Float Hopes

You've heard me talk about it.... I've posted a bit about it.... well now you can actually see it. THE FLOAT!!! This is our artists rendition of our stake's float for the "Days of '47" parade in SLC on the 24th of July this year. We have an amazing committee and a wonderful design; we've had meetings, we've attended workshops, we've stressed, we've prayed, we've stressed some more; it's time.... let the games begin!!

BONUS Family Friday! Featuring LESLEY! (Written by her favorite sister!)

Lesley seems to think that her Family Friday Feature is complete. However, I beg to differ. Our family is NOT complete without Lesley. Of course she isn’t going to go write a big post about how wonderful she is, so as her favorite (and only) sister, I am going to take the opportunity to do it for her.

Lesley is the first born of our parents. She was born in Belfast Northern Ireland. Just a couple of months after her birth our parents took her to the London LDS temple for it’s dedication. Soon after the dedication they were able to be sealed together as a family. Lesley may have been the only one of the children there in body. But I’m sure we were all there in spirit.

Lesley only lived in Northern Ireland for a few short years before she and our parents, along with our brothers Archie and Timothy, emigrated to the United States and made their home in West Bountiful, UT. It wasn’t until after our brother Alan, and I were born that they became citizens of the United States.

Lesley met Michael in high school and were married within a year of graduation. Their oldest son Andy was born shortly before their first wedding anniversary. Not long after that they moved to Duchesne County; Jeff was born while they lived there. Then the time finally came for them to move back to West Bountiful where Jeremy, Ashleigh and Caitlin were born.

Lesley has always been a very loving and devoted mother. After three sons were born and a daughter came, she was so delighted. They were all so happy, all the boys loved their baby sister. Lesley lovingly cared for her baby girl until the moment that Ashleigh passed away. I remember myself being so heartbroken for her, but I also remember seeing my sister as a pillar of strength.

Her testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ shone through and it was clear to me at that time, and still, that she loves our Father in Heaven and knows His plan for us. I can’t speak for them, but I do believe that she is also a wonderful mother-in-law and loves the women who are married to her sons. She is also a wonderful grandma too! Even though it is difficult to think that MY SISTER is a grandma! Ha ha!!!

I suppose I should be used to it by now since Adam is almost 8 yrs. old. As well as the fact that in the next few months there will be three more! (One of them at anytime!) Lesley loves to have “Grandma Days” with the little boys and I’m sure as the other little ones get bigger they will get their turn.

Something that everyone MUST know about Lesley - She HATES birds. Dead or Alive… she hates them. For whatever reason they scare the heck out of her. If she knows there is a dead bird on the street she will cross the road in order to not have to pass by, or see it. I was with her in London England one day and as we walked through St. James’ Park we came across a HUGE bird sitting on a bench. Forgetting her fear, I asked her to stand there for a picture. She actually complied…. right as the bird was starting to spread it’s wings!!! What a good sport!

While she hates birds, there is something else that she absolutely LOVES! T’ocean! (THE OCEAN). She loves to go to the beach and just sit and stare at t’ocean. As often as funds and time will allow we go to the beach house in Capistrano and spend a week there. Lesley loves everything about being there. And never likes to leave. There have been times when the tears have come when leaving. There was another time she forgot to leave the key. Now it sits in a shadow box as a memento from the beach. She has another trip planned to be there soon! I will get to be there with her too and it will be so wonderful!

In December of 1985 Lesley had a family Christmas party in the living room of her home in West Bountiful There was approximately 20 people there. It was so much fun she had another one the next year, and the next, until one year as the family was clearly growing, she began having the party at the cultural hall of her ward building. With anywhere from 60 to 70 people (or more!) What started as a small gathering with dinner, a few games, caroling and a visit from Santa. Has now become the highlight event of the year. With dinner, a major talent show, contests, games and the visit from Santa!! I think sometimes we look more forward to Lesley’s party than Christmas itself. I know that for my family it’s like Christmas can’t start until we’ve been to Lesley’s party!

Lesley is kind to everyone she meets. When we were traveling home from England in 1997, we had to get through U.S. Customs in JFK in New York. They are GRUMPY people there and we had already been on a long flight (we both hate to fly). I remember this mean looking grumpy man lifting a bag to Lesley and she very sweetly and politely said, “Thank you.” He just grumbled and looked away. I then asked Lesley, “why bother being so kind to someone so rude and obnoxious?” Lesley simply told me that it was because it didn’t matter how the other person was treating her, she was going to be kind. I’ve always remembered that and have tried to have the same attitude. (I would have told the guy in customs what he could have done with his freckles!)

I love spending time with Lesley. As I’ve gotten older she’s become one of my best friends and we have lots of fun together. Sometimes she calls to invite themselves over for a movie night. She always asks if it’s okay that they invited themselves and I always say “Of course!” There have even been a few times when I have thought to call and invite them but they beat me to it and invite themselves first. We always have a lot of fun together.

Some things to know about Lesley: She collects nativities. She made my wedding dress. She made our sister-in-law Marivic’s wedding dress. She has sewn countless costumes. She makes beautiful baby blankets. She has a beautiful singing voice and has sung with dad, Echoes of the Heart and We Also Sing, as well as Starflite! She was once called on down on The Price is Right. She LOVES that Mr. Darcy! Sometimes when she tells a funny story she laughs so hard while she’s telling it, that everyone else is laughing hard too… although they have no idea what she’s saying because she's laughing too hard. She can’t sit through a movie without talking, or asking “What just happened?” She was once bucked off a horse. She has had skin cancer. She used to live in a log cabin. She likes Cavanaughs Mindy Mints. The family likes to tease her about being a bit ditsy at times… like snow on top of buses in June… in California, or the Lake at Yellowstone… “no Les, that’s the sky”. She has a very strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has served in many callings and served in them well. She is a daughter of God and she knows it. She is a good mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, aunt, cousin, sister and friend. She is an amazing example of love, kindness, and patience. And through all the things she has dealt with, Lesley still has JOY. She brings me great JOY knowing she is my sister. I love her so much! Thank you Lesley for the amazing job you have done in making each one of us in the family feel special. You are special to each and every one of us too!!

Lesley and her family at Disneyland June 2009

Birthday Surprises

My friend Tiffany loves birthdays, they are a big event at her house; in fact... Tiffany even celebrates half birthdays. When someone in her family has a half birthday they get a half a cake, a few little gifts, and I think they sing half of the birthday song... you get the idea. A year ago when Tiffany was expecting her last baby and was due near the end of March, one of her biggest concerns was that the baby didn't come on March 31... why? because there is no September 31 so when would the half birthday be? Thank goodness little Drew arrived on March 30.

Caitlin also loves her birthday, and today is an extra special birthday... because Caitlin is 17 on the 17th. I decided that I really had to step it up (just a bit) and make this a special day for Caitlin. I've never made much of a fuss over St. Patrick's Day (I was born in Ireland for heaven sake), but Caitlin loves her birthday on St. Patrick's Day!! I thought to myself, "what would Tiffany do? She's fabulous at birthdays." I will mention here that Tiffany was Caitlin's Ma on pioneer trek, and so when it comes to birthdays... like "Ma" like "daughter".

I made an attempt at decorating a St. Patrick's table. I knew Caitlin would love that. And she did. I visited Kathryn and Melissa's craft blog and found this cute birthday banner which I actually made (so fun and easy).

And finally, I thought that if I decorated the house with balloons certainly Caitlin will love that. So I followed through with all of my plans and was quite pleased with myself and my efforts.

But I knew everything wasn't perfect. Tonight Caitlin has two choir concerts, one right after the other at her school. When is there time to have the family over for cake and ice-cream? What about her birthday dinner? How do you tell someone who loves her birthday so much that we'll celebrate with the family at our regular 4th Sunday dinner? And... you will share the celebration with your dad, your brother, and your two nephews (she loves them all, but let's face it... she wants her own celebration).

Last night I was at the grocery store and I saw Tiffany. She asked about plans for Caitlin's birthday and I explained to her about all of the complications.

Tiffany inspired me with a wonderful idea... invite Caitlin's brothers over for an early morning breakfast. Caitlin loves her brothers. What a great idea. Could they all come? Would it work? Well it did. I heard her exclamation of delight when she saw her balloons, she liked her birthday banner... but the surprise and joy of seeing all of her brothers there to share breakfast with her was the best.

Thanks Tiffany for such a great idea, thanks Andy, Jeff, and Jeremy for getting up extra early and making your sister's birthday extra, extra special.

We ate at 6:30 am; all of the boys got up early (Jeff came from Layton) and who is the one yawning at the table? The one that just came from upstairs.

Jeffrey, Andy, Caitlin Rose, and Jeremy; these are the best brothers in the whole world.

Do any of you have special birthday memories? Does everyone love their birthdays? I do !!!

Family Friday: Featuring My Nephew Christopher and My Daughter Ashleigh

There is hope smiling brightly before us...

My parents have twenty-three grandchildren. Andy came first, then Jeffrey, and then Jeremy. All three mine. In October of 1985, two months after Jeremy's second birthday, Melissa was born to Tim and Margie; she was the first granddaughter. At the time of Melissa's birth Granma made a prediction that there would be three new grandchildren in the near future and she was right. Early in 1987 and within four months of each other arrived three new babies. Today's "Family Friday" features two of those babies; Christopher and Ashleigh.

Christopher was born on February 7, 1987. An unusual occurrence happened during his birth which was by Cesarean section; Christopher's forehead was cut with the Doctor's scalpel. I remember seeing him for the first time the following day, he was such a beautiful baby boy. There was a thin bandage around his head protecting his wound which had been carefully repaired; with his beautiful brown skin and an abundance of black hair, at first glance I thought he looked like a tiny papoose wearing his miniature headband. But he was Christopher; one of Heavenly Father's most valiant spirits.

Christopher knew and loved each of us in his family. I'm confident that that includes those family members that didn't have the privilege of meeting him here. He was an intelligent child with an enthusiasm for life. He loved his mommy and daddy and there was absolutely no question that they loved and adored him; and they still do.

Mike reminded me of a "tender moment" he had when he saw Christopher and Marivic at Albertsons one day. Christopher's response when he saw his Uncle Mike at a place that wasn't where he would normally see him was, "is it you?" Yes it was, and Uncle Mike loves that memory that he has of Christopher. I had a similar experience about the same time. One day Alan brought Christopher over to be tended, I had gone on a quick errand and Alan left Christopher with my older boys. When I arrived home Christopher was standing at the top of the stairs and with a big smile proclaimed, "I'm here!" I couldn't help but share his enthusiasm as I exclaimed, "and I'm so happy that you are!"

Ashleigh was born on May 13, 1987, it was a beautiful spring day. Ashleigh was the perfect answer to a mother's prayer. She brought her daddy, her mommy, and her "boys" much love and joy. My joy was so full at having a daughter, that many of my tasks as the mother of a newborn seemed so much lighter. Even getting up at 2 am seemed easier. The boys were delighted to have a sister and they loved and served Ashleigh with all of their hearts. Ashleigh loved "my boys" as she called them, with all of her heart as well. Ashleigh too, was one of Heavenly Father's most valiant spirits.

Ashleigh loved her daddy. Occasionally on an evening, Michael would be lying on the floor watching TV and Ashleigh would sit on his back. There would be a big bowl of popcorn in front of Michael, and Ashleigh would lean over his shoulders to reach in for her share. Sometimes we played a little game that went like this: I would say to Ashleigh, "he's my Babycakes", and I would point to Mike. "No, he's my Babycakes", she would reply. We would go back and forth trying to decide whose "Babycakes" he was, Mike loved it! Sometimes I would start the game and sometimes Ashleigh would, and then there were the times that Ashleigh would say, "he's my Babycakes", and I would say, "you can have him."

Christopher and Ashleigh were playmates as well as cousins. I don't think it matters what age a child is... when you get more than one of them together they can come up with some clever ideas. Ashleigh's bedroom wall had a small hole in it, it was about the size of a door knob, actually the door knob caused the hole. One day I found Christopher and Ashleigh in her room, having a great time dropping toy blocks into the hole in the wall. Consequently, another hole had to be cut into the bottom of the wall to retrieve the blocks, and... a few other toys that we found in the process. Eventually both holes were repaired.

Christopher was a smart little boy and he spoke very well. One day while he and Ashleigh were watching "Bambi" some butterflies appeared on the screen. Ashleigh pointed to them and referred to them as "fafa flies". Christopher looked so surprised and kindly informed her that they weren't "fafa flies, they are butterflies." Ashleigh loved "The Little Mermaid" and quite often per our request mimicked Ariel as she sang Part of Your World on her make believe rock.

At the beginning of "Family Friday" it was suggested to me that it would be neat to post a picture of me with the featured family member. That was a great idea, but I don't have very many pictures of me with individual family members. I am grateful to have this picture with me, Christopher, and Ashleigh; together.

Throughout my life I have heard people use the word "heartbroken" countless times. It wasn't until December 12, 1989; more than 31 years into my life that I discovered that the word "heartbroken" or "heartbreak" has very real meaning, and that having a broken heart is a very real physical pain.

It seems that most of the days in our lives begin in a routine manner; that's how it was for me that December morning. I was being a mom and getting my boys out the door to school, getting Ashleigh and myself ready for the day, I had projects to finish for Christmas which was less than two weeks away, and my Christmas party was only five days away. It was my brother's last day of school for the semester and Christopher was coming over to be tended. When Alan returned to pick up Christopher I had no idea that that would be the last time I would see him. Later that afternoon when I received the phone call, I remember seeing the partially filled cup that Christopher had been drinking from just hours earlier sitting on the kitchen counter. I did not know when I woke up that morning, that when I returned to my bed that night that the lives of our family; and most especially Alan and Marivic, would be changed forever.

August 16, 1990 started out as a beautiful summer day. The sky was blue, the sun was shining and I felt great. The previous evening a good friend who is a nurse, expressed concern to me about Ashleigh and suggested that I take her to her pediatrician. Everything seemed fine that morning and I thought to myself, "Ashleigh is okay, I don't need to take her to the Doctor." I was immediately impressed that I must take her to the Doctor. There are a lot of details that go into the events of that day that I won't take the time to share here, but by the time I left St. Benedict's hospital that afternoon, the beauty of the day had been replaced with black clouds and pouring rain. It was as if the heaven's mourned with me as I learned that my precious daughter, my perfect answer to prayer, had a brain tumor. When I went to my bed that night, again the lives of our family; most especially Michael, myself, and our four children had changed forever.

Things to know about Christopher's family: Christopher was the first child in his family, he never had the opportunity to associate with his siblings Tara and AJ as most children do. But they know him and love him and he is still their big brother. As I have been reading Alan and Marivic's 25th anniversary series my heart has been touched as I have read about the sacrifices that Marivic made to come to America; her life has been greatly blessed because she came, but it hurts to think of our Filipina sister enduring the experience that she did without her mama and papa and her siblings by her side. I remember that December twenty years ago, when I looked at Alan it hurt me to think that I would never see my brother smile again. I have seen my brother smile, and I've heard him laugh many times. Alan and Marivic are good people, they are my heroes and I love them.

Christopher's family: Tara, Marivic, Alan, and AJ

Things to know about Ashleigh's family: On the morning of September 17, 1991 Ashleigh returned home to our Heavenly Father. During the previous thirteen months our faith, love, determination, hope... increased as we endured (and I think well) and accepted our Heavenly Father's will for Ashleigh and our family. On March 17, 1993 we were blessed with a gift; Caitlin Rose. We have been blessed with the love and comfort of our three sons. As you look at the expressions on the faces of "her boys" in the picture below; I think we came through it pretty well, and I think Ashleigh would agree.

Ashleigh's family: Jeremy, Emily, Mason, Michael, Lesley, Zachary, Caitlin, Adam, Kristin, William, Andy, Melissa, Avery, and Jeffrey

Some things to know about Christopher and Ashleigh: Doctrine & Covenants 137:10. Christopher and Ashleigh are lights to our family. I love them both with all of my heart and soul. I look forward to the day when I will see them again, maybe then I will be the one to say (with a big smile on my face), "I'm here!"

Farewell Family Friday

Recently, while editing a "Family Friday" post I called Mike in to read what I had written. He took one look at me and asked, "do you always cry while writing Family Friday?" The answer was no, not always; but I have shed some tears.

As I contemplate what "Family Friday" has meant to me, and the feeling that I have gotten from many of you that it means as much to you, I feel so much love and gratitude for this family. I started out writing a review of each family member according to what I knew about that particular person; and yet as I have read your comments I have learned so much more.

Many times over the course of this series I have made a personal observation that what I write is just a tiny, little synopsis (basically a drop in the bucket) of the person being featured. Basically, all I have done is share "my good opinion" of each family member as I stated I would at the very beginning of the series. I have wondered, what if each family member wrote a "Family Friday"? What if each family member kept a detailed personal journal? Or wrote a blog? What a history and a legacy in writing we would have!

I have loved reading the comments left each week. Comments parents have left about their children; comments from grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; the memories siblings have shared; and spouses for their companions. I have felt a renewed bonding in our family as I have read of your love and appreciation for each other. Your words have uplifted and motivated. I have had some wonderful feedback, including comments from my friends which I appreciate so much.

Tomorrow is the final installment of "Family Friday"; for now. At the very beginning of the series I stated that the first and last features were pre-determined, and so it is with much emotion that I present to you tomorrow a "Family Friday" featuring our families angels; Christopher and Ashleigh. I look forward to reading your memories/comments/thoughts about them. I hope that everyone who reads tomorrow's post will share something.

It has been nearly a year since I started "Family Friday". It has blessed my life as each week I have thought about and focused on an individual family member; from my Dad our family Patriarch.... to baby Hannah our youngest member. I love each one of you. Thanks for letting me nominate you... it's been my pleasure.

"Children Of Luminance"

You may remember that in my nephew Russell's "Family Friday" I mentioned that he had written a book that he hoped would be published soon. Well here it is!! I'm so proud of Russell and this amazing accomplishment. You can buy Russell's book, "Children of Luminance" at amazon.com or through Russell. I'm sure he'll autograph it for you.


And the winners of the blog contests are:

"Ann, Ann, Ann, Ann, Ann..."

Jessica

Marivic


"Who Is It?"

Lilian

Melissa L.

I will get your prizes to you asap!!

Family Friday: The Cutting Room Floor

During the "Family Friday" series I have published many, many pictures. Thanks to all of you for letting me "lift" pictures from facebook and from your blogs. There were several pictures that I "lifted" that I wasn't able to use (as well as a few of my own) but I wanted to share a few of my favorites here. Enjoy!

Alan, Jeff, and Jeremy at the beach last summer. I can't decide if they're contemplating going out, or if they have had enough.

I love this picture of Granpa and Caitlin, they are walking downtown in SLC between conference sessions on a rainy day in October 1998.

Lesley Ann Marsden Leger, Andy Marsden Leger, Zachary Marsden Leger, and Alan Marsden. Does anybody know what we all have in common?

Granma as a school girl in Ireland. Do you see any family resemblances? I think Mini Embem looks like Granma.

I love this picture of Margie, she looks exactly the same. It seems funny to think of Margie playing with Barbie dolls, but here's the proof.

Jeff, Melissa, and Miss Avery last summer at Tuacahn. "Tomorrow... tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow."

I've always loved this picture of curly-top Chelsea and little Derek. Aren't they adorable?

Three Alan Marsden's. All of them handsome men.

Is this Ammanda Ann or is it Audrey Hepburn?

Okay... it's Ammanda Ann.

Archie and Lesley in Belfast. How cute are they!?! Way cute!!

Our "girly party" during the summer of 2008.

Look at Mike's "trigger finger", he can change the channels in his sleep.

The cousins in 1989: Christopher, Ashleigh, Jeremy, Jeffrey holding Ammanda, Russell, Andy holding Alan, and Melissa.

Twenty years later: an assortment of cousins at the beach house in 2009.

Don't forget to check out the contests on my previous two posts. You have until 10 pm tonight to enter your answers and hopefully win a prize!!

Who Is It?

Who is this handsome little boy sitting in the barber's chair? And who do you think he resembles? You only have to guess who the little boy is to get your name in the drawing, but if you guess who I think he resembles you can have your name in a second time. You can leave your answers in the comment section until Tuesday night at 10 o'clock pm and the winners will be announced in my post on Wednesday.

Ann, Ann, Ann, Ann, Ann....

Throughout the "Family Friday" series I have mentioned several times that we have eight Ann's in the family. All eight are spelled A-N-N. Do you know who they are? Here's your chance to find out. You can leave your answer (multiple choice) in the comment section until Tuesday at 10 o'clock pm. There will be a prize and the winners (I'll draw two) will be announced in my post on Wednesday March 10.


A-Margie, Melissa T., Melissa L., Lesley, Lilian, Kristin, Alyssa, Aubree


B- Caitlin, Megan, Tara, Lesley, Julee, Ammanda, Chelsea, Christine


C- Granma, Emily L., Emily M., Julee, Margie, Rebecca, Marivic, Lesley


D- Lesley, Margie, Julee, Ashleigh, Ammanda, Alyssa, Megan, Aubree


E- Ashleigh, Aubree, Megan, Tara, Jessica, Christine, Melissa L., Caitlin

Family Friday: Featuring My Nephew Alan

It's finally Elder Nielsen's turn! Alan Hugh; named after both of his Grandpa's is this week's "Family Friday" feature. Alan is my sister Lilian's second son and he is currently serving in the Florida, Tallahassee Mission.

I love this picture of little Alan. His life was a miracle before he was even born, and as I look at the photograph of this beautiful, innocent, little boy I feel so grateful for the faith of his parents and that he is here and a part of our family.

Alan is a patient nephew. During his early teenage years before his voice changed, I often mistook him for his mother on the phone. In fact it wasn't often... it was pretty much always. I was so happy when the day finally arrived that I actually called Alan, "Alan" and not "Lilian". Unfortunately I am now doing the same thing with his brother Jacob.

I have mentioned before that our family have a lot of nicknames, one day I'll do a post about them; in the meantime I'll just say that our nicknames have nicknames as well as Jr's., Sr's., mini's, etc. hence... I call Alan, Little Lala and he calls me Auntie Lelu. I love Little Lala. He is a good nephew.

Alan is a very talented young man. Several years ago he decided to create things with... duct tape? I'm not kidding. He has created some amazing things including swords with cartoon characters, a scripture tote, and the most amazing thing of all, a Wonder Bread suit. The neighbor kids wanted his creations so badly that their parents would pay Alan to create things for them. Alan is also the creator of "Clyde". Clyde is an ant. I'm not sure how many "Clyde's" that Alan has drawn, but his mother has featured 100 of them on her blog while he has been on his mission, in a series that she calls "Clyde Friday". I admit that I am probably one of the "Clyde impaired" but as you can see Alan is a very talented and creative artist.

Alan is a big Disney fan, huge Disney fan. His favorite character is Donald Duck and he can do Donald's voice very well. He is also a fan of another Disney character... Hannah Montana, aka Miley Cyrus. Alan has been to Disneyland countless times and will be heading there within weeks of his return from his mission and I get to go with him.

Things to know about Alan: He is a good missionary. He loves his family. He's tenderhearted. He's handsome. He loves movies. He's a good friend. He's a good son to his mother. When Alan was a baby I baby-sat him overnight while his parents and Russell went on a trip, he was a good baby. He was just an infant when he went to the beach house for the first time, he ended up going to the hospital with pneumonia. He loves his family. Prior to leaving on his mission he was able to go and serve as a "missionary" in his brother Russell's mission for a few days. A couple from WB served in the mission office in Tallahassee; while there they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and Alan made sure that they had a cake, they said that Alan is a good missionary. Alan is loyal. Alan has determination. He has a great smile. He is faithful. We all love Alan and are grateful that he is in our family. We're looking forward to seeing him in a couple of months and hearing his report on his mission. Love you Little Lala.

Alan's family: Taylor, Cory, Jacob, Lilian, Michael, Jessica, and Russell