Hello 2013.

Here's to the end of this year 2012, and the beginning of the next!
Goodbye 2012, hello 2013.


This year has had plenty, plenty of heartbreaks, and challenges. It's had it's goods and it's bads. But nothing comes close to the lessons I've learned.

I've learned in one way or another every one will let you down, at some point. I've learned, that only some of those people will take the time to make it right, and I've learned, most times it's the people you never thought would. I've learned, people you know, become people you knew. And sometimes people you always forgave aren't as forgiving. I've learned people make mistakes. And it's easy to take the ones we love for granted. I've learned it's harder to say goodbye when you know it's for a long while. I've learned how hard it is to watch people you love hurt. I've learned about sadness. I've learned about strength. I've learned family isn't always blood, and weaknesses can always make you stronger. I've learned it takes years to build trust, but only seconds to destroy it. I've learned about life. I've learned it's not what you said, or did that people remember, but how you made them feel. I've learned it's a thousand times more difficult to burn calories than to refrain from eating them in the first place. I've learned the first cut isn't always the deepest. And sometimes it's not about getting revenge. I've learned teasing is better when it's positive. I've learned to focus on the greatness. I've learned people change. I've learned about husbands and being a wife. I've learned happiness in a way no one will ever understand. I've learned sometimes your greatest friendships are not those you've had the longest, but those who stick around when things are the toughest. I've learned most people don't get going when the going gets tough. I've learned about weak people. I've learned of strong ones. I've learned that best friends don't have to be in the same place in life as you. And sometimes being different isn't bad. I've learned people lie, steal, cheat. I've learned about anger. And disagreeing. But most importantly I've learned about love. Loving others. And myself. I've learned about never giving up. And looking at the bright-side. I've learned wonderful, and miraculous. I've learned kindness. I've learned friendship, some of the best I've ever had. I've learned giving back. I've learned me.


I don't know where 2013 will take me and my husband. But I do know it will take us places 2012 didn't. And that's something to look forward too.....



Happy New Year!
Love,
The Christensen's!

Christmas shopping

Seriously,
Christmas shopping is like my worst nightmare.
I always feel bad when I can't get someone some thing I know they will really love.
And I hate when money is tight and it seems like good gifts are hard to come by.


This Christmas has been especially tough. With all the craziness going on lately.
The drive to California is always cheaper with the three of us, (sister mel, tagged along).
However it's never really cheap.

BUT

As I've been killing myself over Christmas shopping lately, I realized its not about the presents.
I realized how easy it is to get caught up in the gifts.

This year I am just glad I get to be with my family.
In the house I grew up in, for the last time.
I am thankful my little brother, Cameron, is here.
He'll be serving a mission the next two years.
I am glad we are all going to be together.
And although some things are uncertain,
we can set aside our differences, and remember what this Christmas season is REALLY all about.

Merry Christmas everyone!
I hope you can feel the love of the Savior like I have, and whatever your trials and challenges may be at this time, you will feel peace and comfort in this truly joyous Christmas season!

Thank yous

J Tyler- thank you for folding the laundry, doing the dishes and taking out the trash.
Kali- thank you for making my house smell like "welcome home"  (I am in smell good heaven.)
Mom- thank you for sending me my birth certificate.
Grandma- thank you for helping with gas money.
Rhett- thank you for letting me have a day to feel better.
Hannah- thank you for hanging out with me til the wee hours of the morning.
Burglar- thank you for not coming back, I didn't want to have to hurt you.
Momma' Chris- thank you for always thinking of us.
Amanda, Renee, Caila- thanks for looking forward to seeing me.
Walmart oil changer guy- thanks for changing our oil.
Weather man- thanks for predicting rain and snow and horrible driving weather (we really feel prepared)
Miles- best friend baby miles, thanks for leaving snot on my phone, I love it so much.
Baby Harper- thanks for warm snuggles always.



Heavenly Father- thank you. thank you for all these wonderful people.

my everything

Right now I am sitting in our FREEZING cold apartment waiting for J Tyler to get off work so we can head to California!

I'm sitting on the couch, looking out the window at the white headlights on all the cars passing by. They are glistening extra bright in the rain tonight. I see the flash of the fake fire works outside Fat Cats and I am thinking how grateful I am for my husband, that he woke up early this morning, got the oil changed, picked up the road trip snacks, cleaned out the car, vacuumed, took out the trash, did the dishes and made sure everything was packed and ready to be loaded. He arranged to get off work early, so we could head to California 30 mins earlier. Just because I am an anxiety ridden mess! Maybe a little OCD, because I want to be on the road by 10 o'clock sharp. And we won't make it if he's at work until 9:30.

The past 6 months have been some of the hardest! We have seen some very challenging trials. We have had huge mountains to climb, and valleys to cross. And I would be lying if I didn't say, sometimes I think giving up would be so much easier. Quite frankly I have J Tyler to thank for staying strong. Heavenly Father sure does work in mysterious ways. He places the right people in our lives at the right time. Without my husband, I wouldn't be able to get out of bed everyday with a purpose of moving forward, and aiming for success. Heavenly Father knew, he just knew, I need someone understanding, honest, faithful, someone with motivation and a strong head. He knew I needed J Tyler, someone that put God before me, and himself. J Tyler is more of a man than anyone I know. And I need that.

The crazy ride, life, has been exactly that. CRAZY!
It has been, happy and sad.
Easy and HARD.

But most importantly, it has been worth it.

As we prepare for these next few months of trial and tribulation.
I am more and more thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that has blessed me with the man I need.
There isn't anyone else I would rather have kneeling beside me each night before bed.


Heavenly Father, thank you for JTyler.
JTyler, thank you for loving me.


love,
YEC.

Forgiveness.

 

Christmas cards!

This is mine and J Tyler's first married Christmas together. And I wanted to start things off right and send out a really super cute Christensen family Christmas card! So naturally, I called up my amazing friend, Kali Poulsen. And begged her to take our pictures. She is the bomb.com. And got right on that.


It was freezing.
And I made J Tyler wear moccasins.
He decided not to wear socks.
And his feet got SOAKED!

As you can see above husband trashed me in the snow blowing contest, and then he chucked snow at my head! See if I ever have a snow ball fight with him again.

Shortly after this shoot, our car got stuck in the snow. Husband couldn't feel his feet, and we needed a push. So me and my muscles handled that. Easy, peasy lemon squeazzy!

After ten minutes of pushing we finally got the car moving. Haha.

I told Kali she should have got some pictures of that. That was a site. to. see!

Anyways. If you ever need pictures done for an amazing price.
Let me know. Cause Kali is the best!


Merry Christmas again!
Love,
The Christensen's!

Honestly,

I am so fed up with blogger right now. I literally had typed a forever long post. And all of the sudden its gone?!?!?!?!?!?!?


Done.Done.Done.

I am going to share a much shorter version. And a lot less funny.

Someone broke into our house.
Hide yo kids. Hide yo wife.
And probably yo chocolate kisses.
^yeah, someone broke into our house two nights in a row for chocolate kisses.
maybe it was santa, or maybe an elf, or maybe someone with no life.
WHO KNOWS?!
But it's scary, and unsettling.
So we called the cops. <--they did nothing.
So we called my mom. <-- she said get a chain lock.
So we called the office. <-- they said hold on.
So they called the owners. <--they said fo' sho.
yet, we still have no chain lock.

So I called my friend Kali.<-- She said, don't stay home alone, come ova wheneva you want.
So I did my laundry at her fabulousy safe place.
So we're moving. (okay, that was already in the plans. but whateva! all the more reason, to get the heck outta here!)

On a more serious note:
Although someone coming into your apartment some unknown way, in the middle of the night. While you are sleeping. Is scary. And unsettling. And ridiculous. And honestly, completely, totally, without a doubt, so annoying.
In this said time, we are really, truly thankful for this experience, that we were able to see a scary difference in the spirit of our home. It has brought us to our knees in more fervent prayer. And allowed us to see the blessing of prayer on our home. Whoever this person is, they haven't come back since we have prayed for comfort, peace and safety. We feel a sure sense of relief they won't be coming back. And we believe that is because our Father in Heaven is looking out for us. He hears our prayers, and blesses us with the peace and comfort. I have gained a greater appreciation for my Husband, and his priesthood powers, that through Heavenly Father he is able to bless our home!

We are so grateful to feel the Saviors love in our times of need, such as these. What a blessing the gospel is!




Again, Merry Christmas!
love,
The Christensen's.

 

dear past me,

Its one of those days when I've thought a lot about my past. I've thought a lot about life before marriage, before graduation, before growing up. I never realized how quick things can happen, and how quick things can change.

I remember waking up and it being the first day of high school.
I remember walking into my first class, and seeing a million familiar faces.
& I remember the feeling of relief I had.
Then, in the blink of an eye, I remember waking up, and it being graduation day.
I remember walking across that stage. Scared. But so ready to take on the world.

Today, I thought about my friends. I thought about the people that got me through.

Amanda, and Renee. What would I have done without them?!?! My funniest, most exciting memories are with them. Whether it was beach trips, or late night dance parties. From heartbreak to butterflies. They were there for it all. When I think of High School, I think of them.

Then there is Cody. Although, I knew him a lot longer than High School. It's then that we became the closest. He was always there. Sometimes, even when I didn't want him to be. Still to this day he is like a brother. Harsh when I needed it, even more so, loving when I needed it. He made sure I was included, every time. Mostly I remember, all the things he did and said that got me where I am.
(so excited for his homecoming, december18,2012) When I think of High School, I think of him.

But now, High School is over.

Now I am married to the most amazing person I know. And he's always got my back now. He's my love, and support. My back bone when I need one, and everything and more than I could ever ask for. He takes care of me. He's my best friend. He's my lover. He's my better half. He makes me want to be a better person. And he helps me to see the good in everything. Sometimes things are hard. Sometimes life throws us curve balls. And without J Tyler, I don't know how I would get through them. Together, we get through anything that comes our way.

Today I am grateful for the people I had in High School to get me through, to carry me when I needed it, to be my love and support. And today I am grateful for my husband. And that he is here, when those other people can't be. He is my world. I'm grateful for the people in my life. Amanda, Renee, and Cody. They will always be my best friends. I will always love them. And when I think of High School, I will always think of them. We will always keep in touch. We will always be apart of the big milestones in each other lives. College graduation, marriage, kids. Whatever it may be. Whether near or far. Life has taken us miles apart, but they are some of my people. And they always will be.

JTyler is my person now. My number one. My always and forever.

Today I was so grateful for the friends in my life, for the friends that helped me through the big things, the little things. All the things.

I have always been so blessed.

4:15 pm

I'm sitting on the couch, blogging and eating wheat thins.
Husband is in our room jamming on the guitar.


And I wish you could see my face! If you could, you would see the biggest, hugest, largest, most gigantic smile. EVER!

Today is a happy day. I can smell chicken chili in the crockpot. The house is clean. The sun is actually shining and SCHOOL is done. Done. DONE. DOOOONNNNNEEEE.

(okay, so he has finals next week. but finals. piece of cake. he's going to rock them. and then he's all mine for the next month.)

Today has just been one of those days.
You know those days?

You wake up and have all the motivation in the world. You clean the entire house. Throw some yum yums in the crockpot. Make husband a delicious lunch. Go to the grocery store. Plan out the week, and Christmas present shopping. And it literally feels like someone lifted the 7,000 pound hippopotamus off your shoulders for you!

Well that's how my day has been. And it's been great! I am LOVING it. Tons and tons.


Now, I'm going to run some more errands with my handsome, handsome husband.

I'll be back later today with more exciting news!


Loves&loves.

Complications.

Well, I had some problems with the other blog. Luckily, I was able to save all my previous posts and just copy paste them onto this new blog. Unfortunately, now it makes it seem like I've posted like 23203820 blogs on December 6, 2012.
Oh well, anyone who reads this knows that ain't the truth.


Anyways, I do have a couple posts I have been meaning to put out there for ya'll.
So bare with me on the crazy posts.

Tis' the season!

I can't believe Christmas time is already so near!


Let's be honest, Thanksgiving came and went. So quickly. Really, it didn't feel like Thanksgiving this year. I knew I wasn't going to be going home, and although I enjoy my husbands sweet family so much. I was really missing my family this Thanksgiving season. And wasn't quite ready for it to be here.

With that being said, I was sure it wouldn't feel like Christmas was near until I was headed to California to spend it with the Grieder clan in that Christmas California sun!

BUT I've quickly come to learn Christmas is husbands FAVORITE Holiday. This season makes him giddy as a school boy! (I mean, he tried to make me listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving.) ULTIMATE NO NO! I think last Friday, he asked like 40 times about getting a tree. Finally, I gave in and said yes. Who woulda thunk finding a good tree in Utah would be so freaking HARD! We drove around for like 30 minutes. First we went to Smith's, we had seen them putting trees out a week or so earlier, but they were all dead and funky looking. I take after my mother, we needed the picture tree! And they didn't have a stand. So we decided to hit up Wally-world. Uh, because Walmart has everything! Well, except Christmas trees. Eventually, I said lets try Lowes. BAM! PERFECT TREE!

 Husband was happy. And it started to feel like Christmas!We listened to Rockin' around the Christmas tree.Ate delicious mexican food. Watched Home Alone 1 &amp; 2. Christmas Classics.

 Got candy cane kisses^^ and decorated our perfect tree, but only after rearranging the entire living room, so that when it snows, we can looks out the window, put a fake fire place image on the TV and look at our Christmas Tree, ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

Merry Christmas all!


Love,
The Christensen's

&It goes a little something like this..

Did you know, the first time I ever saw J Tyler, he was standing up in church, baring his testimony. I turned to my older brother Kyle, with complete sarcasm in my voice, and said, I'm going to date that kid. Of course, Kyle, turned back and said "whatever, you don't know him, and that kids a tool." (that was the 'I'm the protective older brother' talking, seeing as Kyle had never talked to him.)
After all this happened, it wasn't until a week later that I even talked to J Tyler.  Me and some fellow Southridger's we're enjoying the warm sun, talking out on the lawn. J Tyler had just gotten home for work at the MTC. And came over to join us. Originally, he sat across the circle from me, pulled his dress pants up to his knees and joked he would get some sun. (Here I am thinking, this kid a goober. He's got his dress socks half way up his calves. How can he get any sun? And if he did, it would be a horrible tan line.) A few minutes later he said he'd be back after he changed. When he came back out in some cut offs and a tee shirt. He came and sat near me. His buddy was sitting behind him, mouthing his name to me. So generally my friend did the same. He guessed my name was Maggie. Never letting him live that one down.
That day wasn't really the start of anything. We didn't start talking more often or spending time together. I was kind of over the whole dating thing. I'd been dating someone else for about two and half months, and our hopes were that, it would work out when he got back. He'd just left to go do sales for the Summer. I wasn't going to date, I was going to focus on school, and see what happened when he got back...Who would have thought I would be engaged before he got back?
Well J Tyler had been called to serve as an FHE dad, my FHE dad. And my roommate just so happened to be the FHE mom. Because of that, he was constantly at our apartment planning activities. Truth be told, I pretty much stayed in my room, or studied on the couch, quietly. Then, he started coming to our apartment just to hangout, he came to Open Mic Night with us. He came around whenever he could. One day he was over, and we got to talking about how my roommate would be out of town this weekend, and I would be alone, and bored. I told him, we should hangout. He said yes. But I didn't think he was serious. I figured something would come up, but he texted me Friday afternoon and said we're still on for tonight right. I was thinking, "uh, is this kid for real? I thought this was a joke." I told him of my plans to go to a good friend Phil's concert, and asked if he wanted to tag along. He did. I'd never laughed like that in my life. I had so much fun. But I was still only thinking about this other kid, and that maybe this would just be the start of a really great friendship. After the concert, we went to grab something to eat. Then we went to swing at the park. Randomly he said "Let's go hike the Y." Thinking I would say no, I didn't. And we hiked the Y at 11 o'clock at night. Once at the top, J Tyler casually asks me, "How does a guy know if a girl likes him." *AWKWARD* I wasn't sure I was feeling it like he was, so I said, "Well how does a girl know if a guy likes her?" Avoiding a direct answer, we both beat around the bush and headed down the mountain. We hung out the next 3 days in a row. Then I realized, I really like this guy. When my roommate came home, she told me about another girl J Tyler was talking to. She was back in Florida for the Summer, but they were talking on the phone for a couple hours a day. And keeping in close contact, planning to see what happened in the Fall, when she got back for school. You can only imagine how confused I was. I decided I would just confront the situation, tell him how I was feeling. And see what happened.
So it was a Tuesday, after Open Mic Night, I told J Tyler I wanted to talk. We walked down to a park a few blocks away. I told him I knew about his dilemma. And that I had really started to like him, that I didn't want to be just friends. That I was ready to be serious. (Pretty sure I scared him to death) He let me know he couldn't tell me what he wanted that night, and that he needed time to think about it. I said that would be fine. But I let him know I wasn't going to wait around. That we shouldn't spend time together until he figured it out. I didn't want to get anymore hurt then I was already feeling. We talked until 4 am. And left the night on a really good note, he said he'd get back to me. And I said see you around.
But let's be honest, I called my mom first thing in the morning, crying. I knew something was different, and I was going to be heart broken if he didn't pick me. She reminded me I hadn't known him very long. And that everything would work itself out. I avoided him that day, he came over to meet with my roommate, I stayed upstairs. And then headed to school.
Then, I get this text, "I think we should do this." I played it down. Acted like we could talk after school. When I got home, we walked and talked. He said he wanted me to be his girlfriend. I made sure, that he was sure. He reassured me a thousand times, that he was. So from there, we began dating exclusively.

Within one week I knew I was suppose to marry him. I knew I loved him. Of course I didn't tell him yet. I mean I hadn't even kissed the kid yet. But I knew. Finally I told him. He didn't say I love you back. He said he wanted to be sure he felt the same way. It took him a little longer to figure things out. But I was okay with that, this time I was sure, I was okay with waiting. A month later we decided, we would be getting married. I knew without a shadow of a doubt J Tyler was the one I was meant to be with forever. I was nervous, it hadn't been long. But I knew. And now he did too. From there everything just seemed to work itself out. We set a date, told our parent, His brother was getting engaged around the same time, we didn't want to steal the thunder, so we waited a few months.

Just friends

Dating

Engaged

MARRIED!

 

So happy &amp; so in love.

long drives & dad

I hate 12 hour days.

Such a disaster.

I wake up at 6.

Drive to Midvale.

Get there at 7:50.

Class starts at 8.

Ends at 6.

Drive home.

Get home at 7.

Eat dinner.

Lay down.

Out.

Out like a light.

Until the next day..

then....

I wake up at 6.

Drive to Midvale..

etc.

etc.

etc.

So repetitive. And ridiculous. Luckily, it's almost over. I am doing a course that is a prerequisite for the nursing program I will be applying for in August. I have 3 classes I have to take starting in Jan. And then I am all set to get going with my life. My nursing plans really changed when I decided to pick up and move to Utah. Especially since I planned to go back to California, but got married. To the most incredible man I might add. And I am now stuck here until he is finished with his under-grad at BYU.


Today when I was driving home, I got to thinking about my dad.
He works an hour and a half from our home in California. And has commuted for the last 10 or 11 years. Most recently, the last 5 years or so, he has done it with a bad back. He wakes up at 3:30 am to make it to work by 5:30 or 6 am. And then works until 5:30 or 6 pm. And makes the 1:30-2 hour drive home, with no time to visit. He eats dinner, goes to bed, wakes up and does it all over again. Growing up I didn't really appreciate it, I just thought...he's a dad. That's what dads do. But now that I am married, and working really hard to provide a good future for my husband, and our children it's really opened my eyes. Especially this last week. And although my sacrifice isn't as great as my dad, and it hasn't been nearly as long. It has opened my eyes to the back pain, the horrible traffic, the early hours, and the sacrifice he has made for so long. So...

Dear Dad, 

I just wanted to tell you thank you.

Thank you for sacrificing countless hours of sleep.

Thank you for suffering the pain of a hurt back, and sore bum.

Thanks for working so hard.

Thanks for doing what it took to provide for us.

Thanks for letting us live comfortably.

Thanks for making the BIG sacrifices, like;
moving us out to Murrieta so we could 

go to better schools, and live in a better area.

Thanks for driving the extra 30 minutes so I could spend time with

Grandma and Grandpa after we moved.

Thanks for making sure we always had shoes on our feet

and food in our tummies.

It wasn't always easy.

Sometimes we were really loud when you were trying to sleep.

Thanks for going to work anyways.

Sometimes dinner wasn't ready when you got home after a long day.

Thanks for going to work anyways.

Sometimes I didn't do my chores.

Thanks for going to work anyways.

Sometimes I argued, and didn't appreciate you.

Thanks for going to work anyways.

Sometimes hours of work didn't pay the bills.

Thanks for going to work anyways.

Thanks for never giving up. Thanks for never leaving us.

Thanks for working so hard.
I am sorry I didn't realize sooner.
I am sorry I didn't help out more.
I am sorry I wasn't grateful then,
BUT I promise

I am so grateful NOW. And feel so blessed to call you my dad.

I am grateful you were there to celebrate my Wedding day.

I am grateful you've been there all my life.

I am just grateful for you.

&amp; I love you. So much.

Love, 

Maddie-cakes!

the CA vs the FLA

Lately I've been quite homesick...really missing my family and my friends.

I love Utah. It's a beautiful state, it's where I met the love of my life, my best friend, and my husband. It's the first place WE (me&amp;him) have called home.
It's where we have planted our feet, and started our lives together.
Although our plan isn't to stay here, Utah, sure has been good to us.

Husband is a Florida boy! He lived there the majority of his life.
He became accustomed to the RIDICULOUS, I mean RIDICULOUS humidity. (that I cannot stand, and really hope we never end up there)
That's where he played soccer, made friends, and lived life.
That's where his parents are.
It's where his band started. A piece of his band/music/rockn'roll loving heart will live forever!
It's where he calls home.

Me, I'm a born and raised California girl.
I love California, I love the beaches there. The weather there.
I love the sun. And the rain.
It's where some of my fondest memories are, like the day I married J Tyler.
Mostly, I love that, that's where my family is.
Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, little brother, puppies.
It's where I call home.

 Because my Heavenly Father knows me so well, I like to think I played a teeny, tiny, itty, bitty roll in Husband serving his mission there. Because serving close to where I am from, building life long relationships, and some of his greatest memories, and strongest friendships there has allowed him to fall in love with my home state as well....secrets out, he loves California MORE than Florida.

And I am so grateful.
Because together we can hope to end up there once I am done with nursing school, and him his under-grad at BYU.

I look forward to that day....whether is be 3, 4, or 5 years from now. I look forward to the day we move to plant our feet somewhere else, and start a family, so our kids can have the same kind of memories we had in a place we really love!

So California vs. Florida.
CALIFORNIA always WINS!

12 down, 8 to go!

So let me start off by saying, I KNOW I WAS NOT FAT!
Whenever I tell people I am trying to lose weight, and tone up. They automatically say, without thinking, you are not fat. You don't need to lose weight.
My response is...you've never seen me naked. Ha, unless, it's husband, of course. ;) wink wink!
No. He never says that to me, because he has been a HUGE part in this HUGE lifestyle change.

So as of today, which marks 72 days on this journey, I am 12 pounds down. With only 8 more to-go!

How this all started, me and husband were driving home from a California vacation, talking about how I am sick all the time, and nothing seems to help. The doctors don't know whats wrong with me. But there is always something. I decided I would research different things that cause fatigue, and muscles cramps and aches. Almost everything I researched talked about foods. Good, and bad.

Then I came across a health foods blog, and workouts to help relieve stress.

We finally arrived home, and I told him how I wanted to get down to business. We had gym memberships and had been going PRETTY regularly. But I told him we needed to go more. We'd both gained a fair amount of weight since we'd been married, and were both feeling kind of crummy lately. Pretty much since the late night snacking, and ice cream, and kix.

So we went grocery shopping and bought only healthy things. We started counting calories, and working out 6 days a week. We made sure we were not only counting our calories, but that the calories were good things. We went from 2% milk, to skim. We got whole grain breads, and brown rice. We stopped buying sweets, and ice cream.

Within the first week we were both down a good 2 pounds and feeling SO good. I was sleeping through the night without crazy muscles pains. We both had 891273189730128973 times more energy each day. I was up early and ready to go. As we've been making these changes it's really opened our eyes to how bad foods can be for you.

We both loved eating as a hobby. When we wanted to celebrate accomplishments, we said "let's go out to eat." It was a big adjustment to change our eating habits. We literally went from 3,500-4,000 calories a day to under 2,000. And hit the gym hard.

It's truly become a habit we are proud of. In the beginning husband was a little reluctant, but once he saw I was serious, and I was going to do it with or without him, he jumped right on board, and at times does better then me. He'll text me saying he is craving something bad, but later sends me a picture of his decision, and it is always something like salad, or carrot sticks. (I'm a proud wife)

We still go out to eat every once in a while, a lot less than before, and we are careful with our choices. Sometimes it's hard to order grilled chicken instead or pork salad at Cafe Rio. Cause the pork is just toooo GOOD! Every once in a while we get a BIG treat. Like sugar free chocolate, or candy corn. Fun size candy bars. Or chips. It's so much easier to eat unhealthy and not to have to worry about what we're eating, but it's totally worth it when we do.


All in all it's been an amazing change for us. We feel better, we have more energy, and we get a lot more done. Because it hasn't only been about losing weight, it's been so much easier to gain a half a pound here or there. I'm not angry with myself, because it could be the fact that I just ate an entire cucumber.

I'm healthy now. My body fat percentage is the lowest it's ever been. I weigh the least I've ever weighed, and I feel the best I've ever felt. It's been a really healthy weight loss as well. One that I plan to keep off always. When we reach our goals, we will do more to maintain our weight, and less to LOSE. But we will still watch what we eat, exercise 5-6 days a week. And take care of ourselves!

I keep telling myself,
HEALTHY LIFE, IS A HAPPY ONE!


&amp; a longer one too^ (:
 

fat faces

 

Skinny faces

 

 

 

 

 

Is it Thanksgiving?

I never realized how quickly time can pass, I mean I've been married almost 9 months, and it feels like yesterday.

I didn't realize how much people can change, from the time you meet them, until you get married and move on with your lives.

2 years ago when I moved to Utah, I didn't think I would be married and still living here. In all honesty, if it wasn't for the amazing man I married, I would be back in California, probably going to MSJC, and close to applying for nursing school.

Sometimes God has different plans for us.
Like living in Utah, trying to figure out a good route for nursing school. Working a job I hate. Little time for friends, and my husband. Life keeps me busy, and on my toes. I know there is lesson behind all of it. And I am so grateful that I have that knowledge. That I know there is a reason for everything going on in my life...from trials to triumphs. And not just because that's how it goes. But because there is a loving Heavenly Father up there watching over me. He knows all the plans he has in store, and that with his help, I will conquer it all.

I don't know whats next for us Christensen's. I don't know whats going to happen tomorrow, (besides the fact that I will be scrubbing my house from top to bottom.) but really, I could get a new job offer, or come up with amazing plans for nursing school, knowing we won't be in Utah much longer!
I don't where life is going to take us in the next 3 or 4 years. But I know it's going to be somewhere good. Somewhere we can flourish. Somewhere God would have us go. Somewhere we will succeed.


This is my life right now.
The waiting game.
At times I am impatient.
But I am anxious.
AND happy.
Because I KNOW, I will be taken care of.

Happy Halloween all...
I think I'm a little ahead of the Holiday's!


Welcoming Thanksgiving....






I've got a lot to be thankful for. Too much for one day a year.

Please? Throw me a curve ball.

I love when life throws me ridiculously heavy (bowling ball size) curve balls. Really like really?

Then after a few minutes of break downs, and sulking. I realize this is Heavenly Father teaching me a really valuable lesson. I just don't know what it is yet! But I will.

I am so grateful that my Grandfather felt so ready to meet his Maker. That has wasn't afraid to die, his only fear was leaving his loved ones behind. But together we are strong. And my grandma made sure he knew that she and all of us would be okay! Because she knew how much he really needed to hear that.
Grandpa, I miss you. And I am still thinking of you, always!



This weekend was surely a crazy one. OR should I say week!

Hub cleaning the windshield for the drive!

My handsome, amazing, wonderful, most supportive husband worked his sweet little bum off so that he could accompany me to California for my grandpa's memorial I knew my mom needed me, and he knew I would need him. (&amp;I sure did.)
We left Thursday at 3 when Husband got out of class. The drive takes about 10hrs, so we drove mostly through the night and arrived around 1 in the morning. My mom was awake working on some display boards for the memorial to take place later on Friday evening. We chatted with her. And then went upstairs to get some shut eye.

Lunch at Wings N' Things!

We woke up fairly early and just relaxed, got ready, had a quick lunch at a favorite place of mine. It's called Wings n' things. And it's delicious. We went just the two of us, so I could gather myself before heading to grandma's and then memorial.

Quick pic before leaving for the service!

 It was a beautiful service, and it allowed me to see how loved my grandpa was, and not just by family. He had so many friends. So many that loved and cared for him dearly. He really impacted so many lives. I am so blessed to call that amazing man my grandpa.

After that we headed back to grandma's to visit with my uncles and cousins that I don't get to see very often being so far away. That was really nice. It's nice knowing there are people I can pick up right where I left off with, whether that was 8 months ago, or 2 weeks ago. It's the same ole' same ole'. I just lovelovelove family.

He wanted to steal brother's guitar! Ha

We didn't get home until 11 that night, and me and husband were beat, so we went straight to bed. Knowing Saturday, (HUSBANDS BIRTHDAY) was going to be a busy one. We woke up Saturday ready to celebrate. We had cereal, watched our favorite show. Got ready, and headed to the mall for some birthday shopping. He really needed and wanted some new shoes. Which he got, and I love. Then we went and got Chiptotle, and headed home to relax before heading to a wonderful wedding reception.

It wasn't really his best birthday, but we had to make do with the situation! And we've got more celebrating going on this week, back in Provo.


All in all, it was a really short trip. At times I felt overwhelmed, and exhausted. But others I felt peace and comfort, knowing I was there to celebrate the life of someone very dear to me. With others who are VERY dear to me.


When the trials and challenges pile on, I am quickly reminded...

Ps. this is my cutie basa boy! He's got cancer in his left leg. It's the saddest, most horrible thing to watch. Its really started to affect him, we will continue to show him all the love in the world, until it's just too much to bare.

Praying for you my baby pup^ lovelovelove.

In loving memory

Lawrence Melvin Ragle 

July 27, 1934 - October 12, 2012



 

 I know he is rejoicing in the arms of his Father in Heaven. Free from all the pain and suffering he endured these last few months. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have, that I will see him again. That I will get to hear his voice, and listen to his stories. As sad and heartbroken as I feel, I know he is happy. He is with the loved ones he lost long ago. And I know he is looking down on my grandmother, his children, and his grandchildren, sending us all the love in the world. You never think about losing the ones you love. I mean, I'll admit, the thought that some day my grandpa would pass away didn't cross my mind, until his time was coming near. It didn't cross my mind as I read his daily emails about his adventures with his brothers when he was a boy. Or his journeys hiking over, through, and under mountains, without food or water. Because the dumb bear got all they had. When I thought of Grandpa, I thought adventure, I thought of dutch-oven ducks. Or the smell that only Grandma and Grandpa's house has. I thought of his wolf tee-shirts. His strawberry blonde hair and long beard. I thought of a leader. Someone strong and smart. If I could choose one person to be stranded in the mountains with, it would be my Grandpa. He knew it all, like the back of his hand...how to start a fire, how to tie every knot in the world. What plants were edible, or poisonous. 

I remember when I was at gram and gramps house, making my dress for my baptism with Grandma, and Grandpa came in confused. He didn't know who we were, or where he was. He was having a stroke. But I remember most, that a few days later he called to tell me that he was sorry that he interrupted my time with Grandma. And that he would make it up to me. I remember him taking me to ice-skating lessons, and getting veggie works burritos from Del Taco after. 

Most recently I remember him telling me how beautiful I am. I remember him always being encouraging about my plans to become a nurse. And how proud that made him. I remember his hugs. And him saying I love you. I remember him trying to get my to eat bacon and cheddar crickets. And that he carried a plastic spoon in his pocket. I remember how sorry he was he missed my wedding because he was sick. But I remember most that I knew he was thinking about me the whole time, and that he was really proud of me.

Baby maddie and gramps!

Grandpa isn't here now, I won't see him on Thanksgiving or Christmas. I won't get to hear his voice. I won't get to hold his hand. But most saddening of all, I won't get to see him become a great-grandpa. After my cousin Noah was born, I started imaging him with my kids, seeing how much love he would have for them. Knowing he would be the best great-grandpa there is! He won't be here for that now. However, I know he is in Heaven with them right now, telling them his favorite stories of me. Telling them how much he loves and adores my Grandma. And reminding them to be obedient, and probably teaching my boys how to start a fire, and tie a slip-knot or square knot. I know that he will be there with them, until they are here with me.

Grandpa, now when I think of you I will remember your smile (one tooth missing and all), and how much you made me laugh. I'll remember how much love I felt these last few years. And how much I grew to really know you. How interested I became in the things you loved and were passionate about. I will remember how you told me, "you know, I love your grandma, so much." I will remember everything you taught me about the Gospel, and how much you loved it. And lived it, every day. Thanks for raising my mother in the Gospel, and teaching me the importance of magnifying your callings, and living the commandments. 

I love you. And miss you. And I will think of you daily. 

see you later, see you soon, love
mad-maddie

letter to my love.

Dear Husband,
Thanks for working really hard for our family. For being patient and kind. For taking good care of me. For getting back in bed with me for a few minutes every morning before you leave. For always saying I love you. For holding my hand when we're happy, for holding it tighter when things aren't easy. Thanks for being a man I want my sons to be just like. For going to school even when every cell in your body doesn't want too. Thanks for being motivated to become something more. Thanks for motivating me to become something more too. Thanks for making me a better person. Thanks for crying with me, and laughing with me, and sometimes being sick with me. Thanks for staying up for 48 hours to make sure I have my painkillers when I get my wisdom teeth pulled. Thanks for being my someone to miss, and my someone to love. Thanks for being my rock. And sometimes my shoulder. Thanks for taking me to the Temple. For choosing me to spend eternity with. Thanks for helping me remember to read scriptures and say prayers. Thanks for praying with me. Thanks for shutting the windows when its too cold. Thanks for serving a mission. For setting an example for the world. Thanks for always being honest, and true. Thanks for being smart. For showing me what love is. For loving me like I love you. For doing the laundry 90% of the time. For walking to school in the freezing cold so I can sleep a little longer. Thanks for singing to me. For writing me silly songs. Thanks for leaving your band, even though it was really tough. Thanks for saying encouraging words or hard days. Thanks for talking the way you talk, and walking the way you walk. Thanks for having soft, big hands. For crinkling your toes without even knowing.

Thanks for everything you are, you handsome, handsome, man.
I love you. I need you. And more then anything I want you.
You're my favorite time, memories, and fun.
My favorite adventure.

I love you.

Always&amp;forever,
wife.

BYU vs. USU

Okay, let me just start off by saying...YES, we know. It was a horrible game. It was SO boring. I like close games...but close games where both teams offense are trashing each other and the defense isn't doing to hot. Because the offense is doing too flippin' good.

Let's be honest, you all know me and Kali spent the entire time talking, or thinking to ourselves,
 me: "why in the heck am I sitting out here in this freezing cold,not paying attention to the game, I can eat kettle corn and talk to Kali, at home, on my warm couch.
Kali: "Why am I basically 9 months pregnant, sitting out here. (she wasn't cold? I know. weird.) Not paying attention with little miss kicking me square in the ribs. the guy behind me kneeing me in the back, and me basically kneeing the guy in front of my in the head."

^let's be real, the dude thought he was at home, sitting in his recliner. He was leaning back. Enjoying the game comfortably, while me a Kali continued to basically YOGA our way through the game. Shhheeesh.

Really, not my cup of tea hot chocolate. That's why there is a lack of pictures. I don't take pictures when I am miserable. Okay, okay. It wasn't miserable. But it wasn't as fun and competitive as I was hoping.

Dinner was the best part. It was at this little place around the corner from us called Cubby's. It was delicious. Totally hit the spot. It's like Chicago style sandwiches and hot dogs or something. I don't know because I got some delicious chicken, something or other. With bacon, and avocado, and cheese, and rosemary fries. yum yum.

Here are the few pictures I took. All picstiched together.

I was cold, and bored. Ha!

I love October!

October is one of my favs!
(mostly cause I get to spoil husband.)

-I love Halloweennnnnn time! That means we get to watch Hocus Pocus, and husband gets to eat candy corn, I get to eat caramel corn. And decorate our little house all Halloweeny-fall-ishCUTESIE!

-I love the smell of pumpkin spice something or other. delicious. (definitely hate the taste. love the smell.)

-And I love celebrating Husband's birthday. Which is the 20th, send him lots o'love. (all the more reason to spoil the bonkers outta him.)

-This month we're doing a double date with our favorite couple, Kali and Wade! We're going to watch the Cougars kick some Aggie trash. Whooop whoop!

-And, I graduate this month. From a Phlebotomy class. That I am going to miss, because I love it. But I'm done (October 9th), and now I'm a big bad Phlebotomist. And I can suck your blood. Into vaccumized tubes. All I want.

That's me about to suck husbands blood.

-Also, this month, I stop working at Winger's everyday of my little life. halleFREAKINGlujah

-And this month, I spend 3874328974028397423098 hours &lt;--that much more time with my husband. Because I don't work at Winger's everyday. Ha.

How could you resist this face?

 -And this month, I go home to California to see my favorite people. Ihavethebestfamilyever.

-And this month, my dear friend Kali has her baby! -maddie loves babies. especially hers. (^ this is the same Kali that is 9 months pregnant and trekking it out to the BYU game with us. ps. they wereare aggie fans. We're attempting to bring them to the good side.)

-maybe I should have named this post, why I love Kali. because it's pretty much all about her, and nothing about October. Any-who it's Kali's birthday too! octobereighth. So happy early birthday babe! 

-October 17th will be 8 months married to this man.

 

 I don't know what it is, about the smell of October, or fall, or pumpkins, or spice, or maybe cinnamon? Or maybe it's the 30-40 degree drop in temperature outside. And that means the beginning of drinking hot chocolate. Or maybe it's about celebrating my mans birthday. Or the birth of best friends baby. Or not having to sleep with the windows open. Cause it's now freeezing in our apartment. Or maybe its in getting pee-your-pants scared in a Haunted maze. 

I think it's just all of it. Hoodies and sweats. The beginning of scarves and warm boots. Snuggling extra close.. Heaters. (NO MORE AC.) 7/11 hot chocolate, and the beginning of snow FALL. We all know it's coming.

Whatever it is. I love it. I love it. I love it. And am so excited for this time of year!