bronson + weslie + zuri

People Water in Nicaragua

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

So proud of my husband....So proud of my friends.

The awful story that is true, and I sure wish it wasn't.

2012-01-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Its the story of how this little one ended up here ^

To set the scene I have to tell you about the night before....it was about 8 and Husband was just getting home from work. He was leaving at 1am on a flight to Nicaragua for People Water to build their first well. So, so, so exciting to say the least. So he was packing up and all of a sudden the fire alarm goes off. He resets it and it goes off immidiately again. We look closer and see that the little light that says CO2 is illuminated on the detector.

Hmmm....thats weird. He turns it off once more and it goes right back on-Im out the door with both babies at this point. To make a long story short, the whole fire department comes to the house. They check our blood for carbon monoxide and both Zuri and I have a tiny trace in our blood. Freaking scary. They do a once over in the house and cant find any trace of CO2 so they give us a green light to go back in. But Zuri was so scared (and I was too) so we went to the in-laws to sleep.

Dramatic already? Just wait.

Its 11 and Brons has to leave...I hate it soooo much. I felt sick about him leaving for 8 days... this time was worse though, and think this was my intuition kicking in...I knew I was going to have a rough time without him.

Now its 3 and I wake up with stabbing pains in my back...excruciating, dare I say, contraction-like pains. I cant go back to sleep til 6. So I go to the doctors the second I wake up to find out I have a kidney infection. If youve never had one, well, they hurt.

I go to pick up my prescriptions then head back to the Christensen's house where both my babies are. I walk right in to find Zuri by the front door...she ran up to me asking if she could be that pretty lady singer who sings about wolfs (shakira, shewolf), I told her yes, then remembered I left my prescriptions in the car, so I run out to get them and kind of clean up the car a bit.

When I walk back into the house I hear Zuri screaming bloody murder and see Tanner (bronsons youngest brother) holding her. I immidiately pick her up and am trying to figure out what happened and hear Tanner saying "I think she fell", then all of a sudden she starts gagging and throwing up right on me. Im moving her hair off her face so she doesnt throw up in it, when I feel the most horrible baseball bump ever. I took one look at it and knew something was so wrong.

I took her to the bathroom so she could throw up in the toilet and she was acting sooooo weird. I knew probably at that moment I was taking her to the hospital, but I took a picture of her head and sent it to my mom to get her opinion and the second my mom saw it she replied that she would meet me at the AF hospital.

These are the pictures I sent my mom

Right at this point, I had a moment of denial. I wanted to make up excuses not to go. To make it not seem as bad as it really was. I remember saying "but Remi is asleep" "zuri, are you ok" anything to make this horrible situation not seem so horrible... But that quickly passed, adrenaline kicked in and before I knew I had both kids in their car seats and was speeding down 1600 N.

Here's where things got truly terrifying.

I look back at Zuri in the car and she was losing consciousness, with vomit and drool just dripping from her face. She wasn't her. I knew something was so so so wrong and for a split second I thought she could die from this...it was soo awful. That only made things worse so I remember pushing it out of my mind. I was screaming at her to stay awake and I would momentarily get her attention, only for her to almost immediately fall back to sleep.

I honestly did not know what to do. I wasn't crying. I wasn't hysterical. It was like my senses were so fine tuned they couldn't do anything that wouldn't help our current situation. So I was driving going over 100 mph with my hazards on flashing my lights, just praying Zuri would be fine...At some point I reached behind the seat and just kept squeezing her leg to keep her awake and I felt her hand touch mine...I looked back and yelled at her to wake up and this time it startled her awake...she stayed awake the rest of the ride.

I got to the hospital in what seemed like a split second. And most amazingly, I had picked up Zuri and gotten Remi our of the car like they weighed nothing at all. Its normally so awkward and hard holding the heavy car seat with a the baby in it plus a huge diaper bad anywhere I go, and I remember realizing that I was running holding both kids and the diaper bag and I made myself stop and put Zuri down so I didn't trip and hurt her more. It was crazy.

Finally we are in the ER and my mom and Haidyn are there too. They examine Zuri and decided she needs a CT scan right away. It made them very nervous that she had no memory of what happened and no one saw it happen....and the fact that she was wanting to sleep and throw up meant she of course had gotten a concussion. They wanted to check if there was any bleeding in the brain or brain trauma so I gave them OK to do the scan.

They let me go in the room and hold Zuri's hand while she got the scan. She was sooo scared of the machine but she was trying to be so brave. She was biting her lip and grinding her teeth so she wouldn't cry and it broke it my heart. You have to hold perfectly still while they do the scan so every time she moved slightly they would come on over an intercom and tell me to hold her still, and that would scare her even more. So I started singing her the song we sing before bed each night and she was finally still enough to complete the scan.

During the whole time in the hospital Zu was just out of it...I don't know another way to describe it. She was really mellow, never cried, and was so brave. She never even complained. I'm so so proud to be that babies mom.

After 20 minutes they come back and tell us the bad news that she definitely has a skull fracture, but the good news was there was no bleeding or serious damage done. Thank the Lord. Seriously.

The best way they described it is like this....Think of a cracked egg that still in intact. No goo is coming out because the protective membrane behind the shell in still intact holding all the insides in. That egg is, obviously, more likely to break open compared to an egg with no crack, right? Well Zuris skull is the shell and, luckily, nothing is bleeding through. But, because Zuri has a cracked skull we have to be extra extra careful with her so nothing starts to bleed through. No jostling movement, no running or playing, and she can't go in a car for another 5 days minimum. The next 6 weeks she has to be really careful while her head heals.

During this whole ordeal I could not believe Bronson wasn't there...not just not there....But in an entirely different country where I didn't have a way to pick up a phone to tell him what happened. It felt so lonely. I put myself in his shoes and if our baby got that badly injured while I was away I don't know what I would do. I would go nuts. But I know I would have wanted to know right away.

So I wrote him an Email in the hopes that he would have Internet connection somewhere and check it, and miraculously about 4 minutes after i hit SEND I get a call from a Nicaraguan number....He had heard through his bothers girlfriend via facebook that something happened and called right away. Modern technology=amazing.

He was understandably shaken up and felt awful for not being there. He wanted to come home but that would have done nothing for anyone. It was so nice to kind of take the whole load off my shoulders and know that even though he's 1000's of miles away were dealing with this together....him on a surf board on the most beautiful beach in the world dealing, and me sick in bed, restraining zuri dealing...jerk. Ha ha.

All in all, all is well. Ive just aged 10 years and if that's all I have to complain about...that's good.

breast feeding....

2011-12-20T15:07:00.000-08:00

Lets just talk about it.

I was that girl gawking at the breastfeeding lady sitting in the middle of the mall prior to kids.

Now, I am that breast feeding lady sitting in the middle of the mall. Weird.

True, I said I would never do that. Don't those people know there's a room designated for that specific purpose? Do I need to tell them directions? Nordstroms bathroom, lady! Nordstroms bathroom!

But what I never took into account before was their screaming, hungry baby, loads of crap to transport, other kids they'd have to drag along, and walking distance to that designated mothers room.

So...Now I have absolutely no problem when I see a lady sit down, pull out the "hooter hider", and nurse their baby in public. In fact, sometimes I feel like going up to them and giving them a hi-five....like "You go, mom! Breastfeed away!"

And since when was it ok to make nursing mothers feel like they have to do it private anyways? Just cause you choose to breastfeed, you therefore have to spend the majority of your days for the next year in dark corners, or behind closed doors alone? I think not.

And, no, I do not condone whipping out your naked boob and flashing every stranger or not stranger you see to feed your kid. Im not saying that....

But seriously, get over it people!

Anyways, want an uplifting quote for the day? Here ya go:

“An entire sea of water can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you.”
— Goi Nasu

A day in the life.

2011-12-12T13:19:00.001-08:00

I've decided today is blog worthy. And I'll just start in chronological order from last night...

So last night after spending the evening at the in laws we get home to a bunch of un opened mail. Well, bills. Always fun to come home to that, right? So, we open our outrageous electric bill, and I decide to take a vow to turn of the heat and suffer through the night for the rest of the winter before I get another bill like this one. Soooo, I dress extra warm.... Dress the kids extra warm. Put 2 more blankets on Zuri, then head to bed around 10.

At about 5 I get a tap on my shoulder. It's zu.
"mom. I forgot to go pee pee last night and I think my bed is all wet. I think it maybe pee. But I don't know."
Me (eyes not even willing to open): "k. Get nakey and hop in our bed."

I hear her getting undressed and whimpering about being cold... I hand her a wet wipe to do once-over on her whole body, and then it hits me. The frigid cold air. I swear you could see our breathe.

I give in and turn on the heat. Not before noticing all the sheets, stuffed animals, and 3 blankets doused is pee pee all over Zuri's bed. Wonderful.

She hurries in bed and immediately spoons me suction cup style, so I'm cemented in between Remi on my right and Zuri to the left. Its 7 now and I can't fall back to sleep. I'm supposed to get up to go running with Kylie (my sexy sissy in law) for the first time, but I'm just too cold and I can't move because if I do one of the two girls will wake up. Running is not gonna happen today.

So, there I sit. Trapped. Until 9 when we have to take husband to work. Normally when we take him I come right back home but with the cupboards getting pretty sparse I decide to do some grocery shopping before we got home. We get the kids semi dressed and make a mad dash to the car. When we're all finally strapped in and on our way. I realized i was wearing fuzzy blue slippers instead of shoes. Epic fail walking around wal-mart in a workout outfit and slippers. Oxymoron much?

Anyways, while in wal-Mart my main objective (besides buying groceries) is to keep chips, and cookies, and food with Dora the explorer on the outside of the box away from Zuris view. Somehow zuzu spy's a bag of Cheetos and goes nuts over them. Full force begging/whining begins and I will NOT give in. Tears begin to flow when, luckily, the bag shes looking at are "flaming hot" Cheetos. Phew. Problem solved.... Or so I thought until we get to the checkout and I hear...

"moooom! Look!!!!! I see the Cheetos with no fire! No fire Cheetos! No fire Cheetos!!!! I neeeeeed them!" I say no and world war 3 breaks out.

Both kids are now sobbing and screaming. Zuris practically throwing punches about the cheetos and I can't help but start laughing so hard in the checkout line that tears are coming down my face. The lady behind me thinks I'm crying so she starts consoling me...I'm trying to tell her I'm laughing and she looks at me so confused that it makes me laugh even harder.

Fast forward and were back in our freezer of a house. I have great intentions to clean the house and blah blah blah alllll after I nurse the baby and get her to take a nap. I lay her down and am feeding her when I this movie Jersey Girl starts on tv.... An hour later I realize I'm sobbing in my bed over this movie and have un consciously eaten 9 days worth of calories in chips and dip. Ugh. It's time to get up.

I run a bath for the baby and it feels so warm and good I decide to hop in with her. Not a millisecond after i get in Remi decided to unload the biggest baby newborn poop EVER. I mean ever. I jump out, drain the tub, bleach the tub, then fill it back up and get back in. Not but 2 minutes later round two of biggest baby poop ever in the bath happens again.

No way.

Drain the tub, clean the tub, fill the tub, get back in for the second time.

Remi has pretty bad eczema that we're supposed to clean thoroughly daily and it's mostly found in creases... If you've never seen Remi then you wouldnt know she is the chunkiest, chubbiest, most Michelin-man baby out. You can imagine the rolls, right?

So Im cleaning through all the little baby rolls one by one... Her front is done so flip her over and do behind her knees.... All of a sudden I realize Im dunking her face in the water! Ah! Panic sets in. I, of course, immediately flip her over and she seems fine, she coughed once or twice and was really mad... But she seems fine. I'm so freaked out at that point and feeling like the mother of the year because I just about drowned my child when I remember an Oprah episode i saw years ago... Something about a boy drowning after he went swimming just from inhaling a little water.....bah!

Im freaking out, rush out of the bath and google "boy on Oprah that drowned not in water". Haha.

I found out its called "dry drowning" and happens usually after a near drowning experience when there is trauma to the lungs/brain.... so I research dry drowning until I'm convinced Remi has no symptoms.

Phewwww. It's now only 2 and I feel like its been a whirl wind of a day already. We'll see what the next 7 hous have in store for the Christensen fam!

Introducing Miss Remi Estella Christensen

2011-12-05T11:15:00.001-08:00

Our darling girl was born two days after my birthday on September 28th at 11:08pm weighing in at 6 pounds 3 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long.

I couldn't imagine what another baby girl would be like for us... I would picture a carbon copy of baby Zuri. So, when we finally got meet Remi I was pleasantly surprised to find out the two were nothing alike. Remi came out looking like Bronson. Or a skinny little Mr. Burns. Haha. Right away she took to nursing very well and hasn't stopped since. She's seriously packed on some weight and gets more and more beautiful every single day. I still have days that I look at her and start bawling because I'm so I'm love.

My biggest concern was how Zuri would react to having a new baby sister and i was happy when she instantly fell in love with her just like the rest of us. She loves to hold baby Remi "skin to skin" and she loves telling me what Remi wants and when she wants it, and usually how to give it to her. She's a little mother to say the least.

Remi is now 9 weeks old, weighs over 11 pounds, and has this household wrapped around her tiny finger. She's smiling more and more, sleeps throughout the night and a good majority of the day too. She's so happy and loves to be snuggled constantly. She's stubborn though, and won't have anything to do with a binky or bottle so it looks like mom and Remi wont be having much time away from each other for the next 10 months or so... I'm ok with it!

Remi at 7 weeks

Nightly nakey snuggle sesh. Our favorite.

This is two days before I had Miss Remi Lou....its the very last picture taken of me pregnant. And yup, I stole it off Intsagram

The first smile ever captured!

Blue eyes like her dad and sister.

ohh emm geee

2011-07-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

Have to, have to, HAVE TO go to TreasureLayne Photo blog and check out darling photos of ZuZu love. Zuri and Kari were out taking pictures for aaaawhile, and if you know anything about my loving daughter, then you would know how everything she's feeling shows up in her face. No hidding it whatsoever. So, I'm so happy Kari captured many of the classic Zuri faces we're seeing these days.

Kari is the best in the west, and not to mention my pregnant partner in crime.
I love her...and you will too.

Ill put all the million or so other wonderful photos from their photo shoot up on here whenever I find an extra minute.
oh! and the photos from the 3rd, yes THIRD, birthday party way back in early July.
OH! and a picture of me in my 30th week of pregnancy.
OH! AND! finally a much need photo of all my wonderful students.

Just say it, I know your thinking it.
I suck at blogging now.

the mama and the papa and the baby bear

2011-07-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;i just found &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

ZuZu from Michael Paul on Vimeo.

I know I've posted this before, but Im missing my family being all under one roof....so I watch this over and over again and it makes me ohhh so happy.

ps...husband is moving home in 18 days!

befores and afters from todays Lashes

2011-07-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Lindsey
Above is her before lashes..
and here's her after...

Here is my hot mama, Joy.

Although Joy is extremely hot, her lashes were not.

But now they are!

ooo la la, mom

And, last but not least, Ryanne
The cutest neighbor around.
I didn't get a before, so we'll skip right to the afters..

EYELASHES!

2011-07-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

Want Eyelash Extensions?

Come to ME!

I've recently become obsessed with doing eyelash extensions.... so every auntie, neighbor lady, and their daughters have all got them on around here now.

Yes, even my 8 year old sister.
(I feel a little "Toddlers in Tiaras" admitting this...scary)

Anyways...If you want a full set I am starting them out at a promotional cost of $65. Yup, you read it correctly....only $65! And $35 for a fill at about every 3-4 weeks. And, not to fear, I am kind of the best in the world at them....just sayin.

I use all professional products from iLash including the BEST bonding glue there is... Its a "Flex-Bond" technology that gives you the strongest, longest hold possible, while keeping a soft and supple texture so you feel like nothing is our your lashes at all. Im telling you, its the best. Especially for this desert dry climate in Utah...the best.

Plus, I just got a brand new shipment of professional chemical peels, and facial products from Image in. If you haven't heard of Image check them out here.

Come see me folks!

801.367.2335

oh ya, and if you want to see what else I offer go to my Esthetics Blog!

boo hoo

2011-06-28T22:25:00.001-07:00

If I was 8...and a boy...and if it was raining, this is exactly how I would look right now.

Mr. Christensen had to get on a plane today and head back LA. And Ive been fighting some serious emptiness, sadness, and have been holding back tears all day.

You see, theres a catch 22 when living away from your loved one. After 10 weeks straight of not seeing them and doing everything yourself and on your own, you almost get used to solitude. You get used to not checking in and leaving when you want to, and not worrying about your significant others schedule....cause no matter what, it doesnt change your day. Loneliness and single mother-ness becomes normal even though its not normal and youre in a healthy committed marriage.

So you get used to this...hating it all the while, but regardless, its your life and you cope with it. And then, he comes home for 6 days and its like the best vacation youve ever been on. Seriously. Youre just watching nextflix on the dirty old couch in the basement and its better than being on any beach in Hawaii. This, of course, makes you realize how nothing in the world is better than having the people you love more than anything else surrounding you...it makes you realize what you have, and know how awful life is like without them.

So I guess its a good thing....? Right?

The hardest part is knowing what its like without them and having to say goodbye. I'm directly back at square one and have to fight all over again to toughen up, get myself out of bed, and just keep moving forward. But, its not like before when we were going into this blind. Were fully aware of the heartache and the frustration that comes with not being able to experience little things that make day to day life enjoyable together.

This is all happening for a reason, and our family is becoming stronger for it, Im sure. But, dear husband, I'm over it. Move home.

husband in town= photo fun time

2011-06-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

finally.

old journal reading.

2011-06-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

So I was reading my great grandma Lil's journal in church today, and it made me want to go home and go through my old ones. It also made me want to document things better too...so I've committed to starting a "life journal" so that maybe one day when I'm long gone, one of my great grandchildren can thumb through it while bored at church, and think how cool their old great grandma Weslie was.

And I guess this picture above has nothing to do with this blog post. I just really like it. Welllll, nevermind.. I guess it does have a lot to do with this type of post. Cause one of the entries I found today was Bronsons and mine very first kiss......which of course led to getting family pictures 6 years later down the road.

sooo it goes like this......word for word.
(wait.....pause! some backstory here......I had moved back to Utah and had been living here for less than 4 months when I met Brons. It was August 2005. We both were in other relationships so we were just friends for 5ish months. For some reason I thought I didnt like Bronson....like i thought that he thought he was way too cool for school. I later found out he thought the same exact thing about me, because I would constantly blow him off whenever he texted.....then one day he came to my house with a bunch of other people while I was babysitting my sister Haidyn who was only 2 at the time.....and in front of all our wayyyy cool non-baby-loving friends, Bronsons DIED over Haidyn. He was snuggling her and loving her and totally focused on just her in the most not cool way ever. But to me, it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen any 17 year old boy do. It was over from there on out. You can say our other "significant others" at the time werent so significant from that day on.)

March 2006
"So, tonight Bronson kissed me. What!? It was so unexpected. We were at Bonny's house (the Earls Moms house) like always and we were trying to do backflips in the backyard. I havent done one in forever and I was scared, so Todd and Bronson were spotting me. I did a few and then my hair was all crazy so I walked from their back porch to inside their Family room in the front of their house to put my hair back up. I was looking in the mirror and my hands were both holding my ponytail cause I was in "mid tie" (hahaha this made me laugh reading it over again) when Bronson came around the corner without saying anything and just grabbed my face with both hands and kissed me really fast..but not too fast. haha! like a peck....but not a dumb one. it was like a realllly good one.
And then he kinda just looked at me and he smiled and I was smiling too, but we both didnt say anything. I felt SO dumb cause my freaking hands never left from holding my stupid ponytail! so were just kinda looking at each other and I finish throwing my hair up really fast, then he just walks away....so as he's going around the corner he put his hand around his back, like for me to hold...so I held his hand until we got back to the backyard where everyone was. Neither of us told anyone...but I know they could all tell something was up cause Alicia kept looking over at me and smiling...so I asked Bronson if he told anyone and he said no, and so we agreed to keep it our little secret.
I should probably feel bad. But I dont. He doesnt either...im sure of it. I think I like him more than I should. For sure I do. And plus, He's always telling me to break up with (insert x boyfriends name here) and texts me a lot... so I know he likes me too. I dont know though. He just seems different in a way I really like. We'll see."

And that, my friends, is the beginning of our story. It was so funny reading it again after 5 years that I thought I wanted to share it with the world. Well, the world wide web at least.

And I thought I should share at least one pic of the little chug on the way finally too. This was her when I was about 17 weeks...so shes much bigger now at 24 weeks. Which means so am I. I already think she's a doll though, and I think her name might be Lola. Lola Plum Christensen. Maybe. Just maybe though.

Crap. I'm addicted to unisome.

2011-05-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

Its 12:25 am and I am brushing my teeth and washing my face, and I want to give all of you a peek into what was going through my twisted ADD brain in approximately 30 seconds.... tops.

"Hmmm I really need to remember to buy good face wash. Crap! I haven't taken my unisome yet....I'm never going to get to sleep tonight. That means I'll most likely have a headache tomorrow from sleep deprivation. Ah! I have the new class to teach tomorrow. Scarryy. Where the hell did I put the taxes?! I'm probably really addicted to unisome....I should try to not to take it tonight and see what happens. I miss bronson. I either need to go to wal-mart and stock up on frozen dinners for school, or start making dinners to take with me again. Ill probably get subway. ...Yup, subway it is. Oohhh I liked that 20 year old guy from undercover boss that works at subway. Was I this huge at 22 weeks with Zuri? I feel so massive. Seriously, where did I put the taxes!? They're lost. Were screwed. I'm definitely taking a unisome. Wheres the unisome again?"

At this point I'm drying my face and searching for the freaking bottle of sleep aids and taxes all at the same time,and then I realize what a nutcase I am and give up on all of it.

But tomorrow, I'm really not going to take a Unisome. Tomorrow.

zuzu falls asleep on her froggy potty

2011-05-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

Zu and I went camping with the Christensen klan over the weekend and it was a blast! We got snowed in the last night but that didnt stop the fun. As you can see in the video above, Miss Zu pants was pretty tuckered out and found her self a comfy seat to take a little snooze on. I don't think I've ever laughed harder

People Water

2011-05-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Guys, please support my husband in this great cause!

Its the reason we're sacrificing all this time away from each other.... and trust me when I say that I wouldn't be ok with it if People Water wasn't such a truly amazing company thats whole purpose is to help those who are in need around the world.

The website is up! So, click peoplewater.org to learn more about what People Water is all about.

and ps....I looooove the video of Cody and Jef. watch it!

I'm retiring...

2011-05-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

...my pants.

I couldn't possibly love Modern Family anymore than I already do.

2011-05-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

pos

Curse the day Zuri puked into my laptop!

2011-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

But I don't curse this face. I miss this face. And I miss blogging too.

Basically the last 7 weeks have consisted of adjusting to working again and learning how to become a teacher, and growing this LITTLE GIRL inside my belly.

LITTLE GIRL! what!? I was 150% sure that this little guy was a guy. And even still when I say my prayers at night and I'm going through my list of things to pray for, I always catch myself saying something like....."we pray that this little baby girl......or boy...... will develop fully, blah blah blah" haha. So, I'm thinking I still subconsciously believe its a boy. I was THAT sure she was he.

But in all honesty, I couldn't be happier about another girl entering our family. The thought of two little girls running around together and being there for each other the rest of their lives bring a very hormonal tear to my eye. Its what I wanted more than anything, and I guess I just didn't think I would get what I wanted. But I did! And we're thrilled to say the least! Bronson now says he wants all the rest of them (1 or 2 more or maybe 7) to be girls too...I wouldn't mind that either.

Speaking of Mr. Christensen... He's still out in LA. It sucks. No sugar coating this. We both hate it more and more each week and I can feel my self getting more resentful as time goes on. But I am pregnant, and this pregnancy short temper/impatience-ness was expected. I'm sooooo ready to all live under one roof again and it will probably be sooner rather than later. Hooray!

But I kinda hope you guys haven't forgotten about me. I wouldn't blame you if you have though. I have been M.I.A. for months it feels like, and Ive realized this is a somewhat common trend for me....I take a leave from reality and hibernate usually 4 months out of the year every year. Pregnant, or not. This, I guess, was my 4 months of hibernation and I'm ready to wake up and get up!

all the many reasons I dont feel like blogging. but I will anyways

2011-04-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

-I left my camera back in Zombie Land. The city also known as LA. And who likes to read blogs without pictures?
I politely stole this term (zombie land) from Cody, Bronson's now roommate, because nothing could fit the place any better. And the more and more time I spend back home makes me question how I lasted so long out there in the first place. You can say I have come to a definite decision that city living, although fun to try out, is not for me......ever. again. (maybe I shouldn't generalize this to all cities though? But zombie land Los Angeles is really not for me.)

-I'm still sick. Yes I am 13, almost 14 weeks along and this sickness spell really should be over by now. But its not. It may not be as bad as previous weeks have been for me this time around, but since when is throwing up only 2 times a day vs. 9 times per day ever good? Vomit is vomit and any amount of it at all just sucks. I'm sorry, but I will not consider myself well until I can brush my teeth without heavily dry heaving.

-Miss ZuZu lady and my mom got the flu at the same time. Then I got it the day they got better. Saddest thing ever. Zuri layed in bed for 3 days straight like a dead fish. She wouldn't even sit up to throw up...which meant mounds and mounds of laundry, and so many sheet changes that I'm still afraid to put a new set on either of our beds because I'm anticipating another attack. oh! And while laying flat on her back, my tiny 26 pound ball of lovechug managed to projectile vomit directly into my open laptop approximately 2 feet away from her. The laptop died almost instantly, I'm sure of it. I'm glad it was a quick death and the Dell didn't suffer much at all probably. I, on the other hand, am suffering greatly from the loss.

-I'm sorry all I talk about is throw up. But its consuming every aspect of my life currently.

-I've been studying like a mad woman to take my Instructors test for the state of Utah, and happily passed! hooray! Now I'm switching gears and getting all my lesson plans in order and stuffing my brain full information so I, hopefully, am useful to all of my upcoming new students. My mom and sister, and me and zu are leaving for a girls getaway to Cancun next week and the day after we get back I start my first class as a teacher. I'm prettttty dang excited. About both, duh!

-I haven't seen Mr. Christensen in going on 5 weeks now. Miss Lady and I are flying out Monday to spend 3 days with him though! Finally! But its been pretty tough without him. It makes me feel like I have nothing to share about with people when I don't have him around for some reason. booo. Although, having family and friends again is the best thing ever! Nothing replaces him, but I have to say I have the best type of distraction. I've missed day to day, non-baby, human interaction for 6+ months living away from everyone, so I'm soaking up all the people time I can get. Also, it helps that there are incidents like this one day last week I came home from work to find my room clean and laundry done by my mom. what!? SO AMAZING! Shes seen first hand how awful I've been feeling and just decided to do a little extra to make my life easier....and ohhhh how it does make my life easier! Plus I haven't cooked a meal in weeks. I mean WEEEKS!
There is always good mixed in the bad, and the bad just makes the good even better. So I'm happy.

So, there it is. Reasons I don't feel like blogging. But I'm confident this dry spell will end and I will feel healthy again some day, and maybe I'll even buy a cheap camera at Wal-Mart. And just for the record...I'm completely aware of how pessimistic I've become. I feel it in my bones even, but I'm working on it.

Emmy Rossum - Slow Me Down

2011-03-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard this? She's the girl from Phantom of the Opera and I discovered that I loved her about 2 years ago then, rudely, forgot all about her. the live version is better than this one even... Im mildly obsessed.

Another current obsession: GAGA. ooooo la la. I didnt see it coming and then all of a sudden I watched Born this Way, and the next thing I know Im googleling birthday and favorite color. ha. P.S. have you seen her with Andersen Cooper? Pure entertainment in my husbandless life right now. Love her

My little girl isn't so little.

2011-03-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

So earlier today I sent this picture to Bronson to show off Zuri's new favorite fashion "must have" item (can you guess what they are?).....and he didn't know it was Zuri in the picture at first glance. WHAT!? He thought it was my 7 year old sister, Haidyn. This almost made me cry because as I looked at the picture again I realized she really does look old. She IS old. She getting tall and lean and tells me to leave her alone now whenever I'm hovering =(.

But then we went to the McDonald playplace 10 minutes later and she peed her big girl underwears while playing somewhere in the huge structure. haha....I was happy in a sense that it brought me back to reality and quickly reminded she's only two and a half and is still my baby who has accidents afterall. She was so upset that she couldnt play in her soaking wet pants that I took her to the bathroom, got her nakey, then tied a jacket around her waist and called it skirt. I just might be labeled bad mother for this one...? Oh well-she had fun!

Oh! and some good...well GREAT FANTASTIC FABULOUSLY MORE WONDERFUL NEWS! ......I got a job! And a job I've always dreamed for actually. I will be an Esthetics Intructor starting April. Im so excited to teach that I can't sleep at night because I constantly am thinking of lesson plans and activities that the students will (hopefully) love. Plus, its been the godsend of a distraction from focusing on being sick 24/7. The end is nearing though. I just feel it.

Im having another baby

2011-03-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

The new munchkin is due to arrive October 4th! Everyone in the world already knows so we just decided to stop keeping a secret and let the cat out of the bag. Im 10 weeks and feeling sucky as exepected, so my days consist of laying down mostly and when I get up..I throw up. Its great! Im also 100% sure all my muscles have atrophied and my esophogus is surely going to disinigrate if this sickness does not leave me within the next two weeks. I'm hopeful!

Yay for little Christensen rugrat #2!

holy freakin moly.

2011-02-27T22:51:00.000-08:00

Top 7 reasons why I fell off the the face of the blogging world for the last 3 weeks:

1) Mama's been sick.

2) We've had visitors:
-Landon, Bronson's Brother
-Kami and Shane, our dating lovebird friends
-Auntie Jerri and her new husband, Marc +a whole lot of children +Luze who is their Colombian nanny/my new best friend.
-And finally, Grandma Tammy and Grandpa Kyle who have spoiled us absolutely rotten for 4 days straight.
-see....lots and lots of visitors.

3) Auntie Jerri and Marc decided to invite us on their family honeymoon to Disney Land, then to Sea World, then back to Disney Land! They, too, spoiled us completely rotten and I feel like I must have done something good at some point in my life to have gotten such amazing treatment. Im seriously liking new uncle Marc...three days straight of complete fairytale magic and family lovin.... It really couldn't have been more fun.

4) We got rid of our nightmare dog, formally known as Puppyface Baloo Bear. Senor Puppykins turned into a vicious shoe chewing, toy ruining, barking nonstop, peeing everywhere dog disaster. Enough said. So we found a lovely little lady and 9 year old girl who were happy to take him off our hands. And if you're wondering about Zuri....well, she didn't even shed a tear. She was just as sick of him as the rest of us. Trust me.

5)It was Bronson's birthday on the 17th!....happy birthday, my love! I love love love love you...and I suck for not giving you you're own massive birthday love post.

6)Oh and two boys moved in with us...

7)ohhh and I'm moving to Utah tomorrow.

thats all!

hahah....yes, My whole entire life has turned upside down in just less than 2 1/2 weeks. And this, my friends, is an understatement.

We made the decision that I would go back to good old Utah to work a bit, make some extra cash, and hang out with humans here and there.....and maybe even get a car, when I started to (almost) watch 2:30 soap operas. And when Zuri started showing signs of this new phobia of leaving the house/ not wanting to interact with people, I new it was time for a change. Since were tied to our lease with no options of leaving, we knew Brons would stay here to keep working at Gstar and figure out all his business "stuff" thats going on, while I have some family time and options to work back home while not putting Zu Princess in daycare. (ps.....i need a job. Lemme know if you know of any!)

Right about the time this decision was made...our good friends Cody and Jef announced they were moving out here and looking for a place to live. Wellllllll, how absolutely perfect would it be if they moved into our house and split rent!? Too perfect. Its meant to be. Really, it is.

So the last 2 weeks have been the craziest and funnest 2 weeks ever. Jef and Cody have been rays of sunshine in my day to day life, and I don't think they'll ever fully understand how much I loved living with them. Like I said earlier...I've been feeling yucky forever so they do my dishes, entertain ZuZu Lady, get us food, watch American Idol with me, make me laugh all the time, and I just all around love them. So, I guess this is my big public THANK YOU!

On a depressing note, leaving my husband is the suckiest of all that sucks. I want to force him to come with....I really do. And I know he'd rather be with us, too...But so much is happening here that we have to stick it out and just see what happens. I cant explain what makes this crazy decision feel right, but it just does. I think it will pay off in the end-and I'm praying that it will. So, in the mean time were planning a lot of skype dates and keeping our eyes peeled for great flights.

Is my life a roller coaster or what? If I weren't me I would totally read this blog just to see what happens next haha. I'm anxiously awaiting the answers myself.....

My Sweet Wilbert Cat

2011-02-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

Zuri has decided to be a cat named Wilbert

Wilbert is fluffy like Baloo, and white....and a boy. She has told me this.

When she's not Wilbert the fluffy white kitty cat then she is BuzzBo the bumble bee and likes to sting me with her butt all the time. I HAVE to yell "ouch!" reallllly loud every time I get stung.

Then there is Rufus the mean dragon.

Who blows fire on Puppy when the puppy is being bad.

and drinks lots of water cause having fire in your mouth is so SPICY, duh.

I can thank Dragon Hunters on Netflix for this current obsession.

And finally,

Shes Strawberry Shortcake who loves watering things with a tiny teapot watering can.

I cant shorten her name to Strawberry.... because then I get,

"MOM! my name ez straberry short CAKE! don't say strawberry!"

okay miss feisty bum.....

Wilbert is the nicest and easiest to put to sleep so I like him the best. When I want her to do something that she usually puts up a fight with, like brushing hair...or teeth, then I call Mr. Wilbert and ask him to be my nice kitty cat. And viola!.....brushing teeth turns into fun.

Strawberry Shortcake is the worst and I cringe when I feel her coming on.

Shes high-maintenance and always needs water in her tiny watering can and fake berries and plants to pick.....I'd rather be stung by BuzzBo than deal with princess Strawberry Shortcake.

The make believe stage is in full effect, people.

* and I forgot, I am supposed to blog about Jerry Sloan leaving the Jazz. When Bronson found out he said, "you have to blog about Jerry Sloan!" He's heartbroken I think.

weird......I know. But he's never, not ever, asked me to blog about anything. Never even really mentions my blog. So brons, this if for you.

Sloan left the JAZZ! what!?

Zu @ The Park

2011-02-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

Umm, Just call me Michelle from the Bachelor.

2011-02-08T01:02:00.000-08:00

Because I woke up with a black eye.

But I, unlike Michelle, at least now how mine came about.

I was watching a Netflix doc late at night like always (called, The Horse Boy... totally loved it. Its about an autistic boy and his journey in Mongolia to try to be healed. Try it out.) but anyways, I was laying down flat with the laptop propped up on my bent legs. Mr. Baloo Baby Puppykins Furball Cub-Face was munching on my hair way up on my pillow and he was starting to bug, bad. So, I swatted him away and while doing so, I tipped my legs forward which made the laptop lose its balance and come crashing down right on my cheekbone/eye socket.

I literally cried. It hurt sooooo bad. I tried to wake Bronson up but he was as good as dead. So I cursed at the damn dog and just held my eye.

I hoped I would have a black eye in the morning just for proof (and to justify my crying fit), so I was pleasantly surprised to wake up to a decent shiner. I feel pretty tough walking around the streets of LA with black eye....lemme tell ya.

what the...?

2011-02-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

Today Zuri and I decided to go up to the pool.

We haven't been up lately because....well, I don't really know why we haven't. I've been in a mental funk lately. Or maybe its cause I have this huge black eye and don't want to explain how that a laptop fell on my face, and know that the person I am explaining it to is thinking about my mostly likely mean/abusive husband haha.

So anyways, were up at the pool and this girl close to my age is there again. I see her pretty often, and most of the time she is either reading or is listening to music so we smile at each other, but have never spoken. This day I see that she is reading this book called Come Back ....an AMAZING book that I recommend to anyone wanting an interesting read. So I say to her,

"Oh! How are you liking that book?"

She replies that she loves it and we talk about where shes at in it, etc.

The conversation kind of quiets down after a minute so she starts reading again and I'm dealing with ZuMonster, when she out of nowhere puts her book down and says,

"You're so nice!"

She said it like she was completely shocked/amazed.

So I kind of laugh and say,

"Well, thanks! I like to think I'm pretty nice. My husband might not agree with you everyday on that subject, though."

And she replies by laughing and saying....

"And funny too!....I dont know why I was ever intimidated!"

I kind of didnt know what to say after she says this so I just said something like,

"intimidated of ME?! what the heck? Im just a normal, boring mom."

haha. good one, huh?

And then we both laughed a polite laugh then carried on with what we were doing.

On the elevator ride back down to our studio I was kind of flabbergasted.

Why would this girl be completely shocked that I could be nice?

What is wrong with my face!?!?

Why on Earth do I look mean and unapproachable, and intimidating?!

Do I give off this horrible scary vibe?!

And then it hits me that I think I kind of do...

I think I give off this unapproachable vibe in person, but not on purpose at all.

It's more that I am shy. Or maybe I really do have a death glare I honestly dont know about.

But really, I'm completely shy and somewhat reserved, and I hate attention on myself.

For real, I literally turn beat red when I know that a group of people are looking at me.

This shyness has plagued me since Elementary...Maybe its due to the fact that I went to 6 different Elementary schools, 1 Junior High, and 3 different High Schools...? I just hated all that unwated attention of being the new girl so many different times, I got this, like, phobia of it. It has kept me from doing things I really wanted to do in the past too..... like talent shows or trying out for dance, or whatever.

I think this is why I like blogging so much, because all the focus is on what I'm saying without me having to stand up in front of people to say it....? Does that make sense?

Thankfully, this shyness disease has gotten 1000 times better since I've gotten older and became a Mom. I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have before, but after today I realized its a part of me...it will always be apart of me, and I have to work extra hard to keep that wall down and be more approachable.

So this is my resolution to be more outgoing, open, and friendly with people....And to finally conquer my phobia of attention on my self. And also, allow myself to get closer to people with out the fear of them being ripped away..... to really put energy into making friends again that our my own...and I dont mean Bronsons friends that become my friends, cause I have a thousand of those (that I love, love, LOVE and am so happy to call my own friends). BUT...I need lady friends.

I think I have had enough time now to figure out how to balance being a mama, wife, landlord daughter/daughter in law, and keep a semi decent house all at once, and can now handle some me time without feeling selfish or worried. Really, I'm ready for it.

Plus, I should just get over it, right? Being shy is stupid.

you have to watch this!

2011-02-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it has taken me so long to link this video...wait, JK, I do know why. Its probably because I just figured out how to link things like yesterday.

But here it is! Finally!

And a million more thanks to the guy who made it...Mr. Michael Paul, you're the best.

Some happy times in the last few days

2011-02-03T09:49:00.001-08:00

We got to eat food! HIGHLIGHT of my LIFE! After 5 days on the Cleanse (and seriously not one bit of cheating) we were hanging out in Venice with our friends and had forgot our drinks. You feel great and energized as long as you have Lemon and syrup +cayenne in you like every hour....well we missed a few hours and were starved! Plus, having friends there with us planning on going to Chipotle was too much, and we said enough was enough. 5 days of a digestional re-birth was great...but, so was that veggie Burrito Bowl.

Then Papa Billy (my dad) was in town for a night and had time to stop by and spend the night! This photo was usually how things were while he was here. Zu was glue to his side and wanted "cuddle" all night long. Im realizing more and more how sick of us she really is.

I was cleaning up when I found this crown on the statue we brought back from Rome last May and laughed my booty off. Everything and everyone is a Princess to little miss ZuLadies eyes. And finding surprises around the house like this from my munchkin makes life oh-so-enjoyable.

We topped the week of with Zuri getting to play at a fun park and we got hang out with Sam and Corey. Pretty dang fun

OH JOY! Rapture! Splendid! LOVELY!

2011-01-31T22:10:00.000-08:00

Those are the words I have decided to teach ZuLady in place of normal happy/exciting words like...yay! or....Great! or....Fantastic!

But, I cannot take all the credit for this idea. I was inspired.

Awhile back we were spending the day in Santa Monica while Mr. Christensen worked. On his break we went to eat in this amazing outdoor food court.

We took the puppy this particular day, and the amount of attention he draws in is crazy...I've, truthfully, thought about setting up a stand and charging a dollar. I'd probably match what Brons is bringing home easily. JK, babe.

But anyways, so we're eating and this darling, tiny redhead girl comes over. She's smaller than ZuZu but speaks like a Harvard grad with an ah-mazing English accent.

After playing for a bit I ask her, "How old are you?"

She replies in the tiniest most proper English fairy voice you can imagine and says,

"I am two and a half...you have quite a lovely pet."

We start cracking up...then I ask her what her name is and she replies...

"Fennel....like the herb."

Fennel like the herb?!?! BAh! Dying.

It was honestly too much. I wanted to gobble her up. Poor Zu was soo outdone by this other 2.5 year old that I bought her new flashcards the next day.

So, Fennel, if you ever come across this, you have inspired me to teach my daughter funny words, that hopefully she will use in public one day soon. Thanks!

AND NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN!

Happy birthday to my gorgeous mama-in-law, Tammy today!

We LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

some things about her we love:

*she's never died her hair

*She's scared of bugs and creepy things

*shes one the most genuinely happy/excited people I have ever known

*shes the best cook in the World...(real hard to live up to, thanks Tam)

*Sometimes we watch sad things on the Internet together just so we can cry.

*OH! she LOVES Bon Jovi!

*Shes "low-maintenance"...my kinda gal

*She's calls it how she sees it and doesn't take crap.

*She's the sweetest nicest lady around and all our friends and the rest of the Christensen's boys friends think of her like a second mom.....she kinda is, cause she definitely feeds 'em enough to be.

*And finally, she the best mama-in-law and Grandma we could ever dream for.

Love you Tam

Today I hid in a 3x3 laundry closet for 20 minutes.

2011-01-30T17:10:00.000-08:00

Just to escape.
To escape my tiny house that seems to be swallowing me whole.

Let me explain....between the barking, the 2 year old whining, the Care Bears theme song blaring, and my favorite HGTV about to start the noise seemed too much. And the constant mess. I feel like all I do is clean....literally all I do is pick up stuff. I cant escape it in this micro studio, and for a brief moment it all became too much.

I thought about locking myself in the bathroom but I've tried that before it doesn't work.....So i hoped in the closet and crammed my body between our stacked washer and dryer and a folded up stroller, on top of some shoes and just sat.

In there, I thought about how ridiculous the whole situation was.....I thought about the reasons I really wanted to put myself in the closet. Its not because of the noise or the mess....although, those are incredibly annoying. I'm realizing how trapped and out of control I feel.

There are so many things I want to do...and really , right now would be the perfect time. But I cant. I don't have a car. I cant go to places I want to go to. Or buy the things I need...I can never even leave this city. Today is Sunday and I couldn't go to church because Bronson works Sundays. That's it. I hate it so much. I feel completely imprisoned because I don't have the freedom of a car. I feel so imprisoned that I imprison my self in a closet.

-And husband is working from 10am to 10pm making me into a single parent 5 days a week.
-And now animals aren't allowed on the roof so we cant go to the pool without a major meltdown
-And were saving all our pennies just to pay for parking....freaking parking.
-And husbands 2 days off/week consist of annoying errands instead of a relaxing work free day.
-And I'm sick of being lonely.
-And theres a supposed "superstorm" hitting CA, where its predicted to rain for 40+days.
-And I really miss grass.
-And children.

So, those are all the things I thought about in the closet. Everything I don't have, and can't do. Which is stupid because I am beyond blessed. I really have so much to be grateful for...and I am grateful. I think I just have bad days like everyone else. I know that in time everything will work itself out and r ight now were just putting in our dues.....sacrificing now in the hopes that we can have an even greater future.

Here's where my day turns around:

Just about an hour ago Zuri was asking me to fill up her baba with cocoa for probably 5 minutes....I was ignoring her the whole time making dinner. Finally she yells,
"Mom, how many timez i gotcha tell ya?! I need a cocoa baba! Right now! You rascal! Stinky ol' RASCAL! ...baybay!"

I was laughing so hard I peed. I kept asking her where she heard "rascal" and "stinky ol'" from, because those are things we certainly don't say,
and she would just say, "I don't know! you...you.... dewey, rascal!"
and then "mama baybay,...LOOK AT ME! you got my stinky ol' baba NOW?"

This all made me laugh even harder. I really have nothing to complain about, especially because of this crazy kid I have to entertain me, but since I came into this blog with the "for better, or for worse mentality", of course I had to share about my closet trip today.

The Perfection Disease

2011-01-29T15:44:00.000-08:00

I was reading someones blog and she had linked this post. Its about the Perfection Disease and I think its something everyone should be reminded of and read.

Click HERE!

Happy 100th post and my brother is so cool.

2011-01-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

Meet Rory. He is my brother and this is us when we were just weee little munchkins. He totally looks like Yoda.

So, I get a call from Rory today saying he's driving to Boise to open for one of his favorite bands of all time! Theyre called Three drops of Blood...or Three days of Blood...or something totally creepy like that, anyways theyre HUGE in the metal world. I am sooo excited and happy for him and cant even tell you all enough.

He's an amazing guitarist and completely self taught, and even though I dont think he likes to be labeled a singer-he is one. A dang good one. His band is called Threshold and they're kinda blowing up....so watch out world! And remember you heard of him from me first =)

p.s....im hungry.

p.s.s.....10 days is a really long time

p.s.s.s....(if theyre were such a thing) HAPPY 100th POST TO ME! YAY!

p.s.s.s.s.....It probably wouldnt be weird to say "and" a couple more hundred times in this short post.

Ease-in day of The Master Cleanse

2011-01-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

So we decided to do the Master Cleanse....this is Bronson's first time and my second. Well I should say my first time too. I attempted it last year but only lasted 3 days, although I remember feeling better than ever with no headaches at all for those three days- I don't remember why I quit. This time were planning to do the full 10.

Wish us luck!

This journey started last week when Bronson was continually complaining about back pain, headaches, and low energy. He's on his feet for 10+ hours a day and never gets to sit down, so his back has taken a brutal beating in the last 2 months. On top of that our diets have gone completely down hill. Probably worse than they have ever been.

We've gotten into the habit of eating the best buttery popcorn while watching our shows late at night. And then we started adding M&Ms to it.... And then we would would be thirsty and have a coke-all around 11pm/midnight.

eeww I'm embarrassed writing that. But, its true. And it gets worse..

Brons eating Chipotle or greasy pizza everyday for lunch, and me finishing off everything Zu lady wouldn't eat so there would be no waste. So all this added up, plus the husbands misery and pain, called for a serious and drastic change. After a trip to the chiropractor and a ton of research we decided this cleanse was whats best way to kick off the change and feel healthy for the both of us.

Today were consuming only Superfood, nuts, and oranges. Me... 1300 calories worth and Bronson 1800 calories worth, so our bodies don't go into starvation mode. Then from here, only fresh organic lemons, organic grade b maple syrup, and Cayenne pepper...all worth 1300 and 1800 cals for 10 days. After that theres an ease-out period of at least three days where you can only eat fresh live foods, and organic soups. You slowly introduce new foods in small increments after that.

I'm letting you all in on our Master Cleanse so maybe we have some accountability...? I don't want to screw this up and although I know its going to be extremely difficult and not fun maybe writing down the process will keep me motivated!

I would love to read any thoughts or experiences any of you might have had with this!

Lately...

2011-01-23T23:46:00.000-08:00

Ive become pro at making Costa Vida's Pork Salads. Really, I am the master.

And found old pictures of the fam at LA Live.

Zuri still continues to refuse to wear clothes. She also has started saying even odder things than normal and throwing bigger fits.
example: I put her in time out 2 days ago and instead of her just sitting there and pouting like normal, she full on tried to fist fight me...all the while screaming "this is sooooo WEIRD! time out is soooo WEIRD!"
And she has also decided going peepee is scary this week. ...? ummmm ok zuzu.

And I burnt the crizapp out of my hand on an oven rack. it hurts worse than it looks.

We been going to the pool everyday which I l.o.v.e.

Zuri still wont put Mr. Baloo Bear down..ever.

...and he's starting to nip at her because of it.

Did I mention I had a meltdown and put puppyface up for sale on Craigslist...oops. Well I did. Then we got a hit and almost cried and took him off immediately.

We love you baby Baloo....even if you do pee on my bed spread and whine for us at night.

And finally! I started making this book paper wreath. Its not near finished yet, but I think it will look pretty cool when its done. and oh ya! I started a new book called Unwind. I read somewhere that if your having Huger Games withdrawals its a good substitute. ...and it really is. I like it so far!

Here's what I know for sure right now.

2011-01-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

1. I hate how money dictates life.

2. I want to have lots and lots of babies.

3. Reading books is essential.

4. You are not who you used to be.

5. A disorganized house makes my mind and body disorganized.

6. Having your bedroom and family room in your kitchen makes eating food entirely too accessible and easy. (hello extra poundage..and "i swear these pants used to fit")

7. Waking up to a spic and span house makes me 100% more effective throughout the day.

8. What you wear doesnt make you who you are. What you do, does.

9. Education and growth should never stop-constant change is a necessity.

10. The minute you feel comfortable and content is the minute you need to work to make it even better.

bah humbug

2011-01-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

It's happened.

My darling girl stopped sleeping in.

3 days in a row of waking up at 6am instead of the usual 10:30 or 11.

HELP ME!

Really, I need some help. Or at least some understanding. And more sleep.

Today is our anniversary!

2011-01-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

We celebrated by getting our cute little munchkin discount puppy, who is now known as BALOO. Not El Senor Eskimo. I kept saying Mexico in place of Eskimo....and I didn't want everyone around the city to hear me calling our dog The Mr. Mexico. They'd be offended. I think. Poor dog...its on its 8th name in about 60 hours. This is it though.

Mr. Baloo Baby Bear Face Christensen.

And then husband surprised me this morning and ordered breakfast delivery from our favorite place...such a good surprise and eating it in our house made it taste even better. He's off at work now until late like always, and then we'll probably snuggle up and watch Dexter to end the day. Sounds like a perfect anniversary to me.

I love him. A lot. But you probably already knew that.

Three years...woo hoo!

puppy love

2011-01-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

Im so baby hungry. I want 4 more little babies and I want them here yesterday. Since this is physically and financially (mostly financially) impossible I have set my eyes elsewhere.....

Meet our new baby! His official name right now is El Senor Eskimo. Or Mr. Eskimo....or just

Mr. MOE

But we find ourselves calling him a her because he's so dang pretty...we also find our selves calling him:

El Senor eski snugglewuggle pumkin puppy

Mr. bear face furball puppykins

MR. McFlufferFest of FUR

You get it...Hes the most snuggly fluff ball of puppy love there is.

He is a mini pom puppy 8 weeks old and weighs only 4lbs...he will only get to about 7lbs. Miss ZuMonster hauls him around like its her job and El Senor Eskimo, surprisingly, loves it.

Lots more pics to come..and hopefully some video of this mini furball in action.

If only i could find my camera cord.......

ummm dying...

2011-01-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

I've watched this 50 times. love love love it.

We went to Venice yesterday...

2011-01-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

and found our dream house.

Along with "the worlds smallest front yard."

Zuzu montser loved the swings.

We couldn't pry her off. It took some serious bribing.

Bronson loves to hold her while he skates the boardwalk...

and I think he likes me practicing too.

She was terrified of the water this time for some reason...

but loooved finding seashells.

Have I mentioned that I dont miss the snow one bit? Well, I dont. Not a bit.

do you ever have days where you subconsciously decide to nothing productive?

2011-01-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Today was that sort of day for me.

Prime example..... my house.

This is not staged...and no. Its not difficult to close a cupboard when your done with it. But, I think I chose not to today.

At about 2 I decided enough was enough and I should clean up.

But whats that up there? ohhhhh my waxing pot.

lets wax everything waxable on my body instead of cleaning up that day old bread.

good idea.

oh what, zuri?

You want me to watch Rugrats for 4 hours with you today?

No problem!

paint our nails and fill out for freebies on line? duh!

on top of that...lets fill dads computer with surprise photobooth pictures of us..he'll love them!

lots of them...

like 88 of them...

or 89

and heres 90

On top of all this Bronson and I are being plain nasty to one another today. He told me I broke the car door really mean when i didnt. like "ohhhhh good job, wes. you broke the door." and yesterday he got mad at me for kneading bread loudly while he was napping. so me being me, of course i throw few jabs back at him like "ohhhhh excuse me. im sooooo sorry for making this HOMEMADE BREAD just for you too loudly.".....all rude talk. so i think ive just been mad ever since the bread.

and then he texted me asking if i would wait to watch the new bachelor with him tonight and i replyed to him" yes, only if he stopped being a such a douche bag. and by the way, im thinking about going to school in utah just to get away from your grouchy-ness."

he said sorry.

i said sorry

so funny-but not really. i need to remember to be nice.

does anyone else have days like this?

please say yes.

stumbled upon this in google images

2011-01-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

...and liked it

and P.S.

2011-01-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

We're pretty excited to announce that we'll be getting sealed together as a family in the temple this Spring!

A few things I left out of the blog in 2010...

2011-01-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

lots of kisses from this miss...

new outings in a new city.....

crab cooker eating with the Markhams

our 1/3 of a Chirstmas card

Daddy/daughters walks in Newport

Running in Glendale

Playground playing

Conquering our fear of escalators

the gloves stage

she didnt take her gloves off for 2 months...yuck

world of color with the Christensens

lovebirds

hide and seek

not enough of these

Princess infatuations

scary witch love/hate relationships

tired disney land feet

minnie mouse lovin

this guy designed and MADE the first piece of his clothing line himself.

just not enough pictures of him.....he always taking the photos so he's never in any

complete magic

pirates of the carribean

the world largest bubbles and the worlds best auntie

how i feel about waiting in lines....

even gorgeous girls have their days....

trying to get a family photo

lovechug

one that worked

and another that worked! yay!

For all those the we missed this holiday!

I must be back in LA.

2010-12-29T00:09:00.000-08:00

because as we're lying in bed right now we hear things on the street below.

husband: "was that a duck?"

me: "no."

husband: "i swear it sounded just like a duck."

me: "it was a black lady bum."

husband: "oh."

I miss all my family dearly, but it sure is good to be back!

2010-12-23T00:35:00.000-08:00

Man oh man.... where to start?

So, I'm in Utah!

We planned on coming out here for Christmas forever ago and have been soooo excited...counting down the days even. Then, three days before we are scheduled to leave we decide to go to Santa Monica and hang out. There, Bronson walks into his favorite store and ends up landing a job. WOOO HOOO! I couldnt be more happy for him.

But...and this is a big but.....the job needed him now or never. Meaning no vacation. No skiing. No Christmas. No husband.

And now I can say I fully understand the meaning of the phrase bittersweet.

So, Im out in Utah having a blast..but missing him like crazy-and even more sad that he's missing all this. Then Mr. Matt Clayton send me these photos and I get teary eyed. For real. Teary eyed.

Matt is a genius photographer and Bronson should quit everything he's got going on and go into male modeling or something. Right?

All I know is that I keep bursting into tears randomly.... Out of happiness/sadness... I think I just miss him bad.

...or maybe its cause I crashed my in laws car into a gargantuan pothole two days ago and popped their tire, bent their rim, and some sort of fluid was leaking out of their engine. I don't think Ive ever felt so bad. seriously.

Of course, theyre just happy were ok and are being wonderful as always-but I still cant help but cringe over it.

phewww.... Im looking forward to the day when my blogs consist of things I made for dinner and Zuris art or something. Im tired of having to blog about yucky days like the Verizon Store poopoo incident, and stressful job Changes, ect.

Until then, enjoy reading about the craziness that we currently call our life!

Shoot!

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

I'm involuntarily becoming granola. HEY! I can't help it!

After doing research on vitamins and minerals online a few months back-and then actually buying and consuming them regularly, I noticed a huge difference in how I feel, sleep, eat, and behave. I feel happier even. So, this launched me into doing even more reasearching and I came across this film called FoodMatters. Its all about nutrition and how Doctors are prescribing pills in place of proper nutrition because they simply were not taught nutrition.

Some interesting things I learned in this film:
-when any food is cooked past a certain temperature, its proven that your body actually attacks it like an invader in your body. Even if it is a healthy food.
- 2 handfuls of cashews a day is equivalent to the prescription Prozac.
-Niacin (vit. B-3) is linked to helping addicts cope with their addictive habits and even pull people out of depression.
-there is practically no such thing as intaking too many vitamins/minerals-contrary to the popular belief that it is bad for you to take a lot of vitamins and minerals.

So, of course I'm on this natural kick and feeling better than I've felt in long time and I come across this...

Another documentary about the meds the majority of women are put on during childbirth and the negative snowball affect they create.

I've always leaned towards natural things-ever since I was a teenager...and even when I was pregnant with Zuri I would teter with the thought of a more natural birth, but when it came down to it I was so scared of the unknown and the pain (plus stresses of working full time and buying a house 3 weeks before) that I just didnt really want to worry about it. But after having her and knowing what contractions feel like-and now being more educated on the process I kind of feel confident with going the natural route. And natural meaning no inducing, definitely no pitocin-Im not saying no epidural yet..we'll cross that bridge when were there...(pshhh im not even pregnant and not even thinking of getting pregnant anytime soon, but its nice to plan)...but I see the benefits of not having one.
And Im thinking a midwife assisted birth would be cool since it is their actual profession to assist birthing women compared to an OBGYN who is a trained surgeon punching in a time clock. In the film they actually point out that most C-sections in the US are at 4pm and 10pm....right when shifts are about to end in hospitals. I found this pretty telling. They want you in and out and dont want to miss dinner.

Anyways, both these are really interesting and informative films to watch if you're ever bored!

An ode to the Mr. Christensen.

2010-12-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

Awe...i love us.

So this past week and half has been particularly rough on our mental state. Brons found out that funding for his job that would have started in January with the designer he's interning for has fell through. Plus, our godsend of a tenant renting out our PG condo gave us his 30 days notice to move out because of a job change the very next day.

AND THEN! the worst of all this for me happened on the third day of gut wrenching, life altering, stress inducing bad news. A freaking flat tire.

I had a total meltdown. You see, Bronson had arranged a new job within 10 minutes of hearing the bad news about the position falling through with Charlie. Seriously...10 minutes. I have a super husband. And the meeting with them was on Friday morning. Friday morning rolls around and bronson hikes the 50 miles(ok its really a block away..but theres a big hill you have to climb-its hard) to our parking garage to find a nail in our tire. He's missing his interview.

He calls me to tell me the news and I feel like my life is over.. I start crying into blanket for the next hour while he on the other hand is totally calm, cool, and collected. He lets me know he'll "just skate to place that sells that fix-a-flat stuff and figure it out".

So, to make a long story short..well, shorter, he skates from 7th street to 27 street into ghetto south central LA and back, fills the tire, finds a place to get a new tire (or fix it---I dont know what happened to be honest), and then drives to his interview.

During all this he never had a glimmer of a freak out. Not even "what do i do now" moment. Not even a bad mood when he got home--he didnt even complain at all. It totally amazes me how he just takes care of things the moment they arise and always maintains his good and optimistic attitude.

He's such a good man and I love seeing him transform into an even better one with every month we've been married. We've had our fair shares of ups and downs, and high highs along with the lowest of lows. Im just so glad we stuck those moments out and learned how to be married together and how to be parents together. Looking back I know that all the struggles we faced were to get us to this spot today and I'm so happy I have him to lean on.

Oh, and he got the job. =)

Uh-oh zuzu

2010-12-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

sheesh....this falls only two days after the sharpie-marker-mustache incident she had. she told me her huge black mustache was beautiful makeup.... then I told her permanent makeup is not aloud and threw that nasty black sharpie away.

and today we were sitting on the couch together in silence -completely enthralled in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban when she asks;
zuri-mom, how do you feel?
me-fabulous. how do you feel.
zuri-ohh soooo so faahhhvulous.
me-thats great.
zuri-yup, really great. watch the show, mom.

and a few days ago she was wanting me to hurry up and make her a fort out of blankets and chairs...i guess i was moving a little slowly because she yelled- "C'MON GANG!.....therezes a mystery to solf!" after she crawled in her fort and closed the doors I heard her talking to Shaggy, Scooby, Fred, and mostly Velma for good 30 minutes. she never mentions Daphne..?

Oh little miss zu zu lady....how boring our life would be without you. Please stop growing up this instance. I mean it!

Dear Mr. Claus

2010-11-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas is the Shark Vac then Steam. I drool over this. Honestly, why hasnt this been invented sooner? OK, and in a perfect world, maybe a spa package or two...
Oh! and some Rachel Ray pots and pans...

And, while I'm on a roll, the package set of Your Baby Can Read!....thats all! I swear!

You have to drop a hint or two, or three, or four to the hubs, right? Well heres mine loud and clear honey bunny.

And something you should be asking for this wonderful time of year?

These magnificent, wonderful, fabulously oh-so-comfy Zella work out pants found in Nordstroms. I live in mine....seriously.

Its an issue.

They:

-dont fade

-dont lose their shape

-are reversable

-have a really cool hidden pocket

-hold you in in alllll the right places

-and, are fabulous to work out in-then throw a cute long shirt and boots on so you can go shopping without looking like a polygafrump (thanks to TAMN from seriously, so blessed! for my new favorite word).

have you ever..

2010-11-29T00:57:00.001-08:00

gone to bed knowing that the very next morning and every day after that your life will be nothing like it used to be?

so weird.

holy shiz...you must read

2010-11-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

Seriously, So Blessed! at seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com

I'm dying!

litterally, I'm 50% mortified and 50% amused....I hate this lady but love her for giving me this free entertainment.

Im confused about it to be honest.

I kind of dont think its real

But you can decide for yourself!

oooooooooo kay.

2010-11-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

Meet Bri.

We Adore her and her husband Jared....They also have a cute little puppy named Tank who is one of Zuris best friends out here.....Well WAS one of her little very best friends. After 2 months of blissfully eating dinner with them....spray tanning them....TV watching with them...Yorgurtland devouring with them....they picked up and moved to Utah. =( Booooo Hooooo. The Christensen family is seriously depressed about this. They taught us the ins and outs of city livin', so I thought a memorial blog for the Johnsons was appropriate.

you are missed!

Also, I think its necessary to finally write of list of all the funny stuff Zuri says these days.

Brons and I are so used to it that we think its normal for a little tiny baby girl to yell "POPPYCOCK!" when she doesnt get her way, but the people in the elevator or in the check out lines beg to differ.

Among words like "poppycock" she also likes to say:

"fine, Fine, FINE!" when we ask he to do something for us.

"I HATE DAMNIT!" yep, you read it right. We heard her say the big d word one day (thanks brons....ok maybe I have a little something to do with it too)and we had to have a talk about bad words and how they're naughty, and how we hate bad words. After the little chit-chat she belted out "ya, I hate Damnit!" We were laughing so hard that she now thinks its funny. But, really......soooo not funny.

The first thing she says when she wakes up in the morning is "ooooo

I miss ed youd mom!" Melts my little heart.

By the way..its now 11:53 am and she is still asleep in her bed. Today the sleeping in is a little excessive, but usually by 10:30 or 11 I have to yank her out of bed.

Speaking of little devil...she just woke up...Now that I know I want to write all these little words and phrases down I'll keep a better note of them so I can, of course, share with you.

and just for fun..rory and brons. 2005..

2010-11-14T20:43:00.000-08:00

dug this out of the archives....

2010-11-14T20:41:00.000-08:00

zuri meets mickey

2010-11-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

welcome to the world little chug.

2010-11-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

How freakin adorable is Mr. Copelin Dallas Christensen (aka MY NEPHEW!)?
I wanna eat him up! Look at his hair! haha and his cute little scowl...aweee I cant wait to see him in person.

Kylie had him today somewhere around 5 pm and both mama and baby are happy and healthy!

We can't wait to get to Utah and play with with our lil nephew and cousin as soon as we can! And since I am already planning on being his favorite auntie in the world...you better get used to hearing about him.

We love you new mama Kylie and papa Dallas and darling baby Cope

Little update

2010-11-04T01:42:00.000-07:00

My blog got a face lift! Dont you just love it?
I was telling bronson how much I wanted to do something new with it and VOILA...he popped this sucker out.
There are some major benefits of having a husband in design....One being I hardly have to be crafty or creative at all. Scrapbooking...definitely not my thing.

But, on to other things.... I havent been blogging much lately mostly because I dont have a computer during the day, and secondly, because I feel like it took me a minute to get used to the lay of the land out here in the City of Angels. To be honest, I have no idea why they call it that. It stinks like human and pet pee everywhere, and the closet thing I've seen to any angels out here was on Halloween-partially dressed angels, duh.
But minus the peepee stink and having to carry pepper spray wherever I go, I think I'm really starting to like it out here. Really. I kinda love it.

Our ward is awesome. Its in Korea Town and it looks like a huge white Muslim/Catholic cathedral if there even were such a thing. There are a ton of cool couples out here in our similar situation so its really nice. ohhhh and we have a calling! dun dun dun! Ward Web Page Keepers. Best calling ever.

And Zu has been adjusting just fine. She created little imaginary guys that we take all over with us....so shes not lonely of course. For the longest time I asked her who they were and she would say "little guys" or "my friends" then one day that scrubbing bubbles bath tub cleaner commercial came on the TV and she said "hey! theres my friends!" I laughed forever and ever about it. We went swimming yesterday and got sunburned in the 93 degree weather which is mind boggling to me, a native of Denver CO and Highland UT. I keep waking up thinking that today is the day it will get cold and snowy....and so far it keeps not happening. We're not complaining, though.

Bronson is still interning with Charlie Lapson full time and keeping busy designing his line and being his normal creative self. We have become beyond obsessed with Dexter, and more recently, Weeds on netflix. If you don't have it....get it. It will be the best $9 per month you'll ever spend. Ever.

And me, I am going to start blogging more. Keeps me semi sane.
Thats all, kids!

I think I am emotionally ready to share this embarrassing story that has kept me from blogging for about 3 weeks.

2010-10-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

Aren't Verizon stores nice?! Well, the one me and my small family of 3 went to a couple weeks ago was especially nice since it was located on Rodeo Drive around the corner from shops like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and other fabulous la-de-da stores that just make me feel uncomfortable.

It was time to finally make the switch from AT&T to Verizon because this mama was sick of paying the outrages phone bill every month, so, as we were on our way to the store to pick out new phones Bronson was literally was pouting/whimpering about getting rid of his Iphone.

This was where the problem started.

I was so preoccupied with trying to make my un happy husband pick a stupid non Iphone phone that I kind of ignored all Zuri's little nudges and pulls and attempts to get my attention.

Here's problem number 2:

We had been in the store for about 15 minutes so everyone and their dog (literally...there was a dog in the store) loved and commented on how cute Zuri was. By this time we had picked out phones and were at the counter trying to square away all the details.

This is when I noticed mud tracked all over.

weird.

that was my only thought.

and then i looked closer.............

ewwww! that dog pooped everywhere! I mean EVERYWHERE! I start saying out loud how disgusting it is and that I have a child playing on the floors so the owner should take it outside.

And then.......... I notice corn and black beans.

Dogs don't eat mexican...?

ummm....uhhhhhh. Did we? Yup....we definitely had mexican chili earlier today.

CRAP! I grab Zuri and secretly check her bum....OHH NO! How can this be?????!

She definitely pooped in her big girl underwears, and it definitely fell out her big baggy pants, and she has definitely been stomping around in it for minutes without me noticing.

Problem #3

I look at brons.....he looks at me.....in silence we agree to pretend it wasn't our child.

PLEASE DONT JUDGE US! We dont know why we came to this silent decision together...maybe it was because we made a scene about the dogs owner not being responsible...or maybe were just severely messed up.

So, from here I ask if brons has everything under control at the counter and let him know Im walking to McDonalds to "grab a snack" and then, I simply walk out.

Were in the McDonald's bathroom and I practically bathe zuzu in the sink. I throw her little mermaid underwear away in the trash and a homeless lady living in the McDonald's bathroom chews me out-Thankfully I couldn't understand her and had too much else on my mind to care about anything she is saying to me. All I really remember about her is that Zuri called her "ebil see witch ersellla" (Ursala the evil sea witch) and didn't want to go back in the bathroom....this is bad and why? you ask....You'll find out in a minute.

We make our way back to the Verizon store and in my mind I'm 100% sure the mess will be picked up....so I am stunned to find white paper towels scattered everywhere when we walk back in. We, and everyone else in there are jumping and leaping over paper towel covered poop. Like every 2 feet in every direction is smeared, or balled, or logged poo! My daughters poop!

I practically run out of the store....there wasn't a chance in hell I could stay in there with all her poopoo covered mounds all over the place, and I think I was too stubborn to stop the "this poop isn't my daughters" act. It had been like 20 minutes....I couldn't just all of a sudden start picking it up....ahhhhh! I have anxiety even remember this! it was the worst!

So now were stuck outside. Zuri is scared of the evil sea witch Ursala in Mcdonalds bathroom so we cant go to Mcdonalds and everywhere else is closed. So there we are on the side of the road.... its night......its lightly drizzling.....its cold, yet I'm sweating with anxiety and embarrassment and I honestly can't believe bronson is in there...all alone...with the poop.

He finally comes out an hour later and tell me this:

He's paid and walking out the door when the manager taps him on the shoulder.

Their conversation went down like this:

manager: Sir, do you mind picking up after your baby?

Bronson: ohh, my wife checked. It wasnt her. Its not her poop.

manager: Well, an associate of mine saw her defecate then proceeded to trample the feces around the store.

Bronson: uhhhh, ok Ill clean it.

Then the manager handed him Lysol and a scrubby brush and turned without another word.

ugghhhhhh oh no! the thought of this makes me close my eyes and scream like Im about to go down a roller coaster. its such deep pitted embarrassment that we didn't even talk about it for at least 24 hours after the "incident" happened. It took days to even start to laugh it off and after a month its finally hilarious. thank goodness!

I learned some lessons from this experience, the most valuable being to always use princess pull-ups when leaving the house.

Ive always been an old soul

2010-10-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

Please don't be surprised when the next time you see me I seem to resemble this old gem above.

You see...I enjoy comfy pants near my bellybutton these days,
and apple cinnamon herbal tea.

I just spent an hour researching vitamins and minerals for my health, and signed up for an online book club because the thought of reading all day long literally puts a smile on my face.

My biggest outings and plans for the next week all revolve around walking down my hall, hoping into the elevator... and going 4 flights up to lounge around the roof top-hopefully wearing a comfy knitted shall.

And...

...all these things added up together means I am 23 years old going on 72.

zuzu lady

2010-10-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

This is what we're doing to entertain ourselves lately.

By the way....if you feel annoyed by the amount of times I say "hey Zuri.." in this, then you're not alone. I wanted to puke on myself when we watched the footage afterwards, but its about the the only way I can distract this mini munchkin from her favorite episode of Scooby Doo.

Enjoy.

Dear Iced not-fat Mocha,

2010-09-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

I genuinely hate you.

But I'm so addicted.....I can't function without you.

I know this is an un-healthy relationship and we need to breakup,

But I just cant stand the thought.

Every time I try, I get headaches and grumpy and then the second I give in to your cold, chocolaty, caffeine goodness... its instant relief.

I think this is bad. Real bad.

Crap.

Sincerely,

Your prisoner

LA Ladies...and husband.

2010-09-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

The little miss in her new house!

This is our shoe closet/book shelf/make-shift bedroom wall.

Out side our building.

Another view...

Our Bed "room." Behind the curtain on the left is where we hide Zuri's big-girl bed. And the wooden tall storage on the right is our closet.

The whole house pretty much...I love the 3 huge windows.

Kitchen and front door.

living room

This beauty is a whopping 600 square feet....no walls, no doors, no storage, no privacy, nooo problem. I cant believe how much I am falling in love with our place. Although everything is in one huge room, it has worked out. I dont know if its that I enjoyed the challenge of putting this place together like a gigantic puzzle, or if it just feels good to get rid of "extras" and only have what you absolutely need around you. For example...right now we have 5 cups total. Thats all. One for me, one for Brons, one little one for Zu, and two extras just in case. And its PERFECT! less dishes....less clutter...... less nonsense. On top of minimizing our belongings I have had to become the organization queen while living here. I've gotten pretty clever about storage and places to keep little odds and ends and putting things away the minute I (or anyone else) is done with them. The house seriously gets crazy even if one person leaves an item out because if you think about it...its like have your kitchen in your bedroom...kind of different. But all in all, I really am falling in love with LA more and more each day. We love people watching all the nutcases outside our window...we love the openess of our house, I LOVE that we have a gym and a pool on the roof... and think this is Zuris favorite part too....or maybe hers is the elevator. Yup, hers is definitely the elevator.

Bronson is interning with Charlie Lapson who is a handbag designer out here. So far its awesome and he gets to do what he loves all day long. If he was getting paid for it..it couldnt be more perfect! In time he will though. Yesterday they were filming a reality show Charlie has out in Japan, and Charlie asked Brons to do some behind the scenes filming to make an edit with. He hung out and filmed with Carolyn Hennesy who is an actress on Cougar Town which I thought was pretty cool...everyone else just sees it as another days work but think its a huge deal!

Oh by the way...so far weve seen ali and roberto from the bacheolrette in santa monica and i saw Kirsten Storms from that disney channel old movie "Zenon girl of the 21st century' and days of our lives in target yesterday. Anyways, its always fun and i'll definitely be better at keeping you all posted on the craziness that is our life!

I'm cheap,

2010-07-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

and impatient..and i guess a little spontaneous, too. so, without really thinking, i tried to bleach my own hair two days ago.

it was a disaster.

you could say my roots looked like this guys down here.

i almost cried, but then decided to laugh because i looked so ridiculous. and then i found these photos and didn't feel so bad.

I got it fixed the next day by my dear friend, Kami, at salon K and i will never, NEVER do anything so dumb again in my life. Promise me you wont either? learn by my mistakes and don't turn into Carrot Top involuntarily.

You need to know a little something about me...

2010-07-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

soooo, I don't answer my phone.

I don't even carry my phone on my body, actually.

Please don't take it personally when you call or send 7 text to me and get no reply until 3 days later.

Its me, not you. Really.

My reasonings for this are:

*phones are annoying

*i hardly have big enough pockets to carry a phone

*i lose phones

*i dont carry a purse unless i have to

*I'd rather spend my time paying attention to the people im actually sitting in the room with. Not sucked into my phone screen checking e mails, or texting people for pointless conversations. I like to live in the moment and i feel phones take that away from people. You lose yourself in cyborg text land and shut everyone and everything around you out.

*but mostly.....

I want my daughter to remember me as a mom who watched her dance around and be silly, who got on the floor with her to play, and even paint her nails once in awhile. even if its not important things she doing...she knows i think its the most important thing at that moment, not a text message.

So, there you have it.

Maybe you should put your phone down and walk out of the room for a day....go to the gas station, maybe a park, go wherever you like going with the people you love without the constant connection to all the nonsense of the outside world. then see how you feel.

its kind of like taking off a really uncomfortable bra and going au natural...freeing to say the very least. I bet you'll love it.

My night last night went a little something like this....

2010-07-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Its 1:00 am...for some reason or another I'm not tired at all.

I've watched every DVR'ed show we've got by this time and am getting anxious about not feeling tired so I give in and take an OTC sleepy time pill that makes me feel awful and groggy the morning after I take it, but its necessary at this point.

Its now around 2:30am... I'm lying in bed next to my sleeping husband and I'm finally feeling those warm fuzzy sleepy time feelings. My eyes are heavy and I have one of those micro naps..you know the ones where you're awake but kind of asleep and have a mini dream real quick? Well I don't remember what the dream was about but I do remember hearing a weird rustling noise.

I ignore it...I try to get back into my relaxed half dream world again. About 10 more minutes have passed and Im asleep...Something wakes me up though. A weird scratchy rustling noise again.

I'm mad now. And not to mention wide awake.

I start thinking to myself..what on earth is that? it kind of sounds like a...Oh no....OH NO..its a...nahhh its not....YES! its a RAT! it has to be a rat!

I sit directly up in bed, my eyes fly open, and I fine tune my hearing. Another noise....but closer. With squeaking this time.

oh shit! it IS a rat! ohmygosh...i think its in the room. please dont be in the room, please!

At this point I'm beyond tired and turn a bit psycho.

What if its in the closet? Zuri sleeps in the closet! Remember that girl on DR. 90210 who had to get reconstructive surgery because a RAT nawed off her face in the night? ah! oh no! remember those little girls who just died because of rat poison in their house...i swear i heard something about rat dumpings being toxic too. oh shit. shit shit shit... what do i do?

Im up and out of bed. Ive now talked myself into believing that somehow or another this rat will either end up killing or severely disfigure or damage my beautiful sleeping daughter in the closet.

Im in this kitchen now..Im tearing apart everything...looking for who knows what. I just wanted to be destructive I guess. And this.....

what I woke up to this morning. haha.

I find a flash light and heavy rolling pin and go down stairs.

I walk into our room shining the brightest lcd flashlight ever made by man and of course bronson wakes up...

bronson: what are doing?

me: theres a rat is in our room. its gonna get zuri.

bronson: uhh, what?

me: cant you hear it!!!!!!?

bronson: go to bed, wes.

me: nope.

I slowly open the closet door and shine the light..I see zuri. So far there are no visible bite marks...no nawed off nose. whew, what a relief. I check under her portacrib and see nothing. check everywhere....and i cant find the damn rat.

Hours have passed I havent heard anything for awhile and Zuri hasnt screamed out loud in pain.... so I guess Im good to fall asleep?

Its 4am, I finally close my eyes. And zuri wakes up crying for her sippy cup. Crap.

Bronson goes up stairs to get her a baba, I pull her into our bed and i secretly do a limb check on her...everythings good...intact..healthy...shes not wheazing, no bites. Wonderful!

Brons comes back saying something like he cant believe i tore up the house, and he's mad..but im so looney tunes at this point I cant understand him. I close my eyes and immediately fall asleep holding my munchkin.

What a night.

2010-06-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

es verdad, mis amigos.

All I want to instill in my children is to find out who they are and fall in love with themselves. (not in a narcissist way, of course)

i hope i do a good job...i sure am tryin.

fml

2010-06-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

mmmm hmmm.
this is what my last two weeks has felt like.

but, yes, I am dramatic.

I cant get into everything just yet...oh boy, do I want to though.

Lets just say we've spent a months income on lawyers and court fees, and I've never, not EVER, expected to take this route with anyone I've ever come across. Nor, did I know what it was like to feel pure hatred like I do now.

I seriously hate a person. Have you ever really hated anyone? Well its terrible. Ive never in my life hated someone until now and let me tell you, its not a pleasant feeling.

Its more consuming and draining and saddening than anything else. It sucks.

Most of all, the worst part of all this is its timing. I had just come off the vacation of a lifetime with a burst of new energy and life. I felt so good about everything and everyone around me and felt like I wnted to better myself and my family....then WHAM! Everything changes and I'm having a daily meltdown/pity party for myself.

The good news is today has been the turning point. I've cried enough, sworn enough, and been in enough bad moods for a lifetime. I've let this situation and these people control me and somewhere along the line I've become a "victim". Ewe. I hate victims. Seriously, I despise victim people who are always whining about everything happening to them and their sucky attitudes. Sooooo, I woke up this morning and changed my attitude. And suprisingly, Ive had a wonderful day.

Hmmmm...imagine that.

I'll of course spill all the dirty details when this mess is over with, and believe me...you'll want to hear them. And, no, I wont feel bad for it. In the mean time...pray for my little family that we can make it out on top of this mess...even though you dont know what this mess is yet.

ch ch cha changes..turn and face the strange

2010-06-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Great changes are ahead for me and my family....whether they like it or not.

Ever since we returned from our trip I've had a new energy about life in general. I try to get the most out of every day and feel so much more productive.

I remembered somewhere along the line while we were in Europe that your brain is a muscle and you have to constantly exercise it if you want growth...so, I've been reading great books, learning new things, exercising more frequently, and in return...I feel more confident. Really, I feel good about my self and all my decisions.

Another change in the works...see that cute little munchkin up there? She may be the cutest dang thing you've ever seen...but whewww eeee, shes's a demanding and controlling little one. She's mastered the art of manipulation at the ripe old age of 23 months haha.

Well she has got another thing coming to her...poor little lubchug. Zu-lady doesn't even know whats comin. She is not in control of this mama ANYMORE.

Who says you have to make resolutions at New Years, anyways? June sounds like a great month to me.

ohhh matt clayton...how on earth do you always snap the best photos??

2010-06-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

I was scrolling down Matt's blog and this group of handsome young men caught my eye.

To be honest, I completely forgot Brons and my brothers-in-law did a a shoot with Matt a while back...so it was like Christmas when I saw this picture!

If you want to see more of Matt Clayton's work click on his name in my favorites up at the top of my page.

Barcelona, Spain to Madrid to NYC to HOME!

2010-06-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

Barcelona has to be on my top three list. It’s a beautiful, clean city with awesome people and crazy entertainment. I definitely want to go back to Spain along with Greece and even Venice too. We got off the ship and had to find our hotel…we took a train the complete wrong direction for awhile before we realizing we were going the opposite direction from our hotel. So we got off and flagged down a taxi to drive us to our hotel…it’s a good thing too, cause we never would have found it. Our taxi driver and Sam hit it off and were talking non stop the whole drive there….the rest of us don’t speak Spanish so we had no idea what was being said but we knew our taxi guy was pretty excited about it. We got out and asked Sam what the taxi guy was so stoked about, and it turns out the he found out sam does yoga and was so happy about it he kept saying he wanted to stop the cab right then and there to do yoga with sam on the road and talk about Buddhism, along the Wilco and The Pixies. Haha it was pretty funny.

Then we got to our hotel laid out in the sunshine forever, and went back out to inner-city Barcelona that night. Its funny to think that I was scared of public transportation before this trip, because I have learned to love it now. It’s so much simpler than I expected and I have honestly considered selling our car when we get home. Of course I would never but if we ever move to big city…our car will be the first thing to go.

We had to wake up a 4am to catch our flight to Madrid the next day where we had a 10 hour layover. We decided to get out of the ariport and just cruised around the city…we actually went to the Madrid soccer stadium which is, I guess, the nicest in the world. Corey was so excited he was like a little kid. He eats, breaths, and sleeps soccer so it was the perfect stop for him. We got to see the workers cut the grass, which seems like such a monstrous job but the way they do it was so cool. They use normal lawn mowers that you push along and they are soooo good at it. So after seeing the stadium we headed back to the airport where we boarded our flight to…

NYC!

It was so fun. We got there around 9pm so 3am-ish for us. We were bushed…but not enough to not go out and shut the city the down. Sooooo, we get off the plane and look for a taxi. The first guy that comes up to us we choose because were too tired to bargain a good deal and look around for another driver. We start heading into the parking lot of the airport where he takes us to this sketchy, burgundy van with a missing head light, the check-engine light on, and no A/C. Our driver then proceeds to tell us he could get arrested for not having an actual license to taxi people around so could we “please hand him the cash incomspiculously?” I was a little scared until he started telling us about his life back in Trinidad and Tobago where he is originally from, and then challenged us in a foot race. Hes a black 60+ year old man who could easily beat anyone in any athletic event haha. He drove us to Little Italy where we met up with our friends Alyssa and Jamie. They both have been living in NYC for a couple months now and know all the fun places to go out …they live in downtown so we were right in the mix of things. They were great hosts and I’m so excited to go back and hang out with them more! It was seriously one of the funniest nights of the trip.

….But, right now were on the plane back to Utah and I have to say I have the worst buttlerflies in my stomach ever, and I feel like its Christmas eve or something. Im so excited to see Zuri I don’t even have the words. Im a little nervous she’ll be mad at us for being away so long, but I hope that’s not the case. If Ive learned anything in these past couple weeks, it’s how big of an effect that little girl has on me. It took me at least 4 days of being on the cruise to stop feeling selfish everytime I did something just for me. Ive realized I don’t even know who I am without having her around to mother, or always have her to go right back home to.

It was good in a sense that I got to remember that I can still be fun and have adult conversations again, and all the free time gave me lots of opportunity to think about and appreciate the good little family life I have back home. But it was really, really nice to get that old feeling of remember who I am…and not just as Zuri’s mom. I needed that little reminder and it came at the perfect time!

Pisa, Italy then Monte Carlo, Monoco

2010-06-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

We were so bushed after Rome that the next day we slept-in and missed our date with our Canadian Parents. We were pretty bummed. But instead of going to Florence like we originally planned, we decided to go to Pisa instead where we saw the leaning tower of Pisa…it was pretty dang cool. We tried to find out all the history about it but go way too carried away taking funny pictures with the tower. Plus, it was hard to take it seriously when all the little store vendors there had men’s underwear’s hanging everywhere with cleverly placed leaning towers on them. You get the picture.… it was hilarious.

Next!

We went to Monte Carlo, Monoco. We met back up with our Canadian mums and dads and explored the city…Its where the Grand Prix and the Cannes Film festival is every year. It is weallllthy. …Like snobs driving Maserati’s and Rolls Royces everywhere, wealthy. Its also famous for their casino. They don’t let you gamble until they do a credit check to make sure you have muy denero to lose. You used to have to wear a tux to even get into the casino lobby just 5 years ago. Nuts. But it is a beyond beautiful little costal city where everyone speaks French and smokes. Have I mentioned about everyone smoking by the way? Well, everyone and I mean EVERYONE smokes in Europe. Like, for example, our waiter in Rome would refill our drinks then go smoke in the corner of the restaurant. Seriously, INSIDE the restaurant. And you can buy cigarettes in vending machines. So gross.

Naples then Rome, Italy

2010-06-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

We went to Naples, Italy yesterday and just got back from our long, long, long day in Rome! …and I found something out that has bothered me all day. Its name is not Naples…Its Napoli. And Venice, Italy is not Venice…Its Venecia. Rome is Roma. Lets get it right, Americans!!!! Whew…ok, now that that’s off my chest …. Naples is dirty and just like any other big city by the water…but its cool to see a lot of legit African people there. I bought a little wooden owl and cute little elephant for our house from the blackest person I’ve ever seen in my life. His skin was literally black…it was crazy. Form there we went to the city of Pompei…Its an ancient city that was buried in over 5 feet of ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted thousands of years ago. Every single living thing died from suffocation when the ash cloud hit the city..no one had a chance. The crazy thing is that the ash actually petrified everything it buried, leaving whole bodies practically un-decayed…so when they discovered the city hundreds of years after, they un-dug whole families still lying in their beds just as they were the day the volcano erupted. It was eerie and kind of sad but really cool at the same it.

We went to Sorrento, Italy by train after we left Pompei and I LOVED IT! We ate the most delicious margarita pizza, lasagna, as gnocchi you could imagine for only 6 Euro. No American food will ever come close to it. Screw you CPK! I will no longer spend $12 on your not real/very expensive/not even that good pizza again.

Moving onto Rome…..well, I can start by saying that my Forever 21 sandals I bought the day before our trip are now officially worn down past the rubber soles. We walked at least 10 miles today, and right now I am in a bathrobe, in my little twin bunk-bed, too exhausted to even go to dinner tonight. We saw EVERYTHING! You’ll just have to look at the pictures whenever I get them up because I’m not even going to try to explain Rome in words. It was crazy to say the very least.

Mykonos, Greece

2010-06-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

I.LOVE.MYKONOS!

Like really, really, really love it. Were definitely coming back sometime.

Its all white with different colored roofs and trim, right on the ocean. Its paradise. And funny enough….thats the name of the beach we went to in Mykonos. We took a bus just a few miles outside of the city and layed at the beach for a couple hours…there were lots of nakey bums and boobies which made our little adventure even more funny. This is of course because I was with 3 other childish, immature, 20-something-year-old BOYS. Well, I take that back….even if I was alone I would have been giggling just as much as I was with them. Its so weird seeing naked bodies play paddle ball and laying around. I kind of hope I never get used it. Haha

Bringing up the BOYS….I have to let everyone know how much I love them. Its been so fun with the four of us. We’ve been traveling long enough together that I feel like we’ve all figured out our own place in this little Euro-Family we created. Sam’s the navigator and translator. Kind of like our trip dad. Corey chitchats with any person that speaks English we come across and, I quote, “just shoots the breeze with them.” He also says the funniest shiz ever. I’ve been laughing non stop. Bronson is guaranteed to have his ear buds in listening to Lil Weezy at all times, and is ALWAYS on the verge of napping…. I’ve never seen a human being sleep so many hours in the day EVER. I credit this to “the bear cave” which we have nicknamed our room on the ship. It has 2 twin-style bunk beds (Yes, that’s right… were all sleeping in our own individual bunk bed. Romantic, huh?) and no windows. The first couple days we would wake up at 3:00am not knowing what time it was, then 2:00pm the very next day….our bodies were so confused. And, me? Im, of course, the trip mom. I tell them to stop swearing, hand out Advil, budget the spending money, and worry about our safety/catching the ship before it leaves port. Its awesome.

Istanbul, Turkey

2010-06-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

You could say that Istanbul is Turkey’s version of New York City…. We got there early in the morning in time to watch hundreds of men fishing off a huge bridge right in the middle of the city. It was something ill probably never forget because it was obvious they weren’t fishing for fun, they were fishing so they could feed their family… it made feel really happy about my comfortable little life back in the bubble.

The city is beautiful but filthy at the same time. They have big business buildings like any normal big city would have…but enormous religious Mosques stand every which-way you turn. It was un-real. They are so beautiful and MASSIVE. The bathrooms, on the other hand, are anything but beautiful and massive, they are a hole in the ground you have to squat over.. this form of public restroom costs a dollar to use by the way. Vomit worthy disgusting.

It was pretty hazy and even drizzled on and off throughout the day, so it was a perfect for doing the normal touristy type of exploration… we first had to navigate our way through the city to find the Blue Mosque…. this was an adventure in itself. I heard that the men there loved blonde women and were pretty forward about it…..Even offering to trade cattle for tourist women. This warning turned out to be pretty spot-on accurate and I'm glad I was for-warned. It was creepy a little but mostly funny….

Anyways….the blue mosque was nuts. We had to cover our legs, shoulders, and even heads just to look inside the Mosque. It’s huge and still functioning….the whole city stops 5 times a day to pray….the prayer even comes on across huge intercoms throughout the city sense the majority of Istanbul is Muslim. Store workers and people just in transit on the street stop what they’re doing to kneel and pray. It was so cool to see.

Then we went to Grand Bazaar..the biggest shopping place on earth….for real. The vendors there come at you like vultures and practically pull you into their shops…even food places have guys standing out front to get people to come inside. They start their offers at 100% more than whatever the item you want to buy is worth….it was comical. They would say a piece of jewelry would be 180 Turkish Leera and we would get them down to 20 Leera…. that’s like $10 U.S. Bronson was in bargaining heaven.

hmmmm speaking of Leera …the thing we are getting most out of visiting Istanbul is probably their form of money, the Turkish Leera. Hahahahah I am laughing even typing it. We began replacing any noun for the phrase ,“Turkish Leera.” Like Ill poke Corey in the shoulder and he’ll say, “Hey! Don’t touch my Turkish Leera!” Every item , and anything good, bad, funny, gross, or lost is now a Turkish Leera to the four of us. We laugh every time and I don’t think it will never get old. I know it probably sounds dumb to anyone who isnt here…but it has given us hours of fun and giggling.

All in all, Istanbul made me vastly aware of the outside World and how huge it actually is. To see women have to cover themselves from head to toe and a whole city be sooo devoted to their religion was an amazing site to see. It felt so far from home..its hard to explain the feeling. It made me appreciate my normal little life I have back in Utah that, now, seems so less chaotic than before.

I hate that all the crazy photos of our adventures we’ve been having wont upload…but I’ll post them the minute I can!

pictures...

2010-05-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

are not loading.

bummer.

were in Istanbul and its the first time we've had internet the entire trip.....ill upload some when i can.

Kusadasi, Turkey

2010-05-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Day at sea…

We had our first day at seal…I needed it. After traveling 36 hours straight and sleeping bits and pieces throughout the traveling and days in Venice, the easy going days in the Mediterranean Sea felt like heaven.

So far ive read 2 books, got to go to the beautiful workout facility, laid by the pool, watched movies and had my first of many 5 course meals. Our waiters name is Romeo and he’s from the Philippines…he always tells us what we want for dessert…. Even when we say, :I think ill try the cheesecake tonight…he’ll say something like, “no, tonight you feel like the soufflé.” And without another word he’ll walk away and bring us what he feels like we should eat. Haha its great…

We also are the youngest people on the ship by a good 26 years. We’ve actually had people come up to us and ask how on earth the 4 of us got here. I don’t mind the age gap by the way…we’ve met some really cool friends from Canada..Andy, Mark, Helen and Neil…they’re about 50 years old and the coolest friends I could have hoped for…they have children older than us but none of us care. We’ve also made friends with two girls from seattle…I think Corey and Sam were crushin on them at first cause they are the only ones even semi near close range to our age bracket. But after hanging out for a night I think its well known they’re just friends.

Oh and have you heard of Stacy S. form English Idol? I hadn’t but anyways She came in 3^rd on the latest English Idol (American Idol in London) …well she’s here as a passenger on the cruise too…. We met her in the hot tub and just started chatting away….she said she was bummed because she couldn’t stay the whole trip and when we asked why she had to leave early the whole story about her almost winning the show came out. She has a single in the works out and a record soon to follow. Cool, eh?

So far this trip has exceeded all my expectations and is exactly what the doctor has prescribed… leaving Zuri was more awful than I thought….I couldn’t stop crying and once I would get calmed down the thought of her would shoot tears to my eyes and I would start all over. I felt like ditching the trip all together. After we left the house I felt like I needed a blessing to cope with the separation anxiety and luckily Corey offered to give me one….I'm sooo thankful for it because I can honestly say that it really helped…ive been able to completely enjoy myself even though I miss her like crazy. I know I wouldn’t be even a fraction of as calm and relaxed as I am if it wasn’t for that blessing. To say im grateful for friends and family around me with the priesthood is an understatement. It’s more of a necessity and I feel safe and secure while im away from my baby girl. It’s a good feeling.

Kusadasi

We went to kusadasi Turkey this morning and saw the Ephesus ruins. Unreal. Everything there was from before Christ’s time on earth. The word ancient doesn’t even do it justice. Here are lots of pictures, so… you can see for yourself. And oh yes….the men here are gross and call you honey as they reach out to touch you. They also try to trade camels for women and sell you water in expensive perfume bottles. Jerks.

venice, italy

2010-05-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

I am in love with Venice, Italy.

We arrived here four days ago…our first night we came into the city on a water taxi. It was exactly how you probably imagine Venice to be.

No cars

Water canals

Gondola rowers wearing only blue or red-stripped shirts

Amazing ancient architecture

Gelato

Narrow Ally ways

The best Italian food ever

No two buildings alike

And, did I mention accordion players?

Its more amazing than I thought it would be.

We stayed in a hotel the night we arrived….We had to navigate our way through the city by asking local store employees that spoke English where to go. After walking in a million different tiny ally ways we finally came across our hotel office

To our surprise, the hotel clerk started heading us back outside into the allies after we checked in. We went about a block away when the hotel clerk unlocked 3 doors before we got to our “hotel room” that was actually just a random room in a sketchy building in the middle of the city. It was AWESOME. Although, Bronson, Sam, Corey and myself all thought about how easy it would be to stab someone in the eerily quiet and secluded allies. Kind of creepy to say the least.

After we dropped off our stuff and discovered our beday, we wanted to get some genuine Italian grub…This is when we realized Italians completely and utterly hate Americans.

When we came across a place that wreaked of the best Italian pizza on earth we sat down….our waiter was a wonderful nice old man…..until we opened our mouths and he found out we were American. He then turned on us…..for example….Sam asked him if we could get some bread to go with our fresh mozzarella and tomatoes…. He looked at us like we ran over his family dog…. Serious scary stink eye….He was so pissed off.

We’ve had many experiences like this over the last 4 days…

One in particular was when I tried on this apron…the street vendor came around the corner and started yelling every Italian swearword imaginable at us…seriously yelling….we could hear him even when we walked a good 50 feet away… Ranting and raving and throwing his arms up in the air. It was soo funny.

The next morning we got to our ship and realized we were in Venice one day longer than we thought we would be because of all the controversy in Athens, Greece (our next stop on the cruise). We were so sad not to stop in Athens but on the positive side, it gave us an extra day in Venice and made us fall even more in love with Italy.

The ship is also wonderful if you wondering…..im loving every moment and I can’t believe there is actually more amazing sites to see! I’ll keep you posted!

im a mess

2010-05-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

for real.

Were leaving in about 29 hours to Italy, Greece, Turkey, and finally Spain.

Euro-Trip...check! One more down my bucket list.

Exciting, right?! It really is to say the least....but, the not-so-exciting part is leaving our little munchkin behind for 16 days.

ah, booo hooo. you should know that after that last sentence i started bawling and took a 5 minutes break from blogging. im a wreck.

I've been crying on and off for the last day and half and I can't imagine what it will be like tomorrow when we have to put Zuri down for bed. It will be the last time i see that little face for much much too long.

Im absolutely sure she will be totally fine and love all the spoiling she'll get from the gramdmas. But I have to tell you....the morbid thoughts keep sneaking into my brain. I HATE THEM! I feel completely psychotic and probably should be admitting into some sort of mental health home. Is this normal?

Welcome to motherhood, I guess. Panic attacks and intense paranoia.

It will all be worth it in the end! Bon Voyage!

Can I please tell you how much I love Mothers Day?

2010-05-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I really do loveee Mother's Day.

And, I take complete advantage of it. I've learned not to pick up a dirty dish, not to think about turning on a stove, and I definitely don't go near diapers.

Mothers day is more like a role reversal day. You know....the men feel obligated to do all the dirty work women usually do, and I think this is why I enjoy it so much. For example....

....I guess today was the first day in Bronson's whole life he was asked to prepare corn for dinner. He came into the family room twice asking questions about how to properly cook frozen corn in the microwave. baahaha. it makes me laugh even remembering it.

If you were wondering...the frozen corn in a bowl turned out pretty good. Thanks for stepping it up, boo. You made Mothers Day wonderful for me.

...and a note for my mini-me...

Dear Zuri,

thanks for making me a mom.

You've made all my most special goals in life come true.

you're the greatest little nugget a mom could dream for, and

You make me the happiest lady around.

i love you.

oh. and we went to chuck-e-cheese for the first time this week. you loved it all except the scary band members on the stage.

-love, mom

Notice your worried eyes scoping out the huge puppets behind us in the picture below...

I get it, though. They kind of freak me out too.

blog worthy crushing

2010-05-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

I am seriously crushing on Emile Hirsch. Seriously.

I first noticed him in DOGTOWN when he played Jay Adams...for a long time I thought I just had a crush on Jay...I realized I was wrong when...

...I saw INTO THE WILD and fell head over heels in celebrity crush land love with Mr. Hirsch.

So, last night I started watching TAKING WOODSTOCK...I didn't know he was in it...So, when his cute little face popped up I felt giddy like a dumb school-girl. I was sincerely embarrassed that I like him so much. So much so...that I thought it was blog worthy.

And if you were wondering about how Bronson feels about this... He's totally fine with it. He would be because he reminds me often of his celebrity love. She's this little lady down here...

Real original, right?

And don't count out our little lovechug.

Whenever she sees this guy from THE FRESH BEAT BAND she gets completely twitterpated.

Meet Twist. He loves music and has some cool friends too.

If you ask me, I think ZuZu has pretty good taste for a not-even-two-year-old. He puts it down beat boxing, and is an excellent dancer.

HaHa...I love her. But you already knew that.

PANTS

2010-05-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

I sure hope the neighbors like full moons.

wanna hear about the suckiest day ever?

2010-04-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

So here it goes...

i meet bronson to go all the way up to Murray to pick up an absolute STEAL of a mattress i found on KSL...seriously. Like $145 for a "brand new, still wrapped in plastic" posturepedic king.

he takes work off early so we can switch cars, we then soon find out we leave bronsons wallet back at the house. and of course i dont have mine..cause why would i?

So, we borrow my father in laws credit car.

We then get a call from our wonderful mortgage guy saying he got all of our documents in place to re-finance our house and everything is ready to go..EXCEPT...he cant go any farther in the process because of an unpaid speeding ticket we got over 9 months ago....WHAT!? totally bummed out.

during the rest of the 50 minute ride up to Murray zuri is screaming because we dont have enough gum/treats to satisfy her needs. then, we get not one, but TWO cancellation text from the techs at bronsons work...

this all adds up to not-too-happy-husband.

We finally arrive at the sketchy mattress wearehouse.

walk in.

see the mattress...

...and throw up in our mouths.

it looks like a CSI murder mattress.

then bronson proceeded to say some things like..."we drove all the way up here for this piece of $%&#?", and..."zuri, get off that! You'll catch a disease!" and finally after the salesman offers the next upgrade(like $400 more) brons blows up and storms out of the scary warehouse. leaving me and zuzu lady to deal with the sales guy. ummmm...embarrassing, right?

After some ranting and raving in the parking lot we all get back into the truck where we realize brons got a 3rd and final cancellation for the day.

with all that's happened in the last 4 hours i am taking a NyQuil and praying the Jazz win so i can have a happy husband again.

ewww, day, go away already. But, i guess it could get a lot worse right? I'm glad non of these are actually me.

oh no. i found something I need.

2010-04-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

And I do mean need. Not want.

I have to have this little guy...He would be the perfect addition to our family. And I cant help but picture Zuri walking around with this little munchkin brother on her shoulder.

Dear finger monkey, you are so cute. How much are you?

oooooo lala

2010-04-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

I actually salivate while looking at pictures like these.

Please enjoy some of my dream house photos.

2010-04-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

"You can shit in one hand and wish in the other, then see which one fills up first"

Quoted directly from my dear aunt Vanda (who was 77 mind you). This was one of the many one-liners she threw around. She's famous for them...this particular one seems to be my favorite and most memorable.

And, hey. Its pretty good advice if you think about it.

Aunt Vanda

2010-04-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

This is my Great aunt Vanda Lee Starr. Isn't she gorgeous?

She passed away this last Tuesday and it was a very sad day for the Markham family. She has had Parkinsons for awhile now so it wasn't a surprise but its still different without her around. She was such a cool lady. I loved everything about her, and our whole family will miss her sweet personality around. We made our way up to Ontario, Oregon where her and her husband have lived on their farm for the last 50+ years to be with our family and go to her funeral.

Brons couldnt get off work because he's taking so many days off for our trip next month, Rory just moved to Chicago, and my dad is stuck in Europe right now because of the volcano ash cloud....crazy huh? He was supposed to be on a plane back yesterday morning and now wont even start his journey back to the US til saturday. Theres no place to stay over there....no cars to rent....and the French Rail system went on strike so he is seriously stuck right now. He was so close to Vanda so I know he is pretty bummed out right now. We're all missing him a lot.

Soooo, we piled into the car and started our all girls road trip to Idaho and Oregon. I was REALLY nervous about driving 8 hours with Zuri, but she did pretty dang good.....minus the fact that she didnt sleep once.

This is us about 5 hours in.

...and then this started....

I think I hate car rides more than my 22 month old daughter.....I was going crazy as you can see, But we finally made it and absolutely love seeing my wonderful Nanny and Papa and auntie Brandi. They're so good with all us grandkids....I still feel like a little kid everytime we go there and I loooove it. Its fun getting back to your roots every once in awhile.

If you want to see what's up with this.....

2010-04-16T22:25:00.001-07:00

Then you'll have to go go to my other blog.... www.wesliewillmakeyoubeautiful.blogspot.com

Look what I made!

2010-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

This cute little bedside lamp came from.......

.....this....not-so-cute beside lamp.

I found these emerald/ gold beauties on KSL and saw some potential. So, for $7 each, plus a $2.75 can of spray paint, and returned lamp shades from DownEast for another $5...I'd say I got them for a steal. They'll look wonderful in our newly decorated home...whenever we get in there that is.

And on a totally different topic.....I'm mourning today. My brother left to Chicago for the next 4 months to work and I can't help but feel terribly sad about it.

Who wouldn't miss this face?

Ever sense we decided to move into my parents basement last year I was mostly excited about getting to live with Rory again. He's just cool. I like hanging out with him and its as simple as that. We get each other when no one else does.

But knowing my mom like I do, there will be a Chicago trip in the works quite shortly...so hopefully I get to see that face before the next 4 months are over.

holy mother of all things FANTASTIC!

2010-04-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

I have discovered HULU.

awesome

amazing

wonderful

Why has it taken me so long?

If you know anyone....

2010-04-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

Who is looking to rent this summer please send them our way!

We have been renting out our cute condo for about 9 months now to the most wonderful couple on Earth... but, sadly, they are ready to move into their new home. Sooooo, were on the hunt to find some great new renters!

We're looking to find someone who is willing to pay around $1,300 a month and sign a 6 month contract..then go month-to-month after after that.

It has:

3 bedrooms

2 baths

walk-in closets

highspeed internet

direct TV

washer/dryer

a/c

18ft vaulted ceilings

2 flat screens

king sized pillow top bed

2 car underground garage

Did I mention its completely furnished? Well, it is.

It also has awesome club house ammenities like; outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, basketball/raquet ball court, poker table, movie theater, indoor gym, and you can rent out the entire club house for parties. Cool, right? Its located 2 minutes off the PG/Lindon exit in Pleasant Grove. Call me or Bronson if you or anyone you know is interested....801.367.2335

attention to ALL:

2010-04-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

It is this lovely ladies birthday in just a few hours...and if you dont know who this is, then I feel sorry for you. Because she is the nicest, smartest, most beautiful, funny, compassionate, loyal, selfless, creative, wonderful woman I know.

Oh, and shes my MOM!

I know I'm one lucky girl to have a mom like mine. I absolutely love and adore everything about her and I pray all the time that Zuri will love me like I love my mom one day.

She's pretty much my best friend and the first person I call about anything good, bad, or ugly. I can depend on her for anything in life and so can anyone else that comes in contact with her. She's pretty much a universal mom to everyone. She knows how to comfort people and always is completely level headed, understanding, and full of the best advice.

When I gave birth to Zuri and finally got to go home from the hospital my house was spotless with new comfy pillows on our bed, washed baby clothes, and a fridge packed full of yummy groceries. Not only did she do all this for me, but she slept on the floor of the nursery and would get up with the baby so I could get a good nights rest. She would bring the baby in only when she was sure Zuri was ready to eat. My mom did this for five whole nights....FIVE. Its just kind of woman she is I guess. So, you can understand that when she had to finally leave my house I was a total wreck....balling my eyes out. Im not kidding. She only lives 7 minutes away. Stupid, right? ...I know, I know.

I just love her being around though.

Soooooo...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Thanks for being such an awesome mom and giving me a really good example to follow. I appreciate all you do for me and my little family and all the time and effort you put in to making our whole families life wonderful. You put joy in everything in our lives.....and yes, I know its your name and you always thought it was weird, but I think Joy is your name for reason. You make everyone around you happy and my life is what it is because you are my mom. Ohhhhh....and not to mention you're a total babe. See....

I love you, Mamasita! Happy Birthday!

My girls gone 3D

2010-04-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

I took this little gem to a movie yesterday.

We saw HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGON.

I really actually enjoyed it. I thought it was a pretty dang cute movie.

But the movie did not even come close to how entertaining Zuri was watching it. First of all she got to wear these....

HAHA! I didnt know they made baby sized 3D glasses.

Secondly, she loved the scary dragons which i was not expecting at all. There were some terrifying dragons lemme tell you.

The dragons would RAWR and she would RAWRRRRR right back to them....Im sure no one around us appreciated this. But I didnt care. I let her rawr away.

And lastly. She sat through the whole movie! She is so amazing I can hardly contain it. I love her. Shes the best little lady in the whole world! and how did we get lucky enough to get her out of all those little souls up there? I simply dont know.

Dear Moms of babies who are still babies....just you wait till they get 20-21 months. prime age. my absolute favorite! Im working on inventing a shot that freezes babies/puppies so they wont grow up any bigger. Ill let you all know when I become a famous millionaire scientist.

ZUphone

2010-04-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned how much I love this little girl yet? Well, I really really love her.

this is

2010-04-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

currently my little families favorite song. we sing it in the car mostly. i love it, so maybe you will too.

I've been hacked!

2010-03-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

....and Im ok with it.

Mr. man of mine, you're the greatest.

thank you for the pretty picture you made.

and for letting me find this surprise.

and, i can tell you i was sincerely surprised.

i love surprises.

but i love you more.

2010-03-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Zuri,

2010-03-24T01:32:00.001-07:00

We took you to the park last week...

you loved looking around at all the big kids there.

We took you down the slide,

and gave you lots of kisses,

and had an all around wonderful day outside. Were sick of

the cold and ready for the sun.

I daydream constantly of all the fun were going to have this summer. Just you and me, guurl.

Your favorite part was swinging with Dada.

You are so brave lately..dad was pushing you as high as the big kids and you were never afraid. Me, on the other hand, well I was terrified. You're still just my little lovechug....but I guess its time to start letting you grow up, huh?

Zuzu lady, lets be best friends forever ok? You , me, and dada are the 3 amigos.

Don' you forget it!

bronson + weslie + zuri

People Water in Nicaragua

The awful story that is true, and I sure wish it wasn't.

breast feeding....

“An entire sea of water can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you.” — Goi Nasu

A day in the life.

Introducing Miss Remi Estella Christensen

ohh emm geee

the mama and the papa and the baby bear

befores and afters from todays Lashes

EYELASHES!

boo hoo

husband in town= photo fun time

old journal reading.

Crap. I'm addicted to unisome.

zuzu falls asleep on her froggy potty

People Water

I'm retiring...

I couldn't possibly love Modern Family anymore than I already do.

Curse the day Zuri puked into my laptop!

all the many reasons I dont feel like blogging. but I will anyways

Emmy Rossum - Slow Me Down

My little girl isn't so little.

Im having another baby

holy freakin moly.

My Sweet Wilbert Cat

Zu @ The Park

Umm, Just call me Michelle from the Bachelor.

what the...?

you have to watch this!

Some happy times in the last few days

OH JOY! Rapture! Splendid! LOVELY!

Today I hid in a 3x3 laundry closet for 20 minutes.

The Perfection Disease

Happy 100th post and my brother is so cool.

Ease-in day of The Master Cleanse

Lately...

Here's what I know for sure right now.

bah humbug

Today is our anniversary!

puppy love

ummm dying...

We went to Venice yesterday...

do you ever have days where you subconsciously decide to nothing productive?

stumbled upon this in google images

and P.S.

A few things I left out of the blog in 2010...

I must be back in LA.

Shoot!

An ode to the Mr. Christensen.

Uh-oh zuzu

Dear Mr. Claus

have you ever..

holy shiz...you must read

oooooooooo kay.

and just for fun..rory and brons. 2005..

dug this out of the archives....

zuri meets mickey

welcome to the world little chug.

Little update

I think I am emotionally ready to share this embarrassing story that has kept me from blogging for about 3 weeks.

Ive always been an old soul

zuzu lady

Dear Iced not-fat Mocha,

LA Ladies...and husband.

I'm cheap,

You need to know a little something about me...

My night last night went a little something like this....

fml

ch ch cha changes..turn and face the strange

ohhh matt clayton...how on earth do you always snap the best photos??

Barcelona, Spain to Madrid to NYC to HOME!

Pisa, Italy then Monte Carlo, Monoco

Naples then Rome, Italy

Mykonos, Greece

Istanbul, Turkey

pictures...

Kusadasi, Turkey

venice, italy

im a mess

“An entire sea of water can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you.”
— Goi Nasu