Lauritzen Family Blog

Random thoughts from Lori

2012-02-07T10:07:00.001-08:00

I just had the funniest memory pop into my head. We were in West Jordan and on our way to Grandpa Breck's house for his birthday. Mom had made a cake for him and had painstakingly cut out letters to spell "Happy Birthday Grandpa", sprinkled powdered sugar over them on the cake and took up the letters so it was spelled out in spaces without powdered sugar. She had placed this carefully in the back of the VW bus and on the way we stopped at a grocery store to pick something up. We kids stayed in the car while Mom and Dad went in and I was told "You're in charge". It took, what seemed like, a long time so we were all singing, arguing, and so forth for a good while. When the parents came back to the car, they opened the hatch to the back to put in the items they had just picked up and what did they see?

Mindy had twisted herself around in her car seat and was happily poking into the cake with her little fingers and licking them! The cake was destroyed!

That was one of the few times I heard my dad swear. Mom started crying. I got in trouble. And Mindy? She just kept happily licking her fingers and hands and lips all the way to Grandpa's house.

It's funny the things that pop into our heads at random times! Can you think of a family memory that has come to mind out of nowhere?

Lori

From Lori

2012-02-03T09:51:00.001-08:00

Hey all! I've made a facebook page for the things I've been making and selling. Please go to my page and like it so your friends that I don't know can see. I don't have alot of inventory, but I'd like to start selling what I can. I make new stuff almost daily and I'll add it to the page every few days. Thanks for spreading the word!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-Heavenly-Creation/129908750463628

Lori's sounds

2012-01-19T18:53:00.001-08:00

This was a hard one for me, but I came up with a couple. The first sound is the sound of a child jumping in a crib. That squeak reminds me of the twins in their back bedroom in West Jordan jumping and yelling "We-lo, we-lo, we-lo!" to get my attention that they were finished napping. They almost never called unless they were jumping while holding on to the side rail. The second is when someone is snoring loudly. It reminds me of trying to go to the bathroom at night and hearing dad snore. When I was very young it terrified me that I had awakened him and he was telling me "Shhhh". I remember more than once running back to my bed and just trying to hold it 'til morning. That wasn't very successful in my early years! ha ha ha ha ha

Lori

Dads sounds

2012-01-19T18:50:00.001-08:00

The sounds I remember from my youth center around the locations where I spent my very young years. While we lived in Pocatello with my Uncle Casey and Aunt Rita (my dad was in Germany in the army) I remember the train whistles all night long. Pocatello at that time was a big railroad center – much bigger than it is today. Even today train whistles have a bit of a lonely sound to me, while at the same time bringing a sense of fondness for a very close family connection at that time.

From Victor, the home of my paternal grandparents, I remember the incessant and very pleasant burble of the ditch that ran across the front of their property. That ditch is now gone, and it makes me sad to realize that so many things are so transitory. But, Victor is still the most prominent “home” in my youthful mind, even though I never lived there for very long.

Dad

Amy's sounds

2012-01-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

My favorite sound from childhood will always be the sound of the train outside the pink bedroom at Grandma Lauritzen's house. To this day everytime I hear a train whistle it takes me back to waking up to that train. And Grandms'a laugh. Will never forget that

Heidi's sounds

2012-01-18T20:06:00.001-08:00

The summer sound Holly neglected to mention was the hum of the box fans Dad installed in our windows. The day he installed those was as exciting as Christmas to me. It meant summer and no more school! Of course, we all think of the grandfather clock and cuckoo clock as sounds not only of childhood, but of home. My favorite childhood sound, though, had to be the trio of snoring I heard in the neighboring bedroom--Mom, Dad, and B.J. all snoring together. I miss that dog. She was beautiful.

-Heidi

More Sounds Please.

2012-01-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen it go down a ways on the blog. What sounds do you remember from your childhood. Thanks to Holly and Theresa for answering.

Mom and Grandma's sounds.

2012-01-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

I'm having a hard time thinking of any. My Mom always had the classical station on so that was one sound. I guess it's just been too long ago. I can't think of any other. Maybe the Christmas bells my Dad shook outside every year.

Teresa's Sounds

2012-01-18T10:11:00.001-08:00

Two sounds that always make me think of my childhood... Well I guess airplanes would also be one of mine. Living on or near an air force base for most of my life has made it a norm. That was the first thing I noticed was missing when I moved to Hot Springs. It's so quiet here. I don't think it's the flying sound though. It's more the sound of the planes cycling up on the flightline. The second sound would most definitely be the 5 o'clock loudspeakers on base. I instantly think "get out of the pool, find the flag, stand still". It's pretty funny. Neither of these sounds are existent in my life now, so they are specifically reserved for my childhood :)

Lori's other new endeavor

2012-01-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I've started doing something I thought I would never do...started buying products from a multi-level marketing company, but wait -

it's something in which some of you might be interested.

It's a company called Melaleuca. Started by a Mormon in Idaho and they have products that contain tea tree oil. The cleaners, soaps, lotions, toothpaste, mouthwash - just about everything - contains tea tree oil. All of them are "green" products, safe to use in food prep areas, safe for pets and children, etc.

I was a little leary of it all, so I waited to tell anyone about it until I tried the products and I'm sold. Really good, concentrated products that smell great, work great, and being a part of it can pay you back for the products you'd buy in the store anyway. Of course, there's a catch; you've got to tell other people about it and hope some of them sign up for it under your name, but then you get money back if they do.

It's not a pyramid scheme because there's a limit of 7 "generations" for the kick-back.

I'm a terrible salesperson, but look at the products on the site and read a little about the company and if you're interested in hearing more about it let me know and I'll hook you up with a gentleman and his wife who have been doing this for 14 years - they can answer any questions you might have.

Here's the site:

http://www.melaleuca.com/

Happy shopping!

Lori

2012-01-15T15:25:00.000-08:00

Mom asked me to send pictures of some of what I've been making. It's not fancy or expensive...just costume jewelry but we're hoping it will bring in a little extra money. Got some design ideas? Lay 'em on me!

Lori

set

bracelet

earrings

Holly's sounds and Christopher

2012-01-15T15:22:00.001-08:00

There are two sounds from my childhood that bring me right back to my childhood when I hear them today. The first is the sound of airplanes flying overhead. We used to sleep with our window open during the summer since there was no other way to cool the house back then, and we would wake up to a nice breeze coming in the window and the sound of the airplanes at the Air Force Academy. There are still times when I hear an airplane and I suddenly feel like I'm a kid again, ready to get up and go outside to play. The other sound is the call of the meadowlark. I didn't know that I missed that sound until I moved to an apartment in West Jordan that was right at the edge of a huge meadow, and there were always lots of meadowlarks singing. It made me homesick for Colorado! Before the houses were built behind our house on Rusty Hinge, we had tons of meadowlarks, and we would hear them all the way to school on our walk through the field. Still one of the prettiest bird calls I know of!
For those of you who don't keep up on Facebook, which is where I frequently post my updates because it's fast and easy for me and I can instantly reach 400 people, Christopher is in the hospital again. I took him to the ER on Wednesday night because he just wasn't eating enough for me. I thought they were going to teach me how to place an NG tube and send us home, but the cardiologist wanted to look him over and make sure the feeding issue wasn't masking something more serious. His heart tests were all fine, so they have been working for the past couple of days on making sure he gets enough calories per day to grow enough. His weight was up yesterday, but down today because he threw up one of his feedings yesterday. Today they have stopped bottle feeding him and are just continuously pumping food in through the NG tube with the thought that maybe he throws up because he's getting too much food in his stomach at once. Well, eh threw up again just after Matt and I left this afternoon, so that idea is out the window. We will have to wait until the doctors discuss his case to see what their next idea is. This has been somewhat good timing, because as soon as I got him to the ER on Wednesday I felt a sore throat coming on, and by Thursday morning I was downright sick. It's good for him to not be here and be constantly exposed to my germs. It would be really bad if he were to get sick right now. He did get his RSV vaccine yesterday, so that makes me feel better. They will keep him for at least a few more days to get this figured out, and he should be home again soon.
Thanks for the question, Mom! Let's get everyone blogging again!

More Blogs Please

2012-01-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

I guess we need a question again. Everyone just quit writing. I am grateful for my ears to hear with. Describe a "sound" from your childhood. What was it? When did you hear it? What does it bring to mind?
If you have forgotton how to respond just comment or send a blog : lauritzenfamilyblog@blogspot.com

2012-01-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Matt Emerson tomorrow. Hope you have a very nice day. We love you.

Pictures of Aaron's house. Dad will update soon and write something about each picture

2011-12-30T11:46:00.001-08:00

Above and 2 below shows the"crypts" in the furnace room behing the furnace room.

Living room ceiling. The ceiling is made of 7 coats of plaster and soap.

Master bedroom.

2011-12-30T11:42:00.001-08:00

Same as last. Showing the size of the basement.

The other entrance to laundry room .In the forefront is a large family room.

Basement evidence that construction is not complete. It's carpeted and painted.

Below is one of the basement bedrooms. Above the basement door to the laundry room..

This is the furnace. It's huge. It's a double furnace that he had to install to heat 6000 sq ft.

2011-12-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

Staircase from the playroom loft to the upper area (not yet finished.

Folding doors from the living room

Eliza's bedroom.

2011-12-30T11:35:00.001-08:00

Staircase from the playroom to upper loft.

In the playroom

The play room zip line.

2011-12-30T11:14:00.001-08:00

The attic.

Below is the light for the playroom loft. He got it in Colo. Springs. Above us the upper loft above the playroom. The access hole allows entry into the attic.

2011-12-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

Closet in bedroom.

View from the play loft .

2011-12-30T11:00:00.001-08:00

The secret stairway.

2011-12-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

Living room as seen from the family room loft. Above is the Closet to one of the closet. I think it's Simon's.

2011-12-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

Bookcase that slides to hide the hidden staircase. See 3 above

Large Kitchen

Landing for. stairs to basement

More on Aaron's house...

2011-12-30T10:43:00.001-08:00

This is the hallway to the back stairs to the basement.

2011-12-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

2011-12-30T10:40:00.001-08:00

Staircase from living room to family room loft.

2011-12-29T21:52:00.000-08:00

Two Birthdays Dec 30th

2011-12-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dayna and Emily. Dayna is turning 13 and Emily is turning two.We love you so very much. You are darling girls. Have a nice day.

2011-12-29T20:51:00.001-08:00

This is the family room. The biggest loft at the top of the stairs. I'll put on more tomorrow.

the playroom lift above the big folding door

2011-12-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is the loft that is above everything else. They had it covered until Christmas. For the kids a playroom. It will eventually have a slide and fireman pole. It already has a zip line. Inside there is a second stairway that goes to another loft above that for added room. That has not been done yet. Below that loft is the huge folding door that was at the end to close off the bedrooms and rest of the house. The stairway to the whole thing is hidden behind a bookcase. Their Christmas tree on the stage at the front of the living room.

2011-12-29T20:44:00.001-08:00

2011-12-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

These stairs to to the family room. That is a rocking fish that also came from Thailand.

2011-12-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

2011-12-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

The entry lamp came from Thailand. It was a fishbowl. It's in the entry hall

2011-12-29T20:26:00.000-08:00

This is the front door. There is a small entry probably 8X8 with a very unique light.

2011-12-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

This is the door to the office at the front of the bldg. Dad took a picture of it because the door is even but the house is not. You can see by the width of the casing.

Mom's travels

2011-12-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

I got to go help Holly and Heidi these last few weeks before Christmas. It was fun to get to know the kids a little better and play with them. Bedtime was really an adventure at Heidi's house particularly. I got to see both cute babies. Christmas just whizzed by before I had a chance to notice. We did get wreaths. Dad made candy but it was all gone when I got home after I went visiting teaching. It has been really cold until this week and the snow stayed around for a long time, unusual for here. This week is all over 50. So its nice to take down lights except that the snow is still too deep to get up to them. We had a very nice Christmas Eve with David's family coming down for the traditional french onion soup and deli things. None of the kids like any of it, so Tricia brings soup they will like. We watched the new video and also the one from 2003. Everyone was so Young!!
We went down to Aaron and Ann's new church home. Here are some pictures of that.

2011-12-16T11:26:00.001-08:00

Lloyd and Kristi's Anniversary

2011-12-15T19:09:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to download the picture. I'll have to call Jeny tomorrow to find out how. It's just not working right. Hope your anniversary is a good one. We love you.

Happy Birthday Jordan

2011-11-28T20:37:00.001-08:00

We hope you have a good one this year-your first being a married man. We love you lots.

Happy birthday Jason

2011-11-28T19:49:00.001-08:00

We hope your day is full of sweet dreams. I'll make you something yummy on Wednesday. See you then.

Have a great day!!

Christmas List 2011

2011-11-27T12:06:00.001-08:00

Lori has Heidi
Kristi has Holly
Jeny has Matt
Amy has Lori
David has Kristi
Mindy has Jeny
Heidi has Amy
Holly has David
Matt has Mindy

Happy Anniversary to Amy and Tarquennis

2011-11-27T11:50:00.001-08:00

I don't have a picture of the two of them. Please send one. We hope you can do something fun.

Correction

2011-11-21T18:52:00.001-08:00

Hi family
I wanted to let you know that I have access to Crest/Oral B products at greatly reduced prices, such as professional strength white strips for $20 a box, toothbrushes 12/$2.25, tooth paste 24 tubes for $19, a power toothbrush (which I LOVE! I got a free sample) for $44. You can look at their products on their website IF YOU ARE INTERESTED and I will tell you my price. Let me know if you want something.
Thanks, Love you, Mindy

Oral B products

2011-11-19T20:17:00.001-08:00

Hi family!
I wanted to let you know that I have access to Crest/Oral B products at GREATLY reduced prices. Such as professional strength white strips for $20 a box, toothbrushes- 12 for $2.25, toothpaste- 24 tubes for $19.00, a power toothbrush (which I LOVE)-I got a free sample for $44. You can look at their products on their website if you're interested and I will let you know if you want something.

Mindy

Halloween at Holly's by Mom

2011-11-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

Mom at Holly's

2011-11-14T16:55:00.001-08:00

Mom again. I just got back from Holly and Matt's. I was watching the children while they were occupied with the baby-Christopher. It was fun to get to know them a little better. They are darling. Shannon liked me and was very cooperative. Leah, however, wanted her mommy. She was not happy I was there. When no one else was there she was delightful but when she remembered her mom or didn't get her own way-she wanted her mommy. The baby is really a cute little boy. Holly just called to tell us they removed the respirator. Yay. We are very happy to hear that. I was there for Halloween. Haven't done that in a while. We don't even get trick or treaters at our house.

Happy Birthday to Miles!

2011-11-12T23:24:00.000-08:00

Miles celebrated his birthday today, November 12. We hope you had a great one! We love you and your super cute smile!

November Question of the Month

2011-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

This is Jeny filling in for Mom while she has fun craziness with daughters and their families. Mom gave me a great question for the month, but since it's November, the month we should consider all that we are grateful for, I decided to make the question a gratitude question. So our question is:

What 5 things are you grateful for that others answering this question may not have thought to have gratitude for?

Jeny's answers:
1. Showers and people that use them.
2. Choir practice. I love having the chance to sing!
3. My slippers and blankets.
4. Being able to have family prayer with Mark, Tara AND Spencer. :)
5. The internet! What a miracle it is to have this blog and know some of what goes on in all your lives! (ps. Tere and Mindy, thank you for making a post this week!)

Happy Birthday Tere!

2011-11-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

November 5th is Teresa's Birthday. Hope you have a great one! We love you lots!

Welcome Baby Christopher!

2011-10-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Christopher Matthew Emerson was finally born last night. He is 6 lbs 7oz and is doing very well, all things considered. Keep him in your prayers. We will have more news on Wednesday. He really is a cute boy!

Congratulations to the proud parents!

Mindy's New House

2011-10-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

We moved in August, and here's our new house, and the kids in front on their first day of school. Dylan was already gone for early morning band practice. This is the first time I wasn't there when they went to school, because I was already at school myself. -Sniff- We are renting but will probably buy it when we can. It's a really nice house and a great neighborhood. We live between a family doctor and a chiropractor.

Tonight we went to Jason's cousin's farm for a Halloween get together. They have a huge pumpkin patch and TONS of pumpkins left over. So we got to pick out what we wanted, and we got some big ones! Jonah's was so thick we had to take a saw to it to get the lid off! We haven't finished carving yet, so no finished pictures, but we got a LOT of seeds. Yum!

Mindy, we need your new address. Please send that to us as soon as you can!

Happy Birthday Tad!

2011-10-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hey! this cute boy had a birthday today!

Happy Birthday Tad! We love you!

Tara is Published!

2011-10-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

This morning at 8am Tara's first Historical Blurb was published on Footnote.com. She is now an intern for this company, a subsidiary of Ancestry.com, and writes short, historical items that might be of interest to readers. Go here and check it out

http://spotlights.fold3.com/2011/10/27/japanese-bike-brigade/

The blog.

2011-10-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

OK guys, Jeny, Mindy and I (Grandma) have spent the last 3 days with them learning how to do this. I hope I can remember when I get home. Please Please Please!!! send some posts to the same address you did for Nickell. I'd like to thank Nickell sooooooooooooooooo Much for doing this and getting me started. I don't have a lot of recent pictures so if you want them on please send them.
And now for the new question of the month.

What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?

I woke up coughing and wondering when this cough would go away. Dad's went away in one day.

October Happenings

2011-10-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

Sara's birthday was Oct 26th. What a cute little girl. We love you so much. You make me smile.

Cassie's birthday is the 18th of Oct. We don't get to see her very often. Your birthday looked so much fun. I wish we could have come too.

Mindy and Jason's anniversary was on the 15th

Emma was born on 9 of Oct. We went down to San Antonio for her baptism. We had a very nice time. She is a lovely young lady and we love her.

September dates to remember.

2011-10-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated birthday to Heidi and Holly. I had to put one picture of them both because I wanted to use this cute picture. That was a fun Halloween . Their birthday was Sept 1. We love them and are praying for both of their babies. If you are close to a temple please put them on the prayer roll.

Happy Anniversary to Mark and Jeny. They had a nice one. Jeny got a convertable and Mark got Jeny. Poor Mark. I guess it was a joint thing. It was on Sept 5.

Happy Birthday to Lydia and Trina. Hope you had a really fun day. We love you so much. It was on Sept 8th .

Happy Birthday, -whose birth is on Sept 11. Let me know who this is. We love her.

Happy Birthday my Ashley. We hope you had a really fun birthday. We love you!

Happy Anniversary you too. You live too far from anyone. We love you both. It was on 24 of Sept.

Happy August Birthdays. Sorry we're so late.

2011-10-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Courtney on the 25 of Aug. We think you are a special girl. We love you.

Happy Birthday Kelsey on the 19th of Aug. You are a darling girl. We love you.

Shannon was 5 on the 18th and got to go to school. You are a big girl now. We love her.

Josh's birthday was on the 15. He is a very nice young man. We love him.

Hope you had a very nice day. We love you. His Birthday was August 7th.

Birthdays!

2011-07-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

Recent birthdays.....

Mom turned 67 on the 9th! Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma! We love you!

Dan turned a quarter of a century on the 10th! TWO FIVE! Happy Birthday Dan!

McKayla's birthday was on the 11th! Happy Birthday McKayla!

The 16th was Elder Grierson's last birthday out on his mission! He will be home in October!!!!!

Becca turned 16 on the 16th! Happy birthday Becca! Now you can date!

We hope you all had fantastic D.O.B.'s! We love you all!

Jonah Got Baptized!

2011-07-18T16:37:00.001-07:00

Jonah's birthday and baptism

Jonah had a fun party with 4 of his friends. They did a baptismal font treasure hunt (the treasure was in a cardboard baptismal font -- his idea) and played "random games" (red rover, water balloon fight, silent winker). They had so much fun! His cake was a castle, which Kate decorated.

Mom and Dad came for his baptism on the 26th. It was so fun for us to have them here! We also have great ward support, so there were several other families there too. Our last one! And of course I forgot my camera. Dad to the rescue! He took several pictures for us.

Landscaping Changes

2011-07-18T16:11:00.001-07:00

Dear Family:

I have been promising several of you some photographs of the major changes we did to our front yard, so here they are. Clearly, we have not even begun the major replanting that lies ahead, but you will at least have a view of what we have started.

Dad/Grandpa

Baby Christopher

2011-06-30T12:55:00.001-07:00

Last week I had my full ultrasound and everything looked normal except that they couldn't get a good view of the 4 chambers of the heart. The doctor scheduled an appointment for me to go in today for a fetal echocardiogram and I was hopeful that it would just be poor positioning of the baby. The doctor took me to a consultation room after doing the echo and explained to me that the baby had a pretty severe defect and he told me all about how the heart works. Then he flipped the page over and I saw the words Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. My heart sank and I broke down. I understood fairly well what that entailed since I worked in a NICU for a year. It is one of the worst congenital heart defects. The doctor presented me with some options, and Matt and I feel very strongly that, as of right now, we are going to go ahead with the series of 3 reconstructive surgeries. The first will take place after he is about a week old and will be the most dangerous. If he survives that he has a good chance of surviving the other two and leading a fairly normal life. Since this procedure is fairly new (started in the 1980s), the oldest survivors are in their late 20s, so the long-term prognosis is unknown.

As for the pregnancy, everything should be just fine. I don't have any restrictions and we don't forsee any complications. I will deliver at the University of Utah hospital because it is right next to Primary Childrens Medical Center, where they will take him pretty quickly after birth. I should still be able to have a normal delivery and this poses absolutely no threat to my health (well, physical health, anyway).

Matt and I had a hard day, but through talking it over and lots of prayers we are feeling pretty hopeful. We know we are in for a roller coaster ride, but we are going to take one day at a time and do what we can to get this kid healthy. We have good insurance, so I don't think we will be very burdened, financially. We know there is a reason behind this trial and we are going to bear it as best we can. In the mean time, we are loving our healthy, happy girls and I'm soaking up every minute I can get with Shannon before she begins all-day kindergarten on August 3rd (yikes!).

We would appreciate any prayers you can offer and we love you all. Thanks!

Holly

June 26, 2011

2011-06-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Was a sad day at the Payne house. Chuck died.

Birthdays!

2011-06-30T12:05:00.001-07:00

Holy birthdays batman! It's that time of year! The time of year that approximately 2/3 of our family has birthdays. Also the time if year that is craziest for me. Sorry for all the late birthdays and anniversaries!

On May 26th Dad celebrated his 71st birthday!

David celebrated his birthday on the 26th too!

Lori's birthday was on the 27th!

Kate's birthday was also on the 27th!

Mom and Dad celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary!

(THIS ONE IS OUT OF ORDER) On June 9th April and Dan celebrated their 3rd anniversary!

On June 1st April celebrated her birthday!

Zacary ALSO celebrated his birthday on June 1st!

Holy smokes! So many double birthdays!!! Happy birthday/anniversary to all of you!! We love all of you and we're glad you are part of our family!

Birthdays!

2011-06-30T01:34:00.000-07:00

For some reason Blogger won't let me add more pictures to this one so the birthday posts will be broken up.

On June 3rd, Tricia celebrated her birthday!

Happy birthday!

On June 5th, Rachel turned EIGHT!!! That's right, she's THAT old.

On June 7th, Heidi and Jason celebrated their wedding anniversary! Congratulations!

On June 8th, Aaron turned 31!

Happy Birthday!

On June 21st, Jonah celebrated his birthday! I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Jonah turned 8 too. Am I correct? I feel like he was just barely walking at our wedding....

On June 22nd Kristi turned 45!

ALSO on the 22nd, Brock turned 14!!!

Then finally on June 24, Matt and Amanda celebrated their... 13th? Wedding anniversary! Congratulations!

Happy Birthday!

2011-05-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

It was Amy's birthday on Sunday! (the 22nd) Happy Birthday Amy! We love you!

The Wedding

2011-05-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Unless you have been living in a hole, you know Jordan got married. He and his new wife Tawnie were sealed for eternity in the San Diego LDS Temple on April 8th, 2011. It was a beautiful day and Jordan and Tawnie were blissfully happy. It was so fun to have the Griersons and Grandma and Grandpa there with us. Here is a photo story of the day.

They came out of the temple.

We took family pictures.

We love our brother.

The wedding party.

Jordan with his men.

They had matchings shoes.

What is this business? Crazy!

Kade sure loves his new Aunt Tawnie!

There was a sunny luncheon at California Pizza Kitchen. Tasty.

Awesome right?

THE NEXT DAY!

There was a reception.

The grand entrance happened. Parents and wedding party were introduced.

(Don't worry, Aaron knows I'm hotter than the girl on his arm. Ha!)

Welcoming the new Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Jensen!

The dad's gave toasts. Everyone, including and especially Jordan, bawled their eyes out.

They had their first dance.

They cut the cake. They did a good job.

This kid was a dancin' fool.

...Until it was time to eat cake.

This girl was attractive.

(Sorry, I had to. It was just too good.)

Grandma/Mom got her groove thing on.

Brock was photographed with both grandparents.

Even Jeny got her groove on too!

There was plenty of tasty food and cake and cheesecake. Fun time had by all. Welcome to the family Tawnie!

Graduation!!!!!

2011-05-17T15:15:00.001-07:00

Jason graduated on Saturday! Yay! His brother Dave and his daughter Brianna came up from Rigby for the graduation. It was long and boring, but fabulous! We made it!

Orchids and Rhubarb

2011-05-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

This post is mainly for Holly and Jeny. Last year around Easter time someone gave me an orchid. I asked Holly how to take care of it, but was still pretty sure I'd kill it. Here it is this year! Not only did it survive, but it bloomed again! It's so gorgeous, and I'm quite pleased! Thank you, Holly!

Last summer we drove home from our wonderful, long stay in Colorado through Utah. Jeny sent us home with a chunk of her rhubarb because my kids LOVE rhubarb. I sort of forgot about it, and it sat in a plastic bag on my dryer for weeks and turned black. We planted it anyway, just because, and I noticed last week that it's growing! Yay! This is quite a miracle, because it survived the weeks of dryness in my laundry room without dying and the weeks of heavy rains we've had this spring without drowning. Thank you, Jeny!

Eight Birthdays and An Anniversary.

2011-05-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Whoa! What a month. It's been SO crazy around here. Here are all the special days we've had since the last birthday post!

Meaghan's birthday was April 18th, she turned 11!

Amanda's birthday was April 19th.

Mindy's birthday was April 21st.

Melissa turned 10 on April 26th!

David and Tricia celebrated 17 years of marriage on April 29th!

Alex turned 14 on May 1st!

Mark got even older on May 6th! He turned 47.

Kylee turned 19 on May 6th as well! However, she did not grow up. Not yet anyway.

Kade turned 3 on May 12th!

Happy birthday/anniversary everyone! What a busy month of birthdays!

Sound Familiar?

2011-05-09T17:00:00.001-07:00

This is for my family members who don't pay attention to facebook!

love, Lori

2011-04-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

My two brothers- and sisters-in-law in Rigby did the estate sale today for Dennis' and Laurie's stuff. Here's what it looked like just before they opened the doors at 7 this morning. For any of you who know Dennis, you will laugh really hard at this picture. It's almost like all these people were coming to pay homage to the champion yard saler! The sale did very well and Dave and Dan and their families are very relieved to have this huge job done. They have been consumed with sorting, tossing, selling, and donating for the past 2 months. Some of you knew Dennis and Laurie, so I just wanted to give you a chuckle.

-Mindy

One More.

2011-04-05T23:27:00.001-07:00

There was another birthday that I didn't post on the previous birthday post because I thought it deserved it's very own. It was a very special birth-day, after all.

On March 17th, 2011 Matt and Amanda and their kids welcomed Hyrum Edison Lauritzen to their family. He was born at 4:26 pm. He weighed 8lbs and 15oz.

Welcome to the family Hyrum, we can't wait to meet you!

Birthdays!

2011-04-05T23:05:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year. Birthdays galore. Here's who was missed:

Nico on the 23rd- He turned the big one-zero! Yay for 10! Happy Birthday Nico!

Also on the 23rd, it was big brother JD's birthday! He turned 21! Happy birthday JD, stay safe please!

On the 26th, Dylan turned 15. Is he really that old? Happy birthday Dylan!

On the 27th, Ella turned 10 as well! Holy cow these kids are getting old! Happy birthday cute girl!

Matt's birthday was on the 2nd of April! Happy birthday to the new dad of 5!

This coming Friday, April 8th, is Megan's birthday. Jordan and Tawnie are getting married, so I won't be posting. So, in advance, happy birthday Megan! Hope you have a very fun day!

Gems

2011-03-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

My mother was in possession of these gems. I also found more old family photos that I'm going to post on here but I haven't finished scanning them in yet. I also fear that you'll be mildly disappointed with the others, after you see these.....

My mom, trying to be "sexy" next to good ol' Tom.... personally I think she looks more fearful....or crazy.

There are so many incredible points to this one. I'll just point out a couple....

1. They're "holding hands". Gosh dang that's good.

2. The off the shoulder business happening.

Thanks ladies. You probably didn't think you'd be providing such entertainment for us all. But you did. You really did.

Birthdays!

2011-03-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Here are a few birthdays we've missed and some that are coming up.

On February 27th it was Jason's birthday!

Derek turned 7 on February 27th as well!

Lloyd turned 51 on the 5th!

My birthday is tomorrow. I'm 25. (Have I ever mentioned how lame it is to post about my own birthday?)

On Saturday, the 12th, Monica turns 22! Happy Birthday Monica!

Happy Birthday to all of you!!! We're glad you're part of our family!

Miles of Smiles

2011-02-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

I opened up a new seed catalog today and found this! Who knew Miles was the poster boy for Gurney's Seed and Nursery?!? Yes, clearly it was a few years ago, but it's Miles all the way.

Actually, the caption says it's Blaine Gordon, but I think they made a mistake. It's Miles.

More posts, please, folks! Especially from those of you who do not have a blog of your own.

-Heidi

Happy Birthday!

2011-02-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

Taraya turned 22 on February 13th! Happy Birthday Taraya dear!

Anniversary

2011-02-18T21:25:00.001-08:00

Since I don't have a picture from their wedding, I thought it appropriate that I post some of their family pictures that we did in studio recently. Also, I'm really confused on why we didn't get a shot of just Matt and Holly. I'm also bothered by it. Anyway, here are a few. Happy 6th Anniversary to Matt and Holly on February 11th!

You should ask Holly about her super awesome anniversary gift.

Elder

2011-02-18T21:16:00.002-08:00

My email this week from Spencer was this picture and another of kids flying kites on kite day. The kite one was kinda boring, and the email wasn't really worth sending on, so here'a a picture of him. This was his caption.

me fake-smiling with my mamão (we think it means papaya), kite day, and the mary statue in our area

yeah, lame emails, but fun pistures this week

I'm pretty sure english is not a high priority for Spencer right now, but he is cute, isn't he?

Please Help.

2011-02-18T21:16:00.001-08:00

I am working on a project for a friend and would LOVE it if you would take a moment and share with me your favorite scripture AND what scripture helps you most in times of trial or need of comfort? THANKS!!!!

Tricia

Beauty All Around

2011-01-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Dad sent these to everyone on December 23, 2010. So I'm sure you've all seen them. Just thought I'd add them to the blog too!

Yesterday we had a day of intense fog. It was hard to see to drive.

Then, last night, we had very cold temperatures.

The two combined to make a lacy fairyland.

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Dad

Happy Birthday!

2011-01-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

Today is Matt's 31st birthday! Happy Birthday Matt! We hope it's a great day!

(also note that toady is 1.11.11...awesome.)

2011-01-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

There is A LOT of new stuff! Don't miss any of it!

Happy Birthday!

2011-01-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

Austin turned 11 today! Happy birthday Austin! Hope it was fun!

Happy Birthday!

2011-01-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

These two cute girls had a birthday on the 30th of December!

Dayna turned TWELVE!!! Welcome to Young Womens!

And Emily turned 1!

Happy Birthday to both of you! We hope you each had fun birthdays!

Eggs

2011-01-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

I have something to post! Hooray! So Tigress has a boyfriend, Jerry. Actually, the girls married them, so they're legitimate. We are dragon sitting for several months because his owners just moved to Boise and are renting a place that doesn't allow pets. He and Tigress get along very well. In fact, Tigress has become much less aggressive since being introduced to Jerry. She even lets us hold her now. Anyway, she has been getting fat and lumpy, and finally this morning she started laying eggs! She laid pretty much all day long, and we now have 19 eggs in the incubator! Tigress is very tired and deflated now. It was very fun to show the kids when they got home -- especially Jonah. Mom asked me to take a picture of his face, so here you go!

Prayers

2011-01-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

I found this video on my flash drive the other day and I think it's worth another look. It still makes me laugh--especially near the end when the girls just bust out singing at the top of their lungs.

I would also like to petition some prayers on our behalf. As most of you know, Matt has been writing a novel and has finally finished it. Over Christmas break he has spent a lot of time researching literary agents and writing letters of inquiry. He got a response from one agent just two days after sending an inquiry and that agent requested the first 3 chapters of his book, which we were very excited about! That means some interest has been generated, though how much we won't know for a while. Anyway, this is going to be a long process, but we would appreciate any prayers offered on behalf of the publication of this book. This has been Matt's dream since he was about 11 years old and it would mean the world to him to see his name in print. Thank you all

-Holly

2010-12-19T21:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary!

2010-12-15T23:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to Lloyd and Kristi!

They celebrated 26 years today! Congratulations!

It's Christmas Time!

2010-12-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

Here is Mom's Christmas village this year. Enjoy!

11

2010-12-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

Here you go grandma. The picture you've been asking for.

Happy Birthday

2010-12-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Leah!

Today is Leah's 2nd birthday! Have a fun day cute girl!

Happy Birthday

2010-12-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

We also had two birthdays this last week!

Jason on the 29th!

And Jordan on the 30th!

Jordan turned 22. Weird.

Happy Birthday guys! Hope each of you had a good birthday!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-12-02T12:39:00.001-08:00

Happy Anniversary to Amy and Tarquennis!

Congratulations! We hope you had a wonderful day!

Oh. P.S. Their anniversary was on November 27th.

Letters

2010-12-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why Holly didn't post this, becasue I think it's dang cute! So I'll send it in for her.

Holly asked Shannon to write a letter to Spencer, and Shannon took Holly very seriously. She sat down and wrote letters for Spencer. She even made the letter R dance. Read Holly's notes on the letter for more info. What a cute girl!

Family DVD

2010-11-14T20:32:00.001-08:00

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A FAMILY DVD THIS YEAR AND YOU ARE HOPING THAT I WILL DO IT..................

GET ME PHOTOS BY NOVEMBER 30, 2010

no photos= no dvd

-Tricia

Happy Birthday!

2010-11-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Miles!

His birthday was yesterday and he turned 6! Happy birthday Miles! Hope you had a fun day!

Happy Birthday!

2010-11-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Teresa!

She turns 26 today! Happy Birthday! We love you!

He's Here!

2010-10-29T23:35:00.001-07:00

Tadd Alan Blair was born 10.29.2010 at 8:44 pm. He was 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 inches long! We're so happy he's here! More pictures to come lately. Right now I'm just really tired!