Martin's Cove

On our way to Mt. Rushmore, we stopped off at Martin's Cove, where we were able to experience a handcart trek much like the one pioneers endured over 150 years ago. We visited the Mormon Handcart Visitors' Center and viewed exhibits recording the tragic circumstances of two handcart companies. Leaving late in the summer, they experienced bad weather, exposure, and death (for many) in order to unite with the main body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Salt Lake Valley. 

It was such a beautiful place and a great experience for Scott and I to reiterate with the boys of how wonderful our heritage is. To learn more about this historic event go here. 

Personal History- Growing up, Teenage years

I found this GREAT site, This is ME Challenge. I was so inspired to participate, so here is my THIRD post about ME! It's broken up in sections you write about yourself, family and interests. There are several areas to choose from. I plan on doing this about once a week. It's a great way to get information for genealogy and your posterity to have.

Here is the third one:

Growing up, teenage years:

*What activities did you participate in? (Sports, dancing, music, arts, etc.) While a teenager I participated in various sports and extracurricular activities. I was on the swim team for a year, basketball team for 4 years, a member of a singing group for 1 year, a cheerleader for 1 year, and in the musicals and dramas. I also spent a lot of time with my youth church group.

*How did you learn how to drive? I learned to drive when I was 10-11 years old. My Gram would let my brother and I park the cars in the driveway or drive down the street. I remember driving half way to junior high!! My Gram was beyond awesome!! My Gram had several cars and I first learned to drive with a stick shift!

*What kind of car did you have?
I received a brand new Isuzu Rodeo on my 17th birthday! It was a huge surprise and I loved that car!!

*Who were your friends? By this time I had a distinct divide between my good friends and friends. A lot of my friends moved to more of clicky group and I called them the "Clicky Quad" because that's where they hung out at lunch time. My good friends became my very best friends and to this day we are all super close. Michelle M., Monica C., Lea S., Jennica B., Charlie B., Steve V., and Ginger R. were all my besties.
*Did you have a girl/boy friend? Talk about him/herI had a ton of boyfriends. I was too young when I first started having boyfriends. But, I would get bored with them fast and break up with them. Can't really say much about any of them, don't really remember. I do remember my first, Silvio B. He was so cute and popular. (now, he's a high school drop out and a druggie!) Nothing was too serious or lasted too long. It wasn't until college when a guy first broke up with me, and that sucked!
*What did you like/dislike about school?I loved, loved, loved school. I loved the different classes and teachers and subjects. I loved my high school. I loved the dances, plays, sports and other fun activities that San Marcos had to offer.
I hated homework. I was terrible at studying, so I tried to avoid it as much as possible.
*What was your first paid job? Oh man, I am not sure. I remember when I was really little my brother and I had a paper route, but it wasn't a real job. There was baby sitting here and there...But a real job, I have no idea!
*What were your chores at home?
Here we are again with the chores question...My mom called me last week and complained that I did have chores. I had to clean things when she asked (I have no recollection of this!) But, she did say my room was always a mess. I do remember that! But, in my defense, I could always find things I needed! I'm the opposite now with my room. I love a clean room, and a clean house. I still never make my bed though...

Personal History- Early Years

Growing up, early years

I found this GREAT site, This is ME Challenge. I was so inspired to participate, so here is my SECOND post about ME! It's broken up in sections you write about yourself, family and interests. There are several areas to choose from. I plan on doing this about once a week. It's a great way to get information for genealogy and your posterity to have.

Here is the second one:

*Where did you grow up? Describe it.
Cul-de-sac in Santa Barbara, California, which was safe and fun. We'd play crazy ball and several other games in the cul-de-sac. Our backyard is pretty large and includes a creek. Many, many hours were spent playing and exploring there. (Now, my kids play in the creek!!) My house was a 3 bedroom home where I shared a room with my older brother...poor guy! But, my mom added on another room so William and I then had our own rooms. The house has a huge circle right in the middle of it. You walk through the living room to the family room, through the kitchen that connects to the hallway with all the bedrooms off it them back to the living room. Round and round, we ran and played.

*What games did you play as a child?

I was into whatever my older brother was into. Matchbox cars with tracks that filled our kitchen. My Gram had several cars in the driveway and we'd play in them, pretending to drive around. On the swing in the huge tree out back or on the small jungle gym my mom bought for us. I remember breaking open a cardboard box and (trying) to break dance on it. Kickball in the front yard. Hide and go seek in the creek. Uno inside.

*Where did you go to school?

I remember going to an old lady's house with a couple other kids, like a preschool. Her house was off of Foothill Road real close to mine. Kindergarten through 6th grade I attended Monte Vista Elementary school. Go Mustang's! La Colina Jr. High for 7th and 8th grade then off to San Marco High School, home of the Royals. In the summers I would spent most of it out at Santa Claus Lane where my Gram had a cute Christmas gift shop right on the beach. William and I also went to YMCA summer camps.

*Who were your friends?

My first friend that I remember is Minda Sylvester. And to this day we are still good friends. We both were taller than all the other boys and girls. In Jr. High we acquired the nick names, Twin Towers, then finally the boys started growing taller than us! I remember other kids that I'm still acquaintances with, but Minda was my best friend since Kindergarten. I remember her mom would come in often and help during play or craft time. Minda always had her hair done real nice and I remember a lot of pretty dresses with a white sweater over top. To this day, she is still a special friend to me. I love her dearly!

*Who were your favorite teachers and why?
In elementary school two teachers stood out to me. Dr. Ernborg, who was actually the principal of the school. He was so friendly and outgoing. The entire community knew and respected him. Also, my 6th grade teacher Mr. Dayton. He was also my brothers 6th grade teacher, and lived 2 streets away from us. He was strict but good. He tried not to smile much, but we'd make him laugh every now and then and it was fun to see.

*What were your chores?
That's funny and super easy to answer. Nothing. I never had chores. I don't remember ever cleaning anything or making my bed. But, I don't remember ever being told to do so either.

Personal History- In Depth

I found this GREAT site, This is ME Challenge. I was so inspired to participate, so here is my FIRST post about ME! It's broken up in sections you write about yourself, family and interests. There are several areas to choose from. I plan on doing this about once a week. It's a great way to get information for genealogy and your posterity to have.
Here is the first one:

Your birth and family:

*What is your full name and how did you get that name?
Lori Anne Nielsen Thompson. My mom was going to name me Christy (Crazy, I know!) But, during labor my mom kept saying "Lori". I just found out that Lori was a nickname of my Gram's. Cool!

*Do you have any nicknames?
Belle or Loribelle. It was given to me by my Salt Lake City cousins when I was a few months old and the family still refers to me by this adorable nickname!

*What are your parent's full names and birth dates and places?
My mom is Julie Dee Nielsen and she was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was also raised by my moms mom, Dolores Dee Nielsen. We call her Gram. Her birthday is March 21st, 1907

*What is the date of your birth?
February, 19th 1975

Where were you born?
Santa Barbara, California in Cottage hospital (where a couple of my own kids were born!!)

*What are some of the circumstances (when your mom went in to labor, how long, her doctor, your dad fainting, etc.) of your birth?
She went to the hospital and labored for sometime with no progress. The doctor decided to take me C-section. I was healthy at 9lbs 6oz on my due date.

*What are your sibling's full names and birth dates?
I have 1 older brother, Clarence William Nielsen. He goes by William, his friends call him Willow. He was born on November 3rd 1971 in Santa Barbara.

*How is your relationship with your siblings and parents?
I have a great relationship with both. I talk to my mom on the phone almost daily. We fly and visit each other every other month or so. We are both close to my brother, when he's home and healthy.


*How did you help in your home?
Oh, man. Not sure I did! We were never in trouble. Never grounded. Never had chores. We were both spoiled by our Gram and mom.