Christmas 2008

There's no pictures with this blog, just my personal reflections on one of my best Christmas's ever!


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

Finally, I can post a few of the quilts that I've finished over the past few weeks! They couldn't be shown UNTIL after Christmas!

Quilt #1

A few weeks ago, my brother Steve, was telling me that he never used the first quilt that I gave him. I asked him why, and he said it was, 'Too nice'. From that conversation, I knew he was going to receive the 'Scrap Quilt' for Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Steve came over and had dinner with Mike and I. After dinner, we were sitting in the living room and Steve started to eye the Christmas gifts on the fireplace hearth. He pointed to a quilt and asked, "Who is that quilt for?" I replied, "Mom". Then, his eyes continued to wander until he found another quilt and pointing, asked, "Who is that quilt for?" I replied, "You!" Did his face light up! A big grin appeared and then I asked if he wanted to open it. He definitely did! I reminded him that this was a SCRAP QUILT and that it was one he could use, it was meant to be used!

I've been working on this scrap quilt off and on for months. I did EVERYTHING, even the long arm quilting, thanks to the 2quiltingb's! Brenda and Bethany patiently taught me how to long arm quilt. Let me tell you, it was a little scary, but I just sang, "I Could Have Danced all Night" from My Fair Lady as I moved that long arm around! Brenda & Bethany didn't know they were going to have a 'concert' that evening!

Quilt #1 - The 'Scrap' Quilt

Quilt #2

This second quilt, I made from my stash/scraps. STASH is different than SCRAPS! Stash - purchased fabric that has yet to be used vs. Scraps - leftover fabric from a project. I blogged about this project months ago, but didn't want to show the finished product because I was making this quilt for my mother.

She'd been looking through one of my quilting magazines one day and happened upon this quilt and said, "This is cute." Well, I remembered the comment and as I started to think about Christmas, I decided it was time to make this quilt for her. I think it turned out really nice and I have to confess, I thought about keeping it for myself! (I usually do with all the quilts I make!)

Once again, I tried my hand at long arm quilting. I have to admit, I tried a very difficult pattern and it was a learning experience. But, the quilt was COMPLETELY made by yours truly, and with lots of love!

Quilt #2 - "Blue Streak"

A closeup, after it was washed!

Quilt #3

There is a sister in our ward, who is in poor health. She is single, never married and someone whom I love and adore and admire. I decided that I wanted to make her a quilt for Christmas. I decided to use my scraps and make this rag quilt. (I just realized I should take pictures of the back of these quilts!) The backing is old levis (so if you have levi's you are going to through away, please give them to me. I can use them to make more quilts!!!)

Quilt #3 - Harriet's Sunshine!

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!

Quilt #4
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!

Quilt #4 - Michelle's Quilt

On a final note, I wanted to share with you a DARLING quilt that one of my ward friends made this holiday season. I've told her that I may need to copy the pattern! (I hope she hasn't had it copyrighted!) Check out this darling quilt at UFan! You'll need to scroll down a bit, but you'll see the quilt and just KNOW which one I'm referring to! I'm thinking it has COUGARS written all over it!

FUDGE...

This morning I planned on running a few errands, but the snow started to fall. Instead, I've been making FUDGE! The Christmas tradition continues...

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...

Merry Christmas!

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/

The Final Chapter...

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been thinking that I should add a final chapter to the seemingly unending saga of the Foothill 3rd Ward in the Salt Lake Foothill Stake.

As mentioned in previous blogs, since January of 2008, the Foothill 3rd Ward has been through three bishops, three buildings, and two building moves. Plus, numerous other challenges. But the good news is that we have become victorious! Yea!!!

Since moving to our third building this year, the Foothill 3rd Ward has finally found a 'home'. The first week we were in this beautiful building, that was remodeled just a couple of years ago, everyone felt that we were 'home'. I honestly hadn't realized what a toll the other building had taken on our spirits. With the merging of two wards, our Relief Society had become SO large we were meeting in a room with no windows, no fufu (warm decor) for the sisters, and very high ceilings. It was as barren as some of the hearts of the members of our ward. But since our move in mid-October, the Foothill 3rd Ward has blossomed! It is so delightful. Everyone now seems to be willing to unite and be one. We really are becoming one ward again and it is wonderful. We have youth, we have primary children, and we have lots of babies being born. We are thriving! I know that all of these changes have been hard on people, including myself, but for different reasons.

I've always been a fan of change, but I have to say that after this year as Relief Society President amid all of these changes, I'm ready for a little stability!

Roosevelt Building

Building #3 - Our 'Home'

Dilworth Building (soon to be demolished and rebuilt)

Building #2 - Jan 2008 thru Oct 2008

???

Texas Street Building

Building #1

RAIDS!

This morning I was telling Mike about Enrichment last evening and he reminded me about his favorite childhood memory - the Christmas Eve Raids!

Each Christmas Eve, the children - Mike, Kirk, Scot, Marjorie and Suzanne, would go to the second level of their home and in the dark, they would sneak around the upstairs of their home and scare each other. He said that sometimes there were be two or three people quietly sneaking and sliding around and then they would run into each other and make monster sounds, etc. His favorite memory is when Kirk would run into Marjoire and Suzanne and Mike would hear Kirk make his monster sounds. The girls would squeal and run.

RAIDS never occured in the Christensen household, except on Christmas Eve! Maybe, just maybe, I'll get Mike to AUTHOR a blog some day where he can really share his memories. But for the time being, I enjoy hearing about those memories each Christmas season!

Suzanne, Mike, Scot, Marjorie (Kirk's serving a mission)

Family, Home and Personal Enrichment...

This evening I attended our Ward's enrichment activity. A few years ago when the change was made from Homemaking to Family, Home and Personal Enrichment, it seemed to throw people off. But, I want you to know that we had a perfect enrichment activity this evening!

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...

I've copied this from a friends blog. An interesting list, but I think there things I should add to it! Plus, there are a few things that I will NEVER do!

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?