The Road Back

What a sight?! I did miss that. I even forgot how it  feels to be nestled in by the mountains, I didn't realize how amazing it really was until we were on the home stretch of the longest drive ever! I looked around us as we drove through this enormous canyon, and thought "huh, some people have never seen mountains like this." Growing up in Utah it is easy to take it for granted. Also, on the home stretch Sam said "we definitely earned some street cred for this one." Oh yeah! Driving across the country with a two and half year old and a 10 month old, oh yeah we earned some street cred, alright! The whole drive long to assure sanity was secure either Sam or I had to be squished between the carseats of the boys. That was...pretty awesome, and mucho comfortable, obviously. I am not proud of the fact that Toy Story 1,2, and 3 were on a constant loop for Kaj's sake. We all have them memorized now, including Josh, and needless to say, Kaj has not asked to see Toy Story since we have been here. Joshy handled the travel great, as well. He was a good sport about being in his carseat so long, and as long as we had food at the ready when he needed it, he didn't complain. 

So long story short- The Christensen family is back! Every one has had to adjust, and probably at their own pace. It has taken Kaj a little longer to settle in, although he hasn't personally sat me down, and told me it has been difficult, I can tell in his behavior it has. I feel like he is finally getting used to the new setting. It still saddens me to think of the little friends he left. I have cried the tears for him, of course. But, as I watched Kaj's face light up and smile as he played ring around the rosies with Uncle Sam and cousin Addi, I felt like this was going to be alright. The church is different. The same in teachings, don't get me wrong, but different. We went back to our old ward last week, and I do believe that is the best choice for us right now. The friendly faces remembered us, and greeted us again warmly, it probably would have been wise to start there...

I have no seg way to lead into my next thought, but what has been on my mind a lot lately is about teaching people how to treat you. This is phrase borrowed by a friend of the family, but I feel reigns true. As I thought about this: ok. yes. So..how exactly do you do that? How do you set the bar high? Is there a point when it is too high? But, it also makes you somewhat accountable for how people treat you. You either allow something, or you don't. 

I think everyone should regard themselves highly and expect to be treated the very best. I will advise my children of this. We are all children of our Heavenly Father, and I can promise that He wants us all to feel loved by the people we surround ourselves. So, surround yourself by the people who will show appreciation for the person that you are, love you for the unique contributions you make. You should never apologize for who you are. This is not say, never take suggestions for improvements you can make, it is to say that your feelings should always be regarded and respected.  Check.

Christina: signing off.