OUR LETTER & CHRISTMAS CARD 2012

What our letter would have said if we sent one:

Dear Family and Friends,

2012 has been a year to remember for us.

Brandon took a job opportunity in April to work with Syringa Network.  He has thoroughly enjoyed the past 7 months and looks forward to many more years with them.  In May, Brandon also bought his first motorcycle as a way of saving money on gas.  The kids really enjoy his new toy!  He also finished up his time in cub scouts and recently was called as a youth Sunday school teacher, teaching the 12 and 13 year olds.  One last thing, Brandon now sees 20/15!!!

Zoey has continued to manage Aesthetics by Physicians part time and take care of the kiddos.  October marked 4 years in the Chubbuck Stake Primary.  She loves her calling and being able to help with the monthly Stake Baptisms.  She has been 'branching out' trying new foods including lettuce and taco soup.  Talk about a miracle!  

Faith has truly grown from a girl to a young woman.  She graduated from Elementary school and started Middle School.  She is now a Hawthorne Hawk!  Faith was able to attend Retreat for Girls in July.  It was a very spiritual experience for her.  She listened to amazing (and famous) speakers like John Bytheway, heard touching music like Mercy River, and met some great friends!  Faith is funny and a very thoughtful young woman.

Dawson turned 9 this year.  He is now in 3rd grade.  He continues to take piano lessons and is active in the Cub Scouting program.  One of his favorite activities this year was the Pinewood Derby. Brandon and Dawson worked hard, and their hard work paid off.  He made it to Regionals!  Dawson had his tonsils removed this summer and it went well.  Dawson is very witty and humorous!  We love his Dawsonisms and always love to share his funny quotes on Facebook!  Dawson is also our most tender hearted child, always wanting to share, love, and be a peacemaker.

Our baby Kate turned 5 in February.  We have never really gotten teary eyed for kindergarten kids, but this year was a first.  We realized that she will be our 'lasts' of many things.  She is growing more everyday!  Kate is a little mother and boss.  She gladly tells others what to do.  Kate is also our social butterfly, never content to stay at home in her space...  She loves church and primary and can't wait to go every Sunday!

Brandon and Zoey took a trip to Alaska this year with the VanTassells and the Jolleys.  This was definitely a trip to remember, especially the Zip Lining in Juneau!  The kids were able to spend quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Jensen.  We also made several trips to Boise this year and a couple down to Utah.  We have traveled more this year than ever before!

As we reflect upon this time of year, we can't help but express gratitude to our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  We are blessed to have had shelter and food, good health, and love from our family and friends.  We look to remember the reason for the season everyday!  We are so blessed that you are in our lives!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

With love,
Brandon, Zoey, Faith (12), Dawson (9), and Kate (5)

 
Homemade Christmas bread with saying

John 6:35 - "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

MAKE IT COUNT

12.14.2012

Around 9:30 am
Newtown, Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary
1 armed gunman
20 beautiful children
7 brave adults
11 days till Christmas

As I have reflected over the events in Connecticut over the last week, I have been reminded how important it is to make it count. "What will you choose to do, with the time God has given you? Every day you have a choice. Make it count." Unmeasured Strength by Lauren Manning 

This tragedy touched many of us in different ways. I was at work and looked online about 2:00 pm MST.  There it was plastered all over MSN's home page. And then came that deep pit of agony for children and parents and community. I know that each of you had felt different yet similar things. And in that moment, we wondered what we could do to bear a burden, lighten a load, and reach across our country to say, "I care about you" and "You are in my thoughts and prayers."

Our life here on earth is temporary and we never know when our time to return will be. Everyday and every moment can be special! Do we make the most of these moments? What's stopping us from doing so?  I hope that we will take an opportunity to pretend like each day is our last and live with no regrets.

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

3rd GRADE BREAKFAST BUDDIES

Dawson and I were able to sneak in breakfast buddies in December!  Dawson is definitely my buddy!

He also picked up a great book while his teacher, Mrs. Collette read a couple of books.  Definitely a fun memory!

LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE

The Christmas program was the 3rd graders this year.  Dawson, of course, is complete with his Santa hat!  I tried to get him to dress up, but it was a losing battle!  The funnest part was that he was NOT on the front row!  Yeah!  I think that means that he is starting to grow a little bit, right???

Here is a little sample of the program!  I love the snapping part in this and how Dawson turns his body towards us!!!  Priceless!

SINGING SERVICE

We are so lucky to be a part of an organization who gives service. So thankful for that opportunity.  This activity was singing Christmas carols to residents of the VA Nursing Home.  We hope we brought a smile to your face!

Merry Christmas!

BED FOR HUNTER

When I woke up this morning, I saw Dawson's penguin pillow pet 'holding' Hunter, one of his stuffed animals. It was such a sweet sight, I just had to take a quick picture of it.

He had to go show Faith, "Look!  I found a bed for Hunter!"

Just got to love his facial expressions!  Boy, how we LOVE our boy!

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

The weather has finally agree that yes, it is December!

We wrapped Kate up warm and snuggly.  She was dying before she left (thinking that she was dressed too warmly).  On her way out the door, she comments to Dawson, "Ohhh, it IS cold out here!!!"

Eskimo Kate

No, if Mother Nature will give us a white Christmas, I'll be set!