Jackson's 1st Talk in Primary

Another post with no pictures, but I wanted to remember this special day. Not because we lost Minion this morning, but because Jackson gave his first talk in Primary today. I know its not good to brag about your own kids, but for a minute I am gonna! Jackson did awesome for his first talk! I was so proud as he sat so brave and confident in the assigned chairs in front of his primary group. I sat on the side until it was his turn. I sat quietly just watching him smile and wave at me. Once it was his turn, he walked right up to the microphone, made sure he adjusted it to his mouth just like the adults do and repeated everything I whispered to him. For the most part he spoke so clear and loud enough for the microphone to pick up his voice. His topic to speak on was "the scriptures are the word of God" and the following is the few sentences he read to the Primary...

"My Nana gives me lots of books. Sometimes these books teach me about different animals or dinosaurs, and sometimes they are funny stories. No matter what kind of book it is that I get from my Nana I can’t wait to read it over and over again. The scriptures need to be treated the same way. Heavenly Father gave us these scriptures to teach us things and tell us stories. I love my new scriptures and I love to read them every day with my family."

With approval we got to record his talk so Nate could watch it since he had to miss it while he was teaching Sunday School. How fun is that going to be to watch in 20 years from now! I love how confident and what a great leader he already is to those around him. I was curious if he was going to get scared to speak once it was show time, but Jackson didn't hesitate once! Today was definitely one of those parent reward days, but also a bittersweet day knowing that Jackson is growing up so fast. Before I know it he will be (hopefully) serving a mission and sharing those same words to those he was called to serve but in his own words backed by his own testimony. We love you Jacks and good work!

For those that have read my last post, you would have been introduced to Jackson's new friend "Minion". Minion was Table (#2)'s mystery baby that appeared after Table (#1)'s long nap. Unfortunately Minion went to bed last night and never woke up this morning. I missed the initial reaction because I was at a meeting, but I got a text this morning from Nate letting me know Minion was taking a nap as well! I could only imagine what Jackson was thinking... You lazy fish, wake up and quit taking so many naps accompanied by a few tears! A few hours later we left for church and Minion continued his nap. We got home from church and he was still napping. Some where in between lunch and some Sabbath day relaxation "Minion went to heaven". Only Minion's exodus to heaven was a secret spoon escort from the fish bowl to the toilet bowl accompanied by Nate. I wish I would have taken a picture of Minion before his swirly but I figured I would save you the drama and the heartache for Jackson when he finds out the truth one day. I feel we made a step of progression to telling Jackson the truth. For the most part we didn't lie to him this time, we just never said he died and who knows, maybe Minion was taking a long nap and just never woke up? We tried to keep it a positive experience and what could be better than living in heaven? I asked Jackson if he wanted to go get another "Minion" in the morning and he said "No". I guess Minion was just irreplaceable. It was a good week spent with you Minion! Lets just hope your companion Table #2 lasts a little longer so we don't have anymore fish drama around our house for awhile.

Table's Long Nap

Last Saturday was a rough day for Jackson. It all started with us cleaning out Table's (aka... Jackson's fish) fish bowl on Friday. Jackson and I cleaned it all out and filled the water back up and he was good to go... or at least we thought so. Saturday morning comes around and we did the usual morning feeding of some fish flakes. I took notice of Table's busy behavior but didn't think twice about it and carried on with my Saturday morning.  A few hours later I came back into the kitchen to see Table had jumped ship! He was laying on the floor helplessly when I found him and the first thing I did was yell for Nate. Of course Jackson came running too and saw Table out of the water before Nate and I had a chance to decide what to do or say. Jackson was instantly devastated thinking that his fish was dead. In a moment like that you don't know what to say so  the first thing that Nate came up with was, "Jacks what if Table is just taking a nap?". Nate encouraged Jackson to take a nap himself and by the time he had woken up from his nap, Table probably would be too. So back into the bowl Table went to finish his long nap. It took some time for Jackson to take a nap but once he finally did, Nate made a quick stop at the store to purchase Table #2 and make the switch. Not only did Nate buy 1 new gold fish he bought a little baby fish too. Jackson may only be 3, but he definitely is smart enough to know extra fish just don't appear in to fish bowls. We are hoping one day Jackson will forgive us, but the story that was told, and he totally believes, is that Table was taking a nap because he was going to have a baby. When Jackson saw Table (#2) swimming and another baby fish in the bowl he was a happy little boy again. He did have a few questions on how Table had a baby but we dodged those pretty well and the story lives on. One day he will read this, so when he does here is my SORRY just in case I am not around when the news is broken.

My conclusion to how Table made his escape was that Jackson and I filled his bowl too full Friday night and by Table's behavior on Saturday, he knew it was his day to make the leap! If only Table was smart enough to know he wasn't jumping to a bigger bowl. But obviously Table wasn't that smart and now we have a new "Table" and his little baby "Minion". And from now on, the water level won't be filled that high ever again. 

SO SORRY JACKSON! RIP Table #1

Nate's 29th Birthday

January 19th was Nate's 29th birthday. Unfortunately we both had to work all day, but later that night I had some things planned for Nate. We started by taking the kiddos to Nana's so we could go out as a couple. We went to dinner at Sweet Home Chicago Pizza followed by a little shopping at the District to pass by some time before our couples massage. After a hour of relaxation we met Nana, the boys and some of our neighbors back at our place for cake and ice cream to continue the birthday celebration. I am not much of a cake maker or eater so I made Nate a mini cake for his candles while the rest of the party guests got cup cakes.

 There was a lot of heat coming off those candles!

 

 So much heat that while I was lighting the candles the flame got fire to the sign on Nate's cake.

Hopefully Nate had a fun day for his birthday and that he enjoyed all of his birthday surprises. I know the boys were sure happy it was Daddy's birthday because they were loving the cup cakes. After all our friends had left I caught the two boys in the kitchen eating MORE cup cakes. I asked Jackson why he got another cup cake out without asking and he said because Brother wanted one. So in mom language that means, Jackson really wanted the cup cake but used Andersen as the excuse so he didn't get in trouble for eating one. He is a smart one that's for sure, but at least he was sharing with Andersen.

My Super Hero

With the primary theme this year being "I know the scriptures are true" all the primary kids will be learning about the different scripture heroes. One of Jackson's first experiences with primary this year was his first activity. He was so excited because he got to dress up as his favorite super hero. I never get to see him in primary so I stayed to watch the activity with all the kids. They all started out by sitting on the floor with their friends and teachers to listen to Kenny tell a story about his favorite scripture heroes.

 The first hero they learned about was Noah

 and the second hero they learned about was Samuel the Lamanite.

After story time they met in their individual classes to enjoy donuts and juice and make their own super hero that looks just like them.

  Jackson loves his class and his teachers!

And Jackson especially loves these 2 cute boys! It doesn't matter where we are at or what we are doing because as long as these 2 are there, you know they all will have fun.

I am so glad I stayed to watch this activity because I loved watching our awesome Primary Presidency teach these little children. These women are incredible and did an amazing job putting this activity together, plus they make for some cute super heroes as well!

 Even though the only thing Jackson probably remembers about this activity now is that he got to wear his Hulk costume to church, I know by the end of the year he will definitely have a favorite scripture hero. With the spirit that was felt at this activity it will be impossible for these children not to at least remember one scripture super hero.

Road Trip

The weekend before Christmas, Tina and I made a short/long road trip down to Mesa Arizona to see these two love birds get married. It was a short and long trip because we left Friday morning at 6am to Arizona and turned around Sunday morning to make the same 10+ hour drive back home. I think we spent more time in the car than we did anywhere else but I just love Nate's family so it was totally worth it! We spent Friday night around Chandler eating dinner and browsing the mall. Saturday was the wedding so that took most of the day. We did however find time to go eat and shop again in between the wedding sealing and reception. The shopping was a little disappointing but everything for Ciara's wedding was perfect! She had some of the cutest ideas with the coolest backyard reception.

This road trip will always be remembered for me getting Tina addicted to "Angry Birds" and satisfying the craving for Buffalo Wild Wings! I definitely had a good time and a good break from reality but this sign never looked so good after all those hours in a car!

Our Christmas Story

Christmas Eve has always been my favorite day to the Christmas season. I love the anticipation and excitement that this day brings. We started early with last minute cleaning and a few errands in the morning. Shortly after that, Nana, Uncle Bob, Aunt Leeshie and Presley came to visit us before they went to Layton with Alicia's family that night. Ever since Nana has had grandkids she has done PJ's for them on Christmas Eve. With Ryan's family not being around closer to bedtime we dressed the kiddos in PJ's early just to get a picture of all of them together. They were pretty dang excited about their new jammies,

but they weren't about to sit still long enough to get a picture with all 3 of them on Nana's  lap.

When it was time for our visitors to leave, we got the boys undressed out of their PJ's and we left to see "Tangled" just us 4. We don't do the movies very often, but I think we should because the boys were great the whole time! As long as both of them had their popcorn on hand they were good to go. Andersen even took a nap when he was all popcorned out. After the movie we had Christmas Eve dinner at "Cafe Rito" per Jackson's request. Not your typical Christmas Eve dinner but it was nice just to be together as a family.

After dinner we took the boys straight home to the bathtub so they were all clean for their new PJ's. I don't know what it is but kiddos freshly cleaned and lotioned all dressed in pajamas is my favorite! My boys are always so cuddly at night time so it is always good family time for us right before bedtime. Andersen is always so good at going to bed, but Christmas Eve is probably the easiest night out of the whole year to get Jackson in his bed. He actually asked to go to bed because he knew the sooner he went to bed the sooner it was Christmas morning.

I don't know who was more excited for Christmas morning... us parents or Jackson? This is the first year he has really understood the concept of Santa and he was so excited to see if Santa brought him his "Hulk Suit" that he desperately wanted. Nate and I couldn't wait to see his reaction.

Morning came and we started around 7am. Not bad for our family considering they rarely sleep past 7 on normal days let alone sleeping in on a day like Christmas. I think Jackson kind of forgot that it was Christmas morning at first, but shortly after he realized the big day was FINALLY here!

I made him wait in the hall so I could take pictures and video record his reaction as he came around the corner to their surprises. Both boys missed the whole couch of stuff and just noticed presents under the tree (I refused to put the presents under the tree before because Jackson wouldn't stop asking if he could open them) After a few looks around he found his stocking. Still no reaction of finding Hulk until we told him to look on top of the couch. That's when the excitement finally hit! His first words were "I knew Santa would bring me my Hulk suit".

Even though Jackson was excited about the costume he anxiously started unwrapping the presents on the couch from Santa first

while Andersen watched from Grandma Kay's lap. He was clueless to what all this excitement was about, but was content watching Jackson.

Andersen's contentment only lasted for a few minutes. After learning from Jackson on what to do with the presents Andersen started unwrapping his

while Jackson tried on his costume! He was hilarious! Jackson kept posing in his costume and did this pose for the camera all by himself. Can you tell he is a little obsessed with Hulk right now?

He even finished unwrapping the rest of his presents dressed in his costume because he was loving it so much.

Andersen was fun to watch as well because he loved ripping all the paper off the presents and he loved chasing this Zhu Zhu pet around the kitchen.

Every year Nate and I think it can't get more fun than this, but every year it just keeps getting better and more fun with these kiddos. Can't wait to see the boys reactions next year! As parents we are always relieved when the kids are satisfied after all that anticipation, but this year was definitely rewarding with the "Hulk Suit" arriving just 2 days before Christmas! We were also glad we got to share Christmas morning with my parents.

I forgot to take pictures of the rest of Christmas Day, but after we were done with presents we made breakfast and got ready to go over to the hotel where my parents were staying to do Christmas with my side of the family. We had everyone together minus my sister and her family, who are in Minnesota, but they were still apart of it through webcam. The kiddos got spoiled for the 2nd time and off we went to Great Grandma Hansen's to visit before the Rothe's party started. We visited there for an hour or so with all the cousins, aunts and uncles and reminisced all our Christmas's with Grandpa and how different it was to not have him there. Then we made it over to Nate's family. We had a yummy dinner together, participated in Nana's nativity story and songs and then did presents again. Man did these kiddos get spoiled from everyone! With kids being off the normal nap schedule Andersen was worn out so I went home with Andersen while Nate and Jackson stayed and played the Wii with his brothers. 

This was the 7th year Nate and I have celebrated Christmas together and they just keep getting better. We feel so lucky to be surrounded by family (some we wish were closer) and to be able to spend this special holiday remembering the real meaning behind this Christmas Day. With Jackson being older and understanding so much more we wanted to make sure we taught him why we celebrate like this rather than just thinking it is a random day to get presents. He doesn't quite understand the nativity story but what he did grasp this year is that we are celebrating the Savior's birthday. We taught him, just like we celebrate his birthday every year, it is important that we remember to celebrate Christ's birth and to make sure we invite Him to his own birthday party, so to speak. Let's just hope we can build off that next year!

We have a Sunbeam!

I can't believe Jackson went to Primary for the first time today! Nate and I have been talking to him about this for awhile to get him prepared for it and when today came he was so excited even though the picture would say otherwise. Jackson has always loved Nursery and being able to play with all his friends for 2 hours so I was a little nervous how he would react to more of a structured schedule. Our ward has 3 sunbeam classes and his 2 favorite buddies are in different classes, but luckily Jackson has 2 of his favorite people as his teachers (Sister Wagner and Sister Ware) so today was definitely a smooth transition. He even said he likes Primary better than Nursery so it couldn't have been too hard on him. I asked Jackson what his favorite part about Primary was and he answered with singing "Scripture Power". He has no clue what the words are to the song yet, but he was happy he got his own set of scriptures for Christmas so he can sing along with the other kids. I wish I could be a fly on the wall for those 2 hours every Sunday but I guess I will have to wait until the Primary Program to see it all.

Christmas Date

Last year Nana took Jackson on his very own Christmas date. They went to dinner and then made a gingerbread train. Well Nana has officially started a tradition doing it 2 years in a row now. A few days before Christmas Nana picked up Jackson and they spent hours together. They started by going to Chuck 'E Cheese for dinner and games and then drove passed Christmas Street to see all the pretty lights. Jackson loved dinner but supposedly kept telling Nana just to go home so they could build their gingerbread house. I think Nana ended up doing more building while Jackson took the job of eating. Either way I think their house turned out great and I don't know who had more fun that night. I think Jackson didn't get home until after 10:00 so they both must have been having fun!

Sweet Moment...

 

Last Christmas Jackson got really into Nana's Christmas train she puts around her tree. This year Jackson was even more excited! One night while we were there I heard the boys playing with the train. The noise level went quiet and the only thing I could hear was the sound of the train. When I went to check on them, this is what I found! Isn't that so sweet? Now that Andersen is getting older, more mobile, more involved in toys and his surroundings, I don't get to see the two boys being this sweet to each other very often. More times than not they are usually fighting over toys so this is definitely a moment I was happy to see. It is nice to see that they do love each other even if they don't show it very often.

The REASON we celebrate the SEASON

A couple weeks before Christmas we went as a family with some friends down to Temple Square. What a beautiful place to get you into the Christmas spirit and remember why we celebrate this day in the first place. My favorite view is of the simple Nativity of baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph.

Jackson loved seeing the lights last year and was excited to go again this year. Andersen on the other hand had no idea what we were doing since last year he was bundled to the max as a newborn in the stroller but he definitely enjoyed all the fun colors and lights this year.

I asked Jackson what his favorite part about Temple Square was and his response was the horses. If you have ever been down to Temple Square you know there are NO horses on Temple Square. The only horses we saw were the horses pulling the carriages as we walked across the cross walks to and from Temple Square. Good thing we walked through all the chaos to see all the lights! Note to self next year, all we need to see is the horses from the sidewalk. Forget dealing with the craziness of finding a parking spot or fighting the many people and their strollers, we can satisfy Jackson just by driving around the block.

Here are some more of my favorite views of Temple Square.

 With our busy schedules lately it was nice to take a night out as a family and the Christensen's and enjoy the spirit that is felt around Temple Square. As parents we tried our best to show Jackson and Landon the reason to the Christmas season. Lets just hope it went in one ear and didn't come out the other during all their silliness that night. They were having so much fun goofing off together that it was hard not to let them play around together. That is until we went to dinner at Crown Burger and the worker yelled at us for letting the boys play on something they shouldn't have. OOPS! That was a moment us parents looked at each other and said "Man, who's kids are those?".  Good thing they are both so cute!

God gave His greatest gift to us on that first Christmas Day. "There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ."—President Thomas S. Monson