2020 - Gratitude Day #9 - Jordan

 Gratitude Day #9 

Today I am grateful for our second son Jordan.

Jordan was one of the easiest little boys to have around. And, he simply melted the hearts of those who just wanted to swoop him up and cuddle him.

He was our third child, and came along just a bit sooner than we had planned. He was born just 21 months after Miss Harmony. But, it didn't matter. Our hearts always had room for more.

How interesting it is that we just couldn't think of the right name for him. We didn't know whether he would be a boy or a girl. That wasn't done so much back then.

Then, one day I was unwrapping a shirt I had bought for Kerry. I looked at the label, and it said "Jordan Christopher". It just sounded right. I showed it to Kerry, and he said it sounded great. Besides, his brother's name was Christopher.

Kerry's mom was thrilled that we were naming him after her great-grandfather. Um...no. I didn't know there was someone named Jordan in the family. But it made her happy, so we are grateful that it all seemed to come together.

When this 10 lb. 1 oz. baby boy came into the world, he would be my only child born on his actual due date. He's always been punctual since. The doctor was summoned from the golf course, and was chatting with nurses down the hall when suddenly Kerry saw that this baby was just about to enter the earth. Kerry almost ended up delivering him!

In our home, we always fold our arms and express gratitude to God for our blessings, and petition him to bless our food that it will make and keep us healthy and strong. When Jordan was quite young, we'd had a very busy day. When I finally had dinner on the table, we climbed onto our chairs and settled in. Kerry asked Jordan to say the prayer.

He did the "kid flop", where they just fold their arms on the table, rest their head on them, and mumble something. I kept glancing out of my eye to see when he was finished.

When he raised his head, I said, "Jordan, I am not going to say amen to that prayer, because I didn't hear a word you said,"

He answered, "Mom, I wasn't talking to you."

Score.

Jordan enlisted in the Army not long after high school, becoming a member of the Army band (French horn). I love military bands! While stationed in Sierra Vista, AZ, he met a beautiful young girl, and at age 19 he married her. I told Melissa she could finish raising him for me.

Though they married young in 2003, they have made that marriage work, and even blossom. Four perfect grandchildren joined their union, and their family is stellar. They are some of the best parents I have seen.

Jordan calls us often to check on us. We have the best conversations, and can feel his love across the miles.

We are so grateful for this child who came into our family and brought his gentle nature with him.

Gratitude Day #3 - 2018 - My Children

Gratitude Day #3

Today I am grateful for the opportunity I had to raise a family. And, what a ride it has been!

Kerry was smack dab in the middle of eleven children. I grew up alone. I sure had a lot to learn.

But, I also know I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't had the opportunity to raise a family. It got me out of my selfish self.

I was a young mother with four children under five. Three of those children were still in diapers, with two on formula when we had our last one. We were a single income family. And, I was worn out.

Each of these children brought a different personality with them.

Peter was the oldest. And, he had "oldest child complex". I remember him asking me one time what "we were going to do about...", who had been acting out. I told him "we" weren't going to do anything. It would be up to me and his dad.

Peter had a gentle soul, and would leave this earth too soon at the age of thirty. At his funeral, I was amazed at the stories people told me about he had influenced their lives. That certainly helped us...but, I kind of wish they had told him.

Harmony came along when Peter was 2 1/2; and I'm not sure he ever got over "replacing him". Her spirit was and is a strong one. We have so much fun talking each Sunday afternoon and catching up on things. She and I just "get it", even when no words are spoken.

Jordan came along 16 months after Harmony. He was that cuddly child everybody wanted to take home with them. Today, he is a good husband and father with four of his own. He told me he often my words come flying out of his mouth. Score! Jordan checks in with us about 2-3 times every week.

Erik came along ten months after Jordan. He actually had us all to himself more than any of the others. His work ethic has always stood out among others, and others notice that right away. He calls about once a month, and we talk for four hours.

Having a family has brought me to the brink of tears many times; both out of joy and of frustration. They have brought me to my feet as I cheer for them; and brought me to my knees in fervent prayer as I plead for them to find the right way.

I learned how to hone in on what is being said; and even more importantly, what is not being said.

These children of mine are just the best of the best; and they have cared about us from afar as we have gotten older and a bit slower. I wouldn't trade them for anyone else's children.

They are the reason I am who I am today; and I am grateful beyond measure.

Gratitude Day #19 - Family Gatherings and Celebrations - 19 Nov 2017

Today I am grateful for family celebrations and gatherings.

It was forty years ago today that friends threw a wedding shower for me. I thought for sure I had scanned the photos from that event, and will be nervous until I locate them.

But, friends from the Washington DC area put on a wonderful wedding shower for me. And, forty years later I am still using the things they gave to me!

I still have the recipe box filled with their favorite recipes. I have aprons, towels (yes, 40-year old towels!), and other cherished items from that day when friends gathered to get me started on married life.

I am grateful for the momentous occasions we have celebrated in my own family's life:

My parents' 50th wedding anniversary

Kerry's parents 50th wedding anniversary

My sisters' anniversaries

The blessings (christenings) of each of our children

The baptisms of each of our children

The college graduations and gatherings

I could go on and on...and so could you.

Each of these events I've mentioned bring back a flood of memories as we commemorated the birth or the choices or the achievements of a beloved family member or friend.

We definitely believe in celebrating milestone events. And, there's always food. There has to be food.

I'm grateful for the gatherings that tie us and bind us closer together. Just looking through the few photos I attached brought back warm feelings as I recalled the event.

But today, I'm thinking about a 22-year old girl who was being showered with gifts as she began a brand new phase of her life.

Peggy being baptized by her dad, Chester Clemens

Kerry's retirement day, Apr 2010

Peter was baptized in Utah

Harmony's blessing dress was made by her grandmother Shirley Lauritzen

Jordan was the first to receive a college degree

Erik's baptism day brought his grandparents from Utah.  They attended every birth and baptism.

Chester and Ida Clemens were married 50 years.

Orson and Shirley Lauritzen were married 50 years.

Gratitude Day #11 - My Military Family - 11 Nov 2017

Today I am grateful for the men and women in my own family who have served in our military.

Some served because they were drafted, and maybe didn't necessarily want to go.

But, they went.

Some served because they felt it was their duty as an American.

And, they did.

Some actually saw battle. Some were serving in other capacities and didn't see battle.

And, some never had war during their service, but were willing and ready if their unit was called up.

I have relatives and ancestors that have served in every war we have ever been involved in clear back to the French and Indian War. As a matter of fact, I was beginning to lose count of them, so I asked Kerry to bring me a list of every war, including the years, that America had involvement in. I listed those wars across the top of a spreadsheet, with names going down the left side.

That list now contains 194 individuals.

So, today I honor them. I revere them for their service. I understand the fear they probably had. I understand having a difference of allegiance within one's own family, and possibly facing your own father or brother on the battlefield.

A few years ago, a friend from Europe asked me what is with the fascination that Americans have with soldiers? In her country, they fear their soldiers.

In our country, we shake their hand and thank them.

Thank you to all of my friends and loved ones who are so willing to stand up for what we enjoy today.

Orson William Lauritzen

Harmony Rebekah Lauritzen

Jordan Christopher Lauritzen

Erik Joseph Lauritzen

Orson William Lauritzen, Jr.

Stephen Rhoades Lauritzen

Christopher Smith Lauritzen and Kelly Sterling Lauritzen

Charm Lauritzen

Gratitude Day #4 - Grandchildren - November 2017

Just when we thought our hearts couldn’t expand with any more love to give, along comes grandchildren!

They are perfect, as all grandchildren are.  They live as far apart in the continental United States as you can possibly get, which is one of the reasons I’m always on the go speaking at genealogy venues.  It affords us to be able to visit them.  One set lives in Maine, the other in California.

They are being raised by very good parents, and as far as we’re concerned, this is the best we could ever imagine for them.  Opportunities abound for these children, for they are in the best of circumstances.

They are in large families, which I also think is ideal.  I grew up alone, and I personally wouldn’t wish that on anyone, if it can be helped.  It took me awhile to learn how to work with people.   My mom used to tell me if you can get along with the members of your own family, you can get along with anyone in the world.

So true.

These grandchildren have taught me to laugh and giggle again after experiencing teenage years and young adult years with their parents.  And, just like with us, they are teaching their own parents things they also need to learn – patience and pure love.

When Jordan and family were moving to California a few years ago, baby Madelyn was only a few weeks old.  My job was to hold her while the truck was being loaded, which I gladly did.

One of the photos below is of my hands holding hers.  I sat there and thought for awhile as our hands touched.

My mom’s great-grandfather fought in the Civil War, and she knew him.  He stayed with mom and her family for awhile.

My mom’s hands would have touched his.

I touched my mom’s hands.

Madelyn touched mine.

Baby Madelyn’s hands have touched my hands, who touched my mom’s hands, who touched her great-grandfather’s, who was in the Civil War.

When any of my grandchildren touch my hands, they are touching history.

I am their link to history. 

Gratitude Day #3 - My Family - November 2017

Gratitude Day #3

Today I am grateful for my children.

We had a houseful! By the time I was 30 years old, our family consisted of four children under five years old -- the last two being ten months apart. Three were in diapers, two were on formula and in cribs, and and I was worn out.

Plus, in between those four children had been four miscarriages.

It was the very best thing I have ever done.

I grew up alone. My sisters were nearly grown and out of the house when I was born, so I grew up a bit spoiled. Not "bratty-spoiled" -- heavens, my mother would have made me into a greasy spot. But, spoiled in the fact that every single toy, dress, girly-thing, whatever...that came into the house belonged to me. I had no one I had to share with.

Kerry grew up in the middle of eleven children. We were polar opposites.

So, when as a young married woman I was shocked beyond belief that half of my bed, closet, bathroom space, etc. would now be going to someone else, Kerry was satisfied that he would only have to share with one, rather than ten others.

Then, here comes the children.

I can honestly say I wouldn't be who I am today if I had not had the experience of having a family. I learned fairness -- and unfairness. I learned deeper frustration -- and purer joy. I learned how to truly care about someone else to the point of feeling their pain, and wishing it upon myself.

And, I learned to serve.

Peter was the guinea pig I made most of my mistakes on. My tears would mix with his as I tried to figure this motherhood thing out. I cheered him on as he took his first steps, and wept when he was sick and I didn't know what to do. His life was cut short by the ravages of drugs at age 30, and I knew what true grief was. Me, who had played for dozens upon dozens of funerals in my life, felt mourning and devastation deeper than I had ever known. I can hardly wait to hold him again.

Harmony is our only girl, and brought a personality all her own with her. She made sure she marched to her own drum from the moment she was born. She and I have similar personalities, for when we're in a public place where something will remind us of a certain scenario, we know better to catch each other's eye. We won't be able to contain ourselves. And, we know it.

Jordan was the absolute easiest child to raise that I could ever imagine. He was and is laid-back, but outgoing. Everybody wanted to adopt him, for he was full of cuddles. He is a marvelous and supportive husband and father today, and his family is stellar.

Erik had us to himself the longest, both as a young child, then later as the others began to leave home. I will always cherish road trips and lunches with him.

The tide has now turned. It is they who are concerned about us. It is they who call home checking in on mom and dad. It is they who turn around when we are touring Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco to see if we are keeping up and are not lost.

These marvelous children have turned into marvelous adults. And, I thank the good Lord that they were sent to our home.