Happy Birthday

This picture is super small, and I plan on changing here in a minute, but I wanted to get this post up quickly since yesterday was Jason's birthday! Happy Birthday Jason, we hope is was a great one!

http://familyheninger.blogspot.com/

Check out this blog!! You may recognize the handsome Doctor who is assisting with the tooth!!! :)

Christmas Season is Here!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving Day! And we hope everyone else did, too. Alex ate until he was on the floor and couldn't move. I didn't really feel like eating much after cooking all day, but I forced myself.

We were expecting some company but they didn't show, so it was just us, which was just fine with me.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to Amy and T. Yesterday was their 12th anniversary. I didn't even have time to think about the blog yesterday. Sorry. But we hope you had a wonderful day! Congrats on 12 years!

Happy Thanksgiving. We love you!!

Lori Feels Closest To....

Okay, I guess I'll bite. Since I seem to be the most proficient at hurting people's feelings without meaning to, I begin this with the disclaimer that I love ALL my sibs -- ya'll are my crew!

Kristi - she and I were nearly inseparable (much to my chagrin many times) growing up. One thing I knew though, if anything needed fixing, talking about or hiding, she was there by my side. She defended me when the bullies in West Jordan wouldn't leave me alone, karate chopped my back when I needed to wake up for something, and let me know which boys secretly had crushes on me (this was highly important information). She was the fun, popular one who knew how to act around people not in our family - thus I never had to really learn that particular skill. I loved and needed her all through my growing up years! Now I need her for her quirky sense of humor!!

Jeny - was the special child. In Mom and Dad's eyes she could do no wrong so she became our "blame" dummy. She took it with grace and could turn on the tears so well that even when the blame stuck, she rarely got into trouble. She had a very strong sense of right and wrong and did not tolerate some of the antics Kris and I tried to get into. We were often "sold out" by this sibling simply because she couldn't tolerate even the slightest infraction. She was the "good girl" I always wanted to be but could never quite get there. I was not a happy camper when she got older and started being able to sing better than I did - but she did it none the less!

Amy - I hated her with a passion (and I think she, me). When Mom and Dad brought her home, they kept saying she was the most beautiful -- alas, I lost my position and I was not happy! She followed me everywhere always asking questions and looking at my "stuff". She burped and farted when people were around and was constantly chewing on some candy or another (usually close to my face) which I hated. My gosh! I've turned into my sister when she was little!!! Then she grew up [or maybe I did]. Amy came to live with us a couple of times and we grew very close as we each struggled with our adult lives and counseled together about the meaning of it all. I finally saw this sister as the lovely spirit she truly is but sometimes hides from others.

David - if you could have seen Dad the night he floated into the Davis' upstairs bedroom waking us up singing "it's a BOY"! All of us cuddled and coddled him until he became an annoying little nuisance. He took a lot from Dad being "molded" into a boy and I used to go into my room and cover my head with my pillow and cry and cry while he was undergoing that "molding". I wanted to stop it and didn't know how. I felt so proud of him the day we took him through the temple before his mission. David was just 'this kid' until he came back from his mission. I was gone from home, but all of a sudden I was hearing about this Spanish speaking, guitar playing ladies man at Rick's and I couldn't believe it was my brother! He has turned into quite the accomplished professional and family man!!

Mindy - she was "my baby". I was still the age where I wasn't "burdened" with the babies in the home. I wanted to do everything for her. I changed diapers (for those of you that haven't done the cloth diaper thing, this is no mean task!!!), held and rocked her, sang to her, took her out for walks in the stroller, etc. Even as a small girl she was quiet and we all felt she was fragile so we protected her as much as we could. She was my model when I went through my photography phase and when she got older she would sit on the toilet and watch me curl my hair and put make-up on. That usually ended with me curling her hair and putting make-up on her. She loved it...Dad did not! Well, all grown up now she doesn't need hair curling or make-up as she's grown into such a beautiful natural woman who is anything but fragile. She has proven over and over that she is strong, talented, untiring and fully capable of protecting herself! (Something, I'm sure, Jason is quite grateful for as I believe more than one of us threatened him when he married her!)

Heidi - was the clingy twin. She was never more than a foot away from me when I was home. This is where We-lo originated, because Heidi would call me from her crib over and over until I came to get her out (truthfully, Holly was already half-way out already or had climbed into Heidi's crib). Say "Lo-wee" over and over again. It eventually comes out We-lo. Heidi would sit still for hours while I curled her hair and took pictures. I was not yet at the point of resenting my younger siblings and all the responsibility it meant having them around, but I was getting there and the girls made it easier because they were so likable. Holly would do something crazy then Heidi would sit quietly and bat her eyes and get them out of all sorts of trouble. When the girls came to stay with us, Heidi was always helping out in the kitchen. My lack of a testimony frustrated her beyond speech and I could tell it hurt her deeply that I couldn't believe anymore the way she does. I'm sorry for that. She has turned into exactly what she always wanted to be: a very talented, thrifty homemaker, an involved mother, and the beautiful wife of a professional man.

Holly - was a lot like Kristi. Taking risks and enjoying the adrenaline rush of it. She was the twin who loved her twin-ness but celebrated her individuality. She came up with some wild schemes and I'm sure got Heidi into more trouble than she deserved (yeah?). Once We-lo was born, Holly made it a common annoyance and laughed when it made me mad. She used to think it was hilarious to wait until I was almost finished with her hair and then flip her head which would make the braid come undone. Then she'd just giggle as I yelled at her. I've loved engaging in medical lingo with her after her unbelievable foray into Emergency Medical services. And then being able to speak Spanish with her after her mission. We got to go visit her once while she was on her mission too. Now she's found Matt and life has made a 180! She's the happy homemaker and mother of almost two!

Matthew - I was SO angry when Matt was born. I couldn't believe I was going to have yet ANOTHER sibling to take care of. To top it off, he was funny looking - my how that's changed! He was another tag-along who seemed to go everywhere I went. There's nothing like your 2-year-old brother showing up buck naked to your 16th birthday party (my first "date"). Or your 4-year-old brother yelling at the top of his lungs, "Why are you kissing my sister?" Matt has always been tender-hearted and has the uncanny ability to see situations from several vantage points. His long armed hug has a way of calming the savage beast in me and I love him so much for that!

There...hopefully, I've made you laugh and made you cry and made you remember something you didn't remember or didn't even know about, also hopefully nobody's feelings get hurt as is my usual penchant. I love you all (each in your own way) and I'm so glad to be the first of so many incredible Lauritzen kids.

Lori

Oops!

Oh my goodness. I was reading the posts and saw that I DID forget Jeny. So sorry!!! I got interrupted right after I started writing and I guess I thought about what to say and never actually wrote it down. It was funny to read what she wrote about Dave because those are the memories he has. He told me she was always trying to get him in trouble. A few months ago we even had this conversation over at your parents house after Austin hit Dayna who was pestering him. Life repeats itself I guess. I laughed when I read the post and told Dave how she had admitted to setting him up. :)

At least I mentioned you in the first paragraph!! How could I forget one of the ones he feels closest too! Sorry!

-Tricia

About Teresa

Well, lets start at the beginning... I was born November 5th at Penrose... ha just kidding. I was the oldest child, so refer to my mom as far as bossiness and "has to go my way-ness" as far as that's concerned. I was by all means not nice to my siblings alot of the time. I used to come up with evil games to harrass them. We played nicely sometimes, but usually it was at someones expense. As a teenager, I was a bit (well alot) crazy. I was not a smart teenager and made bad choices, but they sculped a large part of who I am now. I did get along great with my siblings then. I have always enjoyed being spontaneous and I like randomness. I don't like every day to be the same. I have an amazing ability to have fun doing anything (literally- even cleaning the toilet) even if everyone else is bored. I really like going to things that may seem dull because its usually alot of fun and there is usually not alot of people. I do enjoy being around other people though. I have always been overly chatty and it's usually about stuff that no one cares about. I love being outside. It is so much fun. It pains me that I have never seen any large wild animals except deer. I really want to see some elk this year and would be super excited to ever see a bear or mountain lion in the wild. Animals fascinate me. If I didn't have any kids, I don't think I would ever be stateside because Keith and I would be bushwacking the amazon or trekking across Australia (which I so want to do- even with kids). For now though, I'll settle for the local state parks which are amazing. This winter we're planning on going down to the delta so I can see a cypress forest! YAY I hope I get to see wild alligators. Deserts are my favorite. The Great Sand Dunes are the best because its a desert in the mountains. In short, nature is amazing and my kids love it too. Then we get to my kids- the whole reason I wake up in the morning. They are the coolest. I love teaching them new things and I love how their personalities mirror Keith and mine. I LOVE hanging around Keith because he is my polar opposite so he keeps me in check most of the time. He loves nature too. Like Heidi, I love to learn. I had the worst time in college because I couldn't figure out what was the most interesting thing to learn. I never did pick a degree. I stay at home with the kids and play all day, but I can't wait to start working. I'm not a good cook but I enjoy trying. I love singing and dancing with the kids- and trying to get Keith to dance with us. I like holidays but not most holiday food. I love chocolate, but not chocolate covered fruit. Cockroaches creep me out and spiders fascinate me. I love dressing up and going out. Oh and reading! I love to read and love to listen to music. Music is great in all shapes and forms. Keith said I hate not knowing stuff- all stuff. If I have a question, I have to have an answer, which is why I love the internet. He said thats the biggest thing that stands out in his head. It also helps that Im married to an encyclopedia when it comes to cars, computers, anything mechanical and outdoors. I like creating things for people. I love costume jewelry and loud clothing. ( I never really realized how hard it is to pick out the bitties of your life) I think I'm done now. THE END

Teresa's Question of the Week....

Tere commented on my post, and since I know many of you may not read the comments on older posts, I would like to suggest that we do what she suggested. She wants everyone to write a post like I did with the random likes/dislikes that you have and describe who you are in a nutshell. I think it would be fun to get to know each other better. So here's the question (questions) of the week on top of Mindy's question of the week: Who are you? What experiences have you had to make you the person you are today? Just write down whatever pops into your head. I look forward to finding out who will come along with me and Tere when we go to Disney World together!!

-Heidi

Kristi Feels Closest To....

Here is my SHORT (for fear of hurting someone’s feelings as I tend to do so naturally) entry about my siblings.

I suppose I have taken so long to write because I have gone through different periods of “closeness” with each of my siblings so I don’t know how to say which one I feel closest to.

Lori was definitely closest growing up. We spent hours singing Barbara Streisand, the Bee Gee’s I think there had to be some Karen Carpenter in there somewhere and talking late, late, late into the wee hours of the morning (until dad stomped on the floor indicating that we were not as sneaky as we thought we were). Don’t worry. I use the same technique on my own chatter bugs! Then she had to go and go to college (the nerve!). I actually didn’t even get my driver license until I was 18 since there was really no need. Everywhere I needed to go Lori went too. I always had a ride so there was no reason for me to get into a car with dad teaching me to drive a stick shift until after she left.

Jeny and I got to be close later, when we both lived in Provo together. We went every morning on a 10 mile bike ride just because that’s how awesome we are. After several weeks of this we decided we were incredibly fit and it was time to show off our “skills” Let’s take our husbands on Saturday and ride our bikes to Bridal Veil Falls. For those of you who have no idea what that means, it is a lengthy uphill ride. So begins the ride where we show off….let me just say…not so much. The guys who never exercise and haven’t been on a bike in 2 years ended up pulling us part of the way up. Not fair! We got up EARLY almost every day to ride these bikes. They must have had better bikes, yeah that’s it, the bike. I have not lived by any of my family in nearly 24 years of being married so the time we spent in Utah near Jeny and Heidi will always be some of the best years. Of course some of the best memories we all have of Jeny have to involve Rummoli!

I got close to Amy when she came to live with us in Heyburn one year. Of course I have memories of her going out with some weird guy, can’t really remember his name but I’m sure he wasn’t the best choice of boyfriends. I’m pretty sure she had really different hair back then, kind of greased all over to one side. Heyburn will never be the same!

David also came to stay with us one summer. And I also remember the barbed wire fence, and the wedding cake with his foot print in it. But, Dave do you remember the game we played…one of us names a product and the other has to think of the jingle that goes along with it? We got stuck for sooo long on Juicy Fruit gum. That was before the days of the internet and now that I think about it, I don’t even think we owned a computer! Also David and I went night fishing once or twice. Once it involved Jeny and an unplanned stop on the way there. David went fishing with us to Island Park. That was an amazing fishing trip! I think David is the sibling whose personality is most like mine.

Mindy never lived with me but I will always feel close to Mindy because she lived close (Idaho while we lived in Layton and Provo) and she came to visit often. I remember her playing with Nickell and Kelsey at the park and thinking she was so tall! I feel like Mindy was always the protected one. She has such a kind heart and she can do pretty much anything so we older sisters always said that the boy she chooses to marry better be prepared for the scrutiny of the Lauritzen family because we are not going to let her go easily. Once at Nickell’s house I asked for Mindy to help me with a sewing problem [ps she was visiting Utah from Idaho] and she said “oh sure let me just go get my sewing machine out of the car” What? You keep your sewing machine in the car? Who does that? Mindy because she can do anything!

Heidi was very young when I got married but I still have a book she made for me after we moved to Heyburn. Thinking back on the relationship we had I want to say I didn’t know my younger siblings very well and that may be true. But I remember so well getting that book from her. It made me cry when it came because I missed her so much. She drew pictures of us having picnics under the trees that used to be behind the Rusty Hinge house. Heidi, Holly, Matt and I used to go in the back and pretend we were fishing in the little puddles of water that were back there sometimes. She said she missed doing that. I missed it too. Then we grew up and lived in the same ward for a little while then very near each other in Provo. I loved being close to Ashley when she was a baby and toddler. Heidi and I used to go on walks and when we finished she would always say “that feels great, doesn’t it make you feel great?” and it never did feel great to me. It always made me feel worse but I know it’s good for me so I kept doing it. Ugh And I remember when we learned to make this really yummy strawberry drink from someone in her ward with just strawberries and cream.

Holly and I are naturally close because we like to look at reconstructive surgery books together. You know the kind, where there are severed hands and fingers and they show the tendons being reattached and stuff. It’s sick and wrong but I like it and so does she so we get along. And if there is something that is really disgusting but I think it’s cool and there is not another person in the world who thinks it’s cool, Holly will. We also like to fix things that normal girls don’t like to fix. Basically, we are the tomboy twins. You have to have someone to be a tomboy with and Holly is my someone. We played tennis until she got better than I was now she plays with Jordan. Then Jordan sort of stole her from me. Because, you see, he can smoke through the Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit game and I…..don’t play it EVER. So game over. Jordan wins. But I’m just going to say this because nobody else has and I’m sort of shocked Holly…French silk pie. Yeah that’s a large part of what we have in common too. We like to eat chocolate.

Matt, my Ethiopian brother. Perhaps my closeness for Matt developed while we were cleaning the powdered milk out of his hair [remember when they made it ‘snow’? Of course you do how could you forget?] or another of the many messes the triplets made. Yes I said triplets because that’s what it felt like sometimes. Matt was tall and Heidi and Holly were short so they looked like they were the same age. I’m pretty sure they got each other into trouble like triplets. How could you ever get mad at those eyes though? I also remember that he used to cry so hard that he would pass out. Mom was crazy with panic, blowing on his face, yelling at him to breathe and dad would calmly say just let him pass out, he will stop crying when he passes out and then he will take a breath. I remember Matt always being the most willing to show outward love. He still is the hugging-est one out of all of us. I have often wondered where that came from! I have videos of Matt visiting when my kids were little and he was very young and I love it because that is the age I remember him the most.

That’s it, and I know dad thinks we don’t have a good relationship because we don’t live near each other and we don’t get together too often. But I think we all have a unique relationship because I bet that if we pick up the phone we could start talking about something or nothing at all and go on for 3 hours as if we lived in the next town and got together once a week or more. We just pick up right where we left off. I’m not saying it’s ok not to get together, we really need to have a reunion, but I think we are all very close in our own way. I know I have a deep and abiding love for my family and especially all my siblings. I am grateful for the examples and the expectations that have been and are being set. I am especially grateful for loving parents who raised us in a home where our family was important and making memories was a priority. I am grateful for having been raised in a home where testimony was nourished young and often. It may not be the typical family with the typical relationships. But it’s our family and I love it!

Dad's Siblings

I realize that I am slow in getting this included in the blog, but here goes.

I am the oldest of five children. The next oldest is my sister, Lynne Lorraine Brown, who is three years younger than I. My clearest memories of Lynne is that when we were young we fought incessantly. I don't remember ever having any kind words for my sister, or she for me, until we were both married and had children of our own. In particular, there was a time in Fairbanks when Lynne (about age 6) had some jelly beans and I (about age 9) asked her for some. She refused, so I stole some and hid them inside my school lunch sandwich wrapper. Of course, I got found out and was punished, but that only added fuel to the fires of our dislike for each other. I remember one time my mother told me that some day I would love my sister with all my heart, and I thought Mom was nuts. That could never be. But, she has proven once again to be right (don't you hate that, when your parents are right?). Lynne is now a mom, with two daughters and two grandchildren, and I do love her intensely. She is a good lady who tries hard to do what is right.

My next sibling is my brother, Robert, who is eight years younger than I. Robert was born while we lived in Fairbanks, Alaska. He is enough younger than I that we never had much in common until later in life. I have always had a special respect for him because he served a mission to the Navajo indians, where he was treated rather badly by those whom he was trying to help. Had his Christmas box from home stolen out of his apartment. Had his camera stolen. Etc., Etc.

The same is true of my brother, Mike (that is, that he was enough younger than I that we didn't have a lot in common). He, too, was born in Fairbanks. My earliest memory of him is when I was in high school in Mullan. Mike was only in about the first or second grade. He had some kind of seizures where he would crouch down on his haunches, with his hands clenched into fists and his eyes closed, and he would start to cry. Nothing could get through to him when one of those hit. They were very infrequent and disappeared within a couple of years, but it was terribly disconcerting to have him doing that for 10-15 minutes at a time, and not being able to make it stop. It bothered me especially when I was babysitting and I couldn't do anything for him. I confess that I even tried slapping him on a couple of occasions, but I might as well have been blowing on his face. He was completely unaware. And, he never had any memory afterward about what had happened. Wonder what caused that and why he outgrew it?

Jon was a kind of surprise. He is 15 years younger than I. He was born in the Wallace, ID, hospital, which is now gone. Jon was my favorite in the early years of his life and when I went on my mission, I was particularly upset to have to leave my neat little brother who was only four. That sadness was compounded when I came home two years later and found that he had become a rather pesky and obnoxious kid. I was disappointed.

But, I have come to love all of my siblings with a very deep love. I think most of you know that Mike publishes "The Lauritzen Ledger" every quarter. He used to do it every other month, but cut back some. He has been doing that faithfully for 24 years. It used to be just a newsletter with nothing but print. But now, it includes a lot of very interesting photographs, too. I have a copy of every issue in my Family History archives. Anytime you want to read them, just drop in. It is a clear testimony of the bonds that exist between us all.

Perhaps the highlight of my sibling relationships was the trip that Robert, Mike and I took from Springville, up through Glacier National Park, into Alberta, through Red Rock park, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, the Columbia Ice Fields, and back through Yellowstone National park. This was in 1963 after I got home from my mission. I wanted to see some of the scenic wonders of Alberta that we were not allowed to visit while I was a missionary. Some bonds were built then with Robert and Mike that have only grown stronger over the years.

I feel particularly blessed to have the loving relationship that exists with my siblings. I only wish that my children were universally as fond of each other as I and my siblings are. There is nothing that provides a sense of security like knowing that you have a strong family and that you can depend upon each other any time.

Grandpa Lauritzen

Be Happy

About 2 weeks ago, I entered the following into one of my "daily" slots in my online gratitude journal (see http://www.butterbeehappy.com/honeycomb.php): I am so grateful for children that have learned to live their lives and behave authentically and not just to please those around them. Tere's most recent post on her family blog is an excellent example of what I was thinking. She is (as are all my grown children) an amazing, thoughtful, beautiful person who behaves with purpose and an understanding of who she is far more than someone twice her age. The spirits entrusted into my home have proved themselves to be wholly and delightfully individual.

--Lori

Just an Introduction

Hello Lauritzen family. I feel the need to introduce myself since none of you seems to know who I am. My name is Heidi--not twin. All throughout elementary, middle and high school I was thought of by friends and teachers as half of a whole, never as a complete person. It never occurred to me that this was true of my own family!! So you get to sit there and read about ME now and learn who that mysterious sister of yours is.

As a child, I remember feeling very lonely. Many journal entries are written about how I spent the day with my best friend, the only one who understood me, B.J. It is sad that I had eight brothers and sisters and yet had to resort to playing with a dog to feel as though I had a friend, but it's true. No wonder I am still a HUGE dog lover. Did anyone know that? I don't think there was a day when I enjoyed having my hair long. It was a huge relief to get it cut. I enjoyed singing and playing the piano (still do). I was never as good as most of you, but now I can say with confidence that through perseverance I am now better than all of you with the exception of Kristi. In fact, I am the substitute ward organist and played just last Sunday. Did you know that? I love to cook. I'm not creative like Kristi or Amy, but I can still outdo Amy in a pie baking contest and I know a good recipe just by looking at it. I enjoy the outdoors very much and wish like crazy that it was easier to take a two year-old on a hike. Bet you didn't know that. I also have an obsession with reading. It's a good thing we have public libraries or my family would be broke from buying too many books. I have also dabbled in writing a little and am currently part of the writing group in my ward. We have a blog and are given a prompt every month to write on, much like our family question of the week. I have served in the primary pretty much ever since turning 18, but I am now serving in YW, and I couldn't feel more out of place if I were called to serve in the priesthood. I substitute taught gospel doctrine a few weeks ago and didn't die. Actually, I enjoyed that. I'm a thrill seeker. I love, love, love roller coasters and have even been parasailing. I love Italian food, going for walks, singing with my kids, watching movies with my husband, playing Settlers of Catan, DOGS!!!, cleaning my house, fixing up my house, and Christmas. I feel a constant urge, like Kristi, to learn. I would love to go back to school to study interior design, landscape design, architecture, astronomy, etc. So many things to soak up and not nearly enough time. It makes me proud (I know, the universal sin) when my husband answers a page and says "Hello, this is Doctor Parkinson". It has been a long, very difficult road to get to where we are now and I need to be proud of him.

So now you know a little more about me. Should you have any questions, please ask. I would very much like my own family to know me as an individual. Not to insult Holly by any means, but I am not she, nor is she me.

Hooray!

OK, after much prodding from my annoying boy, we have created a blog. The conditions are that he has to do all the work, and I must approve anything before he posts it. Here's the address.

http://griersonfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

thanks.

Dave's Siblings-From Tricia

Let's be honest, Dave is never going to answer this so I can give you my version of what I think he would say. I know that as far as feeling closest to any one of his siblings he would say Kristi and Jeny. I think he feels most comfortable around them because they get him. He's shared many memories with me over the years about each of you.

Lori- I know he enjoyed the time when Lori and Jose first lived at home. I think Jose kept him laughing and Lori's reactions to whatever it was Jose was doing was even funnier to him. He said she had some pretty awesome faces.

Kristi - Dave has lots of memories of Kristi from when he stayed the summer with them. I've heard the 4 wheeling story several times also one story about how she set him up on a date with a one armed girl and never told him. I know he thought it was cool that she would let him hang out with her and Lloyd a lot, he felt "part of something"

Amy - Dave said when he was younger he and Amy were super close sharing lots of secrets and inside jokes. He talked a lot about their time at Ricks as well and how they were constantly together

Mindy - with Mindy he talked about how different they were. He said she didn't like him much growing up. Perhaps he was a bit of pest.... He mentioned that when he was at Ricks the same time as her that he thought it was cool that they would get together every now and again, something they never really had done at home.

Holly - I'm afraid it's the same with both Heidi and Holly... I hear a lot about how they think he was always beating them up and being mean. He doesn't remember that at all. He remembers a lot of Barbie's and staying away. He used to always brag about their singing and how he thought they should have been in Sister Act II

Matt - Dave has quite a few memories of Matt. Dave thought it was cool to have a little brother. Before we were married he told me of a time when he was babysitting and thought he lost Matt. He said he was sick to his stomach looking all over for him and finally found him hiding out in the tomato's. He remembers a Christmas where he got him a baseball glove and forgot to give it to him and also a time when he told Matt to eat's "stops it" and made him throw up.

That's it. They are his memories, just coming to you by a third party. :)

Nickell-Catching Up!

So I kept meaning to write about my grandparents. And I just kept forgetting. So here we go, and I am only going to write about the Lauritzen grandparents. I remember the Rusty Hinge house as if they still live in it. The really long kitchen with the window seat in the back. I remember going to their house and watching movies. We got to pick them out from Grandpa's super organized list of movies. I idolized him for that list. I also remember feeding the rabbit on the side of the house and playing with Tere in the playhouse in the backyard. I miss that house so much, the giant hill that we would play on the slip and slide, and the hot tub. Ah...good times! The thing I remember most is the barbie house with the green roof that we would play with in the garage. I was lucky enough to inherit that house, and I so badly wish I still had to to give to my daughters. I also remember kneeling at the dining room table in that house to say the dinner prayer. Grandma and Grandpa are always so good at remembering to let people know how much they are loved! I love you guys!


As for my siblings. I actually don't feel super close to any of them. Everyone was still little when I moved out. But I would say that I am equally close to all of them.

Oops!

I tried to put a video on this blog but I guess the file was too big to email. So check out mine!

-Amy

Heidi Feels Closest to....

This could be a touchy subject! Of course I feel closest to my twin. We did everything together, had the same friends, ate the same foods, lived the same life for a lot of years. Even now I struggle to go places alone, from the simple trip to the grocery store to the scary flight into Colorado Springs. We are very different, but still needed each other. It has nothing to do with weird psychic vibes or anything like that, we were just accustomed to each other's presence to the point where it felt wrong to be without her. Matt was almost as close to me. The three of us were quite a team. I feel really bad for mom. We had some good times, though.

I guess a funny memory to share would be when the three of us got into some laxatives. Matt gave me and Holly these little pink candies and told us to try them. I chewed one up and told him I thought they were gross. He said to try sucking on it, but that only tasted worse. Pretty soon the three of us musketeers were all sitting naked in the bathtub together after a dose of ipecac, vomiting into a big pitcher that I'm pretty sure mom still uses. I remember that sick feeling so well!

Remember sitting by the Christmas tree and making funny faces while looking at our reflections in the ornaments? Does either one of you still do that, maybe with your kids? So funny. Hey, I have a question--remember the fun clubhouse dad built in the bedroom upstairs that we slept on top of? Does anyone have pictures of that? That was a blast.

Amy's Brothers and Sisters

I love this question because we are not an expressive family in that way and this gives us a chance to be. I don't know why but we always have a hard time showing love and affection for one another, even though it is there. I feel close to all of my siblings in one way or another. I feel like I can call any one of you and any time for a chat and be comfortable doing it. I guess that comes from being somewhat in the middle, I got to know everyone. Lori has been a lifesaver a few times for me. I have lived with her twice and enjoyed really getting to know her both times. My fondest memory of her is when she was home from college and took me to see Yentl. That will always be one of my favorite movies. Kristi is just fun to talk to. She is so strong and sure in her convictions and beliefs and always makes me laugh. Jeny makes me laugh until I cry! We shared a room for a lot of years and have so many fond memories together. I love to reminisce with her. My favorite memory of David is when we were at Ricks together. We were so close, we talked on the phone for hours at a time and we were always glad to see each other. I will always cherish those few short months. Mindy and I did share a room for a short time but I don't remember much of it. I remember her sitting at the corner desk brushing her long beautiful hair or doing something with her oboe. I also remember her liking a freshman and thinking he was a jerk and not good enough for her. We never thought anyone would be and then Jason came along and proved us all wrong! Heidi and I never were close until she moved to Virginia. We have spent so much time together since then and I call her a lot now. She is a lot of fun and I love to visit with her family. And she has really good recipes! Holly and I have always been pretty close. She came with Mom to help out when I had Josh and was at my house on 9/11. She also came and stayed with me after I had surgery once. We love to spend time together eating and watching movies and playing with babies. And then there's Matt. I feel especially close to him I think because we understand things about each other that most of the rest don't. He is a good man and I love him to death! I love all of you to death. I think I was blessed to have something in common with all my siblings so I would have friends wherever I go, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Mom's Grandparents

Let see if I can remember that far back. I remember a lot about Grandma and Grandpa Black. They lived by us most of the time. Grandpa was always very quiet. Never talked unless it was absolutely necessary. I always loved them a lot. Grandma was so much fun. We played flinch and rook. She got me interested in Genealogy. Her parents owned a candy store for the colonies in Mexico so she made really good candy. I remember skating on scrubbing brushes to clean the floor once with Mike while she was gone once and we had to wash. It was kind of a lot of floor. She could do just about anything. They had milk cows so people would buy it from the house to ge bot raw milk. If you don't know what that is it's milk that hasn't been heated and pasturized so the milk and cream separate. I love that. It just tastes so good.

I remember how shocked she was when my best friend and I took her to South Pacific. She thought that was a downright dirty show. And was shocked that we liked it. We lived with them while my Dad was on a mission. Or at least in a very small 2 room trailer behind their house. Then Nyta's husband was killed and they came too for a couple of years. Grandma loved watermelon and corn. They always had bread(homeade whole wheat bread) and milk for supper with green onions and radishes. . You break it up in a bowl and pour milk on it. Not th onions and raddishes. you dip them in salt and eat them with it. She made the big meal at noon as most farmers dol

I hated it when they cut the chickens heads off and then we had to pluck them.

My Breckenridge grandparents I didn't know very well. I saw them probably 5 times They came down sometimes and I can only remember going up twice. When I was little they only had an out house. I couldn't use it. So Dad had to drive me into town to go at the gas station.

It was probably 25 miles or more.

She was always embroidering. the trouble was she didn't use good material and her stitches were quite large.

She came to visit up in Va. when we lived there. What a shock that was. My aunt called from Dulles Airport. It was in the night. We went out to get her and she stayed for quite a while until my aunt who was afraid she would give us some of her money insisted she come home. When we moved to Fremont we got a house with a bedroom and bath on the main floor and hoped she would come out to live with us. But I don't think I ever talked to her again. Aunt Ida wouldn't let her call or accept my calls. She was very gentle and loving.

I can't think of much more.

My Sibs-A book by J. Grierson

This one could be a bit harder than last week – just because there are so dang many of us!

Lori – mostly I remember Lori being a bit . . . OK a LOT bossy and dramatic. She liked to sing (as discussed in former posts) and always had the radio on. She could get the rest of us panicked like nobody I’ve ever known (i.e., the gas pipe gymnastics). She also made Christmas morning very fun by thinking of clever ways to wake up Mom and Dad (the heater vents – great idea!) When we switched bedrooms around (can you hear Mom’s groan?) I usually went with Lori, and Amy with Kristi, but the switch never lasted long. Lori was the beautiful older sister that I wanted to be like, but knew I never could. She had the best looking boyfriends, although I didn’t like them very often. Especially Ned – grrrrr. I remember Lori trying out for every play, and I remember feeling anger when she didn’t get the parts she wanted. When she was in “Star Child” I remember thinking afterward that I didn’t even think of her as Lori, she was (Insert name here, I cant remember the character’s name). She was GOOD!

Kristi – I remember her sleeping all the time. She was the most tired and skinny person I knew. Kristi was always my idol because she could do anything and she was cool. When she tried to kick water at someone at the junior high and flipped her kneecap out, I remember feeling absolute panic. I ran around to get help, and it seemed I just kept running in circles. The paramedics made me stay away from her, which I resented them for, and they wouldn’t let me ride in the ambulance with her. Sad. I also relate certain songs to Kristi more than I do to any other sibling. She just had a certain way of singing them that burned them into my head forever. Choir trips were also very fun with Kristi, and she had a certain unspeakable nickname in choir which got transferred to me once she graduated. Although the name wasn’t very nice, I was proud to have it because it had belonged to her.

Amy – Throughout our lives, I would have to say Amy and I have been closest. Mom thinks we hated each other, but it was just our special way of showing our love for each other. We played Barbie’s, Fisher Price Castle, Batman, Smell ( a little weird and I’m not going to tell you about it), beat the bird, and just had fun together. We also would go out for walks late at night in our pajamas. We thought that was fun. Of course, most days she had to go “tell on” me for something that I didn’t do, but I got her in trouble plenty, too. She would usually eat the nastys at dinner that I didn’t like, and I would eat hers, if she was being nice to me at that point in time. As teens, we had way different tastes (Ro was just yucky) but we still were friends, and we both agreed that the guy on the back of our bedroom door was super hot – right Amy? I think we still have a pretty special bond. I love to hear from her – she’s usually the one that calls and I’m sure glad she does!

David – Dave was a pest, always, unless he was letting us put make-up and dresses on him. I honestly don’t remember much about David, except trying to get him in trouble. I was pretty mean. I would hit him over and over until he hit me back, so I could go tell Dad that he hit me, and Dad would get mad at him for hitting a girl. I have a good memory of Dave, though. Once Christmas I couldn’t think of what to get him, so I decided to get up way early and do his paper route for him. I hated folding the papers, and it was super dark and cold, but I was so excited to do it for him that I didn’t even really feel the cold. Dad drove me around – so really he did the hard part because I had no idea which houses to go to. When I got home, we put a big sign on the door that said I had done it for him, and I felt great! I think that was the best Christmas gift I have ever given. It still makes me smile. Dave now makes the best breakfast I have ever had and I think he’s a pretty nice guy.

Mindy – Mindy was always the nice, fragile one. I don’t know why I remember her as fragile, but that’s what my memory says. I remember telling her that Grandma Breckenridge had died, and she broke down and just started sobbing. Do you remember that, Mindy? We were downstairs near the food storage area. I felt so bad for telling you! As I was getting ready to leave home, and everything about home was driving me crazy, Mindy was in her awkward years. It seemed to me that she was always whining and needed to know everything about everyone. I’m sure it was more me than her, but that’s what I thought. When she came out to visit me at BYU, I was determined to have fun with her, and discovered that she was really great to be around. We had a really good time! Now I hate that Mindy is so far away. I didn’t go up to Pocatello as often as I would have liked, but it was sure fun when I did. I love her family a LOT! Great kids, great husband, and she can do anything!

Heidi – it’s a bit hard to write about Heidi when I lived at home without writing about Holly. They were always together and always the same. I babysat them constantly, but it wasn’t usually so bad. I had a great time dressing them up in whatever, doing their hair (that was the best!!), playing in the sandbox. Heidi was usually the male figure when we would dress them up. I was a selfish teenager then, and didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to what the younger kids were doing. Now I’m just amazed at what Heidi can do. She teaches piano lessons ( I didn’t even know she could play) and likes to do electrical work. And she makes the cutest babies ever! (sorry, Kristi, yours were not as cute).

Holly – See above. Holly promised me she would never cut her hair. I was really sad when she did. She also was the hobbler at my wedding – I do remember that, and grandma’s remarks about that. Weird what we remember, eh? I remember Spencer asking her to marry him, and every once in a while now he still says he’s going to marry her. My children absolutely adore Holly! She comes up with the most fun/interesting things for us to do. We have gone to the Llama festival, gingerbread house festival, and mining for Topaz just to name a few. She’s just a lot of fun and can have fun doing almost anything. That’s what I want to be like when I grow up. Katie Grierson is sitting behind me right now and said that Shannon is about as cute as a kid can be. I love having her nearby even though I don’t get up that way very often. Its still comforting to know that she’s there when I need her, and we still do a lot of fun things together!

Matthew – Ah, Matt. He was my special one. As a baby I thought he was the cutest thing on earth, and he could do no wrong. I have about a billion pictures of him from birth to about 3 or 4 years old. I remember babysitting him (one of the many times) and he just disappeared. I ran all around the neighborhood looking for him, in a panic, and Sister Borba came out to help me. I ran around the backyard at least twice, then she walked out there and found him in the garden munching on a tomato. He had been hiding from me. Stinker! But the best memory of Matt ever was babysitting (again) and the swordfight. Ask him about it. We still laugh at it! That swordfight kinda sums up how I feel about Matt. I just can’t get mad at him. He’s too great!

I guess I really got lucky having the best brothers and sisters ever! I Love you all!

Teresa Feels Closest To....

I feel closest to all my siblings, but in different ways.

April is my only sister, so we got to do all the sister stuff together- talk about guys (husbands now), share clothes, go out, shop and just hang out around the house. We are SO different, but I still love hanging out with her and talking to her. We played Barbies ALOT and liked to build tents (that I would frequently kick her out of). We have alot of inside jokes that no one understands (even after explanation). "Yay! Memories!"

JD and I are pretty much the same personality-wise so its really easy to hang out with him. I must admit, when we were kids, we (April and I) made his life pretty hard. Hopefully he has forgiven us for that though. He understands all of my jokes and strange outbursts and I never have to explain them. When it comes to doing something outrageous or stupid, you can separate us and still bet that we'll do the same thing.

Nico is my little Nico. In my mind he will always be my little 4 year old. I got to pretty much help raise him until he was 4 because both my parents worked. He was my constant companion when I was pregnant and after I had Derek. The memory thats sticks out in my mind is at my wedding. He was crying at the reception. He thought me being married meant he never got to see me again. SAD

I like the fact that I had enough siblings that I never got lonely and not too many that I felt left out. I did benefit from being the oldest though, because when we were younger, my siblings had to play with me whether they wanted to or not. ha ha ha

Mindy Feels Closest To....

I felt close to different siblings at different times. Probably first in my memory would come the twins because we were closest in age and played together. Dress ups, dancing with Puffy and Matt, Barbies, of course. We also shared the big waterbed and used to play parachute in it when we were supposed to be sleeping. Next would be Jeny right before she went to BYU. We shared a room, right? I got to visit her for a week at BYU. That was a fun time. That was the first time I got to wear makeup, and I was so tall that most of the students thought I was also a student. I think I was 11. Next was Amy. We also shared a room, but not for very long. We switched rooms around a lot, didn't we? She worked at the Margarita, and she let me drive her little Festiva when I was learning how to drive. I almost wrecked it at least once. Amy got my ears pierced for my 18th birthday, the day before my 18th birthday. Mom and Dad were very disappointed in me for that. Before I left for Ricks, Matt and I got really close. We'd take each other to lunch at the mall quite often (either Greek Gyros or Chic Fil A -- YUM), talked a lot and hung out a lot. When I was at Ricks I got to go to Utah several times and visit Kristi and her family. That was always a good break. It is so much fun to be with her and her family. We laugh the whole time. My memories of Lori at home are kind of embarrasing. She used to have me put Noxema on her back. She worked at McDonalds. That's not embarrasing, but just something I remember. Her lovely brown and orange uniform. One time I walked in on her and Kristi changing clothes in their room. I turned bright red and walked right back out. They thought it was funny. Memories with David are of playing (losing at) Risk and shooting down army guys on the hearth with rubber bands. Good times!

Question of the Week...

Share a memory of your brothers and sisters. To whom did you feel closest? Why?

From Tricia

Our primary program was today. I'd not heard this song before but I just love it. Enough obviously that I wanted to share. Hope it touches you like it did me!

Lyrics:

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

Holly's Grandparents

Okay, the vitamin C thing is cracking me up. That is everyone's memory of Grandma Breckenridge. I don't remember her on the couch at all. I just remember her in bed with her oxygen. The last time I saw her she gave us all little presents (which I seem to remember her always doing, but I could be wrong). I got some embroidery scissors that folded up and a pencil with a little plastic squirrel hanging from the end. Of course I remember the vitamins, and they will always remind me of her. Grandpa Breckenridge was just as everyone else has said. Mark summed it up best after the funeral when he said, "What I liked best about him is that whenever you went to visit, he always acted as though you were exactly the person he wanted to see at that moment." Heidi and I loved playing dress-ups in the basement with Jennie and Andy. I also loved the sound of the train coming through the window in the morning, along with the nice smell of Utah. I have a memory of sleeping with Grandpa once, and he burped a lot. This is a picture of my favorite "thing" from the Breckenridge house. I used to play with it every time we went over there. I don't remember seeing it after Grandma died, but I took a chance and asked Donna if she remembered it, and she was kind enough to find it and give it to me. It plays "Country Roads" for those of you who may not remember.

As for the Lauritzens, I have about as many memories of Grandpa that I do of Grandma Breckenridge. Of course I remember the blue overalls, the irrigating, and the card shuffler. I also remember him swinging me between his legs. I loved that. And who can forget the bottled rootbeer in the basement? Grandma Lauritzen was the "crabby" grandma who was always on my case about putting on some makeup and not whining about things. I sprained my ankle pretty badly once riding bikes with Laura and Grandma was sure there was nothing wrong with me. Despite that, though, she was as generous as anyone could be and everyone loved her. When I moved to Utah I loved visiting her just to get out of a noisy apartment and to enjoy the quiet of her house (except for Matlock on the TV, of course). By the end she was so blind that when she invited me over for dinner I had to cook it because she couldn't see the oven knobs. The cheese in the refrigerator was always moldy, too, and she never noticed. This picture is of the clock that Mom made. It hung in that house so long that when we took it down there was a square behind it on the wood that had not been sunbleached. The stuffed animals on top were a favorite of ours as kids. I could go on and on, but I think this post is long enough. It really is fun to remember them like this! Oh, remember the handheld electronic baseball game? I loved that thing!

Thanksgiving

Everyone is invited to my house for Thanksgiving. I am officially the first to invite everyone, so I win. Please let me know when you will be here and I will have a comfy room ready for just you and your family, and lots of yummy food, and Rummoli/Almaniacs/Monopoly (I'll even play it with you, Jason). And Tarquennis, I promise no pins on the floor and I've scared the mountain lions away from your jogging trail. See you all soon!

Jeny

Amy's Grandparents

It feels good to think about them all again. I miss them so much and there are so many things that remind me of them.

I don't really remember much about Grandma Breckenridge. She was sick a lot and, like everyone else, I remember her on the couch a lot. I just went looking for vitamin C last week and do you know how hard those big cherry ones are to find? But I found them and we all eat one every day. I remember sleeping in the basement in the room that had the dress-ups under the stairs. We played LIFE a lot at her house and we never used the creepy bathroom in the basement with the spiders in the shower. I remember being there Saturday nights and getting the dippity doo in our hair with the curlers. And I remember her friend Sister Lemon. She and Grandpa were friends with everyone. She had a really cool bathtub with a sprayer that attached to the tub faucet. I remember I really liked her bathroom. I remember eating rabbit and liking it. Is that wierd? I remember having Thanksgiving dinner in the basement at a long table. And I do remember being in Durango and having to drink carrot juice! I was in my bedroom after school when I got the call from Dad that she had died. I think I was 13 and it was the first person in my family that I remember dying. I think Mom even gave me some Valium at her funeral cause I couldn't stop crying (I know what you're thinking. Amy? crying?).

Grandpa Breckenridge was my favorite grandparent, I think. He loved to "hang" with the kids and he let us be kids. I loved to sleep out in the camper when we slept over there. I remember him sitting in his big brown shiny recliner and I remember his whiskers (ouch!). He was a little goofy but he had a big heart and not a prejudiced bone in his body. He was the one who made Payne really feel welcome in the family and I loved him for it. He took Jeny and me camping and I will never forget that trip. He used to let me "drive" on the highway by letting me steer. And he was always happy, even when he was crying. That's a big part of why I felt so close to him, cause he cried a lot, too. I don't remember how I heard about his death but I think it was pretty soon after we moved to Maryland so I couldn't go to the funeral.

Grandpa Lauritzen was a great grandpa. I used to love to hear him sing. He told me once I was a good kisser (I just realized how wierd that sounds) when I kissed him goodnight. I also remember the green velvet piano bench with the towel where he would play solitaire. He must be the reason we like to play cards so much. Alex and I play Casino together all the time. I don't remember ever hearing him play his sax. I loved to be there when they irrigated. It was usually late at night and we would get in our swimsuits and play in the water. I went with him once to watch him play racquetball. I remember him sitting at the table eating cereal with cream on it. If he wasn't playing cards he was doing something in the yard. And most of all I remember going with him to the Pop Shoppe and picking cream soda. I also remember going to see him as a detective in a play. Something about the clock striking 13 and someone getting shot. Is that right? I remember the day he died. It was early in the morning and the phone rang. I went upstairs to see what was going on and Dad gave me a big hug and told me and started to cry. And I remember Grandma crying a lot and that was strange to me. She was too strong and tough to cry and she held it together most of the time. But now and then she would just lose it. She is the grandparent I got the most from. My stature, my hair, my weight, my, um, (sorry dad) huge bosoms. I remember being in her bathroom and seeing her bra hanging on the back of the door and thinking "wow, that could fit on my head!". And I remember hearing the train from HER house. Everytime I hear a distant train whistle I think of waking up in Robert's bedroom under the pink quilt with the window open and hearing the train. I love that memory. The Jewelry is also a fun one. Jeny and I played with it everytime we were there. And we spent a lot of time oiling the leaves of that huge tree. She was definitely never afraid to say what was on her mind and she could be hurtful sometimes. But she loved us and we knew it. I was so glad that we were all able to get together to send her off. Somehow it seemed fitting for her to be the last one to go.

From Teresa

Let me start off by saying I don't intend on running a "Support Obama" campaign because that is very far from the truth. I got the following from a friend and it made a big impact on me. I have really taken to heart the discussions on hope from grandpa and the missionaries. I take great pride in being a United States citizen and being able to have my own opinion. I think the following letter is a great way to be positive and not let negative energy consume us. I have always taken great pride in our country and the way it is. Some of it is awful, some of it is great. I love the fact that we have a voice as a whole and as individuals. I firmly believe that there is reason to most everything in life. If this is the beginning of the end, there is a reason. I can't spend my time being upset or confused like I have been because it's making me a less like-able person. Please feel free to leave your opinion in agreement or disagreement. I know I am only 24 and quite naive in the grand ways of the world, so I won't be offended if you tell me so. :) I would just like to hear other opinion on the topic because all I got from the hubby is "I agree" :)

I have my own concession speech to give. I didn't vote for or support Barak Obama, becase I disagree with him on most everything. I voted for John McCain. However, even though I didn't vote for Obama, I will respect his position as the President of the United States, the most powerful title on the planet.

I don't like the way the 2008 election turned out.

I don't like that 50% of America actually voted for a man who has been accused numerous times of having terrorist connections.

I don't like the fact that our president-elect reportedly refuses to produce a valid US birth certificate to prove his citizenship.

I don't like the fact that Obama has always voted for the most liberal policies in our country , since the beginning of his political career.

I don't like the fact that Colin Powell endorsed him.

I don't even want to think about the policies that he and the predominantly Democratic Senate and Congress plan to sign into law, such as:

Gun Control

Stealing from the rich to feed the poor

More handouts/Fewer "Hand-ups"

Socialized Health Care and Housing

A Weakened Military Force

Regulations and/or banning of Christian radio and TV programming

Not only do I dislike all of these things, but I am also a little afraid, to be honest.

I'm afraid my children will end up with fewer liberties than I have had.

I'm afraid that people won't strive so hard to reach the American Dream if the poor have everything handed to them by the government, and the rich are forced to pay that cost.

I'm afraid my religious freedoms are threatened.

I'm concerne that the small portion of white-hating Americans will pull the race card and use this as an agenda-win, and breed more violence and hatred.

Even though I know that God is not wringing his hands, wondering what to do about this, and that He is still in control, I am aware of the promise that "... the nation or kingdom that will not serve you [God] will perish; it will be utterly ruined" (Isaiah 60:12 NIV). I am afraid that the majority of Americans are quickly forgetting God. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God". (Psalm 9:17 KJV) I am afraid that the new administration in Washington will forget that God fits in anywhere, even in politics.

With all of this in mind, it is very difficult for me to respect our future President of the United States as a man. However, I believe that we must not let our differences cause us to allow hatred to grow in our hearts and, thus keep us from progressing in the work that we have cut out for us.

We must remember that every American needs to concentrate on the issues that, though controversial, will in the end decide whether we still stand together as a "more perfect union". We have to find a middle ground that will enable us all to still enjoy our freedom to disagree between party lines. There is a failing economy, a war, and numerous other impending threats to our country that need to be resolved. These will not be resolved through hatred or malice, or by disrespecting the position of the President. I may not at present respect "the man", but, I have decided, however, that I will respect his position and title.

I have been so weary of the personal attacks on our current president, President George W. Bush. I believe the overall lack of respect for the position of "Mr. President" has caused our country hurt. I am aware that President Bush is not a popular president. But I am also aware that he is unpopular, partly because the liberal media shows absolutely no respect for the position of the presidency when a conservative president is leading our country.

It is amazing to me that a liberal democrat in the office of "Mr. President" can commit adultery by "having relations" with another woman, and it is laughed off by the liberal media, and not taken seriously.
But a conservative president pronounces "nuclear" incorrectly, and the insults by the media never cease! What happened to respect for the office itself? What are we teaching our children, the future of this country, when we very openly slander the most powerful man on the planet?

On Tuesday night, when it was obvious that Obama would be the next "Mr. President". I turned off the TV, turned to my children and said to them, "Okay, we don't have to like the way this election turned out, but we do have to respect Barak Obama as our next president". I have written a letter to Barak Obama, on behalf the conservative people of America who are not racists, do not necessarily always vote Republican, and who believe in giving him a chance to fulfill a promise to truly represent the people of the United States of America.

Mr.
President (-elect),

In the next four years, I'm sure there will be many slurs, accusations, and even some hatred toward you. There will be many of us who disagree with you on many issues, and will stand against many of your policies. However, there are those of us who love this country enough to agree to disagree with you, and understand that this is how a true democracy operates. We cannot expect to win every election and maintain balance as a bi-partisan country. We win some, we lose some. We move forward.

We congratulate you for a race well-run: a successfully-operated campaign, a huge victory, and the courage it took for you to say "Yes, we can", despite the opposition you faced. We give you our support as the opposing "team", and ask you to help us in keeping "Our Country First".

We ask that you honor this nation's symbol of freedom and pride, by wearing and saluting the flag. We ask that you and the new administration build our defense, keep our military strong, and help keep us safe from terrorists. We ask you to offer a hand-up to the needy, not a hand-out--by strengthening the job force and education system --not by expanding welfare programs.

We ask that you encourage and allow the hard-working Americans to help the poor, the ill, the widows, and otherwise needy people of our nation, by giving of their resources at their own will; and that you not force an even larger tax burden on them, thus taking away the opportunity and the true spirit of giving from them.

As a single mother of four, with a single income, I understand and appreciate that there are many people in this country who truly can not survive without government assistance. They are the people for whom the welfare system was originally created. However, there are many who choose to parasitically live off of Joe Taxpayer's money. Mr. President, please do not allow this to continue.

Please prove the rumors wrong: That you aren't connected to terrorists, that you do love America and its people, that you are safe, that you want a free democracy, and not a socialist government, that you will improve our educational system, add jobs, successfully end the war, and bring positive change and hope.

There is a Chinese Proverb that says, " To listen well is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true leadership". Mr. President, you are an amazing speaker and motivator. You are a likeable guy. You stated in your acceptance speech that you promise to listen.

Please make us believe that by your actions. I believe you want to "gain respect" from those who didn't vote for you. I believe our current president has failed in taking the time to extinguish America's fears by listening and addressing their concerns. You have the chance to "change" that, thus giving us all "hope".

You will have our respect as a man if you can do that.

For now, we will continue to support your title of office, Mr. President. Our prayers are with you as you endeavor to bring hope to so many.
God bless you and your family, and God Bless America.

-Joe Taxpayer--AKA: Deanna Cottrell, Mother of Four

Teresa's Grandparents

First Grandpa and Grandma Lauritzen. Most of my young memories are in the old house and they're just little tidbits- mostly of what I did when we went to visit. It was usually at Christmas, so it was always so festive. I loved when Grandpa sang to me. I remember sitting in grandmas kitchen window, looking at Pikes Peak and all the pillows that the girls made and watching all the women cook dinner. I loved the family sing alongs. I mostly remember playing with Aunt Heidi and Holly- in their room or the hot tub. I vaguely remember sitting on the swing in the back of the yard swinging with grandma. We liked to go in the garden because she had sunflowers ( I LOVE sunflowers!) and snowpeas. I remember a yellow bird that used to drive me crazy every morning and BJ slobbering all over everything. Grandpa and all of us kids used to sit in the den and watch movies.

Next, abuelo y abuela. When I was really little, they had a doll that had candies in it. Every time I ate my dinner, I got to have a little candy. When I got a little older, it changed to dollar coins and I got to go to the local candy store and pick out my own candy (they have weird candy over there- I thought it was cool) We did alot of walking. I remember thinking all the pigeons where weird. I remember getting dressed up alot. When I was in 4th grade or so, Abuelo used to sit and do my summer reading assignments with me. He would teach me spanish, and I would teach him english. I used to think it was funny the way he pronounced things. Abuela used to let me help her hang the clothes on the wash line and would always bring me a really great sandwiches at night while I watched cartoons.

Oh! I forgot I used to play beauty shop with grandma and my mom! I loved beauty shop! I can't remember a whole lot, but if Im missing something obvious or there's something I did alot, I'd like to here it!

Jeny's Grandparents

This is a fun one! I love remembering my grandparents!

I remember the Breckenridges house in Durango a little bit. Grandpa had colorful sand in the garage (maybe?) and made sand jars out of it. There were a lot of deer in the backyard and I think a salt lick. Grandma used to give us a big vitamin C and we loved them. Yummy! and she had us eat what I think was wheat germ for breakfast instead of cereal. She would tell us to only have a little bit, because it would fill us up fast, and it did! And then there was carrot juice. Enough said about that. They had the neat table in the kitchen in Springville that got bigger. I don't know why I though it was neat, but Grandpa would bring out the extra pieces from the closet. Then we could sit at the bigger table and eat strange things. I especially remember the rabbit. Yuck. Grandpa had his rock collection in the backyard and in the basement and would make jewelry and such out of it. My favorite Breckenridge memory was waking up in the morning in the basement room to the sound of the train. Grandma always cracked the window opened for us. I still wake up some mornings to that train and think about her. She was quiet and very gentle. And remember pompom? And "Friendship like the setting sun sheds kindly light on everyone". Good times! The last time I saw Grandpa, Holly and I went to visit him in the home he was in. He was unresponsive and just lay there staring at the ceiling. I tried talking to him a bit and felt like it was useless, until I said "Grandpa, I want to go back to Hawaii. Do you want to go with me?" He looked right at me, smiled and said, "yes". Then he went back to staring at the ceiling, but it did shock Holly and I a bit!

The Lauritzens home was always really fun because of the food. Bacon in the mornings and snickers whenever we could sneak them. We would sleep on the cots in the family room, or the pull out bed with the great clock sounds. Most nights Grandpa would stop the clock so it didn't wake us, but I loved the sound of the clock! Once in a while Grandma would let us play with her jewelry which was super fun! And she always had toys to play with. My best memories of Grandpa have to do with irrigating. He would wear the baby blue cover-alls and roll up the legs and go out to pick worms and other things out of the water. We made boats once or twice and floated them on the water. He also helped me mow the lawn for my first time - with his push mower. What a pain that thing was! He always put food out back for the cats that would come by, and Grandma always had candy for the kids that would come by. They both kinda collected strays. I lived with them for a little of my freshman year at BYU, and learned a lot about them. When the home teachers were visiting one day, I took a load of laundry into the living room. When the home teachers left Grandma came after me like a shot - boy was she mad!! She said nobody knew her laundry was in that room. She had kept it a secret all those years and I ruined it. She could get mad super fast, but she didn't stew over it. She said what was on her mind, and let it go. They liked MASH and Jay Leno, and they really seemed to like each other. Grandpa got really confused after his first big stay in the hospital not long before he died, and he was the first to admit it. He kept telling me stories about the war, and they bored me a bit. I wish now that I had listened and could remember what he said. I didn't know until after he died that he wouldn't talk about the war much. Before grandma died I tried (and usually did) to visit her every week. She loved having the decons bring her the sacrament, and asked me to make her a few dresses so she could look good for them. She couldn't see very well, so she would usually have me find something that she had misplaced, or look for a cup becasue all 8 weren't in her cupboard or something like that. She loved to have us come over, but nothing could interrupt her "Matlock"! If we went to see her at noon, we got to watch it with her. Good times!

Heidi's Grandparents

I don't have any memories of Grandma Breckenridge except her really sick years. She was always in bed hooked up to oxygen. I was only seven when she died and I remember feeling guilty about playing with Jenny Cragun at her funeral, but not guilty enough to stop. The only thing I remember about Grandpa Breck (when he still knew who I was) was his mustache tickling. I used to really love that. I do remember him being very funny. Then one time I went to visit him and he called me Linda. That made me very sad! I don't think he ever knew who I was again.

Grandpa Lauritzen is just as fuzzy in my memories as Grandma Breckenridge. We did irrigate the backyard once and floated candles on the water--and who of the Lauritzen crowd didn't play cards? I was in the second or third grade when he died. I woke up one morning and hated school so much that I was on my way to Mom's room to tell her I was sick and couldn't go to school. Then I noticed Amy packing a garment bag on Mom's bed and found out he had died. I ran in my bedroom with a smile on my face and told Holly "We're going to Utah!!" I really loved Utah and REALLY hated school. Grandpa was the last thing on my little 7 or 8 year-old mind.

Grandma Lauritzen is the one I have lots of memories of. Her house always smelled so good. The smell of bacon will always remind me of her. Jason and I brought Ashley a couple of times to have dinner with her when we lived in Provo. She saved special treats for our kids when we went Trick-or-Treating, too. I loved to sit and talk with her and see how similar her mannerisms were to Dad's. She was always saying how much she never watched t.v. and yet the t.v. always seemed to be on, tuned to Matlock. She would also tell me how much she disliked that Jay Leno, but she always watched him. I loved to spend time with my little Grandma who could always keep a conversation going. She was strict, but I liked that. She died when Jason and I were living in Ogden. It's funny that so many of you were there with her when she died, and I was only one hour away and didn't make it. I took time for granted that day.

I love my grandparents because they made my parents who they are, and they are pretty fantastic!

Lori's Grandparents

Being the eldest, I remember all my grandparents well (though maybe not correctly). Grandma Breck was usually laying down on the couch in her mumu with her legs up. I remember washing walls at their Provo home, making carrot juice (ick!) and being bribed to stay at their house with big Vitamin C tablets - to grandma they were as good as candy! She died the month before Tere was born so I wasn't able to go to her funeral. Grandpa Lauritzen was very stern but told great stories and was a lot of fun when he got his sax out to play. I remember him, like Mindy does, sitting in front of the t.v. playing solitaire, or just getting back from playing handball, or sitting in his place at the head of the table eating a plateful of corn on the cob! Some of the best memories are of irrigating the back yard in our swim suits. He died while Tere and I were living in Spain so I was unable to go to his funeral either. Grandpa Breck was the most fun of all (which is probably part of what made him so annoying to most adults)! He took us camping, fishing and taught Kristi and me to shoot a gun. He told silly stories, and bounced us on his leg until we fell off. And no one will ever forget his stories about his mission in Hawaii. Even into his Alzheimer's, when a clear moment came, he remembered I wasn't his Linda and whispered, "I hab a swee-cwet". I guess I used to tell him that when I was very little and it stuck. I don't recall what was going on at the time of his death but I missed his funeral as well. Going to Grandma Lauritzen's was always a treat because we got to raid the candy bowl and we'd wake up to the smell of bacon. At her house we could have as much bacon as we wanted -- I'm sure she went through several pounds of the stuff when we visited. She always had on red lipstick and dangly earrings and smelled like soap and perfume. She had a straight to the point, honest streak to her which sometimes stung but was usually the truth (the truth does always hurt more, doesn't it?) and you never had to guess where she stood on an issue. I loved being able to go to her funeral - I still can't believe Amy was able to get through that song - and see everyone and say to her "See ya soon!"

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Miles! Today he is 4 or 5. I think he's 5. Correct me if I'm wrong please. Anyway, happy birthday Miles, we love you and hope you have a very fun birthday!

Mindy's Granparents

I remember Grandma Breckenridge always wore long colorful mumus (sp?). She was so gentle. I loved to have her brush my hair. I was 8 or 9 when she died. I think 9 because it was right before Tere was born. I liked watching Grandpa Lauritzen with the piano bench in front of him, playing Solitaire. He had a card shuffler that I'd sometimes crank in between games. He died when I was 10. Grandpa Breckenridge always played with the kids. He'd tickle us, give us a kiss right between the eyes or a whisker kiss. Whenever we heard meadow larks singing he'd imitate it, saying "Mindy's a pretty little girl." I was pregnant with Jonah when he died, I think, so I would have been 28. Is that right? 2003? Grandma Lauritzen always had food when we got to her house. Either fried chicken or roast. She was the short Grandma. It was an event when we got taller than Grandma. That happened for me when I was 10, I think. She died just, what, 2 or 3 years ago? My memory is getting worse as I get older! That was a wonderful experience to have all of us Lauritzen kids together at her funeral.

Question of the Week:

What do you remember about your grandparents? How old were you when (if?) they died?

Veteran's Day Parade