My Dreams Came True......Merry Christmas!

We have had such an early winter storm. It has been fun for the children! Growing up in California, we never saw four seasons. It is beautiful to capture those seasons in my adulthood. I love the beauty of this earth. But, I still miss warm Cali.!
Good ol' Bing....My mom would blast the Christmas music on our record player each year. Andy Williams and Bing are her favorite! Right? Ahhhh...everytime I hear them I go back to the childhood feeling of Christmas.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!






Remember we got this for Christmas last year....

Now look.....as big as her father!


I am grateful that I have a Savior. He is my Redeemer. Remember Him in all your doings! May you all have a wonderful new year, living as He would want us to.
We love all of our family and friends! Merry Christmas and a Happy 2009!

Are you a Giver and Reciever?

"The Very Best Happiest Part of all.....is the presents you give away"

I have had an amazing month so far. Busy, yes, but having fun and learning.

(Besides my nasty eye infection I can't beat!)

I had a great preschool performance. The children sang one song about giving presents away. Then they recited a cute poem, about Santa. I had three boys stand in front and sing "You're A Grand Ol' Flag" by heart! That was adorable! Then we had a sing along with the audience. While singing "Santa is Coming to Town", out jumped Santa! So fun!

Anyway......hence the title "Giver and Receiver". I want to share an lesson I learned.

I have so many wonderful preschool parents. There is one parent who is always vocalizing how much her children benefit from the preschool.

She earns extra money as a photographer. She is very talented. She took my class pictures recently and charged $8 for a 8x10 of an individual and class. They turned out fabulous! She has that photographer eye....and finger....snaps at the right moment! She spent tons of time in my classroom and at home getting these pictures ready. That is just what she does.

At the Christmas program she comes to the front of the stage and hands Ms. Julie and I an envelope. She then precedes to go on and on about how wonderful we are as teachers. She was even getting emotional. I was standing there in shock! She had taken all the money she earned from the class photos and bought Ms. Julie and I a massage at a local spa! I couldn't believe that she would donate her time and effort and the parents would give that much money to US? To ME?

I have an easy time giving....but receiving.....I swallowed my pride and Thanked her from the bottom of my heart! Wow! That is the true meaning of Christmas is... "The presents you give away".(Words from the little song I taught the kids) Ms. Julie had to stand there and give me a nudge to say something! That is a moment I will never forget!

This experience gave me a moment to reflect about the true meaning of Christmas. We all can give and receive the love and knowledge that Christ is real. I know that He lived on this earth to teach and Atone for ALL mankind. I hope to always remember to live as He did.

Merry Christmas!

Time for another reflection from my wee little brain....

Mom and Dad visited this holiday. Look at the cute robes Mom made for the kids. Hunter had to wear his to the store and Petland. I let him. Who cares what people think. He was thrilled.

Preschool children were doing a little rain dance around the carpet.

I have been thinking alot lately. I received a big blow from a good friend I haven't heard from, for twenty years. He has chosen a way of living that is.....let's just say......as the "church Lady" used to say....."it's of the Devil"!!!! He is doing devilish things. I am so sad about it. He has chosen not to procreate with a women, not to share a life with a sweet family. He has chosen to be selfish. To do things that only gratify him. I am sick about it. We were best of friends when we were teenagers. We even dreamed of sharing a life together? How could it happen? We are not born that way? And if we have those tendencies....can't we control them? I don't go jump the bones of every hot guy I see. I control my passions. I am having a hard time. I still love him. I care for his safety. I asked him if he still believed in the things he taught as a missionary. He didn't respond and cut me off. No more contact. The devilish side of me wanted to "watch" his way of living. He lives a life of Broadway. He does makeup and hair for many Broadway shows. He is doing Spamalot right now. Travels all over. I wanted to see what that life was like. I did question.....for a moment. Could it be better than the life I have chosen? Could it be a life that satisfies his passion forever? Or just for a brief moment? Doesn't he wonder what he left? He won't be able to create darling children that take after him. Deep blue eyes. Creative soul. Will Heavenly Father forgive him? Is this a mental illness? He knew the truth....yet he has left it? I ached and constantly thought about it for about a week.....then my parents came......and we talked.

That opened my eyes to the whole picture of my life. Here is my mother and father who have lived a good life. They have had their ups and downs. They have worked hard. They have procreated. They are seeing a new generation. They still believe in the Christ that their progenitors did. They went to church every Sunday.....even when they didn't want to. They served in many challenging callings. They did hard things. They did it because they know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they can do all things. I looked in their eyes and knew they were satisfied with the life they have lived. They are serving still today. They serve all the time. Because of Him. I am trying to live that life He wants us to live.

I am so glad my mom and dad came. It was great fun. My kids enjoyed them. We ate and went to the movies, laughed and played games. Good times. I love them and what they stand for. I am proud of my ancestors for coming to America from Sweden and Norway to find truth, live it and love it. They worked hard and loved each other. I hope to raise my children the way my progenitors did. That is what I am most Thankful for this year.

P.S. My husband just read this.........he wondered why I was rehashing these feelings?......He is the manly man I chose to marry! He has made great choices! I have no regret. Procreation! Hip Hip Hooray!

Who do you predict to win The Finals?

Lance and Lacey.....my prediction to win the whole thing!! Gay guys just know how to dance! Bring it Lance! OHHHHH!

Facebook friends! Hooked!

I found my long lost friend from twenty years ago! On Facebook! It is a wonderful thing! We have tons to chat about! Exciting!

Thankful Month continues.......

My Preschool Thankful Turkey.................it's time time reflect.

I am so thankful for my primary experience. We just finished our program. It was a rocky Sat. practice. Aren't they always? Sunday program was SUPERB!! The children did so well! All of them memorized their part. The songs were wonderful! Sis. Christensen did herself proud. She taught the kids "Called to Serve" sung in Italian, "I love to see the Temple" in Sign Lang. There were also special musical numbers, Quartet , solos and flute accomp.

Here they are.... Jessica and Heather in the background!
The Sunday before....practicing and pretend like we are in the chapel. Always crazy!

I am thankful the Primary Program went smoothly! I am mostly impressed with the two older classes. I have watched them grow up! They are so wonderful and such happy, helpful young adults. I love how they have learned each year, more and more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am so thankful for the teachers and my counselors and Sec. for all of their hard work. I appreciate the teachers that come every Sunday with no complaints. Truly sacrificing, which in turn will bring blessings.

My Dad (The guy with the white hair) May 2008

Today is my fathers' birthday.

My Father: "Dougie" as my mother calls him, "Daddy" is the name I call him and "Grandpa Doug or PaPa" is the name the grandkids call him. He has had many "names" throughout his life. But the one he has most fulfilled is "father". He has always been the father of my home as a child. And I am very THANKFUL. He is the provider, the nurturer, peacemaker, believer in Christ, giver, anchor of our family.

I wanted to tell a funny story about Dad when I lived at home.

He always fell asleep while watching t.v.,reading the newspaper, reading 10 books to me before bed AND even in the movie theater. (Usually he was sleep deprived.....because of working a full time job for the county and delivering papers from 1a.m. -6a.m.)and being the bishop, stake presidency or scout master)

If you woke him up.....he may respond in a silly "half-awake" way!

One night, when I was 18, after my date, the guy took me to the door. I tried to open it, but it was locked. I noticed the light on, hoping someone was still awake. I knocked again and again and finally my dad answered. He was standing there with his hair a flyin" and he handed me and my date a cup? Then.....he started vigorously shaking his hands back and forth! My date looked at me and I looked at him? What on earth was my dad on? I was so embarrassed...but started to laugh! I took my sweet dad inside and waved goodbye to my date! Good ol' Dad! (Unfortunately, I am a sleep walker/talker too)

He is so wonderful! Sometimes I have to remind myself not to compare Shane to him. Shane has said in the past, "No one can be as good as your Dad".

I love you Dad. I am thankful the Lord sent my to your family.

My mom and dad are coming for Thanksgiving. I am excited.

My nephew Petes' tumor is visabally reducing in size. Which is something to be thankful for!!!

Happy "Thanks"giving to you!

November...Thankful Month

This is the job I love the most

I have been posting tons about preschool. I always say how I love my job so much! But....I don't love it as much as my job as a "mother". I was blessed with wonderful children. The Lord knew I would be busy serving. So he sent me obedient children. I am thankful everyday that I was able to have three children. Unfortunately, I physically can not have children anymore. I always wanted to have ten children! But, my mind and body are weak....in which I am unable to carry a child. I still have those pangs of childbearing. I loved feeling the baby move inside. I love the smell of a newborn. I love the tender quiet moments mother/baby have alone. I love the miracle of birth. Sometimes I feel so sad. But, then I go back and feel how grateful it is to have three healthy children. So, I focus on them. Focus on the different beauty of each child. My children are all so unique. I am always reminding them of the talents they have been given.

Dylan...my tender leader.

(Dylan didn't really dress up this year)

Hunter....my strong willed child.

(He dressed up as two things this year, Indiana Jones and Hunter person)

Katlyn....my easy going, happy child.
(Katlyn dressed up as a "Pink Lady" from Grease)

We had a fun busy Halloween. Both 9th and 3rd ward primary (Molly) put on a Halloween party. We decorated the gym, Trunk or Treat in the parking lot, Halloween stories and costume parade and doughnuts and cider at the end. It was fun! Lots of people and tons of extra doughnuts! The missionaries wore huge boxes that were painted like scriptures. They did a little jig while the primary children sang "Scripture Power"! Very fun!

Another year, another memory!

What are you thankful for?