Christmas Flashback

Just a few photos from past Christmases.

The Christensens

My little brother Johnny and myselfOur first Christmas as parents. And pretty much the best Christmas ever. Christmas 20062007Jared and his law school buddies at their ugly sweater/dirty mustache partyAnd the rest are from last Christmas (2008)

Have a very merry Christmas!

Tis the Season

Oh, where to start? We have been very busy the past few weeks doing fun Christmas activities.
Earlier in the month we took the kids to Ethel M, which is a chocolate factory/cactus garden. They decorate the outside with tons of lights which Devin loved. And everyone gets a free sample of chocolate which I loved!

I took the kids to the Bass Pro shops to see Santa. They have free crafts every Saturday and a bunch of fun games the kids can play. The kids have actually seen Santa three time already this year and this was attempt number 1. Maybe I am a terrible mother but the crying pictures with Santa totally make me laugh.

Hannah and Devin made their own gingerbread men and house.

Our ward party was last Saturday. It was a Polar express theme--We had breakfast at the church then the kids performed a song they learned in primary.

After the program the kids got tickets to ride the Polar Express to the North Pole to see Santa. Cute, right?

Jared's family had so many traditions at Christmas. One thing they always did was go down to Seattle to ride the carousel. We have done it every year since we were married.

And because we live in the desert we took the kids to Town Square--where they make fake snow. Devin really liked it and was even trying to make snow angels.

Here are just a few things Devin has been up to this past week.

Exhibit A
Yikes!

Exhibit B
Which needs a short explanation. I took the kids to Old Navy to get Devin a coat and while I was checking out the kids were playing by the little mannequins they have. I had a coupon so the girl was figuring that out and then I payed and when I was done I turned around to grab the kids and Devin had unbuttoned, unzipped and pulled down every single one of the mannequins pants. When I asked him why he had just pulled all their pants down he replied "I do nothing."
And I really wish I had my camera, but I didn't so here is a picture via the Internet.

Exhibit C
Again, I didn't take a picture of this one. But if you are wondering how to ruin a load of laundry try leaving a black crayon in a pair of pants then wash and dry those pants.

Seriously Devin. You better hope Santa doesn't read our blog.

Devin turns 4

Devin was so excited for his "bir-bay" (birthday) this year. He has been obsessing over it for at least a month. One day, earlier this month, I snuck up on him and he had the Toys R Us ad he was pointing to every toy saying, "My bir bay, my bir bay, my bir bay..."

His birthday was the day after Thanksgiving so we had a big family party for him while we were in AZ.

We bought some plates, napkins and cups from the dollar store and every day we were in AZ he set the table with them--

Birthday breakfast

When I asked him what he wanted to do at his party he told me he wanted a pinata--which was perfect because I still had tons of leftover Halloween candy!

Spongebob ice cream cake. As you can see we really didn't have a theme--Devin didn't care and neither did I.

I brought cupcakes into Devin's class this week--he was so cute and excited to pass them out to all of his friends. When they sang to him he totally put his head down and wouldn't look at anyone. Shy little man. He didn't show it but I know he was loving it!

It was a good day!
4 years have just gone by too fast!

Devin, I remember...

...when I found out I was pregnant with you. It took 3 years and I had 2 miscarriages in that time and I wondered if I would ever have a baby. I honestly couldn't believe it and wouldn't let myself get excited until I was well into the second trimester.

I remember being soooo sick. All I ate for a few weeks was french fries from McDonalds and Coke. When that didn't work anymore I moved onto Ritz crackers and ginger ale. Then almonds.

I remember the day you were born. It was one of the best days of my life.
I remember how excited our families were to be there and meet you for the first time.
(and this is my all time favorite picture of you)
I remember leaving you with Dad every day to teach. I cried the all the way from Provo to Lehi that first week.
I remember when you got RSV, even though we were so careful and kept you inside for months. We took you to the doctor at least 4 times in 3 days.

I remember when what a happy and easy baby you were. And chubby.
I remember how fast the first year went--before I knew it you were crawling then walking, then all of the sudden you weren't a baby anymore.
I remember the terrible twos. Things have a way of balancing themselves out. I figure since you were such an easy baby you made up for that and were a crazy little toddler. You were seriously the most energetic, wild, active kid ever. You could climb to the top of just about anything. I got pretty good at sprinting after you all he time. You were also good at figuring things out. For example, you totally had the TV and all the buttons figured out. You could turn on the tv, turn on the dvd player, get the surround sound set up, and then get it going--
I remember the day you turned two we took you to Peter Piper Pizza to celebrate. That was also the day I found out I was pregnant with Adalynn.
I remember when Adalynn was born and all you cared about was messing with all the buttons in the hospital room.

I remember wondering if you would ever talk. I knew in my heart of hearts that you would be fine, but there was still that nagging feeling that something was wrong or we did something wrong. You have made so much progress this year--which is awesome!
I remember the first day you went to preschool. We both cried.
I have many, many more memories and I cherish them all. (well maybe not all--but most of them!)
I love you buddy! Being your momma has been fun, stressful, interesting, hard, AND AMAZING! And probably a hundred other things. But I think I'll stop before I start crying all over the laptop.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVIN!
And I'm just about caught up on blogging!

Thanksgiving

Phew! We are having some weird computer problems here in the Christensen home. Our Internet only works on Jared's laptop--but I would much rather just use our desktop so we have tried just about everything to fix it but no luck so far. But I have so much to blog about! So I'll start with our Thanksgiving.
The kids and I flew down the Sat before just to spend a little extra time with the family (and drive my parents crazy I'm sure). Jared had to work Wednesday so he left after work and made the drive.
(Nothing to do with thanksgiving--I just like the next two pictures)

We spent the first few days making friends with the goats, chickens,pigs, and Zeke and...

...being outdoors and exploring a lot!

Thanksgiving day was perfect--lots of wonderful food and family. My dad did his annual pit bbque (he cooked around 30 turkeys this year) which I promise makes the most delicious and moist turkey you will ever eat. My aunt came with her kids and I LOVED it! They are the sweetest kids and they pretty much watched and entertained Devin and Adalynn Thursday-Sunday.

(I made these place cards from a tutorial I found on Tip Junkie)

Some pictures of my family
My dad (left) and Grandpa (right)

And a holiday isn't complete at my house until we bust out the guns--Jared and Devin had fun with the paintball gun--Addie hated it!
I hope this doesn't offend anyone

Have you guys seen the cute Matilda Jane knot dresses? They are so cute! And super expensive. I found one on ebay for a great deal for when Adalynn is 2 and I love it! Anyways, a few weeks ago when I was playing online I found a pattern for the same style dress--so I bough the pattern and with my mom's help made this dress...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
A post about Devin turning 4 coming soon!

Laughlin

Last weekend we went to Laughlin for a softball tournament. I love being able to get away for the weekend. We stayed at a little resort that had a cute little beach (made from the Colorado River) and the weather was super nice. Our friends Jon and Robyn (and their son Lucas) stayed at the same hotel and we had so much hanging out and going out to dinner with them.

Jared ended up playing three games, but we only watched one. Devin, at lunch, told us "no more baseball game" then later told us "no more baseball game EVER" (I think Jared died a little inside after that statement) so I took the hint and took the the kids to play on the beach during Jared's last game. And they loved it.

I thought these railroad ties would make for a cute pictures so I took a few

I leave for AZ in 2 days for Thanksgiving!
Devin turns 4 next week!
Christmas is just around the corner!
Fun times!

We went to the park the other day and Devin ran up to this tree and said, "MOM! A big pie-app--ew" (pineapple). And that made me laugh.

Our Weekend

Last weekend Jared's sister Michelle (and family) came to Vegas for a visit. Have I mentioned before that we loooove visitors? Devin was pretty darn excited to play with his favorite cousin (sorry Lexi and Halle--its a boy thing).

We did our usual walk around the strip--We walked aroung Caesars and took the kids to FAO Schwartz.

We went to the conservatory in the Bellagio and watched the fountain show outside. We also went out to eat, watched Jared's softball game, went to church, and took family pictures. Adalynn loved Halle--she was so fascinated with her and wanted to be near her the whole time.

We had fun you guys! Come back soon!

Swearing in Ceremony

Jared was sworn in officially last Friday (and don't out kids just look so excited about it?!) --I actually enjoyed the speakers and their message. Way to go Jared!

Halloween at Last

Wow. Halloween has come and gone and now it is November! The next two months are my favorite time of year so I am excited!
I feel like our Halloween lasted three days long--Devin had a school party on Thursday morning. I have never seen that kid more excited to go to school. I'm not really sure what they did, but he came home with a bunch of treats and a spider hat.

Thursday night was our ward Trunk or Treat. All day Devin had to remind me that today there were TWO Halloween parties--he was sure excited.
Someone from our ward had this ride--Devin rode it over and over and over. He loved it. (and p.s. Jared is such a bummer--the first thing he pointed out was what a liability this ride was. Which by the way he does all the time. Thank you law school)
Oh but I should point out that there was no way to strap the kids in and one kid did fall out! So maybe Jared has a point.
Friday I took the kids to the Bass Pro shop because I head they were doing trick or treating around the store. Adalynn took a break from the being a ladybug to wear Devin's old chicken costume-
And Saturday was Halloween. Jared had softball games (where he had quite a few home runs!) . We then had dinner and went trick of treating with the Sorenesons. I am so mad I didn't bring my video camera. Devin and Hannah were craaaazy! They were sprinting from house to house--they looked like two wild animals. It was hilarious.
Addie was also into it at first. I'm pretty sure she even said "Trick or Treat" and told one woman "Thank you."

Batman...

...is Devin's current obsession.

Halloween Day 15

Pumpkin Carving

Addie loved it.
(and wanted to be as involved as possible)

Devin thought it was nasty
(And was seriously gagging anytime he put his hand inside the pumpkin)

And here they are finished...
This is the back side. My mom sent the kids a Halloween package and Devin has been wanting to use these ever since. I know, uggglly.

Primary Program

Sunday was our wards primary program.

Devin's part was "Say I am sorry." (All of the sunbeams said something they could do to strengthen their families).

Because I am in junior primary I was there to see the practices. So the first time Devin went up to do his part our primary president whispered to him, "Say I am sorry." Devin looked a little confused like, "What did I do?" Then she whispered again, "Say I am sorry." I think then he told her "no". She tried one more time and he bowed his head and said "sorry" (which sounded more like rar-ree). I think he thought he was in trouble and we were making him apologize to everyone. It was so funny.

It was a wonderful program. Devin didn't do his part, but I figured he wouldn't. My students were awesome--the music was great--and it was the first sacrament meeting in a looong time where I didn't have two kids hanging all over me.

Halloween Day 14

Last year we made a snake pizza.

This year was all about the mummy pizzas.
Only 5 more days until Halloween!

Field Trip

Devin's class went on a little field trip to the same pretend pumpkin patch we took the kids the other day. It was so cute to see all his little friends (I finally met ra-ra (Sarah) and Layne).

The AM and PM class with Mrs. DeMott

All these little pumpkins make me happy.

Halloween Day 13

Homemade Slime
We made this the other day and it has entertained the kids (and myself) for hours.
All you need is glue, food coloring, and borax (and if any Vegas mommas want some borax I have about 20 years worth)
Here is a video showing how to make it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIoKxmlMpJw&feature=player_embedded

Jared Christensen Esq

Congrats Jared!
Now if you will excuse me while I celebrate!

Congrats to Daniel, Matt and Matt also!!!

Halloween Day 12

Devin loves these things!

Lake Mead

Mid October and still warm enough to go the lake.

School Harvest Festival

Last Friday Devin's school had it's harvest festival and Devin had been asking to go to the "ha-ween ba-be" aka Halloween party for the whole week. It was super cute with a lot of games and activities for Devin. Here is a little snippet of that night...

Having his face painted (by an expert of course!)
He wanted Batman.

They had a group of people doing free caricatures. I think Adalynn looks so cute. Devin looks a little freaky (Remind anyone of Adam Lambert?)

How excited am I that it is cooling down and we are going to the park EVERY day??

So, So Excited!

Halloween Day 9, 10 and 11

I'm going with a ghost theme today....

Cheesecloth Ghosts

We made these last year.
Very easy. All you do is mix one part water with one part Elmers glue. Dip cheesecloth into mixture then drape over balloon. Easy Peasy.

Ghost Pancakes
(Is it just me or does the bottom left ghost look like an upside down uterus--minus the fallopian tubes?)
And little ghost feet
(Addie has enormous feet! Seriously, hers are the ones on the left--not much smaller than Devin's, right??)

Halloween Day 8

Made this for FHE last night

I love them!

Halloween Day 7

Mummy Dogs
I swear Devin will eat just about anything if he thinks he is eating a person (or anything that is alive). He will say "Don't eat me! Don't eat me!" then laugh and gobble it up. So obviously, he had a lot of fun with these.

Grocery Smarts

A while ago my friend talked me into doing grocery smarts. I totally made fun of those ladies that bought $200 worth of groceries for like $5 then bragged about it by posting a picture of all the food they bought and their receipt. But I really was curious how it worked. So I have been saving coupons and checking my thrifty/frugal/poor mom blogs every day.

I'm not going to post a picture of all the stuff I bought, but I was super excited because I spent $15 and saved $61--and I ended up with a TON of food. And not just weird random things--things I will totally use.

Okay, I lied.
I am going to post one picture, after all.
Because I got all of these for FREE.
Yes, free.
In case you were wondering how, I used a $2 off any Huggies Product from here. You can only print two per computer. So I printed two from Jared's laptop, two from our home computer then like a crazy person, I went to the library and printed from the computers there. I actually have 2 more that Jared printed at work for me that I haven't used. Wipes are on sale for $2 at Albertsons. But even at Walmart they are 2.37 so they would only be .37 a piece. Awesome right??

Halloween Day 6

I am going to admit that I am the worst person when it comes to Family Home Evening. I think I was trying to make the lessons too complicated which you just cant do with a three year old and a one year old. But I'm really, really determined to, as Elder Bednar said in conference, be consistent, and have FHE every Monday. I found some cute FHE blogs/sites that are perfect for little ones so we had a quick 2 minute lesson on Monday, the kids went on a scavenger hunt for pictures of Jesus and then we made spider cupcakes for dessert (hence the Halloween Day 6).

Devin thought it was hilarious that his cupcake had a spider on it's face.

This site, this site, this blog, and this site are some of the ones I found for FHE lessons. Let me know if there are any you use and like. My sister-in-law uses the nursery manual and I think that is also a great idea. I just need to get my hands on one.

Flashback Friday

Valerie and Johnny 1985ish. Maybe 1986?
I'm thinking this one is 1987.
Apparently, my little brother really likes this costume.
And I really have a lot of makeup on
(and hello skirt up to my boobies)

Halloween Day 5--Pumpkin Patch

We took the kids to a "pumpkin patch" between general conference sessions on Saturday. And by pumpkin patch, I mean a parking lot with some straw scattered around and piles and piles of pumpkins. We make do with what we got, I guess.

We actually drove past this place a few days earlier and Devin had been begging/whining/pleading to go to the "Mumkin pa" for at least three days. Once he gets something in his head, he can't let it go.

They had a few rides, a bounce house, and a big slide.