Tales of Beedle the Bard...

Well not really Beedle the Bard but Kristin Jenson just doesn't ring well. I need a cool pen name. I am now excepting suggestions. My mom's maiden name is McNutt and my dads last name is McKnight. They said when they got married and had kids they would be little McNuggets... But I'm not a McKnight anymore so it doesn't make since. Do you ever miss your Maiden name? Don't get me wrong, Jenson is respectable... but I really miss being Kristin McKnight.

Tale # 1: Today I made a 4 year old cry. I felt terrible. It all happened so fast and I didn't even see it coming. We started extended days with our pre-k class this week. Now we stay an extra 45 min to read one on one with the children. For most of them this is their first experience with reading. I sat down with him and he knew all of the sounds the letters made but putting them all together to form a word was very hard for him. I was trying to help him slide the sounds of each letter together so he could hear the word, and BAM! Waterworks! I had no idea what to do I was so take back. I just wanted to scoop him up and hug and kiss him. I had been telling him how great he was doing the whole time, I never put him down or used discouraging tones. Luckily my lead teacher came and swopped him up and took good care of him. After the whole thing had blown over she made me feel better about the whole thing. I guess it happens a few times a year. To much pressure on these poor little guys to read (mostly from home.) Good news, now I know what to do next time one of my students breaks down!

Tale # 2: I took my first pregnancy test today. I have been very paranoid about getting pregnant unexpectedly. We are talking when I was 11 (and couldn't even be pregnant) I would see my pulse in my stomach and think I was pregnant. I know it's a little irrational. At any rate I swore I was pregnant. I'm such a dork. So I went to walmart and spent 10 min picking out a pregnancy test (there are so many options!) I waited till this morning and peed on the stick. It said I would have to wait 3 min... more like 30 seconds. NOT PREGNANT. Sheew. I told the nurse practitioner at the school my symptoms... and she told me I had a sinus infection. Dr. Dad confirmed and I am now on a z-pack! Thank goodness for that. When I told Mike I thought I could be pregnant his exact words "Oh man, I'm not ready for that." At least we are on the same page!

Tale # 3: I have rediscovered baths. The past two nights I have taken one and man are they amazing. Although my tub isn't as big as I would like it to be it works. I have been soaking while I watch an episode of Psych that I have had to buy from iTunes... After I bathe I mix lotion and baby oil together and rub it all over. Mixing the two is way better than using them on their own. This weekend the first thing on my list of things to do... go to bath and body and get bath salts and bubbles. I can't wait for our cruise where we will enjoy the thermal suite and all its steam and aroma therapy room glory!

Tale # 4: Last night I had one of the best dreams ever. I was dating Shawn Spencer (from Psych.. duh) AND Justin Bieber at the SAME time!! I woke up as giddy as a 13 year old. I caught myself thinking about my dream a few times today... and man was there a HUGE smile on my face when I did!

Tale # 5: I am Mike's kryptonite. We discovered this today when I went to his basketball game. I haven't been to a single one of his games this year. {Bad wife award} So I went tonight since it was his last game. They are #1 in their league and Mike is one of the better players on their team (so I've been told.) But tonight {when I was there} he was missing everything. Until I game him a little pep talk at half time {which consisted of: "Mike I thought you could play basketball. Prove it!} Then he made me proud and scored around 20 points in the seconds half. THATS MY BOY!

My Little Buddies

I'm feeling a little better today but still tired and dizzy when I stand up. I spent ALL day yesterday on the couch. Like I only got up to get food and use the restroom. As I mentioned before I spent most of my day watching Psych (except of course from 8-10 when we watched the Bachelor.) At any rate my little fur babies were very concerned about me. They stayed close to me the whole day.

My legs are in the comfy blue PJ's, little Rosalie was cuddled next to me all day.

On other related news a short funny story about the dedication of my little friends. We've put them on a diet and so we only feed them small amounts every few hours. Since then they have become quite mischievous, especially when it comes to finding food...
A few days ago I came home to this... a mess of marshmallows on the floor. Would you like to know how said marshmallows come to be on the floor. Somehow the cats managed to get into the closed pantry and knock the bag of marshmallows down from the 3rd shelf. They then chewed into the bag and took the marshmallows out...

...and ate the marshmallows! Seriously look close, this thing has been gnawed into. Crazy cats!

Psyched Out

Last Friday started the beginning of my 5 day Presidents day weekend. Unfortunately I was hit by a cold. It has only gotten worse as the days go by. It hasn't been all bad though. I have literally spent 2 days doing nothing but watching Episodes of Psych on Netflicks instant play. My friend Cynda had mentioned this show to me a while back and so I figured it was worth watching. It is a lot like one of my other favorite shows (The Mentalist.) But a lot more family friendly. Mike has watched some of it with me and says it reminds him of a TV show from the 90's. The back and forth between the two main characters (Shawn and Guss) is hilarious! So this is my endorsement for this fun crime show dramady. It is nursing me back to health!

THIRTY- The Fever

Day 30-Your favorite song

Since today marks the official end of my 30 day blog challenge I thought I would go out with a bang and share a secret. I HAVE BIEBER FEVER!! I have tried so hard to avoid it and have said unkind things about this kid. But I can't fight it anymore. I love the kid. I have seen him on multiple talk shows in the past few weeks since he is promoting his new movie. He is such a sweet kid. He isn't at all the stuck up, girl crazy kid I thought he was. He is so sweet to his fans and gosh dang that cute flippy hair (I've always had a thing for "shaggy hair.") I went out and bought his CD and have been rocking out to it. I think I might even go see the movie... I know... ITS THAT BAD! Oh well. Thats the way it goes, dang teenage heart throbs making married women swoon over them.

I can't however say my favorite song at the moment is by him. Give me SOME credit I like other music too. I love Taylor Swifts new album Speak Now. It has been my go to CD in my car for the past few weeks. I listen to the song "Speak Now" at least 3 times every time I get in the car. The song is fun and about a girl stopping the guy she loves wedding. But the vocals are my favorite. I sing like I'm a pop diva while I listen. So fun. I would say that is at the moment my favorite song. But that will change in a week or two.

Twenty Nine: Knowledge

Day 29-In this past month, what have you learned?

I have learned that I am very determined. When I started this challenge I said I would finish and I would not miss a day! Check (almost) Also I've been feeling a little bit of the winter blues and feelings... dare I say fat. So last week I told myself I wouldn't eat any sweets on the weekdays (and only in moderation on the weekends.) The last two weeks I have kept my promise to myself. I feel like those are both pretty challenging goals for me, but I've done them!

I also learned that I CAN NOT work 56 hours a week and still be functional. So I quite my babysitting job (on good terms.) a few weeks ago. But I gave them as much time as they needed to find a replacements. So actually my last day was this Wednesday. Life will be a lot different now that I'm getting home around 4. Even when I nannied for two years I got home at 8pm or later. I can't wait to work till four, go to the gym, come home and make dinner all before Mike gets home!

I was called the to YW Presidency this month. It was a pretty neat experience. Back in December before I knew the current 2nd counselor would be moving I felt like I was going to be given more responsibility in the YW. It was the weirdest feelings and I just kept shaking it off thinking I was crazy. Then when I knew we would need a new 2nd counselor I knew it was going to be me. It was very strange. I had similar feelings when I was called as a RS pres in college. Now that I have been set apart and fulfilling my responsibilities it has been amazing how I have been prompted to do certain things or been mindful of certain girls. This being said I have learned that the Lord prepares you for callings (especially ones that may seem overwhelming.) Also that we are called of God when we receive callings and he will bless you with the impressions and insight you need to magnify it.

Twenty Eight: Me Now & Then

Day 28-A picture of you from last year and now-how have you changed?

Last Year

This Year

I don't think I have really changed at all. My hair is still the same blondish color. About the same length. I weigh about the same (give or take a few lbs) and I'm definitely not any taller. My physical appearance is about the same in my opinion. As far as me as a person, aren't we constantly working to improve ourselves? So maybe my confidence is a little stronger, my testimony more solid. I've been given a new set of oppositions which have strengthen me in many areas. But in the end I am more or less the same person, maybe just a tiny bit stronger!

Twenty Seven

Day 27-Why you are doing this 30 day challenge

I started this challenge so that I would have something to write about other than how tired I was from working so much. I also thought it would be fun to document some of the random things they wanted. However, as the days went by it became solely just to finish something I started. At this point I'm so over it... but I'm so close to finishing and never missing a day (which is pretty impressive!) so I will press on!! 3 Days left!! :)

Twenty Six

Day 26-What do you think about your friends

I've already put some of my favorite pictures up of my friends so I will skip that part. At any rate I can say with a fair amount of confidence that I have the best friends ever. Moving to CT (a place I had never been) the week after I got married was a big deal. I was really nervous about adjusting to life as newlywed not to mention in a place where I knew no one!! Not even a full week of being in CT we met two other couples (the Stokes and Johnson's {who moved in the same day we did}) for dinner. That was the start of some kick butt friendships. The first Sunday at church we were already getting offers to come over for dinner. No I have so many people that I love spending time with I can't fit them all into my house at the same time. I'm not trying to say I'm the most popular person in the world. I'm saying my ward rocks!!! We have so many fun couple (of all ages!) And everyone is so loving and welcoming. Mike and I only thought his job would be a two year thing... but after 3 months of living here we knew we wouldn't be able to leave anytime soon. Both of our families live far away but the ward has literally become our family. At church on Sunday I get frustrated because I can't say "hi" or sometimes even see all the people I want to. It's just really cool and such a change from the very small ward that I grew up in.

This Saturday night I'm having a girls night for any of the ladies in my ward who want to come! I'm so excited for it. It's not often that I can get many of my girlfriends together for a good night of food and friends! I've been thinking about it all week. I'm going to make stromboli for dinner and my friend Cynda is bringing a chocolate fondue pot and all the ladies are bringing appetizers, salads and treats. I'm sure I'll gain all the weight I lost last week ... but it might just be worth it!!

So if you live in the area come to my place at 6:30 and bring your favorite treat to share!! All the cool kids are doing it!! :)

Twenty Five: My Purse (AKA: The Black Hole!)

Day 25-What I would find in your bag

Today I'm suppose to tell you what you will find in my bag. I will now simply list everything in my purse right now...

1) a mint

2) keys to the church

3) keys to my car

4) my phone

5) Carmes

6) Burt's Bees chapstick

7) Mascara

8) 3 Paper clips

9) 2 Andes mints

10) Gum

11) Water bottle

12) iPod

13) iTouch

14) Wallet

15) Notepad

16) 2 pairs of gloves (red & black)

17) White Sunglasses

18) Tanning lotion

19) Comb

20) 4 1/2 fruit leathers (3 raspberry and 1 1/2 strawberry)

21) 5 markers (for writing on cars)

22) lip gloss

23) lipstick

24) 2 nail file

25) 4 highlighters (3 pink & 1 orange)

26) 3 pens (one orange felt tip, one neon blue and one black)

27) 2 pencil (one mechanical and one black colored pencils)

28) temple recommend

29) silve necklace

30) matching silver earrings

31) 5 hair-ties

32) 3 feminine items

33) envelope of receipts

34) 2 recipes (spinach egg-drop soup & white bean chili.)

35) Camera

Now try to find the phone when it rings in that mess!!

Twenty Four

Day 24-A letter to your parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

I think you're the best! Thank you for taking me to church every sunday, for reading the scriptures with me and teaching me to pray. You of course know that I appreciate reading me stories, playing doll house with me and taking me to the park. Doing those things gave me a happy childhood that I remember fondly. But doing the church things with me have helped shape me into the woman I am today. Mom, thanks for dragging me (literally) to EFY my first year. You know how much that single event changed my life. Dad thanks for those long walks/jogs in the early summer mornings. I learned so much from you and loved feeling like your friend and not just your daughter! But you guys know all that. I don't need to post a letter on my blog letting you know that. You already know how much I love you. I tell you every day when I talk to you. Thanks for being good example to me growing up and for loving me no matter what! I LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY!!

(PS- I know this letter is kind of lame. But I think the task is lame. I talk to my parents almost everyday and they know I love them and all the things I admire about them. Also I was watching the Bachelor while I wrote this.... lol. I'm just trying to make it to the 30 day mark without missing a day...)

Valentines Date 2011!!

Yesterday night was Mike and I's Valentines day date. I had so much fun planing and making everything I needed for it!

Mike had strick instructions to be home from studying at 5pm! No sooner no later! When he walked in the door (carrying roses and a sweet card) he was greeted by this sweet dinner (don't worry we didn't even come close to eating all that stake.)

At Mikes seat this note awaited him.

He was told to go find the romantic task cards. Before I would give him the clue he would have to complete the task. The first task was to make a romantic toast.

While we ate dinner I showed him these 5 pictures. I told him to chose one and that would determine part of what we would do that evening. I was sooo happy when he picked the black pot... that was the one I was secretly hoping he would pick!

After we finished eating he went on his love hunt for his gift. Here are the task cards and clues if you want to use the idea for a future romantic date.

One of the tasks was to feed each other chocolate covered strawberries. I made these earlier in the day and thought they turned our AWESOME!! They were by far the best I've ever had! Not to shabby for my first time eh?

His love hunt ended in the bedroom (that has candles and rose petals everywhere) where he found his gift on the bed.

It was a check book filled with 24 different checks from me. He was SO EXCITED! He has some really good ones. He said "I can pretty much do whatever I want. We can get in argument and you have to tell me I'm right ("admit I'm wrong... even if I'm not.") and stop being angry ("I will let something go I'm upset about.") Then I can give you one so that you have to kiss me ("10 kissed".) Then I can go hang out with the guys and you can't get mad ("Guilt free abandonment card.") This is the best gift ever." I was glad he liked them because it took me about 3 weeks to makes them all!

Mike had no idea what our plans were for the rest of the night. So after dinner I took him to the movie theater and had him close his eyes to walk to the movie so he wouldn't know what it was until it started. We saw "Just Go With It." I think he liked it. It was cute but a little trashy :(

Finally, the moment I'd been waiting for all night... we went to the Melting Pot for dessert (Since he picked the black pot.) It was delicious! We picked the smore chocolate (milk chocolate with marshmallow and graham cracker.) It was gone in no time and was just enough dessert that we weren't sick of chocolate when we were done!

All of our dippers for the chocolate!

We didn't think to take a picture while we were out so we took a quick one when we got home. It was a fantastic evening with the love of my life!!

HAPPY VALENTINES ONE AND ALL!!

Twenty Three

Day 23-Something you crave for a lot

SALTY AND SWEET!

I love chips and guacamole! I have been craving for it a lot lately. Mostly because Avocados were on sale a while ago and I loaded up on them. Strategically getting a variety of soft and hard ones so they could be eaten at different times. Mike mikes awesome guac too. I like it really creamy with a lot of tomato. He recently started putting a few spoonfuls of salsa in it and DANG IT IS GOOD... However I try to only have 7-10 chips when I eat it lately so I don't over due it!

I have a huge sweet tooth. I love baked goods like doughnuts, cakes and cookies. I also love chocolate covered anything. The good news is even though I crave bakes good a lot I don't usually make them so I don't have to eat a ton of junk. This week my goal was to go all 5 work days with out any sugar or junk food. I DID it and lost 4 lbs (mostly water weight) in 5 days. So this weekend I have had a little extra drive to stay away from eating it as well. I hope to make this a permanent goal. We'll see how that goes!

Twenty Two

Day 22-What makes you different from everyone else

I'm not going to lie. I've been dreading this post. I think it is kind of boring and I feel like I'm writing my college essays. I am different from most of the worlds population because I am Mormon. But 90% of my social network is LDS, so that doesn't make me different from the majority of my friends and family.

Also I think a lot of the personality traits I have I could find in at least one friend. For example: I love cats more than most people (so does Ami.) I have a sibling who I miss a lot on a mission (so Does Colleen & Becca.) I love to cook and bake (so do my friends Ben and Cynda.)I love to play board games (so do my friends Lisa and Moroni.) I feel like I have a big heart and would do anything for anyone (so does my friend Aubri.) I love to laugh and enjoy life to the fullest (so does my friend Lindsey.) See what I mean? Nothing about me really stands out above other people. BUT I don't think that is a bad thing. I just think it means I have surrounded myself people who are like me. I like who I am, so why would I not want friends who have the same personality traits? So maybe that is what makes me so different than most people. I have so many wonderful friends who I feel honored to be associated with!

Twenty One

Day 21-A picture of something that makes you happy

I know it only said A picture of something that makes you happy... but I provided 9... I try not to talk to much about home much I love my furry little ones. They seriously make me so happy. I get so happy every day when I walk in the door and they are waiting for me... meowing up a storm, telling me all about there day. They are hilarious to watch. They love to wrestle each other, chase one another up and down the stairs, go trash can diving, play in boxes, bags and blankets. I love m little ones. The perfect way to ease into motherhood, right ;-)

They are great friends now.

The love playing in bags

giving kisses (or helping each other out of clothes)

They both love climbing to the highest places they can!

Squeezing themselves in to tight spaces

rolling around in bags

Climbing in general

cuddling up on soft blankets

And eating things they found in the trash can (like this marshmallow.)

How could you not love them? :-)

Twenty

Day 20-Someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future

1.) Someone with pretty eyes (preferably green or blue)

2) Wickedly attractive, looks good in a suit!

3.) Does cute/fun things for me... because he thinks I'm special.

4.) Does things he doesn't like just to make me happy (like shopping ...)

5.) Makes me go weak in the knees when he kisses me.

I've already found my prince charming. I smile every morning when I wake up and see him laying next to me. In 4 days it will be the 3 year anniversary of our 1st kiss!! And in 2 days we will have a kick butt Valentines Day date! I have spent 2 weeks planning and making stuff for the date. It isn't anything really elaborate we are keeping it cheap and staying local. But I have spent weeks making his gift and planning/making stuff for our date! I CAN NOT WAIT!! It is always so exciting to spend a romantic evening with the one you adore!

Nineteen

Day 19-Nicknames you have and why you have them

Something interesting about nicknames is I have always wanted one that was solid and that everyone felt comfortable calling me. Since Kris is a guys name I think most people are hesitant to call me that. But nothing else has every really stuck universally. But boy what I would give to have a real nickname! lol.

Keesh, Kris, Sis, McMormon, KiKi

Keesh- As I mentioned before Mike and his good friend Dave like to give nickname. Mike and I's first date was a double with Dave and his date. We went to dinner and all ordered from the menu in a little unusual way. We closed our eyes and pointed to the menu and whatever we landed on we ordered. I landed on a cheese and broccoli quiche (not to bad considering the liver and onions that Dave's date got.) So since my name Kristin started with that "K" sound and so does "Quiche" I was hence forth and forever known as Keesh by Mike and many others.

Kris- That is a pretty easy one KRIStin...

Sis- My mom use to call me this all the time growing up (and still does.) But I feel the nickname had been tainted as she now calls both my little sisters "sis" too... dumb!

McMormon- That is what I got called in high school. You know "Mc" from McKnight and Mormon because I am Mormon "McMormon" very original guys.

KiKi- This is actually my favorite of all the nicknames and would love for it to catch on. But at this point it is only Mikes cousin T-Bone (Brett) and his wife Nickel (Nicole.) I have no idea how it happened but I like it! So please feel free to call me KiKi.

Eighteen

Day 18-Plans/dreams/goals you have

I've been think a lot about this matter lately. I'm till trying it all out. I do know that I married the perfect guy for me so that goal has been accomplished. I of course will have children someday, 4 or 5 maybe (I've been told after the first one that number drops dramatically ;-) I want to be home with my children when they are little. Read to them, play games, take them fun places, go on field trips and be the class mom. You know be the type of mom mine was. But once the last one is in late elementary early middle school I will want to work I think. I just like to work and I love teaching and being with kids.

Which leads me to my career goals. I either want to A get a masters that will certify me to teach elementary OR b possibly become certified to teach pre-school in my home (you know when we actually have a home... when we live in Utah (I also hope to move to Utah once our kids are school age. I want them to grow up close to family, and utah is way more affordable.) Since working in my pre-K class I have really enjoyed the age (although exhausting) they are fun and I love that curriculum. I have started copying all my head teachers files so I will have a solid curriculum if I do that. But for both I have to go back to school. Which is that part I am stuck on. Take classes now while I have some help from the school I am currently at... BUT possible not finish because I have kids before I finish, or just wait till after I have kids (when it will be a lot harder to go back to school.) So sorry folks, that part is unclear.

Dreams- Most of my dreams revolve around traveling. I would like to visit Egypt, Jerusalem, Australia and alll over Europe. I would also love to sing with the Mo Tab... Hence the reason they are under dreams. I may not be able to accomplish all of these dreams but it is fun of thinking about. And hey... "If you keep on believing a dream that you wish will come true."

Seventeen

Day 17-Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

You know I'm okay with my life actually. Sure it would be nice to have a little more money to spend on whatever my little heart wanted. It would be wonderful to live in a huge house that was professionally decorated to my taste. It would also be nice to be able to fly to see family whenever I wanted or travel to Europe or anywhere really when I felt like it. BUT then I don't think I'd be the same person. Sure maybe if Mike makes it big in the stock market and one day my life is like that you certainly won't see me complaining :) But for here and now I don't think I'd want to switch places with anyone. I LOVE my job, I have the best husband, I'm very comfortable with my living situation (place, apartment, ect.) I'm just at a good place in my life. I'm happy. Thats not to say that everything is perfect and I don't have things that bother me. I just don't let them get to me! So why change things around, even if it's just a day. I wouldn't want to miss out on anything in my own life!

Sixteen

Day 16-Another picture of yourself

It is these pictures and knowing that in only 35 short days I will again be cruising the Caribbean... March 13th won't come fast enough!!




And for your viewing enjoyment a little video clip of some of our fun cruise memories from last year. Mike feeding the sting rays at Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman.

Fifteen

Day 15-Put your ipod or shuffle on-first 10 songs that play

Most people have 1 iPod. Some how I have managed to end up with three. I use all three for different things. My classic iPod hold 64g and it had 36g of music and books on it right now. I use that as my primary ipod to store all my music and books.

1.) 3rd Nephi 29

2.) Lost Symbol chapter 110

3.) Ocean Front Property - George Strait

4.) For You to Notice- Dashboard Confessional

5.) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Chapter 36d

6.) Ruthless- Something Corporate

7.) How do I live Without You- LeAnn Rimes

8.) The Da Vinci Code- Chapter 4b

9.) Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince- Chapter 26e

10.) Call it Courage- chapter 3

I just got my iTouch for Christmas and I haven't put all of my music on it. I use it mostly for apps and internet and games. I have way to much fun with it. But I have put some of my favorite music on it...

1.) Mocking Bird - Eminem

2.) Love Lockdown- Kanye West

3.) Gives You Hell - All American Rejects

4.) Speak Now- Taylor Swift

5.) I'll Stand By You - Glee Cast

6.) Taking Chances- Glee Cast

7.) United State of Pop 2009 - DJ Earworm

8.) Country Boy - Alan Jackson

9.) Here Comes Goodbye - Rascal Flatts

10.) Nothing on You - B.o.B feat. Bruno Mars

My pink iPod I got to use when I run or work out.

1.) Fast Cars and Freedom- Rascal Flatts

2.) Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus

3.) Run This Town- Jay-Z

4.) I Gotta Feeling- Black Eye Peas

5.) Say Aah - Trey songz

6.) Young Forever- Jay-Z

7.) In My Head- Jason Derulo

8.) Rain is a Good Thing- Luke Bryan

9.) THE BUCKEYE BATTLE CRY (yes this is on my work out music list...)

10.) United States of Pop 2009- DJ Earworm