Monday, June 27, 2011

Summertime ...

Can't wait to write love notes in the sand ...
Looking forward to picking cherries in Yakima ... (That's me, the second fruit from the left)!!

Lighthouses - they move me! I can hardly wait to visit this one in July ...
The Ocean - beautiful, vast, inspiring ... ahhhhh I can already hear the waves, feel the sand on my feet and taste the s'mores on the beach.
Butterflies, chalk art and summer - they just go together.
I hope to bump into a few flea markets and bring home a few treasures from the road.
Road trips - nothing like them (especially when you turn the corner and find yourself face to face with a big, gorgeous mountain!)
Check that out - Mt. Rainier.
Afton, Wyoming - SO hoping to spend some time here in July!! Fingers crossed.
Summertime - full of wonder, awe and adventure!
Cheers to the places we go, people we meet and the new things we learn, see and experience ...

Lemonade.




Lemonade
Ingredients -
• 1 cup(s) sugar
• 6 large lemons, seeded and juiced
________________________________________
Directions
4. Bring the sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves completely. Cool.
5. Stir the syrup, unstrained lemon juice, and 4 cups of cold water together in a large pitcher.
6. Chill. Serve over ice.

Monday, June 20, 2011

A Saturday in Seattle ...

My husband and I took a little getaway trip to Seattle to celebrate his birthday ... Yup, it was raining, yup - the traffic was crazy and yup - we had a great time together!
I love Pike Place Market - Full of life, energy and vibrant flavors, colors and people!
I love to stop at the fish stand and see the guys throw the fish and chant their 'fishing chants' ...
We stopped for fresh doughnuts (1 dozen tossed into a brown paper bag sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar) ---- YUM!
The flowers are gorgeous ...

And so romantic. I love to see all the ladies walking around the market carrying their fresh flowers and their guys holding their hands... ohh la la la. :)
Not pictured: The macaroni and cheese from Beechers ... It is so good. If you ever find yourself in Seattle at Pike Place Market, get in line and get a tub of this ultra yummy stuff. And don't worry about having an umbrella - sometimes getting caught in the rain is the best way to spend a Saturday in Seattle. :)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

The first piano recital ...

Tonight my daughter has her first piano recital. We are really excited to hear her play and enjoy the evening of 'music' together. I'm hoping she continues to practice and improve because I've got a few favorites I can hardly wait to request: A mom can hope and dream right?! :)

As for now ... we're loving every sound coming from the piano and her little fingers! Way to go Lauren.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Miracles.



Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr. (Life's Little Instruction Book)

Monday, June 13, 2011

A 'Toy Story' Moment ...



It's the first day of summer ... my kids are home and there's really not too much officially planned. Days like today are rare and I enjoy them!

We decided we could use the day to go through the toys and clothes and make a run to Goodwill with all the unwanted items. We were doing great until we reached the bin of stuffed animals.

There is something about stuffed animals that pulls at the heart strings. We decided we were not going to be emotional about the 'dejunk' and just started tossing toys into the big bag.

Everything came to a halt when I grabbed a little Beanie Baby mouse named Cheezer. This little guy was once white (like the one pictured above) but due to years of love is now worn and grey. His little black eyes are scratched almost to clear now and he's not so fuzzy.

No emotion - I was just going to toss it into the bag. Nope, couldn't do it. I looked into those little mouse eyes and was immediately transported back to the doctor's office and was sitting next to my son, Kaleb, who was scared out of his mind for the unavoidable shots that were coming next.

I looked into his big blue eyes and told him to be tough and that the shots would be over soon. I also promised him we could go for ice-cream and pick out a new Beanie Baby pet if he was really brave.

He was brave and only shed a couple of tears and Cheezer (the little mouse) became his new best friend.

It was a Tory Story 3 moment - only I couldn't let the mouse go. No, he stays with me and someday when Kaleb's son or daughter needs to be really brave, I'll remind them of their dad and his little mouse that brought him years of magical fun.

Happy summer and cheers to the little moments that matter!

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Laundry.



I bumped into this photo tonight and had to smile! I would love to have a clothes line in the backyard.

I remember spending summers as a kid with my Grandma and we would hang out the clothes together on her big spinning clothes line and talk about how she used to do her laundry by hand. Those are sweet memories!

I think tonight my dreams will be of fresh, white laundry blowing dry in the cool mountain air of Wyoming and stories of days long gone told by my Grandma.

Friday, June 03, 2011

Nail polish and the 7 Habits ...

I have one daughter. She is 8. She is smart, funny, kind and the happiest person I know! I could go on and on about how wonderful she is. I won't. I will however, share a little moment from tonight.

It's 10:00 on a Friday night ... She sees the book I am reading in my room and asks what it is about. I inform her that I'm reading and enjoying very much - "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey. I have always talked to her like she is older than she is so I launch into a little book summary about the 7 habits. She is completely enthralled with every word and I stop and ask - "Does this make sense to you?"

Lauren: YES! I live my life just like the effective people mom.

I had to agree and in that little moment - I made a mental note like this:
Remember this moment Wendy ... because before too long she'll be out on the Friday nights and someone else will get to enjoy her vibrant, positive and kind personality.

And I tucked the moment away in one of my very favorite mind files called: Moments with Lauren and we went back to doing our nails and discussing Habit 1: Be Proactive / Principles of Personal Vision. (7 Habits book page 65).

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Proactive and Reactive Language ... what's your style?



I'm currently reading "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey.
This book is really amazing and with every word I find myself having little 'aaa ha' moments. As I was reading his segment about listening to our language (page 78), I couldn't help but think about the day the construction crew showed up at my house to install all the new windows.

Our old house (that we have been fixing up for over a year now) was built in 1944 and the windows had never been replaced. I can't begin to explain in words how excited I was about getting new windows. They truly transformed the place! And the view was significantly better with the new, clean glass.

Now back to Covey's book ... In this particular segment I'm reading he talks about the importance of listening to the language we use. There are two types of language patterns. The first is Reactive Language (this is the type used by people who often use excuses and choose not to claim responsibility for their choices). Some reactive phrases are: There's nothing I can do. That's just the way I am. He makes me so mad. They won't allow that. I have to do that. I can't. I must. If only.

The second type of language is Proactive Language... (this is a more empowering language used by people committed to being responsible for their choices and actions). Some phrases are: Let's look at our alternatives. I can choose a different approach. I control my own feelings. I can create an effective presentation. I choose. I prefer. I will.

Back to the windows - we choose how the world looks and how our lives will be. It's all about what we choose to focus on and ultimately do. And we choose what type of 'windows' we'll look at the world through. Our thoughts and language (empowering or not) determine our actions and the way things appear and end up.

This week - pay attention to the phrases you use and the thoughts you entertain.
Is it possible that you could use a new set of windows to see the world from?

If so - choose words and actions that will help you SEE with more clarity and positive purpose.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Inspiration from a Pablo Picasso quote ...



“To draw, you must close your eyes and sing.” — Pablo Picasso

At night, I often read quotes before drifting off to sleep. I love quotes and find them to be extremely motivating, thought provoking and inspiring. Last night, as I did a little online 'quote surfing' I bumped into the above quote by Pablo Picasso.

To me, the quote says: to do anything, we must first have a vision in our minds and believe that we can make it happen. And then we execute it with passion, energy and enthusiasm!

Pablo, my eyes are closed and I'm singing ... "It's my Life and it's now or never"
(Bon Jovi song)


Artwork by Lauren Christensen, age 8

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Are you -- right now -- who you want to be?




So, what do you want to be when you grow up? That question may appear a little trite, but think about it for a moment. Are you--right now--who you want to be, what you dreamed you'd be, doing what you always wanted to do? Be honest. Sometimes people find themselves achieving victories that are empty--successes that have come at the expense of things that were far more valuable to them. If your ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step you take gets you to the wrong place faster. ~ Steven R. Covey / 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Your life doesn't just "happen" ...


You choose to go up or down ... :)
Your life doesn't just "happen." Whether you know it or not, it is carefully designed by you. The choices, after all, are yours. You choose happiness. You choose sadness. You choose decisiveness. You choose ambivalence. You choose success. You choose failure. You choose courage. You choose fear. Just remember that every moment, every situation, provides a new choice. And in doing so, it gives you a perfect opportunity to do things differently to produce more positive results.

~ Steven R. Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Monday, May 09, 2011

Notice the beauty ...

Appreciation ABCs --

A - The ability to love
B - Breakfast in bed for Mother's Day
C - Cell phones (feels good to connect with the ones we love)
D - The desire to keep moving forward
E - Empowering quotes
F - French Lavender out in the yard
G - Feeling grateful for life in general!
H - Hugs from my kids

And on it goes. Have you ever tried this? It's easy ... grab a piece of paper write A-Z and then jot down all the little or big things that you appreciate about your life (like I did above). Enjoy ... :)


“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” ~ Ashley Smith

Friday, April 15, 2011

Madeleine's - French Cafe in Spokane, Washington








Madeleine's 707 West Main . Spokane, Washington


I love the atmosphere of this place - full of French charm and ultra yummy food and it just screams happiness with a twist of ohh la la la! :)


If you find yourself in Spokane one of these days ... stop here and stay a while!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

1973 - A good year!

I snapped this photo with my digital camera on the Western Washington University campus in Bellingham, WA ...! No Kodachrome film needed. :)


1973 –
I'm just sitting here thinking about the day/year I was born …

Two of my favorite hits from 1973 -

Kodachrome by Paul Simon
This song makes me think all the world’s a sunny day, oh yeah

My Love by Paul McCartney and Wings
… wo-wo-wo-wo-wo-wo, my love does it good

A few prices in 1973 -
Average Cost of new house $32,500.00
Average Income per year $12,900.00
Average Monthly Rent $175.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 40 cents
AMC Javelin car $2,900.00
A Dozen Eggs 45 cents

Technology -Skylab, the United States' first space station, is launched, Concorde cuts flying time across the Atlantic in half flying at average speed of 954 mph and the Sears Tower opened in Chicago.

Amazing how things change … And as time goes by – I find myself appreciating each day even more – and the good deals and songs of days long gone!

PS: Slow down to live, love, laugh and LEARN - and take lots of photos because all the world is a sunny day!! :) wo-wo-wo-wo-wo-wo.

Friday, March 25, 2011

The happiest bug ...

Before ...
After ...


Little Moment with Lauren: “We love to laugh together. Her laugh is so contagious and once she starts - I start, and we laugh until it hurts. She has always been a very happy little girl. And at night when I would check on her (to make sure she was ok) - she would be asleep with a smile. In fact, she still sleeps with a smile! It’s only fitting that everything she draws has a smile too. In Lauren’s world, all things big and small are happy!”

Bug on Canvas by Tawna Allred!
For more details visit: Heirloom Children's Art

A love note (on canvas) ...


A few years ago, my son, Kaleb gave me a little love note and a few weeks ago, Tawna Allred had a contest on her website looking for children's art. The lucky winner would get a custom, canvas recreation of the artwork. Luckily, we won! And above is the canvas creation of my son's love note. So sweet...

Thanks Kaleb and Tawna for the gifts of love! :)


Kaleb - Fishing in Afton, Wyoming
I love you ... Thanks for being a 'rainbow' in my life!
PS - Do you have artwork by your children that you would like to have reproduced onto canvas? If so, visit this website and get all the details: Heirloom Children's Art

{Celebrating blog post # 400}

Tulips and Mountains ... (two of my favorite things)
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival / for more photos and tulip awe vist their website: TULIPS

I just realized that this is post number 400 on my blog! And ... I feel like celebrating! Looking back - When I started this blog, I hoped that my little thoughts, ideas, stories and dreams would touch someone. To my surprise - this little blog has reached thousands. :) Amazing what can happen when we dare to dream and DO!

Thank you for stopping in and for being a part of my 'little moments' ...

PS - Slow down and enjoy the beauty of this day! :)

All my love,
Wendy

Sending tulips and sunshine your way!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

It feels like spring ...

The sun is out today and it feels like spring ... And on beautiful days (like this one) there is nothing like being outside riding a bike! :)

PS - It's the little moments that matter - what will you do with today?

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

"Little Moments" book buzz ...

Book cover - 2nd edition, paperback

Inside ...

One of my favorite segments ... Invite Happiness IN!

Book Buzz -

“Every once in a while a book comes along that really matters and this book does. The world needs more feel good, common sense, heartfelt books like, It's The Little Moments That Matter and more authors like Wendy Christensen who help us all appreciate a little bit more of what we already have.” ~Dana Robinson - Host of Spotlight

“What a great book – your words reminded me of many beautiful moments! You have brought your mother and I so much joy!” - Dad

“Reading your book was a happy time for me. It makes all the other happy moments come into focus and take center stage. I just this minute finished your book - my whole day will be more fun. "
- Jean J.

"I am absolutely in love with your book. I started reading last night and couldn't stop. It is so refreshing and energizing. It has completely changed my outlook on the little things. I am so grateful for your amazing insight. Thank you for writing such an awesome book and for helping me appreciate the world around me."
- Rachel K.

"Dear Wendy, I have been meaning to write and thank you for the beautiful book. I love what you have written and I read it as I am eating breakfast --good way to start the day! :)
Thanks again " ~ Emily C.

"Wow, I feel like going out and conquering the world." - Stacy M.

"An inspirational journey in self-discovery and a joyous celebration of life! This book will make you want to hug yourself." ~ Kersten Campbell, author of "Confessions of a Completely Insane Mother"

"What a darling book! ...Last night I read the chapter on hair extensions. OH MY! I was laughing so hard. Thanks for sharing your talents." ~ Kylene S.

PS: Amazing how much fun this little book has been and continues to be ... thanks for reading!

Find out how you can better enjoy the little moments in your life ...
Get your copy today :) ... The books are $9.99 each (+ shipping)

Friday, March 11, 2011

A long line of LOVE ...

The Evan and Bessie Call family

Life does not happen to us, it happens from us.
~Michael Wickett

Evan Call (my Grandpa) on a bike for 4 :) ...!!

My Grandma Call - In Afton, Wyoming ... She is truly one of my heroes.


At Christmas, my Mom gave me a little disc of photos. The other night, I had a few moments so I opened the images via my laptop and was surprised at the emotions the photos evoked.

Setting the scene -It was late, the house was quiet – everyone was asleep (except for me)… All I could hear was the little hum from my computer as I sat at my desk. For about an hour I devoured the photos and was inspired by the legacy of my ancestors.

Little history -My Mom comes from a family of 14 children. She was number 10. I am grandchild number 54 (give or take a few numbers). The photos from this Christmas gift disc were images of my Grandma and Grandpa Call’s life.

I laughed and cried as I enjoyed every moment from the past. And I couldn’t help but think – WOW! I have a lot to live up to. And then I went to that beautiful place of gratitude and had nothing but pure admiration for their love, their example and their hard work through the years.
They believed in family more than anything else.

Is there anything that really matters more?

Evan and Bessie Call
Afton, Wyoming
Families are forever.


The above photos (along with many others) are on display in the Call Heritage Museum in Afton, Wyoming. This museum is the old house in Afton where my Grandparents raised their amazing family and where I spent many summers as a kid. The museum opened last summer and I was able to go with my family and join 250 + relatives for a weekend reunion that I'll never forget!

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for your legacy of love ...
I love you both.

Friday, March 04, 2011

Inside the little brown bag ...


My son, Kaleb, was sick at the beginning of the week and he missed school on Monday and Tuesday. Luckily, he was feeling good enough to hit the halls again on Wednesday. (He's in the seventh grade).

While making his lunch, I decided to drop in a little note. I smiled to myself as I dropped him off at the middle school as I imagined what he would do when he looked into the bag and saw a love note from his mom ...

After school, we were running a couple of errands and (out of the blue) he said, "I kept the note you gave me."

To my surprise, he pulled the note out of his sweatshirt pocket. It was a sweet moment and reminder that the kind things we do for each other matter.

They matter so much that we hold onto them and tuck them away to keep and remember later!

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

March ...

It's the first day of March ... and I find myself sitting here thinking about tulips, sunshine and SPRING! :)

Friday, February 25, 2011

For my sister - Amy ...

The BIG puddle

Happy Birthday Amy …

I was blessed to be born into a home with lots of children and to two parents who loved each other very much. Some of my fondest memories of growing up are my adventures with my sister, Amy. I am two years older than her and we spent a great deal of time together as kids. We shared a paper route, shared a bedroom, shared clothes, fought over clothes, shared laughs, shared tears, shared dreams and most of all shared our growing up years!

Not too long ago on a rainy day, I found myself at the BIG Puddle. This puddle was one of our favorite places to run to as kids. It was a very short distance from our house but running to the big puddle was like freedom and escape from the mundane. There was something wrong with the drain system around this particular corner and the water would just puddle up and out into the streets. This puddle seemed like a little river to us! We loved to splash in it and hunt for worms and pretend we were in another country – like Australia.

Then when we were done pretending and imagining we would make our way back home.

Every time I find myself at this particular little corner – I think of my sister and wonderful times we shared as kids. And I can’t help but smile and appreciate the little things (like a puddle) and the big things (like sisters)... that help us become who it is we are.

So today – I wish my dear sister, Amy, a very happy birthday! Thanks for being such a wonderful sister and friend. (I love you).

PS: I hope your day is filled with loving memories, happy moments and lots of smiles!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty

Kaleb in Afton, Wyoming - "Fish on" buddy :) ...

Vulnerability -
When was the last time you let yourself be vulnerable? Has it been a while?
I continue to learn that the more we put ourselves ‘out there’ the more we learn, the more we grow and the more we become.

What does ‘out there’ mean?

I’ll illustrate my point with my son, Kaleb. He decided he wanted to try wrestling at his middle school. He is in the 7th grade and was introduced to wrestling during P.E. class. He liked it and decided to join the wrestling team. We didn’t know anything about wrestling and let’s just say it’s been a very educational season!

The night before his first match, he came downstairs in his singlet. Have you ever tried one of those things on? Me neither. Let’s just say – I think anyone who dares to don one of those outfits has guts! And no doubt you feel a little vulnerable wearing one.

Kaleb has his last wrestling meet today and as I sit here thinking about him and the past wrestling season, I find myself smiling and feeling really proud of him (singlet and all). He definitely put himself ‘out there’ and has learned a great deal, met new friends, had fun and realized that he can do hard things (like be pinned in 25 seconds) in front of a crowd and still hold his head high.

Thanks for reminding me Kaleb that vulnerability coupled with our desire to learn, grow and become happens as we step out of our comfort zones and try new things – yes, even scary things … like wearing a singlet and standing toe to toe on a mat ready for 3 rounds of whatever throws, slaps and toss downs come your way.

This week – put yourself ‘out there’ … allow yourself to feel vulnerable and see what adventures lie ahead.

Some ‘out there’ ideas: Forgive, Write an apology letter, read the first page of your book out loud to someone, sing in public, dance, ask questions, don’t be afraid to say I don’t know, learn about something new, join a gym, start a new job, pray, turn off the TV, do something alone, refuse to be dragged down by negative people, take a trip …

Friday, February 18, 2011

Wake up and be happy ...




"To get up each morning with the resolve to be happy…is to set our own conditions to the events of each day. To do this is to condition circumstances instead of being conditioned by them." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

My morning with Lauren ...

With my daughter, Lauren ... 2/18/11

A little moment from this morning -
The two of us were able to attend "Morning with Mom" at her elementary school and together, we ate doughnuts shared a glass of milk and toured the school. It was a great way to start the day.

I love you Lauren - thanks for being such a wonderful, bright spot in my life.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Romance is ...




... A single red rose, a kiss, a love letter, a walk, holding hands, reading a book together, snuggling on the couch and watching an old movie, dinner by candlelight, a road trip, omelets before bed, talking, and most of all 3 little words that never get old - I LOVE YOU.

Happy Valentine's Day - slow down and enjoy the romance...!

Monday, February 07, 2011

Be grateful ...



"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust

Today: Write a letter to someone who makes a difference in your life! Let them know how much you love them ...