A Miracle in Jerusalem Israel, Day 1
View from the rooftop of my hostel. I see the Dome of the Rock and the Jerusalem Center. But what is that Christian church in the foreground? I flew over to Israel by myself, with...
Read The Rest of the StoryAdventures
{A Little More Than} Two Hours to Pack An Invite to Travel to Israel
A doorway niche in the old city of Jerusalem. So there is a little story about me that my dad thinks is funny, about when we went to the Olympics in Norway when I was...
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Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime?
When all the world is green? To celebrate the official coronation of Summer we had a barbeque . . . burgers with pineapple habenero sauce; molasses mashed sweet potatoes, grilled fresh veggies, and Simply Lemonade...
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Something MUST be said about Calvin
I have had this post kicking around in my head for months . . . all winter long really. And it is still not fully formed in my head. But something must be said about...
Read The Rest of the StorySummer Time Is Finally Here!
That ol’ ballpark man is back in gear! And we are at the ball park . . . four games a week, plus practice; it’s going to a great summer! Now, you must see this...
Read The Rest of the StoryA Good Way To Spend It
Yesterday as we climbed into the car to go to baseball, I sang out – “There’s a 104 days of summer vacation . . .” At which point Olivia and Calvin jumped in and finished...
Read The Rest of the StoryInto the Fire
I have been gone for nearly three weeks (17 days to be exact). What could have taken me away from my little lovelies for so long? Well, last summer it was announced (and I determined...
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A Writer AND an Adventurer!
I 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 StoryThe Great Tragedy of Motherhood {An Observation of a Wedding}
Andi and I became friends in the fifth grade, at age 11. At that time Andi had the summer job of watching her baby sister, Lexi, who was closing in on 3. We weren’t the...
Read The Rest of the StoryCalvin is Growing Up
And graduating from preschool! Calvin attended two years of Miss Sheri’s preschool, and next year he will start kindergarten. He has loved preschool, and he has made so many fun friends in the neighborhood. We...
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Another Week
This week I focused on finishing getting the yard planted. I am going to be out of town for the end of the month, so I wanted everything done before I leave. I was able...
Read The Rest of the StoryChasing Fireflies
[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 StoryGenerosity
Olivia 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?
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The One with the Racoon
As I type this (at almost ten thirty p.m.) there is Butt Rock blaring from my hallway ceiling. Wyatt has the clock radio wedged into the attic door, playing music at full volume in hopes...
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About Calvin
Boys do not grow up gradually. They move forward in spurts like the hands of clocks in railway stations. – Cyril Connolly Calvin received a letter in the mail: bring your parents, and come learn...
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A Man I Never Knew
Four days after the passing of my paternal grandmother (Grandma Brock), my maternal grandfather (Grandpa Herzog), and last living grandparent, passed away. His death was much more sudden and unexpected. He was 93 years...
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Scatter the Sunshine
Grandma Brock passed away last night. It was both expected and sudden. She has been struggling with Alzheimers for almost ten years. Three weeks ago when I was in Arizona I received an email from...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy March 28th
Multiply life by the power of two. On an unrelated note: Personal Goal is to stop taking pictures with the dumb iphone and get back to having nice pictures of my cute kids. (in...
Read The Rest of the StoryWinter’s Day
This winter has been long and cold with the watery yellow skies and sullen grey horizons. The coldest winter on record in over 60 years, so the weatherman says. We have stayed inside, watched much...
Read The Rest of the StoryClassic
Truth according to Andrea (don’t get me started on that statement) . . . I believe (and have always believed) that our children watched us before they came to earth. They learned from us, before...
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I Love to See the Temple
If I back-date it to Tuesday, then it count’s as a Tale for Tuesday, right? When I was sixteen I spent one wild adventurous semester living with my aunt in St. George. Activities included...
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The Little Lovelies
Little 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 StoryPhotoGalleria
Every once in a while I tell people that I do photography. But when they ask to see some of my work . . . I always draw a blank. I have, at various times...
Read The Rest of the StoryA Post Of Nothing
I am tired today . . . the result of a week of late nights spent working on our ward directory (yes, a month late). Even last night when I had everything done I needed...
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Snow Day
(*I had pictures, and even videos of us going down the hill, but they seem to have been deleted off my phone. That’s the trouble with letting little lovelies play with your phone*) We had...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe View From Heaven
My sweet/awesome sister, Care-Bear made this video. These are her pictures and experiences with Sunny, but you could easily insert any one of us in this video. This is what our entire childhoods looked like....
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Sunny Days
When I was 13, 1 month, and two days old, I got a horse of my own. All Christmas season I watched the presents pile up under the tree – a giant box in the...
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In Which Olivia Loses A Tooth
“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...
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Christmas Is the Season
*This post was actually written ten days ago, but it has taken me this long to get around to editing and adding the pictures. I always struggle to keep up on the blog about the...
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The Big Year
ROO ATE HIS FIRST FOODS•redecorated olivia’s room•CALVIN LEARNED TO SCOOTER•andrea made a skirt•WYATT WAS CALLED TO THE BISHOPRIC•we went to arizona for some sunshine and fun•BUILT GARDEN BOXES•wyatt registered to run for office•EASTER EGG HUNT•wyatt...
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A Christmas Tale for Tuesday
Since Christmas is falling on a Tuesday this year, I thought it befitting to have a “Tale for Tuesday” be a Christmas story . . . When I was in eleventh grade I wrote a...
Read The Rest of the StoryMerry Christmas
Read The Rest of the StoryOriginal Art
When I was expecting Roo I came across a painting of a woman carrying a baby with an angel looking over her shoulder. It made me cry. Because I knew how that felt. I contacted...
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You Should Know The Truth
We went to temple square to see the lights on Monday night. It had been an activity we wanted to do for the whole season, but it hadn’t happened yet. We decided Monday night for...
Read The Rest of the StoryRoo’s First Word
was “Daisy.” I wasn’t sure if I heard correctly yesterday – I thought he said it, but I couldn’t get him to say it again. But today when he said it like four times in...
Read The Rest of the StoryRun Run As Fast As You Can
This year, instead of making one gingerbread house as an entire family, I decided to have each kid make their own gingerbread man. Perfect FHE activity AND treat if you ask me! Two for one,...
Read The Rest of the StorySome People Seem To Know Everything
Everything that’s important at least. And I wish I were them. I think it is my pride that keeps me from it. My pride and my lack of humility. Which are sort of the same...
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Sister Leslee
I have a sister Leslee. She makes awesome things. Things that make you swoon with envy. Like this crib. (Yes, she made her own crib). Or this bedding. (She made it ALL!) Or this blessing...
Read The Rest of the StoryNight Out to Ride the Ferris Wheel
A week or so ago Wyatt came home with the news that there was a new (INDOOR!) ferris wheel in town, and he was going to take us all to go ride on it. So...
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Israel, Israel, God is Calling!
This year I have been thinking . . . a lot . . . and there’s one particular subject that has spun round in my head as I’ve tried to find my own conclusion to...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Day After Thanksgiving (aka – Black Friday, aka – My Birthday)
The day after Thanksgiving was my birthday this year. First thing that happened when I woke up was Calvin brought me a bowl of cereal for breakfast in bed. He’s always a thoughtful one, that...
Read The Rest of the StoryThanksgiving This Year
This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at our house. We invited the Smiths over to our house to help us enjoy the festivities. The Smiths don’t have any other family within 500 miles, so they (almost)...
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Olivia’s First Piano Recital
Three weeks ago Olivia started piano. Tonight was her first recital! I am so proud of her. (And her teacher is too! He said in all his years of working with piano students, he’s never...
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If You Like Pina Coladas
Last year after Wyatt came home from the NAR conference, he said next year we should all go (Wyatt and I, and Ryan (Wyatt’s business partner) and his wife, Emily), and since it was in...
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Favorite Foto Sunday – Walk to the Horizon
The thing I always really liked about this picture was the composition . . . it was totally incidental to what was going on, but I think it is what makes this a photo that...
Read The Rest of the StoryFavorite Foto Sunday – Fields of Gold
Does anyone remember the old Sting song- “Fields of Gold”? It was one of Andi’s favorites growing up, and I hear her singing it when ever I see this picture.
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And in Other News . . .
Tuesday night was the big night – Wyatt lost his election. It was a sore disappointment. And in other news . . . Olivia came home today totally excited to share that she had learned...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia Turns Seven
Dear 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 StoryWe’d Really Like To Celebrate This Happy Day With You!
On 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 Time to PAAAAR-TAY!
It’s the weekend before Halloween, so really, what do I expect?! Friday Calvin and his preschool class went on a field trip to Gardiner Village to see the witches. What fun! Friday afternoon we went...
Read The Rest of the StoryNow You Know
Here 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...
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But It’s Not Because I Didn’t Do Anything Today
If you were to come over right now, to walk through my house (if I would let you past my front door) – you would see a mess – everywhere. Not a room in my...
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Another Good Thing About Being A Mamma is the Happiness you Feel When You Look at Pictures of Your Lovelies
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Good Earth
{Do you remember that book? Wasn’t it horrible? I remember hating it . . . perhaps I should add it to my list to reread. Maybe I missed something the first time around} This weekend...
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I’m About to Loose Control and I Think I Like It
{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 StoryGoose
Olivia’s first grade pictures came back. Look at what a doll! Oh, btw, she can also write in Chinese.
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Little Boy Big Boy
Little Everett turned 3. I can hardly believe it – that he’s only 3. I don’t remember life before Everett. He is such a sweet boy. He loves and feels things deeply. He’s sensitive and...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis Week in 2008
Cal ganked a tomato off the Smith’s back porch, and devoured it before anyone could stop him.
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The Mother I Want To Be
Motherhood is an eternal blow and lift to ones self esteem. When Wyatt and I converse, well, let’s be honest here, 95% of the time it’s about Wyatt’s business (or currently, Wyatt’s election) or other...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis Week in 2005
We looked at buying this cabin in Mt. Aire. We decided against it because, while beautiful, it was very small and needed some serious work.
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Wicked
Mom took me to go see “Wicked” in Las Vegas. It was soooooo much fun. Wyatt really wanted to see it too, so I talked her into letting him tag along 😉 We all had...
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Sometimes at Night
when I go downstairs to peek in on the kids, I find outfits that Olivia has laid out for herself for the next day. I often stumble because I think it’s a kid laying on...
Read The Rest of the StorySqueeze My Eyes Shut
Life goes too fast. I’m feeling very rushed. More on this later.
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The Utah Alps
With the turning of the colors, we’ve been spending a lot of time in our mountains. My mom was in town visiting Leslee and baby Oaklee on her 60th birthday. On the morning of her...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis Week in 2006
We celebrated our 5 year anniversary.
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I am a Soccer Mom
And I embrace it – minivan and all. Go Calvin!
Read The Rest of the StoryEverett Loves to Play The Fishy Game
It is his very favorite.
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This Week in 2007
We 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 Week
Was pretty ok overall. But on Wednesday afternoon Roo threw up all over his crib when he took a nap. And that night Everett had a high fever. And Olivia came into our room at...
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The Boy and His Brother
Everett loves Calvin. Theirs is a love/brother relationship. Full of cuddles and fighting and “battles” and make-believe. They have so much fun together. Everyone has a place in Everett’s universe, and everyone is important in...
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First Day of Preschool
Every day for the past two weeks Calvin has asked: How many more days until preschool? Because he’s been so very excited. This morning was the day, and he showed up at my bedside at...
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Everett in Training
Everett began potty training this week. He has done really amazingly well. He pooped and urinated in the toilet in the first two hours after we started. I think he’s been ready for a while...
Read The Rest of the StoryFirst Step
Leslee and I were sitting on the floor of her nursery getting some pictures ready to hang. Roo was playing on the floor beside us. Suddenly he stood up (in the middle of the room,...
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Olivia’s First Day of School
Olivia 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 StoryLabor Day Weekend
It was the last day of summer, so for the day we decided to do one thing on my list that I never got around too: drive over Gaurdsman’s pass. First we went up and...
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Going to church with small children is like going to church with exotic and wild birds
Read The Rest of the StoryYour Name is Mud
This morning I noticed I missed a couple calls from my dad. I didn’t worry about it – I was in the middle of helping Leslee with a baby project. But later, when I had...
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Conversations
Samples of conversations I had today: Calvin: Mom, you should get me some video games. Me: Why? Calvin: Because big kids like video games and I’m trying to act like a big kid. Everett: How...
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A House of Faith
This year our theme is “A House of Faith” It comes from D&C Section 88 where we are taught to seek diligently out of the best books, to learn by study, and also by...
Read The Rest of the StoryBusy
Besides the usual, this week I: made a bike rack made 2 quiet books took the kids to the pool twice took Leslee down to the Re-Store made a bajillion hair bows, clips and ponies....
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Mademoiselle Pugh
Yesterday I went up to Leslee’s house to help her with some baby projects (painting furniture). Then last night I went shopping for a gift for her. Today I threw her a shower. I noticed...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy Birthday Roo
Roo’s Birthday was fast. Luckily we celebrated on two days. Maybe we’ll celebrate again on Sunday. When we got up, we all went into his room and sang Happy Birthday to him. He really seemed...
Read The Rest of the StoryBut We Did Make It To The Dinosaur Museum
Tuesday was going to be busy. It was the last activity for “Art in the Park” – a water party with a pot luck lunch afterwards. Then there was Max’s birthday party. And it was...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt was Bad Luck
One weekend, the summer after our freshman year of college, I was invited to go camping with Andi and her family. I grew up going camping with the Kierst’s. Chris, a geologist for the state...
Read The Rest of the StoryBrock Family Cabin Trip, 2012
Update: After posting this, Carrie emailed me a bunch of her pictures. Hurray for super-aunts who take pictures of things! Our last big summer activity was the cabin trip with the Brock Family. It...
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Random Thoughts Today {Peppered with Random Photos}
It’s odd to write without an event on which to focus. The reality is I am so busy, and so overwhelmed, but am cataloging these days for a future post. In the mean time,...
Read The Rest of the StoryA Pirate’s Life For Me
Calvin turned five. Every day for the past three weeks he’s asked: “How many more days until my birthday?” And every day for the past month he’s told me: “I want this (or this)(or that)...
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Knockin’ Out the Best Two Years
I took a whirl-wind trip to St. George for my brother, Thomas’s missionary farewell. I left Saturday afternoon and came home Sunday afternoon. In those 24 hours: -Baby shower for Leslee-Dinner with the fam at...
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Today she told me
wisdom is knowing what you need to do nextand doing it with joy.
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More on the Garden
We had friends over for an evening barbeque the other night, and the one friend looked at our first garden and said “it won’t always be this easy!” Well, it might not, but in the...
Read The Rest of the StoryI Was Going to Wait, But Why?
I was going to wait to get home and do one big recap of our family vacation, but now that I’m here I’m thinking: “Why?” I am on vacation. Almost a year ago we...
Read The Rest of the StorySince We Didn’t Do Anything Else in June
June was pretty much a lazy month . . . So we decided we better get some projects done. We took the first two weeks of the month to get a long list of outstanding...
Read The Rest of the StorySometimes I have to ask myself ‘Why am I not a professional barrel racer?’
In any case the rodeo was thrilling as always! Thanks for coming, Heidi, Harry and Lois to one of our favorite annual traditions. P.S. Congratulations Roo on your first rodeo!
Read The Rest of the StoryWelcome Back, July!
Remember last year, when July was over? And now it’s back! Welcome back July, we’re so excited to have you! Here is a little tour of our yard on July 1st:
Read The Rest of the StoryJune Recap
Gasp and Sigh. Today we were talking about our thoughts in Relief Society – and the comment I made was something like this: One thing I need to do is slow down! I am so...
Read The Rest of the StoryPainter of Sorts
When I was in high school I determined that my pre-mortal calling and contribution to the universe was to paint the beetles. I want to get a hold of my old paints – glowy and...
Read The Rest of the StoryHot Time in the Old Town Tonight FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!
When I was fourteen the Yellow House burned down. Let me tell you more . . . So there I was, minding my own business (as usual), on the phone with Andi, curled up in...
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Angels Among Us
This story was told to me tonight by Wyatt after the fact: Wyatt had had a bad day, and while I was at the store, he came in to change for Bishopric, and Everett was...
Read The Rest of the StoryFirst Kiss
When I was five my grandpa Brock died. And since my parents were hauling us all to southern Callifornia for a funeral anyway, I guess they decided to make a big deal out of it....
Read The Rest of the StoryJust So You Know
I’m really bummed that we’re into the second half of June. We only have two more months left of summer. {Now that Olivia is in school, summer ends when the school year starts.} Curses!
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Arts in the Park
This year Becca Roper in the tenth ward, and I decided to put together an “Arts in the Park” program for the kids. We’ve invited 3 wards – mine, Becca’s and the 18th ward...
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Nice
Last week we went to the splash park. The kids were all so excited to go, but somehow the thrill wore off for Everett as soon as we got out of the car. He...
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Olivia Graduates from Kindergarten *Sniff*
Last 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 StoryReturn to the Pool
This past week brought the return of swimming lessons and day trips to our favorite watering hole. Summer . . . oh happy days! [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU_wjxW05nA&w=640&h=480]
Read The Rest of the StoryCalvin is growing up
and having preschool programs. It was a great year at his preschool, and I really think he enjoyed it. Hurray for Calvin!
Read The Rest of the StoryFirst Fishing
We went fishing the other night – our first trip of the year. We just went to a local pond. We had no luck. But the kids admired the fish of others, and had fun...
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High School
Things I learned – Mr. Williams was the one who first introduced me to Willa Cather. It was eleventh grade American Lit, in the second to last room at the end of the long hall...
Read The Rest of the StoryOklahoma!
The spring of fifth grade we decided to ride our bikes to Oklahoma. I don’t remember how this decision came about, but it was as real, and we were as determined, as could be! Andi...
Read The Rest of the Story9 Posts In One
1) In Which I Write About the Nomenclature of My Posts in an AA Milne Format- Or, The One Where Andrea Titles Like Friends – Sometimes I think to myself that I should title all...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe were cuddling
And he put his blankie over my legs, then turned and grabbed my hands, putting my two fingers into my own mouth, before turning back and and resting in satisfaction against my shoulder. He just...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy Birthday Wyatt
We had a fun day celebrating Wyatt’s birthday. He went to work in the morning, and then we went to get him in the afternoon to take him on an activity scavenger hunt – We...
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That’s a Good Point
During an FHE discussion of the meaning of personal peace: Calvin observed: It’s so much easier to relax when you’re eating ice cream.
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It’s True.
Wyatt turned to me the other night and said “You know, I understood you so much better after I watched ‘Winnie the Pooh’.”
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’s Shocking to Wyatt
Pampers Dusty Cooper Lady Sunny Mitch – 3 legged Rags Ralph – 3 legged Roxy Hinsa Sierra Heidi – 3 legged *Some Other Dog, Can’t remember it’s name – boston terrier* – 3 legged...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne of Those Days
Today was one of those days – one of those wild-monkey-poo days. As I type this mass hysteria is broadcasting in hi-def stereo quality from the basement, the ear piercing result of children being...
Read The Rest of the StoryA Healthy Serving of Humble Pie
Yesterday I was cleaning the basement. Let’s be honest, it was a mess. After half a week of spring break, with no school, no cleaning, and sibling slumber parties, it was like a hurricane had...
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Calvin in March
He is really coming into his own. His head is full of deep thoughts that he shares on occasion with startling candor. His heart is the most golden of any child I’ve ever encountered. His...
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Dear March, Come In!
March has been epic. Like the pinnacle in a great novel, each event seems better than the last, and I am too busy and too full of the moments to even sit and write them...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy March 28th
Can you feel the betterness already?
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Garden Green
Of course after a long and brown winter, I’m always excited to get out and put some color in my yard. Every year my attempts find varying degrees of failure! LOL. Oh well, it’s March,...
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Planting Guide
I made myself a planting guide – because I was kinda bored today. At the last minute I added a “brought to you by” at the bottom. I think I will try “pinning” it and...
Read The Rest of the StoryUncle Terry
This special edition of “Tales for Tuesday” is printed on Sunday, especially for Uncle Terry. Where do you even start when you’re talking about Uncle Terry? In my family he was known as “Terry 1”...
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Painting the Roses Red, Or, dying the towels pink
When I was nineteen I spent a semester living in Moscow. And one time we went on a grand trip through northern Russia, across the border to Helsinki, Finland where this story begins, and then...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Little Things
At Christmas Everett still wasn’t talking much. He had maybe a handful of words, but they were small, and used irregularly. By the end of January he was a little chatter box with a vocabulary...
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So Many Adventures Could Happen Today
We went to the valentines dance. And Olivia was officially uninterested in hanging out with her mamma and pappa, but was more interested in running around with her little friends. *Sigh* But lucky for us...
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And so I made a Skirt
This summer will be “The Summer of No Pants” – where my days will be spent in comfortable, soft, sweet skirts. I was so excited I made my first one! I made a pattern out...
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Will You Be My Valentine?
“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 StoryOur Very First Valentines Day
tonight i am typing on my laptop – something i try to avoid ever since calvin got a hold of it last spring and busted some keys – including the all important ‘shift’ – there...
Read The Rest of the StoryHow to Write a Crazy Love Letter
Because seriously, when was the last time you wrote one? Seriously, do tell. Solve the mystery, learn more.
Read The Rest of the StoryA Sealing Testimony
President Petersen is going to die. When the summer comes again, and I am eating ice cream and laughing with friends beneath the glittering canopy of kerr lanterns, his wife will be a widow, bearing...
Read The Rest of the StoryWednesday was Andi’s Birthday
So I was going to write a “Tales for Tuesday” for her, and publish it on Wednesday. But Wednesday I forgot, I was participating in an online protest. So today she shall have her story....
Read The Rest of the StoryBut January Made Me Shiver
Check out that bedhead, and that “I just woke up, get that camera out of my face” scowl. Ah, Everett, will I ever grow accustomed to you adorable-ness? Roo got to eat his first foods...
Read The Rest of the StoryA Letter For January
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Estonian Honey
When I was nineteen I spent a semester living in Moscow, teaching English as a second language to ten year olds. But that’s another story. While there we went on a trip where we...
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And we partied . . .
For New Years we had the Smiths, Fergs, Fletchers, Enghs, & Soris over to party! Kellie brought “Just Dance 2” for the Wii, and it was a real riot as even the guys took off...
Read The Rest of the StorySick but Remember
I wrote this on my sidebar – under “About” It’s hard to make chicken noodle soup for yourself when you’re sick. There should be a “dial some soup” hot line for mammas when they’re sick...
Read The Rest of the StoryPersonal Progress
Last year I took a hiatus from personal growth. Bringing a baby into the world was all the physical, emotional, and spiritual effort I could muster. I had nothing in me to do anything else....
Read The Rest of the StoryTop Eleven of 2011
Top Eleven Moments/Activities/Events of Our 2011 11. Everett finally is starting to talk. Good grief, I love that boy.10. Surprise date to the U2 Concert.9. Family Outing to the Carl Bloch exhibit.8. Our Family gets...
Read The Rest of the StorySomeone Loves Us – Is it You?
So, about ten days before Christmas or so, we received a knock & run at the door. Outside was a treat and a basket with a stable (see picture) and two notes. One told us...
Read The Rest of the StoryChristmas Catch Up
Because of everything going on I never have time to blog over Christmas – But there’s so much I want to write about. So I’m going write one big Christmas catch up post of...
Read The Rest of the StoryTwo Travel Tales
Today I will feature two Tales for Tuesday – because they’re both short. One: The Time I was Smooshed By a Large Lady while Crash Landing in a Hot Air Balloon When I was in...
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My Picture Perfect Reality
This is something I have been thinking about since mid October, when I saw Soleil Moon Frye (remember Punky Brewster?) pedaling her new book on some TV show – she was talking about motherhood, and...
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The Roof
The house in which I grew up, which was (and is) referred to as simply, “The Yellow House,” had a very steep roof. This was a simple fact of my childhood, confirmed into impressive reality...
Read The Rest of the StoryFlaming Soccer
Today is Emily Elmer’s Birthday (who is no longer Emily Elmer, but Emily Bowers instead). And so I thought it would be good to write a story about living on the Indian Reservation. While...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe story of how we were attacked by two dobermans while innocently trespassing one day . . .
This story is dedicated to Carrie, because she wanted me to write this one. When I was probably about thirteen or so, we decided to have a grand adventure. Don’t ask me exactly who...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen I’m a Little old Lady
Dear Olivia, Calvin, Everett & Roo, When I’m a little old lady Then I’ll live with my chidlren and bring them great joy To repay all I’ve had from each girl and boy I shall...
Read The Rest of the StorySo It Won’t Melt
Today there was little art piece in my fridge – a red paper with a child’s doodle. For some reason I didn’t think too much of it, until Calvin came climbing underneath to the fridge...
Read The Rest of the StoryMy Evil Genius Plan
For 31 years I complained about my birthday falling over Thanksgiving weekend. A few years I even tried to celebrate my big day on my un-birthday (6 mos.), and on the years my day actually...
Read The Rest of the StorySinging in the Dark AKA The Time They Called Search & Rescue
When I was about fourteen my cousin, Anna and I decided to go on an evening ride. Our plan was to head up Corner Canyon. When I was growing up, the entire South Mountain was...
Read The Rest of the StoryGuilt Trip
Yesterday I decided a little deep cleaning before the holidays would be a good idea. I set about on my kitchen – cleaning out all the cabinets, wiping the insides and outsides down, and rearranging...
Read The Rest of the StoryImagination Vacation
I’ve been waiting for Andi to make the announcement first; tonight she finally did. I’m taking that as my license to make my own announcement: Andi’s first book has been published and is available on...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Story of how I was almost hit by a Semi Truck while climbing a tree one fine afternoon
The summer before Junior High was a weird one. Perhaps that’s a bit vague. But I can’t think of any other way to describe it. I was about to start at a new school —...
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Calendar, 2012
I’ve never used a calendar until this year – something about my spontaneous carpe diem lifestyle never seemed to fit inside that box. And then I had kids – who went to school. My calendar...
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It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I saw this cartoon recently: I get it. I do. It seems the Christmas merchandise come out earlier and earlier every year. This year I saw holiday stuff in the stores in September. It does...
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Use Your Imagination
A fun little illustration while Wyatt and I watched tv the other night. (He watched, I doodled).
Read The Rest of the StoryBill Cosby, I can relate . . .
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyMSc97UksM&w=560&h=315] I remember watching that comedy sketch by Bill Cosby as a kid. We had it on VHS – “Bill Cosby, Himself.” I remember watching it with my brothers, and just laughing and laughing....
Read The Rest of the StorySwirling
The sun slanted at the late autumn angle. The horses picked their way over the canal and out into the field, the hay cut low from the farmer’s plow, the fallow littered on the frosty...
Read The Rest of the StoryTell Me A Story
At night, when I go to tuck Olivia in, jammies on, teeth brushed, Daisy curled up beside her, her room awash in the pink of her Ikea daisy night light, Olivia always asks: “Tell me...
Read The Rest of the StoryThere is a Tree
That lives behind my house – just on the other side of the fence. I love her. Ironically, in my mind I call her “the Spider tree.” I don’t exactly know why. But she’s gorgeous....
Read The Rest of the StoryFirst Snow
Means a fire in the fire place. And hot chocolate with whip cream. And cozy pajamas all morning. And bundled up warm when we finally go outside. First snow’s are gorgeous. [audio:https://andreachristensen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/06-Song-for-a-Winters-Night.mp3|titles=06 Song for a...
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Another Birthday Party
This 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...
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More Passionately than the Stars Above
When Wyatt and I were dating, I asked him to write me a love note – because, well, I’m a girl. And he’s a boy. I think he thought I was encroaching on his manhood....
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Don’t Ever Laugh
as a herse goes by . . . Because, well, you know.
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For the Love
Today we blessed Andrew James. It was beautiful. His blessing by his father was wonderful. And I had such a peaceful feeling through out the sacrament meeting. I really felt a testimony of the tender...
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This Month is Such a Special One
It’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 StoryMy Last Semester At BYU
I had a professor . . . I think he had something to prove. I think I had something to prove. I think he won. The night after my last final I went...
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Dear College of My Choice
Dear 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 StoryThis Week Has Been Crazy
Today I was in my room folding laundry when I heard a knock on the door. Then the door opens, and I hear a voice calling for me, but I don’t recognize it. When...
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Dear Everett, now you are two
Sweet boy . . . I have this panicked desire to record who you are at age one/two. I want to remember how your legs are so chubby, and your hands are always sticky. I...
Read The Rest of the StoryPhoto Dump
Two days ago it was 85 degrees. Today it is snowing. One thing about my life the past year or so, is that I have no time for photography. Even if I happen to get...
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In the Most Delightful Way
Mary Poppins came to town. And we went to see it. It was magic. Calvin clapped with great enthusiasm. And Olivia grinned from ear to ear. What a fun Friday night!
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Ocean in the Red Rocks
When I lived on the Indian Reservation I made a lemon galleon out of paper mache. And then I made fish to swim along side. Paper mache fish with giant kissy lips and beauty marks...
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Three Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Two Days
In no particular order The birth of a daughter, Olivia The birth of a son, Calvin The birth of a son, Everett The birth of a son, Andrew Bachelors Degree in Marketing from BYU Bachelors...
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Believing God
Remember that part in The Hiding Place where the sister, the one who isn’t in the book very much, well, the Nazi’s show up at her house, and ask her point blank if her housekeeper...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhen I was a Junior
in highschool, I had silver shoes. Not grey, mind you, not pewter. Sparkly shiney patent leather silver Mary Jane shoes. Platforms, of course. I wore my silver shoes with my tie-dyed tights. Bright color splashed...
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One Month Ago
Today . . . sigh.
Read The Rest of the StoryOne Last Hurrah!
As one final hurrah to summer we went to a cabin with my family. We: fished on the lake in canoes did art projects watched old Disney movies went shooting went 4-wheeling sat in the...
Read The Rest of the StorySuperCal-ifragilisticexpialidocious!
My boy Cal has started preschool. While I consider today his “first day” there have been a couple prior events that were important too. 1) Back to school night – we got to go meet...
Read The Rest of the StoryLabor Day Weekend 2011
Labor Day weekend was everything it was supposed to be – a holiday of relaxing. Wyatt worked on the roof a little. Then we were going to go to the mountains for a hike. But...
Read The Rest of the StoryReality Check Part II
Calvin: 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 StoryReality Check
At sacrament today Olivia: I bet that man is older than grand-crad. Me: You think so? Grand-crad is pretty old. Olivia: Like how old is he? A hundred? Me: No, but great-grandma Christensen is a...
Read The Rest of the StoryGoodbye August
As a final hurrah we went to the Dinosaur Museum one last time. It was, as always, tons of fun. Afterward we got ice cream played in a kid water feature that I never knew...
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Olivia’s First Day of Kindergarten
7:00 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 StorySeek Learning
This year Olivia will start kindergarten. I’ve already spent my tears on this reality. Not only that, but my buddy, SuperCal will start pre-school. I will miss him so much. So it has been a...
Read The Rest of the StoryKindergarten Testing
In preparation for school to start, I told Olivia she would be doing her kindergarten testing. I meant for it to be exciting – something to look forward to. I’m not sure it had that...
Read The Rest of the StoryWon’t You Call Him Roo?
I have been on cloud nine for the past eight days. It couldn’t have been better – the labor, the delivery, the recovery, the baby. Everything went just as it should. And he is perfect....
Read The Rest of the StoryHere’s the story
On Saturday night I thought my water broke. It hadn’t. They watched me at the hospital for a couple hours, and then sent me home. And I cried. A lot. I was (am) so embarrassed....
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Maternity Pictures
A couple weeks ago Wyatt asked me if I was going to do any maternity pictures. I love maternity pictures of other people. But me . . . not so much my style. So I...
Read The Rest of the StoryBe Patient
Last night Leslee came over and painted my toes. I’ve always made her give me a pedicure before each baby. I think this time she was sick of it because she bought me a gift...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday the Dr. said . . .
That not only did I not show any indication of going into labor, but I actually showed signs that my body was no where near ready to go into labor. I’ve been on the verge...
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That's Better
Today we stayed home. I cleaned while the kids played (and cleaned the basement, dear little lovelies). After they cleaned the basement, and I started feeling like I was actually getting somewhere with my house...
Read The Rest of the StoryThat’s Better
Today we stayed home. I cleaned while the kids played (and cleaned the basement, dear little lovelies). After they cleaned the basement, and I started feeling like I was actually getting somewhere with my house...
Read The Rest of the StoryHouston, We Have Sunflowers!
Projects continue in flurry around here. Yesterday Wyatt painted and trimmed the shed. Tonight he put the shingles on it. He also put the washer/dryer up on their pedestals (that have been sitting in the...
Read The Rest of the StorySucumbing to Insanity
Last Friday I started cleaning the bathrooms. A typical job for a Friday. Even though I have the bathrooms down to a routine, for some reason last Friday it took . . . forever. As...
Read The Rest of the StoryAs Sisters In Zion
When I found out baby #4 was a boy, there was a lot of emotion. But one thing that has pricked my heart consistently in those months since that day, was the realization that Olivia...
Read The Rest of the StoryDay at the Farm
On Tuesday we went to the farm at Thanksgiving Point with Lois, Jena & Kids. It was so much fun! Everett loved riding the horse the most. He watched the other kids stand in line...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt’s Time
Now that July is over (sigh of both sadness and relief at the same time), I suppose it’s time to start getting ready for Boy. Remember last December I wrote myself a letter about not...
Read The Rest of the StoryGoodbye July
This morning I woke up. The first thought to come into my head, before I even opened my eyes — was ‘I made it through July.’ Because July is my favorite month of the...
Read The Rest of the StoryDear Calvin, at age four
You are such a wonderful boy! Goodness but how you can make my heart glow or my blood pressure rise. I love your laughter, your need to always be dirty, and your absolute pleasure in...
Read The Rest of the Story2007 Slideshow
I have SO much blogging to catch up on – 4th of July, Christensen camp out, the deck, summer days, etc.; I just can’t seem to get around to it all. But like I said...
Read The Rest of the StoryHome Movies
I’ve been looking for a new video camera the past few days. We bought our old camera five years ago, with nary any research. It was for Wyatt, I think we got it for his...
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Tonight The Light Is Golden
And Olivia is sleeping in her new room. Calvin and Everett are bunking in “the boys room” and the crib is empty . . . at least for now.
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Repainting the Living Room {From the Lost Posts}
Two weeks before eJo was due, I decided it was time to repaint the living room. I had originally wanted it “Silver Sage” from Restoration Hardware. In my attempt to save $$ I took a...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Day Everett Was Due {From the Lost Posts}
I went {a little} crazy at the end of my pregnancy with Everett. I was so excited but had some severe nesting issues (my next post will be about how I decided to repaint the...
Read The Rest of the StoryAn Evening In July
July has to be the best month of the year. There is something going on no less than every 48 hours. On this evening it was roasting marshmallows – in the rain – in Kellie’s...
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The Story of Everett {Part Two}{From the Lost Posts}
When the nurse finally said I could start pushing, I asked Wyatt to hand me my camera. I had already been instructing him on some pictures I wanted – you know, where to stand,...
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Year 6
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Story Of Everett {Part One}{From the Lost Posts}
Everett was due October 1st, 2009. I was greatly anticipating his arrival, and was – perhaps – the most antsy I’ve ever been with the anticipation of a birth. Olivia had come right on her...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Lost Posts
In 2010 my blog crashed . . . twice. Both times left me scrambling to try and recover lost data. After lots (and lots) of work, I have been able to recover my entire blog...
Read The Rest of the StoryToday is the . . .
Calvin started swimming lessons today. Olivia would have too, but you know, impetigo. Anyhow, he did great – blowing bubbles, floating on his back, smiling for his mamma when she wanted a picture. Mmm ....
Read The Rest of the StoryA Memory That Should Not Be Forgotten
I am home from church today with Olivia, who is sick (the annual bout of Impetigo). So I started my pot roast, and loaded the dishwasher. (Because Saturday is a special day, but we’re not...
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Yes, it is.
On Monday; when the sun is hotI wonder to myself a lot:“Now is it true, or is it not,“That what is which and which is what?” On Tuesday, when it hails and snows,The feeling on...
Read The Rest of the StoryBack to Being Busy
-Deck -Murray House -Business -Baby -3 Children -Summer
Read The Rest of the StoryToday . . .
two 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 StorySummer List
go swimming ❀ go to a parade ❀ go to the zoo ❀ go to a resturaunt ❀ picnics in the park ❀ play with friends {drake, emmett, jaxon, kennedy, bradon, cousins, etc.} ❀ light...
Read The Rest of the StoryRejection and Return
This is boy, Everett. He is: well, he’s a lot of things. He can kill you with his withering scowls. He can warm you with his mischievious grin. He has the most frustrating sense of...
Read The Rest of the StoryArt Projects
Today I woke up feeling summery. That feeling of: energy, freedom, relaxation, don’t-particularly-care-that-the-bathroom-is-a-mess-ish. And the sky outside had clouds that make for lovely paintings. And I wanted to paint. And then I thought of making...
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I Love Boys!
Remember a few years ago, when I first found out SuperCal was on his way? I was so overwhelmed . . . what would I do with a boy?! Turns out Boys are a TON...
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The Places You’ll Go
Dear Olivia, Today you graduated. GRADUATED!! From Preschool. I have heard the snide, the non-parents, and the unimaginative say that pre-school graduation is overkill. To them I say bleh! Preschool graduation is a celebration! A...
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Sunday Stories
Calvin’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 StoryBlue Eyed Girl Meets a Brown Eyed Boy
Read The Rest of the StoryWeekend In Saint George
Over mothers day weekend we decided to head south. The weatherman promised they’d break 90, and I was (am) so sick of the rain and snow, I wanted to get out. Wyatt decided he wanted...
Read The Rest of the StoryI wonder what would happen if…
I posted to anj’s blog? would she like it or be annoyed? Lets see how this goes… -w
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A Story I Forgot
The other night Wyatt and I were talking about what the craziest things we’d ever done were (consolations to long boring days of work and cleaning and cooking): There were the generic answers. You know,...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe Went to the Carl Bloch Exhibit
*This was my favorite painting, “Gethsemane” altar piece. The description of the piece talked about Luke 22: 41-44; “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” It then told that most depictions...
Read The Rest of the StoryCamping in the Living Room
If you have a hankerin’ for S’mores And bedtime stories by the fire And the company of a trusty ol’ pal And a brother If you want to sleep in a bag right on the...
Read The Rest of the StoryTry New Thai
Last night we went to a new Thai restaurant. And we giggled as we sat at our table and remembered the time . . . We were in Phuket, and we rented a little 90cc...
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Zoo Day And A Parental Reality Check
Friday 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...
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Introducing Daisy (aka Bahr Killer) (aka Fish the Dawg)
You may or may not have noticed a few weeks ago that I mentioned we have had two and a half dogs in our marriage. It’s time to introduce the “half” dog. This is Daisy....
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I Guess She Really Was Listening
Today 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...
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Parenthood
Saturday 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 Features
three sick kids, watching cartoons in my bed. And mountains and mountains of laundry.
Read The Rest of the StoryShadow Castle
Last night I finished reading “Shadow Castle” to Olivia and Calvin. It’s a book I loved as a kid. I found it on the dusty shelves at the back of my fifth grade classroom, and...
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So, I Guess I Was Wrong
Today was the ultra-sound. Without further ado – we’re having a boy. Now, let me say that in my excited voice: “WE’RE HAVING A BOY!!!!!!!” But let me tell you how it went. We talked...
Read The Rest of the StoryWebsite Updates
A few people have told me that they have been unable to comment on my blog lately. My website has been having problems for a while now. So this past week I’ve updated the code....
Read The Rest of the StoryAll She Wants is Art with a Cherry on Top
Part of being sick is time to waste on the internet. When I couldn’t hardly get off the couch, I read . . . a lot. Facebook – BBC World News – Yahoo – and my...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia’s Big Day
Today was kindergarten orientation. KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION!?!?! Olivia had some nerves . . . “will there be toys?” she asked. “Will there be a place to play?” “Will the teacher be nice?” I tried to encourage...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Way It Happened
So there I was, minding my own business . . . Literally. I was in my apartment at BYU, doing homework in my living room. I heard the voices of a couple guys and girl...
Read The Rest of the StoryNew Rooms
With me feeling better more and more each day, my thoughts have turned to the impending living arrangements. I have ideas. But I’m not going to be OCD about this! (Remember, self, remember!). The best...
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Laugh Out Loud
My sister sent this to me today.
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My Sister, Leslee, on her 26th Birthday
This is my sister Leslee. She’s a lot like me, but in a lot of ways we are totally different. Likes: We both listen to Country Music. We both love our sisters to the end...
Read The Rest of the StoryOne Time
it was the anniversary of year two. We didn’t have any plans, and hardly any money. But we dreamed of having a cabin one day. So on a Thursday at work, I googled cabins for...
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It Feels Like Cheating
We climbed into the car. Bruce was killing it on the radio. The leather was so hot it stuck to my skin, and the air conditioner blew at full blast. “It feels like we’re cheating.”...
Read The Rest of the StoryRoad Trip Randomness
On Monday the day was drizzly. But by five o’clock giant snowflakes fell in fury. When I woke up Tuesday morning, a good six inches of snow had bent the tree in the front flower...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis post brought to you by Taiwan
When I lived on the Indian Reservation, Amanda Sue and I went one day with a neighbor down to her little road side stand to sell Navajo jewelry and trinkets to touristy passers-by. My life...
Read The Rest of the StoryWeek End
Today we had a fun surprise in the mail: a get well card and puzzle for Olivia from her cousin Dessie, illustrated by her artist-extrodinaire-mother, Melinda. I think I will frame the card and use...
Read The Rest of the StoryJ.Kirk Richards
Warning: Only watch this video if you are you ready to cry and have it crowd your thoughts for the rest of the day – no, for the rest of your week. *Sigh* Isn’t it...
Read The Rest of the StoryIs there anything more lovely
than grey soft mornings where the rain only comes down incidently . . . and every moment promises the cusp of spring – the tulips are making preparations for their grand entrance, green and thick...
Read The Rest of the StoryEverything's Coming Up Roses
Sunday I was surprised by my sweet sister-in-law, Jena, who came to my house with bags of groceries and a giant frozen lasagna. She brought yummy food for Super Cal and dinner for my family...
Read The Rest of the StoryEverything’s Coming Up Roses
Sunday I was surprised by my sweet sister-in-law, Jena, who came to my house with bags of groceries and a giant frozen lasagna. She brought yummy food for Super Cal and dinner for my family...
Read The Rest of the StoryChicken Soup For the Soul
Today is Saturday, but the kids are in bed, and with any luck I will be too in a matter of minutes . . . So I’m going to pretend it’s Sunday. And if it’s...
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One Time
When I was about thirteen or fourteen, I decided to go on an evening ride with my cousin, Anna. My mom dropped us off at the horses at about four – plenty of time for...
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Welcome to the Second Tri
Last night I was laying in bed – the house was silent (Wyatt and kids were gone) and I was trying to go to sleep (at 9:00 pm). Suddenly I felt her! She did two...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Rollers
In the basement of my grandpa’s house, there is an old, (old) player piano. It’s nothing fancy – no electric features, it requires brute strength to pump the old pedals through the song. A cabinet...
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“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” –Isak Dinesen
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Calvin's Testimony
This is as reported to me by Wyatt and other members of the ward. I haven’t been to church in – ahem- a while, so this is second hand. Wish I was there. Calvin wanted...
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Calvin’s Testimony
This is as reported to me by Wyatt and other members of the ward. I haven’t been to church in – ahem- a while, so this is second hand. Wish I was there. Calvin wanted...
Read The Rest of the StoryI CAN DO IT!
Monday I went in to see the Doctor. They were worried because I’ve been on Zofran (read CANCER drug) for my nausea, and have still been throwing up many times a day. (I’ve been trying...
Read The Rest of the StoryComforts of the Past
I’m having a hard day. Are you surprised? It’s actually a bad day after a series of bad days. But I’m off to the doctor in a half hour. Hopefully that will make me happy....
Read The Rest of the StoryThoughts on Thursday
This morning I was talking to myself in my head (because I’m the only one who listens) about random things – Like sledding off the roof when I was growing up. And searching for secret...
Read The Rest of the StoryProtecting Myself From Failure
Over the Christmas break, my super-hero-brother-in-law restored to me some of my long lost blog posts from (one of my) blog crash a year ago. One of the first posts I recovered was about my...
Read The Rest of the StoryThoughts on a Good Day
This morning we were being lazy, still in our jammies and dirty bums in the basement watching cartoons, when I heard foot steps upstairs. I came up to find Jena. She had brought towels and...
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How Do You Know He Loves You?
Remember in Enchanted when Amy Adams ran through the park with Patrick Dempsy, singing about the things a guy will do just so you know he loves you? I LOVE that scene. And how do...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt might as well be said
because to not say it means that I have to avoid you for the next four and a half months. And while I might do that anyway, it will be because I’m in the back...
Read The Rest of the StoryThings I Look Forward To
I am in the depths of despair. It’s January, it’s bound to happen. I have also been married to Wyatt Christensen for going on ten years. And so I make lists – I’ve learned from...
Read The Rest of the StoryA Letter To Myself {Because Sometimes I Need It}
Because it is nice to receive correspondence . . . a real handwritten, hand illustrated, home-made envelope correspondence . . . But wait, this is not one of those. {SIGH} Andi, if you’re reading this,...
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My Christmas Musical Countdown
Because I love Christmas music . . . this is a countdown of some of my favorties.
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The Visit
I’m visiting Andi as I type this. Her house is an eclectic collection of art and memories. There’s the ceramic rhino bust she made, extruding from the top of the fireplace, an art project from...
Read The Rest of the StoryGet To Know Me
This is from my sister on Facebook. I’ve never done one of these questionaires, but I thought, “hey, why not.” But I thought I’d put it here rather than FB. 1. What time did you...
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Sojourn to the disneyLAND
TRAVELOGUE – very boring, unless you’re me and want to remember these details forever. AND EVER. Sometime back in February I think, I made a vague mention that maybe we would go to Disneyland ....
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Happy Birthday To Me
It was my birthday – and while the official party line is that having a birthday over Thanksgiving weekend sucks, this one was pretty sweet. Wyatt threw me a surprise party. Some of my...
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In Thanksgiving
Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to...
Read The Rest of the StoryPower Out
In the autumn of 2000 I was living hundreds of miles away from . . . well, pretty much EVERYTHING, in a double wide with five other college girls, on the property of the local...
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Olivia
The 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...
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The Home Made Holiday
I have a little confession. Wyatt- stop reading now, because you will be annoyed by this. I mean it. Stop. You’re still reading. I know you are. Stop it. Because now you will want to...
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Happiness
Look closely at this pile of laundry. Happiness is a baby boy who sucks on his fingers. Happiness is stopping by the store to find Christmas gifts on a great sale! Happiness is having Carrie...
Read The Rest of the StoryStories of Days
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Dear Patron Saint of the Blanket Fort
You have taken residence in the Christensen home, and the Christensen children are much enamored. They love to build blanket forts. Some are grand in scale and concept. Some are tiny and tidy. They are...
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The Proclaimation on the Family Proc Week 2010
Two years ago I did “Proc Week” – the first week of November, where I discuss The Proclamation on the Family, and what it means to me. Last year I did Proc Week again. But...
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Five Years
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...
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On Friday Night
Wyatt 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...
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SMASH the Cake
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It’s Time to Decorate for Halloween
Wyatt 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.
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Little eJo Turns One
Baby Everett had his first birthday. Mmm . . . baby yum. For his birthday I made him two cakes – one for eating, and one for SMASHING! We had a little party for him,...
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Beth and Alex Get Married
I couldn’t decide how to title this post . . . “Another One Bites the Dust” or “Love Story” or “The Knot” Anyhoo . . . Wyatt came in from his trip at 8:00 pm...
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And So It Goes
Wyatt’s trip came and went. While he was gone I was very productive. I: painted the entry way fed the missionaries made cookies mowed the lawn (well, I edged it anyway, Alex mowed). made a...
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Wyatt Rocks the Kasbah
Back in the Spring Wyatt decided he would take a little trip with his old college buddy, Jimmy, to the country where they both served their missions: Argentina. But complications arose, and Argentina was out....
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Year 9
Tonight we celebrated the completion of YEAR 9. We first went to dinner at Little America. As we sat “looking over our menu” we reminisced about anniversaries past. “Can you even remember any of them?”...
Read The Rest of the StoryDear Wyatt
DearEST, Today Olivia learned about dinosaurs at pre-school. She came home with a pill that “grew” into a dinosaur in water. She brought one home for Calvin too. That’s just like her to think of...
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Preschool Here We Come!
Today was the first day of school. Olivia has been looking forward to this all summer long! We got her dressed in her new outfit. And those thrown back shoulder’s and off kilter hips- that’s...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe End of An Era
It’s the night before . . . The night before everything changes forever for my little family. The night before nothing will ever be the same. And I can’t help feel a little melancholic and...
Read The Rest of the StorySCREAM!!!
It is now mid September, and I just lost my site AGAIN!!! And you’d think I’d learn from last time, but I didn’t. I don’t have a backup of my site any more recent than...
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Back to School Dinner
In celebration of Baby Sunshine, who is having her very first “back to school” weekend, we had a very special dinner. The theme of the dinner, and this year’s school year is: “The Glory of...
Read The Rest of the StoryFirst Steps
Ah, little Everett, I LOVE YOU! [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNSQbPaNvrU&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6]
Read The Rest of the StoryLabor Day Weekend 2010
Thursday night was spent pacing the floors with little Ejo, who was regurgitating regularly. There was no fever, nor any other symptom of blech, but the vomit was convincing. Friday morning came bright and early....
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Labor Day Weekend
Thursday night Carrie and I sat up talking, when suddenly we heard Everett crying from his room. Not just crying – screaming in a panicked sort of way. We jumped up to go to him....
Read The Rest of the StoryEverett, darling . . .
Dear, and sweet Everett, You are so close to walking. So close! You stand in the middle of the room, no crutch of support near you. You don’t even notice. When something is out of...
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This Post Brought To You By . . .
So . . . take a picture every day, for thirty days! Ha! What was I thinking. I mean, really, do I need more to do in my day? The first day I missed I...
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Fields of Gold {Beneath an August Sky}
Read The Rest of the StoryDear Calvin, When You Are Three
Dear Calvin, Happy Birthday Baby Boy – Big Boy. People have asked: “can you believe he’s already three?” And I think, “he’s ONLY three?” Because I cannot remember life without you. In my heart you...
Read The Rest of the StoryMotherhood Upon Me
The other night I was putting my babies to bed. It had been a long day. A good day, a normal day. But I was so ready to be done. Jammies were on, teeth were...
Read The Rest of the StoryBeneath the Tree
We enjoyed snow cones beneath the tree late Thursday night. Look how lovely! Picture courtesy of Rick (Photo Superman) Smith.
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Everett’s First Rodeo
It was the day! First, four wheeling up at Beaver Springs. Then, dinner at the diner. Then, drumroll please . . . Everett’s first Rodeo! It was a lovely evening. *Sigh.* Leslee & Jason, Jared,...
Read The Rest of the StoryTestimony
Today 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 StoryFourth of July – Butler 4th Style
This is the first year {THE FIRST YEAR} in the nine years Wyatt and I have been together that we did not have plans with his family on the fourth of July. It was as...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis Little Piggy
Calvin playing with Everett: This little piggy played inside This little piggy had time out This little piggy played outside AND THIS LITTLE PIGGY RIDES FOUR WHEELERS!!!!!!!!
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Grandpa Turns 91
Among all the other events of fourth of July weekend, I did want to mention that we went to a Herzog family barbeque at the cabin in celebration of Grandpa’s birthday. (Hurray Grandpa). He’s 91....
Read The Rest of the StoryWednesday
This was me: 6:22 am . . . really? REALLY? REALLY? Walk in from working out. Come around the corner to catch Cal doing this. Kissy kissy bye bye hubby. Baby Sunshine comes down, wild...
Read The Rest of the StoryTraining Wheels OFF!
For 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 StoryHike to the Waterfall
We went on an evening hike with our friends, the Fletchers & Sparks. I’ve never heard of this waterfall before, but it was a mo’ easy hike: short not steep short Awesome Afterwards: Snow Cones...
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Dear Sunday Evening
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Dear Summer
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Dear Daddy
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Dear Manti
Read The Rest of the StoryCatch Up (Ketchup?) In Pictures
I know I haven’t written in a long time. I haven’t had the motivation. I haven’t had anything to say. I feel like I’ve been in a spring time funk with bad weather, bad health,...
Read The Rest of the StoryGirls Just Wanna Have Fun
Oh daddy dear you know you’re still number one . . . But every once in a while mamma gets a turn. Wyatt took Calvin camping for a stake father-and-sons activity. All week long Calvin...
Read The Rest of the StoryAfternoon in the Sun
We 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...
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Be Nice To Daddy
The 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 StoryMorning 5K
We had a ward activity, a 5K fun run. Of course, I wasn’t going to run (I’m at that stage of life where running actually feels awkward – a sure sign that I’m old and...
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Someone I Really Admire
This is my sister-in-law, Heidi. I have other pictures that are embarrassing. But we’ll save those for when I really need to call in a favor. (Wink). (Only one wink because I’m serious.) Heidi is:...
Read The Rest of the StoryWyatt’s Big 33
I’ll admit, in terms of birthdays spectacular, this was not. But it was a nice evening in any event.
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Baby Sunshine's Summer Dresses
I 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 StoryBaby Sunshine’s Summer Dresses
I 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...
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Story About The Girl
Today is all about this girl. Today she agreed to be his wife. Even though I’ve heard the story from Beth, and then again from Alex, Carrie is sitting next to me as I type,...
Read The Rest of the StoryHurray For Good Weather!
Photo courtesy of Rick Smith Aaah! The weather FINALLY warmed up the past few days. I have been SO loving it. Yesterday it got into the low 70’s. I made the kids play outside ALL...
Read The Rest of the StoryStories of the Day
Ick. 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 StoryLeslee & Jason’s Wedding Video
Check out my sister, Leslee’s awesome wedding video created by her other awesome sister, Beez, and featuring awesome sister #3, Carrie (along with Beth and Leslee of course). Beth created this without Leslee’s knowledge, and...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy Birthday Grandma Christensen
Wyatt’s grandma turned 100 last week. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s impressive. Along with a big birthday party last Saturday, my sister-in-law, Katie, set up for Grandma to attend a Jazz...
Read The Rest of the StoryWe’re Best Friends
Today 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...
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Compassion is a Boy Named Calvin
This is Calvin, asleep after a joyful afternoon of mischief. Sweet boy Calvin – he whines, he cries, he doesn’t understand, he’s sad . . . he’s two. But then, at the first sign of...
Read The Rest of the StoryFirst Food
Everett was given the green light for solid foods at his checkup last week. It’s a good thing too. Whenever I am eating something, he flails his arms and body, wanting so deperatley to pull...
Read The Rest of the StoryFish the Dawg
Olivia wanted a pet. She’s wanted a pet for months and months now. At first it was deep sighs and desperate pleadings for a kitty {and why not? Lyssy and ‘Azanah have at least seventeen!)...
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Stories of Wedlock
Saturday was the culminating celebration of many months preparation. This girl and this boy were wedded. The whole day I kept remembering when Leslee was just 18 years old – my family had just moved...
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The Hills Are Alive
In my home growing up, if one was sick, my mom would set you up in front of the TV – tissues, popsicles, sprite . . . everything one needed to be comfy for an...
Read The Rest of the StoryBattle: Bottle
This was the week. I felt it. It had to be this week. There were pressing issues. It started on Monday and didn’t go well. Tuesday and Wednessday didn’t fare any better. When I awoke...
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Afternoon Postcards
Calvin 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.
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Let’s Take A Walk Down Memory Lane
Don’t let the sailor dress fool you. I wasn’t a sweet child. And Larry (little dude in ivy league esque sweater) wasn’t mellow either. When we were little (circa second grade for me, first for...
Read The Rest of the StoryMissing the Point?
The 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 StoryWeek In Review {Phew}
A long week, a long post. Monday: promised the kids we’d go to the pool. Became one of “those” parents when work caught up to me. Spent the morning fixing forms and working on websites....
Read The Rest of the StoryIn Good Company
My sweet neighbor Dot dropped off a bag of cookies for the kids this morning. This got me to thinking . . . At the top of my street . . . Live the Sorensens,...
Read The Rest of the StoryWill You Be My Valentine?
This is the little book I made for Wyatt for Valentines Day. Love the boy.
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Reality of What it Is
Ok . . . So my site has been down for over a week now. I’m sure your wondering (all three people who read my blog) what the heck happened. My web host’s server crashed....
Read The Rest of the StoryAnother Red Letter Day!
Kellie gave us the little potty we asked to borrow. Cal had been asking for his own ever since we told him that was a possibility. So finally yesterday I went over to Kel’s and...
Read The Rest of the StoryA Red Letter Day
Today Wyatt was in search of the remote. It’s lost you see. I’d like to say I’m so neat and organized, and my children are so mellow and predictable that nothing ever gets misplaced, things...
Read The Rest of the StoryWaiting
My blog has been down for a full week now. Talk about withdrawals! But I just got off the internet, reading about a woman who’s baby died – choked on an apple at church. Heartache....
Read The Rest of the StoryBaby becomes a big boy
Everett sprouted two teeth. TWO TEETH. 3 months is a little young. He just grabbed my finger and pulled it to his mouth . . . I was mostly asleep when he did it. But...
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And In Other Pictures
So much fun experimenting the past few days. It started out with an attempt at some self portraits. Need to work on my flash settings. Taking a flash class at the end of the month....
Read The Rest of the StoryGood Night My Angels
Today was one of those days . . . The culmination of one of those weeks. Nothing was enough, and it all was too much. And then . . . Tonight, after returning from date...
Read The Rest of the StoryWho Would Win In A Fight? Guilt vs. Fear
I’ve been talking with some friends lately about guilt – the concept and the application in life, and how I don’t have it. And since it’s now 5:40 am en la manyana, and I can’t...
Read The Rest of the StoryAsleep * Asleep
Today, after wrestling the kids through an afternoon of grocery shopping,and having a *Walmart mom moment in the middle of Costco (you know, those moms who yell at their kids in front of everyone ),...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia Giggles
Ignore the fact that I sound like the wicked witch of the west. Olivia is so cute. [flickr video=4262995160 secret=9f0b7375be w=400 h=300]
Read The Rest of the StoryGoals for 2010
Me in my purple-and-green-zig-zag-striped-shirt in my freshman year of college. You can still catch me in this shirt on a regular basis. In fact, I think I’ll wear it today 2008 was a successful year...
Read The Rest of the StoryOverheard . . .
O 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 StoryHomemade Gifts 2009: Olivia’s Dollhouse
For Olivia: a doll house. Or a pony house as the case may be. For her to play with to her little girl hearts content.
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We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Blogging . . .
Because of the wild and crazy NESS of Christmas week this year, I didn’t get a chance to just sit down and watch this movie. But I did watch it in three separate installments. Oh...
Read The Rest of the Story‘Twas The Week After Christmas
Cal in front of Grandma and Grandpa’s tree . . . a tree that will become Christensen family legend. The week after Christmas was jam packed and full of fun. After a rousing three days...
Read The Rest of the StoryHomemade Gifts 2009: Everett’s Sock Monkey
This year I tackled quite a few home-made gifts. Every couple years I do a lot of home-made stuff, and then I remember not to do it again! While the projects are fun, it’s hard...
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Homemade Gifts 2009: Calvin’s Hobbes
For Calvin I made a Hobbes. You have to understand, I’ve wanted to make a Hobbes for Cal since before Calvin came to be. People sometimes ask: “Did you name Calvin after Calvin and Hobbes?”...
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In Case Martha Stewart Calls
A few years ago I decided to start having Christmas Eve dinner as a big meal and big tradition in our family. This year I was inspired by Jena, who hosted the Christensens for Thanksgiving....
Read The Rest of the StoryMerry Christmas
Read The Rest of the StoryHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas let your heart be light From now on our troubles will be out of sight Through the years we all will be together if the fates allow Hang a...
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In the ER
I just woke up from a dream . . . and since listening to other people’s dreams is a conversation of thrill and delight, I’ll humor you. A new neighbor moved in next door ....
Read The Rest of the Story2009 By The Numbers
1 basement 90% finished . . . now it’s down to the details – cover plates on light switches and what not. For some reason those last details always take the longest. 1 flood in...
Read The Rest of the StoryPhotoshop and An Idea
Today I was walking up the stairs after changing the laundry (HATE LAUNDRY) and I looked across the room at the stockings. “We should take a picture of Everett in a stocking” I said aloud....
Read The Rest of the StoryIt is our life . . .
This morning Wyatt finally came up to our room after sleeping on the couch all night. “What is that?” he asked? I didn’t even open my eyes. “Spit up.” I told him. “Go get a...
Read The Rest of the StoryWhat Does This Remind You Of?
Check this out:
Read The Rest of the StoryHummingbird Heaven
Today I am giving a warm congratulations to this girl. Today she is a bona fide children’s illustrator. Today I received her new book in the mail. Hummingbird Heaven, by Mike Hebertson, illustrated by Anastasia...
Read The Rest of the StoryGasp, Ugh and Yawn
Yesterday was a very productive day . . . I cleaned the house, made peppermint bark and a dinner, complete with sides, I made giant leaps of progress on my home made Christmas gifts, I...
Read The Rest of the StoryHaul Out the Holly
This weekend was a busy, crazy, holiday weekend. Thomas and Beth came and stayed with us (my brother and sister) as well as Jared, Wade, Wynn and Wynn’s brother-in-law, Jacob (Wyatt’s family). Even though we...
Read The Rest of the StoryOut of the Mouth of Babes
Conversation with Olivia a few days ago: Me: Olivia! Stop being so cute. Olivia, contemplative: Well, I could be a boy. Me, confused: A boy? Olivia, convincingly: Yeah, daddy’s a boy, and he’s not so...
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Thanksgiving Week
To say this week was busy makes me roll my eyes. (Wyatt tells me I’m very good at that). Monday: My 30th Birthday. I said goodbye to one decade and welcomed in a new. We...
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Weekend In Review
We made cookies with our friend Braydon. Awesome. We took rides on the four wheeler. We discovered our phone camera and used it to take lots of random fun pictures when we were out playing...
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Family Week 2009
It’s time once again to celebrate the family. This week I’ll be writing my thoughts on this eternal institution. My writing will be centered around The Family: A Proclaimation to the World. This Divinely inspired...
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A Principle Centered Life
Family Week 2009 The family begins with the individual. Each member of a family has the responsibility to lift, to inspire, and to strengthen each other. In view of this responsibility, we need to live...
Read The Rest of the StoryOn Marriage
At first I thought I would write about the importance of marriage and the attack of the adversary as seen through the divorce rate. But wow, what a downer. So I hit “Select All” and...
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Bambinos
“Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love...
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This Is It
Last week my college roommate, Morgen and I went to see “This Is It” Morgen and I were (are) huge MJ music fans. Love the music. Think the dude is a little wierd. I know,...
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Another Princess
This is the dress I really like. I think she should wear it with a cathedral length veil. Last weekend while I was in Arizona, Leslee, Carrie, Beth, Karen and my mom all went wedding...
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Arizona 2009
We took a weekend jaunt down to Arizona last weekend. It is always so much fun to go hang out with Wynn and Heidi for a couple days. The only problem with this trip was...
Read The Rest of the StoryBaby Kate
You might think this post is about her: But actually, it’s about HER. Baby Kate was given to Baby Sunshine for Christmas last year. She was kinda an afterthought in my...
Read The Rest of the StoryBibs and Burp Rags
I made these a few weeks ago (actually started them two nights before Everett was born). They are just little bibs and burp rags. I made the front out of fun blue and brown flannel...
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Trick or Treat
Read The Rest of the StoryMagic Stars
A few months ago a friend of mine sent me an email. It made me laugh. I don’t have the original, but it went something like this: A man came home from work one day...
Read The Rest of the StoryGood Things
Today I overheard Olivia say to Calvin, when he had finished his dinner: “Calvin! I’m so proud of you!” It made me happy. It made me feel like I was doing something good; she got...
Read The Rest of the StoryIntroducing a New Artist
Today 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 StorySeriously Contemplating a Move
I am seriously contemplating moving my blog from www.andreachristensen.com to a blogspot {or other} hosted domain. Why? A few reasons- the main one being that I can then use www.andreachristensen.com for another purpose {most likely...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Other Is Gold
This week brought the many happy returns of old friends. Wyatt’s friend Sarah from high school was in town. We got together with her one evening. Andi called last Saturday and said she and Jeff...
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The Other Is Gold
This week brought the many happy returns of old friends. Wyatt’s friend Sarah from high school was in town. We got together with her one evening. Andi called last Saturday and said she and Jeff...
Read The Rest of the StoryCalvin’s Birthday
Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick...
Read The Rest of the StoryCalvin's Birthday
Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick Smith Above photo courtesy of Rick...
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Wind Rivers Fishing Trip
So, in case you couldn’t tell by my posts last week, Wyatt was out of town. He went on a fishing trip into the back country of the Wind Rivers, Wyoming. If he gets so...
Read The Rest of the StoryWind Rivers Fishing Trip
So, in case you couldn’t tell by my posts last week, Wyatt was out of town. He went on a fishing trip into the back country of the Wind Rivers, Wyoming. If he gets so...
Read The Rest of the Story24th Of July
We love July. This is another reason why.
Read The Rest of the Story24th of July
We love July. This is another reason why.
Read The Rest of the StoryDear Daddy
Yesterday 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 Dadda
Dear Dadda ~ Remember last week when I flushed my toothbrush down the toilet. And the toilet clogged, and you thought it was auntie Leslee? And mommy couldn’t even find the toothbrush even though she...
Read The Rest of the StoryDear Wyatt
Hey Babe, Today was an exciting day – full of fees and paperwork. That’s right, I submitted everything to the county for the building permit. I even got our septic and water permits done. Greg...
Read The Rest of the StoryDear Daddy
Dear 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....
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Happy Birthday Beez!
We had a birthday party for Beezy.She turned 20. And now that she has blonde hair, pretty much every guy wants her. I mean, who wouldn’t?(Wyatt thinks Leslee has been hiding this little trick from...
Read The Rest of the StoryI Really Love Those Sorensens
Jeff, Lenna, Courtney, Torri, Alexa & Abbey. They’re my neighbors. Jeff is a democrat. He’s a super-health-nut: organic, carrot juice, that sort of stuff. He watches the stock market and reads financial news as a...
Read The Rest of the StoryFive Little Monkeys Sleeping in the Bed
At some point I stumbled into bed (it was probably 10:30-ish). Wyatt was downstairs watching TV. Babies were each asleep in their respective beds. I stretched my body diagnol across the span of our King...
Read The Rest of the Story"there is no discrimination in China…"
So there I was, living in Urumqi China, newlywed and on another adventure. Not knowing what the time abroad would be for Andrea and I, we were like eager kids awaiting a big holiday; bright-eyed...
Read The Rest of the Story“there is no discrimination in China…”
So there I was, living in Urumqi China, newlywed and on another adventure. Not knowing what the time abroad would be for Andrea and I, we were like eager kids awaiting a big holiday; bright-eyed...
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The Uyghurs of Urumqi: A People Defiant
A few months ago I wrote a post called “Friends of the Uyghurs” where I talk about my experience with the ethnic minority in Western China. In light of the current riots in XinJiang AND...
Read The Rest of the Story4th of July Weekend
Read The Rest of the StoryGrandpa's 90th Birthday
Today we celebrated Grandpa’s 90th Birthday with – what else? – a family barbecue at the park. When I was growing up family get-together’s were a monthly thing. Now that I’m an adult (as are...
Read The Rest of the StoryGrandpa’s 90th Birthday
Today we celebrated Grandpa’s 90th Birthday with – what else? – a family barbecue at the park. When I was growing up family get-together’s were a monthly thing. Now that I’m an adult (as are...
Read The Rest of the StoryAnother Rodeo Down
Last night was THE night. On January 1st I google: “Oakley Rodeo” – I find out when the tickets go on sale. This year I was feeling inclusive and wanting to share MY family tradition...
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Good Things About Having the Swine Flu
So, in case you didn’t gather from the last post, Calvin and I have been diagnosed with Swine Flu. I thought of Photoshopping a picture of me with a pig nose – but since cute...
Read The Rest of the StoryFirst Sent Flowers
Sitting on the porch today: a string of a dozen or so otter-pops, and scissors by my side. Wyatt and O gone to Target. Mom’s gone to see Leslee. Cal isn’t crying, for the first...
Read The Rest of the StorySecond Article of Faith
Since 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 StoryWalk to the Shaw Shack
After two weeks of perpetual rain we decided to make the most of a break in the clouds, and go on a walk to the Shaw Shack.
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Old Man Is Snoring
I love rain . . . But this is ridiculous. I mean seriously . . . You’d think I lived in Seattle. Not the desert. But it does make for lovely sunsets. And it inspires...
Read The Rest of the StorySo I was Once Myself a Swinger of Birches
I’m a tree huger. I say it loud and proud. I’m not a tree-huger in a social-political sense (well, that could be debated), I’m a literal tree huger. As in, I hug trees. There have...
Read The Rest of the StoryCheeks
Last night we hung out with our friends, the Cartiers. The lived in our ward for about a year, but moved about a year ago. Now maybe – hopefully – they might move back in....
Read The Rest of the Storyraw natural talent- I don't have it
So when people ask, “what’s up”, I tend to answer with, “good things”, and thats true, and its mostly the same as everyone else. I live in a house, I eat food, I wear clothes,...
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raw natural talent- I don't have it
So when people ask, “what’s up”, I tend to answer with, “good things”, and thats true, and its mostly the same as everyone else. I live in a house, I eat food, I wear clothes,...
Read The Rest of the Storyraw natural talent- I don’t have it
So when people ask, “what’s up”, I tend to answer with, “good things”, and thats true, and its mostly the same as everyone else. I live in a house, I eat food, I wear clothes,...
Read The Rest of the StoryImpromtu
Yesterday I decided to have an impromptu get together at my house that evening. That’s actually not very uncommon for us – we regularly have desert at our house or at someone’s house in the...
Read The Rest of the StorySunflower Summer
The new country lay open before me: there were no fences in those days, and I could choose my own way over the grass uplands, trusting the pony to get me home again. Sometimes I...
Read The Rest of the StoryMemorial Day Weekend 2009
We were invited by our fun-tabulous neighbors, the Smiths, to go to their place in Manti for Memorial Day weekend. We had a really great time, even though the weather did not exactly cooperate. We...
Read The Rest of the StorySummer CD 2009
So here’s the thing: every year I make a “Summer CD” -okay, it’s more like a playlist on my IPOD now, but the misnomer isn’t important. Every year it gets harder and harder to find...
Read The Rest of the StoryIt was a Cupcake Day
Today Olivia was wearing this shirt. We took it as an omen. Some days are just cupcake days.
Read The Rest of the StorySaturday
6:49 am – wake up. Why am I awake? Go back to sleep. 8:20 am – Wake up again. This time to Cal calling “Dadda . . . Dadda . . . Dadda . ....
Read The Rest of the StoryWelcome, Welcome!
Today I told Olivia that I was going to the doctors to find out if our new baby was a boy or a girl. She told me she wanted a girl. She liked Calvin and...
Read The Rest of the StoryWeekend in Santa Hor-Hay!
This past weekend we went down to Santa Hor-Hay (St. George) for some much needed R&R. We went down with our friends, the Enghs. It was a low-key weekend (well, for everyone except Kellie, who...
Read The Rest of the StoryAnd Not to be Outdone
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgOEnBeEXNw&hl=en&fs=1]
Read The Rest of the StoryThe First Article of Faith
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Good Bye Andrea’s Chinese Lanterns
This is how Tuesday night went: Wyatt: Should we unpack Calvin’s room and go through stuff before we put it away downstairs, and get rid of extra “stuff?” Me: Yeah. We haven’t done that in...
Read The Rest of the StoryLet's Fill out a Form.
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Read The Rest of the StoryHappy Birthday Wyatt
Today was Wyatt’s birthday. Unfortunately, since he was working on the yard all week, we didn’t plan much. I thought he would probably end up working all day. And indeed, he did have a couple...
Read The Rest of the StoryBirthday Present for Wyatt
I told Olivia it was daddy’s birthday, and we needed to go get him a present. She was very excited to celebrate daddy’s big day, and knew right away what would be the perfect gift:...
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Projects . . . Again
One of the joys of owning a house in our neighborhood is that every home is in need of “work.” The homes were originally built in the 50’s and 60’s. Some residents in the area...
Read The Rest of the StoryFive Things
Five Things About The Heat I love it It makes it awesome to go inside – air conditioning It makes it awesome to go outside and eat popsicles (like 10 times a day) I love...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy Easter
The ward easter party was today. It was lots of fun, mostly because I didn’t have to plan it. I was temporarily relieved of my duties as ward party person due to nausea. Sweet. O...
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Death in the Afternoon
Each life that touches ours for goodReflects thine own great mercy, LordThou sendest blessings from aboveThrough words and deeds of those who love Death has never been one of my trials in life. My grandfather...
Read The Rest of the StoryMaybe Someday
The 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 StoryWelcome to My New World!
If you’ve been watching this site for the past three or four days, you’ve seen all sorts of funky stuff going on. That’s because I used conference weekend to get around to updating my site,...
Read The Rest of the StoryRemember the Time
This morning I went to pick my sister up from the airport. She returned from a week long jaunt to Chile. As we were driving home she was telling me about missing her flight (she...
Read The Rest of the StoryMarch 28th
I was going to write a lovey dovey Happy March 28th until Wyatt stole my banana AND my cereal and then farted next to me. We’ve come so far in 8 years.
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Friends of the Uyghurs
This is an article I wrote for my Alumni Newsletter (Waterford) about a year after returning home from China. The marketplace was a living collage of sights, sounds and colors. There were bright costumes and...
Read The Rest of the StoryI Love to See the Temple
Today 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 StoryOvernight in Midway
We went up to Midway with Brian & Brynn, Wyatt’s best friend from high school and his wife. They’ve been in law school for the past few years, but moved back to Utah last spring....
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This Bud's for You
I almost went out and bought myself a Bud last night. Almost. But it was Sunday. But when a Clydesdale is playing fetch, and running across Timbuktu to find his true love, Daisy, the world...
Read The Rest of the StoryThis Bud’s for You
I almost went out and bought myself a Bud last night. Almost. But it was Sunday. But when a Clydesdale is playing fetch, and running across Timbuktu to find his true love, Daisy, the world...
Read The Rest of the StoryFinding Emo
I’ll admit, I watched American Idol last night. I’ll go further and admit I like American Idol. I’ve watched the past three seasons, starting with season five, Carrie Underwood. How can you not get hooked...
Read The Rest of the StoryGrandma
Grandma passed away 20 years ago today. I don’t have many memories of her specifically, but I remember playing at her house with my cousins when I was a kid. This is a little vignette...
Read The Rest of the StoryStan the Man – The Book
This Christmas was unusual in that I only made three gifts. Normally I make a whole load of home-made gifts. But this year things didn’t quite come together, and there just wasn’t time to make...
Read The Rest of the StoryBabies 2008
One of my three home-made gifts this year was a DVD for the grandparents. It included family video clips and this slide show of the babies. It has been a great year. It starts with...
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A Christmas Bell for Olivia
So 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...
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Merry Christmas
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Gingerbread House
Today Olivia, Calvin and I made a gingerbread house. It was a lot of fun. Mommy liked putting it together, Olivia enjoyed decorating, and Calvin loved eating the candies.
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Girl Effect
My degree is in International Development. What’s that? It’s basically the study of cultures and people around the world, and the development challenges they face. It includes theory and practice in today’s international aid approaches....
Read The Rest of the StorySnow Day
Read The Rest of the StoryLeap For Joy
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. -Luke 6:23 Click on Image for Larger Version
Read The Rest of the StoryThe End of O-Iggy-Uh
Forever 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 StoryThe Attitude of Gratitude
As we celebrated Thanksgiving, I took the time to think about that which I’m grateful for. There are so aspects of life for which I am grateful: my family, my health, the health of family,...
Read The Rest of the StoryHappy Birthday
My birthday was the BEST this year! Wyatt made me breakfast – some mo’ yummy pancakes. Then he got the kids ready for church. We went to church, and when I got home I was...
Read The Rest of the StoryLittle Leo
Every once in a while something will happen that just makes my heart ache. It’s the sort of thing that once it settles into my conscious as being a reality, makes me wish with everything...
Read The Rest of the StoryStories You Can't Leave Behind
Here’s what’s been happening AT OUR HOUSE the past couple weeks.
Read The Rest of the StoryStories You Can’t Leave Behind
Here’s what’s been happening AT OUR HOUSE the past couple weeks.
Read The Rest of the StoryThrough Wholesome Recreational Activities
I sometimes wonder at the difficulties of having a successful family all while living in a society dubbed “generation me.” The advertising and marketing industry constantly barrages us with the message that we as individuals...
Read The Rest of the StoryChildren Are An Heritage From The Lord
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Political Family Proc Week
I don’t mean that title as a reference to my family’s political views or involvement (although that will inevitably come to light through this discussion) but rather the family as a political topic and issue....
Read The Rest of the StoryProc Week
This week is dedicated to the family,and I will be writing my thoughts on this fabulous subject, with the The Family: A Proclamation to the World as my outline. I will be quoting various parts...
Read The Rest of the StoryA Divine DestinyProc Week
Did you know I have a divine destiny? Seriously. I do. I also have a divine nature. Yep. I’m pretty much a goddess. At least . . . at some point on the time-space continuum...
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia Turns Three
Happy 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 StorySweet
Today I was looking for my Quran, and came across my Tao Te Ching, in which I found a love note from Wyatt circa 2002, and in my Analects of Confucious I found a picture...
Read The Rest of the StoryFamily Pictures
So, I had a dream . . . to have my family pictures taken in an apple orchard. I did research. It seemed all the apple orchards in Utah lived in either Logan (way up...
Read The Rest of the StoryBirthday Girl
Read The Rest of the StoryOh My Stinkin' Cute
Today we went to Gardiner Village to take pictures of my so stinkin’ cute babies. They are the cutest. I know. Here are some of my favorites. Now I know you’re wondering how you can...
Read The Rest of the StoryOh My Stinkin’ Cute
Today we went to Gardiner Village to take pictures of my so stinkin’ cute babies. They are the cutest. I know. Here are some of my favorites. Now I know you’re wondering how you can...
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High School Reunion
Last night was my ten year high school reunion. I graduated from Waterford in 1998. In general I feel like high school was a very very long time ago. But as I was among my...
Read The Rest of the StoryPicking the Pumpkin
Olivia and Calvin got to go to Grandma’s today to pick their pumpkin. It was a doosey! It was a beautiful autumn day, perfect for picking a pumpkin.
Read The Rest of the StoryThere Can Be Miracles
We watched “Prince of Egypt” for movie night with the kids. At first Olivia wasn’t so sure, but she loved it in the end. And I was reminded how much I love it! It has...
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Gurgling Bluh
Here we go: Last Saturday was the ward Turkey Barbeque. We ran out of food – salad and rolls. Not everyone brought the things they signed up for, and so . . . I’ve heard...
Read The Rest of the StoryAn Ebay Heart Attack
I don’t like to watch sports. I hate football. I can barely get through basketball. I also don’t like eBay. I just bought Cal’s halloween costume on eBay. It’s probably the eighth or ninth thing...
Read The Rest of the StoryPlaying on Photoshop
Cal is a cutie. You can do so many cool thinks with Photoshop!
Read The Rest of the StoryOlivia
Olivia: “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 StoryEvening at Silver Lake With the Engh's
This was taken just moment before Cal fell and split his lip At the picnic table Autumn Glory The light was really low – too low for an in-focus shot. I should have had my...
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Evening at Silver Lake With the Engh's
This was taken just moment before Cal fell and split his lip At the picnic table Autumn Glory The light was really low – too low for an in-focus shot. I should have had my...
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Evening at Silver Lake With the Engh’s
Last night for FHE (Family Home Evening) we went to Silver Lake at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon with the Enghs. We had a bucket-o-chicken from KFC, and then walked the board walk around...
Read The Rest of the StoryShout out to Brendan
Brendan is one of Wyatt’s buddies from the MBA. He has the maturity of . . . well, a Wyatt. It makes them perfect for each other. I was reading his blog the other day,...
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Real Macaroni and Cheese
Okay, so here’s the story. Wyatt approached me three or four weeks ago and told me he had been putting aside money (pilfering our budget – which is funny because Wyatt always accuses me of...
Read The Rest of the StoryReturn With Honor
This past week brought the return of Sister Leslee Brock. She’s been serving faithfully in Rancagua, Chile. She came home on Tuesday, and was greeted by her favorite niece and nephew. After the airport hullabaloo,...
Read The Rest of the StorySmarty Pants
Yesterday 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,...
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The Summers Die One By One
Yesterday was our anniversary. Seven years baby! To celebrate . . . well, lets see . . . Wyatt got up early to go to his Sunday meetings. Meanwhile I wrestled the babies into their...
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Kathe and Olivia
I’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 StoryOlivia Gets a Big Girl Bed
I 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 StoryShe's His Favorite
Olivia 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 StoryShe’s His Favorite
Olivia 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 StoryI Stole this off the Smith's Website
I stole this picture off the Smith’s website. Rick edited it. He edited another one too. But I won’t post that one here. He thinks he’s so funny!
Read The Rest of the StoryI Stole this off the Smith’s Website
I stole this picture off the Smith’s website. Rick edited it. He edited another one too. But I won’t post that one here. He thinks he’s so funny!
Read The Rest of the StoryThe Return of EE
This past week brought the return of Emily Elmer. Wahoo! I’m so excited to have this dear friend back here close where we can do art projects to our hearts content. Yesterday she came over...
Read The Rest of the StoryHe's a Walker!
Calvin is officially a walker. He’s been walking as far as twenty feet at a time for a couple weeks now, but we always had to trick him into it . . . get him...
Read The Rest of the StoryHe's a Walker!
Calvin is officially a walker. He’s been walking as far as twenty feet at a time for a couple weeks now, but we always had to trick him into it . . . get him...
Read The Rest of the StoryHe’s a Walker!
Calvin is officially a walker. He’s been walking as far as twenty feet at a time for a couple weeks now, but we always had to trick him into it . . . get him...
Read The Rest of the StoryNew Scrapbook
I’ve done some rearranging of database info on the website this week, and without going too into it, let’s just say I’ve redone the “Scrapbook” section of the website. Hopefully you’ll like the cleaner, but...
Read The Rest of the StoryOff, Off & Away!
This week my youngest sister, Beezy, came to stay with us. She spent three days here before boarding a plane for China. She’s going to be living and working in China for the next semester....
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