Reflections

As the year 2008 grows to a close;

we are getting ready to pack away the trees and the bows.

I find myself reflecting on days gone by;

these last three hundred-sixty have passed on the fly.

As memories surface, I wanted to compose;

a note about the happenings right under my nose.

To take a brief moment before I forget,

to write of shared times, joys and sweat.

I remember all the birthdays, the fun;

The Easter egg relay on the run.

The family vacation saved for and planned,

for moments on the beach and at Disneyland.

I see a time of a thoughtful son,

giving a bike to his sister he'd just won.

Taking time to select and make the right choice;

"I want the pink one!", he said in a sweet voice.

I remember the prayers of this same boy,

whose bike was later stolen and his hopes destroyed.

He had faith that surpassed his parents concerns,

and sure enough, the bike was returned.

I think of my boys and the sports they played;

of wind, rain and sleet when we freezingly stayed.


I watched them always strive for the best;

even on hard days of practice when they didn't get a rest.

I think of the times with family and friends;

of silly laughter and memories that transcend.

The faces of cousins and friends new and old;

flash through my mind with the stories they told.

I remember two boys and the hours of hard work,

for an Eagle Award and responsibilities they didn't shirk.
I reflect at every accomplishment that came along,

even though at times might be preceded with a wrong.

I enjoyed every concert, recital and game;

each and every little award and acclaim.

My family is my joy and my life;

even though some days are filled with strife.

The amazing thing about moments of reflection;

Are the many things you remember with affection.
Fading away are the hard feelings and trials,

they aren't as strongly remembered as the smiles!

Shining strong in my mind is my family and joys,

that always drown out the negative noise.

I love the end of the year for it's time to remember;

all the triumphs that preceded the month of December.

Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. It was preceeded with the annual Christensen Christmas party on Christmas Eve. Kelly has 6 siblings, who are all married with children, most of which have children of their own. It was fun to see the chaos of everyone running around, visiting and getting reacquainted. As I sat there and watched everyone, I was profoundly grateful for Kelly's parents. Kelly's mom passed away several years ago, but as you sit and look at their heritage, the examples they set and the impact it has had on all these people that were present in one room, it was pretty inspiring. I bet they never thought all those decades ago, when they got married that one day, homes would be full of their children, grandchildren and great grand children, yet there we were Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning, brought the normal excitement that comes when gifts are involved. I enjoy buying gifts because I love that look one someone's face when they open it. We had a wonderful morning, filled with opening boxes, trying to conquer those tough plastic containers that allow you to see the gift, just not get the gift! It was great watching Cassie sing Karoke to High School Musical, (although Ry and Josh weren't quite sure what Santa was thinking about with that gift!) We had our traditional big brunch, that was fun to eat on the nice dinnerware all at the kitchen table. Mark asked me, "why are you getting out the cups that break, are the other ones dirty? I thought these just stayed in the cupboard to look at!" I think we need to have more slightly formal meals at our house. :)

Christmas Day evening, we went to my parents home for dinner. My dad had knee replacement surgery a couple weeks ago, and it was nice to see him up and around a bit. We had a great time visiting with my siblings and their families. There is something special about family at Christmas, don't you think? I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Frilly Aprons!

My sister handmade this adorable apron for Cassie as an early Christmas present. She has made a bunch of them and each one is as cute as the first. Cassie absolutely loves it. She will put it on anytime she does anything in the kitchen (even making a bowl of cold cereal) or anytime she is working on a project (like helping me wrap Christmas presents last night). My sister, Shelly, is such a thoughtful, talented person, and it's fun to have her live so close.

First Big Snowstorm!

We finally got enough snow to have some fun! Cass and Mark one evening after the first big snowfall, went out to play. It was cold but they were all smiles. What would we do without seasons? People who live in tropical climates sure miss out this time of the year. (Although come January, I'm ready for something that includes palm trees!)

SURPRISE!

Monday we had a surprise birthday party for Ryan. We did it at Noah's here in Lindon, and had a great turnout. I was so grateful to a few of Ry's friends, to whom I entrusted with the task of getting invitations out to everyone. I was very nervous trying to be the mastermind behind a teenage party. Once they outgrow pin the tail on the donkey, I'm a little out of my league. I learned quickly that if you have lots of food and a fun atmosphere, they do the rest themselves. It was cute in the beginning, they separated with boys in one area and girls in the next. It's like, "No, it's ok to mingle" after earlier years of worrying when they did so. They put up with Kelly snapping pictures and me shoving food at them. We took our jobs as chaperones seriously.

I am so proud of this 16 year old boy of mine. The biggest thing I worry about with him is trying to teach him not to procrastinate his homework. (How he continues to pull A's amazes me) He has such a strong spirit about him, that just searches for things that are good. He has never given me any reason not to trust him, and he will actually talk to me. What more can a parent ask for. I love you Ry. I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Christmas Concerts

Josh had his Chamber Choir concert last week. This is him and his two friends Todd and Kyle. These are the three muskateers and love to hang out together. They looked so handsome that night. We all realize it won't be too long until they are going to a school dance all dressed up with a girl on their arm. But for now, we are excited they have great friends and get to participate in wonderful programs. They sounded amazing. I always wished I had the talent to sing(to make music with your voice that is harmonious to the ears); instead I just have the gift of gab. With both you get to use your voice, the former is just a better and more beautiful use of it.

Last week also was Josh and Cass's Piano Recital. Krista, Kelly's neice is their wonderful teacher and they love the chance to play on her gorgeous grand piano. They both did very well and it's great to see how they are improving.

Cassidy's Ballroom Dance Recital

Our sweet little Cassie had her first ballroom recital this week. Her elementary school has a ballroom dance team, and after 10 weeks of practice they did very well. They learned the basics in Meringue, Tango, Cha Cha and Fox Trot. Next semester, she will have some little competitions and more performances with costumes. We were really proud of her. During the recital, Ryan leaned over to Kelly and said, "how do you feel about some boy holding your little girls hand!" I'm sure as long as Cassie's least favorite thing about ballroom is holding a boys hand, as it is now, we will be fine.