Happy New Year 2009!!
(and yes, I'm posting this a bit early,
but one of my New Year's resolutions is to be prepared,
so there ya go!!)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Robin & Steve's Wedding
The wedding.
We drove up to Sandy late Sunday afternoon. We gathered with Andy & Jennie and kids, Amy & Doug & kids, and Gordon & Marcia. It was a beautiful reception area with a front hall, and seating area for dinner to the right, I believe it also had a chapel area, that wasn't used for the wedding. It had beautiful vaulted ceilings, and was very simple building, yet beautiful at the same time. There was a large picture window, with a brilliant view of decorated trees outside in the white snow. This is where the wedding party would gather for the ceremony, and to the right was a huge decorated Christmas tree.
We had parked our belongings near the back of the seating area where they were gathering for the ceremony, in hopes of making a quick exit if we needed to dart out because of children. We only lasted there but a few minutes before being moved to the second row. We were hoping for no outbursts.
Robin had purchased suits for both Tom, and Adam in hopes of getting a ring bearer. Both had refused, and at the last minutes Adam and Josh switched clothes, and Josh became the ring bearer. Emma was the flower girl, with Grace at her side for support. The wedding party was led in by bagpipe players, that stayed up front after the wedding party had entered, and played "Amazing Grace" as a tribute to those family members that were no longer with us. Both the little girls and Josh stayed up front the entire time, much to the surprise of us parents anxiously waiting for them to do something silly. Josh did a great job, and except for a few thumbs up, thumbs down moments (which we later realized was Andy sitting behind us trying to tell Josh he was doing a good job by giving him a thumbs up. We hope there are no pictures of the ceremony where Josh is giving a thumbs down!!) I believe their bishop did the ceremony and gave some beautiful thoughts, before they exchanged rings and vows and were pronounced as husband and wife.
After the ceremony, they cleared away the seats for the ceremony and brought out more tables and chairs for seating, and appetizers. Many of the guests stayed for appetizers and then left, not realizing that dinner was to be served. Dinner was buffet style with choices of vegetables, and potatoes, and both turkey and ham. It was honestly the best ham I have ever tasted. It was so moist and flavorful. They had a chocolate fountain for dipping fruits, and rice krispy treats in..ooh la la, and a hot chocolate station, which was always lacking marshmallows, thanks to my boys. Afterwrds we had cake, and the guests started to head home. The cousins played with bubbles and then we all made our way into the chilly night to head home.
Congratulations Steve & Robin
We drove up to Sandy late Sunday afternoon. We gathered with Andy & Jennie and kids, Amy & Doug & kids, and Gordon & Marcia. It was a beautiful reception area with a front hall, and seating area for dinner to the right, I believe it also had a chapel area, that wasn't used for the wedding. It had beautiful vaulted ceilings, and was very simple building, yet beautiful at the same time. There was a large picture window, with a brilliant view of decorated trees outside in the white snow. This is where the wedding party would gather for the ceremony, and to the right was a huge decorated Christmas tree.
We had parked our belongings near the back of the seating area where they were gathering for the ceremony, in hopes of making a quick exit if we needed to dart out because of children. We only lasted there but a few minutes before being moved to the second row. We were hoping for no outbursts.
Robin had purchased suits for both Tom, and Adam in hopes of getting a ring bearer. Both had refused, and at the last minutes Adam and Josh switched clothes, and Josh became the ring bearer. Emma was the flower girl, with Grace at her side for support. The wedding party was led in by bagpipe players, that stayed up front after the wedding party had entered, and played "Amazing Grace" as a tribute to those family members that were no longer with us. Both the little girls and Josh stayed up front the entire time, much to the surprise of us parents anxiously waiting for them to do something silly. Josh did a great job, and except for a few thumbs up, thumbs down moments (which we later realized was Andy sitting behind us trying to tell Josh he was doing a good job by giving him a thumbs up. We hope there are no pictures of the ceremony where Josh is giving a thumbs down!!) I believe their bishop did the ceremony and gave some beautiful thoughts, before they exchanged rings and vows and were pronounced as husband and wife.
After the ceremony, they cleared away the seats for the ceremony and brought out more tables and chairs for seating, and appetizers. Many of the guests stayed for appetizers and then left, not realizing that dinner was to be served. Dinner was buffet style with choices of vegetables, and potatoes, and both turkey and ham. It was honestly the best ham I have ever tasted. It was so moist and flavorful. They had a chocolate fountain for dipping fruits, and rice krispy treats in..ooh la la, and a hot chocolate station, which was always lacking marshmallows, thanks to my boys. Afterwrds we had cake, and the guests started to head home. The cousins played with bubbles and then we all made our way into the chilly night to head home.
Congratulations Steve & Robin
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas Day
The kids woke early Christmas morning, and bounded into our room. We had placed wrapping paper over the doorway leading down the stairs, so that all children could be present before they made the great descent downstairs.
Mommy and daddy got ourselves out of bed, with the little bit of sleep we were able to enjoy the night before, and assembled the kiddos at the top of the stairs. We removed the paper, snapped a few pictures and then the festivities of Christmas morning began.
Daniel got an electric guitar with amp, Caleb got a PowerWheels, and Josh got remote control helicopters. Natalie is pretty in pink with her new chair and blanket and thanks to craigslist we were able to get some big toys this year, and still stay within our budget. We look to forward to returning home and playing with all their fun toys.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve started out so differently from the previous days before. Dave was home, and we were hoping to get much accomplished before heading down to my parents for Christmas Eve.
Dave woke with the birds, and had the front tires off the van by 5:30am. His goal for the day was to get the brakes done on the van for our trip to Utah. BY mid-morning the tires and rotors were off, and he was ready to make a trip to the auto parts stor to have thme turned, and swing by the dealership to pick up some replacement screws. He finished before 11:00am, an hour earlier than his goal of noon. He was very proud of himself, the nice tight brakes, and the money he'd saved by doing it himself. Way to go babe!!
I started in on laundry in preparation for the trip. Somehow I'd fallen behind, and seemed to do the same loads of laundry week after week. My goal was to have all clothes in the house clean. This would make packing easier, and start off my new year on the right foot.
After his stellar job on the brakes, Dave attcked the yard, while I continued washing, and putting away load after load of laundry. We flet good about our morning progress, and began dressing and getting ready for our Christmas Eve with family.
We enjoyed a wonderful turkey dinner at my parents and enjoyed family and conversation. The kids were antsy to open presents, and dove into their presents like they were at a glorious feast. They came away with Disney dollars from both Great-Gram and my brother and his wife, and fun gifts from Grandma & Grandpa. Daniel is now well stocked with books for the trip and the new year, Josh has a fun fuzzy Remy (Ratatouille) to cuddle with, Caleb enjoys his new GeoTrax airport, and Natalie is loving her baby doll and stroller.
After the festivities were over, and our bellies were full of peppermint ice cream, we packed up the kiddos and headed home. They were ready for bed with jammies on and sadly only two of the four fell asleep in the car. The two oldest did a last minute tracking of Santa's position on the internet, before promising to stay in their beds the entire night, and maybe sleeping in a bit for mommy & daddy. (one can only hope). Caleb was another story, as he most often is, and we spent the evening settling him down and trying to get him to sleep. Even after he was asleep he managed to wake up numerous times through the night, maybe that's why I'm so tired.
After they were all snuggled in their beds, we began our preparations for Christmas morning. I had lots of little things to wrap for the kids and Dave had a few things to assemble nad recover from the depths of our garage. We finally headed to bed around 1:30am, and I so hoped they would let me sleep in, did they, oh no...
Dave woke with the birds, and had the front tires off the van by 5:30am. His goal for the day was to get the brakes done on the van for our trip to Utah. BY mid-morning the tires and rotors were off, and he was ready to make a trip to the auto parts stor to have thme turned, and swing by the dealership to pick up some replacement screws. He finished before 11:00am, an hour earlier than his goal of noon. He was very proud of himself, the nice tight brakes, and the money he'd saved by doing it himself. Way to go babe!!
I started in on laundry in preparation for the trip. Somehow I'd fallen behind, and seemed to do the same loads of laundry week after week. My goal was to have all clothes in the house clean. This would make packing easier, and start off my new year on the right foot.
After his stellar job on the brakes, Dave attcked the yard, while I continued washing, and putting away load after load of laundry. We flet good about our morning progress, and began dressing and getting ready for our Christmas Eve with family.
We enjoyed a wonderful turkey dinner at my parents and enjoyed family and conversation. The kids were antsy to open presents, and dove into their presents like they were at a glorious feast. They came away with Disney dollars from both Great-Gram and my brother and his wife, and fun gifts from Grandma & Grandpa. Daniel is now well stocked with books for the trip and the new year, Josh has a fun fuzzy Remy (Ratatouille) to cuddle with, Caleb enjoys his new GeoTrax airport, and Natalie is loving her baby doll and stroller.
After the festivities were over, and our bellies were full of peppermint ice cream, we packed up the kiddos and headed home. They were ready for bed with jammies on and sadly only two of the four fell asleep in the car. The two oldest did a last minute tracking of Santa's position on the internet, before promising to stay in their beds the entire night, and maybe sleeping in a bit for mommy & daddy. (one can only hope). Caleb was another story, as he most often is, and we spent the evening settling him down and trying to get him to sleep. Even after he was asleep he managed to wake up numerous times through the night, maybe that's why I'm so tired.
After they were all snuggled in their beds, we began our preparations for Christmas morning. I had lots of little things to wrap for the kids and Dave had a few things to assemble nad recover from the depths of our garage. We finally headed to bed around 1:30am, and I so hoped they would let me sleep in, did they, oh no...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Happy Anniversary..
On Saturday, we celebrated our 11 year Anniversary. 11 years!! Really. We were very fortunate to clebrate this year in style on our actual day, which of course is definitley not the norm. We drove up to LA and saw the musical WICKED at the Pantages Theatre.
We have been listening to the music for months, and our eager anticipation to see it, and figure out babysitting all came together perfectly. We took the kids down to my parents early Saturday morning, and swapped cars with them so they could bus our kids around for the afternoon. They had plans that afternoon at my Dad's club for a holiday family party. The kids bounced in a jumpy house, and sat on Santa's lap, while almost two hours to the north we celebrated just the two of us.
The musical was fantastic. It was a combination of an amazing theatre, where I thouroughly doubt there is a bad seat in the house. The amazing architecture of this grand building, and the attention to detail wowed us. The score to this musical is amazing, and to sit awe struck for three hours and listen to well trained voices blending in perfect harmony was such a treat. We felt so blessed to enjoy this indulgence, and how grateful I am to have a guy that loves this stuff like I do.
On our way home we did the math. 11 years, 4 kids, a total of 6 different jobs between the two of us, 5 cars (two of which we still have), 4 different cities we've lived in, countless blessings, and all because two teenagers locked eyes in freshman typing class. We've known each other for over 18 years, and it still seems like yesterday that I got butterflies just thinking of him. We both feel so grateful to be married to our best friend, and our marriage and our children are my best and greatest accomplishments.
Thank you sweetheart for being my better half in every way.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Happy Birthday Joshua!!
Today Josh turned 6 years old!!
In true "joshie fashion" as he woke up and started getting ready for school, he said "Hey guys, today is a special day!" And that it is.
My sweet boy is growing into such an amazing person. He as an amazing light that shines in his big bright smile. His witty and unusual comments can always bring a smile to my face. I had no idea I would be having such intellectual conversations with him, when he was only three. He has always been interested, in well, everything. How things work, why things are the way they are. Always asking questions, and better yet insight as well.
I was reflecting back to the morning he was born, just a week before Christmas. When we got home we took tons of pictures, even with him in a Christmas stocking. He was so little, sweet and precious. And now six years later, I still think of him, as just that, precious.
Happy Birthday sweet boy, for making us laugh, making us think, and always wanting to snuggle and offer big hugs. Exciting things are in store for you, I can't wait to be a part of it.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A
I am so loving all the wonderful recipes with candy canes. Candy Cane Bark, Candy Cane Brownies, and Candy Cane Truffles.
I think I will definitley be putting off getting back into shape until after the holidays. Too many sweet minty treats to be tempted by.
Here's an amazing recipe for Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies, courtesy of the girlies at Our Best Bites
Yeah, for Christmas time, and the glorious candy cane.
I am so loving all the wonderful recipes with candy canes. Candy Cane Bark, Candy Cane Brownies, and Candy Cane Truffles.
I think I will definitley be putting off getting back into shape until after the holidays. Too many sweet minty treats to be tempted by.
Here's an amazing recipe for Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies, courtesy of the girlies at Our Best Bites
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Blessings & Service
On Thursday evening we had our Christmas Enrichment for Relief Society. Usually we do a nice party for the women of the ward, with food and entertainment. This year, we decided to start of the month of December with a great Christmas message - service.
We found an amazing woman, Cynthia Martinez that lives locally and was just honored by the Pentagon with the Star of Hope (Bob Hope) award for the Marine Corps. After 9-11 she felt that she needed to do more to honor our troops and support them and their families. She wrote a book, and then started Words of Comfort Hope and Promise a non-profit organization to do just that. She does everything from pampering parties for the wives who's hubby's are deployed, to big beach parties in the summer, and Christmas Parties in the winter. Before Thanksgiving they assembled 1,000 care packages to Marines that are deployed, and over 22,000 cookies were donated.
Our goal was to raise money and assemble 50 toiletry kits that would be given to the single men in a returning squadron before Christmas. We not only raised enough money for the toiletry kits, but also for an additional snacks and goodies. It was so amazing to give service to these men and women that do so much for our country. Even if it was really a small token.
Friday afternoon, Cynthia had asked if I could set up the projector and DVD of clips of their many activities for a luncheon they were having to honor those that had donated to their efforts. It was amazing to sit their and listen to retired marines that were now serving young marines following in their footsteps, and how they wish they could do more. The spoke of hope, and the hope that we must give to those marines and their families, and the hope that is given to us by their efforts. I was really moved, and comforted to hear how much good really is going on in the world. It also reminded me of all the blessings I really have.
That evening the kids and I worked on homemade Christmas cards that will be added to those kits, and even though it's something small, I know those Marines will smile when they see those hand drawn cards of Christmas trees, and Santa. It's really the small things that many people do that make a difference.
We found an amazing woman, Cynthia Martinez that lives locally and was just honored by the Pentagon with the Star of Hope (Bob Hope) award for the Marine Corps. After 9-11 she felt that she needed to do more to honor our troops and support them and their families. She wrote a book, and then started Words of Comfort Hope and Promise a non-profit organization to do just that. She does everything from pampering parties for the wives who's hubby's are deployed, to big beach parties in the summer, and Christmas Parties in the winter. Before Thanksgiving they assembled 1,000 care packages to Marines that are deployed, and over 22,000 cookies were donated.
Our goal was to raise money and assemble 50 toiletry kits that would be given to the single men in a returning squadron before Christmas. We not only raised enough money for the toiletry kits, but also for an additional snacks and goodies. It was so amazing to give service to these men and women that do so much for our country. Even if it was really a small token.
Friday afternoon, Cynthia had asked if I could set up the projector and DVD of clips of their many activities for a luncheon they were having to honor those that had donated to their efforts. It was amazing to sit their and listen to retired marines that were now serving young marines following in their footsteps, and how they wish they could do more. The spoke of hope, and the hope that we must give to those marines and their families, and the hope that is given to us by their efforts. I was really moved, and comforted to hear how much good really is going on in the world. It also reminded me of all the blessings I really have.
That evening the kids and I worked on homemade Christmas cards that will be added to those kits, and even though it's something small, I know those Marines will smile when they see those hand drawn cards of Christmas trees, and Santa. It's really the small things that many people do that make a difference.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Oatmeal Carmelitas
On the 3rd Day of Christmas we finished decorating the tree, yes it took three days for some reason, and we made the kids favorite cookies, Oatmeal Carmelitas. The little ones helped me with the dry ingredients, and the older boys helped with chocolate chips and caramel. Truly a group effort.
If you feel so inclined to make something ooey, goey caramely, and chocolatey, then here's the recipe. I usually chill them in the fridge so they're not completely impossible to eat.
Oatmeal Carmelitas
By Grandma Bennett
By Grandma Bennett
Description:
Chewy gooey caramel, oats and chocolate. Our absolute favorites, and they taste better the next day if you get them to last that long.
Chewy gooey caramel, oats and chocolate. Our absolute favorites, and they taste better the next day if you get them to last that long.
Ingredients:
2 c all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 c quick cooking oats
1 1/2 c packed brown sugar
1 1/2 c melted butter (unsalted)
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
12 oz jar caramel ice cream topping
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one cookie sheet
2. Combine the 2 c. flour, baking soda, oats, brown sugar, salt and melted butter. Mix to combine, mixture will be very crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes.
4. Let cool slightly then sprinkle over the crust the chocolate chips. Mix the caramel ice cream topping with the 6 tbsp of flour and drizzle over the chocolate chips.
5.Top with the remaining oatmeal mixture. You will need to break it into small pieces to cover.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes.
2 c all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 c quick cooking oats
1 1/2 c packed brown sugar
1 1/2 c melted butter (unsalted)
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
12 oz jar caramel ice cream topping
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one cookie sheet
2. Combine the 2 c. flour, baking soda, oats, brown sugar, salt and melted butter. Mix to combine, mixture will be very crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes.
4. Let cool slightly then sprinkle over the crust the chocolate chips. Mix the caramel ice cream topping with the 6 tbsp of flour and drizzle over the chocolate chips.
5.Top with the remaining oatmeal mixture. You will need to break it into small pieces to cover.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes.
7. Let bars cool to warm temperature, and then refrigerate. Once cool cut into small bars and keep refrigerated.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Desserts Servings: 48
Monday, December 1, 2008
Safely
Every night when the boys say their prayers, I hear the same word used in both their prayers. I'm not sure how they starting using it, I mean it is after all a real word, safely. Which means in a safe manner, or to use caution. I think it is more how it is used.
"please help be safely on our way to school, and help daddy as he goes to work to be safely"
One of these days I will correct them, but for now in their perfect child prayers, they are asking for safely travel for their loved ones and themselves, and it brings a smile to my face each evening, and makes me want to hold them closer and let that goodnight hug linger just a bit longer.
May you all have safely journeys as you go about your day today!!
"please help be safely on our way to school, and help daddy as he goes to work to be safely"
One of these days I will correct them, but for now in their perfect child prayers, they are asking for safely travel for their loved ones and themselves, and it brings a smile to my face each evening, and makes me want to hold them closer and let that goodnight hug linger just a bit longer.
May you all have safely journeys as you go about your day today!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
O Christmas Tree
Last night we went to the tree lot, and picked out the perfect Christmas Tree, and now the house and even the car smell of glorious pine. This smell so fits this time of year. It makes you think of Christmas and cozy fires and stockings and ornaments. It is the idealic Christmas smell.
As I was driving around in our pine smelling car last night, I thought of investing in our pine tree, that way I could always smell this wonderful smell. But not sure that pine smell would mingle so well with suntan lotion in the summertime.
That is when I decided that pine trees, gingerbread, candycanes, and hollyberries are smells that are reserved for the Christmas season. They make it special and unique. I will have to savor and enjoy all of these wonderful smells for the next month. Just as I need to enjoy this wonderful holiday season.
25 Christmas to do's in 25 days. Amongst the list are making a gingerbread house, driving to see the Christmas lights, attending the parade of lights in the harbor, baking, baking, and more baking, maing holiday crafts, and so much more. I can't wait till tomorrow, December 1st to start the fun. I love this time of year.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Black Friday
Today was the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. Millions (OK a lot) of people wake up super early,or even camp out the night before to be present when the doors open wide to their favorite retail establishment on the best shopping day of the year.
Our family woke up early, as usual, and laid around the house and watched movies. We had waffles and sausage for breakfast with the fun whip cream from the can, and leisurely put away Thanksgiving decorations. We pulled out the Christmas boxes and played Christmas music loudly through the house while the kids found places for things, and then I moved the delicate ones higher out of reach. We took naps, and around lunchtime decided to get dressed and ventue out.
Our first stop was the garage to grab the newly laundered car seat covers and grab the vacuum to tidy up the van. It was in desperate need of some TLC. After the van was ready for departure we gathered kids and made sure everyone had shoes, and off we went on our journey.
Our first stop was for mommy's Black Friday deals at CVS..
I got a retro popcorn popper, four lipgloss, two headphones, two toothpastes, three gatorades, two energy drinks, and three reeses pieces. It should have cost over $80.00 retail, but I used ecbs's and coupons and spent $8 and received $70 in ecbs for future purchases. YAY ME!!
2nd stop was lunch at Chick-Fil-A num, num, and then a quick run into Target to exchange some Santa plates for snowmen plates (Daniel wanted them all to match, he wasn't to hip that I got two different designs) and they were on sale, so I got the reduced price, and even grabbed some cute cups for the kids. Best part was didn't have to wait in line, since no one was returning anything.
3rd stop was Radio Shack to grab some parts for the boys, and then to Costco to grab a few staples: milk, bread, eggs.
That was it, no big ticket items, no super fantastic deals. We figured if it wasn't on our list that we didn't even need to look. Christmas shopping for the kids was finished the day before Thanksgiving.
So now to finish lots of homemade gifts..
Start baking goodies...
Buy our chirstmas tree and decorate..
and get the lights on the house..
Friday, November 28, 2008
Christmas Druthers
Christmas Druthers
I got this from a few different people, so I thought I'd join in because I love the Christmas season! Play along if you want to!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love to wrap gifts, it is one of my favorite Christmas past times. I love the paper being just right, matching a big beautiful bow. That was always my job growing up, wrapping..
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real!! We always had a fake tree growing up that was perfect. I love imperfect, messy and super fragrant.
3. When do you put up the tree? As quickly after Thanksgiving as I can
4. When do you take the tree down? We try to get it down before New Years.
5. Do you like eggnog? Not a huge fan, but Dave likes it, so I always indulge him with some.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? not sure
7. Hardest person to buy for? Parents
8. Easiest person to buy for? The kids. They never run out of endless ideas.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a few of them in fact. But I really want the Willow set.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Since the kids we always do one with a picture, I figure this at least updates everyone on how big the kids are getting.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? not sure
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? We have lots at our house...Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, The Grinch, A Christmas Story, and The Polar Express.
13.When do you start shopping for Christmas? As soon as fall hits. My goal is to be done by Thanksgiving, and I am except for one present..
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? hmmmmm..., I don't think so.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas goodies, cookies, fudge, toffee..
16. Lights on the tree? Lots and lots of white lights!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Too many to just pick one!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I like staying home with my own family, we usually go to my parents for Christmas Eve and then visit Dave's parents before or after Christmas.
19.Can you name Santa's reindeer? You betcha....but I'm not going to type them all.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Presents from my parents Christmas Evem, and everything else at our house Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People so grumpy. They completely miss the reason for the season. It's not about shopping people..
23. Favorite theme or color? RED
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Our first after getting married. We got home the day after our honeymoon and opened all our wedding presents, and we're officially Mr & Mrs.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I have no idea!! I'm content just being with my family and enjoying this Christmas season and the true reason of it all, the Savior!!
I got this from a few different people, so I thought I'd join in because I love the Christmas season! Play along if you want to!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love to wrap gifts, it is one of my favorite Christmas past times. I love the paper being just right, matching a big beautiful bow. That was always my job growing up, wrapping..
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real!! We always had a fake tree growing up that was perfect. I love imperfect, messy and super fragrant.
3. When do you put up the tree? As quickly after Thanksgiving as I can
4. When do you take the tree down? We try to get it down before New Years.
5. Do you like eggnog? Not a huge fan, but Dave likes it, so I always indulge him with some.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? not sure
7. Hardest person to buy for? Parents
8. Easiest person to buy for? The kids. They never run out of endless ideas.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a few of them in fact. But I really want the Willow set.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Since the kids we always do one with a picture, I figure this at least updates everyone on how big the kids are getting.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? not sure
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? We have lots at our house...Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, The Grinch, A Christmas Story, and The Polar Express.
13.When do you start shopping for Christmas? As soon as fall hits. My goal is to be done by Thanksgiving, and I am except for one present..
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? hmmmmm..., I don't think so.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas goodies, cookies, fudge, toffee..
16. Lights on the tree? Lots and lots of white lights!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Too many to just pick one!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I like staying home with my own family, we usually go to my parents for Christmas Eve and then visit Dave's parents before or after Christmas.
19.Can you name Santa's reindeer? You betcha....but I'm not going to type them all.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Presents from my parents Christmas Evem, and everything else at our house Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People so grumpy. They completely miss the reason for the season. It's not about shopping people..
23. Favorite theme or color? RED
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Our first after getting married. We got home the day after our honeymoon and opened all our wedding presents, and we're officially Mr & Mrs.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I have no idea!! I'm content just being with my family and enjoying this Christmas season and the true reason of it all, the Savior!!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. May you eat so much that your tummy is full that you must retire to the couch and watch lots of football, and fall asleep content and happy.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Pumpkin Muffins
One of my favorite things about this season is baking. Everything from cookies and bars, to muffins, rolls and delicious desserts. With turkey day only a few days away, I wanted to fill the home with the nummy smells of pumpkin spices. Below is a fantastic recipe for Pumpkin Muffins, and homemade Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe can also be made in a jelly roll pan, and then you would have fabulous Pumpkin Bars. Either way my kids gobble these up straight from the oven. The recipe made about 30 muffins, and after cooling for a few, we are down to half. Enjoy!!
Pumpkin Muffins
Mix together and beat until fluffy:
4 eggs
1 2/3 cup sugar
1 cup oil
1 15oz. can of pumpkin
Then add in:
2 cup flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp clove
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
Pour into muffin cups, or jelly roll pan, and bake at 350 for 25 min.
Cream Cheese Frosting
3 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Beat well until really whipped.
Enjoy!!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Our newest addition
We have a new addition to our family, well for the next week or so anyway. Josh was able to bring home the class pet, Natasha. She is a tortoise and will be visiting our family through the next week of Thanksgiving break, and will return back to class the following Monday.
The kids are already excited to feed her, and to just watch every little thing she does. She's also a super healty gal, and only feasts on fruits and vegetables. Maybe I can get the kids to try some new ones..
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I am grateful for amazing people..
I am grateful for amazing people. This is the time of year when we express grattitude for things we have, and sometimes don't have (yet). We show our love for one another and we are humbled by the generosity of strangers.
I have an amazing story to share with you, about amazing people..
For many months I have frequented the blogs of both NIE NIE and C JANE ENJOY IT. I have followed the amazing story of generosity and complete love of a family. It reminds of the truest love, the Savior's love. In the face of tragedy they found love, love they already had for one another, and their story is anything but a tragedy.
You can read the complete story here, written by a reporter that so eloquently gets to the heart of it all. Get your kleenex ready!!
There is a follow-up story that came out today, that updates their progress..
This morning we had a bit if a breakdown. This morning it was over breakfast, and I wasn't the one having it.
Every morning I wake, Dave rousts the kids from bed, and I busily prepare breakfast, and pack lunches. It is my routine. If I was more prepared, I might have the boys pack their own lunches the night before, but again if I was more prepared.
I also don't have the variety of kid that likes cereal. I scored big this summer on over 30 boxes of name brand cereal, even sugary kid ones, for less than 50 cents a box, and I still have over half of it. They like to snack on cereal, but they like mom to make breakfast. Which means eggs, pancakes, and other cooking involved. Waffles and french toast are not options, they are weekend breakfasts, because honestly they take too much time and prep work.
So this morning I asked a simple question, "eggs or pancakes?" Josh replied "Eggs" and as I started preparing the eggs, Daniel mutters "toast". "OK not an option, and I already started on the eggs", I muttered. I think this was taken as some sort of personal attack on Daniel, because I was making Josh's choice instead of his. We were also out of toast. I had used the last few pieces for lunches and we were fresh out. I made eggs and as I was about to give Daniel his I was met with tears. "You're mean" that is what he said. I am mean for making my children breakfast every morning (Can you tell I'm venting a bit too) and for not meeting his requests this morning. He settled for an english muffin, and the tears were gone before he left for school. Maybe he just didn't get enough sleep, or it was just an off morning, or maybe it's something all together different.
Now just to be fair, tomorrow, this will be Josh that I am somehow being unfair to, and not perfectly pleasing with his breakfast choice. Despite all this I enjoy feeding my boys (Dave included) breakfast each morning, and knowing that I started their day off on the right foot. Today was a left foot day for some people, but tomorrow we'll get it right. Now to enjoy a perfectly perfect breakfast for myself, by myself while the little ones still sleep (a rare occasion indeed)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Is it Wednesday already..
Is it Wednesday already? It seems that the weeks are flying by. A little over a week and the house will smell of turkey and we'll be parked on the couch watching football. The kids will be running outside in the bright sunshine, and we'll have assembled snacks and crafts that somewhat resemble turkeys.
I love this season, Thanksgiving prepares us for Christmas. It reminds us of family, friends and food and things we are truly thankful for. We thinking of grattitude and we are humbled by all that we have. Then we have a chance to act on that grattitude and give something special to those that mean the most to us. If money wasn't an object at all, what would you give?? What would make those that are near and dear to your heart the most happiest, and think of you often when they looked at their most special perfect gift ever??
I love this season, Thanksgiving prepares us for Christmas. It reminds us of family, friends and food and things we are truly thankful for. We thinking of grattitude and we are humbled by all that we have. Then we have a chance to act on that grattitude and give something special to those that mean the most to us. If money wasn't an object at all, what would you give?? What would make those that are near and dear to your heart the most happiest, and think of you often when they looked at their most special perfect gift ever??
Saturday, November 15, 2008
As of today, I have Christmas presents bought for each of the kids. I am working on homemade presents and of course still need to get lots of little things, but I'm well on my way. My goal is done for the most part by Thanksgiving.This year we are staying home for Christmas and will do our holiday travel the day after Christmas. I am looking forward to baking, crafts and special Christmas-time activities. I just got the schedule for the Boat Parade of Lights around the Harbor, and Boat Rides & Breakfast with Santa.
I want to do lots of fun special family activities this year. So in preparation I am making my list early. What are some of your family Christmas-time traditions??
To Do To Do
As I woke up this morning, I could hear the house calling to me, "Clean Me, Clean Me". I have let things slide for awhile, and now on the this bright Saturday morning they are clearly visible, and can't hide anymore. I have loads of laundry do, the bathrooms, the kitchen, the front room, and if I have time the car desperately needs to be cleaned out. I am on my own, since Dave is doing some network cut-overs at work, and as long as the kids just play, I "should" be able to get lots done. I am eager though, eager to clean maybe not, but eager to get things back to some sort of order yYES. Wish me luck..
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Day Off
After all the craziness of the last few weeks, I gave myself the day off today. Yes, I still have orders to do, but they are smaller, and thanks in part to the owner of the website being overwhelmed as well, I don't have any new orders to keep up with. So my list is dwindling.
It was so refreshing to wake up and not think of the million things I "should" be doing. If I got to them great, but their was no "to do" list that I should be checking. I had a quieter morning, and slowly got ready for a friends' birthday lunch. We all met at another friend's house, and gabbed and ate nummy food and snacks while children ran around us playing. We told silly stories about our younger days, "OK we're not that old", and we laughed until we cried. I finished up the rest of the afternoon/evening with the kids doing homework and getting them ready and into bed.
As I reflect on today, I must say I feel lighter, more carefree. I know there are probably a million things that need being done around here, but they don't seem to mind waiting. The weekend is ahead and many things will be accomplished I am sure, but for know I am completely content finishing up the rest of my "day off" doing practically nothing.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
UPDATE
I have emerged from my sign making cave with bleary eyes, a messy home, a mound of dirty laundry and an empty fridge. I do however have an extra $1400 dollars in my pocket, so that should ease my burdens a bit.
The last two weeks have been fun, festive, hectic, and crazy in true Christensen style.
The last two weeks have been fun, festive, hectic, and crazy in true Christensen style.
Warning: This is the longest post eva......
Last Saturday - Trunk 'r Treat
The kids donned their Halloween costumes and we headed to the church for the activities. After a parade of costumes the kids got down to business. Caleb was especially wide eyed, after realizing that a simple catch phraze "twick o tweat" would produce such amazing results, and a full bucket of candy. Each car he went to he uttered the same phraze and yet these crazy people kept giving him candy. I must also mention that he was incredibly polite and thanked each person. Wow, we must have taught him something. Daniel and Josh also brought in a big haul, and Natalie was perfectly content with one lollipop.
Last Saturday - Trunk 'r Treat
The kids donned their Halloween costumes and we headed to the church for the activities. After a parade of costumes the kids got down to business. Caleb was especially wide eyed, after realizing that a simple catch phraze "twick o tweat" would produce such amazing results, and a full bucket of candy. Each car he went to he uttered the same phraze and yet these crazy people kept giving him candy. I must also mention that he was incredibly polite and thanked each person. Wow, we must have taught him something. Daniel and Josh also brought in a big haul, and Natalie was perfectly content with one lollipop.
Last Monday - Pumpkin Patch
A very important part of Halloween is to find the perfect pumpkin. So we made our way to a pumpkin patch near us that not only had a wide selection of big orange pumpkins, but also livestock, games, and a bounce house. Can you get anything more perfect? I splurged and purchased tickets, and the boys were allowed two rides each. All three found their way to the bounce house, and Natalie and I checked out geese, ducks, and piggies in the meantime. Caleb finished up his second choice with a ride on a battery powered John Deere, and Josh and Daniel played different midway games to earn prizes.
Last Wednesday - Pumpkin Carving
After we had six perfect pumpkins (they were anything but perfect) we know had to viciously attack them with sharp objects in order to turn them into the perfect jack o' lanterns. Dave pulled out the dremel tool, and the boys started tracing on the pumpkins. Natalie helped spread the pumpkin guts all over the table, and may have even tried a bit. We ended up with a spiderman pumpkin, a barfing pumpkin, two lopsided pumpkins that now had stems for noses, and even two little ones to round out the bunch.
Last Thursday - Disneyland
We have had the conversation for quite some time on whether to purchase Annual Passports. Dave works really hard, and hardly ever takes time off. We also needed a big splurge that the kids and us could enjoy more than once. I had extra money coming in from sign work, and this was the perfect answer to "What do we get the kids for Christmas, that aren't toys?" , (although it may be hard to remind the kids come Christmas that this is their big gift. Thank goodness for Santa.)
After I finished up parent conferences at the school early Thursday morning for both boys (no school for the kids on Thursday or Friday), we packed up our snacks and drinks and got in the car. After a short 25 minute ride we had arrived at the "Happiest Place on Earth". We entered with our pre-printed tickets and got our pictures taken for our passports. It was official, we can come back again, and again!!
We started at California Adventure, and then made our way over to Disneyland. The lines were short, and the kids rode tons of rides. Thanks to Caleb's height he was able to go on Star Tours, Space Mountain, and Matterhorn, even if his eyes were closed the entire time. Natalie was so cute walking around and grinning from ear to ear at all the sights, sounds and colors. The park was decorated for Halloween, and their were pumpkins everywhere. It was such a fun day.
Last Friday - HALLOWEEN
We had a mellow morning, and slept off our Disneyland late night. Grandma and Grandpa Pescar came up that evening to see the kids in their costumes and help us pass out candy to the few trick o' treaters we had. Daniel was Master Chief from HALO, Josh was the Black Spider-Man (not to be confused with the evil Venom), Caleb was Spider-Man, and Natalie was Pooh Bear dressed as a Honeybee. All three boys have worn this costume although she was the first old enough to walk in it. The kids having been spoiled from the easy Trunk 'r Treat were already "tired" after just a few houses. We made the evening short and quick, and returned to check out our goodies, and enjoy a few treats from Grandma and Grandpa as well.
Monday - The fun begins!!
After putting away the Halloween decorations, and pulling out Thanksgiving it was time for mommy to get to work on her signs. I had an order to complete for a Super Saturday on the 8th for a ward in Corona. I wasn't too stressed, my deadline for shipping was Wednesday via Priority Mail, and if things got too crazy I could always make the hour drive to hand deliver them. Well crazy it got..
Tuesday - Crazy Starts..
By Tuesday afternoon I had most of the signs cut for my order and was planning to start weeding (pulling off the extra vinyl) that evening after the kiddies went to bed. Dave had school and I would have a quiet house. I had shared a few e-mails from another customer who's Super Saturday was on the 15th, wanting to know if order had shipped yet. I thought she was being super prepared wanting them an entire tweek and half before the event. Well Tuesday evening I finally e-mailed her, and in BOLD print JUST WANTED TO CONFIRM THAT YOUR EVENT IS NEXT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH. Unfortunately I received an e-mail that I was incorrect, and their original date was the 15th, but it had changed to the 8th. Somehow that date of the 15th had stuck in my head, and sure enough as I went back through the e-mails it clearly stated that their date was the 8th. The even bigger problem was that she was in Texas, and I hadn't even started. I stopped work on the other order and got busy. I worked till about 1am before heading to bed, and worked feverishly the entire next morning.
Wednesday - Visit with Amy & Doug
About noon I realized that no matter how hard I worked, the order wasn't going out today. We had made plans to meet up with Amy & Doug at Disneyland, (since we now have passes and can do that kind of thing.)
The original plan was to pick up Daniel from school after 2, then pick up Dave from work and meet up with them. This was before my big OOPS. I was hoping to get the order finsihed, but with kids needing my attention throughout the day, it was nearly impossible to cut and weed over 100 signs in less than 8 hours. I threw up my hands and took a much needed break. I would eat the cost of overnight shipping, and enjoy the afternoon at Disneyland with family.
We met up with Amy & Doug and kids in FantasyLand. We leisurely walked around the park and enjoyed rides that we had been on a zillion times before, and ones we had never tried before like "Finding Nemo". It took us back to when we were kids riding the big yellow submarines, that had now been retro fitted with new technology and kid friendly visuals like Nemo & Dory.
Josh and Tom held hands as we strolled through the park, and shared stories and observations of the rides as only little boys and "cool cousins" can do. As the sky darkened and Little Miss fell asleep in the stroller we fit in a few more rides, and then it was time to go. We finished off the evening with a California favorite "In n' Out" and then back home to crash.
Thursday - I Did It!!
After a fun day of play I got back to work, and finished my Texas order by lunchtime. I printed out my FedEx label and dropped it off. DONE. Now I just needed to finish my other order and drive it to Corona. I worked all that evening, and into the next day.
Friday - I'm exhausted..
My original plan was to finish it on Friday, then drive it over after Daniel got home from school, and be back in time to enjoy a date night with my honey. My new catch praze has changed, it's now "There's been a slight change in plans..".
When you're in a rush nothing seems to go according to plan. Caleb was tearing the house apart, Natalie was tired and wanting mommy's undivided attention, and I was grumpy, tired and so ready be done with this all. Tired of fighting it all, I kept taking breaks. I am a mommy first, and that is how it should be.
Caleb finally stopped his tirade on the house and took a nap, and Natalie now content with her over indulgence of attention was happily playing on her own. I had called the babysitter and had postponed our date night to Saturday, and the new plan was that Dave would come home and the entire fam would drive to Corona. The order got done later than planned, and after a call from work that needed Dave's attention we left around 9pm. We dropped off the order, and she was extremely appreciative. She was still up with her family having movie night, so I was grateful that she didn't mind the later hour. We arrived home with four sleeping kids and ready to climb into bed. It was after all 11:30pm.
Saturday - Really, you've got to be kidding..
Saturday morning as Dave got ready to head to class at the extremely early hour of 6:30am, he felt the need to wake me up. My Corona lady had called twice already and it was even 7am yet. As I spoke on the phone and tried to hide my early morning raspy voice she informed me that half the order was missing. That can't be. I ran out to the car, and then looked on the dining room table only to see the missing half she was inquiring about sitting there. Really, you've got to be kidding me. I laughed as I hung up the phone and promised to drive it to her before their craft day started at 10am. Dave thought I was crazy laughing about it. But honestly what more could I do. I coralled the kids into the car, and off we went on another adventure.
The orders have been delivered and or received. I am done, for this week anyway. I look forward to a date tonight with my honey, and the big 'ol steak that I will treat myself to after all this hard work.
We did enjoy two great days and more to come at Disneyland with this money, and it has definitley been an experience. I'll answer the e-mails later, and hopefully there won't be anymore suprises like this next week, but who knows maybe I'll be saying:
"There's been a slight change in plans.."
Saturday - Really, you've got to be kidding..
Saturday morning as Dave got ready to head to class at the extremely early hour of 6:30am, he felt the need to wake me up. My Corona lady had called twice already and it was even 7am yet. As I spoke on the phone and tried to hide my early morning raspy voice she informed me that half the order was missing. That can't be. I ran out to the car, and then looked on the dining room table only to see the missing half she was inquiring about sitting there. Really, you've got to be kidding me. I laughed as I hung up the phone and promised to drive it to her before their craft day started at 10am. Dave thought I was crazy laughing about it. But honestly what more could I do. I coralled the kids into the car, and off we went on another adventure.
The orders have been delivered and or received. I am done, for this week anyway. I look forward to a date tonight with my honey, and the big 'ol steak that I will treat myself to after all this hard work.
We did enjoy two great days and more to come at Disneyland with this money, and it has definitley been an experience. I'll answer the e-mails later, and hopefully there won't be anymore suprises like this next week, but who knows maybe I'll be saying:
"There's been a slight change in plans.."
Monday, November 3, 2008
Trunk or Treat, Trick o' Treating and Halloween..
I have tons of pics to post, and lots of fun details to share.
Last week was a crazy fun week, and this week looks to be even crazier with election calls to make, helping at the polling place, playing with Amy & Doug on their visit to Cali, and finishing a huge $800 order by Thursday.
I promise to post more soon..
Last week was a crazy fun week, and this week looks to be even crazier with election calls to make, helping at the polling place, playing with Amy & Doug on their visit to Cali, and finishing a huge $800 order by Thursday.
I promise to post more soon..
Friday, October 24, 2008
I Believe..
I didn't write this, but I love and believe every word..
I Believe
I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words.It may be the last time you see them.
I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.Some times you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I believe- The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
I Believe
I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words.It may be the last time you see them.
I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.Some times you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I believe- The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Six Consequences if Prop 8 Fails..
In the State of California, domestic partners already have all the same rights as married couples including insurance (domestic clause) and hospital visits. This does NOT change under Proposition 8.
Six Consequences If Proposition 8 Fails
1 . Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay.
The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890)
Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. They will have to be taught that same sex marriage is as good as traditional marriage. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.
In Massachusetts a parent did NOT want their 5 year old to be taught about homosexual marriage and the courts ruled they have NO rights to OPT OUT and they arrested the parent. (Parker case – U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf)
2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries. In New Jersey the sued a Methodist church for not allowing homosexual marriages. The church claimed it was private property and the judge ruled against the church and they LOST their tax exemption status. (Bernstein & Paster vs. Ocean Grove Methodist Church)
3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.
4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.
5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada, one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.
6. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.
And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?
It’s your children, your grandchildren, your money, and your liberties.
Vote YES on Proposition 8.
Six Consequences If Proposition 8 Fails
1 . Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay.
The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890)
Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. They will have to be taught that same sex marriage is as good as traditional marriage. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.
In Massachusetts a parent did NOT want their 5 year old to be taught about homosexual marriage and the courts ruled they have NO rights to OPT OUT and they arrested the parent. (Parker case – U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf)
2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries. In New Jersey the sued a Methodist church for not allowing homosexual marriages. The church claimed it was private property and the judge ruled against the church and they LOST their tax exemption status. (Bernstein & Paster vs. Ocean Grove Methodist Church)
3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.
4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.
5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada, one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.
6. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.
And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?
It’s your children, your grandchildren, your money, and your liberties.
Vote YES on Proposition 8.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My own little Jack O' Lantern
I now have my own merry little Jack O' Lantern. Well we are still working on the merry part...
In February of this year the boys were playing outside. They were playing as boys do, rough. Well Caleb has always been the most daring, and during one of his feats he biffed it. In the process he also chipped a tooth out. We took him to the dentist, and she was not too concerned. It was more a "watch and wait". Due to the fact that this tooth was now dead, it affected the nearby teeth, and caused them to weaken and decay. In a few short months he was left with two front jagged and graying teeth, and had one other that was barely there. The prognosis was that they needed to be pulled. All four of them, or what was left.
Yesterday we went to the pediatric dentist to get the deed done. There was earlier concern that we would need IV sedation to put him completely under, but this dentist had been specially trained and she was sure she could do it with a light oral sedation to make him groggy and some nitrous oxide. We arrived bright and early with daddy in tow, since he is Caleb's "friend", and started him on the oral medication. He started getting groggy and a little loopy so we started in. Daddy sat right next to him and held his hand the entire time, while mommy looked on. They gave him a topical to numb the area, and then several shots. He did amazing. They also filled a cavity, which he actually laughed while they did, and then came the big stuff..the extraction of four front teeth. There was much pulling and tugging, but she had all four out in less than 2 minutes, as promised.
Caleb is recovering well, and this morning seems to be doing just fine. We did have a few break-downs yesterday, but he hasn't complained of pain at all. He really is such a trooper, and such a good little patient.
There is no concern with eating, since has practically been without them since spring. He can eat an entire apple, just using his side and back teeth, and the best news is that is adult teeth are perfectly fine, and will come in in a few years as planned.
Now we have our own little Jack o' Lantern just in time for Halloween.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Cold mornings..BRRR
The weather has changed and fall is here. The only evidence in southern Cali though seems to be the cool mornings, and even cooler evenings. The kids wake up and make their way downstairs only to bundle up in warm cozy blankets on the couch. We spend the morning thinking of cozy socks, and they want to know where their favorite jackets have made their way too. But by 10am we are reminded that we do indeed live in SoCal, and the 70 degree weather makes us wonder why we thought we could get away with wearing those jeans, or warm sweater. The kids come home from school their faces flushed and sweatshirts tied around their waists. I know full well that they were ripped off by first recess and their use was no longer to keep them warm but to be stashed in their backpack or to keep their bottoms warm.
The key though to this "fall" weather is layers. You can't make any sort of commitment and wear a long sleeve shirt. You will pay for it later in the day when the weather warms up. You must wear a short sleeve shirt with a jacket. Same goes for shoes. It may seem too cold to wear those flip flops or flats, but if you dare put socks on you'll be hatin' on those sweaty feet by lunchtime. Unfortunately for the boys socks are a must at school, but they are ripped from sweaty little feet and I find them rolled in balls all over the floor before the clock chimes even three o'clock.
The only problem that I find is when we start to pack our bags for our annual mecca trip to Utah around Christmas time. What will the kids wear, what will I wear. We are use to layering, and the warmest article of clothing we own are light sweatshirts. However it has finally dawned on me that this is perfectly fine. Since there are two seasons to Utah winters as well. First, there is the snowy cold outside, which we will attack with snow suits that we purchase super cheap off ebay. Secondly, there is the warm heater always on inside grandma and grandpa's house. Surely we can get away with our layered look in there.
So as we prepare for our California "fall" and "winter" we'll have lots of cozy blankets ready to use by the couch for those chilly mornings, and even chillier evenings. We'll have our light sweatshirts hanging by the door, and we'll have Otter Pops in the freezer to cool us down after our warmer afternoons.
The key though to this "fall" weather is layers. You can't make any sort of commitment and wear a long sleeve shirt. You will pay for it later in the day when the weather warms up. You must wear a short sleeve shirt with a jacket. Same goes for shoes. It may seem too cold to wear those flip flops or flats, but if you dare put socks on you'll be hatin' on those sweaty feet by lunchtime. Unfortunately for the boys socks are a must at school, but they are ripped from sweaty little feet and I find them rolled in balls all over the floor before the clock chimes even three o'clock.
The only problem that I find is when we start to pack our bags for our annual mecca trip to Utah around Christmas time. What will the kids wear, what will I wear. We are use to layering, and the warmest article of clothing we own are light sweatshirts. However it has finally dawned on me that this is perfectly fine. Since there are two seasons to Utah winters as well. First, there is the snowy cold outside, which we will attack with snow suits that we purchase super cheap off ebay. Secondly, there is the warm heater always on inside grandma and grandpa's house. Surely we can get away with our layered look in there.
So as we prepare for our California "fall" and "winter" we'll have lots of cozy blankets ready to use by the couch for those chilly mornings, and even chillier evenings. We'll have our light sweatshirts hanging by the door, and we'll have Otter Pops in the freezer to cool us down after our warmer afternoons.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Picture Tag
I am supposed to post the 22nd picture from my 9th folder. This was a little hard because when it comes to pictures I am super organized by year, then month, and then individual folders, so this is from this year 2008, 9th folder (September) and the winner is........
My brown boy after a summer at the beach..Daniel
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Dave visits the mother-land
or, is it the "mother-ship". Yesterday he hopped on a plane and flew back to Redmond, WA for Microsoft's Blue Hat Security Conference. Click HERE if you're dying to know more. He will be gone till Saturday morning, when the kids and I will eagerly await his return. In the meantime I'm flying solo.
I find that the evenings are quieter and even though we have become accustomed to not seeing him two nights a week (due to school) I find that the kids are different when daddy won't be tucking them in. Crazier, yes. Messier, yes. Melancholy, yes. Daddy is just super cool. They save their special stories just for him. Yes, I usually get tid bits of the really juicy stuff. But when they tell him the story, it is so much more colorful and vibrant. They are so excited that sometimes their words get all smashed together in their exubernace to share then is almost incoherent. I know of two such stories that they are saving until his return. And their biggest fear is forgetting all the details.
I of course will have many stories to share as well, and just to give you a few juicy tid bits they include, "the entire bottle of bath bubbles", "yes, she climbed the entire thing by herself", and "mommy your my other friend"
Monday, October 13, 2008
Special Delivery
You would think in our house that we have enough excitement and goings on, however something sparks a certain energy when their is a knock at the door or the doorbell rings. It must be someone special, or even better something for someone special.
This past week I have had multiple deliveries for sign making supplies. The kids are still super excited to open the door and then open the boxes, however their excitement dampens when they realize it's not for them, again.
That all changed, when the package was addressed not to me, but rather "Christensen Kids". They tore open the box and found tissue paper wrapped packages with each of their names on one. Thank You Grandma Cindy, we love them..
This past week I have had multiple deliveries for sign making supplies. The kids are still super excited to open the door and then open the boxes, however their excitement dampens when they realize it's not for them, again.
That all changed, when the package was addressed not to me, but rather "Christensen Kids". They tore open the box and found tissue paper wrapped packages with each of their names on one. Thank You Grandma Cindy, we love them..
CRAZY signmaking lady..
I haven't dabbled into signmaking in quite sometime. I sort of hung up my hat around Spring, and decided to enjoy the lovely weather and carefree-ness of summer without any deadlines to meet. However fall has arrived, and with it church activities and Super Saturdays filled with homemade crafts.
Our own ward at church decided to do a Super Saturday, which they haven't done in years. Usually these consist of about a dozen crafts, that women sign up for in advance, and then come on Saturday for a no holds barred day of craftiness. This year we had homemade Hot Fudge, which was super taaty, and about seven other crafts. I had wanted to make Magnetic Boards, and was eager to figure out hoe to make and teach these. They also had mentioned they might want to do some tiles that had vinyl lettering. No biggie I can surely handle doing a few tiles for that day in addition to the magnetic boards.
Well, we had nine crafts, I had my hand in seven of them. Somehow the vinyl tiles turned into two different designs, and then Family Home Evening Boards with vinyl lettering, Christmas Ornaments with Vinyl Lettering, and then etching Pyrex dishes, with Vinyl stencils.
This might not have been so bad if I hadn't taken on an additional Super Saturday for another ward, and if the entire family including myself hadn't come down with the stomach flu the week before.
The good news is that all was accomplished and everything went off without a hitch. I have much sleep to make up for, and much laundry to catch up on, but I am $1100 richer between the two SS, and hopefully I will find the time to buy my self something fun.
Signmaking is back in full swing, and I have taken on three more Super Saturdays for the month of November, one local, one in Arizona and one in Texas. I am also doing contractor work for a vinyl lettering company started by two friends. Their website is:
http://www.adheringthoughts.com/
I now have access to lots of fun nativity block stencils, and other designs, so it's a win win situation, plus I'm getting paid..Woo Hoo.
If any of you are interested in doing projects for Christmas presents, feel free to contact me. I'd love to do more..
Our own ward at church decided to do a Super Saturday, which they haven't done in years. Usually these consist of about a dozen crafts, that women sign up for in advance, and then come on Saturday for a no holds barred day of craftiness. This year we had homemade Hot Fudge, which was super taaty, and about seven other crafts. I had wanted to make Magnetic Boards, and was eager to figure out hoe to make and teach these. They also had mentioned they might want to do some tiles that had vinyl lettering. No biggie I can surely handle doing a few tiles for that day in addition to the magnetic boards.
Well, we had nine crafts, I had my hand in seven of them. Somehow the vinyl tiles turned into two different designs, and then Family Home Evening Boards with vinyl lettering, Christmas Ornaments with Vinyl Lettering, and then etching Pyrex dishes, with Vinyl stencils.
This might not have been so bad if I hadn't taken on an additional Super Saturday for another ward, and if the entire family including myself hadn't come down with the stomach flu the week before.
The good news is that all was accomplished and everything went off without a hitch. I have much sleep to make up for, and much laundry to catch up on, but I am $1100 richer between the two SS, and hopefully I will find the time to buy my self something fun.
Signmaking is back in full swing, and I have taken on three more Super Saturdays for the month of November, one local, one in Arizona and one in Texas. I am also doing contractor work for a vinyl lettering company started by two friends. Their website is:
http://www.adheringthoughts.com/
I now have access to lots of fun nativity block stencils, and other designs, so it's a win win situation, plus I'm getting paid..Woo Hoo.
If any of you are interested in doing projects for Christmas presents, feel free to contact me. I'd love to do more..
Monday, July 14, 2008
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