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MOM • Reverence Begins with Googly Eyes

6/4/2015

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Diapers, bottles and quiet toys. Those days have been long gone for me. Or so I thought. I'm 52 and mothering a toddler.

Mom 2.0

As mothers sometimes we wish we could do it over again. Do it better. Avoid some of the mistakes. Have more fun. Or be more serious. Whatever it was that we weren't.

We've also learned from experience. A fascinating, sometimes frustrating teacher. That in itself, already having gone through the ups, downs and outcomes, gives us an advantage and a different perspective the second, third or ninth time around.
Reverence begins with googly eyes • LDS NEST
Sorry for the blurry photo. I was picturing taking in stealth mode since it was Sunday School in the Chapel.
My Mom 2.0 tip: Reverence begins with googly eyes.
I know. Not the profound tip you might be expecting. But one that'll work. Small, compact and keeps a kid's attention for about 10 minutes. Anything that can entertain quietly for that long should be shared.

The eyes were sticky backed and I stuck them on his legs and fingers during sacrament meeting. This photo is during Sunday school where I was starting to entertain myself by sticking them on his head. (I wouldn't recommend this for sacrament meeting as it had all the adults snickering. Who keeps the adults quiet? Another day.)

A bonus grandparent tip: These aren't bulky and can be put in your pocket for last minute moments when you're asked to watch a grandchild or any child. You'll be a hit.
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Mother's Day Gift • DIY Printable Soap Wrappers

5/3/2015

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Mother's Day. In 7 days. Here's a super, duper easy project. I think you're going to like this.
Mother's Day Easy DIY Gift • Printable Soap Wrappers
In Our Etsy Shop
You might recognize the LDS iconic text. Also, I'm learning some new skills (surface pattern design) and thought I'd try them out. It's an 8.5" x  11" DIY printable.
Mother's Day Easy DIY Gift • Printable Soap Wrappers
In Our Etsy Shop • For Link Click Image Above
I had to add some blank ones as well so that they could be used for other occasions. Just add your own handwritten text and you have a personalized gift.
Mother's Day Easy DIY Gift • Printable Soap Wrappers
Etsy Shop • Click Image
My kids saw them and asked if they could make them for me for Mother's Day. It wouldn't be much of a surprise but I'd like them anyway. Nice way to store a year's supply of soap. No?
DIY Printable Soap Wrappers • Instructions
Click to Enlarge
DIY Printable Soap Wrappers • Instructions
Click to Enlarge
Of course you could use the wrappers for something else. Any ideas?
Shannon Christensen
2 Comments

MOM • Kiss O' The Irish Print & Teen Kissing

3/13/2015

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Happy St. Patrick's day next week. Don't let the Polynesian looks fool you - I'm Irish. And the part of me that's the most Irish is the kissing part. Yeah I like to kiss. Probably has a lot to do with the Boyfriend I kiss. But I digress. 

Since we're talking about kissing, some of my kids (they're 8 of them) have come to me in their teens and asked, "How old do you have to be to kiss?", "When is kissing alright?", or "Is kissing wrong?" That's such a loaded question for a parent!

On the one hand you don't want to encourage it, like it's all good, go ahead, kiss whoever you want. Then on the other hand you don't want to discourage it, make them all freaked out and repressed as if it's wrong. And sometimes kids just want to find out what their parent's are going to say just so they can do the opposite. But you're not sure when they're going to use that tactic. See the problem? So I've always handled it this way - with the truth.

I tell them kissing is fun. Very fun. That I really haven't met too many people who are just starting out on the relationship road say that kissing is boring. I tell them it's exciting. I tell them it drives a mix of emotions. I tell them it's meant to lead us to greater intimacy.  I tell them once you start you really don't want to stop. I tell them that it's very hard to go in reverse once you start. Lastly, I don't tell them when it's okay to kiss. I just say, "Put it off as long as possible." That's it. I put it back on them to decide. Risky I know. But to my surprise most of them have put it off much longer than... well never mind. My kids read my blog sometimes.
DIY St. Patrick's Day Print - Kiss O' The Irish
Okay, so we were talking about St. Patrick's day. See how sidetracked I get with the kissing stuff? Go get my gift Kiss O' The Irish print here. Then kiss someone. And then tell me how you've handled the kissing question in your family.
Shannon Christensen on LDS NEST
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ME • Poems - Captured Feelings When someone Dies

2/8/2015

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Today I read on a friend's Facebook page a poem her daughter wrote. Apparently a family member passed away and writing was a way to express her grief and love. It was moving. 
I thought of a similar time when my grandmother passed away. I wrote a poem too. I think of her often and since today is her birthday I thought I'd share it. (I know I just shared a poem. It's not that I had "share poems" on my blog calendar, nor do I feel like a gifted poem writer, but it's just what seems to have come up.) 
Poem about Anna Marie Jones  • Gram's Key
After she was gone I remember sorting my key ring and finding her house key. It was no longer needed but I didn't want to get rid of it. Her key was a symbol for me of all her home was. It was a refuge for whoever visited. And anyone was welcome. There were so many people in and out of her house over the years. It was no surprise to come over and find strangers, people we didn't know yet, at her home. So many left feeling like family even if they stayed a short time. I've always tried to my home like that.
GRAM'S KEY
No matter what you call her name, 
by Anna, mom or "G", 
She always made her house a home 
to guest and family.
She'd clean and stock your favorite treats 
and wait the whole night through,
Then greetings of a hug and words, 
"I've waited just for you!"
Within those walls she'd make you feel 
that all the world was right,
But, then you'd have to leave her place, 
she'd hold you, oh, so tight.
She'd look after each one of us 
whether traveling east or west.
She'd send a gift and then we'd tease, 
"I knew she loved you best!"
She'd give you all she had to give 
to grant a needed lift
But, most of all she gave her love, 
that was her special gift.
Think of your time with her at home, 
bring back the memory
Of how she tied her heart to yours 
when you see her key
Anna Marie Jones was one of a kind. That's why I wrote that poem. I guess that's why Stephanie's daughter wrote her poem. When someone so remarkable leaves us for a time we want to capture our feelings for that person. When I wrote the poem it was just for me and when I read it, it brings 'us' back together again. Happy Birthday Gram.

Have you ever done that? Express in poetry your feelings of someone's passing?
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2 Comments

MATE • DIY Valentine's Day Test Tube Treats

2/2/2015

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I'm in heavy like with Valentine's Day. The Boyfriend usually isn't home for it. (Works on an oil rig) But, this year he will be. So I'm pretty excited to celebrate. This is for him. (He doesn't read the posts regularly, usually all in one sitting, so I think he won't see this. If this is you Boyfriend, DON'T continue reading) 

I was totally inspired by this pin on my Graphic Love board.

I made it into a Valentine's Day Countdown. Give one test tube treat a day. I think I'm going to do love notes instead of candy. Sometimes we don't say enough to those we love the most. 

So, another Valentine's Day for those of you who are in heavy like too. 

Valentine's Day Countdown • DIY Test Tube Labels • Buy, Print, Cut, Label, Fill, Give
Buy • Print • Cut • Label • Fill • Give
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2 Comments

MATE • Valentine's Day Word Search for Your Perfect Match

1/31/2015

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Perfect Match Anniversary Word Search
Gift I gave the Boyfriend about 15 years ago
About 15 years ago, before chalkboards were hip, I made an Anniversary Chalkboard Word Search for my Perfect Match. It took a couple of versions before I got it right and was a lot of work. This Valentine's Day I decided to offer an easy version to download. Print, cut, frame, and give. Way less work than I originally went through. You can find it here. Our shop is here.
Valentine's Day Project • DIY Word Search • Perfect Match (Print • Cut • Frame • Give)
8"x 8" and 5"x 5" Download Found in our Etsy Shop
If framed with glass then it can be used with a dry erase marker and reused. 
Valentine's Day Project • DIY Word Search • Perfect Match (Print • Cut • Frame • Give)
For your Perfect Match get our download or make one of your own. 
Happy Love Month.
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ME • My New Year's Resolution Word Reminder

1/20/2015

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For my New Year's Resolution Word, RESET, I will do things throughout the year to make reminders for myself. I'm kinda creative that way. And distracted. So I need reminders. Last year's BRAVE was making a subway art for myself. It hung in the hall at first then I moved it to my beside.
DIY Download • Do Not Be Dismayed • New Year's Word Brave
It doesn't have its permanent place yet since it's still sitting on the bookshelf next to my bed. But, I loved seeing it and having that tangible reminder.
But on to this year - RESET. I picked up a bracelet at Michaels the other day. (For the life of me I can't remember who makes these. You can tell this isn't a sponsored post, can't ya.) They're individual letters that slide on a bracelet. And they were on sale, $10 total. With a little bling as a bonus.
New Year's Resolution Word Reminder • RESET Bracelet
New Year's Resolution Word Reminder • RESET Bracelet
I don't have any set thing that I plan to get, make or use for a reminder. I just let it come to me. And walking past those little, sparkly letters... they just jumped out and said, "RESET!" So, that's my first reminder for the year. Thank you to myself. 

Do you get, make, or use reminders for your word?
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ME • For 38% of you This Post Will Mean Nothing

1/2/2015

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For 38% of you this post will mean nothing. Because that's the percentage of people who never make a New Year Resolution. My Boyfriend is one of them. (So you can stop reading now Love) 

I've always been into making them. When I was younger I'd have several goals each year. It helped me accomplish many of the things I wanted. I really enjoyed the process back then.

But the past few years things have changed for me. First, I'm very content with a lot of my life. Second, I realize how not in control of some of my life I am. Third, because I'm not in control of a lot of things that affect me deeply I started leaning in a different direction looking to strengthen my character to deal with those things. And fourth, it's pretty easy to focus since there's just one.

So I made a switch. Some of you are probably familiar with the One Word New Year Resolution.
One Word New Year Resolution Defined - 
A single word resolution or promise made to one's self, thoughtfully chosen and used for a personal development guide for the entire year.
You can read about my previous One Word Resolutions here - 
2014
BRAVE
2013
Was a rough year
2012
FINISH
2011
FOCUSED


BRAVE for 2014 was a perfect fit. Some of the reasons why I've shared and some I haven't. But it was very fitting. Now on to 2015.
I've been wondering what word I wanted and needed for 2015. I've been thinking about it for a couple of weeks and yesterday I went through a process I have to come up with a word that "fit". Then today I hit on... 
My One Word New Year Resolution 2015
defined: the act or an instance of setting again; to restore; a push button you press to activate the reset mechanism; set to a certain position or cause to operate correctly
Leila's death has taken it's spiritual toll on me. Getting back to the basics of stronger praying, scripture reading, and pondering will reset my spiritual foundation. I know the Primary answers work. 

Then there's Leila's son, Joseph. He's been with us on and off since he was born. It looks like it will be more "on" from here on out. I have 8 children and my youngest is 14. There were still several years left for a few of them at home but I was on the downhill side of the motherhood mountain. And I was coasting.

With the prospects of Joseph being here for an undetermined while, I'm needing to reset my motherhood button. At 52 that's an immense undertaking. I totally get why we have babies while we're young. But, I also know we get good at things we do and I've been doing the mom thing for 29 years. I'm pretty good at it but I need to restart that engine. With all that Joseph is missing in his little life having lots of love and people who know what they're doing will bless him. It could go without saying but he's already been a huge blessing to us.

So that's my 2015 One Word Resolution and a little of why I chose it. Does anyone else do One Word Resolutions? Resolutions at all?


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JOURNALING • One List at a Time

11/15/2014

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Personal and Family Histories are a big deal to us. Those who have the family stories or even know snippets about their ancestors cherish them. Those who don't have them, wish. Wish that there was something that they knew about the people they came from. Wish they could have a connection. Wish their ancestors left something. 
Sometimes it's not easy to leave that record. We're busy. Or just don't think about it. Or we don't know what to write. Or, or, or. Well, here's one little help to try to get over your 'or'. 
Journaling Ebook • 1 Topic Prompt List at a Time • Downloadable
It's a journaling ebook - A Little Bird Told Me. It has a topic prompt for each page and there's 70 prompts. Just make your list. It may not be perfect, but it'll be something. Here's a little extra motivational thought from Pres. Kimball -
“What could you do better for your children 
and your children’s children 
than to record the story of your life, 
your triumphs over adversity, 
your recovery after a fall, 
your progress when all seemed black, 
your rejoicing when you had finally achieved?”

“Begin today and write in it your goings and comings,
your deepest thoughts, 
your achievements and your failures,
your associations and your triumphs, 
your impressions and 
your testimonies”


President Spencer W. Kimball 1975

Journaling Ebook • 1 Topic Prompt List at a Time • Downloadable
The Ebook is found in our Etsy Shop. (If you're on our mailing list we've emailed a few sample pages to you.) You can buy ours or make one of your own. Just make a little list. Begin today.
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LOVE • Love is All You Need, Really???

6/26/2014

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It's been camp, camp, camp on my brain. And I have a few things to share with you about that. But, for today, I've got a print in our Esty shop that I did before the camp rush.
All You Need Is Love, Oh And... DIY Print • LDSNEST.com
Esty Print
The Boyfriend and my anniversary is next month (we're celebrating 32 years) so marriage has been on my mind. I kept seeing "all you need is love" or "love is all you need" everywhere on Pinterest when I was doing a little research. Anyone who's been married any length of time (or even for shorter periods) knows it takes more than love. Sure it's the basis, but if it were all up to love we wouldn't have any broken relationships. Married or otherwise.
DIY Print • All You Need Is Love, Oh And... • LDSNEST.com
Etsy Shop
"Love is all you need" is such an over simplification. Love is the start and the driver but it better get some other passengers on board (forgiveness, patience, fidelity, kindness, etc.) if it wants the fuel to go anywhere for any length of time. Can you tell I have strong opinions about this? Do you?
Well I didn't want anyone in this house thinking that all they had to do was have a little love for a strong relationship so I put my thoughts to paper. And tried to make it handsome. You can find it here.

What are 3 qualities besides love that you think a relationship, any relationship, needs?
Shannon Christensen
PS • You might want to give it as a wedding gift. Just a thought.
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ME • More YW Camping - 4th Year Adventure

6/16/2014

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ME • An Individual; A Distinct Personality; A Singular Interest in One's Self
More about Me today. Just got back from YW's Camp and now I'm off on the 4th Year Adventure. Woo hoo! Except I'm really not the camper type. I know, go figure. How do I get these assignments?
Anyway, one of my daughters is going this year so I'm all up for it. 

And here's another Stylebook inspiration board to get me pumped up. Lime green is part of my Brand Palette for Shannon's Studio and a color I love. Lots of energizing green. Wish me luck on the river and in the caves!
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ME • Packing for YW Girls Camp

6/10/2014

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ME • An Individual; A Distinct Personality; A Singular Interest in One's Self
Since I'm packing for YW Girls Camp it's all about Me today. Pack light, cute, and cool. Here's a page out or our Stylebook for inspiration if you have a week in the wild coming up.
YW Camp Packing - What to wear to camp? LDSNEST.com
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ME • My Resolution Word This Year

5/12/2014

8 Comments

 
We hope everyone's Mother's day was meaningful. Mine was. Especially this year. 

I went to visit Leila's gravesite Saturday. And, I actually took a selfie. Don't know why I just went with it. (Alisha left some lovely flowers there earlier in the day.) It was a pretty teary-eyed hour, no surprise. 
A selfie. Shannon Christensen w/Leila Christensen LDSNEST.com
A selfie with Leila. With the photo taker that she was, I think she would approve.
For some reason I just wished that I could bring Joseph there. I know she's not really there but I think there's something about going anyways. On Sunday, Leila's husband came up with Joseph so I asked if I could take JoJo to Leila's graveside. He said yes and came with us. I know this might not be able to happen every year and he's likely to have another mother to celebrate but I'm glad I got to this first year. Considering the day before, amazingly I didn't cry once with Joseph there. I was happy for the moment. Who wouldn't be happy around a face like that!
Leila's Joseph Mother's Day 2014 LDSNEST.com
Joseph
Which brings me to my New Year's resolution word post that I did a few weeks ago but haven't shared yet. I felt maybe I was being over dramatic or something with my word choice. But, after my first Mother's day without Leila it seemed like exactly the right word at the right time. So here it is...

I used to do a list of goals for my New Year's resolutions and I've loved the lists I've done over the years but I find that it's really a year round habit now.  So the past few years I've used a different method. Now I pick one word for the year to work on. For 2011 it was "Focused" and 2012 was "Finish". I had one for 2013 but didn't write it down, just had it floating in my head. Then when Leila died everything changed and I seriously can't remember what it was. 2013 will forever be a different kind of year for me.
When 2014 came I picked another word. I like to "wear" the word for a month or two before I commit to it. It has to feel right. That's one of the reasons I like this change in methods for resolutions. It makes me go deeper into my feelings and it becomes more meaningful. 
My word for 2014 is...
2014 New Year Resolution in a word. LDS NEST
I know I'm not letting you know until the year is almost half over. Don't judge :) Like I said, it has to feel right. And sometimes right doesn't fit the calendar's timetable. 

Then I made something to help me remember this year's word. It's been in one of my black idea books for a little while now and it seemed like a good time to do it.
DIY Do Not Be Dismayed Subway Art • LDSNEST.com
12" x 36" DIY Download Found Here (Tutorial Soon)
It also has a special meaning relating to a phrase in my patriarchal blessing that really helped/helps me. There's also a song by Sara Bareilles - Brave - that's a little upbeat reminder. So, this year I'm gonna be BRAVE!

That was my post before Mother's day. Then this morning I read this post by one of Joseph's amazing NICU nurses, Sally. More tears. As it turns out I was able to put "my word" into full practice the last few days. If nothing else, this weekend I was brave.

Do you have a word to share?
Shannon Christensen for LDS NEST
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Journal cards for the general women's meeting

3/26/2014

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Update!

Our previous download site has been temperamental. You can now download these handouts here.

Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
Women's Conference Journal Note Cards
I'm really excited for the first ever General Women's Meeting this weekend! I love taking notes because my attention span is *this big*. Notes help me pay attention and think about what I'm feeling, not just what I'm hearing. I've made some new journal cards for this new General Women's Meeting! So excited! 

Download them here!
Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
Journal cards from LDS NEST for the General Women's Meeting #womensmeeting #lds #ldsnest
You can download last year's journal cards here.
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Celebrate Something!!

3/21/2014

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Celebrate with Us.
Leave your email address for us HERE and like us on FB or Pinterest.
See the Eye Chart Fabric Print you can get HERE
Join our email group here
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