Where did you go? Why were you there?

To sum up the trip we just took takes too long... so I bundled pictures together to represent the most notable events. Being that this trip was spontaneous and unplanned, the day to day activities were chosen on a whim, and the amounts of time spent at each place were unknown.

First, we took off early for Las Vegas, deciding two nights were better than one. My dear friend Kim and her husband Nate live in Henderson. A place I would seriously consider moving to. Seriously. They have two daughters and a baby boy on the way. Jack and Ireland (their 4 year old) get along beautifully. She plays hard, so it's nice to not have to remind Jack to "be soft" when he is around her. They played at the park, we took them to the Shark Reef/Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and bought them some Red Mango. It's a love affair that will grow on till they learn about cooties.

The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is always fun, we see different creatures, pet sting ray and I love photographing jelly fish. Something for everyone.

We learned in Vegas traffic that the overheating problem our car had didn't disappear with the winter months in Utah, it was just hibernating. We learned quickly to identify the needs of the Sentra and turn the heat on full blast when the car was idling in traffic or at stop lights, and to keep an extra bottle of coolant in the trunk. (Which didn't open.) So on the drive to Los Angeles we paid close attention to the temperature. "Good thing we had those belts replaced at Jiffy Lube before we left.." we both said to each other. Having booked our Hotel at the Angelo the night before, I was excited to be so close to the Getty. Jack and I have been there before, although this time around was a bit more difficult; Jack not being entertained only by new places as easily,but needing 'games' and 'kid things' to keep him happy.

Being that we had only one night booked at the hotel, it was relief when our old, reliable friend Cole invited us to stay at his house in Sherman Oaks. He and his fiance' Jill have a great place and the cherry on top, was Miles, their labradoodle. Though cautious at first, he and Jack developed quite a relationship and before we had even sat down were playing fetch and and doing tricks. We drove to Malibu to hit the beach but it was pretty breezy. But this part of the trip was delightful thanks to farmer's markets, bakeries, good friends, and canines.

The drive to San Diego was great, no overheating like in the horrible traffic in LA, and the temperature was perfect for windows-down driving, and Jack slept a large part of the time. We booked ourselves at the Bahia, the hotel next to the routine hotel Dana that we typically stay at. It was beautiful. The weather was warm and we couldn't wait to get in the pool. The next morning after a large breakfast.. Josh noticed a belt hanging from underneath the car. Nice work Jiffy Lube. So the rest of Josh's day was spent at the Jiffy in Mission Bay, where they found damaged and missing parts from what we were told was repaired by the Salt Lake Jiffy crew. They ended up sending Josh over to a mechanic to fix it. (Why not get the overheating issue taken care of as well... yes?) That will take an extra day. So we book another night at the Bahia and extend our stay to fix the 11 year old Sentra. So many hours and many dollars later, it emerged from a garage with a new lease on life and a desire to be driven hard.

So back to Vegas we went, tired and worn from the long haul with the car. We saw Rio, and took Jack to the splash park. We decided with no hesitation to stay an extra night in Vegas. Kim was pleased, so we could take some baby-mama photos of her. I was pleased cause it was snowing in Salt Lake. Jack was pleased because he thought he lived there. Josh was pleased- because he can essentially work from anywhere, but there were contacts in Vegas. We took the kids to the "Natural Museum of History", got Kim's photo shoot done, and the last night we got to stay at "The Orleans Hotel and Casino" free of charge. Not too shabby.

The only real loss on the trip was a load of laundry that may have been sabotaged by a senseless stranger, a toy from McDonald's, and Peedie, our fish that died while we were gone. Oh well.

When I was your age...

Lately, and frequently, Josh and I are watching pieces of ourselves pop up in Jack. I've noticed such things as the thrill that comes over you when you learn how to draw or spell something. When I learned how to spell my name, I wrote it all over our house. I was probably five, just like Jack. I can still find my mark on the inside of my mom's bathroom drawer. Jack learned how to draw a star and drew them all over the walls and the banister.. and the fireplace. I also remember having my feelings get hurt whenever a door was closed on me. My dad would close his study door, or their bedroom door and I'd always take it personally. Since I've started favoring privacy at appropriate times (Jack IS getting older...) Jack will cry whenever we close a door on him.

One night I got out of bed to check on Josh, who was on a very late-night business call. When I walked to the end of the hallway I found Jack asleep by Josh's office door. Sometimes if I had a bad dream, or couldn't sleep, I'd grab a pillow and a blanket and sleep by my parents' door. The flickering light from their TV would shine through the bottom and it was strangely comforting. I can imagine that the sound of Josh's voice on the phone made Jack feel safe.

This evening- Jack pulled something that BOTH Josh and I did as little kids, perhaps EVERY little kid has done this at one time or another. For some reason it's fun. But I felt the need to photograph and label the event.

Jack designed himself a new room in his bath tub. It came complete with all of Jack essentials, listed below.

1. His jacket, hung on the hook meant to hold the squeegie, that actually goes in our shower.

2. His juice cup, sitting comfortably in the soap dish.

3. Jack's library books, we read every night.

4. BOTH penguin pillow pets, large and small.

5. A spatula. That's beyond me..

6. His socks, waiting for him on the toilet seat.

7. The chair, for visitors.

8. (Not Shown) His cup of Apple Jack's.

I can't help but admit it looks really comfy in there, with the feather down nestled in the small bath tub, enveloping whoever sits in it... but, it's Jack's new room.

Hair Cuts.

When I was about 12 or 13, I needed a hair cut. This is the earliest haircut I remember, though when I was eight (despite my extremely naturally curly hair...) I got a perm. I still don't understand why that happened. But this hair cut as a pre-teen, I remember well, because my mom took me to Fantastic Sam's on Fort Union. Out of all the Super Cuts, Sport Clips and other "get the job done" places, I'm not sure why she chose Fantastic Sam's.

I remember them treating me like an adult, asking me if there was anything I'd like to read while I was getting my hair done. They made small chit-chat about school while I was being shampooed and rinsed. I felt very special like I was at the "Salon" now, where it wasn't just about getting your hair cut but about the whole experience, and walking away feeling like new. I began to really like it.

When the cut was finished- this is where everything halted in slow motion, my confusion set in, and knew I would never return to Fantastic Sam's again. They asked me to step off the chair, then bend down and pick up a lock of my hair that had just been chopped. Then, they led me to a wall with a tiny little door, with a knob, and told me to put the hair in it. Totally grossed out and concerned about why I was cleaning up my own mess, I put the hair in and heard a sound. They all looked at me with excitement and I suddenly felt like I was 6 as they motioned for me to open the door back up. Inside was a lime green, plastic bracelet. Not hiding my complete disappointment and resentment that the people that had made me feel so grown-up were turning their backs on me to make me feel like an infant, rewarding my "good behavior" with a cheap prize, I picked up the bracelet and went home.

Since then I've spoiled myself in this department. I have spent exorbitant amounts of money on my hair, only for a small allotted time in my life. The result were good, but certainly not worth the money. The hip music, products, and hair styles of the stylists themselves were enough to make me feel good about opening up my wallet.

Nowadays, I have settled in with a good friend who cuts my hair. The thing I like most about her is that her cuts and colors get better with age. I get more compliments a few weeks out from my cuts and colors, rather than right after I get them. They are long lasting... and well worth any money or effort. That's hard to find.

Jack is my new worry. I've been taking him to Cookie Cutters where they go way out of their way to make the kids happy, with movies, fun automobiles to sit in and balloons and candy. But Jack has past the point of needing to be pleased/distracted while he gets his hair cut. I'm hoping I can just take him to the Sport Clips next to Quizno's and get the pieces he's cut with his safety scissors evened out- for around $6. I don't feel bad about the price, and they certainly won't be asking him to pick up his gross, severed hair off the ground to redeem it for something. Perhaps I can learn how to cut his hair myself...

I'll google it later.

Viva la Peedie.

Our little Peedie is going on 3 years old. Typically when people revisit our house they ask "Is your fish still alive?" It is like he is some phenomenon. I can safely say he has lived longer than any other fish I have had. Or other water/tank creatures I've had. He is so tough. I've dropped him down the disposal 4 times. (Not while it was running, of course.)

I think another reason Peedie is still here, is his great relationship he has with Lucy. They have spent countless hours alone and Peedie is always left unharmed. In fact, Lucy prefers to get her water specifically from Peedie's bowl. I've never had to get her water, as long as I keep Peedie's bowl clean. She'll watch him, and she won't drink if he is eating. She's very polite. There has only been one occasion- and this is hearsay, that Lucy has ever dipped her paw in the bowl.

I'm not sure the record lifespan of a beta, but I wouldn't be surprised if Peedie goes for the record. He's a good fish.

"Wee"nagers.

I know I've already posted about feeling old, but this is something that SEEMS like it has changed. I see kids walking home from school all over the place by our house and I always ask myself "does their mom know they are out there walking alone on these busy streets?"

But then it occurs to me that these kids are walking home from Cottonwood HIGH SCHOOL and they are well past the age of having their hands held by their parents. They LOOK like they are 10 years old- but they are really 16.

I walked to school from 1st grade through 9th grade, and the distance to the Elementary school more than doubled the distance to the Middle School. I remember when my mom told me I was "lucky enough to walk to school like Carter and Laura." It seemed plenty safe, however, they would leave earlier than I and I was usually on my own, unless I met up with friends. These paths lead through huge fields of sage brush then down a wide residential road that was still dirt, not yet paved, then you crossed 11400 S. (safely if you were timely enough to catch the crossing guard) then you'd slip through an open corner of the fence that ran the large perimeter of the school grounds.

When I imagine Jack walking that far at the age of 7 or 8 I feel TERRIFIED and possibly very PARANOID that he won't end up where he is headed, he'll get lost or someone will flat out take him before he can get there. I'm not sure if we just lived in a wonderful classic age of "keep your doors unlocked" and "your yard is our yard" but the idea of sending Jack down Highland Dr. to walk to Elementary School each day doesn't seem like a viable option. I'm hoping that I'm not going to be one those parents that builds the bubble around their one, precious child; I'm certainly failing at that now- but hopefully as Jack grows up, I will learn that he is perfectly capable of taking care of himself. (Right?) Cause that doesn't seem imaginable right now.

Then again, I remember thinking it was unimaginable that he would ever eat solid foods. So, I should gain some perspective, I guess..

Yet another wreath..

This actually doesn't look anything like it is supposed to. But most of you don't know that.

This was a test run for Craft Night. That's right, I am part of a craft night. Possibly the co-creator of it. But I have a great group of girls that all love to get together and make fun things. At least I hope they love it, they could all be humoring me.. which is sweet, but nevertheless we have gotten quite a bit done over the last few years.

To be quite honest I'm not sure how it began. But it picked up and we started getting some regulars, and most of the time we get a few newbies. Sometimes it's just not their bag...

I believe our very first official craft night was in October 2008. We did the most darling little pumpkin lanterns. They were glass votives

with oil painted inside and a jack-o-lantern face etched on the outside. Super duper cute. Halloween for some reason is the easiest holiday to come up with crafts for. I'm not sure why. But lately, Martha Stewart glitter has become a staple with our Halloween Craft, it is also known as the "herpes of the craft world."

It is certainly the most fine, and beautiful of all glitters, but it gets EVERYWHERE.

I've lost most of my crafts in the flood, but looking back at these pictures reminds me of what we've done and helps give me more ideas of what to do next. Plus I can make these over again... ugh.

Sometimes my craft nights spill over into my family. My mother-in-law was in town and she came with me over to my aunts where my cousins were gathered, and we all made the papier mache eggs.

Those are REALLY involved.. with the blowing out of the eggs, the intricate cutting of the delicate tissue paper, and the stickiness of the modge-podge-glue concoction they are held together with. One of the best treats from these activities is to see what everyone comes up with. Each person has their own style and preference and with one craft- can come so many different results.

Sometimes, Craft Night is help at other people's homes, and they come up with the idea. That is always fun, and sometimes a challenge... I enjoy planning them because I have a head start and I can make sure I actually know how to do the craft. Keisha through me for a loop with those eggs. But it is so fun to participate with everyone else, instead of being the instructor. However, I am a lot like my mom where I mostly enjoy watching everyone have a good time in a setting I provided.

Our most recent Craft Night was for Christmas, and every did an EXCELLENT job with their snowflakes. I still have hundreds of paper bags if you would like to make more..

Christmas was really fun because we had lots of snacks, Christmas music and new friends. I love these nights and I want to thank my good friends and family that attend them. It is so much fun not only to make something together, but to just get together.

Anyone wanting to participate in these is welcome. It is a pressure-free atmosphere where you can create what you want however you want.

Thanks girlies, for everything.

California Dreamin'.

My husband is in California right now. It is 18 degrees here, midday, and I would possibly give my right arm to be in California. Granted, he is there for business, but nothing makes work better than warm weather and ocean air. I love to travel, but more so, plan travel and then anticipate it. Having something to look forward to give me strength each day to do my best and press on.

Because I understand there is a sweet reward at the end.

Right now, my 2011 is very open. Besides a trip to Houston, I have NO plans. That is like living with that vacant, empty hunger in your stomach, day in and day out. So I am going to make plans. I love adding people to my plans. So I have made a list of things I want to do with people. If you are interested in these plans, contact me- we'll make it a reality.

1. Disneyland with Kim and Nate Shaffer. I think it would be really fun to take our kids to the Magical Kingdom. I would suggest going in early spring, or around Halloween.

2. Visit Northern California with Amy and Allen Gardner. This trip is something I would like to do, but would need help with the details.

3. Alaska with my Auntie Jill and Uncle Lindsay, and anyone else in the family that would like to join. I know we have been talking about it, but it could happen. A Christensen Alaskan Cruise. Yes.

4. Vegas (with virtually anyone..I love vegas) but Laura and I would love a good Durham Cousin trip to Vegas so we could see a show and eat at Serendipity III.

5. New York with Lyndsey and Tyson. This may be a few years ahead- cause I'd like to do it without children... and it may take us a few years to find sitters.

6. Belize with my husband. Cause he owes me.

7. London with my mom and dad. Going to England with these two is like setting the cruise control and being comfortable that you will get everywhere you want to go.

8. CRUISE, with Keisha, Sara and Nat. It has to be done.

9. Many, many National Parks with Jen and Key. Preferably the Sequoia's and Grand Canyon.

10. Hawai'i, because Jack has never been. So we'll go visit Deb and her family, and maybe ride Bucket.

How boring was this post? So boring. But this is a list FOR ME. And if I send it out into virtual cyber space, I'm somewhat bound to sticking to it...

So we'll see. Where does anyone else want to go? Better yet, who wants me to come?

Resolutions.

I hesitate using the word "resolution" in this matter; I have nothing to resolve, nor am I making any formal declaration of my intentions. I do however wish to make good effort to do or NOT do the items on this list. I enjoy grouping things into measurements of time, so the beginning of a new year seems appropriate for me to make these changes and stick to them knowing I could honestly tell myself that "I have done that since the start of the year."

Number ONE.

Call back anyone who texts me. For those of you who don't know, I hate texting. Not because it is a hassle, and DANGEROUS at times, but because I think it is completely diminishing the human interaction in this world, and ruining social behavior. (This obviously comes with some exceptions..)

- if someone is asking me a one-text question. ie, "What is so-and-so's phone number?"

- if I KNOW the person is in a place where they cannot talk on the phone.

- or if it is a joke that I don't need to respond to.

Number TWO.

Always order LESS than I think I want to eat at restaurants. Most likely, order an appetizer or split an entree. I'm tired of leaving paid for food on the plate and walking away. (and I don't do well with leftovers.) I don't need to eat that much OR PAY that much for that matter. Restaurants are wasting so much food. I wish we could pay by the weight of the food we eat.

Number THREE.

Make an effort to be considerate to strangers. Give people the benefit of the doubt and don't assume everyone is an idiot. I would wish that people would do the same for me when I make mistakes out in the world, like not gunning it immediately when the light turns green...

Perhaps I should add "use my car horn less..." but that can just be a sub-resolution.

I encourage people to not set out-of-reach goals for themselves in 2011. It's truly the small things that count and if we all try to make a SMALL effort to be better people, I think the small efforts could result in big change.

Happy New Year everyone. May 2011 be a cleansing year of growth and discovery..

The Reason I Let Jack Have Popcorn for Dinner.

Because this was five years ago right now...

So he can have whatever he wants.

It's a Mario World..

Today is Jack's 5th birthday. It was a WONDERFUL day, from start to finish. Jack and Josh went on a special outing to the Discovery Museum, where Josh tells me, Jack was on his best behavior. He also got calls from family and loved ones that are far away- thank you for your love! Meanwhile, I was whipping up a batch of birthday party back home.

Jack had a Mario birthday this year, though he was probably the only one who was familiar with phenomenon, but the other kids seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. First, all of Jack's friends played a game of Gigantic Mario Memory. Everyone did really well, taking turns and staying in tune with the game.

I made a the giant "Memory" game with foam paper, and printed out multiple characters from Mario World (2 of each, obviously) and the kids had to make matches.

(Jack, being Bowser..)

Afterwards, Jack opened his presents from the generous families that attended, and then we ate cake, Firepower cookies, and Star Power cookies. It was a great time. Jack had so much fun and it was so nice to have the adults be outnumbered by the children. (Barely..)

(It's hard to top the "Yo Gabba Gabba Cupcakes" of 2008..)

Each of the little ones got to take home their own Mario Star. Something Jack has a true love for..

Jack obviously has special place in this family, and on this earth. He is a living miracle and we are reminded every day. I love him more that anything and I'm so glad to be here, at this place, with a healthy five year old little boy.

Happy Birthday, Jack! Love.