The Christensen's

Tomato Macaroni AKA: the only things my kids eat in large quantities

2011-09-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

We are at the peak of canning season and I just did a fresh batch of crushed tomatoes. I love using them in soups, stews, and anything else that calls for tomatoes. My neighbor Shasta told me her families favorite thing to eat is macaroni noodles with a bottle of tomatoes and cheese. So I tried a variation and my kids LOVED it and so did I. Totally simple, but with home bottled tomatoes it is amazing!

Tomato Macaroni:

1 pint crushed tomatoes (my kids are weird and don't like the seeds, so I strain them out)

2 Tbs Butter

2 Tbs Flour

salt and pepper to taste

cheddar cheese

In a small saucepan melt butter over med-high heat. Add flour and cook for 1 min. to make a rue for the tomatoes. Add pint of tomatoes and heat until thickened. Pour over cooked macaroni noodles and sprinkles with cheese.

ENJOY!

1st update 2011

2011-02-14T00:12:00.000-08:00

My little boy turned 4 on Jan.18th. I can't believe it has been 4 years since we first brought him to our little home in Omaha. He was so tiny and I was instantly in love. He is the smart, clever, funny, loving, and so much fun to have around!

Birthday Breakfast

Grammy and Grandpa Maughan stopped by to give Tate some birthday wished

We had his party at the Flash game. The kids ate pizza, cake and played in the bounce house.

my birthday boy

Tate with Flash Fox and Little Fox

Winter Weather makes me crazy and I am always looking for ways to stay busy, without actually doing house work. So I decided to redo my bed and Tate's be. Tate was in a toddler bed and I figured it was time for a big boy bed. Here's how they turned out

And here are two crazy kids with some even crazzier bed head. They take after me.

xmas card 2010

2010-12-04T20:48:00.001-08:00

Modern Merry Squares Christmas Card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Two REALLY cute people

2010-10-06T01:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast time flies. Paul and I are constantly telling each other to enjoy these moments with our children, because soon they will be gone. Gwen is one year old and HILARIOUS. She is a ham and knows just how to make you laugh. Tate is the most imaginative 4 year-old I have ever known. He doesn't miss anything and remembers everything!! I love these 2 kids more than life it's self. They make me who I am and what I live for each day.

Can't get this off my mind.

2010-10-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

found here

I just can't seem to get these 3-dimentional flower pillows off my mind. I have found a bunch of different ways to do them. Some use felt and others use strips of fabric. I love them all and thought they would make cute christmas gifts. Here are a few ideas.

A Step UP

2010-10-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

I saw these on a cute little blog called madebygirl. I LOVE the idea and wish I had the perfect pair of stairs to try it on. Oh well, maybe some day when I buy that old fixer-upper it will have the stairs I need to try this. I Also love all the Grey tones and stencil ideas on her website. Check it out here

Projects..lots of projects.

2010-10-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is just one of MANY things I am trying to refinish and sell. Lucky me this item is SOLD!!

This was a beautiful well-made mirror, but it needed a little updating.

It got a good coat of red and some black glaze. It then took on an oriental feel to me. I loved it.

Hopeless Housewives..

2010-09-30T16:43:00.001-07:00

Its a tough gig cleaning house, feeding kids, doing laundry etc. So when my girlfriends and I came across this great idea on allthingsthrifty.com we decided to toss aside the monotony and take a day for ourselves. It started at Hobby Lobby at 9am to grab the necessary supplies and then came the glueing. ALOT of glueing, burning, and spray painting later and VOILA...we each had our own lima bean wreath to hang on our doors.

Melissa glueing like a mad woman.

(Notice the McDonalds Diet Coke...It's what gets me through the day.)

Funnest, Cutest, neighbors ever...

A day FULL of broken glass!!

2010-06-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

I realize I haven't posted in awhile and I hate to have the first post back be a negative one, but I just have to share my horrible day.

It started off with me running to the store early in the morning to buy stuff for a salad I was making for playgroup. I got the kids up and out the door by 8am and had Tate dropped off by 10 to play. I came home and started cutting things up for the salad. I noticed my knife was a little dull so I sharpened it and proceeded to cut things up. Just then I caught my thumb and middle finger at the same time with the knife. Blood EVERYWHERE! I hurried put some Band-Aids on and finished the salad. It was a beautiful chinese chicken salad if I do say so myself. I got Gwen in the car and came back in to grab the salad out of the fridge. As I was pulling the bowl out it fell and shattered all over the floor. SERIOUSLY this salad was not meant to be. I was almost ready to scoop it all up into another bowl until I realized just how many pieces the other bowl had broken into...it was a lot. So, I grabbed a bag of chips and store bought salsa and ran out the door.

Later that day, I had just put the kids down for a nap, finished cleaning up the salad mess and headed upstairs to take a little nap. I had just laid my head on the pillow when I heard a huge crash and shatter. I ran downstairs and in the hallway one of my black shelves had fallen off the wall along with 3 big picture frames. Again, GLASS EVERYWHERE. At that point I realized I was better off going back upstairs and finishing my nap. I did just that!

Needless to say, it was a very disastrous day.

SUCCESS...sortof

2010-05-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

Tate is 3 years old and we have been working on potty training since January...let me just tell you how sick I am of diapers, pull-ups, potty seats, poop, and wiping bums. Nobody should ever get as comfortable with poop as I am. Last month Tate was finally getting the hang of pooping on the potty, then he got sick and it was all downhill from there. So last week we basically started from scratch with the pooping on the potty and as of the last two days he has done pretty darn good. I can't tell you how horrible potty training is. Why didn't anyone warn me? I really hope Gwen will be easier to train than Tate, because I don't think I can go through that awful mess again.

Best Neighbors EVER!!

2010-04-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

When Paul and I moved back from Omaha I was sure I would never find a neighborhood like Village Green. We moved in with his parents and Elaine and I started the hunt for a new home. When I found this place in Saratoga Springs I fell in love IMMEDIATELY. I loved everything about it. I had a list of criteria that had to be met and this home had it all. I was obsessed with buying it. We made an offer and things seemed to be working out, until the deal went bad. Paul had thrown in the towel and basically told me to find another home, but I would not let it go. I finally decided I had to get what I wanted no matter what. So, I made an appointment with the President of DR Horton to discuss our offer. After a few tears and some serious pleading by me, he finally relented and the house was ours. I didn't know at the time why I felt so strongly about moving into this home, I thought it had something to do with the HUGE bathtub. Now I know it had everything to do with my wonderful neighbors. Tate loves all the kids here and they are so great to him. We always get together for BBQ's during the summer and everyday we sit outside and watch the kids play together. I am very lucky to have such wonderful friends and I can't imagine living anywhere else.

time for change...

2010-04-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

I keep telling myself things will settle down and get back to "normal" ...unfortunately I have come to realize my idea of "normal" has changed drastically since Gwen arrived. It has been 8 months and I still can't seem to get it together. Laundry piles up, dishes always in the sink, and messes everywhere I turn. I think my lack of organization skills is finally catching up to me. I need to find a way to organize and prioritize...any ideas.

Even though I feel a little disheveled I know I am extremely blessed to have such a wonderful husband and two HEALTHY and beautiful children. So what if the house is a mess, things could be so much worse, we are very lucky.

Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to the last few months...

Gwen doing what she does best!!!

St. George in April with the kids and my best friend Angie!!

We got some good sun and had great conversation

Mr. Blue Eyes

Tate and Mom at Baby animal day!

A lot of sewing... This blanket is made of all fuzzy, soft fabrics for my friend.

I have also been trying out sewing some dresses for Gwenie...Isn't she cute?

Another fun dress.

Love this cute little onesie

Caveat Emptor...Buyer Beware!!!

2010-02-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, I realize what I am about to confess to is some major parental neglect, but I just have to share my experience. Paul and I bought an ipod touch a few months ago and it quickly turned into "Tate's Games". There are so many game apps out there, we ended up getting a little crazy with the (free) downloads. Anytime Tate was getting tough or just being a typical 2 year old, Paul and I did the easiest thing and just gave him his games. Then, it started getting really obssessive. From the time Tate woke up in the morning, until he went to bed, he wanted to be playing his games. When we took them away so he could eat, sleep, change diaper etc...he flipped out. He was starting to have major breakdowns and tantrums. Finally, Paul and I knew the games had to go. We told them they got lost and for a good week, we had breakdown after breakdown over those stupid games. He didn't know how to entertain himself without them. He was bored and needed constant attention. Finally within a few weeks he stopped asking about the games and was acting like his old self again. He was such a better kid! He wasn't overstimulated by the games and he was using his imagination and playing with his toys and running around wearing himself out. I can't believe how much those games affected his behavior. It was a very bad judgement call on our part. There will be NO video games of any kind in our house. Children need to use their brains and video games are thoughtless entertainment. Lesson learned!!

Hot tamales, big red gum, and lipstick!!

2010-02-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

(Grandma and Grandpa Maughan driving home from their mission in Indianapolis, stopped to visit me in Omaha)

Hot tamales, the smell of Big Red gum, and her need to tell every girl they would look better with a little lipstick. These are just a few things I will remember about Grandma.

My Grandma Maughan died unexpectedly a few weeks ago. It has been a little hard and I am just now wanting to blog about it. She had been struggling with various illnesses for the last 2 months, but none that we thought would take her life. Grandma was only 78 years old and FULL of life. She was a "tell you how it is" kinda gal, who was never afraid to strike up a conversation with anyone. Grandma had a way about her that made everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Many times during my college years, when I was struggling, I would go to my Grandma for comfort and advise. She always told me what I needed to hear and showed me how much she loved me.

Grandma was a sucker for babies, and I am so blessed that she was able to meet both my children before her death. I know she is up there cheering us all on but my heart aches each time I think about her not being here. She was a firecracker whom I loved dearly.

When you lose someone close often times there are regrets.

I have regrets...

Why didn't I call her more? Why didn't I visit more often?

Loosing Grandma further proves to me life is short, fragile, and unpredictable. Visit your grandparents more often, play with your kids more, call that friend you haven't talk to in years.

The last time I saw Grandma was a few weeks before her death. She was in a rehab facility and I went to visit her. When I got ready to leave, I kissed her on the lips and gave her a big hug, her eyes were slightly teary and she looked me right in the eyes and said, "I love you so much." I don't think either of us knew that was the last time we would see each other, but it was a tender moment I will cherish forever.

Karate Moves!!

2010-02-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Tate is 100% pure entertainment. Paul and I find ourselves laying awake at night talking about all the funny things he said and did that day. What did we ever talk about before kids? Here is a funny video of him doing his "parate" moves for us. Enjoy!

My Little Peanut

2010-02-16T23:00:00.000-08:00

Gwen had her 6 month check-up this week and she weighed in at a monstrous 13lbs 2oz. Dr. T said she was petite but he wasn't too concerned. He does want her to come back in a month to be weighed again just to make sure she stays on the curve. So we are stepping up the cereal in hopes of packing on some L.B.'s. Any ideas on how to bulk her up a bit?

You Can Rest When You're Dead!

2010-02-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

I had one of those days today. I was feeling sorry for myself. Feeling sorry for the endless monotony of my days. Changing diaper after diaper, feeding, dressing, bathing, napping etc. I spent the good part of the day angry and sad. Then I had one of those "Ah Ha" moments, where I realized how short this time will be. My children will never be this little again. They will never need me the way they need me now. When they are teenagers I am going to ache for these monotonous days. Although I go to bed most nights and wake up most mornings, exhausted, I know I need to cherish every minute I have with my kids. My mom has said to me many times, "you can rest when you're dead," and it is so true. This time on earth is short and we should make every moment count. I'm going to try each day to enjoy the little things and hang on to every moment I have with my little angels.

It's great to be Tate!!

2010-01-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Tate turned 3 last week! He was a little scared of his birthday because I made the mistake of telling him when he turns 3 it's time to give the binkies to the garbage man. Needless to say, everytime I mentioned his birthday he totally flipped and told me it WAS NOT going to be his birthday soon. When the actual day rolled around, I made sure not to mention the binkies and I took him to pick out a cake and buy balloons. We had a few people over for pizza and cake, and it ended up being a great day for Tate. Here are a few pictures of his big day. (I did end up taking the binkies away the next day and he has gone a full week without them.)

Paul's beautiful balloon decoration

The birthday boy

Tate's cousins Rachael and Gabe

Grandma and Tate

Tate and cousin Sam

These babies are deadly! Pink Lemonade Cupcakes.

I'm not usually one to get a store bought cake, but Tate INSISTED on this Spongebob cake.

A few of our crazy friends and crazy sister Amy

It's a Fiesta!!

2010-01-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

My good friend and neighbor, Shannon, moved away this week, so in honor of her I through a fiesta themed dinner party. I have always wanted to host a themed party. It turned out pretty well and we all had a blast. Adios Shannon!

The invite was a mini cactus I found at IKEA. Aren't they the cutest?

My mom gave me this vintage tablecloth and it ended being the perfect focal point to model everything else after.

The place setting. The margarita glasses were rimmed with red sugar (for strawberry daiquiris) and the napkin rings were tissue paper pom poms.

While browsing Martha Stewart I saw this great menu idea. Fit the menu to the shape of your serving piece, instead of the boring ol' rectangular menus.

The guests and appetizers.

The guest of honor. These are larger versions of the pom poms. Apparently they are traditional decorations for mexican weddings. Martha Stewart's website has great directions on how to make them.

I wrapped different sizes of glass vases with, yep, more tissue paper and put a small votive in each. They were so pretty and festive.

(Paul was having anxiety about all the paper and fire in our house)

The best neighbors in the world!

here's a close up of the lanterns...it still doesn't do it justice.

The food was awesome but the highlight was the dessert, Faux Fried Ice cream. It was unbelievable. You rough crush 4 c. corn flakes, finely chop 8 oz. coconut and 1/2 c. pecans (I put both in a food processor to get it finely chopped) and throw them in a bowl with a 1/2 tsp or more if you like of cinnamon. Then you melt a stick of butter and 1 c. brown sugar until dissolved. Pour sugar over cornflake mixture and stir. If it feels too wet, add a little more cornflakes. Next, get your vanilla ice cream and form a scoop into a tennis sized ball. Roll the balls in the cornflakes until well coated, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. When you are ready to serve take them out about 10 min before. Now here's the secret, drizzle each ball with HONEY, I don't know why, but it make it taste fried and delicious. Top with whipped cream and be prepared to fall in love.

TIme for an Update!

2010-01-07T13:05:00.001-08:00

Wow, I have really been slacking on my blog lately. This whole 2 kids thing is harder than I thought. Gwen is almost 5 months old and I still don't feel like I know how to juggle two very well. It seems like everyday I'm feeling guilty for neglecting one child more than the other...how did my parents ever do 5 kids??

Tate is going to be 3 years old next week! I have been telling him that on his birthday he has to give his binkies (yes, he uses two and sometimes three at a time) to the garbage man. Everytime we mention his birthday now, you can see the panic in his eyes and he says, "when I'm 3 I have to throw away my binkies?" It could be a very traumatic day. In addition to binky weaning, we are also working on the potty training, let me just say 3 is not one of my favorite ages.

Gwen is one of the smiliest babies I have ever seen. No matter how tired or hungry she is all you have to do is make eye contact with her and she gives you the biggest smile on the planet. She has a way of making just about anyone feel good about themselves. She is quite the little noise maker as well. For only being 11 pounds she sure can yell. She is really starting to show her personality and I think she is going to be a little spitfire. Tate was so calm and peaceful, but Gwen is spunky and wirey. I have always said I thought she was an old spirit stuck in this little newborn body. From the very day she was born she was wide-eyed and talking, like she wanted to jump up and start running around and tell us all about what has been going on. I can't wait to see the person she becomes.

Life is good, and Paul and I know how blessed we are. We have a stable job, two healthy kids, and a roof over our heads. What more could we ask for?

Announcement Cards

2009-11-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

My awesome neighbor Shasta created Gwen's birth announcements for me. Check out her stuff at www.sassydean.blogspot.com

I think I ordered the LARGE flower...

2009-10-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

I had a little photo shoot with Gwen the other day and considering my lack of photography skills I think they turned out kinda cute.

She is such a ham and is always smiling. Paul was making fun of her very large flower, but I couldn't help myself, I had to give it a try.

Sunday Morning

2009-10-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

Having a boy is SO different than having a girl! I didn't think I would love dressing Gwen up as much as I do. Its like playing with barbies again, only with a real person, and the clothes are a lot more money. Tate is really starting to take to Gwen and is a very good helper. Things are starting to settle down a little in my life and I almost feel back to normal. Now if only I could figure out how to get myself dressed and ready every morning.

Tate loves to hold Gwen and yes, he needs a haircut

Paul is a sucker for both his kids. He's the sweetest dad.

Polka Dot Princess

2009-10-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

These pictures are for my mom, who bought this darling outfit for Gwen. I can't believe how fast she has grown, its just not fair.

Baby Gwen is 6 Weeks Old!!

2009-09-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Baby Gwen is almost 2 months old. I can't believe how fast the newborn stage is gone. She is so bright-eyed and active. She started smiling at us when she was just a few weeks old. She is always moving and kicking her legs and arms like she is trying so hard to get up and start walking around. The first month or so was a little rough because she was so gassy and uncomfortable. The doctor told me to modify my diet so I no longer eat dairy, eggs, nuts, or fish. I have been living off BLT's and Pop Tarts.

Tate is slowly adjusting to his new sister, and loves to give her kisses and shove her binky in her mouth when she cries. He is at a fun age but tiring at the same time. He loves to count, sing songs, and play with the neighbors. Life with 2 kids is a little tricky sometimes and I don't get near as much done as I used to. The laundry piles up, the dishes sit in the sink, and its all I can do to get myself in the shower. Although, my house and hygiene is suffering I am loving life with my two beautiful kids.

Ups and Downs of Motherhood

2009-09-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Gwen is 3 weeks old and cute as ever. Life is a lot more hectic than it used to be, and some days I feel like I am bouncing from child to child non-stop until Paul comes home. Then he is on Tate duty while I do Gwen and we're passing each other throughout the night as we bath, feed, and dress our respective child, then we both collapse in bed until we do it all over again. I know these crazy days don't last, and we are both just trying to enjoy every minute. We are so blessed to have two healthy children.

It was so great to see my little buddy

My little peanut

I did it!!

What a great reward, she is just perfect

Gweneth Elaine Christensen

2009-08-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Gwen arrived on August 12th at 2:24pm. Paul and I got to the hospital at 8:30am to be induced. The nurse got me all hooked up and checked me and I was at a 4, so I had a good start. By about 2pm I was ready to push, and Gwen arrived shortly after. It was a text book delivery, no pain, no real big issues. Recovery has been a breeze this time, although my emotions have been a little out of wack. Tate pretty much ignores Gwen and has had a lot of attention from Grandmas and Dad. Gwen is a little peanut and is so alert and bright eyed. We are so blessed that she arrived safely and all is well.

Your room is done...It's time to come!

2009-07-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Its only taken 9 months, but baby Gwen's room is finally complete. I couldn't have done it alone. My dad came and helped me install the wainscoting, Paul put the hardware on the furniture and put the crib together, mom and Amy helped me paint, and dad and Paul installed the light fixture. I made the wall art (that needs to be hung) and repainted my parents old bedroom furniture. The furniture was probably the biggest task, but I just love how everything came together. Now all I need is a little baby girl to enjoy it!

Summer Fun

2009-07-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

I did venture to the pool once this year

even in pajamas, Tate loves the sprinklers

Tate has been loving the warm weather. He is obsessed with sprinklers. It doesn't matter what he's wearing, if he sees sprinklers he's running through them faster than I can catch him. The heat has been rough for me this summer but my garden has been loving it. The hollyhocks I seeded last year are 10 feet high, and my tomato plants are ridiculously large as well. I can't wait for BLT's!

New Camera!!

2009-06-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

Finally a new camera! Here are a few pictures from the last few weeks.

As soon as Paul walks in the door from work, he is mauled by Tate. Paul usually spends the bulk of the night wrestling with Tate and making a "tunnel" with his legs for Tate to crawl under. He is the best dad.

Tate and I went to Logan for a little visit, and of course he was spoiled by his grammy.

On June 11th, Paul and I celebrated 4 years of marriage at Market Street Grill with Paul's parents and his sister Angie and husband Brad.

This was our attempt at a self photo.

My little Buddy!

30 weeks! Let the countdown begin.

It Finally Happened

2009-05-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally happened! Since the day we bought our camera 3 years ago I have been dreading this moment. I just knew I would do something stupid and loose it. I do think I did pretty well considering it took me 3 years to finally leave my camera in an, as yet, unknown location. After weeks of racking my pregnancy ridden brain, I came to the conclusion I probably left it at the park. I am so mad at myself!!! I've done everything I can to find the stupid thing. I've called EVERYONE, minus the secret service, to try and locate it. I even posted bright purple signs around the neighborhood, posted ads on KSL and Craiglist, and still no camera. So until I give in to the fact that it's gone for good and buy a new one, you will get to see some old photos from the archives!!! So hold on tight, we're taking a trip down memory lane.

I wish I could say Paul was just goofing around with this outfit...but I can't.

Our engagement photo, only 4 years ago, but we still look so young!

Honeymoon cruise to Mexico

This was the cash from our firework stands one summer, unfortunately most of it was given to TNT, but it made for some pretty funny pictures.

A Mother Like No Other!!!

2009-05-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom:

Happy Mother's Day. I love you more now that I have my own child and see how much you really love and care about me. I never doubted your love or devotion, I just never knew the love of a mother until I became one. You are the most talented woman I know. You quilt beautifully, you plant an amazing garden, you crochet, knit, sew, calligraph, cook, paint, and many more... and pretty much anything you try you can do and do it well. You are a saint in your neighborhood always thinking of who you could run a quick meal to. You are one of the most SELFLESS people I know, even spending a night with my neighbors sick baby at the hospital instead of getting home to Logan. Of course I could never thank you enough for being there for me and my family during those rough few months of pregnancy. I aspire to be like you! Thank you for setting the bar so high. You are an amazing mother and grandmother and we are lucky to call you ours. Happy Mother's Day Mom!! We Love you!

Natalie, Paul and Tate

Happy BIrthday Sadie!!

2009-04-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

My niece Sadie Jayne turned 9 over the weekend. I remember being in Arizona at the hospital when Sadie was born and I can't believe how time flies. She is the most unique, fun, and smart little girl. She requested a blue Lego cake for her party, and I couldn't help but except the challenge. I love you Sadie!

Things I love about Pregnancy!

2009-04-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

I am writing this purely for my own sanity, because I really am the worst pregnant person EVER! I feel like the biggest complainer, but really I do love SOME aspects of it.

-I love those simple kicks and nudges she gives me just to let me know she's there and all is well.

-I love my changing body, really it fascinates me to see my stomach stretch and grow so FAST!

-I love decorating, painting, and envisioning the beautiful room my baby Gwen is going to sleep.

-I love the anticipation of actually meeting my daughter for the first time...it almost kills me I get so anxious to see her. (patience is not my strong suit)

-I love eating cookies...a lot of cookies and having absolutely no remorse.

-I love it when the guys at the grocery store ask if I need help out and I don't feel lazy saying yes!

-And most of all I love feeling special, knowing I am bringing one of Heavenly Father's children into the world, and I think that's pretty awesome.

Who wouldn't want another one of these runnin' around.

This is going to be the babies room. My dad and I hung the wainscoting and know I have to do a lot of painting of walls and furniture. More pics to come as it progresses.

I'm BAAAACK!

2009-04-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

Wow I cant believe how out of touch with life I have been. The last few months have been pretty crazy for us. I had a horrible first couple of months of pregnancy, but I think I am finally feeling like myself again. We found out we are having a GIRL, so I have been pretty obsessed (to say the least) about decorating ideas. Paul is almost finished with basketball season and we are excited to get him back. Tate is a very typical 2 year old, but everyday brings new adventures and fun. We are very lucky to have so many great things

going for us!! Here are just a few pictures from the last few months.

My friend BreAnne and I at the Britney Speares concert

Paul got me tickets to see Britney for my birthday!

I have no idea who these guys were, I just knew they were DIE HARD fans and I liked it!

Baby Bump

Tate LOVES birthday's and candles, so we had a little birthday celebration just for fun!

Tate saying "cheese" on Easter!

Easter Sunday!

Tate is Two!!

2009-01-22T14:41:00.000-08:00

Things have been a little crazy (to say the least) lately. Tate turned two on Jan. 18th and I have been pretty sick ever since. It has been a rough few weeks. I am doing a little better and I can't believe how much love and support Paul and I have received from so many people. I have some amazing neighbors and an even more amazing mom who has spent most of the past few weeks away from home and with us. Tate has gotten spoiled rotten by both Grandmas. I am so lucky to have TWO moms that love and care for us.

Tate has changed so much in just the past few weeks. He is talking like crazy, he knows his colors, he counts to thirteen (that's how many stairs we have, and we count them when we go up and down) and he even knows and recognizes some letters and numbers. He is such a joy in our lives and I can't believe we ever lived without him. Of course, he has made sure to let me know that he is two. Sometimes I wonder where Tate went, and just before I'm about to loose it he says, "com eear, hold you," and then gives me a big hug. I'm helpless against it!

more wedding photos

2009-01-09T16:52:00.001-08:00

I got to do Amy's hair and Makeup!
Two of my cute sisters

Amy's little girl Sadie and Charles' girls Madi and Kate

Andi created all the flowers and decorations!

Amy + Charles = wedding in one week!!

2009-01-04T20:57:00.000-08:00

My sister Amy decided right before Christmas that she was ready to take the plunge with fiance' Charles on New Years eve. Naturally, my exceptionally talented sister Andi and mom rolled up their sleeves and created the most beautiful wedding in 1 week FLAT!! The ceremony was beautiful and dinner was amazing. We danced until midnight and rang in the new year with the happy couple. Here are just a few pics from Amy's big night, I will post more soon. Thanks to Jeni Boston for the awesome photos (she also took our family pics).

USU Honor's Watts Family!!

2009-01-02T10:08:00.001-08:00

This week Paul and I traveled to Logan to attend a dinner and celebration at Utah State. The Alumni Association honored the Watts Family for being such a significant influence at USU throughout the years. I learned that close to 300 members of my great-grandfather's (POP Watts) Family have attended and graduated from Utah State. There were over 200 of us there that night and it was a blast to catch up and see so many member of my family.

A New Year a New...

2008-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

I should probably wait a little longer to post this on the blog but I'm pretty sure EVERYONE knows already (thanks to my ultra-sensitive stomach)! Paul and I are expecting our 2nd baby in August. We are pretty pumped!

Friends Christmas Party

2008-12-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

Sandy, Me, Katie, Stacy
Me and Katie

My girlfriends from highshool and husbands all got together for a Christmas Party. We were missing 3 girls, but it was fun to hear all the latet news in each others lives. Thanks Katie for hosting us, it was fun.

Tips on How to Feed a Toddler!

2008-12-09T11:03:00.001-08:00

Tate has been having major issues with wanting to stop the playtime and eat. So here was our compromise. Hey I'll take whatever I can get at this point!

Dinner with Grandma and Grandpa

2008-12-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Paul and went to visit his Grandparents this weekend. They were so happy to have us and even though Grandma had recently had surgery she made us the best dinner and set a beautiful table. She always has everything looking amazing and tasting fabulous. We talked, played boggle, and let Tate spend time with his Great-Grandparents. I luckily had my camera and got to capture some great pictures!

Not many kids get to pound away on a Steinway piano

Grandma always puts on a shower cap when she opens a potroast in order to avoid having her hair smell like roast for the rest of the day. Pretty clever if you ask me!

There was the most beautiful sunset that night and I think Paul looks so much his Grandpa.

My Super-Man!

2008-12-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

Paul turned 33 on Friday!! I love him so much and here's 33 reasons why...

I love him because...

1-even though he hates feet, he rubs mine

2-he's the smartest man I know

3-he always knows how to make me laugh

4-he refuses to use a public bathroom

5-he loves coming home and wrestling with Tate

6-he's Tate's "Dat"

7-he always knows what to say to make me feel better when I'm down

8-he loves my cooking

9-he let's me have my nightly bath in peace

10-he is so passionate

11-he throws himself 150% into everything he takes on

12-he TIVO's Young and the Restless EVERYDAY

13-he loves being with me

14-he works so hard

15-he has 1,000+ friends

16-he laughs really hard...usually at me!

17-he baths, feeds, and puts Tate to bed almost every night

18-his dad is his best friend

19-he knows the answer to everything

20-he is frugal with money

21-he doesn't care what anyone thinks

22-he lets me get my way...almost always

23-he looks so hot wakeboarding

24-he knows how to have fun

25-he always gets off the cell phone when he walks in the house

26-he never forgets...ANYTHING

27-he has a story for everything

28-goes on walks with me

29-he's a sucker for his son

30-he gives me flowers just because

31-his smile melts me

32-he loves my family

33-he's mine

2008-11-30T18:49:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was spent in St. George with the whole family. We started cooking on Tuesday morning and didn't stop until Thanksgiving afternoon. We ate LOTS of great food, went to Zion's, played at the pool, and went to Mesquite to shoot clay pigeons. It was awesome to be with family!

TWILIGHT!

2008-11-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

Yes I went to the opening night of the Twilight movie! We went to the 10pm showing and I was in awe of the amount of women and girls that were already in line an hour early. Things were pretty intense and at one point while waiting in line I had a women tell me I was "buggin" and I seriously thought she might fight me. I even found out there is a nationwide group called "Twilight Moms" and I'm pretty sure this women was the Utah Chapter President because she was way intense about getting into the movie and getting a PRIME viewing location. The movie was a bit disappointing and seemed slightly corny at times, but I was entertained. All in all it was way fun to go out with the girls and I'm glad I avoided a "Twilight Mom" chick fight!

Some more photos!

2008-11-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more family pics. I just love the candid photos!

Monkey see, Monkey do!

2008-11-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Tate loved Halloween! When the first kid came to the door and I drop a piece of candy in his bucket...Tate freaked! He was not about to share, until the boy took a handful of candy out of his sack and dropped it into Tate's empty bucket, "to get him started," he said. Tate then thought it was the coolest thing ever to take candy and drop it in kids' buckets. I can't tell you how touched I was by the good example that boy was to my little Tate. He must have some pretty special parents.

We were invited to a few parties this year, so it gave me the perfect excuse to make a costume. I borrowed my dad's Superman and decided to throw together Wonder Woman. A little bit of spray paint, rope and some card stock, and voila!! The costume was a little..well... little, but it's Halloween, right?

What a cute little monkey

A sucker in his mouth and on his way for more!

trick or treating is a lot of work!

me and my monkey

Me and my monkies!!
what a hunk!

Family Photos!

2008-10-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

This year was the first experience Paul and I have had with actual, real-life, family photos together! It sure lived up to all our expectations. The second I got Tate out of the car he bent down and grabbed two huge handfuls of black dirt and wiped them all over his beautiful white sweater. He was a wreck the whole time and would not smile or hold still. Poor Jeni (our photog) was trying her darndest to make the little stinker smile! He was not having it. Of course the second I got him in the car to leave he started smiling so sweet and saying, "cheese"! Needless to say I was very discouraged when we got home, until I saw Jeni's sneakpeak of our photos on her blog. They were so AMAZING. Let me know what you think!

Soup...It's What's for Dinner!

2008-10-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

Something about soup makes me want to turn on the fireplace and curl up with a good book! It's one of the few things I actually like about winter. Here's one of my favorites. The homemade croutons are a must with this. ENJOY!

Creamy Tomato Soup with Homemade Croutons and Parmesan Reggiano Cheese

2 tablespoons butter

1 small onion, chopped

2 8 oz can tomato sauce

1 14 0z can chicken broth

1 28 oz can S & W ready-cut tomatoes,reserve juice

1 12 oz can evaporated milk

1/4 tsp chili powder, or to taste

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 fresh ground pepper

Drain tomatoes, reserving juice. Saute onions in butter until tender. Add juice from tomatoes, tomato sauce and chicken broth, heat to a simmer. Add evaporated milk, heat but DO NOT boil. heat gently and add tomatoes last. Do NOT overheat, or soup with curdle. Season to taste with salt, pepper and chili powder.

Homemade Croutons

Thick hard bread, (I like Smith's Artisan Bread in deli section)

1/3 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 cup parmesan reggiano cheese

slice bread in thick slices. Mix oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and cheese in bowl. Use a pastry brush and brush both sides of bread with oil mixture. Cut bread in large cubes, place on cookie sheet and bake at 400 until golden brown and crispy. You may need to turn cubes halfway through to get both sides crispy.

Serve soup with croutons and top with more parmesan reggiano cheese!! YUMMY!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!!!

2008-10-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Years ago Roger started taking Paul and his brother pheasant hunting in Nebraska. When Paul and I got married and moved out there I got the invite to come. Slowly the group grew to my family and Paul's brother-in-laws. So now I intrude on the "boys trip" every year, but I just love it. So these are pictures of our trip to Nebraska last year. It is such a blast (no pun intended) and I can't wait until next month when we go and do it all over again. Someone has to control the population of pheasants and it might as well be us! Not many people can pull off camo bibs!
It's a lovely table of death

My bro Mikey

EMT Training...AGAIN?

2008-10-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, Paul and I are major suckers for a "good" deal, especially when it comes to something we really don't need. The other day Paul found an "Adventure Medical Kit" online for 60% off, so naturally we bought it. Today it showed up in the mail and in our defense it is the Holy Grail of first aide kits. It has scalpels (you know for that random surgery I might have to perform) CPR masks, medications, bandages, stethoscope, ointments, just to name a few. I'm just praying for a natural disaster. Looking through this kit got me thinking about the EMT basic course I took years ago. It was the greatest experience and I have always had an itch to get back into the emergency medical field. I wonder if I could pull it off? If not, at least I have a sweet first aide kit to tinker around with!

If you want one for your car or food storage/emergency supplies, we found it on http://www.steepandcheap.com/

Happy Birthday Mikey!!

2008-10-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today my brother Mike turns 24. It seems like yesterday my sisters and I tied Mike up to a chair naked and told him to be "Houdini". Poor kid, I admit at times we were a bit harsh, but I was under some intense pressure from 3 older sister to just go along with it. Thanks Mike for always being there when I need someone to throw a party with (good times) or wreck a car with. You are the best and We love you.

We got together and had dinner and cake at my parents house. Tate had a blast in Logan playing with his cousins Kate and Cam. I forgot how beautiful Cache Valley is in the fall! I got home in time to see all my beautiful flowers and tomato plants covered in snow. Mother Nature hates me this year, my plants we in their PRIME! We're talking yard of the month potential. Its just not fair.

This has "Oshkosh commercial" written all over it!

Tate had a major breakdown when we got home from Logan. He came to me in the kitchen and wanted "cake" like we had the night before. When I tried to explain "cake" was at Grammy's house in Logan, he freaked. I was lucky enough to catch that very uncharacteristic breakdown (sarcasm) on video.

Tina Fey in her Prime!

2008-10-06T21:57:00.001-07:00

I am hesitant to post this because I really like Sarah Palin, but this is one of the best impersonations SNL has seen in a long time! I'm sure Tina Fey is praying Palin wins so she can continue getting a bunch of media recognition from these skits.

Fun with the Cousins

2008-10-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

We had a fun weekend watching conference and spending time with the Christensen and Lancaster cousins. Tate has 2 little cousins that are his same age. It is so fun when those 3 crazy active boys can all play together. Tate loves his cousins and his "nainey" and "papa". Thanks everyone for a fun weeekend. We did miss the Meikle cousins! Come visit soon!

Tate loves to mimic everything, so when his cousin Sam was saying "cheese" to the camera, Tate joined right in. Now he won't stop with the "cheese"ing!

Cute cousin Carter

I was so mad about having to wear a sweatshirt. I'm not ready for winter.

This is Sam teaching his uncle Paul how to do a 3-point football stance.

Carter and Andrea!

Grandpa Rog was such a good sport entertaining the boys!

Just a Small Piece of My Mind!!

2008-10-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Paul works for The Utah Flash Basketball team. That team is owned by Paul's good friend Brandt Andersen. Brandt has also been working on a project at Point of the Mountain with renowned architect Frank Gehry (google him, he's amazing, think Guggenheim, Disney Concert Hall in LA.) The projects conceptual model and name "The Point" was unveiled last week at an open house in Lehi. Here's the story in the Deseret News: http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700261632,00.html

I was amazed at the response from local news outlets and the community about this project. Many people are skeptical about the size, cost, and overall appearance of it. The Point will include a five star hotel, outdoor amphitheater, arena, 2 lakes (for wakeboarding, of course), residential and retail space, high end shopping, and restaurants.

With the economy the way it is, it is hard for people to see the vision and to be at all "OPTIMISTIC" about this projects success. I am having such a hard time with the negative and flat out belligerent comments from people about this project and Brandt. Jealousy is the first thing that comes to mind!! But why fight against something that will bring recognition and economic growth to Utah. All of Frank Gehry's work, although sometimes controversial, are major tourist attractions and pieces of architectural history. I love that he doesn't build square glass boxes, he thinks and innovates. Think of what the world would be if we all thought and created like Frank Gehry! Think what the world would be if we were as driven and passionate as Brandt. I'm losing faith in the people of Utah for discouraging and berating someone who is trying to do something new and different.

Paul has put many hours into this project and has forgone his law career to work with Brandt and his amazing vision of The Point. He is confident with his decision to work with Brandt. THIS WILL HAPPEN, and when it does I am sure all the naysayers out there will be the first to come and enjoy it!!

Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Spain

Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A.

The Conceptual Model for "The Point"

The Sweet Smell of Success!

2008-09-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

Way to go Stacy!! My best friend that I have know since elementary school recently started her own business with one of the most AMAZING products. They are dry erase, magnetic, calendar boards. They are so cool, and way stylish. Her boards sold out at Swiss Days and were just featured on KSL Studio 5's Lovelist (products the producers have discovered and love). see story here http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=59&sid=4244228

You all need to check out her website http://www.alaboard.com/.

Congrats Stacy, all your hard work is paying off!

More Pictures of Tate

2008-09-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

These were taken at my bro's wedding. I think the Photographer was in love with him. There were almost as many pictures of Tate as there were the bride. I am a little partial, but he might just be the cutest kid ever!

This shirt says "small Paul" on it and Tate always wants to wear it. He brings it to me and says "monkey". Way Cute!!

What a Party!!

2008-08-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

My brother Mike and Jessica got married on Saturday and it was such an awesome celebration. The WHOLE family stayed at Little America and we hung out and danced all night at the reception. Tate was such a good kid. He danced until 11pm and showed no signs of fatigue, watch out John Travolta.

My darling sisters.
(Amy, me, Leslie, Andi)

Mike was so happy and looked so handsome!

Callie Anne (Leslie's baby)
My sis Andrea did all the flowers and Decor. She is so talented. Visit andisaxton.com
The beautiful bride and me
Smelling the Roses

10 Years!!!

2008-07-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

We went to Logan this weekend for my 10 year reunion and a party for my bro Mike and Fiance' Jessica. Here are a few pics from our fun weekend!

Marilyn never disappoints! I showed up Thursday afternoon to fresh key lime pie and Diet Cokes! What a gal!

Mike, Jess, Alex (Jess' dad), Nick (Jess' bro) and I went to Benson to jump off a bridge and swim My bro and me!
The happy couple

My high school friends and I went to Bear Lake for a night to catch up before the reunion. We had a blast laughing, crying, and just being girls. Of course we worked on our tans!

Kristen and me

Angie, Amelia, Katie and Kristen

We made sure to look through our yearbooks before the reunion!

Here we are at the big 10 year reunion!

Paul and Angie strike a pose!

Paul was a good sport! Thanks HONEY!

4th of July, Family, and Nursery!

2008-07-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

Our 4th was spent at home with our neighbors BBQing, lighting fireworks and just relaxing. I made Barefoot Contessa's 4th of July cake. and if any of you haven't tried it you are missing out on a little slice of heaven. I also made the best stuffed jalapenos that I found on http://www.thepioneerwomen.com/!

Tate watching the fireworks!

The best cake on the planet!

Tate and all his neighbor friends getting ready for fireworks!

Tate is 18 months old and you know what that means NURSERY FINALLY!! Don't get me wrong I was not in a hurry to see my little boy grow up, but I was excited to finally be able to get something out of church again. I took him to nursery and he immediately ran to the toys and started playing with the other kids. When I came to pick him up he started crying that he had to leave. I was a little sad he didn't miss me at all. He had a blast and I'm glad it went so well!

Tate playing in the sprinklers and hanging with his cousin Kate!

Happy 60th Dad

2008-07-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

My dad turned sixty this week and I wanted to tell him how much I love and appreciate all he does. I have never known anyone who works as hard as my dad. On his 60th birthday he decided to take his Harley Davidson on a ride for the first time since his accident 5 years ago (he fell from a forklift at work and was in ICU and rehab for months). I'll never forget that dumb grin on his face as he rode around the block cautiously but totally in control. Thanks dad for always being there to kill EVERY wasp, caulk everything in site, spackle, tinker, and just plain laugh at! You're the greatest and we love you!

Love,

Paul, Nat, and Tate

First Haircut

2008-07-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

Tate has the most beautiful curly blond hair! Everywhere I go people stop to tell me how cute it is, so you can imagine how hard it was for me to even think about cutting it. It finally got so long in front it was hanging in his eyes and driving him crazy. Today I finally broke down and trimmed his bangs, can you tell?

Tate is always jabbering like crazy. One night while we were laying in bed Paul and I counted all the words Tate can say and they added up to almost 40! We couldn't believe it. He is definitely just like his dad, never at a loss for words!

Fortunately, Tate stays out of most of my cupboards, so I can't complain that he only messes with the bathtub!

Sleepless in Saratoga!

2008-07-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of weeks I have not been able to get a full nights sleep. I lay in bed for hours and when i finally fall asleep it's for only about 2 hours and then I'm awake again. Its really starting to wear on me. Paul is wondering what happened to his wife because I am a sleep-deprived crazy person. Its getting so bad I think I might have to say goodbye to Diet Coke. It's starting to get serious when that happens. Any ideas??

Slightly Addicted!

2008-06-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

In addition to my daily Diet Coke with EXTRA ice from McDonald's, my bathtub, and my US Weekly...I have a new addiction. Whiskeymilita.com. My brother introduced me to it. Every 15 or so minutes it posts a sweet steal of a deal on cool merchandise like sunglasses, shirts, earphones and a ton of other skater stuff. I am constantly buying things for Paul and I that we don't really need, but is such a GREAT deal. I guess that's how they get you. I even find myself waking up at nights thinking, "I wonder what's on Whiskey militia." I seriously have a problem!!

Signs You Have A Tate!!!

2008-06-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

After Tate's in bed and I'm assessing the damage he has done prior, I can't help but love and appreciate all his little messes. It seems like everywhere I turn he has decided to leave his mark. Aside from the scattered toys and expected messes from a 17 month old, there are a few unusual things I find. Tate loves to put toys in strange places. The other day I emptied his diaper pail and I found my hair brush, and a few of his balls. He also loves to hide toys in the washing machine and in the pots and pans. Paul thinks all his little marks are endearing, and I think I would have to agree. I can't believe I get to spend everyday with my little man, even if he throws my shoes in the bathtub!!

The culprit playing with a bunch of Chip Clips.

Yet another dryer full of toys!

My stainless steel appliances are beautiful, and they are also the perfect canvas for little hands. I am constantly cleaning these, I swear I am going to wipe clear through to the other side.

Bootcamp Week 4

2008-06-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before Paul and I are doing a 6 Week Fitness Bootcamp. We are finishing up week 4 and Paul has lost weight and I have gained some (pure muscle I'm sure). We are both feeling really good and much stronger than before. Tate got to come with us this week because my usual babysitter was gone. He had a blast helping our trainer, Adam, kick our butts! Here are a few pictures.

so BUFF!
Tate staying hydrated
Paul had a rough workout!
Tate was a little worried about Paul punching those pads!

3 Years of Pure Bliss

2008-06-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

A lot of you might be surprised to know that I am married to a pretty romantic guy. For our 3rd anniversary Paul picked me up for our date in a FERRARI (courtesy of a good friend) and took me to Thanksgiving point to ride the Segways around the gardens. We then went to the BEST restaurant I have ever been to called Tiburon in Sandy. He also informed me that year 3 is "leather" so he bought me a silver wallet made of leather, so clever. Paul is such an amazing man and I am pretty lucky to have him.

Paul living every mans fantasy, to drive a Ferrari

It was a pretty awesome car, but a little nerve racking to drive in!

Striking a pose on the Segways!!

Boot Camp and St.George!!

2008-05-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Paul and I started a 6 week Fitness Bootcamp. It is kicking our butts, but we feel like we are getting stronger already. Paul wants to shed a little weight and I am trying to make my 12 year old boy body a little more toned and defined. we'll see how it goes!!

My mom and I headed down to St. George again last weekend and had a blast. It was 100+ degrees and Tate loved splashing around at the pool and testing out his new life jacket.

Tate in his cute swimsuit getting ready to swim!
Tate giving the pool a try!
I only let his head go under twice!! I think there is a learning curve for new moms.

There is an awesome man made river bed near the St. George Tabernacle that Tate loved to run and play in. There is also a fountain, like the one at Gateway. It was made just for kids to come and play in and beat the heat. He had so much fun!!

It's Been Awhile!!

2008-05-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

I could blame my lack of posts on a really painful root canal, my trip to St. George, endless yard work, or a very busy 16 month-old. But the truth is I just didn't find the motivation to upload photos...how lazy am I? Things this past month have been Busy and fun. My niece Sadie was baptized, my mom and I took a vacation to St. George to get their new Condo put together, and Paul even took my dad, friend Sean, and me to a Jazz game. Here are a few photos from the past few weeks.

Visiting the Garden's at Thanksgiving point!

Tate and Kate with my mom. Don't those two look like they could be brother and sister?

The garden's were AMAZING!

Jazz game with Paul and my Dad.

Tate testing new mattresses for the condo.
Hanging out in sunny St. George
Tate loves all the rocks at the condo.
Relaxing in my parents WAY TOO comfy bed at the condo.

Their awesome bed, again!

My Cute Family

2008-04-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Our Little Family

We had a few photos taken of our family last time we were in Logan. I LOVE the picture of Tate, could he get any sweeter?

A Weekend Getaway

2008-04-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Paul and I went with his parents to their cabin in the mountains near Beaver. It was so fun to get away and enjoy the last little bit of winter. I couldn't believe how much snow there was. We rode snowmobiles, did puzzles, and I got to be just plain LAZY. It was alot of fun, but we were anxious to get back to our little man!

Biggest Icicles Ever!!!
Chillin' on the snowmobiles!
Paul's favorite POSE for the camera!
Paul's dad, The Big "R"!

Just Like his Dad

2008-04-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Tate loves his "Signing Times" videos, in fact he sort of shuts everything out when he watches!! We finally got a DVD player for the car, so we could drive the entire U.S. and Tate would just watch those videos.

Tate and Paul watching T.V.

I get so Jealous that Paul can just pass out and start snoring within 2 min of laying down!

Parents Worst Nightmare!!!

2008-03-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Tate woke up Easter morning with a fever. We missed church but toward the afternoon he was feeling better and even got a visit from the Easter Bunny? Everything was looking good!! We went to Paul's sister's house and ate a great dinner with the Lancaster's. We made Rice Krispie nests and Tate was playing and having a ball. Then my worst fear happened...

When Tate was 6 months old he started his "breath holding spells", as the doctors call them. When he gets hurt or mad sometimes he holds his breath so long that he passes out. It was scary at first but as soon as he passes out his body kicks in and takes a big deep breath and life is good. Easter Sunday was an exception. Tate got mad and was holding his breath again and passed out, but this time he didn't take a breath. My worst fear became a reality and Tate was not breathing and turning blue. I ended up giving him a quick rescue breath....nothing! I gave him another breath...and finally his brain and body kicked in and he started to wheeze and started to breath. The ambulance was on the way and we ended up heading to Primary Children's Hospital.

The doctors are pretty convinced this was a unique breath holding spell and after many tests and an uncomfortable night in the hospital Tate was given a clean bill of health and we got to come home. I can honestly say, that was the worst moment of my life! No parent should have to see there baby not breathing, it's awful. We are so blessed that Tate is healthy and happy. We are just a little nervous to ever make him mad.

Tate with all his Lancaster cousins!

Our Yummy Rice Krispie nests!

Tate with his Easter Basket

As you can see, he bounced back pretty quick!

Waiting, waiting, and waiting!!!

Tate and Dad killing time at the hospital

After 16 hours we were finally on our way home. Tate was pretty wiped out!

Hydrangea arborescens

2008-03-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

***WARNING***CONTENT IS LACED W/OBSESSIVE BEHAVIOR!!

My mom recently bought me a gorgeous hydrangea plant for my house. I don't think she knows how much I love these flowers. I don't know why, but they speak to me. My mother-in-law has a great explanation for this connection. She speculates that maybe when we were helping in the creation of the Earth in heaven, we were all assigned to a committee (which makes sense because the church has a committee for EVERYTHING). She has always felt a connection with the ocean and particularly seashells, therefore she says she was on the seashell committee. I have always loved that suggestion so maybe its possible the reason I love hydrangea so much is because I was on the hydrangea committee.

With that said, my hydrangea plant has been the object of my affection for the past two months. I love it so much I hate to see it overgrow its pot and eventually die. I know, I know, I'm obsessed. So I did a little research and found that hydrangea can live outdoors in climate zones 2-8!! Ya, I had no clue what Utah's zone would be, but I knew it was bad. Come to find out Saratoga Springs is a good solid ZONE 2!! So I have decided to move my dear plant outdoors this spring and cross my fingers it grows. The obsessing did not stop there. I now know how to prune, water, sprout, and even change the color of this plant. That's right, CHANGE THE COLOR. The color of a hydrangea is dependant upon the pH in the soil. Acid soil=Blue, alkaline soil=pink, neutral soil=white. Fascinating don't you think?

So there you have it! My new obsession that could possibly lead to the prettiest yard in the neighborhood! Am I totally NUTS?

It's Official!

2008-03-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, my little Bro is getting married! He proposed to Jessica Torres this past week. She is an awesome, beautiful and talented girl. They are getting married in August sometime. I've always wanted a little sister and I can't wait to have her in the family. Congrats Mikey, welcome to REAL life.

28 is GREAT

2008-03-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

What a great day I had on the 9th!! My mom drove from Logan on Saturday to spend time with us on my B-day. She made an AMAZING lemon layer cake, fixed a great dinner and watched Tate so Paul could take me on a date. I love birthdays or any other excuse to spend time with friends and family!

My sister Amy and Boyfriend Charles came for cake
so did BreAnne and Sean Mawhinney with baby Blake
Tate helping mom eat cake
Blowing out candles, I'm glad they didn't put 28 on!!
My mom's beautiful cake she made for me!!

Baby Signs

2008-03-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

I have just started using sign language with Tate and he is really catching on. Hopefully I can stay dedicated and keep teaching him more and more. My sisters used signs with both their kids and I believe it really helped them start talking and communicating quicker.

side note: In the video the blankets are taped to Tate's crib because he is a little beaver and WILL NOT stop biting the rails. It makes me so mad that we spent so much on a crib that is now covered in blankets and duct tape.

Launching Cheerios

2008-02-29T11:52:00.000-08:00

When Tate woke up this morning his hair was totally straight from laying on it all night and it was in this perfect comb-over. He looked like such a little gentlemen!

Tate finds FUN in EVERYTHING!!

Natalie Needs...

2008-02-26T10:55:00.001-08:00

I saw this on one of my friends blogs. It was really funny and you should try it. Google your name and put "needs" after it. For example "natalie needs" is what I googled and this is what came up.

Natalie needs...

a nighty (its true, sometimes I need to ditch the g's and spice things up a bit)
an intervention (I really do, I'm addicted to Dove chocolates and Diet Coke)
watering (I laughed really hard about this because I NEVER drink water and I have passed 7 kidney stones to prove it)
to be careful
to straighten her life out and not get involved with bad boys. (Paul that means you)

and Paul needs...

a haircut (it took 2 years of nagging but now he gets it cut pretty regularly)
a Boat (I think he would agree with this one)
protection (only from me if he doesn't figure out how to put the toilet seat down)
Urgent Prayers (I'm not sure what for, but it couldn't hurt)

Bad Habit?

2008-02-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

Tate figured out how fun it is to stick his finger in his nose. What kid doesn't think this is cool? It is the perfect size and Tate thinks it's fascinating. He gets the funniest, puzzled look on his face when his finger finally hits the jackpot like, "wow!! there it is again, it fits perfect." AHHH the joys of motherhood.

New Arrival!

2008-02-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

My sister Leslie and her husband Nolan Wood had their baby girl this morning at 12:20. She is so sweet and has the cutest little cheeks and dark hair just like Les. Les went to the hospital at 8:30 got an epidural and 4 hours later had a baby. She made it seem so EASY. Her name is Callie Ann Wood and for a Watts baby she was a chunky 7lbs 5oz. Holding a newborn again made me baby hungry for about 5 seconds. It was good to get back to a 1 year-old that only needs fed 3 times a day and sleeps through the night.

My sister Andi says she looks just like an Eskimo.

Digging Out!!

2008-02-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

What a night we had! At about 4:30 a huge storm started blowing through the neighborhood. Our lights began to flicker until they went out for good at about 5pm. Paul had just left work and called to say he might be awhile because the roads were so bad. He had no CLUE how long "awhile" was really going to be. Tate and I started getting cold around 8pm, after heating up spaghettio's in the sink with hot water, we went upstairs to my bedroom and shut the door and lit a bunch of candles. Paul was still not home!! I ran a hot shower to heat things up a bit in the bedroom and Tate and I settled into bed. Paul ended up getting home at about 10:45pm!! His 15 mile drive ended up taking 5 1/2 hours. Still no power until sometime in the night. What an adventure. I guess I am headed to Cabela's to stock up on my emergency supplies.

This is what we woke up to this morning. Do you like what we've done with the stucco?
We got a nice snow drift on our porch!
All the houses in the neighborhood looked like they had been sandblasted white.
Our neighbors garage had a snow drift 4 feet high in front it. This was after they had cleared most of it off, but it was as high as the snowbank on the left. (notice Paul doesn't have a shovel)

Sweet New Ride!!

2008-02-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

I love when Tate just gets out of the bath. His hair is so curly and I just love his little body, especially his big belly.

It has leather, all-wheel drive (for that sketchy drive to Logan), sunroof, and my favorite, Heated Seats!!! All I want to do is drive around and listen to music. Paul treats me so well! Thanks Babe, you are the best!

GO UTAH FLASH

2008-02-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

As a lot of you know, Paul is the VP of Sales for the Utah Flash B-ball team. Tate and I have attended a lot of B-ball games this year. He loves to scream and yell with the other fans and he especially loves the mascot, Flash Fox!

The Flash is #1

Tate's best buddy
This is "rubber boy" at halftime. Thats him in a box!! He was crazy.
My sis Amy and nephew Nick came to the game with us.

A SUNNY DAY!

2008-02-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

Tate is standing by our huge snow bank! I can't believe how much we have gotten this year. It just won't quit.

It was finally a sunny day without snow, so I took Tate outside for some fresh air. I could not get him to come back inside. He LOVED walking around on the snow.

Now that Tate is walking he just wants to be let down to cruise.

Tate would not look up! He loved looking at his shoes crunching in the snow.

Toilet Paper Monster

2008-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

Tate loves to rub his cheeks on his "bubby"!

Tate found the toilet paper. He thinks it is so fun to unwind it all and then rip it in tiny pieces! It makes him so happy, that I just let him do it!

BABY BRAIN STILL?

2008-02-06T13:56:00.001-08:00

1 year after having Tate I realized your brain just never recovers from pregnancy and having a baby. This became apparent yesterday when my car got stolen!!

There I was casually walking through Kohl's department store. I bought my items and went out to the parking lot with Tate in tow. To my shock I couldn't see where I had parked my 1-day old, brand new, car. I knew I had parked it in a certain spot and it was not there. I searched the whole lot, which only had about 15 cars in it, and no car. I pushed the panic button in an effort to be quided to it, NO NOISE, NO CAR!! At this point I was panicked! My car had been stolen, and Paul was going to kill me because I don't think I locked it. I called Paul and the American Fork Police. After 10 of the most painful, tear-filled minutes, AF's finest called my cell phone. He told me who he was and said he gets a lot of calls from Kohl's about stolen cars, and have I checked in the OTHER parking lot. "What other parking lot? I'm at the Kohl's with only one lot," I shouted in tears. He informed me if I went back inside I would see another set of double doors that would probably lead me to the correct parking lot. My heart sunk, and I was sick, because I knew he was right. Sure enough my new car was sitting nice and shiny where I had parked it. I was humiliated.

I just want to defend myself a little by saying, I had never been to that Kohl's before and the officer did say he has had "a lot" of calls about stolen cars at Kohl's. So obviously I wasn't the only idiot who has done that!!

Snowy day in doors with Tate!

2008-01-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

"Does this Onesie make my butt look big"?

isn't he the cutest?
Tate's favorite place to be...the stairs!!

Tate thinks everything can be a phone!

Finally a REAL baby room for TATE

2008-01-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

It's been 6 months since we moved into our home, but we finally finished Tate's room. I painted in 2 stages, because I ran out of steam the first time, then Paul hung Tate's name on the wall and arranged the dots by himself. It was such a great suprise and his room looks so AWESOME if I do say so myself. My mom and Dad gave us the crib and had his cute bedding made! Elaine and Roger gave us the beautiful dresser. We are so lucky to have such loving and giving families.

Happy Birthday TATE!!

2008-01-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Tate David Christensen turned 1 year old on January 18th. It was a great party with lots of family and friends. Tate got a lot of fun toys and really enjoyed digging into his very own birthday cake. The day of his birthday Tate took his first "real" steps. He is now walking all over the house and getting into everything, my house constantly looks like it has been ransacked by thieves. He is quite the little man!!

Goodbye 2007

2008-01-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

2007 started with a bang!!! After a pregnancy consisting of FOUR fainting spells, THREE kidney stones, and
TWO hospital stays, we welcomed ONE baby boy at 10:52pm on January 18, 2007, Tate David Christensen was finally here, and was as perfect as we had imagined. He arrived almost a whole month early, and was only 6lbs 4oz. I guess Tate was anxious not to miss any more of the year.

The first half of 2007, was spent finishing Law School at Creighton University. After 2 years in Omaha (3 for Paul), we packed up our little home and moved back to Utah. Luckily we were not using a hand cart, though Uhaul is not much better. Leaving was bitter sweet as we said goodbye to so many dear friends. I said goodbye to the incredible women I worked with in the stake relief society presidency, and Paul gave up what he claims is the best calling in the church – gospel doctrine teacher.

We arrived in Sandy and spent the next few months living with Paul’s parents, Roger and Elaine. Tate loved being with his “Nainie” every day, and I loved relaxing by the pool. Elaine spoiled us like crazy and even cooked dinner for us EVERY night.

After many days of looking through homes with Elaine, I found the home of my dreams in Saratoga Springs. It had everything I was looking for and nothing was going to keep me from building a nest for my two boys. After some tough negotiations, we finally moved in on the first of July.

Sadly, most of our neighbors (and sometimes even myself) thought I was a single mother. Paul was so busy working fulltime and studying for the Bar, I was lucky if I saw him anytime before 11 o’clock. It was a long few months! I’m not sure who was happier for the Bar to be over Tate, me or Paul. But at the end of July, he sat for the Bar and PASSED with flying colors. After three years and countless hours of studying, Paul was officially a Lawyer. We are so proud of his accomplishments.

Life’s become even more busy with the start of the Utah Flash Basketball season. The opening game went off without a hitch and the season was a success. Tate loves to attend the games and finds the mascot “Flash Fox” to be the most intriguing part. He sits on my lap and claps with all the rest of the fans.

2007 was over before I could blink, and Tate is turning ONE!! I can’t believe our little baby is now officially a toddler. Paul and I are amazed at how much fun he gets each day. My heart aches to see him grow up, but then he does something new and hilarious and I realize it is only going to get better.