Bear Lake.

Keen has always been into high fashion.

Turned out daddy is pretty good at golf...

Koseli found her mini me.

The random silly string attack and my mom thought is was funny and okay for the envirionment.

here Carol is chasing me and getting out some aggression. I did notice that all the weaklings in the family were armed with silly string... minus the skinny's who are traveling the world.

Beary Fun Family Reunion.

Mergsie and his one of five bear hides. My little bear is not to fond of his kind becoming decoration. Thank you for the luxury of staying at your place Mergs- you have an amazing home and quite the master suite. Such a prince to let us take over your suite and for bear to get his own grand living space in your huge closet. Love you Mergs!

Finally got to see my Michelle. Bear had so much fun running around with his new friend Carson. Love you Guys- and that includes you Eddy Bear.

Raspberry shakes, secret "woman" talks, game of eggs, silly string, vinegar chicken,
a sweet baby memorial - home is where the family is.

Grayslake Posse.

Bear has found some really cool guys to hang out with. He contributes wines and high fives. They are so fun for Bear to be around, and he loves their sweet rides. and says "wow" when they ride up.

ZOO time with my Bear.

We had so much fun in IDAHO over the summer and look forward to returning for Christmas. We watched movies outside and a special feature by T-rex, played at the park, ate yummy food and of course I found time to shop (and scored two pair of True Religion Jeans).

TRI ATH aLON in mash potato land

Sweet nephews and niece preparing Bear for night night. They warmed their hands before they gave him a message with lotion. They are such sweet angels- i hope bear turns out to be just as wonderful and kind.

Bear eating a competitors dinner the night before the race. We got a few smug looks - like no one has seen a baby throw noodles... Kev did really well beating his time from two years before by quite a bit (helps to not have flat tires). We had such a fun time in the Hotel swimming, eating and snuggling waiting for Kev to finish and return for his race. First time bear has slept in my arms since he was little nursing one. savored the moment, and then slept myself since it was 5 am.

Sweet Janelle's baby Celebration

What a wonderful opportunity to be able to celebrate a friend with friends.

Janelle I love you and i am thankful to have you as a friend. Thank you for letting me do this for you- it was truely a pleasure and so much fun. I am so thankful for my Peterson-in-loves assistance in the kitchen. Sweet Bev thank you for playing the game - you were a natural. Lisa Lou it is always a tender moment to be with you. Glad i have friends i want to cherish forever- add them to my small collection of friends I don't want to do without.

our Little Drummer Boy...

Grandma Bev and Bear sleeping in the back seat...

Chocolate dipped strawberries anyone and then some cheese puffs to follow...

Elsa and Soren getting back to their wild west roots.

Bear just tipping back...

Bears first Balloon.

Our little bath angel.

Future Truck Driving Dentist

Easter 2009

Barek On a Roll

Just two minutes... and bear worked his unrolling magic.

Plumbers...

Bear loves the dishwasher and looks like he is falling right into the sterotype at an early age.

ONE Year of Bear

I can not believe how quickly time swoops by when you are busy loving a little bear. Barek is very busy - he has been taking steps since 11 months, runs with the push tonka truck, loves walks in just his BOB stroller, turns the faucet on and off and throws things in the garden tub and still rather play than eat. He laughs a lot and plays little jokes on us by hiding behind something and then giggles. He has been such a wonderful blessing in our home. Kev and I still race to see who gets to pick him up from his nap- pink warm cheeks and smiling face. I can't imagine happiness without him and I know kev feels the same. We love you Bear! Happy First Birthday my little prince.

Bear Bum

After an adventurous Bear feeding- i thought it would be a sweet treat to give him a dip in the kitchen sink. Good times, he just loves to stand and play with the faucet.

Shopaholic Girls Night Out

My favorite girls night out so far.... we were going to go in a limo this time but what can i say there is just too many of us.. A pimped out escalade will always do- we sipped on Martenelli's in plastic champagne glasses on the ride there- so snobby! We dressed to the hilt and ate tons of yummy food, sweets and indulged in Becky Bloomwood fashion. So much fun! I think every group of men at the bar sent a daring representative to talk to us... so funny, such a group of mystery mommies. I got home at 2:00 am and took a 4 hour nap the next day. Thank you Kev for being my prince charming- but in real life. I am so glad to have fun friends!

Black lace, stelletos and a Bear Cub....

These are wild Turkeys... huge Turkeys. They were right outside the Hilton in downtown Sacramento. Good morning breakfast....

Romance Anyone?

So our Valentines get away was lacking in the romance department as we had a Bear tagging along. Monterey Bay was really crowded because of the At&t golf pro tournament, but it was gorgeous there and I was really happy to feel the rain. We walked through the shops, drank hot cocoa and chatted. Poor Kev spent his whole get away weekend - shopping. I went on a lovely shopping spree and i mean spree... Bear let loose his first tantrum right outside the Louis Vuitton store - so fitting for my child. Kev said he has a new respect for him but personally I think Kev has a new fear. I had a lot of fun just talking and flirting with my husband of 7 years, but I think spontaneously just going on trips- not so fun.

Thank you Kev for being so wonderful!

Barek's Ride of Choice...

After working out with my trainer I went to get Bear from the kiddie room and for the whole hour he had played with one toy... one very plain and boring walking toy. When I attempted to pick him up he would not let go of his beloved dirty toy. After prying him off- 20 minutes later-we went on a Bear hunt ... for a prince toy. Thank you Tonka! He spends most of his waking hours pushing his toy from sun room to office.... good times.

"Thirty and Flirty" ???

A birthday party sleep-over that only Valerie (pageant princess) could throw. Hot bartender, twister, sushi and plenty of loud girl music (thank you Jenelle) ... it was all a girl could ask for and more! So much fun it made me giggle before i went to sleep the next night.

Miss Lady you sure know how to make a girl feel special!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much.

I love you- friend!

Dinner with my posh Sash friends in Reno. Thank you for coming and thank you for the thoughtful presents...

Annie "you look pretty"

Lunch out our spot russels bakery. Thank you for coming and thank you so much for my over the top birthday presents, I felt like a birthday princess! Juicy watch and a massage gift card...wow!!!!!!!!!!!

The PEYTON my newest edition. Happy 30

Girls night out

Although this was not the red carpet event we were going to attend... it was equally as fabulous and funny. I know i know... women swooned in the theatre over Edwards rippling romance... but my blond bombshell friend and I just giggled... front row puts a damper on the magic of Belle and Edward. Although there was one kissing scene that neither of us giggled at... just a bit hot.

Christmas at Christensen Manor

Tears and glasses... my dad made me a trunk for Christmas. It is gorgeous. Thank you dadakins. I love you so much!

Barek was baby Jesus ... my mom was concerned he would not behave...

so far in Bareks wee life he has always behaved.

The long journey...

Barek loves books and thank heavens- grandma does too.

Seven Year Itch- Kev Scratched.

Seven years of a meaningful marriage with my sweet husband. Looking back there are specific and bold choices that shaped who we are as a couple-ship and then there are those moments that silently define us. For those that know me well- truth is there is no one i rather spend time with more than Kevin. Even with his annoying pout during a trip shopping- he is adorable to me. Kev is an honest person. He fills my life with kindness, consistency, tenderness and giggles. After having my little prince, Barek, it has been wonderful to share my overflowing love for bear with someone who understands - Barek is just so gorgeous and everything he does is just so perfect!.... Kev understands and Kev agrees. Over the years his opinion and council have become vital to me, as i learned to trust his judgement more and more. Kev is full of quiet wisdom. I love that he can be in a conversation with someone who thinks they "know it all" - and not feel the need to correct them and prove his intelligence. He let go of being proud years before i came around. He is a good man in all meanings.

Dental Office Christmas Hoopla

This was the longest table i have ever seen... we had the office party in a swanky steak house in a CASINO- yes we live in Nevada. It was so posh and the food was amazing. I think we each had a waiter, had to make sure our glasses were filled- and some were maybe tipsy.

My Michael Kors dress that i purchased in IDAHO!

I had three shirley temples, 5 bloody mary's (vigin of course- although some did not believe when i almost went into the gentlemans restroom), hot cocoa and water. What can i say i like liquids?

I posted this for Koseli and Shirsti who have seen first hand (in Virgina) how much i love crab!

Thank Heavens For Idaho Potatos and Idaho Family

Kevin and Bear with Great Grandma Cook. Lola Cook is an incredible woman and has been living a wonderful life full of purpose, meaning and kindness. She is 85 years old and has 30+ great grandchildren. I love her and her name so I am hoping to name a little one after her.

My mom was actually roommates with Kevs mom at BYU. One holiday season she came to this very house we are in over 35 years ago. If only they would have known- Bevs son would marry Carols daughter.

Peterson home and pool time-

Barek is a water baby and got so excited to get into the pools. Luckly they are indoor at the Peterson home so he got a lot of water time.

Thanksgiving Day

We are thankful for you sweet baby boy Barek.

Bear put on a happy face even though he had ear infections- he is just so amazingly sweet and from this trip we learned he is really a crowd pleaser.

Barek's little Haven on Earth

Jess and I had a lot of fun taking pictures of our little ones- Barek and Haven

(who is absolutely gorgeous just like her mom).

I have thought a bit about their first date-

15 years & 4 months from now.

Haunting Halloween

Petite Peterson Pleasures

Barek's first graham cracker.

And there was a bubble bath right after...

Just for the friends that have been asking- or "missing my outfits."

Yes I made these. And Yes this is my sweet little prince modeling them... times are tough.

Barek Crawling Backwards....

Salt Lake Temple...

Attending weddings always fills me with nostalgia and memories. Sitting in the temple again holding the hand of my own prince charming... almost 7 years later and understanding love in a deeper sense. I look forward to what the future holds for our little family of three and feel so thankful to be married to this man for time and all eternity. This is the buiding in which Kev and I were married, gorgeous is just the start.

Shirsti's Wedding

Apple Hill

Juicy is As Juicy Does...

I love this time of year. Cuddling under blankets, sky high boots, pumpkin candles, glittering decorations and layering beautiful things on beautiful things. Festive is a great accessory.

The perfect satin bow, a dangling charm and shiny gold bottle is the perfect prelude to the scent inside. Oh how i love Juicy... this is my scent for fall.

Christensen Family Pictures

We had a wonderful time during our Utah visit home. Family makes everything more dramatic, loud and magical. I love you each so very much.

Make you blush

I am so in love with this- Posie by benefit. It is like their original benetint but softer. For a soft flush apply to apples of cheeks and then don't forget to Posie your pout and then gloss it up girl. Absolutely a brilliant buy- of course i feel most my buys are.

But it has kissing clasps...

Do i really need a number 30'ish Coach bag? Probably not, but then again need was never the driving force. The desire comes from imagining myself pulling out a lip gloss, organizing my adorable matching accessories in their new nest or this bag with those heels, boots or nothing at all. Oh, how i do love to celebrate being a woman!

Sunday Hoopla...

28 weeks old and squealing like a little girl- I assure Kev he will get a man voice one day.

Barek loves his legs tickled, his toes in his mouth, papa time (manly time) and sneezing.

Six Months of Bear Lovin...

Mister Barek Gabriel has graced us with his presence for six months now. He enjoys kicking wildly during bath time, looking at his handsome self in the mirror, eating perfectly warmed cereal and getting smother loved by me (until he can say different he loves it) and gently loved by Kev. His bed time is 8:00 and he nestles right in and loves to sleep on his belly. Kev and I get really excited to wake him up because he is just so sweet and smiles lazily at us. He wakes up around 10:00 and you all know I have been in a bad habit of sleep endulging. Barek is crazy about Kevin and starts kicking when he sees him. I am so happy to have this little boy to take care of and over love. I dreamed my whole life of what my children would be like. It is a wonderful relief to have him in my arms and full of excitement for all his new discoveries. We love you Bear. Happy Half Birthday.

Letting Go of the Love Machine...

The new family machine... A volvo because it is both cute and safe (oh and fully loaded).

With over 200,000 miles on her the 1995 Acura has been a good car. This is the car Kev picked me up in for our first date, drove me to my 7:30 classes and kept us up to speed in Dental school. So the leather seats are a bit worn and it has been in two fender benders (one of which was a hit a run and i ran after the other driver yelling "jerk!", i showed him) but alas, it still out performed my new Jetta at the time. Goodbye old girl.

The Man Trip...Mergs and KP

I was really happy to have my men back safe and sound. Kev saw a bear and was a bit excited but Mergs burst his bubble by saying lets get it to run. Mountain Man Mergs. Nothing like some male bonding in the great outdoors- and over lots of red meat. Glad you are in our Family Mergsie...

The Sister Visit...

Of course there was gifts and celebrations...

A risky diapering job by Koseli

Wedding talk and secrets...

A who baby with lots of breathy giggles...

Lake Tahoe....

And sweet treats and lots of food. Thank you so much for the wonderful visit. I love you both so much and am so thankful to have you as sisters. I just hope the next time we can have our long legged sister Joslynn come-

My Song Obsession....

Hair Bear...

An Ode to Barek Gabriel...from Joslynn Dollie

Friday, July 25, 2008

Oh my, what a beautiful man!
I fell in love with him instantenously.
The first time I saw him he was surrounded by beautiful women on a little white couch. They touseled his hair and kissed him unceasingly. I do admit, I wished to do the same-- what girl couldn't when so unexpectedly confronted with such a handsome man? He bore this all with good grace, with the lazy beauty of one used to being admired. My eyes locked onto his face, into his ocean-deep hazel eyes, the gentle curve of his cheek and nose, his soft brown hair undulating in gradual waves over his head. For one second-- for one tiny fateful moment, he looked away from his devotees and glanced in my direction. He had the casual confdence of one completely at his ease. I could not hesitate. I reached out my fingers and with trembling hands took him into my arms and held him in a tight embrace. In return he kicked off his booties and commenced to suck on my shoulder.
I had come face to face with an angel.
His name is Barek Gabriel. He is four months old, and he is the third grandchild to be born into my family.
Barek is perhaps the best behaved baby I have ever met. I do not speak completely from bias. I have spent much of my middle school career tending impish and ratty children. Truly, young Barek is neither an imp nor a rat. He is a handsome prince in a most un-froglike form (unless you dress him in too much green) and only utters cries at the hungry hour. His birth and name come with stories fit for a fairy book. His life, considering from where he has come, is sure to be blessed.
Dearest baby Bear,
I am a fan. Welcome.
Love sincerely,
Aunt Jos

Martha Moth Makes Socks...

It’s Martha Moth’s birthday, and her friends are coming over for dinner. She makes a quick trip to the store, where she picks up:
1 polka-dot scarf, 2 itchy socks, 1 shrunken sweater, and 2 kinds of scrumptious yarn
Now Martha’s ready to get cooking! She’s just going to taste everything first to make sure it’s as good as it looks . . .

Written and illustrated by Cambria Evans (Christensen) my sister in love...
Available now at www.amazon.com

Bone Soup Anyone....

"Known across the land for his infamous appetite, Finnigin is never seen without his eating stool, his eating spoon, and his gigantic eating mouth.When Finnigin finds himself in a new town on Halloween, he hopes to join a great feast with the creatures who live there. But not a body or soul will share any of their food with the ever-famished Finnigin. So what's a hungry skeleton to do? Armed only with his wits and a special ingredient, will Finnigin be able to stir up a cauldron's worth of Halloween magic?

i am so excited for this book! written and illustrated by my gorgeously talented sister in law Cambria Evans.... you can preorder your copy at http://www.amazon.com/ .

Our little Bear blessing.

Barek received his baby blessing in Utah on Fathers Day. Because he decided to make it even more exciting by exploding our his diaper we have no pictures of him that day in his blessing outfit. Oh, but we do have 60 from a later date... It was a wonderful experence hearing the blessing that Kevin gave. I ordered an OSU onsie for Barek and matching Kev OSU shirt for the boys to wear during football season. I love my little family of three.

Fourth of July

For the holiday we went swimming (we joined a country club- fun i know), ate a barbecued feast and watched the fireworks from a romantic setting above the valley. A great day! I love my little friends- never get sick of spending time with you three queen bees.

I am so into funky and fabulous nail polish... So many perks to having a conversation starting mani & pedi. Just imagine feeling gloomy and then just looking down and wham... sunshine toes. Oh, it is marvelous being girly.

Kev and Bear Cub

Just a few more days to go and Bear will be one year old....

Elf-sa

A gorgeous collaboration Gav and Linds.

Grand Papakins.

All who know me well, have heard me ramble about my fiery love for my parents. They are full of sugar and spice... love the sugar, sometimes wish they would hold the spice. Wonderful examples of being each others best supporter. My Dadikins life have been filled with accomplishment, travel, bravery and sacrifice (he had seven kids after all). He is a man. A pipe leaks he reads a book and replaces it, children need nice sturdy bunk beds and he builds them; any reason to give jewelry to his woman and he is purchasing it, oh and he can save lives too. My dad worked three jobs to make sure his family was comfortable and that college was paid for. He is a fountain of knowledge. Any question you ask, he has an answer and 98.9% of the time he is correct. I don't know of a state or country my dad hasn't traveled to. Growing up with him as my dad gave me peace of mind and great confidence in him. I trust, respect and adore him. Thank you Dadikins for treating my mom with so much kindness and love. Congrats on your one job retirement Dad! Two more to go....

From The Vault

Girls Gone Wild

Okay not that wild...

MY SONSHINE...

Having a little prince charming has been wonderful and strangely fitting for this girly girl. He is sweet, smell delicious, squishy and oh so much fun to kiss. Two boys in the house is not bad, just more room for my clothes, beauty products, shoes and handbags (couldn't just pick one). And i should add he is a delight to dress...

QUEEN BEE BOOK CLUB

This is the first time Kev has mowed in 7 1/2 years... good form. Barek slept on the porch because he could not resist the mowers purr. Kev and I pulled weeds in our lava rock backyard for an hour and I feel it was not much of an improvement as all that was left was rocks and a few trees. blah. I took it upon myself to surprise Kev by fertilizing the lawn- apparently using the whole bag on a wee lawn is not better... so far the front yard is surviving my over zealous fertilizing frenzy.

Come Over To My Crib....

Memorial Day put us in HOT water...

Bear loved the hot springs! He kept his eyes closed most of the time -enjoying sheer relaxation. He is 11 weeks today and already a little water babe, the ladies were all over him trying to get his attention.

(nature grandma's)

Sleeping Prince Charming

A tightly swaddled baby...

Is a happy baby ...




Barek was having a hard time falling asleep for his nap so I wrestled those crazy arms into a blanket and prince charming slept happily ever after...

Little Lovely Ladies

Barek is lucky enough to have two adorable ladies who just love to hold him. His mom is lucky enough to have their wonderful mom as a friend. Love you Angie and her little ladies!

Blingy Binky

My little obsession for the week was making Blingy Binky holders. They turned out to be pretty adorable and oh so functional. Barek sported one on Sunday and I do believe with his skin tone he looks handsome with a bit of pearls. But don't let that fool into thinking he is wimpy, he is tough and yet so sweetly charming!

The Thinker

A Marvelous Mothers Day

A bit of time in Tahoe. We took a picnic to Tahoe on the Monday that my wonderful parents in love where here. Oh, how I love them dearly.

As all my good friends know I have been celebrating the bounties of Mothers Day for a long time. Breakfast in bed, jewels, love letters and yummy requested desserts. This year was not any different but with the added incredible benefit of having a gorgeous baby bear. During church I cuddle him close, during the day I kiss him while he is sleeping and awake, and at night I give him baby spa time making him silky smooth and pampered. Oh the pleasures of motherhood- i finally have a baby to dress, kiss and talk with all i want. (he at times might get a bit over stimulated -by little me)

Two Months of Fabulous Living

Oh the smile that makes my heart dance and my giggle high pitched.

Barek is now two months old, 10 pounds and 23 inches. He is such a pleasure to have in our home and I get so excited to hold him, while he smiles, cries and sleeps. He rolled over for the first time catching us both off guard. He was pleasantly pleased as it saved him for a short while from tummy time, but alas big momma put him right back on his belly where he fussed and squirmed. He now kicks with glee in the tiny tub, smiles, makes the most adorable noises and continues to sleep all through church. Two months glides past when you are having fun smother loving a little prince charming.

Today Bear will be three weeks young. He seems to be very social and interested in being included, even when nursing he flashes lots of smiles and tries to chat. I will have to teach him nursing etiquette. He loves his spa time in the steamy bathroom sink with grandma pampering him. Little Bear takes it very seriously as he relaxes his baby worries and lets the warm water soothe his troubles. My mom also puts Barek through baby work out with the yoga stretch and sit ups- he grunts and breaks a wee sweat... okay just grunts. I was having a hard time with the thought of my mom leaving. Not because i was scared to be alone with my creation but because we have been bonding and i am loving the attention. It is difficult as a daughter from a large family to find that precious moment that lets you be the focus of Mom. I found it and am milking it by going to the Grandma retreat and chatting with my mom, eating all her amazing food fixings (and oh yes there is breakfast in bed even at 11:00) and just savoring her affections for me and mine for her. After all she is a start to my understanding of life. We have more common ground now and i have a better understanding and admiration for her. It has been two weeks of wonderful and then there is still two more (of course i got Kev's okay on the extended mom stay - he is enjoying her too). Kev seems to have found a spring in his dental step as he heads to the office in the morning. He prays over the mom and baby (busy nursing) and kisses us multiple times. I savor this little family moment of ours, so much grandeur in small moments. All my days, nights and weeks are bleeding together. I don't think time has ever gone by quicker or been savored more by me. I am truly living in the moment just trying to soak it all in and not miss moments of baby splendor. I find i am so tired i have to close my eyes much longer than i wish. We have had a few outings- small but significant. My mom has insisted Kev and I go on dates although we are yawning through conversations. I just love time spent with Kev talking, flirting and loving each other. I think often about how blessed i am to have married that man. He has made me become a better women and thrive in my own skin. His patience with me is full of real charily and I admire him in so many ways and try to be more like him. He is my best friend and greatest boyfriend... meaning he is fun and hot:) I love the security of heart he encompasses me with. We are good - sleepy and good. I am flat stomached again and full hipped. I am looking forward to a shopping spree as you all know i need to make up for lost time- i figure it will take two days of focused shopping in California. In the next six months i will be revamping myself more exfoliating, pedicures and .... i would like you all to weigh in on hair color- i am curious. I have been all over the board of color- what is the preference? A few weeks ago I had 7 inches cut off of my hair and alas i think i am missing 5 of those inches. If you would be so kind as to tell me your opinion on Sasha hair- (this is a great opportunity because i do not ask appearance opinions but twice in a lifetime) favorite color, style... i would be tickled to know. I love you all and hope you are happy and please be patient with me if i owe you a call or a note. I am trying to get the mom thing down and sleeping sounds so tempting. Love sasha mari and her family of three.

Words can not express what my heart feels, but i will make an awkward attempt. The continuum of life makes sense and the space between this life and the next has thinned for this new mom. I feel as if those that have gone before whom i did not know personally and those that I have loved dearly on Earth have paid a visit to my precious baby boy as he slept and mom poured tears - maybe they feel happy he made it safe and sound or possibly missing him. I was overcome with gratitude to have another gorgeous life experience that has awoken my spiritual senses and made my heart overflow. I have a deeper capacity to love. We are a family full of newness and opportunity. I fell in love with Kev all over again and in deeper ways as i felt him love me through labor and fall head over heels for this little 16 day early baby boy - Barek (little bear) Gabriel Peterson. Bear has been easy on me through womb time to labor time - truly a gift from Heavenly Father to ensure this high maintenance mom has more little ones. I watch him sleep all day- holding him, smelling him and touching his soft skin. I am already sad he is going to grow up - and one day be to busy to be held and way to big to be swaddled. I love love love nursing and the thought that i can lose the poundage. Thank you for being so loving and happy for us- we are so excited for you all to meet our beautiful addition and greatest homemade item.
Love you so,
Sasha Mari and family of three