Match Day

San Antonio Here We Come!

Congratulations Jon on Matching in Radiology, we knew you could do it.

Merry Christmas!

So I realized I still have a few other posts to do before this one, but since I sent out the Christmas card and should have a Christmas update for everyone Christmas will come before Thanksgiving. This year has been a great year for us. Jon finished this third year and started his fourth year of medical school. While Jon has been busy throughout the year Benjamin and I have been traveling the globe. Earlier this year we spent time in New Hampshire with Jon's family and then this summer we went to British Columbia and Idaho while Jon was in Washington and Texas interviewing with the Army. Jon and I also got to spend time together in Hawaii while Jon did another interview there. We find out tomorrow (December 17th) where we will be moving to in May. Stay tuned! We are excited for the upcoming change in our lives, but nervous, scared, and sad too. It will be hard leaving our close friends here. It's amazing though to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Especially when we first moved here and thought it would never come. Aside from Jon being busy with school I have been busy being a mom, working on Saturdays still at the dental office, and taking a couple classes a semester. Benjamin is growing up so fast. He has definitely hit the terrible twos. He has also started speech therapy because he is behind in his speech. It will be good for him and we have noticed a little change in the last month since he started. We wish we had more good news to spread, but this is it for us. We hope that everyone has a great Christmas and happy New Year. We love and miss you all!

Halloween

Halloween was pretty fun this year. First we had our ward party the Saturday before, which I helped out with. Benjamin seemed to have fun with pumpkin bowling, eating treats, and dressing up. On Halloween day I took Ben out to a near by farmers market. They had animals to pet, colored chickens, pumpkins, haunted Tee-Pees, we also got a couple donuts for a treat while there. Ben seemed to have fun. He was a little unsure of the haunted Tee-Pees but enjoyed them when we got in and realized it was just pumpkins and glow in the dark skeletons. We took him Trick-or-Treating later that night. After dinner we got him dressed up in his pirate costume and took him out. I don't think he understood fully what was going on but he would run from door to door. We would get him to say "Trick-or-Treat" and then he would take what candy they handed him. It was cute. We mostly just did our friends houses. I'm sure that next year he will get the full concept. It was a little hard getting a picture of him in his outfit because he was so excited. I did me best though. It was also nice that the weather was nice and he didn't need a coat on. I remember many Halloweens having to wear my winter coat under my costume.

Pearl Harbor

On one of our days together Jon and I went to Pearl Harbor. It was an amazing place to see. Very sad and somber. It's hard to fathom the things that went on there over 60 years ago. It's amazing the destruction war does. We took our little tour at the USS Arizona and then went over to the submarine they had. We were glad that we didn't have Ben with us, since children under 4 couldn't go on. I had never been in a submarine before. It was interesting to see how they cramp in so many people in such a small space. But to my surprise I wasn't as claustrophobic as I though I would be. Granted there weren't many of us on the submarine at the same time. There was a lady on the submarine, making sure they were going in the right direction who told us to give her our camera so she could take a picture of us. She place us in three different spots and told us where to stand. The one with Jon pretending to ring the bell is one of them. We then took a bus over to the USS Missouri. What a big ship. You never realize how big they really are until you are on one. It was a good day seeing a little piece of history and being able to enjoy it without a 2 year old.

Aloha Hawaii

It has always been a dream of mine to one day go to Hawaii. When Jon got the opportunity to go down there and interview for a week I was jealous, but knew that Ben and I wouldn't be able to join him. After some easy convincing by my mom I got a plane ticket for myself. Thanks to Jon's mom and Billy for coming to stay with Ben while we were gone. What a task they had for themselves, Ben getting sick and our sewer backing up into our basement. I really can't believe that everything that could possibly go wrong, did. I'm just glad no one ended up the the hospital. Thanks for being such troopers Lark and Billy. Aside from what was happening back at home Jon and I had a great time in Hawaii. For the first week Jon had to go into work. This was no big deal for me. With the time change, I was up pretty early along with Jon. At 8, when the pool opened, I was laying out in the sun with a book. It was nice a relaxing, sunning my body and enjoying a good book. One day I went to the near by shops and looked around. It's amazing how some of the stuff can be so much more. Jon and I went to eat out at Chili's and it was almost double to price, but when we ate at Red Lobster, it was about the same price as here. Another one of the days I dropped Jon off at work and went to the temple to do a session. To drive around the island is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I loved seeing the green mountains, and the blue water, occasionally we would see a rainbow. We celebrated Jon's birthday while in Hawaii. Poor Jon had a hard time turning 30 this year. We went to dinner at P.F. Chang's and then bought dessert at the Cheesecake factory, which we brought back to the hotel. Such exciting party people we are. When Jon was done with his work week we spent the rest of our time together traveling the island. We went to several areas to see what were possible places for us to live if we get sent to Hawaii. We looked at the different base housing and then drove to time the drive for Jon in different community areas. It was wonderful getting to see most of the island. We spent a couple days at the beach. Jon not being a beach person was a good sport and let me lay in the sun. We also spent a day at the Polynesian cultural center. I wish we were a little more organized in knowing where to go and what to see. It seemed like we walked in at the end of most of the little shows they presented at the different villages. We went to the luau, which was fun. The food was pretty good. And then they had a show later that night which had different dances from the different islands. It was a nice day together. The weather was so wonderful. It was always warm and never seemed to be too hot. On our last day we spent it on the beach at our hotel. It was around 5 at night and we were still laying there in our swim suits without worrying about the weather. What a great life for 5 years that would be for us. To live in Paradise. I wonder what Jon will put as his number one spot and where we will be sent. Deep down inside I really, really, REALLY want to be sent to Hawaii.

Washing Grandma's Car

My mom got Benjamin and Tavia to help her clean the car. Tavia seemed to be more help than Ben did. I guess you gotta teach them while they're young to help out. Here's a little video with them washing the car. Ben is so funny!

Grandpa's Truck

Grandpa Christensen took us to see his new truck. Benjamin has never seen it and he was very excited when he saw it. He was a little scared at first when he got in the truck because of the loud noises the cooler was making, but once he got into the drivers seat with Grandma everything was ok. I was kept trying to get a picture with him looking at the camera, but that was impossible because he was so intrigued by all of the buttons and stuff to look at. We got to sit on the top bunk where my mom sleeps when she goes with Van. He has fun up on the top bunk. Van also should us his little TV that he hooked up to surround sound. It was pretty cool. We then took a look at the truck from outside and got a few pictures. Ben was running around looking at all of the trucks yelling and pointing at them with excitement. It was also neat to see the size of Ben compared to the truck. He could literally stand straight up and walk under the trailer to the truck. After seeing all that we could it was time to go. Ben was very upset. He started to crying saying, "Gruck" over and over. Thanks Grandpa Christensen for making Ben's dreams come true.

Talking with Daddy

Jon decided to set up a webcam so he could talk with Benjamin and see him. My mom had one also so for the last week or so we have been talking with Jon over the internet. Everytime Ben sees me at the computer he says, "Daddy!" He enjoys talking, or should I say laughing at Jon, over the computer. Even though Jon thinks that Ben is forgetting about him, it's nice to see that Ben still knows that Jon is his daddy. Just look at the grin.

Tauphaus Park

Benjamin and I went with my friend Katie, and her daughter Abigal to the local zoo. Since Idaho Falls isn't too big, it took us about an hour to see everything. It was a nice get away with Ben. He just seemed to want to run around from place to place. He seemed to enjoy see most of the animals. He also liked the petting zoo, he would pet the little goat that was probably trying to sleep. The Lion area was his favorite. He liked looking at him and then we saw this tent that had a motion sensor and would make African animals sounds, he was very upset when we had to leave.

Happy Birthday To Me!

Since I was in Canada with my cousins' during my birthday my family decided to celebrate it when we got back. We had a birthday dinner, Stuffed Shells, and cake. There was Michael and Kelly with their son Caiden, Mom and Van, Benjamin and me, and my sister Lisa with her daughter Tavia. My friend Katie, from High School, came with her daughter Abigal, but she took the picture. It was a great celebration with lots of food. I can't believe that I am 28. I always thought at 28 I would have accomplished so much more. But I am glad to be in the position I am in. I am very happy with the way my life is going. So my friend Emily always asks what my goals are for the year. Last year it was NOT to get pregnant, which was successfully executed. This year, I think I would like to have a baby, move away from Rochester without an emotional breakdown, and complete all of my prerequisites to get into the Dental Hygiene program.

Somsen's Wedding

We went down to Utah for a wedding this weekend. It was a quick trip, we left Friday afternoon and came back after the reception on Saturday. It was the wedding of one of my companion from the mission. It was nice to be able to see Wendy, she also got to meet Benjamin was nice. The sealing was wonderful. She was sealed by Bruce R. McKonkie's son and he did a great job. It was nice having the reminder of my own wedding to Jon. I kept thinking about how happy I was that day and remembered how I was grinning from ear to ear, just like Wendy was. I also got to see my mission President and his wife. We'll get to go and see them again before we head back to Rochester. Benjamin was a trooper yesterday. Mom and I dragged him to the luncheon, which on the way he fell asleep, and then we took him from store to store doing a little shopping, a little browsing, and looking for a Bed Bath & Beyong, which we never found. We had dinner at a Chili's and then dragged him to the reception. He seemed to be happy there. He was good enough to get one picture with Somsen and then enjoyed playing with the statues around the garden, hence the picture of Benjamin on the dog. Ben didn't get a good enough nap so on the way back to Idaho he was a little unhappy after while. I kept telling him that he could close his eyes and go to sleep but after 30 minutes of screaming he finally passed out.

Christensen Cousins

We went down to Utah over the weekend to go to a wedding. We stayed at my..."Brother's" house. Todd and Vanessa have four kids but Bridger was sleeping when we took these pictures. Benjamin had fun playing with Carlie, Cameron, and Jadyn while I was at the temple for the wedding. He seems to like having other people around to play with. However, he wasn't the happiest when I was giving attention to the other kids. He would always want to be held or in the middle of the attention. What a first child he is.

Uncle Peter

My mom invited my little brother over for dinner the other night. She didn't mention to Peter that I was here so he was surprised when he saw me and Benjamin. We had a good little visit. Benjamin was a little shy at first, but warmed up to him quickly. It was nice to see Peter again since we haven't seem each other in a long time and nice for both Ben and Peter to hang out.

Canada

Before we came back to Idaho with Mom and Van Benjamin and I went to Calgary for a week. Ben had fun playing with all of his second cousins. Trying to get 9 kids to sit still and all smile for a picture is quiet the chore. We finally got a shot with all of them. They may not all look happy but we got the picture. Pictured are: Seth, Olivia, Sarah, Joshua, Julia, Paul, Tavia, Benson, Benjamin

It was nice spending time with my extended family before my parents and Lisa came to pick me up. We hung out, I helped build a shed for Natasha, went shopping, and celebrated my birthday. It was a great week. Pictured: Natasha, Me, Nicole, Lisa

Pancake Mix

We have arrived at my mom's house in Idaho Falls. And within less then 24 hours of being here Benjamin has already gotten into mischief and made a mess. Mom had to go and work so Ben and I were left at home alone. I needed to have a quick shower and left Ben alone to play. I thought I had put everything up that he might get into. However, I forgot that he could get into the food pantry. When I got out of the shower I noticed something weird near the door. I opened the door and there was "flour" all of the place I walked a little further and saw Ben in the middle of more in the kitchen, covered. I saw the bag and realized it was Pancake Mix. It took awhile to clean up, but before I did I thought I would get a picture. What a kid!

Technical Difficulties

I'm not sure what is going on, but I am having a hard time editing my posts to make them look normal. Once I get home I will try and fix it. But for now, Enjoy!

Swimming Lessons

Benjamin and I took swimming lessons while we were visiting Grandma and Grandpa Canton. He learned how to blow bubbles in the pool, kick his feet, reach for toys to get in the motion of swimming, float on his back, go down the slide and emerge his head in the water. On our last day they had a fun water walk where the kids got to "walk on water." It was cute. I'm not sure Ben knew what was going on, but he enjoyed jumpin off at the end. I look forward to the many more swimming lessons he may have in the future. Of course I am biest, but he was the best student in the class. He always tried everything and didn't mind the water or getting wet. Yeah Ben!

Lakawanna Park

Grandma Canton and I took Benjamin down to Lakawanna Park one night. They had a big train, which Ben loved. I had him sit on it for a little while and he did not want to get off. He kept saying, "Choo, Choo!" We then played in the little water park and other things around the park. He is getting to be such a big boy and loves what other kids are doing and playing. Yes, he did arrive and left with pants, however I took them off so he could play in the water.

Jealousy

Grandma and Grandpa Canton got a new dog while we were out visiting and I think Ben got a little jealous. Near the end of our trip if Taz was being held by Grandma, Ben would run over and want to sit on Grandma's lap. I wonder how he will cope with a new child in the family? And to answer Shelly's comment, no, we are not pregnant. I will post once it happens, but don't expect it until later this year maybe early next year!

Bumps, Bruises and Deep Cuts

Benjamin's last week in Penticton at Grandma and Grandpa Canton's was not the best week for accidents. Ben has learned how to go down stairs one at a time without holding onto a rail or someones hand. He was going down the balcony stairs when he lost his footing and fell on the the concrete. He bumped his head and got a little bump and bruise. It was amazing how fast it healed. It was completely gone within a few days. After he healed from this accident Ben and I were at swimming lessons. After class I had stripped him of his clothes and wrapped him in a towel to warm him up. I was standing behind him wringing out his clothes when I looked over and saw him starting to scoot off the bench. I reached towards him and missed by a second when he fell onto the concrete with his face. Poor little guy was crying and I was looking for blood. At first I couldn't see anything and then he opened his mouth. I tried to find the cut when I saw a huge cut in his lip. Thank goodness another mother came to my rescue. I started crying because I didn't know what to think, we were so far away from home, not even in the same country and I wasn't sure if our insurance would cover Ben if we needed to go to the hospital. Thank goodness the nice lady helped me call Jan who then called my Dad to come and help me. A lifeguard came and helped get the bleeding stopped. And thank goodness there was a dentist in the ward that Jan called and he looked at Ben to make sure his teeth were ok and that he didn't need stitches. Poor little guy had his lip sticking out for a couple days because of the pain and has been drolling because he won't close his mouth all the way. But he his healing fine now and all is well. Thank goodness children heal quickly. With all our little accidents this past week I have a feeling that Ben may be accident pron and we may be having many trips in the future to the doctors.

Missing Daddy

Benjamin seems to be missing his daddy. Well, at least I think he is. We try and talk to Jon every night before Ben goes to sleep. We also will call Jon sometimes during the day on weekends. Benjamin will babel to Jon sometimes throwing in a couple of his well known words. I wish he would start talking better so he could show Jon that he is improving with his speech. We were sitting outside one afternoon while Ben was talking with Jon and Ben started to pet Taz. I loved the way it looked from behind so I quickly got a picture. And no, Ben is not dialing Jon's phone number, he is just pushing buttons while Jon is on the other line. Poor Jon's phone conversations with Ben aren't the greatest. I think he just wants to have a normal conversation with his son. Is that too much to ask Ben?

Cherry Picking

While out at Grandma and Grandpa Canton's we looked for different activities to do. One day Benjamin and I took a little drive from Penticton to Summerland and went Cherry Picking. I was thinking of something that we could do together that would get us out of the house and doing something where it was okay for Ben to touch things and me not having to say no all the time. We love to go and pick fruit back home in Rochester so I looked for a place close by that we could have a fun activity for us to do. We haven't picked cherries before so this was a fun activity for us to do. We enjoyed it so much we went again and took Grandma with us. It was a fun and Ben seemed to enjoy it.

Trucks, Trucks, Trucks

Benjamin LOVES to play with his cars and trucks. Grandma and Grandpa Canton got him a couple of great big trucks. Ben discovered while we where there that he could put rocks into the bed of the truck and then dump them out. He enjoyed rolling his truck over the rocks. Look at the way he intently looks while playing with his trucks. Such a serious little boy!