Annie-mal's on Parade

And All Before 9:10am aka The First Snow

2011-11-05T17:44:00.001-06:00

It's my first snow day! I didn't get out much or long but it was fun to get outside!

At 7am an excited four year old was yelling into my ear: "Snow, Mommy! It snowed! Look! Look!" My new-baby-up-a-lot-during-the-night brain responded fuzzily by sticking just one foot out of the covers. After multiple preschooler attempts, I emerged to see it did indeed snow.

There is something a magical about the first snow. To adults the first snow is beautiful; you haven't had to drive in it or deal with all the grim aspects of it yet. You can appreciate the beauty of it. As a child, it means fun activities like sledding, snowmans, and snow angels are just waiting to happen - as soon as you can get your parents out of bed! Despite the kids having mild colds and slight fevers yesterday, I caved and let everyone have some fun outside for a few minutes. Hey, it'll cool them off right?

So, today must be considered a success because we have gone sledding, made a snow angel and made a little snowman - all be for 9:10am!

Smiley Little Guy

2011-11-04T21:34:00.001-06:00

Everyone asks, "How are you doing with two kids?" Now, I understand that in a few months this little guy is going to be going turbo around the house getting into everything and balancing two kids is going to be a whole other story. But, for right now, I'm loving two. I can see why having more children is such fun. You remember the stages; you think: "Oh yeah! I remember this!" The learning curve is faster because you have done it all before. Sure, this baby may have a completely different personality, but the essentials are the same. You still lose sleep, but you know it will end. You still worry about lots of little things, but you are better prepared. And because you remember, you also cherish these little moments even more. You cherish the moments because you know that the lack of sleep will end, but all too soon, so will the little coos and "ahhh-goos". Here is my little smiley guy ready to turn three months. His quiet little coos and his little smiles just melt my heart. I love you, little one!

Ahoy, me maties!

2011-10-31T22:19:00.000-06:00

Ye best be handin' o'er that candy yonder! We be having a mermaid trick-or-treatin' wi' us this 'alloween night. She be a fine merfolk fer being out of the water so long. We also be takin' along a wee parrot on me shoulder. He don't say much as yet, but I be trainin' him. We even took along the skally-waggin' dog who stole'd the keys. Twas a fine night and there be no trouble in dee waters. A better night, ye ne'er did see.

Golden Autumn

2011-10-23T21:46:00.001-06:00

This autumn has been golden in more ways than one. It has been golden to have a new little one in our family. Liv has been golden with him. My heart glows golden just looking at them! And, of course, the weather has been golden also! The sagebrush blooming this year is golden from all the rain we had this summer. Here are a few pics of my golden girl!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?...

2011-10-23T21:41:00.003-06:00

No, it's just my little super guy! Can you tell I finally got my Photoshop loaded back onto my computer!?!

Autumn in the Mountains

2011-10-09T17:58:00.000-06:00

What a Difference a Year Makes

2011-09-06T14:39:00.002-06:00

Wow, it has been a while...like, A YEAR! So, now that I've built the suspense up to such a new cliffhanging level that no one is reading this , I begin to write again.
What a difference a year does make! There's a new arrival: a little man stealing his mommy, daddy and sister's hearts as well as time and sleep! In just four weeks the little man has chunked up from his original birth weight of 6 pounds to.....wait for it....8 and a half pounds!!!You wouldn't even recognize him from these hours old photos; that is why I need to get blogging!

Our Summer!

2010-08-17T16:27:00.003-06:00

LiFe haS beEn full speEd aHeaD! Lots of things going on and lots of fun too. Since it has been a long while since my last post, be prepared for a lot of mini posts to catch up!

Just Singing in the Rain

2010-04-23T12:26:00.001-06:00

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2010-04-06T21:35:00.001-06:00

Peek-a-boo, We're Here

2010-04-06T16:32:00.004-06:00

After a long period of either not posting or just posting pics, I have time to do a post! Sisters, you can stop bugging me now. ;) I have more time today since PrincessPea is napping and the house is clean and laundry done - whoa, all rare things to occur all at the same time! Rarely does my munchkin nap long, but she's been running a bit of a fever. Combine that with a rousing weekend with all the C. cousins is the perfect recipe for a very tired little girl.
Life is good and keeps on trekking. TheMan and I have had some wonderful experiences these past few months that have brought us closer and more focused. Nothing earth shattering really, but just a tweaking of the lens of life which has allowed a sharper image to occur. We still have as many creative plans as ever, but we feel more direction now.
Above is Pea playing peek-a-boo with me. She is a constant whirl of fun and energy. She talks up a storm and states: "I share Mommy's cell phone." as she calls family members just to talk. She has had lots of fun this early spring at swimming lessons and gymnastics but they haven't tired her out! She still wants to dance too! She will clasp her little hands together and say: "Please,please, please Mommy!" It is hard to resist her cuteness, but I seem to be saying "No" to quite a number of misadventures anyway. At her most recent pedo visit she was 27 pounds (18%) and 36 inches tall (50%) and able to identify most of the alphabet letters around the waiting room. She's a whiz at matching games and puzzles. She can count to 12, but then jumps to 18 for some reason :) To me, she's trying to jump from turning 3 years to 18! We play a lot of hide-and-seek. She loves to hide where I hid the last turn. Our second favorite game is taking turns on the piano and dancing. One of us will "play" the piano and the other will dance. It is fun and probably hilarious for the neighbors if they pass by but we still dance like nobody is watching!
My days are a combination of motherhood and family, dentistry, young womens, housekeeping and such plus a smackerel of my hobbies (singing, gardening, photography, design, etc.) when I can squeeze them in. Lots has happened that I haven't posted, but I'll be more diligent in my blog history from here on out. Love, Annie

Bowling with the Cousins

2010-03-31T19:23:00.001-06:00

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Early Saturday Morning: Cartoons and Chocolate Milk

2010-03-27T09:46:00.001-06:00

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Gooey Goodness: Homemade Marshmallows

2010-03-21T12:46:00.001-06:00

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"plants wanted some orange juice, mommy"

2010-03-20T08:34:00.001-06:00

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Spring is coming!!!

2010-03-17T22:46:00.003-06:00

It is amazing how great spring feels! I love to walk in the sun without a coat! The crocuses are blooming. Love it. Also been loving mobile posting pics from my phone - have you noticed increased activity here and on Facebook? Yep, it is the phone apps. I would also love some pussy willow branches, so if anyone knows someone who has a tree: please email me! Thanks.
Here is my cutie enjoying a spring shower:

Spy Cat

2010-03-15T19:24:00.002-06:00

"These silly Easter bunnies are the perfect disguise!" (evil cat laughing)

Gymnastics Girl demos the Bridge

2010-03-13T11:31:00.001-07:00

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Peek-a-Socks

2010-03-12T16:28:00.001-07:00

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Assistant Cupcake Sous Chef

2010-03-12T15:32:00.001-07:00

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Swimming Lessons!

2010-03-12T15:30:00.001-07:00

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2010-02-24T12:13:00.003-07:00

My sister sent me this. Due to my family's obsession with "the Duke" and just the quote itself, it made my day!

Duck Spotting

2010-02-23T23:36:00.002-07:00

Knee Deep in Valentine's

2010-02-21T22:01:00.001-07:00

We decided to take off to the cabin for Valentine's Day/President's weekend. It was a last minute decision that led to not packing much - but luckily we could wash our clothes there! After much discussion, we decided to take the PeaPod along - even though she has a hard time falling asleep when her usual routine is disrupted. Let's be honest: even with her usual routine, she is not over joyous about bedtime. The girl's like the energizer bunny: unless you strap her down, she won't stop.
The weekend was beautiful! The snow up there was knee deep and soft. I've been feeling the Olympic spirit. I even tear up at the commercials. So I had to wear my hat! Never mind that I was in dental school during the 2002 Olympics, I still had to get the hat! It was awesome to watch the Olympics while at the cabin Yes, I know it is weird that the cabin has TV and we don't, but my grandparents addition of television out there was awesome because now we can watch Apollo Ono! And sometimes, like watching the Olympics, TV is a good thing! I know, you are shocked by that statement.
Me, nearly 32, piggy tails, sans makeup mind you :)!

PeaPod figured out that it was easier to army crawl on top of the snow instead of trying to walk through snow. It nearly as deep as she is tall. She thought it was a riot. She was still yelling for the deer to come out and play with her when we dragged her back inside that evening.The spontaneous overnight-er was a wonderful break from regular life.
We even saw a bald eagle soaring low along the treetops.

Christmas Day 2009 Bike Ride

2010-01-17T22:06:00.001-07:00

Christmas Day 2009 Bike Ride, originally uploaded by LivysLaughter.

Christmas Test Run

2010-01-17T22:05:00.001-07:00

Christmas Test Run, originally uploaded by LivysLaughter.

Christmas was a blast! There was a last minute request: PeaPod was adamant that Santa would bring her the sparkly new purple Hello Kitty two wheeled bike with training wheels. Santa had other wrapped presents planned, but he couldn't let her down! Especially since she would wake up every morning asking about "my Christmas bike". She would come out of her bedroom every morning before Christmas wondering if Santa had brought it yet. "Where's my Christmas bike? Where's Santa?" Who can stand in the way of such faith? So he switched a few toys around and made it happen! This was the first test run she took at 8am Christmas morning. We bundled up (despite being a little sick - hey, cold is good for fevers, right?!?) and took a very quick test ride outside. It was so cold that we scurried back to the house where I turned a blind eye to her riding it around the house. Luckily for my furniture, she steers pretty well and the basement is unfinished!

Build Today

2010-01-17T21:06:00.004-07:00

Build today,
then strong and sure,
With a firm and ample base;
And ascending and secure.
Shall tomorrow find its place.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Her Mona Lisa Smile

2009-12-16T21:58:00.004-07:00

That smile is 100% her during the rare quiet moment.
The following are true events and are about the above angel. Grandma's wrapped present which was on top of the bookshelf (which is taller than me) was obtained by dragging a large step ladder out of the laundry room into my bedroom, then the said present was unwrapped and the packaging styrofoam was picked into a million little static clinging balls. Where was I, the responsible parent? I was blissfully thinking that at 7am in the morning my daughter was entertained while I took a shower. I came out of the shower wrapped in a towel to find my bedroom had experienced a snowfall of styrofoam. "Snowballs, Mommy!", she exclaimed.

And you have it now!

2009-12-16T14:15:00.002-07:00

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
-- e.e. cummings

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
-- Dr. Seuss

Originality is... a by-product of sincerity. - Marianne Moore

2009-12-16T14:08:00.003-07:00

Thanks Loralee for sending me this email and photo today! It really made my day!

"You had it in you then..."

Green Christmas Card

2009-12-13T00:14:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas! We are going a bit greener (and saving on postage!) this year with our Christmas card by sending it via email. If you would prefer snail mail, please email me a request!

A Shepherd in Overalls

2009-12-12T23:34:00.003-07:00

This past week, my great uncle Bill died after many brave years of being on dialysis. For most people I know, they are lucky to even know the name of their great uncle. I was lucky enough to get to know a bit of this wonderful man who always brought a smile to my face. He and my aunt Caroline are easy to love.
I will always remember Uncle Bill in blue denim overalls and a plaid shirt. I'm sure he will ask for white ones in heaven. He was a gardener. He and Aunt Caroline had a vegetable garden bigger than my whole yard! I am impressed that despite multiple draining trips for dialysis miles away, they kept such a beautiful garden with rows and rows of veggies!
Uncle Bill was a shepherd. I remember getting bum lambs from his flocks to raise. I wrote about these experiences here; I'm grateful for what I learned from raising sheep.
I think Uncle Bill's experiences here on earth made his heart tender. The shepherd in overalls is now with the Shepherd. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.

Who knew!

2009-11-29T14:27:00.003-07:00

We watched a Christmas light show set to music last night. We weren't expecting Tucker to love it the most! He watched attentively the whole time!

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-27T22:00:00.005-07:00

The holiday season has begun! I'm so thankful for this beautiful life.
Highlights of Thanksgiving Day:
1. The morning began with a trip to the zoo to "Feast with the Beasts"! It was a lot of fun to see the elephants break open huge pumpkins and the bears to pull apart their turkey pinatas. Peapod and I have colds so we were a bit more sluggish this week than usual, but we all had a lot of fun. Of course we had to finish off the visit with her favorite: "Tickets! Da carstlell (that means carousel)!"

2. A lovely dinner with my grandparents and cousin Tyler. PrincessPea slept nearly the whole dinner. Then we all took an outing out to feed the horses some grain. She LOVES horses and was quite concerned that every single horse received their Thanksgiving dinner. "Dey're hungry!" she exclaimed. She has no fear and loves going with the grandpas out to feed.

3. My favorite is watching the National Dog Show! I find it funny how much I love watching this. My favorite group is the terriers. And a Scottish Terrier named Sadie won! Tucker voted for her.

Raw Humanity

2009-11-20T00:14:00.004-07:00

I meet around a couple of dozen patients every day I practice. They usually are under duress due to pain and anxiety. Simply said: people are generally not at their best when they do see me. Most have come to my clinic are either referred from the hospital or local dentists due to finances, infection or, in some cases, just being difficult patients to treat for one reason or another. They can be swollen, cranky, many of lower IQ or mental disabilities, smell bad in ten different ways, and come from all walks of life. And, despite all flaws, you have to open a part of yourself to accepting them as a person or they will feel it and not trust you with their health. The elderly and children are my favorite; they are the easiest to love.
I try to make this dreaded dental experience as positive as possible being upbeat and reassuring. I could rattle off my various degrees, knowledge, IQ, rankings, various professional experiences, but although that can be reassuring, what really matters is if you can connect. I like connecting. After a patient says "I hate needles", I jokingly say things like, "Well, if you actually liked needles I would be worried." To get a full health history, I ask them personal questions about their health and daily life. I ask difficult things like: "Are you ready to quit smoking?" or "How did you get this bruise?" and my least favorite, "Will you be able to pick up that antibiotic; it is four dollars at Walmart?" After passing personal boundaries by verbally asking about habits, health, hygiene, and even finances, I pass any personal space barriers as I examine their face, body and mouth.
I am more myself in this role than in most places. I love happily meeting people. A patient gives so much trust to you that one cannot feel any judgment towards them or they to you. It is a trusting give-and-take between two humans despite all differences; I don't even feel this at church. I am good at making them comfortable, helping them. I am positive; I'm glad when a high anxiety patient can laugh as I extract a tooth. I enjoy teaching my student assistants. The only other time I feel as at ease with myself is when I'm in my home with just my daughter and husband. I continue to pray for guidance on what I am to do. It is no secret that I would love to suddenly have no worries about debt or money and stay at home being a mom while my kids are small and donating my time to patients in need; but I just keep going and praying, following. I'm definitely standing too close to my life painting to get the full picture and I just keep trying to do the right brush strokes. It would be easier to go to a foreign country and give my services than to serve those nearby. I will be honest: a few of these patients are not easy to love or, at times, even like. Mostly, we live disparate lives. We are separated by a million things even though we are just people. I may wish for my cocoon of tranquil living but after seeing such raw humanity, I cannot wish for my blind naivete. Now, I'm tired but thinking and my thoughts turn to another man of humble birth. I'm going to have to think about Him and my patients more. Hopefully, this verbal spew-age makes sense in the morning.

Turkeys for Daddy

2009-11-17T12:49:00.003-07:00

Medium: paper, glue and crayon

The World is Awesome!

2009-11-17T07:49:00.002-07:00

So true.
This is such a great video by the ever awesome Discovery Channel! Perfect way to start my day, thanks Laughing Lion!

Holidays are around the corner..

2009-11-16T20:35:00.004-07:00

and I'm glad, because I need something to distract me from the cold!

Baby Tucker!

2009-11-16T20:25:00.004-07:00

Kristie sent me this pic of Tucker as a pup today! This was his awkward stage when his ears couldn't decide whether to stay up or flop down. He's always been a cutie. Thanks Kris! Missin' you can can't wait to see you for Christmas! Dah-hoo-dor-ay!

All that Glitters...

2009-11-11T13:15:00.003-07:00

...could be your daughter! Just minutes alone during a Young Women's meeting and PeaPod managed to procure and sprinkle more glitter than Tinkerbell has fairy dust. PrincessPea was a lovely pink shade of glitter and her bed sheet was a lovely glittering sea of glitter. Her pigtail part was covered! Hilarious.

Today

2009-11-10T23:42:00.005-07:00

One Tough Girl

2009-10-21T22:58:00.003-06:00

Well, here is to one tough week! We were preparing this afternoon to have the Young Women and Young Men over for a pumpkin trebucheting party. You would think that it would be one of the teens that would leave my home in route to the hospital; but no, before any fun chucking of pumpkins could occur, PeaPod tripped on the non-carpeted basement stairs. I was right behind her and knew from the sound of the fall, that this wasn't just any toddler toppling. She didn't move. I cringed inside and said a silent prayer as I lifted her up to look at her face. Not too bad, I thought. Gushing blood, but really, I thought: it could be worse. Teeth - check. Bones - check. Deep gash below mandible open to submandibular space - yep, that's going to need stitches. Hospital again. Stop bleeding. Put her in car seat. Call Daddy, call Papa. Peapod is very upset, so let her talk to Daddy on speaker phone while I drove. She just kept saying, "I'm o-o-o-o-k-k-k-aaay." over and over again to her daddy all the way. I know she is one brave girl because I have many adult patients who would never say that!
We did the routine emergency room paper work and waited for the topical anesthetic to work. She was fine by then, bouncing and playing. The doctors and nurses watched and said, "She's an active one!" Yep, that's her! Then came the hard part: the papoose board and the stitches. I just have to say this: My girl is a fighter! Don't mess with her. She put up a fight that surprised the nurses - including gnashing of teeth.
She's got spunk. I knew that, but I really know it now.
When the doctor was done suturing (which took quite a while since he had to do layers and she was not cooperative) she hugged her Papa and lifted her little fist in the air with mine and cheered "I'm tough!" She even thanked the nurse. Love this girl.

We had Eggs for Breakfast

2009-10-16T11:17:00.001-06:00

I had a little help deciding what to make.

Conference at the Cabin

2009-10-12T20:09:00.009-06:00

We spent Conference weekend at the cabin. It was blissfully peaceful and beautiful. We even had some rain Sunday afternoon! It was great to listen to the prophet - whether it was on the radio while we were out-and-about or on the television when we were inside all cuddled up. I had too many favorites to list; it was awesome.
PeaPod loved being out there. She loved driving in the Ranger, mooing at the cows, singing with the MoTab, bouncing like a deer whenever she saw some, and exploring outside. Grandpa baled a TON of hay this year; so we took pics amongst the outside haystack. You should see the inside of the barn that holds the rest of it! I like to call it the "airplane hanger for hay". Everything look gorgeous and we came home to real life relaxed.

Great Balls of Fire

2009-10-09T22:26:00.004-06:00

This is what happens when a bunch of men camp out in the dessert with a trebuchet, pumpkins and something flammable. Yep, that's my husband.
He reminds me of this quote: Word art via Rhonna Edwards' wonderful 21 day challenge. She is my hero. Thank you!

2009-10-03T00:38:00.002-06:00

Puppy on a String

2009-10-02T11:24:00.002-06:00

Autumn is Kicking In

2009-09-30T23:05:00.001-06:00

There is no doubt after today that tomorrow will be October. We awoke to snow covered mountains, a crisp rainy morning and congested noses. I love autumn although I hate saying goodbye to my garden in full bloom. There is a sense of anticipation with the changing of the seasons. Flocks of birds were constantly flying to and fro in my backyard. A flicker hid from the rain by one of the windows. A pheasant called. A doe waded in the middle of the river.

When the rain let up, PeaPod and I escaped outdoors despite our colds just to feel the crisp air. We kicked around a soccer ball,planted some leftover bulbs and harvested a few of our pumpkins and gourds growing around the yard.

Oh, and Tucker got stuck yet again in the neighbor's yard.

-- Post On the Go

A Secret Study, Handel, and Learning

2009-09-30T09:00:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, I went to my voice lesson with PrincessPea. Usually I don't take her but I didn't have a babysitter. Rebecca was wonderful and handled the typical two year old interruptions well. She is a marvelous and exciting instructor who is extremely patient with my lack of theory. Her patience and love of teaching I especially appreciate considering she has a PhD in music which is completely opposite of mine in science. I truly appreciate having her not just as an instructor but also as a role model. While I was singing through an Italian piece, PrincessPea wandered into the other room. I wasn't too worried because she was particularly enamored with their dogs who were in the other room.
I completed the piece and went looking for her - but she was no where to be found!
I called and heard a high pitched little, "I'm okay Mommy!".
From where did this little voice herald from?
None other than the worst possible place for her to wander:
Mac Wilberg's personal, private and very secluded study!
I did not dare to go up those stairs and see what my lovely two year old had done to the esteemed composer and conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle's sanctuary!!!
My thoughts tumbled about bringing horrified visions of toddler fingers holding permanent markers and scribbling all over brilliant compositions, and strewing sheet music all over the floor.
I could not enter the sanctuary.
I couldn't be the first to see the damage wrought.
I let Rebecca go up there to survey the damage. She laughed when she went up and said, "You have to see this!" I went up the stairs still worried about what I would see. The room was spotless! (Whew!)
On the couch my daughter was sitting prim as a princess with a big red book open in her lap.
She said, "I'm reading." What was she "reading"?
Oh, just a little light reading about the composer Handel. My daughter may have to teach musical theory to me!I am glad that, from watching those around her, PrincessPea knows the value of reading and learning. John and I both love to learn - even if it is something that stretches us in a different direction (like singing!). She is very aware and watches those around her closely. I'm glad she has so many family members and friends with many different types of knowledge and abilities. I'm excited to see what she learns in the future. No matter what, I will have to play The Messiah a lot this Christmas!

A Bear Know Best

2009-09-27T20:36:00.007-06:00

I have loved classic Winnie-the-Pooh forever. And I don't think I will ever stop loving Milne's classic characters. Each character has enlightening characteristics and they never fail to make me smile. I started collecting classic Pooh as a teenager because I loved Tigger's contagious postitive energy and Pooh's surprisingly profound statements for someone with grey fluff blown into his brain. All the characters are timeless. And our nursery - made up of my collecting - is what inspired this blog's name. I was thinking of a title while playing with baby PrincessPea (who truly was just a pea pod) two years ago and was inspired by how I had lined up the stuffed animals Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eyeore, Kanga and Roo, Rabbit and Owl on the windowsill. "They look like they are on parade.", I thought.

So here are some of my favorite quotes of my favorite most knowledgeable humble bear and his fluffy friends:

If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. I'll always be with you.

Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo. - Kanga

Those who are clever, who have a Brain, never understand anything.

They're funny things, Accidents. You never have them till you're having them.
When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry;
you're probably just a little eleven o'clockish.

Tigger: I’m so happy I could bounce! (ThePea does this, just jumps in place for over a minute, happy to be alive)

When you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and Think of Things, you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it.
You can't stay in your corner of the forest, waiting for others to come to you; you have to go to them sometimes.

A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference. - Eeyore

Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.

How long does getting thin take?

Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.

It's so much more friendly with two.

As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen.

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered. "Yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, "I just wanted to be sure of you."

Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon

A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise

Sometimes it's the smallish things that take up the most room in our hearts. (This one I want to put in vinyl words in the nursery someday..)

That's what Tiggers do best!

And I know it seems easy," said Piglet to himself, "but it isn't everyone who could do it.

"Tigger is all right, really," said Pooh. "Of course he is," said Christopher Robin."Everybody is really," said Pooh. "That's what I think," said Pooh. "But I don't suppose I'm right," he said. "Of course you are," said Christopher Robin.

If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.

"How do you do Nothing?" asked Pooh.
"Well, it's when people call out at you just as you're going off to do it, `What are you going to do, Christopher Robin?' and you say, `Oh, nothing' and then you go and do it. It means just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering."

Some people care too much, I think it's called love.

My Sunshine Pup

2009-09-26T08:19:00.003-06:00

It takes a Mom to Know

2009-09-12T21:21:00.002-06:00

Last weekend, I had a chance encounter with an old neighbor of mine, Jennifer B. I hadn't seen her since she was a teenager and I was around seven. TheMan, PeaPod and I had had a very productive day and were ready for some fun. We went to the local town park and brought along some dinner for a picnic.
Note: PeaPod absolutely loves parks. There isn't a day that goes by without her asking to go to one. If we pass by even the smallest of parks in the car, she knows it and voices her wishes that we would go to the park instead of our chosen destination.
PeaPod was ecstatic. She ran onto the playground as soon as we arrived. As usual, she found some other children, and asked them to "Come p'ay". These cute older girls were happy to play with her. Their mother came and sat down on a bench next to TheMan and I. I had not taken a good look at this mother since I was talking to TheMan, busy setting up the picnic and watching the Pea, but we started up a bit of conversation about our daughters.
Once the other mom started talking, I knew her. And then I quickly turned and truly looked at her. Over twenty years may have passed, but I knew it was her. I exclaimed, "Jennifer B.?" and introduced myself, since there was no way she would recognize me from the girl I was at the age of seven. She was as amazed as I was. So there we were! She had six kids ranging from the teens to age three. All were cute-as-a-button blondes just like her and very polite. I came to find out she was homeschooling her children. I find this absolutely an amazing endeavor especially considering how social her children were. As a child, I was impressed by her doing daring tricks on the trampoline; now I am even more impressed by her skills as a mother. We discussed family, what everyone was doing, and how life changes. It was a lovely chat.
She shared a story that I thought was so true and could have happened to any of us. She said that once my mom called her to babysit for just a few minutes. My mom desperately needed to go to the grocery store for something but didn't want to take all four of the small girls along. Jennifer said that my mom was truly in need of someone, but she was a typical teenager (like we all can be!) and didn't want to go. She had the usual excuses of being tired after a day at school etc. So she didn't go. Years later, Jennifer stated, she was in the same position with four small children and needing to go to the store but not wanting to drag them all there. And that is when she remembered the day my mom called and thought, "Oh I am so sorry S.!". I'm sure my mom never thought twice about that conversation years ago and either found someone else to tend or took us along. But Jennifer remembered and I love this lesson for me. It takes a Mom to know doesn't it? It generally it takes being a Mom to know what being a Mom really entails. All the beauty, the love, the work, the sacrifice, the fun, etc. It takes a Mom to know.

Conversation with a Hummingbird

2009-09-12T21:01:00.002-06:00

I had a lovely conversation with a hummingbird today. I was in my backyard picking zinnias for a bouquet, when she came whizzing by. She stopped midair not ten inches from my face! I backed up a touch - so startled was I by her friendly demeanor. She hovered there looking at me, then turned to my zinnias and then turned back at me. She was wondering if I would be so kind as to share my zinnias. I held up my bouquet slowly as a nectar offering to her. (As much as I love Midsummer's Night Dream I have no need of nectar and felt free to share.) She then partook of each of the six picked zinnias! On the largest one, the coral pink one which is a personal favorite, she landed her petite little feet upon a single petal. Then, for just a half of a second, she stood still upon the flower as I held it! Ahh! It was such a thrill to watch at such close proximity God's beautiful, flitting creature! Such a "be still and know that I am God" moment!
When she had had her fill, she then gave a little throaty trill of thanks and went on to the zinnias I had not yet picked.

Stu and Ariel Got Married

2009-09-10T17:25:00.000-06:00

in the Bountiful Temple this summer! Better late than never! I had just a few pics on my camera and just barely downloaded them. Of course my camera died before I took any of the bridal couple. Ariel's dress was amazing and Stu looked pretty dapper himself! I am so glad I thought to bring PeaPod's paper parasol because it was HOT. That little parasol did a surprisingly great job of shading us from the direct sun. There was a couple from Japan getting sealed that day and their wedding party were all in love with the fact that the "little blonde" had a parasol.
I love this photo. Here she is with Grandma Maurine (her great grandma) waiting for the newly weds to step outside the temple doors. She was sitting with her for quite a while until (of course!) I grabbed my camera for a shot! And below is me. I'll have to find some photos of the stars of the day later since they were not on this camera.

All I need to know I learned from the Robinsons...

2009-09-09T14:11:00.007-06:00

TheMan and I LOVE the Disney animated movie, Meet the Robinsons.
We love the undeniably-without-bounds-love and generosity the family has for one another, the inspiration, the positive outlook on each other as well as on the future and their creativity.

I even tear up at a number of different scenes when I watch it! So, I was super excited to find out that another blogger friend, Katie Scarlett, felt the same way. She wrote down some great lessons to learn from this movie which I just had to post!

All I need to know I learned from the Robinsons:

Lesson #1: No family is perfect. We all have our issues, but that doesn't mean we can't be happy together because family loves each other no matter what. I mean, this family has a cousin that's so big, he can't get out of his chair and just lives in it all the time, a grandpa that dresses backwards, and an uncle that is married to a puppet. And yet, they are still happy and optimistic. Whether your family is biological, adopted, or put together from people you love and trust, stick together and love each other despite imperfections.

Lesson #1 part B: Always be welcoming and inclusive to someone outside your family or circle. One of the family members, Franny, says upon meeting Lewis, "We need someone on maracas!" It is like saying, "hey, there's a place here for you!" And this different, eclectic family seems ever ready to expand its love.

Lesson #2: Don't be afraid to fail. "You failed! And it was awesome! From failure, you learn. From success, not so much." Failure is not a bad thing that you need to be ashamed of. It means you tried, and it means you learned. Don't let fear of failure stop you from trying new things. Just keep failing and learning until you get success. We all have dreams and goals. Trying and failing and trying again is the path to achieving them.

Lesson#3: Keep Moving Forward! Don't let stumbling or falling down make you so discouraged that you give up. Try to take it in stride and keep moving forward. That is the key to any achievement. Don't dwell too much on looking back, but keep your eyes to the future and what you have ahead of you.

Lesson#4: Don't dwell on injustices or offenses from other people. Being bitter and unforgiving really only hurts yourself in the long run. It's easy to blame others for our failures or hurt, but it doesn't help us, and it shuts out others who try to reach us. "Hmmm, take responsibility for my own life, or blame you? Blame you wins hands down!" This attitude will only make you lonely and sad. Be the one who reaches out and lifts rather than the one who hard hearted.

Lesson #5: Believe in yourself. If you have an idea, or a personal goal, or dream, pursue it. Don't let others tell you you're crazy, and don't tell yourself you're crazy for dreaming it.
Lesson#6: Carry around a notebook to write down all your good ideas!

Lesson #7: You have a bright future ahead of you. Believe it, and make it happen!

Sleep Aludes Her

2009-09-08T21:45:00.006-06:00

...At least for an hour due to a pint sized hurricane. Yes, we have read how to "feberize" your toddler and we have read "Happiest Toddler On the Block" and other lovely stories. The Nanny has nothing on us since we have counted putting her quietly back to bed 72 times before. No, I'm not exaggerating, I counted.
We have the ritual. We have the bath time, scriptures, prayer (that had to be moved up from right before bed due to the negative connotation in her mind that personal prayers = bedtime thus precipitating a whole month of refusing to fold her arms), storytime, tuck in and good night ritual. She has added to this ritual 15 minutes later: loudly exclaiming "Mommy" and "Daddy" as well as many other incoherent things, sticking fingers under the door, and singing.
The problem is that she is the happiest, busybody on the block. The child should be the Energizer Bunny for Halloween. Fact: ThePea can just function on less sleep than most toddlers.
She would sleep through the night as a baby, but she wouldn't be logging in 12 hours and then 2 long naps in a 24 hour period like some other mythical babies I have heard about.
The girl likes to know what is going on at all times and preferably be part of those goings on. So, for the first hour of her "wind down" time, we isolate her in her room through physical means (i.e. she is locked in her room to read books, or sing or do whatever she pleases). Then, when all is quiet, we sneak in and tuck in the now blissfully drowsy little angel into bed.

Someone's Been Eating My...

2009-09-08T12:15:00.000-06:00

..CABBAGES! Actually, it was not someone but some deer. Two fawns and a doe who are just so cute I just couldn't help but sit and watch them nibble my cabbages during the early morning hour! One nibbled piece of evidence, uh, I mean cabbage, is even in a pot in my front yard! I like to tell my guests to make themselves at home; I never guessed that these forest friends would be so comfortable.

Rise and Shout..

2009-09-02T21:51:00.000-06:00

the Christensen's are out!
Early.

Here are just three of the many creative ways my family used to torture my teenage self to wake up:
1. Dripping a melting a melting ice cube onto my nose (thanks, Dad)
2. Setting the dryer and washer which was just across the hall from my room to buzz at 6am nearly every day (thanks, Mom)
3. Meowing. Yes, I said, "Meowing". Like a choir of deaf tom cats, my sisters were led in a meowing cacophony to wake me from my peaceful slumbers (thanks, sisters!, thanks dad for being the chorister)

My Best Side

2009-09-02T15:15:00.000-06:00

My mom and I did a quick photo shoot before church this week. I have a hard time capturing her on my own (with the camera or without!) It is always amazing to me to see how PeaPod's personality shines through her photos, even though it is hard to capture her full smile as she runs around the room. One of the ways to slow her down was for us to give her another camera. As I look at this photo, I thought it could be entitled: "This is My Best Side". And that got me thinking of how I have to make sure I'm doing my very best, showing my best side, for this little munchkin at all times. She is capturing me easier than I can her! She watches and picks up little things we do so quickly!

Top of the Park

2009-09-01T13:37:00.005-06:00

We're on the top of the park today! And I'm on top of the world. As I played with PrincessPea, climbing up towers, over a rock climbing wall, through tunnels (yes, I really did scurry through tunnels like a squirrel!) and sliding down slides, I could not help but to start to cry from happiness. I know, weird.
Pea was worried and took my face in her hands saying, "You okay, Mommy?" She is so empathetic to those around her. I explained I was wonderful and chased her once again.
This ability to do these things without much pain with my daughter is so wonderful after the last two years of frustrating pain. Pain that leaked its way into my life despite trying to stopper it. I ask forgiveness to anyone of whom I did not understand their trial of pain or another trial in this life. I pray I will never be so callous. I know now that health is a gift that we cannot truly understand and appreciate when we are healthy.
The last two years were actually a gift for me to grow with compassion, to be more tender, more understanding, and more patient.
Would I have chosen this experience?
No, but I know that I'm a bit better inside even though honestly, I would vainly have traded that internal improvement for having my outside better looking this last little while!
So here's to sitting, walking, running and playing!
Here's to life and learning!
Here is to being at the top of the park!

By Small and Simple Things...

2009-08-31T21:03:00.005-06:00

We were blessed to have an apostle of the Lord, Elder Ballard, speak to our ward this Sunday in our very own chapel! The ward's and our excitement to see a live apostle reminded me of a over decade ago during my days at BYU. We would anticipate apostles and prophets invited to speak for the campus wide Thursday Morning Devotionals; we'd crowd into the Marriot Center until it was overflowing with more people than any basketball game . I still remember Pres. Monson's (who was Elder Monson at the time) talk on how to study both for things spiritual and secular. That talk has always motivated me to truly learn how to study both subjects. Those words were a great lesson for me.
True, I didn't have a rather energetic 2 year old at that time (I married after my graduation from BYU) but Elder Ballard's message this Sunday gave plain and simple truths that warmed my soul and made my heart smile all while I was catching thrown sippy cups sailing midair over the pew or rushing out as our toddler loudly proclaimed, "I need t'go potty!".

If life was a nature hike, I feel as if this Sunday, Elder Ballard's talk gave us, as a couple,
a point in our journey where we were able to pause
to look at how far we had come and not be discouraged, but encouraged.
It was an opportunity to look ahead on our journey here on earth and not be daunted, but energized.
Both vistas gave perspective and we were able to see the beauty of our journey both behind us and ahead of us.
Was/is our route perfect? No (wouldn't it be great if it was!), but we're getting better and heading in a great direction with minute changes of God's spiritual compass.
TheMan and I felt encouraged and excited to continue pressing on to become better.
The small and simple things that Elder Ballard spoke of: watch conference, be humble, manage your finances, have couple prayer and scripture study as well as personal, have family night, create lasting family memories, have fun, pray and read the scriptures together as a family, etc. These little things will always lead us closer to Christ. It is by these small and simple things adding up that make great things come to pass.
Elder Ballard stated that these same things are reiterated by the prophet and apostles in General Conference because we, as Saints, need to continue pressing on and doing better at following them before more great mysteries are revealed - like where is Kolob :). That would be pretty interesting, but I've got enough on my checklist right now without getting out the star charts :)! How lucky we are for all that has been revealed in this day and age. I'm thankful for living prophets and apostles.

Birds of a Feather

2009-08-26T14:36:00.004-06:00

We flock together. TheMan: Thanks for all the extra special little things you have done the last two weeks! I'm all atwitter. :)

Paint, Paint, Everywhere...

2009-08-26T09:31:00.002-06:00

Finger painting is fun for mom's who dare! I even have paint in my hair!

Pitter Patter

2009-08-25T22:25:00.004-06:00

My dearest PrincessPea:

Today we ran through the grass. It was dewy wet on our bare feet. You exclaimed, "Mommy run!". You grabbed my hand and together we laughed and ran. It was so beautiful enjoying just the element of being here on the earth with you. I had so much fun! Thank you for such a wonderful gift. You exuberance for life is infectious. I love you.

God is Good

2009-08-22T22:16:00.002-06:00

"God is good." said Loralee as I reported my last tests and it is so true. I feel calm and reassured despite needing one more round next week. I am so thankful for my husband and all of my family who have faith in things unseen.

The Tuck 'n Roll

2009-08-21T10:13:00.003-06:00

PeaPod's been potty training this month! Since I decided not to force it until she was ready, it has been surprisingly easy. It has been a great experience to see her personality come out while learning this new thing. When she was ready to do it, she did it! She is quite independent and wants to do it all by herself. "Get out, Mommy, please!", is a frequent sentence.
I love hearing her say, "I did it!" Which has been this summer's theme for all activities.
It was a challenge for me to figure out how to encourage her to go when she was distracted playing and having fun. If I asked her straight out, "Do you need to use the potty?" The answer was inevitably, "NO!".
But, then Mommy got sneaky! I would say, "My turn to use the potty!" and make a run for the bathroom. Peapod has learned from gymnastics and playing with outher kids that one does NOT want to be left out of something that takes "turns". We have had many a race for our "turn" at the loo. As soon as we had gone cold turkey to panties, she was getting it. I would hear the flush of the toilet without ever reminding her. Washing the hands is a big deal. Soap is applied a bit too liberally. My favorite thing though is her technique of solving the problem of rolling out too much toilet paper. Since she knows I don't like it strung all around the bathroom, but it sometimes is hard to reroll, she takes the end of the roll and tucks it up and rolls the rest around the paper holder. It's hilarious. This blog post is going to be super embarrassing for her later in life, but I just want you to know PrincessPea, that I'm excited to see your capability, tenacity, and positive attitude topple other challenges and learning opportunities in life. Love you! (or as you say right now: Yove You!

NieNie, A Teacher of Beauty

2009-08-19T08:02:00.005-06:00

As many of you know, the below quote by Ruby Dee has been my chosen quote for few months. There are so many empty, beautiful carcasses of people here on earth (just look around in media for starters). They have a misdirected focus and thus are going about achieving true beauty backwards. You know I love pretty things and mascara (I'm a sucker for a good mascara ad), but being at Young Women's Camp all last week reminded me that faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, integrity and virtue should be applied or that mascara is just covering up not magnifying beauty. Ruby Dee has this beautiful statement, reminding me of true beauty shining from within will brighten any countenance. As I have followed NieNie Dialogues, I have been taught by NieNie what real beauty is.

The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within - strength, courage, dignity.
― Ruby Dee

This week, I had some news that delivered an unexpected, possibly large trial. We are praying and fasting that this trial will be taken from me. It could potentially change a lot of my life choices. It has left me feeling down and concerned about my and my family's future life and decisions. The first day I thought, "Do I have a target painted on me somewhere?" Then, today, I read this post and knew that true beauty shines from within, and no matter how feeble our mortal bodies are, we can overcome with the Lord's hand. And I realized, no matter what happens, I'm just being redirected by the Lord's hand. I am grateful for NieNie's willingness to share her story of strength and hope. I feel that spark of heavenly fire now. Read about her blazing fire. See her beauty, the hard-to-get kind, shining with a heavenly fire on her countenance. Go here.
Here is her quote:

There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire,
which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which
kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.
-Washington Irving

Project Beautification

2009-07-29T20:00:00.004-06:00

I sent the photo below to Loralee this morning in an email entitled: Project Beautification. Inside I wrote: Begin Now. I needed this pic and little did I know, so did my beautiful sister!Here is her post. The pic was what she needed, this post is what I needed.
Loralee:
So yesterday I had a proofing of our newborn/family photo session by Simple Treasures Photography. Boston looked perfect in every way. Vienna - plum gorgeous. Ethan - handsome as ever. Lee took photogenic to a new level even with the eye parasite, which is saying a lot. But me... hmmm... let's say I kind of looked like I could be a mother of three. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mother of three. In fact, I wouldn't mind being the mother of the whole world as long as I didn't look like I was the mother of the whole world. (Think: Mother Teresa - who in all honesty I wouldn't mind looking like if I were 88 and even half as wonderful as she was, but I'm 28 and not even close to sainthood. So I have to work with what I've got.) Are you picking up what I'm putting down? Mortified I went to the drug store at 2am last night (between feedings) to get the necessary supplies to begin re-beautification. And then (with strikingly good timing and not knowing an ounce about my predicament), my sister Annie sent me the above photo this morning with the words, "Begin now." I just loved it.

So today, I am beginning again the trial of all women everywhere - trying to put myself back on the list - not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. This is so important, because when my little Vienna becomes a mom, I want her to know from my example that she is important too and if she doesn't take care of her beautiful soul - she cannot give her fullest to those she loves. It's a difficult concept for women to grasp, but we must. If not for us alone than for our daughters! Sometimes it's easier to do it for them than to do it for yourself in the beginning (which is kind of an oxymoron), but if that is what it takes to begin the process of taking care of our souls (body and spirit) than so be it. Begin now.

She ended the post with my current theme quote: The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within - strength, courage, dignity. ―Ruby Dee

Then my husband sent me this video link. He said I make him this happy. It is happy and fun just like him.

May Old Cat Ladies Never Die..

2009-07-29T08:59:00.004-06:00

...Because they give us so much to think about and talk about...and smell.
Just thought I'd share that after practicing yesterday.
Note to the Wise: Yes, in a pinch, topical anesthetic applied liberally to your mask does block out cat smell, but it also makes your nose and lips numb during the procedure. Take the time to find orange oil or PIP.
Or invest in one of these:Do you think it comes in red and pink? Too noticeable? Maybe not if you work down the street from nerve gas production.

Instructions for a Great Summer Day:

2009-07-10T20:49:00.001-06:00

JUST ADD WATER!

You, Me and the Pilates, Kernie!

2009-07-07T19:13:00.002-06:00

2009-07-07T17:14:00.002-06:00

Balancing Beautifully

2009-07-07T13:52:00.002-06:00

Faith in things Unseen

2009-07-04T12:49:00.003-06:00

Just last week I was pondering how life can turn on a dime. I wrote about our life the last few weeks. Writing helps me process life's unpredictability and marvel at the power of faith. Then, it happened again. Life turned on the dime for my sister and her husband, Lee. After being perfectly healthy except for the annoyance of dry eyes, my BIL woke up nearly blind. I am completely amazed by their positive attitudes when confronted by this trial. They have begun an aggressive treatment that will hopefully limit the damage that a rare bacteria and/or parasite is doing to his eyes. When being confronted with months of difficult treatment and disability, they truly have faith in things unseen. Lee, we love you and pray for you. Thanks for being such a great listener and having great faith.

God Bless America!

2009-07-04T12:05:00.005-06:00

There is nothing like a little all-American fun on Independence Day! We have had huge 4th of July already! We watched the city parade last night (I was slightly disappointed there was not a face painting booth!). We made it through about half of the parade with Peapod. She loved waving to everyone, especially the horses and the princesses. She had a concerned look on once the firetrucks came with sirens blaring that soon turned to tears. She said,"I scared" and we tried to make it seem fun. She was consoled with a fireman waving at her and sitting on Daddy's shoulders.
This morning she was dressed up red,white and blue for Nana's neighborhood kid bike parade! She joined right in the parade, walking along with all the kids. The whole way she was saying, "I coming! I coming!" while waving her large flag. Killer cute.
Then we joined our neighborhood for a pancake breakfast (thanks for hosting Piersons!) and a kid's fun run (thanks Thorells!)! The little ones were so cute running! Peapod was so tired from the earlier parade that she only rode her tricycle to the finish line. Hometown fun. Up next: family BBQ and fireworks!

Worth Looking Into

2009-07-02T21:24:00.006-06:00

Brain Controlled Wheelchair AND The Disappearing Male made me think: Whoa, our world is changing! Especially after hearing the CBC's statement. I love seeing science working to find answers. I love the positive outlook for wheelchair quadriplegics! I'm not one to jump into being "all natural" or "organic" because I like convenience, but I may have to rethink my product choices with more scientific evidence.
Watch here.

Background Info Provided by CBC on The Disappearing Male

“We are conducting a vast toxicological experiment in which our children and our children’s children are the experimental subjects.” Dr. Herbert Needleman

The Disappearing Male is about one of the most important, and least publicized, issues facing the human species: the toxic threat to the male reproductive system.

The last few decades have seen steady and dramatic increases in the incidence of boys and young men suffering from genital deformities, low sperm count, sperm abnormalities and testicular cancer.

At the same time, boys are now far more at risk of suffering from ADHD, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and dyslexia.

The Disappearing Male takes a close and disturbing look at what many doctors and researchers now suspect are responsible for many of these problems: a class of common chemicals that are ubiquitous in our world.

Found in everything from shampoo, sunglasses, meat and dairy products, carpet, cosmetics and baby bottles, they are called “hormone mimicking” or “endocrine disrupting” chemicals and they may be starting to damage the most basic building blocks of human development.

We've Gone Colonial

2009-07-01T21:25:00.003-06:00

I made a free printable on NFF, so you can make your own!

Tired, but Done

2009-06-30T21:35:00.003-06:00

Thank you...

2009-06-29T21:20:00.001-06:00

To my super husband for all you do! You're a winner.

Two Steps in Our Journey

2009-06-28T13:53:00.004-06:00

My dad always says that we are two steps away from any person's situation. Two steps in one direction and we are a sitting on a yacht in the Caribbean. Two steps in another direction and we are looking at life through a jail cell. And two steps in yet another direction leads us to yet another scenario. This perspective has helped me befriend people of all walks of life.
One can certainly try to precipitate certain steps. Occasionally, though, life has this ability to shanghai our best intentions and take two large unwanted steps leaving us in unknown territory. Such a change of direction happened to our friends while we were on vacation this month.

Step One:
John and I have wanted to expand our family, but with my ridiculous back/hips issues, we haven't wanted to get pregnant just yet. So we were tentatively discussing adoption. We decided to think and pray about it while vacationing with John's family. We heard between our outgoing flight connections that my sister's family had been selected by a birth mother for adoption of her almost-due baby! We were excited and amazed that life could change so fast for them. We spent a relaxing, long family reunion/vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was fabulous visiting, collecting seashells, watching dolphins and just soaking up the sun. The cousins were adorable together.
We heard while vacationing that our neighbors had to give up their adoptive baby daughter. We had no words for such trauma and our heart went out to them. There was also news that another couple who are my long time friends were at Primary Children's hospital with their adoptive daughter due to a rare devastating genetic disease. Needless to say, these two happenings with adoption have made waiting to get pregnant seem more palatable.
Step Two:
After our lovely vacation, we arrived at the airport relaxed, well-rested and ready to go home. By then, PeaPod started asking to go home. We loaded ourselves into the plane. It started taking off. It turned around and taxied right back! We had a flat tire! I didn't even know that airplanes could have a flat tire! So we unloaded on the tarmac (try doing that staircase with a carry-on and a toddler in wedges and a skirt! We waited and waited. Tempers of our fellow passengers were flaring loudly with the airport personnel. I was singing every toddler and Primary song I could think of trying to entertain PeaPod and other young passengers. (Thank goodness I had that stint as the worst Primary accompanist in history and for the years in nursery!) I talked with fellow passengers. John read (remember this fact for later!). At 6pm, eight hours since we came to the airport, we literally ran back out onto the tarmac to make a connecting flight. The connecting flight was canceled and so were most flights due to storms. We were told there was no hotel vouchers for us and that we could wait on stand-by (we were supposed to be first class!) for a flight that left at 10pm. At least we met up with John's parents at the airport and could commiserate with them. May I say, at this point, that PeaPod was the most congenial and happy critter during this whole crazy experience?! She giggled and laughed and played. She wore squeaker shoes and everyone waiting at the gate loved her. They said they knew that they were at the new gate number because they could hear her! We loaded onto the plane at 1AM after the gate number had changed 4 times! That was a total of 14 hours of traveling without even leaving the East Coast yet!
We arrived home at 4am, picked up by my wonderful morning bird mom.
While traveling, we heard of another unexpected life step for our friends: their home had been lost in a devastating fire. Two very tragic steps and life has brought them to an unexpected place.
We came home to find that our house had been hit by lightening. Our garage door, computers, phones, and in-house vacuum were fried. But, we were thankful.
I came down with Swine Flu just few days later and was quarantined for a week. Incubation times suggest I was exposed at the airport. I definitely won't chat with many people at the airport from now on! My mom was a saint, helping me home from work (yes, I did go to work thinking it was just a cold. They sent me home, after a swab test confirmed flu.) and disinfecting along the way. I just feel bad that we were not able to assist our friends in their time of need. I don't think adding swine flu to their trials would be appreciated, so we'll have to wait to help later in other ways.
Two steps. A million different directions. A perspective guided by faith is a beautiful thing. I look around with love and appreciation at my family. The rest is just superfluous.

Summer's Comin'

2009-05-20T22:24:00.014-06:00

Life has been busy! Things are lovely though. We've been working hard - I am trying to fit in as many patients as possible with Medicaid ending and John has some big projects going on at work. Of course, I worry about practicing, balancing finances and being a mom. After much prayer, I know I am doing all that I can right now and have to enjoy the journey. Young Women's is full of Temple Celebration practices. John and I keep busy at home with our "projects" and loving our little one.
PeaPod is so fun. She talks up a storm with "I do it", "My...(list anything I have in my hand), "el'fants" elephants, "buffos" buffalos, and my personal favorite "Come 'ere" with her patting her tummy with one hand. She loves stuffed animals sleeping with multiple friends on the bed. She sings all day long ABCs and other songs.
It is warming up and it has been such a lift to be able to do things in the garden without much pain this year! Yippee! Feeling the grass beneath my feet feels so good! Here are some of our barefoot in the garden and enjoying late spring days lately:

I Spy with My Little Eye:

2009-05-02T13:48:00.002-06:00

My sister Kristie emailed me these pictures to change into bloggable form for her and I just had to post them also! This second one is chalk full of great things about that time in our lives. The first one is of Kristie hugging one of our bum lambs, Licorice, with the happiest little look on her face - just as I remember her!
Take a look at pic #2 and spy the following:
1. My awesome 'Welcome to the 90's" cowgirl jeans - so hot.
2. Pink boots: mine stylishly hidden by my awesome jeans and Loralee, ever stylish and ahead of the trends, has her jeans tucked into her boots.
3. In the background, our fantastic customized VAN: most awkward vehicle ever to learn to drive in, yet convenient for taking numerous friends about.
4. The wind blowing my attempt at styling my hair while growing out the infamous Utah bangs popularly entitled "The Claw"
5. Our wood fence, before vinyl replaced it. I have many memories walking on top of that fence and painting it!
6. And last but not least, our last set of bum lambs we raised named Salt and Pepper.

There was a great article in the Ensign about the great spiritual lessons that you can glean while raising lambs. This article echoed what we as a family had experienced growing up and talked about many a time. We were given the bum lambs to raise from our great uncle. We bottle fed them and cared for them. Each day I would call, "Baa, Baaaas!" and they would come running and jumping to see me. They knew their shepherd. I loved them so much. Finally, they would be grown and sold to a neighbor who had a flock down the street. Years later I could come to that field and yell, "Baa, Baahs!" and those who were raised by me would look up, separate themselves from the rest of the flock and come running to meet me just as they had as lambs. My dad watched this happen one day with tears in his eyes. He saw the beautiful lesson of knowing our true shepherd. My dad knew that me calling my sheep was just like Christ calling us. We know His voice by feeding on His word. We grow close to Him by daily study and prayer. If we do this, we can hear His call and separate ourselves from those who are not concerned with knowing Him - no matter what we are doing we will look up and know Him. There are so many more lessons I have learned from this one experience. I am so glad and blessed to have been provided such an experience and great lesson growing up.

Petey and Co. are Back!

2009-04-14T15:50:00.002-06:00

The pelicans are back! Three of those massive birds just landed with a surprisingly graceful splash behind my house. I'll have to add pelicans to my "Now It Feels Like Spring" list.

Ignore the Dripping Noise in the Garage...

2009-04-09T00:31:00.004-06:00

There are times when I wonder what my husband will think of next. He keeps me on my toes and laughing at the same time. Our creativity runs in different directions but as long as one can overlook two absent-minded-professors-type-people in the house it works as long as someone remembers to do the laundry. Check out my DH's newest YouTube videos on his blog, then you'll know why my garage is more his laboratory than anything. Yes, he is thinking of putting EIGHT of those fountains in the backyard...eventually. I picture human sized canals running through my backyard this summer. I was bargaining for four just to be cool but realistic, but one of the things I love about him is his ability to think BIG! It might be dangerous to show him the above newspaper clipping.

April Fools Weather

2009-04-01T16:34:00.005-06:00

I think the weather is celebrating April Fools with us here in Utah. This morning as I looked outside, it seemed to say, "April Fools about Spring, here's a blizzard!" It has stopped snowing now, but I'm ready to start digging around in the garden. This year, there seems to be a general public interest in vegetable gardening due to the economy. I smell the fresh green smell of my puny tomato starts and dream of their summer fruits. Whether the economy or produce, everything seems to need some time. It seems like many are planted in a rocky place right now. At the health department, we see a large increase in abuse when times are hard. Plants have two choices when in this position: be apathetic and just get mad at the rock then get washed away or find a way around the rock to grow deeper, harder. I remember seeing the tree on Chapel Rock in Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I was hiking alone since my friends who were with me in the Upper Peninsula were visiting their family in the area and John was working in Utah at the time. I just sat down in the sand and contemplated that lone tree with its large root spanning to the mainland. It is such a great symbol of growth. I can't wait to take my family back there to hike, kayak and appreciate the beauty and lessons there (in the summer of course!).

Mommy Melted Moments

2009-03-25T21:54:00.003-06:00

Now that PeaPod is speaking, I can see why moms are always quoting their kids. The things they say just melt your heart. Here are two from PeaPod this week:

This weekend we were so busy that we hadn't realized how late it was - about 9pm. PeaPod was not in bed yet! It was a perfect starry night. I decided before we started our bedtime routine we, as a family, would look up at the stars together.
I said while holding her with one arm and pointing with the other, "Look up at the stars! They are way up high!"
She looked up. Then she reached out both her arms as high as they would go and said,
"I get stars. I get 'm. I get stars."
We laughed. My heart melted and in my heart I said, "You reach for them little one!!!"
After a moment I said, "We can't hold them because they are way up high."
She looked at me and then reached back up for the stars and said turning her face to me, "Stars are stuck. Der stuck, Mommy. Stars are stuck."
Too cute.

Today was another heart melter. We were playing with the little wood IKEA trainset and rug she had got for her birthday. We set the train to go past places on the rug. We would talk about them as we pushed the train past. "Here we go past the stadium! Bye Stadium!", I would say. On the rug is what I considered a white castle. As she pushed the train past the castle she said, "Hi temple!Choo, choo! Bye temple!" Wow, she is listening and learning!

Pediatrician's Visit

2009-03-17T21:59:00.002-06:00

We went to the pediatrician's today. This is the fourth copay I have had to make in one week! PeaPod is no longer feverish and now she is just getting rid of some gunk in her lungs. Hooray! Plus they did her 2 year checkup at the same time.
She is,at 2 years old:
22.4lbs - 5th percentile in weight (yes, she gets fed as much as she would like although requests for "cannies" candy are regularly ignored and replaced with other "real" food),
33.5 inches in height - 45 percentile in height,
and I don't remember her head, but it was in the 50th percentile.
So she's got herself a large noggin and a metabolism I'd kill for - but then she does run circles around me! Maybe I need to try to jog circles around her instead of trying to keep her in the jogging stroller...

Today' Green

2009-03-17T21:41:00.002-06:00

Happy Barnyard Birthday!

2009-03-08T22:12:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday PeaPod! I am so excited to see what the next years bring! You are growing and challenging yourself every moment you are awake - as well as trying to challenge your parents about taking a nap :).
I love you so very much.
At two you are adventurous, active, sweet, empathetic, stubborn, and overall good natured.
You are a talker. You always have been quite the babbler, but now you are able to converse with everyone around you. You love speaking on the phone and walk around with my cell phone talking to family members whenever I let you. You probably say twice as much as I do everyday. I love hearing your sweet little voice stating things and asking me things all day long.
You love singing, especially Isty Bitsy Spider. You love books, expecially Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Goodnight Gorilla. You love animals and are very kind to them. You are currently exploring your feelings and body like "funny", "scared", "hungry", etc.
It is easy to love you - and I'm not just saying this as your mother! We will go places and you will just walk up to people and say, "Hi!".They look down, (because let's face it, you are still a munchkin!) and I can see their faces smile at the sight of you. You will then tell them a garbled story and usually they don't have any idea what you are saying, but they smile and ask you more questions. I hope you will always be so comfortable with yourself and happily welcoming to everyone.
I am so glad we were able to spend your actual birthday together seeing the farm animals.It was a great expedition and I can't wait to do it again!

"She'll Be Comin' Around...

2009-02-26T20:06:00.019-07:00

...the mountain, when she comes. Yee-haw! She'll be comin' around the mountain, she'll be comin' around the mountain, she'll be..." After singing that song for a few verses I start thinking: "Alright already! Please bless she has come around that darn mountain!" That's exactly how I feel: I'm coming around the mountain, but seriously, am I there yet?!?
Things have been so busy these past few weeks! My life is faster than I am and I just keep following it! Well, lets see, where do I begin...after being a mom, house wife, part time dentist, and tinkerer of a number things including singing, blogging (well, sometimes!), etc., I have now added PT visits, crazy yoga and the creepy chiropractor to my schedule so that I can keep doing the a fore mentioned activities. The PT sessions are...interesting..and include placement of hands where only my husband's have gone. Yoga is hilarious (although please note: NEVER laugh in yoga, it is very serious).
Valentine's Day came and went. I just want you to know that I dearly love that holiday. PeaPod loved making our homemade valentines. Here is one of the valentines we made the family: (Inspiration from Charity's bean art - thanks Charity!)
This one is entitled "We love you oodles and noodles"Pea also expressed her artistic prowess in her room while supposedly taking a nap. The medium is a washable (luckily!) black marker procured from some unknown source:
Also during the past few weeks she has investigated numerous facial treatments. Mommy's chapstick and lipsticks are a particular favorites. It seems that diaper cream was not a favorite: (picture taken way before the sun came up Saturday morning)
Sir Duncan Bones has coached her on how to be a cat. She enjoys pretending, meowing, sitting on window ledges and under the table like he does.

We are reading the same books multiple times a day now. Particular favorites are: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Goodnight Gorilla (valentine gift from Grandpa and Grandma Christensen) and the family photo "Who Love You?" book (made by Nana). Doesn't TheMan have great hair? Please remind me not to accelerate my forehead wrinkles by making that face.
Nana moved the fam's stuff out of our basement and into theirs. She said she wanted to get it out of my way, but I honestly think it was more about Sir Duncan Bones's cat hair. But after a year and a half of him sitting on all of it, I think what's done is done! PeaPod chose her own outfit that day: pink onesie, a diaper, and boots that were made for walking.

Tucker desperately needed a groom and went from the first pic to the second. He hates going outside now without his sweater. I feel a bit like the first pic currently. Tomorrow's my first hair appointment in over a year. I know, I'm such a slacker. Hopefully they won't shave me till I'm pink.
And then there was my birthday. It was a lovely day spent with TheMan and PeaPod the first of the day and then the Pea was babysat by Aunt Krissy and Uncle Jon while seeing the Draper Temple Open House. Then she visited Grandma and Grandpa Christensen in the evening. It was just wonderful to spend time together as a couple. John took this photo of me right before church. Here I am at 31 (not photoshopped or else the wrinkles,shine and gray stray hairs would be gone) but John took a pretty good photo:
And I'm still comin' around that mountain. How big did you make this mountain, God? Okay, I'm still comin'.

Little Miss Serious Face and the Photo Shoot

2009-02-09T21:09:00.011-07:00

My friend Autumn is awesome. She took these pictures and I'm sure you will agree! They are beautiful even with PeaPod being Little Miss Serious Face! I just can't decide which is my favorite. Thanks Autumn!

Oh, the drama that awaits your mother in the future, little one!

Week 1, Project 365

2009-01-27T20:44:00.003-07:00

I am so excited about this project! It really embraces my feelings of wanting to capture each day and store them in my heart. A new year and 365 days of memories to fill.

This past year my letter of the year was "W" and words like "wonder", "why", "wisdom", "well" and "willingness" became a part of me.
Now, since I'm going backwards in the alphabet one letter a year, 2009 is the letter "V". Usually the word of the month just pops out to me; "Vitality" and "vamoose" are particular favorites this month. While looking through the dictionary these words seem to hold significance to me: vivacious, valiant, validate, value, visualize, verve, and verily. This way of focusing my attention on one word has helped remind me reach beyond my limits in little ways and try harder to be better. Here's to 11 more months of verve!

Eat more Chickin

2009-01-23T13:15:00.003-07:00

Liv and I went to Chick-fil-a today. This was the first time she has ever played on an indoor playground at a food establishment. I wish I had a video camera! We were walking inside (practically running) as she was saying: "WOW! WOW! Whoa! 'lide! (slide)" It was awesome. We were able to order our food only because she was temporarily distracted by the masses of balloons everywhere. We sat down outside the playroom. She was so excited she could barely sit.
Little did we know that we hit the jackpot of all days to choose to go to Chick-fil-a: it was the store's anniversary! We were given frisbees, stuffed cows, balloons, stickers and treats!
But even with all that, the playground tantalized just beyond the windows. She turned to me and grabbed my face and said, "Pay (play)?" and "Peas? (please)" So when Liv stuffed 2 chicken nuggets in her mouth when I told her she could go play as soon as she ate her chicken and drank her milk, I couldn't refuse. It was a Wow day.

Holiday Highlights

2009-01-13T20:49:00.009-07:00

I took some time off from blogging during the holidays. The time was well spent and everything was so meaningful and merry! It was such a lovely season for the whole household. PeaPod's most repeated words between Thanksgiving till New Year's were:
1. "ights" for lights
2. "Whoa!. Whoa." whenever appreciating any Christmas decorations or presents.

Here are some of the holiday highlights:
Having an awesome hubby put up the Christmas lights!

Decorating the house and setting up the nativities everyday after PeaPod would redecorate
Going to the Messiah Sing-a-Long at Abravenal Hall Riding the Tracks with Auntie Krissy to see Nana serving her hostess mission uptown at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building
Unexpected visit from Auntie Loralee and cousins!
The Christensen Christmas Bowling Party
Excuses to wear Reindeer Antlers and Santa Hats

Seeing the Christmas Lights at Temple Square (once with family and once with the Young Women)
Getting loads of snow on Christmas Day Losing our power on Christmas Morning

Attempting to go see Santa at the mall and failing twice, but winning in the end with precious photos outside the mall just when it started to snow!

Winning the Ugly Sweater Contest Party hosted by Will and Erika. Our greatest competition: lil' Milo, of course!
Painting and making gifts in the garage like crazy...the garage is still a mess...
Visiting many family and friends like long-time-no-see-Michigan-friends, the Heatons and their twins! Too two adorable.
Trying to get those Christmas photos at Kiddie Kandids twice...
Mom making us the the Christmas Mouse and writing a poem to go with it (post it later!)

Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a 21 month old.

Shhh...

2008-12-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Her Christmas present: cut with a saw, sanded, primed and three coats of paint later. I was beginning to wonder if we could pull this one off!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T22:24:00.007-07:00

It is a silent night tonight.
It is barely snowing here.
Downstairs John is singing softly, "I Saw Three Ships".
I can't help smiling as I think of the blessings the Lord has given to each one of us.

May we all find peace, joy and goodwill through Him.

Note: All these pieces of art are by one of my favorite Christian artists, Liz Lemmon Swindle. I had the privilege to get to know her daughter while living in Michigan and I can definitely say that they are an inspiring family. You can buy them at fine art galleries like Twiggs and Moore or here online.

"This Quote Probably Shouldn't Amuse Me..."

2008-12-12T12:26:00.002-07:00

Said my sister this morning. My husband said after hearing this quote, "Whomever said this truly understood women."

Here is the Quote of the day:
Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater.
If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges whatever is given to her.
So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of #$*%.

Santa's Little Helper

2008-12-03T18:36:00.004-07:00

I was surprised at how helpful Livy was at putting up the Christmas decorations! It still was a lot of work doing it with a toddler, but it was also fun to see how excited she was! There was a lot of "Wassdat?" and explaining. Granted the bottom third of the tree is in constant flux with her redecorating, but nothing is breakable so it makes it easy. We have yet to nail the tree to the floor like my parents had to with me. The "ights" on the tree and outside get an appreciative "Whoa." when they come on.
Another favorite of hers is the nativities (Little People one and the Fontanini). She loves rearranging them and is particularly worried about where the baby Jesus (or Jesuses as the case may be) will be placed. Sometimes I will find both babies together in one of the managers. She absolutely had to take the Fontanini baby with her to Nana's house. I personally don't find that creche baby artistically beautiful, but who am I to argue with her love of baby Jesus? There has been a lot more things underfoot with Christmas out, but it feels so much more holly jolly!

Taggin' Along

2008-12-02T13:57:00.003-07:00

1. Started your own blog (duh!)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (someday)
5. Watched a meteor shower (love it!)
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (but I couldn't afford much anyway...)
7. Been to Disneyland (love it!)
8. Held a praying mantis (they are so cool!)
9. Climbed a mountain
10.Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped. (never, ever)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (no way)
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill (before my "real" job)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (My lambs names were: Salt and Pepper)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon (it is on the "To Do" list)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (wish)
29. Seen a total eclipse (overrated)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (NOT overrated)
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (this one is a half-sie one: Sometimes I am SO content no matter what financial status I am. And others, I think "It would sure be great if...")
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (not on real rocks)
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (she was probably too doped up to care about the McBurger)
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (Is this my best side?)
48.Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain (mmmm...excuse me while I remember...)
53. Played in the mud (I can't believe my mom let the whole neighborhood have a mud fight in our backyard.)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (can't beat that white trash fun!)
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (the Red Cross loves me. They call me a "Zero Hero")
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt - currently trying to....
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (not the best boyfriend...nevermind, Mom...)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible - the Song of Solomon is ridiculous
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - saw a lot of people in L.A., but never "met" them
92. Joined a book club (love book clubs)
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (awesomest thing ever)
95. Seen the Alamo in person (cooler than you would think)
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (I didn't swim in it, but I sure did smell it...yuck!)
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone (finally)
99. Been stung by a bee (too many times, and once in Sacrament...)
100. Read an entire book in one day (too many times too :)

Taggin' it along to: the two "Kris.."es: Krissmas and Kristie

Grateful for...

2008-11-23T21:29:00.002-07:00

....sleeping babies.