Mom wanted me to write a post for her, since she has been tired and ran out of ideas for right now. She has also been busy with a lot of other priorities, like sewing this special Boy Scout quilt for Curly. He's planning to earn his Eagle some time this year. She'll explain a lot more about that eventually.
On Sunday, we grabbed a quick lunch after church and then we gathered the kids and headed down to Grandma's house. They all wanted a chance to walk through the house one last time before things started disappearing.
Scout and Baby Doll got there before we did, so they played a game of Jenga with Auntie.
We are going to miss our grandma and her cute little yellow house.
So Teach and her two girls flew in for Grandma's funeral this week and we had a little time for fun before she flew back home.
Our choice was a day at the zoo with Bossy and her littles and Taco.
We had so much fun!
I read all these posts about my sweetie's mom who recently passed and I find myself not knowing what more I can say. As you saw, Drama Queen left an amazing post she asked me to put up. Others have posted on Instagram and Facebook. I just can’t let this moment slide by without telling Euvonna one last time that I love her and I am so thankful for this man she raised to be my husband and dad to my 12 children.
I will be forever grateful.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
We’ve said goodbye so many times before, I always hoped we’d have another.
I don’t remember the first time we said it. I was probably just a tiny baby: waving her fist back to you. Maybe the first time I said it was after my earliest memory of you: an overcast spring day when I held your hand while cousins and siblings ran all around rolling Easter eggs down a big dirt hill. You, like me, seemed content with watching and laughing at the others running and tumbling about.
We said goodbye after busy weekend visits to your house. I remember playing card games and dominos at your “fancy” table - fancy cuz I couldn’t forget a coaster. My bougie grandma aesthetic definitely comes from being in awe of you. I liked exploring your yard but even more I loved attempting to play your perfectly gothic organ. The poor thing patiently groaning out my spooky made-up melodies. You were always so patient. So kind.
We said goodbye in parks and cemeteries our hearts full from sharing stories of family each Memorial Day. I always loved being the one to hold out an arm for you as we picked our way carefully between the headstones to visit Great-Grandpa Larsen who always clacked his denatures and Great-Grandma Relia whose red hair I envied. I relished most the stories of your husband and wished I could remember meeting the real-life Captain America that he was. When my dad shared his own stories about growing up it was like you heard them for the first time. You’d hide your face in your hands and giggle in embarrassment anytime someone mentioned you throwing the tv out into the yard. You spent hours collecting stories and creating books for us to keep. Did I ever tell you how much I appreciated that? I’m sorry if I didn’t.
We said goodbye after that crazy trip to San Francisco. Do you remember getting stuck on the bridge? I don’t know how you possibly handled all of us in my dad’s big van for that looooong drive. I wish we had more pictures from that trip.
We said goodbye after weddings and funerals and baby blessings and graduations. We weren’t always sure when you’d be well enough to make it, so anytime you did it was like the Queen herself arrived. We’d rush to your side and rotate like planets around you: eager for gentle hugs. It always surprised me to find out I was taller than you: your soft cloud of curls was a crown that touched my shoulder.
We said goodbye so many times that it seemed there’d always be time for one more. But like an Easter egg rolling swiftly down a dusty hill: time has kept moving. I held your hand at the top of the hill, but now I have to go pick up the pieces. And that’s okay. It’s how it’s meant to be. I’m so, so grateful for you. For your stories and your love and my dad. I miss you. I wish we could have had another goodbye. I love you, Grandma.
We had so much fun tonight at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove. I didn't even know it existed until yesterday. They have a dome theater and simulator.
Carl's mom passed away last Thursday after battling a series of debilitating strokes. She was an amazing woman who raised 6 strong and capable children. I married Carl when I was 18 and after 40 years, she loved and accepted me as one of her own. My kids loved her and served her every chance they could. Things like yardwork, home repairs, dishes, and shopping were all given and accepted with grace. We will miss our trips to Mt Pleasant. Love you, Euvonna. You are a beloved mother and grandmother. See you on the other side!
Marilyn Euvonna Christensen
9/16/1938 ~ 8/17/2023
Marilyn Euvonna Christensen, 84, of Mt. Pleasant Utah, gracefully and peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones, August 17, 2023.
Euvonna was born September 16, 1938 to Leo and Relia Larsen in a small cabin home in Mt. Pleasant Utah. She was the eldest of five children. Euvonna attended school in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from North Sanpete high school in 1956 as Valedictorian. She was offered a scholarship to Brigham Young University. After moving to Provo shortly after graduation, she was employed at BYU where she was the assistant to the Dean of Education. She studied business and became very proficient at her job. Euvonna was a meticulous and organized record keeper. Euvonna married Vernal Christensen March 18, 1960. Together they raised six children: Lorrie, Carl, Michael, Jenni, Greg and Camille. Vernal passed away October 9, 1989. Euvonna was a skilled homemaker and seamstress. She was a mother that taught her children the value of hard work and how to be self-sufficient. They learned many skills, as Euvonna and Vernal built a meaningful life and a strong family. She was an excellent cook and baker. She expertly preserved food from the huge family garden. She made holidays special with her traditions and treats, including handmade chocolates and confections. Euvonna worked for the Utah State University Extension Service for fourteen years coordinating the 4-H Homemaking Program. She retired in 2004. After her retirement from the Extension Service, she continued to learn new skills. She was a voracious reader and genealogist. She enjoyed knitting, needle arts and knife throwing. She gave countless hours of service researching her ancestors and preparing their names for ordinances. She planned “Ancestor Day” on Memorial Days to teach her family about their ancestors. She would lead a tour of the cemetery recounting individual stories from our pioneer heritage. She also loved history, beautiful music, and was very patriotic. Euvonna served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She loved working in the Primary. Many remember the fun, legendary, activities she planned. Her children remember her “Primary Voice” some of them remember it fondly others not so much. Euvonna enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved to sit around the table and hear stories of their antics that she had been unaware of when they were happening. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Wife and beloved Sister. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
Euvonna was preceded in death by her Parents, Leo and Relia Larsen, Husband, Vernal Christensen, Granddaughter Addison Christensen, Great Grandson’s Calder and Oliver Pedroza, Sister-in Law Carlene Larsen. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many dear lifelong friends. She is survived by her siblings: Brooks (Nicky) Larsen (brother), Leola (Bill) Barnhill (sister), Thayne (Ellen) Larsen (brother), Fred Larsen (brother) and her children: Lorrie (Martin) Maughan (daughter), Carl (Sandy) Christensen (son), Michael (Julie) Christensen (son), Jenni (Roger) Johansen (daughter), Greg (Jen) Christensen (son), Camille Bauer (daughter), 27 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at the 2nd Ward Chapel in Mt. Pleasant Utah (295 S. State St) on August 23, 2023 at 11:00 am. A viewing will also be held Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:00pm and 9:30-10:30am prior to service, both at the church. Interment will be at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.
Last week we had a little time to kill after Curly got his learner's permit, so we headed out to Grantsville to visit Utah's Petting and Pony Zoo.
Beauty and Little Warrior met us there for a fun tour of all the animals.
They had all kinds of farm animals and a bunch of others too.
The kids got to feed the animals and pet them, of course.
They even petted the baby zebra!!
When we had finished visiting with all the animals, I told the kids it was time to ride the camel. They didn't argue, they just climbed up the platform while I fished an extra $7 for each out of my purse.
Then Beauty and Little Warrior took a turn.
Everyone had a great time!
It was another good day.
Thanks GetOut pass!
It has been a minute since we've heard from Zephyr and Zigzag, but they are doing great things. I love this new drawing they did, but even more, I love the poem that goes with it.
Away way way up where the flies dare not fly
There's a grumpy old dragon who guards the blue skies
On his tower attached is a princess who cries
and lies
and stabs her eyes
and asks why?! why?! why?!
The dragon just sighs.
Here is the album Zephyr and Zigzag made with a couple other friends. They love experimenting with sound and this album does a great job with that.
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