Preston Don Christiansen

Two weeks from today, I will be holding my beautiful baby boy in my arms. We are all getting so anxious to meet this little guy. Andrew is so excited to share his room with him and Jaedyn is excited to help out and be a big sister.

We have a c-section scheduled for 12/28, around 4:30 in the afternoon. Grammy, Aunt Chelle along with her kids, and possibly Aunt Tricia will be here for a few days to help out and welcome him in to our new home.

Preston will be sharing his birthday with his older cousin Brycelyn.

I Found a way to be released...

I am in the RS Presidency and Kyle is in the bishopric. We are always joking about finding ways to be released...

So, I am now 36 weeks pregnant. Nothing is comfortable to wear right now. I was in my sweats all day and had to go visiting teaching later that afternoon. I got dressed and put on a skirt and then put on a shirt that I have worn maybe one other time. Glanced in the mirror, everything in place, then I ran to Walmart before I went visiting teaching.

While at Walmart, I am wondering around Walmart and start to rub my oh so pregnant belly when i realize the bottom of my belly is not covered. I am bearing my big pregnant midriff. Yep, the shirt had wandered up as i was walking around. Me, I am horrified and zip my sweater up. Thinking all the while, I am glad no one at church saw me, and that is a quick way to get released.

When, i come home and take my sweater off to show Kyle, he starts laughing and tells me that I am going to show up on that people of walmart website!

Ugh!

This is the Best Day EVER!

With Drew starting Kindergarten this year he and I haven't had a lot of just mommy and Drew time. Jaedyn and I have been spending a lot of time together because she is at home with me during the day. She has been with me to the doctors while Kyle and Drew do boy stuff and been to bridal showers with me while Kyle and Drew have gone to the movies.

On Monday I had a doctors appointment to go to. I schedule them for when Kyle gets off of work so that he can watch one or both of the kids. On Monday, I decided to see if Drew wanted to come with me. I had to sneak him downstairs and whisper in his ear so Jaedyn wouldn't hear because she would have cried if she knew I was leaving the house without her (turns out she was perfectly happy spending quality time with her dad that afternoon. They got to go get sodas, and go to the store and spend their own quality time together).

Anyway, he decided to come with me and as we were driving off I was thanking him for coming and he kept telling me he didn't want me to be alone. Anyway, as we are heading to the doctors (it is a 40-45 minute trip). He started telling me, "This is the best day ever!" I asked him what made it the best day ever and he would tell me, "Mommy and me time." I love that boy! We had a great time at the doctors office. He got to hear the babies heartbeat and talk to the doctor and nurses, and look at books, and pictures of other babies. Afterward, we went through the Taco Bell/Pizza Hut drive through and bought us each Pepperoni Personal Pan Pizzas (Drew's favorite meal is pizza) and then headed to Target because I had procrastinated long enough on putting together Halloween costumes. Drew wanted to be Mario (Mario and Luigi) and I was going to put together a costume but finding overalls at the last minute was a little difficult (ok, I didn't try to hard). So as we were walking through the costume isles we found a Nascar racer outfit and it was RED (his favorite color). He has been getting into NASCAR lately with his dad so he was excited to have it. After we went to look for a costume for Jaedyn. She wants to be Han Tanna, a.k.a. Hanna Montana. I found her some cute clothes that I mixed and matched in the girls department and with a blowup guitar that I bought from walmart and doing her hair up and letting her wear makeup, I think she will be just happy.

Anyway, Drew and I had a great afternoon together and all throughout that afternoon he kept telling me, "This is the best day EVER!" And I have to agree with him, it was the best day ever. But of course all of my days with my little family are the best days ever.

I love you Andrew!

I want to be like you

So I am giving my baby girl (not really baby she is 3 1/2) a hug this morning and I was telling her how much I love her and not to grow up too quickly and she tells me. "It's all right mom. I want to be like you." I LOVE that girl. Oh the pressure! I need to be such a good example to her and need to teach her and love her. I want her to be confident and happy and fun and modest and to, most importantly, love her Heavenly Father. I want her to know with out a doubt she is a Daughter of a Heavenly King. We have such a good relationship right now and I pray that it continues to be that way when she is a teenager. She is such a good girl and she loves "her Jesus." I am so proud of you Jaedyn Belle!

Farm Chicks Giveaway

Farm Chicks are some of their neat finds away that they got in NYC. Go check it out! I hope I win!!!

http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/farmchicks/2009/07/since-we-couldnt-take-you-with-us.html

HomeGoods StyleScope - I'm a Glamorous Classic

HomeGoods StyleScope - I'm a Glamorous Classic



I wish my house looked like this. Maybe someday...

http://www.homegoods.com

You have a refined sensibility with an appreciation for history and tradition in your furniture and your rooms. You value beauty and craftsmanship. You are visually sensitive and understand how symmetry and a balanced layout give order to a room. But you definitely like to shake things up with some unabashed luxury and glamour to keep things from getting boring. You go for rich materials like velvets, one-of-a-kind objects, lady-like touches, glimmering accessories, and a sense of old-Hollywood romance that makes your home dramatic and elegant.

You value creativity. You are stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others. You have a natural sense of drama, and you know you have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for your home to stand out. Your home can be happy and lively and the place all of your friends want to be.

Putting Your Style to Work!
With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: LIGHT Think about borrowing light and reflecting it. Placing mirrors across from windows multiplies whatever light you do have and can extend the view, or try two mirrors across from one another. If you find a big frame you like, you can have a mirror cut for it. Consider putting sconces near mirrors or candles or even lamps in front of them to enhance their light. Hanging chandeliers are nicer than recessed lights, and lots of small lamps work better than one big light source. Go for a few choice, sparkly accessories like candlesticks, boxes, frames and trays in silver or gold.

2. Your Happy Place Make this room as comfortable and inviting as possible by bringing in some real furniture like an armchair or a sofa if you have the space. A little lamp on the counter or decorative hanging light can set the mood. Stools are great perches and can easily be moved around. Don't forget to bring your personality and style into this room: hang some art or display a collection of family photos in mixed frames. Consider bold, happy colors in the kitchen as well, like brightly colored pots and pans, big bowls for corralling fruits and vegetables, and trays for spices, oils, teas and pepper mills.

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time! Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, stock up on some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

silly stuff my kids do and say...

The other day my neighbor Melissa was over visiting and my kids and her daughter were outside playing (this is before it hit 110+ outside. Anyway, the kept turning on the water. I would go outside and get after them to turn it off. After the 4th time I walked outside and found the culprit, Jaedyn. I turned off the water and grabbed her to bring her inside to sit in time out. As I am doing this she is looking over at her friend and Andrew yelling, "Help me guys, help me!!" She is so stinkin' cute!

Well, I am still on bedrest so my wonderful in-laws decided to take the kids for the day. Papa Don (as Drew calls him) came to pick them up yesterday morning and went back to their home for breakfast. Then then decided to go to Fiesta Mall (haven't been there in AGES). The kids had a blast. They took them to the Disney store and Jaedyn bought pretty princess necklaces and Andrew bought more Lightning McQueen stuff. Later kept saying later, "I didn't know they had a Disney store at the mall!" Anyway, after Pizza and lemonade at the food court they headed home and Kyle stopped by after work to pick them up.

They came home and were all excited about there day, telling me about it. Drew told me, "I sure had a great day mom, but do you know what the best part of the day is?" What Drew? "Being home with you mom." I love my boy!

I will NEVER like Pink!

So, Drew and Jaedyn are playing in the sandbox at my parents home. I am outside watching them. I don't know what those 2 where talking about, but all of a sudden I hear Andrew yell, "I will NEVER like Pink!"

Yep, he is all boy. Me personally, I like pink and all the girly stuff that comes along with it and I am happy to say so does Jaedyn. But that is fine with me if my "all boy" will "NEVER like pink!"

Feeling a Little Spoiled...

bed rest isn't so bad when you are at mom's! I am sitting outside in my mom's Cabela's recliner with a table at my side and some water, some juice, my cell phone and of course my lap top and I am enjoying the nice weather and watching the kids swim. I am feeling a little spoiled right now.

Sitting and Sitting and Laying and Sitting...

Well, this is week 2 of bed rest. A week ago today I noticed I was bleeding pretty bad. I called the doctor and they immediately had me come in for an ultrasound. We went in and the baby is doing just fine and has a strong heartbeat. We even saw it moving around and at just about 13 weeks it looked like a little baby. What a relief that the baby was fine and the heartbeat strong. But apparently I have a low lying placenta, which means that the tip of the placenta is touching my cervix and when doing to much it can rub against it and make me bleed. Hence, the doctor has put me on bed rest for 2 weeks. I am going stir crazy doing nothing! I was doing better and yesterday I started bleeding. Kyle is working late all this week and has meetings at night so my parents came last night and brought the kids and me back to their house for the week.

Baby #3

Here is a picture of our precious baby. I am 9 weeks along and so far everything is going well. We got to hear a strong heartbeat at this ultrasound and it did my heart good to hear it. We are very excited and very blessed. Jaedyn wants a girl baby and wants to name it Baby Jaedyn Belle. And of course, Drew wants a boy baby and wants to name him Lightning McQueen. Kyle and I are just happy to share our home with another addition to our family.

I am tired tired tired and sick sick sick, but I haven't thrown up once, I just have that pukey feeling all the time. And nothing sounds good to eat and then when I do eat I am sick after that. Ugh! I just want to lay on the couch all day. So my house is a little messier for a while and the family is eating lots of frozen dinners and lots of Taco Bell, but we have a good reason! Kyle has been so patient with me and understanding. He teases me that I am useless right now, and it is sooo true!!! But the truth is I am grateful for the tiredness and the pukey feeling because that just means that this pregnancy seems to be working.

Andrew's Birthday

My Baby boy turned 5 on May 18th. Ok, I know he is not the baby he is the oldest but he is still my baby. I am so proud of him and I love him so much. He starts kindergarden this year. I have such mixed emotions. I am so excited but I want to cry because my baby is growing up.

We had his 1st friends birthday party for him a couple of Saturday's ago and he had so much fun.

Five reasons why I love him.

1. His laughter.
2. His exuberence for EVERYTHING.
3. He wants to marry his mommy when he grows up.
4. He loves learning about the gospel and gets excited when I talk to him about becoming a missionary someday.
5. He tries hard to be good and do what he is told.

Pinocchio, Snow White, and Superman

Pinocchio, Snow White, and Superman are out for a stroll in town one day. As they walked, they come across a sign: "Beauty contest for the most beautiful woman in the world."
"I am entering!" said Snow White. After half an hour she comes out and they ask her, "Well, how'd ya do?"
" First Place !" said Snow White.
They continue walking and they see a sign: "Contest for the strongest man in the world."
"I'm entering," says Superman. After half an hour, he returns and they ask him, "How did you make out?"
" First Place ," answers Superman. "Did you ever doubt?"
They continue walking when they see a sign: "Contest! Who is the greatest liar in the world?" Pinocchio enters.
After half an hour he returns with tears in his eyes.
"What happened?" they asked.
"Who the hell is Nancy Pelosi?" asked Pinocchio.

This Post is for Becky Taylor

When Becky was teaching in Relief Society in one of her lessons she was discussing the Relief Society motto and the Relief Society Seal. She wanted to know if any of us knew why there were wheat sheaves on the seal. None of us knew and she didn't either. Anyway, I was curious and thought for sure I could find out why on the internet, but I couldn't find anything. Well this morning I was going over the RS handbook and came across a section on the RS Motto and Seal. And it states....



The seal of the Relief Society incorporates the motto "Charity never faileth" with wheat sheaves symbolizing the storing of grain for a time of need.

So now we know.

Chuck!

Keep Chuck ALIVE!!! We don't want it to end. Eat Subway for dinner tonight. Get a $5 Footlong and watch the season finale. They are thinking about canceling it. See this website!

http://www.givememyremote.com/remote/chuck-vs-the-finale-footlong/

This is my favorite TV show and it is clean enough that I let my almost 5 year old watch it with me.

Great quote for all Domesitc Godesses like me.

I just found this great quote and LOVED it. It helps me remember just what an awesome job and responsibility I have.

"The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only-- and that is to support this ultimate career."

-C.S. Lewis

Out of the mouth of Drew

So Drew is on the computer playing on www.starfall.com (a very good website for preschoolers by the way) and they are counting pickled peppers. I start counting with it. And Drew says, "I didn't know you are good at counting mom!" I say, "Drew, I am excellent at counting!"

Dirty Deeks and Dunder Cheeks

So my son has one of his named 2 of his race cars. One race car is named "Dirty Deeks" and the other one is named "Dunder Cheeks." When I questioned him about it he said, you know mom, like the song and proceeds to sing, "Dirty Deeks and Dunder Cheeks." When I questioned where he heard the song he said daddy. (those of you who grew up in the 80's and listened to hard rock will know what song he means and know the correct words for it.)

Yes, I am still going private I just haven't sat down to do it yet.

Paying it Forward

Here's a fun blogging game...

Be one of the first three people to leave a comment on this post and you'll receive something handmade from me sometime in the next year.

But there is a catch. You have to do the same thing on your blog.

Thanks Michelle, Suzette and Wendy! :0)

Oh, you still have to read the previous post about my children's cute comments.

Out of the Mouths of Drew and Jaedyn...

As Drew was blessing the food for lunch he said "Heavenly Father please give Jesus a kiss." He also said in the prayer "Please help the strangers stop drinking coffee."

Ok, so Jaedyn's new nursery leader is my visiting teacher. Jaedyn has fallen in love with Sister Arnold. When she see's her in the hall she runs and gives her a big hug. Well Sister arnold was coming to see me on Wednesday. And if Jaedyn loves you she will call she adds "My" before your name. She always says, "My Jesus" or "My Grammy." Anyway, I tell her that Sister Arnold is coming tonight and she says, "My Sister Arnold?" I tell her yes and that she is coming to see me. She says, "No, she is coming to see me, she's MINE!"

Anyway, I love what comes out of the mouths of little ones.

Going Private

I am going private. If I don't have your email address please post it in my comments so that i can keep you on my blog list. I love hearing from you all and want to continue to. Thanks! :0)

Gila Valley Temple...

Here is an artist rendition of the Gila Valley Temple. They had the groundbreaking ceremony on Valentine's Day. We planned on going but we were not able to make it. My parent's went though and they said it was really neat. They start construction soon.

Recent Vinyl Creations of mine...

Inauguration Day

I am a stay at home mom. I have two beautiful children. I babysit a little girl that is with us 3 or 4 days a week. I never said I know how to write eloquently, but today I am giving you my thoughts. I watched the Inauguration today. I had Andrew, Jaedyn and Ayana watch it with me. We stood as they swore in President Obama and VP Biden into their offices. I tried to explain to them that today history is in the making. Today our 1st black President of the United States of America was sworn into office. Whether you voted for him or not this is a great day. We, as a nation, have really come far.

Whether Democrat, Republican, Independent, Liberal, Conservative (I am a Conservative Republican) or whatever you may be, you really have to respect this day. We, as a country, are able to vote in who we please.

I watched the Obama's walk the Bush's to the Helicopter. I watched them joking and laughing and talking together. I watched Mrs. Bush (BTW, I think she is such a classy lady) walk over to Mrs. Obama and hug her and wish her luck. I watched Pres. Bush and Pres. Obama do the same. I watched VP Biden salute Pres. Bush as he flew away. Today, for at least a moment, two parties getting along.

I do have to say that I have much respect for President Bush. You may not like some of the things he has done or how he has run the country. But I think he is truly a good honest man. I think he has a good heart and I think he has a wife that keeps him in line.

I am waiting to see what this new President brings us. And though he may not have the same values as I do or though I may not agree with a lot of ideas I wish him luck. I wait in antsipation to see what comes of the next few years.

BTW, the kids stayed with me through the swearing in but while Pres. Obama was speaking the kids heard the garbage truck coming and found that more interesting and ran to watch the garbage truck.

Save Your Change...

All I have to say is..

This....

Equals this...

42 Inch 1080p Vizio

Yay me!
This was a nice Christmas present for my husband.
Now if he would just learn to share it ....

Happy 3rd Birthday Jaedyn

Ok, Jaedyn I am really sorry I am posting your birthday a few days late. I was waiting for Kyle to upload the pictures and then Drew got sick the next day and then I had to give the lesson in RS yesterday, so I had NOOOO time. I am taking time right now.

My little baby is now 3 years old. Though she loves to still be called little and she will correct you if you say different to her, she is growing up. It seems that she has just blossomed lately too. My shy quiet little girl has turned into the social butterfly. She loves to dance and sing and she loves to run and give her friends a hug when she sees them. And she definitely loves her friends. And she is all girl. She loves the girly stuff however she will play trains with her brother.

Kyle and I were supposed to have our date night on Friday night but because it was her birthday we decided to postpone our date night and have it her special day. I am glad we did because she had such a good birthday. She loved being star of the show. A while back she saw a Barbie cake and she has been telling me she wants one ever since. So for her birthday I made her a Barbie cake. I kept asking her what she wanted for dinner her birthday and she would just tell me Barbie cake. So we 1st had Barbie cake then we ate pizza.
Three reasons I love Jaedyn...

1. Her face lights up when she smiles.
2. She is all girl.
3. She is a mama's girl (she's turned into my little shadow lately).

Here she is helping me make her barbie cake.