What's Cooking

Up, Up and AWAY!

2011-10-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, Nick challenged Steele to go skydiving with him on his 60th birthday. Steele said "sure" but figured that Nick would forget when the time came. Not so...when Steele turned 60, Nick reminded Steele about his "promise" but Steele said "No way!" So imagine our surprise several months later when we got a call from Steele saying he had gone sky diving! Steele was in Nevada on a business trip with "Breitling" and they offered to take him skydiving, so Steele jumped! (I am glad he told me about it AFTER he went!) He said he was nervous, but not nearly as nervous as he was when he climbed the Grand Teton! Here are some fun pics of the jump!
By the way, the lady who jumped before Steele..... her chute didn't open! Luckily the second one did!

The calm before the storm...

Ready...

Set...

GO!

Free falling!

Pulling the chute

Getting ready to land

Safe and sound!

Ellen....whoot whoot!

2011-09-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

We did it!! After 7 years of trying to get tickets to the Ellen show, we finally did it! The "girls" and I have been making our annual rollerblading trip to California now for 16 years. Although our trip centers around the beach, blading, biking and Hof's, we have also worked in trips to Disneyland, Universal Studios, The Bonnie Hunt Show, The Tonight Show (with both Leno and Conan) and now finally...The Ellen Show! Whoot! Whoot! We've had fun at all of them, but we danced our hearts out on Ellen!

On our way!

That's an "E" for Ellen

Shawn smiling in anticipation!

Parking was TIGHT!! About 6 inches on each side!

Having fun while we wait!

Holding the "Golden Tickets!"

This is sort of like "Where's Waldo" If you can find us, my "hats off to you!

It was a long wait, but well worth it! We were there during Ellen's premier week and saw Eva Longoria, but the highlight for us was when they pulled our very own Tammy from the audience and brought her up front to dance!! She was the first one up and stole the show! Her 'dancing debut' may have never made it on air, but her moves certainly won the audience over! Ellen's crew must have loved her too because she got to dance for a very long time...and she never ran out of "moves!'

Tammy...wooing the audience!

Surprise!

2011-07-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

This post is long overdue, but certainly blog worthy...especially to ME!! About a year ago I decided to convert the study BACK into a nursery for our grandkids! I picked out a crib, sheets, blankets, a glider and even paint! Unfortunately, the paint sat in the corner of the room for several months. It seemed that every time I tried painting... something always came up, (or I just lacked motivation to get started!) So when Steele, Blake, Nick and I flew to California for the Grand Prix, Chelsea, Bre and Bryan went to work! They spent what little free time they had to come over and paint the nursery! (The girls had plotted it all our a few weeks earlier!) So imagine my JOY and my SURPRISE when I came home and found this....

They also bought me a beautiful vinyl quote. But when I tried peeling it off, I wasn't sure I could put it up straight! So, once again... it sat waiting in a corner! A few nights ago, I came home from the store to find Nick, Chelsea an Tess here putting up my vinyl lettering...nice and straight! Yet, another great surprise! How blessed am I to have such wonderful kids!!! (Especially to have such amazing daughter in laws! I love them all!)

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you ALL! I couldn't have been more surprised or more grateful!!

Graduation Day

2011-05-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

He did it!

On Friday, April 29th we had the privilege of watching Blake become our third college graduate! Blake graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. It was a perfect day! (Even if the weather was more like February!) Bryan, Bre, Steele, Chelsea Tess, Grandma, Steele and I were able to watch Blake walk across the stage and receive his diploma. We are so proud of him! School has never been Blake's favorite thing but that didn't stop him! He was determined to complete his college education! I love Blake's unyielding spirit! I know things got rough at times, but he continued to pursue and prevail! Congratulations Blake on a great accomplishment! We love you!

Proud Mama!

Proud Papa

Ok...Steele thought it was a little long!

Grandma Davis was able to join us from California!

Lucky Blake...to have these amazing women in his life!

Tess and Chelsea

Congratulations Blake!!

Growing older...

2011-04-22T01:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how I feel about growing older... In truth, I don't really feel that old until I pass by a mirror and see my reflection, or until I try to keep up with all the 30 year olds in my palates class! Then it hits me... I really am getting old, (something I could NEVER imagine when I was young!) Time has taken away my flexibility, my endurance, my coordination,my figure, my brain and my youth, but in it's place it has given me time! Time to do the things I never was able to do when my kids were young. I have time to read, time for my friends, time to cook, time to play, time to spend with my "Young Women", time to go on dates with Steele, time to travel without having to arrange for sitters and most of all...time to spend with my grandchildren!! They are the payoff! Time spent with them is priceless! So I will gladly relinquish my youth just for the privilege of being a grandma!

Tess and her guardian

Steele

Blessing Tess

2011-01-24T22:32:00.000-08:00

Tess in her (and her mom's) blessing dress!

It's January 23rd, and before the month is over I need to share the highlight of the month... on Sunday, January 2nd, Nick and Chelsea blessed their beautiful daughter, Tess. It was a very special day! Tess was perfect as she was surrounded by her father, grandfathers and uncles! Nick gave her a name and a beautiful blessing! He blessed her with a kind manner, with mental, spiritual and physical strength and to be able to overcome illness. He blessed her with an open heart and an open mind and the ability to judge people by their hearts and not by their outward appearance. She was blessed to be an example to her friends so that they will come to her for help and for counsel. She was blessed to find a worthy companion who could take her to the temple where they could be sealed for eternity. Lastly, Nick blessed Tess to know that she can always come to her family for help, support and love and that she would know how proud her parents are of her and how much she is loved.
Grandchildren really are one of the Lord's greatest gifts! Tess and Steele James are both blessed with wonderful parents! It is pure joy watching your children become parents and start families of their own!

Ugly Sweaters

2010-12-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

It's that time again...for our Ugly Sweater Contest. Here's our 2010 entrees.

BreAnna picked this one out for Blake.

Blake did a little customizing on this sweater for Bre.

Bryan found this for Jon...totally unaltered!

Jon held on to this for 2 YEARS...it was worth the wait!

Chelsea's pick for Laurie!

Laurie found this for Nick.

Nick picked out this "ensemble" for dad

Dad got a little stuck in the 60's when he found this for me.

Christmas scrubs for Dr. Larson

Look what I found for Tess!

Cute family...even in "ugly" sweaters!

Celebrating at "Arellas"

We had a vote and Jon won for giving Chelsea the "ugliest" sweater! There were some great finds this year. I look forward to next year! Merry Christmas!

Can you find Nick?

2010-12-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't resist this...I was looking around on facebook and saw that someone had tagged Nick in this picture. This has to be one of my all time favorite "class pictures!" See if you can pick Nick out! (Actually, he's hard to miss!) Those were the days!! Love him!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

It was definitely a quiet Halloween at our household this year! I was recuperating from dental surgery, Bry, Bre and Steele were in New York City, visiting old friends and enjoying fall in the "Big Apple." Blake was attending Halloween festivities in Provo, and Sean was celebrating "Day of the Dead" in Mexico. We didn't even have very many "trick or treaters!" LUCKILY...we did have a visit from the cutest little witch EVER...Nick and Chelsea came by with Tess in an adorable witch costume that Chelsea made!

I love Halloween and I really missed dressing up this year , but I just wasn't quite up to it. Rest assured, I won't miss it next year! Here' are a few pictures of Halloween 2010!

Beautiful baby Tess!

Thomas the Train...how cute is he?

Bre as a Famous Rockett Toy Solider

Haunted Pumpkins!

Blake's pumpkin, Jon's, Lauri's and Nick's!

"Wayne's World, Wayne's World, party on, excellent!

Proud parents Nick and Chelsea

Bry and Bre's pumpkins

Old School Tron and contemporary Tron!

Bre, Bry and Steele at FAO Schwartz

"Ain't She Sweet..."

2010-10-02T00:15:00.000-07:00

On September 14th Mom turned 85! She will probably shoot me for making that announcement, but if I were her, I would wear my age with pride! She is amazing! No one would believe she is remotely close to 85! On Wednesday she attended a birthday luncheon in her honor, where she celebrated with her dearest friends. It was a wonderful afternoon and mom was touched by all the warm thoughts, songs, cake, flowers and a surprise appearance by Bob! We are so blessed to have her for our mother!

To Mom on her 85th Birthday!

God must have rejoiced in "Nineteen twenty-five"
He saw what he'd created & He knew you'd thrive!

I wish I had seen a glimpse of you then...
You must have been the "bees knees" to all the young men!

Yet other men paled in comparison to...
The young man who stole your heart from you!

The dashing young pilot, dressed in Navy white,
You must have known you'd found your White Knight!

Together the two of you would persevere,
An unstoppable duo throughout the years!

Bringing up three children would have it's drawbacks...
Bob and Nancy alone, would stop most in their tracks!

Luckily, Susan made life a bit better
"Patty Pioneer" would never pester!

All our friends that came round knew to be tidy.
Alene's reputation was, "she's little but MIGHTY!

It takes "Wonder Woman" to do all you've done.
As a wife and a mother you're NUMBER ONE!

But what you've accomplished goes far beyond that...
You're a best friend, business partner and diplomat!

You were always the one that built our esteem...
Try outs for cheerleader or pursuing life's dreams!

And you were the one whose shoulder we cried on
Long after boyfriends and girlfriends were gone!

You helped us with our homework night after night
You made sure on prom, our dress was "just right!"

You planned out each wedding, down to the bouquet,
You saved your daughter hundred's of miles away!

You've supported each child and grandchild too,
You never missed a baptism or a debut!

No one's more grateful for your eighty five years,
Than your children whose lives you continue to steer.

Happy Birthday Mom...Your life we emulate!
You have more than earned this day to celebrate!

Happy Birthday Mom

Not Too Shabby...

2010-09-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

This is a preview of an article that came out in August's issue of "Instore" Magazine, called "America's Coolest Stores." The picture is from the Grand Opening of OC TANNER. You'll note that the store front it amazing and that the "doormen" are particularly handsome!! It was a great night!

Another Year Older...

2010-07-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

..but you'd never know it! Steele's birthday was today. He turned 61! No one can believe that...I can't believe that! There is nothing about Steele that says "old." You'd think that I would feel great about that, but I don't ;) I'm tired of comments like, "Now I forget, who's older, you or Steele?" OR when we run into people that we haven't seen for a while and they say, "Steele, you look amazing! You haven't changed a bit! I can't get over how great you look!" Then they turn to me and say, "Hi Nancy, how are you?" Hmmm... There's a lot to be said for things unsaid! I know I should be incredibly proud to be seen on his arm, (and I am) but I always thought that the woman was suppose to be the "arm candy!" Not in our case. How am I suppose to be able to grow old gracefully when I am married to the man of eternal youth! I'm starting to fell like Bella in Twilight!
What can I say...he comes from good stock. If you know his mother, you know what I mean. She will be 90 in October and still golfs a couple of times a week and she looks amazing. I come from good stock too... My mom's incredible, but I guess it skips a generation on our side of the family;)
Seriously...This post is just in good fun! I love Steele and I am so proud to be married to him! He's not only incredibly handsome, he is a wonderful husband and father and I am very blessed! So here's to my handsome husband...Happy 61st!

California and the Fourth of July

2010-07-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Having family in California has both it's advantages and disadvantages. The obvious disadvantage is.... my family is 800 miles away and I wish they were a lot closer. The advantage is...my family is 800 miles away and we ALWAYS have a fun place to vacation and we get to visit some of my favorite people!

Because Chelsea is highly organized and planned this trip months ago, we were ALL able to get the time off from work and go to California. We had unusually cool weather for July, which put a damper on the beach, but we still had a great time. We had to divide and conquer...some of the kids stayed with Bob and BJ and the rest of us stayed with mom. She put on a great party for the Fourth. We ate, played games and watched the fireworks on the golf course. Our seats were great! We were close enough that we picking ashes out of our hair. It was a great show. We spent 9 days in California, but they went by far to fast! Thanks everyone for putting us up AND putting up with us! Here's a few of the highlights....

Watching the fireworks with Sean

My beautiful daughters in lawChelsea...mom to be!Playing games at mom'sWave "hello"Frozen bananas on Balboa Island Bry, Bre and Steele at Michael Jackson's grave. "Go Crazy..."The handsome photographer Swingin' on the beachSteele and Sean enjoying the beach!Play time!

Oh...and did I mention we were also there to meet this little guy!

Welcome James Robert Hexberg!

Mary, Mary....

2010-06-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

quite contrary...

Let me start by saying, I blog as a way of journaling. I don't really expect people to read it or find it interesting. Having said that, I'm blogging about my garden. Zzzzzzz....

I LOVE having a garden! Just one of the reasons I look forward to spring every year is knowing that I will be able to plant soon. It really does bring new life! Steele worked very hard last fall tilling in all the leaves and grass clippings so we would have good soil this spring. With our "winter like" spring weather, we just barely got our garden in. Hopefully we will be able to harvest it before the snow starts flying again in the fall. We're trying our luck this year with a variety of tomatoes, tomatillos, corn, peppers, onions, basil, cilantro, oregano, mint, chives, and italian parsley. A perfect salsa and marinara garden.
Now we'll have to wait and see... "how does your garden grow?"

My Favorite Quiet Book

2010-05-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

When Bryan was a baby I began my search for a pattern for the perfect quiet book. I found some cute ones, but none that were anything special. Just as he was about to turn two I found a pattern that I loved. It was the cutest quiet book I had ever seen, so I decided to give it a try. I am not a master seamstress, so it took me months to finish it, but it was well worth it. He loved it and I still have it today! It is nearly worn out from the many years of use but it continues to be my favorite quiet book.

When Bryan and Bre had their first child, I wanted to make one for him. I thought I had kept the original pattern, but I couldn't find it anywhere! I even checked out vintage patterns on line but no luck! Bound and determined, I used my very limited sewing skills and Bryan's old and warn quiet book to make one for Steele. I made a few modifications (and once again it took a lot longer than it should have,) but I finally finished it!

I guess now I should get started on Nick and Chelsea's . With any luck, I will have it done by the time Tess is 2!

NYC page with Velcro cars
Count the fish!Tie the bowsLace the mitt Braid and tieHook the buttonsLearn to zipUndo the buttons and see what's insideLearn to snap

The Graduate!

2010-05-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Looking for Dustin Hoffman? You won't find him here! But we have a new graduate in our family... Nick graduated from the University of Utah on Friday May 7th! It was a fabulous day and we are SO PROUD of him! He's worked incredibly hard and has really accomplished a lot in the last year...He's now a college graduate, a home owner and a father to be! What great accomplishments and all by age 24! So here's to Nick and Chelsea. Congratulations to you both...and to all of Nick's former teachers who cringed with they saw his name on their rolls... He did it!!!

Nick and his #1 girl!

Aunt Sue, Nick, Grandma and Ice Tea ;)
Renea, Dale and Nick
Mom and Nick
Bryan, Nick, Bre and Steele

Nick and Dad

A Day at the Races!

2010-04-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

The boys and I made our annual trek to Sunny Cal for the "Long Beach Grand Prix." This was the first time Bryan has been able to go in four years, and the first time Sean hasn't been able to go! As always, we had a great time. The boys got to spend three days at the races and I got to hang out with my family. It's a win win situation!
This year we had a coupon for a free ticket so the boys talked me into going. ( I have NEVER been.) I have to admit...it was kind of fun! I'm not an avid car fan, but I can see why the boys love it...it's like Disneyland for car junkies. There is something very exhilarating about the sound of the cars racing around the streets of Long Beach. (My boys can imitate it perfectly) This is a perfect place to people watch... it's a plethora of people from all over the world and not near as many mullets as one would think!

You can imagine the excitement on my boys faces when I reached in my purse and pulled "my missionary bear!!" (It was my plan all along and the main reason I went to the races. I knew they would NEVER cart my missionary bear all over the Grand Prix, just to get pictures!) Can you imagine the spectators reaction to four grown men carrying a "bear" all over the races?" I must admit...although slightly embarrassed, they were great sports and even took the pictures for me! (I do love my boys!) There was just NO WAY to go to the Grand Prix without Sean!The Wave Fountain at Long Beach

The Ferrari Girls

The California cousins

No trip is complete without Hof's Hut!

He Made It!

2010-04-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

"Where's Sean?"

After an 11 day delay in the MTC, Sean finally got his visa and headed out to Mexico. He arrived Thursday, April 15th. We got our first letter Monday and he sounds great! He LOVES Mexico and the people, he just can't get over how big the city is! He's not sure what language he learned in the MTC, but it doesn't sound anything like what they speak in Mexico. He's been on some very adventuresome bus rides and loved every minute. After being there just three days, he got to speak in Sacrament meeting. He said his companion laughed the entire time and the sister missionaries just smiled and said he did pretty good for a "greenie gringo!" He loves being a missionary and is excited to "get to work!" It was great hearing from him, we learned a lot...the only thing we didn't learn is WHERE he is in Mexico!

April Showers...

2010-04-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

bring May flowers... I don't think so! This is what we woke up yesterday! It really was beautiful, and we desperately need the water, it's just...it's April 6th! Luckily today was gorgeous, the sun came out and melted most of the snow. I love spring in Utah, it's so unpredictable!

Count down to Mexico

2010-03-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sean is doing great in the MTC. He has been there 9 weeks and was scheduled to leave for Mexico on Monday but we just found out tonight (via a surprise phone call!!!!) his Visa hasn't come through:( He wasn't sure when he would get it, but he thought he would remain at the MTC at least until April 13th. He's excited to leave, but he seemed fine with the fact that he would be staying there a little while longer. It was so good just to hear his voice! He sounds great...very happy.

We got our first pictures last week and it was really fun to him as a missionary. He looks good. He's gained 11 pounds! He said there is always a lot of food and because they are studying most of the time, they don't much exercise in! That will change when starts walking all over Mexico!

Here's a few pics...

This is his "Facebook" pose ;)Jared and Sean before they left

Sean & Jared exchanging ties at the MTC

Jared packing to leave for Guatemala

Jared on his way!Playing Star WarsSean's desk...can you see baby Steele's picture?

Sean and his companion, Elder Bylund

Since He's Been Gone...

2010-02-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

After we dropped Sean off at the MTC, we came home to find an empty house and this little guy! My dear friend Tammy had gone to "Build A Bear" and made me my own missionary bear! (She also made one for herself because Jared left on his mission the following week.) When I squeezed the bear's hand, we heard Sean's voice saying..."I love you mom and dad, see you soon!" Steele and I just broke down and cried ...but my "Seanie" bear is my favorite thing!
I felt so sad as I started to think about all the places and trips Sean would miss in the next two years, but then I realized... this "Sean" could come! So for the next 2 years I am taking my bear all the places that Sean would go if he were here and then document them all! Just thinking about the plethora of places I could take him made me smile. Now Tammy's on board and we are taking our bears everywhere! (Much to Steele's dismay.) People look at us like we are crazy...but what else is new? At the end of two years we're going to put the pictures together in a book and give it to the boys. I know they will get a good laugh from it, but not near as many laughs as it will bring us along the way! So here's just a few of the early shots of Elder Larson and Elder Fadel...don't be surprised if one day they end up on your doorstep!

Sunday Dinner

Ready to go!

With his loyal dog!
With his cousin Dalton
his favorite nephew!
Ordering at "Mo Bettah"
Ummm...Yummy!

The Last One...

2010-02-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

Wednesday we took what I hope will be our last trip to the Provo MTC! (At least for 18 years!) Sean left on his two year mission last Wednesday. This is never an easy day, saying goodbye for 2 years with limited contact, is difficult at best. But taking our last son, made it even harder.
It's a day of such conflicting emotions. On one hand, we were so excited for all the great experiences and growth that lie ahead for Sean, but on the other hand, two years is a very long time! What we will have instead is the opportunity to watch Sean's knowledge and testimony of the gospel grow. He will have experiences in the mission field that he cannot get anywhere else and they will be the foundation for the rest of his life. He will devote all his time and attention to The Lord, with no worldly distractions. What a rare and wonderful opportunity! So with that in mind, we dropped him off on the curb of the MTC, where a cute, enthusiastic missionary greeted him, helped him with his luggage and escorted him inside. It still leaves a lump in your throat and a hole in you heart, but it's all for a great reason! So we will anxiously await his first letter, and pray for his safe return! Adios Sean!

Ryan, Sean, Jared and NickSean and JaredSean and Ryan

Sean and Nick

Grandma Larson, Sean and Grandma DavisChelsea, Sean and BreAnnaThe brothers!

Dad and SeanMom and Sean

Better Late Than Never!

2010-01-11T23:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas seemed to come and go so fast! Isn't that is the way all great occasions seem to go...we look so forward to them and then they are here and gone in a heartbeat. We had a wonderful holiday because we were able to spend it with all of our kids! Here are a few of the more memorable moments.
Soooo cute!
Sean moving in on Nick's wife!
Breaking through the Christmas "door!"
Steele and his "Kirkland Shampoo" ad.
Wicket in her "Snuggie."
Steele's first Christmas

Steele and Aunt Chelsea
The aftermath...
All tuckered out!

Every year...... Steele asks me why I bother to decorate the basement when hardly anyone goes down there. This is why...the room downstairs is my Christmas room! I love it because the decorations on the tree are the ones that we've had since Bryan was born. When he was younger we would go to "Rainbow Gardens" and pick out an ornament or two. The others ornaments are ones that our children made, or friends gave us. They are all dear to my heart!
These are some of my favorites. For their first Christmas, Grandma Davis gave each of our children their own Christmas ornament. (A traditions she continues today with each of her great grandchildren.)
Things I missed this year....the ugly sweater contest, cutting out snow flakes and making Christmas plates!! (We won't miss them next year!)
Things I will miss next year......

The Original Christmas Train!

2009-12-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

Blake got a great new camera so we had fun taking some video of the one and only "original" Christmas Train! It has been imitated many times in the 21 years we have had it, but Steele's is
the original! It was shortly after "motion lights" came out, that Steele got the idea to build a train using motion lights to make it look like the train was moving. It was genius! (He should have patented it.) It was so novel when we first put it up that people would stop and take pictures or ask us where we bought it.
Although it is over 20 years old and has been painted and "re-lit" many times, it is still one of my very favorite things about Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
(I wanted to put music with it, but I ran out of time....sorry.)

Thankful

2009-11-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

I allow myself to start listening to Christmas music the week of Thanksgiving. So today I put on my first Christmas CD, Josh Groban's "Noel." ( If you haven't got it...do it now! ) Then put it on track 6. The song is beautiful and the lyrics are particularly meaningful, especially at this time. If you have a minute, read them! It is a great reminder of how blessed we truly are!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful

Somedays we forget to look around us.

Somedays we can’t see the joy that surrounds us.

So caught up inside ourselves

We take when we should give

So for tonight we pray for what we know can be.

And on this day we hope for what we still can’t see.

It’s up to us to be the change.

And even though we all can still do more

There’s so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves, there’s so much sorrow.

It’s way too late to say I’ll cry tomorrow.”

Each of us must find our truth

It’s so long overdue.

So tonight we pray for what we know can be.

And everyday we hope for what we still can’t see.

It’s up to us to be the change,

And even though we all can still do more.

There’s so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences,

There is a place we’re all connected

Each of us can find each other’s light.

So for tonight we pray for what we know can be.

And on this day we hope for what we still can’t see.

It’s up to us to be the change

And even though this world needs so much more

There’s so much to be thankful for!

Jack O Lanterns!

2009-10-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Although it was a little challenging, we were finally able to get everyone together for our annual Pumpkin Carving Night! It was a lot of fun and here are the results!From left to right: Chelsea's, Blake's , Jon's, Nick's (It's the Forza logo!)Mine (Oggie Boogie) Sean's (Chewbaca) Bry's (Mummy through window, Bre's (NY skyline!) Steele's.
See if you can spot any ghosts!
Booahhh! Happy Halloween!

The Tower!

2009-10-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

Sue, Kristin, DJ and kids came over the other night and the boys decided to build a giant tower out of blocks! (This was a favorite past time for our boys when they were younger!)
Their favorite tower was the one that went all the way to the ceiling.
This is video of it crashing down! I wish you could see Dalton's face! He was so excted. (And as you can see...so was Nick!)

(Sorry, we had to turn the camera to get the tower.)

The 90!

2009-10-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

In 1968 my dad bought a Honda 90. It was a little trail bike that he would strap on the back of the motor home whenever he went hunting. I have fond memories of riding it around the neighborhood, back in the day! (I was so cool!) Several years ago Dad brought it up here for the boys to ride in the hills above our house. They have all loved the 90! Every one of them has talked about fixing it up and making it "street legal." (Except Nick, who just decided to test his luck and ride it on the street anyway!) His luck ran out when he got pulled over, twice...by the same cop! A few hundred dollars, several hours of community service, and one attorney later, we picked it up from the impound lot and parked it in the garage, where it has remained for the last 5 years.
After Sean's graduation, he decided to get the 90 running and make it street legal. He researched everything on the internet, ordered countless parts off of eBay, got his motorcycle license, and spent countless hours working on it. If he got stumped, one of his brothers would come to his rescue. (Bryan was particularly helpful!) It's been a great summer project for him. Here's the final product! I am really proud of him for sticking with this. It's been a lot of work!
This picture has nothing to do with the 90...he's just too cute to leave out!

It's here!

2009-09-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's here...Sean mission call came and he will be serving in the Mexico City West Mission! He leaves February 3rd. He is really excited and is really anxious to learn Spanish. (Most all of his cousins speak Spanish) Jared got his call on the same day and will be serving in Guatemala, he leaves Feb. 10th. He spent last summer in Guatemala and loved it, so he's very excited. We're thrilled for both of them and know they will be excellent missionaries!! Congratulations boys!

Where?

2009-09-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day for Sean and his good friend Jared. They have been buddies since they were two years old. They have gone through pre-school, elementary school, Jr. High and High School together. They have kept each other out of trouble for 17 years...so it is only fitting that they should turn there mission papers in together!

I freely admit, I am not ready for this...BUT Sean is!! So now the speculation begins. At dinner tonight we all submitted our guesses as to where he would go. We each got TWO choices. One inside the United States and one outside the United States. Here are the choices!

Sean:

1. The moon

2. Brazil

3. New York

Mom:

1. Germany

2. Boston

Dad:

1. West Virginia

2. Russia

Bryan:

1. Ivory Coast

2. Alabama

BreAnna:

1. New Orleans

2. Philippines

Blake:

1. Russia

2. New York

Nick:

1. Italy

2. Georgia

Chelsea:

1. Italy

2. Tennessee

So, what's your guess?

I'll keep you posted as soon as he gets his call!

Too Much Zucchini?

2009-08-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Do you have a garden? Do you have so much zucchini that you're seeing green? Are you afraid to answer you door for fear your neighbors will be leaving it on your doorstep?

Then you are in luck. This is a good way to use some of it up. This is one of my favorite zucchini recipes...my kids too! It is different than your basic zucchini bread because you add oranges to it. It's yummy! I hope you like it.

Zucchini Orange Bread

Mix together:

3 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Then blend in the following:

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

3 1/2 cups flour

Gradually add:

3/4 cup shredded orange peel

1 - 2 Tlb. orange extract

2 cups finely shredded zucchini

Place in 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake about 35 - 40 minutes. (You can also use small loaf pans. It will fill five of them. It will also make about 2 1/2 dozen muffins. They will bake about 20 - 25 minutes) When the bread has cooled about 10 minutes, remove from pans and poke holes in the top of the bread with a fork or toothpick. Cover with Orange Glaze and let cool. It freezes really well, just be sure to wrap it up tight!

Orange Glaze

2 Tlb melted butter

2 - 3 Tlb. orange juice

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Too Cute!

2009-08-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

Every time I see baby Steele, I think, "He just can't get any cuter!" BUT THEN HE DOES!

Nobody Does It Better...

2009-07-31T16:51:00.001-07:00

When you read the title...you may think "Bond, James Bond." But I am referring to another man of mystery...Larson, Steele Larson! He turned 60 this week and NOBODY does 60 better than Steele! He absolutely amazes even me! He barely looks 40. He bikes, sails, skis and... did he mention that he climbed the Grand Teton! So Happy 60th Steele...nobody does it better!

Happy Birthday Princess Tammy

2009-07-24T21:38:00.001-07:00

If this date isn't on your calendar...it should be! Today is Tammy's birthday! (I won't mention which one.) Tammy moved here 17 years ago and brought new meaning to the sentence..."there goes the neighborhood!" It's true, our neighborhood hasn't been the same since her arrival... it's only gotten better! She has definitely brought a bright spot to Briggs Drive and we have learned many things from her... these are just a few of them!

-I've learned that "big hair" will NEVER die.
-I've learned that her "precious feet" aren't precious anymore.
-I've learned that Tammy can even make exercising fun (or at least "do-able")

-I've learned that she has special radar when it comes to finding a public restroom.
-I've learned that NO ONE is faster than Tammy when it comes to using that restroom!

-I've learned that she is always the first one to laugh at herself.
-I've learned that she absolutely adores my grand baby and is anxious to have one of her own. (Lindsey....)
-I've learned that she is the perfect person to pull off a practical joke!
-I've learned that I can tell her anything...
-I've learned that she is a lot less expensive than a psychiatrist!
-I've learned that no matter what is going on in my life, she can always make me smile!

-I've learned that NO ONE can sport a "fanny pack" like Tammy!
-I've learned that I can trust her with anything.
-I've learned that she always has a shoulder for me to cry on.
-I've learned that if she has knee surgery, I have sympathy pains!
-I've learned that there is no greater compliment than when people think we're sisters.
-I've learned that she is the sister I choose for myself!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS

Fabulous Fourth!

2009-07-04T00:26:00.000-07:00

I love The Fourth of July! It really is a FABULOUS holiday...Yes, it's is a great time to get together with family and friends, have a BBQ and watch fireworks, but more importantly, it is a great reminder of how blessed we are live in this nation and to be able to enjoy the liberties we do. I love seeing the all flags displayed throughout the neighborhood. To me there is nothing more breathtaking than the the American Flag, blowing in the wind with the sun setting behind it. I am grateful to every man and woman who has served our country to defend and protect this precious land...starting with my dad! "Thank you" is NOT enough!

This year Nick and Chelsea had all of the family over to celebrate. It was so much fun! We barbecued, made smores and watched fireworks from their front yard. Thank you Chels and Nick! It was the perfect Fourth. Here are a few photos of the celebration.

Master chef....Nick!
Catlin, Sean, Blake, Jenna

Jenna, Catlin, Chelsea, Grandma and Bre
Bre and baby Steele
Blake and Steele

I know Bry and Bre missed watching the fireworks off the East River from their NYC apartment, but I hope watching fireworks with their families helped some. (It helped us!)
Happy 233 Birthday America!!!

Dino Disaster!

2009-06-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

Dalton celebrated is 4th birthday on Friday and the theme of the party was "Dinosaurs!" Kristin did a great job putting everything together and the kids loved it. I attempted to make a Dinosaur cake, and despite my best efforts...it was a disaster!
Let me start by saying I looked all over the internet for a cute but easy dinosaur cake idea. I finally found the perfect one at a sight called "Easycakes.com" So what could be easier?First, you bake a cake in two 6" bowls and one 8" round. Cool the cakes. Cut the 8" round into tail and head.
Level the top of the bowl cakes and split into two layers. Frost between the layers. Stack the first bowl on your plate or board, right side up. Frost and stack the second bowl and place upside down on top of the other bowl cake.

Attach the tail and frost with a thin white icing to hold in place. (So far...so good)
Take the leg section and slice it in half creating 2 pieces. Attach one piece on either side of the body with frosting. Take the smaller head section and spit horizontally. Secure a smaller head shape on either side of the larger one, creating a half football shape.
NOW THIS IS THE STEP I MISSED!
Push a cake decorating skewer through the body vertically about 3" extending from the top of the body. Push the head on to the skewer to finish your dinosaur.
When you miss this step...this is what happens!
( I left it for an hour or two while I ran errands and this is what I came back to! A decapitated dinosaur!)
I replaced the head, using LOTS of frosting, and then covered it with green butter cream frosting.
The original recipe had you make the eyes, teeth and back fins out of colored molding chocolate. Instead, I used "Runts" for the claws, and the teeth. (Candy corn would have made better teeth) I found "Sour watermelon" triangles and used them for the fins on the back. I frosted two lady fingers cookies and placed them on the sides for the arms.
This takes a ton of frosting!! That was part of the problem. I used so much frosting to hold it all together, that as we traveled to the party on the bumpy road, it just started to fall apart! By the time we got to Kristin's it was a pretty sorry dinosaur! As the structure fell and the frosting squished out the sides, he became more of a "squatty body" and looked more like a blow fish!
Tania had the perfect explanation. She said, "Let's just tell the kids that it got into a fight with Tyrannosaurus Rex!" (That works for me!)

Grateful for Grads!

2009-06-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy, but memorable month...four graduations and a trip to New York!
Up first...Chelsea! She graduated from the University of Utah on May 7th! What a GREAT accomplishment and a great day! We're very proud of her determination and hard work! She's amazing. Doesn't she look beautiful and smart! (No "small brain" here! ;) Congratulations Chelsea!!

Next up... On May 26th Bryan received his doctorate in dentistry from NYU! (Not to mention he graduated WITH HONORS in aesthetic dentistry! Can I just say "WOW!" This is something I can't even imagine doing. I couldn't be more proud of him and his beautiful wife BreAnna! Luckily, all his family was there to help him celebrate! Congratulations! And...if anyone needs a fabulous dentist, I just happen to know one!
Then, on June 5th, Sean graduated from Bountiful High School. This is our last child to graduate from high school! (I can't stand it!) I still remember my mother at my high school graduation...she cried a lot harder than I did, and now I understand why. No more high school plays, musicals, dances, basketball and football games. Life changes dramatically after high school. Sean seems to handling it just fine...I'm the one who's struggling! He has worked incredibility hard since he started school 12 years ago and it shows! We're proud of him and his many accomplishments!

And last, BUT not least...Sean graduated with his four year degree from Seminary! I'm as proud of him for this accomplishment as I am for all his school accomplishments.
As I told all my kids, (and I include Bre and Chels) we are very blessed, and I am so proud of each of them! They are all so different...each with different talents and different challenges, but they get along so well and they love and support each other through everything! As a mother, there is no greater pay off!!

Only in New York...

2009-05-29T23:25:00.000-07:00

Can you find someone playing bagpipes in the park.

Can you find a lake THIS big...in a park!

(...big enough to row boats on!)

Only in New York can you find traffic lights...in a park
eat the BEST Artichoke Pizza!!

Sink the "Titanic!"
watch my son officially become a "DOCTOR"
hug my FAVORITE baby!...and spend time with my favorite people!
Congratulations Bryan and Bre!!
...And WELCOME HOME!

Ouch!

2009-05-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago, I woke up with canker sores on the bottom of my mouth. They appeared out of nowhere and have continued to spread all over my mouth. I just get a few of them healed and new ones appear. I think I am on the last set. (I hope!)

I get canker sores when I eat oranges, strawberries, pineapple, tomatoes, nuts (including peanut m & m's!) and sugar. I even get them when I go to the dentist. (always around the tooth he works on.)

I have tried a number of things, and some of them help to shorten the duration of them, but does anyone know anything that will help PREVENT them? Summer is coming and I am looking forward to all the fruits and vegetables in my garden, but these canker sores are a high price to pay for enjoying the bounties of the season. Any suggestions?

Oatmeal Carmelites

2009-05-06T00:30:00.001-07:00

Don't let the title fool you...I know they have "oatmeal" in them, but these are not really a healthy dessert. They are however, a delicious treat and are easy to make! (You can make it even easier by substituting the caramels and the cream with a 16 oz. bottle of "Mrs. Richardson's" Carmel Butterscotch topping or "Nestle's" Dulce de leche.) They both work great! These will keep in an air tight container for about three days and they freeze really well!

I hope you like them.

2 cups flour
2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
1-1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup butter, melted
14 oz. pkg. light caramels, unwrapped
1/3 cup light cream
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (you can also use milk chocolate)
1 cup chopped pecans (my kids don't like nuts, so I omit these when I am making them for my family)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13x9-inch pan and set aside. In large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, soda and salt and blend. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Reserve half of crumb mixture (about 3 cups) for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture in bottom of greased pan.

In a small bowl, combine caramels and cream. Heat in microwave oven for 4-6 minutes on 50% power, stirring twice during cooking, until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth.

Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over reserved crust. Drizzle evenly with melted caramel mixture and sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 hour or until completely cooled. Cut into bars.

Senior Prom

2009-04-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it, my "baby" just attended his Senior Prom! (He'll kill me for that one!)

Sean and all his friends gathered here before the big dance and I got to take a few pictures before they took off. They are such a great group of kids. Sean has been friends with most of them since elementary school. It's so hard for me to believe that they will all be graduating in a couple of months.

They had a great time. For their day activity they went to the local thrift store (DI) and purchased outfits for their dates which they HAD to wear to their activity, (ice skating followed by ice blocking!) Unfortunately, Sean didn't have a camera so I don't have pictures of everyone's outfit. But I did get one of Sean!

Then they came back and got ready for dinner and the dance. Following the dance they went to "Flips". (It's a local gymnastics gym.) They had a great time!
I think I am as sad as Sean that this is the LAST high school dance. We've been doing high school dances since 1994...I can't believe it's all coming to and end!

8 Years Ago..

2009-04-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Around this time 8 years ago, we were off to the airport to pick up Bryan, who was returning from his 2 year mission in Brazil. When I look at these pictures, it just doesn't seem that long ago. I remember this day so clearly! We were all so nervous and so excited! ( I think Bre might have been the most nervous!) Time flies! Now Bry and Bre have beautiful son, and Bryan will be graduating from NYU in May! They have accomplished a lot in the last 8 years and we are incredibly proud of them both!
Here are just a few of my favorite memories of that special day!
No explanation needed...

We took this picture the day Bryan left FOR BrazilCompare it to this one on the day he came home! Look at their faces! That says it all!
This is one of my favorite pictures of Bry and Bre. (Does she look a little flushed?)

I guess it won't be long until we do this again. Within a few months Sean will be old enough to leave on a mission. He's not sure when he will put his papers in. He might turn them in this summer, or he might go to school for a semester first. This just doesn't seem possible!
Time really does fly...unless you're the mother of a missionary!

Nick's Favorite Cookies!

2009-04-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

If you are a chocolate lover, these cookies are for you. These have been my kids favorites since they were little...especially Nick! They are also one of my most requested recipes. I hope you like them too!

Chocolate Mint Chip Cookie

1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup butter
1-1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. peppermint extract (less if you use peppermint oil)
2 1/2 cups flour (a little more if you are at a high altitude)
12 ounces chocolate chips (You can use semisweet or milk chocolate)

Cream butter butter, sugar and eggs together for 2 minutes. Add cocoa, salt, soda and mint and mix till blended. Gradually add flour. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-9 minutes. Be sure not to over bake these!

If you can't bake these right away, roll them into 8" to 10" long rolls. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze. Then when it's time to bake them just thaw (if frozen) slice and bake!(I'm going to blackmail Nick with this one!)

A Brave Man!

2009-03-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

We've had 4 boys attend Bountiful High School and this is the first time we've ever heard of the "Mr. Braveman" Contest. It is Bountiful High School's version of a male beauty contest. Imagine our excitement when we heard that Sean was going to be a contestant this year! He entered on Monday and the contest was Friday. Needless to say, there wasn't a lot of time to get fitted for a tux and get his "talent" together...but he did it. Tonight was the big night and we all went to support him. It was a riot! I haven't laughed this hard in a very long time. For the opening number, all the contestants came out and danced to Britney Spears "Womanizer"! Then each contestant had to share a talent. (Sean danced to Beyonce's "Single Lady!") They finished by having to answer a thought provoking question.
I'm telling you...this was the most fun we have had in a long time! Unfortunately, Sean wasn't crowned "Mr. Braveman", BUT he was the second attendant! (He is currently trying to figure out how to disable the reigning Mr. Braveman and the 1st attendant, so he can "reign" in their steed!)
We'll have a link to some of the video a little later, but in the meantime, here are some pictures. We're so proud!?!Nick and Chelsea congratulating Sean!
Sean and his friends dancing to "Single Lady."
Tammy and Dave show their support!

Steele's Big Day!

2009-03-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Look at this face! Could he get any cuter?
Yesterday was Steele's blessing! Fortunately for us, Bry ,Bre and Steele decided to make the long journey from New York to Utah, to bless him here where many of his family and friends are. It was a perfect day. Baby Steele listened intently as his dad gave him an absolutely beautiful blessing! It really is one of those very tender moments for a mother to witness!
It doesn't seem that long ago that I watched Steele hold Bryan and bless him. I remember thinking how wonderful it was to see Steele become a father...he was so at ease with his newborn son, it seemed second nature to him. Now, to watch Bryan become a father is beyond words! It was one of those perfect moments in life. This is one lucky baby to have Bre and Bry for parents. They are wonderful parents! You ought to see baby Steele's face light up when he hears his mother's voice! He is also blessed to have adoring Aunts and Uncles! All these people came just for him! We are grateful for each of them!

Bry, Bre & Steele

Kristin and Dalton

Gracie and Steele

Grandma and Steele

Ellie and Jordan

Sonia and Cameron

Dana and Chase

Blake and Jenna

Aunt Chelsea and Steele

The Lechtenbergs

The Larson sisters

DJ and Sofie

Karen and Grace

Blake and Dalton

Here's What's Cooking?

2009-03-06T07:43:00.000-08:00

Lori and Dana (and their handsome husbands) came to dinner a couple weeks ago and it was so much fun to have them all here. The girls emailed me later for some of the dinner recipes, which I glady sent.

So the thought occured to me...The name of my blog is "What's Cooking", maybe I should occasionaly post some of my familiy's favorite recipes.
If you know me, you know I love to cook, BUT I am NOT a fancy cook. That probably comes from living in an all male household who tend to like the more basic kinds of foods. Here is one of my family favorites...Tortilla Pie. There are many different versions of this, but this is the one my family likes. It is easlily adaptable to your taste.

This is easy to make and you can always make two and freeze one for another night!
Spray a 9" pie pan with Pam and layer the following ingredients:
1. Tortilla
2. Black beans and corn
3. Tortilla
4. Guacamole and cheese
5. Tortilla
6. Grilled chicken and sauted onions
7. Tortilla
8. Salsa
Top entire casserole with grated cheese. Cover LOOSLEY with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 - 30 minutes until casserole is heated through. You can garnish with salsa, cilantro, guacamole, and sour cream. You can also eliminate anything you don't like and add other things that you do like.
Sidenote: My favorite tortillas are the ones you buy at Costco in the refrigerator section. They are uncooked and you just heat them on a flat teflon pan. They're fresh and they're not as thick. There's a lot of them, but you can freeze the ones you don't want to cook. (I love to make this after we have Mexican food, because there are usually lots of left overs to use.) Hope you like it!

Top Ten Things I Love About Being Sick...

2009-03-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

( I didn't have a picture of me looking sick, so here's one of Nick looking rather sick!)

OK...let me start off by saying that being sick is NO FUN, but because I believe you can find good in everything (and I'm bored), here are the top ten things I love about being sick!

10. I don't have little kids at home, so I really can stay down and rest. (A luxury that young mothers don't have.)
9. I get to experiment with new drugs...(cold medicines!)
8. I now know all the "TV Judges" by name! (we don't have cable and there's nothing on daytime TV)
7. I don't have to clean toilets (or anything) wash, cook, grocery shop or any of that fun stuff! (Of course, it's just waiting for me to recover.)
6. I can indulge in "guilt free" reading, crocheting, and movie watching!
5. My cute little dog hasn't left my side! (If he could only bring me my juice and medicine.)
4. Nick brought me my favorite Keva Juice...with "Immuni-Gizer!"
3. Shawn, sensing my TV drought, brought me the first season of "Burn Notice" with some beautiful spring flowers! (They make me SMILE!)
2. Tammy made my Costco run for me and brought me DELICIOUS homemade Chicken Soup! (I'm feeling better already!)
AND THE NUMBER ONE thing I love about being sick is...GETTING BETTER!

Thanks everyone for all your kindness and help!

Inspiration!

2009-02-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

OK...so I liked the map at the side of Lori's blog and thought I would try it. As you can see on the previous blog, I got it, BUT it was in the center of the page and I can't figure out how to get rid of it. So I thought if I posted something new it would at least move it down the page. So here's an adorable picture of Bryan when he was four years old!
Don't you think this is the inspiration for his love of Halloween and this costume?!
Would you trust this man to be your dentist?! I WOULD!
Love you so much Bry!

What's Cooking

2009-02-26T08:34:00.001-08:00

My Funny Valentine!

2009-02-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Steele and I have been married for 31 years. That's a long time...long enough to FORGET our anniversary. (That's what happened this year!) Luckily we both forgot, so we had a good laugh about it.
When we were younger, I would make a much bigger deal out of Valentines Day. As our family grew, it became more about the kids and less about us. But after 31 years, (33 if you count the two years we dated) I figured it was time to tell everyone just why Steele is still my one and only Valentine!

I love Steele because he is a GREAT father and a great example to his sons.

I love Steele because he is as great at being a grandfather, as he is at being a father.

I love Steele because he's not afraid of being laughed at!
(He's in the HOT DOG costume!)

I love Steele because he is very good to his mother.

I love Steele because he is a GREAT dancer!

I love Steele because he can fall asleep ANYWHERE...
(This just happens to be Nick and Chelsea's wedding!)

I love Steele because he LOVES to play!

I love Steele because he will try anything.

I love Steele because he laughed when I gave him his own sweater for our "Ugly Sweater Contest!"

I love Steele because a few months later I gave his "Ugly Sweater" to Deseret Industries...and he never even noticed!

I love Steele because the next year he went to Deseret Industries to buy me a sweater for the Ugly Sweater Contest...and he found HIS sweater...in the women's department!

I love Steele for all of these reasons and MORE! He truly is the love of my life, and I am thankful for him everyday! So Happy Valentines Day Steele! You are my one, and my only, funny Valentine!

In The Blink of An Eye

2009-02-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

Handsome aren't they? This is Sean and his good friend Jared just before they went to pick up their dates for the Valentine's Dance. They look so grown up! What happened? This is MY BABY! (He'll kill me for saying that!) He will be graduating in June....and then the world awaits him. He's still not sure what he wants to do after that. (Isn't it funny that you spend so much of your time looking forward to the day you will graduate, and then when it comes you're a little bit lost! )
I think this is especially true for Sean. Although he's a senior in high school, he will turn 19 at the end of May. He could leave for a mission this summer!!! (That's just too much for me to handle right now) He's worked so hard for so many years, I think he'd really just like to take a break. He's applying to some local schools, and thinking about a mission, but doesn't say a word to me about his plans! I guess I'll be surprised like everyone else. The one thing I DO KNOW is that whatever his decision is, it will be a good one!

The Many Faces of Steele

2009-01-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Steele and I just got back from a trip to New York to visit Bre and Bry and our NEW grandson, Steele! What a great trip! (But FAR TOO SHORT!) We had such a wonderful time...we didn't see any Broadway Shows, we didn't go to any fancy restaurants, we didn't do any shopping! We didn't do any of the things that people normally do when they visit New York...we just stayed in and got to know our beautiful little grandson! It was the best trip ever! He is so cute and such a good baby and Bry and Bre are "naturals" as parents. Here are some of the many faces of baby Steele.

His "Mini Me" face!"Ohhhh...."
Getting to know Grandma

Getting to know Grandpa

Where Steele is...Wicket follows!
Baby Steele...the Rock Star!

Steele in his David Bowie onsie!

"Stop taking pictures of me!"

The time went by way to fast and it broke my heart to leave, but luckily they will be coming here in March to have Steele blessed! I'm counting the days! In the meantime, our video i chats will have to hold me over!
On the home front...we were lucky enough to have Nick and Chelsea stay here with Sean. (I know he is old enough to stay by himself, but I just felt better having Nick and Chelsea here.)

Can I just say how truly blessed I am to have such WONDERFUL daughters in law. Chelsea and Bre are so great! They are the perfect matches for our sons and they are so good to ALL of us! So thank you to Bre for putting up with Steele and I while we were in New York...and thank you Chelsea for putting up with Nick and Sean while we were gone. (I know they were in good hands!)

Babysitters Nick and Chelsea!
Bre, Steele & Bryan (wearing Grandpa Davis's hat!)

It's official...I'm a Grandma, let the worrying begin!

2009-01-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

As most of you know...I'm a grandma! Bry and Bre had this beautiful little boy on December 31st. His name is Steele James and he's perfect! I was prepared for how much I would love him before he was ever born. I was prepared for how joyous I would be upon hearing the words, "You're a grandma!" I was prepared for how hard it would be for me to be so far away...BUT what I wasn't prepared for was how much I would worry! From the moment Bry called me to say that Bre was in labor... I started to worry.
A sleepless night, waiting for the updates, I couldn't really sleep or think about anything else until baby Steele arrived safe and sound at 2:03 PM. I was just so glad he was here and that Bre (after a very difficult labor) was finally out of pain and doing well. Whewww! Now I can relax...WRONG! Now the worrying really begins.
Wednesday I was on the phone, when it beeped with another call. I missed the call but saw it was from Bryan and called right back...no answer. Call back...no answer. Under normal circumstances, would I worry? No! But now there's a grandbaby...and the worrying begins. "Why did Bry call?" "Is something wrong?" Wait...wait...wait...call back, Bryan answers! "Mom, I'll call you right back!" Click! Wait..wait...wait...finally the phone rings. "Hi mom. I just wanted to tell you, your grandson is in the hospital!"
"WHAT?!?"
"Don't worry! He's ok, he's jaundice and they need to put him under the lights!"
This was just the beginning of a long couple of days for Bryan, Bre and little Steele! (I know Bre will be giving you all the details on her blog, so I will just hit the key points. )
Baby Steele went to the doctor on Wednesday. His bilirubin was 20.5. He was immediately sent to the hospital to start treatment. His numbers shot to 26! He was put in the ICU, with an IV and under lights. After some very worrisome days and nights, I am thrilled to say, Steele is coming home today!!! He was at 13.9 last night, so they took him off the lights. This morning he was at 12.6. So his liver seems to be working it out on its own. Mom and Dad are THRILLED! (So are Grandma and Grandpa!) It's been a rough couple of days for their little family. It's hard being so stinking far away from them! I am so grateful that Bre's mom is able to be there. I know she has been a HUGE help and support to the kids. I'm especially grateful Steele is well enough to come home! Welcome Home Baby Steele...we'll see you in few days!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! We had a great Christmas, but we missed Bryan and Bre who stayed in New York preparing for the birth of "baby Steele." We even got a foot of snow! It was great. Here are a few of our pictures...probably a lot more than you care to see!

Breaking through the Christmas Wrapped Door!

Nick and Chels

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Monte and the wrapping paper!

The aftermath!

Sean warming up by the fire.

Merry Christmas...and here's to the New Year! May we all enjoy the richest blessings of health, family, friends and God's love!

"Thrice" as Nice!

2008-12-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist posting this picture! My niece Nicole was in town for a few days. She and Ty came to spend Thanksgiving with Ty's family. Ty had to return home but Nicole stayed a few extra days to spend some time with Kristin. I got to watch the girls for a little bit so Kristin and Nicole could have a little time for themselves. They were very good! About 15 minutes after this picture was taken, they all fell asleep!

Fun Filled Weekend!

2008-11-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it was a busy weekend in our household, but a fun one! Bre flew into town for the weekend, and we had just enough time to throw her a baby shower. On Saturday she went to her family shower in the morning and then came to The Larson family shower in the afternoon. It was so good to see her she looks absolutely darling!
Bre opening gifts with Chelsea and Natalie looking on
Sara and Maddie came from Logan
Kelly and Chelsea trying to "ichat" with Bryan in NYC!
Terra, Bre and Emily

Karen and Grace Kelly and Isabella

Chelsea and I got creative with the cake!
We had so much fun and I can't believe I'll be a grandma in just a few short weeks!

Then on Sunday we celebrated Blake's birthday. He was able to get the weekend off from work and spend it with us.

Sean, Birthday boy, Jon and LaurieWe thought Blake needed to lose a little weight!
"Makin' Bank!"
Happy Birthday Blake! Thanks for brightening our weekend! We Love You!

Twas The Night Before Halloween...

2008-10-29T16:17:00.001-07:00

Twas the night before Halloween,
and in the Larson house,
we were all carving pumpkins...
except for my spouse!

John and Lauri were carving
a scary pumpkin face,
while Steele was just looking
for some breathing space.

And Chelsea kept threatening
Sean with a knife...
"Leave my pumpkin alone !"
she said with great strife!

For she thought her pumpkin
was the best in the house...
but we thought it was just
a bit "Mickey Mouse!"

Nick decided to try
something very advance...
So he carved up his pumpkin
like "Sponge Bob Square Pants!"

Sean turned his pumpkin into
a squirmy nail biter,
with his talented hands
he carved a huge spider!

As for my little pumpkin...
He needed 9-1-1!
As I attempted to make
my "fav" JACK SKELLINGTON!

So we lit all the candles
in our Jack O Lanterns,
And we sent all the witches,
on their brooms back to Saturn!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Birthday Bre

2008-10-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

Bre just celebrated her 27th birthday! Even though we weren't able to be with her on her Big Day, I know she had a great one because her mom went to New York to spend the day with her! On the other hand...I'm such a bad mother in law..I didn't even get her birthday presents mailed to her in time! Luckily, Bre is very forgiving, and I hope she forgive me! Forgiveness is just one of the many things I love about Bre, here are a few of the others...

I love that she was willing to leave her family and move the Big Apple so that Bryan could go to dental school.

I love that she's willing to work hard to support their family while Bryan attends school.

I love that she is Bryan's biggest cheerleader.

I love that she and Bryan both LOVE Halloween!

I love that she is protectively "carrying" our future grandson.

I love that she and Chelsea are such good friends.

I love that she and Bryan have made the absolute most out of their time in New York!

I love that she is "crafty", especially in a city like New York.

I love that she supports Bryan's eccentricities...safe cracking and building laser tag guns.

I love her testimony of the gospel.

I love that they will be moving home in May!

I love that Bryan found his perfect match.

I especially love that I have been blessed with TWO WONDERFUL daughters in law!

Happy Happy Birthday! We love you!

Happy Birthday Chelsea!

2008-09-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Chelsea's 23rd birthday! I'm afraid her actual birthday was spent in school, but luckily she and her mom were able to sneak in a trip to Park City a couple days earlier for some shopping. We love Chelsea and we're so glad to have her in our family. She has made such a difference in Nick's life, and of course...OURS.

I love how Nick lights up whenever she walks in a room!

I love that she "gets" Nick's sense of humor.

I love that she "accepts" Steele's sense of humor.

I love that she's comfortable in a testosterone filled house.

I love how she motivates Nick to the do things he doesn't think he can do.

I love her discipline and determination to run.

I love that she and BreAnna are such good friends.

I love that she LOVES pink!

I love her desire to go to college and to graduate.

I KNOW she's the ONLY one that can get Nick to the same!

Most of all...I love that she loves Nick!

Happy Birthday Chelsea. We love you! Thanks for all you do!

Aloha!

2008-08-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Our "room with a view!"

...although "Mahalo" would probably be a more appropriate title...we are so thankful! We are here in Kauai, at my true "Happy Place!" We came here 11 years ago with the kids and always knew we wanted to come back! Aside from the financial side of it being tricky...the scheduling part was even trickier! But we did it! So we are back again with the entire family, including my mom, two beautiful daughters in law, and one future grand baby! (Bre and Bry are expecting
their first baby in January!) It truly is HEAVENLY! We are having such a great time. All four boys are certified to scuba dive, so they have been diving every morning. (Bre is certified too, but her doctor said "No" to the scuba diving!) We are staying in the exact same place we stayed 11 years ago because we loved it so much. The furniture is a little "worse for the wear", but the view is unbelievable! These are just a few of the pictures from Bryan's camera. I'm sure that Chels and Bre will have a lot on their blogs, and I will add more later. (I'm sure more than anyone wants to see...but me!) Aloha!
Our condo is the corner top one!
Cheslea, enjoying the view.
Blake, Chels and Nick
Sean, Chels, and Nick
Kids watching the waves break on the rocks.
Blake playing on the rocks below our balcony.

Happy Birthday Steele!

2008-07-30T22:31:00.001-07:00

Blake and Steele "Flying a Hull" in 2006!

Yesterday was Steele's birthday, and of course, his #1 birthday wish was to go sailing. Unfortunately, Bry, Bre, Nick and Chels were on the East Coast and couldn't join us...but Blake and Sean both got the day off! Steele loves this boat more than anything! Throughout the long, cold, winter he would continually brush the snow off it and say, "Pretty soon we'll be able to go sailing! Are you getting excited?"
Although, I still love sailing, I must admit as I get older I've become pickier about when I'll hop on the boat. (After all, this is just ONE of the reasons I had all boys...so they could go sailing with their dad!) In the early spring, the reservoir is is filled with the freshly melted snow, which makes for freezing water ( and you get WET on a catamaran) so I tend to stay on the shore. And sometimes, (not often) when the lake is crowded with power boats and jet skis, it takes away from the tranquility of sailing. But I ALWAYS enjoy going with the family and just taking in the atmosphere! We usually go to Pineview Reservoir. This is one of my favorite places. It is up the Ogden Canyon in a little town called "Huntsville." (Where, in a dream world, I would LOVE to build a little cabin one day.) It is a beautiful mountain lake, with sandy beaches and surrounded by green hillsides. So even when the sailing isn't perfect, the atmosphere usually is. This was the case on Tuesday! We found the perfect beach spot right beneath the shade of a huge cottonwood tree and hardly another soul in sight! I brought my camera to get some great shots of the boys "flying a hull"...but there was NO WIND! Steele was especially disappointed, because this was the first day Blake was able to get away and come, but the boys seemed to have a great time anyway. Blake throwing the frisbee.

Sean...waiting for the frisbee

They played Frisbee, swam, sailed, and dug a huge hole in the sand and filled it with red clay. Then when they were totally covered in it, they ran up and gave Steele a big Happy Birthday hug! We had a great day, we just wish ALL of the family could have been there!
Maybe next summer...

Blake and Steele "flying" a little too high...Blake's the one going in head first!

Tagged

2008-07-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Chelsea tagged me a while ago...I wasn't ignoring it, it just took me a long time to answer such simple questions...

3 Joys:

1. Looking forward to ONE day becoming a grandma!

2. Family Gatherings... preferably with food!

3.Roller blading along the beach in Sunny California! (While listening to my favorite tunes.)

3 Fears:

1. Tight spaces...yes I'm claustrophobic! ( When I was little, my brother and sister rolled me up in a fold away bed and it got STUCK! They had to get the neighbor to get me out!)

2. Total darkness

3. Loss of a loved one

3 Goals:

1. Completing my children's journals and getting them bound.

2. Overcoming my fear of flying. (Can I take drugs to do this?)

3. Completing my "re-certification" for teaching.

3 Obsessions:

1. "Kroger" brand sugar free vanilla pudding.

2. Getting my closets cleaned out and organized!

3. "Law and Order" (I know... but there's always at least ONE on TV)

3 Random Surprising Facts:

1. I want to write a childrens book one day...even if it is only for my grandchildren.

2.I started watching "Sex and the City" when they put the EDITED version on network TV. Even edited, I ended up changing the channel a lot...but I fell in love with the girls, their relationship with each other and the men in their lives. I haven't seen the movie, and probably never will, so someone will just have to tell me if Carrie and Big get married!

3. I recently found out that my parents thought I was the hardest child to raise! (This is understandable if you compare me to "perfect Sue"...BUT BOB?!!

I tag...Lou, Natalie, Katie, Lindsey and Nicole!

For The Young...and Young At Heart!

2008-07-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

As I get online and check out the blogs, it occurs to me that "blogging" is really for the young! Don't get me wrong...I LOVE IT! It keeps me in touch with my family both near and far. I have better idea of what's going on in the boys lives through their wives blogs. (Boys generally don't give details unless it is car related!) I keep up with all my darling nieces and nephews and their families through their blogs and I feel MUCH MORE connected! I have even been able to stay in touch with some of my children's friends AND been able to re-connect with my dearest childhood friend! I truly do love it! I wish it had been around when I was raising my children. It is such a great way of 'journaling and scrap booking' all those precious memories...the ones you think you will never forget, but do! So, thanks to all of you! You will never know how grateful I am that you take the time to share your stories and that you allow me to be a part of them! I love you all!

Time Out!

2008-07-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Nick and Chelsea took a well earned "time out" from sales in New Jersey to join Chelsea's family on their family vacation to California. They had a great time and there and they were even able to spend a couple of days in Utah! Blake, Sean, and Steele all arranged to have Monday off, so we could play. To Steele's dismay, there was no sailing... (they were predicting "thunder showers") so we went bowling instead. It was a riot! I don't think any of us had been bowling for years! None of us had great form, but we sure great time!

These are our "Strike Faces!" Blake's strike face.

Sean's strike face... (Such enthusiasm!)

Chelsea's strike face

Nick's strike face! (Can you see his epiglottis?)

I look the most excited...

That's because I RARELY bowl a strike!

Where is Steele's strike face??? Steele didn't get a strike ) : BUT he did get a lot of spares and managed to beat us all in the LAST FRAME! We really had a lot of fun...mainly because we all got to be together. We are looking forward to August when Bry and Bre can join us and we will REALLY have all our family there together!

"Becoming Martha"

2008-06-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

OK...not really, but this week I was quite domestic. I use to do a lot more of this stuff when my kids were little, but not too much any more. Part of the reason could be that "my boys" make fun of me for all this stuff! (In particular...Sean, who is looking over my shoulder right now saying "Oh man mom, I can't believe you write about that stuff!") Sad but true!

Thursday, I had a baby shower for one of the girls in our ward and I decided to try and make one of those cute "diaper cakes!" I loaded it up with diapers, onesies, bibs, binki's, spoons, booties and hats. It was fun...mainly because it was all pink! (A color I never got to use!)

And you can't be Martha without a garden! I've been working in mine a lot lately, but I had some extra help this week! Dalton LOVED weeding the garden. He kept saying, "Find another one Nance...GOT IT!"

Finally, it was Dalton's birthday, and Kristin put on the "party supreme!" She invited 10 three year olds to Dalton's "KILLER WHALE" birthday. She had "slip and slides", water ballon fights, (DJ was in charge of this!) wading pools, and blow up killer whales and sharks! She fed them all lunch and made each one of them the cutest "tackle boxes" out of egg cartons filled with "fish" candies and treats. I don't know how she managed it all, especially with the twins! (I think she'll downsize next year!) With all she had to do, I volunteered to make his birthday cake. I used to love to do this when my kid were young! So, here's the finished product! (It's suppose to be a killer whale, but it sort of came out like a cross between a whale, a shark and a dolphin! Luckily, 3 year old don't really care!)

He's The Man! (Steeleman, that is!)

2008-06-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

With the end of winter and the onset of spring (summer now), comes all the springtime home repairs. The retaining wall is crumbling, the cooler isn't cooling, sprinkler heads are broken, the fence is falling and needs to be stained...not to mention the yard that has been buried under snow for several months is a mess! About this time a lot women would start searching the yellow pages for the nearest "handy man," but not me...I am lucky enough to be married to the superhero, "Steeleman!"
During the day, he is mild mannered jewelery salesman Steele, by night he ditches his "Armani" suit to don a pair of jeans and become Superhero STEELMAN! Able to lay tile with a single "swipe", repair retaining walls with an artists touch, rebuild a fence with brute strength, and repair the brand new cooler that "mere mortals" installed,( and he isn't even green!) I am in awe of his abilities! With the help of his dad and his brother, he built our home over 22 years ago. He'd NEVER done anything like this before, and I know he felt completely overwhelmed at times, but HE DID IT! I love our home...it not only carries all the wonderful memories of raising our children, it has Steele's touch everywhere!! More than his amazing abilities, he is a WONDERFUL husband and father who truly loves life! I am so blessed to be married to him! He is more handsome than the day I married him (The proof is in the picture!)

and he never fails to make me laugh! So here's to Steele! I love him more than my word can say and I thank him for the joy he has brought to my life...HE IS THE MAN!

A Mother's Moment!

2008-05-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, a dear friend gave me a plaque that reads:
"There is a special place in Heaven for the mother of four boys!"
That's hung proudly on my wall for many years. I would look at it often when they boys were young and were in the throws of tantrums, fights, dented walls, holes in walls, snakes, spiders, mud, dirt, Nate, explosives, (notice I put Nate and explosives together...) girls, heartaches, cars, tickets, and accidents! Yes, I freely admit, there were plenty of times, I wondered if I would survive. But now, I look at each of them and I am so proud! So forgive me a moment of indulgence...
Congratulations to Bryan, who just celebrated his 29th birthday! He is in his LAST year of Dental School and NYU and will be starting the Honors Aesthetic Dentistry Program in the fall! He also holds down 2 church callings (he works with both the young men and the scouts!) In his spare time he runs, cracks safes, makes awesome Halloween costumes, builds his own lazer tag guns, and loves and adores his beautiful wife, Bre.
Congratulations to Blake, who has grown from a hot headed, short fused little boy, into a kind, humble and compassionate young man. He works full time and continues to work on his education. (Even though school has never been his favorite thing!) His tender heart and insight endear him to both his friends and family. He serves in the Elders quorum Presidency and he loves the challenge and thrill of sports like rock climbing, snowboarding and sailing.
Congratulations to Nick, who makes people laugh where ever he goes! He and Chelsea just celebrated their one year anniversary and are spending the summer months in New Jersey. Although he seems to live by the Larson Motto, "Everyone has to grow older, but you can remain immature forever," he has grown up a lot in the last two years! One of the things I admire most about Nick is his ability to always stay positive. Even if he is down, you rarely know it. His greatest love is his beautiful wife Chelsea and he is one happy boy since she joined him in New Jersey!
Congratulations to Sean, who is one of the hardest working teenagers I know! When he was in 7th grade, he brought home his 1st report card with straight A's. His cousin Brett jokingly commented that now he had no where to go but down! I think Sean took that to heart, and has worked tirelessly to maintain those "A's". Although he is the youngest brother, he is an example to all of us! He's looking forward to summer and the END OF SCHOOL. He'll be working, attending Boys State, climbing the Tetons and if Steele has his way...he'll be doing lots of sailing!
When they were young, I never thought I'd live to see this day! But I not only survived it, I'm stronger because of it. These boys are my life! I am proud of each of them and all that they have accomplished. I'm grateful for their strengths, their weaknesses, their similarities and their differences. Most of all, I am grateful for their love!

Spring Has Sprung...Finally!

2008-05-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a LONG winter... and so far a pretty cold spring! (We had snow on May 1st.) Maybe that is part of the reason that I have been lousy about updating my blog. It seems all the things I wanted to blog about... I didn't get pictures of... or I ran out of time to write details. So I decided just to hit some highlights of recent happenings! Here it goes...

We had a fun Easter lots of family...and look at Chelsea's Bunny Cake!!

Here are some of the Easter Egg Hunters.

We took our "annual quick trip" to California for the Long Beach Grand Prix! (I visited with Mom!)
But the boys didn't take the camera so I don't have any pictures of "hot cars!"

Nick moved to New Jersey for 4 months to do summer sales for "Apex." (Chelsea will be joining him soon!) Here's their "new digs!"

After 4 1/2 years of having long hair...Sean got a hair cut! (Handsome isn't he?)

Sean also went to Bountiful High's Prom! (Noooo, NOT with Jared) but they looked so handsome in their tuxes I just had to take their picture before they picked up their dates!

and FINALLY... Spring is here and we're starting to come alive again!

Hang on!

2008-04-10T21:51:00.001-07:00

If you can't tell...this is Blake. About 2 or 3 years ago he took up rock climbing. (This from a boy who was terrified of heights!) Now it it is one of his greatest loves! I guess I shouldn't really be surprised...Blake's life has been full of challenges, and I am proud of the way he takes them on and fights to overcome them!
This is just one of the things I have learned from Blake... here are a few of the others.

I've learned that life, like climbing, can be an uphill battle!

I've learned that some rocks are harder to climb than others.

I've learned that patience comes at a price.

I've learned that the harder the challenge, the harder the fight.

I've learned that you can't judge a man by his mowhawk!!

I've learned that his hugs are few but are worth millions.

I've learned that his smile is much cuter than Tom Cruise's.

I've learned that inside that thin body...lies a HUGE HEART!

I've learned that a mission can change a frustrated boy into a patient young man.

I've learned that greater challenges mean greater rewards.

I've learned that you can take everything breakable out of a room, but you still have holes in the door to patch.

I've learned that God made Nick bigger so Blake wouldn't "kill" him.

I've learned that for every day Blake spent teasing Nick, he spent ten regretting it!

I've learned that the child I worried would take the biggest risks, usually had the most common sense!

I've learned his compassion for others makes him a great listener and an even better friend.

I've learned that even when there's only a "finger hold", he will always hang on!

I've learned that "rockiest roads" usually lead to the "smoothest sailing!"

I've learned that broken bones, don't break the man!

I've learned that no matter how far he has to climb...he will always reach the TOP!

I love you Blake!

"Cookin" with Conan!

2008-03-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well...Nick and Chelsea got to cross one more thing off their "bucket list"...

- Being on the Conan O'Brien show!

This has been a life long dream of Nicks... and really what are the odds he could actually do it? But then again, this is Nick and Chelsea!
If you missed it, you can check it out, along with all the inside details, on Chelsea'a blog.

http://chels517.blogspot.com/

Luckily, Bryan caught it all on his DVR and made a copy for us so we can watch it anytime. It is really funny!
Now we can say we are related to celebraties!

Best Invention EVER!

2008-03-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

For several years now Sunday nights are Family Dinner nights, and as the kids get older and move away, it's been a little trickier to do. But we continue the tradition...it's just matter of who shows up!
Needless to say, Bryan and BreAnna have the hardest time making it...New York is just too far to commute for a Sunday meal. You'd think that after three years I would have adjusted to smaller numbers, but I haven't and it's just not the same without Bry and Bre!
...This is where "the best invention ever" comes in! Bryan and Nick both have Mac Books with web cams so we can video chat. It is the next best thing to being there! It almost feels like they are right here with us. (Almost) Bryan has taken his lap top all around his New York City apartment to give both his Grandmas a tour! I know technology has been used for a lot of corrupt things...but it is wonderful for moments like this!
Nick and Chelsea will be moving to New Jersey in a couple of months and I will be I loosing another son and daughter in law!! (I can't imagine Sunday dinners without Nick and Chels!) Not to mention... I am also loosing the "web cam!" I think a new lap top is in order...don't you?

"I Wanna Be a ROCK STAR!"

2008-02-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, after Cooper's farewell , we all got together to play a little XBOX 360..."Rockband"! What a riot! Everyone took turns playing drums, guitar and being the lead singer. I think Steele surprised me the most...he was great "doing" his best "Mick Jagger"! It was a lot of fun!
So now, everyone join in... (think Nickleback!)

"Cause we all just wanna be Big Rockstars,
Living in Bountiful, driving Glenn Thomas Cars.
The songs come easy and entertainments cheap,
We'll all stay skinny 'cause the "word of wisdoms" sweet!
And we'll hang out playing bass guitars,
In the Larson's basement with NO movie stars.
All the family members gonna wind up there,
No annoying "groupies" or big fanfare...
Hey, Hey, I wanna be a rockstar!"

My "Super Tuesday!"

2008-02-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you're political or not...
I don't know if your candidate won or not...
I just know that I had a "Super Tuesday" because I spent it with Dalton.

Nick dropped by for lunch and a little "wrestling!" Dalton won!
Here's some other cute shots of Dalton and his sisters, Ava and Sofia. We have had so much fun since Kristin and her family moved here! They get my vote!

Going, Going...Gone!

2008-01-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Nick has been letting his hair grow since his wedding in May. ( He might have had ONE haircut since then). On Tuesday he said he wanted a hair cut...not a trim, a cut. So we decided we'd better document it for his future posterity. Nick's had long hair most of his teenage and adult years, but I think this is the longest it's ever been! The back...definitely longer than mine!

The side....Going...

Bringing back the mullet! ....Going
Gone!
Doesn't he look handsome?

Happy Birthday Dad!

2008-01-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

Dad with Sue, Bob and me in 1953.

Mom and Dad in 1945...could they be any cuter?

Today is January 5th and it would have been my dad's 84th birthday! Although he cannot be with us here with us, I know he is celebrating with family members somewhere on the other side! I think about Dad a lot and miss him more than I am able to put into words, but I find great solace knowing that he is much happier and healthier now than he was the last few months of his mortal existence.
So, although we will have celebrate his birthday this year without him... we can continue to celebrate his life, his love, his example, his generosity, his humor, and everything he means to each of us!
They say that time helps to heal all wounds, and I know it's probably true...but when I think about not seeing my dad for another 30 years or so, it seems almost unbearable! Yet, I am so grateful for the years we had with him and for all the wonderful memories he left us. I am blessed to have had him in my life. I know there are many people who have not have been as fortunate as I to have had a father like him!
So cherished memories will get us through for now...I am grateful for each and every one of them! I love you Daddy! Happy Birthday!

Dad with Lori at her wedding in June 2007.

White Christmas!

2007-12-31T14:44:00.000-08:00

They say statistically it rarely happens...but we actually had a "White Christmas" this year! It snowed all night Christmas Eve and lightly on Christmas morning. It was beautiful and just added to the already wonderful holiday season!

We started off Christmas with an early morning breakfast with Bry, Bre, Blake, Sean, Steele and I, while Nick and Chelsea celebrated with her family. When Nick and Chelsea joined us we could get the party started! As usual we had to start off with the family tradition of breaking through the "wrapped" door to the Christmas room!

Before "crashing through" the Christmas door!
The youngest child is always used as a "ramrod" to break through the wrapping.!
Bry and Bre

Nick and Chelsea

Blake...moving in on Chelsea!

Sean still wearing his favorite "ugly sweater"

Blake playing with Monte

Steele, with his "Grand Teton" book that Bry and Bre made especially for him.

I know everyone says it, but I really do LOVE this time of year...
I love... (especially in todays world) that we continue to have a day to honor and celebrate the birth of Our Savior!
I love the lights,
I love the snow,
I love the food... (need I say more?)
I love the music (I could play it year round...but I don't.)
I love the smells,
I love preparing all the Christmas goodies...and maybe sampling a few of them.
I love all the traditions,
I love wrapping presents (except for the ones left until Christmas Eve)
But most of all...I LOVE being with family! Merry Christmas Everyone and Happy 2008!

The Ugly Sweater Contest!

2007-12-31T00:35:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that the holidays seem to bring out some of the "ugliest" sweaters you've ever seen? Well, we decided to take advantage of this, and last year we started the "Ugly Sweater Contest." We drew names last year (so we had a whole year to find the perfect sweater) and then we opened them this Christmas Eve. It was a riot! I was impressed with everyones choices and creativity. (I did discover that it is much easier to find "ugly sweaters" in the women's section or the men's extra large section.) So here are some of sweaters...

Blake lucked out...his really isn't too bad.
Blake picked out Bre's...Steele loved it, he thought it was the perfect ski sweater.BreAnna drew Nick's name...I don't know if you can read it...It says: "I love my sister in law!"
Sean picked out Chelsea's. Pink is her favorite color!Bryan made Seans. It had a changeable panel on the front to adapt to whatever crowd Sean might be in.Chelsea added some personal touches to Steele's sweater.Nick worked very hard to "light up" Bryan's!Jon didn't have to do one thing to make Lauri's this attractive.And Jon LOVED his sweater! (Seriously, HE DID!)Steele found my sweater in the WOMEN'S sections at DI. Now, that probably doesn't seem all that funny...but what makes it funny is that it is HIS sweater! (We gave it to DI several months earlier, along with another good looking sweater he had.) Both sweaters were there at DI, side by side...in the women's department! (Here I am doing my best "Steele impersonation",
even down to wearing his glasses from the 80's!)

Now it gets even better...this is the exact same sweater that Steele was wearing in this picture, taken 23 years ago at my dad's 60th birthday party! Check it out!We're all looking forward to Christmas Eve 2008 when we can unveil next years "finest!"

Where's Monte Carlo?

2007-12-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

Over the years, we have found our little dog, Monte Carlo, in all sorts of various places.

Sometimes we find him cuddled up next to Dalton,

Sometimes...we find him licking Nick's feet!?!

Sometimes...we find him bearing gifts,

Sometimes...HE IS THE GIFT!

Sometimes... we have a hard time finding him at all!
(Note the tail!)

But the other day, I came downstairs to find him in one of the most interesting places of all... there he was in the middle of the trash compactor! Apparently, the smell of Christmas food remnants was just too much for him! He proceeded to reach in to snatch wrappers one by one. (Check the trail!) But, as fate would have it, he went back one too many times! On his last venture, he reached just a little to far ...and plop, fell in! Although he was stuck, he seemed perfectly content to sit and rummage through whatever food wrappers might remain in there...a feast for a king!

The Train, The Train

2007-12-13T00:04:00.000-08:00

About twenty years ago, when motion lights first came on the scene, Steele came home and said he wanted to build a "little train." He told me he was going to use motion lights to make the wheels turn and the smoke move. It sounded cute to me, so I said, "Great!" The next day he came home with 2 eight foot sheets of plywood and started his project. A couple months and 1,500 lights later...we had our train! It truly was the first of it's kind. Some people stopped to find out where we bought it, others took pictures of it and attempted to build their own. (We've seen a couple of versions of it here in our neighborhood.) Later on, commercial versions came on the scene, but there's no denying it... Steele's is the original!
About every 8 to 10 years we have to "re-do" the train! It's a huge job and one worth "noting." (At least to Steele and I!)
"Before" shots of the train. (It's hard to tell, but the paint is faded and cracked.)

First, all the lights come off. Then it is sanded down, painted with primer, completely re-drawn and re-painted. After that, there is the "small" task of putting all new lights on. (The first year, I put the lights on the train. I plugged all 1,500 lights in, end to end. ) We couldn't wait to "debut"it, but when we turned the lights on, they flashed for 1 second then went out. I had BLOWN the fuses in every single plug! (Lesson learned!)
I think if we had known how much work it would take to maintain this train, we probably never would have built it. But now it's sort of a landmark in the neighborhood, and the "show must go on."
Here's the final product! Merry Christmas!

It's SHOW TIME!

2007-12-01T00:27:00.000-08:00

If you know me at all, then you also know I LOVE POPCORN! It is truly my all time favorite snack food. I can sniff it out for miles. I will give up dinner just to have "movie popcorn" at the theater and like a true addiction...I will continue to eat it even when I know it will make me sick! For several years now, I have been coveting this little "Popcorn Trolley!" But, it was too expensive to justify. I would walk by it at Costco or Sams and just waiting for it to jump into my Cart! Of course, that never happened. We'll guess what? A few days before my birthday Jon and Lauri brought over a GIANT box...and guess what was inside? MY POPCORN TROLLEY! I was so surprised and so excited! It is so much fun. Now I can make theater popcorn ANYTIME I want! So come join us for popcorn and a movie...it's show time!

I Am Thankful For...

2007-11-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

It shouldn't take a holiday to make us stop and take stock of the things that we are thankful for (and hopefully it doesn't.) But it seems it does take a holiday to make me actually write them down. So as 2007 comes to and end and I reflect back...here are just some of the things that I am thankful for.

-I am thankful for my dad ...and feel blessed to have had him for 83 years.
-I am thankful Steele's dad... for his life of service .
-I am thankful for my mom...for her love and her courage to move forward.
-I am thankful for Steele... for his patience and his ability to make me laugh.
-I am thankful for my children...for helping me to grow far beyond my capabilities.
-I am thankful for sister...who sees my strengths, where I only see weaknesses.
-I am thankful for my brother...who stands taller than any giant.
-I am thankful for my friends...who always lift me and give me a reason to smile.
-I am thankful for good food...it always brings my family home!
-I am thankful for my puppy...who loves to curl up by my side.
-I am thankful for warm fires...they get me through long winter nights.
-I am thankful for the gift of laughter... it truly IS the best medicine!
-I am thankful for the sound of fall leaves under my feet when I'm walking with a good friend.
-I am thankful for our home...and the feeling of peace that it gives me.
-I am thankful for "email"...it keeps me in touch with my family, everywhere!
-I am thankful for summer days on the beach... and the comforting sound of the waves.
-I am thankful for every man and woman that has served our country...I can never repay them!
-I am thankful for faith...it allows me to go forward even on my darkest days.
-I am thankful for good health...and grow more thankful everyday!
-I am thankful for my memories...and pray they are never taken away.
-I am thankful for this life...it's ups, it's downs, and the opportunity I have to experience it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Is Halloween!

2007-11-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Fall leaves, cool crisp air, dressing up in costumes,

carving pumpkins,

"The Nightmare Before Christmas"

and "Young Frankenstein"

...these are just some of the reasons that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! Even though my children are getting older and the days of "trick or treating" are long gone , I STILL have not outgrown Halloween.

Of course, I wasn't able to be in the New York City Halloween Parade like some of my children... (see Bre's blog)

But we were lucky enough to have a few special "trick or treaters" come by the house! Look who showed up!

Most of them were adorable....

But others were a little FRIGHTENING!
(Yes, this is Tammy!)

A Happy Halloween was had by all!!

A Life Remembered

2007-10-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

It hardly seems possible, but just a few weeks after losing my dad, Steele lost his dad. Harold Larson passed away on September 22nd. On this day the world lost a great man. Harold was not a showy man, he went about everything he did in a very quiet manor. He spent his life serving others and never asking or expecting anything in return. He never liked to be in the spotlight, but he certainly deserved it.

He was ALWAYS the "go to" guy! We would "go to" him when we needed help with plumbing, we would "go to" him when we had a question about our electricity, we would "go to" him when we needed advice on building retaining walls or laying tile, but in true "Harold Larson" form...he CAME TO us when we started building our home! He was there everyday bright and early. Many days he was there longer than Steele. I could be wrong...but when our home was done, I think Harold may have been even more proud of it than Steele was. One thing is for sure, we could never have done it without him. Harold wasn't just our "go to" guy...he was everyones "go to" guy. He gave of his time freely to all, but especially his children. He helped each one of his sons build their homes.

In recent years, Harold's health wouldn't permit him do all he would have liked to, but he was still able to enjoy time with his family and friends. Some of our most cherished memories in recent years were Sunday dinners with "Grandma and Grandpa." Although he didn't say much at the dinner table, his gentle laughter and quiet presence were always felt. In May, when our son Nick got married, "Grandma" worried that the reception might be too much for him. She knew Grandpa wanted to be there, so she brought him early, figuring they could leave if he got too tired or the crowd became too much. "Grandpa" surprised us all...he not only stayed the entire evening, but he had the time of his life! (I think Grandma was ready to go home long before Grandpa was!)
The world lost great man with the passing of Harold Larson and the void will be felt by many! He truly was one of the Lord's finest!

Big Brother Is Watching!

2007-10-08T19:38:00.001-07:00

When I was young...he terrorized me,
When I was a teenager...he teased me,
When I was in my 20's... he tolerated me,
And now that I'm in my 50's... I find he teaches me.

These are just a few of the things I've learned from my big brother Bob!

- I've learned that his impish grin can still charm my mother.
- I've learned that hiding behind that impish grin is a very tender heart.
- I've learned that sports can bring out both the BEST and the WORST in him.
- I've learned that the quickest way to elevate his blood pressure is to mention another wedding.
- I've learned that time has improved his temperament, but not his singing.
- I've learned that even after 56 years he still loves to tease his sisters.
- I've learned that his hair isn't thinning... his mind is expanding!
- I've learned that his daughters melt his heart.
- I've learned that his family is his greatest source of joy and pride.
- I've learned that he is as good to my children as he is his own.
- Through watching him I've learned that grandchildren really are one of life's greatest gifts.
- I've learned that because he never had a brother, God gave him Allen.
- I've learned that no one feels like a stranger when they're around him.
- I've learned that he has earned the respect of his family, his friends and his fellow businessmen.
- I've learned that he shows great courage, even when he feels afraid.
- I've learned that we could always lean on him, even if he felt it might cause him to fall.
- I've learned that he has done more missionary work through his example, than any full time missionary could.
- I've learned that as he grows older, he reminds me more and more of my father.
- I've learned I'm lucky to call him my brother!

Thanks Big Brother for always watching out for me!

The "Fab Five"...and me!

2007-09-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Although our latest trip to California was a difficult one, it was also the first time in a very long time that we were able to have our complete family there...and that was the best! So here I am with my "fab five" boys! First stop..."Hof's Hut." It just wouldn't be a real vacation without stopping at "Hofs!" Thanks to Steele, Bryan even got "mickey mouse" pancakes, just like he did when he was little!

Here we are at Hofs, but unfortunately we're missing Chelsea, she had school and work obligations. Luckily she was able to fly in later that day, making all of us happier, especially Nick.

Another place that is always a MUST, is Bob and Barb's for a BBQ and swim! You can see why it is always a high priority! We always have so much fun there, and as you can tell there is never a shortage of things to do.

The kids played an exciting game of "round robin" ping pong, then spent a little time relaxing in the hot tub.

Of course you can't have a BBQ without ice cream Sundaes! Here's the birthday girl with her daughters...sorry Barb (I think picture on your camera was better!)

Kori, Dana and Lori smile for a picture. (Aren't they gorgeous?)

If there's a party, Nick will always be the entertainment! Luckily, Joshua finally warmed up to Nick and decided that "he's not scary!"

How grateful I am for my family! From my wonderful parents down to all their beautiful grandchildren! Whether related by blood or by marriage, they are ALL such a blessing in my life and it is truly a piece of heaven on earth to be able to spend time them all!