Mom and Dad Mortenson

William's Baby Blessing

2011-12-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

From left to right: Lovelle (Lynn's Mom), Lynn, Anne, Jessi, William, Rich, Susie, Brent, Dallas

These are the 4 generations of hands. (Lynn wouldn't put his in, so I did it.)

Hi all! Lynn, Lovelle, and I went to sunny California to see Jessi, Rich, and William, and to be with them when Rich blessed William in his parents' ward on Sunday. It was a long drive but a joy to be with the kids. This was Lynn and Lovelle's first time for seeing baby William. He is a calm, happy baby. I'll let you judge by the pictures how cute you think he is. I might get accused of excessive zeal if I try to describe how cute I think he is.

Blue Diamond Lunch Turns Spooky

2011-10-18T16:03:00.001-07:00

Most of you know that Gma Beth hostesses a luncheon every month for the ladies in our ward who are 60 or older. She has lots of fun putting on the lunches, and everyone has a great time. Today she hosted yet another lunch, this time with a halloween theme. I had been enjoying looking at everyone's clever ideas on Pinterest, and we took some ideas from there to incorporate into the lunch.
I made witches' hats (Keebler cookies with Hershey kisses stuck on with frosting).
Mom made the owl face cupcakes.
I made the mummy juice boxes.
And for the main course we had homemade pizza - three kinds: pepperoni; Hawaiian; and this one with sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, and heirloom tomatoes. The green things you see are called Aunt Ruby's German Cherry. They are a ripe green tomato, and oh so sweet.

For entertainment, Robin Shirts showed us a poster of Edvard Munch's "The Scream" and told us about him and this particular painting. She makes every art work interesting. It seemed the perfect painting for our halloween theme. It was fun to hear the halloween related stories the sisters shared from their lives. This luncheon is one of the highlights of each month for me.

Milestones

2011-06-04T17:12:00.001-07:00

This week has presented us with a few milestones. After 15 years of getting up super early to either teach or to get kids out the door to seminary, WE ARE DONE!!! Thursday was Travis' last day of seminary. Then Friday Travis finished his years at high school. This is him just before he left to give his senior oral board presentation. What a good lookin' kid. He managed to keep straight A's all through high school, even taking extra challenging classes. Needless to say we are extremely proud of him. But even more because he's a really nice, respectful, fun person. (Lynn is dreading having to let him go away to college. There goes his sports buddy!)

Then last night Jaime's Ellie was baptized. That's another milestone - to have a great niece baptized. I do have Warnick great nieces who've been baptized, but because Evan and Lyn's kids grew up with ours, this feels particularly personal. There was Jaime last night in a beautiful purple dress, gorgeous and gracious, and HER DAUGHTER WAS GETTING BAPTIZED!! It really struck me, and I sat there during the baptism remembering all the fun times we had with Jaime, Scott, and Julie when THEY were little.
Wasn't it just yesterday when Jaime and TJ were busy playing hospital?

Wasn't it just yesterday when Scott was making cookies at my house with my kids, then selling his baggie of cookies to his sister (Niki) for $.25 and a Book of Mormon?!

Wasn't it just yesterday when Julie and Jena were modelling every chance they got? When they filled the stock barrell with water and dirt and took a mud bath (I don't think Auntie Lyn has forgiven me for that still)? When they got the video camera and did a long documentary all about themselves? What wouldn't I give to watch that now?!

It's a bitter-sweet thing to watch everyone growing up. It's so awesome to see these "kids" becoming amazing parents, capable professionals, and responsible leaders at church. It's so great to see how the gospel is blessing their lives, and how they are blessing the lives of all those around them. We sure love you guys! (Pass the tissues.)

Our Trip to Utah

2011-06-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Lynn and I went to Utah the end of May so we could be at Trevor's wedding. Travis had some big things going on with school, so he flew out for the weekend, then drove home with us. While he was out there he met with a counselor at BYU to get some advice on which classes to register for. It was very helpful.

Sometimes we miss taking some pretty important pictures. For example, we didn't get a single picture of Trevor and his bride - just the two of them looking at the camera - or say us with them. Alas. It was a beautiful wedding and reception. Of course Logan and Shaffer are drawn to any water anywhere! If there is the tiniest puddle, they will find it, plash in it, and throw anything not bolted down into it!

We were happy to see Lynn's siblings and their families! Just not enough time to visit as much as we'd like. Never that!

I stayed in Provo to help Jena and Josh move, and Lynn went to Logan with Lovelle so he could be at the reception there. It was absolutely gorgeous! Can you believe these stunningly beautiful girls? Siera and Lauren. They get their looks from their Grandma Velle. Landon is practicing for his future family (though they look like the perfect little family, Landon and Lauren are actually cousins, not husband and wife).

Who's the cutest boy? I am.

On Saturday we hiked to the Wind Caves. This was a 1.8 mile hike straight up the side of the mountain. OK, maybe not STAIGHT up. Jessi and Rich were kind enough to go at my slow pace, and they kept me from giving up several times! Some of the group actually ran part of the hike, and Jena and Jessi carried the boys much of the way. Josh finally got a turn at carrying (none of us wants to give the boys up when they ask for us!!!).

During our wonderful time together, Lynn and I spent as much time as we could with Logan and Shaffer. Lynn has a new ipad, and the boys loved playing the simple games they could on it. How can they be so smart?!

We made yummy things from Jena's new recipe book Our Best Bites. Great recipes! Eating is such a fun part of any get together!

And what would a family get together be without lots of game playing?! Lynn and I just LIVE for the times when we can be with our children and grandchildren. They are the golden highlights of our lives.

Track, Babysitting, and a Race

2011-05-22T17:44:00.001-07:00

Friday I was able to complete one of my goals for the year. I participated in a 5k event. Molly Phair hosted it at one of our local high school's track. It was a fund raiser for friends of theirs who have a special needs son. He needs a high tech bike so he can be independently mobile. We all paid our few bucks to help their friend and gathered to walk/run with friends. Dad ran, too, and mom came along to cheer us on. I was hoping to get lost in the crowd. No one would really even notice me. They wouldn't see how slowly I was completing the course. Unfortunately the crowd was way too thin to get lost in. Fortunately everyone was friendly and supportive. Mom was a great cheerleader.

It was embarrassing to be so slow. But I sure enjoyed being with friends. Dad finished a good 5 minutes before me. He's in such great shape! I loved being with young families who had their kids out there, some running, some climbing on the bleachers, some being pushed in strollers. One of my favorite things was adoreable little Christa Phair. She's about 3 and is 100% princess. Here she was at a 5k dressed in a black ruffled skirt and pretty pink dress shoes. She ran the first lap just in front of me, her little skirt swishing and her pink shoes flying. She'd speed up for a bit, then slacken up, but she kept going the whole lap. Finally toward the end of it she was getting pretty tired, so she held my hand and we walked together for a time. Then she found friends to play with on the grass.

It warms my heart so much to see these little children and the love they have for their daddies and mommies. Oh that every child in the world could know such love and security! I admire the Phairs, the Seavers, and the Davises so much! They are truly terrific people.

Monica is in such great shape, and Albert helped mom cheer us along. Cole (age 10) finished in about 22 minutes! Impressive.

Travis competed in the district track meet last weekend. He had a PR in the triple jump. He scored points for his team in the triple, the 300 m hurdles and the 4 X 400 relay. He also competed in the 4 X 100 relay, but the baton was dropped so that was the end of that. He did a great job and worked his guts out. Didn't make it to state, THANK HEAVEN!!! He may not like me saying this, but Lynn and I were so relieved to have him done with track! He had such a brutal week this past week, managed to get a 100% on his calculus test - Woop Woop - and how could he have survived if you added track practice and state competition on top of all that???

Today when I was sitting with Travis at church and we were singing the closing hymn together, I just about got teary thinking that I don't have that many Sundays left before he'll be out at school. Ugh.

This is a long post, but I just had to say that I got to babysit James and Mike (Aubrey and Sean's boys) this Thursday. They are such good little guys! It's ovbious that Aubrey and Sean are great parents. I have a tool box full of little match box cars. That's the first thing Mike goes for. He loves to play with the cars, and he loves to line them up in a very neat row clear across the family room floor. James likes to play ball. He loves to be active. He helped me make homemade graham crackers, and he ended up with flour all over his face. I should have taken a picture.

Fun with the Grandbabies

2011-04-21T18:48:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to post a few pictures of Logan and Shaffer playing in the mud, and of beautiful little Saige. Life is so rich and beautiful when enjoyed with children.

Black Light Dance

2011-03-14T11:40:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday the stake had a youth black light dance. Lynn spent countless hours preparing for it ahead of time, then we spent all day Friday and all day Saturday setting up. Thank Heaven for help from Travis, Darron, mom and dad! They were lifesavers!!! Lynn set up 4 rooms for miniature golf. The top picture shows the palm trees in the tropical room. There were dolphins and frogs, too, but they are hard to see in the picture. The golf hole was an alligator. They had to get the ball into the plastic alligator. The second picture shows the polar room. There were two huge icebergs, snowflakes in the air, and some penguins parachuting to land on the icebergs. You can see Travis's bright yellow shirt, Darron's tie-die looking shirt, and you can't really see Mike. Third picture shows the music room. There were also guitars on the walls and neon orange lightning bolts. The last three pictures are in the geometric room. The fluorescent shapes really popped! Check out the hand crafted jewelry I'm wearing! Smashing, no? Those pipe cleaners are the bomb. Just hope the kids had a really good time at the dance/golfing.

More Baby Saige

2011-01-16T17:03:00.001-08:00

Sister Shaffer made this beautiful little dress for Saige. What gorgeous work!

Saige Mackenzie Mortenson

2011-01-15T20:58:00.001-08:00

Lynn and I came to Portland to visit Brad, Molly, and baby Saige. We fell in love with her the moment we saw her. She is such a beautiful, sweet, perfect little baby! She is eating and sleeping well, much to her mother's joy. We are having a blast!!!!!

Christmas Vacation

2011-01-05T17:04:00.001-08:00

Well here's a slew of pictures for you! Lynn, Travis and I had the joy of spending two weeks with the family out in Utah over Christmas break. Brad and Molly weren't there because they were busy having a baby! (I don't have any pictures to share because I don't know how to get them off my cell phone or else I surely would be sharing them!!) Everyone else made it for at least part of the time. Lynn and I live for this time with our children and grandchildren. It was absolutely heaven on earth! And it was great to spend the holidays with his mother as well.

We spent a few days in Salt Lake enjoying temple square, White Christmas, the community carol singing at the Energy Center, and swimming at the hotel.

Most of the time we were in Logan at Nana's house. The vacation was made even more special because Eric, Sheila, Julia and Tyler were there for several of the days. Logan and Shaffer LOVED playing with Tyler and Julia. We had a rather laid back Christmas. Thank goodness Logan and Shaffer got lots of fun toys for everyone to play with.

Sheila, Rich, and I had fun putting together a Dowdle puzzle. TJ and Alan brought India who was very popular with the little ones. Logan and Shaffer kept asking to "see dog." She was out in the garage, and Tyler and Julia helped take her for walks more than once.

One evening we made ravioli. It was quite the production with Lynn, Rich, Jess, Sheila, Julia, and Lovelle taking turns helping. They were delish!

Some of the group went rock wall climbing one day. That was a fun adventure. Even Tyler and Julia managed to climb the wall!

Lynn and I took Logan sledding on that soccer pit by Grandma Velle's place. He had a blast until the third time he was dumped. That was the limit. But he enjoyed walking in the snow and being outside.

Ah now this is what grandmas live for!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!

More of Elyse and David's Wedding

2011-01-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still trying to figure this blogging thing out. I can't get the pictures to add on to the bottom of the blog. I didn't get a really good picture of David and Elyse, but I like that Gavin is in this picture. The first picture is at the family lunch after the sealing. You all know how Uncle Mark loves to clink his knife on the glass to get the newly married couple to kiss....over....and over....and over.....and over. Well Mark had just taught Gavin how to clink the knife on the glass to get his mommy and new daddy to kiss. He didn't give them much time to breath in between kisses. This is Mark's reaction.

December Weddings

2011-01-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

Wow was December fun and busy! It started with a trip to Virginia to be at my niece Shelly's wedding to Charlie Hockett. It was an absolutely beautiful wedding, and it was so fun to see most of my siblings and to see all of Lee and Kim's kids and grandkids. What great people they are.

A little later in the month I went to Dallas to be at my niece Elyse's wedding to David Hogan. This time all my siblings were there and it was so fun to have this time with them and with mom and dad. Elyse and David's marriage was wonderful and a very special time.

60thWeddingAnniversaryReunion

2010-11-26T19:32:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Travis is going to state!

2010-05-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today Travis competed in the district track meet in winter-like weather! The storm clouds were a brewin'! Yesterday it snowed, causing a couple of delays in the meet. In the end, however, weather didn't matter, because Travis took first in the 300m hurdles and in the 4X4 relay race. It was so awesome! Mom and dad even endured the cold and stayed to the bitter end.

The state meet will be in Eugene next weekend.

Special Friends

2010-05-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Lynn and I went to Portland to spend some time with his good mission buddy and roommate Wayne Gould and his wife Janette. We had such a great time hiking Silver Falls, exploring the Oregon Gardens, eating German food, driving through the Columbia River Gorge and talking for hours! Pure joy. This waterfall is Multinomah Falls. We ate dinner at the Riverview Restaurant one evening, and it was such a beautiful place with great food!

Wow but it's been a long time!

2010-05-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I posted I'm not sure I remember how, nor am I sure ANYONE will even look at this blog. Sigh. But we've had such fun lately I just have to blog about it. Our relief society sponsors a book discussion group; we call ourselves the Read (red) Hot Mommas. We meet once a month to discuss a wide variety of books. I was the hostess this month, and I chose Georgette Heyer's books. She is an English author, born in 1902, who wrote historical fiction romance novels as well as thrillers. I love how she described her work: "I think myself I ought to be shot for writing such nonsense. ...But it's unquestionably good escapist literature and I think I should rather like it if I were sitting in an air-raid shelter or recovering from flu." We all loved the book we read, and even Jena (away in Portland) loved These Old Shades.

In keeping with the English historical theme we had a dress up tea party. I made a trifle, we had Russian tea, and we brought a tea cup to tell about. Amy's was the best! She snuck her daughter's little purple plastic tea cup and saucer. She has totally embraced the down sizing of proportions! ;) Mom wore a hat she purchased in the 60's I think. Owww baby!

Michelangelo

2009-12-20T22:11:00.001-08:00

This month I taught the elementary students about Michelangelo and his work. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about him, and I loved teaching the students about his work. It was a bit tricky since he loved to paint people in the nude, but there were some great resources aimed especially for children, so it worked out just fine. I did, however, get in trouble by a vigilant first grader who objected to my choice of words. I was telling the students how Michelangelo had overheard a man criticizing his painting of The Last Judgement, so he just decided to paint the man into the picture, and of course, the critic was pictured in hell! (Where else?) I was called on the carpet for saying a bad word! oops

It was amazing to see how much difference the cleaning of the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel made! After about 500 years of dust and grime, the painting was rather obscured! But the cleaning (which took 10 years!) revealed the bright colors Michelangelo used all those years ago.

Now I would love to travel to Italy to see these masterpieces! I have great respect for Michelangelo and his work.

Logan and Shaffer

2009-10-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

I have been watching Joan, Lynnie, and Chris (from the office) having a blast being grandmothers for years now. They have been telling me how much fun it is to be a grandma. They are sooooooooo right!!!! It is the best! I had the time of my life in Portland playing with Logan the last week and a half. And then to be able to hold little Shaffer and get to know him too, well, it was heaven on earth! Logan is such a loving little guy; he melts your heart with his nose-wrinkling smile. He is very curious and loves to play. Jena and Josh are wonderful parents. I LOVE FAMILY!

Random

2009-10-12T10:33:00.001-07:00

Last week Sean was in town with the boys while Aubrey stayed home because of work. Mom and dad had Sean, the boys, Rick, and me over for dinner. (Lynn and Travis had mutual.) It was really fun to get acquainted with the boys. James is about 2 1/2, and Michael is Logan's age almost to the day. I was amazed at how well Michael is walking already! And James was tons of fun to play with.

Travis is busy with school and soccer. Lynn and I watched his game last Tuesday, and it was fun to see Travis score a goal. His team won 6 - 0.

Garden 2009

2009-10-12T10:07:00.001-07:00

So This is what I've been doing all summer!

Saying Good-bye to a Good Friend

2009-09-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ynette Marx, Sara Fletcher, Margo Morey

Steven Marx, Joshua Marx, Max Fletcher, Lynn

Craig and Molly Phair

Paula and Darron (Sr.) Fletcher

Jeremy and Dane MacDonald

Dan, Cassie, and Tonia Perez

John Clark and Chad Spendlove

In July our friend Chad Spendlove moved. sigh. sniff. It's always so hard to let good people move. I uncharacteristically took pictures at the little get together.

Back to School

2009-09-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

I was reading all my nieces' blogs about kids going back to school, and it struck me how differently it has been for me lately. My babies started up school again, but it feels so different from when I had elementary aged kids heading back to school. I remember some years feeling relieved to have them go, and other years feeling sad to let them go. Now it is one of those inevitable sorrows. We had Jessi home for 6 glorious weeks this summer, and it was hard to let her go back to BYU-I. But if she stayed, she wouldn't become the person she ought to be, so. . . . And Travis started his junior year, and wow did he become invisible. He wasn't going to play soccer, but decided to play after all. So he goes from seminary to leadership to school to soccer practice to the den to do homework before racing to bed. We really miss having more of his time and attention.

This picture is of Travis and his good friend Darron Fletcher. One morning after school started the two of them came home between seminary and school, and made these huge pancakes with which to satiate their appetites.

Lynn and I took Travis to Bend this past weekend to get some orthotics. He has had some serious back aches that always start when he starts a new season of sports. The chiropractor said that it would take orthotics to correct the problem, so here's hoping. We spent the night in Bend in the Old Mill District at the Ameritel Inn. We had the pool and hot tub to ourselves and spent a couple of hours swimming, soaking, and talking up a storm. It was so so fun!

NEW CAR

2009-07-18T10:41:00.001-07:00

If anyone knows the saga of the possessed suburban, you will understand how excited we are to have a new, reliable car!!! Truly the suburban is possessed of an evil spirit. When WE have the burb, it won't start. Once we have it towed into the shop, they can NOT get it to NOT start. grrrrrr. The evil spirit cackles it's vindictive mirth at stumping every mechanic who attempts to exorcise the wicked demon. For months now we've been without the burb more than we've been able to drive it. Having 3 drivers and only 1 car has been a bit of a challenge. We finally gave up and bought a Kia Spectra. Yippee.
Our color choices were white or black. Tough decision. Really stressed over that one. (jk)

Since we didn't get a picture of the car when it was sparkling clean coming off the lot with only 16 miles on it and before we drove passed the lake with all the little green bugs, I put Travis and Elder Heywood in front of it in an attempt to distract the viewer from noticing any bug guts.
Travis has been working with the missionaries in our ward quite a lot lately. They are both great missionaries! Elder Griffith is tasked with starting a Spanish branch attached to our ward, so Travis works with Elder Heywood while E. Griffith goes out with others who speak Spanish. I'm so glad Travis is seeing what he needs to do to prepare for his own mission in 3 years. And I'm glad he has the opportunity to help some really great people learn about the gospel.
This second picture is for you, Brad, and for any recently returned missionary who will recognize the wonderful missionary-back-up-procedure! (I could have used that a time or two!!)

Thunder and Lightening!!!

2009-07-06T16:46:00.001-07:00

On Friday night, the 3rd, Klamath had the most amazing lightning storm! Lynn, Travis, and I were getting ready for bed when it began. We stood out on our deck ooo-ing and ahhh-ing while it lasted. After each lightning bolt crackled across the sky, the thunder would rumble for the longest time. Travis took this photograph, and we love it!

Another Killer Sunset

2009-07-02T19:29:00.001-07:00

One of the things I love best about Klamath Falls is the skies. They are so beautiful. Last night we had another gorgeous sunset. I wish I could take pictures that capture their beauty.

A Weekend in Paradise

2009-07-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend our entire family was together at Woahink Lake just south of Florence. Jessi was the only one who couldn't be with us, and we missed her terribly. Lynn found this amazing place that had the best view of the Lake. We lucked out and had two absolutely gorgeous days full of sunshine; the cloudy days before that were beautiful, too, just in a different way.

It was so much fun being together. We played lots of games, swam in the lake (brrrrrrrrrr), soaked in the hot tub (ahhhhhhh), ate delicious food, and those who wanted to fish were able to do so. Some fished off the deck, and Brad used the kayak to paddle out into the lake to fish from there. They caught some trout, and were satisfied. Lynn, Alan, Josh, and Brad also spent a very windy afternoon fishing for surface perch on the Umpqua River. Now we have lots and lots of yummy perch.

The top picture is of TJ with Logan; next comes Brad with Logan. Babies are so much fun! They provide limitless entertainment for everyone.

While the small group was fishing on the river, the rest of us went into old town Florence where they were having a street market. We all tried on these funky glasses. Kinda fun that in Jena's picture, TJ was fortuitously caught in the mirror!

I look terrible, but Logan does this thumb sucking cuddle that melts everyone's hearts!!! He is such a joy.

Here's Alan fishing off the dock in the early morning.

Brad's heading out onto the lake to see how many fish he can wrestle. Sadly, he dropped his cell phone in the water at the lake's edge. With lightening speed he stripped off his gear and shirt and rescued the phone. I thought it was a gonner for sure, but he answers when I dial his number!! Amazing.

Molly, Josh, and Travis playing Boggle. All three are wicked good Boggle players. Couldn't they let me win just once???

A few early risers went to see this amazing herd of elk just south on Hwy 101. Gorgeous.

We hope to return to this place again. Like I said, it was paradise.

2009-06-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago Lynn and Brad went fishing at Diamond Lake. Here is one of Lynn's catches. Lynn said the lake was beautiful even though it rained a fair amount. It ended up being quite a drive for Brad considering he didn't get to fish but one day. Still, Brad is so crazy about fishing that I think he had a good time anyway.

Last Art Class for the School Year

2009-05-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went back to Henley for the last art class of this school year. I taught the students about Titian. His exact birth date is not known, but they speculate that he was born around 1488. He was the premier Venician portrait painter in his life time. He was very well known, and was a rival to Michelangelo and Raphael. Da Vinci was also painting during some of the same years in Italy. He is so well regarded that two of his paintings have recently sold for $70 million plus each!! It was hard to figure out how to teach about Titian because there weren't any cool, interesting stories that would catch the kids' attention, and so many of his paintings included naked little cherubs (which would have brought the house down in elementary school) or naked adult women, or babies being nursed without a modesty guard. I think much of Titian's work is warm and beautiful, if you can get past all the nudes. These are two of his self portraits.

One of the coolest surprises I had yesterday was when the 3rd grade teacher handed me thank-you notes from all the students in both 3rd grade classes. It was so awesome because the teachers had asked the students to draw a picture like one of the ones we had studied during the year, and to say what they enjoyed learning about. You would be so impressed with a couple of the Cezanne still lifes! There were lots of Mona Lisa's and lots of Terracotta Warriors. One of my favorites is a wonderful American Gothic, and another favorite is Ricky's, who drew the Mona Lisa, The Underground Army, the American Gothic, AND Van Gogh's "The Potato Eaters," only he called it the Bean Eater. I am totally impressed. I felt built up by the young girl who said, "Thank you Mrs. Mortenson for teaching us about the underground army and the mone lysa, gothik, and you dress pretty." I felt like a million bucks! And then there were two very thoughtful 5th grade boys who gallantly carried my things to the next class. Good kids.

New Blog

2009-05-05T12:28:00.001-07:00

Just a quick shout out that Kathleen and Gary have a blog. I just added their link to my blog. It is at pinkgirlygiggles.blogspot.com. I love that our extended family can better keep in touch this way.

Concert with Grandma and Grandpa

2009-05-03T23:09:00.000-07:00

Friday night Grandma, Grandpa, and I went to The Riders in the Sky concert at the Ross Ragland Theater. What a great show! Good, clean humor. The old time songs of the west. All around good comfort music and entertainment. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Our favorite part might have been when they showed the Pixar Pictures short "For the Birds" which they played the accompaniment for, live. Or it may have been when a local man, Doc Denning, 88 years old, told a cowboy poem about a rooster who sees colored easter eggs in his hen's nest and gets jealous of the neighbors peacock. The whole show was just great.

Rubber Stamping Party

2009-05-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was national scrapbooking day, so to celebrate I invited some friends over to stamp with me for as long as we wanted. I had a meeting in the morning, so we didn't get to stamp all day long, but we did get several hours in! My friend, Cassie Hurst, came over and we had a blast working away on whatever we wanted to create. Cassie brought her daughter Taylor and Taylor's friend Kattie Guest. They didn't really stamp, but they kept us company. We ate yummy snacks and talked away merrily. Cassie is rather new to stamping, but you'd never know it, because every card she makes is an artistic masterpiece!! She is amazing!

I felt like I could get away with spending the day stamping because Lynn and Travis were at the coast on a YM activity. They went 4-wheeling and crabbing. They arrived Thursday night and set up their tents in the dark. It rained on them pretty much the entire time. They came home rather water logged and ready for dry everything. No one had to seek medical attention, so I'd call that a successful outing, since we're talking about boys, machines, speed, sand dunes.

Visiting with Mark, Anita, and Pax

2009-05-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

It has been great to have Mark and Anita here in Klamath Falls. We got to have dinner together at Grandma and Grandpa's house last Sunday and today, and we also were able to visit with them on Wednesday. They are such a cute, adoreable couple! And Pax is so precious. What a treat to have this time together. We also enjoyed visiting with Rick today. Another special treat.

Mystery Solved

2009-03-19T23:12:00.000-07:00

Well the mystery is solved. It was Brad's 5th grade teacher, Ms. Honan. I taught in her class last year, and it was obvious that she had an appreciation for art. She had works of art laminated and placed all over the classroom, especially the ceiling. She retired at the end of the year, and bless her heart, she gave me all those works to use in my teaching. She was the one who left the art books for me at the high school. How thoughtful and generous!!!

Art Book Mystery

2009-03-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Today I was at the Goodwill store looking for used art books when Travis called to say that someone had come into Henley High School and left a big stack of books for me. I was surprised and eager to see what might possibly be there. He said that when he saw the title "Monet" he knew the books were meant for me and not for him. Imagine how shocked and completely thrilled I was to find these beautiful books on French Impressionism, Van Gogh, Treasures of the Smithsonian, American Ballet Theater, The Sistine Chapel, Pablo Picasso, and more. I wonder who left them. Surely it must be someone who knows I am doing art appreciation in the elementary school. And someone who knows I have a son who goes to the high school. I called the one person I think it most likely is and left a voice message on her machine. I told Lynn it is such a mystery, and he said, "Honey, to me art is always a mystery!" I am very thankful to the thoughtful and generous person who shared her treasures with me.

Good Movie

2009-03-16T10:50:00.001-07:00

We are always looking for good entertainment, and Lynn stumbled across a really great DVD the other day. He purchased it as a used DVD, so it was not expensive. This is one we will enjoy watching over and over. It is about a 10 year old girl who wants to become a reporter. Takes place in 1934 during the Great Depression. A couple of young hobos come to Kit's home looking for work, they become friends, the hobos get accused of stealing from the family. The movie is really about loving without prejudice and about family pulling together no matter what. It is rated G. Very tender. We highly recommend it.

I love my job!

2009-03-10T16:44:00.001-07:00

Today I got to go to the elementary school and teach the students about two American photographers - Ansel Adams (1902 - 1984) and Dorothea Lange (1895 - 1965). I just love teaching the kids about artists and their work. There were such interesting stories to tell about these two photographers, and the kids asked lots of questions! Who would have guessed that the thing that finally helped a very intelligent hyperactive kid to focus, was learning to play the piano?! And who would have guessed that Ansel Adams really struggled for a time to decide whether to be a professional pianist or to be a photographer?! I had no idea. They say he hiked all over Yosemite with a 40 lb pack on his back. He had a good sense of humor and loved to tell stories. His black and white photographs are legendary.

Dorothea spent much of her life photographing people in a way that showed the effects of the Great Depression, the Japanese in the Internment Camps, and people in other parts of the world. The picture of her on top of the car shows her holding the huge camera she used. The picture above that one is the one she is most known for. It is called Migrant Mother, and shows a 32 year old woman with 3 children. They were pea pickers, but the peas had frozen, so this family was getting by on frozen peas and the birds her children killed. They were so destitute with no work, no place to live. When this photograph was circulated in the newspapers the government sent 20,000 lbs of food to this pea pickers' camp to help out the desperate people there.

It was interesting that the students related to the Great Depression because of the frightening news we are hearing these days. Always there are those students who notice something profound in the art. I especially enjoyed the hugs I got today, seeing the beautiful birthday dress one girl was wearing (it was her birthday AND picture day), and I loved receiving two drawings that were done for me in class. One is a picture of me, and I do look fine! Too much fun!

Who do you think I should teach about next?

American Gothic

2009-02-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that a new hobby of mine is volunteering at Henley Elementary School once a month to teach the students about artists and their work. My good friend, Robin, got me involved in this fun project. It gives me the opportunity to study and learn lots of new things, to look at lots of great art, and to teach the kids. All things I really enjoy.

In January I taught the kids about Grant Wood, an American artist who painted one of the most familiar works in the world, "American Gothic." It represents the hard work and determination of the American people. This painting has been perodied more than just about any other painting ever has. I showed the students parodies involving Barbie and Ken, and Pres. Bush, Tony Blair, and Osama Bin Laden. Many of the students had seen a parody on Sponge Bob or on Mickey Mouse! In most of the classes we created our own American Gothic. This picture is of two students in Mrs. DeMatteis's 3rd grade class. Don't they look great?!

I thought it was cool to learn that the Iowa quarter has an image on it that replicates a painting by Grant Wood.

Logan Talking to Grandma

2009-02-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

I wish there were a way to get my voice out of this, because it is sugary sweet, but how else do you talk to a baby, for crying out loud?! Too much fun!

Sew Much Fun

2009-02-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

When Jena came for the weekend we thought we'd have fun making coasters and hot pads. I have been using a mish mash of hot pads with every meal. Well good-bye mish mash, hello matching! It's been a fun project.

Grandparenting is the BEST!!!

2009-02-11T20:05:00.001-08:00

Here is Logan getting his "teeth" brushed for the very first time! What a good mommy he has.

What a strong boy! Could any of us be held up in the air under our arms and keep our bodies perfectly horizontal??? Not me! Especially not after 5 babies and years of sitting around.

Jena and Logan spent the weekend with us while Josh was racing away in Boston. It was absolutely the best! I think grandparenting is so great because when we hold those little grandbabies who are by extension a part of us, we get to relive the immeasurable joy we had with our own babies! There is no earthly treasure greater than a smile from a grandchild. Also, it warms my heart so to see my daughter having joy in motherhood.

blogging

2009-01-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

So today I spent a little time helping my mom create a blog of her own. I also taught her how to read everyone else's blogs and how to leave comments. I have had such a great time reading all the relatives' blogs, seeing pictures of the little ones (as well as the big kids), and reading about what everyone is up to, and I am hoping that Grandma and Grandpa will also enjoy seeing how you all are growing and learning and having fun. I can't figure out how to get the "&" thing off their name. Any ideas?

Lynn and I celebrated our 28th anniversary yesterday. We have been married longer than we've been single. In some ways it seems like just yesterday, and at the same time it seems as though we've never NOT been together. We had a yummy ham dinner which we shared with Gma and Gpa and Travis. Gpa did a tender thing: he looked up stuff in his autobiography about me, my mission, Lynn, our engagement and wedding, and Travis' birth. It was fun to hear him read with some emotion about those precious memories. We also laughed over Aunt Kim's experience having her picture plastered all over the news in connection with Sex Education! Funny story from the past.

Molly Phair gave me a good idea. At a book club discussion she had the idea of filling a jar with slips of paper that we've written things we love and appreciate about our husbands. I thought that was a cool idea, so for over a month I've written down the things I am thankful for that Lynn has done for me. I put them together on a poster and gave it to Lynn yesterday. Thank Heaven for good loving husbands! For marriage. For covenants.

Projects

2009-01-11T15:52:00.000-08:00

Grandma Lovelle has been sewing up a storm! She made 4 aprons using a cute pattern I found called "Flirty Skirty". I think the apron would look a lot flirtyer on young skinny girls, but we of the older more comfortable crowd can pretend! She also shortened a bunch of skirts for me. They all used to hit me around the ankles, which is not very flattering given my height to width ratio, so she cut off several inches and made them all MUCH more attractive (all things considered). Happy day!

I also wanted to post a picture of a super fun paper project. Aunt Kris and Melissa taught Grandma Velle and I how to make these adorable tic tac covers. We made lots of snowmen covers and several spring type covers. I think the possibilities are limitless. I've heard there are different colored tic tacs, which would be a fun variation too.

Sewing with Molly

2009-01-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

Brad and Molly spent the week after Christmas with us. Brad went hunting as often as he possibly could. What a passion! Molly had fun sewing a blanket for her sister, Sonja. Jessi made 4 blankets over the Christmas break. And Molly and I finally finished our bags. They are made from the same pattern that Jessi and Jena used for theirs. It was so fun having the kids here with us! We loved having Jessi here, and enjoyed getting to know Richard.

Daniel and Linda's Wedding

2008-11-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

Lynn, Grandma, Grandpa, and I went to Daniel and Linda's wedding this past weekend. Everything went really well. Uncle Mark and Aunt Sherrie are always such great hosts. We loved spending time with them and with their family, and having Uncle Lee and Aunt Kim there made it extra special. The sealing ceremony was short and to the point. The day was sunny but cold. Linda's family mainly spoke Spanish, and I tried to carry on some conversation with them, but I always freeze up and get frustrated that I can't remember how to say things anymore. I thought I'd share some pictures from the day. Gavin was adoreable in his little tux.

Our First Grandchild Enters the World!

2008-11-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

The top picture shows Logan just chillin' in his cramped living quarters. Brad, Molly, TJ, and Alan were over playing games, waiting patiently for Logan to join us for a wild round of speed scrabble. Good thing he didn't join us that night; he probably would have put us all to shame! Jessi, the picture of Jena's hands on her belly is for you. Don't you just love the manicure?! Her toe nails match! She was going to be pushing in style! I love the second picture. It's how every woman feels who knows she's in for a wild ride!

Here's Logan Joshua, just fresh from Heaven. He weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces, like his grandpa Lynn. His eyes are blue so far, and he has a bit of dark hair. We can see some of Josh in his expressions, but think he has his mother's nose. (It's hard to tell - most babies look just the same, small and scrunched up.)

So far the things we can tell about Logan are that he likes to sleep a lot, and he loves to keep his hands up by his face. We have inadvertently taken several pictures of Logan's manhood, and trust me, he has plenty of it!

Travis and Lynn arrived Friday evening, and both were eager to hold Logan. Travis is going to be a really fun uncle. Travis is doing photography for the high school newspaper, and he was able to bring the school camera with him. So far he has taken about a million pictures of Logan. I'll have to put some of Travis' pictures on the blog, too.

I just want to tell everyone I see that I have the most beautiful and precious grandson in the world. We were at the checkout stand at the grocery store today, and the lady didn't ask how we were doing, so I said, "You're supposed to ask how we are doing, and then I will tell you that we are extremely happy because we have a brand new grandson!" The checker just happened to be a great grandmother, so she understood! :)

You know that whole "multiply and replenish the earth that ye may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity" thing? Well, this is it! Joy in Jena and Josh, joy in Logan, joy in the rest of the children. He really knew what He was talking about!

Caughtcha!

2008-10-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Oh Fall, lovely fall. It's just so beautiful. Perhaps you won't find this picture attractive, but I just love the changing colors of fall. This picture was taken on a rainy day a few weeks ago as we were getting serious about leaving summer behind for another year.

Lo and behold! Caught her red handed (or would that be green mouthed?). I was on my way upstairs, looked out at the garden, and there she was, eating away merrily. This picture was taken a few weeks ago when we still had a garden. It is all gone now, and Lynn has rototilled the ground for the winter rest.

Just recently I was doing some canning, it was late and terribly dark outside. I had a big bowl full of apple peels that I needed to throw on the compost pile, but it was too dark, so I just set the bowl outside at the end of the front sidewalk. When I went to empty it in the morning, the deer had taken care of that little task for me. Oh great - now I'm feeding them from a bowl! What next???

There was a buck in the driveway recently, too. Maybe he'll hang around for the hunting season. Doubt it.

leelou blog give away

2008-10-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Lauren's Reception

2008-10-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

Most of these pictures are from the reception in Klamath Falls. Only two are from Logan. Brynlie and Connor are in Grandma's Harry Potter closet. Cierra was as beautiful as ever. Auntie Lyn makes everything look gorgeous. She said the reception would be simple, and if it was, it was perfect. I didn't try to get a picture of the set-up because it was too dark for my photographic skills. We loved Stratton, and are so happy for Lauren!

The Garden

2008-10-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

I think I am a bit garden crazy! Lynn accuses me of caring more for the garden than for him. Rediculous! (If he wants me to cover him up before it freezes, I'd be more than willing to!) If TJ and Alan hadn't given me that marvelous book full of great pumpkins and squashes, I might not be so crazy. I do love the different colors, shapes, and sizes, not to mention the flavors! I have discovered 4 new favorite varieties this year.

These pictures are of the garden before the freak frost in early September, and before the deer have trodden the vines down. This week the weather is turning freezing again, so the garden will be history. It's time.

About the Blogger

2008-09-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Anne Mortenson is the mother of 5 children which include 3 boys and 2 girls. She went to Brigham Young University and then went to Chicago, Illinois where she met her sweetheart, Lynn D. Mortenson. They didn't get married until after she went on her mission to Argentina. But once she got back they didn't waste much time getting engaged and then later married. From that point Lynn graduated from dental school and went out to Oregon to take his dental boards. He passed and they moved down to a small town called Klamath Falls. They've been living here since then and have had all of their children in the same hospital. Anne and Lynn are still parenting one child at home while the rest are out of the house.