Grandma's Blankets

My mom's mom makes the best quilts, perfect sized, and tailored to match each grandchild's personality. Well, Isaac and Lilli both had one made for them many years ago. In fact if you saw Lilli's blanket, you would feel sorry for it. It has been very well loved. Traveled to many places over the last 10 years. But somehow the grandkids started coming faster than grandma had made blankets, and so Grandma and Grandpa Mortensen had decided to catch up and make one for all the grandkids that had been born since Lilli and Isaac. Both Marina and Esaias got new blankets. Marina's has gymnasts all over it, and Esaias has little green frogs. And as you can see he loves it! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa.

60 Years and Counting!

Wow! Hard to imagine being married for 60 years. I can't wait to say that I've made it that far. We only have 47 years and 7 months to go.

(A lousy picture, but I had to try to catch them dancing! Go G&G!)

My maternal grandparents just celebrated there 60th wedding Anniversary by bringing all their posterity together for food and fun. Almost everyone was there. We were only missing 5 grandsons and 1 brother. I think that's pretty amazing out of 7 children, 22 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. (I'm probably a bit short on numbers, but close). Friday night we gathered at the church for dinner and entertainment. Well if that's what you call an open "mic" or "stage" for the family. And Saturday was a big picnic at the park across the street from my grandparents house. Here's some pictures of the fam.:

Suprise from Grand Jct. Eric, Lindsay & Davis made it!

Grandpa & Grandma!
Aunt Bonnie thanks for staying with us. We loved spending time with you!

This event even brought my youngest brother Clayton out!

Nothing like boy cousins! Bryce, Easton, Lars & Isaac

Uncles are pretty fun too!
Uncle Chad & Uncle Danny trap Tristan for a picture.
My sister-in-laws enjoying the show!
Stacie & Lindsay
A little blury darn it!
But can you believe this mom getting a hug from Chad?!
Isaac & Marina serenade Grandma & Grandpa with "Red River Valley" a classic show tune.
Here's the gorgeous hula cousins!
Marina, Lilli, Leilani, Caitlynn

What a Week!

I thought last Thursday was a day, well that turned out to be only the beginning. It really has been like someone hit the "GO" button, and I couldn't find a way to turn it off. I'm not sure they even said, "Ready, Set." They just said, "GO!"

Friday, May 7th
I spent the day with Esaias at work, while the kids spent the day with Grandma Chris (it was a teacher work day). I had fun hanging out with my friends from school. It's so much easier to handle the meetings when I am not there handling all the rest.

Saturday, May 8th, 2010 Isaac's Birthday.

Isaac's new golf clubs!

Isaac had tons of fun finishing his community service for Student Council, ice cream and a movie at Cinema Grill with Dad and 3 of his friends from church, and then a short break before he was off to have dinner with Grandma Layne. What a busy and fun-filled day for a big 10 year old. Can you believe it? I have a 10 year old and a 3 week old. Wow!

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Esaias 2 weeks old

Sunday, May 9, 2010 Mother's Day
Mother's Day greeted me early, as Esaias likes to rise about 5:30am. I can always remember my first Mother's Day as it came the Sunday following Isaac's birth. I had him out at church that first week, proud to be a new mom.

An early phone call brought sad news for us. My Dad called to tell us that my Grandpa Martin had passed away early this morning. This is my grandfather who had lived in Grand Junction just a few blocks away from us. We were very close. It took me the day to work through my initial feelings of grief, before I could talk with my dad about the funeral arrangements. I will however, be grateful that he passed away on Mother's Day. Maybe this sounds strange, but we all know how when the grief is near we remember often, but over time we forget. I know I won't forget my Grandpa, but I will forget most of the details of this process and time in my life. Therefore, I am grateful that his passing happens to be on a special day of the year. It will allow me a time to always pause and remember him.

Monday, May 10th
I had to cancel lunch with my friend Melissa (bummer) as I waited for the details to be hammered out in regards to the funeral. Soon it became clear that we would need to travel to Georgia to make it to the funeral. Plans must be made and quickly.

Tuesday, May 11th
Ran around town to find summer clothes for Esaias and I, as it was to be 80+ degrees in Georgia, and we had nothing to wear. Picked up Danny and packed like crazy in order to fly out stand by that evening. (Thanks to Mom for having buddy passes for all her kids and grandkids to make it to GA.) We made it!

Chad & Marcus

Wednesday, May 12th
I am not sure you want the entire play by play, but by Wed. we were in Winder, GA and my sister and my brother from Jacksonville, FL. all had made it in too. Both have families of 5. All 15 of us were taking over my dad's house. And we still had 2 more brothers to arrive.

Lilli and Uncle Chad
Stacie, Danny & Esaias, Dad

Thursday, May 13th
Hanging out with cousins was the main event for the kids.

Leilani, Caitlyn, Lilliana, Marina

Tylar, Lafai, Isaac (Kenny missing)

Danny and my sister's husband Marcus got the privilege of dressing my grandpa for the viewing this evening. My brother Chad, my Dad, and my Uncle Tim also went. I am very grateful to have married such a wonderful husband, who holds the priesthood and was so willing to do whatever was asked of him during this time. From all people, not just his wife and kids. I am grateful that my sister married a great guy too, who also holds the priesthood and could share this blessing with our family. It was neat that all the men could go together to share in this special act of service for my grandfather. My other 2 brothers arrive safely later that night. All five of us made it. Amazing!!!

Tristan's first introduction to his new cousin. And his first ride on an airplane.
Wow, what a memorable trip.

Great Grandma Martin holding her newest great-grandchild Esaias!

Friday, May 14th Funeral Day
We celebrated the life of our grandpa, and mourned the loss of him. It was a special day to be there together. Danny had an opportunity to present the eulogy, the grandchildren sang "Families Can Be Together Forever," and my dad spoke about his father. I don't often get to hear my dad speak. And even Isaac shared a special memory. I think that it was truly most important that Isaac got to go to this funeral. He needed the opportunity to work through this grief that was so new to him. He had a very special relationship with Grandpa Martin. I believe his testimony of the plan of salvation has grown, and his faith been tested. I know that it is during these times when we learn the most. My Mina girl, told me she wasn't going to cry. (She's a lot like her mom like that.) She even held true to that, all the way till when it was time to tell Grandpa goodbye one last time and close the casket. Then the tears fell. I tried to hug her and she pushed me away (again...a little too much like her mom). But then she softened and cried, and said goodbye. I am grateful that she too, took the time to say goodbye.

Isaac, Lafai, Lani, Kenny, Caitlyn, Marina, Lilli, Tristan,
(Tylar missing from his chair, was helping Great Grandma get her food.)

Saturday, May 15th
Time to go home. It took longer than we thought to get packed up and leave, so we didn't have much time for playing in Atlanta. But we went to lunch and stopped by the "MOG," the Mall of Georgia, before heading to the airport. I have to say that as far as flying standby goes, especially with a 3 week old, all things went really smoothly. I can see the Lord's hand in our lives. All the other parts of this trip were a challenge, but the traveling, which could've been a nightmare, went very well.

Saying goodbye to Grandma Martin

Sunday, May 16th
Recover!!!!

Monday, May 17th
Reflect!

All in all, we're alive to tell the tale. I do feel as though I've been in some kind of time warp for the last week. So much for easing into things. I am running at full speed again. I guess it will be time to start that exercising and eating right. With only 3 weeks of school left, I have lots to get done before kids are home during the days.

This post may seem kind of dry or lack emotion considering what we've just been through. But as I pondered on what I wanted to say, I realized I wasn't ready to share my feelings about losing my grandpa. Am I sad? Of course. Has it been emotional? Of course. But, I suppose my thoughts and feelings I am still holding close to my heart. And that's where they need to stay for now. I am truly grateful for the gospel. I do not know how I could do all of this without it, without the knowledge that my Savior lives, and that we will live again too. I only hope and pray that I can live my life in a way that allows me an opportunity to return to my Heavenly Father's presence and that I can be with my family forever.

Esaias no worse for the wear! 3 Weeks Old!

Hospital Experience

So don't get excited...this was not the trip I was hoping to make to the hospital this weekend!

My maternal grandmother had a heart attack this weekend. And yes this was a scare for us all, but we are feeling better as she is on the mend. I have been so blessed in my life to have known and been close to all 4 of my grandparents my whole life. I actually have been blessed to have known many of my great-grandparents, and even a great-great grandma. Of course all of the "greats" have since passed on. And amazing influences they have all been in my life.

I love that my kids get to know their great grandparents as I did. In fact that is what I wanted to write about. We went without the kids on Saturday since she was in the ICU. However, on Sunday, she was moved to another room , so we went as a family. Grandma made the hospital experience look so fun, that Isaac was requesting his own hospital visit. He said, "You get to watch your own TV, order in food, call a nurse whenever you need or want something without ever getting out of bed. You even have your own bathroom, that no one else can use." I suppose that does sound pretty luxurious. Marina has expressed a desire to be a nurse when she grows up. One of the nurse's was so sweet and just loved the fact that Marina might want to be like her, that she let Marina practice checking grandma's blood sugar level, cleaning off grandma's finger and she even got to wear her own pair of gloves. They loved it.

After this I won't be able to convince them that they want to stay away from the hospital. I am not sure how this will transfer to me being in the hospital either. But I don't think they'll have much sympathy. What do you think?

Big Changes in Grand Junction!

There are 2 major events that I must write about today.

1) Davis Dean Martin born June 2009
My brother Eric and his wife Lindsay who live in Grand Junction had their first baby about 3 weeks ago. We got to visit them this weekend, and I am so impressed and proud of the new parents. They look great and are taking to parenthood like naturals. I love Eric so much and I am so proud of how far he has come. And I am so thankful that he has taken the leap of parenthood. There is no greater blessing in this life. I am so excited for him and Lindsay. Thanks Lindsay for helping Eric get there. There isn't anyone else that could have done all you've done for Eric. We love you both, and congratulations!!! Thanks for letting us come and hold that beautiful new baby!!!

My 6'4" brother with his tiny boy, Davis.

2) Grandma & Grandpa Martin
I don't know how much I can write about all of this as it makes me very sad. I am hoping that this will be a good outlet for me to express some of these feelings I am having. As I have not been able to express them aloud.
10 years ago when my paternal grandparents decided to make Grand Junction, CO their new home they started something that would change Danny's and my life. I will explain by backing up a little further... After my parents divorced when I was young and many turmoil events that happen to so many divorced families... I had not had a particularly strong relationship with my grandparents for several years. Danny had already lost his grandparents prior to getting married, and reminded me how lucky I was to have living grandparents. I have been truly blessed to have known many of my grandparents, and great-grandparents.
So, when Isaac was born in 2000 Danny and I made a decision that it was important for Isaac (and any future children) to have a relationship with their great-grandparents. With Isaac just a few weeks old we ventured out on a road trip to Grand Junction to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Martin. As they proudly showed off their new home and town (A place I only considered a stopping point for gas and a bathroom break on your way to Utah.) we fell in love with it too. We can only describe our feelings for GJ as peaceful, happy, and serenely beautiful. The view from G&G's backyard of the Grand Mesa, the summer drive through the Monument, and the desert scene of the Bookcliffs opened up new possibilities for a young couple just starting their family. By the next summer we would have a brand new home their too. We lived in the same neighborhood, and attended the same ward as my grandparents. And the relationship was not only rekindled, but grew to a new place of love, appreciation, and respect. To make a long story short, our time their was a very special time for Danny and I. We had many family strengthening and building experiences, and our Marina was born there too.
We decided to move back to Denver, when I couldn't find a permanent job and Danny was ready to pursue his Master's. Ever since we have left we have continued to visit them often. And each time we drive into town we feel as though we are home. Grandma and Grandpa's house has often been a place of refuge. So this brings me to the reason I write, this past weekend will be the last time that we drive into GJ to see my grandparents. They are moving to Georgia to be closer to my dad and hopefully a place that better suits their health needs.
I can't begin to express the sadness that wants to overcome me. I fought it back all weekend. I just hope that my grandparents know how much they mean to me personally, as well as how much they mean to Danny and the kids. I am so thankful for the last 10 years that I have had with them. Marina made the comment to me before traveling this weekend. "Grandpa gets up earlier than Grandma, reads his paper, and eats a banana." I am so grateful that my kids have been close enough to them, to know and appreciate the simple things that make my grandparents who they are. May the Lord bless them in all their endeavors, and thanks to Him for allowing me this to have this time with them.

Future Garage Sale Queen with the Reigning Garage Sale Queen!

Fishing Buddies!