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...
Read The Rest of the StoryElaine 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryFor 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMonday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTrue 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryRoo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryFor 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOver 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWith 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryON 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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?),...
Read The Rest of the StorySummer 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...
Read The Rest of the Story*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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMarch 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMonday, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’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.
Read The Rest of the StoryEach 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryFor 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWynn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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!
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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.
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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...
Read The Rest of the Story1- 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWednesday, 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 . . ....
Read The Rest of the StoryArt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThere 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThese 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTwo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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:...
Read The Rest of the Story*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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTuesday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMarsha 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryRight 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThrowing 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryBaby #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...
Read The Rest of the StoryBasically this: Olivia's baptism; San Francisco, Disneyland, Piano Recital.
Read The Rest of the StoryBedtimes 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAfter 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’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]
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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 –...
Read The Rest of the StoryThere 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMid 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAs 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAfter 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryView 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAndi 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAs 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryGrandma 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIf 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMy 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....
Read The Rest of the StorySince 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThree 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTuesday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIf 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...
Read The Rest of the Story{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...
Read The Rest of the Story{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...
Read The Rest of the StoryCal ganked a tomato off the Smith’s back porch, and devoured it before anyone could stop him.
Read The Rest of the StoryMotherhood 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMom 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLife goes too fast. I’m feeling very rushed. More on this later.
Read The Rest of the StoryWith 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe celebrated our 5 year anniversary.
Read The Rest of the StoryIt is his very favorite.
Read The Rest of the StoryWe blessed baby Calvin. Not the greatest picture of any of us, but it’s the only one we have.
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySamples 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryBesides 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryRoo’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTuesday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryUpdate: 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the Storywisdom is knowing what you need to do nextand doing it with joy.
Read The Rest of the StoryJune 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryRemember 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:
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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!
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAnd 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt turned to me the other night and said “You know, I understood you so much better after I watched ‘Winnie the Pooh’.”
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryCan you feel the betterness already?
Read The Rest of the StoryOf 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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”...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the Story“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...
Read The Rest of the Storytonight 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryBecause seriously, when was the last time you wrote one? Seriously, do tell. Solve the mystery, learn more.
Read The Rest of the StoryPresident 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryCheck 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryFor 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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....
Read The Rest of the StorySo, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryDear 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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 —...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA fun little illustration while Wyatt and I watched tv the other night. (He watched, I doodled).
Read The Rest of the Story[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....
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThat 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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....
Read The Rest of the Storyas a herse goes by . . . Because, well, you know.
Read The Rest of the StoryTwo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMary 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!
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryRemember 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...
Read The Rest of the Storyin 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday . . . sigh.
Read The Rest of the StoryAs 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLabor 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAs 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThat 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryProjects 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryNow 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAnd 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.
Read The Rest of the StoryTwo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryEverett 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryCalvin 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 ....
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the Story-Deck -Murray House -Business -Baby -3 Children -Summer
Read The Rest of the Storytwo gentleman came to my house and dug/set/poured all the footings for my deck and cat-walk. Ain’t life grand?!!
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryDear 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOver 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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,...
Read The Rest of the Story*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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIf 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryYou 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....
Read The Rest of the Storythree sick kids, watching cartoons in my bed. And mountains and mountains of laundry.
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryPart 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWith 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMy sister sent this to me today.
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the Storyit 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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.”...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWarning: 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...
Read The Rest of the Storythan 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySunday 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySunday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIn 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...
Read The Rest of the Story“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” –Isak Dinesen
Read The Rest of the StoryMonday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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....
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOver 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryRemember 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...
Read The Rest of the Storybecause 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryBecause 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryBecause I love Christmas music . . . this is a countdown of some of my favorties.
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTRAVELOGUE – 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 ....
Read The Rest of the StoryIt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLook 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTwo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTonight 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?”...
Read The Rest of the StoryDearEST, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThursday 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryThursday 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....
Read The Rest of the StorySo . . . 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryAmong 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOh 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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:...
Read The Rest of the StoryPhoto 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia 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!)...
Read The Rest of the StorySaturday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryThis is the little book I made for Wyatt for Valentines Day. Love the boy.
Read The Rest of the StoryOk . . . 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday, 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 ),...
Read The Rest of the StoryIgnore 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]
Read The Rest of the StoryMe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryBecause 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryCal 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryHave 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryCheck this out:
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryConversation 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryTo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryFamily 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAt 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...
Read The Rest of the Story“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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryYou 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe love July. This is another reason why.
Read The Rest of the StoryWe love July. This is another reason why.
Read The Rest of the StoryHey 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryJeff, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryA 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo, 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySitting 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryAfter 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.
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday Olivia was wearing this shirt. We took it as an omen. Some days are just cupcake days.
Read The Rest of the Story6:49 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 . ....
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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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Read The Rest of the StoryI 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:...
Read The Rest of the StoryFive 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryEach 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIf 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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.
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryGrandma 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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.
Read The Rest of the StoryMy 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryRejoice 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
Read The Rest of the StoryAs 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryMy 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryEvery 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryHere’s what’s been happening AT OUR HOUSE the past couple weeks.
Read The Rest of the StoryHere’s what’s been happening AT OUR HOUSE the past couple weeks.
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryHusband 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryDid 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia 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.
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryHere 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOkay, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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!
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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!
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWelcome 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryFor 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySeven 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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)...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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)...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryFriday 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryWendy 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo, 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 . . ....
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMonday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryVisit 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMy 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryWith 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryCal’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySince 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySitting 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMy 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMy “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,...
Read The Rest of the StorySummer 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThere 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn 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.
Read The Rest of the StoryTuesday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWell, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe hope everyone has a holiday filled with the Spirit of Our Savior, and enjoys the blessings of a new year!
Read The Rest of the StorySo 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryUPDATE: 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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.
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryYou 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWrestle 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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,...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StorySo, 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryI 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....
Read The Rest of the StoryI have some darling pictures of Olivia that I’ve taken over the past few weeks! Take a look!
Read The Rest of the StoryMy 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryHenry & 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryMy 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt’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...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday 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...
Read The Rest of the StoryIn 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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