Blessing Grandchild #8...Little Noelle

Sunday was a very special day for the Arizona family again. Little Noelle Heidi Larkin was blessed by her wonderful dad, Jace! He talked about how special her name is "Noelle" which means Christmas. She is to remember the special qualities of Christmas and to exemplify them in her life as she grows. It was wonderful and she was beautiful and peaceful through it all. It was also very touching to see all that Priesthood power in the circle...Grandpa Curtis, Uncle Jason, Uncle Peter, Uncle Warren and her dad and Bishop McClaws.

Below is the photo taken after the blessing at the Larkin home in the backyard (before everyone ate). Grandma Gibb (my mom) was there along with my sister, Connie, but they were taking this photo for us...so they didn't get in the picture.

Here is sweet Noelle. She is so precious!

This is the Larkin Family: Haven (2) is in Jace's arms, Noelle (nearly 2 mo) in Heidi's arms,

with Christian (4) and Haley (she turned 6 yesterday!) in the front.

We are blessed with incredible children who are teaching their young to walk in the ways of the Lord. Who could ask for anything more?!

Crazy Hectic Week

I keep thinking I should write on my blog...but I just have a crazy schedule that I think is probably NOT interesting to anyone. Monday and Tuesday I spent all day at Estrella Vista Elementary School reading to every class in the school (K through 8). It was great. I read some really fun and interesting books. I ask the teachers to provide the book so it fits their curriculum. Then Tuesday after school, I went to the School District office for updated photos. Our photos hanging at all the schools were really old and the board members have changed. So that was fun! Then on to a special Board meeting that ran from 4:30 to 9:00 pm. I was so tired by the time I got home.

Then Wednesday I went to my CES class. Yes, this is the same class I went to when I was teaching Seminary. But I want to continue learning about the New Testament! The last three Wednesdays we have been studying ACTS and learning about Paul. I learned a lot that I never knew or it didn't register before. He was an amazing guy. Reminds me of Alma the Younger! I think it would be cool to meet him! I was home for a couple of hours (tried to nap...but couldn't...brain just to busy!!!) and then Curtis and I had a quick dinner.

Then off to our City Board we serve on. It used to be called the Waste Water Advisory Board for the City of Avondale. City Council changed the name and added more members to the board. It is now called the Environmental Affairs Commission. This seems like a much better "Agenda" type meeting than the old one. I think it will be fun and interesting to give in put to the City Council and Mayor for our town.

Today...I am doing what I do on every Thursday. Clean house. Do laundry. Iron. YES I still iron. I do not like my husband looking wrinkled at church! or anywhere! I have also been learning (with Curtis) how to sell Stock options. So I did my first trades today. A Bit scary. But mission accomplished. Now we will see how we fare.

I am now off to make "Amish Friendship Bread". One of my seminary students gave me this at the end of last year. It is wonderful! I found the recipe on line and am making the entire batch...then I can freeze the loaves to give away or serve later. I have a crock pot of white beans and ham hock with bone cooking. It is making the house smell great! Making me hungry.

So...not a very interesting life. Just busy. Keeps me out of trouble.

Haley receives Award

This morning Haley was receiving a couple of awards at school. She received an award for reading over 100 books, and "She works hard and always tries her best" award.

Grandma Gibb (my mom), Christian, and Heidi waiting for ceremony.

Haley with her awards afterwards.

Little Haven with Heidi (her mom) before award ceremony.

The guy in the blue shirt up close is Haley's teacher - Mr. Matsura (sp?). You can see the Larkin Family and Grandma Gibb across the room sitting on the 2nd row of bleachers. Jace showed up just in time and sat in the front row - Haven on his lap.

Birthday Breakfast

Yesterday was my daughter's, Heidi, birthday. She turned 30. Wow! I remember when I turned 30 and had 4 little ones and it nearly drove my Uncle crazy! How time flies. Heidi's kids are so adorable. This morning I treated her to breakfast and little Haven (and baby Noelle) came as well. Haven is spittin image, action, maners of Heidi! She is sooo cute! Did I say she was cute?! We met at TJ's which is a mom & pop little restaurant here in Avondale that has been around forever. They only serve breakfast and lunch. We had a great breakfast and visit. Seems like life goes waaaayyyy too fast. We need to do this more often! I just love Heidi. She is a terrific mom! Happy Birthday Heidi!

School Board President

Seems like when one door closes...being released from Seminary at Christmas Break...a new one opens. Last night I was elected by my fellow board members to be the President of Littleton Elementary School District #65 School Board. I have enjoyed being "just" a board member and doing my part and being involved an active! Now, as President is a bit fearful. I guess as I learn the duties in time I will feel more comfortable with it. I have a great board and the ladies there are really knowledgeable and terrific! I truly enjoy working with them.

An "Hakuna Matata" DAY!

Saturday (yesterday) we picked up Haley and took her to see Disney's Broadway show of the "Lion King". This was her Christmas present. As the animals came on stage (people in extremely incredible costumes) she was so excited! I had opera glasses and she was glued with them. We sat in the first balcony so we had perfect view of all the animals and stage. The black looking necklaces around our necks were FM receivers...we heard every note, word, etc... clear as a bell!

Here we are after the show outside by the billboard.

Here is Grandpa and Haley afterwards. Everyone around them were waiting to take their turn with a photo by the billboard. You can see Curtis is holding my purse and coat so I could take the photo!

Afterwards we went to Applebee's for dinner. We had a lovely visit with Haley and reviewing the show and our experiences.



So you can see...we had a Hakuna Matata day!

Avondale Boards, Commissions, & Committees

Last night Curtis and I went to the reception at Avondale's City Hall to say goodbye to Chuck Wolfe who served as City Councilman and Vice-Mayor for the past few years. While there we saw the new hand out for signing up for City Boards and Committees. Curtis and I serve jointly on the Environmental Board (formerly Water Board) and I serve on the Captial Improvement Plan Citizen's Committee.


Notice on the left side - there is our photo! Together! So we had to bring this home and share it with you.

Burglary

My parents home, in Buckeye, was robbed last week. It seems the person took all my mom's jewlery and my dad's new Battery Charger unit. Stuff they could sell fast - probably over ebay! So yesterday, I spent the day taking photos of everything in our house, and especially my jewelry so I can get it on my home owner's insurance! It is just STUFF but I would rather be prepared than not. Like my mom said, it is all her memories - some items were from her mother who is now beyond the veil. I have items from all around the world and I certainly wouldn't be able to go back and buy it all! So I challenge all my friends and family to log your items!! Take photos so you could show the police what EXACTLY is missing should you ever have that happen to you!

Seeing the Phoenix Area

Friday, Jan 2nd, Curtis had his last day off of work. We took a day trip to go see some of the sights of Phoenix that we had never seen before. We started off at the Wrigley Mansion. This is the Wrigley who invented the Wrigley Gum - Juicy Fruit, Double Mint, etc... He was born in Pennsylvania in 1865. I was so surprised. He built this home in Phoenix for his wife, Ada. He had a home on Catalina Island, and in Chicago. He died at this home. The tour for the Wrigley Mansion is by appointment, costs $11.00 per person. Children under 5 are free.

This following photo is the front door. Curtis is standing by the door. The house was so huge, I could not get but just the door in the photo.

This is the back area. It is all terraced with patios.

This is the grand foyer with stairs and chandelier. You can see they still had some Christmas decorations set up. By the time the tour was over most of the Christmas items had been removed.

From the Mansion you can see the Biltmore Hotel. Mr. Wrigley owned it! So we decided to drive down the hill and go walk around and see the Biltmore. Wow! I can see why people go there. I never did find out how much it costs to stay there.

This is a real Gingerbread Church! The roof tiles were about 4x7 size gingerbread!

This is one of the grounds between the Hotel wings. Each wing had a different landscape. Between one was a pool, another golf, another fountain, another more gardens, etc...

Here is Sandi standing at the Chess/Checker game area. the grass is mowed in between the cement. The playing pieces are plastic...in the old days they were actually carved wood. The checkers pieces were off to the right. They were red and black round cushions!

After touring around the Biltmore Hotel, we decided to check out the Phoenix Mountain area. It is only a couple miles from the Biltmore. It looked fantastic. If any of you like to hike, this looks like a really safe place. There are lots of ramadas with places for brickette bar-b-que. You can rent some of the ramada...with music permits, etc... There were lots of trails going off in all directions. I only saw one bathroom area.

This is the view from the Phoenix Mountain. You can see some of the red roof tiles of the ramadas on the left side of the photo.

We had a great afternoon. Then we went to Paradise Bakery for lunch! Absolutely wonderful!

Oh! And to top it all off...Curtis and I watched the University of Utah play Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. This is the only football game we both have watched EVERY PLAY! Curtis is a UTE grad. We were thrilled that Utah won!!! Go Utes!

New Year's Day

Carrie, Carter, Jason and Jaren stopped in at dinner time (they brought their own pizza) and we had a fun dinner with them. Curtis and I had hamburgers on the grill...yummmm!
When it was time to go home Jaren wanted a funny face photo...so here it is:

Carter is starting to talk more.

New Year's Eve Party

I have posted several photos from our FUN Family New Year's Eve Party last night. Only Jason and Heidi's families were able to join us. I thought I heard Peter say on the phone (he was at the store shopping) that the kids were throwing up and they didn't want to contaminate anyone.

So the rest of the family came over about 5:00 pm. Grandpa cooked his famous yummy waffles! Jace cooked bacon. We had a great New Year's Eve dinner. I was surprised. Each little one ate almost 2 full waffles (4 squares) of Grandpa's. That tells you how good they were.

As you see from this first photo...Noelle slept through the next half hour of noise making! We started about 6:50 pm.

Grandpa and I went to Party City earlier in the day. Grandpa checked out every aisle and had to get the perfect stuff for all 5 kids to have a great evening. We purchased glow in the dark bracelets, streamers, silly string, noise makers, and whistle-like noise makers. Here are the adults trying to pop the bracelets and hook them together so they can glow. Each child had 2.

At the beginning of our evening (after eating) we had the parents draw a Memory of a vacation or event in their family and the kids had to guess them. Heidi drew Disneyland and Haley guessed! Jason drew a train and Jaren guessed their trip to Utah. Jace then drew this photo of Christian when he broke his arm. Christian was so excited with the photo of him, we had to take a photo of it!

Here are the 5 kids on chairs. Grandpa thought if they each had an assigned chair it would make for a more orderly noisey event! They had their horns, whirling noise makers, whistles in their mouth ... but not yet the bracelets!

This next photo is after Grandpa sprayed all the kids with silly string. Haven thought she was stuck with a bomb or something. She had terror on her face. We had to hurry and get it off of her. The rest of the kids loved it! Haven had fun cleaning it all up and giving the remains to Grandpa!

At the end of the evening - here is Jace with his three kids...Haley, Haven, Christian. Some how we missed getting Jason's family in one shot.

We had a great time. They all left about 7:30 pm so they could put their little ones to bed. Then Curtis and I cleaned up, ran an errand to the Drug Store for a member of our ward, then we can home and drank bubbling Apple cider from the Jordan's and watched the New Year ring in in New York City. Then we went to bed! What a Mormon New Year's Evening!

Happy Birthday Curtis

Today is Curtis' 57th birthday! Wow! Time is going by. What an amazing man he is. I just love him! He loves making bread...so he got a new super duper bread machine. Hopefully this one works! It is a Zojirushi brand. We have tried every other kind out there. I think we got the lemons of every brand. His plan for this morning...re-caulk the bathrooms and then go do something. We will probably do lunch or dinner out.

Star Trek

I love the holidays when Curtis has time off work and we can go and do things TOGETHER - especially when either of us is NOT sick or in pain...like last year! So the day after Christmas we decided to go to the Arizona Science Center and see their Star Trek exhibit. Well if you know Curtis...he is a Trekkie! Jason and I both have watched a ton of Star Trek shows and movies with Curtis. So off we went. Boy was it fun. I have to say that the exhibit at the Science Center was probably the best one (at least what I have seen).

So here is a photo taken of Jason and Carter (2), Curtis and Jaren (4), and Sandi standing on the Enterprise in the Transporter Room. Wouldn't it have been cool if I could have beamed to Berlin to see Lisa, or to Reno to see Nick & Serina?!!! Use your imagination!

Here is the Great Captain Curt, First Mate Sandi, and the crew on the Bridge of the Enterprise!
We had so much fun seeing and pretending!

Curtis has all next week off. His birthday is on Tuesday (hint hint). We are doing various day trips around the Phoenix valley ... who knows what is next!

Grandkid Time

I have been enjoying several days of helping Heidi & Jace out by going to their house (while Jace works) and playing with Christian and Haven so Mommy and Noelle can rest. Yesterday was Haley's first day of not having to go to school...but she was sick on the couch all day. Poor thing. We have had fun ... took a day trip to go visit Grandma & Grandpa Gibb (my parents) for a diversion. Haley likes to dress up as Wonder Woman and Christian as Buzz Light Year. They are so funny playing with each other. Sure lots of fun to be with them!

Christmas Parties

Curtis had his work Christmas party last night (Dec 12th) at the Scottsdale Doubletree Hotel. It was very nice. The food was incredible! They had a DJ and we danced only the slow dances until 10:10 pm and then headed home very tired. I love these Christmas parties...where you get to dress up and not think of anything but your wonderful spouse! Tonight we are hosting at our home the Ward Leadership Christmas Dinner/Party. There will be about 10-11 couples coming. Knowing this party is going to happen is what makes the Christmas decorations go up in our house! But...I am ready. Should be fun.

Here is us together at his work party.

Noelle Heidi Larkin is here!!

What an exciting day! Our daughter Heidi gave birth to her number 4 yesterday, little Noelle Heidi Larkin was born 12/12 at 11:22 am weighing in at 7lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long.

Here is a me holding Noelle at the hospital.

Here is Noelle just opening her eyes.

This and That

I have been fighting a cough and runny nose since last Thursday afternoon. When it hit, it hit. Yesterday I spent all day in bed (except for 2 hours). Today I feel pretty good...I might live. In fact...I worked on my Christmas letters and will have them in the mail this afternoon. What a task! It only took me 5 hours!

Good news! Found out if Heidi doesn't go into labor before this Friday, she and Jace report to the hospital at 4:00 a.m. on Friday. So little Noelle will have a 12/12 birthday! Noelle will make #8 grandchild. Can't wait to hold her and love her! Once she gets here, I will be helping Heidi and playing with the other three.

Post Thanksgiving

Serina and Nick flew in from Reno, Nevada. It was nice having them home for 4 days. They enjoyed time with Serina's siblings and their families.



While everyone was here for Thanksgiving, we got a photo of all our kids and their spouses:

Front Row: Serina, Jason, Sandi, Curtis, Heidi, Peter

Back Row-spouses: Nick Haines, Carrie, Jace Larkin, Meggan

I figure with all the babies coming, we will never have a current "Family" photo. So this picture won't change except for the years to our age. I will just change the individual family photos on our wall. Heidi is due anytime now with Noelle.

My nephew, Nathan Prodromides, taught little Jaren (3 1/2) how to skateboard. Here he is trying out "Grandpa's handmade" skateboard.

You can see Tytan (Peter's oldes) getting a drink out of the pool of water on the patio left over from the Rain! Crazy kids. We did have a lot of fun.

Sunday Afternoon

After such a crazy two weeks, by the time Sunday afternoon came...I was dead! After a simple dinner I laid down for a nap. Well, I woke up 3 hours later! I have no idea what Curtis did. He probably caught up on his journal. But when I came alive we had a great evening. We watched a re-run off our VHS tape of the Star Trek the Next Generation - 2 shows. Those great ones where Data and the gang go back to earth (500 years back in time) to San Francisco and run into Gynun and Mark Twain. It is one of our favorites. Was so fun to watch again. Well, after that we watched Beach Party with Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon. It was nice just to sit by my husband (very rare) and just enjoy some good viewing.

So much happening

      It seems that for days there is nothing worthy of writing other than...all is well. Then everything happens and there is so much to write, but no time!! So I am going to briefly recap the last 2 weeks.

      On Mon, Nov 10th after I got home from teaching early morning seminary I received a phone call from a neighbor who saw 5 teenagers go into an empty home (foreclosed house). He called the cops and then me (I am the HOA president). I called another board member and we went to meet with the cops because only the day before we had seen a lot of tagging (gang graffiti) near by and thought it could be connected. To make a long story and long day short...2 of the kids were arrested and 3 let go. Because the 3 were let go for the time being...our house was egged the next weekend. Fortunately Curtis saw it at 5:30 a.m. on his way to Bishopric meetings at church. He cleaned up the bulk of it. I cleaned the rest of it before leaving for church so the HOT Arizona sun would not bake it into the garage door and driveway. My garage door now looks beautiful! Needed a bath!

     Then on Thurs, Nov 13, Curtis' parents Melvin & Gloria flew into town for a week. Unfortunately Melvin picked up the BAD flu before arriving and wasn't feeling great and just felt badfor about 5 days eating chicken noodle soup and sprite! But!!! Gloria and I had project. She wanted to complete the christmas shopping for all her Arizona kids, grandkids and grandkids. So we had their wish list, made decisions about what was needed, mapped out the route for the stores and set off on Friday, Nov 14th to see what we could accomplish. Surprisingly we were all done at 1pm. That only took 3 hours!!! A record was set. So we decided to go to lunch. That was fun. Then that afternoon it took us 1 1/2 hours just to wrap everything.

      On Sat, with Curtis home, we all went to IKEA for lunch, then over to Curtis' cousin's home in Gilbert for a visit. Hit Deseret Book in Chandler and then home.

      Sun - We went to Sacrament only..took Melvin home to go back to bed. Gloria and I went to watch Haley and Christian sing in their Primary Sacrament Program in the Sarival Ward. When I got there my Mom and Dad were there, my niece Lisa and her family were there (brief visit, stop on way back home to Utah) so it was Family Reunion on an entire pew. Haley did so well. She knew every word of every song! Christian saw his dad half way through his talk and had to stop and wave at him. Kids are great!

      That evening we had all the kids over for a dessert and visiting with Granny & Farfar. (Farfar

is swedish for Father's father) Here are photos of all the grandkids together on the couch - they are all under the age of 5! These are our kids & spouses who live in Arizona. Heidi's husband was at church meetings and not with her in the middle.

     Through out the week I took Melvin and Gloria to each of our Arizona kids' home so they could see their house and visit with them personally, so that when they are home in Kaysville, they can visualize where these little families are.

      Wed morning I put them on the plane. A great visit with them. They are getting up in age and one never knows if this is their last trip here or not.

      This week in Seminary has been a delight. We have been studying the saviors last week and focusing especially on the Atonement in Gethsemane, Golgotha, and the Ressurection. It truly has helped me more focus on this coming week of Thanksgiving. How much I have to be thankful for in the eternal perspective. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation that gives me the knowledge to implement saving ordinances in my life. For each of you who read this...know how much you have impacted my life and are dear to me. I with you each a wonderful family time together this Thanksgiving!