2-5-9

 So 259 - yeah!!!! We met these guys when we lived in Provo in our Singles ward. Commonly referred to as the 'Mesa Boys' among my roommates and I, since there was a whole group of them. Not only can they sing and harmonize as an Acapella group, but they write a lot of their music. Rob is a very talented musician and founded a non-profit organization when we were at BYU. Spire Music. He wrote his first inspired piece called 'He is Jesus Christ' on his mission - no piano, no orchestra, just missionaries singing. While at BYU, he was able to add the orchestra and put together performances at the Provo Tabernacle - Jeff, Steven and I were blessed to be a part of it. We even got to be on the very first recording of it - awesome! He's since redone some of it and had more professional individuals record it again and have had performances all over the country even some in our backyard at ASU Gammage. I'm proud to say I knew them before they were SUPER famous. :)

Rob actually just won a million dollar prize for a short story film he made called '12 Princesses' - made the local news. He's currently in London doing a recording in ABBEY ROAD!! Seriously though - I can't get enough of these guys - you won't meet a better bunch of boys, well men now. :)

Every year at the Mesa Temple, they have Christmas performances and this year 259 was on the list for a Monday night. We met Jeff there and were able to listen to them perform - brought back ALOT of memories from our BYU days.

 Rob, McKane (he helped coach our flag football team - that was awesome! Came in 2nd place - not so awesome), Greg - warming up.

Rob, Greg, Jeff, Jeff, Porter, McKane

 Not fantastic pictures, we were WAY back from the stage and this is how close my zoom gets and the quality when my 1 year old is smacking my hand. :)

 We talked with them afterwards and surprised to find most of them still live in the valley - Gilbert - the 'new Mesa'. :) Apparently Laveen is not even on the list. ha!

Of course we wandered a few moments for the lights - it's just so packed, especially on Mondays for FHE.

Rainy day

 Rainy days are few and far between around here. I happen to have my camera in my purse as I drove to the neighboring school to pick up Lea and Lucas. Isn't it beautiful!

 I don't even think it rained very much, but the low cloud coverage (any cloud coverage at all) is rare and a wonderful sight to see.

 This was the drive back home - how different the sky looks from one vantage point to another.

 Another view back towards the school - so amazing!

 The kids love to run home from the mailbox especially when it's wet (because really it wasn't 'rainy') outside. It's nice to mix it up a little instead of sunshine all the time - I know hard right? :)

Brief moments in the spotlight

 Enjoying the spotlight....

 Lea played a Christmas Song at the Activity Day Talent Show. This was her first ever 'play for anyone besides her piano teacher and practicing.' She did great and took a little bit of encouragement to keep her from going last on purpose. :) She's her mother's daughter. The spotlight is not something we crave, but it's worth it in the end.

 A little ward Christmas party fun! I was on a committee of 3, with lots of help we were able to put together a fun evening. I spent most of my night trying to keep track of my kids (Jeff was home sick with Ammon) and fill up the water jug. And although I spent most of the night walking back and forth from the kitchen with water, I would have much rather done that than bussed 35 tables!! Yes we had 35 tables set up that the Young Men set up for the night before. Every table was used - a wonderful turnout and great help setting up and taking everything down. Merry Christmas! :)

50 years

Married Dec 16, 1961 in the Los Angeles, CA Temple. A few years back, my sister decided we needed to save money for a 50th wedding anniversary party. (GREAT idea!! :)) I was able to fly 'home' to Richland for this party. Jeff wasn't able to come and was willing to stay with the kids so I could go.

 The invite for the party.

 1961 - wedding party: Bridesmaids are my mom's younger sisters and one other friend: Daryl, friend and Marietta, my mom, my dad, my dad's brother - Kenny, Grandpa & Grandma Sorensen, Grandma & Grandpa Clarke.

 Aren't they beautiful!

 View from the flight there.

 Temple session at the Columbia River Temple with part of the family - it was REALLY bright against the white Temple: Steven, Kristin, Caryn, me, mom & Dad. That same afternoon, some of the nieces and nephews were able to do baptisms together with my parents working in the Temple at the same time. Thankful my brother-in-law didn't get worn out after baptizing 7 of us multiple times. :)

 After the Temple, we met up down the street: Sorensen 7 at Dairy Queen for lunch. No we didn't cram in for the picture, this is how we actually ate. :) Sister-in-law Cheri took the photo for us.

L to R (number in the family lineup): Kraig(3), Steven(6), me(7), Kristin(2), Caryn(1), Rustin(5), mom, dad, Ryan(4)

 This is how they arrived for the luncheon on Saturday. In style. :) Friends and family from out of town were invited to the luncheon so they could spend more time with my parents. My mom's sisters said they weren't going to make it, but surprised her by driving all day, staying for lunch and heading back to Utah. Whew - long drive, sweet sisters. :)

 Here's the decor: It's beautiful (Caryn - my sister), put together 3 weddings this past year and had a wonderful friend to help her set up - it's gorgeous!

 Imagine 400+ guests to visit with my parents - it was truly amazing and I hope we have that in 40 years! So many loved ones who were positively influenced by my parents and who positively influenced myself and each of my siblings. I had a headache the next day - more talking I've done in my life. ha!

 

My mom's wedding dress, a cake was placed on the table (Sharise, my niece made it)

 The sweaters are from Norway - my dad had them made for him and my mom when he served his mission back in 1958.

 The individual photos are my parents graduating from college - BYU.

 Not planned we all coordinate - we just rock! :) We had a great time together - lots of laughs, memories and good food. All in-laws were there too (4 live in town) except Jeff and DeeAna (in Florida)

Steven and I flew together from AZ - thank you Allegiant for flying direct. Rozann and baby Taylee flew on a different flight to get home before us to get the rest of their kids.

Who's watching you?

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, we had a wonderful opportunity to attend a baptism. This woman was a co-worker of his when they worked at Deloitte. She was in Tax and Jeff in Audit. Their desks were next to each other and Jeff went to the office probably a handful of times in 5 years of working there. 

A few weeks before Thanksgiving, Jeff received an email from her, saying she was getting baptized and wanted to invite us all to come. She went through great lengths to find Jeff. It's been almost 3 years since he worked there and never used his personal email when he was there. Jeff responded and said we'd be happy to come. She then called him a few days later and asked him to give a talk on baptism. Sure. :)

Another co-worker of theirs was the one who helped her and answered all of her questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons. He and his family were coming down from Utah so he could  baptize her.

Jeff couldn't remember one conversation with her about being a Mormon. She knew he was a 'BYU-guy' and so was this other co-worker. 

The baptism was amazing - she was SOOOO happy! Jeff did a great job with his talk even though I spent most of the time in the hallway with Ammon and peaking in to make sure my kids weren't running amuck. There was a great turn-out of support too. We chatted with her afterwards and this was her story:

She'd been looking for a church to take her family too. They'd tried the Catholic church and her kids were BORED. (her words, not mine). Her kids wanted to go to church with their neighbors who must have talked about primary and how much fun it is. She went over to the neighbors (whom she knows quite well and the kids are best friends), and asked if she could attend church with them. Ummmmmm, yes! They offered to take the children if she didn't want to go and she said no, I'll go too. That was in August 2011 and she was baptized the Saturday after Thanksgiving 2011. WOW!

Another story: My niece is in junior high and one of her teachers went to high school with me. Now, if you know me, you know I don't talk to people I don't know. How do I make friends......I don't, it's very difficult. Well this girl was a year behind me in school so more than likely I NEVER, EVER, said a word to her. I looked her up in the year book and I did recognize her and her name, but again probably never talked to her in my high-school life time. The boy I was dating probably did, he was quite social and involved in student government - guess I like the more social ones. :) Anywho, I commented to Jeff that I'd never talked to her and wondered how she even knew who I was. Jeff (he's a very intelligent and inspired husband) said: 

'Just because you never talked with her, doesn't mean she wasn't watching you.'

Oh........good point. My immediate thought was I hope I didn't do anything stupid. I'm sure if it was, she wouldn't have mentioned that she knew me to my niece.

Who's been influenced by your words and actions? You may never know. Take the time to thank those who have influenced you and may not know it. I have had many leaders and examples I wished I'd thanked, but was 'too busy'. I missed out on a great opportunity to show gratitude to them. Two that come to mind all the time have already passed away.

Turkey day

 We considered going back to Las Vegas to spend the holiday with his family and Utah family coming to Vegas too. Since we'd just been there, we opted out. Which gave us a whole new set of experiences to enjoy. We had the most amazing dinner at the Winn's home for Thanksgiving. They invited us over as she explained: 'I love to cook and Steve loves to watch football' - great, we'll be there! :) 

After dinner (which was gluten free and tasted so wonderful! I didn't feel stuffed or sick after eating......not sure if I like where that statement is headed)...... we headed to the park.

 played soccer

 enjoyed the sunshine and some football, huh??

 played hide-n-seek with Sister Baker......Amy and Abbey. Great hiding spot huh? :)

 Made enough noise, the Seguras came out to play too, bringing all sorts of fun toys.

 Segura cousin, Lea, Natasha, Natalia, Abbey, Ammon, Amy, Lucas and Michael

 some of us were really tired and ready for bed.

 all the kids - such personality!

 the big kids. :) Christian, Braedon, Bryan and Kim, Jeff and I, (Burke), Katie and Steve

Thanks so much for a wonderful day of food, fun and friends!