Snow Day at the Ranch!

We had a fun snow day today at the ranch. We had friends and family and friends of friends of family! It was a great day with sunshine and pretty mild temperatures. The snow was pretty deep in places. Curt had plowed out the road so that we could get in, so it worked out great! We had the snowmobiles and the sleighs and even had some experimental sleds... I heard that some of the "boys" decided to go down the hill in a canoe! Jenny made lunch for all of us, and we had a warm fire in the fireplace for those who wanted to warm up a bit! It is such a blessing to have the family be together and have fun. I hope we get to do it more often!

Christmas at the Christensen's

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years celebration this year. We had great food, good people to be with us, a call from Texas that made our day, back rubs, of course we had the gifts and wrapping, tree, a fire in the fireplace, "The Christmas Vacation" traditional movie, laughter, tears, everything that makes a great holiday! I am so thankful for my family and being able to have them with me during this time and anytime that we want to be together!

I was so worried about the quilts I made for each of the kids, I wondered if they would like the ones that I chose for them. It made be a little nervous, but I think they all liked them when they got them. It was fun making them the last two years. When you are doing something for someone else, it makes it so much fun to plan and work on to finish!

Chester got to spend some time with us and we are so grateful to him for all that he has done for us. It was a very sad Christmas for him. He was missing his Bessie so much. Then he didn't feel very good, so he went to Kino's to stay until he is better. We are just glad that he got to be with us for the time he was here. We also got to see Ally and Kevin while they were here. They had a lot of places to visit in the time they were back, and I'm glad they chose to come see us!
My mother was in the hospital over Christmas. She broke her hip and had a replacement one put in. They thought she was going to be in re-hab for 3 months, but she fooled them! She was home before three weeks! She is a feisty, strong lady. I hope I can remember her every time I think I am tired or sick. She is an inspiration to me. She has a walker and wheel chair to get around until she is all the way healed. The doctors and nurses were so good to her, I think she would have stayed there just for them... except she wanted to go home! She really missed her friends and her own bed. She is getting around by herself and has an aid come help every other day. I know if it weren't for Myndi, she would have to have a lot more help! She is awesome and I am thankful that she is close enough to help her.

Kari is doing well on her mission and is feeling so much better... I am thankful that the doctors know what they are doing. One of the medicines is helping her not have so many pains so she can function and still go out preaching the gospel. She has an awesome companion and is in the big city now. A BIG change from our little town! I am glad she gets this opportunity to lose and find herself at the same time.

It has been a wonderful time for us. My hope is that the new year will continue on in this manner and all will be well with all of us. HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!