count my many blessings...

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

I do not express my gratitude nearly enough. I have a lot of wrapped presents in my closet that need to be given, so I thought I would take a minute tonight, and give a few away.

I am so grateful for:

An incredible family who has a front row seat to all my mistakes and weaknesses and yet loves me anyway.

A home, although covered in scratches and dents, keeps us warm and safe.

A full pantry and fridge that contains chocolate as well as vegetables.

A scar on my neck that shows the miracles of modern medicine and serves as a daily reminder of the blessing of health and strength.

This old body of mine, that has more creaks than an old floor, but still gets me where I want to go.

A mind that occasionally misplaces things, but can compute sales in a flash.

Sunshine, after a day of storms.

A hug from my little guy and a high five from my teenager.

My children, my greatest teachers.

A good book and a bathfull of bubbles.

A vacuum cleaner, washing machine, dishwasher all in working order.

The many hands who continually reach out in small and large ways and make such a profound difference in my life.

The seasons, which change right before you get tired of each one.

A new pair of shoes (that were on sale!)

My faith and beliefs which strengthen me through hard times, and gives me hope in a world where it is hard to find.

A Savior who bestows true empathy and compassion.

My Heavenly Father who loves me even when I forget to be grateful.

You know it's going to be a long day

when you:

Put the clean clothes that just came out of the dryer, in the washer; put dirty clothes in the dryer; turn them both on and walk away.

Put leftover lasagna in the microwave for ten minutes instead of one and not realize it until after there is an explosion.

Clean out the microwave after a lasagna explosion.

Collect your mail on a very windy day, then not hold on to it tightly.

Run after bills as they zip across the cul de sac.

Remove all shelving and storage containers from the fridge to clean it, then struggle with reassembly. (Ok, so it's been awhile since I did this particular task!)

Lose patience with the kids as they leave socks and backpacks on the floor, destroy the kitchen, refuse to clean their rooms and do homework and then say, "Jeez mom, why are you angry today?"

Out of chocolate and bubble bath.

Yesterday was a looong day and as you can see I didn't fare very well. Today is going better, although the house is still peaceful and quiet for three more minutes, then I will be invaded with more dirty socks, back packs and dishes. On the bright side, the lasagna is gone so the microwave is still clean!

Happy Birthday Kelly!!

Top Ten Reasons why I'm Glad Kelly is a year older....

10. He always gets to get older first, and if I like how he does it, I'll follow.

9. As you age, your eyes start to go...that means the older he gets, the better I look!

8. As we age our memory weakens, so he won't remember all the stuff I do wrong!

(are we sensing a pattern here?)

7. Banana Cream Pie is easier than decorating barbie and race car birthday cakes!

6. I get an excuse to buy him a power tool to use later in a honey do project.

5. We get to go out to eat so I don't have to cook!

4. I have someone to fix the garbage disposal after I get through breaking it, or kill creepy crawly, scurrying things.

3. I have a shoulder to cry on when I'm having a mom pity party!

2. I get to hold a hand during scary parts in a movie, or just any darn time I want!

1. I get another year of unlimited hugs, kisses, smiles, laughter and winks from an incredible man.

As you can see, I am very selfish about Kelly having birthdays. I know I get more presents than he does! Kelly I love you so much and I'm grateful for every year we get to celebrate wrinkles, gray hair and uncooperative joints together (as long as you always have them first)!!

wisdom comes with age....really?

There is a saying that goes something like this:
with age comes wisdom, but that is completely amiss.
For the older I get in this aging body of mine;
the more my mind seems to go into a decline!

Can you be wise and not remember? I wonder some days;
for at times I wander around in a bit of a haze.
Why did I come in this room after all?
Is there a reason a child’s name I can’t recall?

The calendar once was my helper and salvation,
important reminders all at one location!
But lately even things written in black and white,
can vacate my memory without even a fight.

This past week proved one good example after another;
forgotten carpools, church meetings and who knows what other.
In the past, my brain would take small vacations at times;
but it’s now taking long leave of absences , am I past my prime?

So, here I am back at my original question-
Can you be wise while your brain is in a recession?
I can only hope that if some small insight I express;

stays in the mind of a child, then I might be a success.

the self check out line....

Now that is the most ironic name known to man. All the self check out line means, is when you get stuck on something while checking out, you are on your own, all by your "self" to solve it. Last night I had to run to Walmart for a couple quick things to help with a school project for one of my kids. I hurried and grabbed the items and made it to the checkout lines in record time. All two regular lines were backed up (I think all the cashiers take their breaks at the same time) and so I decided to brave the "are you smarter than a talking computer" line. I am totally not a risk taker, but decided to chance it. You can probably foresee that this story does not have a happy ending, all I can say is, where were you to tell me the self check out gamble is never worth it. (I am going to write a book entitled "self check out lines for dummies!" I could make a bundle and buy my own check out line in the future.)

Needless to say, as soon as it was my turn to try my luck with the ever unpredictable machine, I took a deep breath and went for it. I pressed the start button and nothing happened; it wasn't allowing me to scan my items. I tried pressing the button again and I must have hit something else by mistake because the darn machine started speaking to me in Spanish. I had no idea how to get it back to my native language and so eyeing the long line of mom's in the same rushed situation behind me, I decided to take the gamble (stupid stupid stupid...shoot we aren't supposed to say that "s" word at our house). I should have cut my losses right there.

While scanning my three items, the computer obviously didn't like what I was doing so it started to speak to me again. Not having a translator handy, I had no idea what it was saying. Do I rescan? Take the item out of the bag? It's hard enough to figure out what you did wrong when it actually speaks something you recognize. Great! Now I had to wait for the teenage kid to get me out of my mess. Trouble is, when he finally got there, he didn't speak Spanish either so he had to go recruit someone. I didn't dare look at the line behind me to see the faces of the exasperated moms. I finally got someone to figure out my problem, trouble is, they didn't stay by my side long enough to help with other translation issues. Fifteen minutes and two more rescue sessions later, I was out of the store.

I am determined to either take Spanish classes or never EVER try my luck at the "speedy" line again. (To any mom who might have been behind me last night and is reading this, I AM SO SORRY!)

fuzzy pink socks....

It's always surprising what triggers memories. Today it was a pair of bright pink fuzzy socks. My toes were cold and I went digging in my sock drawer and came upon these bright fuzzy socks. A year ago today I was recovering from my thyroid surgery. A gift bag was dropped off from some of Kelly's work associates and it had these hot pink soft socks in them. I am typically not a sock person, but I remember as I was secluded during my radiation treatment how cold my feet got and how I wore these socks often. They have been tucked at the back of my drawer for the better part of a year, but today I saw them and so many memories of a year ago returned.

I glanced at my dining room table and saw the orchid that was given to me last October and is miraculously still alive (Plants are an endangered species at my house). It was somehow important that this plant didn't meet the typical demise of most and although there have been touch and go moments, it is still there delicate, fragile yet strong. A plush bathrobe hangs in my closet, a book on my bedside table, a note tucked away in a desk. All reminders of my blessings and the thoughtfulness of others.

Some things trigger unhappy memories, but these few reminders I have don't bring back the fear and anxiety of last year; but feelings of love and appreciation of the many hands that served and offered support during a challenging time. One of the greatest blessings my Heavenly Father has given me is a loving family and friends who, without fireworks and fanfare, reach out and give service in simple, quiet ways. I am so grateful that the peace and comfort I felt a year ago was brought to my remembrance today through a simple pair of fuzzy pink socks.

Homecoming 2010

Look at this good looking couple! Looks like they had a fun group. Kelly did a good job taking pictures of the group before the dance. I love seeing modest, beautiful young women with these great guys.

search and rescue...

We tackled the basement last Saturday. This is a big feat considering it has become the family black hole. Things that go down there rarely are seen again. Our basement isn't finished, so it's used mostly for storage. But we do have some remnant carpet thrown down with a couch, tv and some toys so it does get some use from the kids when it's not too cold.

Saturday we decided a major purge session was in order, so off we went. One big pile for Deseret Industries, and one for garbage. Three hours later, we were finally seeing progress. Ryan took the DI stuff out to the back of the truck. Cassie, who was playing with a cousin, came down to discover operation declutter. Since she has a strong emotional attachment to everything, she began secret search and rescue missions to and from the truck. We finally apprehended her red handed and put a stop to it. However, how many things she was able to save and hide is still a mystery. I think we made a mistake in taking her to Toy Story 3 this summer!

and the answer is....

I love how the teenagers ask each other to dances. That is one thing that hasn't changed over time. I remember always wracking my brain trying to come up with some creative way to ask a guy to the dance, then waiting for an equally creative answer.

This past week Ryan asked a girl to Homecoming. He bought a package of butter, opened one cube carefully and hid a note inside the cube, then rewrapped it, put it back and resealed the package. He put her name on the outside and dropped it off on her door. After going through the package and disecting four cubes of butter, the note inside said, "look on your front porch". On the front porch was a package of microwave popcorn and a note that said, "now that I've "buttered" you up will you go to Homecoming with me?"

(I was soooo grateful eggs were not involved at this venture! ) see previous post http://kellyandvaloriechristensen.blogspot.com/2010/04/easter-egg-fiasco.html

Several days and a doorbell ring later, we found a ginormous bag of popcorn on our front porch. We spread out a tablecloth on the family room rug and dumped it out. It had some mini butterfingers in it and on one of the candy bars was a note that said, "I'd be a butterfinger not to go with you to Homecoming." Pretty creative answer to go with how he asked her. These teenagers amaze me these days! I will post dance pictures at a future date.

end of summer....

I am late getting these pictures up, but Labor Day weekend we hit the lake for some fun. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins. Josh gave Mark his first lesson on the wake board, Ryan was the honorary flag holder, Cassie had a blast with her cousins and rode the knee board (although I don't have any pictures of that). Big thanks to my sister Rach and her husband Jeff who brought their boat. They are so generous with their time and their great big toy.

minivan with a sense of humor.....

I love my minivan. I know many mom's and especially dad's wouldn't be caught dead in one, but I am a minivan lover and sit proudly behind the wheel of this mom-mobile. Mine is a sandy dirt color, which works great for the biannual cleanings it receives. The windows at first seem to have a frosted glass appearance, but upon closer inspection, you'll find it's just hand prints on steroids. If I were ever in an emergency in my van, I'd be fine. The seventy-two hour food supply is already there. Just lift up any seat and you will have dehydrated french fries, chicken nuggets and even a stray m&m for dessert.

I am writing about my van today not because of any of the above reasons, but about a new talent it seems to have. My van has a sense of humor. On random occasions without any reason at all, my van will just honk. My hands can be no where near the horn and we will be driving along peacefully (well, as peacefully as a carpool of six elementary school boys can be) and suddenly it honks. My kids get a kick out of this, but it seems to always happen at inopportune moments.

One time I was sitting alone in a parking lot waiting for yet another carpool and a man walked by. He turned and looked at me upon hearing the horn and I wondered what I should do. Is their proper etiquette for this? What would Dear Abby say, smile and wave and pretend you are some crazy women trying to get attention? Or should you ignore it and pretend you have no idea who honked the horn (did I mention I'm the only car aournd?)

Another time, this happened in the drive through line when I was behind a very large truck with a large burly man at the wheel, placing his order. He stuck his head out the window and glared at me... the smiling and waving thing didn't seem to work so well that time. The worse instance occurred where I was stopped at a crosswalk and an elderly gentleman was walking across slowly with his cane. He looked startled at the rude noise emanating from my car. I felt awful. I rolled down my window and said sorry, but it didn't seem to be enough. Should I have tried to explain that it wasn't my fault, it was my car; I really was a nice person and loved older people or maybe try to see if he liked The Walt Disney movies about Herbie. I need some bumper sticker that explains the situation so I can just point to it and be on my way.

I don't know if any of you are Brian Regan fans, but he has a joke about a car with a similar problem. When I first heard it I thought, "Yes, I'm not alone!" So I just need to be behind him when my horn has a rebellious moment, and I won't have to explain. Someone will understand. (it's just the first couple minutes of this clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrwvNa2M_GU

man of the house....

Ry, Josh and Kelly have had busy schedules and were gone last night when I headed out to mow the lawn. After a few rows, Mark comes hopping out while tugging on his last shoe and announced, "Mom, I am the man of the house tonight so you go sit down and I'll mow the lawn!"

After watching him wrestle with the heavy mower for a few minutes and seeing the water breaks extending with each pass on the lawn, I took over and finished. What a cutie.

yet another crochet posting.....

I took a departure from scarfs, hats and bags and decided to try some little stuffed animals. Got to love free patterns you find on the internent.

love a boy in uniform.....

Mark earned his wolf, four arrow points and some belt loops at our last pack meeting. He worked so hard and I'm proud of him! Congratulation Mark!

fast sunday funny.....

Mark made us laugh today around the dinner table. As per typical Sunday, conversation around the table revolved around the lessons taught at church. Mark has been making vast improvements over past weeks with understanding and explaining his primary class to us. However, today he struggled and had lots of memory lapses. When asked why he didn't listen as well today he said, "It's fast sunday and when I don't get food, my brain doesn't work!"

anyone have a cow I can buy?

I have decided maybe I need to live on a farm. A cow would come in handy about now. Mark would be excited and think steak was finally in season! (joke from earlier post http://kellyandvaloriechristensen.blogspot.com/2010/03/in-season.html) But, no, I would use it for daily sustenance.

I went to the grocery store for milk today and bought 8 gallons, that might seem like I am stock piling in case cows decide to picket, but no....in a few days I will be back for eight more! Every time I go through the checkout, they inquire with shock and awe on their faces, ..."how many milk did you say you have?"

If I didn't get so tired of lugging in it one session and I had another fridge, I would buy 16! Think of the looks I would get then! Since I am not an attention getter nor do I have enduring biceps, I will settle for a couple trips a week. I guess on a positive note, in the past nearly eighteen years, only one bone has been broken in our family, despite the fact that I have three energetic, brawn before brains, boys!

signs of the end of summer....

Tired of fighting the unwinable battle of morning glory, you give up and appreciate it's now blooming state in its natural habitat.

Fresh peach shakes start at Taco Amigo

The rare quiet house doesn't signal mischievous children, simply absent ones.

You are amazed and almost giddy that every time you walk into the kitchen between the hours of 8 and 2, it's still pristine! You walk in often just to make sure it's not your imagination having a heyday.

You long for the opportunity to dust off a jacket and experience a crisp morning or cool evening, signaling the beginning of yet another beautiful season here in Utah.

First Day of School!

The first day of school and I could only get the youngest two to pose. I wasn't covert enough to get some of the older boys . Another year of school is here again and I can't believe it!

Mark's Birthday!

My baby is nine! He is getting so tall and growing up so fast. My favorite thing about Mark is that despite his advancing years, he still gives me hugs and reaches up to hold my hand when we go places. I love his smile and silly smirks. He is getting a quick witt and says things that brings laughter to our family. We had a fun birthday with him. Ate at Brick Oven, his favorite place and came home to open presents and have cake. Cassie, made and decorated his cake this year. I thought she did a great job! Mark consulted,it was one of the few occassions where they actually got along! Happy Birthday Mark, I love you and you will always be my baby. (picture him rolling his eyes as I call him that!)

Girls Camp 2010

I just found the camera Cassie took to Girls Camp and uploaded the photo's. As you can see, they had a great time! It was at Aspen Lakes in Heber. The theme was Survivor. Each tent was a tribe, and througout the week there were competitions and they even had an area for treemail. It was well organized and planned. I had the opportunity to go up one night to bring dinner with the Relief Society presidency. I couldn't believe how much I missed it! I am so grateful she had the opportunity to be around great young women and leaders.

will time stop already!!

I can't believe this summer is almost over! It seems like just a couple weeks ago I was wondering how I was going to survive. I have not been a great picture taker, but I thought I'd take a moment and journal about what everyone has been up to.

Ryan, I think that is his name, we don't see much. He has been so busy taking a class online this summer, spending all kinds of crazy hours planning the next year with the Seminary Council, working two jobs and trying to find a few minutes here and there to talk to his mom. He is growing up so fast and getting more independent every day. I have started to freak out a little less at the thought that this is his last year in high school. Tomorrow, my sister, her daughter, Ryan and I are heading south to check out a University. Then next week we are going up north for a tour of another one. Eek! Ok, maybe I am still freaking out! I am so proud of this big guy of mine, he works hard, has a great head on his shoulders and helps me here when he can.

Josh, the constant comedian, has been keeping busy too. He and two of his friends decided months ago that they wanted to try out for the high school golf team. They practiced every week and every chance they got and all three made the team. Josh is so excited! I am proud of them for setting a goal and working towards it. He has been trying to earn money to fund this new adventure and is wishing he had a regular job. We are grateful for a great neighbor who has had him work with him on a couple of roofing jobs. Josh's new golf shoes, size 15, yes I did say size 15 arrived yesterday. When you have feet that big you have to special order all footwear. Thank goodness his heart and sense of humor are as big as his feet. Josh is also Mr. Social and doesn't think our house is the cool house. He is constantly at one of his friends and I am grateful that he has such wonderful friends. As a mom of a teenager, good friends for your kids is so important.

Cassidy turned twelve last month and started a whole new social schedule. She will be going to Jr. High this fall and is in Young Women's. She went to camp and youth conference just after her birthday. She paints her nails and toenails every other day, loves to talk on the phone for hours and hang out with her best friend Aubry. She is learning to be a great cookie and brownie baker and Josh and his friends are using that skill whenever they happen to stay at our house long enough. So I am extremely grateful when she bakes.

Mark got to play baseball earlier this summer and had a blast. He loves baseball. He and Kelly went to an Owls game last Sat. night and I am still hearing about their great seats and all the fun plays. He has loved cub scouts and is about to earn his wolf badge. He has had fun hanging out with his friends and cousins this summer. He will have his nine year old birthday just before school stars. My baby is nine! I think I feel another freak out moment around the corner.

This has been a fun summer and I can't believe school is just a couple weeks away. I know I will blink and Christmas will be here and then sneeze and Ry will be graduating and another summer will be starting. I don't know when life started to go in fast forward mode, but I would like it to rewind or at least pause sometime soon. If someone has the secret to slowing things down, I would love to have it.

isn't it ironic...

You are always wearing a white shirt when you open a can of tomato sauce and it leaps out to greet you.

A gallon of orange juice always falls on the just mopped kitchen floor.

Homemade ice cream, swimsuits and non camouflage clothing fall in the same season!

The pattern socks are always the ones that get lost in the laundry.

You run into someone you haven't seen in decades only when you go to the grocery store in sweats, frizzy hair and no makeup.

Company shows up only when your house is a mess! ( I need an enter at your risk sign instead of a welcome sign on my front door.)

smile, it's contagious.....

I have had the wonderful opportunity to be around some elderly people recently. They make me smile even though I only spend a few minutes with each one. One couple is especially my favorite. They have been married for 63 years. She is delightful, always so happy and cheery. Although her health isn't that great, she is probably the happiest person I have ever met. She doesn't just radiate, she sparkles!

Today she told me that God's greatest creation was a human being and she would like to meet each one and say hello. She sits on a glider in her carport with her oxygen tank and walker nearby and calls out a greeting to each person that passes by. She says she is surprised that people keep coming back. I have only known her for a few weeks and I feel like an adopted part of her family. She told me today that the first time she met me she knew I had a good heart. "It's all in the eyes, you have kind eyes and so I knew we'd be friends"

I told her today that every time I leave her house I have a smile on my face. She responded, "is it because I told you a joke?" I said, "no, tell me a joke" She smiled all the way to her eyes and replied, "oh sorry, I don't know one!" Then she just slapped her leg and chuckled. She told me her husband is such a wonderful man and don't I think he is so handsome for an old guy? Apparently she is making a list of all her friends who want to marry him if she goes before he does. She laughed and told me, "I always tell them, you better be nice to me or else you are off my list!" I am just smiling while I type this.

So many times today, people don't make contact with other people. We are always in a rush, and sometimes, even rude to those around us. I know I rarely make eye contact with people I meet. I'm always thinking ahead of what I want to buy, or the things I need to do. I might get impatient in a checkout line instead of smiling and saying hello to the person in front of me who is using a hundred coupons. I wonder why we rush. There is a favorite scripture of mine in Psalms. "Be still and know that I am God" I am not still enough. I don't take time to appreciate what is around me or even take a moment for a smile and a hello once in awhile.

Edna has taught me to do that. Today I smiled and said hi to a couple of people I walked by. They looked a bit surprised but returned the greeting. Just doing that small thing made me slow down a bit and appreciate the fact that little gestures can bring big changes. So this sweet woman might not know any jokes but her words of wisdom and sparkling disposition will always make me smile.

scout camp 2010

Click on the link below to see the great pictures Kelly took of Josh at Yuba Lake this past week!

http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d986700kP23906412o4/yuba-lake

another great book....

My amazing sister Rachael is out with her second book! I am even mentioned in the acknowlegements, so I must be almost famous now! :) Seriously, this is a great book and I highly recommend it. It's fun, it's witty, it will make you smile. Check it out. You can find it on amazon now, and soon it will be in bookstores.

http://www.amazon.com/Luck-Draw-Rachael-Renee-Anderson/dp/1599554437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279425643&sr=8-1