Thanksgiving at Moms

Well, I haven't updated my blog in a while. Last week was Thanksgiving and we went out to Willard to my mom and dad's place. I forgot my camera--so I have no pictures. But it was a good time. I made the rolls and a veggie platter. It was a smaller group than normal as Heidi and Gary and their boys weren't there. As well as Andy and Marnie and their kids. Camille and Phil are in Seattle, so we will see them over Christmas. We missed you all. But the rest of us had a good time and tons to eat. I got to talk a lot more with my sweet sister in law Alicia (Matt's wife) she is a wonderful lady. We also played a bunch of games. Good times. God has truly blessed me with much. My family too! Let us give thanks in all things!

Forgivness

Forgiveness

Forgive and forget even if you are upset.
Feeling bad for what you do?
You would want to be forgiven too.

The note at the bottom of the poem:
Forgiveness is an important thing. If there was no such thing as forgiveness no one would ever be able to be happy.

by: Karee Christensen (4th grade, age 9)

Primary Program

Today was our ward's Primary program. I am happy to report that it went well. We had a practice on Saturday and I went over to the church with all of the kids. It was the 1st time in a long time that Nick had a few hours all to himself.

I was more nervous than all the kids, because my part in the program was to be the pianist. Up until this program I have never really accompanied anyone while singing in public, least of all sacrament meeting! But the Lord blessed me, and bar only a few small mistakes (which Nick assured me were hardly detectable) it went well.

Zadie's part: "Because He is my Heavenly Father" (her response when asked "Why are you glad that you are a child of God?")

Cole's part: "A family can be together forever by being sealed in the temple." (his response when asked "How can a family be together forever?")

Porter's part: "And if it so be that ye should bring. Save it be one soul unto me, How great shall be your joy."

Karee's part: a whole talk on Being baptised that she gave earlier in the year and then the Primary president asked her if she would share it as part of our program. She did a great job as well!

It was beautiful to hear all their little voices and the Spirit as they shared simple truths about the gospel. I felt tears well up when the kids sang a special number where the 1st verse was "I love to see the temple" followed by the chorus of "Families can be together forever" then back to the 2nd verse of "I love to see the temple" and then a little girl named Jocelyn sang the very last part of the song all by herself--"A family is forever". It just touched my heart. She was only 5 or 6 years old. The song was arranged well and once delivered it truly bore testimony to all listening of the eternal nature of families.

Well, I don't have pictures to post today. But it was a neat day! I have grown in this calling like no other--it helps that I love to play the piano. I may not be confident, but I am learning and growing!

Priesthood Preview

Last Sunday Porter had his Priesthood preview. It is hard to believe that our oldest is soon to be 12 years old! It was a very neat meeting. Nick and I both got to go, and the talks were wonderful. It gave Porter some idea of what to expect. He is growing up so fast!

Oh, last week a lady from the city called and wanted to know how tall Porter was...this info was for basketball season that will start next month. I was not sure, so I had to measure him while I was talking to her...it turns out that Porter is about 5'1". In just a few more inches he'll have me beat, and he's only 11! I know you are all thinking of how short I am--not my fault, it was my parents!

Cole's Baptism & 8th Birthday

Cole Jaydan was baptized three days after his 8th birthday. He was so excited. I can hardly believe that he is so big. We were worried that Nick might not be able to hold his arm to the square (because of his previous shoulder pain) but the doctor passed him with flying colors.

It was a HUGE day for baptisms in our Stake, so thanks to all who came for being patient. I had the joy, no, the honor of playing the piano at his baptism. I thought it would be fun--that is until I went into our stake chapel and saw so many people there. When I agreed I thought it was going to be just a small group. I ended up playing the piano for almost a full hour because our ward's turn at the font was last. There were 4 kids in our ward getting baptized,and about 11 in all from the stake!

Cole was a little nervous. But he did great. It was so neat to watch him make his first covenant with our Heavenly Father. How wonderful it was to have faithful men (his dad, grandpa, uncles and friends) put their hands on his head and bless him with the greatest gift--that of the Holy Ghost. Thanks so much to all of you for coming and sharing this time with our family.

We had a shin dig at our place after the baptism. I had to tease Nick just a little because we had a bar-b-q and he had no propane (after telling me the week before that he would make sure to check it) oh, well. It was all good times. Michelle and I decorated the birthday cake while waiting for the hamburgers and hot dogs to be cooked. Do you love our dinosaurs and volcano? Nothing to fancy--but not bad for spur of the moment!

I had a little one on one time with Cole that morning right before all the festivities started. I was able to give him the "Baptism Box" that Grandma and Grandpa Christensen left for him to open. It was a great time to read with him about all the symbols of baptism and what we are promising God and what he promises us. We missed Grandma and Grandpa C. but felt their love through this special tradition. Thanks! Cole thought it was very neat!

More fun pictures from the party!

Here are just a few more pictures from Cole's party!

My favorite is Uncle Andy and Aunt Marnie with baby Alieanna all catching some zzzzz's on the couch! Do they look worn out or what?

Happy Halloween

Okay, I have been a bit lazy and haven't gotten around to posting these pictures. I know it was a while ago--but we are all still getting over our Halloween sugar rush. Here are a few pictures. Zadie was a fairy princess complete with sparkles on her face. Karee was a witch (I hope you can see the tights--they really made her outfit!) and Porter was "Bling, bling boy" whatever that means-- could be a white rapper? Cole went as none other than the Grim Reaper. Our boys always seem to prefer the creepy side of Halloween. Go figure!

We also carved pumpkins for our FHE activity. Zadie wanted to sing "Happy Birthday" to the pumpkins after we put the candles inside. We found that pretty funny.

I helped out at Porter's sixth grade party, and so I just had to dress up too! I went as a butterfly. I posted a picture of Mrs. Jenni, Porter's teacher. I thought that her costume was great. She was the "Good Witch" from the Wizard of Oz.

Trick or Treating was also fun. Zadie and Porter lasted the longest. Nick handed out the candy at home with Karee. Cole lasted about two streets and Zadie wore me and Porter right out. I guess it always helps if you get pushed in a stroller. Maybe next year I'll make her walk! I couldn't believe her stamina!