NEW HOME FOR CHRISTINE AND FAMILY

We had a great time going down with Brad and Christine and helping them move into their new home in Gilbert, Arizona. It was a lot of work, but we are so glad we took the time to do it. Now we can picture her in her new home and her surroundings. The best part of all of it was the weather. We were in shorts and flip flops and enjoying high 70's to low 80's.

The area by her house is so nice. It has lots of parks and ponds, you can even go fishing in the pond if you pay for a permit. There are turtles as well as ducks in the pond as well. The boys had a blast feeding the ducks. They have a cute wading pool in walking distance of their home and a pool close by that they can drive to. We were very impressed with the area and how kind the neighbors were. We know that they will be well taken care of down there.































On New Year's you can light fireworks down there and so we bought some and set off fireworks. We were all so tired and most of us sick and so we went to bed early.


We had a great time trying out some food places that were a must. We tried out Oregano's and our favorite was Joe's Farm Grill. At Joe's he grows his own herbs and vegetables that he uses and the food was not just great but amazing! Check out these lemons I bought there for only $2.00 each.


All in all we had a great time and enjoyed the warm weather. Even Lake Powell looked inviting on a cold winter morning.


Unfortunately the good-bye was difficult. One of these days I am going to stop being teary as I look at their picture. I left part of my heart in Arizona and I miss them so much. My world just seems a little more empty without them so close by.

JASON MET A BEAR

Jason sent us these pictures with a story on the back of the pictures. We think this bear statue is located in Vidor, Texas where he served for 6 months. We not only got a big laugh out of his story, but were glad that he is having fun on his mission. He has had over 20 baptisms in the 7 months he has been there and we have received many phone calls and emails telling us how great he is and what a dedicated servant of the Lord he is.

Enjoy the story.

Once I met a bear on my travels in the East of South Texas.

He was not a nice bear and roared at me! RAWRRRR!!! (Notice the tie being blown back.)

So I ran around him and came at him with a flying punch!

We met face to face in combat while I threw a Round House Kick!!!

He begged for mercy and through it all we became best friends. The scars where replaced with healing love.

The End

A BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY OF FAMILY TIME

We had the most wonderful day today, I wish it wouldn't of had to end! Christine invited us to go to the Joseph Smith movie at the Joseph Smith Memorial building and it turned into an all day event.



After seeing the movie we took the opportunity to try and have family pictures which didn't turn out so great. We got some great pictures of some and not so great of others. I shot this one of the two boys looking at the temple. Future missionaries for sure.

We ate lunch at the Lion House and then went to the Joseph Smith Memorial building and just sat in the lobby and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and talked and laughed together. Then we went over to the Visitor's Center and checked some things out there and after that we came home and played some games and snacked a little until it was time for the old and the young to go to bed.


We live in such a beautiful state with some beautiful sights to see and enjoy. But always my most favorite are the Church historical sights. Such a wonderful feeling there and I am so grateful to so many that went before us so that we could have what we have today. I am thankful that they were all that they could be so that we can be all that we need to be.

NANA'S 99th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Wow, 99 years?! I can't imagine living that long and I don't think I would want to unless I could have good health and a keen mind like my Nana.

We talked one time about all the things that she has seen change in her life time and it is simply amazing. She has gone from going to church in a horse and buggy and no electricity or running water to a high tech world that can't even begin to imagine a life without a phone in their hand.

We celebrated her birthday early and it was so fun to see so many family members that I haven't seen for so long. It was great to connect with them and good friends of the family. Nana enjoyed it so much that she told my mother that it was probably one of the best birthday parties she has ever had.

I couldn't resist getting this 5 generation picture with her. It didn't quite turn out like I would have liked, but time is growing short and I felt like I needed to take advantage of the situation.

I am so grateful for my Nana and for the influence she has had on my life. She has never forgotten a birthday, anniversary or special day my whole life. I treasure my memories of her. Thanks Nana and Happy Birthday!

DANIEL'S HOMECOMING

What a glorious day it was last Friday, it was better than Christmas morning! Daniel came home from his mission in Hawaii at 7:24 in the morning. It seemed like forever until we saw him turn the corner and start coming down the escalator. Everyone that was on the flight had come down and kept telling us that they were coming but that they were taking their time. The escalator seemed to crawl at the slowest pace possible as he was coming down it. I couldn't wait anymore and so I met him at the bottom of it instead of waiting for him to come to us. What a glorious feeling it is to hug your son and to feel of his sweet warm spirit again. What joy filled my heart as I welcomed my son home as he returned as man not a boy and he returned with honor.

Hugs were given all around and then we were able to meet one of his favorite mission companions, Elder Adams who was on a layover to Anchorage Alaska. Daniel's mission president, President Peterson who was released earlier in July was also there to greet all the missionaries returning. We also had the wonderful opportunity to meet the Furtado's a family from Hawaii that Daniel just loved. They were on their way back to Hawaii after leaving their son at the MTC earlier that week. What a wonderful family they are.

It was a beautiful homecoming shared by many people whom we love and admire.

DAD SORENSON'S 85TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Christine and I loaded up the boys and headed to Denver Colorado last week to join in celebrating Dad Sorenson's and his twin sister Nilace's 85th Birthday. We had the best time being there with Dad, Mom, Lisa and her wonderful husband Garth and darling son Owen.

Lisa was definitely the most gracious host and made us feel so welcome and at home. Lisa is so talented and we felt like we were getting a one-on-one class from Martha Stewart herself only better.

Lisa's son Owen was such a good sport to share all his toys and his room with us. Carter and Easton especially loved that he had several Light Sabers and a R2-D2 that was voice activated and did some amazing things. They were in Star Wars heaven and played hard every day.

Dinner the night of the birthday was amazing and it was fun to see Aunt Nilace and meet her family that came for the celebration. We enjoyed the beautiful Colorado evening in the backyard and shared lots of laughs and ate some amazingly delicious food.

Dad and Mom Sorenson are famous for their "Big Drinks", they are always carrying around a large glass of Coke. Christine saw this HUGE jug in a gas station that we stopped at and we just couldn't resist getting it for Dad Sorenson for his present. It was the hit of the party and everyone got a big chuckle out of it. Dad told Mom that she was going to have to sit in the back seat of the car going home because he was buckling the jug in next to him for the drive home. Mom said he should put it between his legs on the floor board of the car with a big tube in it so he could just drink it all the way home. We were all laughing so hard.

I am so grateful to Dad Sorenson for all he has done for me and my family. He is a GREAT man whom I adore, admire and love. I am so glad that Christine and I made the beautiful drive to Denver to celebrate that great day with him.

I'M BACK

Wow, so much has happened since I last post anything. You realize how much happens in your life when you keep your blog up to date and then you don't and you come back and realize how much has gone on in a few short months.

Christine had another cute boy named Nile Ronald Cook. He is named Nile after his Grandpa Sorenson and Ronald after Christine's father Ron that passed away. He is a sweet tribute to these two great men.


Nile was born the day before Jason had his farewell in March. We were so sad that Christine wasn't going to make it and then she surprised us all and got released from the hospital and showed up at the church. She only stayed for Jason's talk and for Scott to sing and than she went home. We are all still amazed at the strength of this great woman!

Jason left for the MTC on April 7. He is now serving in the Texas Houston East mission and every week he amazes us with how much he is growing and learning. Jason has a huge anxiety problem and he has been valiant as he has conquered his fears and faced his anxiety head on and continues to grow and learn from the hurdles that are placed before him.

Jason is slowly getting used to new customs and cultures. He has seen shotguns propping front doors open and people with only two teeth, dead dogs on a porch and a few other things. He found some great Cajun spices one called "Slap Ya Mama" that we all got a big chuckle out of.

We are now counting the days down until Dan gets home. We only have 18 more days left and we will get to hug him after two years! Dan continues to serve valiantly and will leave Hawaii a better place for being there. Daniel got to celebrate his 21 birthday Hawaiian style and the Cloward's spoiled him with grilled steaks on their lanai.

I am so grateful for good people who love and take care of my sons!

I LOVE TO SPOIL

My son-in-law Brad gives me a hard time about how there are no rules in my house for the grandchildren. I said to Carter one night, "no you can't do that, that's against the rules." Brad immediately said, "what rules, there are no rules at this house for them." I tell him that, that is my prerogative. I have paid my price as a parent and now I get to be a grandma and I get to make my own rules.

When I saw these pajamas I fell in love with them but couldn't afford them. When Christine and I were at the Carter's store the other day they had them for 60% off and so I couldn't resist any more. Besides the saying on them is so true.

I LOVE BEING A GRANDMA!!

TWO BIRTHDAYS

We celebrated Scott's and Jason's birthday on the 9th. Jason turned 19 and Scott, well let's just say he is another realm now.

Jason celebrated by going snowboarding with his good friends Cameron and Zack. Scott celebrated by going to work.

I gave Scott a video camera for his birthday. We have always wanted one and have never been able to get one. He was so excited when he opened his present and saw that video camera. We finally have one now that the kids are all grown up. Thank heavens for grand children.

We met at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. My parents and Christine and her family joined us there for a great dinner. After we came home and had dessert. Scott chose Pumpkin dessert and Jason chose the Peppermint Log. Some of the rest of the family joined us in helping to celebrate these two wonderful men. I am so lucky to have both of these great men in my life!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING -- 2009

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and yet it was a Thanksgiving full of mixed emotions for me. For some reason I missed Daniel more than ever. I missed him hanging out in the kitchen with me and getting so excited about all the food I was preparing. I would tell myself, when I would get to missing Daniel so much, that next year he would be home. But then I would remember that Jason will be gone and it will be two more years until we can all be together again. Maybe it was because I felt so much better this year from the mono that I could enjoy cooking and doing the things I usually do on Thanksgiving where as last year I was so miserable. I am so thankful that I am feeling better! Such a bittersweet thing these missions are.

Jason was great to help me get the pies made. We made Banana Cream, Raspberry Cream, Coconut Cream and Lemon Cream Cheese Pies. I also baked a Pecan Pie I got from Schwan's.

The weather was so beautiful. After I got the last pie made in the morning I laid in the sun on the floor with Griffin. It was so warm in the house that I had cracked the window open on the back screen door and as I laid in the sun with the cool breeze gently blowing on me I couldn't help but be so thankful for all my wonderful blessing. I truly have been so abundantly blessed.

We went up to my Dad and Mom's for Thanksgiving dinner. Only Jenny and her family, Suzi and her family and Scott and Jason and I were there for dinner. It was quiet but enjoyable.

Later that evening Christine and her family, Mary Jo's family and Todd and Christine all came for dessert and to help rip the carpet up in my Dad and Mom's family room and bedroom. They have recently painted the family room a nice tan color and got tan carpeting to replace the gray! It looks so nice.

After we helped get the carpet up my family came to our house to play Settler's Of Catan and to just spend some quiet time together. It was a nice enjoyable day.

SEWING, SEWING, SEWING & MAKING WEAK THINGS STRONG AGAIN

I have been so busy sewing quilts so that I could get them to the quilter's by the deadline. I made new comforters for Carter and Easton's beds and a quilt for the Sorenson's and my parents. I didn't get a picture of the boys before I took them to the quilter's. Partly because I was so sick of looking at them and partly because I forgot as I was hurrying to get them there. But here is a picture of the quilt for the Sorenson's and my parents. I think they turned out pretty good.

This was a challenge for me because a few years ago when I had my breakdown I lost all my confidence to do things like this. I have missed crafting so much and I love doing it and so I vowed I would conquer my fears and just face this challenge. I remembered the scripture that the Lord can make all weak things strong again. I have put my faith in the Lord and I keep trying to do new things. I am slowly getting my confidence back to do the things I want to do. Each new craft I get done brings me so much joy and even though all I can see are the mistakes I work on looking at what I have accomplished and that I am making this weak thing strong again with the help of the Lord.

I am so grateful for the talents the Lord has blessed me with both spiritually and physically. I am working on recognizing all of my talents and perfecting them and working on where I am weak so that I can be stronger and serve him, my family and friends better.

FALL IS HERE

I love the beginning of each new season. I love the feeling it brings of new adventures and new possibilities.

These are just a few shots I have taken to share.

This one is the view we got as we passed Deer Creek last Saturday as we drove to the cabin to spend the day stacking wood and winterizing it. I always feel a sense of sadness when we do this. One because I never get enough time out there during the summer to just relax and enjoy it and two because it means that the next time we go out there won't be any running water. But I always get excited for the snowmobiling trips. This will be the last winter I will have to spend without Daniel being with us and the last one Jason will be spending with us for two more years. Lots of mixed emotions as I drove away from the cabin this year.