Happy, happy November 24! The night before 20 years ago my parents were at the play Macbeth, soon after my mother went into labor. Even before I was born I never really enjoyed Shakespeare. At least my mom didn't have c-section like in the play.. If she did I could have killed King Douglas (I think that's his name, I can't remember.) .. if you have read or seen the play you would understand that.
My dad tells me that the Thanksgiving of 1994 was the worst Thanksgiving meal he has ever had (you know how hospital food is..) But also his favorite Thanksgiving (awe.) He is so cute.
This week has been so wonderful. My wonderful family sent "Hermana Hemmingsenfest" in a box. What is that? The Hemmingsen family has this tradition of celebrating your birthday every day of the week leading up to your birthday. They send little boxes of treats and things that make me happy, one thing to open every day of the week.
The sad thing about this week was that Sister Cano was sick the whole time. She got the flu, poor thing. We had to stay home a couple of days, but don't worry. I kept busy. I decorated the apartment for Christmas, read, studied Spanish, cleaned, made treats for members, and took care of little Sister Cano.
The best part of Hermana Hemmingsenfest was yesterday. Hiram was baptized! The whole day was o busy, filled with preparation. But once the baptism started, the spirit was so powerful. I knew everyone in the room could feel it. All our hard work paid off.
Something special we did was Sister Cano, Elder Clark, Elder Miller and I did a special musical number. Clark played the ukulele, and the rest of us sang A Child's Prayer. I know it might not seem like baptism song, but 12 years ago I sang that song at my own baptism with my mother.
I remember the day very vividly. My grandparents and some extended family had come for Thanksgiving. My uncle Ryan gave a talk, my father baptized me, and then my mom and I sang A Child's Prayer. Sister Garcia played the piano; we had practiced for weeks. I was so excited to sing.
I stood up there in front of my friends and family and began to sing. We sang the two verses, and then split off; I sang the first verse while my mom sang the second. I got half way though and I totally forgot the words. My heart melted and actually, I think I started to cry. (oh, to be eight again.. hahah)
But this time it was perfect. We sang every word correctly and the spirit was so strong. What a funny sense of humor our Heavenly Father has to give me a second chance at singing that song exactly 12 years later. I am so grateful for him.
So along the lines of Thanksgiving, I would like to propose a challenge. I know if seems a bit hard sometimes to come up with a list of blessings, so I have created a little guide to help. With this list, you can have 100 things written down in 5 minutes or less, depending on how fast you write.
Here's the list:
10 people living
10 people who have died
10 miracle or memories in your life
10 foods
10 modern conveniences
10 talents
10 scripture stories
10 books, movies, or music
10 or God's creations
and 10 attributes of Christ
I created subcategories in my lit of 100 things, so I have at least 400 things if not more. It was so much fun to do, and really made me appreciate all that I have. Heavenly Father loves us so much. May we share that same love with others this holiday season. I encourage you all to help someone in need, or at least invite them to join you around the dinner table as you give thanks for this wonderful world we are blessed to be in.
Thank you for the birthday wishes! Sorry I can't respond to all your emails, it takes me a while to write this! (but I did take pictures of all the emails and I will take time to read every word. LOVE YOU.)
Shout out to:
Robin Faldmo
Michelle Lukken
Grandpa Hemmingsen
Avery Hemmingsen
for all having birthdays recently as well. November birthdays are the best.
Shout out to the future Adam and Caitlyn Brand!
shout out to Katie Barbee for getting engaged!
What are these 2013 graduates doing getting married.. this is crazy.
My dad tells me that the Thanksgiving of 1994 was the worst Thanksgiving meal he has ever had (you know how hospital food is..) But also his favorite Thanksgiving (awe.) He is so cute.
This week has been so wonderful. My wonderful family sent "Hermana Hemmingsenfest" in a box. What is that? The Hemmingsen family has this tradition of celebrating your birthday every day of the week leading up to your birthday. They send little boxes of treats and things that make me happy, one thing to open every day of the week.
The sad thing about this week was that Sister Cano was sick the whole time. She got the flu, poor thing. We had to stay home a couple of days, but don't worry. I kept busy. I decorated the apartment for Christmas, read, studied Spanish, cleaned, made treats for members, and took care of little Sister Cano.
The best part of Hermana Hemmingsenfest was yesterday. Hiram was baptized! The whole day was o busy, filled with preparation. But once the baptism started, the spirit was so powerful. I knew everyone in the room could feel it. All our hard work paid off.
Something special we did was Sister Cano, Elder Clark, Elder Miller and I did a special musical number. Clark played the ukulele, and the rest of us sang A Child's Prayer. I know it might not seem like baptism song, but 12 years ago I sang that song at my own baptism with my mother.
I remember the day very vividly. My grandparents and some extended family had come for Thanksgiving. My uncle Ryan gave a talk, my father baptized me, and then my mom and I sang A Child's Prayer. Sister Garcia played the piano; we had practiced for weeks. I was so excited to sing.
I stood up there in front of my friends and family and began to sing. We sang the two verses, and then split off; I sang the first verse while my mom sang the second. I got half way though and I totally forgot the words. My heart melted and actually, I think I started to cry. (oh, to be eight again.. hahah)
But this time it was perfect. We sang every word correctly and the spirit was so strong. What a funny sense of humor our Heavenly Father has to give me a second chance at singing that song exactly 12 years later. I am so grateful for him.
So along the lines of Thanksgiving, I would like to propose a challenge. I know if seems a bit hard sometimes to come up with a list of blessings, so I have created a little guide to help. With this list, you can have 100 things written down in 5 minutes or less, depending on how fast you write.
Here's the list:
10 people living
10 people who have died
10 miracle or memories in your life
10 foods
10 modern conveniences
10 talents
10 scripture stories
10 books, movies, or music
10 or God's creations
and 10 attributes of Christ
I created subcategories in my lit of 100 things, so I have at least 400 things if not more. It was so much fun to do, and really made me appreciate all that I have. Heavenly Father loves us so much. May we share that same love with others this holiday season. I encourage you all to help someone in need, or at least invite them to join you around the dinner table as you give thanks for this wonderful world we are blessed to be in.
Thank you for the birthday wishes! Sorry I can't respond to all your emails, it takes me a while to write this! (but I did take pictures of all the emails and I will take time to read every word. LOVE YOU.)
Shout out to:
Robin Faldmo
Michelle Lukken
Grandpa Hemmingsen
Avery Hemmingsen
for all having birthdays recently as well. November birthdays are the best.
Shout out to the future Adam and Caitlyn Brand!
shout out to Katie Barbee for getting engaged!
What are these 2013 graduates doing getting married.. this is crazy.