When life throws you a curve ball don't forget to duck!

Two weeks ago yesterday, I was decorating my house for fall, enjoying the routine of my children being back in school and thinking that everything was good. I happened to have a routine lab appointment for annual blood tests to check thyroid levels. The appointment was inadvertently booked with the doctor instead of just the lab tech. My doctor found a nodule on my thyroid, and sent me in for an ultrasound. A week later I was having needle biopsies on the three nodules the ultrasound found and on Tuesday night I received a phone call from my doctor with the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

Talk about a whirlwind couple of weeks. Every step along the way I was reassured that the vast majority of these nodules are benign (90%) and that I had no risk factors for this type of cancer--so I was unprepared for the words the doctor spoke to me over the phone. All I heard was cancer and every other logical thought disappeared.

I had done some reading previously and I was aware of the stats on this type of cancer. I read it was highly curable, slow growing and if you had to have cancer, this wasn't a bad one to have. I have several friends who have been through this and I knew that years out from it they were fine and healthy. I also realized that there were so many people facing life threatening and crisis situations and compared to their struggles this was really insignificant. However, at that moment, sitting on the floor of my closet with the phone in my hand sobbing, the logical side of my brain was being left in the dust as the emotional side took over at breakneck speed. I was so sure this would be nothing... so sure in fact that I had not told my children of the earlier tests.

Kelly came home quickly and found me in my closet seclusion and held me while I cried over and over, "this was supposed to be nothing!" We had to quickly regroup because Mark's first pack meeting was in an hour and he was receiving an award, and Josh's court of honor followed that. After a quick but heart felt prayer, the miracle of make up and the comforting hand of my husband we were out the door and off to the church. An hour and a half later we held a family meeting and told the kids, reassuring them that despite the emotion, this was going to be fine. The tears were not proof of something terrible, but just surprise and concern. We knelt together as a family and Ryan gave an incredibly profound and moving prayer that I will always remember. A feeling of peace filled the room, and evidence of my many blessings began to fill my mind which evidence has only increased in the last few days.

I made a call to my sisters house to see if her husband could assist Kelly in giving me a blessing and before she even answered the phone, he saw our name on the caller ID and walked out the door, knowing the purpose of the call. How grateful I am for the priesthood and for those who honor it and can humbly and worthily step in to speak for God on this earth.

Another call went to Kelly's brother who is a doctor and one of the most compassionate people I know. He answered my questions, put up with my tears and got me an appointment with a ENT oncologist that is an expert in this area. The doctor had a cancellation and I was able to meet with him yesterday. He was so encouraging and immediately I knew I was in the best hands. He will be able to see me through everything and do my follow up visits for years to come. Having that continuity of care is such a relief to Kelly and I. The surgery to remove my thyroid and possibly lymph nodes is set for October 8th and is a relatively low risk surgery. I will only be in the hospital overnight. As for what is next, that will be determined after the surgery and what they find in the lymph nodes...regardless of what that result is, I will be fine.

I have felt the prayers that have been offered on my behalf. What else could explain the hysterics I found myself in two days ago and the peace I feel now. There is no other explanation. I know my Father in Heaven is not only aware of what is going on in my life but has sent a spirit of comfort to my heart, my mind and my home. I have seen His hand in so many ways the last couple of weeks, I am overwhelmed. The tears that fall now are more often than not, tears of gratitude. What a blessing it is to feel gratitude and peace and not sorrow and fear. These peaceful feelings are not coming because I am strong or from anything I do, they are coming from a loving Heavenly Father and an empathetic Savior.

Please forgive the personal post. This is my journal in a lot of ways, and I wanted to put down my feelings. I in no way want to make this seem more significant than it is. So many people deal with incredible things and I know I am fortunate. I wanted to record what has gone on over the past couple weeks so I will always remember that peace can come during trying situations.

Scouts

Tuesday night was a night full of scouting. Mark is now a cub scout and had his first pack meeting where he received his Bobcat award. I don't know that there was ever a boy so excited as he was. He looked so grown up in his uniform and I was proud to have yet another mother's pin on my ribbon. I am getting quite a collection!


Josh had a Court of Honor also on Tuesday night. He received 8 more merit badges. Earning his silver palm. I am glad he continues to work hard on merit badges even though he has received his Eagle. He wants to earn all 120 before he is 18 and if he puts his mind to something it typically happens.

The Hostage Negotiation

I have had one of those days recently when I feel part mom and part hostage negotiator. Last Friday Mark notices his new birthday toy in Cassie's bedroom and automatically jumps to the conclusion that she has stolen it. Soon the accusations begin and the words liar and thief echo down the hall. The door slams and severe pounding on the door occurs. Instead of giving the toy back to Mark and saying she didn't know how it got in her room, she takes offense at name calling and unjust accusations and shuts the door, promptly taking the toy hostage. Well Mark with growing certainty that this action is proof of guilt, decides to take matters into his own hands and begins to push open and insert his foot into the door to gain entry. Upon reaching the scene, I somewhat calmly asked Cass to return the toy at which point she remarks that I never take her side and dissolves in tears. She promptly thows the toy out into the hall, breaking it and slams the door to illustrate the injustice of the whole situation. Now I have two children in hysterics, one broken toy and a "how do I handle this situation" expression on my face.

They don't teach hostage negotiations in parenting classes. My only previous experience is with the laundry when it takes over the laundry room....usually I have more sucess in that arena; no emotions are involved and usually the only casualties are a few missing socks!

A Wonderful Day!

Yesterday my baby was baptized. Where have the last eight years gone? Moments like this remind me how precious life is and how quickly time passes. I just want it all to come to a screeching halt, but it isn't to be.


It was such a special day yesterday. Mark had asked Ryan to baptize him, and when I saw them both dressed in white I got tears in my eyes. Mark said the prayer before we left for the church and asked Heavenly Father to help Ryan remember the prayer so he could be the newest member of the church. Kelly did the confirmation and gave Mark a beautiful blessing. It was yet another reminder of what a wonderful man I married and another reason I have to be grateful.


We had so many family and friends attend, which helped make everything all the more memorable. How blessed we are to live near so many incredible people who have supported and helped us through the years. Primary teachers, home teachers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, neighbors and friends all have played a part in Mark's life and it was amazing as I took a minute yesterday and reflected on the impact all these people have had in our lives. As a parent, you realize quickly that you can't do it alone, and that every positive experience and influence plays such a valuable role.


So thank you to everyone who came and helped make such a wonderful day memorable.

Chaotic Blessings....

Yesterday was a wild day here in the Christensen household. I don't know what got into everyone but something happened overnight to insight craziness from the moment morning arrived(except me of course--someone had to be sane around here!). Yesterday morning we attended our old West Jordan ward to hear the daughter of wonderful friends of ours speak as she is getting ready to go on a mission. Early that morning I heard all sorts of commotion downstairs and went to investigate ready to send the rioters to their room. When I turned the corner, I saw my 41 year old husband causing all the ruckus. Apparently the kids weren't moving as quickly as Kelly would like so he found Mark's huge water gun and decided some surprise attacks might be good motivation. This led to the running, screaming, laughing and wet scene I found myself in first thing in the morning. (Have I mentioned I'm not a morning person?)

Well later that day Mark's new Nerf ball gun (whose idea was it to give him guns for his birthday?) was in use and lots more dodging, hiding, and screaming with Kelly front and center with a guilty smile and a shrug. (I am beginning to think his calling with the 14 -15 year old teenage boys is rubbing off on him). Soon rubber band wars ensued followed by more water guns. I kept trying to tell everyone that Sunday was called a day of rest for a reason. No where in the scriptures does it talk about weapons of play being used on a Sunday! I'm sure Heavenly Father didn't have such shenanigans going on during the seventh day! :)

As the evening ended, and things quieted down I realized that although the day was totally chaotic, I needed to be grateful for noise...all too soon it will be quiet around here. What a lonely life I would lead without my fun loving husband and my children. So although I would appreciate some peaceful times on Sunday with the family, I will have to learn that it's ok for a few moments every once in awhile to forget about being a mom, and become like a little child....armed with a squirt gun.

Love this Book!

I haven't made a book recommendation yet on this blog, so here goes. I recently aquired this book by Kerry Blair. She is an LDS author and this is her first work of non fiction, at least that I'm aware of. She is very witty, and I loved this book, because it helped me appreciate all that I have, and not feel guilty if I'm not perfect or even close.

An excerpt that I particularly liked was this:

"As Latter-day Saints we are practically obsessed with anxiously engaging ourselves in good causes. Maybe it's subliminal. Glancing through the hymnal last Sunday, I noted that as sisters in Zion, we who are called to serve are all enlisted to go marching, marching forward because the world has need of willing men to all press on scattering sunshine. We wonder if we have done any good in the world today, because we have been given much and want to do what is right, keep the commandments, press forward with the Saints, and put our shoulders to the wheel going where He wants us to go. However, as the morning breaks high on the mountain top, truth reflects upon our senses, and while we still believe that sweet is the work, we also realize that we have work enough to do ere the sun goes down. And thus we ask Thee ere we part, where can we turn for peace?"

I loved this book, it made me smile, appreciate, reflect and even get a bit teary (I know that's hard to imagine!) Most of all, it uplifted me, and made me feel that despite all my faults that continually scream out to me (and sometimes to those around me), and the hard trials that fall in my path...that I have a great life in which my Heavenly Father continues to bless me. and as long as I have have more steps forward than backward, everything will be ok.

Happy Birthday Mark!

Yesterday was Mark's 8th birthday! I can't believe my baby is that old, where has the time gone? I love you Mark, your soft voice, kind heart, generous hugs and quiet faith have brought so much joy into our home. I am so excited for you to get baptized in a couple weeks, what a great day that will be. Thank you for always thinking of others and finding ways to share and make them happy before yourself. I hope you had a great birthday!

Yesterday I checked Mark out from school during lunch and we went to his favorite place Subway for lunch. Then as a family we went out to Brick Oven for dinner, and then came back to cupcakes, presents and ice cream here at home. He is having a birthday party with a few friends and cousins on Thursday.

The Car Wash

Let me preface this by saying that I am an intelligent woman, a college graduate, full of common sense and great intuitive powers all of which allows me to function pretty well in most situations. However a couple days ago, all the above qualifications failed to give me the needed intellectual understanding and basic skills required to operate a simple car wash.

Typically I pay the extra dollar or two and drive through a car wash. You know the kind when all you have to do is drive forward until the red light goes on, put the car in park and watch while wonderful machinery works magic with soap, water, wax and the biggest blow dryer the world has ever produced ( I need one for my bathroom, I could dry my hair in record time!). I can listen to tunes on the radio, text on my phone, read a book or close my eyes for a brief rest, all while staying dry and safe. It's a great invention and luxury I afford myself every once in awhile when I can no longer see the color of my car and that is saying something considering it is the color of dirt!

However, two days ago, due to my impatience at waiting in a long line, and not having a shower that day I decided to attempt the manual car wash in the next bay. I mean how hard can it be right? I swiped my card and realized that my time was starting and I was paying for standing there. I quickly checked out the car wash panel and was stunned at how many choices were listed-- none of which were in numbered steps. Do I pre-wash or use the brush....what is tri color conditioning and where does that fit in? There is a high power rinse and a spot free one? Why oh why did I not pay attention during my platinum wash. Being ever mindful that I was paying for my ineptitude and indecisive behavior I quickly switched the dial to the soapy brush...after multiple failed attempts at trying to drag the very unmanuverable hose around the car I opted for some spray soap. After the car was sufficiently bubbled, I turned it to my rinse option. I was doubting the abilities of the so called high power rinse when I realized there was a trigger on the wand. Imagine my astonishment upon pulling said trigger, the wand developed a mind of it's own and promptly flew out of my hand completely dousing me but missing the car entirely before falling to the ground and disengaging. (At this point I am secretly looking for hidden camera's, worrying I'm going to be the star of some reality tv show or be the next you tube phenomenon). Finally I figured out how to wash off the soap, at least most of it, but the rest of the selections I made after that are all a bit blurry.

All I know is the end result was disastrous! I spent more on this wash than the luxury one, my car had some sticky residue all over it that dried into some dirty looking film before I got home. I pulled into my driveway exhausted and dirty, with my car not much better off.

Great Idea

Goal: View middle of the night rare meteor shower.

Step 1: Set up Tent

Step 2: Turn off sprinklers

Step 3: Run extension cord for ipod and cell phone charging! (ask Ryan)

Step 4: Bring out blankets and pillows

Step 5: Wait for meteor sightings

Step 6: Keep waiting for meteor sightings

Step 7: Fall asleep while still waiting for meteor sightings....oops!




Better Luck Next Time!!

The last week of summer.....

and mom wants us to do WHAT?






There has to be some law against this!

A calgon moment needed......

Monday marked the return of somewhat of a schedule around here. The last two months have been full of lazy mornings, camps, vacations, trek's and so on. Little things have slid deeply by the wayside. So I decided that Monday (yesterday) we would return to some sort of routine. Now I know all really good mom's out there have continued to have their children, read, practice, clean and so on all summer, and did so with smiles and happy voices, but sadly, I am not one of those.

Seeing the reaction of my children the past two days, you'd think they'd all been confined to prison without the possibility of parole! Life apparently has become unbearable! It's been no picnic for me either. I have tried my best to put a smile on my face and lead by example, unfortunately about an hour or so into the morning, that attitude has gone out the window and I really am starting to resemble a prison warden! I suggested to one of my teenagers as they complained when I turned off the tv, to go read a book and he looked at me as if I was speaking another language. You know a book I said, the rectangular things with great pictures on the front that are full of words you can string together to create an entertaining story? The definition didn't go over so well as was demonstrated by the roll of the eyes.

With the younger two, you'd think that practicing the piano was some sort of medieval form of torture. I was thinking it was time for a new blog entry, so I was going to take some fun pictures of my kids doing things together around the house, call it simple joys or something profound. I went to grab my camera to show Cassie sitting with her little brother on the piano helping him practice....when I returned there was an elbow war going on fighting for space on the bench....upset faces and raised voices and no practicing. Not quite the Kodak moment I was searching for. I should have taken the picture anyway.

Later when the same two children were cleaning their separate rooms, and changing their sheets I heard one of them say....let's wrap up all the stuff on the floor in the sheet and take it down to the basement. I was grateful to overhear this clever little plan, because my basement has become somewhat of a black hole. The kids know that what goes down rarely is found. It was a brilliant plan, one crafted out of the reality that I knew all the clever hiding places in their rooms. It wouldn't surprise me one day to drive by my house and see all sorts of bedroom clutter on the roof...because maybe I wouldn't look there before playtime. :)

So now it's noon, and I'm ready for a long bubble bath, a book and a sound proof room. I, unlike my kids, recognize that to read and escape reality once in awhile is a healthy thing. Especially after all the jobs are done.

series of unfortunate events....

I never thought the title to a series of popular books would be a title of a blog entry, but it seems suitable. This summer has been a continuation of our little medical drama's that have occurred throughout the year. Let me preface this by saying that we in no way have had terrible, life threatening, or chronic illnesses. I know so many people are dealing with incredible health issues, and we have been so blessed in that area. It is just eye opening to know we have had more doctor's office appointment's, x rays and lab tests in the last six months than we have had in the last six years combined!

About seven weeks ago, on the first weekend of summer, Josh broke his ankle. He was just playing in the backyard with his friends, stepped funny on an uneven area of the lawn, and rolled his ankle. Me, the expert of all things medical, relied on recent history of bad sprains we thought were breaks, and decided surely this was one such case. Feeling like we could avoid another unnecessary x ray and costly doctor's visit, I decided to wrap it and treat it at home. Needless to say five days later when he still couldn't put weight on it, I decided more intelligent heads should prevail and carted him off to the doctor. Seeing the proof that my strong, agile 14 year old had indeed fractured his ankle, I felt terrible. No mother of the year awards around here anytime soon. It was tough on Josh, he missed out on a lot of fun times in the water, with his friends, youth activities and family vacations. He just recently has been able to start putting weight on it and is getting along pretty well.

Last week Ryan mentioned in passing a few times, that his ear was bothering him. Since he has been swimming with the PG swim team this summer, Dr. me just assumed it was swimmer's ear and bought some over the counter drops. This weekend the pain drastically increased until it was nearly unbearable, and yesterday once again we were making an urgent care visit to the doctor. Turns out that he ruptured his ear drum and has terrible infections in his middle and outer ear. This week just happens to be his church Moab trip with the Priests, a few days of hiking, rafting, kayaking, biking and so on. This Saturday also happens to be the biggest swim meet of the season. So of all the weeks of the summer to be down with something, this isn't the one he wanted.

It's so hard as a parent to watch your kids in pain, but it is even harder to see them disappointed when they have to miss out on things that are important to them. Life used to be easier when a kiss and a band-aid could make the world better.

Change

That word always brings an emotional response, doesn't it? Such a simple word has powerful implications--it can mean new experiences, adventures, stepping outside comfort zones or it can mean something unknown, worrisome, and terrifying. Usually a combination of both. Life is full of changes, but I've always been a bit change-o-phobic (ok, maybe more than a bit, I don't even like to change brands of toothpaste!) and like to stay in my ruts, especially when my ruts are so fun, enjoyable and predictable.

This past week I was released from my calling working with the young women. To say I was a bit heartsick would be an understatement. I remember when I was released from the Primary and felt very similar, wondering if I could feel the same attachment to teenage girls and nearly 15 months later I can't imagine not having activities with them every week and teaching them on Sunday. I love them as if they were my own. They truly have given me so much joy in my life. I even felt young again, which when you are my age is a great accomplishment!! But changes happen, and I will always go and serve wherever I am called. Kelly gets the privilege of now working in the Young Men's presidency and specifically with the 14 & 15 year olds. He will be wonderful. I told Kelly that I needed a calling where I wouldn't get emotionally involved Perhaps something with building maintenance or the library? Kelly said it wouldn't matter because I'd just find a way to become attached to mops, soap dispensers and copy machines. The greatest blessing from serving in our church, is that your capacity to love just increases. So I'm hoping that will continue to be true as I work with the women in Relief Society.

I am realizing that just because you do something different doesn't mean that you turn off the great feelings and memories from before. I still love the primary children, I can't imagine not loving the youth and now I get the opportunity to love to women in my ward. I haven't served in the Relief Society for many years, so I am very humbled and intimidated. But the new president is such a wonderful woman, and I know I will learn a great deal from her. Life is teaching me that it's important to be grateful for change--because no matter what form it takes, it will always be there and embracing something is always better than dreading it. So even though my old rut was wonderful, I'm hoping this new furrow I'm plowing with hold just as much joy.

SPASH!

We had a fun water party last Thursday with the beehive girls. A giant slip-n-slide, a bunch of large squirt guns and giggly girls and you have all you need for a wet fun time.

Happy Birthday Cassie!

Cassie was born 11 years ago yesterday. Our first and only girl. We were so excited to start buying pink, bows and all things frilly. She has always been a daddy's girl and still calls Kelly "daddy" instead of dad especially when she wants something. When she was younger she had lots of curls and a smile that stopped traffic. She still has the same smile, and spunky sense of humor. She has always been great with younger children, and can entertain them for hours. Still half of the kids that come to our house under 6 ask if they can play with Cassie. She loves to bake and help me in decorating and craft projects. She is a little daredevil and loves roller coasters and doing upside down gymnastics moves. She definitely did not get that from me. However she did inherit a love of shoes, shopping and pedicures so I guess I did contribute something to the gene pool. :) Cass I love you so much and I'm so glad you are part of our family.

Cassie had a fun day yesterday. I took her out to breakfast at Kneaders and Ry took her out for lunch and then our family went out for Dinner at Brick Oven, her favorite place. Then we came back to the house where family and friends came to watch her open presents and eat cake and ice cream. Her dad spent long hours in his workshop over the last week, making the gorgeous mahogany jewelry box for all her cute accessories. It was truly a labor of love, and one she will always treasure. Not many daughters get homemade gifts from their dad. She was so excited and gave her dad a big hug. She helped me decorate her cupcakes and made cute flowers and butterflies. Girls know how to have fun at our house. I hope you had a great day Cass!

Mark is growing up

With Ryan's busy work schedule and Josh's broken ankle we have lost our two biggest lawn care specialists. Mark has decided this last month that he is old enough to handle the yard. Kelly taught him a few weeks ago how to mow the lawn. He had a great time the first time and mowed all of it, taking between 2-3 hours. He later told me it was the "funnest most tiring job there was!" He had a lot of enthusiasm in the beginning but lately it has been waning a bit. Breaks are becoming longer and now he is counting the days until Josh can take back over. We knew it wouldn't last too long, but it has been fun to see him out there growing up so fast.

Marks Family Reunion

The Marks family reunion was held this last week in Island Park Idaho. For an entire week we had fun in the beautiful mountain weather while seeing Yellowstone, playing in the lodges, 4 -wheeling, boating and games. It was a marvelous week. I am the oldest of eight in my family, and all of my siblings except my youngest sister and her family (she just had a baby two weeks ago) were there. We sure missed the Johnson's though.

Ryan, due to our ward Youth Conference Pioneer Trek, was only there the first couple days, as was Kelly. So when you don't see much of them in the pictures that is the reason. My parents have thirty grandchildren, 28 of which were there last week, so it was a great time for cousins to play and have fun.

Island Park is so beautiful. It was a switch to go to a small fishing town of 215. No cell phones, internet access, or malls within miles. :) At first it might not be the definition of vacation, but after a few days of separation anxiety it was great to get a break from typical distractions, and figure out that you can have a good time without that. Although we did have TV's, hot tubs and pool tables so we weren't roughing it that badly. :) I finally found out the way to be in the outdoors without BEING in the outdoors. I enjoyed the comforts of the lodges but loved to walk outside and just be in the mountains.

We were grateful for my sister Rachael, and her husband Jeff. They had the great boat and everyone had a blast doing everything from skiing to tubing. We even finally persuaded Mark to try to go out in a tube if his big brother Josh went with him. Josh was a great trooper. And did what he could on his crutches. He had x rays right before we left and his broken ankle is healing but fragile. He took it easy and is gradually getting better.

I am so grateful to my parents for spending the time and financial means to schedule and organize this great vacation. It was wonderful to be able to spend time with my siblings and their families and make some wonderful memories.

4th of July

I am behind on my blogging. So forgive a few entries made today to catch up. We had a fantastic 4th of July weekend. Friday the 3rd, our family headed up to Sundance to hear the Utah Symphony play in an outdoor theater--lots of patriotic music and other fun selections. We were under the stars on blankets sitting on the grass. Despite some unwanted and unticketed spectators, namely ants and mosquito's, the night was great. Saturday the 4th we headed over to Kelly's sister Becky's house in Lindon for the annual pool and BBQ party. It was a lot of fun. Kelly's brother Tracy surprised us with showing up with his fire truck and spraying the party. That night we watched the Pleasant Grove fireworks show which proved a great conclusion to our day. I'm so grateful to live in this wonderful country. How blessed we are to live somewhere safe where we are able to celebrate all the freedoms we enjoy and take for granted.

bruised, bitten, burned and blistered....

Cost of thousands of mosquito bites....a case of bug repellent and lots of anti itch cream

Cost of sunburns and heat exhaustion....lots of bottled water and ointment

Cost of no running water and stinky outhouses.....lots of hand sanitizer, baby wipes and nose plugs

A few days of camp songs, water fights, hugs, laughter, beautiful scenery and testimony meetings....... PRICELESS!!

From the title of this blog you'd think I had an awful time at camp. The physical conditions were extremely tough and not just because I was separated from my nightly bubble baths. The inescapable 100 degree heat, the over achieving man eating mosquito's (average person had well over 50 bites despite applying repellent every 30 minutes) and hauling in water for 5o people all took it's toll. But we all came home safe and sound with tired smiles on our faces. The amazing thing is I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

These girls are wonderful, not once did they complain to go home, and just be done. They just kept a positive attitude and helped each other find the humor in hard times. At one time during the trip I had seven girls in my car driving into Arches National Park. They just all started singing primary songs and hymns. They even sang in parts and sounded like angels, for truly they are. At one point they noticed I had tears in my eyes from hearing them, and they gave each other high fives because they made me cry with their beautiful singing. During hard hikes or during the river rafting trip, the older girls stepped up to help the younger ones. For those few precious days, I was truly honored to be around them. Testimony meeting was incredible as usual. You can't fear for the future when you here these YW and their powerful testimonies. What a blessing it is to serve in the Young Women's program. I am not ready to head out camping anytime soon, but I will treasure each moment I have with these beautiful girls. (These pictures were taken by Matthew Kho, a father to one of my beehive girls, he was there all week and took some incredible pictures, so I wanted to thank him for sending me some for my blog.)

Valorie and Camping....

These two words in the same sentence should strike fear in anybody who has gone camping with me. I know it's hard to believe but......I am not a camper. :) Don't get me wrong, I think the outdoors are beautiful, and there are so many incredible things out there to see---I just wish they were more accessible to someone like me. The following is a list of reasons of why camping and I should stay a respectable distance apart.

I love the outdoors, I just don't like to wear the outdoors

I appreciate the fact that God created all creatures large and small, but likes to admire them from a distance especially the man eating, creepy crawly, stinging, biting or slithering variety.

I am addicted to bubble baths and last time I checked no inflatable tubs were available. Good idea, although finding hot water to fill the thing, could prove to be tedious.

I enjoy the ability to regulate climate control with the push of a button.

Dirt and bugs...did I mention them already?

I am not a fan of extra protein in my food that wasn't originally part of the recipe.

I have an affinity to being clean!

However, the most important reason I feel camping and I don't get along is...

I was sent to this earth in a place and time of modern conveniences. Heavenly Father had good reason for doing this, so who am I to change that? :)

Girls camp is coming up next week. Although from the above list I sound like some unappreciative girly girl, I truly am not. I do not have separation anxiety from make-up, and perfect hair just bathtubs. :) Although I struggle with some things about camping, I do know what a beautiful world we live in and I am looking forward to seeing some wonderful things as we go to Moab next week. Plus I get to spend time with 40 incredible young women. I just had to take a moment and poke fun of myself and my concerns about experiencing the great outdoors so up close and personal.

memories made...

A few nights ago we had some long time friends over for a BBQ. We don't get together much because some live far away, (like Arkansas) but it's always nice when we can. The above picture is all of our children together. I can't believe of how fast they have grown. There are three families represented-- ours, the Marshall's, and the Browns. Most all of us went to the same high school, so it's always fun to make new memories as the years go by.

Cassie and I went to a mother daughter activity a few weeks ago and here is a picture they took. She is such a sweetheart and we have good times together. She always makes me feel young and I love having her for a daughter!

back in time...

Today, Kelly, Ryan and Mark had the opportunity to dress as Union soldiers from the Civil War era and march in a parade firing black powder rifles. (The younger kids carried toy guns, in case you think I've completely lost my mind!) They had a large cannon also and had a great time. I guess this group is going to be doing a few parades this summer so they will get lots of practice. I have decided these men of mine looked pretty good in uniform! Of course I think they would wear anything if they got to make a lot of noise while doing so. What is it with boys and exploding things?

My Girls at the temple.

I love working with the beehives in my ward. I have 16 incredible young women that teach me more than I could ever teach them. I always call them "my girls" because I'm possessive that way and since I only have one daughter, I am greedy and want more. Yesterday we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house in South Jordan. It was so beautiful and peaceful and I just wanted to stay all day. It was great to share it with my girls from church. They humored me by letting me take pictures every chance I got, but who wouldn't want to show these beautiful young women off!

You know you are a mom in the summertime when.....

the kids have amnesia when it comes their routines of just a week ago..."you mean I have to read, clean, practice the piano and sleep in the summertime? Totally unfair!"

the kitchen feels like it's open 24 hours and you are the only employee.

the only showers your kids want to have is running through the sprinklers (think if I pour soap on a slip in slide that will count?)

all the exterior doors forget how to close and you find yourself sounding like your father...why don't we just throw money out the door since we are air conditioning the neighborhood.

the house is turned into a three ringed circus...lions and tigers and bears oh my!

you've already started a countdown for when school starts. :)


That first week of summer vacation is a doosey isn't it?

Remembering Marilyn

Marilyn Christensen is Kelly's mom. She passed away 8 years ago yesterday. I haven't mentioned much about her on my blog, and wanted to take some time today to remember her. She was an amazing woman. When I first met her, she intimidated me a little because of all her accomplishments and her no nonsense attitude. But I quickly got over that, and as soon as she smiled and laughed you knew she was something very special. To this day I can still hear her laughter in my head, she had a great sense of humor and I loved to hear her tell stories. Once she she considered you a friend you were a friend to her for life. She was the most loyal person I ever knew. She sang in a group with four of her friends, and did so for decades. She was involved in Relief Society for many years and knew how to entertain and throw a party. I will always remember her favorite holidays were the 4th of July and Christmas and we still celebrate those with Kelly's side of the family every year together. She was an incredible baker. I can't make her orange rolls, but have managed to make a couple of her favorite treats that Kelly loves.

When Kelly and I were first married, we defined the role of poor college students. I remember our first Christmas, she came by, picked me up and took me shopping for Christmas decorations. To this day we still have so many boxes of unopened lights from that first Christmas long ago. (I think she at least bought us 20 strands!) When she did something, she went all out! She loved to collect a lot of things and one of them was nutcrackers. She had over a hundred in her collection and if you come to our house at Christmas time, you will see a part of her collection on our mantle. It is a way we remember her during her favorite season of the year.

Marilyn was very organized. I was always amazed how despite having seven children, doing the books for the family business and serving in her church callings she could stay sane, but she did. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She came to every family event and special occasion. I think that is where Kelly got all his organizational talents from, and wishes more rubbed off on me.

She had a strong testimony of the gospel. I will always remember that a few weeks before she died, and she was bedridden from the cancer, she had the bishop and stake president come over to renew her temple recommend which was expiring soon. She knew she would never be able to go to the temple before she left this earth, but she wanted to have a current recommend. That was such a great representation of her spiritual strength.

Mark never was able to meet his grandma Christensen in this life, but I know that his spirit knew her. She loved the Timpanogas temple and when Cassie was little she used to call it Grandma's temple and the Templenogas temple.

Kelly, loves his mom, and has such a special part of his heart with her. It still breaks my heart when I see him get a tear in his eye remembering his mom and missing having her here on earth with him. I am so grateful for the gospel for the knowledge that we know that we will see her again, we will hear her laughter, see her service, and feel of her love one day in the future.
Cassie who was about three at the time of her grandma's death said the day of the funeral, why is everyone crying...We will see Grandma again.