Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas 2008
Why is that?
Well... Mike and I worshipped the Savior through music on Christmas Eve. We sat at the piano and sang Christmas carols for 30-45 minutes. We invited my brother, Steve, to join us, but he chose to 'listen'. (The next day, he told my family, “Mike and Sidney gave a concert last evening for me.” I had to laugh.)
We invited my brother Steve over for dinner on Christmas Eve and it was so fun to have him in our home! After dinner, we - Mike and Sidney - sang carols and then all of us opened up our gifts. (Mike had to work later that night and he needed as much sleep as he could get before we headed over to my parents on the afternoon of Christmas Day. We decided that opening our gifts that evening would be the best time.)
On the afternoon of Christmas Day, we went over to my parents home and had a nice dinner with members of my family. Afterwords, we all sat around and played Phase 10 and talked. It was a drama free Christmas!
As I told Mike later Christmas evening, I think that for me, it is more important to sing of the Savior and remember him in that way, rather than read the Christmas story from Luke 2. For me, it has more meaning and is more important. I don't really think it matters HOW we remember the Savior, but that we DO remember Him! We decided that our future Christmas’s will include more singing!
Even after almost six years of marriage, we are still trying to figure out our TRADITIONS! Mike will tell you that the first year we were married, I was always talking about what traditions we should create and he wisely responded one time with, "Don't traditions just HAPPEN?" I had to think about that, and soon realized that he was right! Sp, we started a new tradition this year! Our singing together was the most important thing to me about this season.
I know that the final reason why this Christmas was been so special for me is because I have Mike to share it with. He's a great man and I'm grateful he asked me to marry him! It was six Christmas's ago that we spent the day together and then afterwards, both of us came home and realized that it was time for our relationship to MOVE FORWARD. We were 'unofficially' engaged four days later! (The short version... Mike told me, "I am going to ask you to marry me, but not tonight. I responded by saying, "And I will say yes". It only took him 2 1/2 months to officially asked me, just 13 days before our wedding!)
I think Mike may have a little different version, but since I'm the one blogging...
Show-N-Tell
Quilt #2
Quilt #3
I was laying out the different squares, I realized that I had "enough" to make a pattern. (I had thought at first that it would be random.) I was really pleased with the way it turned out and when I gave it to my friend, she was delighted!
Well, about three weeks ago, my brother Steve called and said, "I was wondering if you could make my friend - a girl, but not a GIRLFRIEND a quilt for Christmas." He wanted to know how long it would take, how much it would cost, etc. Well, any quilter knows that three weeks before Christmas doesn't allow enough time for long arm quilt. I told Steve that I would be able to make her a 'rag quilt' and could have it completed by Christmas. Well, he didn't COMMIT! On Friday - now two weeks away from Christmas - he called and asked if I would make the quilt. The GREAT sister I am, consented! I went to JoAnn's the next day and found this wonderful fabric. Just my luck, it was the 'good' fabric and it was all 50% off. I fell in love with it immediately! I worked on the quilt and had it finished on Monday! I think it turned out DARLING!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
FUDGE...
Grandma Lang
My Grandma Lang (Esther Olive Rindlisbacher Lang) would make fudge for all of her family each Christmas. She made it in a 8x8 pan and give us the entire block of fudge, wrapped in tinfoil with a bow. After she died in 1995, I decided to continue the fudge tradition - minus the aluminum foil - but the bow still remains! I enjoy making fudge for family each year and I have now extended it out to friends and neighbors as well. When I married and joined the Christensen clan, the fudge tradition came along as part of the 'package'.Cooling Off...
The Final Product...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Sometimes you JUST KNOW that something isn't going to get done... Well, that's the way I feel about our yearly Christmas Card. It just isn't going to happen this year. I'm not quite sure why. Am I not in the Christmas Spirit? Who knows???
In a very impersonal way, our blog will act as our Christmas Card this year. In summary...
Mike turned 60 this year, but honestly, doesn't he look 50!?!
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/05/mikes-60th-birthday.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/05/mikes-60th-birthday-cont.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/some-things-never-change.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/11/give-me-five.html
Sidney is still serving as Relief Society President (which has been an experience in and of itself this year!)
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/12/final-chapter.html
Mike is still working as a security guard
Sidney is still sewing and quilting and buying fabric
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-latest-creation.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/05/ant-quilt.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/06/quilting.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/06/story-behind-fabric.html
Mike has begun working in earnest on his second novel (First novel is below)
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/05/tomb-of-devils.html
Sidney is still managing our rental properties
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/09/musings-renters-vs-children.html
Mike is still a movie buff and a fan of the 'creature features'
Sidney entered the blog world this year
www.mikesidney.blogspot.com
Mike realized that Sidney really needed a beach vacation and granted her desire!
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/vacation-highlights.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/vacation-highlights-part-2.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/drive-from-gilbert-arizona.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/vacation-highlights-puerto-penasco.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/vacation-highlights-end.html
So, it looks like nothing has changed... or has it?!?
The one thing that hasn't changed is our love for our Savior, Jesus Christ and our gratitude for his sacrifice and atonement. We are also grateful for our family and friends. Thanks so much for being part of our life! Merry Christmas!!!
Mike & Sidney Christensen
P.S. A special thanks to our niece, Cori, who designed the background. Check out her website for free blog backgrounds. They are great!!! http://www.scrap-e-blog.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Final Chapter...
Dilworth Building (soon to be demolished and rebuilt)
Building #2 - Jan 2008 thru Oct 2008
???
Building #1
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
RAIDS!
Suzanne, Mike, Scot, Marjorie (Kirk's serving a mission)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Family, Home and Personal Enrichment...
Because I currently serving as RS President, people thank me for the activity, BUT, I am VERY quick to let them know that it wasn't me, but it was our Enrichment Counselor, Annette Knight and our Enrichment Leader, Lacy Egbert, that were the responsible parties as well as those they invited to assist with this evening's success. (I delegate as well as give credit where it is due!)
How was our evenings' Enrichment Successful?
1. The theme was simplifying Christmas and focusing on family and love. Stacey Petersen gave a thought provoking presentation on Simplifying Christmas and shared with us several of the gifts that she and/or her family have received over the years that meant something to them. All of these gifts were something that was handmade and/or personal in nature. They were not gifts from the department stores. Wow, what a way to feel enriched about family and home!!!
2. We sang Christmas carols and while the spirit was already there, our singing brought the spirit more fully into our evening and into our hearts. Whenever we speak of Christ or sing of Christ - we are personally enriched and edified (Again, right along with the goal of RS Enrichment meetings!)
3. Sisters also brought to share some of their favorite Christmas treats, which is what we munched on as we visited with each other and the listened to Stacey's words. Again, personal enrichment as we visit with one another and I guess a little temporal enrichment too!
The last item that brought our enrichment meeting so close to perfect was the calling of Sister Carol Raymond as the Children's Class Leader. It is not the NURSERY, but CHILDREN's CLASS. Carol had the children eating out of the palm of her hand. When I took a sister and her children home this evening, I ask the children how they felt about the Children's Class. The eight year old son gave me a THUMBS UP! I was touched. Yea!!!
I am so grateful for those who serve in their callings and who prayerfully consider the way to fulfill their callings. I truly left Enrichment ENRICHED!
In My Lifetime...
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped – will never happen!
12. Visited Paris – does the airport count?!?
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (it was not my fault)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - sort of – from Arctic Circle in the 10th grade.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book, not really, but helped with Mike’s novel!
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit – Does small claims court count?
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Cave Tubing in Belize
A few of my own...
1. Been through the locks of the Panana Canal
2. Been above the Arctic Circle
3. Visited Iceland
4. Driven the entire the Al-Can Highway (Alaskan Canadian Highway)
5. Seen a bear catching and eating salmon
6. Taken a ferry across the Mississippi River
7. Read the Book of Mormon (many times!)
8. Visited a WWII battlesite (in Guam)
What are your life experiences?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Alishea...
Last Thursday she was inducted into the National Honor Society at Alta High School. She and her parents have been known to have a written contract regarding the GPA she would earn for each semester. She is a beautiful young women with a great sense of humor who keeps the Lang family laughing. She is also a tease and so I never know if what she is saying is the truth or not!
There was a time when Alishea thought it was cool to come over and spend time at my home - this was the pre-teen days. Now days, well let's just say that it has changed! But, there was one time when several of my nieces and nephews were over eating breakfast and Alishea spilt grape juice all over the table and carpet. I've never been one to get upset over 'spilt milk' - or anything like it and I calmly asked her to clean it up. (If you spill it, you get to clean it up.) Well, she worked hard cleaning it up from the table and carpet, sat down, and spilled the grape juice again! Every time Alexis is over at our home, she reminds me of the incident.
Las Scelles Quilt
(Quickly made in one day by Alishea's Favorite Aunt!)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Rising Star...
Curtain Call
Crazy Friends
Saturday, November 15, 2008
My Favorite Childhood Books
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Give me FIVE!
5 things Mike loves
- Me, of course!
- Hamburgers
- Writing
- Soft Drinks
- Nostalgia
- Finish writing his next novel
- Repair our loveseat that has broken
- Repair the planter box that he made for me a couple of years ago
- Make a quilt rack to display my quilts on
- Clean the tub - Yes, Mike cleans our tub, YEA!!!
- Mike is a published author - The Tomb of the Devils
- He has a Masters Degree from the University of Big Egos
- He has a large vocabulary and is brilliant, but because he quiet and reserved, you don't necessarily know this about him
- He likes to wash his own clothes - I guess he lived alone for too many years!
- Mike has a Spanish accent! (When he served his mission to Argentina, he served out in the boondocks for most of his mission and when he came back to Buenos Aires the last three months, the people he met could tell he learned his Spanish in the back country because of his 'accent'! Is that hilarious or what
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- California
- Utah
- Argentina (Served a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
I have to confess... There isn't anything quirky about Mike. When I married him, I decided to look for only the good and so I don't look for the bad or 'quirky'. Thus, Mike's perfect in this area. (I guess I'm quirky because I don't see any of his quirks. Does that count!)
I have a GREAT husband!
7 Random Things about Me
1. I like to BUG Mike in bed. Who knows why, but I think it is genetic. He's a good sport about it, for which I am appreciative.
2. In just a few months, I will begin celebrating my JUBILEE YEAR. What's a jubilee year? Well, it's the 50th year of your life and thus, according to the Bible, there should be a year long celebration. I plan on beginning the year long celebration the day I turn 49, i.e., the 50th year of my life! (I also think I am concerned that no one will remember and celebrate my 50th birthday so I'd just better take care of it myself.)
3. When I am happy, I sing - especially in the shower - because of the great acoustics! (When I taught early morning seminary in Texas, I would come to work singing and I'd sing on the way to my desk. When I left my job at Apple Computer, my manager told me that my singing was something that she would miss!)
4. I feel like I have had a great life with great experiences. So often I will say, "That was the best experience of my life", but then quickly think, well, I've had so many. Life really is great!
5. I like my in-laws... so many times I hear of people who don't. Heck, if I liked their son enough to accept his marriage proposal, isn't the rest of the family part of the package too? I think so!!!
6. Mike didn't officially ask me to marry him until 13 days before our wedding. Yes, I had a ring 2 1/2 months before the wedding but no official proposal! But, at least he did ASK!
7. This was my first 'tag' and I was honored to be 'tagged'. Thanks Chantelle!
I'm not really sure who to tag because I'm not really sure who reads our blog. So, if you read this blog, I am tagging YOU!!!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
And the Winner is...
Thursday, October 23, 2008
My Latest Creation...
A few samples....
Saturday, October 18, 2008
I LOVE A DEAL!
A couple of weeks ago, Albs had Hershey's Chocolate Chips - 10 for 10.00. Then, if you purchased the 10 qty, you received $3.00 off - which made the price of the choc. chips only .70 per bag. Well, you guessed right, I loaded up on chocolate chips in anticipation of this holiday FUDGE cooking season! Between fudge and choc. chip cookies, I figure 40 bags would be enough for the year.
MORAL: If you are looking for a great deal, look at the ads. It is worth it! I still believe I am a better shopper by shopping the ads than going to Costco or Sams Club. I still don't see how those two places believe they are lowering the food costs - except maybe on spices, cheese, and there is one other item I've found to be cheaper there. Okay, enough pontificating!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Family History, I am doing it...
But, I think we can build up names from those that went to South Caroline and moved on to Texas. I'm not sure how it will happen, but I decided it was good that I at least found a place to begin.
While looking for this information, I came across some video I took of Madison playing the piano. This is from my visit to Guam in September 2006 - just two years ago. Personally, I think she is a natural at the piano - just like her FAVORITE AUNT, but I have to confess, she has the HART genes as well. She'd only been taking for a couple of months when she played this piece.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Will Mike Fly???
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Musings... Renters vs. Children
The good new is that in early September - we won a judgment against a former tenant who owed us $$$. We'll see if they make good on there promise to pay. Otherwise, come October 1st, GARNISHMENT. (Don't think I'm heartless. They have had PLENTY of chances! Read Alma 48:22-24)
I'm wondering if there is much difference between having renters vs. raising children. So, here are my thoughts...
1. Both have their own versions of hazardous waste and leave it to me to clean up!
2. Both have a tendancy to whine and complain.
3. Both seem to never have enough money and think that you - the parent or landlord - should fund THEM!!!
4. Both never seem to be able to clean up after themselves.
5. Sometimes, they tell you one thing and then don't follow through.
6. Rules are nothing they enjoy and would like to CHANGE!
7. Sometimes you really like them, and then, sometimes you don't!
8. There are some who like to keep to themselves. You never seem to know what is going on in their heads!
9. Sometimes you have to spell EVERYTHING out. Clean your room or Clean your home has a different meanting for EVERYONE!
10. Both require a personal long-term commitment to realize your investment in them!
Tomorrow... another trip to Ogden and hopefully a new tenant!
By-the-way - May I just say how grateful I am for FREE ADVERTISING on ksl.com and craigslist. I am amazed at how many of our tenants come from those two sources!
Monday, September 15, 2008
FHE...
Hopefully, on another trip home from Ogden - we'll be able to drive home during the daylight and REALLY SEE what's out there!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Survey Results...
Monday, September 8, 2008
I Can't Stop Laughing...
NO, I AM NOT WITH CHILD...
Yesterday at the end of our Sacrament meeting, Presidency McConkie arose and said that the Dilworth building - the one we are currently meeting in, and have been doing so for the past 9 months - is going to be torn down and a new Stake Center is going to be built. What does that mean for the Foothill 3rd Ward... WE ARE MOVING... AGAIN!!!
I just can't stop laughing...
The year 2008 has been so interesting regarding my present calling. Three bishops, three buildings, two moves, what more do I have to look forward to?
This latest move just cracks me up! I just keep laughing about it. The good thing about this move is that our ward is EXPERIENCED! Plus, we have already gone through all of our JUNK and have very little to move. YEA! The good news too is that I don't feel like I'm moving a building. I don't think the 3rd ward has much of an ownership with this building so it will be a lot easier emotionally.
Where is our new home??? The Roosevelt Building...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Finally.... Something to Blog About!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I'm Exhausted!
The courtroom experience was very interesting! I've not watched a lot of TV courtroom shows, but my friend, Lisa D'Anelda, who went up with me said that this judge was like 'Judge Judy'. Pretty gruff and grumpy! (Oh, I hope he doesn't read this blog!)
The irony of the entire experience was that last week, I decided to watch Judge Alex one day. I probably watched about 15 minutes. It was a case where a landlord was trying to obtain rents due them. The defendent stated that they didn't need to pay the rent because the contract was with someone else. The judge then asked that defendent if they had lived in the place and the response was, "Yes". Judge Alex ruled in the landlord's favor! Well, this is EXACTLY what our former tenants said. As soon as she said it I had 'de ja vu' and knew that the outcome was favorable for us. (Actually we have to go back on Sept 4th to get the results!) Luckily, I was prepared with all of my documentation and provided it to the judge.
The rest of the day was filled with Relief Society Pres. Mtg, visits and then my monthly one-on-one (I know this is the 'world' terminology) with Bishop Hall. We had a great presidency meeting and I feel like we are now moving forward in the right direction again. (I've had a couple of months of wondering what our next step was!) Thank heaven's for the inspiration of the spirit!
I'm off to lunch with Deeann Reynolds and then I'm going NOTHING the rest of the day! Yea!!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Blogging Blahs...
I've been reading a lot of books lately... Check out goodreads for info!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Etsy Sale!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Garden Delight!
Recipe - Green Bean, Zucchini and Potatoe Stew (Greeks call it Fassolakia Iadera)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed, halved crosswise
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 ounces zucchini, cut into 1-in-thick slices
8 ounces russett potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 28-ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes
Heat oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 5 minutes. Add green beans and cayenne pepper and sate until onion is translucent, about 3 additional minutes. Add zucchini, potatoes and parsley. Pour tomatoes and their juices over vegetables. Breing to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring frequently, about 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 6-8
I've also been canning apricots that were given to me. I'm down to my last few and making A LOT of apricot bread later today!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Millcreek
P.S. Photographers for the evening were Alexis Lang and Madison Lang
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Labor of Love...
My two nieces are learning to sew very well. I was so surprised that Madison sewed straight seams this time. Last October, well, let's just say they were not very straight!
There really are four hands at this piano!
Cute Cousins - Alexis and Madison
Madi & Lexi at Steiner
Alexis with her new tote!
Last but not least, I have video of a couple of their jumps from the high dive. Both were too chicken to dive from the high dive (okay, I would be too!) but they did dive from the low dive!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Flip Flops?
Where are my flip flops?
Stash...
A couple of weeks ago when our niece, Lexi, stayed with us. Lexi purchased fabric so I could make her a bag. I finished the bag last week and had left over fabric. Today she was at our home for a couple of hours and came across some fabric that I had not used. She quickly and deftly asked if I had bought the fabric or she had. When I answered that it was her fabric, she was so excited. Alexis now has her first piece of 'stash' fabric. For any quilter or sewer, you know what that means.... There is more fabric to come!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Odds and Ends
Treasures...
$$$$ Mexican Salesmen $$$$...
Thursday when we arrived in Puerto Penasco, Mike and I went down to the Old Port area where the outdoor vendors are located. These vendors were on the beaches, at every place we stopped. I just couldn't get away from these guys and ended up with all of this stuff. Yet, there is only one item I really wanted...
Which item is the one I REALLY wanted?
Green Pitcher
Blue Glass pitcher (the back one)
Apple Platter
Earrings
Fabric Store...
No vacation is complete without finding a quilt store to visit. I wanted to go to the store in Sedona, but of course, we arrived at 5:15pm and it closed at 5:00pm. (Quilting stores have banker hours.) On our drive home I stopped in at a store in Panguitch, the Scrappy Apple Yard, or some name like that. Of course, I bought fabric, in addition to the Mexican purchases...
Here is what Mike purchased on our trip...
Yep, that's right. Absolutely NOTHING!
What does this tell you about the two of us? Okay, don't answer that question!
Vacation Highlights - The End...
One thing on my 'to do' list was to see SUNSETS (plural here) while we were on vacation! Saturday evening, after a nap, Mike said, "Let's go to Mirador Beach and watch the sunset." We did and it was absolutely wonderful.
Note: Mike and I tried diligently, and I mean diligently, to arrange for a Sunset Cruise. It just wouldn't work for us. I have to admit, that just being on the beach was MUCH BETTER! After the sunset, we decided to have dinner via one of the street vendors. Manny's Beach Club also had a vendor and so we bought two large beef burritos and two beef tacos for dinner. The cost $8.00. This was the BEST FOOD we ate the entire trip! And who can beat the price. It was delicious!!!
Sunday evening we decided to sunset at Sandy Beach (I prefer this beach because it IS sandy. Mirador is ground up sea shells - see jelly fish picture for proof!)