Hang on!

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!

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!

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!"

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!"

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!

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!

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.