2009 Mutual Theme

Every year, our Church has a new theme for the Young Men and Young Women (ages 12-18) to follow. The theme(available 1/1/09) for this year is taken from 1 Timothy 4:12-"Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity". I was asked to help create a poster with this theme that would serve as a reminder throughout the year. This is what we came up with. On a personal note, I have the privilege to work with the Young Women in my ward (congregation). I get to see them on a regular basis making good choices and contributing to their community in a very positive way. They are a great example to me.

Nissen Family Photo Shoot

So last weekend we went out to take our Christmas picture. We kept it low key. Didn't fuss too much about clothes, etc. and had a fun time. I had this vision of using this weed infested field not too far from our house, thinking it would look like we were out in the country instead of just feet away from power lines, etc. Well, the sun was bright and I was using the tripod up high and had to climb a ladder every time I needed to set the self timer, so it got a little silly. It turned into a game of see how much you could run around before the timer ran out. This was the result of that location.

Then we went over to my favorite brick wall and nearby alley.

It can't stay serious for too long.

Emma might not agree all of the time, but she is so lucky to have 4 brothers AND they are so lucky they got a sister!

Jon-Erik (20)

Simon (18)

Ben (14)

Adam (12) Oops...I mean 

Adam...wait...

Ahh...Adam

Emma (8)

Finally, one of the things we came for.

A couple of cards that came out of the shoot.

Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Chaz, the flutist

Chaz is 16 and started playing the flute when he was in grade school like many other kids. Someone realized that he had a gift and in 8th grade, he started taking private lessons. He currently attends the Arizona School for the Arts. Our family had the privilege of seeing Chaz perform at the Mesa Arts Center last month as part of NPR's nationally broadcast 'From the Top with host Christopher O'reilly'. The concert we saw will broadcast on KBAQ 89.5 FM on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 7pm. That's quite a ways out, but I will send out a reminder. It is so worth listening to. 'From The Top' features young musicians between the ages of 12-18 who are exceptional at their instruments. While I photographed Chaz, he played his flute for me. I hated for our session to be over. His playing was so beautiful. What a talent!  

I also enjoyed collaborating with Brian. The first photo will appear in a printed ad in one of NPR's publications, which I included at the bottom. Here are a few from our shoot. I really wanted to have a sample of Chaz playing, but I cannot figure out how to upload it (Email me and I'll send it to you. Just put CHAZ in the subject.) In the meantime, if you'd like to hear the caliber of musicians on the show, click here.  Then click on 'Listen Now'. The show airs on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. on 89.5 FM

Special thanks to Roger Fowkes for his help on this ad.

Thanksgiving in Prescott

Well, I know it's almost Christmas, but I couldn't let the year end without a blog entry devoted to our Thanksgiving in Prescott. We've been going up to Prescott for Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember. Brian's brother, Kevin, runs Friendly Pines Summer Camp up there, so all the Nissens (and sometimes my family has gone, too) along with anyone else who is invited that particular year gathers in the Lodge for a potluck Thanksgiving Dinner. Kevin and Tracy always provide the Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy in addition to their hospitality. Brian's dad, Jim, always gets up early the next morning and makes a wonderful breakfast that we look forward to as much as anything. We love getting out of the valley and up into the pines. We love hanging out with Brian's family. I love being outside at night and not hearing sirens or cars driving by or even dogs barking. It's easy to forget what "quiet" sounds like when you live in the city.

In addition to the traditional feasting, we can always count on lively conversation, lots of laughs, games, walks down to the lake or Toby's Hole, exploring, reminiscing and just remembering all over again how great it is to be together.

Brian and his big brother, Kevin.

I didn't notice any bad bumps, but I liked the sign.

Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without the turkey AND without Grandma Nissen's cranberry jello with the little "sticks" in it as it is fondly referred to by Kevin.

These have also been around for years and years...salt and pepper shakers. The funny thing about them is that the holes are not big enough to actually get more than 3 specs of pepper or salt out, so they mainly serve as decorations and army guys. They sometimes even see battle, i.e. a match to the face by little rascals like Adam and cousin James.

Jon-Erik, relaxing with his guitar.

Watching the Cardinals game on Taylor's phone. I can barely see the ball on a normal screen. I don't know how they could get anything out of it. Spoken like a true "non-football" person!

A camp friend made Cream of Walnut soup, which tasted as fancy as the little cups they were served in.

Tracy, properly enjoying the delightful little soup.

We barely saw Emma the entire time. She entertained herself with Taylor's crutches for hours. Thanks, Taylor. :-)

The Nissen Matriarch and Patriarch: Barb and Jim

The girls took a walk on Friday, following breakfast and saw lots of great things...

Uncle Bud's cabin. I was interested in the little Swedish Dala Horse in the window. It looks old and weathered.

Tracy wanted me to take a photo of the GMC truck. I liked the pole with a blurred truck instead. :-)

Our walking companions: Aunt Tracy, family friend Caitlyn, and cousin Stevie

This is Huckleberry...mellow dog.

I think I love old cars. This old Mercedes caught my eye. It could have easily been in the movie, "Cars".

It still has some sparkle left.

This is my sister-in-law Tracy. She's a great friend and an inspiration in so many ways. Doesn't she have such a fresh, pretty face?! Talk about aging well. I don't even think she changes from year to year.

Last, but not least...

Luna, the cat, who kept getting in my way when I was trying to photograph the old car. I realized after it was all said and done that I did not get one photo of Simon, or Adam, who really were with us, I promise. Well, if you got this far, then you're either family or a really good friend! :-)