Our life as us.

EmElinE.

2011-12-14T20:05:00.003-07:00

To say this little one is anything less than perfect, would be an out right lie. okay, so she does cry every now and then. but seriously.... we are in love with her.
she eats well. she loves watching lucas- or any one that is moving. she is scooting her way across rooms. she is sitting up for minutes at a time. cries when she falls over :(. she loves to sleep. she loves eating toys. she plays cars with lucas. she has the cutest frowny smile of any frowny smiler i know. she has the chunkiest thighs of any baby or woman i know;). she has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. she is wrapped around her daddy's finger as well. she squawks and squeals when she's overtired and thinks something is funny. she pants like a puppy dog when excited about something. she is such a sweet heart. she is our little angel, for sure.

nap hair.

2011-12-14T19:57:00.002-07:00

There are two very cool things i look forward to every morning. First, being: Lucas' two hour nap he usually takes for two hours:) Second, his hair configuration that his nap positioning molds.

a random 19 month update.

2011-10-22T21:54:00.003-06:00

Here he is pointing to his sister's eye... because he is smart. This Lucas of ours is getting so grown up, so fast. He can point to and say almost all parts of his body. He climbs on to anything he should or shouldn't. Starting to resist bath time, throw things, like hard. He loves his sister, but sometimes throws things at her when he's jealous of the attention she's getting (that doesn't go well afterward btw). He likes putting her binky in her mouth when she's crying. When she's cooing or squealing- he'll put his face right up to hers and say in the softest, sweetest, most interested voice, "Hi". When she's laying down on her mat, he'll lay next to her, belly down, and put an arm over her waist and just hold her and lay there.
Lucas has started into the "no" phase. I never realized before this phase of his, how often I ask him questions through out the day.
ie: Okay Lucas, wanna go see the horsy's? no. Clearly, he wants to go see the horsy's- he just loves saying "no", more. So much independence he must feel. He always says it so casually and sweet, too. Like, in passing - no.
He loves hearing airplanes, choo choo trains, tractors, big trucks and motorcycles. My favorite word he says is "cookie" because he just says it so dern cute, like coo-tie, in a really desperate voice, like he'll be heart broken forever if he doesn't get one. He is a ridiculously fast (and cute) runner- like quite possibly faster than me. He is a smart little booger, of course, I think that. He has a shape puzzle and an animal puzzle that he can put together all on his own. He is very spatial. He can get down and get jiggy, too. He loves em a good beat. He's just recently been getting his arms involved, rather than just his legs. It is stinking cute. I'd have to say he dances the best to "Bubbly Toes" by Jack Johnson. He loves animals and can point to 30 or more when you say their name or the sounds they make. He loves making the horsey "neigh" sound. He also loves keys and buttons. If there is a lock to be opened- he's your man. Or a button to push, he will push it so passionately and sincerely...because there are many buttons he is not allowed to push. This boy does not take a button pushing for granted. One of my favorite times with Lucas, is dinner time. He will sit in his high chair and fold his arms, until you notice him, and say the prayer. Then during dinner- he opens up and converses with you in his language that only he understands, with the occasional understandable word. It's mostly him gesturing, smiling, talking with his mouth full, pretending his food is some mode of transportation, and relating that to you in some way. Like you know what he's talking about. One of those- have to be there.
He and Emmie are rock stars of company under 2 years old while running errands. They both do pretty well in their car seats and in stores. Pretty much every day, I ask myself, "how the heck did I luck out twice?" Both babies are good! They have their moments, naturally. But really, they are so portable...and I love it. Lucas does need him a nap, though, or else...
So anyway. I am really loving this mom business. It is amazing, to say the least, to witness these little souls transform and evolve from wittle sweet babies into little people. The whole concept of "growth" really blows my mind. It's too late for me to get all philosophical, but I want to. But I know how stupid I'll sound if I try to expound on my "post 8 o clock" thoughts and rationale, so 'll resist. Suffice it to say. I love my sweet little hearts.

we are family.

2011-08-16T21:28:00.004-06:00

Oh heavens. We have not run short in the "family" department lately. We've been so lucky to be around both our sides of the family this summer. Here are just some pics. of the last few weeks.
Paigey, my little sis. has come to stay with us for a couple more months and Holly, my littlest sis. is going to school up here now... so yes. we've partied every night all night since they've been here. My parents and Dallin came for the blessing, so cool. And of course Lacey was here with her boys last month! I've been so spoiled ;) I could totally get used to it.
Then we recently had a camping family reunion on Steve's side this last week. Our first camping trip of the summer- it's about time! It was so much fun watching Lucas with his many adoring cousins. Good food and good fun. It was a good trip and the babies were very good (aside from the sleeping).
Then our little Steve and Crystal family is just sweet. Lucas calls Emeline, "memah" now. He wraps his little arms around her and gives her these sweet little hugs and occasionally, lays a slobbery wet one on her face. She likes watching him, too. She's started to laugh and has been smiling and trying to talk. Lots of coos and "KKkkkkkk" sounds. I'm convinced she is the as close to "perfect" as a baby can be. I can't get enough of her. We love each other.

the bird, the saloon and the doggie.

2011-08-16T21:04:00.004-06:00

I haven't been able to do much in the way of "art" lately. Thought I'd take a minute to post the little projects I have been able to do in the last year. Wish I had more stuff to post. The "Utah" drawing picture took a while, like maybe a year to complete... holy cow! Just here a little and there a little. Just an "I felt like it" kinda drawing. The doggie was a quick one I did over Christmas for my sistah's good friend. Then the bird. The bird was a spur of the moment deal. I needed to cover up the holes in our wall. We'd be having a few people over for Emeline's blessing and I needed to dress the naked wall space. The blank canvas in our garage seemed like it needed some doin' up. I saw a pic that inspired me in google images and i "flew" with it ;) Surprisingly it only took a couple of hours to do. Not normal! I'm happy about our little feathery addition hanging in our Living room. I miss having the time to do stuff like this every day! I'm an appreciator of spare time now, to the utmost degree. I love having some time to do "my things".

Design for Shabby Apple

2011-08-10T22:50:00.017-06:00

This is a design I created for a contest
for Shabby Apple Dresses.
Nylon lace and a dropped, gathered waistline add a traditional feel
to this contemporary party dress.
Pair the versatile cotton dress with an up-do and some vibrant-colored heels for an
elegant evening out; or tone the look down
with a classic headband and flats for any casual affair.

the children

2011-07-25T21:55:00.005-06:00

this is a random pic. update. i have to go get my child now, because i've used ALL my extra time posting pics. ByE!

life now.

2011-06-02T21:00:00.008-06:00

Before i write about life now, though. let's just drool over these pics. of my little bebe sweetcakes that (I'm proud to say) my very own blood, yes, that's my twin sister, took. www.laceycphotography.com

these two tie for my fave.

Okay, so life with two babies...not kids, both- babies :) "how are you doing, crystal?" I'm gonna say it (knock on wood) "well." Truly, life is still well. peaceful? not necessarily. easy, not anywhere close to. better than I thought it'd be with two babies? YES. Surprisingly. that response may be due to the awesome help from these lovely ladies,

and/or this stud muffin of a husband

I'm a very fortunate girl. So far, naps for Lucas and bed times have all gone down relatively well. Each day gets a little more manageable (now I'm talking about days/nights I'm alone, while Steve's gone). I still have a few more Sundays alone before I'll come back from church sane, though :) That'll be the toughie to master...if it can be done. Lucas has taken to baby Emmie super well. He is super sweet and so cute with her- it's too precious. (like so precious, i don't even want to take my eyes off the sight to go fetch my camera). Emmie is an "angel/textbook" baby. Give 'er some food every 3 hours and she's happy/sleepy all day and all night long. i love my babies. I seriously realize how dang lucky I am to have 2 pretty easy babies. This is not normal and I just thank Heavenly Father for the mercy He's given me in the temperament of my children. I think He's done it this way because I'd be a bad/impatient mom if I had anything short of naturally happy children. I'm sure I'd go crazy. I lack the capacity to be happy when things aren't good...I think. I'm just waiting for my big ugly trial, b/c I know it's coming and it'll be fierce, cause everything else is so good. If I actually just wrote that, I hope it doesn't bring it on any faster or more severe... ? ;(
Anyway, life is good. A little more effort into going places, but still good Here are some more recent pics.

Try to not love that face ;)

Baby Emeline

2011-05-11T15:16:00.000-06:00

Miss Emeline Rae graced us with her arrival April 29th. She has been an absolute angel of a baby since then... aside from her really scary "waking up" noises :) She is such a sweet addition to our lil' family. We are so glad to have her healthy and happy. Lucas is a rock star of a big brother. Of course Steve is a super man of a dad...and me, I am just a life lover now, without my big belly and aching back! So far so good. We've been blessed to have helpful families and friends to help us out while we get back into the swing of things. We are so fortunate to have the life we do. Here are some pics. of the sweetie pie.

a little brotherly love

2011-05-11T15:02:00.000-06:00

Snippity snip.

2011-05-10T14:21:00.005-06:00

All those who've seen Lucas within the last couple months, have witnessed a child mullet. We've put off cutting his hair because a) emotionally, it means, he's not a baby anymore b) we kinda like seeing how long we could live with it c) it was fun to play with d) he liked running his fingers through it, when falling asleep :) The other day, however, we made the trip to cookie cutters and cut his hair and our emotional ties at the same time. He loved this place. He did NOT want to get out of the car when his hair was done.

as you can see from this picture...
Then he played outside with dad all day and enjoyed the feel of the breeze on his neck and ears...

...and returned to his happy self again.

heebie jeebies.

2011-04-19T10:25:00.004-06:00

Spiders. I feel I must blog about this, as a means to get this awful yucky image and fear out of my psyche. I will vent... about what i just experienced 10 minutes ago. This is not a big deal to most of the world, I know...but for some reason, spiders and the thought of them lurking about, with out me knowing where their little legs will carry them (across my hands, toes, the back of my neck, into my ear, etc...) REALLY FREAKS ME OUT!!!!!! Pardon the run on sentence.
I was simply putting some damp rags, I'd left on the floor overnight (mistake) into the washing machine. I put em all in. Something caught my eye. I looked down on the floor, where the pile used to be at what I thought might be an oversized raisin or something, and saw it MOVE! It's legs were too fast for me to do anything. (i'm sure, even if I had the time, my paralyzation would have kept me from doing anything about it anyway). It's dark ugly little body scurried under the washing machine... so that now he can haunt me until we encounter again. I swear I can feel him crawling on me, as I write this! BAAAH!!!
This is a problem. I am now thinking about how the washing machine is Lucas' favorite household entertainment device, an everyday mechanism I'm around for at least 10 minutes a day (lots of time for spider to make his move and not only crawl on me, but up my leg or into my hair), and that I have a pile of baby girl clothes I still need to wash with Dreft before baby comes. The thought of that spider touching me, my son, or my newborn daughter makes me want to SCREAM! and then hurt something! The spider, would be nice. I think Steve could tough it, I don't worry too much about that. Though it would still freak me out to see that monster on HIS FACE!
What if the spider has a wife/procreating partner under there?
What if he finds a way into the washing machine once the clothes are done washing, so he doesn't die?
What if he creeps out from under a knob as I'm turning it!!!!
Of all places! Why not, the sink, the toilet, even under the bed. Why does he have to be behind something that holds our clothes and is too heavy for me to move!??? I need spider killer spray!!!!!!!
Yes, I do realize in the time it's taken to write this, I could have gone to Wal mart and back to get the spray. Lucas is taking a nap though. I'm stuck here.
I'm okay with spiders when I'm in their habitat- I don't mind them at all. That doesn't mean I would ever touch them. But when they come into MY territory and threaten MY existence and well-being... that's where I draw the line!
It will die. When Steve comes home, we will hunt him down (please, hunny?). We will find him. And when we do, we (and when I saw we, I mean Steve) will stomp on his sorry little spider monster body. He will learn not to come into this house again.
Well, I think this has helped. I feel like letting you know about it, has lessened his influence in my brain. I've written this, fully realizing that some reading this, may think less of me for how psycho this all sounds, how much it seems to effect me, and that I even had the time and cared to write about something so "petty" (that's subjective, obviously). What ever. I'm wierd then. This is my blog...and I write what matters.... to me! and I HATE spiders!

Birthday Boy!

2011-04-09T20:06:00.013-06:00

This lil' raggamuffin turned 1!!!
It's a little belated of a post, but we know me... that's how I roll ;)
LUCAS IS ONE YEAR OLD!!!
I can't believe it, and yet, (sigh) I can. It feels like he's been ours forever. I've always been his mommy and he's always been around. Life pre-lucas feels so sublime, like it was a dream, fuzzy. Happy, yet not fulfilled. He was the missing puzzle piece we didn't know was missing. We love this little stinker to smitherines and are so glad he's happy, healthy and "with us".
Here are some pics. of our little celebration/s commemorating his birfday.

no, we didn't get him a bike. it was one of his cousins, and he liked the wheels on it, so grandpa jensen took him for a spin.

Who could resist a green polka dot birthday hat? Lucas could.

he thought the bucket was pretty cool, so he put it on his head a few times :)

This little guy scored in the bubble dept. He loves them, too. When ever he and I are hangin' out- like we do, he reaches into his bubble bucket and brings over bubbles for me to blow for him:) It's pretty fun.

His first and last home made bus birthday cake. i've a new-found appreciation for "cake boss".

Then we celebrated all the March birthdays on the Jensen side of the fam. Gifts galore. Like how we're both giving the same look?

Cruisin' round Grandma Jensen's digs on his new set of wheels.

Gettin' jiggy with cousins and aunt Cristina.

A little too much cup cake for him to handle when we got home that night :0
His stats:
32 in.- 95th percentile in height
23.8 lbs. -50th percentile for weight.
lots of cm. for head. (don't remember) - 90th for head circumference.
can walk, bite, pull hair ;(,
loves his books, wheels, buses, cars, washers and dryers, toasters, blinds, doggies.
can say da (dad or dog), boi (dog barking), buh (bus), bah-tub (bath tub), tah (toast), uh with vigor (up- when he wants you to pick him up) and "down" (the one word he says that actually sounds like the real thing).
loves eating peas, toast, nilla wafers (thanks steve), yogurt, tangerines and recently strawberries :)
loves watching the intro. to "Dora, the Explorer", or any t.v. show really, that has music he can dance to.
still falls asleep to "Toora laura" and a good face tickle every nap/bed time :)
tries to climb to the top of everything!!!
points in the direction he wants you to take him to. (usually to the washer or dryer)

37 weeks

2011-04-08T05:48:00.002-06:00

3 more weeks to go...and i don't think this belly can stretch any farther in any direction. thank goodness for stretch marks, right? we're eager to welcome baby girl into our little family. I know life will be beyond crazy once she's out, but all I can think about is the joy of being able to move again!

Daddy's Boy

2011-01-30T17:14:00.003-07:00

Ten months of momma's boy and now, the time has come... my baby boy is starting to evolve towards his daddy. Not even just preferring Steve over me...but in looks, behavior, mannerisms, all sorts. I'm not 100% sad about this. I've actually been anticipating this day since he went from cuddly and immobile to active and crawly. (And now, taking steps). I'm glad he doesn't just want me all the time... it's a nice break.... for a few months.... then we'll see who baby girl comes out wanting.

9 months young

2010-12-26T22:51:00.002-07:00

This is actually a 6 month pic., but it's so dang cute, I have to show it off. Just picture him 3 months cuter, now :) jk. I forgot to mention Lucas is at 9 months now. Shoot- it's gone by so fast. Speaking of fast, here are his stats and milestones he's at.
- Eats everything except honey.
- Stands with support. A little without. Often does lunges as well.
- Likes to share his food. Offers it and expects a pretend "gobble" response.
- Can make a "babababa", "dadadada", and "mamamama" sound...and recently "esssssss"
- Has two bottom teethies and is cutting his two top ones.
- Eats fantastically....most of the time. Loves his carbs and fruit- like his momma.
-Likes to play with belly buttons, chew on noses, chins, foreheads and pull you in close by yanking your hair.
-Is a great cuddler
-Favorite game to play- chase. Song to hear- Itsy bitsy spider. Toy to play with- anything he can grasp in his hand and carry around crawling. House hold appliance- washer in motion.

...and a happy New Year :)

2010-12-25T21:49:00.006-07:00

Holy flying of time! What a negligent blogger I've turned into the last few months. We are officially back in the swing of things, unpacked, settled, cozy, happy and on a regular schedule, and most importantly (knock on wood) sleeping through the night:)

The biggest news as of the last few months is this little adventure, we call surprise!
It's a wittle girl who is 22 weeks along and will be welcomed into our family around the end of April. I'm sure she lot has to do with the divine timing of every aspect of our lives...and not so much our "slacking" in the contraceptive department....but just so you all know... I was nursing an absolute 100% at the time of this development. Consider yourself informed. It happened. At any rate, we are excited now and eager to see how life will be survived with two babies- 13 months apart. We will be happy and a little crazy, I'm sure.

We've moved! Fortunately, the house finally sold :) Unfortunately, it was a short sale :( But we are so happy to have the whole learning curve and experience under our belts and be able to move onward and upward with our lives. It was a long 13 and a half months that it was up on the market. With this "learning curve" we've chosen to rent. This has definitely been a wise move for us, financially, in down-sizing and being able to save. We're in a cute little brick duplex, just south of Salt Lake. We love it! I can clean my whole house spotlessly in two hours and keep an eye on Lucas just by taking a few steps in one direction or another. Organizing and storing things was a little tricky. (going from a 3/2, 2100 sq.ft-er to a 2/1, 750 sq.ft-er) and challenging, but thanks to a couple small sheds in the back yard and a clever and handy husband, I feel a small victory.

Grizzly is gone. We did the evil deed and put him up on KSL. We love him and miss him dearly, but he went to what seems like a good home with little active kids who let him sleep in their beds with them. For that, I am happy. They definitely have more capacity to love him than I did. They have a fenced yard too. That's the real kicker. With us- he'd be dead on the road somewhere, at least he is alive and free, yet fenced there. RIP in our hearts for Grizzles.

Holly came to visit while we moved. What a sweet saint she was- helping pack and take care of Lucas. We loved having her with us. I'm pretty sure, Lucas preferred her over me, but i'm not going to admit it. We can't wait till she comes back!

And... Thanksgiving was spent in Gridley and on the road. Storms, yuck. They make their way into every winter vacation we make, it seems. Ugly ones, too. But we got there, enjoyed some good food, family, and fun.

Then...Christmas!!!! What little justice I've done to prove my love for Christmas and the holiday season with my lack of pictures and "christmas festivities". We didn't do much this year, because of everything above, the whirlwind of getting settled, and getting sick. But rest assured- we had a merry little Christmas.

Last but not least, Murphy came knocking on our door and broke our computer and DVD player (and hid Steve's phone charger, btw), so we were left with no choice but to get a mac, entertainment center and a flatscreen. (All modest and reasonable, mind you) Anyone that knows us, knows we haven't had cable for the last year and a half, so the latter purchase was quite a feat for us. We have embraced the idea of visual entertainment while thoughtlessly existing on a couch and look forward to satellite and a 6 month subscription to Netflix!!!!!! -Thank you Carney family.

Then, just for the record, I did do two art jobs, both for the fam. They were fun. I liked them, because I got to draw and paint, which is not a prevalent opportunity as of ...since Lucas was born :)

We hope, that if you actually made it through this whole post, that you had a merry Christmas and will have a happy, joyous, adventurous, safe, love-filled, prosperous, and meaningfully satisfactionally fulfilling New Year!!!

Feeding the Beast

2010-08-26T21:03:00.005-06:00

So this little guy started wanting to eat every hour and a half or two. Needless to say, we bought rice cereal shortly after. This is Lucas' first taste of "real food"- rice cereal (about a month ago).
And then we tried prunes for the constipation :)

The messier the face, the less he likes the food. Can you tell whether he likes prunes? Bananas... clean as a whistle.

Squiggly lips

2010-08-26T20:55:00.003-06:00

Two of my favorite things about watching these boys sleep-
Lucas' squiggly lips :)
Steve's drool running from his "always open while he's sleeping" mouth.

Scaredy Cat.

2010-08-04T22:53:00.002-06:00

It's an undeniable label I have not had to work for. I always have been, and fear, I always will be...and tonight is no exception. I'm scared. ... of the thunder and lightning and rain outside. It makes me think of a pale, scary man walking towards me in a straight jacket, through a wet, tall, wheat field with long hair and nails and sharp teeth...and he's probably old, too.

I'm also scared of leprachauns, hobo's, china dolls, grown men- crawling toward me in the dark with their arms, (because for some reason they don't have legs) and most recently, Lord Blackwood from "Sherlock Holmes".

I think I've come a long way, though, since being married and having to be tough when Steve's gone. But it's still ridiculous. Running up the stairs at night, and jumping into bed, because there might be a little leprechaun chasing me to nibble my toes.

Wow. Should I... be getting...some help for this? :}

Anyone else?

A very merry un-birthday...

2010-07-26T23:49:00.004-06:00

...To this 4 month old little baby cakes!

This big boy now:
-weighs a whopping 15.5 lbs. (75th percentile)
-is almost 26 inches tall (90th percentile)
-nurses like there's no tomorrow
-tried rice cereal for the first time- today :)
-has been rolling over for almost a month
-expecting teefers any day (....please...soon)
-Sleeps through the night
-completely turns pages in books
-loves having books read to him
-has an awesome head of patchy hair, with a mullet of course
-Grabs anything in sight to christen it with his slobber
-Is on a schedule :)
-Has discovered and loves the scratchy tone he can make his voice "uuuuuuuhhhhhh".
-Is just stinking cute. and stinking and cute.

(check out more awesome photography at laceycphotography.blogspot.com and yellowboxphoto.net)

Griddlesticks.

2010-07-26T23:14:00.004-06:00

The land of... Great Grandmas...
Green-ness everywhere...
aunt paigey's...
uncles and cousins....

countless pictures to pose for....
Jordy's insufficient attempts at snake elephant...
...Aunt Lace...
... a lot of swimming pool lounging...
...Puppies...
...Grandma.
Thanks to California, her sunshine and all her inhabitants who made us feel welcome there :) It was soooo good to see everyone- it had been a long time since we'd seen most of my siblings. It's crazy how time goes along with no shame and even speeds up, it seems, the older I get. I've missed being with the Havens clan as everyone seems to have congregated back to that blessed place and is growing up and getting older. It's quite nostalgic everytime we go visit now... just a place to visit...not home any more. While I love and cherish life as an adult with "my created" family and am getting more used to Utah, good ole' Gridley and everyone and everything there will always claim a good chunk of my heart. Thanks mom, gramma and pa and everyone!!! We miss you already.

Independence Day

2010-07-26T22:58:00.002-06:00

What baby that you know of, on their first 4th of July gets to be in a parade? Little did we know the morning we drove up to Park City (to watch Steve march), that Baby and I would get to ride in a 1941 Mack Fire Engine and ring it's siren while waving to thousands of on-lookers in the Park City 4th of July parade. It was totally random that we got to ride in it. I don't ever plan on it again, although it would be fun. Next time I'll get a tiara and vaseline-ate my teeth, so I look the part. Lucas cried most of the ride. He might not do it again next year.
So the cool part to it all is the history of the engine though. You might not think it's cool, but I can appreciate it. It was ordered in 1941 by Park City Fire, before production got cut because of the war. It took 4 years to get that truck, because most production was going to build tanks and stuff for the war. This engine was one of, if not the first one out of the lines to come to any Fire Station post World War II. That makes us cool. We rode in it. Basically... we're famous.

Moab and us.

2010-07-26T22:47:00.002-06:00

We got to go down to Moab for a morning last month. It's not a bad little hike, it was actually a lot easier than I had thought. But maybe not had I lugged the baby carrier with all 15 pounds of Lucas in it. Thanks Steve ;) Our baby was a trooper- he sat with his head up most of the time... he's so tough.

Too short and sweet

2010-06-16T11:56:00.006-06:00

So we had our first official "family road trip". We went to St. George to play with friends and family (okay there was another reason, but you'll have to ask Steve about that). We got to play and swim with the Austens at the condo the first night and hang out with the Stocks and Cox's the next day :) Why didn't we take any pictures with Sara and Burke? I feel kinda lame about that. Oh yeah, it's because we're incredibly obsessed with taking pics. of this little fishy.
Mom, does this picture make you jealous? I guess we'll need to move you out here. Simple relocation.
Happy Birthday Uncle Brad! We loved crashing it with you guys :)

The two little (we'll call 'em) cousins meet for the first time :)
Thanks so much for your hospitality Austens, Stocks and Cox's. We loved playing with you guys. The trip was way too short, but so fun. We love you!

Belated randomocrity...

2010-06-16T11:30:00.005-06:00

Just a blanket post, because 1) Lucas is taking a nap, so I have time. 2) The photos put a smile on my face. 3) I feel like it.
The Christine in me, since being married, has continued the Memorial Day tradition of attending a local service. The Riverton one appealed most to me. So I went. This 100+ year old man played the most touching rendition of "Taps" I've ever heard. Even more touching, he played it, while supported by a big Samoan man holding a folding chair behind him to help him stand steadily. Hear and watch that, and I dare you not to cry.
Driving back home from the service, I caught this out of the corner of my eye. I had to turn around and take a picture:) A goat sitting on top of (what must be) it's very own dog kennel. It looks like it's chained to it, poor thing.
Steve has had his '72 Nova project now for 13 years. It's occupied 1/2 the garage since I've known him. Quite an eye sore. Hopefully not for long. With the little time he has, he's been working on it. He's not a mechanic, but he's doing a great job figuring out how to restore it and make it look snazzy. These are some parts he's finished. I'm so proud of him!

Mad Baby Happy Baby

2010-06-10T15:44:00.012-06:00

>
A>

Hair cuts.

2010-05-27T12:20:00.005-06:00

Before...

After...

I'm diggin' the before's.

Look who's turning...

2010-05-23T19:10:00.009-06:00

2 months today! 1/6 of a year old :( He's getting way too big, way too fast and I can't blog to keep up.
Some milestones he has hit:
-12 lbs.
-24 inches
-Can hold his head up on his own (unless he's tired then it bobs ferociously).
-Can hold his head up 90 degrees during tummy time, for like, 15 seconds +.
-Loves his mommy, naturally.
-Gives responsive smiles almost always :)
-Loves music. Sings along whenever anyone else is singing, or in Relief Society.
-Has a "conversation time"- after he wakes up and has his diaper changed. It's usually while I'm eating cereal and he's in his bouncy chair watching me eat.
-Is incredible chubby.
-Has a little chin like his daddy's.
-Looking more like Steve every day. I think it's because he's getting chubbier and chubbier. I'm saying Steve's fat ;)
-Hinting at laughing. Laughs a lot in his sleep, but hasn't officially laughed while he's awake. We're getting close though, I can feel it comin'.
-Usually eats every 3 hours
-Naps for 1/2 hour to 4 hours
-Sleeps for 3 hours
-Favorite places to be in order of importance- latched on, eating:), on top of Steve's or my chest, sleeping, on his changing table, eliminating without restriction (diaper), or on his little play gym, playing.
-Has his mom and dad wrapped around his cute little eagle toes.

IN THE MEAN TIME....
Lacey and her 2 cuties came for a visit.
My sweet daddy came for the babes's blessing.
I have 3 more days left of teaching before I start my most favorite full-time job in the world of being a "stay at home mom"!!!
Grizzly is attention deprived and in denial of his competition, expresses it by ignoring Lucas.
10 of 30 lbs. to go to get back to pre-pregnancy weight. :(

Thanks Face and Pops!!!! I'm so lucky to have had my momma, dad, and sistah here to come see, help out with and enjoy the baby :) Thanks for the time you took out of your lives to come be with us. We love you a ton.

Lucas's blessing day

2010-05-03T10:55:00.004-06:00

the many faces of my joy heart..

2010-04-08T14:55:00.003-06:00

you could say i'm a little obsessed ;) i stare at him all day and don't get tired of it.

week 2 recap

2010-04-08T13:14:00.001-06:00

Best buds. Our nephew and Lucas have a very special relationship. What a cutie :) This is him awaiting Lucas's awakening...only to find out he was hungry and needed "special milk". When he found this out, he asked his great grandma if there was any milk in the fridge so he could console Lucas. What a nurturing little cousin:)
Great grandma and grandpa Johansen taking off to serve a mission. Hopefully they'll recognize Lucas next time they see him!

Dear Mom-
Thanks to you forever for coming to stay with us and help out with the little guy! Sorry 'bout the nights you had to wake up to him crying :) You were so helpful. It was like having a nurse in the house with us. Letting us know what was normal, what's okay to do, and how to give him his first bath!!! We're so glad Lucas got to have you so close for his first week of life. We will look back on those days with gratitude and smiles. We love you!- Lucas, Crystal and Steve
Daddy's boy- or Boy's daddy :)

He's here!!!!

2010-03-29T14:25:00.006-06:00

Lucas Elijah Jensen has finally arrived :) We are completely love struck by our sweet little infant and totally enjoy his peaceful presence in our home.
He came about Tuesday afternoon, just 8 minutes shy of 24 hours after I began contracting. It was the shortest 24 hour period I've ever experienced- with all sorts of highs and lows. 4 major things I learned/ was reminded of through out that night and day are priceless to me:
1) I absolutely LOVE my husband!!!! and could not do with out him in life and particularly in labor.
2) I'm pretty sure there isn't any more fulfilling, sacred or more beautiful experience in the world than giving birth to your child! To even attempt to recapture the event in writing is completely overwhelming.
3) "Opposition in all things" is extremely evident in labor and delivery. Where else can you feel such extremes within emotions, physical pain and joy, fear and faith, etc? I remembered that faith conquers fear.
4) I really, really, really liked the epidural :)

Grizzly's becoming of age...

2010-01-30T17:39:00.006-07:00

So when you don't have kids yet, I guess you blog about your pets :) jk Beara ;) Yes, its true. Our little Grizzly, once a cute pup, has now blossomed into a 1 year old, 25 pound, fully vaccinated, AKC registered, pure bred American Cocker Spaniel :) He is eagerly anticipating fulfilling the measure of his creation. We have listed him on KSL (http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=9380965&cat=447&lpid=12) for studding services. He is growing so fast- it's kinda sad. I'm already getting sad over the thought of him dying of old age... and he's only one. Anyway- spread the word. We'd like for him to one day be worth more than he costs us!

Holy Cow...

2010-01-30T17:25:00.003-07:00

Yours truly at 34 weeks. 6 more to go- and I look like most do when they go into delivery!!!!! (I confess, I'm sucking in for the pic.- my attempt to fool you). At least he's growing and healthy :) ps. Maternity shoots??? They usually are very lovely pictures, but how?
Aerial view of the belly. Grizzly plopped down in the pic. just before I was about to take it. Any opportunity to show off his good looks- he'll take.... which leads me to my next post :)

Christmas commissions... art update.

2009-12-19T16:27:00.004-07:00

This is a commission for my dear friend, Mela (pictured below with her two lil' ones) she's giving to her hubby for christmas. 11x14 oil on masonite board.

Steve's fire fellow- The Earnest Family. Another portrait for a spouse. Surprise. Hope she likes it. 18x24. charcoal and graphite on Canson.

Life.

2009-12-05T20:55:00.002-07:00

No pictures. I just feel like blogging. Mainly because I feel disgusted when my blog reaches the 5 week unupdated status. So it's all changing here and now. After reading the following, consider yourself updated on the life of the Mr. and Mrs. Steve Jensen family.

-The school teaching year is close to half way through. For this I am happy and sad... but lately, mostly happy.
-We are 26 weeks along- 14 more to go. Wahoo! Baby is happy, healthy and kicking like a jalepeno. I am and have been perfectly fine through out the 26 weeks (...aside from the overwhelming emotional stampedes that take over my soul every now and then. Just had one tonight. I was distraught over the idea of ever being divorced from Steve. I called him at work sobbing. I am now okay and all is well. No divorce in our future. I am reassured :) We are seriously considering a small list of names now- to be mentioned and voted on in a future entry. I can still bend over with out falling, most of the time.
-Steve finished a month long training in november, and another week long training after that. We are so proud of him. More certifications under his belt is a good thing.
-I accompanied my sistah, her little family and my dad and moving truck on an excursion to Gridley last month.
-I saw my family for 1.5 days. This was a short but sweet fix I definitely needed.
-As of last wednesday night, I have completely finished any and all classes required for my teaching certificate. I now can teach any secondary level class (kinda scary). I think I'll stick with art.
-Finished one commission (oil painting) for Christmas for my dear friend Melanie.
-Working on one more Christmas commission I want done by the 12th. Sorry for anti-socialness. These last two updates are the reason.
-I seriously need to update my website for all those of you who want to see pics.
-Steve's been a sweet brother and uncle and has been babysitting his two nephews for the last week afternoons to evenings, and will continue to this week. awww :)
-Had Steve's work party last night. Was really nice to see the Rays and all the brotherhoodness of firefighters there with their wives... and eat the most lovely chocolate cake I've ever experienced. I don't love cake either. mmmm.
-Our house is in the process of "being sold". No new updates, we're ready for it to take around 3-6 more months-ish. That's just our gut instincts speaking.
-We are freezing our booties off in the -50 degree weather. Spring is just around the corner...... just...around...the... we can hope it comes early.
- We also are enjoying the Christmas season. It just feels nice. The world feels nice. It's because everybody innately, truly believes in Jesus, even if they deny it. It's ingrained in the truth of the world. Don't fight me on this. The earth speaks truth. It's truth is felt during Christmas.
-We are happy, well, and hope you all are too.

If orca whales wore maternity pants..

2009-10-24T14:16:00.010-06:00

To make sense of the title, let me share an experience of a comment from one of my abrakadoodle kids. (abrakadoodle is a company I work for in which I teach art lessons to kidlets). On teaching a lesson on how to draw whales, we learn about different types of whales:

Me: ...Whales swim in groups called pods. They like to come up out of the water and make clicking noises. There are gray whales, blue whales and there are black and white whales called "orcas".

(I could see this lightbulb like thought in the expression of a students' face, when she raised her hand to be called on)

Me: Abby, wanna share something about whales?

Abby: Miss Crystal, you look like a whale today. (with an innocent, toothless grin)

Me: (you little...)

At first, pregnant, you take this as a fat joke, but then i caught a glance at my black and white sweater and pants I was wearing. But still!

Me: (As real as I could fake) That's really funny, Abby. Anyway...

My 19 week update from babycenter.com says the baby is about 8 oz. and 6.5 inches long. The size of an heirloom tomato. I hope those are big, because something got to justify all this belly sticking out.
These are my new maternity jeans you know you are jealous of. They are actually a dream. I love them and after 2-ish uncomfortable months of normal jeans, I forgot how comfort felt- until now!
Here's a random pic. for the mix. This black widow was not outside the window. It was lurking between the screen of our basement window and the inside window. I've seen plenty of them outside, but never been threatened by the presence of one inside my house!!!
At the Utah Local Arts Fest, this man approached my booth with his finger pointed toward one of my drawings while letting out a strange spasmatic noise that sounded like he had just felt a heart attach coming on. He said "I know that guy!" Pointing to the 2 cars picture. I understood it as, he knew Steve's Grandpa from southern Cal who customized the 40 Ford. We small talked for a while as we all thought "what a small world". He was such a cute old man, and seemed to be a pretty good friend to the late Grandpa Jensen that I had to take a pic. of him for late Grandpa's sake.
Us, after a long and "relationship strengthening" day setting up our booth :)

happenings as of lately... or not so lately...

2009-10-24T13:52:00.005-06:00

Our Burfday parte. We are both one year older and wiser now... one can only hope.
Grizzly has been growing like a weed, and outgrowing his old puppy kennel. He enjoys life as our only child. He had his first grooming experience bout a month ago. He was much cuter with his puppy fur/hair (sara?). But it had to go.
There are 2 kinds of people in the world. Those that do triathalons, and those that prefer to babysit during triathalons. I am the latter. Widdle baby Teagan was such an easy baby to watch... I hope I get an easy one like him!

This is our nephew who we followed up to Martin's Cove to be baptized- pretty sweet location for a baptism. He was a trooper for being tough enough to be dunked in the cold river water!

The little peach

2009-09-10T09:54:00.011-06:00

This is how I broke the news to Steve when he was at work.

The little jelly bean at 8 wks.

The exciting photograph at 12 wks. we got yesterday! The "heshe" was alive and well, moving, squirming, sucking it's thumb, and just being as adorable as a little embryo in a placenta could be. It's got it's daddy's legs. They're bent and squished inside, just like daddy's always seem to be where ever he is:)

The summer development

2009-08-29T13:48:00.003-06:00

These are the faces of a couple who didn't know at the time, but indeed were and are EXPECTING a BABY!!! We are so happy and excited. It truly is a miracle that these things can happen. We are so lucky and honored.
I do have a feeling I'll be blogging a bit more faithfully than in the past, as I now feel I have something to say about everything.
The stats on the small fig-size development so far are:
1) It's 11 weeks
2) An 1 1/2" long
3) Has a fast lil' heart beat
4) Is getting fingernails
5) Can open and close it's hands
6) Is due March 20th - sentimental due date

A summer's worth of pics.

2009-08-29T11:02:00.012-06:00

Meet Grizzly

2009-04-25T12:56:00.005-06:00

This is our new puppy, Grizzly, a little Cocker Spaniel. We got him off of KSL a week ago and are finding out what having a puppy is really like. In my limited experience, it really feels like what I would imagine it being like having a kid! Obviously, not emotionally, I know there is a huge difference. But even with all the time and effort drainage he consumes, he is a great little puppy. The pictures say it all. He is loyal...
...curious...
...adorable...
...ambitious...
...and definitely a boy!

Daybreak Art Walk

2009-04-07T18:16:00.005-06:00

The Daybreak Art Walk was the last weekend in March. It was an awesome experience to be able to collect my art work and show it to the public for the first time ever! Thanks to Steve and his handy man skills for putting it all up:) I believe there were over 200 people that came all together, which might not be amazing, but still pretty cool. (by the way, thanks to all those who were able to come!!!) There are some great fellow artists in the club. It was good to get to know them over the course of the event. I'm also looking forward to getting a lot more artwork done over the summer! I'm sure there will be a lot more time for that here in a couple of weeks even!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By the way, the butterfly was an oil painting created for the Charity for the event. www.spidermanfightscancer.com explains more about his story. Sweet little boy. The painting was from a photo taken on our Honeymoon in Mexico at the Xcaret Zoo Butterfly building. It was a fun painting to do.

Sara's birfday.

2009-04-07T18:00:00.004-06:00

So Sara's birthday party in Provo was simply beautiful, perhaps the most humourous part of it was Steve's balloon popping game. Somehow, he would stuff random items in the balloons, such as cupcakes, pill boxes, posters, straws, chips, spoons, etc... So he tacked the blown up balloons with the other birthday decor on the ceiling and it was Sara's "birthday girl" responsibility to pop them with her thumb tac. Out flew the random items and if Jessie would permit, Sara could keep the random item. Good times.

This is Jessie and Steve anticipating the "surprise!" in the darkened decorated Living Room.

Since the last post...

2009-04-07T17:44:00.001-06:00

Okay so it's been... months since the last post:) I totally apologize for all those who might have been upset at the lack of updates. The above photos are a hage-pa-lage of images from the last few months. In short, all you really missed was a Christmas trip to Cali. (complimented by a trip to Sacramento temple and San Fransisco), a visit from the Wedge, a laparoscopy, a surprise birthday party for the Bear, and a looong semester at SLCC which is almost over for my teaching license!!!!

Its the simple things in life

2008-12-07T20:21:00.002-07:00

This may seem to be a strange picture to post on our blog, but it has great meaning in our short married life. Such great meaning that I have gone to the extent of learning how to blog for this one simple victory. We are all capable of change!!! Hopefully for the better. Crystal and I have been enjoying a slow sunday together at home. I had just finished a muffin when I walked into the bathroom to find out that Crystal has replaced a roll of toilet paper for the FIRST TIME IN OUR MARRIAGE!!!!!!!! She was sitting just outside in the front room so I had to let her know how much I Love and appreciate her. I began shouting for joy and ran into the front room. Crystal realized the cause of my excitement and began to feel so proud of herself. Then she got a good laugh. As I ran into the room, the bottom of my sweat pants slithered under my foot and I fell gracefully to the floor with a loud boom. Landing on my back, the muffin I was still chewing decided to ram itself deep into my throat. I began choking while Crystal and I both began to laugh hysterically. The simple things in life bring the most joy and satisfaction.

2008-11-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Tagged. 6 Quirks

sara, thanks for the taggy tag and the reasoning behind it. the truth is, most people are extremely quirky. i will admit though, that thinking of my quirks was rather difficult as they are truly rare and hard to come by. 6 quirky things about the both of us are as follows:
STEVE'S QUIRKS
1. socks and garments. steve has this thing about his laundry. particularly his socks and garment tops. his socks must be laid together in pairs then folded in half so as to prevent break down of the the elastic at the top. Then the pair must be placed heel up in the sock drawer parellel to the rest. (interesting side note, in conversation at the fire station, he reported that 4 out of the other 5 fire men did the same thing with their socks).
2. sandwiches. in order to fully enjoy a sandwich, he believes it must be eaten "right side up". this isn't a burger from wendy's with a distinct right and wrong side of the hamburger bun. we're talking a cheese and turkey sandwich. who decided whether cheese was supposed to be on top or on bottom? i never recieved the memo.
3. straws. steve doesn't use straws because it limits the flow of the drink into only one area of his mouth. he believes the taste and refreshment should be distributed to the entirety of his mouth by drinking from the glass, not the straw.
4. toilet paper. waterfall style only.
5. his right side. whenever we cuddle or are sitting somewhere, for some reason i still don't understand (and don't think he does either), i have to be on his right side. i just do it.
6. he knows all the words to every oldie's song we ever hear on the radio. this actually reminds me of sara. it's just funny to hear young people sing oldies songs. i can appreciate that one.
-CRYSTAL'S QUIRKS-
1. i love popping zits and black heads, anything i can get, on Steve's face or on anyone's face for that matter. it makes me feel more clean and fresh when impurities are done away with. thanks to my mom for that one.
2. i don't like tweezing my eyebrows. but on some occassions can be found tweezing my leg hair.
3. i only have 1/2 eyelashes on one eye. the eyelash curler accidentally ate off the inner eyelashes on my right eye on halloween morning. i scared the kids in my classes when i looked at them. rah!
4. i pull out coarse hair because i think it shouldn't exist as coarse and kinked as it is. i also enjoy twisting chunks of my hair quite obsessively if i'm bored, or listening to a story and don't have anything to do with my hands. i'm sure people that have witnessed this may have worried about me.
- (k, so at this point in my quirkiness list, i'm feeling like some professional help might be benificial).
5. i'm a scaredy cat. i am still scared of the dark, never did get over that. my dad says it's because of my big imagination. i don't throw the garbage out at night, even though our trash barrells are literally right outside our side door. After i turn out my bedroom lights (when steve's gone) i race back to the bed and cover myself with blankets.
6. i don't like to refill the toilet paper roll. one of my room mates in college totally called me out on this and made fun of me after that. pure laziness. can't someone invent something that would allow people to never have to re fill the toilet paper roll? steve loves me for that one.

I hereby do tag Marci, Amy Kramy, and Michelle our Belle.
Posted by crystal

The Best Husband in the World (Brag Session, Beware)

2008-11-17T12:18:00.004-07:00

This is my husband, as you all know. Every day of the last 9 months- (since our wedding day), he's shown me through small, every day little actions, how perfect he actually is. "Perfect", as in perfect for me...and even as in "perfection", he's pretty darn close, in my book. So I'm just gonna tell the world how wonderful he is right here.
This last week was a pretty eventful one. One day graced me with the "oh so wonderful" complications only the fortunate females can understand, scaring me into the hospital. The other was the dreaded 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning Praxis Test for teaching licensures. And lastly, my dear friend Marci's Baby Shower (which I'm not regretting at all, no offense marci, just imagining 20 women in my house while hosting a baby shower for the first time...it's understandably a little scary, right?). Here's the deal, I'm not sorry or complaining about any of these things, just simply setting the stage for the story of Steve's heroism.
Let me begin by saying, Steve has never been around me while consumed by cramps until this last Wednesday. Funny, huh? As mentioned, I had pain so excruciating I left the school secretary with my 2nd period class as I had just experienced a sudden attack of pain with nausia and feeling faint. Knowing my body, I knew what was coming, or at least I thought I did. Steve had just come home from a 48 hour shift when I called him and with my monster voice told him to come to the school to pick me up as fast as he could. (I couldn't drive in the state I was in). By the time he got there I was so convinced I needed to go to the hospital that I had him take me right to it. They checked me in, hooked me up, took some tests and ultrasounds and 4 hours later, said everything was "normal" and looked good. Of course! But the point of the story is that during those four hours, Steve never left my side. Even when I told him to go to the cafeteria to get something to eat because his tummy was grumbling. Hold my hand, he did. Dry my frustrated tears he did. See me in the ever-so un-glamorous state I was in, he did. Poor guy. My hero. And just for the record, I had to say, "It's a good thing you're a fire fighter," for the fun of remembering the Zachy moment, as he had got me checked in to the hospital so smoothly. You can stop reading now, if you want to save your heart from melting any more.
Friday morning, as I'm putting my make-up on in the bathroom, getting ready for school, I hear this scuffling noise in the bedroom. I look out to see Steve attempting to balance while getting dressed to go down stairs. I asked him what he was doing when he simply kissed me and said, "don't worry about it." I knew exactly what he was doing as a minute later I heard the sound of the fridge opening and closing and pots and pans clanking. He was making me my favorite breakfast, french toast, at an hour in the morning no one should ever have to be awake for, only to spend time with me and allow me to feel loved by him. As I stood in the mirror, applying my mascara that was running anyway, I thought to myself, "how did I get so lucky?"
Short and sweet and last but not least, (now you're so melted you're evaporating, right?) That same day he'd got all the furniture that cristina was so kind to lend us, arranged it in our Living Room, cleaned the kitchen, bathrooms, and vacuumed everywhere and made dinner, so that I could study for the test and not worry about cleaning for the shower the next day.
I'm really liking this marriage thing.
Sorry, girls. I guess I'm actually the wife with possession of the best husband in the world... I'm convinced of it.
You can consider this your "newlywed update" for any of you who were wondering how this first year has been treating us- because the afore mentioned stories were not all that uncommon as far as his consideration of me goes. He's my hero.

Happy Hallowscream, hehehehe, hahahaha!

2008-11-05T20:56:00.002-07:00

That little speaking vampire on Grandma's back door has apparently made a lasting impression because when ever I say the word "Halloween" I want to say "Hallowscream" in a high pitched screachy voice and then laugh evily afterwards.
So if you were to guess... is Steve a cow or a dalmation? Pause, look at my costume first. I'm a fire fighter... now guess. If you guessed a dalmation, you were correct... my little dalmation :) face-paint and all :) hysterical- the process of putting it on him- I conned him into it practically. We had a good lil' party at Steve's friends house and that is him in the hillbilly get up with Tehra, his groupie from the 80's :)
This last picture is just classic. This is the result of me, acting as a mother would, insisting Steve and his dear sweet friend pose behind their master piece pumpkins together. aww. This was pure beauty captured as arms were draped around one another, friendship abode, and the pride of their pumpkins displayed by their smiles.
Funny Story Part:
So Steve and I ventured to the grocery store in our costumes to get some snacks and our pumpkins to bring to this party. First funny part- As we were waiting in line to check out ... a couple walked by behind us and this guy out of the blue, yells, "Holy COW!" as he smuggly passed us.
Funny part 2- Just after that incident a lady behind us in line said "I have to tell you something cute." She recounted that she had driven by us with her kids as we were picking our pumpkins out in front of the store and her young daughter asked, obviously referring to us, "why is the girl the fire fighter and not the boy?" The mom explained that (as she was also the wife of a fire fighter and had switched roles dressing as each other in past Halloweens), that maybe the boy wanted to be something different than a fire fighter, because he gets to be one every day. After a short pensive pause by the little girl, she then asked, "so what, is the girl a cow all day?"

Little girls, little girls :)

2008-11-05T20:42:00.001-07:00

K, so way old update... but I had to post these from some weekends ago when we had a slumber party and watched High School Musical 3. Zach is so dreamy :) jk. Me and the girls (inc. Britt and Jannicke). Really, these girls are so much fun and such sweet guests, I'm so glad to get have our play dates every now and then. I've got the coolest family ever... love you guys :)

Sistah's of the EMM reunite at last.

2008-10-05T11:29:00.003-06:00

These lovely former servants of the Lord and I gathered together Friday night to enjoy an evening of spiritual upliftment through talks given by our newly returned mission president and wife, refreshements, music and chatting as only British sisters would "chat".

Myself, Sisters Bull, Gubler and Hemingway.

Sister Kaluzna and I (MTC comps.) reunite after 2 and 1/2 years of distance. This Canadian frequents the same church building as Maren.

Sister Rupp, my grandchild whom I had never met until Friday. She is the daughter of my younger daughter, Sister Mays.

Those Blessed Birthdays :)

2008-10-05T09:56:00.006-06:00

This last week on the calendar is and always will be a fun one for Steve and I as our birthdays are 6 days apart. Last Sunday was mine, and Steve was my chef for the whole 24 hours of it, making my favorite strawberry salad and cake- strawberry short cake and his glorious 7-layer dip. We had a couple of friends over, mac and margaret, who margaret happens to share the same birthday as me. same year and everything... and... she is a twin! Believe it. The next day when in primary our sweet little primary children sang to us "happy, happy birhday" :) which was such a treat. That evening we went to the Jensen's house to celebrate mine, Steve's, his sister Cathy, and niece Savannah's birthday with dinner, cake and ice cream and family. (Big family= lots of birthdays :) I love birthdays...ya' always feel so loved from friends and family phone calls, cards, birthday wishes and especially now, the thoughtful sentiment and sweetness of a dear husband :) It was great.
And yes, this is Steve wearing my flowery apron.

Steve's seven layer dip is what initially attracted me to him at that Super Bowl party where we first met. Something about the way he spreads that guacamole :)

Our precious, beautiful little nieces.

The last little while

2008-09-21T19:59:00.009-06:00

Here's my dear sweet Andrea Fox. This post is a little belated, as she stayed the night a couple of weeks ago on her way up to school in Idaho. Man, it was so great to be with her after a year and a half of waiting!!!!! What a pleasure it was to have her presence grace our home for a little visit.

Steve's family and I went up to Park City, (while Steve was working) for the Mustang Car Show over Labor Day Weekend. Good times. We got to look around at all the sweet old and new 'stangs as well as eat lunch with the boys on Steve's crew. There they are in their GQ shot walking back to the Engine :) Above is also Ron and I posing in front of what was probably my favorite mustang.

Steve and I have had a pretty good time the days that he has had off of work lately- they are getting to be more of an occurence :) yea!!!

Life on the other side of the teacher's desk

2008-09-06T22:34:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to give our readers and fans a little update on our "first week of school". Spectacular :) Loved every minute of it. It's probably the coolest job because a) the kids and their personalities. b)It's so un-boring. There's always someone to help, some one to call out, someone that wants your attention or someone that's trying to sneak something passed you. It's great. Keeps me on my toes.
We've made portfolios and self-portraits and presented them so far. It's so beautiful to see them put effort and thought into what they do. To see and watch them create something better than they thought themselves capable of creating, is what makes my day. That and just that they are all little dear hearts:) (Thank you Mrs. Prater) I'm so glad that I found a job with structure and stability and still liberty to do things the way I'd like...AND... I get a paycheck for doing it! Definitely a win-win we've got here. Thanks to family and good friends for rootin' for me to help me get to this point in our little journey.

Together time

2008-08-31T11:40:00.005-06:00

I can't think of the last time, (besides on vacations this summer), Steve, and I had more than 24 hours together. Crazy, yes. He's been working hard so we could get a little ahead and also so that he could support me while I've been at home, looking for and waiting to start up my jobs...that I now, thankfully, have 2 of.
Anyway, the other day he had called me while he was at work and with a torn down and broken, sad little boy voice said he was watching the guys at work play volleyball, while he sat it out. He told me that about a week before while he was lifting a patient in to the ambulance on the stretcher, he heard his knee pop really loud. Then it started giving him a bit of pain. (He didn't say a word about it to me, though... I'm learning everyday how much of a non-complainer he is, -opposites do attract :)) So now, a week later while he was playing volleyball, he had landed on it funny or something and the pain got even worse. With another 1/2 day of work at the fire station to go (filling in for someone), he toughed it out and then came home for the next day and a half. We had 36 hours together!!! I tell you what, practically all of those 36 hours together we were absolute bums- and we loved every minute of it:) (He had done some research online and pinned it down to believing he had perhaps a bit of a torn ACL.) Aside from the consistent icing his knee we had to keep track of, we did what felt like absolutely nothing!!! We did do a lot of blog stalking, face booking, napping, playing chess, talking, reading and just laying in bed staring at the ceiling. And no, I wasn't hurt at all. I just wanted to be with my husband :) It was so great.

about our names

2008-08-27T10:18:00.001-06:00

steven is the #18 most common male first name

0.78% of males in the US are named steven.

Around 955500 US males are named steven!

source: namestatistics.com

crystal is the #102 most common female first name

0.207% of females in the US are named crystal.

Around 253575 US females are named crystal!

source: namestatistics.com

A little family visit

2008-08-21T10:26:00.004-06:00

In our BYU touring limo of a golf cart. Nice how the only face you can see is mine. FYI: Mom, Holly and Dallin are also in there.
Silly Holly... your toe ring got you stuck in the blanket :)
Steve and I enjoying the luncheon.
This was funny. We went "back to school shopping" at the outlets between the luncheon and the reception for me. Holly and Calli wanted to go too. So Steve, seeing how this could be boring for them made up a contest. Who ever could pick out an outfit for the other person to wear that would make me laugh the hardest- won... no prize, just the pride of winning and a little laughter. They took it and this is what they came up with. It was a tough call, but that yellow afghan shawl had to be appreciated.
Little sis and little bro. One of the moments we caught of Dallin not eating the reception food :) jk.

The Fox Girls

2008-08-21T10:20:00.004-06:00

These Foxy ladies have brought so much joy and happiness to my life. This picture was taken in the brief moment I got to see them before Carrie (right) left for the provo mtc. I hadn't seen Andrea in a year and a half as she just finished serving a mission in Michigan. My life was momentarily complete as I got to see the two of them together, like we'd had the good ole' days back again for a moment.

Lauren's wedding

2008-08-21T10:12:00.004-06:00

We got to go to St. George for Lauren's lovely wedding day. She was a gorgeous bride, seriously gorgeous. We're so happy for them and wish them the happiest life as the newest newlyweds.

Our camping trip

2008-08-11T22:22:00.005-06:00

No make up, a camp fire, dutch oven and my husband. Doesn't get any better than this here. Our first (and sadly, last)solo camping trip of the summer! We are so making camping a tradition as it was such a highlight of both of our family's childhood summer days.
Okay, so Steve's little camoflauge gun lighter thing ran out of whatever makes the flame and we actually forgot to bring matches, so we were left to our own resources to start a fire to cook our German pancakes. Steve impressively started a blazing fire with the coals that had been put out the night before and this here frisbee. Believe it.
Our nice and spacious little cute campsite. And Steve in his camping chair, establishing our territory. He is so funny when he's camping. He's always very manly, but it's taken to a whole new level in the wilderness. He just does everything with such thought, masculinity and pride. You have to be there :)
Our map that we had been given of the area showed a lake just a couple miles away. We decided it'd be cool to go on a hike and find the lake. So that we did, and little did we know.... half of it would be on a 99.9% grade up a mountain. Here we are not even close to the top. It really was higher up than it looks like in the background. This face I am wearing in the picture is my "please shoot me" look. Steve was a beast- didn't even sweat. The ends of each strand of my hair was soaked by the time we reached the top. Yes, it was gross.
But when we reached the top, somehow the hike up didn't seem all that miserable. There was this beautiful lake with fish jumping every second. Aside from that, it was completely silent. Lovely destination and a wonderful couple of days we got to spend with each other.

My Tough Daddy

2008-08-11T21:38:00.002-06:00

This is my dad. Of course he is the best dad ever, because he is my dad. My dad is basically the toughest guy around. Last night, he survived quite the accident. He climbed out of he passenger side of a burning and exploding Highlander with only some singed hair and a scratch or two. It was no minor miracle. The other man involved was not nearly so lucky...at all. In the hours of sleep I missed last night after hearing the bittersweet news, I thought of how different my world would be without this man. I know that even if death phased him, he would still be my daddy for eternity. Still though... I can't imagine how difficult life would be with out him. I'm so glad God saw fit to keep him here on the earth a little longer. He's such a strength and a true friend to everyone, especially his children. He is all of ours (his 6 kids) #1 fan. Ask any of us. From this, I've found it's time to start appreciating the physical presence of my family in my life. I hope to take advantage of the time we have with one another... the reality that it could dissappear any day has suddenly become more of a reality. I'm inexpressibly grateful for the preservation of my daddy's life.

Some Big News.... :)

2008-07-31T20:19:00.007-06:00

I've been waiting and waiting .... Steve and I have been soooooo anticipating and excited for this next step in our lives that, after almost four months of diligently trying and laboring, this news of a little addition into our marriage has finally approached. Yes, folks, I'm shocked, too. I really kind of hoped for this, but didn't believe something this beautiful would actually come our way so soon :) I had an appointment at 2 p.m. yesterday and was told it really was positive- I got the job! Sept. 2nd is the day it all starts. I'll be teaching Art classes to 7th -12th graders at a private school in Murray. I'm stoked and really looking forward to this as a fulfilling career opportunity. How cool to be able to help kids understand and appreciate art and strengthen their abilities. huh? So, this next month will be full of preparation for the following 9 months :) I can't wait to be Mrs. Jensen- the Art teacher.
I hope I actually got some of you guys there, cause that took way too long for me to think of clever wording for that :)

Pioneer Day Concert with ma' Kin Folk

2008-07-29T10:26:00.002-06:00

I just thought the sunset made the lighting perfect for a photo the other day and this was the result. Nothing more to this pic. than that :)
This is L to R: Sara, my grandma's great niece (she's from here) and my Grandma Lavon (my daddy's momma) and my Aunt Cheryl (my dad's oldest sister) from Texas in front of the Temple. They took a flight into SLC, then that night we all went to the Pioneer Day concert with the Osmonds at the Conference Center. It was good fun. My grandma and Cheryl then took a rental car to Yellowstone for a week, so now they're there having a blast watching elk graze and geysers shoot up and what not. They'll be stopping back by before they fly back out.

The Utah Reception.

2008-07-20T21:30:00.002-06:00

The McDowells, the Austens, and the Jensens. Our little clan of married people friendshipness :)
We grew up with Logan. Out of all our Gridley friends we (Sare, Logan and I) are the only ones that have begun to settle in Utah. Everyone else needs to get on it.
Classic bridesmaid shot.
So the gentlemen that owned the house that Sara's reception was at, has a "study". This lion is only one of all the dead creatures that are mounted in his "study". It was unreal.
Check this out. Can you really study in such an environment?
The newlyweds. awww.

The reason for the season.

2008-07-15T10:33:00.003-06:00

This is my best friend since the third grade, Sara E.A. Daddow a.k.a. "Bear". She got married July 5th, 2008 to Burke Austen. So Steve and I got to take a 10 day vacation to Gridley to her wedding and be with family for a family reunion that was also that week. Good times. It was great to be in Gridley again during the summer time, and to help out with the wedding. Everything seemed to work out very nicely- especially the ribbon in the trees of Grandma's backyard :) I'm so happy for Sara and Burke and am glad to see how happy they are when they are together. Cheers to a wonderful life of honeymooning for the newly created Burke and Sara Austen family. I love you beara!

The tide pools at Fort Bragg

2008-07-15T10:11:00.002-06:00

Jack and Grandpa seein' what they can catch.
Paigey, Calli and Kenzie

McKay, Steve and Jared pose while hunting for what ever creatures they can tackle in the water.

The great and ferocious creature Jared caught with the aid of his handy dandy plastic bowl. Don't ask me what that is?

Fort Bragg

2008-07-15T09:48:00.002-06:00

Steve found this huge star fish at glass beach. He was quite the explorer. Wittle Quinny and Uncle Gary playing ball.
Boys pretending to be sand monsters. I wonder how long they had sand in the bums for.
So the sand was dry, not the best for sculpting- so this is what Steve came up with for Matthew

JENKINS FAMILY TALENT SHOW!!!

2008-07-15T09:34:00.002-06:00

Full of Uncle Gary's amusing magic tricks, the Big Mo Band, Von Trapp family performance, Hailey and Kajsa's catchy self made tunes and the Cordners singing talents and Maddie's violin concert. I must give credit to my husband for bringing down the house with his "flitly flee flying" :) He surpassed all our expectations with his theatrical abilities!

Jenkins Family Summer Olympics

2008-07-15T09:08:00.008-06:00

The little cousins, Kajsa, Jessica, Maryanna and Zachie striking a pose. Zach's is my favorite :)

Jenkins offspring chillin' awaiting the next summer olympics game.

Dad in his graceful approach to the killer cannon bomb :)

The wedding

2008-07-15T08:59:00.002-06:00

2008-07-14T21:30:00.002-06:00

Steve's vacation accomplishment. He was so proud of his "scruff" it took him 11 days to grow this, his glamorous fu-man-shu.
Amen!!! Good ole' Butte County. Isn't it beautiful? :)
The canopy of trees. My favorite part of the drive back.

My Art Blog

2008-06-01T18:29:00.003-06:00

Hey everybody listen up! I'm announcing the official opening of my art blog. Dun-dah-daah! It's www.crystalsart.blogspot.com. There are only 3 drawings posted at the moment, as I'm just starting up... but you just wait, there'll be a gallery here in a few weeks. So check it out and spread the word. I'll keep you updated as I go along :)

Gotta love those men in uniform :)

2008-05-30T23:48:00.006-06:00

This was one of those days where I was really proud to be the wife of a fire man. He was in charge of this little flag procedure on Memorial Day in Park City. About a year ago, his work sent he and Wes (the guy on the right of the four) to Chicago to learn all the moves, steps, tehniques and what have you, in behalf of all the firemen in the Park City Fire District. So now his job is to recruit a bunch of guys, train them, and perform at functions such as these. He is having a fun time recruiting. (hint of sarcasm there). If any of you fellow wives of Park City Fire Fighters are reading this, go on and make your husband join the ranks of the honor guard. He'll love it ! Or he'll love what it does for you :) Is it okay that I just wrote that?

Gone fishin'

2008-05-30T23:06:00.002-06:00

Steve knew he had a fishing trip with Trevon awaiting him ever since Trevon's announcement over the microphone at our wedding luncheon. So the big day finally came. We had Cristina and her boy, Trevon over for dinner and fishing down at our local lake.

Steve has never had much luck with fishing :) They caught nothing that night, while a little 3 year old girl caught 2 large, large mouth bass nearly 15 yds. away from us in half the time we spent there :)

Such a doll. One of the funniest, most low key, yet studliest little boys I know.

Our random recent pictures

2008-05-30T22:38:00.004-06:00

This picture is of us at the top of whichever mountains you go on to get from Alpine to the I15. The really big one :)(The more beautiful route). The sunset was so beautiful that night, even though you can't really tell in this picture...but hey! We look great!!!

I don't know if any of you can see these animals well enough, but who ever can tell us what kind of animals these are, wins.... knowledgeable credibility. I saw these the other day outside our L.R. window and thought they were dear at first, so I went outside to see them better, and saw they had longer manes and white behinds. They look like animal jokes, I can't figure it out!!!

So this is a picture of the view outside our kitchen window at the moment. It's said that we're getting a shopping center right behind our house and that our little road in front of our house will be extended so that the new TRAX system will begin about 2 blocks away from our house. We will have to take advantage of the peaceful and quiet environment for now.

reception in Gridley

2008-05-17T10:08:00.001-06:00

2008-05-14T22:03:00.002-06:00

Guys! I did it! I just updated our blog all by myself!!! :) And no, the fact that these pictures are three months old means absolutely nothing!!! Baby steps. I'll get current someday.
Maybe an update on married life would be appropriate about now. As you can see by our lovely little pictures, we kicked off marriage with an amazing and BEAUTIFUL honeymoon. It was sooo much more than I could have ever wished for. We had a blast and even got by on the little "espanol que nosotros sabemos" (is that close to right???) We spent 7 days and 6 nights in Riviera Maya, just an hour or so south of Cancun. Our room looked out on to the beach, only feet away from our window. We mixed the week up with some lazy days on our beach, touring around Tulum, looking at sweet ancient Mayan architecture, parading around at Xcaret (a combination of a Mexican zoo, waterpark and Disneyland), snorkeling, playing in the huge waves of the beach during a rain storm (the coolest moment ever!) and my favorite part, eating at our fine restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel that were paid for in our "all- inclusive" dealy. (Which, yes, we ate at almost every single meal, just because we could even when we weren't all that hungry :) To sum it all up... it was incredible! But when all was said and done we were ready to come back to our "every day" world and see what experiencing life as a married couple back in "Jutah" would be like. I'll tell you what. It's as good as, if not better than they honeymoon :) Steve is the most wonderful man that makes the perfect husband to me. We are loving life, he's working hard, I'm drawing hard and we're gettin' by just soundly.
So, now, if you've actually taken the time to read this entire message, I officialy welcome you to the life of the Jensen family. Yes, this is me commiting to be a more diligent "blogger". Don't forget about baby steps though.

bellisisisima!!!

2008-05-14T21:45:00.005-06:00

how 'bout that honeymoon?

2008-05-14T21:07:00.006-06:00

Thought ya'll might wanna peak at pictures from your honeymoon in Mexico from way back when. Enjoy!

Our Wedding Slide Show!

2008-03-11T00:40:00.001-06:00

Our day is almost here :)

2008-01-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

February 16th is almost here! Yea!!! We've been engaged since August 2007, six long months. During the summer when we were looking for a place to have our reception and visited Gardner Village. This is where we decided to have our reception. While we were there we walked around the grounds and had our picture taken, then we had dinner at Archibald's restaurant. Just for fun, you might want to visit our online photo Gallery of that day. Since that day, we've been busy planning all the details for our wedding. Amelias Floral is doing the flowers; Schmidt's Pastry Cottage is making our wedding cake; Black Tie Tuxedo will provide the tuxes; Annie and Ivy's did our engagement and bridal pictures. They will also be photographing our wedding day. Last, but not least is our bridal registry; you will find that at Bed Bath & Beyond. Our wedding plans are progressing nicely, don't you think? We will be married in Salt Lake City at the Salt Lake Temple. After pictures at the temple we will have a wedding brunch at the Gathering Place in Gardner Village. Later that evening our reception will also be held at the Gathering Place. Directions and a map can be found on their website. It's hard to believe that our wedding day is almost here!!! The six-month wait is finally coming to an end. We are so excited and we look forward to visiting with you at our reception!

2008-01-07T21:25:00.001-07:00

Wheeeeee! This is Lace and I having fun :)

The family at Galveston. Every time that we've been to Texas that I can remember, we go ride the ferry over to Galveston and it's so much fun :) Especially with Jack, as he gets to see boats and fun stuff for the first time.Lace and I just basically followed the kids around and waited to for some good photo ops. The boys rented water skimmer thingy's and were occupied for hours.

2008-01-07T21:03:00.001-07:00

Our sad goodbye til' we see each other a little before the wedding!! :(

This is Nolan Carney, my whittle nephew...Lacey and Jason's beautiful little flourescently colored creation. He's gorgeous and the most mellow baby I've ever come across!!!

3 generations of Havens' boys :) Visiting my grandpa, as he's getting up there in years and down in health, was the main purpose of our visit to Texas for Christmas. Bless 'em. He's so sweet.

This group, plus two other cousins complete the Richard Havens grandchildren, complete with in-laws...for now.

2008-01-07T20:27:00.001-07:00

Who is this handsome couple? shoot :) After three weeks of being away, Steve and I reunite
on graduation day, December 14th. I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Sciences with a minor in Clothing Construction...just call it fashion design!

Steve, his parents, my family, including my dear grandparents, came up to Rexburg in the fah-reezing cold weather to come and see me graduate :)
This is all the Havens' family we could round up for a picture at that moment. Jordan and Dallin, me and the 'rents.

The above and below picture are taken on the night of our date to see "Saviour of the World" at the Conference Center. We walked around Temple Square and saw some beautiful wonderland-like lights after the play, then decided we needed food. As you can see from the picture below, nothing, not even a blizzard (and what seemed like miles of walking) kept us separated from Applebees!

Before I left for Texas for Christmas, Steve's family was so kind as to have their family Christmas hoo-rah so we could be there (as Steve had work on Christmas day and wouldn't be there). We got some awesome gifts and had a wonderful night with his family...even enjoyed the beautiful re-enactment of the Nativity performed by the nieces and nephews... so adorable :)

Our engagement photos

2007-11-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

We had our engagement photos taken a couple week ago. The photographer chose a park in Lehi for the photo shoot. The park is across the street from the Timpanogos temple. In the morning I had my second bridal dress fitting. There is one more fitting before the dress will be completely done. I am so excited!!! After the fitting, my friend Sara helped me with the finishing touches on my nails and hair for the engagement photos. This was a busy weekend, but Steve and I had a fun weekend together. If you click on our engagement picture, the link will take you to 60 of the best photos that were taken. (Be sure to click on the little arrow to see the second page of photos.) See if you can guess which one is our favorite!!!

Steve is a Honor Guard

2007-11-06T12:37:00.001-07:00

In the spring of this year, Steve completed his Honor Guard training. He works for the Park City Fire Department and one of his first assignments as an Honor Guard was to march in the Park City 4th of July Parade. They marched down Main Street, opening the festivities for the day. The whole family came to watch Steve serve in his Color Guard duty. After the parade, we enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers at the Main Street Fire Department. It was a fun way to spend the holiday.

4 July 2007

2007-11-06T11:44:00.001-07:00

3 March 2007

2007-11-06T11:17:00.001-07:00

We visited Temple Square in Salt Lake City today. We had fun walking around the grounds of the Salt Lake Temple and dreaming of being engaged ... While we were at Temple Square, we visited with Steve's mom at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for a while.

24 hours after our engagement

2007-11-04T01:48:00.000-06:00

This picture was taken about 24 hours after Steve proposed. Steve surprised me. I didn't think he would propose right then. We were walking along the beach ...

Little North Fork

2007-11-04T01:38:00.000-06:00

My friend posted this picture of us on her blog ... we had a fun hike that day!

The day we were engaged

2007-10-12T12:12:00.000-06:00

Gardner Village

2007-08-19T21:54:00.000-06:00

Steve and Crystal

Our "just for fun" pictures we took at Gardner Village February 16th - the 6 month anniversary of our first date! The photos in my blog are my favorites. Click on the picture above to see all 58 photos that were taken that day.

He cleans up pretty nice ;)

2007-08-19T21:45:00.000-06:00

2007-08-19T21:44:00.002-06:00

2007-08-19T21:44:00.001-06:00

2007-08-19T21:43:00.000-06:00

2007-08-19T21:42:00.001-06:00

2007-08-19T21:41:00.001-06:00

2007-08-19T21:40:00.000-06:00