Merry Christmas 2015!!

As Christmas approaches we would like to thank our family and friends for your love, support, and friendship and share our events from this past year. Rick enjoys working (playing) in his recording studio and each year we try and record a family CD.  The kids all voted for Disney songs this year.  We will include the songs below (be prepared for lots of cheesiness!)  Rick also recorded a new Christmas song: From Swaddling Wrap to Crimson Robe and one especially for Jenna to celebrate/mourn our baby girl losing her two front teeth.  Jenna's song: All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth   

Janika (20) attended a year at Snow College on a full-tuition academic scholarship, worked as a youth mentor, and prepared for a mission. Here is her song if you would like to listen: I'm Almost There  Janika left in May to serve in the Nebraska, Omaha mission. She is loving her mission and we are very proud of her for her decision to serve! You can read her mission letters here:  sisterjanikajensen.blogspot.com

 

Jase (18) is a Senior at Snow Canyon High School.  He is currently taking several Concurrent Enrollment classes at Dixie State University and was recently offered a full tuition Presidential Scholarship at both DSU and SUU. Jase recently won Sterling Scholar in Mathematics and will represent his school at the Southwest Regional competition. Jase is currently a manager at Arctic Circle. Jase ran Cross Country and Track this year and is preparing for a mission after his graduation from high school.  Jase's Song:  I Can Go the Distance

 

 

Jared (15) ran Cross Country and Track at SCHS and earned his Eagle Scout. Jared went with his sister, Janelle, and his dad on a ten day church history trip this past summer to New York, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska (where they were able to visit Janika on her mission)! Jared is pretty creative and his home-made swords made from swim noodles have become a big hit with the kids in the neighborhood who love to come over and play jail tag with him. Some of Jared's other talents include juggling, flips, riding his unicycle, and even synchronized swimming!! His circus act showcased at his school talent show was a big hit!  Jared's Song:  I'll Make a Man Out of You

Janelle (13) won second place in District in the Geography Challenge for sixth grade. She experienced her first time on a plane this past summer going on the church history tour with her brother and dad.  Janelle is involved in musical theater and recently played the part of Old Nala in Lion King Jr. at her school. She loves to sing and is enjoying being in Honor's Choir.  Janelle's song:  When Will My Life Begin

 

Jaiden (11) graduated from elementary school and is loving attending Intermediate School with her sister, Janelle (except for having to leave at 7:00 a.m. to catch the bus!)  She was also involved in Lion King Jr. and is  extremely busy with school, friends, choir, activity days, dance, and tumbling.  Here is a link to one of her dance numbers (she is the one on the far left):  Dicken's Festival 
and also a link to her song:  I Won't Say I'm in Love

 

Josh (9) is in the fourth grade and is involved in the dual immersion program for Mandarin Chinese. This was his first year in soccer and he did awesome!  He enjoys soccer, cub scouts, reading, video games, making projects and hanging out with his older brother, Jared. This year he ran the Swiss Days 5K and didn't beat his brothers but he did beat his mom! Josh's Song:  I Just Can't Wait to Be King

Jenna (7) is in the first grade in the dual immersion program for Chinese. Jenna is very social and LOVES to play with friends!!  Jenna started Ballet this year and is enjoying it.  She loves to dance, sing, swim, jump on the tramp, dress up, paint her nails, and make art projects.  Jenna's song: Part of Your World

 

 

Rick was transferred from Pine View High School to Desert Hills High School this year (teaching Seminary).  Rick loves teaching and was recently called as the Gospel Doctrine Teacher in our ward.  He and Wendy were also Session Directors this year for EFY at BYU Provo and enjoyed having Jared in their session.  Rick's Song:  Her Voice

After long hours of study and practice, Rick recently passed his professional level Interpreter Certification!!  He has been working towards this goal for two years and his perseverance finally paid off!

Wendy loves working with the children in her ward as Primary President. She also enjoys working part-time as an interpreter for the deaf at Dixie State University and in the community.  This year Rick convinced Wendy to participate in the family CD.  She decided on the song: Mother Knows Best.  You could say it is her debut and we've included it here because I'm sure a talent agency will be calling soon, and we wouldn't want you all to be surprised with the news!  :)

As you can see we have lots of fun together as a family.  We are so grateful for the bounteous blessings that our Father in Heaven has given to us and wish you all the peace that only the Savior can bring.  Merry Christmas!

Love, Rick, Wendy, Janika, Jase, Jared, Janelle, Jaiden, Josh, Jenna