April 30th

It has been 18 years today that I married this wonderful man! I don't know where the time has gone, but I can honestly say I have a better understanding of what true happiness and love is today than I did 18 years ago and I hope in another 18 years I can make the same statement. I am so blessed in my life to have everything that I do, and my greatest blessing is my incredible husband. Happy Anniversary Kelly! We continually laugh at our engagement picture, both of us had lots more hair than we do now! :)

Spring Break Continued....

(Click on the collage picture to see it larger)

Here are more pictures from Spring break last week. Friday we went to play at Trafalga and did the miniature golf, go carts, the XD theater and plenty of arcade games. Ry and Josh were great at winning games with lots of tickets and then donated them to the Mark/Cassidy fund so they could get a prize at the end of the day. I have discovered I am not a competitive driver after being lapped by Kelly and Mark nearly three times on the course. Don't they know you aren't supposed to accelerate into turns! Mark was fun to watch play miniature golf. He usually didn't wait till his ball stopped moving before hitting it again. Cass was great at the Dance Revolution arcade game and had quite the moves.
The next day Kelly took the kids to the Cedar Hills golf course driving range. Josh loved driving the golf cart down to the practice tees and having Ry be a passenger for a change. Kelly got some good shots of the kids hitting the balls. I need to do a slide show video of it to fully get the picture. Mark and Cass swung many times with the ball never moving from the tee. They get that skill from me! All in all it was a fun week, and I'm sure glad the weather is now appropriate for this time of year. No more snow!

What month is it?

We are feeling a bit dejavuish (yes that IS a word!) around here. The calendar does in fact say April 16th, but the sight that greeted us out our window this morning definitely said January! Mother Nature has been flipping the weather back and forth so fast I feel like I'm getting whiplash!

The ironic thing is this week is Spring Break and my kids are out of school. But as you can see they have decided not to let the snow deter their fun. That is what is great about kids isn't it? They are so adaptable and can make almost any situation fun (except scouring the bathroom, we are still working on that one!).

While me on the other hand, am ready to close the blinds and choose the ignorance is bliss option. Or choose to blame the weather on my never ending junk food cravings by saying psychologically, my body must think it's getting ready to hibernate and must store up for the winter! That is my new excuse when I jump on the scale and see the needle climb. It is not my fault, it's just a fact of nature and a direct correlation of the temperature outside! Although on some subconscious level I do realize that there are thin healthy people living in Alaska, I'm not letting that deter the blame

I need to go join my kids and their friends so I can burn some calories! Then come in and make hot chocolate with lots of whip cream! :)

Ballroom Spring Recital

Cassie had her Spring ballroom recital this week. She was adorable, and all these elementary school kids did so great. They were fun to watch. They worked hard all year long and this was their biggest performance of the year, complete with costumes. She had me timing her at home so she could practice her costume changes. I really appreciated her ballroom coach. She handled all these kids so well, and managed to teach them and remain sane all at the same time!

She danced two swing numbers above and below:


She did a jitterbug

A Cha-Cha

A Tango

And her final bow!

Way to go Cassie! We look forward to next year!

Things are moving along at a brisk pace. It's amazing how slowly January and February move along, but time is really moving now and it's already April. Today and tomorrow the weather is actually supposed to support that! I need to get out and tackle my flower beds at some point. I keep hoping the weeds will magically disappear, but currently they are growing faster than my tulips! Isn't there some law against that?

The kids are doing well and that makes me do well. No major reports, projects or other parent assisted homework due anytime soon. Ryan managed to injure his ankle quite badly on Saturday night. He and a bunch of teenagers from the neighborhood were playing games in the dark. I'm not sure why he thought all 6'2" 230 pounds of himself would fair well running around at high speeds in the dark, but the black bruises on his ankle and a bad sprain will attest to the fact that Ryan, speed and lack of light are not a good combo. Maybe I'll get him some night vision goggles for Easter. The most upsetting part to him was not the pain he was in, but the fact that he had to leave to go have it xrayed the next day during conference! When I was his age I was looking for every excuse not to watch conference....I learn far more from my children than I can ever teach them.

Josh's knee is rehabbing well. He has been able to workout everyday with the track team although he hasn't competed yet. I am proud of all his hard work. He is doing well in school and having a lot of fun texting on his cell phone and hanging out with friends and cousins. Last month he was borrowing a friends electric scooter and accidentally crashed it, cracking part of it. He came home so upset and spent hours on the internet trying to find a part he could order to replace it. He found a used scooter in Salt Lake that wasn't working, but it was in good shape and the same color and model as the one he damaged. He had Kelly drive him up and he negotiated and bought it. He came back and took the part off he needed and replaced it on his friends scooter. I was so proud of him for being responsible. He got a nice perk out of the deal when Kelly found the problem with the one he purchased and was able to get it working with just a little tweaking. Although cosmetically it isn't as good because of the cracked part, it still works great.

Cassie's ballroom dance end of season concert is this week. Lots of rehearsals and activities related to it are going on, so it should be a fun few days, I'll get lots of pictures and post soon. She is having another minor surgery on her mouth tomorrow. Two in less than a month, poor thing. She is a trooper, and I'm impressed with how she handles fear, anxiety and uncertainty.

Mark is totally looking forward to Spring break next week. Not for the common reasons of no school, a vacation, staying up late or sleeping in...nope, not Mark. He is excited because he gets to have a few cavities filled at the dentist. Yes, you read that right, he LOVES the dentist and thinks anytime he goes in it's not just a good thing, but a GREAT thing. Go figure. He didn't get that gene from me. Hopefully he will still feel the same after he is all through.

Kelly and I are doing well. We are getting ready to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary at the end of the month. Any ideas on something fun I can plan? It's my year and even though we can't do the cruise or big get away this year, I am looking for something fun and romantic nearby.

I loved watching conference. My favorite quote was from the new apostle Elder Anderson "I am not what I must become" I feel that way everyday, and it was something that has stuck in my mind as I've been evaluating as you always do after listening to these incredible talks. I also will always remember Elder Holland's talk, it brought tears to my eyes as I heard him speak. It is one of those that just reading the words don't do enough to convey the message. You need to hear his voice. What a wonderful moving speaker he is.

That is all our news around here. We hope everyone who reads this is doing well and is happy and healthy in their own little worlds as we are in ours.

This is an April Fool's joke right?

NOT FUNNY!!!

Someone tell Mother Nature we aren't laughing.

I need a vacation!

Kelly has been out of town this week on a business trip. I decided it was a great time to paint and decorate my master bedroom and bath. After new paint highlights in my hair, rough dry hands, a split toenail (I had just painted them too!) and new muscle recognition from lots of hours climbing up and down a ladder I'm glad to say I'm done! It's so good to have my bedroom back. This room has waited many years for a make over and it's nice to see it all finished. We will see if Kelly likes it when he gets home. I'm ready to crash and sleep for a week, and if I don't hold a paintbrush anytime soon, that would be good too!

I was so grateful for a great friend who heard that I was painting from my kids and called to see if she could help. When I didn't answer the phone (because I was 14 feet up in the air at the time) she decided to go the extra mile and come over. When I didn't answer the door (because I was 14 feet up in the air and looked like something out of a horror movie ) she walked in, found me and announced she was there to work. I told her I was fine, I honestly tried my best to get her to leave but she insisted (amazingly this is a really sane person!) and spent her three free hours she has without kids helping me paint. I would have never survived that paint job without her. If that isn't an example of true service I don't know what is! It's one thing to offer to help at some future unknown date with a high probability you won't get asked. It's another to make a phone call to see if you can help and when they don't answer, say, "well at least I tried". It's completely another to break and enter a house where painting is occurring and then instead of running far far away as fast as you can, to stay and pick up a paintbrush! Christi, I can't thank you enough for being so stubborn! :) I am ready to take a vacation to my own bedroom and bath for a few days. Think my family will let me?

Water Polo Game!

I finally got to see one of Ryan's water polo games. I took Kelly's nice camera with his telephoto lens and had fun following Ry up and down the pool. He got some good playtime and it was fun to watch. I have no idea of the rules. I sat there wishing Ry was next to me explaining all the various whistles and comical hand signals the refs were using. I was sitting next to another mom who had no idea what was going on either. We began to make up calls as we watched the refs. :) I have a lot to learn in this sport. Here is a link to the video I quickly put together. He looks good! Turn up your volume, cause I found a fun song to go with the pictures.

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4716919/12601304

Farewell to a New House

At one time ours was a new house--

it glittered and it shinned.

I remember telling the kids

"don't touch that" and "be careful" all the time.

The walls were without blemish,

there wasn't a scratch on the wood floors;

The glass actually sparkled

and you could see out windows and doors!

Now flash forward six years later--

as I look at each room and hall;

Just what on earth has happened

to each pristine floor and wall?

Has there been some silent intruder,

some mysterious destructive foe?

That has damaged every surface

and marred the perfection found once ago?

I scratch my head in wonder

and ponder these important questions.

My house has been transformed,

gone through a major regression!

Is that green gum stuck in the carpet?

What's this new substance on the walls?

Some experiment gone wrong--

No science fair this week as I recall.

After finding a window,

through a mass of fingerprints and grime.

I realize the sun is shinning,

what a discovery, what a find!

I always liked the rustic look,

but this floor is pushing the definition;

I am not sure there is a word

to describe it's present condition!

When did all these crimes

befall this innocent dwelling?

Is this evidence of a misdemeanor

or a felony in the making?

Some great battle must going on,

some great war is being fought,

For what else could explain

all this destruction being wrought!

As I ponder this great injustice

that has developed all around me;

I wonder why I didn't buy

an extended warranty!

But as the dust has settled

and the house dims in its glory;

I realize every ding, scratch and fingerprint

tells a great story.

There will be no more mourning,

this house as it once was built.

As I realize the character that's been added,

I feel no guilt.

I forgot that a home is what I wanted,

not a shrine no one can touch;

Come in the front door and see this house,

which has been loved very much!

I got frustrated today as I did find gum in the carpets, and strange marks on the walls and I decided to come write another silly poem about my house. I feel better now and am grateful to have such a wonderful place to live that is as imperfect as I am. By the way, does anyone know a great way to get gum out of carpet? :)

Spring has Sprung....

Spring is finally here! (At least until the next snowstorm) Two good indicators...even better than the groundhog seeing his shadow six weeks ago...or was it not seeing his shadow....Anyway, my crocuses are out, and my house is quiet in the afternoons! There is color in my yard, and my kids have pulled out their shorts are are living outside! Cassie wanted to rush things a bit last Saturday, even though it was still a bit chilly. She and her friend Aubrey were selling lemonade at the corner of our circle. I told her it might be a little soon for that, but she said, "It's too warm for hot chocolate, but lemonade is good as long as we don't put ice in it!" It wasn't selling too great, so they decided to include free face painting with a purchase! I think these two girls have a great entrepreneurial spirit about them.

Water Polo

This past weekend Ryan had a two day Water Polo Tournament in Cedar City. They played four games, and he had a good time. One game he was able to score at the buzzer! He was SO excited. Kelly and I weren't able to go, but we got a lot of play by play action through texting between the games. I would ask, "Ry, are you having fun?" He would say, "Mom, did you not get my text, I scored at the buzzer!" I would respond, "Yeah, Ry, I got the three previous texts about that, great job again! Are you getting in homework done?" "Mom, did you hear me, I scored at the buzzer!!" I decided that I would have to wait to have any other conversation with him for awhile. :) It was fun to see him get so excited, they didn't win that game, but I learned a good lesson from him. I was glad to see he wasn't too caught up in the competition of the game that he failed to recognize and and enjoy the good moments. In fact I never knew the final score of the game, until hours later. Way to go Ry!

Josh's Priesthood Ordination

Yesterday was a great day. Josh was ordained a Teacher by his dad. Ryan was able to stand in as he is now a priest and mom got to cry her eyes out (as witnessed in the lack of makeup below!) I wasn't prepared for the emotion of seeing my two teenage sons all dressed in suits participating in this great event. Kelly gave a wonderful blessing which didn't help the water factor. I am so blessed to have these great children that were chosen to come into my life. When challenges come, memories from family gatherings and important events like those which happended this weekend can serve as a reminder of what truly is important.

Now that the mushy stuff is over, as my kids would say....on to a bit of humor. Josh is bound and determined to be taller than I am. Kelly took our picture to prove Josh was taller and dang it he was!! Even with me cheating at the time!

Josh's Birthday Party!!

Josh had family over Saturday night to celebrate his birthday. He got some great gifts, but I think his favorites were his new size 13 rollar blades from us, and homeade grape juice from his Aunt Terri and Uncle Tim (Fresh from their grape vines last fall!) He got a very creative cute sign from his Aunt Rachael and Uncle Jeff (who was the one who took him skiing when he hurt his knee).

Mark gave Josh some candy for his birthday, but the sweetest thing was the homeade cards both he and Cassie spent most the day on.

The most memorable part of birthdays is always when family gets together to visit and have fun together. We have a wonderful family some of which were here with us last Saturday.

Cassie with cousin Kennedy and Alex

Little Sammy who is always a favorite around here and Zac who loves to give Harley attention.

Here is Grandma Marks with some of her grandkids.


Then of course no party is complete without Ryan showing us his tonsils!

Happy Birthday Josh!!!

I wanted to take a personal minute and wish Josh a very happy birthday!! He is 14 today and I just can't believe where the time has gone. I vividly remember holding this nearly 10 pound baby with a full head of thick black hair. I remember how he loved pacifiers and as a toddler when we thought we had located them all in hopes of breaking his addictive habit, we would turn around and find him with another one and a triumphant smile on his face! We figured he had secretly stashed them all over the house, because for weeks, he kept finding more. He has kept that persistent personality trait, when he has wanted something strongly enough he keeps at it until he gets it. His biggest motivator has always been when someone has doubted his ability to do something, he has always proved them wrong. Josh is my biggest helper around the house. He has been my best babysitter, when Ryan was throwing up over changing diapers, little Josh just stepped in and took over. He was the one that would read books and play with Mark and Cass, make sure they were fed and in bed on time. Ry was great at making sure the house didn't burn down and everybody was still breathing. :) I've depended on Josh a great deal over the years and he has never let me down. He is always aware of what needs to be done and when, and hates to procrastinate, so things always get done early and without me having to bug him. Josh has a strong spirit and when he has had to give a talk, think of counselors for a calling or struggled with hard times in his life, he has always turned to his Heavenly Father. He is an example to me. Josh is the comic relief of our house. His crazy antics always leave us laughing or wondering where on earth he came from! He has coined phrases that we all end up saying like "freakin' awesome!" and "chillax".

Josh I hope you have a wonderful birthday! I love you so much and am glad your a part of our family. Thanks for your example of faith, perseverance, humor and service. I know there are many more wonderful things to come for you and to our family because of you!!

The revolving door syndrome....

Some days that is what I feel like I live in...a revolving door. I clean one room and move on to the next and so on knowing soon I'll be through all the rooms and done for the day. I can visualize the finish line, a content happy place where life is peaceful and tranquil. I'd feel a great sense of accomplishment and enjoyment over my neat, organized surroundings. But low and behold when I round the corner to the room I began in....boom! I must have entered some parallel universe where order is replace by chaos.....no, that can't be right.....it must be 3:00 in the afternoon and the daily child paraphernalia explosion has occurred. There is a path of shoes, socks, books, backpacks leading into the kitchen where a variety of snack makings originate all over the counters and continue over the floors into the family room. There I see the culprits with the TV remote, feet up enjoying a sandwich! I must have some unsual perplexing expression on my face because I'm greeted with the same innocent question everyday... "hi mom, what's wrong?" I throw my hands up in the air and wonder when the moving door will stop so I can get off. It gets dizzy around here sometimes. :)

bits and pieces...

Thing are going well here at the Christensen house. After more doctors appointments in the first two months of the year for our family, than all of last year combined, we are ready to be healthy for awhile. What a year to switch to a higher health insurance deductible! We are grateful it hasn't been anything serious. Josh is our injury prone son lately. He broke his finger in PE, and a couple weeks later injured his knee skiing. He is now hobbling around in a leg brace and getting lots of sympathy from the girls. The downside is in PE. His teacher likes to give him a hard time about not being able to participate so Josh has been getting all these weird embarrassing jobs to do. He had to go through all the PE classes and health classes with a huge sign about milk shouting, "Got Milk?" Then today he had to put on a muscle man outfit complete with a cape and walk around. He comes home and tells us of his antics and we all laugh hysterically.

Ryan is busy with water polo, school, driving and a social life. He got his first speeding ticket yesterday and learned that while going down a hill acceleration does occur! The worst part was he got pulled over right in front of the high school as everyone was arriving and his friends gave him a hard time all day. He went on a date last weekend ice skating. For those of you who know Ryan know he gets his graceful moves and balance from me, so him, ice and thin blades aren't a good combination. When he came home all black and blue he said, "I didn't realize the ice arena had such and interesting ceiling!" He is doing a fund raiser for Water Polo and selling oranges picked from a Sunkist grove in California. If anyone who is local is interested in a bag, 1/2 case or full case let me know. There is my plug for him. :)

Cassie had a ballroom dance competition last weekend at UVU. She did awesome and danced the Foxtrot, Cha Cha and the Swing. She was in the all around slot, which means she doesn't know what dance her and her partner are dancing until they get out on the floor and it is drawn from a hat. But they did well, I was proud of her. She is also enjoying her tumbling class and spends more time upside down than right side up. She makes me dizzy with all the stuff she does.

Mark is loving having his own room. He keeps it clean and organized and is proud of that fact. He still likes to come curl up on my lap when he first wakes up in the morning and tells me, "luv ya!" all the time. I'm not sure I'm prepared when he finally grows out of this stage and decides that spending time with mom isn't cool! He is enjoying the nicer weather and playing in the flowerbeds with shovels and dump trucks, I'm hoping my bulbs will survive!

Our family went to the Draper Temple open house on Monday and had a wonderful time. What a beautiful place. It was great to take our kids inside of the temple and show them all the rooms, I don't think there is a better family activity than all walking through the halls of the temple. It makes me look forward to the day when all of us can be together there again.

I think that is all our news. I'm gearing up to paint the master bedroom and bath when Kelly leaves on a business trip in a couple weeks. Then I'll be ready to retire my brush for awhile I think. I want to paint my front door, any ideas on a color?

Mark and Cassie's new rooms

My sisters have been asking me to post pictures of my kid's rooms that just got redone, so here goes. The rest of you please humor me. I am not an interior decorator and everything is done for practicality and economy. But the kids are happy so that is what is important. Ryan and Josh's room looked like a college dorm room, and not photo ready, so that one will have to come later. (Maybe when they go off to college!)