Loma Prieta Earthquake 20th Anniversary

Just a note in rememberance of being in the Loma Prieta Earthquake 20 years ago today.  We were just sitting down to dinner when the earthquake hit at a little after 5 pm (pacific time zone).  We were living in Campbell CA and I was due to deliver Tyler any day.  We were 20 miles from the epicenter.  We grabbed Russell who was just a little over 2 years old and took cover under the table.  Even though the earthquake only lasted for about 15 seconds it seemed much longer.  We were blessed to not have any damage to our condo.  We had several homes in our ward and stake damaged.  We lost power for only a few hours as our home was on the same grid as the police station.  I was grateful that I didn't go into labor that night as we had no idea of the condition of the roads between us and the hospital which was in Mountain View, about 25 minutes north of where we were.  Tyler was born 3 days later amidst many aftershocks at the hospital and at home.  There was a lot of damage in Los Gatos and over the mountain in Santa Cruz.  All night long and for several days afterwards we had helicopters flying back and forth to Santa Cruz to give aid.  There was a lot of damage in San Fransico as well.  Many lost their lives as the Bay Bridge collapsed and pancaked together.  We felt so very blessed to be safe.

Homecoming 2009

Margot and Caitlen dressed up for Cartoon Character Day for Spirit Week.  The Freshmen had to choose a character on PBS.  She choose Cookie Monster along with 95% of the Freshman class (this picture was taken before she went to Seminary and got the cookie monster PJ bottoms and socks that she also wore).  The Juniors were supposed to dress up as a character from Cartoon Network.  This worked out perfectly because one of the Christensen kids has worn the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume for one day of Spirit Week since Russell started high school in 2001.  We have to keep the tradition going!

Many of the students go stag to Homecoming and this group was no exception.  (L to R) Britanny Mulligan, Ashley Lund, Savannah Mulligan, Holley Lund, Margot and Caitlen.

They gathered for pictures at the Lunds then headed to Applebee's for dinner.  The dance was held at the Holiday Inn Express/Cocoa Convention Center.  The theme was Candyland

The Shoes

What  beautiful girls.  It is fun to see three groups of sisters that like to be with their siblings.  I'm glad they have so much fun together

Caitlen's Birthday!

Caitlen is 17- We appreciate the wonderful, talented, thoughtful young woman she is

September 2009- Robert's Parents Visit

Mom made some beautiful fall decorations for us
Enjoying the porch at the Deseret Ranch Visitor's Center

We took a tour out at the Deseret Ranch

Visiting the TICO Warbird Museum


Robert's parents came to visit for a week. They were on their way to Ron's annual reunion for the USS Algerholm, the destroyer he served on during the Korean War. We love having them come visit

SeaWorld!

To celebrate our anniversary (and to take advantage of the girls being at EFY) we spent a day at SeaWorld. It was pouring at our house and on the way over to Orlando but it cleared up just as we arrived and was beautiful all day! We spent the following day at the temple and then went out to dinner.

Now and Then

July 7th was our 26th wedding anniversary. It seems just like yesterday that we were starting our life together. Robert, thanks for being such a wonderful husband. You bring so much joy to my life. I'm looking forward to the next 750,000 years!

St Petersburg Especially For Youth

Tres Chicas- Madison, Margot & Miranda

Best Friends

Margot's Company- "Consecrate Thy Performance"

Kalyn, Lauren, Caitlen, Ashley and Suzanna

Cool Sisters

Caitlen & Margot attended EFY July6-11 in St Petersburg. Here they are with there companies. They had a great time together and with their friends (old and new). They loved getting to hang out all week with youth that share their same standards. The classes were AMAZING and really help fortify them for the coming school year! If you ever have a chance to send your kids, do it! It's the best investment you can make.

Caitlen's Company "Believeth All Things"

Preoccupied

Ok, So I've been a bit preoccupied with getting J Tyler out on his mission and then catching up on everything else. So I'm back on and will back post some things and then try to keep up.

I take my hat off to all of you who post so regularly and with all your fancy widgets etc. I am in awe. I am learning though . . I made a new header and it only took me an hour and a half. Oh well, in time I'll get faster.

I am constantly amazed at how blessed I am and how the Lord is mindful of each one of us in the midst of the constant chaos of life. I don't know what I'd do without Him

One of the Great Joys of Parenthood

Today was a wonderful day! We were able to go to the temple with J Tyler. How do you put into words all the emotions you feel? Tyler, we love you and are proud of how you have sought the truth out for yourself. We know it hasn't always been easy but we see the peace and happiness that has settled over you. We are grateful for the choice you have made to take this big step in your life. We are also grateful that you have made the choice to serve the Lord. Always remember this day and the covenants you have made. We know you will be blessed for it!

We were also blessed to have a few wonderful friends join us today. Leah Lund and Mary Jo Hill came from our ward. Leah has a son Tyler's age and is a great friend. Mary Jo was one of J Tyler's seminary teachers. Our special friend Steve Sass came from Georgia to be with us. He was here from Washington State on business in Georgia and drove three and a half hours each way to be with us. We appreciate his love and friendship. He left before we were able to take a picture.

Mission Call!

J Tyler will be serving in the California San Diego Mission as a spanish speaking missionary! We are excited. He enters the MTC on February 25th. We promised the girls they could go out to Salt Lake when he leaves so we will all be there to say goodbye.