Pieper's Blessing Day

Along with Parker getting baptized on the 2nd, we decided to bless Pieper that day as well. We figured with having family and friends there for the baptism, we might as well have the blessing that day as well so all those people could be there and not have to travel two days in a row. So we celebrated to great kids in the same day. Parker was more than willing to share his special day with his new little sister. After the baptism and confirmation of Parker, Matt gave Pieper a wonderful blessing. She looked so beautiful in her white dress that Grandma Yancey made for her. She also had a beautiful blanket that she used that day crocheted by her Great Grandma Williams. After the blessing and baptism we went to our ward building and had a luncheon, a hot dog bar. We had hot dogs with all the fixings, relish tray, finger jello, grapes, apples, oranges, chips, and pumpkin cake. It was perfect for a kids luncheon and went so well. I am lucky to have such great family and friends that all pitched in to help bring food, set up, prepare, and clean up afterwards. It really was such a great day to visit and be with the people we love most.

 

Parker's Baptism

We are so proud of Parker for making the decision to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. What a special day for him and us. We were blessed to have a lot of family and friends come and support us. The weather was beautiful outside and the day was really nice. The program went as follows:

Saturday November 2, 2013

                                                                        10:00 AM.
                                                      Blackfoot East Stake Center

Baptism of Parker Matthew Christiansen

 Opening Song: I Like My Birthdays

 Chorister: Erika Christiansen

 Pianist: Great Grandma, Sharon Williams

 Opening Prayer: Grandpa, Paul Yancey

 Talk on Baptism: Grandma, Serena Yancey

 Baptism of Parker by his father, Matthew Christiansen

 Talk on the Holy Ghost:  Erika Christiansen

 Confirmation of Parker by his Father, Matthew Christiansen

 Bishopric Remarks

 Blessing of Pieper by her father Matthew Christiansen

 Closing Song: The Holy Ghost

 Closing Prayer: Grandma Linda Christiansen

Parker's Talk

Parker happened to have a talk on Mother's Day in primary and I thought it would be nice for him to talk about mother's and what he likes about his mom. Matt helped his write it and then asked my Dad to help Parker on Sunday. (Matt had to work). It was so nice and I about started crying! He can be super sweet and the best little boy sometimes. I am amazed at how big he is getting and hoe grown up he acts sometimes. I love him so much. Here is his talk: "Today is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day Mommy. I love you. My mommy does so many things to help me each day things like, make me breakfast, help me get ready for school and even help me find my favorite cartoons on TV. My mommy also teached me how to choose the right. She teaches me that when I share my toys and play with my brother and sister, I am choosing the right. My favorite thing to do with my mommy is when she takes me and my brother and sister to play at the park. I love it when she pushes me on the swings. In Alma chapter 56 verse 47 it says, 'mothers teach us if we do not doubt, God will deliver us.' Just like the Armies of Heleman, my mommy teaches me to have faith in Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. I love my mommy In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

New Calling

I have been in relief society for about 1 1/2 years and have really been enjoying it. I have been serving as the relief society committee member (over enrichment nights) and I have loved it. About 3 weeks ago, the Bishop came over and when at first I thought he was going to call me to be the Primary Chorister, because they haven't had one for over 6 months!!! I was ready to say yes to that calling. But when he asked me to serve as the Primary PRESIDENT, my mouth fell open and I was in shock. I felt inadequate and I still felt too young to be serving as the PRESIDENT... after getting my emotions in check I realized that I am old enough, I have been married for 8 years, I will be 30 (ouch) this year, and I have 3 kids. So I guess I am old enough. I have been in the primary presidency prior to being in relief society this last time and I served for 5 years, so I guess I do know how to be the president, after having a good example to follow. So this last Sunday they sustained and set me apart. I am excited, and nervous at the same time. It will be fun to be in there with my kids and to be with the kids of the ward again. I know there will be hard and stressful times, but I know the Lord with help me and strengthen my weaknesses. Wish me luck!

Sunday Egg Hunt

To end our weekend full of fun and all things Easter we met Matt's family, the Keller, side for good food and the annual egg hunt. When we arrived there were what looked like hundreds of eggs hidden, and not so hidden, around the yard. The kids were eager to get started picking them up. Parker knew exactly what to do and before I knew it his basket was overflowing. Grandma Kerry had to get him a bag to dump his eggs in so he could continue gathering the rest of the eggs. Paige knew what to do as well, but she was a little more selective in the eggs she gathered. When she first went out she was picking up one or two here and there and then she went to the garden area where there were a ton of eggs. Instead of picking up all the eggs she could see, she would pick an egg up, shake it to make sure there was something inside before she put it in her basket. It was hilarious to watch. She also ended up with an overflowing basket. In fact all of the kids got spoiled and had a great time. Inside the eggs were toy cars, parachute toys, squinkies, and plastic bugs. Both Parker and Paige got some of each and Paige shared her squinkies with Parker. Now they are both obsessed with them. Is it okay for my 5 year old boy to be playing with and wanting to collect squinkies?? I see no harm. We had a wonderful Easter weekend with family and created some more memories.

On a side note, Parker gave a talk in Primary on Sunday. I didn't know he had a talk because no note was sent home or a phone call received. I sat down in Sacrament meeting and saw in the bulletin that he was giving a talk. WHAT??? So much for being prepared! So I hurried and wrote a little something for him to share. We had been talking the past week about Easter and it's true meaning. The kids even watched an Easter video about Jesus Christ and the Resurrection. I tried to explain why we celebrate and how lucky we are that we are on the earth and given the opportunity to be in a family. I think Parker understood because from them on the rest of the week when someone would talk about Easter he would reply, "It's not all about the candy, it's about Jesus". So something got through to him. Anyways, that was what his talk was about, in his words it's not all about the candy...It's all about Jesus.

Cute Girl

I happen to think that my little girl is absolutely adorable, but I am kind of biased! She got a darling dress for Christmas and looked even cuter than usual in it on Sunday a few weeks ago. She even posed for the camera so I could capture all her cuteness! The dress is a brown corduroy with bright green, pink and teal flowers. She has on tights that match and the cutest little brown flats you have ever seen. To top it off, she even let me put a big flower in her hair, which is quite unusual for her. I just love having a little girl to dress up!!

Ward Christmas Party

We had our ward Christmas Party on the 17th and had a good time visiting with friends. It just so happened that my Aunt and Uncle from Coeur d'Alene were on their way through to Park City and stopped to stay the night so they came with us. This year we had soups and chilis with cinnamon rolls and desserts. It was sure yummy and tasted so good on a cold night. Of course the evening wouldn't be complete without a visit from Santa Claus. The kids were so excited when he walked through the door. Paige was especially excited and couldn't wait to go and sit on his lap. I had forgotten the camera and sent Matt home to get it really quick, but the kids didn't want to wait. I tried to hold off as long as I could and then before I knew it it was their turn to sit on his lap and Matt was still not back. Just as the kids were about to get off he showed up and snapped a few pictures. I didn't hear what the kids told him they wanted but one of my neighbors asked if Parker was going to get what he asked for. I said depends on what he asked for. She said he asked for an AX!! What 5 year old asks for and ax!??? He had seen an add for a medieval nerf set that had a shield and a toy ax and I think that is what he was meaning when he said it, but still...my kids has a fascination with weapons and it is beginning to worry me!!

Paige asked for "Lots of toys". This should be an easy one to fulfill. She wasn't even specific in what she wanted so she should be happy with whatever she gets! Although she did mention that she wanted a Pink Barbie Car and some Barbies... I think we can handle that request!

Easter Outfits

My mom got both the kids new Easter outfits for Church and they both looked so darn cute in them. I even got the kids to give each other a hug! (that will be a a great picture for upcoming years when they are fighting) I just had to show off how cute they are!

Ward Party

Our ward had their Annual Christmas party on the 11th and we were able to go. This year they did something different than they normally do and it was a fun change. Instead of the usual potatoes/ham and salads they had different soups/chili's with a baked potato and cobblers. It was fun to see all the different soups that people brought and to be able to try them out. I even came home with a new recipe from my friend Lauri for a White Chili. I am excited to try it out at home. The kids did alright, but during the program part of the evening they got a little restless and wanted to run around like some of the other kids there. The primary had a little part in the program and sang The Shepherd's Carol and Christmas Bells. They did a good job and started the program off on a good note. Parker was in the front row and tried his hardest to sing the words to the songs. It is pretty hard for those little kids to learn a Christmas song in a couple of weeks and then not sing them again for an entire year. We have a pretty small ward and every voice we had there that night was needed. I ended up helping during the round of A Shepherds Carol and I hope my voice didn't drown out the voices of the kids. It was a fun night out and we were able to visit with some of our friends from the ward that we don't get to visit with on a regular basis.

Sundays

This year our ward starts at 11:00a.m. Can I just say that I am loving 11 o'clock church. It works out so much better for me and the kids, even Matt likes it better. We all can sleep a little longer in the morning, sometimes when it was at nine, I would have to wake Parker up. I am not as rushed to get myself and the kids ready in time and am able to cook a nice breakfast. I can get a few last minute things ready for primary and we are always on time. I really like church at this time. The only thing that is a little bit hard is that Paige usually takes a nap about 11 so that is hard to adjust, but she usually falls asleep at church. The kids in Primary seem to get a little more restless, but I can deal with that. Also it seems like the day goes by so much faster after we get home. I am hoping this year with it being Parker's first year in Primary as a sunbeam that this time change will be good for him to adjust. He did really well last week, better than I expected and I am hoping that he does good again today. He has a really great teacher and not a very big class, only 4 kids, so he will have quite a bit of attention. Most of all I hope that he is able to sit still for a few minutes to actually learn something from the lesson. Maybe it will increase his vocabulary as well.