Sunday, November 29, 2009

Rainbow Bridge 2009


Rainbow Bridge at Lake Powell

Family Letter

November 2009
Dear Family,
Mom has reminded me numerous times that it is my turn to write the family letter. I admit it is good to receive them from each of you but for some reason it is hard for me to get around writing the letter.
I know that many of you guys are on face book and other computer programs and keep in touch with each other. Who knows, maybe someday I will learn how to get signed up and be able to communicate with each of you.

This being the thanksgiving time of year, I need to let you know how blessed we have been as a family and appreciate all the support that we receive from all of our family.
Maxine was recently called as a councilor in the Relief Society Presidency. She is in the Presidency with two ladies who have been in Young Women for years which means that she is has the experience and can keep them in line.
Chad’s family is doing well. He is working at Capital Community Bank in Orem and is having about as much fun banking as I am. In case you haven’t noticed, the economy is not doing very well and banking was a lot more fun when banks were making money.
Dylan turned 12 on the 15th of this month. We were privileged to be able to attend the conformation and ordination of him receiving the priesthood and being ordained a Deacon in the priesthood.
Olivia is a real dancer. Her dance class preformed at half time at the Jazz game earlier this month. From Marc’s report she was the cutest one on the floor. Maxine is teaching her, Lily, Emma and Jaidon weekly piano lessons.
Todd’s family is also doing well. He and LeAnna are busy raising their 4 children and running to all of their activities. J R had his 8th birthday the 6th of November and we attended his baptism along with most of our family.
It has been a family tradition that on labor-day each year for the Payson’s Onion Days celebration Todd’s family comes to visit and run the 5k or 10k race along with others. Participants this year were Todd & Leanna who run the 10K. Then Hope, Jaidon, Sara, Anne, Juan, Marc, Julie, Dylan and Olivia run the 5K. Jaidon was 1st place in his division and Hope won 3rd in hers.

Brandon and Hope seem to have most of the drama going on in their lives at this time. The real blessing has been Levi who had his heart surgery on the 10th of the month. We are so grateful for how well everything went. The OPEN HEART surgery was on an Tuesday and he came home on Friday. We were so impressed with Dr Adity Kaza. Hope and I just went to a checkup at Primary Children’s Hospital and the Dr said Levi has a “good heart”. We appreciate all of you and the prayers that were offered for the little guy. Thank You!

Brandon is working at the Spring Hills Suites. We ALL appreciate the family and friends discounts he helps us with.

Anne is working at the mortgage department for Bank of American Fork. I know they have been doing well, and I am sure she loves her job. She and Juan just returned from a vacation to that place in California where the mouse takes all you money.

Sara is cutting my hair along with most of the members of our family. Blake has a job with the school district as a custodian at the New Maple Mountain High School in Mapleton. It seems to be a good job, but he has a swing shift schedule which leaves Sara home at night with the kids. Bryton and the twins started preschool this year and all happen to be in the same group. I think the teacher should receive extra pay for having those three in the same class.

Marc and Allison have some great news. They will have a little baby boy in February!! That will be neat. They have bought a home in Tremonton, Ut and Marc really likes his job.
Just this month, he has been to a SF 49ers game and a Denver Bronco’s game to help with the punt, pass & kick competition at halftime. He also won season tickets to all the Jazz home games.

We are so grateful to have such a supportive and wonderful family.

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We love you all

Greg Christensen

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Levi's Heart Surgery

Hello Family,
It's been a long time since I've posted. Thought I would share what's been going on with us the past couple of weeks (and grandma keeps asking me if I've blogged about this yet!).
November 10th we took Levi in for reparative heart surgery. In simple terms he had one large hole and one small hole patched and one valve repaired. Everything went remarkably well and he is now home, happy and on his way to a long healthy life. This surgery should be the only one he will need throughout his life.

This is Levi about an hour before the surgery. Isn't he cute in his hospital pjs?

Levi right after the surgery. I was expecting him to look a lot worse, so I was actually pleasantly surprised. The doctor told me he would be on a ventilator and very swollen. Turns out Levi did so well during the surgery he was able to be taken off of the ventilator in the operating room.

This is Levi with his surgeon, Dr. Kaza. I have great respect for this man. He is an amazing surgeon and person. When he told us he would take good care of Levi, he really meant it. I think you can tell within the first couple of minutes of visiting with a doctor if they really care about the patient. Dr. Kaza really does care!
This is as close to smiling as Levi came for two days. He was so mad at whoever's decision it was to put him through the pain. He would just glare at whoever was there, which is SO out of character for him. But, isn't he cute. I think he will be a doctor someday, he really does have a fascination for all things medical:)

This is Levi the day he was discharged. Back to all smiles. He really is recovering remarkable fast.
I've said it before, but Thank You again for all of your love, support, prayers and concern. I really do have the best family a girl could ask for!