HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hope everyone has a fun & safe New Year's Eve

and a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!

NewCastle News

Crea and Ashley have been in Arizona for Christmas and aren't home yet, maybe they like the warm weather. It Is Crea's Birthday today 29 Dec. 2009. He is turning 31 years old today HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Crea, Love You. He is another great Grandson all of them are, he is always doing things for me.
~Grandma Christensen

Happy Birthday Melissa!

by Wayne:

Melissa is an excellent mom and wife. She enjoys spending time with her family and taking care of her boys. She is very good with kids and puts her teaching degree to good use. Even before Rylan was in kindergarten, she would hold "school" to make sure the kids knew their full name, address, phone number and important stuff like that. She likes helping Rylan with his homework and takes turns teaching Chandler's preschool along with the other moms in the group. She just accepted a calling to teach in primary starting the first of the year and will do a great job. She does a good job keeping up with the house, especially with the three tornadoes pulling things out right after they are put away. She likes to be very organized and is the "bin queen." She has labeled bins in the garage, closets, bathrooms, toy room, and anywhere else a bin will fit. Melissa enjoys cooking and always has our meals waiting for us. She is creative in her cooking and refuses to follow any recipe. She likes to take her favorite parts out of three or four recipes, add a few other items she has on hand, and combine them into something that is usually delicious. She is also good at sewing and has made lots of blankets, curtains, and other things. Melissa loves her pajamas. I think she has a different pair for every day of the month. She likes to be comfy and doesn't put real clothes on unless we're going somewhere, and sometimes not even then. She is a snuggler and likes to always have somebody touching her. She won't let me have my own pillow and is always bunched right up against me. We would easily fit in a twin bed except she has to have room for her boys to climb into bed with her in the morning. When I wake up for work, there are usually one or two of them snuggled up with her. And if there's not, she will make me go and get one before I leave. Melissa loves to e-mail and talk on the phone. She can't walk past the computer without glancing over to see if there is an e-mail for her. Anybody that has ever e-mailed her knows because they probably got a response within five minutes no matter what time of day or night it was. Our hard drive crashed a few months ago and we were without a computer for a few days, and I think she was going insane. Melissa loves to shop at Kohl's and Victoria's Secret, but I don't mind it because she is very frugal. She will find something that she wants and then wait until it is 80% off with free shipping before she buys it. We love Melissa very much and appreciate all that she does for our family.
~Wayne

Mom makes good food for us - Rylan
Mom made me my Buzz blanket, and I love it - Chandler
Mom changes my diaper - Jared

Melissa is a very good mom. Her teaching degree has helped her in teaching her kids and preschool. She is a great gardener and we love it when she shares the harvest ;-) She is also a good singer and a loving wife to Wayne. We're glad you're in our family. We love you Melissa!
~Debbie & Randy

Happy Happy to Melissa. You are a great person and fun to be around. You have such a cute little family, and I'm so excited that you'll be adding another little kiddo to the bunch. Lyla wants even MORE cousins, so keep 'em coming :) We love you.

~Noob, Lance and Lyla

Melissa is such a fun sister-in-law and friend to me. Charlie and I love hanging out at their house, making dinner together, playing games and playing with the kids. Melissa is so pretty, smart, sweet and talented! She has green thumb and grows a great garden and bottles all kinds of yummy food. She's a great cook and although I give her a hard time about her "creative" cooking, it's only because I'm not creative. She finds time to do all kinds of crafts such as pottery, sewing, painting, etc. Melissa is such a loving wife and mom to Wayne and the boys and she is so loyal and dedicated. Chuck says Melissa is a cutie!

~Love, Snick

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA, Melissa has been so good to me in keeping in touch with pictures of the boys as they have come along, and even put them on a page and in a protecter sheet. Thank you so much, and for the gift that you gave me at Thanksgiving.

~Love Grandma Christensen

Happy Birthday, Melissa! When I talked to Melissa this morning, I think the thing she was most excited about was having Wayne home. Melissa is a great Mom and is always doing stuff with the kids to help them learn. She and Wayne both do a lot of reading with the boys and they love it. I have been impressed with Melissa's organization especially when she gets together with her friends and makes freezer meals. We love you Melissa and hope you have a fun birthday and a Happy New Year.

~Mom

Melissa is a fun, kind, laid-back person and is very smart and talented. I admire the way she keeps their house always looking nice and decorated but also knows how to relax and play a game with the kids or the family. You can tell that she loves being a wife and mom and enjoys spending time with Wayne and the boys. She is very sociable and not afraid to try things. I was so excited to have their family up this summer to hang out and raft. She was also game to run a 5K with us (and smoked all of us). She won a pretty big tub of honey afterwards and, because she's so sweet and nice, some leathery hag talked her out of trading the honey for her sunscreen! Vick and I were mad but Melissa didn't care. Happy Birthday Melissa! We love and miss you!
~Suzy

I just love Melissa she has such a spunky personality and usually speaks her mind. She is a cute little Mommy and Wife. All of her boys adore her. She is very creative and always has a new project. Kobe always likes to go to her house for a sleepover (thanks for always meeting us at Target, Melissa). We are glad you are part of our Family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

~Cynthia

Melissa is such an amazing person. I'm always in awe at the many talents she has. Her sewing abilities are extraordinary and also her shopping skills. I've never seen anyone shop the sales like her, it really takes a lot of patience and skill! She also has a great personality and is fun to be around. I can talk on the phone with her for a long time and there is never a lull in the conversation. I also enjoy playing games with her and Wayne. She is a great mother and wife and always puts their needs in front of hers. We love you and hope you had a great birthday!!

~Vicki & fam

Missionary Moments - Christmas Morning Video

The Son of God

"There is a magic in Christmas. Hearts are opened to a new measure of kindness. Love speaks with increased power. Tensions are eased...

"Of all things of heaven and earth of which we bear testimony, none is so important as our witness that Jesus, the Christmas child, condescended to come to earth from the realms of His Eternal Father, here to work among men as healer and teacher, our Great Exemplar. And further, and most important, He suffered on Calvary's cross as an atoning sacrifice for all mankind.

"At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Son of God," Ensign, Dec 1992, 2).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Missionary Moments - Christmas Eve Storm Video

Missionary Moments - Christmas Eve at the Apartment Video

Happy Birthday Dad - a poem by Suzy

Dad is so caring, hard working and wise
He knows how to conserve and find good buys
Has a good sense of humor, he was always being funny
When I fell asleep at dinner, he’d hop me like a bunny

He always played with us at the Logandale Pool
And took us for scooter rides so we could feel cool
He taught me how to help build a block wall
And was brave to take all eight of us to the mall!

He knows his health facts and is pretty darn smart
And taught us not to restrict a possible fart
He always vacuumed and helped around the house
And tried to catch varmints, whether a gopher or mouse

A very good hunter, he loves the thrill
And even cooks it up at Barney’s Grill
Cooks the best split pea soup I’ve ever had
He’s a great example of a loving Dad

An example of kindness, serving with might
He taught me to want to choose the right
I love him so much, what else do I say?
Oh da doo dah flippin day!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Out of all my dads, I would say Gubba is my favorite! He has such a great sense of humor and a fun personality. Just about every time I see him he sings his, "Where have you been, Vicki Lynn, Vicki Lynn?" song. The funny thing is that I don't think he's ever sang it the same way twice. He is a very social and friendly person and loves to talk to people. I remember as a kid how he could just walk up to a stranger and strike up a conversation. Now I find myself doing the same thing. I also love going to Barney's grill. He is a great cook and I love going over to his house for ham & beans and any sort of wild game (or anything smothered in gubba's gravy). Thanks for being a great dad! We love you!

~Vicki

I can always count on a hug from Dad. He loves going to the Temple and is a great example to us. Dad likes doing stuff with his boys. Kaden says he is COOL. I always enjoy his Fireman stories. He is a jokester and is always cracking us up! Happy Birthday Old Man.
~Love ya, Cynth

Dad is a jokester and very social. He really enjoys hunting with his boys. His family means the world to him. He has a good voice and likes to sing. I know it was a proud moment for him when all the kids were in the Temple when Natalie and Lance were married. We love you, Dad.
~Debbie &Randy

Dad loves his family, hunting with his boys and riding his motorcycle. He takes care of himself by exercising regularly and taking lots of vitamins. He likes to tell jokes and make up silly rhymes and poems that sometimes end with: oh da do da day! I think it's sweet when he gets choked up talking about his kids or grandkids.
~Snick

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY. Christmas Eve where you are having your birthday get-together a day early I think you should dress in a Santa Suit and put those bells you have around your neck and play Santa to your grandkids in town. Beverly could drive you around. That would be a fun birthday.
~Love, Grandma Christensen

Happy Happy Boppy!! Thank you dad for teaching us all the things that you did. You taught us how to work and to take the time to do things right. Lyla sure loves to come see Boppy and Mamu each week. We love you.
~Noob, Lance and Lyla

Submitted by Mom:
This is from Grandma Lucille Evans' history. She wrote:

"In Sept or Oct of 1942, Sam went to Salt Lake City and worked for Sears Roebuck then he got a job for Smedley Fruit Company. In Nov of 1942, Sam came home and moved me and Sandra to Salt Lake, where we found an apartment on Garard Ave. just off Center Street. I was going to have another baby and with the hard time I had with Sandra we decided to find a specialist to deliver my next one. We had a buggy I would put Sandra in and take her down town. We didn't have a car, so Sam would take the bus to work.

"In Dec 1942, just before Christmas, we decided to get us a Christmas tree and I went shopping. I had Sam's sister Mae take care of Sandra while I went; this was Dec 23, 1942. When I got home we decorated our tree. I was so tired and my back hurt awful. The next morning, Dec 24, at 2 am, I took sick. By the time Sam ran to his sister Mae's house to have her take me to the hospital and take Sandra to her house, I was about ready to have my baby. It was raining real hard and we got wet. My baby was born at 4 am. It was a little boy. He weighed 5 lbs, and we named him Samuel Gary. I didn't get to have Christmas at home, and by the time I got home from the hospital, Jan 3, 1943, the tree and all the decorations were taken down. I had a real good Christmas though. We had our baby and he was healthy.

This is what happened after Gary was born: "Sam got laid off from Smedley Fruit on the 18th of Jan, 1943. He started to work for Interstate Motor Co., He worked two days then was laid off. On Jan 23, 1943, Sam started to work for Allied Van Lines and on Jan. 29 hurt his back so he had to quit his job. Feb 9, 1943, Sam started to work for Safeway Stores, but quit his job March 13 and we rode the bus and moved back to Hatch on March 14. On March 27, 1943, Sam started to work for Mammoth Lumber Co."


CLICK HERE to read the spotlight about Dad in the December 2004 family newsletter (click on each page to make it big enough to read).

Family Christmas Party

We gathered on Christmas Eve-Eve this year which made it nice for those traveling to be with in-laws for Christmas. The turkey dinner and pies were delish! There was lots of great entertainment and tons of presents opened.

Aunt Cynth snuggling up to Lyla Claus

Some heavy-duty piano hoisting....

thank goodness for men and their muscles!

Snick & Sissy

Ry-Guy's harmonica solo...."Jingle Bells"

Kaden, Kobe, Halle & Tylee

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"

Chandler, Rylan & Melissa

"When Christmas Comes to Town"

Vick on harmonica with the kids singing "Jingle Bells"

Guitar/Piano duet by Lance & Natalie

Enraptured Crowd

Kessa

Kannon

Carissa

Cameron

Nativity

Evan & Chandler

Alisha... "Unto you a child is born!!"

3 Wise Guys!

Sweet little Angels

Lyla's debut as Baby Jesus

Cousins Gift Exchange

A new phone for Deb... oh yeah!

Pajamas from Grandma

(and a BYU blanket for Carissa)

Silly kids!

Kobe wants a "mushtache" like Uncle Wayne!

Happy 40th Birthday Roddy - by Candi Evans

Where do I start? When I look back, I can't believe it has been almost 23 years since Brad and I started dating. Our first date was my 16th Birthday. I will never forget dancing on our front lawn wrapped up in blankets because it was so cold outside. I realized I loved him when we were at Youth Conference in Provo and he was going up to Idaho with the scouts for another few days. I remember crying because I didn't want to go without seeing him for that long!!! So, he has been the love of my life for more than 20 years!

Brad is a wonderful husband and father. He loves more than anything to do things with his kids and his family. They are truly his best friends. He is so involved in everything they do, from sports, to music (he and Kannon have been playing some great songs on their guitars), to homework (he has Mom's gift for math). He has taught them all to read, not me!! He loves to play ball with them in the backyard, jump on the tramp, or ride 4 wheelers, but a lot of times you will find him snuggled up on the couch with all 5 of us curled around him!

As all of you know, Brad is an awesome cook! The kids told us one night that Mom cooks the regular stuff and Dad cooks the good stuff!!! We had a good laugh because it is so true!!! He is also very talented when it comes to building. He is very meticulous when he is making something. It drives him crazy if it is not perfect!!! He has built our homes and several others. He is very involved in the whole process from picking out just the right paint color (we had 10 different ones before we got just the right color), to carpet, to furniture and fixtures. He has also built bookcases to match our computer room, Kessa's dresser, a gun cabinet, storage units for Steve, & a desk & cabinets for our garage. One day he would love to have the dream garage full of woodworking tools!

He has taught himself to play the guitar and I love to listen to him play and sing. He plays a lot to relax and unwind. He has taught Kannon quite a few songs and it is so fun to hear them!!

Brad loves to hunt, especially with his brothers, Dad and Kannon. He was so excited for Kannon when he got his first deer! He loves camping with both families and riding 4 wheelers and anything outside. Right now, he teaches Elders Quorum once a month. It stresses him, but people always tell me what a great job he does!! He has a strong testimony of the gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ.

He is such a blessing to me and our kids. They can not wait until he comes home in the mornings and they all run to him as soon as he walks in the door! They love when he is on a 6-day!!! We are so lucky to have him as our Dad and husband. He is so devoted to all of us and we love him so much. His happiest days are when he is doing things with his whole family! We love you, Roddy!!!

Happy Birthday Brad!

Roddy is such a wonderful brother. He has been very helpful and there for us this past year. I think he was at the hospital every day Kevin was in! Brad is a great dad and husband and he loves and respects Candi and the kids. He is very mellow and always allows the whole neighborhood and all the cousins at their house. Kevin loves hunting with him and Wayne. He is a great example to us. Thank you Roddy for Loving my Family too. Happy 40th Birthday.
~Love ya, Cynth

Happy Birthday Roddy!! Hope you had a good one. I am so glad you are my brother. You are very talented at LOTS of things, and you have a great family. Happy Happy!

~Noob, Lance and Lyla

I'm grateful to have such a wonderful brother. I'm always proud to tell people in the valley that Brad is my brother (usually they are in shock). He is very handsome and has such a beautiful family. I also enjoy being around him because it seems like he is always happy and upbeat. It always amazes me how he accomplishes so many things and yet still finds time to spend with his family. Hope you had a Happy Birthday Roddy!

~Vicki

Brad is obviously great at everything he does! I admire his motivation to, not only get things done, but to help other people as well. Mom said the other day he was coming over to put up their Christmas lights for them. Brad also has a great sense of humor and a great laugh. He was always willing to get in on those funny home videos we made. Remember the star of our "Good Nites for Outdoorsman" commercial a few years back?

Happy Birthday Brad. We love you!

~Suzy

Brad is a loving dad who likes to spend time with his family. He is a good singer and quite musical even though he might not recognize it. He is a skilled craftsman who has built some cool things (including their houses). We Love you Brad

~Randy & Debbie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Brad, I do remember (5 days old) that you spent your first Christmas at your Grandparent Christensen's house, 40 years ago. Our Christmas Baby, I was 44 years old at that time, still a young Chick. Grandpa Christensen said (I guess to Beverly) “Never again driving you to the Hospital to have another Baby” so Kevin was born in Las Vegas .

~ Love, Grandma Christensen

Happy Birthday, Brad!! We love you. It sure doesn't seem like 40 years since you were born. We had moved to Las Vegas after Julie was born. Dad had got on the Fire Dept. but he was still part of the National Guard in Cedar City. Because we would travel to Utah for his Guard meetings each month, I continued to go to Doctor Farnsworth in Cedar. Brad was due the end of December, so Debbie, Julie, and I went up to stay with Mom & Dad about the middle of the month and Dad came up on his 4-day off then went back to Vegas.

I had gone to the Doctor on the Friday the 19th and he said I was getting close to having the baby. The next day Grandpa Christensen was pretty nervous about making another middle-of-the-night run to the hospital like he did when Julie was born, so he had Steve drive me back to Cedar after dinner and take me to Marv & Brenda Hyers place. They ended up taking me to the hospital later that evening and Brad was born about 2 a.m. (I think) on Sunday morning, Dec 21. In those days, of course, we had no idea whether we were having a girl or a boy so you can imagine we were pretty excited about having a boy. Dad was on duty that night, so I called him early the next morning to tell him that he finally had a son.

I was in the hospital a couple of days and I remember that Grandpa Christensen came over and picked us up and took us home from the hospital, so I'm thinking Dad stayed in Vegas and worked another shift before he came up for Christmas. Brad was a wonderful Christmas present for us. We are proud of him and his accomplishments and his family and the fact that he is a great Dad. Happy 40th Birthday. Think how old you will feel when Kannon turns 40.

~Love you, Mom

Brad, Candi & Kannon

Taken 13 years ago (December 1996)

Happy 12th Anniversary Shane & Vicki

Surprise Party!

Candi threw a 40th Birthday Surprise Party for Brad

Birthday Boy!

Lots of yummy appetizers and desserts

FORTY = Friends, Family, Food & Fun!!

mmmm..... cheesecake!

White Elephant gift exchange

A few strange gifts...