Jeff and Linnea

Random Art.

2009-11-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I made this amazing work of art for my 2 dimensional design class. Be impressed, be very impressed. We dipped rubber bands in paint and shot them at a blank sheet of paper. It was great fun, and a great mess.

We've Got Rhythm...well, sort of.

2009-10-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Martha Graham once said, "Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion." I'd say that by that standard, the Evensen family is a collection of truly great dancers.

Saturday night, while making a cheeseball for the baby blessing on Sunday (more on that later) we had a little Shaun Barrowes playing, and naturally this turned into a little dancing in the kitchen.

Now, earlier that week I had googled Stephanie Birkitt after reading about her relationship with David Letterman. This led me to this video of her dancing -

- so of course, I began doing that dance move - I mean, how great is that? Then I turned and saw my dad doing what appeared to be the same move. This led to a couple of "Are you...?" "Wait, is that...?" back and forth between us a few times.

I mean, I figured I could say, "Are you doing David Letterman's ex-lovers old boyfriend's dance move?" But how awkward would it be if he had no clue what I was talking about? I mean - there was no real way to explain it if he hadn't seen it, so perhaps that would have been a dance-mood killer.

Well, it turned out he was doing the same thing! He had come across the same video while "researching" Birkitt - great minds google alike.

So thank goodness - rather than killing the dance mood, it led to lots of laughter and another round of the "Letterman's ex-lover's ex-boyfriend's dance move".

Everyone can do it! Here is Mom and I -

I believe it has now been inducted to the collection of family dance moves - which includes the following:

Any of the moves seen in this segment from A Charlie Brown Christmas -

Favorite moves include those demonstrated by Freida, Shermy, and Linus. There was this one Christmas Eve (not too long ago, mind you) that we turned on the movie and watched this part over and over again, dancing along as a family.(The over and over again part was courtesy of Christian, who ran up to rewind it every time we finished. And hey - once that music starts, you can't help but dance.)

Another classic move is one brought to us from Dad's high school days. It goes a little something like this -

A recent addition has come from Nils, who explains it this way - "You go up to a group..."
Unfortunately I don't have a photo to share. But it's an easy one! Just put both arms up in 90 degree angles. And...you're done. You can choose to pulse with the music some if you'd like.

And of course, the classic dance move that started it all. This dance move originated with Daniel at a Mariners game in the summer of 2006, I believe. Here Dad, Mom, and Anders do it at the Mariners game this last summer.

I'm sure Martha Graham would be very impressed.

Freddie

2009-09-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

Isn't my nephew the cutest thing?

Type Writers.

2009-09-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

My little brother Christian has lately become fascinated with type writers. He likes to write little stories and poems on my mom's old type writer. On Monday he showed me this 'poem' that he had written. The 'd' key no longer works, so he decided to substitute the 't' in for it, but the rest of his spelling errors are non-intentional. It turned out really funny and ironic, though I'm sure he didn't mean it to. :-)

1,000 Days.

2009-08-28T14:58:00.001-07:00

Today marks 1,000 days that Jeff and I have been together.
We were dorky and figured that out a few weeks ago, and I put it in my phone as an event on the calendar. And then forgot about it. But today it popped up and reminded me - so here we are! And now we get to celebrate!
This was us..1,000 days ago -

(See Jeff's necklace? I convinced him to stop wearing it not too long after that...)
We thought about taking a picture of us today - to compare, but um...we both look really scroungy today since we've just been cleaning and getting ready for going back to school. So we're going to pass on that for now.

A baby, a wedding, a vacation...

2009-08-23T21:39:00.001-07:00

Lots of exciting things have been going on for Jeff and I in the last two weeks. :-)
First, My brother and his wife had their first baby! Fredrik Gustaf Evensen came on the morning of August 12, weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs 14.5 oz. He is absolutely adorable, and it's been really fun to see what a Scandinavian Taiwanese baby looks like. :-D Lots of lovely dark hair on him, and an adorable little face. I really want to take pictures of him, but haven't had a chance yet - so I stole some off of Daniel's facebook...hehe...

Then, on the 18th two of our good friends, Katie and Blake, got married. Jeff and I were really happy for them, and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate with them. I've known Katie since Kindergarten, and we always enjoy spending time with her and Blake. She looked beautiful, and so happy.

It was so fun to be able to see so many old friends.

Then on Wednesday, Jeff and I decided to trek out to California to join my family, who was vacationing in Disneyland. Once again, Cole and Shannon were gracious in allowing us to crash at the condo - especially when we called to tell them we were there and gave them quite the shock - somehow we'd had a mis-communication and they thought we were coming next week! Now that is the mark of a truly good host - when they can still welcome us and act totally excited to see us. ;-)
We spent Thursday at Disneyland and California Adventure with my family, which was a blast. Friday we spent playing around in San Diego, finishing up with dinner and games with Cole and Shannon. Saturday we went down to LA for a while, and had some great pizza at BJ's with my Aunt Marianne. It was so much fun to get to visit family, and Mickey Mouse too.

All the walking every day was really hard on Christian's hip. He was constantly begging anyone (especially Nils) to give him a piggy-back ride.

Waiting for the Aladdin Show -

Christian and I took the jelly fish up after discovering he was about 2 inches too short for the Maliboomer - a real disappointment for a boy who wasn't scared of any ride - no matter the height or speed.

Space Mountain is still our favorite...

The excitement was contagious.

Jeff had never been on the teacups before, so we went together and just about made ourselves sick trying to spin around as fast as possible.

Mickey on my shirt and next to me.

You can't tell from this picture how drop dead tired we all were at this point. In fact, Jeff and I couldn't even make the drive home to San Diego that night. We ended up sleeping for at a rest stop on the side of the road - a new adventure for us.

Unfortunately, our little point and shoot camera died while we were at Disneyland. But I stole this picture of Marianne and the boys off facebook.

When we were trying to decide whether to go or not, Jeff remarked that since school would be starting on the 31st, this was our last time to be irresponsible. Somehow, I don't think school will stop us from being irresponsible...but who knows. ;-)

Seattle Vacation

2009-08-04T22:52:00.001-07:00

Jeff and I are still alive, believe it or not. ;-) We've been having a really fun, busy summer.
We took a vacation up to Seattle for my mom's family reunion in the middle of July. We had a really great time seeing my family and running around doing different activities.
Here are a few pictures. There are a lot more in an album I created on facebook, so you can check that out if you are interested.

Hiking up on Mt Rainier

Enjoying a delicious dinner at Salty's with Anna and Bob, courtesy of my uncle Lars.

Um, that is the Seattle skyline behind us. I promise. I know it is really blurry.

We went to a Mariners game. They lost. Badly.

My husband is crazy. I tried to tell him how cold the ocean was going to be, but it didn't even phase him.

We went to Forks! Jeff played gameboy the majority of that excursion. Such a lit
tle town...with nothing going for it except Twilight. This is Bella's truck, parked at the information center.

Roasting marshmallows at my grandparent's cabin, located on the Quinault Indian Reservation.

The whole family!

One reason they should have recess at the office...

2009-06-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Four square!

I mean, talk about a morale booster. At least for the person who was reigning A-square champ when it was time to go back inside.

...From Nashville to Norway, Bonaire to Zimbabwe, Chicago to Czechoslovakia and back!

2009-05-29T14:03:00.001-07:00

It all started a few months ago, when Jeff and I found the board game of "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego" at the DI for $2. Not long after, "Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego" appeared on top of it in our game closet - this one a Savers find. The next addition to our Geography family was clear - it had to be the Leapfrog Explorer Interative Globe. My family has one, given to us a few years ago by my grandparents. It is the best. toy. ever.

On one side of the dial, there is the educational section. You can compare population of two countries, hear music selections from different cultures, capitals, currency, the flying time from one place to another - the list goes on and on. But on the other side of the dial is where the fun truly begins. You can go head to head on your knowledge of where certain countries, capitals, states, etc. are. Four 45-second rounds, 1 intensely fun game.
If you come over, we will play it with you. But be warned, we are now geography pros. I had Jeff telling me about the latest Geography Bee winners the other day. This is serious.

One year!

2009-05-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that our one year anniversary has already come and gone! Jeff and I spent a relaxing weekend up in Park City together to celebrate, full of tennis, swimming, and shopping. We were also able to enjoy the top of our wedding cake, which was surprisingly good for being a year old!

So many things have happened and changed in the past year. It hasn't always been easy, but this first year of marriage was definitely a lot of fun!

It's about time

2009-05-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

So Here's what I think. Linnea is the only one that posts on this blog. I think it's about time that I start putting my thoughts out there too! WHO'S WITH ME! . . . . (cricket sounds) Well, it might just be me, but I thought I'd do this for fun. . . .

FREE MONDAY NIGHT MOVIES!

(Linnea says I don't publicize enough)

Every Monday Night at my work, Tahitian Noni International, we have free movie showings. Free. Gratis. Zero. $0.00. Nada.
They start at 6:30 pm and we give away free soft chews! If you haven't tried any, just let me know, and I can get you some. They're good!

One of the coolest things is that I get to choose the movies! So if you want to see one of your favorite movies on our 16 foot big screen, let me know! It does have to be family friendly, and you have to invite as many people as you know. :-)

Next Monday, May 11th we're going to show Madagascar then May 18th Madagascar 2, which I heard is hilarious!

There's only one problem . . . . These movie nights might be going away! We're kind of doing a trial to see if it's worth it or not. Before I had this job I always thought, "Monday Night Movies. Wow. That sounds like a great idea! I'd like to go to that . . ." BUT I NEVER WENT! So if you are like I was, Get over yourself! Ha ha, j/k. Just come. Or if you can't, let people know.

I think it would be even just a cool friend get together where we get to watch whatever movie we wanted to together and have fun! What do you think? Let me know. Thanks.

Photography!

2009-04-24T22:03:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I found out that I was accepted into BYU's Photography program! I'm so excited. It will mean a lot more school (instead of graduating next semester) but this is what I really want to do, so it will definitely be worth it.
If you haven't already seen it, I have a photography blog, too. Check it out!.

An Evening with President Monson

2009-04-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I had an awesome opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new replica of the original Deseret News Room at the Crandall Historical Printing Museum tonight. It was actually my dad who was invited to the event, but since he couldn't go we decided to take his place. :-) (Thanks Dad!) When we got there I, being a woman, was directed up to the front row - where the last seat available was exactly front and center. Jeff, as a man, had to stand in the back - which was great actually, because he had the camera and was able to get some great shots for us.
We learned a lot about the first printing press and Guttenberg and typesetting and all sorts of stuff. President Monson, being a printer himself back in the day, was the guest of honor. They had him pull the "devil's tail" to print a sheet of the Bible in Latin. We enjoyed the chance to hear him speak some before he cut the ribbon.
Afterward we headed over to the Mariott to enjoy a wonderful dinner. We were quite thrilled to discover that since our tickets were under my dad's name, we had prime seating - front and center once more. :-) We were right by the podium, about 5 feet from President Monson the whole time. We were at a table with other Deseret News people, seated right next to Mr. Cannon and his wife. We got to hear some really beautiful musical numbers and President Monson spoke again. He told all sorts of funny stories, and it was really interesting to get to hear him just speak and cover all sorts of topics - whatever came to his mind, really - instead of a set address. For example, President Monson says his bedtime is after Perry Mason wins his case. He likes winners, and Perry Mason always wins. Ha. Jeff and I are Perry Mason fans too, so we enjoyed that. :-) He also told a very amusing story about when Elder McConkie attempted to add 2 more Articles of Faith to the Book of Mormon.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable evening, and we feel very lucky to have had the chance to be a part of it.
The Replica of the original Deseret News printing press -

President Monson cuts the ribbon -

This picture shows my prime time seating - I'm the blonde head in the front row. :-)

Here President Monson pulls the devils tail -

And then shows off the sheet that he inked -

Happy 50th Birthday Dad

2009-04-20T11:47:00.001-07:00

Dad's 50th Birthday Video
by LinneaAnne

Hare Krishna

2009-04-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Jeff and I trekked over to the Krishna temple with every other college student in driving distance (it seemed) for the Festival of Colors. There is nothing better then throwing powdered chalk (some of it scented!) all over strangers. We had a great time, though traffic was terrible and we ended up getting chalk all over the car. :-)

The stuff family legends are made of...

2009-03-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

This short video clip illustrates a story that has been told for years in our family. I almost feel like I remember it..but I'm sure that just comes from hearing the story and watching the video so many times.

Disneyland!!

2009-03-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

The last week in February Jeff packed up and headed to Vegas for a work convention. I decided I couldn't miss the whole week of school, but I really wanted to go with him, so I drove down myself on Wednesday. Although he had to work all day, we had a great time in the evenings together!

Friday morning, instead of heading home, we headed the other direction and drove to San Diego. We found Disneyland tickets on Craigslist for $30 each, so it was a deal we couldn't pass up. We stayed with Jeff's cousin, Cole, who was very gracious to let us crash there with less than a day's notice. We went out for our first ever Thai food experience with Cole and his fiance, Shannon. We had a really great time. Saturday we spent all day at Disneyland. It was so much fun, though by the end of it our feet were starting to hurt. But we ended up doing almost everything. Space Mountain was definitely our favorite.

Jeff took a turn on Mickey's piano..

While I tackled the Goofwin.

Such an impromptu vacation was exactly what we needed mid-semester. Plus the weather there was terrific - it was about 80 degrees while we were at Disney.

Are you game?

2009-02-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I love to play games, and are always up for trying out new ones. In the last few months we've been introduced to two new ones that have quickly become favorites of ours.

First up, Dicecapades. It just does not get more random or more fun then this, folks. And we haven't found anyone yet who hasn't enjoyed playing with us...and although Dan claims we are both just good because we play it so often, that is totally not true. It is a great game, and if you are up for trying it, let us know and we'll invite you over. :-) Oh, and just ignore the freaky looking people on the box.

Then, Ticket to Ride. We had been hearing about this game here and there, but never had the chance to try it out until my parents got it for Christmas-the Nordic Countries edition. We sat down together to figure it out one night over Christmas break, and after we played it once we immediately set it up and played it again. And then we played it three more times the next day. Jeff got me the Europe version for my birthday a few weeks later.

In other news...we're both just working and going to school. :-)

Honeymoon Video

2008-12-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

I put together some video clips and pictures from our honeymoon...oh boy does that warm weather look nice right about now!

Twilight Dinner

2008-11-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

Last night Kari, Katie, Kylee, Kristina and I got together to have a nice little Twilight themed dinner before hitting the theaters to see the show.
I got martini glasses from the dollar store and dipped the edges in hard candy to look like blood. :-) Then we mixed up some yummy mocktails.

The whole dinner spread - we had mushroom ravioli, salad, bread, apples, the works.

And then of course werewolf cupcakes...here is Kylee holding Jacob -

The movie itself was very unimpressive. And I went with very low expectations to begin with. My favorite part had to be Stephenie Meyer's little appearance - good grief.

However they did show the latest Harry Potter trailer - now that looks amazing. I can't wait to see it.

Los Tigres = Champions!

2008-10-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Jeff and some of his buddies from high school played intramural softball this season. Their team, Los Tigres, took the Championship in their division last weekend!! They got cool new champion shirts and all the fame and glory that comes with BYU intramural sports. Congratulations, guys!

Official Team Picture

Unofficial Team Picture

More highlights of Jeff from both the Championship game and ealier in the season...

I like this one because you get a great shot of Jeff's ring.

More Fall Decorating...

2008-10-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

So I attempted to turn our decorations on top of our entertainment center over to a more fall theme..but hadn't gotten much farther than taking the little fake green apples from our wedding and sticking them in a few different sized vases. Part of my problem was that I really really didn't want to spend any money on decorating. So finally last night, I decided it was time to get creative. So I wandered around our little place, looking for inspiration. And of course, what do we have a lot of? Noni products! So I gathered together these little product boxes and got to work.

And what else do I have a lot of? Why, scrapbooking paper of course. I covered each box in a different paper and then inked the edges. I had some old cardboard letters that I painted gold and glued to the front of each. And there you have it! It took under half an hour, and now we have a lovely little decoration. Oh and the boxes stand up great, seeing how most of them still have their products inside. :-)

So our entertainment center top looks like this now. I want to get some wheat to put in those green vases, but that will have to be anther day. But I did put a different picture of us in a more fall-ish frame, and there you can see my lovely apples in their vases.

And of course, since Halloween is well on its way now, it was time to get out my Peanuts Halloween figures. The whole gang is here -
Linus, ever faithfully waiting for the Great Pumpkin, and Sally, trusting in him so explicitly

Lucy, dressed up in "exactly the opposite of her true character"

And yes, thats Charlie Brown under the sheet with a million holes, complete with his bag full of rocks. Poor guy.

And then Schroeder and Snoopy, who is dressed as the WWI Flying Ace.

Alright, so I'm a dork, but I love Peanuts. I have It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! on DVD and we'll be watching it here soon, and you all are welcome to come enjoy it with us!

Crispy and Creamy Doughnuts!

2008-10-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Conference weekend everyone! Jeff and I decided to try something totally new today - we made doughnuts! We had gotten a deep fryer as a wedding gift and decided it was time to put it to use. :-)

Jeff tried to make this enormous monster doughnut...but it fell apart.

Yummy!!

Dinner with Stephen and Adele...

2008-09-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, I was meaning to post about this awhile ago...but you know..got busy. Anyhow, we had our friends Stephen and Adele over for dinner the other night and had such a great time! Stephen brought his keyboard over and they put on a little concert for us after we ate. It was awesome.
I'm putting on two videos of them singing...they are really really crummy quality, but you get the idea.
Oh and here is my shameless plug for Stephen...he just put a cd out. Its available here.

Otherwise, not much is new with us. Just trying to keep up with school and work and life in general. We both have tests coming up this week. Woohoo!

Oh - as a side note though. We were riding in the car the other night and that song came on the radio - the one that goes, "Give me the beat boys, and free my soul...I wanna get lost in your rock and roll..." and Jeff was singing along, except he had a bad case of misheard lyrics. He was singing, "Give me the Beach Boys and free my soul..."

So if anyone can provide Jeff with the Beach Boys, his soul would greatly appreciate it.

Jeff's New York Trip

2008-09-18T21:32:00.001-07:00

New York! New York!

This was a great little trip that my company set up. It was for a Latin Conference in La Guardia, New York and they chose me to go with some other people to help with the registration and just to make sure everything flowed well. And of course we got to enjoy ourselves a little. I mean, Come on! We were in the Big Apple!

We did get to see the Broadway showing of "The Little Mermaid" (honestly not my pick) also stroll around Time Square and eat at some great restaurants that filled our stomachs and emptied our wallets!

Here's a little collage of my "business" trip in New York.

Me and Time Square!

This is one the wonderful New York transit systems (aka the subway). Looks like my boss on the left felt very comfortable with us.