurs” where I talk about my experience with the ethnic minority in Western China. In light of the current riots in XinJiang AND...

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Adventures ➤ July 6, 2009

4th of July Weekend

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Adventures ➤ July 3, 2009

Grandpa's 90th Birthday

Today we celebrated Grandpa’s 90th Birthday with – what else? – a family barbecue at the park. When I was growing up family get-together’s were a monthly thing. Now that I’m an adult (as are...

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Adventures ➤ July 3, 2009

Grandpa’s 90th Birthday

Today we celebrated Grandpa’s 90th Birthday with – what else? – a family barbecue at the park. When I was growing up family get-together’s were a monthly thing. Now that I’m an adult (as are...

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Adventures ➤ July 2, 2009

Another Rodeo Down

Last night was THE night. On January 1st I google: “Oakley Rodeo” – I find out when the tickets go on sale. This year I was feeling inclusive and wanting to share MY family tradition...

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Good Things About Having the Swine Flu
Adventures ➤ June 28, 2009

Good Things About Having the Swine Flu

So, in case you didn’t gather from the last post, Calvin and I have been diagnosed with Swine Flu. I thought of Photoshopping a picture of me with a pig nose – but since cute...

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Adventures ➤ June 27, 2009

First Sent Flowers

Sitting on the porch today: a string of a dozen or so otter-pops, and scissors by my side. Wyatt and O gone to Target. Mom’s gone to see Leslee. Cal isn’t crying, for the first...

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Adventures ➤ June 19, 2009

Walk to the Shaw Shack

After two weeks of perpetual rain we decided to make the most of a break in the clouds, and go on a walk to the Shaw Shack.

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Adventures ➤ June 12, 2009

The Old Man Is Snoring

I love rain . . . But this is ridiculous. I mean seriously . . . You’d think I lived in Seattle. Not the desert. But it does make for lovely sunsets. And it inspires...

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Adventures ➤ June 9, 2009

So I was Once Myself a Swinger of Birches

I’m a tree huger. I say it loud and proud. I’m not a tree-huger in a social-political sense (well, that could be debated), I’m a literal tree huger. As in, I hug trees. There have...

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Adventures ➤ June 8, 2009

Cheeks

Last night we hung out with our friends, the Cartiers. The lived in our ward for about a year, but moved about a year ago. Now maybe – hopefully – they might move back in....

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Adventures ➤ June 1, 2009

Impromtu

Yesterday I decided to have an impromptu get together at my house that evening. That’s actually not very uncommon for us – we regularly have desert at our house or at someone’s house in the...

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Adventures ➤ May 28, 2009

Sunflower Summer

The new country lay open before me: there were no fences in those days, and I could choose my own way over the grass uplands, trusting the pony to get me home again. Sometimes I...

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Adventures ➤ May 25, 2009

Memorial Day Weekend 2009

We were invited by our fun-tabulous neighbors, the Smiths, to go to their place in Manti for Memorial Day weekend. We had a really great time, even though the weather did not exactly cooperate. We...

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Summer CD 2009
Adventures ➤ May 24, 2009

Summer CD 2009

So here’s the thing: every year I make a “Summer CD” -okay, it’s more like a playlist on my IPOD now, but the misnomer isn’t important. Every year it gets harder and harder to find...

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Adventures ➤ May 20, 2009

It was a Cupcake Day

Today Olivia was wearing this shirt. We took it as an omen. Some days are just cupcake days.

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Adventures ➤ May 17, 2009

Saturday

6:49 am – wake up. Why am I awake? Go back to sleep. 8:20 am – Wake up again. This time to Cal calling “Dadda . . . Dadda . . . Dadda . ....

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Adventures ➤ May 13, 2009

Welcome, Welcome!

Today I told Olivia that I was going to the doctors to find out if our new baby was a boy or a girl. She told me she wanted a girl. She liked Calvin and...

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Adventures ➤ May 12, 2009

Weekend in Santa Hor-Hay!

This past weekend we went down to Santa Hor-Hay (St. George) for some much needed R&R. We went down with our friends, the Enghs. It was a low-key weekend (well, for everyone except Kellie, who...

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Good Bye Andrea’s Chinese Lanterns
Andrea ➤ May 1, 2009

Good Bye Andrea’s Chinese Lanterns

This is how Tuesday night went: Wyatt: Should we unpack Calvin’s room and go through stuff before we put it away downstairs, and get rid of extra “stuff?” Me: Yeah. We haven’t done that in...

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Adventures ➤ April 27, 2009

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Adventures ➤ April 27, 2009

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Adventures ➤ April 23, 2009

Birthday Present for Wyatt

I told Olivia it was daddy’s birthday, and we needed to go get him a present. She was very excited to celebrate daddy’s big day, and knew right away what would be the perfect gift:...

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Five Things ➤ April 19, 2009

Five Things

Five Things About The Heat I love it It makes it awesome to go inside – air conditioning It makes it awesome to go outside and eat popsicles (like 10 times a day) I love...

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Adventures ➤ April 11, 2009

Happy Easter

The ward easter party was today. It was lots of fun, mostly because I didn’t have to plan it. I was temporarily relieved of my duties as ward party person due to nausea. Sweet. O...

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Death in the Afternoon
Adventures ➤ April 11, 2009

Death in the Afternoon

Each life that touches ours for goodReflects thine own great mercy, LordThou sendest blessings from aboveThrough words and deeds of those who love Death has never been one of my trials in life. My grandfather...

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Adventures ➤ April 6, 2009

Welcome to My New World!

If you’ve been watching this site for the past three or four days, you’ve seen all sorts of funky stuff going on. That’s because I used conference weekend to get around to updating my site,...

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Adventures ➤ April 2, 2009

Remember the Time

This morning I went to pick my sister up from the airport. She returned from a week long jaunt to Chile. As we were driving home she was telling me about missing her flight (she...

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Adventures ➤ March 28, 2009

March 28th

I was going to write a lovey dovey Happy March 28th until Wyatt stole my banana AND my cereal and then farted next to me. We’ve come so far in 8 years.

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Friends of the Uyghurs
Adventures ➤ February 16, 2009

Friends of the Uyghurs

This is an article I wrote for my Alumni Newsletter (Waterford) about a year after returning home from China. The marketplace was a living collage of sights, sounds and colors. There were bright costumes and...

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Adventures ➤ February 6, 2009

Overnight in Midway

We went up to Midway with Brian & Brynn, Wyatt’s best friend from high school and his wife. They’ve been in law school for the past few years, but moved back to Utah last spring....

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This Bud's for You
Adventures ➤ February 2, 2009

This Bud's for You

I almost went out and bought myself a Bud last night. Almost. But it was Sunday. But when a Clydesdale is playing fetch, and running across Timbuktu to find his true love, Daisy, the world...

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Adventures ➤ February 2, 2009

This Bud’s for You

I almost went out and bought myself a Bud last night. Almost. But it was Sunday. But when a Clydesdale is playing fetch, and running across Timbuktu to find his true love, Daisy, the world...

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Adventures ➤ January 14, 2009

Finding Emo

I’ll admit, I watched American Idol last night. I’ll go further and admit I like American Idol. I’ve watched the past three seasons, starting with season five, Carrie Underwood. How can you not get hooked...

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Adventures ➤ January 9, 2009

Grandma

Grandma passed away 20 years ago today. I don’t have many memories of her specifically, but I remember playing at her house with my cousins when I was a kid. This is a little vignette...

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Adventures ➤ December 31, 2008

Stan the Man – The Book

This Christmas was unusual in that I only made three gifts. Normally I make a whole load of home-made gifts. But this year things didn’t quite come together, and there just wasn’t time to make...

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Adventures ➤ December 31, 2008

Babies 2008

One of my three home-made gifts this year was a DVD for the grandparents. It included family video clips and this slide show of the babies. It has been a great year. It starts with...

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Merry Christmas
Adventures ➤ December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas

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Adventures ➤ December 23, 2008

The Gingerbread House

Today Olivia, Calvin and I made a gingerbread house. It was a lot of fun. Mommy liked putting it together, Olivia enjoyed decorating, and Calvin loved eating the candies.

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Adventures ➤ December 16, 2008

The Girl Effect

My degree is in International Development. What’s that? It’s basically the study of cultures and people around the world, and the development challenges they face. It includes theory and practice in today’s international aid approaches....

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Adventures ➤ December 13, 2008

Snow Day

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Adventures ➤ December 11, 2008

Leap For Joy

Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for behold, your reward is great in heaven.  -Luke 6:23 Click on Image for Larger Version

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Adventures ➤ November 27, 2008

The Attitude of Gratitude

As we celebrated Thanksgiving, I took the time to think about that which I’m grateful for. There are so aspects of life for which I am grateful: my family, my health, the health of family,...

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Adventures ➤ November 24, 2008

Happy Birthday

My birthday was the BEST this year! Wyatt made me breakfast – some mo’ yummy pancakes. Then he got the kids ready for church. We went to church, and when I got home I was...

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Adventures ➤ November 19, 2008

Little Leo

Every once in a while something will happen that just makes my heart ache. It’s the sort of thing that once it settles into my conscious as being a reality, makes me wish with everything...

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Adventures ➤ November 15, 2008

Stories You Can't Leave Behind

Here’s what’s been happening AT OUR HOUSE the past couple weeks.

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Adventures ➤ November 15, 2008

Stories You Can’t Leave Behind

Here’s what’s been happening AT OUR HOUSE the past couple weeks.

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Adventures ➤ November 7, 2008

Through Wholesome Recreational Activities

I sometimes wonder at the difficulties of having a successful family all while living in a society dubbed “generation me.” The advertising and marketing industry constantly barrages us with the message that we as individuals...

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Adventures ➤ November 5, 2008

Children Are An Heritage From The Lord

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their...

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Adventures ➤ November 4, 2008

The Political Family Proc Week

I don’t mean that title as a reference to my family’s political views or involvement (although that will inevitably come to light through this discussion) but rather the family as a political topic and issue....

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Adventures ➤ November 2, 2008

Proc Week

This week is dedicated to the family,and I will be writing my thoughts on this fabulous subject, with the The Family: A Proclamation to the World as my outline. I will be quoting various parts...

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Adventures ➤ November 2, 2008

A Divine DestinyProc Week

Did you know I have a divine destiny? Seriously. I do. I also have a divine nature. Yep. I’m pretty much a goddess. At least . . . at some point on the time-space continuum...

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Adventures ➤ October 29, 2008

Sweet

Today I was looking for my Quran, and came across my Tao Te Ching, in which I found a love note from Wyatt circa 2002, and in my Analects of Confucious I found a picture...

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Adventures ➤ October 25, 2008

Family Pictures

So, I had a dream . . . to have my family pictures taken in an apple orchard. I did research. It seemed all the apple orchards in Utah lived in either Logan (way up...

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Adventures ➤ October 20, 2008

Oh My Stinkin' Cute

Today we went to Gardiner Village to take pictures of my so stinkin’ cute babies. They are the cutest. I know. Here are some of my favorites. Now I know you’re wondering how you can...

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Adventures ➤ October 20, 2008

Oh My Stinkin’ Cute

Today we went to Gardiner Village to take pictures of my so stinkin’ cute babies. They are the cutest. I know. Here are some of my favorites. Now I know you’re wondering how you can...

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High School Reunion
Adventures ➤ October 19, 2008

High School Reunion

Last night was my ten year high school reunion. I graduated from Waterford in 1998. In general I feel like high school was a very very long time ago. But as I was among my...

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Adventures ➤ October 18, 2008

Picking the Pumpkin

Olivia and Calvin got to go to Grandma’s today to pick their pumpkin. It was a doosey! It was a beautiful autumn day, perfect for picking a pumpkin.

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Adventures ➤ October 17, 2008

There Can Be Miracles

We watched “Prince of Egypt” for movie night with the kids. At first Olivia wasn’t so sure, but she loved it in the end. And I was reminded how much I love it! It has...

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Gurgling Bluh
Adventures ➤ October 15, 2008

Gurgling Bluh

Here we go: Last Saturday was the ward Turkey Barbeque. We ran out of food – salad and rolls. Not everyone brought the things they signed up for, and so . . . I’ve heard...

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Adventures ➤ October 10, 2008

An Ebay Heart Attack

I don’t like to watch sports. I hate football. I can barely get through basketball. I also don’t like eBay. I just bought Cal’s halloween costume on eBay. It’s probably the eighth or ninth thing...

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Adventures ➤ September 30, 2008

Evening at Silver Lake With the Engh's

This was taken just moment before Cal fell and split his lip At the picnic table Autumn Glory The light was really low – too low for an in-focus shot. I should have had my...

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Adventures ➤ September 30, 2008

Evening at Silver Lake With the Engh’s

This was taken just moment before Cal fell and split his lip At the picnic table Autumn Glory The light was really low – too low for an in-focus shot. I should have had my...

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Adventures ➤ September 26, 2008

The Real Macaroni and Cheese

Okay, so here’s the story. Wyatt approached me three or four weeks ago and told me he had been putting aside money (pilfering our budget – which is funny because Wyatt always accuses me of...

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Adventures ➤ September 25, 2008

Return With Honor

This past week brought the return of Sister Leslee Brock. She’s been serving faithfully in Rancagua, Chile. She came home on Tuesday, and was greeted by her favorite niece and nephew. After the airport hullabaloo,...

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The Summers Die One By One
Adventures ➤ September 22, 2008

The Summers Die One By One

Yesterday was our anniversary. Seven years baby! To celebrate . . . well, lets see . . . Wyatt got up early to go to his Sunday meetings. Meanwhile I wrestled the babies into their...

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Adventures ➤ September 13, 2008

I Stole this off the Smith's Website

I stole this picture off the Smith’s website. Rick edited it. He edited another one too. But I won’t post that one here. He thinks he’s so funny!

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Adventures ➤ September 13, 2008

I Stole this off the Smith’s Website

I stole this picture off the Smith’s website. Rick edited it. He edited another one too. But I won’t post that one here. He thinks he’s so funny!

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Adventures ➤ August 26, 2008

The Return of EE

This past week brought the return of Emily Elmer. Wahoo! I’m so excited to have this dear friend back here close where we can do art projects to our hearts content. Yesterday she came over...

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Adventures ➤ August 23, 2008

New Scrapbook

I’ve done some rearranging of database info on the website this week, and without going too into it, let’s just say I’ve redone the “Scrapbook” section of the website. Hopefully you’ll like the cleaner, but...

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Adventures ➤ August 22, 2008

Off, Off & Away!

This week my youngest sister, Beezy, came to stay with us. She spent three days here before boarding a plane for China. She’s going to be living and working in China for the next semester....

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Adventures ➤ August 19, 2008

Hiking to the Waterfall

On Saturday we went hiking with Jared and Velda to the waterfall by their house. It was a fun little hike, and I got a picture of me and Calvin on the bridge, just like...

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Adventures ➤ August 11, 2008

Weekend at the Lake

We spent the weekend at Jordanelle, wave running, boating, and camping. Jared proposed the idea four or five months ago, and so it was the first “sorta” Christensen family reunion. Wade and Katie didn’t make...

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Adventures ➤ August 3, 2008

Camping at Galleons Lap, Part Deux

We had so much fun camping last weekend that we decided to go for round two. This time we went with my siblings . . . Carrie, who returned home from her mission last week,...

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Adventures ➤ July 29, 2008

Camping at Galleon's Lap

We took our first overnight camp trip to Galleon’s Lap over the weekend. We first said we’d go a few weeks ago with Jared and Velda. Then last weekend we invited Jena and Lance, who...

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Adventures ➤ July 29, 2008

Camping at Galleon’s Lap

We took our first overnight camp trip to Galleon’s Lap over the weekend. We first said we’d go a few weeks ago with Jared and Velda. Then last weekend we invited Jena and Lance, who...

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Hail the Conquering Hero
Andrea ➤ July 24, 2008

Hail the Conquering Hero

Welcome Home Sister Brock! Sister Carrie Brock returned today from her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Goinia, Brazil. She actually flew home to St. George, where my parents live,...

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Adventures ➤ July 22, 2008

Babies

Olivia and Calvin are definitely two of my favorite things. Calvin learned how to give kisses on Sunday. He kept putting his open mouth on my face. It took a few hours before I figured...

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Adventures ➤ July 13, 2008

My Hiking Boots

Last week I wrote about Andi’s wedding, saying: Wyatt asked earlier if she was going to wear hiking boots to her wedding, and I told him she was, and he just shook his head and...

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You Belong Among the Wild Flowers Part Two
Adventures ➤ July 8, 2008

You Belong Among the Wild Flowers Part Two

The Raven, a bird that can live up to forty years, mates for life and is an integral part of the Yellowstone ecosystem. It also was the theme bird for the wedding, and graced the...

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You Belong Among the Wild Flowers Part One
Adventures ➤ July 7, 2008

You Belong Among the Wild Flowers Part One

For the past week and a half we have been in celebration of Andi’s wedding. The nuptials took place last weekend in Yellowstone, and we’ll get to that later. But she came to Utah (from...

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Cal's First Rodeo
Adventures ➤ July 6, 2008

Cal's First Rodeo

We went to the rodeo on Wednesday night, as a kick off to our fourth of July weekend. It was opening night, and the stands were, surprisingly, only about half full. Olivia was really into...

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Adventures ➤ July 6, 2008

Cal’s First Rodeo

We went to the rodeo on Wednesday night, as a kick off to our fourth of July weekend. It was opening night, and the stands were, surprisingly, only about half full. Olivia was really into...

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Adventures ➤ June 30, 2008

The End of an Era

Seven months ago our red car finally died. It needed a new starter. But we had just put about $900 into it to get it to pass emissions. The poor car wasn’t even worth that...

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Adventures ➤ June 20, 2008

You're Gonna Miss This?

I was in the middle of getting the babies ready for bed last night when my sweet, but senile, neighbor came over to visit. Bedtime is a delicate balance of routine and patience, and visitors...

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Adventures ➤ June 20, 2008

You’re Gonna Miss This?

I was in the middle of getting the babies ready for bed last night when my sweet, but senile, neighbor came over to visit. Bedtime is a delicate balance of routine and patience, and visitors...

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Adventures ➤ June 16, 2008

First Trip to the Pool

The babies are sleeping, and dinner is baking . . . I have a quick moment!! I thought I’d write a synopsis of the past ten days . . . the first ten days of...

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I'm Not Dead
Adventures ➤ May 12, 2008

I'm Not Dead

I was talking to my dear friend Morgen on the phone today, and she said she thought I was dead because I haven’t been updating the site very often. The excuse is two fold: 1)...

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Adventures ➤ May 12, 2008

I’m Not Dead

I was talking to my dear friend Morgen on the phone today, and she said she thought I was dead because I haven’t been updating the site very often. The excuse is two fold: 1)...

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Adventures ➤ April 18, 2008

The Wheels on the Bus

Today we rode the bus. For a month now Olivia’s favorite song has been “The Wheels on the Bus.” As we drove home from Oakley a few weeks ago, she insisted on listening to it...

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Adventures ➤ March 30, 2008

Happy March 28th

Friday was March 28th. In celebration Wyatt took the day off. We went to Oakley, to Galleons Lap. We also went to dinner and a movie that night. It was a fun and relaxing day....

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Adventures ➤ March 26, 2008

The Treasure

Wendy was going to Virginia. She was going to school. She was getting away. She was going to be free. We always talked of the adventures we would have together — sipping hot chocolate in...

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If You're Going to Play in Texas . . . You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band
Adventures ➤ March 13, 2008

If You're Going to Play in Texas . . . You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band

Last Friday Calvin and I kissed Olivia and Wyatt good-bye, and boarded a plane for Dallas, Texas. I was going to visit my friend, Andi, whom I have been promising to visit for a couple...

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Adventures ➤ March 13, 2008

If You’re Going to Play in Texas . . . You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band

Last Friday Calvin and I kissed Olivia and Wyatt good-bye, and boarded a plane for Dallas, Texas. I was going to visit my friend, Andi, whom I have been promising to visit for a couple...

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Adventures ➤ February 25, 2008

I Like to Ride My Bicycle

So, for the past several years I have been on a search . . . to find a fabulous bike. Bike riding is one of the few sports that I really enjoy . . ....

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Score!
Adventures ➤ February 23, 2008

Score!

Wyatt came home today and said “Let me show you what I have . . .” He brought in a big book–like an oversized Atlas. But it wasn’t an Atlas. It was William Henry Jackson’s Rocky...

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Adventures ➤ February 17, 2008

Gotta Get Out of Dodge

Monday came with an overdose of winter blahs. Wyatt and I were both snappy and sick of the snow. At lunch we discussed the disparity of our situation, and decided we needed a definite change...

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Praise to the Man
Adventures ➤ February 1, 2008

Praise to the Man

Visit www.lds.org to learn more about my faith-the chisel that gives shape to my life. The LDS Conference Center where the viewing was held. Last Sunday evening Wyatt and I learned the sad news that...

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Andrea Joins A Club
Adventures ➤ January 22, 2008

Andrea Joins A Club

So, once, years ago, I decided I wanted to someday learn how to carve wood. For my birthday in November, Wyatt gave me a basic wood carvers starter kit. I have been working on a...

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Adventures ➤ January 19, 2008

Now Broadcasting in iMac

I am now up and running (after a few glitches) on my new iMac. Wyatt my dear got it for me – a 24″ iMac for Christmas (this screen is HUUUUUGE!). I am excited to...

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Adventures ➤ January 18, 2008

Curses and Kudos to Corporate America

I was originally going to call this article “Rage Against the (Corporate) Machine,” but you will see at the bottom of this article why I decided to change it. Before I proceed, one caveat: if you’re...

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Adventures ➤ January 13, 2008

Happy New Year

Olivia and Wyatt built a boat in the living room Okay, so this is a little late. But I wanted to write a little blurb about what has been going on the past couple weeks...

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Adventures ➤ December 24, 2007

Wrapping Presents

I was wrapping presents the other night, and Wyatt said to me, with a sarcastic tone: “Are you done with your art project yet?” To which I replied incredulously “It’s not an art project, I’m...

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Adventures ➤ September 10, 2007

Days Go By

My hands are so full lately it’s hard to find a moment to write. (Right now both babies are asleep, and I’m waiting for a pot of water to boil . . . so here...

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Andrea ➤ August 30, 2007

Calvin, It’s Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday Calvin! Today is Cal’s 1 month birthday. He’s growing up so fast! I wish I could just rewind the past month. I was really nervous to have two kids to take care of,...

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Adventures ➤ August 28, 2007

Update to the Website

With the addition of little Calvin to our family, it was time to update the website. First, Calvin needed his own section on the site. Then I needed to redesign the home page to include...

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Pictures, Pictures, Everywhere!
Adventures ➤ August 26, 2007

Pictures, Pictures, Everywhere!

This week we have been in celebration of Wyatt’s youngest brother’s pending wedding. He was married yesterday (Saturday, August 25th) in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Since he (Wade) and his bride (Katie) spent the...

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Adventures ➤ August 16, 2007

Time Ticks On

The summer seemed to go so slow . . . until July 30th. Now it’s already over half way through August, and we only have a few more weeks of summer! I wasn’t going out...

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Adventures ➤ August 6, 2007

It’s Been One Week

Today is Calvin’s one week birthday. It makes me sigh to think that a whole week has passed. There’s nothing like having a baby to make you want to push pause on life. But time...

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Adventures ➤ August 2, 2007

And Introducing Calvin

On Monday afternoon Calvin Wyatt Christensen came into our lives. We were induced at the hospital, and after only six hours of labor, Calvin made his debut. He is DARLING. He looks just like his...

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Adventures ➤ July 27, 2007

Yeah, This is My Chair

Today was “Olivia Day”–Wyatt and I took her on one last outing before the baby arrives. We took her to Wheeler Farm. She loved to see all the animals, especially the horse. She squealed with...

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The Thunder Rolls
Adventures ➤ July 26, 2007

The Thunder Rolls

We had a beautiful thunderstorm on Thursday night–the sort where the lightning flashes every three and a half seconds, and the clouds are pink and ominous (mostly due to the sand they pick up when...

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Nesting
Adventures ➤ July 22, 2007

Nesting

Wyatt and I have been working really hard the past few weeks to get everything ready before baby Cal gets here. We worked on his nursery and bought all the new supplies we need. We...

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Adventures ➤ July 22, 2007

Cal’s Room

Cal’s room is finally done – well, mostly. The closet still needs to be put together, and a few detail things, but for the most part, the furniture is in, it’s painted, etc. So it’s...

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Adventures ➤ July 8, 2007

First Sommersault

Today Olivia did her first somersault. Wyatt and I were in Cal’s room, and Olivia was playing, suddenly we looked down just in time to see her flip herself over! I’ve been working with Olivia...

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Adventures ➤ July 7, 2007

Fourth of July

Since 4th of July was on Wednessday this year, it has been almost a full week of festivities. On the fourth Wyatt’s brother & family (Wynn & Heidi & kids) came to town for the...

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Adventures ➤ June 21, 2007

Galleons Lap

Sitting there they could see the whole world spread out until it reached the sky, and whatever there was all the world over was with them in Galleons Lap. Today we are celebrating. Wyatt and...

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First Peas From The Garden
Adventures ➤ June 10, 2007

First Peas From The Garden

My pea plants have little pods growing on them–the green skin swelling from the goodness within. I picked my first one yesterday . . . fresh peas from the garden. I think they need a...

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Adventures ➤ May 25, 2007

Summer CD 2007

My “Summer CD” is a tradition I started in the summer of 2000. It was a compilation of great “Summer Songs” – you know, the type you’d listen to on a road trip across America,...

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Adventures ➤ May 19, 2007

Summer Time Is Finally Here

Summer is here. The weather has been unusually warm (up to the 90’s!) and we’ve been taking full advantage! Last night we went fishing for the first time this summer. I can tell fishing this...

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Adventures ➤ May 7, 2007

Update

There has been so much going on in life these days that I need to write an update. Last Saturday Wyatt and I got home from our week long Caribbean cruise. We went with Wyatt’s...

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Adventures ➤ April 15, 2007

Asta’ La Pasta

Today was my sister, Leslee’s missionary farewell. It was held at her singles ward in Sandy. It was a great service, and Leslee did a great job speaking about the blessings of obedience. On Wednesday...

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Adventures ➤ April 7, 2007

Happy Easter

It’s been a roller coaster weekend so far, and it’s only Saturday Morning. But rather than dwell on the bad, I’m going to report on the good! We went to the annual neighborhood Easter egg...

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Happy March 28th
Andrea ➤ March 28, 2007

Happy March 28th

It’s a great day in the universe today. Yes, it’s March 28th, for emphasis: March 28th! What is the cosmic significance of that you might ask? Well in 2001 it marked the start of an...

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Cruising Through Paradise
Andrea ➤ March 27, 2007

Cruising Through Paradise

On April 28th Wyatt and I flew out to Florida for a week long Caribbean cruise. We met up with Wyatt’s brother Wynn & his wife, Heidi, and spent the night at a hotel near...

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Adventures ➤ March 24, 2007

Spring Has Sprung

It has been such nice weather the past couple weeks, and with the sunshine comes the yard work. Yesterday I finally told Wyatt the lawn needed to be mowed. But alas, we were a family...

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WCC
Adventures ➤ March 16, 2007

WCC

This morning we had our prenatal ultrasound! That appointment is one of, if not the most exciting one. They take pictures of the baby, and, if you want (of course I want!) they will tell...

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Jaxon
Adventures ➤ March 8, 2007

Jaxon

Olivia has a little friend from the ward, Jaxon. He’s ten months older, and twice her size. Usually when they play, Jaxon and his brother, Logan, run around being boys, and Olivia tries to stay...

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Adventures ➤ March 3, 2007

Horse Back Riding

On Saturday Olivia and I invited ourselves along with Leslee, who was going to ride her horse, SLY. He’s a very sweet horse, and Olivia loved him. Here are a few pictures from the outing.

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Adventures ➤ February 20, 2007

So Long, Farewell

Tuesday morning Carrie flew out of the St. George airport headed for Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she will enter the MTC for 2 months before going on to her mission in Goiania, Brazil. We spent...

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Willa Cather
Adventures ➤ February 16, 2007

Willa Cather

I was driving across Utah this past weekend, and the barren landscape with the low angled winter sun reminded me of one of my favorite authors, Willa Cather. I was first introduced to her passionate...

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Adventures ➤ February 2, 2007

Drum Roll Please!

Well, here we are: Friday, February 2nd, 2007. Not a significant day to most of the world, but it’s the day I’ve been waiting for for weeks and weeks. I am now ready to make...

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Adventures ➤ February 1, 2007

Rancagua, Chile

Today my sister, Leslee got her call to serve as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was called to serve in Rancagua, Chile for 18 months. She...

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8 Weeks Old
Adventures ➤ January 18, 2007

8 Weeks Old

The puppies are 8 weeks old today. We’ve started selling them, and have sold four so far. Five to go! Puppies are fun, but they are a lot of work too. Here’s some pictures we...

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Adventures ➤ December 22, 2006

Merry Christmas

We hope everyone has a holiday filled with the Spirit of Our Savior, and enjoys the blessings of a new year!

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Puppy Dog Tails
Adventures ➤ November 26, 2006

Puppy Dog Tails

So much has happened in the past month, and I’ve been so busy I haven’t been able to write it all down. But I wanted to take a moment and write about what happened over...

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Adventures ➤ November 9, 2006

Called To Serve

UPDATE: I didn’t get to write my own thoughts about this. I’m so excited and happy for Carrie. I think this will be a great experience for her and one she will treasure for the...

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Adventures ➤ October 5, 2006

Autumn in the Wasatch

The leaves this year are prismatic, in orange & gold and red. I don’t remember the last fall that was this vivid. I’ve been out shooting, trying to capture the colors before they fade away.

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It Never Rains, It Pours!
Adventures ➤ September 21, 2006

It Never Rains, It Pours!

This week has the feeling of finals week in college, during a semester with a heavy academic load, and not enough studying. I feel like a chicken with my head cut off, running around in...

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Adventures ➤ September 7, 2006

The Change Day

Yesterday was the change day . . . the day when summer changes to fall. It’s a different day every year. Last year it didn’t happen until October 28th . . . I remember, because...

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Adventures ➤ August 23, 2006

Hot Fun In the Summertime

This week I have been making Grandma’s Salsa with the veggies I got from the farmers market last weekend. Usually my friend Morgen and I get together to make it, but this summer Morgen has...

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Spell Bound
Adventures ➤ August 21, 2006

Spell Bound

One of my favorite things in the whole world is in the morning after Olivia has had her bath, and I wrap her up in her soft yellow towel, and hold her little body. We...

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Adventures ➤ August 21, 2006

The Days Are Just Packed

You might remember the comic strip from Calvin & Hobbes, “The days are just packed” (This later became the name for a book of collected strips from the series). It shows Calvin getting up early,...

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Adventures ➤ August 19, 2006

Sunshine On My Shoulder

When we all made it back from the funeral on Thursday night, we decided to invite Wynn and Heidi to stay a couple extra days and hang out with us for the weekend. So on...

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Adventures ➤ August 12, 2006

Update to the Website

I have updated the website. I wasn’t pleased with the original design of the “Andrea” section of the website, but didn’t really have time to fix or change it until recently. I have changed the...

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Adventures ➤ August 12, 2006

101 Things to Do With An Alligator

Wrestle eat stew listen to Rock & Roll music floss watch “Crocodile Dundee” go sun bathing ride it show it off to my friends put it in the bath tub eat fried chicken let it...

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Adventures ➤ August 8, 2006

Letters & Postcards

When I was twelve or so, my friend Andi & I set up a hide-out under the stairs. It was there that I colored my first “letters & postcards box.” I remember I colored flowers...

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Baby Mine
Adventures ➤ August 2, 2006

Baby Mine

Olivia is growing up sooooo fast. Every day it’s something new. This week she’s learned to tense her shoulders (so it looks like a shrug) and get red in the face when she’s mad. Last...

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Adventures ➤ July 31, 2006

When I See an Elephant Fly

I think I’ve seen about everything . . . But this month I’ve seen two more quite amusing things. Over fourth of July weekend we went to Arizona. Wyatt was quite stressed because, as usual,...

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Adventures ➤ July 5, 2006

Let Freedom Ring!

This past weekend was the fourth of July. To celebrate Wyatt and I decided to go to the Oakley rodeo. (We’ve wanted to buy a cabin in Weber canyon just outside Oakley, and thought the...

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The Great Divorce
Andrea ➤ June 26, 2006

The Great Divorce

The Great DivorceBy: C.S. LewisFirst Time I Read It: Summer, 2001Number of Times I’ve Read It: Countless Kenneth Tynan said of Lewis: “How thrilling he makes goodness seem – how tangible and radiant.” That is...

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Adventures ➤ June 14, 2006

The Westing Game

The Westing Game Category: Book By: Ellen Raskin I first read it in: 6th Grade Number of times I’ve read it: 3 Last night I was at the local Barnes & Noble, and came across...

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Adventures ➤ June 13, 2006

She Looked Like Herself

I remember my first thought when they put Olivia on my tummy after I delivered her at the hospital. I thought: “Oh, she looks like herself.” I was quite startled by this fact. Before this...

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Adventures ➤ June 5, 2006

Splish Splish Splash

Today Olivia and I were invited by our cousins, Anna & Jameson, to kick off the summer by going to the local pool. We went to the one by Jameson’s house in Lehi. It was...

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A Week In Washington
Adventures ➤ May 27, 2006

A Week In Washington

So, after ten days at my house, my dear friend, Emily & I road tripped to her home in Spokane, Washington. With Olivia in tow, we made the 12 hour drive over two days, spending...

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Adventures ➤ May 24, 2006

Consider the Blessed and Happy State

I have been updating the “Scrapbook” section of the website. I revamped the entire thing to give it a whole new look. I also have been adding pictures to in under a variety of categories....

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Adventures ➤ May 22, 2006

Olivia, Darling . . .

I have some darling pictures of Olivia that I’ve taken over the past few weeks! Take a look!

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Adventures ➤ May 4, 2006

Walnut Paper In the Driveway

My dear friend Emily Elmer came over yesterday. She left her stuff at my house last week, and said she would be back, but I didn’t know when. She came yesterday. She’s going to spend...

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Gaurd Dogs
Andrea ➤ April 26, 2006

Gaurd Dogs

Today Oliva, Cowboy, Scout, and I went and worked in our garden. I shoveled gravel to make ready for the dirt. Olivia made music with the octopus on her toy, and Cowboy and Scout sniffed...

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The Last Day of Summer
Adventures ➤ April 17, 2006

The Last Day of Summer

Henry & Julie are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughterAndreato her best friendWyatt Josephson of Harold & Lois on the Last Day of SummerFriday, September 21st 2005In the Salt Lake TempleOf the Church...

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Adventures ➤ April 15, 2006

Off & Away

This morning I found out my cousin, Anna, is moving with her husband to Brussels. Dave just got a new promotion to be the director over Europe for NuSkin. I am totally willing to admit...

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My Grandma & Grandpa
Adventures ➤ April 10, 2006

My Grandma & Grandpa

My Grandma was a spy for the FBI. Most people look at me funny when I tell them this because they know that I like to make up stories, and they wonder if this isn’t...

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Andrea ➤ April 9, 2006

Sketchbooks & Figure Drawings

Wyatt gave me the most beautiful sketchbook for valentines day. It is so cool. It’s got a suede leather cover, with big upholstery tacks for the seams. And the whole book is huge, with nice...

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History of Us ➤ April 8, 2006

Some of My Ancestors – By My Dad

When I gave my talk today, I asked everyone who were converts or decendents of converts to raise their hands. I had borrowed the 1st Edition of the Book of Mormon from a distant cousin...

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Adventures ➤ March 30, 2006

Dog Sitting

Wyatt’s brother Wade is dog sitting for us this weekend as we go out of town. I told Wade to expect about three phone calls a day from me. I always get nervous when someone...

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Adventures ➤ March 23, 2006

Kennel!

Today when I went into the back yard to bring Cowboy & Scout inside, they were nowhere to be seen! I went and got Olivia, grabbed my keys, and went out the door to go...

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Adventures ➤ March 20, 2006

Cowboy & Scout Go To The Park

In our neighborhood, behind the church, there is a baseball field and soccer field, with a little pavilion up on a hill over-looking it all. It’s completely fenced in, and completely empty five days a...

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About Me

About Me

Andrea Christensen

Welcome to my blog! Here you'll find stories about our adventures and misadventures, musings about the gospel, journal entries about our travels, and shameless humble-brags about my five favorite people on the planet.

Stories from the Archive

Adventures ➤ February 17, 2008

Gotta Get Out of Dodge

Monday came with an overdose of winter blahs. Wyatt and I were both snappy and sick of the snow. At lunch we discussed the disparity of our situation, and decided we needed a definite change...

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Adventures ➤ December 17, 2009

Hummingbird Heaven

Today I am giving a warm congratulations to this girl. Today she is a bona fide children’s illustrator. Today I received her new book in the mail. Hummingbird Heaven, by Mike Hebertson, illustrated by Anastasia...

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Adventures ➤ October 27, 2013

The Cabin – The Summer Chronicles

This summer we finally realized a dream and bought a cabin. We spent a lot of time up there – almost every weekend. And on the weeks we didn’t go up on the weekend, we...

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Adventures ➤ August 28, 2012

Conversations

Samples of conversations I had today: Calvin: Mom, you should get me some video games. Me: Why? Calvin: Because big kids like video games and I’m trying to act like a big kid. Everett: How...

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Be happy. It drives people crazy.

Anonymous
4th of july 10 year 24th of july acrylic activity days adam aiden airborne alea alex allison titus alpine loop american fork amphitheater american fork high school amusement parks anderw andi andrew angkor wat anna anna nash anne of green gables anniversary anticipation april fools aquarium arches argentina arizona art articles of faith art in the park art project art projects asher ashley winegar aspen grove autumn avery award winning babies baby baby announcement baby firsts baby kate backpacking back to school back to school dinner backyard bahamas balloons bangkok baptism baptisms for the dead barbeque barf baseball basketball bathroom beach because of him bell canyon ben bennett olson best friend beth bibs bicycle bike bike park bird birthday birthday bird birthday cake birthday party birth story bishopric black and white photography blanket fort blessing blog blood lake boating bob the pheasant book of mormon book of mormong books bottle rockets boy scouts braces braydon reimann 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andrew cousins covid cowabunga bay cowboy crater lake creative writing crib cruise cs lewis cub scouts culture d6 ward daisy dallas dance dance pictures danny dark sunshine darlene herzog dating david linford deacon deacon ball dead horse point death deck declan denver digital art digital collage dillon roberts disneyland dj sim dog doll dolphin dragon dragonfly wings drake fletcher draper draper 6th ward draper 8th ward draper amphitheater draper days draper elementary draper library draper park draper rec draper temple drawing dress dr larsen earings earthquake easter easter egg hunt eating out of the garden eatingoutofthegarden eclipse elder holland elder packer election elementary school eliza elliott westwood elm tree emily dowland emily elmer emily heisler emma shaw emmett ferguson emmett parker engaged estonia europe everett exercise fairies fairy house faith fall fall break fall color family family home evening family photography family pictures family scripture study family 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ordinance ordination oregon oreos orthodontist owen jorgensen owen jorgenson padres game pagent painting paper mache parker party paul braithwaite paxton woods payson temple pet photography phuket piano piano recital pillowcase dress pinewood derby pinterest pioneer day pioneer stories planning guide plants play player piano playground poetry polar king polaroid polaroid lift pool popcorn pop up book portfolio portugal potty training pregnancy preschool preschool graduation priesthood primary proclamation on the family proc week projects prom provo temple public transportation puerto rico pugh cabin puppy quail quilt rabbits race racoon rain storm reading real estate rec center recipe recital reed jorgenson reese tillman remodel repentance ressurection reunion rick smith ridgecrest ridgecrest elementary riding ritual road trip rodeo rodeo queen rodep rollerskates rollerskating romance rosario russia ryan kirkham ryan reimann sacrafice sacrament meeting talk salad salsa salsa contest 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