Christmas 2020
Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!
This year has been one of struggles and yet, we find blessings and praise the Lord for his grace. We are all healthy and have had many opportunities for peace and time at home.
Brian continues to work at PCS, although during this pandemic, his work schedule means working one week at home and one at the office. He also received his pilot's license at the end of last year and we have all enjoyed fun flights as our schedules and the weather allows. In October, Brian and a couple friends found the perfect plane and couldn't resist. He one happy guy!
Katie is still teaching art in Denison and is continuing to pursue her graduate degree through UNI. This spring through the fall has been one of researching, collecting, and writing. She collected data, analyzed, and wrote the findings for her thesis during these last few months. The end and beginning of the school year was full of ups and downs. Last spring was a big surprise for us all due to this pandemic. She tried to balance online teaching while trying to write her graduate lit. review (yuck) and hoped she was reaching enough students through tutorials and creative ideas. Katie is so thankful the school district has made it though half the year and can not wait until May when we can say hopefully say goodbye to covid protocols, masks, and graduate school classes and writing.
This year has been one of struggles and yet, we find blessings and praise the Lord for his grace. We are all healthy and have had many opportunities for peace and time at home.
Brian continues to work at PCS, although during this pandemic, his work schedule means working one week at home and one at the office. He also received his pilot's license at the end of last year and we have all enjoyed fun flights as our schedules and the weather allows. In October, Brian and a couple friends found the perfect plane and couldn't resist. He one happy guy!
Katie is still teaching art in Denison and is continuing to pursue her graduate degree through UNI. This spring through the fall has been one of researching, collecting, and writing. She collected data, analyzed, and wrote the findings for her thesis during these last few months. The end and beginning of the school year was full of ups and downs. Last spring was a big surprise for us all due to this pandemic. She tried to balance online teaching while trying to write her graduate lit. review (yuck) and hoped she was reaching enough students through tutorials and creative ideas. Katie is so thankful the school district has made it though half the year and can not wait until May when we can say hopefully say goodbye to covid protocols, masks, and graduate school classes and writing.
While the spring was a complete shut down, summer was up in the air and we found ourselves trying to fit all outdoor activities in as they opened up. First dance competitions were postponed and shortly after, speech, band, baseball, and 4-H. We didn't know when or how to handle the empty schedule. We started to think we'd be able to camp or hid in a cabin in Colorado for part of the summer. Unfortunately, Katie's grad classes took precedence and then activities started. Jasper joined the Giants little league baseball team this summer and the girls were able to perform their dance routines in a small recital. Then, 4-H opened up and took over for the rest of the summer. Better luck next summer!
Liz is a junior in high school this year with so many talents. Her activities include dance, yearly play/musical (Elf), Academic Decathlon, band (clarinet, bassoon, and guitar), speech, and working at Silveridge as a tenant companion. Last spring brought many sorrows as her activities were postponed or canceled. The biggest disappointment was a canceled trip to Alaska the Academic Decathlon team worked so hard for all year. While there were cancellations, teachers and advisors did such a fantastic job making students feel connected and accomplished through online platforms.
Violet is in eight grade this year and doing well her last year in the middle school. She enjoys playing the flute in the band and starting the violin. Last year she was the secretary for student council which was disbanded and elected to not do volleyball and really misses the connection she had meeting all grades in the school. She looks forward to the school play, Aladdin, in the spring and hopes that this pandemic will not get in the way. Violet really misses seeing friends.
Violet is in eight grade this year and doing well her last year in the middle school. She enjoys playing the flute in the band and starting the violin. Last year she was the secretary for student council which was disbanded and elected to not do volleyball and really misses the connection she had meeting all grades in the school. She looks forward to the school play, Aladdin, in the spring and hopes that this pandemic will not get in the way. Violet really misses seeing friends.
Jasper is a fourth grader at Zion. He is doing well and when asked his favorite things about school he stated, "My favorite subjects are P.E. and math". The shutdown of school last spring created several opportunities. First, Jasper learned how to ride a bike. He is so proud and loves to be outside (as long as someone is with him). Second, he has figured out how to play games online with his cousins. He's really enjoyed the time and connection whether they are a mile or a state away. Jasper is also continuing to learn how to play the guitar. He is learning to play 'A Million Dreams' and is practicing diligently (when we ask...Ha).
As you have read, we still have plenty going on and the Lord knows what is best. We just have to be ready to listen and follow Him!
For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel, “Seek Me that you may live". Amos 5:4-6.
May you all be well and know we love you very much!
The Christensen Family
Brian, Katie, Liz, Violet, & Jasper
As you have read, we still have plenty going on and the Lord knows what is best. We just have to be ready to listen and follow Him!
For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel, “Seek Me that you may live". Amos 5:4-6.
May you all be well and know we love you very much!
The Christensen Family
Brian, Katie, Liz, Violet, & Jasper