The Larsen Family Reunion--and a Little about Shanna

This weekend was a first—the first Larsen reunion without one of the four Larsen sisters—without my mom. We had a great time visiting around the campfire (I still smell like smoke when my hair gets wet) and roasting marshmallows, but it wasn’t the same without Mom. She’s been to every reunion since we began many years ago, and she usually coordinates everything for the potluck dinner as well as the craft. Needless to say, we did a little scrambling to organize our traditional potluck dinner (we all snuggled and ate under the canopy of one of the trailers during a rainstorm), and I grabbed a few of the convention Make & Takes for our craft.

The weather, other than the one time it rained, was perfect; the scenery was breathtaking; and I thoroughly enjoyed vegging. In fact, the first day I fell asleep while visiting because I wasn’t doing something with my hands. So, out came the projects, and I didn’t miss anything else.

I’d love to show you lots of photos, but do you think I took a single photo of the mountains or the trails while riding on the four wheelers? No, of course not! I did focus on the people though. That’s the important thing, right? Except that I’m not in a single shot. Usually I ask someone to include me in a photograph so I can prove I was there, but not this time. I hope I’m not the only one who repeatedly makes that same mistake. I took photos that I think will be meaningful to Shanna, and we all recorded a little something on a cassette for her to listen to because she couldn’t be with us.

That reminds me, one of you asked about Shanna. She is serving a mission for 18 months in Spain for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She’s been gone for 3 months, 13 days, and 12 hours (but who’s counting?), and I miss her tons! Please don’t misunderstand me; I’m thrilled for Shanna and know it will be a wonderful growing experience for her. I just miss her. Maybe I’ll adjust to her being gone, but it hasn’t happened yet, so beware of my blubbering!

And speaking of Shanna, I think I wasn’t as clear as I could have been and one of you thought Shanna wasn’t included in our Gardner Girls Gathering photos (the photos on the photo fan I posted last week). If you look close, Shanna’s the one on the far right. In fact, I didn’t notice it until today when I looked at the photo of the fan again, but the girls are all in age order (except me, of course) starting with Megan on the far left, then Sara, Shalae with Cooper, Sage (and me), and finally Shanna.

And I know my girls are reading my blog because I was reading one of the posts that commented on the photo fan and Washington weather. The comment noted that since I was making one fan, I just as well make five. As I read the post, I thought it sounded like something Sara would say, and lo and behold, it was her! I did laugh out loud, Sara!

I swore these wouldn’t be long posts, but once I get typing, I just don’t want to stop—kind of like the way I talk…

I’m signing off!

Comments

[Stella MacKay]

I felt your pain recently in that my son spent last semester studying in Italy and touring Europe. It's one thing to know they're across country in college but another altogether to realize they are around the world and you would not be able to get to them or they to you if something were needed quickly. My son missed his grandfather's funeral (at my mother-in-law's insistence that he not interrupt his adventure) and that was hard. We all want them to grow and explore but that mom in us misses them like crazy. Thank heavens for email! I'll keep Shanna in my prayers for a safe and fun time in Espana!

[Wendy]

Love your blog. You'll have to stop by and visit mine if you get a free minute. www.stampinfromtheheart.blogspot.com. I am just expecting Grandbaby #2 this fall. Being a Grandma is the greatest. So happy for your daughter in Spain. It is the greatest thing to be a Missionary Mom.

[Stephanie Sebren]

Shelli~

Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us. I've been a part of the Stampin' Up! family since January 2007 and I must admit, I've had a blast and now that I am here today, I couldn't imagine my life without stamping, more so, without Stampin' Up! Having the ability to share what I love and am passionate about means so very much to me and I LOVE doing it! There are times that I get so excited, even still, that I can barely organize my thoughts...but I guess that's how you know that you have found your place in the grand old scheme of life.

A HUGE thank you to you and your sister (how is she doing by the way?) for creating Stampin' Up! and for working everyday to exude everything Stampin' Up! stands for. I am proud to represent Stampin' Up! and even more proud to admit that I have met you in person and know that you are such a wonderful, down to earth, kind lady! I hope you have a wonderful day! Please keep us posted! Happy Stampin! God Bless!

Sincerely Yours,
Stephanie Sebren
Stampin' Up! Demo

[Debi Pippin]

Shelli I want you to know that you are one of the very special people I admire the most. You have made a difference in alot of womens lives and I personally want you to know how happy I am to finally be doing something I enjoy and feel passionate about. No I am not one of the top sales persons or a top recruiter but I am a crafter that loves to share the passion of crafting to others and that is all that matters to me. Does that not make me want to reach for a Goal? Heck no I am as excited as ever to share my experiences of convention and really want to walk that stage next year. I entered the Artisan contest this year and although I wasn't a winner is Stampin' UP's top ten I felt as though I was one sitting there listening to you at convention. I did succeed in making one of my goal and that was to enter when I attended the year before and one of the winners graciously turned around in her seat to show me her beautiful bracelet when I asked to peek. I felt very inspired to set that goal and follow through with it. I am trying my best to do some recruiting this year and hope to make it to Leadership this year with at least 3 but hopefully more recruits in my team. I so enjoy teaching but even more enjoy learning and absorbing ideas and techniques I can use to teach my students. Thank you for starting this blog and giving more inspiration. Your words are both encouraging and comforting and I enjoy every post.

Debi Pippin
Florida

[Kathy Etheridge]

I served a mission to Spain many years ago--even before the Madrid temple. While it is not an easy experience, I'm sure she is having a blast.She will grow lots and it will be a highlight of her life forever! And, it's something that you as parents will be proud of forever, too (your son, too, Kimber!). I wish them lots of luck. Que viva Espana!

Kathy Etheridge, Riverton UT

[Debbie Funnell]

I'm sure your Mom was missed at your family reunion but never forgotten!! At my husband's family reunion this summer, we celebrated the lives of two of the family patriarchs we suddenly lost this past year by writing notes with our favorite memories (which will go into a scrapbook and will then be scanned and shared) and by individually getting up to share some memories in front of the other 47 members of the reunion. It was a beautiful way to end the reunion and to remember those we love. Thank you for sharing your family with us here and at convention. Love,an inspired demonstrator.

[Donna]

Hi Shelli,

You are a great story teller. I love reading your blog, and your antics (photography) are priceless. It is nice you can make us smile too! Have a great week.

Petals and Paws,
Donna

[Stephanie Rodgers]

I was just reading this post about your family reunion, and I noticed that your mom's family name was Larsen. My late mother-in-law's name was Larsen, and the family was from Norway. You're not Norwegian, are you? That would be a hoot if I could tell my husband that he's a distant relative of yours!
Love your blog,
Stephanie
Washington Township, NJ

[Jacki McHale]

I gave up on short blogging real fast! I talk so much that I guess I type that much too. Thank goodness for the internet and blogging.

Sounds like you had a nice time with your family. It's nice to just run away, and who better to be with then family?

Again thank you for sharing!

Jacki McHale

[Ellen Barner]

Hi Shelli! Glad you are feeling better and spending time with your family. The pictures of you and your family are absolutely beautiful.

I'm teaching a shaving cream class on Friday that showcases 2 new sets and the new colors, plus the old favorites. To see the photos click on the link, http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1047447&cat=500&ppuser=47686.

All the best to you.

Happy Stamping
Ellen Barner
Bridgeville, PA

[maryrose]

Catching up on your blog today! I read this post and had to comment. My son was gone on a mission trip to Mexico this summer, where he spent two weeks building houses for Casas por Cristo. I missed him every day! I can't imagine him being gone for 18 months...you're a brave mom! I know how you must feel...proud of your child, blessed, and in need of a little extra prayer.Bless you!

[Bridget Larsen]

Well I just noticed this entry about your ancestry and wondered if we were related 9via marriage for me), my husbands family live in Michigan and hail from Norway, fancy that!!

[Bridget Larsen]

Hello Shelli,
I just came across this post as I was reading (reading backwards that is hahaha) and my husband said that his grandma's family lived in Utah so who knows we might be related in a roundabout way, how cool would that be