Disney on Ice Baby!

Fun times with some of the cousins at Disney on Ice. Pictured above (mom, Jacob, Luke, Ty, Chad)
Peter Pan is my all time favorite Disney movie. I think it's because I loved Barrie's book so much as a little girl. The story is always magical to me and has never lost anything! You just have to love Tink! I remember watching her flying as a child (I didn't realize she was on a cable) through Disneyland during the firework show. It was amazing to me! I also remember watching the fireworks from Disney and eating popcycles on our lawn during summer nights when we lived in Orange County. Those are fun memories!
Pictured: Luke, Ty, Naomi, Seth, Isabelle, Jacob
Jacob and Isabelle watching the show. Isabelle reminds me so much of Chad as a baby, so did Jacob though! Jacob's favorite parts were Lion King, Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. Everyone missed our out of state cousins!

Draper Utah Temple Open House

First of all, what a gorgeous temple, wow. We loved all the mill work and art inside. It was really wonderful to take Jacob (Elise and her crazy schedule couldn't come.) We missed her, but she did get to see our Mt. Timpanogos Temple before it's dedication. This was Jacob's first open house and with pamphlet in hand, he took a great interest in it!

It was a unique opportunity for him to see where important special events happen and with the timing so close to his adoption anniversary it was wonderful to show him how we were sealed together as a family forever. He comprehended more than I thought, and had lots of questions. It was a good day.

Ward Progressive Dinner

What a great evening! We need to do it more often. Grilled Steak & Portobello Mushroom Fajitas were on the menu. Everyone brought yummy sides. It was so fun to catch up and visit. Afterward we headed over across the street to the Gibson's home for great desserts with other couples. Someone commented it looked like adult trick or treating with everyone out in the neighborhood carrying their pots and dishes of delicious food to each other's homes. Thanks Kinsers for organizing! (Pictured: Bishop & Christie Hoopes, Lynn, Mark & Joelle Asplund, Stephanie & Jody Rookstool)

Happy Birthday Grandma Christensen

We had a fun celebration with a Cafe Rio dinner, presents and cake with chocolate truffles. Thanks for being a wonderful Grandmother Betty! It was a fun evening and we watched A.I. at Grandma's request! (We all love it too-- and can I digress for a moment and state we are all happy Tatiana has gone bye bye?--albeit almost clutching the American Idol sign in her arms, but, she's gone) We missed our niece Haley that night, we'll have to do it again! ;-)

Vicks Vapor Rub

It seems we didn't quite make it through the winter without a cold or cough.  I've been pumping my kids full of oranges, vitamins etc.. in hopes it would pass them by.  Elise has been battling the flu the last couple of days and I feel so bad, because she was the only one in our family who didn't get a flu shot.  Jacob just has a cold, not too bad, mostly cough and runny nose.

My cousin Kristi told me about a remedy with Vicks Vapor Rub, and it actually works very well. Just rub it on the bottoms of feet and cover with socks.  It absorbs up through the body and tames cough.  Whenever Jacob gets a cold, it's the cough he battles the most, up all night... you know the routine. 

 So the the next time you or your kids are battling a cough that prevents rest or sleeping, give this a try, it works!  I had Elise plastered with it last night and she was able to sleep a lot better.  Jacob is the one home today, back in bed, with socks full of Vicks... and it's quiet, no coughing.  

Valentine's/Adoption Day

Valentine's Day is a great day to be adopted... and fun to celebrate!  Seven years ago today we met with a judge and Jacob was legally adopted.  What a great day that was!  He is a huge blessing in our lives, we don't know how we managed life without him.  Today was his special day and included a trip to Five Guys for lunch with Uncle Dave, Aunt Nikki and family who are in town visiting (it was baby Dylan's first birthday as well and so great to see them again!)  and Grandma and Grandpa.  Then later he got to pick a restaurant for dinner and we treated him to a movie and shopping for a special gift.  He was very excited about his special day and even wanted our waitress to know we we were not just celebrating Valentine's Day but his adoption as well!  Elise had a double date with a freshman boy from the Y... (are we that old?)  We all   missed being with her tonight!  We feel blessed Jacob is in our family and excited to celebrate with him today.

Happy Birthday Honey

Happy Birthday Lynn!  How old are you??  You are the best husband and the best dad.  Thank you for everything you do for us and for who you are.   It was a very fun celebration-- we love you!   Debbie, Elise, Jacob