40th Birthday

 Let's rewind a few months. (Cue Wayne's world Scooby Doo ending) I ended up having the actual best time turning 40. 

I went on a girl's trip a week before my birthday conveniently timed so that I could have the excuse to go all out in "celebration mode". Apparently, celebration mode looks a lot like going to Disneyland and then hanging out with some of your best girlfriends on vacation for a few days. 

It was honestly such an amazing trip. Even now, when I think on that trip I really only have such positive feelings about the whole thing. I flew in a couple days earlier than the rest of the ladies so me and Bree could enjoy Disneyland, and enjoy it we did. I still think Disney as an adult is one of the better decisions one can make. We did about 40,000 steps that day. We went on a bunch of the more awesome rides twice, and we absolutely loved being together for that whole day. 

The rest of the girls arrived, and a lot of me wanted to do Disney again with everyone. But, we ended up sticking with a very busy sight seeing day first, followed by a mellow beach day, and both were so awesome.

Notice me in the background :) 

First arriving in California

Susie and I ran from the parking lot all the way to the ocean-it was a farther away than it looked 

Now, on the heels of this very awesome trip, I went home and had a day back, and on my birthday we took Kaj to a Jai Wolf concert. I clearly love my son. (I will talk about that separately) But, returning from that and back to what I thought would be a regular day. Sam was home and he had decided that it was pertinent to make sure the garage door was working smoothly and the boys shower curtain needed to be replaced all in a morning. I had gone to get the boys from school, and upon my return there was a cell phone set up on the kitchen table. I was utterly confused. My first thought was: whose phone is this? It's not my phone. I went to inspect the phone further. Suddenly, I heard "Surprise!" And turned around and awestruck-all of my sisters were there!

I could not believe it. My mom was on the phone listening to the reaction. She would have come but had to help with the kids back home. So, I got to have my sisters there for a few days. We spent one of the nights and the hotel down by the Old Mill. When we talking about plans, they left it entirely up to me, I mentioned how funny and fun it would be to all get rollerblades. Let it be done.

We decided that, that was exactly what we would do. 

We first tried  Dicks Sporting Goods. We had to ask an employed for help because it's not exactly rollerblading season, and we asked for 4 rollerblades sizes 7.5 to 8. She kinda smirked at us in a quite endearing sort of way and returned with what we asked for. We all sat at tried on the rollerblades, quite pleased, that everything fit very nicely. We then saw the price which was $100 dollars and above. We decided we weren't trying to live in these rollerblades, and as we verified the price we told the employee, "we're not trying trying to be professional rollerbladers" and the girls funnily added, "maybe next year." We all laughed, and continued our search. 

We then we to Target, we found the last 4 pairs of rollerblades then had, carried them by the handles like suitcases, and all 4 sisters went to check out. We got a lot of very pleased looks. People seemed very excited for us that we had made the decision to rollerblade together on a whim. 

We packed so much in in just a few short days. We went rollerblading several times at Pine nursery, we played games of pickleball, we went to the boys soccer games, we rode the surreys down at the Old Mill, and just when I couldn't feel any luckier, Sam threw me a surprise party with a bunch of my good friends. We played Bunco with my friends and my sisters, and it was amazing. 

I do need to recognize now how Sam had held down the fort for almost 2 weeks. He wanted me to celebrate, he wanted me to be with my sisters, and also took a step further by having my friends involved in the fun. I am very thankful for him. 

I felt so loved, and that's all that really mattered. 

It was the night before 40

Poem at 40 

By: Christina Christensen  Oct. 3rd 2023 

It was the night before 40 

And all through the home

All the children were stirring 

I thought 

“Just leave me alone!”

I wanted to pout 

I wanted to sneer 

I couldn’t believe  

That this was the year

The year 

I could dream

Of a much younger face 

I could still, perhaps, run 

But not keep the pace 

So, I think to myself 

It will all be ok 

At least 

If anyone asks me 

That’s what I’ll say 

It’s all good 

At least I can laugh 

Though on my food 

I could choke 

And when it’s time to deliver I can’t remember the joke 

Mostly, 

I have wonderful memories 

With still much more time

And, look at me go! 

I can still make words rhyme! 

I can even say: 

I like myself. 

Both inside and out. 

Much closer to believing it 

Where before I would doubt 

I really am grateful 

For all that I have 

I looked myself in the eyes

And said 

“This isn’t half bad” 

I have kids that love me 

Friends and family feel the same

Beautiful moments surround me 

There’s really no shame 

To be happy at 40 

I can smile at my life  

And I’ve lived long enough

You can trust my advice 

I have quite a lot. 

I wouldn’t wish it away  

So, with that 

Now I’m 40 

And it’s more than ok.

Double Digits Rowan

What a studdly kid. It was Rowan's 10th birthday today. He told me after I picked him up from school that he forgot a few times that he was 10 now. Rowan is an enigma. I feel like he has stepped into that about a year ago and still has me trying to figure him out. He is amazing in so many ways. He is by far my best listener, and probably my best eater??--I guess my kids are getting too old for that description.. Let's just say this, even if Rowan doesn't really love the dinner he does not complain at all and he eats all of his food. When it's bewitching hour and everyone has decided collectively that they no longer have to listen to instructions Rowan has already showered and put his pajamas on. He is the silver lining in all these moments. 

 A couple recent funny stories to relay about Rowan. A few weeks ago it was about a week before the winter holiday. I had decided that during a time when I had most kids out of the house and I could get some wrapping of presents done. I was hard at work, I was surrounded by presents, all the. different wrapping paper, equipped with scissors, tape, and a podcast. I was "in for the night" in the middle of this I get a call from the school. Oh no- I thought - Rowan or Jonah must be sick. Answer the phone. "Oh hi, Christina, it's Kim from the office, I am just reminding you that it's early release day." 😳🤦🏼‍♀️😂 Oh my goodness!! I hurried over to the school. I was, at least 15 minutes late, and definitely the last kids there were mine. They had been hanging out in the office with the office ladies. Rowan gives me a smirk, and asks where I was. I apologized and just said I just forgot it was early day. I apologized more, but really neither boy was upset. Jonah was completely un-phased. Chocolate milk in hand, he strutted to the car. I asked if he was ok, to which he relied "that was the best." Rowan still smirked at me, and asked where I was. But, it was this week coming back to school and it was Wednesday morning, Rowan said, "so...it's early release day today. I think that means we get out of school early. Do you know what that means?" 😂 Ah! Yes! I do! Apparently, he has not forgotten that I did forget him on the last early release day. 

Now, on Christmas this year- which was delightful, after everyone was opening presents, and we had eaten and the kids were just content on playing with their new toys, Rowan said, "yeah, it was a pretty good Christmas, I just didn't get one thing I wanted." I asked what it was. "Gum." Yep. The kid wanted gum. I actually meant to get the gum, but for his birthday today I got him a ton of gum! And, his face lit up! Rowans likes what he likes, he does not understand the need for things he doesn't need, he is very logical about things, and it is refreshing. It can be difficult to get things for him for this reason to, but when I told Sam the things we got him for his birthday which was: gum, a gray beanie, and 20 sided dice and he asked "That's it?" I just said that's all he wanted. It makes more sense to get him those exact things. He was thrilled. I love Rowan so much. I want him to be happy. I want him to be confident. He is a great kid, and I know that he will do great things. 

 

Soccer season '23

Oh man, I love soccer season. I have loved watching this year. The 3 boys playing love it. Rowan handled the losses so much better this year, Jonah is enthusiastic and will dance on the field after scoring, and Josh has an amazing team that have been together throughout the year, and a coach that is so impressive on these boys. Josh scored at least a goal each game, where last season he only scored once the season. 

We will add Lily into the mix next season which will be so fun!I think being a part of a team is so valuable. It teaches so much more than just the sport itself. They learn that they need to show up, be reliable, they need to learn good sportsmanship, and positivity. I am the first to say-it is so busy. We had 5 practices a week. I had to run them all around, we have to coordinate all the games and make sure we get them early to all their games, and often drive two cars just to make that happen. 

Josh's last game was so fun. The team he was playing agaisnt was the most challenging the whole season, They were up 4-1 and then suddenly the other team scored a quick 3, tying the game. And then, Josh came through with the winning goal! So cool! So fun. 

Jonah was on a team with 4-5 of his best buddies. Kainoah, Wyatt, James, Archer, and Oscar.  In one of team pictures, if you look closely, Jonah, Kai, and Wyatt are holding hands. Some with their fingers interlocked! 😂  I am so thankful for all the little friends Jonah has and the families as well. They are are such good people.

When we were leaving Rowan's last game, a little teammate came up to Rowan to give him a high five, he said, "Good game, Rowan. Are you going to be over at the pizza party?" Rowan answered, "Yeah, I'll be over there." The boy cheerfully said, "Ok, Rowan! I'll see over at the pizza party!" 

I asked Rowan about him, and who he was, and commented that that was very nice. Rowan has been opposed to making friends this year, not so much making friends perhaps, but calling anyone a friend. I do not know why. I am very thankful for these kids around Rowan who seem to put forth effort even when Rowan is probably not putting much in.That makes me believe in the kindness of the world a bit more. I am going to really miss seeing the boys give their all on the field each Saturday. Till next season!  

 

The Sienna Saga

 

I knew there would come a time to reflect on this time. This is Sienna. She really is a very nice girl, mind you, a self proclaimed "boy crazy." This was last year. Sienna established she had a crush on Kaj. Kaj, told her he had a crush on her. We hung out with her, Kaj would be a really good listener, and supportive friend, and sometimes they would flirt a bit, and sometimes she would flirt with Josh. It was weird at times. Mostly, I just closed my eyes and wished for a simpler time. No, not really. I could usually be the one rolling my eyes. It was never has if Kaj and Sienna made plans with just the two of them, it was always including the family, and we were always around. There was a time where we were watching a movie as family, and we looked over and Kaj had put his arm around her and she was kinda snuggled in. 😳 (sam and my face as we made eye contact) Then, she started acting a bit distant. Kaj was wondering, but mostly he was just fine. It was Sienna's sister that finally told Kaj that she no longer liked Kaj liked that, and he was bummed maybe a day, and then the next day a relieved Kaj told me, he could be himself again. (I didn't realize how much he was trying to change for her) Kaj had stopped making his electronic music, and after that he jumped right back in. There were lessons to be learned I am sure with all parties. 

End of LAST School year

 

Well, it turns out I am THIS far behind. But, I can't skip out on these cuties at the end of the year. The kids all ended on a high notes, Rowan, I would say, just wanted very much to be done. I wanted him to be done too, It was Josh's last year in elementary school. 6th grade going in to middle school doesn't feel right, doesn't look right, doesn't smell right - all the senses. I just feel like they are still very much kids and should go to recesses instead of listening to their friends start to say swear words. 

I am not worried about Josh. I know he has a great head on this shoulders and he has so many qualities that I just didn't have when I went into middle school, most importantly- confidence. He has confident in who he is, and he has standards on how he should be treated. (So helpful!)  Miss Mindy is always adorable, and we love her, and we are so glad that we get to have her again next year for Lily. 

Forrest Hassell- have I talked about Forrest. Even if I did, it warrants talking about again. Forrest was home from BYU while the boys were still finishing up their last weeks in school. He is a friend to everyone. He is the kind of person that makes everyone feel like they are his best friend. Jonah, literally, believes that Forrest thinks of Jonah as his best friend. I love this. I loved knowing that Rowan walked around with Forrest during recess talking to him, because he didn't have anyone else he wanted to spend time with. I love that he is such a good example to Josh at a time he needs a role model like that. I loved that he is noticeably happy and that my boys want to be like that. I want to be like that!

I ran with my girlfriends for the happy girls run this year. I did the 10k "with" Abby and Susie ran the half. I did put "with" in quotes because Abby is really fast, and there was never even a discussion that we would be together running it- which I preferred. I actually really loved it. I love running with all women. I loved that it was the trail that I used to run all the time. It was gorgeous, and I just felt really invigorated. I thought of my sisters. I hope they will run it with me in the future. 

 

Things I want to Remember

 I realized only after I titled this that if I writing it down it's pretty obvious that it would be things I want to remember. But, oh well! 

Today is Saturday, in the middle of summer. After breakfast we were discussing what we wanted to do. We always do chores, but I also stressed the importance to do something with the kids. We asked them all and Kaj expressed interest in doing...nothing. He wanted to stay home and "relax." Oh, the life of a teenager resting from all their stresses. Josh said he would like to play soccer and the park, and the other kids had no suggestions. 

We went with Josh's idea. We soon were packed up in the car and headed to first, Pine Nursery, but it was occupado, and then Big Sky. There was hardly anyone there, and it was the perfect time of day with the back drop of a big open field as all 7 of us carried something over to the goals. We practiced different soccer drills, and had a lot of fun doing that. The sprinklers came on at the other end of the field, and suddenly Lily was racing toward them, followed by all 4 boys. This. This was the moment I didn't want to forget. I watched all my kids having fun together running through the sprinklers, and I loved my family so much right then. I took a picture of it in my mind only. The next years will go by fast I have no doubt, and they may be off with their friends on a Saturday. I am thankful for all 5 of them. 

Conversations :

Jonah: I usually don't close my eyes when we pray but I closed my eyers two times and I felt the Holy Spirit.

Me: Wow, Jonah! 

Jonah: It felt like Jesus's hands were on my head

Me: 😊

Jonah: mom, I don't want you to die when you're old. I want you to live forever

Lily: I want 5 to have 5 kids

me: 5 is a good number

Lily: Because you have 5 kids. And we could spend our lives together because we are both moms

Wisdom from Rowan at the Llama farm

A llama was approaching Rowan to have some food. I was standing next to Rowan 

Me: Oh, this guy deserves some food

Rowan: I think they all deserve some food.

Me: Yes. You're right

Rowan: Yeah... even though they look weird they all deserve some food 

(😂 Oh, right you are!)

I want to remember...how Kaj talks about being tall..all the time, how he made actual good conversations with the lady who was cutting his hair today, and how he really is starting to do that more and more with others. He is willing to help. He has a great, contagious laugh. He LOVES Jai Wolf. ( a literal household name in our house) 

I want to remember how Josh still gives me lots of hugs, he does the Rubik's cube all the time, and he is so good at it, he was so patient with me when he was going through the steps, he is patient in general. I want to remember how he tears up when we have to say goodbye to family, and how he kissed me on the cheek last night when I was reading to Jonah...

I want to remember how much Rowan loves the water. I see his bright and genuine smile whenever he is around it. I see that same smile when he watches Kaj perform his concerts 🥲 Rowan is brutally honest, and I love it. He is so literal- has always been- and I love it. I want to remember how long his hair is, and how he always wear a hat, and what his face looks like when he is proud of himself...

I want to remember...(Oh my Jonah) 🥲 how much Jonah loves his mom right now. He made a goal to give me 50 hugs and 50 kisses today. He still loves holding my hand. He loves reading with me and night and doing math with me in the morning. (these are both things that he wants to do) He cries when I leave for ladies nights.. I want to remember how he always remembers to say "Thank you" for things I get him, places I take him even when they seem small. Jonah is happiest when he is nice to others.

I want to remember Lily's two little braids in her hair. I want to remember her skipping around when she is excited. The way she says, "My Joshy-man burritos" She loves Josh so much, and it is lovely. I want to remember how I go on walks while she rides her bike, and how when we go up hills she talks about her powerful legs just like I taught her. I want to to remember how she loves to sing out "Everything is awesome!" and how she is often the first to volunteer to help out. I want to remember how little she is right now..

They are all so great.