SAMisms

Sam is quite a guy. He always has something funny to say whether he means to or not. On the way home from church on Sunday we were having one of those wonderful car conversations when all members of the family are a captive audience.

Audrey says: "Mom, if the fire alarm went off while you were saying a prayer and there really was a fire, would you finish your prayer?"

Mom is thinking: hmmmm...how should I answer this?

Without missing a beat Sam says: "Well yeah, I'd say like seven prayers!"

Of course, this was a perfect teaching moment because I told them they could pray anytime and anywhere. Even if they were running down the hall and out the door to escape a fire!

Our Nation's Capitol

Mike attended a conference in Washington D.C. last week and I got to go with him. My sister happens to live in the area and so we had fun visiting them. Plus, there are so many fun places to see, all for free! My parents were kind enough to watch the kids while we were away. Thanks, Mom and Dad... 3 days without kids are wonderful!

Arlington

We packed a lot of fun into one weekend, but I most enjoyed visiting Arlington. I have much greater appreciation for vetrans since Mike served in the navy. I was particularly impressed by the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Alexandria, VA

Brent and Kirsten have lived in the Washington D.C. area for a year now in the beautiful community of Alexandria, VA. It is a relatively short commute to Brent's law firm in the "district." Their home is a charming little townhouse built in the 1930's.

Little Girls

While visiting my sister and her family in Alexandria,Virginia, I had the privilege of doing a photo shoot of 3 darling little girls. My nieces, Anna (5), Abigail (3), and Lucy (1) Little are pictured below.



Abigail keeps me laughing. She is very fun to photograph. I told her to "shake it" and boy did she ever!




Anna is a bright and beautiful little lady, but she is not very fond of having her picture taken. This expression reminds me of a face my sister would pull!



I love sweet little Lucy. She was very ready for a nap during the photo shoot. This picture just makes me want to cuddle the little love. Love those baby blues.



Sisters and best friends...most of the time.

The Bride-to-Be

Less than one month to go before Serena becomes Mrs. Jacob Jensen. The family already loves her. Don't mess it up, Jake!

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Beats Me

Beats me how my kids could have so much fun at a farm when they usually prefer spending their time "plugged in" to the computer, video games, and television. We recently visited This is the Place pioneer village in Salt Lake. I was amazed at how entertained they were by simple pioneer activities.


I bet beating the rug was a great way take out any aggression for the pioneers.



I wonder if pioneer boys ever got addicted to these games like my boys are addicted to video games?


Gracie loved petting the little lambs at the petting zoo; they were just her size.



I wish Sam was always this enthusiastic about doing laundry out our house. However, thank goodness we don't have to use a wash board and basin!





The simplicity of pioneer life seems so appealing. We have too many things to complicate our modern lives.



I love this sweet picture of Grace riding a pony with her big brother "Jed."

Pretty girls, pretty dresses

Audrey loves to match dresses with her baby sister. I wonder how long that will last?

Back to School

The three amigos are back in school. Yippee!!! Now it's time for me to get going on the loads of projects that were piling up while the kids and I played away the summer.


The kids were thoroughly embarrassed that I took their picture at the bus stop. See how none of them are looking at me?

Granola Girl

Mike LOVES to backpack. I, on the other hand do not. Don't get me wrong, I love nature just as much as the next granola girl. Hiking, biking, canoeing, bird watching, you name it, I am there. However, I am not too fond of roughing it. I hate to give up my creature comforts i.e. a flushing toilet, soft bed, and warm showers. Despite of this, I recently agreed to go along a on 3-day backpacking trip in the high Uintas. I have to admit that it ended up being one of the most relaxing vacations ever. Since we left the kids behind with Grandma Christensen(except for Jared), I was a free to do whatever I liked. I took along a good book and soaked in as much of nature's beauty as I could manage in 72 hours. Backpacking is truly the best way to leave the world behind.


My man couldn't be happier than when he is miles from civilization.


I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time!


Sweet picture of my brother and his girl. Just fishing.


I really enjoyed having my big boy all to myself.

Lethal Luau

I'm still smiling about the good times we had at a murder mystery dinner we recently hosted for some friends.

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