Over the past several weeks I’ve sent Olivia two packages — The first one was flowers from the garden. I wasn’t really sure if it would work to mail flowers from the garden . ....
Read The Rest of the StoryToday I mailed Olivia her rodeo t-shirt. It was so important that she receive it before the rodeo next week. So she could wear it with us on the night-of. Oh how I miss that...
Read The Rest of the StoryAfter dropping Olivia off at the MTC, I came home and just couldn’t bear it. I had to write Olivia a letter. It’s like I forgot to tell her how much I’d miss her. So...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn Wednesday we took Olivia to the MTC. Oh heart. The morning started slow – even though that silly goose wasn’t even packed! She went to breakfast with her BFF, Natalie Lawson, and spent a...
Read The Rest of the StoryHello everybody! Today is the most wonderful day! I hope everyone saw how beautiful the mountains were today and how blessed we are that God gave them to us.
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia did home MTC for the first ten days. She had 8-10 hours of class each day, and otherwise had to fill her time with study, write her talk, and just get ready to leave....
Read The Rest of the StoryIn the week leading up to Olivia’s being set apart for her mission we had a few last hurrahs – Before the family dinner she was set apart as a missionary by our Stake Presidency,...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia received her mission call this week! I am so happy and excited for her. Of course we had to have multiple celebrations and openings. She received the call on Tuesday afternoon. The day before...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia graduated from high school (sniff). There were so many exciting things to wrap up her senior year – awards ceremonies, seminary graduation, photo shoots with friends, parties to go to. We’re so excited for...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe amount of tears I’ve shed in the past six weeks knowing this day was coming is unreal. Also, yesterday I told Olivia I was going to follow her to school and video her getting...
Read The Rest of the StoryPhew! With ACT’s, AP’s, and Prom behind her, Olivia set her sights to her upcoming rodeo season. This meant I needed to get her a rodeo out fit ready. To be fair, she had been...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia went to Prom with a boy named JJ Pratt. He was (is) by all accounts a really really nice kid, who apparently plays the piano like a rock star. Olivia was happy to go...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn Monday when the Sun is Hot -. I cleaned the house and worked out and took a nap. On Tuesday when it Hails & Snows- I took Nate-O-Potato to lunch. Because a lunch date...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhile mommy and dad are out of town to see Bruce for an epic weekend in Denver . . . The kids had all sorts of fun! The word on the street is that Everett...
Read The Rest of the StoryCute Olivia went to Sweet Hearts with her friend, Seth. They had a great time. I am so, so pleased at the choices in friends and activities that Olivia has involved herself with. She just...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe have a lot of basketball happening around here. Nate is on a J.Jazz team with games every Monday night. Roo is on a J.Jazz team with the same neighborhood boys as forever, with games...
Read The Rest of the StoryFor Olivia’s birthday we took her and her bestie, Natalie, down to the PRCA rodeo championship in Las Vegas. It was a whirlwind trip – just about 24 hours because the girls couldn’t afford to...
Read The Rest of the StoryRoo graduates from DARE! Corner Canyon loses in the state championship football game to Skyridge, 7-17. A&W went to the Jazz game with the Lakers Roo went to Winnie’s birthday party. We DIDN’T do a...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia turned the iconic age of 17. I cannot. I CANNOT I cannot believe that she is 17 years old. Where has the time gone? What happened? I love that sweet, young, precious, and amazing...
Read The Rest of the StoryAnd so we went shopping . . . And Olivia found the most beautiful dress! She reminds me of Audrey Hepburn a’la Breakfast at Tiffany’s. So classic. She is so beautiful, and that glow comes...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia asked her friend, Yosef, to go to Home Coming with her at Corner Canyon this year. Yosef is a friend she met this summer at AFY. It looks like they had a ton of...
Read The Rest of the StoryAnother summer has come and gone. I’m never ever ready for school to begin again. I love the days when all of le bebes are home with me (in theory if not in practice). But...
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 StoryOne of the special things we get to do with our sweet daughter now that she is 12, is take her to the Temple to perform baptisms for the dead by proxy. When I was...
Read The Rest of the StoryCute Olivia – sniff* graduated from primary. Now imagine my eyes with tears spouting out like a spigot gone amuck! Cute Olivia memorized all of her Articles of Faith, passed them off, and was able...
Read The Rest of the StoryI can’t believe my little goosey Sunshine girl has turned 12! For her birthday we let her have two . . . events. One, she had a late over and watched a movie with some...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia was turning 12. I planned to let her choose if she wanted to get her ears pierced (she had actually NEVER asked for this before). Then Wyatt gave me earings for our anniversary, so...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy Birthday cute girl! For her birthday we went to lunch at Mimi’s Cafe. We had a birthday party at airborne with her new friends in the new neighborhood, but we also had a night...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia started middle school. All summer I bemoaned this milestone in her life. But she was thrilled. THRILLED! To be moving on into the legit world of big-kid-ness. On Monday night we went over to...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia was turning 12. I was planning to let her choose if she wanted to get her ears pierced. (She had actually never asked about it before). Then Wyatt gave me earings for our anniversary,...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe limped most painfully along to the end of the school year. On the Sunday before Memorial day ( two weeks before the official dismissal of school) I told the kids that if they didn’t...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis spring we had Olivia playing softball in the Sandy/Draper league – Calvin playing baseball in Little League- Everett and Andrew in Draper fishing club – And Roo playing soccer for the Draper league. We’ve...
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 StoryWith the new year came New Beginnings. But the mind boggling thing was that this year Olivia was invited to it! I cannot tell you how shocking it is to me that my Sunshine is...
Read The Rest of the StoryOf all the things that have happened the past couple months, nothing is more imperative to remember forever than my kids birthdays. So let’s talk about Olivia’s birthday. Her big day came on the Friday...
Read The Rest of the StoryAn exciting thing has happened at the cabin this week – On Monday we were there, playing at the river by the entrance into our HOA. The river frontage is owned by the HOA,...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast year I read the little lovelies Tom Sawyer. And then a few months ago I found this golden find at the DI – and promptly made the children watch it on our first trip...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe’ve been waiting for this day for 10 years! We started teaching Calvin and Olivia to mow the lawn! They’re barely big enough to turn the machine on their own, and can’t quite start it...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe kids had their spring piano recital. I’m really proud of how the kids are progressing in their piano!
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia has told me all winter that she was really looking forward to our special girls weekend. But when spring break came and we were WAAAAY too busy (well, Wyatt was too busy – remember...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis year we decided to play spring ball rather than summer ball – we’re trying to have less busyness in the summer. Olivia is playing softball in a draper league. Her games are Monday’s and...
Read The Rest of the StoryHere’s some recent stories about my kid-o’s. A Boy Has a Crush on Olivia: We were at the pinewood derby the other night and Tyler Pierson, and little neighborhood boy in Olivia’s grade, was there....
Read The Rest of the StoryShe’d been complaining that she couldn’t see the board at school. So she got glasses- a pair of pink ones, and a pair of blue, to match every outfit she owns. Yes, she thinks of...
Read The Rest of the StoryFor the past couple weeks Olivia has taken every opportunity to remind us it was her birthday coming up. She’d hold up both hands, making peace signs, and say with a sing-song voice, “Double Digits!”...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia really wanted to have a birthday party at the cabin this year. Wyatt stayed home with the boys and I took Olivia and four friends up for a day of woodsy day of fun!...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia, Kira, and Hannah performed “It’s a Hard Knock Life” from Annie for the Ridgecrest talent show. I’m so glad these cute girls had fun!
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 StoryOne morning I stood at the sink washing the dishes. I overheard Olivia, making a paper folding fortune game for Everett. She asked him, “what fortune do you want here?” So Everett answered without hesitation:...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia was given the Star Student Award for Leadership for Mrs. Page’s class. About her, it was said: A philosopher once said an example is leadership. Olivia is a leader by example. She is always...
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 StoryToday was the primary program. Olivia had a piano solo, a group singing solo and two parts. (It’s the Olivia Show I told her when she told me of her participation. She only smiled.) And...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia wanted a Halloween themed party. (Easy enough!) I got brave and decided to have the party at our house instead of the church. Our activities included: A spooky scavenger hunt Witches ring toss...
Read The Rest of the StoryOctober was this strangely warm and beautiful month this year. Except on the one day I planned and went to Gardener Village for Halloween pictures. Last year I went one day after school so Olivia and...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia wanted a Halloween themed party. (Easy enough!) I got brave and decided to have the party at our house instead of the church. Our activities included: The kids were all so cute. I remember...
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 can’t believe it’s been nine years! Life is really in 5th gear now. The days fly by and I am finding Olivia growing up before my eyes. I’ve tried to savor these days and...
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 StoryOn Saturday at about 10 pm Cal came into our room complaining of a tummy ache. I could tell he was really in pain as he wriggled and writhed on our bed. Finally around 12:30...
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 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 StoryDuring the break between the baptism and confirmation, while waiting for Olivia to get dried and dressed, we watched this video. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGI_X5c5U3o?rel=0&w=640&h=360]
Read The Rest of the StoryOn Saturday, November 2nd, Olivia was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Greenfield Chapel. We were blessed to have so many people come and support our little...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe kept Olivia’s birthday party the most low-key of any I’ve ever done yet! It was awesome! We made candy apples, watched a halloween movie, and ate cupcakes and ice cream. Best of all, I...
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 StorySchool started early this year. August 19th to be exact. A very dismal day in the heart of the mother. A very exciting day in the heart of a girl. Girl carefully chose her first...
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 StoryI just opened my pocket notebook to write an idea down, and this is what I found: apparently Olivia wrote down an idea if her own. It made my heart smile. Once upon a time...
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 Story[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEL_RwSArMY&w=640&h=360] Olivia had her second piano recital this past week – it was the classical music show. She did wonderfully. She was SOOOOOOOO excited all week for it. This recital is the culmination of...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia received an award. Again. This time for being a great example of generosity. And it’s true. She is generous with her kindness, and her heart. Goodness, I love her. Don’t you?
Read The Rest of the StoryLittle Roo-Bee He is such a tease. This morning he took Everett’s blanket on purpose, and just held it, ready to run, looking at Everett, and laughing! He giggles constantly. He is my little yellow...
Read The Rest of the Story“Guess what you guys?!” Olivia exclaimed loudly as she threw open the door, home from school. We all looked up from our various activities in the living room. “What?” I asked, trying to match her...
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 StoryDear Goose, Today was your birthday. Seven Years Old. You are getting to be such a big girl, and you are such a great help to me. I really appreciate who you are and...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn Saturday we had Olivia’s 7th Birthday Party! Our guests included: Kate McGlincey Emma Shaw Kira Jackson Cheyenne (last name??) and Sienna (last name??) unfortunately, Bella and Kennedy were unable to make it. Olivia built...
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 StoryHere are a couple stories I forgot to write down . . . A few weeks ago Olivia told Lois she was going to be a witch for Halloween. She then began to cackle. Lois...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia’s first grade pictures came back. Look at what a doll! Oh, btw, she can also write in Chinese.
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia had her first day of first grade! This means she will be gone all day, five days a week. A part of my heart just broke off forever. She, on the other hand, is...
Read The Rest of the StoryLast week was the end of school for Olivia. She had her field day and final program. She had a great kindergarten year. She made a lot of new friends, she had a great teacher...
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 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 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 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 StoryA fun little illustration while Wyatt and I watched tv the other night. (He watched, I doodled).
Read The Rest of the StoryThis year I limited baby Sunshine to five friends. Gabe, Kennedy, Kira, Allison, and Emma came. We played a rousing game of pin-the-tail-on-the-unicorn. We made dirt and worms. We painted sun catchers. And ate cake...
Read The Rest of the Storyas a herse goes by . . . Because, well, you know.
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’s birthday time for you . . . Today was baby Sunshine’s big birthday. Olivia was so excited for her big day. She’d been counting down all week. The other day she told me she...
Read The Rest of the StoryDear College of My ChoiceNot too far from homeBecause if it is, my mom will rent an apartment right next to meJust so I won’t miss her too much 😉 You have a lot...
Read The Rest of the StoryCalvin: Mommy, it takes a long time for you tummy to get small. As long as it takes for a new baby to get here. Me: You’re right. But my tummy is already a little...
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 Story7:00 a.m. came bright and early Monday morning. Baby Sunshine got up and ate a healthy breakfast, got dressed in her new school outfit, patiently sat while I braided her hair, checked and rechecked her...
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 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 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 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 StoryCalvin’s teacher told me today: “We were talking about Heavenly Father, and I asked Calvin what he liked about Heavenly Father.” He cocked his head to the side, gave a thoughtful hmmm, and replied, “I...
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 StoryFriday was Zoo Day for Olivia’s preschool. She was very excited. She got to wear a special zoo day shirt (to help teachers keep track of kids) and bring her own lunch (a Lunchable, no...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday was the usual fare in Sacrament Meeting – toys flying, kids crying, parents giving each other looks. I finally gave Olivia my pen and sketch book, and she happily sat down at the end...
Read The Rest of the StorySaturday is supposed to be Wyatt’s night to cook. This past week was week four of our little arrangement, and he had yet to make dinner once. At six o’clock I gently reminded him that...
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 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 StoryThe first thing I head this morning . . . before even opening my eyes, was Olivia’s voice, from the other room, in morning prayer. What a sweet way to wake up. Yesterday Olivia asked...
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 StoryRead The Rest of the Story
Dear Olivia, Hi sweet baby girl. You’re no longer a baby. Sigh. That thought makes my heart a little heavy. It’s been a great five years so far! And a wonderful year four with lots...
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt and I hit Barnes and Noble (a staple for our date nights, I know, living on the edge!). And I came across a magazine that had the most beautiful photo collages. Sigh. It filled...
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt was bemoaning the decor associated with various holidays, case in point: Halloween. "I hate the stuff everywhere. Ick, I'm just so glad we don't have all that stuff. Now it must be said: Wyatt hates "Stuff." It also must be said: I am not the least opposed to stuff, I just walk down the decor aisle and feel totally overwhelmed and unable to coordinate and create decor of fabulousNESS. Thus, I push the cart faster, and invariable go home empty handed.
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 StoryToday was the first day of school. Olivia has been looking forward to this all summer long! We got her dressed in her new outfit. And those thrown back shoulder’s and off kilter hips- that’s...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’s the night before . . . The night before everything changes forever for my little family. The night before nothing will ever be the same. And I can’t help feel a little melancholic and...
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 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 StoryToday our Bishop stood up during Fast and Testimony meeting and encouraged the parents to let their children bear their testimonies during the first ten minutes of sacrament meeting. (I imagine that was due to...
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 StoryFor a few weeks we’ve been telling Olivia that we were going to take her training wheels off. But when she saw her friend Drake riding his bike without training wheels, then the importance became...
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 ate peanut butter sandwiches with home-made strawberry freezer jam on the faded plastic picnic table – a hand-me-down from the neighbors. The sun shone so hot on our backs. Even boredom of a backyard...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe funniest story from my quick jaunt to Nauvoo came a few days after I returned. I was talking to Alexa, and received the report: Alexa asked: Is your daddy taking care of you while...
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 StoryI made two pillowcase dresses for Olivia for the summer. One is pink eyelet, and the other is white. The pink one was my first, so naturally it took me a bit longer. I made...
Read The Rest of the StoryI made two pillowcase dresses for Olivia for the summer. One is pink eyelet, and the other is white. The pink one was my first, so naturally it took me a bit longer. I made...
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 StoryIck. Sick. Again. A fever yesterday set the evenings tone. Olivia is sick. Every few hours in the night: Children’s tylenol, cuddles between Wyatt and me. Calvin in, Calvin out. Feed the baby. More tylenol....
Read The Rest of the StoryToday was the day I’ve been dreaming of for months and months – all winter long, and even last summer when my big belly made it impossible (or at least uncomfortable) to bend over the...
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 StoryCalvin sent daddy a postcard today. Daddy sent one back. And he sent one to Olivia for good measure. No one sent me a post card. PS – Notice that Calvin used proper punctuation.
Read The Rest of the StoryThe other day Olivia came up to me. “Mommy,” she said “I’m going to stop brushing my teeth.” “Really?” “Yeah. That way all my teeth will fall out and the tooth fairy will come and...
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 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 StoryO and Cal are in the next room, playing house. Olivia LOVES to play house. Really, who doesn’t? Then I hear her instructing Cal: “Lift up your shirt.” My ears perk and my brow furrows....
Read The Rest of the StoryFor Olivia: a doll house. Or a pony house as the case may be. For her to play with to her little girl hearts content.
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 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 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 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 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 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 StoryToday Olivia wanted to use this. The first thing we do when we pick up a camera is put the strap around our neck. Olivia repeats. I show her some buttons. Push this to take...
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 StoryYesterday I cleaned my room all by myself. It took me a long, long, LONG time, but I’m only 3. Oh, and Calvin helped. Sort of. Since we don’t have pictures of today at the...
Read The Rest of the StoryDear D A D D Y, Today we played games. We watched some shows while mommy napped. Mommy watched some shows while we napped. We made zucchini bread. I put in the sugar and eggs....
Read The Rest of the StorySince I don’t have much to say about life these days, I thought I’d share this video of Olivia reciting her second article of faith. It was taken over a month ago, I just haven’t...
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 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 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 StoryThe other day Baby Sunshine and I were driving down the road (to aunty Jena’s house to see baby kitties) and this is how the conversation went: O: Mommy, wemember when you were a wittle...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday was a HUGE payoff day for parenthood, one that I have eagerly anticipated for over three years now. Today the primary stood up in sacrament to sing the musical number, and Olivia got to...
Read The Rest of the StorySo this is the first year Olivia has really been conscious of an old man called “Santa Claus.” She sat on his lap at the ward Christmas party. She saw him as we passed by...
Read The Rest of the StoryForever Olivia has said “O-Iggy-Uh” when referring to herself (well, she doesn’t talk in 3rd person, but when she tells someone her name, that’s how she says it). Then about a week ago, she started saying...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy Birthday Dear Olivia, We started celebrating last week with a little birthday party for my girl. On Sunday we had a family party at Grandma Christensen’s house. Today when I woke Olivia up and...
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 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 StoryOlivia: “Auntie Carrie, auntie Carrie, auntie CAAAARie!” Carrie: “What-ie-uh?” Olivia, mad and indignant: “No, I not what-ie-uh, I O-iggy-uh!” Me and Olivia at bedtime: Me: “Olivia, did you talk to Jesus today?” (referring to a...
Read The Rest of the StoryYesterday I was making Leslee’s “Welcome Home” poster. As I wrote, Olivia told me each each of the letters. She knows her entire ABC’s, and can recognize about 3/4’s of them in their written form,...
Read The Rest of the StoryI’ve mentioned a few times before about my neighbor, Kathe. She’s an aging widow who is feeling the effects of time. She’s essentially losing the ability to speak. She can’t remember words, she can’t remember...
Read The Rest of the StoryI heard Olivia whimpering in the middle of the night last night. Hoping she’d go back to sleep, I ignored her for a few minutes until I heard her door close. I got up to...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia is Calvin’s favorite. She’s the first one he wants to see in the morning. He gives her hugs and kisses over and over again (sometimes to Olivia’s dismay). He hits her in his excitement,...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia is Calvin’s favorite. She’s the first one he wants to see in the morning. He gives her hugs and kisses over and over again (sometimes to Olivia’s dismay). He hits her in his excitement,...
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 StoryThe other day Olivia told me she wanted to read me a book. She told me to sit down on the floor, while she sat on the ottoman to her chair. She picked up the...
Read The Rest of the StoryThat’s what I hear echoing down the hall every couple hours. That’s right. We’re back into potty training. I thought I’d give it one last go before the weather got nice, and I couldn’t bear...
Read The Rest of the Story. . . is gone forever, I’m afraid. I first noticed it on Wednesday evening. Olivia, who hadn’t had a nap all day, was saying one thing, and then repeating it over and over and...
Read The Rest of the StoryI made each of the kids a paper mache something for Christmas this year. For Calvin I knew right away that I would re-create the Lemon Galleon (check back later and I will pics of...
Read The Rest of the StoryI made each of the kids a paper mache something for Christmas this year. For Calvin I knew right away that I would re-create the Lemon Galleon (check back later and I will pics of...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’s Labor Day weekend, and that “bit of something” that Olivia had–well, we’ve all got it now, including poor little Calvin. But rather than talk about the miserable part of our weekend, I thought I’d...
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 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 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 StoryIt was an exciting day today. Mommy & I went to Silver Lake with Jaxon & Logan & Kellie, where we got to walk and run on the boardwalk around the lake. There was still...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’s my first birfsday today. Mommy and Daddy were so excited and wanted to celebrate with some exciting activities. Granddad Christensen gave me my very first birthday present, a deposit into my college fund. He...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’s my first birfsday today. Mommy and Daddy were so excited and wanted to celebrate with some exciting activities. Granddad Christensen gave me my very first birthday present, a deposit into my college fund. He...
Read The Rest of the StoryI went to lunch with my aunt at Gardener Village yesterday. While we were there, I took pictures of Olivia in her Halloween Costume. She’s a dragon this year. I decided months ago that I...
Read The Rest of the StoryI love it when babies first discover glass. I didn’t know this was one of the things that I love until yesterday, when Olivia discovered she could not crawl through the front doors of the...
Read The Rest of the StoryA bit of Olivia’s personality is really starting to show through, and she is developing more & more of an opinion. She shows her likes and dislikes with regard to some of the most funny...
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 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 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 StoryI have some darling pictures of Olivia that I’ve taken over the past few weeks! Take a look!
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 StoryOn Saturday Olivia rolled over on her own for the first time! I was laying on the bed with her, talking on the phone, and she was playing with some toys. After getting off the...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe day before Olivia was born we had gone into the doctor’s office to have our visit, and he scheduled us to be induced the following Monday, Halloween! I didn’t really want a Halloween baby,...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia loves her dogs. When ever she’s fussy we take her down to see the dogs. People ask us how the dogs behave around her, asking if I’m nervous to have my baby around them....
Read The Rest of the Story
