Happy Halloween!

 

My kids LOVE Halloween. I have the morbid kids that like to play with all of the Halloween stuff at the store. And push the button to the bloody bride, who takes her head off as she says, "Til Death do us part." Or the scary monster who removes his face to show just a skeleton with creepy eyes. All of the other kids run and scream. Oh no, not mine. They laugh and laugh. They think it's great. I even bough Halloween decorations for Noah's bedroom. They are pirates, but they are skeletons! Halloween just doesn't scare them. I don't know why. It's weird. But they are very excited that today is Halloween.

I was putting Noah to bed last night, reading him a story, and singing a song. When he was saying his prayer, he said, "bless that tomorrow is Halloween." It was funny. Then he told me he couldn't sleep because he was excited. That boy. And then as soon as he woke up this morning, I heard him running full speed into our room yelling, "It's HALLOWEEN!" Of course, waking Macie up, but she didn't care. She sat right up, "Halloween?" Oh man, they're excited. They couldn't eat their breakfast fast enough so they could put on their Halloween shirts. I love my kids, they are the greatest ever!

We're going to the ward trunk or treat tonight. It should be fun. Those things are perfect for those little kids with the little legs. They don't have to walk far, and it's a heck of a lot safer than door to door these days! We may do a little door to door around our neighborhood, it seems pretty safe. We'll see! I'll post more of the festivites later, costumes and all. Macie has decided that she no longer wants to be Belle. In fact, she REFUSES to put the costume on. She wants to be a witch. Noah has told me that his costume, Buzz Lightyear, isn't scary enough. Oh well...it's what you got, bud! Enjoy the fun. And have a safe and Happy Halloween!

 

 

Photo tagged.

Andrea tagged me. And this one was a heck of a lot easier than the last! The tag was for me to pick the fifth picture from the fifth folder and blog about it.


Noah was so little once. Can you believe it? This was taken in November 2005. He was a year old and making his mother proud by "looking" through the IKEA catalog. He knows what's up! Of course, he has the binky in place, with another one on the floor short distance from him, just in case! This picture reminds me how much I hated that carpet in our apartment in Rexburg. Don't buy that carpet. I need to look through pictures more often. Noah was so little. He's gotten so big these days that it's hard to even remember what he was like when he was one!

I tag anyone who wants to do it! I don't have many people on my blog list...and a lot of you have already done it. So if you haven't done it, DO IT!

The Pumpkin King

Yay...I bought a new memory card for my camera, and it works now. I still don't have the other pictures from the other memory card...but I'm content for now! We can take pictures again!

We carved pumpkins on Monday for Family Home Evening...as I'm sure many of you did! It seems to be a popular activity this week! The kids love The Nightmare Before Christmas. Yes, I know...people think I'm a terrible mother for letting them watch that. People always look at me in shock when the kids start singing, "This is Halloween, this is Halloween." Or "I'm Jack, the Pumpkin King." But they aren't scared, they love it! They are Tim Burton lovers like their Aunt E.! We love Halloween in our house. But, Noah picked out Jack Skellington for his pumpkin. I carved his, and Adam got to carve Macie's. I wanted to do a Belle one for Macie, but she insisted on Mickey with a bow. Not Minnie. She won't call her Minnie, it's Mickey with a bow. So, after a long carving session, we finally finished them. Adam was going to put "Yes on 8" on the back, but it just took so dang long to do the front, we'll see if he gets to the back! The pumpkins turned out pretty cute. They both love their pumpkin. And Macie is always singing, "Pumpkin King" when she sees the Jack one. They are funny kids.

Camera woes.

I am hating my camera right now. I am so sad. I take pictures probably every day. Just usually random pictures, but I still take them. And, we went to the beach on Friday afternoon and got some really cute pictures, and then on a hike on Saturday, and saw awesome waves and things...and then my camera decides to say "Memory card error". What?! I was so sad. I'm going to take it into a photo place and see if they can retrieve them off of the memory card, it says it's locked. I don't know what that means, but it's awful without a camera. We even carved pumpkins. And everyone else got to blog about their pumpkins...with pictures and things. But I didn't. They are cute pumpkins though. Macie picked out a Minnie Mouse one, and Noah picked Jack Skellington. So, hopefully, I can get my camera fixed, and take pictures of them! Now it's just more decided that I need a new camera. Like a cool camera that isn't a point and shoot one! But, as with everything else...they cost money. We'll see what happens! Any suggestions on really good cameras, though? We have a Canon SD400, and we love it. It's only 5 megapixels, but it still is good. But, it's 4 years old...I guess we need another one! But, if you love your camera, and it take really good pictures, let me know!

We love you, Matt.

Adam's brother Matt was planning to come and visit us this past week. We were very excited for his visit. But unfortuately, Matt suffered a TIA, a transient ischemic attack, which is a minor stroke. An MRI was done to see what actually happened. It was caused by a VAD, or vertebral artery dissection. But what actually caused it externally is unknown. He is taking blood thinner to prevent any other strokes. With the MRI results, they did find two small aneurysms in his brain. Eventually they will need to be clipped to prevent any other complications, and he has a cebrebral angiogram on Monday to determine the seriousness. This is a scary time for him and his family, as they await the doctors results and things. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Matt. When you're all well, the invitation still stands for that visit!

We are so lucky to have the gospel. Not just during times of trial, but all of the time. It wouldn't do us any good, if we just turned to the Lord when we needed him most. Prayer and Faith will get us through anything that we are faced with. The trials we are given aren't anything that we can't overcome, if we just put our trust in the Lord.

WE LOVE YOU, MATT!


{Sorry, this was the only picture I had...well, this or one with a party hat on.}

"Pee Pee?"

Don't you worry...it's not what you think! Threw you off a little huh? A little while ago, Adam was watching Pee Wee's Big Adventure with Noah. It happened to be on the HDNet Movies channel. So, they watched it. Noah kept talking about "Pee Pee". I was like what in the heck. But then, I figured out he was talking about Pee Wee. It made sense. It was on later on in the week, so I DVRed it. What would we do without DVR? Holy crap, we use it all of the time! Anyway, so, Noah watched it a few times. Well, the beginning anyway. And then all of the sudden Macie started asking about Pee Pee. Noah has started calling it Pee Wee, thankfully! It has become the favorite movie in the Christensen house. They are always asking to watch it. It's funny. I remember watching it when I was little. They don't like the Large Marge part. Who does? It's kind of scary. But Noah just laughs and laughs. He even has his own little version of the Pee Wee laugh. It's pretty funny. It is a pretty strange movie. And I really don't know why they like it, but they do. Now, we'll have to search for the Saturday Morning cartoonish version. They'd love it!!

Yay or Nay?

I can't make decisions. I'm the worst. And when it comes to sewing something, it's even worse than anything else. This will be around for a long time, I don't want it to be stupid! But, I made a blanket. I'll post more about the blanket later, but I just need your opinion if I should put the black and white polka dot ribbon around it or not. I know, I know, dumb. Adam didn't like it. But I still kind of do. What do you think? If I did it, I would put it on Noah's duvet cover as well, and add black and white polka dots to the room, like in the curtains or something! {I'm a sucker for polka dots!} Before I go crazy thinking about it, and losing sleep over something so ridiculous...tell me your honest opinions!!

I've been tagged.

So, I've avoided it for too long. I've been tagged a few times, but just didn't do it. But, it was a sign when I was tagged three times in a day. But, do you really want to know 7 weird/random things about me? I'll try it anyway and see how many of the people I tag actually do it! This is for you, Natalie!

1. Adam says it's because I'm afraid of the Boogie Man. Maybe, I am...but I have to have the closet doors or the master bath door shut before I can sleep at night. I don't know what it is. When I was little I didn't have my closet doors shut. It all started in college. I even make sure the kids closets are closed when they are in bed.

2. When I cook chicken, I wash my hands at least 5 times! I am so paranoid about chicken and hamburger too. I know we'll all get salmonella if I don't.

3. While nursing Macie, I was able to fit into size 2. That was quite the accomplishment for me! I don't remember ever being a size 2 before! Macie took all of the fat from me.

4. On the subject of nursing, I have very fatty milk. And when I say very fatty, I mean VERY fatty. Even after a year of nursing Macie, I could pump a bottle, and put it in the fridge. When it would seperate, it would seriously be about 3/4 fat. The doctor was shocked that even after a year my milk was that way, and wanted me to pump a bottle and bring it in to him because he didn't believe me. So, I did. Oh, he was a believer!

5. I love to scrapbook. I have tons of stuff to do it. But, I haven't finished a single scrapbook. Noah has like 3 pages done...and that's it. I am too much of a perfectionist when I comes to scrapbooking, that I just can't do it! It takes me like hours to do one page. It's so much work. Everything has to be an even distance. I even measure everything out with perfect space in between everything. It's a miracle that I even get my Christmas cards out. {Which by the way, I'm almost done making! I have to do it this early, or I won't get it done!}

6. I hate driving. I will not drive in the carpool lane if there is a barrier there. There has to be like a whole lane width of extra space, or I won't drive there. I'm paranoid I'll hit it. I have no depth of perception, I think. Even if the traffic is terrible and the car pool lane is going pretty well, I won't do it. I hate it.

7. I have strange dreams while pregnant. Yes, I know that most pregnant women have strange dreams. But I always dream that Adam has an affair. And I always dream that I see them being all lovey dovey and stuff. {Don't worry...that's all I see! ;-)} They do it right in front of me, and know that I'm there. It's weird. Usually it's people we know. But most recently it was Blake Lively. He gave her a huge diamond...right in front of me. Don't ask! It's the pregnancy hormones!

Well, there you have it folks...I did it. My first tag. And now I tag: Kimberlee, Adam {yes, you, my dear husband!}, Amy, Jana, Jenny, McKinzie & Rachael.

Baby Jacob

I had an ultrasound appointment today. Two weeks ago, the doctor told me that I was measuring three and a half weeks early. Today, with the ultrasound, I'm back again at the December 9th due date. Supposedly he is 4 1/2 pounds. I still have 7 weeks to go! He is going to be a huge baby if he waits until his due date! I don't know if I can handle it! Adam was 9 lbs. 11 oz. That's a big baby! I'm a little worried. Macie was 8lbs. 1 oz, and 2 weeks early. Noah was 8 lbs. 1 oz. and a week late...another 8 pounder will be fine by me! But, everything is going well. He's got a little head, which I'm okay with! The umbilical cord is pretty long, so I'll have an ultrasound every appointment until he's born so they can keep an eye on that. He moves around ALL of the time, but of course, during the ultrasound he didn't move at all! They wanted to get more pictures, but he didn't want to move! I've never had 3D ultrasound before. It was kinda cool. I definately wouldn't pay extra for it, though...it's just an ultrasound, ya know? But from the picture, he's already got some cheeks! We'll see if he's a big boy like Macie or just solid like Noah! So, I guess I'll just have to keep waiting. The third pregnancy is a lot harder! I just want him out! I know what to expect already...I just want the baby! And then having to chase around Noah and Macie all of the time, I'm just hurting all of the time and exhausted! It's all worth it though! The kids are becoming more and more independent, which is such a blessing! Macie doesn't have to have me there with her all of the time as much any more! They can actually play together. Hopefully it will last!

True Twilighter?

So, I did it. I finished the Twilight series. The last book is a killer. Pretty long. But, with my sleepless nights, I was able to finish it without any familial neglect! I know that I will probably get beaten up or something, but to be totally honest, I didn't like it. I loved the first book, Twilight. I couldn't put it down. It was well written, intriguing, and just a good book. And then the next book, New Moon, was good. But then the next two, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, kinda weren't good. Kind of cheesy.
I know, I know, the whole vampire story might seem a little cheesy to begin with, but the first book was so good. I was disappointed. I finished it last night, and then had to talk to my mom about the book. She read them and didn't like them either. She read Twilight a while ago, and didn't like it, so didn't start reading the next ones until just recently since everyone raved about them. But she said that the books after Twilight just seemed like Stephanie Meyer was writing to write something. Like they weren't as well thought out and written like the first book. And I totally agree. I know there are probably a lot of people who disagree, but I would have been just fine with the first book, and then been done. I guess I'm not a true Twilighter. I wanted to be one of you so bad...but I'm not. And I'm totally fine with it! But, I am still very excited about the movie. Only another month. And until then, I'll finish Harry Potter. Yes, yes, Adam has made fun of my reading level a hundred times. I'm the first to admit, I like the "juvenile" books, as they are labeled in Costco! It is what it is...I'm at least reading something!

Countdown to Voting (in order of importance)

Mom always told me not to talk about three things in public. Only, one to discuss with your spouse alone, another with fellow Church members, and the last only with fellow Republicans (there's irony there...). Well, the second rule can be debated because where would Missionary work be with that one, and, well, on the third rule: Republicans are looking more and more like Democrats these days anyways. Lately I've heard our Church leaders quote Harold B Lee quite a bit, so I grabbed a book of his of my bookshelf. For those Church members still questioning our efforts in Prop 8, I'd like to share this (lengthy I apologize) quote from President Lee on national morals:

"In our anxiety to fortify this land against any and all onslaughts from our enemies we must not overlook the fact that a nation's greatness is not measured by the vastness of its resources, nor by the grandeur of its empire, neither more by the extent of its population. Our strength will be determined alone by the use we make of our heritage. A nation is not an inanimate robot that moves with mechanical exactness to the performance of a given task as directed by a guiding genius. A nation is a pulsating mass of human beings who are banded together in a common cause. If the majority of these individuals choose to disregard civic virtues or Christian morality, then vice is rampant; if individual honesty, thrift, and sobriety and obedience to law are no longer enthroned as human standards and as such are not constantly taught in the church, in the school, and in the home, then that nation dwindles in unbelief." (The Teachings of Harold B Lee; page 355)

My Grandpa Frankman taught that a friend to all is not a friend to God, much the same language as James 4:4. Giving in to media attention and "evolving" with popular trends is dangerous, especially if we are being driven like a leaf in the wind in hopes another blind leaf will notice our colorful acceptable dying apearance. Politics are a personal thing is true, but so is the personal opportunity/obligation of teaching morals to our Children, and I don't like the idea of Home-School. Children are an heritage of the Lord, and in their innocent state, and before they discover intimacy, I will first teach mine the basics of life, how to get along, how to share, manners, acceptable and safe ways for enjoyment, etc. If Prop 8 fails, Public School teachers will thus, when teaching about Marriage, bring up this moral issue by being forced to uphold the law by saying same-sex marriage is normal. With little understanding, we could only see a world fall deeper and deeper into carnality.

At school, even at BYU, the debate of Nature vs. Nurture was brought up. A wise man (my Stake President at the time, John Galbraith) pointed out to me and others at a Stake Conference Adult Session that we are all born natural men. The debate is futile who is right...

We all have weaknesses, it's a by-product of our mortal existence. Then to say that you are born a certain way is not enough to justify one's sin. "Why am I this way?" is said by more then one with Homosexual tendnecies, it becomes for all to put that man of flesh off and become like God. This is the Plan of Happiness, calcuable for Eternal Life and directing us to those things that will make us free. The process of making Eternal Families, as directed by God, is the very Doctrine that God is Glorified. (D&C 132: 30-33, 63)

In this great land with all of it's defects, and when checks and balances don't always work (such is the case for Prop 8 when this States Judicial branch didn't uphold the popular voice of the people of a past law, 61% to be exact) we at this time still have the power to vote and make a Law that was already, a higher law, an Amendment to the wording of the State Constitution. Because I'm not one to rush into things, I'm going to the DMV tomorrow and getting a California State Drivers Liscense so I can register to vote (tomorrow is the last day you can register). I was hoping to wait until I could get down to the weight that my current license purports. I hope all will exercise their right in practicing Democracy at this time. In knocking doors around this city, I have taken strength to find that an overwhelming majority of the people I've come in contact with are voting "yes" on this great measure. I just wish I was this crystal on which man to vote in as our President, for this, I will gladly uphold my Mom's second rule...

Halloween decor

I've decided that I like Halloween decorations. I've never decorated for Halloween before. It's fun. We have more on our mantel than what is pictured, like a skeleton pirate and skull and crossbones on our mirror, but our camera is being retarded, and those pictures didn't work. So...this is my decorations. I even got a little crafty and painted the pumpkins, used ribbon...the works. It's not much, but it still says "Happy Halloween" right?

 

 

"My new home..."

We have moved a lot. Noah came into this world in Rexburg. And then when he was four months old, Adam had an internship in the Seattle area. So, we packed up and moved in with his parents for the summer. Then we packed up and came back to Rexburg into a different apartment. We were there for a year and then graduated from BYUI, Macie was born and Adam was hired by a company in California. We moved to Torrance, CA. Eight months after that we decided that we need to find someplace cheaper. It's expensive out here in California! So, we moved to Lawndale. I don't like admitting it, but that's where we lived. Kind of ghetto, really. But, we were only there for 6 weeks before we made yet ANOTHER move to Palmdale, CA. We were there for a whole year, shocking, huh? And now we're in Santa Maria. Noah has lived in a few different places. Macie, too!
And the reason for this information? Well, Noah just told me that he likes his "new home". He had a really rough time when we moved here. He started throwing these terrible tantrums. We thought he was over it, and then it started again. He told us that this wasn't his house. It was Mommy and Daddy's house, but not Noah's. Noah's was gone. It was with his friends. He had some really good friends in Palmdale. He's at the age where he's starting to build friendships, and actually play with other kids. And he loved his "Church boys", as he called them. In his Sunbeam class at church there were 5 boys. No girls. Just the 5 boys. He loved it. Unfortunately our ward split shortly after, but we still had contact with most of the boys in the class. He loved his Palmdale friends. His favorites were Michael and Noah. They were older than him, but he loved them. In fact, he told me just the other day that Michael and Noah were his heroes. I think they are 8 and 6 (almost 7). Noah seems to like the older boys better for some reason!
But, Noah finally likes his new home. He told me this, and then went on and on about the things he liked about his new home. He says that it's big, and he likes the grass, and the carpet, his pirate stuff, his toy room, his tv, and the list goes on. I'm glad he likes his new home. We really like it, too. It took him a while, but he finally came to grips with it! We may be here for a while, so he probably should like it! He's a funny little boy. We love you, Noah!

I'm huge.

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday. It was the dreaded rHogham shot visit. If only Adam didn't have positive blood...I wouldn't have to worry about the dang shot. That should be one of the questions you ask a guy when you're dating, what blood type he is. If only I would have known! Just kidding! I wouldn't trade Adam anyway. But this shot always gives me a huge bruise when the give it in my arm. And I was prepared for that. And then the nurse came in with the needle, I had my shirt sleeve up, and she's like, "This will be in your bottom." My bottom? Oh great, then I was less excited about it. When that needle goes in and you can actually feel the stuff going in, it's not a pleasant experience. But, it's only one shot. I shouldn't complain. I know people who have to shoot themselves up everyday (and not the druggies!)


But, the doctor measured by belly. Looked at me and said, "How are you feeling?" I'm like well, I could go on and on, but I'm really just uncomfortable. He measured again, and then looked at my chart again. Yeah...I'm huge. I'm measuring 3 and a half weeks earlier than most pregnancies. My belly may not look that big in the pictures, but trust me, I'm huge. It's a weird shape these days. The baby has no more room, and so he just sticks out everywhere. Sometimes I have an alienish belly. I don't know how to explain it better than that. I tried taking pictures, but it didn't work. It just sticks out on both sides. It's weird. But there isn't any more room for him to grow. I have to go in for another ultrasound to see how big the baby is. But, I'm skeptical about those measurements from an ultrasound. Macie was supposedly a 5 pound baby, if that. And that was the day before I had the 8 pound 1 ounce booger that she was! So, we will see. For now, I'll just keep getting bigger, and wait. If I can cut 3 and half weeks off my pregnancy, I'll do it. As long as the baby is alright, cut as much as you'd like off! I'm game.

Proposition 8

Here in California there is a Proposition that, if passed, will only recognize a marriage between a man an a woman as legal. Right now, any one can be married, really. It's a big deal here. We have been read letters in Sacrament meetings about the issue, encouraging us to save marriage and vote yes on the proposition. Our Prophet feels that this is so important and wants us to preserve the divine institution of marriage. But ever since the church has been doing so much the campaign, I have heard many many people arguing that the church is being too political, and they shouldn't get involved. Why shouldn't they? It's more of a matter of values, not politics. I have read newspaper articles from Salt Lake and other Utah papers who have expressed their opinions of the proposition, and think that as a church we have gone to far. They think that if we fight this so hard, we will give the church a bad name among many different social groups. But, if it doesn't pass, there are so many things that go against our values and our teachings that will be effected. I support this, and want to have it pass. I want my children to grow up and learn that marriage between a man and a woman is really their only option. If this doesn't pass, it will be required that schools teach both in their curriculum. Homosexual marriage will be the norm, and will be addressed as such. Sexual education for schools at the appropriate age will discuss both lifestyles. This isn't something that thrills me at all. The idea of sex education for my little kids kind of scares me, anyway, but to think what they could learn. It's scary.

Don't get me wrong, however, I don't hate gay people. I have friends who are gay. Our favorite landlords were a gay couple, who lived in the front house of where we lived. We loved them. I love the people, but don't like what they are doing. They can choose to live in sin, many people do, gay or not. It's their choice. But I don't think they should be given the choice to marry, when that right has been given, by God, to be between a man and a woman. It's a value that we need to uphold in our society. Our society is going downhill, but we can stop that downhill slope from being so rapid if we do our part now.

I don't know if any of this makes any sense at all. I have a lot of thoughts running through my head. But I do know that this is important and isn't just the church being political, it's a real moral thing. It's about preserving marriages, and saving our children. I know we can't live under a rock and keep our children safe from all of that around us. And because of that, we need to focus on something like this. Something that could be so easy. It's just a vote...a yes vote. And if we get that, we can save our children from something. There are few links on my sidebar to go to learn more about and see the church's stand in it all. And why it is so important. It's not something that will just effect California. It could potentially effect everyone. Anyway...just had to share my thoughts on the matter.

Family Home Evening

How hard is Family Home Evening with toddlers? My goodness, trying to get them to hold still for any length of time is nearly impossible with my kids, anyway! I sadly admit that we didn't have a whole lot of Family Home Evenings in the past years. We occasionally did, but not as much as I know we should have. When we were in school it was always so busy, and we were always so exhausted, and then Adam was always working. I know, I know, I have lots of good excuses, but they don't account for it. We should have done it anyway! But, I am happy to report that we have FHE nearly every Monday now. I think we missed last week, because the kids and I weren't home. But it's actually getting easier. Maybe the kids are just getting older, but I like to think it's because we've gotten better at it! We involve the kids more. It's not a long lesson, just a basic, to the point lesson. Really, it's not for us, it's for them.
A few months ago, when we first moved here to Santa Maria, Adam came up with the best lesson. We learned about Samuel on the wall. We have a little balcony from upstairs looking over the family room. I was Samuel on the wall, and the kids tried to throw stuff at me. It was very effective. They loved throwing things at me, and then they both reenacted it for days following. And then that's when I decided that we needed to be more creative in our lessons.
I like to think that I'm creative and I can think of all these wonderful ideas for the kids. But I can't. It's harder than you would think! I want the lessons to be meaningful for them, but entertaining, too. And then, what do ya know? The church came out with a new nursery manual, Behold your Little Ones. I was pretty excited. These lessons are perfect for FHE with Noah and Macie. Just their attention span. We do add a few things because Noah is getting old enough to pay attention longer. But I love the activities that they have in there. When Adam's parents were here, we had a lesson on Following the Prophet. My kids LOVE the song Follow the Prophet. They are ALWAYS singing it. As soon as we get in the car they want it on. Macie gets a little jealous, however. There is a verse about Daddy, Noah and Jacob...but not Macie. She's always asking, "Me?" It's kind of sad. But anyway...for Family Home Evening, I got our picture of Joseph Smith when he was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Noah loves that picture. But I don't think he understands that Joseph Smith is a prophet. I also got down the First Presidency picture. We played Follow the Leader to start off, sang Follow the Prophet, and then talked about how we follow the prophet, President Monson today. It was pretty short, but they were even asking questions. When that happens, I know they were listening. And it was something that they were interested in after the attention getter activity. So, I think everyone with little kids needs this lesson manual. Or, just get it online. It's great. Family Home Evening is fun for us now, it's not dreaded as we try to keep the kids quiet for a lesson. They enjoy it.

 

(Carol took the pictures of this particular FHE...usually we're too involved to take the pictures, so I'm grateful we have some!)

Pirate project

About a year ago, Noah decided that he really liked pirates. And he wanted a pirate room. I found some really cute flannel and started collecting lots of pirate things to complete the pirate room. Well, all of that stuff sat in a box forever, and I never did anything with it. I'm such a slacker. I have such high hopes and ideas, but I never actually do them. But, I am proud to say, I finished one thing! I finally made Noah his pirate blanket! I'm pretty excited about it. I wanted to actually quilt it, but I decided that if it was a quilt, it would be harder, and I don't have the quilting skills to make it look good anyway, I don't have to frame and all that. So I opted on a duvet cover for the comforter he already had. And it worked pretty well. I used the fabric from the crib bedding, so Noah and the new baby will have matching beds. I even have enough flannel left over to make the baby his own pirate blanket. And now if I could just get my butt into gear and complete the pirate room, everyone would be happy. Noah asks about it all of the time.
The pictures arent't the greatest content, or quality. I don't know what's up with my camera these days, it doesn't take as good of pictures sometimes. I think I need a new one, maybe a Rebel. (that's a hint, Adam!Ü) But, eventhough the pictures aren't so good, I'm happy with the final product. It took me a while, but after lots of pinning, sewing, and just looking at it, it finally got done. I didn't know how to make the mitered edges, but it worked out alright. I'm not a seamstress by any means, so I just figure things out how I think they should be done. One day I'll be an expert. One day.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday! I hope that you can have a relaxing day, and have lots of fun! My dad is great, and we miss him a lot! The kids really want to see Pa! Every time we watch The Nightmare Before Christmas, Noah tells that Pa likes it. Now Macie is catching on. It's funny. We are so grateful for Pa and everything that he does for us and our whole family. Just a year ago he was getting ready to come home from Naval service in Kuwait. No one wanted him to go...it was a hard time for everyone. But he was dedicated to his country, and served willingly. He's my hero. We love him so much and can't wait to see him again! Happy Birthday, Dad. Enjoy the cake.

 

Disneyland fun!

It wouldn't have been a complete Jensen vacation without a trip to Disneyland! But, after this trip, Erin told me she's done with it! We thought it would be something that the kids would really enjoy and everything. Well, Noah has decided that rides are scary. I don't know what happened. I'm hoping it's a phase. He's been going on all of the big rides for a while now, and all of the sudden doesn't want to ride them. He likes them once he's on them, it's weird. I think that someone told him that they were scary, and now he thinks they are, because he was always fine before. Oh well. But we did have lots of fun. Despite the 97 degree heat and the crowds! Macie wore her Alice in Wonderland shirt with a black bow in her hair to look like Alice, and we saw her. She was pretty excited. It was the first character that she has ever gotten her picture taken with by herself. It was quite a momentous occasion! And she got to ride her favorite ride...the carousel. She talks about riding the horsies all of the time! She loves it! Noah likes to ride on the Winnie the Pooh ride, but I think he all time favorite is Star Tours. He's a big fan. We do always have fun at Disneyland, but I'm afraid we won't be going again for a little while, so it was fun to have one last trip there. It's pretty uncomfortable being so pregnant and things. And we'll see when we take the baby for his first trip!

 

Beverly Hills

The last time Erin came to visit, I took her to Sprinkles in Beverly Hills. They have very yummy cupcakes, and lots of different flavors. We always seem to go on Monday though, so we never get to try all of the flavors.

They were pretty good. We enjoyed our huge cupcakes, and bought a dozen this time to extend the goodness!



And then to top off our cupcakes, we stopped at PinkBerry. It wasn't a TOTAL fat kid day, PinkBerry is frozen yogurt...kind of healthy, right?


We had quite the day in Beverly Hills. It was fun. We even went shopping...and could afford to even buy something! It was only at Gymboree, but hey, it was still in Beverly Hills!

Surprise!

My sister Erin came down from Boise to visit. A friend of hers was moving down to Southern California, and invited her to come along for the ride. She decided for sure to come on Tuesday, and she got here Saturday afternoon. I didn't tell Noah, I wanted him to be surprised. And just the day before she got here, Noah asked when she was coming to his house. He loves his Aunt Erin! He was pretty excited to see her. we drove a little ways to get her, and ate dinner, and then made the 3 hour trek back home. We were glad she was able to come and see us!

Blogger Slump

It's been so long since I've blogged. I'm was a bit of a blogger's slump. I didn't know what to blog about. I had a lot of things going on, so it wasn't like my life was too boring. I just don't know what it was. But, don't you worry. I'm back...I think may post a few today, aren't you excited?