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

Family Friday: Featuring My Brother (by marriage) Cory

"Family Friday" is quickly winding down and coming to an end, there are only two weeks left. I will have featured 47 family members when it is over and I have observed that there is something unique about the family member who I am featuring this week; he is my only brother "in-law" on my side of the family. Of course I am talking about Cory.

Cory met my sister Lilian in the summer of 1984, shortly after she returned from the beach house. He moved in with some guys who lived next door to my parents home and, well... the rest is history. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 6, 1985. Over the next several years Cory and Lilian became the proud parents of five handsome sons.

There are a lot of things I love about my BIL Cory, I'm going to mention a couple of important ones here. First of all, Cory has always made me feel welcome and comfortable in his home. Mike and I love to go on a Friday or Saturday night and watch movies with Cory and Lilian and their friends, often we invite ourselves, but we know we can. When I go into the house and I see Cory sometimes I say, "dad, we're home." Cory always has a big smile and a welcoming hug, and he always says that we can come back. The second thing I'm going to mention is Cory's hugs; they are the BEST!

Cory is a very handy guy and he's always willing to help others with their projects. He is a good carpenter and finished his basement beautifully; and now he lets our entire family invade it for many of our family parties. Cory is also really good at electronics. When me moved into our new home Cory was right there to help Mike install our TV on the wall. Mike was so grateful for Cory and his knowledge and willingness to share it. One thing I've observed about Cory, he is always ready, willing, and able to help in whatever way he can. And he'll even bring the tools!


Cory has a job. Do you remember "The Incredibles?" or did you ever see California's "Governator" in the movie (only on TV of course) "True Lies?" 'nuff said. Of course with me there is never 'nuff said, so I did get permission from Cory to say that he meets with NATO. Although we really don't know what Cory does we do know that he travels all over the world and consequently Cory has a lot of frequent flyer miles. In 1997 Cory very generously treated me and Lilian to a trip to England (with his miles) to visit our parents while they were on their mission; FIRST CLASS SEATS! Cory is awesome! 'nuff said.

Cory is interested in what's going on with the family. Selling and buying a house was an extemely stressful and emotional experience for me. I remember Cory coming to the new house (before we bought it) to check it out; he also called me on the phone to see how things were coming along, and I'll never forget the time that we were talking on the phone and he said to me, "it's your turn (for a house)." That meant a lot to me. Cory celebrates other peoples successes. That is a quality that I admire.

Cory is very tender hearted. He cares about everyone in this family. When Ashleigh was sick he came to our house one day with a pair of "Little Mermaid" socks that he had bought for her. Those were the last socks she ever wore.

Things to know about Cory: He was student body president at Gunnison high school. He's patient. He teaches the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School. He loves movies; two of his favorites are: "The Flinstone's Christmas" and "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers". He likes "Popeye's Chicken"; I'd never heard of it until I saw Cory eating it at t'ocean. Every year after Thanksgiving he takes his boys to Gunnison to cut down a fresh Christmas tree. He is an avid Denver Broncos fan; he even had a dog named Elway. He's a great husband and father. He is a good provider for his family. He is a wonderful son and brother. He honors the priesthood. He loves the Lord. He loves my baby sister. He can get to California quicker than anyone I know. He doesn't draw attention to himself. He's a tease. Cory once had a cool car named Henry. He's very good at buying cars. I am so grateful for Cory, I know the rest of the family is too. We are so lucky to have him in our family and we love him.

Cory's family: Michael, Jacob, Taylor, Jessica, Russell, Lilian, and Cory (Elder Alan Nielsen will be home three months from tomorrow)

Family Friday: Featuring My Nephew Russell

I have just a few of my nieces and nephews left to feature on Family Friday. This week I'm featuring my nephew Russell who was born just 15 days after my daughter Ashleigh. I remember going over to visit Lilian, Cory, and Russell shortly after he came home from the hospital as a newborn; when we laid the two babies down on a blanket together, two-week-old Ashleigh turned her head and looked at Russell and smiled as if to say, "your here now."

Russell is the eldest of my sisters five boys. They are very close brothers and love each other very much. This picture, which was taken in 2006, is probably one of the last pictures that all five of the brothers were in together. Russell was just about to leave on his mission to Portland, Oregon. When Russell returned two years later, his brother Alan had just left for his mission. Four months after Russell returned home he was married in the Salt Lake Temple to his high school sweetheart; Jessica. They just celebrated their first wedding anniversary two weeks ago.

One of my most tender memories of Russell was on the day of his missionary "farewell". He gave a well prepared talk with such humility, sharing experiences that are very tender to our family. It really touched my heart. Russell was a good missionary, and a great example to his younger brothers who will follow in his footsteps.

In recent weeks I've worked at the Deli with Russell on several occasions. I've noticed that Russell is a real people person. He is friendly and outgoing with the customers and the other employees. The first day that he worked with a particular employee; an older lady, I could hear them talking together. She is from Sweden and as I listened to them talking I was amazed at how much Russell knew about Sweden. When she came into the kitchen she whispered to me, "he's delightful!"

I have discovered (as I have spent time at work and carpooling with Russell) that Russell is very intelligent. Whatever the subject may be, he knows something about it. I never cease to be amazed as I listen to him converse with a customer or a co-worker. Two of the many different topics that I've heard him talk about are movies and music. One day while driving home from work together, I asked Russell how does he know so much. He answered, "I watch special features." I think I'd better start to watch "special features" so that I can be interesting in a conversation as well.

Things to know about Russell: He is the firstborn Nielsen grandson. He attends Weber State University. He is a wonderful artist. He has a great imagination. He has written a book which he's hoping will soon be published. He is a very good writer. He makes a beautiful sandwich. He's friendly. He makes HOT chili. He's a good husband. He's a good son and brother. He has a nice singing voice. We are all grateful that Russell is in our family and we love him.

Russell and Jessica

Family Friday: Featuring My Nephew Taylor

This week on Family Friday I'm featuring my nephew Taylor. Isn't he handsome!?! Taylor is one of five brothers and he is right in the middle. I'd say that that makes him very well balanced.

When Taylor was in the 4th grade Uncle Mike went to his school class to do a demonstration on Mountain Men. There is something about bringing a cool guest to class that immediately increases your popularity among your peers (especially when the guest is wearing leather, fringe, carrying a muzzle loader, and has a dead coyote on his head). I never knew anyone could have as many best friends as Taylor did, children were introducing themselves to us as "Taylor's best friend", "Taylor's 2nd best friend", etc.

Taylor is very musical. In Jr. High he joined the band, and when he started high school he joined the famous Davis High School marching band. Taylor is completely committed to the marching band and loves it!! Last year he marched down Main Street in Disneyland, and each year he marches in the "Day's of '47 Parade", he also goes to competitions with the band. This year Taylor auditioned for section leader of the clarinet section and earned that position. Of course with responsibility comes sacrifice; Taylor wasn't able to spend the entire week with us at the beach house this summer, he had to go to rookie camp. Granpa Marsden recorded a CD earlier in the summer and Taylor was able to perform a clarinet solo during one of the songs on the CD, I happened to be there that night and took some pictures, he did a fabulous job.

Taylor on TV marching in the parade, look closely and you can see his name next to him

Recently our family had a family night at Cherry Hill where we all had a lot of fun. Taylor went down the blue slides and when he reached the bottom he scratched his foot, no big deal, just a scratch. His foot bothered him throughout the week as he continued to go to marching band and even marched in "The Days of '47" Parade in Salt Lake City. His foot looked pretty gross (apparently there is a well protected picture of it, I don't get to see it) so he was taken to the Doctor. Taylor had a staph infection and cellulitis, and he just kept on marching.

Taylor and several of his "closest friends" went to the midnight showing of "Harry Potter", he had an extra ticket and so Caitlin was able to go. I was a little nervous about dropping her off at the theater in Layton knowing that she'd be out until two or three in the morning, but I felt good knowing that Taylor was there and would look out for his cousin.

Things to know about Taylor: He likes penguins. He can play the piano beautifully, and I've never seen him look at music while doing so. He honors the Priesthood. He has a lot of friends, every time I go to his house I meet different friends. He's good at Guitar Hero. He flew in an airplane for the first time this summer. He's a great nephew. He's a good son. He loves his family. He is kind. He's tender hearted. He's just about to start his Senior year. I'm grateful that Taylor is in our family, we all love Taylor.

Taylor and three of his brothers; Michael, Jacob, and Russell

Family Friday: Featuring My Sister Lilian

As the eldest child in my family, followed by three brothers (that I love), I really wanted a sister. On Wednesday November 23, 1966, the day before Thanksgiving, I was sitting in my 3rd grade class when my Dad came to my classroom and motioned for me to come out into the hallway. He came to tell me that my Mom had just delivered a baby that afternoon. "Guess what it is," Dad said to me. I immediately answered, "a brother." I think I may have sounded a little crestfallen. "Guess again," said Dad. I knew there was only one more option, but with amazement and questioning in my voice I said, "a sister?" I had my sister. Having a sister has been a blessing in my life and I am so grateful for Lilian.

When Lilian was just three years old I got to go on a Daddy/Daughter date with my Dad.That was a yearly primary activity. My Mom made me a new dress for the occasion and with the leftover fabric made a matching dress for Lilian. When Lilian discovered that she wasn't going on the date there was a bit of a fuss, so shortly after my date with Dad she got to wear her new dress and go on a Daddy/Daughter date too.

For several years my Dad was a meter reader for Mountain Fuel. He taught Lilian how to read gas meters when she was just a little girl; she had a little notebook and a pen and she would go up and down the street to the neighbors and knock on their doors and ask them if she could read their meters. I can remember looking out of my parents kitchen window and seeing Lilian knocking on doors and ringing doorbells.

Being a little girl and getting my baby sister was great! But growing up and having my sister as my friend is even better! In 1992 I was first introduced to scrap booking, I went home and called Lilian and told her all about it, I knew it was something she would love, and she does. She is the scrapbook queen and I'm not kidding! Her scrapbooks are always caught up and they are wonderful. She also makes beautiful cards. She is always on top of the newest ideas and gadgets, and she's always willing to share.

Not only is Lilian creative with her scrapbooks and cards, she makes the best sugar cookies you will ever eat. Besides being so delicious, she decorates them so beautifully, and you know what they say about presentation, it's everything. Every Valentine's Day she makes big heart shaped cookies and personalizes them for her family. One year for my birthday (at my request) she made me a big heart shaped "Lesley" cookie.

Lilian is a great photographer and now has a photography blog. She's ready for business. At the beach house this summer she took pictures of my family that turned out wonderful.

I was with Lilian when she took this picture. We are at an overlook directly above our beach house

I love to go to Lilian's house. Mike and I go frequently for a movie night, often inviting ourselves, but the great thing is, we know we can. We always feel welcome and wanted. When I started writing this post I asked Mike, "what do you have to say about Lilian?" His answer, "she's the best!"

I mentioned in Lilian's son Michael's post, that Lilian speaks Chinese. Well she really doesn't speak Chinese, but she does the funniest Chinese accent that keeps us laughing 'til the tears flow. She is so funny and a fun person to be around.

She loves her family very much and they love her. She is the Mother of five sons! The name of her blog is "My Life With Boys". She is devoted to all of her "boys" including her most important one, her husband Cory.

This is Lilian with all of her men in 2006; because of boys missions she hasn't had all of them together since 2006. How would you like to have all of those handsome guys adore you? (And they do adore her)

I have many, many stories about Lilian, but I love to tell about the time that we went to England to visit our parents while they were on their mission. Neither of us likes to fly; in fact we both hate to fly, so when our flight leaving Salt Lake was delayed due to "complications" we were both a little stressed. When it was finally time to board the plane we were both in tears as we said goodbye to our happy and smiling families. As soon as we were seated (in first class thanks to Cory) a flight attendant was already seeing to our needs when she asked us if we would like a drink, "a Bloody Mary?" Of course we told her "no thanks", but as soon as she left I looked at Lilian and said, "a Bloody Mary sounds pretty good right now."

Some things to know about my sister Lilian: She is very creative. She loves Disneyland. She goes to Disneyland a lot. She thinks of others. She is tender hearted. She loves Hugh Jackman (that's Lilian in the picture with him). She loves to chew on ice in a mug, it's her favorite snack. She has fun parties. She always feeds us well. She has a great laugh. She loves Mrs. Cavanaugh's Mindy Mints. She loves her family. She loves t'ocean. She loves the Tower Bridge; it's her bridge. She collects Wedgewood. She has a beautiful Christmas village. She's a good friend. All of her friends loves her. She works at a flooring store. She is a good person. She loves the Lord. We are all grateful that Lilian is in our family and we love her.

Lilian and all of her guys in 2006: Cory, Russell, Michael, Mickey, Lilian, Jacob, Taylor, and Alan

Family Friday: Featuring My Nephew Michael

"....sparkle like you own the world shine like you are you...."

This week on Family Friday I'm featuring another of my handsome nephews; Michael who is the 5th and youngest son of my sister Lilian. Don't be fooled by this photo, he doesn't really have a moustache (he's only ten), a few months ago he did an oral report on Walt Disney in his school class and he dressed the part, complete with slicked back hair and the....moustache. Doesn't he look great!?! I heard that he did a wonderful job. I love Michael Teryle, he makes me smile.

Jacob, Alan, Taylor, Michael, and Russell; handsome brothers

A few years ago on one of our beach house trips I was heading to the grocery store to go shopping, I'm not sure exactly how it came about but I had instructions to buy Michael a treat. So I did. That seemed to be the beginning of a new tradition that while at the beach house I buy Michael a special treat when I go to the grocery store. This year it was bubble tape. Just look at the picture below and tell me; how do I resist?

Michael just chillin' at the beach this summer

Anyone who is anyone knows that my 'sista Ririan' speaks Chinese fluently (I'll tell more about that on her Family Friday). One day me, Lilian, and Michael went shopping at a boutique. I made a bad attempt at speaking Chinese and Michael, who was a pre-schooler looked at me and said, "you don't do it as good as my Mom." Out of the mouths of babes. Michael is pretty good at Chinese as well, he usually calls me "Aunt Resrey."

Something that I have observed about Michael is his kindness and thoughtfulness towards others. He is a second cousin to my grandchildren and more than once I have seen him give something special of his to one of them. At the recent Kaysville 4th of July parade Michael gathered up quite a collection of red, white, and blue beaded necklaces that were being thrown from one of the floats. Everyone was asking him for certain colors that they didn't have, and he gave many of them away without complaint. I have a collection of nearly 100 thimbles. I was with my sister one day a few years ago when she presented me with a thimble, handmade for me by Michael out of a siver candy wrapper because, "Aunt Lesley likes these finger covers." I display it proudly, front and center in my thimble case.

Adam, Zach, Jacob, Becca, Derek, Emily, and Michael at Chris and David's 4th of July barbecue this year

If you know Michael you know that: He is very thoughtful. He is a charmer. He gives great hugs. He loves his family. He plays the guitar. He plays golf. He has a tender heart. He and his cousin Jeff (19 years older) nicknamed each other 'Snoop'. He's a good boy. I am very grateful that Michael is in our family and I know that we all love him a lot.

Michael's family in Disneyland this summer: Jessica, Russell, a family friend, Michael, Jacob, Taylor, Cory, and Lilian (Michael's brother Alan is serving in the Tallahassee Florida Mission)

Family Friday: Featuring My Nephew Jacob

Several years ago the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat became a big hit with me. I'm sure that everyone is familiar with the song Jacob and Sons, so....with that tune firmly planted in your heads read (or sing) the next line. JACOB....JACOB'S THE ONE!! Jacob's the one featured on Family Friday this week.

Jacob was born on October 3, 1995. He is the only one of my sister's five sons that I wasn't at the hospital anxiously awaiting his birth, I was on my way to DISNEYLAND (Jake loves Disneyland)!! Jacob came early and I think he scared everyone a bit. But today he is a healthy, happy, and full of life 13-year-old.

One of the things that I love about Jacob is the big hug that I get from him every time I see him. I always feel like he is happy to see me. He is also very funny and makes me laugh. He recently told a story that kept me laughing for a long time after he told it. He was at a scout overnighter and had just settled in his sleeping bag for the night when something kept scratching at his head from outside of his tent. He thought that it was some of the other scouts goofing off. Well, it turns out that it was actually a wild animal (a fox) that was scratching Jacobs head. I was amazed that that had happened, when I asked Jacob what did he do when he realized that it was an animal, Jacob said that he just told it "a little to the left", as he told the story he moved his head a little to demonstrate where he wanted the fox to scratch. I laughed so hard.

Jacob loves all of his family. He and his cousin Derek are the same age and have been best buds since they were toddlers. They have always been inseparable at family gatherings and on family vacations (as you can see from this picture at the beach house). Sometimes when they were little and were together you had to look twice to be sure who was who.

Some interesting things to know about Jacob: He plays the trombone in his Jr. High band, he was born on the day of OJ Simpson's famous verdict, he likes Sponge Bob, he's popular among his peers, he likes video games and movies, he has a tender heart, he's a good son and brother, he honors the Priesthood, he's a good student, Uncle Mike says he's a GREAT kid!! Jacob is a blessing to our family and we all love him.

Jacob's family in 2006: Lilian, Alan, Jacob, Taylor, Michael, Russell, Cory

Family Friday: Featuring My Niece (by marriage) Jessica

Jessica is another one of the newer members of our family. She is married to my nephew Russell and together they are affectionately known as Russica.

I first met Jessica when she was in high school. I don't remember our "official" first meeting, but I do remember going to the 4th of July parade in Kaysville and the Davis High School marching band came marching by. Jessica was in the band; they are very disciplined as they march, no smiling or turning their heads, but occasionally during the parade they would have a "free" moment where they could do whatever they wanted. That moment happened just as they were marching past our family. Jessica ran from the band and planted a kiss right on Russell's mouth and then returned to the formation. I remember thinking, "a girl just kissed Russell, eeeeooowwwww." My little nephew being kissed.

Jessica wrote to Russell while he served his mission in Portland, Oregon. Russell returned home exactly one year ago and they were engaged shortly after that. I remember the day that Russell came home and we went over to the Nielsen's house to see him for the first time. Jessica was there with him and I don't think that I've seen them apart since. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 2, 2008.

Last summer we had a family "girly party" at Lilian's house. Jessica was newly engaged and I wondered if she was overwhelmed by the onslaught of so many women in our family all at once. That is the night that I discovered what a sweet girl she is; I was impressed with Jessica.

One Saturday afternoon a few months ago, Mike and I were in Leger's Deli when Jessica and Russell came in. They were on their way to the temple and were stopping to eat some lunch first. The four of us sat together and enjoyed a nice visit. It was fun to spend that time together.

Some things that I've observed about Jessica: She is one of the sweetest young women that I've ever met, she loves and supports Russell, they attend the temple regularly, she is a good daughter-in-law, she's happy, she's real, she's thoughtful, I'm her favorite Aunt Lesley. We're so glad that you are in our family Jessica, and we love you.

I think Jessica was happy with her "makeover" at our family girl's night last summer