Leone Vivian Sorensen Larsen (1907 - 2001) - Find A Grave Memorial

Leone Vivian Sorensen Larsen (1907 - 2001) - Find A Grave Memorial

Home Remodel Beginning

Today would be the first day of our destruction before the construction can start. Actually Wayne and I have been working on things for a couple of weeks now like taking down cabinets and emptying out the bedroom closets and the shed. Today the big equipment came to remove our concrete. Looks like it's going to take another day to finish that project. Here's a picture from day one.

What are Your Christmas Traditions?

Christmas time is full of traditions. For our family and kids I ask them to name a few of the traditions that were most important to them around Christmas - they each named several different things but all three kids named having German Pancakes for breakfast as number one tradition. I don't really remember when we started having German pancakes on Christmas morning - my mom says she remembers having them with us in South Dakota on Christmas so that has been at least 22 years ago. I guess we can call that a tradition.
Some of my favorite traditions that we have done over the years is the traditional Christmas music we listen to. The same familar Christmas smells or scented candles that I have. I don't burn candles anymore but the scents are the same. I did buy a candle this year for my candle warmer. Salt City Candy Cane! Love it!!
We have poinsettias on the stairs - 4 of them up the stairway on shelves Wayne built. They are beautiful. We used to buy real but after years of throwing away these big expensive plants, I found some equally beautiful silk plants and so this is what I use now. Saves a lot of money wasted.
We have a yearly family Christmas party. Wayne and I love to cook a big fancy dinner for the family. It used to be for all of Wayne's extended family but as our family has grown and the kids have gotten married - the invite list has shifted to include just our kids and grandkids and our parents. This year we has filets with garlic mashed potatos, french bread, brussel sprouts in butter sauce and mushrooms and onions for the steak.
We had a break in tradition this year due to some work schedules, we normally go to Tylers and watch his kids open presents Christmas morning. This year because they were staying at my parents, my parents got to enjoy this treat. I hope they enjoyed this, I'm sure they did.

The boys have a 30 year tradition of going to cut our Christmas tree the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year Jocelyn and Brandon took Emma with them and their picture of Emma cutting the tree is so cute. Tyler went this year but none of his kids went. We need to work on that part. I'm sure his kids would have a great time. It was bad timing for Nash this year because he is right in the middle of potty training. Maybe next year. Zachary went but Hayan didn't take little Nia. At only 5 months old that one is easy to understand why Maybe next year for her too.

No matter what we hold on to as tradition and what we have to let go of as we start our own new families - I think the one most important tradition that must never be lost is family is the center and as long as we have our family, we are richly blessed We must always reflect upon the true me aning of Christmas and be grateful for our Savior. I am so grateful for my family - Our Parents, our siblings, our children and our grandchildren.Only because of them are we truly blessed and rich beyond measure .

 

Christmas Party 2012

So many good things happen and I don't take the time to record them. Luckily I can use my blog for my journal as well as my written journal. I figure between all of my different creative outlets, I should have things recorded somewhere. If not in written word, in pictures.
Recently Wayne and I had the opportunity of vacationing together in Kauai. It was a beautiful week together in a beautiful place. I've recorded most of that information in my travel journal but I may post some pictures here on the blog but not immediately.
As soon as we got home from Hawaii we finished preparing for our Christmas party. It was a polar express theme. We had the house decorated in snowflakes that each of the kids had made the week before. We made lifesaver trains and Karie helped the kids decorate sugar cookies. Our dinner was yummy. We had tenderloin (bacon wrapped of course), garlic mashed potatoes, brussle sprouts, fresh bread. Our cookies and the hot chocolate later in the evening was our dessert. Jocelyn helped everyone make popcycle stick stars and my dad told the little kids about the Christmas in 1937 or 38 when he received his toy train that we were using under the tree. Emmett told us a story about the Christmas he got his first BB gun and that was quite the story.
Here are a few pictures from our party.

We Need Humor in the Workplace

Like Minds Think Alike! Too Alike!

These 4 Sonic Route 44's have a very funny story. It started while I was talking to Wayne on his way home from work. I told him how thirsty I was and how I was craving a lime ricky. Not much else was said and Wayne was still in Bountiful so at least an hour away. I had errands to run and I left home to run to Brigham to go get gas in my car, go to Walmart, the dollar store and then back home. Wayne got home about 6:00 with 2 Route 44 lime Ricky's. Thinking he had done a great thing and was going to surprise me and make me so happy. I wasn't home and I didn't get home from my errands until about 7:00 and when I did, guess what I came home with? Yup! And thus we have 4, count them, 4 Route 44 lime ricky's. More calories in one than either of us need and we each have 2 now. I'm pretty sure that 44 is for 44 ounces. So 88 ounces of soda for each of us. $10 spent and some of the best laughs we've had in a long, long time!! You know they say when you're married long enough you start to finish each other sentences... Sometimes Wayne and I almost amaze ourselves at what we are capable of. This takes the cake today don't you think!?!

Meet our little Baby Nia

So excited to welcome little baby Nia into our family! Zach and Hayan have been waiting for a little baby for a while now, so when they finially became pregnant we were all so excited. We instantly knew that no matter what they had (boy or girl) it would be beautiful with lots of dark hair Nia was everything they could possible hope for. She certainly puts a smile on her mommy and daddy's face! She makes her grandma pretty dang happy too.

Girls Day Out

Quality Friends, a photo by Michelle MaBell on Flickr.

Sometimes the work week is just too long and you just have to take a day for some down time. That's exactly what we did on Friday. Mary isn't working in our office anymore but she will always be a part of our "Quality Friends". We took the time to slip away to the BeeHive Grille in Logan for some yummy food and a chance to catch up on the summer activities for everyone. It's so nice to work with such great people to call your friends.

Sunday is Family Time

Sundays have always been family time for us. Ever since Wayne and I first married 30 + years ago Sundays have been reserved for spending time with family. In the early years Wayne & I were the ones leaving our home to go visiting to our parents and grandparents. Now with the passing of time and the change in family dynamics, we still visit our parents with our kids but now our grand-kids come along with us. Every now and again we are able to stay home on Sunday's and the kids come to our home to visit. It does not matter where we do the visiting, the important thing are the relationships and the memories we are making and the memories we are giving to our grandkids. I hope my grandkids will be able to look back fondly on the time they've spent getting to know their great grandparents. I know my kids have appreciated the time and the relationship they have with their grandparents. I also know how much the grandparents value these relationships with the kids. Better yet, I hope we have instilled a love of family in both our children and our grandchildren. I want to be a home my kids no matter their age, will want to visit and where they know they are loved & always feel welcome.

Here is a great picture of my dad outside in the garden trying to find"the leak" in the garden hose. Instead he's found a great treasure of little great-grandchildren wanting to pose for a picture. Of course they had to help him water the patio as well.

2012 Lake Powell

Lake Powell is always a unique experience. No matter how many times we go. No matter how similar the trip should be, no two trips are ever alike and this year didn't disappoint. First off the crew: we started we 2 men, 4 ladies and 6 children which just happened to include two 2 year olds! We've had babies on the boat before and we've had 2 year olds on the boat but having 2 on the same trip kept everyone on their toes! There was not a quiet moment but every moment was exciting. Everything was new and exciting for the children and watching them play and explore so hard each day that sleep at night came as a treat. Of course we had to lock the kids in a tent while they slept to make sure they didn't wander off the boat during the night. Sydnee and Savannah are pro's now so they made great tour guides for thier cousins Avery and Carter. 
It's kind of crazy to think that Wayne and I have vacationed with our kids since they were Sydnee's age. Now we're taking our grandkids and watching them enjoy this same wonderful vacation.

It's fun to watch our kids go as the parents to Powell. A full circle of life and enjoyment. The memories and stories just continue to grow and grow!

Both Sydnee and Savannah rode the knee board this trip. Sydnee was a knee boarding fool - pulling 360's like crazy! She had a grin so big you could never have gotten it off her face. She was beaming from ear to ear!

Fathers Day With My Dad 2012

Not the greatest picture but we were struggling with the camera, the light and he models ;-)
It is such a blessing to have my dad in my life and even though he feels like he has become a burden because his body doesn't move as well as it did in his younger days and he requires a little help from us now and again, I continue to learn from him valuable lessons every day and I wouldn't trade this time with my parents for anything. He is an amazing man of patience and humor if I could acquire just have of each of these traits I will feel I blessed. My kids have a bit of his quick wit and we all enjoy his sense of humor. I can remember a lot of these same traits in his mother and I loved her for that. I wonder if grandpa Larsen wasn't a bit like that too but he was gone before I was old enough to know him well. Dad says most of this comes from the Sorensen side of the family. No matter - as long as it continues to be passed on through our kids and grandkids because it is such an amazing gift. Thanks dad for being such an amazing dad and for being such an important part of my children and grandchildren's lives.

Poppies on Pappy's Day 2012

Savannah so wanted to sit in the chair. Check out the look on her face. It was so funny!

 He's so handsome! One day that flower will be for some lucky lady :-(

 No one loves the camera more than our little Savannah!

 The white dresses I bought were a natural for the poppies. Don't you think?

 Giggles are contageous!

 Listen Nash - This is how it's going to be!

 Sure Grandma, I can sit still for 2 seconds, I promise!

That few seconds between a child and a young lady. Happy Fathers Day and Grand Fathers Day! What a lucky bunch of Dad's and Grand dads!

Catching up... Here is a glimpse from Mothers Day 2012

It was so awesome on Mothers Day to have all of my kids together at the same time and in the same place. With only 3 kids that doesn't seem like such a great accomplishment but when you have 4 of us working in healthcare - you realize this is almost a miracle!

Everyday with my mom is a miracle. I love and appreciate her so much more now than ever. She has such a child like spirit and has had her own set of earthly trials. It is such a blessing to have parents in our lives at this stage in our lives.I am grateful for my mom. I am grateful to be a mom. I am even more grateful as I watch my daughter and daughter-in-law's become mothers.

Five beautiful Mothers on Mothers Day 2012

April 2012

I was trying to recapture a cool picture Brandon's sister in law took of him tossing Emma. By the time Tyler had tossed Savannah 5 times or so and then tossed Nash several times (for just the right shot). Cute little Sydnee ask her dad if he could toss her. Tyler waa a good sport and at least gave it a good try. Sad day in a little girls life when she's too old or too big for her daddy to carry her or throw her around.

Sun was setting in Manuta as we headed out on our walk on Easter evening. That's ok because we still had a blast playing on the toys and chatting with the cows.

April has brought so much change into my life. Some good, but unfortunately some sad. The sad change has been indirect change to me but it has not been so fortunate for some good friends of mine. It's always easier to write about the happier things in life even though we probably learn more from the struggles. I may write a little about both at some point but for now I'm going to post some pictures from the happier times.

Emma loved the slide and so did the other little girls. They were good to take turns on all of the toys.

 Mom's have play dates all the time with their kids so why not grandmas? That's what we thought and it turned out pretty well for a first meeting for the 3 girls. I should have taken Nash out with me too, next time! It kept us busy helping the kids on and off the tramp, up the slide and on and off the swing. We had a nice time and I'm pretty sure the girls had a blast too!

TyAnne, Emma and Emily  3 of the most adorable little girls. They were so cute to each other. And even tired they did well to share. Given another few months and they'll be able to play independently for hours, no problem. They were so cute together!!

Bryce Canyon 2012

This was our first trip to Bryce Canyon and it was a lot of fun. It was a lot colder than we had planned for so lucky for me Wayne had packed his wind-breaker golf jacket. It came in very handy. Next time I would bring my own coat, wear long pants, bring a hat and some gloves during the winter months, otherwise I wouldn't change a thing. Next time we come it will probably be the heat of summer and this lesson learned won't help a bit. Oh well, isn't that how it goes sometimes!

Winter Weekend Get-away!

This weekend get-away turned out different than
I had pictured in my head but those are usually the best at least from my experience. I had it pictured coming here to St. George and playing some golf, shopping and just chilling in the condo with Wayne.  Some much needed mental R&R before heading back to the busy weeks ahead at work. Instead, we left home in a hustle. I showed up here in St. George right in the middle of the parade of homes, something I couldn't have planned if I had tried and yet we didn't go. We went to the art district and wandered through some art galleries. That was fun. Then we spent some time in some antique shops and some consignment shops. We spent the last part of the day at the outlets and found some fun deals. We shopped pretty much all day on Friday until we stopped for dinner. We had great sushi downtown. Wayne taught me how to play angry birds and I taught him how to play bejeweled. It was really loads of fun (and frustration!) I know why they call it angry birds. They should call it angry people playing angry birds! So addicting!! We laughed at each other as we each tried to master the other person's personal favorite computer game. It was a fun exchange. Today we started with breakfast on the balcony. Then we headed out for a last minute deal of fingernail polish at ULTA back at the outlets. Wayne is such a good sport. Then we headed out for what we thought would be an afternoon car ride to Bryce. 8 hours later we finally returned home. During those 8 hours however we had a blast. We had time to chat and sing disco songs. We saw mountain sheep , lots of deer and some amazing scenery. We froze our little hiney's off before the day was over. We stopped for lunch in a town called Orderville.
Check out this sign across the street from the "Subway" where we ate lunch.
It alone was worth the trip.

Career Article

Career Article

Who taught you how to be a patient?

Who taught you how to be a patient?, a photo by Regina Holliday on Flickr.

What a great painting by a woman named Regina Holliday. She discusses how children use toys to learn about becoming a patient and how these toys haven't changed or kept up with the changing of technology. It was an interesting read. You can read it yourself here @
http://reginaholliday.blogspot.com/2012/02/who-taught-you-how-to-be-patient.html