Jay and Cassandra

Hats off to you Mr. Writer!

2009-03-08T08:38:00.003-10:00

I recently stumbled upon an HBO movie called Taking Chance. The movie was excellent. It's about an officer in the marines who escorts the body home of a fallen soldier. Now the reason I bring this up is because what makes this movie so exceptional is a bit unique. Now days people always notice the acting, the explosions, or the costumes. But what sets this movie apart is the writing. The script for this show if phenomenal. Yes, the actors did well but, man it would be hard not to do well with this sort of script in your lap. So, if you're looking for some great writing.... I would check this movie out. Well done Ross Katz and Michael Strobl.

Play-Doh

2009-02-16T06:09:00.002-10:00

Kai got some play doh for his birthday and loves it! Although the blue and yellow have turned into one blob of green! lol

Story Time

2009-02-16T06:05:00.001-10:00

Kai loves to read a good story. He even talks uncle Mark into reading to him on Sundays. If you know Mark then you know that's a big accomplishment!

Build-A-Bear

2009-01-24T07:20:00.001-10:00

The birthday celebration wasn't over after the party! After Kai took a nap we headed out to 'Build-A-Bear' were we successfully created a Bear named 'Roar'. Then we headed out to dinner with Uncle Mark and Aunt Kristina! I think it was a fun day for Kai.

Birthday Party!

2009-01-24T07:12:00.002-10:00

At first we had thought we would be in Mesquite for Kai's birthday, but that didn't work out. So I tried to pull a last minute park party together. Well the night before it started snowing! EEK! So Jay had a GREAT idea of getting butcher paper and making a huge coloring area in the kitchen for the kids. We got stickers, crayons, and candy.... worked like a charm!
I also made 'dirt cups' for them (layers of pudding, cookies, and topped w/ gummy worms). Those went over pretty well too. All and all I think the party was a success!

Pay It Forward.

2009-01-16T11:34:00.002-10:00

Yes, it was a good movie. And although I really like ideas like that, I never really see something like that happening in the 'real' world, at least not my little bubble of a real world. But that is were I would be very, very, wrong.

For those who haven't seen the movie it is about a little boy who starts a school project called 'Pay It Forward'. He sets out to do a good deed, something life changing or in some instances life saving for three people. In return he tells them to pay it forward to three other people. It's a good movie, go rent it if you haven't seen it.

I recently had someone do a rather large big deed for me. This individual has never met me and has also changed my life. She took the time to open doors for me that would give me the opportunity to achieve dreams I thought were too far possible from my own grasp. Her reasoning was I seemed like a good, genuine, person who deserved the opportunity. In return she simply said pay it forward. Help someone else out someday, open doors for them.

It has brought me to tears to learn that people like her are not only living in movies but in the world all around us. It makes me want to strive to be one of those people and I will without a doubt be paying it forward.

They Grow UP!

2009-01-16T11:22:00.003-10:00

I know everyone always says that kids grow up fast. But man, I don't think I realized it was THIS fast! Kai has graduated to sitting at the table and eating with the family. He LOVES being a big boy at the table. Sigh. He's getting so big!

Family Time

2009-01-06T14:28:00.002-10:00

We had a lot of fun visiting my family over the holidays. Kai LOVES spending time with his uncles and his Papa and Nonnie LOVE spending time with him!! lol Too bad Gus is too big to take with us on vacations!

Facebook

2009-01-06T14:27:00.001-10:00

Okay, so I finally have a facebook account going. Jay has had one going for awhile. But if you're on facebook... look me up!

Christmas

2009-01-06T14:13:00.001-10:00

Family Photo

2008-12-20T18:10:00.001-10:00

Making Cookies.

2008-12-15T19:54:00.000-10:00

Forget Santa!

2008-12-11T15:53:00.003-10:00

Alright, I have a confession to make. I'm not very fond of the church 'gatherings'. To be honest the food is horrible. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not big on casseroles, making them OR eating them. And jello should not have chunks of ANYTHING in it. I'm also not very fond of having to sit through ten different piano or song numbers from people who could only capture an audience such as this. Yes, my bluntness is out in full force at the moment. But I digress...

Regardless of my obvious distaste, I suck it up and attend more than I ditch. And for Christmas we went, I even brought food to contribute. The disappointment for this particular gathering was rather high though. Most of the songs were about Santa as were most of the decorations. Call me crazy but wouldn't a church Christmas party be the best place to highlight that CHRISTmas is about Christ... just a thought. I'm not a big Santa fan.

The whole point of this rant is that apparently Kai is not a big Santa fan either. He simply will not sit in Santa's lap. This gives me some small sense of satisfaction deep down that I could only confess on a blog where there are no faces I have to see shaking at my weirdness. Don't get me wrong, I have every intention of letting Kai enjoy the Santa LIE, I just plan on highlighting the truth about Christmas more than the lies. And so far he's making that quite easy.

The Many Faces of Kai

2008-12-08T07:36:00.001-10:00

Grateful

2008-11-30T19:50:00.004-10:00

I have a friend who recently put up a list of things she's thankful for on her blog. One of those feel good things. It was nice. I tried to do that but it ended up being a list of trials that I am grateful for. Same affect... I think.

I'm Grateful for my Trails.... yes... it's true!

5. Although it sucks to be poor, it forces me to be creative. And through that I have discovered how amazing parks and public libraries are. They have become my home away from home!!

4. Kai just can't live without Mom. I mean really, who needs to go to the bathroom with the door shut? Clearly not me. I'm grateful that I am apparently doing something right as a mother and my son likes me. I take that as a good sign. And since he is what my days revolve around, it's good that he likes having me around.

3. My dog is crazy hyper active. What a cruel joke, to think you want a dog so badly and then to get one that has a never ending supply of energy that he does not share!! But I am grateful that at least once during the day Gus is able to occupy Kai with some sort of chase the dog's tail type of game. Giving me a few moments to sit back, sigh, and laugh at the two of them.

2. My husband is always gone. But I'm grateful that I have a husband who is overflowing with not only dreams but the ambition to chase them down. How could I ever possibly complain about that?

1. All of the people who mean the most to me outside of my husband and son are hundreds of miles away. I suppose this could be good in that it forces me to stretch and look for new people to add to my list of those who are dear to me. What it really has done is made me realize how many people have touched my life and how grateful I am to know them, even if it's long distance.

Tis the Season for a Snowman

2008-11-29T13:06:00.002-10:00

Thanksgiving in Michigan

2008-11-28T15:21:00.003-10:00

We spent Thanksgiving this year in Michigan. Kai had a blast, helping with dinner, playing games with uncle Sherman, and games with Grandpa. So much for a little boy to do at Grandma and Grandpa's house!!

Cuddle Bug

2008-11-17T09:06:00.002-10:00

Kai is such a lovey dovey guy. I find myself thinking it's because his Mom is so affectionate. Kai often times grabs my face with both hands to plant a big wet one on me, it always makes me laugh so of course he'll do it again to make me laugh more! I wonder though.... is it nature or nurture? For those of you who have more than one kids... all kids are different... so even if I'm all affectionate with the next kid they could detest it right?? LOL

My Boys

2008-11-14T11:32:00.002-10:00

"Give a boy a dog and you've furnished him a playmate."
Berton Braley

The Perfect Brownie

2008-11-11T07:07:00.001-10:00

I'm not exactly when the point of my obsession began, but it is a bit out of control. So I'm hoping somebody can help me. I have been searching for the recipe for the perfect brownie; rich, gooey, and impossible to say no to. I've tried a lot of recipes and have found some good brownies... but the perfect brownie is still out there just waiting for me to discover it. So if you know it's secrets.... don't hold out on me! Dish!

Morning Cartoons

2008-11-06T12:17:00.002-10:00

I try not to do a lot of tv around the house. But we settled into a routine of certain morning cartoons that we watch. Thought you would all enjoy a peek into our mornings.

Halloween Has Come and Gone

2008-11-01T18:36:00.003-10:00

We went to the church for 'trunk or treat' for Halloween. Kai had a lot of fun. There was a chili cook off and then a parade of Halloween costumes (Kai was a giraffe). Then Kai went around to trunks and loaded up on candy. I think his favorite score of the night was the glow stick he got, forget the dang candy.

Pumpkins

2008-10-30T17:19:00.001-10:00

I think we have started our Halloween tradition. Paint one with mom and carve one with dad.

Corn Maze

2008-10-28T05:28:00.000-10:00

We went to the local corn maze the other day. Kai seemed to enjoy it.

Games

2008-10-28T05:22:00.000-10:00

At the corn maze they had some great games and fun set up.

New Face of Etrade

2008-10-25T17:14:00.002-10:00

My Mom took these pictures at the airport. Kai found a computer to play with while we were waiting between flights. How amazing adorable... I know! She sent them out into an email with way cute captions about him being the new face for Etrade!! lol I'm not sure why that first one uploaded that way... hmmmm... but you get the idea.

Grandma Morris

2008-10-25T08:14:00.002-10:00

On our way home from California we had a very long lay over in Denver. Grandma Morris came out to say hello. Kai couldn't get enough of going up and down the escalator!

Friends

2008-10-24T11:04:00.002-10:00

Yes, I am spoiled. I recently was able to go visit my friend and her family in California. Kai loved playing with Matthew and Madison and I loved having some girl time with my dear friend Brandye.
While I was visiting Brandye asked me if I would be Madison's godmother!! I was HONORED and of course said yes. So.... meet my new goddaughter Madison!! Isn't she a doll?? Matthew of course is such a cutie too. Kai attached to Matthew right away and Matthew was very patient despite the large age gap.
It was a great visit!!

Winter Has Arrived

2008-10-22T14:39:00.001-10:00

Kai and Dad had a lot of fun going through the winter clothes as we pulled them out for the snow!!

First Snow of the Season

2008-10-21T16:11:00.002-10:00

Day One.

Day Two.

Day Three.

Gus just LOVES the snow... he wishes it would snow year round.

Laugh Out Loud.

2008-09-28T16:37:00.002-10:00

Groom Gus.

2008-09-12T12:55:00.003-10:00

Kai has decided that he would like to be the official dog groomer for Gus.

Quick cute story on these two... I take the two of them out twice a day in the field next to us. I throw the ball with Gus and let Kai explore the outdoors. Today I walked up a good fifteen feet to get a ball from Gus and let Kai continue with a super cool dirt pile he seemed to like. I looked back and there was a guy crossing the field with his bike. Gus saw this too and froze. He dropped the ball and watched the guy. Once the guy was about twenty feet from Kai, Gus hauled butt over to make sure he wasn't going to mess with Kai!! It was so cute how protective Gus is over Kai. I don't think Kai will have much problems once people see a hundred pound dog running at them!! Ha Ha.

Bully

2008-09-04T17:38:00.003-10:00

Some ladies at church have organized a play group that I take Kai to once a week. We meet at different parks and Kai really enjoys it. Yesterday at play group a Mom came who has never come before and she brought her little boy. I know her little boy from going to nursery with Kai at church... let's just say I'm not a fan. So when the kid is around Kai I am always within about a two feet radius. So much so the little boy asked me why are you around? Let me tell you why I am around, this little boy does not like Kai!! He is clearly older than Kai. In fact Kai is the youngest in nursery and probably the most social. He has no problems going up to kids and speaking his own language. Kai doesn't seem to mind when kids don't understand his language, he's even pretty fine with kids taking his toys from him (his Mom however is NOT cool with that).

But I'm digressing.... this little boy is mean to Kai. He tries to push him and gets in his face and tells him to go away. He will instantly go take whatever Kai is playing with it and dis guard it for whatever new toy Kai has found. Kai doesn't know what go away means, so I don't think any of this really bothers Kai. But it bothers me!!! And to top it all off the mother doesn't even pay attention as her son is scowling and my son and demanding he go away. This little boy is a bully and it makes me uncomfortable to leave Kai in nursery too. The nursery leaders seem too busy socializing and are oblivious to most things going on. Any suggestions on what I should? Any anti bully advice?

A Curtain.

2008-08-31T16:57:00.003-10:00

For those of you who don't know there is a gym and a stage area at our church. I was roaming around with Kai during church today and he discovered the stage and how great it was to get lost in stage curtains. I looked up under one curtain and found myself face to face with memories of so many stage curtains that I had peeked through before. Instantly a flood of feelings came over me, the energy and excitement that always pulsated from an audience just behind that curtain. The memories of flying props held by wires hid by those curtains. The excitement and love of a stage with it's curtains put a sweet smile on my face and then I looked to my son who also seemed to have a sweet smile on his face. Will he also find energy, strength, courage, determination, and possibly a piece of himself behind that curtain like his mother did? Perhaps, or perhaps not. But my wish is that he will find things in his own life that bring such passion to his own heart.

Rose Park

2008-08-29T05:09:00.004-10:00

Another one of Kai's favorite activities this summer has been going to Rose Water Park.

Summer Parks

2008-08-21T16:03:00.001-10:00

With the weather so nice out Kai has discovered how much he loves to play at parks. I think he finally has settled on a favorite!

Ice Cream Truck

2008-08-19T05:29:00.006-10:00

Kai had his first ice cream truck experience!! I think we can say it was a success!!

I couldn't believe that you could get stuff for a quarter!! How nice!

The push up pop was the winner.

Videos From the State Fair

2008-08-15T18:26:00.006-10:00

Petting Zoo

2008-08-15T11:27:00.004-10:00

I think it helped Kai out that he had just finished eating some chips. The animals really seemed to like him!! ha ha

State Fair

2008-08-15T10:26:00.005-10:00

We went to the state fair today. We didn't do too many rides or games because well... they were so expensive for three seconds of whatever. But we did pick a ride that all of us could do together and a game that Kai could do on his own!

Be Our Guests!

2008-08-15T10:22:00.001-10:00

Grandpa and Grandma Christensen are visitng! Kai just loves company.

A Peek Into Our Day.

2008-08-12T05:09:00.009-10:00

Romping around outside while Mom plays fetch with Gus.

Peeking out the fort made in the living room.

Hey Dad, is my diaper dirty?

Dad and Kai fighting off Gus!

Fort fun!

Gus is so gentle with Kai!

Lake Powell

2008-08-06T15:29:00.002-10:00

Johnny wake boarding. I tried but it didn't turn out so well.

Perfect ledge to jump off.

Captains of the boat.

Park Playtime

2008-08-04T09:56:00.002-10:00

There was a great park right next to the condo we were staying at in Vail. We made sure Kai took advantage of that!!

Lego Car

2008-08-03T16:38:00.001-10:00

While in Colorado we found this lego car... pretty cool huh?

Congratulations Devon and Angela!

2008-08-03T16:22:00.003-10:00

Jay and I went out to Colorado to celebrate my cousin getting married. It was a lot of fun to visit with family. Kai as always did really well with all the travel and craziness. But wouldn't ya know I didn't get my cousin or his bride in any of the pictures?? Go figure. But I did get pictures of the family... enjoy!

Still Best Friends

2008-07-22T05:58:00.001-10:00

In case you were wondering, Gus and Kai are still best friends.

Play Time

2008-07-20T12:06:00.002-10:00

Kai LOVES to play with uncle Johnny!

Drinking from a Straw

2008-07-20T12:04:00.002-10:00

I've been trying for quite some time to teach Kai how to drink for a straw. It just wasn't happen. Johnny tried and it took him about.... oh.... five seconds and success!!

The Dark Knight

2008-07-18T09:37:00.002-10:00

Last night we went and saw the midnight viewing of the new Batman. Jay was so excited and I don't think Johnny knew what to expect!! It was long and crazy late to watch a movie, but it was fun.

So here's my review... I'll start with the bad. Maggie Gyllenhaal took over the role of Rachel played by Katie Holmes in the first movie. Now I'll admit that when Katie played the part I wasn't thrilled with the casting in the beginning of the movie. But by the end she had won me over. Well I started out that way with Maggie too, I wasn't thrilled with the casting choice. But by the end of the movie I went from not thrilled to hating her! She simply wasn't fit for this role.

The good.... where to begin? I think one of the key factors in the success of these Batman's are the villains. The writing for them is deep, real, and most importantly fascinating! And then to seal the deal they find actors who are just perfect and amazing in the roles. I felt that way about Cillian Murphy in the first movie as Scarecrow and just as much if not more about Heath Ledger as Joker. Playing off characters that well written and acted will always make for a great movie. Which is almost bitter sweet since it is clear that the Joker was suppose to be in the third movie.

More good, the supporting characters. Michael Caine as Alfred is simply perfect. And even more perfect is the writing done for this character. His wit and comedy is perfect. And even more important they found a way to use this character as a mouthpiece to share the moral of the story without hitting you over the head with it. Beautifully done. I also have to mention that Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman do more than just hold their own. They are great. The only waste done in the supporting cast was giving William Fichtner such a small role. I wanted to see more of him.

All and all I'm going to have to rate this movie as a must see.

Something Unique

2008-07-16T10:57:00.002-10:00

The ladies in my ward recently did a luau to honor new sisters and those leaving. Since are move into the ward was under six months ago they considered me a new sister. So I was asked to give information on myself so they could spot light me. It was such a warm and welcoming thing to do. But then I was asked what is something unique about myself that sets me apart? I froze.... ummmm.... I don't know!
So I thought it would be a fun blog to share something unique about yourself or even something unique about me!! ha ha I look forward to reading your posts!

Kai and the Slide

2008-07-15T10:00:00.002-10:00

Season Almost Over.

2008-07-15T09:50:00.004-10:00

Jay was in a softball league this year. Kai and I would come to the games when they weren't to late at night. Kai LOVED the playground and checking out the other kids. It's been a whole season and I just barely got around to taking pictures.... sheesh!

I know, most adorable little boy ever!

Jay was a pitcher for some of the games.

Jay up to bat. He got a home run last night!

Meet Shay. This girl is so amazing and inspiring to me. She plays for the university softball team, and she's crazy good. She's such an easy person to talk to and always seemed to be smiling. Why is that so special? Because she only has one arm. She's amazing.

Summer Time.

2008-07-07T15:33:00.001-10:00

Summer is upon us and it's HOT! There was a great sale on this little pool at Wally World the other day.... so great that we just couldn't say no. It's worked out great for our back deck. We can't get Kai out of it!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T19:30:00.002-10:00

I couldn't believe how still Kai was for face painting!!

Buying cotton candy with Dad.

The 'helpers' were so surprised that he went into the jump zone. They had never seen a kid that young do it. Leave it to Kai....

Back in Business!!!

2008-07-04T19:28:00.001-10:00

Holy cow it's been awhile!!! But we have access to a computer that can upload our pictures to the blog again!!! Yeah!! Did you miss us??

Jay's Answer's

2008-06-16T15:50:00.002-10:00

What turns you on? Success

What turns you off? Ignorance

What's your favorite curse word? Shut up.

What sound or noise do you love? Kai's Laugh, Jazz Music

What sound or noise do you hate? Crying

What is your favorite word? Aloha

What is your least favorite word? Can't/No

What profession other than your own would you like to try? Movie Critic

What profession would you not want to try? Dry Cleaner

If there's a heaven, what would you like God to say when you get there? Well Done, go surf and play golf for the rest of your life. Then soccer and basketball when you get bored. Enjoy your personal bubblegum ice cream stash too.

Inside the Actors Studio

2008-06-11T17:43:00.002-10:00

Are computer is still crashed and I can only find my way to a computer here and there. Still can't upload pics.... which is a huge bummer because I have some cute ones.

But since this will have to be journal style I tried to think of something entertaining. Jay and I really love watching the show Inside the Actors Studio on Bravo. It's a great show. At the end there is a series of questions that are always asked. I thought I would answer them for my shout to everyone. I'll see if I can get Jay on to answer them too in the next couple of days.
What turns you on?

What turns you on? Intelligence

What turns you off? Racism

What's your favorite curse word? Freak

What sound or noise do you love? My husband or son laughing. And not just any laugh... the laugh that makes them grab their side it's so hard and so real. I just love it.

What sound or noise do you hate? Yelling

What is your favorite word? Yes

What is your least favorite word? Hate

What profession other than your own would you like to try? Acting

What profession would you not want to try? The guy in charge of the poop dock at Lake Powell.

If there's a heaven, what would you like God to say when you get there?
Welcome home. You've accomplished everything you were suppose to.

Crash and Burn

2008-05-28T11:05:00.001-10:00

Our computer has crashed and burned so I will be MIA for probably a couple of weeks. We love you all!!!

Favorites Friday.... A Day Early

2008-05-22T14:25:00.003-10:00

I figured I would go a day early since I was a day late last time. Jay and I have discovered during our dance marathons with Kai that he loves The Cars. He doesn't normally like 80's music. In fact he's a big hip hop fan. But everytime a Cars song would come..... those knees would start bobbing, his little shoulders would start swaying, and that huge smile would spread across his face!!!

Dad's Home!

2008-05-19T04:13:00.000-10:00

Kai decided to try out walking in Dad's work boots!! he he he

Kai's First Art Project

2008-05-19T04:06:00.001-10:00

Kai's hands were traced and made into a take home craft at church on Sunday. How cute!!

Favorites Friday..... A Day Late!

2008-05-17T05:46:00.002-10:00

Yep.... Jay's favorite ice cream is bubble gum. He's not big on sweets at all!!! And ice cream is probably on the bottom of that list.... but.... he usually won't pass up a bowl of bubble gum!!! he he he

On a sidenote, sorry for the lack of posts. But Kai had hid the camera and we just barely found it yesterday!! I'll try and get some stuff up!

Favorites Friday

2008-05-09T09:36:00.002-10:00

This Week: Bunnytown on Playhouse Disney
This week we have decided to let Kai share one of his favorites. Although he still loves Sesame Stree I think Bunnytown has the Street beat!! He loves to just dance around during the bunny hop and gets so happy when the show is on!! Cute, cute, cute!

NBA Playoffs

2008-05-09T06:09:00.001-10:00

Well I'm due for another blog entry but have no pictures to show for it. So I thought I would share what I've been up to lately..... yep it's NBA Playoffs! My favorite time of the year!! And my team is still the Detriot Pistons. What's your team?

Favorites Friday

2008-05-02T16:12:00.004-10:00

So I have come to really love a good friend of mines blog..... Smarta Marta. And she has these flashback Fridays she's been doing. I really like the idea but didn't want to be a TOTAL copycat.... so I tweeked it a little bit!! I thought it would be fun to share a favorite something from someone in the family each week. And what better day to discuss favorites than Friday? Plus this helps to remind me of small pleasures in life that go a long, long way. So on to our Favorites Friday.....

How many of you are laughing that the first favorite I decided to talk about is chocolate?? Well there is a story behind this choice. Lately I have not been 'up' and have had more break downs than I care to count. Just not the best of times. But today I went to the store and bought a pick me up...... for one dollar I purchased a little mini Haagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream. It's way mini so I won't feel guilty for indulging on the calories and nothing helps chase away the blues like some Haagen-Dazs!!!! But I do love my chocolate. Some other favorites are dark chocolate m&m's, chocolate cake, Dad's chocolate pie, dark chocolate covered almonds, and just a good old hunk of dark chocolate!! Two shouts of hurray for chocolate!

Pots and Pans

2008-04-30T08:29:00.002-10:00

I'm not really sure how he fits inside that pot......

All Tuckered Out

2008-04-28T05:37:00.003-10:00

Wow, I had no idea how much a 15 month old could destroy a home. This little guy is a tornado and he has found a partener in crime. Any drawer, door, cabinet left open will be emptied and drug from room to room! All dirty clothes are pulled out and dispersed throughout the house. The more toys in all rooms but his own seems to be best. After a good run the two tuckered out. Don't worry, they'll be up in no time and ready for round two!!

A Dog as a Nanny?

2008-04-20T07:10:00.004-10:00

To be honest I never understood how a dog for a nanny made any sense in Peter Pan. To me the movie always represented the 'real' world colliding with the world in a child's imagination. And the dog as a nanny made no sense as part of the real world. So it just never fit to me. I always thought.... how absurd!

But then I got my first family dog...... Gus. And wouldn't ya know it, he's the perfect nanny! LOL Kai and Gus entertain eachother all day long. Gus follows Kai around making sure he knows what is up. Gus has to know where Kai is at all times. At the end of the night when I say it's bath time, Gus will lead Kai back to the bathroom! They are just too cute!! So I guess a dog as a nanny isn't THAT absurd!! ha ha

Before and After

2008-04-17T06:10:00.002-10:00

My latest project was trying to make some nice end tables for our living room. What do you guys think?

Story Time

2008-04-10T17:42:00.002-10:00

So I discovered this great little story time at Barnes Noble. They do it once a week and give out free treats!! The story lady reads a couple of books and then gives them a stamp on their hand and some goodies. Kai couldn't figure out the stamp on the hand... he kept pinching it trying figure it out!! lol It was pretty cute. You can see his little cool whip mustache from the sherbert drink as he downs his cookie!

Back Off Clown!

2008-04-05T12:49:00.003-10:00

Kai got to go to his first circus today!!! I think you can tell what was NOT his favorite. I asked the clown to hold Kai for a picture and he wasn't having any of that!

Let's Go Outside

2008-04-03T04:00:00.002-10:00

Most people who are around me know that I am always reading about what is the best things for raising a kid. There are so many fads of the best way to do it you would think I would get tired of reading some new idea every day. But I don't. A little while ago I read a little blurp in a parenting magazine about making sure you take your child outside to play at least once a day. It's suppose to be good for their creativity and helps them to enjoy their enviroment. So I started doing it and this has to be one of Kai's favorite parts of the day. He just LOVES to play in the dirt, make blocks from bricks, or just check out the things around him. He's just so dang cute while doing it I thought I would share some photos.

Fort Building

2008-03-27T16:38:00.002-10:00

Mom and Kai decided to do a little fort building last night. As you can see by the pictures Kai thought it was great fun! But there is a nifty little story the pictures are not telling! While playing in the fort Kai took a tumble (he's always doing that lately), only this time he landed w/ his teeth in my forehead!! Wow did it hurt. But I was good and didn't yelp but bit my tongue and tended to my little guy. Well it didn't take long to realize that I was the injured one as liquid ran down my face. I went to the bathroom to see my forehead bleeding quite heavily. I debated on going to the hospital to get stitched up but decided against it since I was able to get it stop bleeding. Jay looked at it when he got home and said it probably could have used some stitches.... oh well. Building forts is a dangerous business!!! Be careful!

Gus wanted to make sure he was part of the 'Fort Christensen' club.

A Date Night!!

2008-03-26T18:13:00.002-10:00

Okay.... I'll admit it. I'm one of those mom's who hasn't left her child w/ a babysitter ever!! While my Mom was out visiting she made sure that Jay and I had a date night. We went out for ice cream and a movie. I absolutely love being a mom. But it was really nice to just be a wife for a few hours. To give my FULL attention to my amazing husband and just enjoy his company. I could never forget how much I love this amazing man. But it was a nice reminder as my heart filled with love and happiness in just being able to laugh and play with him.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T08:27:00.002-10:00

The Easter Bunny brought a waaaay cool basket to our home this year (via Great Grandma Morris!).

Grandma Morris is showing Kai how the glasses work! ha ha!

An Early Easter

2008-03-21T05:50:00.001-10:00

Popa and Nonna gave Kai an early Easter basket!

Wake Up Uncle Johnny!

2008-03-21T05:04:00.002-10:00

Popa and Uncle Johnny are visiting and Kai loved waking up Uncle Johnny!

On the Move.....

2008-03-10T17:25:00.002-10:00

Now that we are facing facts and realize that we'll be in Montana for a few more years, we felt that our current living situation was not working. It was over priced for being so small! So after a few months of hunting we've found a spot that is bigger and cheaper. So we've begun packing up and moving. Kai loves to UNpack!!! LOL Not very much helpful! But he has also discovered how fun it can be to explore empty spaces.

So much trouble....

2008-03-02T10:49:00.001-10:00

..... but too cute!!! Kai is into everything!! Up on tip toes seeing whatever he can get his hands on! I would probably think he was major trouble if I wasn't to busy just watching him be so stinkin' adorable!!

Kai Says....

2008-02-29T13:24:00.002-10:00

The Park

2008-02-19T13:00:00.001-10:00

Food!!

2008-02-17T10:17:00.002-10:00

Kai loves to eat:
Spagetti
Chicken stir-fry with rice
Ritz crackers (he can eat his weight in these bad boys)
Gerbers cheetos
Pop tarts
White shells and cheese
Squash and zuichini

Kai will not eat:
Bananas
Carrots

Invisible Women

2008-02-17T09:45:00.004-10:00

Kee Ostler emailed this to me and it was so good I thought I would put it on the blog. I know it's long, but it's worth it.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'
Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this ? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?'
I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘What number is the Disney Channel’?
I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30, please’.

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated
summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she’s going, she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England.
Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.
I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.

It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package and said, ‘I brought you this’.
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe.
I wasn't exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription.

'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees’.

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour – the book.
And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished

They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that they eyes of God saw everything

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,
‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.’ And the workman replied, ‘Because God sees.’

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.
It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte.
I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.
No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve baked is too small for Me to notice and smile over.
You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.’

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction.
But it is not a disease that is erasing my life.
It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness.
It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder, as one of the people who show up at a job they will never see finished to work on something that their name will never be on.
The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could every be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving,
‘My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours,
and presses all the linens for the table.’
That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, ‘You’re gonna love it there'.

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right.
And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Gems of Wisdom

2008-02-12T17:52:00.002-10:00

I have a group of online girls that I chat with and reccently we were discussing helpful tips. Thought I would share some.

*If you put your saran wrap in the freezer, it is much more managable and doesn't clump up the second you try to use it!
*WD40 takes crayon off
*Clear nail polish on a cracked windshield will stop the crack from spreading
*Hydrogen Peroxide helps remove blood stains
*When cleaning windows or mirrors with windex, use a coffee filter instead of a paper towel to help reduce streaks
*Put a scented dryer sheet in the bottom of a wastebasket/garbage can to help eliminate odors
*Put i tiny bit of water in the bottom of the candle holder and you wont have to fuss getting the melted wax out
*If you don't do the water trick - put the candle holder in the freezer for a day - the wax pretty much pops right out
*Bay leaves will help keep bugs out of your pantry
*Most recipes that use tomato paste call for only a tablespoon. What do you do with the rest of the can? Divide it into one tablespoon amounts (in an ice cube tray or on a plate) Freeze it, then putt the lumps in a zippered bag and store them in the freezer. Next time you need a tablespoon of tomato paste, you take exactly that much out of the freezer.
*When frying things like chicken cutlets or I guess anything (esp. fish), put out a bowl with white vinegar on the stove (or close to it) - for some reason it absorbs that fry smell
*Ya know those embarrassing deodarant marks on that perfect black shirt (or any color for that matter) - just grab a pair of stockings and rub it right off
*Rinse your hair with club soda if it is turning green from chlorine
*If you peel and take apart the whole garlic clove, put it in olive oil and keep in the fridge, it lasts longer/fresher
*If you use blocks of cheese wrap them in tin foil then refigerate.... last longer

If you have any not listed.... please share!!

Favorite Things...

2008-02-08T15:00:00.000-10:00

Stirfry on rice and whiskers on doggies
Any old cell phone and soft satin blankies
Sesame Street after breakfast at morning

These are a few of my favorite things

Crisp Ritz crackers and bubble filled bath tubs
Storytime and Playtime and crawling on Gus
Scattering my toys all throughout my home
These are a few of my favorite things

Messing up Mom's laundry right after it's folded
Feeding Gus my leftover food at the table
And anyone who will sing me their favorite song
These are a few of my favorite things

Bath Time

2008-02-06T10:17:00.000-10:00

Decisions of a Mother....

2008-02-04T18:24:00.000-10:00

Being a wife and a mother has changed so many things about me. But one of the biggest changes that has come is the ability to put my needs and others feelings second to my husband and to my son. In the long run nothing seems to be as important as the well being of my husband and my son. But that's a tricky line to tread sometimes with family. Can a relative cause enough damage through their actions to be cut out of your life? I found myself faced with that question today.

The fact that I'm in a 'bi-racial' marriage has never really been a thought to me. I am in a marriage with an amazing man who treats me like a goddess. What does the color of his skin or the shape of his eyes have to with how he treats me? And I certainly never thought about the fact that my son is 'bi-racial'. But today I had to face the fact that, although I may not think about those things, other people do.

There were several options in dealing with this situation. I could go on pretending it wasn't an issue and ignore the horrible treatment that my husband receives, knowing that one day that treatment will fall upon my son. In choosing this option what is the lesson I am teaching my son? That it's okay for others to treat you like less of a person than others around you simply because of your skin? Or I could choose to cut such people out of our lives. Wow, the second choice seems so harsh. But the world is so hard.... there are so many things to fight against. Do I really want someone in my son's life or my husbands that makes them feel of less value? The answer I came to was no, I don't.

Life constantly changes around us and sometimes we change with it or we don't. I have changed tremendously through the years. And for me I have changed into a person I can be proud of. My goal is for my son to have that same feeling of pride in being who he is and his ability to succeed. And the first step in doing that is to surround him with people who love him and support him for who he is and will be.

Sledding With Kai

2008-01-31T11:52:00.001-10:00

We didn't do a lot of 'sledding' per say. But we had fun. Kai got to play in the snow and Jay tried teaching Gus how to be a sled dog!! Ha ha!

Go Gus Go!!

2008-01-31T11:46:00.000-10:00

It's the Birthday Boy!

2008-01-23T14:54:00.000-10:00

Kai turned one today!! What??? Already???? I know, that's what I say!

Picasso in Training

2008-01-23T14:42:00.000-10:00

I wanted to do a fun activity with Kai for his birthday. So I found a recipe to make non-toxic finger paints and let him loose!!! He loved it!!!

This is Mom with Kai showing him how fun it is to get messy!

This is Kai's little friend Emma Harrison.... isn't she a cutie??

Yup.... my kid is a Picasso in training!!!

There's always time to stop for a pose!!

Time for clean up!

Here's the recipe for the finger paint in case anyone else is as daring!!
Stir together 1 Cup cold water with 1/4 cup corn starch in a saucepan. Whisk over low heat for five minutes or until it thickens and clears. Whisk in 1 tablespoon light corn syrup. Separate into dishes and then add non-toxic tempera paint to each dish. Let cool on the counter.

Presents Galore

2008-01-23T14:26:00.000-10:00

Presents abound!! Kai had fun opening his gifts. Each one was exciting... by the end of it all he was so happy with all of them he kept going from present to present. Thank you to all of our family who sent gifts for our little guy!!

Demolition of Cake

2008-01-23T14:20:00.000-10:00

Cake time!!! Kai had no problem shoveling the cupcake in!

Here Dad..... want some???

Happy Birthday Kai!!!!

2008-01-23T14:06:00.000-10:00

Wanna hear Kai laugh hard?

2008-01-15T08:22:00.000-10:00

Kai Laughing with Gus, he loves this dog.

Tornado Kai

2008-01-14T20:06:00.000-10:00

Okay so either Kai's energy is multiplying by the second or mine is draining by the second. Knowing my luck, it's both. Great. So our home constantly looks like a bomb went off as of late. I spend all day cleaning up and you would never know. Kai's new favorite past times; pulling clothes out of drawers, throwing diapers across the room, emptying the bookshelf, spreading all toys as far across the apartment as possible.... he sure is a happy boy! Life is great to him!! Mom is exhausted, but Kai is just so happy! Which is very good. He still thinks Gus is the greatest toy ever. I got a great video of Gus and him playing... I'll have Jay load it up next time he has a spare moment (don't hold your breath).

Kai also seems to be done with baby food. He won't eat much but if I give him my food.... he eats TONS!!! LOL As long as he's eating, that skinny little kid! He loves almost all food, not a fan of banana's.

Just a few updates I thought I would share!

Visitng More Family

2008-01-08T10:57:00.001-10:00

PoPa and Nonna w/ their grandson.

Uncle Johnny teaching Kai how to be 'cool'.

Do they look happy or what? Uncle Quinn and Kai.

Great Aunt Kelly and Kai.

Bowl-o-rama

2008-01-08T10:34:00.000-10:00

While we were in Michigan we went bowling with Jay's family. Got some great pictures.

Beenie Boys

Grandma and Kai

Uncle Mark and Kai

Looks like it's Kai's turn to bowl!

Uncle Sherman and Kai

Christmas Eve & Christmas

2008-01-01T07:56:00.000-10:00

Kai riding the sleigh with Santa.

Mark and Kai caught rummaging through presents on Christmas Eve.

Mom and Kai on Christmas Eve.

Kai opening his one present on Christmas Eve. It was from uncle Sherman, a bilingual octopus.

Dad and Kai on Christmas morning. Kai is holding a phone that uncle Mark got him.