One Step At a Time

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T22:30:00.001-08:00

I love our sweetheart Tatum and just have so much fun being her mommy. This weekend when we had a good snow fall we finally got to take Tatum out to play in it. She was a little hesitant at first but really got into it when we showed her how much fun it was. Her favorite part was eating the snow. She is a huge ice lover so I can see why she was so into eating it. She also hates coming in from playing outside no matter the weather conditions. She loves being outside just like her mommy does. Hopefully this winter will go quickly so we can enjoy the outside more often. Although Utah has been having a crazy warm winter this year. That is why this is the first time we have really taken her out to play in the snow. It's just never snowed long enough to play in it really. It has melted too fast which is so strange for Utah. But we have enjoyed the warmer days at the parks so I can't complain either. Warmer weather= 45 to 50 degrees. (so not 70's but still nice when the sun is shining and you only have to wear a lighter jacket.)
Daddy was trying to build a snowman with Tatum but ended up just making snowballs and throwing them at the cement wall. Guess that is more fun for boys.....
Tatum loves feeding the chickens and ducks that her grandparents neighbors have in their backyard. She knows exactly what we say when "want to go feed the chickens and ducks some bread?" She lights up and charges for the door.
Tatum has a slight shoe fetish, which could be bad when she gets older. She will put anyone's shoes on that are lying around the house. Here she has her older cousins "Cars" rain boots on. I think I will need to get her a pair soon cause she loves them.

Shoe fetish again. She found daddy's shoes in the closet and had to put them on. Sorry not the best picture with all the shadows.
I get to see this sweet face every morning and enjoy all the crazy hairstyles she wakes up with.
She loves playing in her crib for a bit in the mornings before I go and get her. She tells stories to her stuffed animals and I enjoy hearing them through the monitor.
So Scout is hanging in there this winter just sleeping most of it away. He is a good sport for letting me do stuff like this to him........but hey it's Valentine's Day and he is a part of our family too.

Updates for the New Year 2011

2012-01-23T21:17:00.001-08:00

Tatum is such a joy and is growing up too fast on us. She has the cutest personality and always seems to make us all laugh. She loves to wear any glasses she can get her hands on. She just may want to be just like her daddy when she grows up.......we'll "see."

Tatum loves her ice cream and will have it anytime if we give it to her. I know I am the same way.

Here I am at 20 weeks along and having a BOY!!! We can't wait to have one of each and for our kids to be able to play together. I need to take a current picture of me at 25 weeks since my belly is changing a lot.

Tatum had fun going for a ride on this school bus that was in the mall.

Mommy turned 32 on Jan.5th and can't believe how fast the time is going. I sure don't feel like I am 32 but you just take each year as they come and enjoy all the in betweens!!

Our sweet little cowgirl!!

My mom and all her girls on Christmas day. I love all these ladies to pieces.

My sweet dad with all his kids....my how we all have grown up too fast.

My dad with his girls and daughter in law.

All my family except my little sister Jentry and her family. I love being with family for the holidays and all the time for that matter. We have loved being closer to everyone and being able to spend more quality time with them.

Christmas family picture

Tatum loved opening her Christmas presents even if it was overwhelming at times.

Tatum got a talking cookie monster from her mom and dad and she just loved that she could feed it cookies over and over again. Such a fun and easy age to please our little ones.

Loved opening it with her daddy.

Tatum loved helping decorate the Christmas tree this year. She feels like such a big girl whenever she can help out.

Warning!!! A lot of Pictures.......

2011-11-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

The Rumors are true!!! We are expecting baby #2 due May 4th, 2012.
We were SO surprised to hear the news ourselves considering we were not even trying. But we do feel SO blessed cause it was such a long trial getting pregnant with Tatum.

Can't wait to find out what we are having. Here I am 16 1/2 weeks pregnant. This pregnancy is flying by so fast considering the busy last few months we have had and the upcoming busy months ahead.

Sweet Tatum and Me on Thanksgiving Day.

Love this sweetheart, she is growing up too fast on us. Can't believe she is 18 months old.

A few highlights of Tatum in the last few months:

* She knows how to sign the words: water, milk, please, thank-you, more, ball, mommy, daddy, baby, eat, airplane, fish, cat.
* She loves dancing whenever she hears music. She claps her hands, bangs her head, and stomps her feet. It's so cute!!!
* She eats just about anything unless she is not in the mood.
* She loves to copy what mommy does like putting on make-up, brushing her hair, brushing her teeth, making sounds like mommy, pretty much she just loves being right by my side. She is my little side-kick.
* She loves giving kisses and hugs.
* She loves babies and wants to take care of them.
* She loves the shows "Super Why" and "The Cat in the Hat" which we watch almost every morning.
* She can't get enough of chasing our cat Scout. She continues to try and catch him even though he runs away from her every time.
* She loves to play hide and seek, and loves to be chased around the house.

We were able to see the pretty Christmas lights be turned on
for the first time of the season at the Riverwoods Mall in Provo, Utah.

Tatum and most of her cousins from the Olsen side of the family.

It was a sad day leaving our home in Ohio. We will miss it and our friends we left behind.

Who ever said moving was fun??? Especially when you have to drive 28 hours across country to get to your destination in this big truck. Thanks to my amazing Dad for flying out to drive back with me. He was such a trooper since he drove the truck the entire way.

Todd and I in front of our sweet temple in Columbus, Ohio.

Our sweet friend Joni and her son James. We loved
all our fun times together and will miss them dearly.

Hanging out a the pumpkin patch

Friend Halloween Party we went to. And I know.....Yikes my costume is not such a sight to look at, so sorry about that. It was a last minute thing and Todd sported his fake tattoo sleeve.

More of the pumpkin patch

Love this picture of Tatum just watching her cartoons.

We had a fun surprise visit from my sweet Grandpa and Grandma Olsen. They were driving through Columbus on a church history tour across country. Love them!!!

Can you guess if she likes granola bars or not?

The only time my child will ever be this close to a Barney. He freaks me out.

Tatum and I loved going to the Columbus Zoo with our friends.

Future Optometrist maybe??

Tatum loves finding places to hide or hang out in.

We always enjoyed taking Tatum to the pool. We took her to Todd's school
at their indoor pool and she loved it so much.

We celebrated Daddy's 32nd Birthday on October 11th.
Can't believe how fast the years are going anymore.

Time is going TOO fast

2011-11-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

My thoughts need to be put down for I know I want to look back at this one day and know how I felt. I have to say that time has just come by too fast. I have bitter sweet feelings in my heart about leaving our home in Ohio. There are too many fond memories here and this is where we started our family. I am feeling a flush of emotions and my eyes are full of tears. It's hard to think that in less than 8 days I will be making the long trek back to Utah with my dad. I have been anxious and excited to be close to family again and to be able to make some more wonderful memories with them and for sweet Tatum to get the time and love she has needed from her Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, and cousins. I will miss all our sweet friends and amazing ward we have met while we have lived here. I will always remember each and every one of them and how they have imprinted a part of them in my life. The examples they have been to make me want to be a better person, one who serves more, loves more, and just is there for you when you need someone. I want all those who read this to know how much I love and care for you. I sometimes need to stop and enjoy the silence cause it doesn't happen very often. And like my father in law always says, "don't forget to enjoy nature." Life is always too fast paced where we have to be there or here or doing this or that and we rarely have the time to sit and listen to our own thoughts and to really meditate. I find that time is too precious and when its gone it's gone. But luckily there is plenty more "time" ahead of us and what we do with that time is up to us.

I feel that my time here in Ohio has been huge milestone in my own personal life. I have grown so much and learned so much more about who I am and who I want to be. I know that wherever I am in my life that I am meant to be there for I will always learn a little more about myself and how I can better myself.

I hope that we all can try a little harder to be a little better each day and to reach out and find those who need "US" for we are all tools in the Lord's hands and he needs us to fulfill his work here. He needs us to be more like him and to be there for everyone. He has his hands full and needs our help. I love my Heavenly Father and all that he has blessed me with. My heart is so full with gratitude for the life I was given. How lucky and I to have such an amazing husband and daughter who both love and care about me so much. I have felt the Lord's love through being a wife and mother to them. I know I am not perfect and by all means need to learn some more patience in my life but I am working on that and will try harder each day.

Thanks for listening.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T19:06:00.001-07:00

Tatum was the cutest little chick for Halloween this year. She was all warm and super fluffy.

Family shot

Our cute little Jack O Lantern we carved and bought for only a dollar at a farmer's patch

Tatum is growing up too fast on us.

Mommy and Tatum carving our pumpkin.

She was not a big fan of the "insides" that I had to dig out.

Fun Visit with Nana

2011-10-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

I never got the chance to post a few pictures of my mom's visit out here back in August. We had so much fun with here out here. We of course had to do a craft project and we made these yarn wreaths for Halloween. We loved the way they turned out.

Three HAPPY Generations.

I know Tatum loves being spoiled and loved by her Nana.

She loved running up and down our streets with her Red Robin balloon. I think she looks like me in this picture when I was her age.

Family Pictures 2011

2011-10-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

One of my really good friends here in Ohio took our family pictures for us and we love how they turned out. We wanted to remember our fun years of living in OHIO. We will sure miss living here and our friends we have made. We are anxious to see where we will end up next.

These two are too cute together, it always makes my heart melt when I see them together. =)

Playing a little peek-a-boo!!

She is the sweetest little angel ever!!! We feel so blessed to have her in our family.

Sad and Pathetic Computer =(

2011-09-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

So I have been very frustrated with my computer for the last 3 weeks now. It's over 7 years old and it has just decided to not turn on and cooperate for me. If I get lucky some days it will turn on but more days then not it's just lame. With this lameness it causes me not to be able to edit my photos or upload them with out it freezing on me. I really want to update our blog and face book with pictures of my mom's trip out here and our fun trip to Manhattan, New York with Todd's parents. And in the midst of packing up our stuff so we can be ready for our move out west in 7 weeks I feel like the time is going too fast. I want it to slow down because we will be leaving our fun condo, our sweet friends, our ward, and all the memories we have made while living here for the last 3 1/2 years.

There have been many highlights for us while we have lived here.To name a few, Todd has enjoyed his Optometry Education at Ohio State and has made some great friends from his class. He is so happy he chose this profession and so am I. I want him to be happy in the profession he has worked so hard for. It's weird to think he has been going to school since we first dated and through the 7 1/2 years of our marriage. It's nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel and know that in June of 2012 he will be graduated!!!! I am extremely proud of all his hard work and for the wonderful scholarship he got through the Air Force. It's been such a blessing for us to have his last two years of tuition paid for and to be able to live on a stipend they give to us monthly. Another huge highlight for us here in Ohio was finally getting pregnant with our sweet baby Tatum after trying for 3 years. She was worth the wait and we have felt so blessed to have her in our family. She is one of a kind and we know she is very special. From the day she was born she has always had a sweet disposition about her. She has brought both Todd and I so much joy and we both realize that she was suppose to be in our family. We learn so much from her everyday and we can't imagine our lives with out her. I have just loved being able to be a stay at home mom to help raise her and watch her grow.

I know that life can throw sticks at us at times and we may trip and fall but we have to get back up and keep on going. All our experiences while living here in Ohio, the good times and the bad, have been for our own good. Todd and I have become more dependent on each other and we have had to learn together how to make things work out for us as a family. Too many times can we all look at others lives and envy or wish we had this or that but when you take a step back you have to realize that we are all in different situations and we all have our own stories. We have felt so blessed to have both of our amazing families support from back home and can't wait to spend some quality time with them again even if it's only for a short time.

We know we have an adventure a head of us and we don't know where we will end up yet but that is what we have to look forward to. It's the next chapter of our lives and we feel excited and nervous all at the same time. But with this new chapter in our lives I know we will be just fine because we will have each other. As long as we have each other we can do anything.

If you happened to stick around to read this post I am sorry if I was on a soapbox. It's just been a long time since I have really written my thoughts of gratitude on our blog.

And I am grateful for my happy life!!!!

Grandma C comes to visit

2011-08-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

We were spoiled to have Todd's mom out for a visit this weekend. We had so much fun and can't believe how fast those 3 days went. Tatum was so happy to have her Grandma here. Love you!

I am bias since this is my own daughter but I think she is SO dang cute!!!

Family shot at Schmidt's restaurant

Enjoyed taking some fun pictures while walking around German Village.

Being a kid is always fun!

2011-08-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

So if you didn't already know, our daughter just LOVES water in any form. She can't get enough of it and would be in it if she could 24 -7. One evening a few weeks ago we had one of our famous rain storms here in Ohio and we went out on our front porch to watch it come down together as a family. We stuck our hands out into the rain and that is all it took for Tatum. She was grunting at us and pointing at the rain. She wanted us to take her out into what was the biggest shower possible and let her play in it. So that is what we did. We ran out and played in the rain as a family and had SO much fun. Tatum was laughing and smiling so hard it was priceless. We found all the puddles we could to splash in and even let her sit down and have at it. She was in heaven. The hardest part was bringing her back in. She cried and begged with her big blue eyes to let her stay out and play. It was a fun memory that I will always remember. We are now forever doomed because since that night whenever it's rained she wants to go out and play it in. If we don't take her out she whines and cries. It's sad and cute all at the same time.

14 Months old Today

2011-08-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

We can't believe that sweet Tatum is growing up so fast on us.
Today she is 14 months old and has been quite the busy girl.

At this point:
~She is walking on her own with a few falls here and there.
~She is testing mommy and daddy to see if she can do certain things and see our response.
~She loves to shake her head no and understands at times what we mean when we say it.
~She has been trying out different foods and really likes most of them. Some of her favorites are: string cheese, gold fish crackers, blueberries, strawberries, pancakes, ice cream, just to name a few.
~She loves going to the pool everyday with mommy and can't get enough of any water in general.
~She has to always be socializing or doing what mommy or daddy is doing. She has a great wave and loves to wave at anyone she can.
~`She also has a cute fake laugh she does when she is in big groups and wants to be involved. It's so funny.

We have loved seeing her develop and grow. We can't believe our little girl is growing up on us so fast. She is such a joy to us. Love you sweet Tatum.

Love this Cutie!!

2011-07-21T12:53:00.001-07:00

Tatum and I go to the pool everyday and have so much fun together!!

We got her a floaty and she has really enjoyed it.

She found daddy's tie and wanted to put it on all by herself, not bad if you ask me.

She is a a good sport considering I put the camera in her face a little too much.

Can you see why we love this little cutie?? She is such a joy in our lives.....

4th of July Fun!!

2011-07-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was nice and relaxing. We spent the day taking naps, eating lots of yummy food
and hanging out with some of our good friends.

Tatum can't get enough of being in water just like her daddy. All the kids were playing in water and she kept whining to play too, so we striped her down to just her diaper and she had SO much fun.

I got her this cute headband in the dollar section at Target but she didn't like wearing it so I at least got a picture of her in it for the memories.

Tatum also LOVES to swing and could go for hours if we would push her.

She looks so grown up to me in so many of these pictures.
We let her have fun playing in our laundry hamper.

Just playing around with my camera.

Bath time is her favorite!!!

Even played a little patty cake for us.

The yummy cupcakes I made for the 4th of July party we went to.

Did different colored layers even, it was fun and were tasty too!!

Our little Ms. America

Tatum's 1 year photoshoot

2011-06-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

My amazing and talented friend Aly took Tatum's 1 year photos for us.

We loved the way they turned out. What do you think??? So many fun ones to pick from.

Happy 1st Birthday Tatum!!!

2011-06-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that Tatum is one already. We can't imagine life with out her
and we have just cherished every minute of her sweetness. Here she is not sure what
to think of her party hat but still was a good sport the whole party.

Instead of digging into her birthday cake she had her very first
frosted animal cookie and LOVED it!!

She got so many nice gifts from her many friends. She loved each and
everyone of them equally. She loves all her gracious friends.

She opted for an afternoon nap after her party was over to just play with all her new toys.
Can't say I blame her, even her mommy and daddy sat down and played
with her new toys with her.

Her first birthday cake!!! She was unsure of the candles so mommy helped her blow them out.

She loved unwrapping all her new gifts even if she kind of got overwhelmed.

All the kiddies that came to her party!!!

I kind of went crazy with making yummy food to munch on, I can't help it.
I mean you only turn 1 year old ONCE!!!

I made cupcakes for everyone that came and made the cute toothpick decorations.

Decorations and Food

Tatum got this walker/car for Easter and loves to be pushed around the house until
mom and dad have no more energy.

She is so fun to take pictures of because she smiles at the camera
every time it's in her face.

We had a BBQ in our backyard as a family, we are loving the summer weather.

Tatum loves when we blow bubbles for her.

She just gets cuter and cuter.

Tatum loves to play patty cakes with us.

Kisses from Daddy

T's new pink camouflage sunglasses

Fell asleep on dad in her traditional arms up sleep position.

A few more pictures of our Utah trip. Here is uncle Dustin, Aunt Cori, and cousin McKinley

My sweet new nephew Jaxon that I was able to meet before we left Utah.

Tatum got to go for a ride in her Nana's red sports car.

Tatum's cousin's and two of her aunts on Todd's side of the family.

Tatum loved rocking in Nana's grand kid rocking chair.

Mother's day dinner at my older sister's house. Only sister missing in the picture
is my littlest sister Kelsey.

Tatum's cousins on my side minus two that were not there.

love teasing Tatum

Sporting her cousin's t-shirt because she had a blowout.

We went to my grandma's grave on Mother's day

We had a girls day date and went to Gardner's Village.

Got together with two of my dearest friends Taunya and Sara. We
had fun catching up and laughing like the good old days when they lived in Ohio.

Bathtime in Nana's sink

I ran in the Cinca De Mayo 5K race with my older sister and brother in law.
It was fun and my best time for a 5K race.

My biggest cheerleader at the race!!

Playing with balloons.

Tatum was lucky to have a "pre-birthday" a month before
her birthday while we were out in Utah. She had fun and got spoiled.
Here she is with her Nana.

Hanging out with Grandpa Olsen... My dad!!!

Sun was in her eyes and she was done with all the over stimulation of a party.

Most of her cousins from both sides, a few were missing.

Tatum loves the swings, she just giggled and smiled the whole time.

Utah Fun!

2011-05-01T14:10:00.001-07:00

We LOVE that Tatum smiles SO big when the camera is in her face.

So I finally did it!!! I cut my hair and cut 11 inches to be exact.

I love it and love how healthy it feels again. It's been fun styling it and running
my hands through it over and over again.

Todd's little sister got married this weekend and the weather was a bit
on the cold side but it was still such a wonderful wedding and day for all of us.
Tatum saw her reflection in the window and loved it. The picture turned out pretty fun too.

Standing outside after the wedding waiting for the happy couple to come out.

Love the Easter bunny ears on her

Tatum's first Easter. She loved all the stuff she got but especially liked smacking the
plastic eggs together and making noise.

Spring might just be here!!!

2011-04-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

These pretty flowers bloom every spring in our flower beds and they make me smile everyday I see them. They have been enjoying the warmth of the sun but I did notice that when it was cold they closed up shop like we all do when it's cold out. I love SPRING!!!
What is that hair do about Tatum? Just flapping in the wind. Todd likes to take Tatum outside and touch all the different pine trees we have around our house. She is a little unsure about the grass when we walk her on it bare foot. It tickles her and she pulls her feet back up, it's so funny.
Tatum has been pulling the funniest faces lately. Our favorite one is called the "squishy face." She will copy us when we do it and when she does it we just laugh and smile. She is so fun.

SO this is the series of pictures I caught on camera as we pulled the famous Tatum face.
Like this mom??? My cheeks are squishing my eyes closed......
Tah-Dah!!!! Here is the "squishy face" we can't get enough of and I am glad I captured it on camera for everyone to enjoy.

Man I just can't get enough of her cheeks. They are so squishy and SO KISSABLE!!
This is what mommy is doing when Tatum is taking her naps or has gone to bed for the night. This time she wanted to sit on my lap and watch me in action.

Not recommended due to busy little hands wanting to help mommy out.

Pay no attention to the scissors and pin cushion that are only inches away from her reach. I promise I was watching her like a hawk.

Had to make Tatum an Easter dress. I am pretty proud of it too. If you want to see more projects I have done lately then check out my craft blog here.
Tatum is a crawling fool now........ARMY style that is.

Love this sweet face...

She is sporting yet another outfit I made her. I just can't take it. I have to enjoy it while I can because one day she will tell me that she wants to dress herself and in her own way. Until then, I am loving every minute I have of dressing her up.
I gave Tatum her first hair cut because her famous mo hawk would not stand up anymore. I only cut off a half an inch and it looks great. Let's just say her daddy was not very happy with me but he likes having the mow hawk back again.

She is sporting her first summer time outfit, we had 80 degree weather a few Sunday's ago and it was perfect!!!

10 months old

2011-04-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

This sweet innocent face is the face of our 10 month old.
What???? She can't be......where did that last month go?

Either way, her personality is coming through and has been so
FUNNY and STUBBORN!
I wonder where she got that from??

In the last month Tatum:

* learned how to sort of army crawl (although the whole time she is whining because she wants us to pick her up.)
*She tends to not want to play by herself on the floor with her toys. She wants to be doing what we are doing.
*She loves going for walks in the stroller outside so if she is getting fussy and the weather is decent we will go for a walk because both mommy and Tatum need a little fresh air to calm our spirits down.
*She loves string cheese and gold fishes, she recognizes when we put them in front of her.
* She has been copying us with some of the faces we pull at her which can be really funny.

Tatum loves to walk everywhere.......with the help of mommy or daddy that is.

My two favorite people!!!

Can't get enough of this sweetheart.

Just hanging out before Tatum goes to bed.

I love that she has kept her chubby thighs and cheeks. They are so much fun to kiss.

Kids are too cute naked in just their diapers huh? She loves looking outside and licking the window of course. Have to check everything out with the tongue and make sure it's approved by Tatum.

9 months mommy???

2011-03-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

We can't believe this little stinker is already over 9 months old. She has just matured right before our eyes. She keeps us on our toes and we love every minute of it. She had her 9 month appointment last week and here are her stats:

Weight: 19 lbs 5 oz. (75%)
Height: 27 inches (50%)
Head Cir: 44 cm. (60%)

Tatum's latest updates are:

*She LOVES to go walking with mommy or daddy's help holding her hands.
*She has almost figured out how to crawl but not quite yet, she can move herself around on her belly and push her self backwards.
*She is a champ with all her solids now. Loves oatmeal, and all her fruits and veggies except squash and green beans.
*She has been feeding herself cereal puffs, yogurt bites, and bites of string cheese.
*She has been pulling her tantrum's whenever we lay her on her back to change her diaper, putting her in her high chair to eat, and some of the time she gets mad when we set her down to play with her toys. She wants to be held and be social I guess.
*Has had more colds this winter than I can count on two hands, she gets one then passes it to me and then we are good for a week then we start it all over again.
*She has NO more blow outs!! Yahoo......don't miss those.
*Went from 3 naps in a day to 2 full naps during the day.
*Is at a hard stage with her clothes. She is too big for the 6 month stuff and too small for the 12 month stuff. I have decided that they don't make a lot of in between sizes like around the 9 month stage. Why is that??

Here she is strutting her stuff walking around the house with daddy.

She loves daddy time and I know that he loves it too.

I Finally GOT it!!!

2011-02-25T05:09:00.000-08:00

I am a new owner of this baby!! I have been saving my money for quite some time now and I have been looking around at prices and different brand names. I am a huge fan of Canon and have already found it user friendly which is a bonus. I am so excited to learn more and to have yet another hobby. With the money I had saved plus a little help from my sweet husband for my birthday and Valentine's day gift I now own my first SLR camera. Thanks Todd!! You are the Best!!

It has been a tradition almost every Valentine's Day that I make Todd a nice candlelight dinner. We use our nice drinking glasses (pretty much only once a year) and enjoy the company, food, and atomosphere.

This is me testing out my new camera. I am still trying to learn about all the different modes and learn all the new photo lingo that comes with it. It's a little overwhelming I must say but I will only get better with A LOT of practice.
I love how cozy the fire place adds to the night.

Never a dull moment around our house.

2011-02-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

Teddy Bear Tatum. I think I have made her plenty of beanies by now, but it's
just too much fun and she looks too cute in all of them.

Tatum has made some eventful milestones in the last few weeks.
She is 8 1/2 months and she:

*eats solids at least 2-3 times a day and has liked everything
I have given her except the green veggies. We will keep working on them.
*has her first tooth( and the other one is creeping through the gums.)
*loves eating puffs (even tried putting a few in her own mouth by herself.)
*says "da-da", "la-la," and other fun screaming gibberish.
*starting to play games with her mommy and daddy.
*is demanding more attention but still plays well by herself.
*still sleeps like a champ 12 hours through the night and is still taking 2-3 naps a day.

Yes mom, I DO love the new owl toy you made me....Thanks!!

Enough that I must drool all over it to break it in.

I loved making up a bunch of these little owl toys for gifts and such. The insides of the owl is batting and some crinkly bag stuff to make the noise that babies love.

Tatum has got the position down for crawling but hasn't succeeded yet.

Tatum loves to have her blankets over her face when she sleeps.

No more pictures mom.....PLEASE!!

She was much happier when I first started taking pictures,
it was also her bedtime so she was getting cranky anyway.

Tatum and Daddy love shooting hoops before she goes to bed every night.
Here she is setting up her shot......
(she is concentrating with her mouth wide open.)

Here comes the lay up.....
(still has the open mouth with a little drool too....that is a bonus)

She......SCORES!!!!

Tatum takes her bedtime stories seriously,
it's too cute.

Well hello there my 3 inch high comb over!!!
You look so lovely sticking straight up there like that.

So you can't really tell but Tatum has broke her first tooth in.
She has been a good sport for teething so far.

Just had to take another cute picture of the little bug.
My mom sent her this darling crochet flower......I have yet to figure out
how to make one so I can make one in every color for her. =)

Happy Valentine's Day (a week early)

2011-02-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

I love this girl!!! She is my sweet Valentine baby.

I loved making her this sock monkey beanie.

This is the most innocent picture I have of Tatum so far.
She usually has her traditional open mouth smile but not
in this picture. I think she looks very sweet.

Mommy and "open mouth smile" Tatum!!

I love Tatum's crazy morning hair, it's the BEST!!

This picture I was trying on Tatum's shoes to
see which ones still fit and which ones need to be put away.
She had a shoe on each foot and she kicked off the boot and decided
she was done with this whole "trying on" business.

We went to COSI with a few friends on a blizzard snowy day
and we pretty much had the place to ourselves. It was nice get out
of our houses and take a break from the daily routine grind.

They have a fun water area where the kids can wear these
rain jackets and just sit and splash all the water that they want.
Tatum was unsure at first and then thought was pretty dang fun.

All bundled up for the crazy winter. This is Tatum's little
bug-eye furry friend. She sure thinks fondly of him.

She is such a big girl now just sitting up all by herself
with no help. She is really good about playing with her
toys by herself. She does have her days where she
wants to have some company and she lets us know.

Speaking of "company" this is Tatum's buddy James.
They love hanging out together and get a long so well.

Betty White, eat your heart out. You only "wish" you
had cool shades, a pink turtleneck, and a classy hat like mine.
(I think she looks like an old lady here, it's hilarious)

When will the madness end mom? Do you have to always put things on me
and then take black mail pictures?? This is mommy's shower cap by the way,
but it looks like she is a painter or chef.......what do you think?

Latest projects

2011-01-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

If you want to see what kind of projects I have been up to lately you should check out my craft blog. Of course I am always working on some sort of project. I have "Olsen" blood running through my veins. I thank my mother for all the talents I have and what she has taught me over the years.

Happy crafting!!!

One year OLDER and WISER too!!!

2011-01-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

What a great way to start out every NEW YEAR!!
Happy Birthday to ME on January 5th!!!

I turned the big 31 this year.
I was able to stay in Utah another week
so I could celebrate it with my family.
Nice of my brother to put all 31 candles in a bunch so
it was easier for me to blow them out. It's getting harder
to blow out more and more candles each year.

Little Tater was all tuckered out in my mom's lap.
I just LOVE her chubby thighs!!

I love this picture of her. She has the cutest little smirk on her face
as if she is thinking "I didn't do it ma, I am innocent I promise."

Practicing her rolling over and getting so good at it too!!

The party is over Tatum, we are now back to Ohio putting away all our
Christmas decorations and getting back into our routine again.
We sure miss our families and friends in Utah but we will be back again
to visit at the end of April. Until then, thanks for a fun time and for all the
spoiling you gave to our little Tater Bug, she loved everyone of you!!!

"Santa Baby"

2011-01-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

The perfect Santa picture. Usually kids are crying when
they sit in Santa's lap but no our little happy Tatum.
She was very curious about his large beard but who wouldn't be?

All my siblings and their kiddies minus Todd and Tatum.
Todd had left for Ohio and Tatum was sleeping.

All the grand kids on my side.

All the grand kids on Todd's side with his parents.

A little snuggle from daddy.

Eating out was one of the daily activities of our trip.
Tatum was happy any day with a cup she could chew on.

All the pretty Christmas lights at the outside mall where
we got to see Santa at.

Tatum sporting her new pajamas from her Grandma Christensen.

Tatum's favorite part of presents was the wrapping paper.
She just loved the noises it made and of course the taste of it too.

Family picture by my mom's adorable Christmas tree.

My mom made Tatum this cute stitchery and framed it for
her room, it turned out so darling. Thanks mom!!

Again tasting the wrapping paper and loving every minute of it.

Trying on the Santa hat and looking pretty good too.

She loves her open mouth kisses the best!

Not sure that she likes this, what do you think?

She loved this decoration that my mom had on her table.
I have a cute video clip on it of her shaking it like crazy to hear
all the bells jingle.

Tatum's baby blessing

2011-01-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

We decided to wait and bless Tatum when we came out for Christmas. There were too many important people that we wanted to share this special day with. It's no biggie that she was 6 months old for her blessing, we just wanted it this way and this was the soonest it all worked out. It was a very private and special day for us. We are so happy everyone could make it.

Our good friends the Hick's came.

My dad and his wife Nancy.

Todd's wonderful parents.

All these good looking men were a part of the blessing circle.
Love them!!!

All the beautiful women in my family.

The Story of our Extremely Long Flight to Utah.....

2011-01-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

That look on Tatum's face is the result of our long trip to Utah.

The shorter version so I don't bore you all started when our flight got delayed twice before we left the Columbus airport. We were suppose to leave at 3 pm and didn't leave until 8 pm. One of the planes we got on started smoking throughout the cabin so they made us get off and no one was allowed back on. We ended up waiting 6 hours before we left and our connecting flight in Las Vegas was no longer available. So the airlines put us up in a hotel when we landed in Vegas. The bummer part was that our luggage got sent to Utah that night so we had no change of clothes and Tatum decided to puke all over mommy on the long flight therefore I was not smelling all that good that this point. The hotel had complimentary toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and shave products for our poor stranded family. Taking a fresh shower was pleasant but putting back on our dirty clothes was not so pleasant. We may have gotten a total of 5 hours of sleep then we had to be back at the airport to catch our hour flight to Utah. When we arrived to Utah and took the 40 min drive to Orem Tatum decided to tell us all how tired and angry she was by screaming pretty much the whole drive home. She went straight down for a long nap when we got there.

The only perks from that awful trip was that both Todd and I were given $100 vouchers to use for our next flight with them and Tatum got to have her very own queen size bed to herself in the Vegas hotel. Other than that we just want to forget about that flight all together.

Mommy and Tatum waiting in Vegas for the hotel shuttle to pick us up.

This styling hair do is from a LONG day at the airports.

Fun "in between" highlights....

2011-01-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

"What's that mom? I am six months already?"
Tatum's stats at her 6 month appointment:
weight: 16 lbs. 11 oz. (65%)
height: 25 3/4 inches (50%)
head circumference: 42.5 cm(60%)

These are her lowest stats so far but she still
has plenty of chunkiness on her thighs and
booty so there is no worries there.

How did you want that blow out mom?
All over my white onesie and white jeans??
Okay I can make that possible.

Tatum loves to play with her feet. She especially
likes the taste of them in her mouth.

She is a Styrofoam lover. She loves to chew on the cups
cause I am sure it feels good on her gums.

At one point she was learning how to hold her own bottle,
but that has passed and she wants us to hold it again for her.

We tried Tatum out in our friends jumper and she didn't
seem to like it like we thought she would. She looks
like she is in a partial straight jacket.

We have been trying out rice cereal for a month or so
and she seemed to like it at first and now she refuses.
I hope she takes on solids soon cause she is already 7 months.

One of my favorite pictures......Say "NO" to crack!!

Mommy made me yet another beanie.

November Highlights......

2011-01-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

I have been bad about updating our blog so I will highlight
November first then move on to December and January.

We were able to spend Thanksgiving this year in Cincinnati
with Todd's cousin and her family. It was fun to see more of
Ohio than just Columbus. Surprisingly it has more "hills" than
Columbus. Notice I didn't say "mountains" just "hills." Come on
it's not like Utah's gorgeous mountains and hills but it was nice
for a change of scenery.

This is what a great turkey dinner will do to you.

We have been able to baby sit one of Tatum's best
friends James a few times. I love these two kids together
they are so cute. Here we are enjoying a little
light reading before bed time.

Tatum sported the cutest turkey onesie that
I made her. She is so fun to dress up.

Tatum looks forward to daddy daughter time when
Todd gets home from school. They are so cute together.

Sweet as Pie!!

2010-11-26T19:12:00.000-08:00

If it was legal I would eat up this sweetie pie one
cheek and thigh at a time....

We can't believe that she will be 6 months old
on December 4th.

This is a sneak peak of the photo shoot we did
over Thanksgiving with Todd's amazing cousin.
Stay tuned for our first professional family pictures.
Thanks again Tania, you are so talented!!!

Milk Shake or Camera for Dessert?

2010-11-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

Tatum our little Buddy!!

2010-11-16T18:51:00.001-08:00

We have to support
our Buckeyes out here.
They are playing awesome
this year.

Tater Bug and Mommy

The new beanie I made her, I learned a new
stitch and really like the way it turned out.

Can't get enough of this, that is for sure.

And a little more of this.....

I can't imagine life without Tatum, she is so sweet
and has brought us so much joy. Love you Taters!

More Halloween Fun

2010-11-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

This year we only carved one pumpkin but it's a two
sided one. This side is a "T" for Tatum and the
other side is a typical jack-o-lantern face.

Had to make her a Halloween onesie with matching
leg warmers oh and a bow of course. She is unsure
of the idea that I sat her on top of this pumpkin.

Costumes this year: Todd was a bachelor detective
and I was Ms. Ohio. Just used stuff we had lying around
the house, not to bad if you ask us.

All the ladies at our traditional friend party.
Loved all the creative costumes.

The guys!

German Village

2010-11-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

Tatum and I went with some friends to the
famous Thurman Cafe. It was not the best
place to take babies since it's a bar atmosphere
but we had to try it out. It was tasty.

We went to a park and fed some ducks, Tatum
really liked all the ducks quacking all around us.
I got a cute video clip of her excitement I will post.

Tatum with her best friend James. They
are so cute together, they get so excited
when they see each other.

One of the shops in German Villiage is a bookstore
with over 30 rooms of different books.
It was fun but not stroller friendly.

4 1/2 Months Already???

2010-10-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

Tatum had her 4 1/2 month appointment this week!!
Todd and I had our guesses on her weight,
we were both wrong.

She weighed in at 15 lbs. 5 oz
She is 25 1/2 inches long
Head circumference was 42 cm
All three she ranked in the 75th percentile.

She loves looking at herself in the mirror and smiling
at herself. This was taken before she got her shots, so
she was still happy at the time.
It's never fun getting shots mom!!

Her doctor said we could introduce her to rice cereal now.
We will take some pictures and post them later.

Trick or Take my Treats, MOM????

2010-10-28T19:23:00.001-07:00

Does it look like I have a tight grip on Tatum's
Treat bag???? Cause I do.....yummy to MY Tummy.
That's right I took candy from my baby.

Tatum made a cute Lion. We love hand me downs!!!

We went to a fun halloween activity during the week
with our church friends. It was a great turn out and
was so fun seeing all the cute costumes.

Daddy Daughter Time

2010-10-28T19:09:00.001-07:00

I love these two together.

Todd loves to let Tatum ride on his shoulders.
I love this picture cause you can see her "chubba" thighs
under her skirt, and her hat is a bit big but so cute on her.

Nap time??? Yes please.....

Birthday and Buckeye Fun

2010-10-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Daddy turned 31 on Oct 11th!!! YIKES!!
He loved sharing it with little Tatum

Tatum was memorized by the candles.

Our first family buckeye photo.

Aunt Jillian

We had Todd's dad and younger sister out to visit and
we went to a buckeye game, it was so fun and so HOT!

Val and Jill

We took them to Jenny's ice cream to taste all
the crazy flavors of awesomeness!!

Does this diaper make me look fat?
She was storing up her milk for the night

She is still a little too small for this toy but I
had to try it out.
Look at her trying to look over that toy at me.

Too sweet for words.

Again a little too small for some things
but too cute to not try out.

I love this picture, she looks so grown up.

Tatum and two of her girlfriends,
they are all too cute.

Cheese!!

Kitty cat mask for only a $1 at Michael's crafts.

Doing the splits

This picture is a little blurry but we love this new hat
we got her, only it's a little too big for her right now.

Sporting her sexy sun glasses.

Sew Happy!!

2010-09-17T08:21:00.001-07:00

"Sew" I decided to make a craft blog so I can keep a record of
all the fun stuff I have been making. If you want to check it out the link is: www.smashleyscreations.blogspot.com
This first picture is of a portable changing pad I made for
Tatum's diaper bag. I love how it turned out.

This is my new apron that use to be one of my
hooter-hiders. I love it because it's reversible.

Here Tatum is modeling one of the skirts I made her. They
are so easy and quick to make. If you want the link for the
tutorial it's on my craft blog.

They are made from old jeans and the waistband
is from an older stretchy shirt material or you can use spandex also.
Can't wait for my next project......hummm.... what will it be????

Fall time is here!!

2010-09-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Tatum and Mommy after Church. Tatum was wearing the dress that her cousin wore at her Aunt's wedding. Too cute not to take pictures of her.

Tatum with Daddy. We got a cute smile with her in this picture.

Love this chubby girl.

Me and two of my sisters the day they flew back to Utah.
We hit the Olive Garden all you can eat soup, salad, and breadsticks
for lunch. Sure miss my mom and sisters already.

Talking Tater

2010-09-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Just a little clip of our happy Tater Bug.

No Boys Allowed!!!

2010-09-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Tatum is now 3 months old so we decided to take
some updated pictures and I love the way they
turned out. She is the cutest butterfly ever!!!

Had to show off her chunky thighs with her
polka dot leg warmers.

My post was titled "No Boys Allowed" because
this weekend Tatum and I were spoiled to have my
mom and all but one of my sisters out to visit, while
Todd flew out to Utah to see his sister who just got back
from her mission. So it was an all girls party at our place.

We went shopping at the outlets and got some killer deals.

We of course had fun doing crafts.

Tatum had her official first blowout and it was
super nasty. Poor thing, but we got through it.
Had to change her diaper in the trunk on a blanket
because she did it after I dropped off my mom at the
airport, so it was not the easiest place to change her but
it worked.

Nana

Aunt Jentry

Aunt Summer

Tatum trying to sit up with help from her Daddy.

I can't get enough of these two together.

She started sucking her thumb about
3 weeks ago, it's so stinking cute!!!

Oh and started picking her own nose too....

We got a year membership to C.O.S.I
(it's like a science learning center)
it's fun to go with our friends here in Ohio
and will be more fun once Tatum gets a little older.

This handsome fella next to Tatum is her
boyfriend.....his name is James. He is about
2 months older than her. They are so cute!!!

Some "OH" moments

2010-08-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

The "Oh" moment of the "Mile High Ice Cream Pie" at
Champ's restaurant. We ordered it when
Todd's parents were out and we couldn't believe
how huge it was. It was super tasty....
We took the leftovers home and ate it for a whole week.

The "Oh" moment of a daddy/daughter kiss.

The "Oh" moment of hanging out together
as a family on a Saturday morning.

The "Oh" moment of bonding time.

The "Oh" moment of a proud mother.

Love those sweet eyes and chubby cheeks.

Outfit mommy made me.

Sporting her first time wearing shoes.

Now for some stats on Tatum's 2 month visit a week ago:
She weighed in at 12 lbs 3 oz which is 90th percentile.
She was 23 inches in length which is 75th percentile.
Her head was in the 60th percentile.
Healthy Happy Tater Bug is already 10 weeks old.

Visit from Grandparents!!

2010-08-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have Grandpa and Grandma Christensen
out to visit Tatum for the first time this last weekend.

We went to the pool and Tatum sported her fun sunglasses,
swimsuit, and sun hat. She was the cutest babe there!!

I know I take too many pictures but what
do you expect I am a first time mom.

Love her Squishy Face

Tatum loves bath time, can you tell?

She is a mini Todd if you ask me,
what do you think?

Tatum playing horse with her
Grandpa Christensen

Grandma Christensen loved every
moment she had with Tatum.

We went to the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio
in honor of Todd. It was so cool, and we will be
going back again soon.

Thanks for a wonderful weekend Val and Jeanne.
You are so good to us, we miss you already!!

Happy Tatum in Action

2010-07-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

Tatum is such a happy baby. She always smiles at us when she sees us and hears our voices. We love this little lady and enjoy every minute of her.

Tater Bug keeps on a growing.

2010-07-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Going on one of our many walks in the stroller.

Sporting her cherry outfit.
Don't mind her gut hanging over the top of her pants.

I just love getting her dressed up for the day, this outfit was
given by her Nana.

Daddy bought Tatum these pajamas on Valentines Day
before she was even born. How sweet of him.

Lost Love of Mine

2010-07-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have missed running like you wouldn't believe. I really haven't ran since I got pregnant with Tatum. If you know me you know how much I love to run. Last night I was officially 6 weeks post baby and that is when my doctor said I could begin working out again. I was so excited to run for the first time in a LONG time. It felt so great to sweat and run again. I only ran 2 miles on the treadmill but it was a good start back into working out. I am sore the next day from it but not as sore as I thought I would be. I love this picture I found on the internet of this girl running outside with nothing but a path a head of her and her feet to take her there. So here is to the lost love of mine..........it's good to be back running again.

Summer Fun with Tatum

2010-07-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Tatum looking very questionable in one of her 4th of July outfits.

Tatum: Look at the outfit my mommy made me,
she must love me.

This onesie was made by Tatum's Nana, it's super cute.

Ready to go to church.

Daddy and Tatum after our 4th of July fun.
They both look pretty tired.

Me and Tater Bug

Do you like my new stylish hair-do?
Love all the fun curls

Went to dinner with some of our good friends.
Tatum was once again a good sport.

Tatum's "Firsts..."

2010-07-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Tatum has had some eventful "First" Moments:

Tatum's "first" accident.
Tatum and I were out to lunch with one of my work friends and on our way home we got rear ended at a stop light. We were all fine luckily and the gentleman that hit us was sincerely kind and made sure we were all taken care of and that his insurance took care of everything. I have to admit that secretly I have been hoping that someone would rear end me so that the previous bumper hits I had before would be fixed. So in a good way I am happy it happened and that it was a safe accident for us.

Tatum's "first" time going to church.

Tatum's "first" time wearing her swimsuit.
(unfortunately, she is still too small to get in the pool yet.)

Tatum's "first" visitor.
Her nana.... my mother.

Tatum's "first" poopie diaper changed by her daddy.
This is Todd's very first poopie diaper to change EVER!!!
But not his last either......

Tatum's "first" bottle feeding by her daddy.
Words cant' describe seeing your husband
taking care of your child.

Tatum's "first" bathtime.
She doesn't like getting out and being cold.

But she sure loves being in the nice warm water....
look at that face, so cute.

Tatum's "first" doctor's visit.
I love this picture of her looking at herself
in the mirror after they measured her.

She weighed 8 lbs at birth and lost weight by her
first visit weighing in at 7 lbs 10 ounces.
Not anymore, she is weighing 10 lbs now!!

Tatum's "first" poop on her mommy.
This is a moment I will NEVER forget.

Cutest Baby EVER!!!!

2010-06-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the way Tatum's photo shoot went. My amazing and talented friend Allyson took some great pictures. Thanks again Ally. Here are a few so far.

She was such a trooper for only being 6 days old here.

Baby Tatum is here!!!

2010-06-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought baby Tatum would not make her arrival after only being dilated to a one for over 4 weeks she decided to come two days early. It was early Thursday morning when the contractions came. I had called my doctor and she told me to wait it out until the contractions came on longer and quicker. So I decided to go for a walk for 35 minutes and clean the house to make the contractions come more quickly. I was determined to have her that day or at least be admitted to the hospital. I waited until Todd got home from school and we started timing out the contractions. I called my doctor again and they told me to go to the hospital to be checked. They said I was dilated to a 3 and 90% effaced!!! What??? Awesome!!!! They asked me to go walk around the halls for an hour to see if that would help me progress. So we walked around the halls and even found a step stool that I could step up and down on to make it even more of a challenge. When we got back I had dilated to a 4 and they decided to admit me. YA- HOO!!!!

After about 12 hours of labor I pushed for about 2 hours and out came Tatum!!!! Talk about an amazing experience when they placed her on my chest right out of the womb. I cried so hard along with my husband and nurses. Birth is such an amazing miracle. My coach "Todd" was simply amazing and really helped me focus. He had NEVER seen a live birth until mine. He was amazed at how something so big could come out of something so small. But it happens and it seems not real.

She weighed in at 8 pounds even and was 20 inches long. She was born at 8:18 am on June 4th.
We have loved our new addition. She is such a good baby and such a good eater. We have been absorbing every inch of her and loving every minute. We are so blessed.

(This picture is of us with my amazing doctor)

Nana was lucky to make it here the day after she was born. She will be here for a week to help out. We love having her here.

She has a full head of hair!!!

Tatum's going home outfit!!

LOVE those Cheeks!!

Proud Parents

Daddy Daughter moment....too cute!

Finally we get to go home.

Tatum's Nursery

2010-05-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Baby Tatum's Nursery all finished!!!
I love sitting in her room and looking at all her cute stuff, anticipating her arrival.
I saw an idea out of a scrapbook catalog on making crafty pots so I went a head and tried some out for her room. I think they turned out pretty cute.

39 Weeks......ALMOST THERE!!!! It's crazy to think I am only a week away from my due date. At my last 3 doctor's appointments she told me that I am only dilated to a one. She has never given me a percentage of effacing so I am not sure about that. I am crossing my fingers at my appointment this Wednesday that I am dilated more or effaced to a certain point. This little stinker may just need some inducing to come out. We will see...stay tuned because my next post will most likely be pictures of little Tatum!!! Oh how we can't wait!!!

Going Private

2010-05-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

Hey all, we are going private the beginning of June so if you want to be invited to our blog just leave a comment with your email address. Thanks!!!

My Mom the Super Woman!!

2010-05-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

On this special day, it's a great time to reflect what our mother's mean to us. I know everyday we appreciate all that they do but to have a special day set a side just for mother's is wonderful.

My mother can put Martha Stewart to shame with all her amazing talents. Every little idea or craft she has in her head always turns out so amazing. I love being able to learn from her.

My mother is very trendy and enjoys shopping and keeping up with today's fashions. She is super fun to shop with and will be honest if something doesn't look good. I love that about her.

My mother would do anything for anyone, she has a heart of gold.

My mother is so easy to talk to and is a great listener.

My mother has helped me appreciate life and has been an amazing example to me.

Thanks mom for everything you do!!! I love you.......

The Duck Waddle.....

2010-05-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

I have become one of these little guys taking on a walk with a waddle. My husband and friends from work keep commenting on the new walk I have taken on. I guess the hips are spreading and so the waddle just happens.

There have some great perks to being pregnant that I have found out which have been very beneficial. Just to name a few:

1) Southwest Airlines lets pregnant women board first along with the disabled or injured passengers.
2) You can get discounts on oil changes that you have waited for an hour for.
( just show them your belly and tell them you have been waiting patiently for an hour and you have to PEE really bad)
3) You get "extra" great service and help from retail stores.
4) You hardly ever have to wait in a line at a public restroom.

I guess the way I look at it pregnant women are in a category with the "elderly." Lets just say you don't want to upset them for fear they will explode and make a scene. No one wants to upset their elders or any pregnant women for that matter. Our hormones are raging and can take over at times.

Just a few thoughts as I am only 5 weeks away from my due date.......YIKES!!! How did it come so fast??? We are super excited and nervous at the same time.

"6" Wonderful Years....

2010-04-25T07:31:00.001-07:00

Yep, 6 years ago on the 23rd of April Todd and I were married!!! I love these pictures of our special day.
There are SO many reasons why I love and appreciate my hubby. But here are "6" reasons why the last "6" years have been amazing:

1) He is one of the most patient people I know.
2) He cares so much for everyone, and would do anything for anyone.
3) He works so hard in school.
4) He is not a "needy" person.
5) He loves to see me happy and succeed in life.
6) He is so sweet with children.
It's TRADITION!!! Here we are eating at the Melting Pot for our anniversary. We love eating at this restaurant but only go once a year because it's pricey!!!

Thanks Todd for letting me be a little mushy on this post. Love you!

Lieutenant Christensen

2010-04-25T06:52:00.001-07:00

I am so proud of my husband!!!This last week we drove to Dayton(about an hour from our place) and Todd along with three others got sworn into the Air Force. I was beaming with joy. He has worked so hard in school so to receive this wonderful scholarship we have felt very blessed. Once Todd was sworn in he became a 2nd Lieutenant. Then once he graduates from Optometry school in two more years he will be Captain Christensen!!!! Talk about intimating......This picture is of his certificate stating that he has been approved by congress and the president of the United States to be in the Air Force. The two shiny objects that are on top of the certificate(sorry about the glare) are called "butter bars" that he will wear on his uniform one day.
This is the inside picture of his certificate. You can click on the picture to make it bigger to read.
The two of us after he was sworn in.

This is a video clip of Todd being sworn in.

Final Baby Shower.....

2010-04-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Poor Scout, we always seem to find a way to annoy him somehow. This time we decided to put Tatum's first pair of running shoes on him to see how they looked. He is not amused as you can tell.
My 3rd and final shower was thrown by my church friends this weekend. The host, my wonderful friend Sara, had it at her house and so many other great friends helped out with the yummy food. I was so sad that my camera battery died right when I got there. My friends got some pictures with their camera's so I will try to post some more later. After getting home from the shower I charged up my battery and took pictures of all the wonderful gifts that were given. I am so excited to use all the cute outfits, books, bows, hand made items, and the portable high chair. A HUGE THANKS to everyone!!!!
My awesome friend Sara made me the most adorable diaper bag and matching portable diaper and wipe case. I can't imagine the hours she put into these gifts but I am SO grateful for her.
For some odd reason my computer won't let me flip this picture the correct way. But here are some more of the hand made outfits and shoes that were made by the amazing and talented women in my church. I can't believe how creative and darling they are. I of course LOVED all my gifts, hand made or not. THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!!!
Here I am at 33 weeks. My mom wants me to take more pictures towards the end of my pregnancy since she is not here to see the change. From the last picture at 30 weeks it may not look like a huge change but my belly is getting much tighter and my belly button is pretty much flat now. Only 7 weeks to go my friends.......

30 Weeks and Counting......

2010-03-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

Yikes!!!! My belly grew a whole lot these last few weeks. Considering I am 30 weeks along and only have 10 weeks to go I guess this is pretty normal. It's so strange seeing the way my body transforms as the baby gets bigger. It's an amazing experience and a miracle to have a little one growing inside.
Last week my work friends threw me a baby shower. We had a great time, and I was even amazed that two guys I work with came. They were good sports and enjoyed themselves also.Yummy food and drinks were provided so that made them really happy.
Some of my work friends and doctors bought us our stroller and car seat. What an awesome gift!
Other ladies gave some great practical gifts and cute outfits.
(Sorry my eyes look demon like,I have big pupils.)

The hostess made me a diaper cake that was adorable. It's my table centerpiece right now because the colors are Easter looking and plus I love it!!!
My first baby shower was in Utah. These next few pictures are of the food that my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws made and served at the shower. Super tasty and delicious.

My pictures are not really in order sorry. But here are some of my nephews while we were shopping at Wal-Mart. They are so fun to be with.

We did some shopping and found some interesting items that we just had to try on.
This is one of my favorite pictures of me and my niece Olivia. She is such a princess and LOVES shopping. We had to strike a pose in our fancy hats and glasses. She is too cute.
I was able to meet up with some really good friends while I was out to visit. Here is my long time friend Monica. She is due in April and looks fantastic. She is having her 3rd baby.
Here are a few of my other pregnant friends. From left to right: Laura, Me, Mindy, and Christa.
Little Tatum has been spoiled with so many great gifts. I can't wait to try all her cute clothes on her and make use of all the other great gifts.
Here are the amazing cooks!!!!
Last but not least, all the wonderful and beautiful woman in my family. Sisters, sister-in-law, and mom!!! Thanks everyone for all your support and for a memorable baby shower. I had so much fun hanging with everyone and having you all to myself for a few days.

2010-03-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

I feel terrible that I never officially announced on our blog that Todd applied for an Air Force scholarship back in November and we found out about a month ago that he got it!!!

So what this means is that they will pay for the last two years of Todd's school tuition, which includes his books, and give us a monthly stipend to live on. Then once he graduates from Optometry school in 2012 he will then work as an Optometrist for the Air Force for the following 3 years. We don't know where we will be living but it will be an adventure for sure. I am grateful that we won't be in over our heads with school loans by the time he is finished......thanks to the Air Force's help. We will only have half the debt to pay off which is nice.

Todd will go into the Air Force as an officer which already sounds super official to me. I am very proud of all his hard work. He will make a great Optometrist one day.

My Latest Craving......

2010-03-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

So I have noticed with the second trimester, but more recently in the last few weeks, that hamburgers sound and taste SO good. I am not sure if it's the iron that my body is craving but I just go with it. Todd said he has never seen me crave and want burgers as much as I do being pregnant. I go through phases of eating certain foods for certain periods of time. We'll see what my next crave is but for now, bring on the hamburgers!!!!

Doesn't this picture look so tasty though? Who knows, maybe it's just me......

Snow, Snow, and MORE Snow!!

2010-03-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

Ohio just keeps getting snow storm after snow storm. The worst part about it is that our metal shovel really sucks!!! It was left from the previous owners and it's all bent up therefore when you shovel it scrapes the cement like finger nails on a chalk board.......EKKK!!! You can only imagine the sound. I have tried several times to find a new shovel but they are all OUT everywhere. That is NUTS!!! Why are the stores here not prepared for snow?? Either that or the people of OHIO decide to wait until the first storm to go by like 5 shovels at a time. Who knows. But Todd has been a good little shovel man for us this winter.
Todd sporting his "attire" before one of his ward basketball games. Now if that isn't sexy???
In my spare time in the evenings or on weekends, I have been making baby gifts because so many people in my ward and other personal friends are pregnant and will need some cute gifts to celebrate their new little one. This picture and the one below are small tag blankets that kids just love to look at and put in their mouths. They are about the size of of a hand towel.
My personal favorite...."Polka dots!" I had to make one for our future little one because they are so cute!!
These diaper burp clothes make great gifts, and are used often from what I hear. I made some for both boy and girls. They are so fun and easy to whip together.

How can you resist cute hair bows and headbands on little girls? I started making these one night and couldn't stop because there were so many cute colors and ribbons to choose from.
I took some of my projects to work to show my friends and a lady ended up buying 5 ribbon bows from me for her girl. I am sure I will get better at them, these are my first attempt.

Baby Bump 25 Weeks!!

2010-02-21T17:08:00.000-08:00

Well here I am 4 weeks later from my last post. I know I need to be better at posting more often. But I am now 25 weeks today which means only 15 more weeks to go!! From the Baby Center website it states that by now my baby weighs about 1 1/2 pounds and is 13 1/2 inches long. I can feel her moving around all the time and it's fun to let others feel her movements too. She is very active that is for sure.
This fun group of girls are my friends from work. We had a girls night out and ate at a yummy Mexican restaurant and talked out heads off. We had a great time and will have to do it again real soon. It's nice to get together outside the walls of our crazy office.

Baby Bump at 21 weeks!!!

2010-01-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

For all the requests from family and friends here is a picture of me at 21 weeks today!!!! People keep saying how small I am still even if I feel like I am huge. I know that in the months to come I will be double this size. Either way, I love feeling her move around in my belly now. Todd has even felt her move around right after I eat a nice hearty meal. Such a neat feeling.

Home for the Holidays!!

2010-01-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

Love these women in my life!!!!
All my siblings and their spouses.
I turned the big "30" this last week!!! Let me tell you......I don't feel any older. I use to think that 30 years old was "old" when I was much younger. Now that I am there I think very differently. Old to me know is in your 80's. So by then I am sure I won't care what my age is.

Looking forward to many more fun birthday's.
We went to one of my favorite restaurants for my birthday. Red Robin!!! We celebrated with our friends the "Hicks."
Not the best picture of me but here I am with my family during the holidays celebrating my birthday before we left to come back to Ohio. My mom bought the cutest specially made cupcakes that were all different flavors. They were very tasty.
It snowed a lot in Utah while we were there......Loved it!!!
Went to lunch with two of my sisters, their kiddies, and my mom. It was a circus at Mimi's Cafe.
Told our parents on Christmas day that we are having a little girl. My mom got the baby her first outfit. So cute!!!! Can't wait to dress her up in it.

We spend one Saturday up at my dad's cabin and enjoyed some good sledding. I love my dad and his many tractor's and toys. He is a kid at heart.
I love this picture. Todd held on to me tight as we sled down the hill as a family.

Me and two of my sisters: Jentry, Kelsey and nephew Hunter.
Went up to Salt Lake area to see my newly wed sister's apartment and ate at Chili's.
Random picture of our cat Scout. Here he is in our suitcase hoping we will take him with us to Utah. Poor guy.
Got to see some of my friends while I was there. This is my old roommate and great friend Monica.
Some of the wives in our big group of friends. Fun to see everyone again.
These lovely ladies are the girls I grew up with and were in the same young women's group at church. We try to get together every holiday. There is about 10 of us normally.

My sweet Grandpa Olsen and his new wife.

Think Pink!!! We are having a GIRL!!!

2009-12-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

We are so happy we were able to find out early what we are having. (Sorry the picture isn't the best scanning job) While visiting here in Utah I have a friend that I use to work with that was so kind to take time and give us a very thorough ultrasound. It's amazing to see our sweet baby that is growing healthy and strong in my belly. It makes it feel more real even when I can't feel the baby move yet.

Todd and I found out and decided to keep it a secret and tell our families on Christmas day. Everyone was SO surprised and excited. It was interesting because most of our families thought we were having a boy but they were wrong. I kind of had a hunch that I was going to have a girl this whole time. I can't wait to see what she will look like and to start dressing her up in cute outfits and hair bows. We have been so happy to be here visiting our family and friends for the holidays. It will be hard to leave, but reality kicks in and is a part of life.

We hope you all have had a wonderful and safe holiday season. May your 2010 year be a special one. We love you all and thank you for being in our lives.

A little late

2009-12-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

I know these pictures are late but I wanted to post them still. This Halloween we go to go to two different parties that were so much fun.
At this party I was dressed as a track runner wearing Todd's old high school track uniform. Then Todd was dressed as white trash. They were last minute ideas but turned out pretty decent we thought.
At the other Halloween party we did our "traditional" army attire that we have used in the past. It's easy and comfy which are two bonuses.

So MUCH to be grateful for.....

2009-11-30T16:12:00.001-08:00

It's true, I am 13 weeks PREGNANT!!!! We feel truly blessed at this time. My due date is June 6, 2010. All is well for our bun in the oven. It's a good feeling to be over the first trimester. I am looking forward to getting back some of my energy that most woman say happens in the second trimester.

Now we anticipate finding out the gender at 20 weeks. Stay tuned.......

30th Birthday Celebration!!

2009-10-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Todd turned the BIG 30 on October 11th. Where the heck did the time go?
Todd got to have a very memorable birthday thanks to his wonderful dad. He flew out for his birthday weekend and took us to our first OHIO STATE FOOTBALL GAME......It was intense and super fun. I can see why so many fans love going. The entire stadium was packed full. The energy from all the fans made the game even better. Of course they won the game against Wisconsin making some amazing touchdowns.
Here is Todd's dad Val and us with the football field behind us. Look at all those fans......
Before the game started some of the military marched out with the biggest American flag ever.

Ohio State is known for their amazing band that comes out before the game starts. They play and preform proudly for their team. They always spell out OHIO with their bodies while marching which is cool to see in person. I wish I would have taken a picture of it but I was too entertained at the time. I am sure I will have other chances to get pictures at other games.
Todd with his favorite homemade birthday ice cream cake. Way to start out your 30's honey!!
My father in law took us to our favorite Mexican restaurant for his birthday and Todd got mad that I made them sing to him and made him wear a sombrero. Hey, he got a free dessert out of it.

Thanks Val for such a fun weekend and for spoiling both of us with eating out, the football game, and especially for your time. WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Our finished kitchen!!!

2009-10-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is our kitchen cabinets before we remodeled them. (notice the brown trim that I DON'T miss.)

The after pictures!!! Even though it took us about 4 months to finish them we love them!!! They were very time consuming in between school and work. But it's nice to be done.
We also painted the walls a yellow. My mom helped me pick out the color. I think the lighting isn't helping how pretty it is.
TA-DAH!!! All done!!

Laura's Originals

2009-09-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

My very talented mom and little sister Jentry have really gotten into making these cute pendants. I just can't get enough of them. She has started a blog and right now has some really cute Halloween pendants. You can check out her blog at: www.laurasoriginals.blogspot.com

She is selling them for a better price then you can get them at stores. You will have to check them out. She has more pictures to put on her blog so be patiently awaiting. I have quite a collection myself and can't wait to get my Halloween pendant in the mail. There are a lot of Twilight pendants for all you "Twilight" fans out there. If you are interested in buying any just leave a comment on her blog with your email address so she can contact you with the ones you want. They are so cute and you can wear one or many at a time on a cute silver chain.

Mom's are the BEST!!!!

2009-09-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

My mom was able to fly out for a visit over the Labor Day weekend. We had SO much fun. We enjoyed a nice long 4 day weekend. We slept in everyday, laid out at our pool, went shopping, got take out, watched movies, worked on crafts and more. It was nice to show my mom some of the sites of Columbus and to see what we have been up to the last year.
Here we are in front of the Columbus, Ohio temple. This was the first mini temple she had seen.
My mom is full of many talents, thus the cute centerpiece on my table. We made it in under $15 too!!! I wish I had her here all the time so we could work on projects more often.
Todd and my mom.
My HOT husband!!
These are a few of my favorite friends at work. On Friday's during football season we all like to wear Ohio State colors to show our Love for the game. I haven't been to a game yet but it's still fun to have the spirit. Plus I love the color red so it's easy for me to fit in here. For those of you that don't' know we are spelling out the word O-H-I-O with our bodies. They love doing that here.
Love these girls!!!

One Year Down Already?

2009-08-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here we are a year ago traveling across the country in our Penske moving truck to our new home in Ohio!!! We can't believe that this year has gone that fast. We have met some amazing people, made some great memories, and can't wait for the next three years. (Those are Todd's sun glasses that I am wearing. They don't look as cute on me as they do on him)

Utah Trip

2009-08-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun visiting our family and friends in Utah. Each day was fun filled and wonderful. Here I am with my mom and sister Jentry. They work at Borders along with my older sister Summer.
My dad is the greatest!!!
My nephew Hunter has grown up so fast, he is such a talker now and his personality is so funny.
Some of our great friends the Knapp's!!
We got plenty of laying out which made me extremely happy. Here we are laying out at one of our friends condo pool. It was a sweet set up, they had cabana's like this one that you could just chill under. We felt like we were living like royalty there.
My little sis Kelsey. She loves being a newly wed and being a wife to her hubby. She is becoming quite the cook and works really hard in school.
My nephew Brayden didn't' want to take this picture with me but managed to look at the camera still.
Cute niece McKinley wearing Aunt Ashley's sun glasses. She also has become quite a little talker and makes everyone laugh with all her questions.
These are my older sister Summer's kids. They have SO much energy it's nuts. Abbie loved that Uncle Todd played Mario Cart with her on the X Box while I got my hair done. We can't believe how fast our nieces and nephews have grown.
Todd and his sweet Grandma Christensen. We had some lunch with her and a nice visit.
We went to Sundance with Todd's family for the play "The Fantastic's." It was a fun atmosphere watching on the grass on blankets.
Todd's sister Shelly and I. She is the sweetest person you will ever meet.
This sweet thing is Sienna who belongs to Shelly (Todd's sister)
On to our wonderful lake Powell pictures. Here is the whole gang who met from all over the country to play and make memories at Powell. We love our friends and how close we all have stayed over the years.

Some of the girls getting some shade from the extreme heat.
I know this looks like a gay picture but it's funny. The guys were playing a game called "flys up" with a Frisbee and I made them get together for a picture and this is the end result.
Todd got excited with the sunscreen here. We all made sure we layered on the sunscreen almost hourly. The heat was in the 100's and we didn't' want to get burned.
On the boat going for a ride
We went to a fun sandy hill that we try to go to every time we are in Powell. The sand was extremely hot so I didn't make it to the top.
Doing what I love most at Powell.......wake boarding!!!!
Todd has become quite the wake boarder. He gets more air on his jumps than I do......I am a little chicken sometimes.

4th of July and More Fun!!

2009-07-21T19:42:00.001-07:00

We had a nice 4th of July this year. We went to a BBQ with a few couples in our ward and then did some fireworks afterwards. We also watched some fireworks that were put on in our city.
Taunya, Me, and Sarah
We went to our first MLS professional soccer game. Columbus Crew blew the Salt Lake REAL team out of the stadium. It was fun to see all the intense fans and to hear some of their most original chants. It was a pretty cheap date for students. Two tickets and two $5.00 vouchers for only $20.00. The guys got themselves one dollar "brat" hot dogs and the rest of us picked up subways, nachos, pizza or whatever else looked good. Luckily we weren't rained on because an hour before the game started it was a down pour. It was a little chilly for a Columbus night so we all wore jackets.
Kind of a blurry picture. The final score was 3 to 1 with Columbus hitting some sweet goals.

Warning: A Lot of Pictures

2009-06-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had Todd's mom in town so we made the most of it and did some church site seeing. (the pictures got put in backwards of the order we did the trip so bare with me)

Here we are at the Hill Cumorah the last day of our trip. What a neat feeling to be there, we want to go back again and see the Palmyra Pageant sine it's only out in July.

Beautiful Sacred Grove, the spirit was so AMAZING. How grateful we are for Joseph Smith being at the young age he was kneeling down in prayer in these beautiful woods.
This is the house where Joseph Smith grew up in. It's so cute inside and very cozy.
This is the kitchen in the house, isn't it so precious??
We also had the opportunity to do an endowment session in the Palmyra Temple which was AMAZING!!! The temple was so unique with all the stain glass windows of trees representing the Sacred Grove. One window looking out from inside the temple is just clear glass that looks straight at the Sacred Grove. It was so neat. The temple is sitting in a very unique location. There is nothing around for miles to see except beautiful trees and green grass. The spirit was so strong testifying of all the events that happened here. If you have never been there, you MUST put it on your list. We will go back again for sure!!

I LOVE this picture. Here we are looking off outside of the temple at the miles and miles of beauty surrounding the temple and Sacred Grove
Todd loved this area of the temple, it was so pretty and plush.
On to other sites, we made it to Niagara Falls for our second destination. This was TOO amazing and we are so glad we got to see the famous falls. Here is Todd standing on the look out above the falls. That is Canada behind him.
This was called the Rainbow Bridge. Not to be confused with the Southern Utah Rainbow bridge. Both very unique and pretty.
We went on the famous "Maid of the Mist" boat to see the Falls up close and to feel of the "Mist" or showers of water that came from them.
Gorgeous!!
Todd and his mom. We walked up the side of the Falls to get some more pictures.
This is my new favorite picture of us. The falls are huge!!!
The beginning of our trip was to see the sites of Kirtland. We were glad we had the chance to hear some history and see inside.

This trip was a lot of fun and we couldn't believe that we did it all in TWO days. The drive wasn't that bad either. Total hours one way was about 6 1/2 to 7. We would do it again for sure!!!

If anyone is interested in coming out to visit then let us know!! We would love to have you.

One year down, Three to Go!!

2009-06-21T11:45:00.001-07:00

What a great accomplishment!!! Todd graduated from his first year of Optometry school with the traditional "White Coat" ceremony on Thursday the 11th of June. They had a nice program which entitled some speakers and then they had each member of Todd's class walk up on stage to receive their white coats in advancement onto their second year. I am a proud wife!!!
Todd getting his white coat on stage.
Todd's graduating class of 2012.
(that seems so far away yet so close at the same time)
Here's the quick clip I got of him announcing his name and where he is from.

Let the practicing begin...

2009-05-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

My husband was really excited to get his very own brand new instruments for school this last week. And NO it wasn't a part of his tuition that are are taking loans out for. This was totally separate. We knew it would have to happen eventually and they of course will be used for many many years to come.

Needless to say, he has felt that me and our poor cat Scout are now his guinea pigs to practice on. The great part about it was he let me look into his eye and it was the coolest thing ever. I got to see all the blood vessels behind the back of his eye. I didn't have the slightest clue what I was even looking at but it was still interesting. I am into those kinds of things, that is why I chose to be in the medical field.

Todd can't wait to become more familiar with his new instruments and to be able to be in the clinical aspect of school. We can't believe that he is already in the last quarter of his first year. His finals are only 3 weeks away, then he will get a nice summer break. I am very proud of my husband, he works so dang hard and it has shown through is grades and efforts.

Captial City Half Marathon!!

2009-05-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

Today was such an amazing day!! I ran my third half marathon with some of my amazing friends here in Ohio. There were about 5 girls from my ward who signed up and finished the Capital City Columbus half marathon. This was the biggest half marathon I have ran in. Luckily the weather was good to us. It had rained the entire day yesterday so we were all nervous. With the great weather, good friends, and the amazing scenery of running through downtown Columbus I was happy I signed up and finished in a little over 2 hours. Thanks girls for training and running so hard today!!! You were all so awesome!!
Here we all are spelling out the famous O-H-I-O sign they do here for the football games and other sports. (this was pre-race)
Here we are (Allyson, Sherri, Me, and Taunya) finishing as WINNERS!!! We loved our new medals we got at the finish line, way to go for us!!
We had a yummy "carb loading" pasta dinner the night before the race with other couples in our ward who were running the half marathon or the full marathon that will go on tomorrow. The food was great, thanks everyone for putting it together.

5 Year Annivesary!!!

2009-04-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Todd and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary this weekend at one of the coolest restaurants ever. If you have never been to "The Melting Pot" before you will have to save a little extra cash and go there for a special occasion or "just because". This was our 4th time going. We have tried to go almost every anniversary since we have been married. It's such a romantic atmosphere and the food is delicious. The fondue pot is in the middle of your table and you get to sit back and eat at what ever pace you want.

First, you start off with a cheese fondue of your choice;

Second, you pick out a yummy salad;

Third, is your main course of a variety of meats that you get to cook yourself in the pot with a bunch of sauces that are so tasty.

Lastly, if you have any extra cash laying around you have to try out the dessert fondue with a choice of a chocolate fondue and some very delicious tasty dipping treats. As you can see in these pictures.

If that didn't sell you to make a reservation this week then I am not a very good sales pitch person. It's just fun, yummy, and when you leave you are filled to the brim with no more room in your belly.

Thanks Todd for the wonderful first 5 years of marriage. Nothing is better than being married to your best friend and being able to share our lives together. I can't believe it's been 5 years already!! Time sure flies when you are loving every minute of it!! Love you sweetie!!