It's a Wonderful Blog 2011

". . .men are that they might have joy." 2 Nephi 2:25
One of my firm beliefs is that God loves us and wants us to be happy. Never is that more clear to me than when my family is near. 2011 has been a year of great joy.
I'm not an exciting reporter. Emily has already edited my work and found it to be "cheesy". Still, here are my fondest recollections of 2011 for posterity.
I'll begin a year ago--the end of last December when all the family was still home for the holidays and the children threw themselves into giving me a 50th birthday party right before New Years. We used the Santa Juanita ward building where we meet for church to accommodate the size of the gathering. The women folk--Diana, Ciara and Emily--made wonderful food, including "over the rainbow" cupcakes in keeping with our Wizard of Oz theme. Bryan set up a sound system with some of my favorite music, Lyle acted as MC, Kevin played piano. Peter and Marv pitched in with setting up and cleaning up. I felt very honored by so many of my friends coming to wish me well on that wintry evening a month before my actual birthday.
January brought an unexpected disaster. While out for our regular Friday morning walk with then 2 year old Luke in his stroller and very pregnant Diana, our boxer mix Merlin bolted, escaped his "gentle leader leash" and went after our neighbor's innocent Sheltie who was being walked down the street. Merlin immediately had to be impounded. What ensued took over my life for several weeks. A lawyer and other dog experts were consulted. Bryan and Kevin immediately begged not to have him put down. Everyone in the family, and many helpful friends tried to find another home for Merlin since staying in Roseville was extremely problematic. Ultimately, the solution was a home for Merlin in LA with Kevin. In spite of his difficult schedule with film school at USC, working as the photographer and editor on behind the scenes documentaries and getting his start in commercials, Kevin made time to save Merlin's life! It has not been easy--there's Merlin's behavior, his allergies, picking up fleas in Kevin's backyard, etc. Kevin has met each challenge and we have been so grateful.
January brought another surprise: the Granite Bay Third Ward members were divided among four other wards! We are now in the Granite Bay First Ward and the Granite Bay wards have been assigned to the Rocklin rather than Roseville Stake. It's been an adjustment for all of us.
January was just full of surprises. After Emily auditioned for a play in LA, I was approached by the play's director to see if she could be Emily's manager. It has been a great opportunity for Emily to have official representation and travel to LA for audition opportunites.
In February, Emily experienced the sixth grade Outdoor Education program that her other siblings have been through. Having cold, wet weather, her group ended up building a survival shelter as they were being snowed on! Always an animal lover, she adored a miniature owl she met there. Meantime, I enjoyed a week of one-on-one time with Peter. With Marv out of town, Peter and I spent the quiet winter evenings watching Jeopardy at dinnertime and reading the scriptures together before bed. On the long President's Day weekend, we took Bryan along on a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We love having Bryan close by in the San Francisco area (he's working for Fisher Investments) and try to see him as often as we can. We're lucky--he will drive home about one weekend a month to visit.
March 5th, a Saturday morning, was the arrival of new grandson Ben Marvin Christensen! Diana barely made it to the birthing center in time! Grandma Joann Christensen, Emily and I got there as quickly as we got the call to come, but right after he was delivered. Although Marv will set foot in church for the blessing of his grandchildren, the middle name thing was a clincher. Meantime, Emily was in the school talent show, produced once again by our neighbor Dianna Benner--it was better than ever. I have to give Emily a lot of credit for being the driving force behind a hilarious Harry Potter skit that involved a large group of her friends. Although everyone collaborated, she wrote the skit and got everyone cast in a meaningful way. It was funny and a big hit with the kids. We were busy, because Narnia, the Musical had Emily in the cast and me working behind the scenes in March as well. It was fun to help the Theatre Alive! group bring in daytime school group audiences for the first time. Baseball began for Peter. Thanks to Coach Ron Segon, Peter had the opportunity to be put on the same team with two young men, Chase Galmeister and the coach's son Matt, who had been in our previous ward before the separation!
April began swim season for Emily. Along with baseball, Peter was having a great time playing volleyball for the first time on the Olympus Junior High team. I worked one extra morning a week at Tricks to help out my dear friend Barbara Jo Taylor--I subbed her classes for about 8 weeks this spring. Did you know I love to work with kids? Teaching babies, toddlers and preschoolers at Tricks has brought me great satisfaction over the last ten years. I was also blessed this spring to also pick up a job in the Kid's Club at Johnson Ranch Racquet Club. I am there on Thursday and Friday mornings from 7:30 to 9:00 with children who come early before school begins. It meant that Peter and Emily had to be independent about getting themselves off to school in the morning those days, but they've done a beautiful job. The position comes with the perk that we are given a family membership at the club. This is where Emily swims and I love to work out there so this is a huge financial help to our family!
Speaking of working with kids, throughout the year I was able to help Connie Savage with her Sing and Dance program, working with the 5 to 12 year olds, but particularly with Emily's 10-12 year old group. We had a blast last December staging "Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" and in the spring we put together the Beach Boys' "Fun, Fun, Fun"--and it really was!
I forgot to mention the April much needed spring break in LA. We were able to fit in an audition for Emily and have new headshots done. Emily and I had an outing to the beautiful new visitor's center at the LA temple, then picked up Kevin and his room mate Bobby and went to the Museum of Tolerance (right in Kevin's neighborhood). We used hotel awards points to stay in Marina Del Ray for a couple nights, ride bikes on the beach, etc.
The month of May brought the last sixth grade Greek Day I will experience with my children! Chosen to be an academic Athenian, Emily proudly worked hard bringing points to her group throughout the unit. Marv and I were both able to watch her participate in the "Olympics" and race with her class relay team--one of the fastest kids on foot out there. I've already mentioned how much I enjoy working with kids, but some of my fondest memories were as the room parent for Mr. Montero's sixth grade class. We attended open houses for both Olympus and Excelsior schools. I am so impressed with the quality of the teaching staff at both schools. We feel Olympus teachers and administrators really know what they're doing. They brought out the best in Peter during his time there and made junior high a joy.
In June, we left the school year behind. Peter graduated from Olympus having had straight A's for his entire 8th grade year. Emily, too, had a straight A year. While school was out, sports and other activities made summer no picnic! Peter juggled a football training schedule along with baseball, Emily was coping with the beginning of her first cheer season and continued swim training. We were able to sneak away to a KOA campground in Willets at the end of June for two nights-- just Emily and I going with Diana, Luke and Ben. (Peter doesn't usually like to travel, Marv can't get away from work.) We rented a pop up camping trailer. It was an education learning to hitch it to the car. Our camp ground was tons of fun--I got a spot with our own personal hot tub. Luke thought it was always bubble bath time! The place was super clean--petting zoo, miniature golf, hiking trails. It did get cold, but our camper was snug.
In July, we again maximized each hour of each day! By this point, Peter was playing All-Star baseball along with football conditioning, continuing to fit in hitting lessons with Richie Kimm whenever we could. Emily helped me out with my assignment for the tri-ward 4th of July breakfast by acting as MC--people gave her rave reviews! She was trying to swim when she could, but had to completely focus on her daily rehearsals for Oliver! As one of only two girls cast in Fagin's gang, she had to keep up with a rigorous eight hour a day, six day a week schedule. Thank goodness we could carpool with our friends the Hanlons for those drives into Sacramento. Emily and I both fell in love with the other kids in the cast. We ended up taking a group of them along to the Girl Scout premier party for Harry Potter 7, Part 2. It was a pretty crazy day, driving quickly from rehearsal (terrible traffic), throwing on wizarding robes, and plopping ourselves in the theater just in time to see the show. I could never have done it without my buddy Christian Sanders, who got to the theater ahead of of us to save a place in line for the girls. Considering he had his own midnight showing party to attend, it was extremely gallant of him. Somewhere in all of this--oh, yes, it was July 8th--Peter had had his 14th birthday, but had no time to celebrate. The night of the Harry Potter premier, Lyle arrived in town to help with Peter's festivities. Kevin came home, too! Those two brothers took Peter to Harry Potter. On Saturday, Lyle had the pleasure of re-living his own glory days in the Granite Bay football program by watching Peter at Grizzly football evaluation day. After football and Emily's all day rehearsal, we were joined by Bryan and Ryan and Becca Boothe for an outing to the California State Fair. The Boothes! Yay! We were so lucky to see them, and they were great company--we love making memories with them! Unfortunately, Emily's feet were really hurting as there had been a lot of dance that day at rehearsal. She was able to have fun as she limped along. At the food court, Peter and Kevin bravely sampled the Roadkill concession--alligator, raccoon and python. They said they wouldn't be eating it again. Three year old Luke is not a great thrill seeker, so one of my favorite memories was watching him ride around on the little train in the farm area--the cars of the train looked like piglets. Bryan, loving big brother as always, made sure Emily got to go on at least a couple of rides. The next day was very special and the purpose of Lyle's visit home. Lyle was able to perform Peter's ordination to the office of teacher in the Aaronic priesthood at church. Although Lyle's visit was short, it was full and meaningful.
One of the great highlights of the year were Emily's performances in Oliver. I've mentioned she loved the kids in the cast, but I need to say how she also adored the adults she worked with, both on and off stage. The adults and the young men who played Oliver and Artful Dodger were Equity actors and professionals in every aspect of their performances and behavior.
We agonized over trying to fit in the swim championships, which happened to be held the same weekend that the show went on. For the first day of champs, she arrived late due to the show going late Friday night, then she needed to perform in a Saturday matinee. so--Emily missed all her races on Saturday. On Sunday, she swam well, qualifying for finals and taking fifth overall in the butterfly before dashing to the closing night performance. After the show, Ron, who played Fagin, wrote a thoughtful note to each of the kids in his gang. There was a junior company cast cookie party after the show and I wanted to do something creative. I found a recipe for a s'mores cookie and displayed a sign that said "Please, sir, I want s'mores". Chris, who played Oliver, complimented me for it and it made my day!
August arrived with new grandson Jay Cooper Schofield born on August 3rd--a bit early, but healthy and strong. I was so excited to get to see him, but had to wait. Although Oliver ended, Emily's schedule was simply too packed--preparation for the swim meet of champs and cheerleading practices were overlapping and she was running on fumes. Then, it was back to school for everyone and back to football for Peter. Everyone got into the rhythm and routine, but Peter just could not adjust to attending early morning seminary. It's been a huge disappointment to me to not have him take advantage of this program, but without his cooperation it's been impossible. I have to let it go for now.
For the September Labor Day weekend, I had the adventure of going to NYC to visit new baby Jay. It happened to be Lyle's 30th birthday on September 3rd as well. Ciara gave Lyle a wonderful scrapbook of his life as a gift. One of the great joys of Jay is he really reminds me of Lyle--it's like getting to hold baby Lyle again! To celebrate Lyle's birthday, he and I went to see Daniel Radcliff on Broadway in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". Lyle and Ciara took me to the Museum of Natural History, too, one of my favorite places.
Back in Granite Bay, it was football season. Peter was fighting for playing time at the corner back position, vying with possibly 8 other young men--there were over 70 freshman on the team overall! Bryan was able to meet us to see him play at an out of town game. Peter worked so hard, and I was disappointed that he was not the clear starter at the position for the season. He had a good time and was not discouraged. He learned a lot. Cheering for the Junior Grizzlies was an awesome learning opportunity for Emily. Having never cheered before, we were surprised when they selected her as a flyer (one who is put up in the air by other squad members) for the half-time routine. She, too, worked very hard and was known by her trainers for being a quick learner.
In October, a missed cue during a game performance landed Emily on her head from a fall. A trip to the emergency room showed her vertebra was not cracked as originally suspected. Peter had his share of bumps, too--a sprained thumb, sprained ankle, etc. Both were still able to keep their grades up and cope with mishaps. The end of the month brought a visit to Modesto for Garit and Lorena Boothe's wedding. Bryan provided their music and it was wonderful. We were able to fit in a trip to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm with the Zeisses. For Halloween, Peter chose not to dress up but had a great time visiting with friends. Emily, going out as a fairy, gathered her share of sweets.
November was a miracle. We fit in a trip to the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco for extra credit for Peter's French class. Bryan was able to tour the museum with us. Emily's cheer squad performed in competition, taking second as a squad, but together the Grizzly squads took top honors. Football ended, a banquet was held. Cheer ended, a banquet was held. Closure for this year. With those commitments behind them and in order not to miss more than a day of school, Peter, Emily and I headed off to NYC for a brief visit on November 18th. We had decided on the trip late in September. I thought after Lyle graduated from NYU, I would not have a reason to visit the city. We also got a great airfare--$144 each way. We fit in as much sightseeing as we could--Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, tour NBC studios at Rockefeller Center, everybody but me and Jay to see "How to Succeed", the 9/11 Memorial , The Museum of Natural History and an amazing exhibit at the main branch of the NY public library. You know you've really discovered something when you see the letter opener Charles Dickens made from his dead cat's paw. Arriving home, Peter and Emily both declared how grateful they were to live in Granite Bay. We prepared for the arrival of the entire family, including Lyle and Ciara coming from New York to see us as they had been planning all year!
With December and the Christmas holiday upon us, our first gift of the season was to learn of Lyle's acceptance to orthodontic school. I was surprised that he was accepted at Columbia University and will be staying in NYC! Here at home, Peter enjoyed his first high school dress up dance, attending Winter Ball with a nice group. Emily and I were able to see a performance of the Sacramento Theater Company's "A Christmas Carol" that two of her friends from "Oliver" were in. As we begin our winter break, Emily has held onto her straight A average. Peter has worked hard at school, too--the results of his finals this week aren't posted yet, but two out of four A's in PE and Algebra 2 are definite. We're crossing our fingers that he did well enough to pull out A's in Health and Safety and French.
Now a 12 year old Beehive, Emily spoke for the first time in Sacrament meeting at church last Sunday. Basing her remarks on President Monson's Christmas devotional talk, she wrote her talk herself. Her delivery was outstanding--it really added to the meeting and the Christmas spirit. She will be singing with the ward choir for our Christmas program this Sunday.
As I write this, Kevin has arrived home for the holidays and Bryan will be home tomorrow, the 23rd. Diana and Mac will leave for Utah, and Lyle and Ciara will also be visiting her family there. We are so grateful for the good families our children have married into.
I will close without reporting much about Marv and myself. Marv still manages two regions of financial planners for US Bank, travels quite a bit and works long and hard to provide for our family. He is loved and respected by those he works with and by his family as well. I am happily serving in the ward as a Relief Society teacher and try to read a book with my book group whenever I can fit it in, my favorite the year being "Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin.
We think of all of you, our friends, fondly this time of year and always. Merry Christmas to all and God bless!