Merry Christmas everyone! instead of Christmas cards this year Im just posting the pictures I would have sent. hope you all have a very merry Christmas and travel safe! love Brett, Emily Berkley & MonroeThursday, December 10, 2009
Instead of a Christmas card...
Merry Christmas everyone! instead of Christmas cards this year Im just posting the pictures I would have sent. hope you all have a very merry Christmas and travel safe! love Brett, Emily Berkley & Monroe
Merry Christmas!
Take my Son
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift..'
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later.. There was to be a great auction of his paintings Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'
There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'
But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'
Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandt's. Get on with the real bids!'
But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
'We have $10, who will bid $20?'
'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'
'$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?'
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'
A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'
'What about the paintings?'
'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!'
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE
Please send this to at least 3 people and back to the one who sent it to you.
Do whatever you like, but remember that maybe 'one' of the people you might have taken the time to send this to, may be just the person who needs to hear this message. You have a choice to make.'
God Bless.
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift..'
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later.. There was to be a great auction of his paintings Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'
There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'
But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'
Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandt's. Get on with the real bids!'
But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
'We have $10, who will bid $20?'
'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'
'$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?'
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'
A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'
'What about the paintings?'
'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!'
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE
Please send this to at least 3 people and back to the one who sent it to you.
Do whatever you like, but remember that maybe 'one' of the people you might have taken the time to send this to, may be just the person who needs to hear this message. You have a choice to make.'
God Bless.
I got this story in an e-mail from my sister and thought somebody else mught enjoy it. Merry Christmas!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
"oh I-ee I-ee I-ee am dreamin, of white, christmas!"LEAH
so I just heard that song and got a little sentimental. this is for all the cousins out there! so on Christmas eve we have kind of a talent show with the whole fam and Ive only been gone one year, but the point is I just keep thinking of LEAH and TANNER singing that song and it was thee coolest! And I will miss the Christiansens singing malaka meke maka- whatever it is the hawaiian one! the Dicksons with all there musical instruments. And of course the one year I was gone when Shanni was Mary, I wish I could have been there! I miss and love all of you guys! you made me the cool person I am today! and memories of growing up with you are my favorite things to think about! I hope you are all making your husbands sing Christmas morning before you (Im mean your kids) can run down the stairs. I feel bad I haven't practiced yet with my kids they dont even know about it. the Snow dance with you all! I love all of you COUSINS!!!!!!!!!! if any of you are driving through tri-cities please stop by! RASSMUSSENS STEVESONS DICKSONS DUNNS CHRISTENSENS!
ALSO Here are some pictures from our fun thanksgiving at my Parents- We missed you Marissa!
the crew at the tree farm the day after thanksgiving
cousins making apple/candy turkey's
watching christmas movie with the cousins
dads bday
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thanks Giving
Just wanted to Give Thanks for all my many blessings starting with my little Family,
Monroe is growing up so fast! shes already wearing Berkleys clothes from when she was 12 months. no shes not super blob, berkley was really petitte and still is. She'll be 9 months after thanksgiving. she can crawl backwards and has started to go forward, just a couple steps- not steps but you know what I mean. She is a talker. and not a quiet talker and loud talker. She'll say mama and dada.and just has the sweetest smile and little laugh! shes my little snuggle bug- I love it! And she thinks Berkley is thee funniest person in the world! so darn cute!
Berkley really is little miss sunshine. She's so funny, she does this thing where she'll lip sync to music and its pretty hilarious she'll put one arm on her stomach and one arm out and shake her head like shes singing opera. its pretty cute. And she loves to dance! I can't wait for her to start dance in January. this is a picture actually of her with one of her ballet costumes over her clothes of course. I love this stage shes in right now. Its the all the things you think of when you think of a little girl, dolly's and tea parties and dress up! Shes a sweetheart too she gives compliments like nobody Ive ever met. its so nice to hear 'mom I like your haircut' thats a daily one. or I like your pretty bracelet- or whatever. Shes such a great example to me of how I should be, except for the kissing little boys thing! (I think we got it under control) two cute things she says lately "I am beautiful" and "I made this for you" its funny cause she says it about things that she didn't make like toys. I think she thinks it means Im giving this to you. I dont know!
Brett I love you! Thank you for all you do for us! all your long hours at work. And all the time you find to play with the girls and spend with me! I apreciate it so much and I know you've gotta be exhausted. We are all so excited when you get home and look forward to it everyday. Your a great dad and husband and I wouldn't trade you for a million bucks! maybe 2 million-noooo! just kidding your my world! love you, miss you! -Em
I love my girls! Im so grateful for them both and my one big boy!
Monroe is growing up so fast! shes already wearing Berkleys clothes from when she was 12 months. no shes not super blob, berkley was really petitte and still is. She'll be 9 months after thanksgiving. she can crawl backwards and has started to go forward, just a couple steps- not steps but you know what I mean. She is a talker. and not a quiet talker and loud talker. She'll say mama and dada.and just has the sweetest smile and little laugh! shes my little snuggle bug- I love it! And she thinks Berkley is thee funniest person in the world! so darn cute!Berkley really is little miss sunshine. She's so funny, she does this thing where she'll lip sync to music and its pretty hilarious she'll put one arm on her stomach and one arm out and shake her head like shes singing opera. its pretty cute. And she loves to dance! I can't wait for her to start dance in January. this is a picture actually of her with one of her ballet costumes over her clothes of course. I love this stage shes in right now. Its the all the things you think of when you think of a little girl, dolly's and tea parties and dress up! Shes a sweetheart too she gives compliments like nobody Ive ever met. its so nice to hear 'mom I like your haircut' thats a daily one. or I like your pretty bracelet- or whatever. Shes such a great example to me of how I should be, except for the kissing little boys thing! (I think we got it under control) two cute things she says lately "I am beautiful" and "I made this for you" its funny cause she says it about things that she didn't make like toys. I think she thinks it means Im giving this to you. I dont know!Brett I love you! Thank you for all you do for us! all your long hours at work. And all the time you find to play with the girls and spend with me! I apreciate it so much and I know you've gotta be exhausted. We are all so excited when you get home and look forward to it everyday. Your a great dad and husband and I wouldn't trade you for a million bucks! maybe 2 million-noooo! just kidding your my world! love you, miss you! -EmI love my girls! Im so grateful for them both and my one big boy!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Disney on Ice & Halloween
Bretts disguise/halloween costume. the mustache wouldn't stay on so this was the best and only picture of it.
So we went to Disney on Ice last Thursday and Berkley was mesmorized and just loved it. Im so glad we went. I took about 4 pictures at the begining then my camera died of course. Shes still talking about "Disney on Ice" and Tinky bell. Yesterday she asked if she could call Tinky bell and I said "I dont know her number' and she said " oh, its 4!" so I said I think she's busy right now. I didn't know how to get out of that one. and yes I know its tinkerbell. I highly reccomend going if its in your area. 
Painting and carving pumpkins fhe
Berkley with her friends Ava and little sister Adalyn
Halloween was fun Trick or treating. Berkley lost her cat ears somewhere in the neighborhood and Halloween night I actually forgot to draw her whiskers and nose on her! and she had her coat on all night. so the last few houses she just had a tail that was turned around, cause she had to show every door her tail. people where probably thinking she was pretty ghetto. but we went to a trunk or treat a few weeks ago and Friday we went to a thing at Walmart were the kids dressed up and got candy so she was a full on black cat then! so judge if you will! jk. after we went trick or treating. we got home and brett dumped all the candy on the tabe and began to sort. I thought I was having a flashback. i guess someone needs to teach her thats what you do! hope everyone had a fun halloween
just had to throw this one in there. Monroe will be 8 months on friday I cant believe it. I feel like time is in warp speed lately... like for the past year!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Let the wild rumpus start!
no I didn't see where the wild things are but sometimes our house feels pretty wild, but I wouldn't have it any othere way! We went to our friends halloween party last night. just one more time to use our costumes. it was alot of fun and I have to say halloween is still pretty awesome even when your 25... you reap the benefits even more cause you decide how much candy they (kids) and when, and you can eat the rest! no! I dont do that! of course not! We also did our haunted candy houses this weekend so it was sugar city and its not even the 31st. love month long celebrations! so heres the kiddos---
Friday, October 16, 2009
Weird picture I don't think either of us look like that but its the only one I got that nightbeen a while. My little brother came home last week from his mission in NC so me and the girls went and stayed at my parents house. He's not so little anymore! cant believe it I feel so old! It was alot of fun to see him and my other siblings. And Im excited to see them on thanksgiving with Brett too.
We went to the zoo with all the cousins which was fun and on Saturday we went on a Breast Cancer walk with the girls and my Dad and Jake. It was fun. Its been 5 years since my mom finished chemo- woohoo! Cancer is lame! October is Breast Cancer awareness month so buy pink!
girls at zoo
zoo
Sunday, September 27, 2009
love being the mom
We are getting excited for Halloween. i love any and every holiday. Being the mom is the best cause you can totally get into everything and nobody thinks your a weirdo. I can have a halloween countdown and play dress up in july! yestereday while dad was away I had a little photoshoot with the girls. I think Berk is going to be a black cat. Its gone from her wanting to be a doggy, to a camel, to bad guy, to finally fingers crossed a kitty --not just any kitty though, she said these exact words "I want to be a kitty with a red nose like a reindeer" duh-anyway... here are some pictures of the kiddos
Monroe Idalice -6 1/2 months 16 1/2 pds
Berkley Mae 3yrs old
Monroe Idalice -6 1/2 months 16 1/2 pds Berkley Mae 3yrs oldWe got these make yourself masks from the $ store- holla!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
jaker baker
Oh my little Brother Jake is coming home in 21 days!!!!!!!!!!!!! woo hoo! Im so excited and I just cant hide it! He is the baby and has been on a mission over in Raleigh NC for the past 2 years and has not seen any of my in laws...yet...and I dont think its gonna happen. We are so proud of him and cant wait to see him. Berkley's been asking about uncle Jake since July. I dont think she actually remebers him but she definatley knows him from pictures. There are 2 new babies since He's been gone (Monroe & Kenzie) and one on the way--not mine
awww Jake and Berkley at 6 months. Funny that Monroes that same age... and looks nothing like herSunday, September 13, 2009
6 months & Tea Parties
Monroe is 6 months as of the 6th. Her first tooth broke through the weekend she turned 6 months. Shes a happy baby and sleeping alot better since that tooth came through. She loves Berkley and Berkley loves her. I dont know who has more fun together cause they make each other laugh alot!
Her favorite toy right now, flowers that light up, play music and have different textured petals. shes growing so fast!so last week sometime we went to Goodwill cause I wanted to find some little teacups and plates for Berkley to play tea party with and I found these clear cups and little pitcher (which Im guessing is probably for alcohol but works good for this purpose) and She loves to play Tea party with them. I also got some mini goblets there for her. so we steralized them all and she loves it. she just pours water in the cups and from the cups into the other cups. Keeps her busy forever! little messing but not that bad. I just keep a towel in on her little table in her room. And its all carpet so its not gonna break.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
camping, factories, animals, and leavenworth
WARNING LOTS OF PICTURES!
Marissa (sister) stopped by on there way home so Berkley got to see her cousin's Hallie(in pic) Trent & Kenzie!
weekend before last we went to a ward campout. we were a little nervous because our last campout with Berkley noone slept, but it went really well. We all slept and had a fun time with the ward. thats Berk with her little friend Sarah from nursery
throwing rocks in the creek at the camp out- nothing funner- yep thats a word
so this last weekend (labor day) we decided to go up to Leavenworth, bavarian town about 3 hours north of us. And on the way we stopped at s few places, first the Appletts & Cotlets Factory where we got a tour of the factory. Not quite as big as I remember from when I was a kid. but it was still fun. it was funny cause they said even Monroe had to wear a hair net. really? I can see Berkley needing one for sure but really? We were all pretty stylin
We also stopped at this really cute petting zoo/ mercantile/fruit stand on the way. it was awesome. they give you a bag of feed and some corn huks for the animals. Berkley didn't want to leave but it started to pour down rain so we had to go.
this is one view of leavenworth from our hotel window. and yes it was hard to find a place on labor day weekend, the day before.
outside the chocolate factory- so good- we had cheesecake dipped in chocolate on a stick-can life get better than cheesecake dipped in chocolate on a stick?
I love this place. it was Bretts first time and he had a good time.
of course we had brat's and polish weiners for dinner. everyone is dressed in bavarian clothes-oh and yes I did completley chop my hair and dye it brown. it looks better than this picture though- that was after a down pour of rain!
On the way home our happy camper # 1
Happy camper #2
Monday we decided to try out our new firepit. Berk wasn't quite patient enough to cook the hotdog but she tried! her favorite was her cold marshmellow sandwich(she didn't want anything hot) 
good weekend had by all! wish Brett didn't have to go back to work ever!
Marissa (sister) stopped by on there way home so Berkley got to see her cousin's Hallie(in pic) Trent & Kenzie!
weekend before last we went to a ward campout. we were a little nervous because our last campout with Berkley noone slept, but it went really well. We all slept and had a fun time with the ward. thats Berk with her little friend Sarah from nursery
throwing rocks in the creek at the camp out- nothing funner- yep thats a word
so this last weekend (labor day) we decided to go up to Leavenworth, bavarian town about 3 hours north of us. And on the way we stopped at s few places, first the Appletts & Cotlets Factory where we got a tour of the factory. Not quite as big as I remember from when I was a kid. but it was still fun. it was funny cause they said even Monroe had to wear a hair net. really? I can see Berkley needing one for sure but really? We were all pretty stylinWe also stopped at this really cute petting zoo/ mercantile/fruit stand on the way. it was awesome. they give you a bag of feed and some corn huks for the animals. Berkley didn't want to leave but it started to pour down rain so we had to go.
this is one view of leavenworth from our hotel window. and yes it was hard to find a place on labor day weekend, the day before.
outside the chocolate factory- so good- we had cheesecake dipped in chocolate on a stick-can life get better than cheesecake dipped in chocolate on a stick?
I love this place. it was Bretts first time and he had a good time.
of course we had brat's and polish weiners for dinner. everyone is dressed in bavarian clothes-oh and yes I did completley chop my hair and dye it brown. it looks better than this picture though- that was after a down pour of rain!On the way home our happy camper # 1Happy camper #2 Monday we decided to try out our new firepit. Berk wasn't quite patient enough to cook the hotdog but she tried! her favorite was her cold marshmellow sandwich(she didn't want anything hot) good weekend had by all! wish Brett didn't have to go back to work ever!
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