THE CHRISTENSEN'S

2011-12-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

2011-12-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

SANTA

After Thanksgiving weekend we decided to spend a day up north with just the four of us.

It was lots of fun especially when we went and saw Santa.

Chloe had just woken up so maybe not so much for her.

I really didn't want to be in the picture but that is the only way Chloe would even come close to him.

Kinley on the other hand had no idea what was going on and just smiled like usual....

which is why Kinley got her own picture.

The photographer asked if they could take extra pictures with just Kinley so they could use them as their display. We thought that was pretty cool, not only because she's the cutest (we already knew that) but they gave us free pictures too:)

2011-12-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Family Pictures

November 2011

I had to post this next picture because it is too funny. This is what you get when you try to get 6 girls under the age of 3 to take a picture together. All of the adults thought they were being helpful by making their silly noises behind the camera but we were actually scaring the girls to death..... oh what fun!!!

2011-12-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

HaPpY THaNkSgIvInG!!!

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving twice. The weekend before at my moms house... still need to download those pictures from my phone. We had tons of fun celebrating gingerbread houses with all the cousins.

The actual weekend we were at the Christensen's. It was lots of fun & super yummy!!

Kinley was sleeping & Chloe was..... herself.... everywhere. Got to love this almost 2 year old age:)

Got to love the turkey Meghann made, the kids were sure eatin it up!!!

I can't believe how quickly the month of November came & left. I started listing each day on facebook something that I was thankful for but then sadly lost track of time with everything that life brings. But that doesn't mean that I am not thankful. Here's a new list so I don't feel guilty for not finishing my list earlier:)

1- My Husband & two sweet girls!

2- Mine & Chase's family!

3- Chase's education & job!

4- The opportunity I've had to go back to school this year!!

5- My religion!

6- Eternal families, I know I'll live with my dad again someday (which bring so much joy to my heart!)

7- A living prophet that receives revelation to guide us in these latter days.

8- That Chase & I are both return missionaries.

9-For our house that protects us & keeps us warm.

10- Our cars that get us around.

11- All of our different talents that make us unique & different from one another.

12- Our freedom

13- Our Health

14- Being married in the temple

15- My friends

16- My friendship with my mom & sister.

17- To come from a family where WORK is taught from a young age.

18- To live in Utah (We truly are so blessed)

19- To have such amazing technology.

20- The ability to smell, hear, touch & feel

21- My neighbors

22- My calling in the primary..... love the children.

23- For trials (I mean the after part, when you see how much you've grown & what you learned.)

24- Thankful for good music & the peace it can bring.

25- Thankful for the toys & fun things we have now to entertain our kids with.

26- Thankful for good books to help us teach our children.

27- Thankful for the sun.

28- That I get to be a mother.

29- The example that Chloe & Kinley are to me!!!

30- The people who risk their lives for us each day so that we can have the freedom we do!!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!

2011-12-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

Kinley is 4 months old

Her stats:

Weight: 13.6 (43%)

Height: 25 (77%)

HC: 42 (79%)

She's definitely bigger than Chloe was at this age but they are just completely different with their built, skin tones, hair color etc. She's rolling all over the place & now trying to army crawl her way to things she really wants. She can almost sit up by herself too. She does like her binkie & her two middle fingers. She's very entertained by her older sister & could just watch her all day & laugh & smile.

She loves to giggle! When she first started to laugh it was funny how it worked.... she would only giggle if you really scared her. At first I felt so bad trying to scare her but not once did she get sad.... she would just smile & giggle.

She still sleeps through the night & has pretty much the hole time. I am so glad that I put the two girls in separate rooms. When we can't find Chloe in the morning it's usually because she has sneaked into Kinley's room & climbed in her crib. On more than one occasion we've found Chloe in her crib singing her songs while she's sleeping. How sweet are my girls???... man I just love them!!!

Kinley is really enjoying her rice cereal! She doesn't really fuss much but she can sure spit up. Some other names she goes by are:

Baby K

Kinney (Chloe)

Sister (Chloe)

Kinners

Sis

Pumpkin

Sweetie

2011-12-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

Fun times with the family

These are just random pictures of the month of November. Chloe loves spending time with her daddy. He's such a great dad, she loves him so much!!

Chase having fun with Chloe shooting some hoops, jumping & swinging.

Kinley on the other hand is warm inside working on her army crawl & superman.

She's getting so big, now sits at the table so Kinley gets the highchair.

A little family picture after church (that is why Chloe looks so tired).

Poor girl is getting all 4 canines at the same time. It's been a rough month with sleeping but hopefully we're on the home stretch.

I love this picture of Kinley. She's always so happy & smiling. She loves the bumbo so she can see what's going on.

2011-12-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

HALLOWEEN 2011

This year was so fun with trick-or-treating! I can't believe it was this day last year that we announced we were having another baby & now she's 5 months old. I know they're not twins but I sure love dressing them as close as I can. I wasn't smart & scheduled Kinley's doctor visit this day & she had to get shots..... she had a rough day but was great by night.

Trick-or-treating at Chase's boss house.

Chloe leaving the first house & ready to get going with the others.

I was trying to help her put her candy in her bag & I think she thought I was taking it away from her & didn't like that. She was determined to hold on to all of her candy from the the first house.... she was pretty excited.

2011-12-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Chloe's A Farmer!!!

Chloe has a weekend farming with dad & Pampa (aka Grandpa)

Chase took the girls home one weekend while I was at school & Chloe had the best time like usual. She loves loves loves being outdoors doing anything. She even got hooked up with her pink, Carhardt overalls.

Who knows maybe we'll end up back in Delta doing what Chase loves but until then we will continue making our weekend trips so that Chase can help as much as he can, he really does love it!!

2011-12-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

PUMPKIN PATCH

We started a tradition in our family last year with Chloe. We couldn't wait to head back to Paragonah this year with two little girls.

She's pretty proud of her pumpkin that she found all by herself.

I just love her smile lately.... she forgets to leave her eyes open.

Still don't think they look anything alike??

2011-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

September FUN!!!

Chloe loves her cousin Sienna & she especially loved helping bake cupcakes to celebrate her birthday!!

Chase already had the girls in Delta so I caught a ride right after school just in time for the party. Chloe couldn't wait to try out her new hair toys on me.... I think we might have another hairdresser on our hands.:)

Daddy & Kinley having tummy/play time.

Still not sure who she looks like?

Weekend in Mesquite before the cold comes......

Our precious little Chloe can't get enough of the camera & showing off her cute smile:)

2011-10-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

HALF MARATHON

(13.1 miles)

After I got home from the hospital with Kinley I decided to sign up for a race so I could get some goals met & back in shape. I finally got Half Marathon crossed off my bucket list. Full marathon is next, anyone want to join??

The race was awesome, such a pretty run. My brother, Jeremy came down with his family so he could join me. It was lots of fun having someone else doing the same thing. I was pretty slow but I figured after only having a baby 2 1/2 months ago that my goals of not stopping & just finishing were pretty legitimate.

I was able to finish the race in 2 hours & 5 minutes.

Chase & Chloe came to cheer me on!!

Me & Jeremy!

Thanks Jer for traveling down here & running the race. I am super lucky to have such great siblings, they are all such great examples to me in so many different ways.

2011-10-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

I keep forgetting to post the baby announcement for Kinley... it turned out so so cute thanks to Heather! I can't believe in this picture she is 5 days old & now she's 3 months. She's such a great baby & smiley one too.... more pictures coming soon:)

We love you Kinley!!

2011-10-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

Two month & 19 month pics & stats!!!

*Kinley's 2 months*

I can honestly say for those of you that don't see Kinley that often that she is seriously this happy of a baby!! We're so blessed with your sweet, loving personality! She's been smiling since early on & it just makes our days so great. Here are a few pictures of our little princess that we often call:

-Kinley bear

-sweet pea

-Kin

-pumpkin

-Kinners

sis

*2 month stats!!*

Weight- 10.1 (30%)

Height- 21 1/2 in. (17%)

HC- 39 cm (57%)

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SISTERS JUST HAVING FUN!!

I love when Chloe asks if she can feed Kinley or hold her. She holds out her arms & waves her hands towards herself & says, "Me.... Kinney." So we get all positioned & then I hand her Kinley. If we're lucky it might last 3 seconds & then she just lets go of her & says, "okay, me done." I have learned to be right there, otherwise, sweet Kinley goes for a hard fall.

I really don't think that they look that much alike?? Chloe is really fare, blue-eyed & blonde. Kinley is dark skinned, dark hair & possible brown eyes. Guess we'll see???

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chloe's 19 months

Little Chloe is BUSY!! I love when she plays with books because that means she might hold still for more than 5 seconds. She's such a smart LITTLE GIRL.... she's no longer my little baby. She's still doing good as the big sister. She loves to be helpful, by getting diapers, burp clothes etc. Nursery is her new favorite place. Now that I am in the Primary Presidency I love checking in on the Nursery to see how she interacts. She loves organization. She loves having "her chair" where she eats her snack & colors during nursery.

She's always been a really good sleeper... UNTIL about a month or so ago. She started waking up in the middle of the night. She's not the best dinner eater so I started giving her a sippy of milk because she's so tiny. Then I realized that's not the best because now her body will always think she's hungry about 1 in the morning. NOT FUN FOR ME! So I started giving her water & she stopped waking up:)........that is until about 3 in the morning. Anyway.... she's slowly getting better at sleeping. She wakes up for the day between 5:30-6:30 AM instead of 4:30.... so we're slowly improving.

Chloe is becoming such a great example to all of those around her. Whenever I put her in her highchair for a meal she immediately folds her arms & says MOM. I know we'll get there but I just love how she gets so excited to fold her arms & even more excited to say, "Amen."

Lately she's all about trying to climb inside things.

Sunday drive up to the "C"

Chase brings the girls to come see me on Saturdays & I do Chloe's hair. She loves sitting in the chair & watching everything that is going on around her.

Sorry about the picture but I just love how she thinks she can just fit or sit on anything.

She loves to smile & show her teeth.

*Chloe's 19 month stats*

Weight- 22.10 (21%)

Height- 31 3/4 in (43%)

HC- 48 cm (82%)

2011-10-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Happy 5 year anniversary

Chase!!

September 1, 2006 seems like it was just yesterday. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time & eternity. What a wonderful feeling that we have eternity. I am so thankful for Chase & the husband & father that he his. He has so much patience with me & I truly appreciate it.

Chase was in charge of our anniversary this year & he did very good. We spent the weekend in Vegas.... just the two of us. The first time we've ever left either of the girls overnight... even Chloe & she's almost 2. We didn't really care to do the Vegas thing but just really wanted to relax. We stayed at the Red Rock Resort West of the strip. It was so fun. We went to the outlets on our way & did some shopping for the girls. We then went to the hotel & didn't leave until we went home. I love how the hotels have all the entertainment you need. We spent the day at the pool, did some bowling, ate some yummy food & played BINGO with the old ladies. It was such a fun & much needed weekend.

The pool was so so much fun...

Yep, that's right I kicked his butt!!!

LOve yoU ChAseR!!! Happy 5 years!!!

2011-08-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Christensen Girls.....

Are staying busy & having lots of fun:)

Chloe loves feeling like a "big girl" by reading books in her rocking chair.

Just getting home from school & taking a little pic with little Kinley

Chloe grinning big for the camera

Chloe LOVES to help with little sister... by holding & kissing her.

I missed the cute smile that Kinley has been sharing a whole lot lately, maybe next time.

Kinley not sure about big sister holding her??

Chloe loving the outdoors before bedtime

Chloe playing with her new favorite buddy.... Connor.

Thanks again Elisa for coming & visiting us:)

As for school.... well it's going great! I am so busy & loving it so much. Staying busy has been such a blessing because it makes the days go by quickly so I can get home to my little girls. I just keep telling myself that January is right around the corner & I'll be home with them more often. Yes, I am still graduating on time even though I had a baby in the middle of this crazy time. My instructor is amazed at how this has all worked for me.... so hopefully things keep running smoothly for us. I got all of my state requirements done before I had Kinlely which was really nice. Now it's just a matter of getting my hours (have to have 2000 to graduate) & doing the school assignments & tests. It's crazy to think I am no longer a new student. The second new class starts in two weeks & then I'll be one of the oldest students, which is scary. I am feeling more comfortable everyday but I know that there is so much more to learn through trial & error. Thanks again to everyone that has made this possible:)

2011-08-19T05:36:00.000-07:00

Chase spends a week in Delta.....

doing what he loves most (besides golfing)

FARMING!!

Here are just a few pictures of what Chase's view was for the past week. We are so happy to have him back, but so grateful that he was able to help on the farm. I truly appreciate Chase so much more. He does so much for us & our family. It was a crazy week getting the girls to the babysitter & doing the school thing.... yes I was a little tired but it worked out great. All I know is that I have a lot more respect for single moms. Thanks so much Chase for all that you do... I am so lucky to have a husband that is so helpful & supportive in so many different ways....

We LOVE YOU!!

2011-08-19T05:17:00.000-07:00

Kinley Christensen

blessed

in Delta, Utah

August 7, 2011

We decided to bless Kinley in Delta in our hometown where most of our family lives. It was such a nice day. I am so grateful for the priesthood & that Chase was able to bless her, he did such a great job!

It happened to be my dads birthday too, so that made it even more special to me.... man I miss him so much!! I am at least grateful for the testimony I have of eternal families. I feel so blessed to know that there Grandpa Smith gets to see them before I do:)

Not the best picture but it works for now.

My mom went to pick up the dress for me after I picked it out online & I actually picked the same one Chloe had....ha ha.

I can't believe we're a family of 4!!

After the baby blessing in the Sutherland ward we enjoyed a yummy BBQ at the Christensens, thanks Chris for letting us use your house & beautiful yard!!

2011-08-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Chloe is 18 months old....

can you believe it

My sassy Chloe

I can't believe my baby girl is getting so big. We love this little girl so much that words can't describe. She is such a great big sister to Kinley (she has only bit Kinley 1 time:)).

Everyday she continues to surprise us with more & more things......

She can now open all kinds of doors

She loves to play "kitchen"

She loves her big girl (toddler) bed.... especially the fluffy pillow

She LOVES milk in her sippy cup & to cuddle in her big red, minky blankie

She is getting better at getting her hair done:) (doesn't really have a choice)

She loves to try any type of shoe on around the house

She loves nursery

She has "almost" all of her teeth

Names she goes by: Chloe bear, Clo Clo, Sis, Sweetie & Lil' Sweet Pea

Still a picky eater but she still loves her raisins & almost all breakfast foods

She LOVES computers, keyboards, the mouse, anything electronic. If you can't find her she's usually at the computer

She loves to count.... well she gets "2" right & then she just repeats the number 2 each time... it's really cute.

Words she can say: Chloe, Mama, Daddy, please, more, thank you, I love you (in Chloe language:)), good night, cheese (for food & for the camera), lots of animals & their sounds & lots of peoples names.

She could eat popsicles ALL Day long

She loves to feed her baby a bottle & burp them when I am feeding Kinley

Still a huge fan of Sesame Street (some Barney & Dora)

She loves the playground, especially the swing & trampoline

She loves to be the one to turn off the light or push the button to the garage or ring the door bell.

Loves to sit in the front seat of the car & pretend she is driving

She still loves her books

Loves to eat her toothpaste out of the tube:)

Loves to play with the sink fausett & bath tub & fill everything full of water aka make a terrible slipper mess!

She RUNS EVERYWHERE she goes.... I can't keep up with her. Very rarely does she just sit down when not locked in her car seat or stroller

Loves to give Kinely her binky even if it is forced & not wanted

She loves to be pushed in her stroller by the neighbor kids but not mommy or daddy.

I am sure there are a lot more things to add to the list but this is what I can think of now. I'll just have to keep adding once they come to mind.

We sure love you Chloe, you keep us on our toes!!

2011-08-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

FISHIN' ON THE 24TH OF JULY

We decided to take a family outing & go fishing to Swains Creek up Cedar Mountain. Chloe had an absolute ball. She was so good with the water etc. We had some good luck which always makes fishing worth the patience.

By far the cutest picture!! I promise this wasn't posed. She loves her daddy so much!!

We forgot to take a picture of the fish until after they were all cleaned. Chloe was pretty excited, I love her facial expressions:)

Miss Kinley was really good too (like always).

Everything was a lot of fun that day....

well maybe not my sunburn knees, but that's about it:)

2011-07-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

The story of when

Baby Kinley was born.....

June 29, 2011 @ 11:56 a.m.

weighing 6lb. 12 oz.

18 3/4 inches

Kinley didn't want to come on her own (which surprised me because my water broke with Chloe a day early) so I was induced two days after my due date. Chase & I went to the hospital at 4 am while Mike & Chris stayed with Chloe. As soon as I got all the admitted stuff done & hooked up to the IV they started by putting a pill cyotet (?) in me that would help me dialate. FYI for the last month I had only been dialated to a 1. I was anticipating the pitocin (because last time it worked so quickly on me that the epideral didn't kick in for a while) so I was a little relieved that they were going to use something else before the pitocin. After they put the pill in I had to wait 3 hours so they could check me again. So I took a little nap (for what I could) & then around 7:30 am they checked & I was a 4!! Yeah!! Because of how quickly I had Chloe they decided to break my water & get me started on pitocin rather than give me another dose of the cyotet. I was grateful for that because I didn't want to have to wait another 3 hours to see the results of what another dose would do. It took another 2 hours or so to get my water broke & wait an hour before they could start the pitocin. About an hour after the pitocin was started I was dialating rather quickly. The contractions were getting stronger & I decided that after last time with Chloe that it can take a while for the epideral to kick in or to get the whole body :) so I ordered the epideral. It worked out perfect time wise & about an hour after the epideral I was dialated & they called my doctor so that I could start pushing. I pushed probably 6 times & Kinley came out!!!

We didn't tell our families what her name was going to be so all our family members were waiting for the picture text with her name.

Chase got to watch everything & cut the cord again.

I got to hold her right after for a couple hours & then Chase helped with her first bath. I was so numb from the epideral that it took several hours to feel my legs again. Chloe did really good when she was there. She's still doing really well w/ baby sister.... she loves to give her kisses.

First family picture

6 lb. 12 oz.

Chaser gets first diaper change:)

Picture before we leave the hospital the next day.

We are adjusting well to our new addition. I am back to school. I just keep telling myself that the sooner I get done with school the sooner I can be home with my two little girls. I am so grateful that everything has gone so smoothly. I am so lucky to have such great pregnancies & deliveries.

2011-07-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

baby

Kinley Christensen

(5 days old)

My amazing sister-in-law took these pictures over the 4th... she did an amazing job, thanks so much cortney!!!

Pretty sure that I have the 2 cutest girls EVER!!! :)

2011-07-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

4th of July

Yes, we still made it to Delta for the 4th:) That's just one holiday you don't want to miss if you're from Delta. More than anything I just wanted Chloe to have fun at the parade & be with her cousins. I wasn't up for the park especially with having a baby that was only 5 days old.

Chloe had so much fun catching candy from the different floats with Chase.

By far the cutest picture of my Chloe & Chaser.

Smith cousins posing for their annual 4th of July picture.

The Christensens had a 4th of July BBQ & Aj helped the girls ride the horse.... can you tell Chloe was a having a blast. She can be such a cheeser for the camera if she wants!

This is a random picture that I had to post. We're trying to get caught up with our yard so Chloe has been helping take care of the trees that we just planted. She is such an outdoors girl. She cries when we have to go inside or whenever the door shuts & she is on the inside & not the outside.

Chloe has also been learning how to ride the bike at Grandma Chris's house.

While feeding Kinley one afternoon I was relaxing enjoying some peace & quiet while Chloe was sleeping.... well I thought she was? Little did I know she was figuring out how to climb out of her crib. So all of the sudden I heard a THUMP! I hurried & looked at the video monitor & there was no sign of Chloe in the crib.... then I heard a knock at the door followed with some tears... she's so stinkin cute. Sure enough that night Chloe's crib had a makeover... the toddler rails are on & she now has a BIG GIRL BED!!! She actually does really well with it. There has only been one time so far that she has fought going to sleep by crying at the door.

Lately we've been spending lots of time in St. George enjoying the weather. Chloe loves playing with her cousins Kelly & Haley.

While we're playing with cousins, guess what Chase is doing??? Yes, that's right he's golfing!!! :)

2011-06-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

Fun with Chloe!!!!

This last month has been a fun & crazy month. Trying to get ready for the baby, enjoy the summer, school, work, yard work, play & especially spending time with Chloe. She loves the outdoors & can't wait to get outside to either go for a walk, blow bubbles, jump on the tramp, or play with her chalk or do yard work (she actually will pull weeds.... we've trained her well:)) She's still pretty much always happy like she always has been. She still loves her mornings with Sesame Street & will eat about any breakfast food, except eggs. A lot of people ask if I think she understands what is going on.... well.... kind of. She'll kiss my belly when we tell her to give baby sister a kiss. She definitely has been more into her baby doll. She likes to feed her, dress her & burp her... so I think I'll have a little helper soon.

This pregnancy has gone by so fast with school & staying busy with Chloe that it's hard to believe that I am due practically any day. I am 39.5 weeks. I am due Monday (the 27th) if I don't have the baby by Wednesday they'll induce me because my Dr. is leaving town. So I am just hoping that my water breaks like last time, guess we'll see. This baby does have a name that we have not pronounced yet.... for now the name is Baby "K". I decided to do another nursery for different reasons. Mostly because of sleep & nap schedules. It is almost done & I"ll post pictures with the results.

Chase is also staying super busy with his favorite sport.... golf. He took 2nd at the SUU Football Coaches Classic. He's been in several other tournaments that he's really enjoyed. Today he ran a race with a neighbor & took 2nd in his category & 6th overall! There was over 150 contestants, so he was pretty pleased. I can't wait to start training with him after I recover from the baby.

Chloe helping dad with yard work

Swimming at the new Recreation Center in Cedar

Play dates with friends. Chloe loves water & loved being in charge of the hose. Needless to say she went home in a diaper that day:)

Nap time with mommy whenever possible

Bath time

Pool time with Grandpa Mike in Mesquite... not sure about the vest.

Floating around in her tube just chillin, not sure what to think.

Floating with her twin cousins, Kelly & Haley

Found the peek-a-boo hole in the playground & kept checking on everyone

Playing with daddy on the slides (she's very tired)

Playing with mommy & still very tired

2011-05-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

34 WEEKS!!!!

This post is for Audrey!

She's been asking for some pictures for a while & here they are!

I am now 34 weeks.

My due date is June 27.

Everything is still going really well. Things are running really smoothly like the last pregnancy. I went a day early with Chloe so who knows what will happen this time? I am definitely getting lots of swelling, especially from being on my feet all day. The time is going too quickly I haven't had enough time to get things done..... so hopefully things will come together these next few weeks. The crib should be here this next week. We "kind of" have a name picked out but haven't told anyone because it's not for sure. Sorry, people you may just have to wait until she is born. Chloe doesn't really know what is going on. She can say "baby" but doesn't get much more than that.... at least from what I can see? She definitely could use someone to play with, so I am excited for that. As for school, well...... I am just taking it as it comes. I worked up until the day I had Chloe & never missed a day... so hopefully the same goes for this baby. My instructor is allowing for 6 weeks maternity but I am not planning on anything until she is here safely. I am so blessed to have such great pregnancies.

2011-05-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

HAIR SCHOOL

HAIR SHOW

Lots have been asking me if I am still enjoying hair school.

Well here's the update:

I LOVE HAIR SCHOOL, BEST Decision EVER!!!

I do have to admit that it's been a crazy month with projects, assignments & tests but so so so worth it. Not only has it been crazy busy with all of that stuff but I've also been working really hard at becoming an advance student. There are a ton of requirements (so many different hair cuts, styles, perms, colors, facials, scalp treatments, manicures, nails, pedicures, finger waves, hair extensions, braids, dreadlocks, cleaning & styling wigs, etc) that you have to do, a huge test (ten pages front & back that takes about 3-4 hours) & an interview. Since we received our stuff to get started I made some goals to get it done ASAP so that I could be advance before the baby comes....

WELL, I am an advance student!!! So what does that mean??? Well, first off I don't have to wear the ugly maroon color of smock & now get to wear black (that looks so much better)!, People pay more money to have an advance student work on them, but it also means a little more pressure to do everything right even if it is a cut or style I have never done. But there is also a lot pressure that is gone knowing that I have met all of those requirements. Now the only requirements I have to meet are the State requirements which include 200 perms, so many hair cuts, colors, 40 finger waves & of course my 2000 Hours.

I think I am right on track with everything. I try to do at least 20 perms a week, so that while I am down with the baby that I won't get too far behind.

Not only has it been crazy with becoming advance but I feel like the last two weeks especially have been different. First reason.... I went to school like any other day & next thing I know I am at the mortuary doing hair. Lucky me I was nominated for that project out of 40 something students. Then last week I got nominated to do the "mean ladies" hair because her regular student was going to be out of town. I was pretty nervous for this lady that is supposedly so mean.... but all in all everything went really well (thank goodness). She loved her perm, cut & style.

Here are some pictures from school so far.

My super good friend Katie let us use her for the fantasy up-do contest. Whitney & I had great plans to do an awesome octopus but found out hours before that there was another team with the same idea.... so with little time & brainstorming we pulled off a rainbow. The picture doesn't do it justice. Either way it was lots of fun!!

Katie also let me use her for my class demonstration in front of all the other students. We did a bunch of bling strands in one place & coordinated some feathers, it looked awesome.... Katie you're the best! If anyone wants bling strands or feathers let me know, I have tons of fun colors:)

Since day 1 the 4 of us have just kind of clicked. Kenzie from Delta, Emily from Vegas, Whitney from Cedar/Delta & me. We had so much fun at the hair show in Sandy a couple of weeks ago.

Whit & I decided that we both needed a new style & was brave enough to let a stylist take over. I thinking we both just felt like we needed some type of change where we're both pregnant.

Whitney got the cutest bangs & layers. I got some serious Justin Beiber bangs that didn't want to part the way she wanted...:)

2011-05-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

More Pics of Chloe

her 15 month Check up

Chloe's is definitely staying busy & is everywhere. She has so much energy I struggle to keep up with her. This last week we visited the doctor & had another routine check up. She also had to get two shots:( (she didn't even cry though:))

Here are the stats:

Weight- 20.05 (13%)

Height- 31 3/4 (84%)

HC- 48 cm (93%)

She's doing great & growing on the chart. Looks like she's still following the tall, skinny trend.

-Chloe is still trying new foods.

-She still loves her raisins & would prefer them over any meal.

-She loves her sippy cup especially when she occasionally gets punch.

-She's like her daddy & loves all breakfast foods (pancakes, french toast, etc)

-She loves to give kisses & wave.

-She loves to look & smell the flowers.

-Loves jumping on the trampoline.

-Just loves being outside.

-Loves her trips to St. George (on Saturdays) so she can play with the twins.

-Loves nursery!!! Yay, we can try & enjoy at least 1-2 hours of church now. At least for a couple weeks until we get our new addition:)

-Has added Sesame street to her favorites.

-Now has 6 teeth & two more breaking through.

It's been so nice having Chase back from tax season. Those two have definitely been busy on the weekends while I've been at school.

Playing at Discovery Park. She likes the tunnels, slides & also enjoys eating the wood chips :)

Playing with Aunt Tara, Mother's Day weekend.

Hanging out with Grandma Chris

Bath time with the twins after a busy day playing outside on the tramp & in the dirt.

Lunch with dad while mommy was up north at a Hair Show.

2011-04-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

EASTER 2011

We went home to Delta & were able to spend the holiday with both families.

Randie made all of the little girls their own bag to use for the egg hunt,

they turned out so cute!!

Daddy & Chloe looking for eggs at Grandma Smiths

Easter morning... mommy & Chloe with her easter basket. She was pretty excited about her own set of golf clubs.

Chloe loves her new easter dress from Grandma Chris & Grandpa Mike

Grandkids on the Christensen side. There are 5 girls under the age of 2 1/2 & our addition in 9 weeks will make it 6 girls under the age of 2 1/2 :).... YES, we have lots of fun!!

Chloe, Sienna, Riley, Kelly & Haley

Daddy & Chloe trying out the new pony that Grandpa Mike bought for the girls.

Easter was lots of fun this year. We celebrated it for 2 days, which makes it lots of fun! We had an Easter Egg hunt with both families & Chloe loved it! It's always so great to be with family & not to mention all the yummy food:)

2011-04-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

YAY!!! Tax Season is OVER!!!

Chloe & I are truly excited that it's finally over even though she doesn't look it so much in this picture. (I just wanted to show how long her hair is getting & all the natural curls:))

Well, Chase had a crazy tax season & worked super hard. He got more over time hours every week than he did regular hours. We're so excited to have him home!!! He went golfing a couple times last week to soak up the sun he's been missing out on. He's still busy at work with quarterly's, payroll, bookkeeping & all those that are behind on their taxes :).... but at least we get him home by 6!! Here are some random pictures of what Chloe & I did during tax season to keep busy.

We went & kidnapped Chase & took him to ice cream at Maggie Moo's!!!

Chloe spent many nights practicing her tunes on the piano.

Whenever we would go visit Chase, Chloe had to try out the desk. She loves computers, big soft chairs & the mouse especially. No matter where we go if she sees a computer then she has to try it out....

Because of the lovely cold weather we weren't able to do much outside after I would get home from school.

I am so happy that Chase will now be able to watch Chloe on Saturdays while I am at school. Thank you SO much to those friends & family members (especially my wonderful mother) that watched Chloe these past couple months. It was definitely crazy but I so appreciate all of you & all that you did. I know Chloe for sure loved being with all of those people that she enjoys & loves so much! Now that life feels like it is starting to slow down because tax season is over.... WELL.... technically it's not. Chase is starting on his TO-DO list.... the nursery, garage, yard & much golf playing. Only 9 more weeks till baby sister is here!!!

2011-03-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

Well life has been crazy for our family lately... I promise we're still alive!! During this busy time (tax season for Chase & school for me) I've been trying really hard to use my time wisely with Chloe when I am home.

So this post is for Chloe.... telling all the things I love about her!!!

The list could go on & on but here are some things that I LOVE ABOUT CHLOE....

I love.....

..... how when she wakes up in the morning she always comes & finds me with a morning hug & kiss.

..... how she always wants to comb my hair.

..... how excited she gets when music comes on so she can show us her dance moves:)

..... to watch her feed her baby a bottle. (She may put the nipple in her eye or ear, she may even be holding her upside down, but she has good intentions:)

..... when she runs to me when I pick her up from the babysitter

..... when she blows me kisses & waves while she & Chase watch me drive away in the morning.

..... when she sits in my lap so we can put her shapes together

..... when she helps me with laundry. She's actually pretty helpful. Everything she takes out she puts right back.

..... when I take her to the play ground & she doesn't want anything to do with the playground & just wants to run after weeds, sticks, garbage & leaves.

..... her smile when I finally convince her to try the slide at the playground

..... the smile she puts on other peoples faces:)

..... when she starts her own game of peek-a-boo

..... when she helps me cook dinner

..... when she grins at me super big with her 3 teeth (1 1/2 on top & 2 on bottom)

..... when she just wants me to hold her

..... when she holds still so I can rock her at night

..... her beautiful BLUE eyes

..... her cute little giggle

..... when she stops walking so she can get down & crawl over little curbs, bumps or piles of dirt, super cute!

..... her baby talk, the cutest jibber jabberer ever

..... that she is so good for every babysitter

..... when I put her in her crib at night she looks at me smiles & waves goodnight:)

We truly are so lucky for this little angel that Heavenly has blessed us with. I look forward for more memories!! Here are some fun pictures of Chloe!

Hiding under the table & thinks she's being sneaky!!

She loves to play "kitchen" under her highchair

Playing dress-up in a dress I wore when I was little

Keeping busy in the church gym while I serve in the library

Making friends at the park

Being a good citizen & picking up all the trash that people leave behind :)

Playing in the dirt at Uncle Greg's new/almost finished feedlot

Giving daddy loves

WE Love you SO SO much Chloe, thanks for your sweet spirit!!!

2011-02-14T14:23:00.001-08:00

VALENTINES 1 YEAR AGO......

(Chloe was about 2 weeks old)

VALENTINES THIS YEAR.....

No question we have the cutest girl in the WORLD!! I was so happy to not have school today so we could stay home & be together. We started with making yummy sugar cookies & delivering them to friends. We had so much fun playing. It's pretty hard to get Chloe to giggle out loud.... but today she wouldn't stop!!! When Chase got home he brought her a ballon that she was super excited about & me a card with a gift certificate :) We ended the night at the bowling alley with some friends. Chase showed them his mad skills while I ran after Chloe... it was lots of fun.

A little about what Chloe has been up to.... I love this girl so so much!! She is everywhere & so much fun. She still only has the bottom, front two teeth. I think the top four might break in soon & all at the same time... OUCH!! She's a tough girl though. She's starting to like normal food more & more, especially lasagna & yogurt. She's also just about off the bottle. She loves to sit in your lap while you tie your shoes, read her books or play games with her. She can be a cuddler when she's not her busy self. We're so thankful for this little girl. She may not giggle out loud much, but she's ALWAYS smiling!!! Love you Chloe, happy valentines!!

2011-02-14T14:05:00.000-08:00

CHASE TURNS THE BIG 28!!!

The most recent picture I can find!!

Chase turned 28 on Saturday, February 12. With our crazy life we didn't get to do much until the night. I was at school all day while Chase was working (let tax season begin :(, but we tried to make the most of it anyway. We started the day with some yummy crepes (Chloe liked them but not as much as pancakes) & then we were off our own ways. Thanks to my mom that has been coming down to watch Chloe!! When we got home we went to dinner & had some yummy sushi & hibachi & then we were home for cake & ice cream. Like I said we didn't do a whole ton... but I wanted to tell Chaser how much I/we love him!!

He is such a fun, great, loving husband & daddy. We have so much fun as a family. We may not see him much this time of year, but we truly appreciate all of his hard work. He doesn't complain & as long as he has a Mt. Dew & Little Debbie strawberry shortcake he is the happiest EVER!! Thanks again Chaser for all that you do.... hope you had a Happy Birthday!!

2011-01-30T20:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY CHLOE!!!

We started the day off with a pancake breakfast. She LOVES pancakes!! I love this picture she is getting more personality & it is so much fun!!

It was hard day to leave Chloe & go to school while Chase had fun with her all day... BUT we definitely had fun after school. We went straight to Delta to celebrate with family. Thanks Chris for letting us use your house :)

Sienna was waiting & so excited to give Chloe her present.

My mom did me a huge favor & made her cake for me. It turned out so so AWESOME & tasted great! Thanks so much MOM, love ya!!!

Daddy & Chloe. She loved her pizza!

Chloe is about the same size as her cake, blowing out her candles!

Didn't take Chloe very long to dive right in to her cake.

I am actually surprised how much she ate of it.

We didn't do very good at taking pictures of her w/ her presents. She was very spoiled by her grandparents. We did get this picture... it was too cute!! Chase & I got her a stroller & baby. It's amazing how she knew what to do. As soon as she saw the bottle that came with the baby she went to feed her. I love this girl so so so much!!! She makes everyone smile & I know she'll make the bestest BIG SISTER!!

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1 YR Doctors Appointment

The Dr. said that Chloe is doing awesome (which I knew already :))

She is a little girl but her parents aren't the biggest either.

Weight 18.06/ 11%

Height 29 3/4 / 72%

HC 46 1/4 / 81%

The doctor was very impressed with how advance she is developmentally.

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I can't believe that CHLOE is the BIG 1!!! It seems like just yesterday that my water broke & my sweet angel was here. I will never forget to this day the memories I have of

January 29, 2010.

I can't believe how a baby:

Can touch you so dearly right after they are born & be so incredibly perfect. It's the best feeling when the baby is put in your arms & see how life itself is such a miracle. It's such a great but scary feeling to leave the hospital as a family & know that you all have each other. It's such a great feeling that the little baby depends on everything you do. The feeling of being loved & needed is so wonderful. Then time continues to go & you learn so many things along the way, things you wish you knew before. There are so many times that you get after yourself for not being that perfect mom that you think you "ought" to be. Then each time after living that frustration of not knowing what to do... you look at your baby & see the smile on their face & all you want to do is hold them & never let them go. The denial that they will never get big is such a huge one for me. I just barely put her newborn/0-3 clothes in storage. I tried so hard to keep hiding her 12 month clothes because I don't want them to ever fit....

This last year has been so rewarding, fun, memorable & also such a learning one. I have definitely been humbled to know that I'll never be the perfect mom but will always try to do my best.

-Chloe from day 1 has ALWAYS been a happy baby!!

-She's loved books from day 1!

-She's been a daddy's girl from day 1 & still is.... that is why she can say dada so much better than mama.

-Chloe has always been a people person, she's never really had the stranger anxiety.

-She's been very lucky to have so many cousins her age.

-She always loved tummy time & began to roll at a young age.

-She started sitting up at 6 months exactly.

-She started crawling at 8 months.

-Started walking at 10 months

-Got her first 2 teeth on the bottom at 12 months.

-Chloe loves bath time & could play in the water all day long.

- Chloe loves most foods. She loves cheerios, ham, mac n' cheese, cheese & green beans.

She also likes to store them in her cheeks like a chipmunk & then spit it out an hour later :)

-Chloe likes to play "kitchen" she loves the tupperware drawer & the pots & pans. Just give her a spoon so she can have something to "mix" with.

-Chloe is starting to watch more baby movies & really likes to dance with them. It's super cute she puts her arms straight up & bounces her knees.

-Chloe likes dogs & has never been scared of them.

-Chloe loves going up stairs but still working on the going down part.

-Chloe is our "daredevil" & it makes me kind of nervous. She likes to jump off things, go head first instead of foot first, etc.

-Chloe loves to walk around & tap her belly at the same time.

-She loves to match her shapes & play her toys with music.

-Her favorite song is- If You're Happy & you Know It...

-She loves her new dolly she got for her birthday!

2011-01-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

Chase, Chloe & I are happy to say that we'll be having........

ANOTHER GIRL!!!!

Our little princess was being pretty stubborn with having her picture taken so we didn't get many shots, but here are a few!! I am so excited to be having another girl!!! I am even more excited for Chloe to be getting a little sister/friend that will be so close in age. Chloe will make an awesome sister, she loves to play.... not sure about sharing, but we'll work on it:)

2011-01-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

HAIR SCHOOL

Well, everyone keeps asking me how I am liking hair school & how I am adjusting to our new way of life. Well, I know the adjustments aren't going to stop & they are just going to keep coming... but they have been so far so good. Hair school has been so much fun! My class is a smaller one of only about 10. I really like the one-on-one that we get. It's amazing how much there is to it all. I got 100% on my first test!! It's also cool how much we've already learned... 3 different perms, two hair cuts, the 8 color applications, manicures, scalp treatments & more. My first week was kind of crazy especially because Chloe was really sick... so that meant being up all night, doctors & Chase staying home with her so I wouldn't miss school. Thank goodness that only lasted a week:) Since then I've really enjoyed it. I can't believe that I am in the middle of my 3rd week, it goes so quickly. My schedule is Tuesday-Saturday 8-5 & sometimes later. My weekends are kind of messed up. Basically Chase, Chloe & I have Sundays together. Chase has been such a great support throughout all of this. He has so much fun with Chloe when it's just the two of them on Saturdays. The have a tradition to go to Wendy's for lunch & something else afterwards. Last week they brought me a snack because we didn't get a lunch. Life is only going to get crazier once tax season starts & I don't see Chase at all & When our new arrival comes:) I am so grateful for my supportive family & awesome babysitter that is so flexible with me... thanks Melany.

Here is are pictures of Chase & Chloe on one of their saturday dates. He took her to the new indoor pool after lunch at Wendy's. Man I just love these two!!!

For any of you that are interested or want to come visit me.... we're doing COMPLIMENTARY manicures, facials & scalp treatments this Saturday, Jan. 29 (Chloe's birthday:)). We will also be doing complimentary colors the following Friday & Saturday. I was really busy with the manicures last Saturday so let me know if you're interested, I am already starting to book.

2011-01-05T17:21:00.001-08:00

CHLOE IS WALKING!!!

I can't believe I forgot to post this big event in our family, because she's been walking for a while now. She didn't crawl for long. After she got the crawling down she would walk on her knees. I know it sounds silly but if you saw her do it you wouldn't believe how stinkin cute it was. She was able to walk around furniture during Thanksgiving time & then on December 3 she took her first couple of steps. She was walking full time about a week or two before Christmas. She's been so much fun. She loves the independence that it gives her. I love it when she walks up to her new chair with a book & pushes herself up onto the chair & then just sits there & looks at her books. Another thing that is cute is when she walks up to her bike (3rd picture) & tries to swing her leg around so she can get on her bike.... SHE is just SO STINKIN CUTE..... LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!! I can't believe she turns 1 at the end of the month!!!

I have a ton of videos with her walking but don't have them downloaded yet.... so stay tuned for those;)

2011-01-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas!!!

We had our own little Christmas before we left for Delta on Christmas Eve Eve. It was just easier than packing everything. Chloe was pretty excited, don't think she even knew what was going on.

We started off by having a yummy Lasagna dinner (thanks to Stoffers, I'll do better next year:)) & then read the childrens book of the First Christmas. Then was the opening of some of the presents.

Chloe got to open her pjs that she'll be wearing Christmas Eve!

When we can't find Chloe she is usually in the front room playing the piano so we decided to get her some of her own instruments. I think we have a piano player on our hands.... I am pretty excited!!

Chloe loves to rip magazines apart so I figured she'd love this.... well... she ripped one piece & then took off so she could play with it. By the end of the holidays she was finally getting the idea.

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Christmas Day!!!

Chloe got her own 4-wheeler, that she loves to ride & push the buttons.

She also got this 3-1 bike.

Kelly was pretty sure that they were going to have to share the bike... Chloe wasn't sure, but tried?

Chloe by Grandma Smith's Christmas tree.

Opening her presents... she got the Baby Einstein DVD collection

1st Christmas with the 3 of us. Crazy to think next year it will be 4!!!

Picture with my grandparents

Ellle got this for Christmas & Chloe was determined to play with it. She kept balancing her belly on the flat top part & tried to play superman. She is such a "dare devil" not sure if that is a good thing or not??

2011-01-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

Tara & Derek are married

YAY!!!

Here is a sweet picture of little Chloe with her Aunt TARA right after she came out the temple doors!!

Unfortunately I wasn't smart enough to get any pictures of them. Tara looked gorgeous though & we can't wait to see their pictures. This is the only picture that we did get. I love how the temple looks with the sky. It was a cold day but a fun & nice one. We are so happy for Tara & Derek!

2010-12-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

Surprise.......

Baby #2 is on the way!!! I am 12 weeks & due on June 27, 2011. We are so excited! I am especially excited for Chloe to have a sibling so close in age. I know it will be challenging at times but more than anything I know it will be fun!!

This next year will be a different year for our family. We have decided for me to go back to school. I have always wanted to do hair school & it just never worked out. I moved to Connecticut after 1 year of college to save money for hair school & from there I basically left for my mission to Sweden. As soon as I got home I was getting ready for hair school again & got married instead. So it is finally happening after being married 4 years. I am so so thrilled to go back, I seriously get butterflies in my pregnant belly. I will take a 6 week maternity leave for the baby & then go back. That will be very hard but with my awesome babysitter I feel somewhat relived to know that both our kids will be in good hands. It's only a year too, so that's not too bad:) It will be super sad to leave my amazing job & the dental world... but I know they'll be my friends/2nd family for forever!!

I didn't tell Chase for a couple of days because he was hunting & also because I wanted to make it "cute".

Well with how crazy things get nothing was coming to mind....

So I wrote on Chloe's diaper

"Daddy- I am going to be a big sister"

The plan worked perfectly. She needed a diaper change & that is what he found.... he couldn't believe it! He wasn't really expecting that, but he was super excited!!!

Here is how we told our family on Halloween that #2 was on the way!!

Here is a picture of how we told our families on Halloween.

The saying says....

Fall is such a fun time of year...

The sights, the smells & the things that you hear,

The gobblens, monsters, pumpkins & more...

Soon we will be a family of four.

Summertime brings a new special one..

June 27th is when our new one will come!!

2010-12-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

You know it's Christmas when.....

You try to take a family picture for Christmas cards & your kid has another idea.

You're going to Christmas Parites.

We had lots of fun with my work party, Chase's work party,

Premier Pediatrics party & the ward party.

Sorry Andrea we didn't make it to your sweater party!

When Chase puts on the popular "beenie" that he wears every year while he decorates the house with lights.

When you have extra hands to help decorate the tree.......

Surprisingly enough Chloe did really well.

She just wanted to play with the paper that the ornaments were wrapped in.

The Christmas Tree is Finally Decorated... not sure for how long:) Chloe has done well with the tree, I wired all the ornaments on & I think all she cares about is the cord to the wall.

Santa comes to town to visit & take pictures!!

The yums yums are made, the apples & pretzels are dipped in caramel & chocolate & delivered to the neighbors & friends. Most of the shopping is done. Hopefully we'll go to the nativity in St. George next week. Watched some Christmas movies & can't wait to watch more.

Our family is so excited for the holidays!! We're especially excited for Chloe & this being her first Christmas. It's been so fun to buy her gifts... I can hardly wait for her open them!!

2010-12-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING

This year we had Thanksgiving at my moms house. I feel terrible that I don't have more pictures of our own family. I did get some of the cousins though & that's special too. My mom had a cute little activity for the kids. They made cookie turkeys. Chloe loved taking hers apart & eating it.

Addie, Kara, Drew, Oakley, Chloe & Elle

Chloe loved her turkey

Chloe loves stairs & going up them with Drew... not sure how to get down yet:)

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It was fun to have the twins at the Christensen's for the weekend. They haven't been to Delta in a while. Chloe is definitely becoming buds with them, especially Kelly. They found this box & loved playing in it... after this picture was taken the box totally broke, no tears though :)

They love playing in the tunnel & tent!

Chloe discovered that the candy drawer opens & the 3 girls were super excited to empty all of the bags! Sorry Chris!

Now that I look back at Thanksgiving I realize that we didn't go around the table & say what we are thankful for like we have at my moms house every year since I was little. I think sometimes now with the food & so many kids around that I forget the true meaning & that's being with family! I am so grateful that Chase & I are from the same city & have such amazing families. I am so grateful for this special holiday! Hopefully I can be better & get more pictures next year!!

2010-12-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

Mesquite & Air Show in Las Vegas 2010

It's tradition in the Christensen family that we go to the airshow every year (or at least every other) This year was Chloe's first year! It was so so SO loud & she did awesome. She slept in my arms for the last 2 hours of it.... not sure how, cause it was so loud! I don't have the best of pictures because their on everyone elses cameras. But nothing really changes. We also went to this little pond the night before & fed the ducks. Chloe loves animals & being with other kids, especially her cousin Sienna.

2010-10-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER & HALLOWEEN FUN!!

GARDNER VILLAGE

The guys went hunting so we went up north & had a girls weekend of our own! It rained a ton but that didn't stop us from going & seeing all the fun witches at Gardners Village.

Me & some of my nieces

Cute little Chloe

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Making caramel apples with Katie & Cherie

Cherie is the pro at making apples & was super nice to give us a lesson :)

Go Katie!

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BUNKO #1

What a fun night of Bunko @ Katie's house. Loved all the costumes!! Katie made the cutes Flo from the Progressive Insurance comercial :) I still can't get over Taryn's costume, I almost didn't recognize her with the wig. Then there's Vannessa made the prettiest clown I have ever seen. Love you girls!!!

Yes, I was a witch if you can't tell.

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BUNKO #2

What a crazy month with all of these fun activities. Usually all these social events space themselves nicely throughout the month. But these last two weeks were pretty busy! I just recently joined another bunko group & here was some of the great costumes.

If you can't tell what I am.... I am purple grapes. Thanks Britt for the idea. Playing bunko with those balloons was a little challenging. I had to lean to one side to see what was going on! Natalie had the best costume by far. She made her pregnant belly look like a real eye ball. Way to Go Nat... it was awesome!!

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HALLOWEEN DAY

My cute mom & I made a ton of caramel apple. We're trying to master the perfect caramel apple... let you know when it happens:)

The toppings we experiemented with were: Cinnamon & sugar, Skor Bar, Snickers, Pecans & Mini M & M's. Next time we're for sure trying butterfinger. Any other suggestions?

Meg & I had this impression we needed to dress up with our little girls like an hour before.... I think we did pretty darn good for what we came up with. Thanks Chris for the outfit. I can honestly say that I have NEVER gotten this dressed up for Halloween. Man, the things you'll do for your kids. Some people really didn't recognize me.

The crazy clown & the adorable lady bug!

Cute little Sienna was the princess from The Princess & the Frog. Here are the girls giving Great Grandpa Bill loves on Halloween night!

Probably my favorite picture of Chloe the whole night. She wouldn't hold still long enough to get a decent one until Aunt Joyce gave her a Capri Sun. She just sucked on the wrapper. It was our last stop for the night. She did such a good job. We made it to all of the family members that we wanted. This picture just shows truly how precious she is.... I love you Chloe!

Kind of a random picture... but on Sunday we all dressed in black & didn't notice it until we got to Chase's house. I guess black was the appropriate color for Halloween Day!

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Pumpkin Patch

Our trip to the pumpkin patch was a little delayed.. but we finally made it! This is definitely a family tradition for as long as we live in Cedar. We had never been to Paragonah until then. Cute little town.

2010-10-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Chloe

9 MONTHS

Visiting daddy at work

Playing with mommy at her work

Hanging out with Kelly & Haley

Sienna, Aunt Tara & ME

First off here are the stats for the 9 months appt:

Weight- 17.03 (22% so good for Chloe:)

Height- 28 (67%)

HC- 45 (79%)

The doctors were so proud of how well she is growing. It was a slow start at first.... but.... once we introduced solids everything has really picked up.

-Chloe has definitely picked up the pace with crawling. It's no longer the army crawl with the scoot/crawl.

-She can pull herself up to just about anything, it depends on how badly she wants something.

-She loves to sit in weird positions on her knees... I think it's to keep her balance from falling forward or backward.

-She loves to say mama & dada :)

-Still loves loves loves reading books, she loves to flip the page!

-Loves to giggle when we do silly faces ;)

-First Halloween & she was the cutest ladybug (post coming of pictures)

-Still no teeth... still loves to suck on wash cloths.

-The hair is really growing fast... can't wait for some fun hairstyles?

-Still loves her green beans & puffs

2010-10-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

CARD CLUB

Can I just say that I absolutely love card club night!! It just gets more & more fun each night. We have the best laughs, make the cutest crafts, get the cutest cards & best of all each the best food!! I love you girls, thanks for all the fun times!!!

Teresa I loved the idea for the craft by the way... it was so simple, but so fun! We simply glittered up our mini pumpkins for a cute fall decoration!!

You can't go without a sassy pose.... right??

L to R:

Nicole, Keri, Jen, Brittany, Julie, Andrea, Liz, Teresa & ME taking the picture!!

2010-10-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

MISSION FRIENDS

*me & chloe, lindsey aka syster williams, elizabeth aka syster cooper,heather aka syster sonnenberg (

my trainer) & heather aka syster powell.

This last weekend Chloe & I went up north to a baby shower for Heather aka Syster Powell. It was so much fun to see some of the girls from the mission. I still can't believe that I have been home for 4 1/2 years. I can honestly say that the mission was one of the most amazing experiences for me! I don't get to see the sisters very often but the two times a year that I do see them are the best visits EVER! It's awesome how you can not see someone that often but you always know that they are there for you & support all that you do. I can honestly say that besides family & my co-workers I am the closer to these girls than any of my high school girls. We all decided at the shower that it is so much easier to have that bond/closeness with your companions/sisters from your mission because you know eachother on a different level. These girls have seen me on my ultimate highs & ultimate lows. I cheris

h these friendships like no other. I am so lucky to have so many of my companions so close here in Utah. Everyone has gone so many different ways & I love to catch up with them & their lives.

Now that I am on the subject of my mission it makes me want to reminise some more of the amazing memories that I cherish so much!

***Just a warning, this is a really long post:)***

I served in Stockholm, Sweden Mission

September 2004- April 2006

MTC

Setember 2004

SWEDEN

JAKOBSBERG

Got to Sweden in November of 2004. It was a hard transition because it was so dark & cold. My first area wasn't your typical Swedish area. I pictured tall, blonde people that spoke the Swedish language that I learned in the MTC..... well..... the Lord had something else in store for me. I learned to fellowship & teach the gospel to those from different countries like- Africa, Iraq &Turkey,

When I saw my companion/trainer for the first time I could already tellwe were going to do fine. Sys. Sonnenberg & I have a lot in common. She did such a great job getting me familiar with the new culture I was going to be a part of for the next 18 months. We had so much funespecially where it was during the holidays. We definitely had our laughs too & she knows what I mean about that. We had such a great district that did everything together. I never had a district as close as that one. It was a fun but hard area, meaning that it was definitely a "mixing pot" as far as cultures in the area. I never knew what language of Book of Mormon to grab for the day.... Arabic, Swahili, Russian, Turkish or Spanish?? That is when we really had to pray on who we would meet that day. The other thing that was hard is that it was cold & dark the whole time. The swedish people always have one single it candle in all of their windows though & sometimes that was the only light you got. Man I miss that country.

Nicos' baptism

Celebrating St. Lucia Day with a school class

Celebrating St. Lucia Day with our ward. My comp was Lucia herself, she was pretty excited about that.

Lucia Day is on December 13th is a very big tradition that they celebrate. I have heard different versions of the traditions. But basically the oldest daughter of each family gets to dress up like Lucia with a white rob & candles around her head. On this day she serves her other family members cookies aka pepperkakor (kind of like a gingerbread cookie)

Christmas Day at a members house

Darkest day of the year.... yes the paper says 2:51 pm & it's that dark. The sad thing is that I was in Stockholm & that isn't as north as you can get.... where it gets dark sooner & longer.

My cute little bed/area

Stockholm Temple

HANDEN

When our first transfer calls came I was pretty nervous. I felt like I was just getting the hang of things & wasn't sure if I was ready for change. Well it was a lot of change. My new companion, Syster Williams & I were getting double transferred into an area that had never had sisters before. This area was also known as one of the best wards in Sweden. Our Mission leader was amazing. We had about 12 ward missionaries that we met with every month. That ward was so amazing. We had the best 6 months ever in that ward..... YES..... I did just say we & 6 months. My comp & I stayed 6 months together in that area. Now you know why I have so many pictures together. We had a ton of success & more than anything we had a lot of fun doing it :)

In Stockholm outside the Royal House. The guard wouldn't let us get any closer.

Not only did we love the post man because that ment mail.... but he was a member. Doesn't happen very often to see your members while at work.

Sportin our awesome new bikes & helmets.

This is Jazmine the most amazing person in the world. I met her in my first area but taught her in my second area where she actually lived. Her story is the golden investigator story. I could go on for forever about her.... but to sum it up she is one of the most christlike people in the world & I miss her so much!

My comp & the members had a surprise birthday party for me on my b-day. It was so so fun!!

Systers conference at the mission home. Syster & Elder Tom Perry came to visit our mission so we got to have our own conference with the girls. It was so so fun!!

Easter Day we had a great meal & painted Easter Eggs like we do here in the States....... but....... then came the witches trick-or-treating to the door. Yep that's what I said. I am still not sure why that is a tradition but it's kind of different.

Me & the witches on Easter.

We had member meals every day for 6 months.... sometimes 2, every once in a while 3. Our favorite was the Swedish icecream aka "glass" it is so amazing!

Playing tennis with a member

Jazmine's baptism

Yes it's me again on a bike in the snow. I road a bike for most of my mission. It wasn't too bad. Sometimes you had to get creative getting on & off the bike if it was the boy bike with the bar. Didn't fall too many times, just the day this picture was taken. It wasn't a pretty sight, I slid on some ice going down hill :(

The first 1/2 of my mission I had President & Sister Baugh from California, they were so great!

There were 3 Syster Smiths on the mission. Yes it got kind of confusing at times... but it was kind of fun too. This was taken on Midsommer in June (another summer holiday they celebrate)

Another picture of me, Jazmine & Nic

Familjen Oqvist were some great supporters. We got really close to their family. We were able to teach their daughter, Olivia on the far left & she got baptized too.

ALINGSAS

It was super hard to see Sys. Williams leave... she went home at the end of our 6 months. I thought I would stay in Handen longer... but I got double transferred to a new area more South of Stockholm TRAINING! I was a little nervous because now I had to be in charge & know the language more than ever. It was a great area. Syster Stewart was my greenie & she was so awesome. We did a lot of fellowshipping with the less actives. What a great area. The members that are there are so strong & supportive!

After I picked Syster Stewart up from the mission home

The name of one of the buss stops in our area. Got to love the swedish language

This was a really cool experience. We had some members that took us to "The Mormon Rock" When the first mormons came to this area & started teaching the gospel & having their Sunday services they weren't allowed to do it in a building. So instead they found this big area with this big rock that they could preach from. It was such a spiritual place. I couldn't only but think about the Sacred Grove because of the special spirit that was there.

Because we were the first systers to the area we had a lot of questions. We were able to do a news article to answer all of them for the main newspaper.

Bullar (Cinnamon Rolls) are so so popular in Sweden. This is me & Artur baking them. He would bake them once a week & freeze them for special occasions.

I had to celebrate my one year mark with my absolute favorite peanut butter & ice cream. You can't get peanut butter there so I had to save mine from the states for special occasions.

GUBBANGEN

I thought I would stay in Alingsas for sure, but once again I was wrong. We both got transferred out. I went back to Stockholm with Syster Mitchell. She was getting ready to go home so it was fun to be with an experienced syster after training.

Me & Sys. Mitchell on the Tunnelbana aka subway. She looks a lot like my last companion :)

We were very fortunate to work with the Singles & Institute Missionaries :) It was so great having the Institute as a resource to help fellowship our investigators.

I was very lucky & got to attend the temple a lot on my mission. I went almost every week for 6 months. The temple is small but so gorgeous.

Sys. Mitchell was quite the little baker. We had lots of occasion for baking. We were always helping bake treats for the Institute activities.

Familjen Seydan were from Turkey & such great people. They came to the ward Halloween party. Sweden is trying to adopt the whole Halloween holiday.

As you can see in the pictures I have different styles of hair cuts. I started by letting a sister in the MTC cut it off the night before we flew out... not so sure that was a good idea? So I worked up enough courage & let an investigator do my hair &...... this is what happened :( Never been a red-head before, thank goodness I didn't have to pay for it. Only problem was we had Stake Conference the next day & the mission president was in my stake.... I felt so stupid.

Celebrating Syster Mitchell's birthday with some torta aka cake.

Gustavo's baptism

Had to keep tracting somewhat fun by doing snow angels in between buildings.

Whenever transfers happened it was a big site to see that many missionaries all at once at T-Centralen aka the train station.

Gubbangen

again

training

again

Syster Xhesika Jakupi

After Syster Mitchell left me I was totally caught off guard that I was training again. My companion Sys. Jakupi was a convert of about 1 1/2 years from Albania. Talk about an amazing 6 months. Yes, I was with another comp for 6 months. She taught me so much, it was incredible. She spoke 5 languages (albanian, italian, spanish, swedish & english) so we were really able to reach out to those around us. It was fun to sit on the trains & quiz her on what language people were speaking. What an intelligent sister with so much faith. She has quite the story. She had to wait to get to the MTC before she could visit the temple for the first time.

First time together at the mission home

Christmas Day getting a ride via boat to an island that where we were having Christmas Dinner.

Christmas Dinner

New Years Eve/ Marlena's wedding day. She was a investigator/member that Sys. Williams & I taught in Handen. It was so good to see how she was doing & see her so happy on her wedding day. When I left the missionaries were teaching her new husband??

Playing innabandy with the members at the church gym. It is like indoor hockey, they are huge fans of this sport.

By far the best day of the mission when Jazmine the golden investigator got sealed to her husband. I was so so happy to be her escort! :)

Syster Jakupi was able to share this day with us too. I love going to the temple with her because it is such a new experience to her too.

My mom came & got me from my mission. It was so fun to show the area to her & introduce her to my companions that were still there (my two greenies & MTC comp. Syster Fox) & especially the members/investigators. We made it to the temple with Jazmine & that was indescribable. We then made our way to Southern Sweden & over to Coppenhagen, Denmark. It was a quick trip but so fun to share it with my mom.

I still can't believe that the mission has already come & gone. When you're serving it can feel like the longest time of your life if you don't stay busy. I am so grateful that I was able to serve the people of Sweden. I am pretty sure that I grew the most. I am so thankful that I have been blessed & have always tried to follow the promptings I have been given with my life. If I didn't go to Connecticut to be a nanny I would have never been outside the Utah bubble & met & worked for so many non-LDS people. I was able to follow along with the sisters & that is when everything changed. I love the people of Connecticut & Sweden they will always have a special place in my heart!!!

2010-10-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

Chloe is 8 months!!

I love the little girl that Chloe is becoming but I also miss the litte baby that she once was. She continues to amaze me with all of her personality, growth & strength. She is definitely all over the place.

-LOVES to STICK HER TONGUE OUT.... pictures following!! :)

-She does a scoot/army crawl

-She can pull herself to a standing position

-We can finally pull her up into a pony tail on top of her head (that sticks straight up because it isn't long enough to curl:)

-Chloe got another baby girl cousin- Riley

-It's official she no longer likes any type of squash

-Loves to destroy her crib & bumper pad

-Still on a pretty good schedule.

She goes down about 9 & sleeps till 7:30.

First nap about 9:30 for about 1- 1 1/2 hours.

Second nap about 2:00 for same time or longer.

Third about 5:30 for about 45 minutes to get her until bedtime.

Thank goodness for schedules or I would be a crazy woman.

-As much as I hate leaving her while I work she LOVES her babysitter.

-LOVES to bounce, stand or walk (with help)- anything that has her on her feet!!

-Can Definitely say dadadada.... & Chase loves it!

-Lately she has this fettish going after my toes???

-Loves to give "loves" to her cousin Sienna

-Loves balloons when we go to Walmart, she giggles everytime.

-Giggles more often... still puts her fist in her mouth...

-Loves to read & be read to

-Not always the biggest fan of sitting in her highchair.

-She is definitely gaining weight can't wait to see how much at her 9 month check-up.

Chloe has had a fun/busy month... we tend to keep pretty busy on the weekends so she doesn't have much of a choice. It's only going to get busier now with the next couple of months. Here's what she's been up to:

Kind of a funky curl.... it's as good as we can do until her hair gets longer or we get a smaller curler.

Grandpa & Grandma in their airplane

Hanging out in the tractor with mommy!

This girl is definitely not scared to venture out... she may be a little shy but I think we've got an outgoing little girl on our hands.

2010-09-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

My 2 favorite people.

A weekend in Mesquite

Chloe & Chase are becoming quite the best of pals. Since I 've gone back to work our schedule has gotten a little crazy. I am usually walking out the door in the morning when Chloe wakes up. Chase is seriously the bestest dad. He does everything in the morning. He feeds her, gets her ready, plays with her & gets her to the babysitter. I am so thankful for him & all that he does. When I pick her up from the babysitters after work she's usually ready for another nap. When she wakes up Chase is usually home & from there on out we argue about who gets to feed her, bath her, etc. We love being parents & wouldn't have it any other way.