The hour was late; the house was quiet, my mind so full of happy memories I could not sleep. I arose to read a bit and found myself recalling the events of a day that I wanted to bronze and remember forever.
I saw twelve hungry people around our breakfast table eating my husband, Ron's, famous pancakes before they left on a tubing expedition.
I saw empty pop cans and empty serving dishes from our first BBQ of the season. We ate indoors due to the cold weather, but the burgers and dogs still tasted great. Every morsel of food was gone. Nobody goes hungry at Grandma and Grandpa's unless they want to!
I saw grandchildren putting on their coats and shoes to participate in the Easter egg hunt in our snowy yard. And I heard the squeals of delight as they found plastic eggs filled with candy and various dollar store treasures. It seemed almost like Christmas as they enjoyed books, puzzles, bubbles, beads, frisbees and slinkies. Our house was hoppin' as we gathered with seven grandchildren and their parents who had not been together in one place for a long time. The laughter, hugs, and bonding continued until about 10 PM when most of them left because they had to work the next day.
Just when I thought things could not get any better, we received the text that our eighth grandchild had just been born. Tristan Robert Bernard became the newest member of this wonderful family clan.
As I sat there alone in the wee hours of the morning, I remembered that just over four years ago I had my Cancer surgery. If it wasn't for advanced medical technology, lots of support and Heavenly help, I could have missed this wonderful day and the memories we made.
I took a deep breath, looked around at the Easter baskets, scattered toys and the rest of the tell tale clutter. How grateful I am to have turned 60 this past January with my health in tact, a job I love, and a growing family to enjoy. I got up, turned off the light and went back to bed. There, with plenty of new memories to hold close to my heart, I dropped off into peaceful slumber.
-Kathy Christensen
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - HAWAIIAN LUAU TIME!
As you can see above, I'm having fun getting things ready for our annual family picnic, which will be held this Thursday - that's right... TOMORROW! I bet you can't guess what the theme is!
What: Family Hawaiian Luau
Date: Thursday, August 9, 2012
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Place: Bonneville Park. 1526 N 800 W, Orem
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Place: Bonneville Park. 1526 N 800 W, Orem
We've already got 200 people coming - hope you are one of them! If you haven't RSVP'd yet, please contact Kara (801-360-4666) or Colette (801-376-7377)
Friday, July 13, 2012
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Sittin' 'round Talkin' 'bout Nothin'!
This year for Father’s Day I gave my husband, Ron, A CD by Darius Rucker (formerly Hootie of Hootie and the Blowfish.) I loved the entire CD and the feel of his music, but my attention was immediately captured by the chorus of one of his songs because I totally related to the simple message it portrays. It goes like this:
I need some front porch rockin”
some back street walkin”
some sittin’ ‘round talkin’ ‘bout nothin’
I need the screen door slammin’
some homemade jam an’
some biscuits bakin’ in the oven
I need a little fun with my little one
a little gospel on Sunday
I need some hangin’ ‘round my little town
in a big way.
While I was humming the chorus of this catchy tune I made my way to clean up after our Sunday gathering where 13 of us met for dinner. I found melted ice cream on the table, paper napkins scattered about, a couple of dessert dishes near some empty pop cans and the chairs were all askew. I chuckled with gratitude as I recalled our evening together. It seems that when we gather the stories get bigger, the laughter gets louder and the family roots go deeper. Bonding and chillin’ together is so therapeutic and all of us left feeling better than when we came.
Whether we are planning a wedding, waiting for a grandchild to be born, celebrating a graduation, fighting our way through an emotional rough spot, trudging through Cancer treatments, stretching an already t-i-g-h-t budget, emerging on the other side of a divorce, or simply gathering for a Sunday Dinner, there is much strength and comfort in “Sittin’ ‘round talkin’ ‘bout nothin’!” In our fast paced life these days perhaps we should make time to do it a little more often.
Kathy Christensen
Survivor
Member, Lifting Hearts
I need some front porch rockin”
some back street walkin”
some sittin’ ‘round talkin’ ‘bout nothin’
I need the screen door slammin’
some homemade jam an’
some biscuits bakin’ in the oven
I need a little fun with my little one
a little gospel on Sunday
I need some hangin’ ‘round my little town
in a big way.
While I was humming the chorus of this catchy tune I made my way to clean up after our Sunday gathering where 13 of us met for dinner. I found melted ice cream on the table, paper napkins scattered about, a couple of dessert dishes near some empty pop cans and the chairs were all askew. I chuckled with gratitude as I recalled our evening together. It seems that when we gather the stories get bigger, the laughter gets louder and the family roots go deeper. Bonding and chillin’ together is so therapeutic and all of us left feeling better than when we came.
Whether we are planning a wedding, waiting for a grandchild to be born, celebrating a graduation, fighting our way through an emotional rough spot, trudging through Cancer treatments, stretching an already t-i-g-h-t budget, emerging on the other side of a divorce, or simply gathering for a Sunday Dinner, there is much strength and comfort in “Sittin’ ‘round talkin’ ‘bout nothin’!” In our fast paced life these days perhaps we should make time to do it a little more often.
Kathy Christensen
Survivor
Member, Lifting Hearts
Monday, May 2, 2011
MONDAY MOTIVATION - IN THE ARMS OF A MOTHER
This weekend was a momentous one for our family. We were all together for what will probably be the last time - at least for about 4 1/2 years. My oldest son, Grant (23), came home from college to spend some time with us. We spent Saturday as a family - it was Michael's 21st birthday. We had a great time together. Family pictures were in order. Even though it snowed in the morning, we were able to go in the afternoon and spend time at the Utah State Hospital grounds - what is referred to as "Provo Castle" - for pictures. This is a really old, rock amphitheater - we got some great pictures (I hope - I have yet to see them). We laughed, and laughed, as we tried to be serious for the pictures. Grant took them - he has started a photography business - and I saw just how hard and time-consuming it is to set a picture up that you, yourself, have to be in. But, I'm grateful I could have him do that. The kids played around on the grounds - even going so far as to have races rolling down the hill. You'd think they were all under 5! We went to lunch - something that doesn't happen very often because of the cost. And, then, that night, Michael, Grant, Rick, and I went to see the movie, Atlas Shrugged - something we'd been waiting to do for awhile. We've all read the book, and couldn't wait to see the movie. Anyone who hadn't read the book (Alex and Matthew), had to stay home! ;-)
All in all, it was a wonderful day - a special kind of day that we don't often get to have. And won't, again, for a long time. You see, Grant is leaving the country for a summer job, and he won't be back until the end of August. Michael is leaving on August 3rd for an LDS mission - we won't see him again for 2 years. He'll leave before Grant comes home. And then, Alex (who is almost 17), will most likely leave for his mission before Michael returns home. He, also, will be gone for 2 years. By the time he returns home, we will probably have more members of the family. So, this really is probably the last time we will be a family - together - just the way we are right now. My heart is breaking just a little bit at the thought.
Late Saturday night, Rick gave Grant a priesthood blessing - a father's blessing (something we do in our church) for his protection and safety. And then Grant spent some time giving Michael advice about his mission. It was very tender. There was a lot of weeping.
If you would have driven past our house on Saturday night - just a little bit after 10:00 pm - you would have seen what looked like a football huddle out on the lawn, next to Grant's car. It was actually a huddle hug. We all grabbed each other, and hugged tight - arms wrapped around bodies. It felt, to me, like something was ending. Some precious, special time. I can't adequately describe it. Of course, I was the only one who felt like my body was cracking apart. With a house full of boys, there is usually some confusion at to why Mom is crying at any given point! But, I'm so grateful for that time - for the huddle hug. A mother needs to have her arms around her children sometimes. Ah... those beautiful, beautiful boys of mine!
As I've been reflecting on my feelings this weekend, I've tried to pinpoint why I had to have that time - just the six of us. Why was it so important to me? 2.5 years ago, when I was diagnosed with cancer, that's all I wanted - to gather my kids and husband around me, and not let them out of my sight. My son, Grant, was on a mission in Japan, and I could physically feel that hole in my life. I remember not being able to sleep at night, and roaming my house - looking in on my children and watching them sleep. If I could just touch each of them each day, that was enough to get me through whatever the day held. Why is that? Why is it that at every momentous time in our lives, having family near is so important? As important as food or water, or even air.
As you can probably tell, I'm having a hard time with this changing time in my life. I don't want my kids to grow up and leave. As a mother, just the thought rips my heart to shreds. But... life goes on, doesn't it? We grow, we survive, we thrive. We look forward - not backward - and continue to find joy in simple things. Things like putting our arms around our children, or feeling gratitude for a sweet neighbor who serves us, or even just waking up to another beautiful day here on this earth.
I hope all of you can find something that will give you joy - no matter what you have to face in the future.
-Kara
All in all, it was a wonderful day - a special kind of day that we don't often get to have. And won't, again, for a long time. You see, Grant is leaving the country for a summer job, and he won't be back until the end of August. Michael is leaving on August 3rd for an LDS mission - we won't see him again for 2 years. He'll leave before Grant comes home. And then, Alex (who is almost 17), will most likely leave for his mission before Michael returns home. He, also, will be gone for 2 years. By the time he returns home, we will probably have more members of the family. So, this really is probably the last time we will be a family - together - just the way we are right now. My heart is breaking just a little bit at the thought.
Late Saturday night, Rick gave Grant a priesthood blessing - a father's blessing (something we do in our church) for his protection and safety. And then Grant spent some time giving Michael advice about his mission. It was very tender. There was a lot of weeping.
If you would have driven past our house on Saturday night - just a little bit after 10:00 pm - you would have seen what looked like a football huddle out on the lawn, next to Grant's car. It was actually a huddle hug. We all grabbed each other, and hugged tight - arms wrapped around bodies. It felt, to me, like something was ending. Some precious, special time. I can't adequately describe it. Of course, I was the only one who felt like my body was cracking apart. With a house full of boys, there is usually some confusion at to why Mom is crying at any given point! But, I'm so grateful for that time - for the huddle hug. A mother needs to have her arms around her children sometimes. Ah... those beautiful, beautiful boys of mine!
As I've been reflecting on my feelings this weekend, I've tried to pinpoint why I had to have that time - just the six of us. Why was it so important to me? 2.5 years ago, when I was diagnosed with cancer, that's all I wanted - to gather my kids and husband around me, and not let them out of my sight. My son, Grant, was on a mission in Japan, and I could physically feel that hole in my life. I remember not being able to sleep at night, and roaming my house - looking in on my children and watching them sleep. If I could just touch each of them each day, that was enough to get me through whatever the day held. Why is that? Why is it that at every momentous time in our lives, having family near is so important? As important as food or water, or even air.
As you can probably tell, I'm having a hard time with this changing time in my life. I don't want my kids to grow up and leave. As a mother, just the thought rips my heart to shreds. But... life goes on, doesn't it? We grow, we survive, we thrive. We look forward - not backward - and continue to find joy in simple things. Things like putting our arms around our children, or feeling gratitude for a sweet neighbor who serves us, or even just waking up to another beautiful day here on this earth.
I hope all of you can find something that will give you joy - no matter what you have to face in the future.
-Kara
Saturday, June 19, 2010
STRONG SATURDAY - Backyard games
Prevention's July issue listed several backyard games you can play with your family. Exercise doesn't have to be routine all the time - try one or two of these games and have fun with your family...
Badminton: You can play this even without a net - just volley to see how long you can keep the shuttlecock in the air. Count the hits and aim for more each time. *A great arm workout. (you can buy the rackets and birdies starting at $15)
Frisbee: Run to catch the frisbee (works your legs), or just pick a target and play Bull's Eye. Take turns throwing the Frisbee to see whose shot lands the closest. Play with two different frisbees to mark the spots. You can get the same kind of exercise by throwing a football, too! And, there are lots of fun different kinds of frisbees and footballs. (buy a frisbee for $8 to $20)
Shooting Hoops: Challenge everyone to a game of Around the World. Shoot from five or seven spots in an arc around the basket. Every time you make a shot, move to the next spot. The first person to finish wins! Play it faster and faster, and you'll have a great cardio workout. ($10 and up for a ball)
Bocce Ball: This Italian game, easier than bowling, is becoming more and more popular. Just toss the pallino, a small ball, onto the grass. Then try to get your balls as close as possible. (Bocce sets start at $20 and go up to over $100: don't get the cheap sets, they are just plastic balls filled with water. Splurge for a little bit better set with resin balls)
Hopscotch: This is one of the best cardio exercises of all. Speed and balance challenge both kids and adults. Race to see who can hop through the pattern the fastest. To really test your stability, throw two stones, one at the start and one at the end, to hop over two squares each time. Or use a coin, because it's harder to pick up than a stone. (Buy a box of chalk - $2 to $5 - to draw the diagram.
Have FUN this summer!
Badminton: You can play this even without a net - just volley to see how long you can keep the shuttlecock in the air. Count the hits and aim for more each time. *A great arm workout. (you can buy the rackets and birdies starting at $15)
Frisbee: Run to catch the frisbee (works your legs), or just pick a target and play Bull's Eye. Take turns throwing the Frisbee to see whose shot lands the closest. Play with two different frisbees to mark the spots. You can get the same kind of exercise by throwing a football, too! And, there are lots of fun different kinds of frisbees and footballs. (buy a frisbee for $8 to $20)
Shooting Hoops: Challenge everyone to a game of Around the World. Shoot from five or seven spots in an arc around the basket. Every time you make a shot, move to the next spot. The first person to finish wins! Play it faster and faster, and you'll have a great cardio workout. ($10 and up for a ball)
Bocce Ball: This Italian game, easier than bowling, is becoming more and more popular. Just toss the pallino, a small ball, onto the grass. Then try to get your balls as close as possible. (Bocce sets start at $20 and go up to over $100: don't get the cheap sets, they are just plastic balls filled with water. Splurge for a little bit better set with resin balls)
Hopscotch: This is one of the best cardio exercises of all. Speed and balance challenge both kids and adults. Race to see who can hop through the pattern the fastest. To really test your stability, throw two stones, one at the start and one at the end, to hop over two squares each time. Or use a coin, because it's harder to pick up than a stone. (Buy a box of chalk - $2 to $5 - to draw the diagram.
Have FUN this summer!
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