Turtles ...

I find them quite fascinating. I think it has something to do with their adorable eyes, big feet and hard shells. It's late and my mind feels a bit mushy so I don't have much else to say about them. I guess I do have something else to say - turtles remind me that there are times to act like a turtle and take things slow and easy. Ever had a 'turtle day'?

Happy Monday night - cheers to the turtles in the world ... :)
PS - If today is your 'turtle day' enjoy your pace ... and take your time... slow and steady is a good thing.

A lullaby for Mom and Dad

I have one daughter and she brings so much joy to my life … I couldn’t ever put in words what a blessing and treasure she is to me! Last weekend, she fell and broke her right collarbone (she’s 4 and a half). It was quite the trauma for the entire family – as this was our first experience with a broken bone! She has this endless optimism for life and happiness just pours out of her. Even with a broken clavicle, she is simply cheery. It’s inspiring for all who meet her.

Tonight as I put her to bed she didn’t want the ‘bedtime routine to end’ and decided to sing a lullaby for Mom and Dad… oh it was funny! I think it was to the tune of twinkle twinkle little star – I’m not sure. But the words were … I love my Mom and Dad I love them love them … This is the lullaby for Mom and Dad.

(Please try to picture the scene – it’s late, she’s in a big t-shirt, one arm is wrapped inside the shirt due to the broken bone and one is out). She’s just singing her heart out and full of joy …

I felt like it should have been a commercial for Visa.

T-Shirt: $9.99
Sheets: $19.99
Daughter singing a lullaby for Mom & Dad - with a broken clavicle: PRICELESS

OH that we could all be so full of love and endless happiness…
Cheers to daughters and priceless moments.

Good night beautiful Princess Lauren … Thanks for the lullaby.

Wendy Christensen & Mitch Albom
Book Expo 2006 - Washington, D.C.

Do you remember how you discovered your favorite author? I do! My younger sister had sent my husband a copy of Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie for Christmas. I remember thinking to myself that I’d like to read it someday. A few years later, the book resurfaced. I had some time one night to curl up with a book and chose this unforgetable story. I had no idea that this little book would touch my life so much. It is a true, heart-warming, inspirational story about Mitch and his journey to get back in touch with someone very dear and special to him. This important friend (whom he reconnects with) is his old college professor from days long gone. Mitch promised to stay in touch after he graduated from college but life got busy and Mitch forgot about this friend (and his promise) from the past.

Until one day, he heard (via the news) that his friend was dying. He was inspired at that point to get back in touch with his former college professor. Little did he know that this one act would change his life! He ended up spending the remaining Tuesdays of Morrie’s life in Morrie’s home. They talked about love, life, marriage, friends and the importance of making a difference with our time here on earth. Mitch’s interaction with Morrie helped him recognize and appreciate the people in his life and the great gift of being alive. This book remains one of my all-time favorites. (It’s a tear jerker – When I finished the book, I used half a box of Kleenex).

Last year, I had the opportunity to meet Mitch Albom. It was an exciting day for me because I didn’t know we was going to be in the same place at the same time. I was in Washington, D.C. attending Book Expo and received a friendly phone call informing me that Mitch Albom would be doing a reading at 3 pm in room 204. I was so excited! I had mentioned several times after reading Tuesdays with Morrie that I’d like to meet Mitch Albom – in person. I promptly found room 204 and couldn't wait to meet my favorite author!

I enjoyed hearing him read excerpts from this soon to be released book For One More Day and wondered if New York Times best selling authors sometimes felt a little bit vulnerable when sharing a NEW manuscript? Maybe?? Have you ever stood in front of a crowd and shared something you've created? For the record, he was calm, cool and collected... Full of confidence! He read portions of his book for about 45 minutes. I enjoyed every word!

For One More Day is a wonderful book - I highly recommend it :).

His books have touched the hearts of millions (including mine) and I am thankful for the ways that each of his books have added value to the way I live my life.

PS - I did what you would have done ... I thanked him for boldly writing from his heart and for daring to share his life/talents and thoughts with the world. :)

For more information on Mitch Albom and his work please feel free to visit his website:
http://www.albom.com/

April is National Poetry Month …

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.
~ Carl Sandburg

Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.
~ Thomas Gray

Out of the quarrel with others we make rhetoric;
out of the quarrel with ourselves we make poetry.
~ W.B. Yeats

Snakes
Small cylinder shapes
Curl round and round
They move with no arms or legs
But they still manage to slide across

the narrow street
Just trying to escape

The cars that will

Drive right over them

Finally they are

Safe

~ Kaleb Christensen (age 8)
This poem won 3rd place at the Richland, WA
Youth & Community Poetry Event
April 14, 2007

The day you were born … It's important!

Let’s talk about birthdays for a moment. We all have them. Some of them may be more enjoyable than others ... but the fact remains, birthdays do not stop coming (until we die). And even then those who loved us still remember us and celebrate the time we were here. Then there are those people who were ultra famous – their birthdays become holidays or at least mentioned on radio and or TV shows as part of the ‘on this date in history’ segments. Fact is – Birthdays matter. The way I see it, the world changes each time a new person is born. Each of us leaves our tracks on the world by what we choose to do with our time on it.

OK what’s up with the chit chat about birthdays you ask? Well, today happens to be the day I was born…! It’s been a splendid day and there’s still more celebrating to do...Might as well ENJOY the birthday fun for as long as possible right?

The day started out with pancakes for breakfast (thanks to my husband for that) and then it was off to our oldest son’s soccer game. Did you know that soccer games are played regardless of rain showers? Wow – it was a wet, cold game!! Our oldest son scored a goal and that was exciting. Way to go Kade ...

Next, it was off to a baseball game for son #2. It was freezing and the 6-inning game took two hours. It was a wonderful two hours though! He’s batting 1000 as he is 6 for 6. Yup – the star hitter of the team! I love watching our kids play sports ... Especially when they love the game and enjoy being part of the team. Way to go Kaleb ...

Then, it was home for cake and singing… What now? Kaleb (the slugger) took 3rd place in a community children’s poetry event and he’s reading it tonight at the Community Center.

His poem is called: Snakes and is simply wonderful!

I can hardly wait to hear him read it on stage - out loud!

All in all, it’s been the perfect day! I feel so grateful to be alive and to have another birthday. Birthdays cause me to reflect and appreciate the days, months and years that I’ve had to live, love and learn – and I look forward to many many more.

PS:
I am truly grateful to our Father in Heaven who showers each of us with so many blessings.
I feel that each day is a gift and want to live them to their fullest. I’m so thankful for my parents who chose to have me and taught me so many wonderful things. I love you Mom & Dad…. thanks for giving me a birthday :) ...

Cheers to time and all the beautiful things we can do with it!

Take me out to the ballgame ...

My son plays little league baseball (this is his first season and is in the minor B league). My brother-in-law and husband coach the team and I think we’re off to a GREAT season! Tonight was the first real game and I was asked to help in the concession stand. I enjoyed my experience tremendously! You serve a lot of people working in a place like that. And you get the ‘inside scoop’ on what’s popular to eat at baseball games. The must have item for the boys (playing in the league) … is the grape Big League Chewing gum! The older folks like the coffee and hot chocolate. The little kids love the licorice ropes and 10 cent stuff. What about the hotdogs? Those are the hit of the night!

I have to thank my sister-in-law, Kathy, for inviting me to help out. We laughed and enjoyed the time ‘in the food box’. PS: While I was busy dishing out nachos and salty pretzels, my son hit 3 times and (from what I was told) had a splendid game!

Cheers to America’s favorite game – Baseball. I have the feeling we’ll be spending many hours on the fields cheering for our little slugger … I look forward to it!

LET’S PLAY BALL!

Restore & Restyle …

{Restore}
To bring back into existence, use, or the like

When was the last time you embarked on a home beautification project? Has it been a while? My latest ‘restore & restyle’ event occurred last week (and has not stopped)! My husband and I decided it was time for a new kitchen window. This was no easy task as our home is over 70 years old… And this particular window was the original from when our home was first constructed. I was amazed at its craftsmanship - it had wires in it to help with opening and closing. The antique window also had doubles panes for safety and energy efficiency. Getting it out was NO easy task! Why did we get rid of such a window? It didn’t open anymore and the top pane was cracked.

Once we had the window out, I decided it would be a good time to paint the kitchen. So, I chose a very pretty olive green and painted all night. Why not? I found myself on a mission to make the room better! Have you ever had that happen? You start with one thing and find yourself in the mood to tackle even more? The kitchen looks wonderful and that little ‘restore & restyle’ project has sparked more R&R projects throughout the entire house!

PS:
I think we all have moments like that – we take something on and feel good about it (maybe it’s a new job, a new relationship, a new workout, a new friend, planting a garden, learning to paint, or putting in a new window) …Suddently, we find ourselves
going through our own ‘restore & restyle’ event. It’s like one little project or event inspires another and our lives begin to change and our spirits are restored and restyled.
Cheers to the little changes that occur in our lives - and the big ones too!

Feel free to check out my website:
Our moments matter -

http://www.littlemomentsthatmatter.com/

Feel the 3-D Power!

Do you need a great movie recommendation? If so, take the entire family and go see “Meet the Robinsons” in 3-D! The theater was jam packed with happy movie goers all wearing their special, black 3-D specs. The effects were fabulous and at times, I found myself holding my hand out to touch the rain, the characters and the fireworks. 3-D is magical – it makes the movie so real. The film’s story is pure Disney – full of inspiration and hope! Go on … Grab your family and enjoy the show. (You’ll love it!)

Cheers to Disney and the creative minds that continue to imagine, create and move forward…

Check it out online - Meet the Robinsons:

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/meettherobinsons/