- What is your full name? Explain why your parents gave you that name.
Rachelle Anne Laurito
Mom wanted us to all have Hebrew names starting with the first letter of our dad's name. So she named us, in alphabetical order, Rachelle, Rebecca and Ruth. She wanted her boy to start with her first letter, so David. She said if she had another boy she probably would have named him Samuel. Never happened though!
- When and where were you born? Describe your home, your neighborhood, and the town you grew up in.
On May 10. 1969, I was born in Stratford, New Jersey at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. I grew up at 336 Orchard Ave, Somerdale NJ 08083. I lived in the same house from the time I was a baby until I graduated high school and left for college.
We had the same group of neighbors most of my growing up years. There was a group of girls about my age that hung out together. The family names I can remember are the Simpkins (Catherine), the Bates, the Janek's, the Foley's, the McGlinchy's (Colleen, Shannon, Shaleen) -- Colleen was my best friend, Macerlain's and the Allen's (Marybeth, Peggy, Rosie). The play ground was across the street from my house and we often played over there.
I remember sitting in my bedroom at night in the summer. Mom would send us to bed and it would still be light out. We would watch with a little jealously as all the kids who weren't sent to bed got to play.
It was a great place to grow up and live.
Even though there were lots of girls about my age on our block, we didn't know each other all that well because by the time we got to High School some kids went to the Catholic School, some to Highland High School (we had a boundary change a year or two before I got to high school and then a few of us went to Triton. Also we were just far enough apart in age that we spanned probably 4 different years in school.
What memories do you have of your father (his name, birth date, birthplace, parents, etc.)?
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| David, Ray & Deanna, Shelly, 1969 |
We had the same group of neighbors most of my growing up years. There was a group of girls about my age that hung out together. The family names I can remember are the Simpkins (Catherine), the Bates, the Janek's, the Foley's, the McGlinchy's (Colleen, Shannon, Shaleen) -- Colleen was my best friend, Macerlain's and the Allen's (Marybeth, Peggy, Rosie). The play ground was across the street from my house and we often played over there.
I remember sitting in my bedroom at night in the summer. Mom would send us to bed and it would still be light out. We would watch with a little jealously as all the kids who weren't sent to bed got to play.
It was a great place to grow up and live.
Even though there were lots of girls about my age on our block, we didn't know each other all that well because by the time we got to High School some kids went to the Catholic School, some to Highland High School (we had a boundary change a year or two before I got to high school and then a few of us went to Triton. Also we were just far enough apart in age that we spanned probably 4 different years in school.
What memories do you have of your father (his name, birth date, birthplace, parents, etc.)?
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| Shelly, Deanna, Raymond and David Laurito, about 1972 |
Raymond George Laurito, born July 23, 1938 in New Kensington, PA. My dad was a very gentle man and rarely got upset about anything. In all my growing up years I think I only got spanked once or twice. (And I'm pretty sure I didn't deserve it!) Dad never raised his voice.
Dad used to "watch" the football games on TV with his head turned toward the couch (so there was no way he could see the game!) and then if we came in the room he would say, "hey, put that back, I was watching that!"
Dad used to wake me up early in the morning to help me with my math homework. Math was hard for me and I hated it but he worked long hours and that was the only time he was home and could help me so we had early morning study sessions. I remember pre-Algebra I in 8th grade most of all for whatever reason. Really hard class!
I remember dad always did all the yard work but he liked to let the lawn grow out pretty long before he mowed it.
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| Raymond Laurito, graduating college |
Dad used to "watch" the football games on TV with his head turned toward the couch (so there was no way he could see the game!) and then if we came in the room he would say, "hey, put that back, I was watching that!"
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| Ray Laurito, about 1968 |
I remember dad always did all the yard work but he liked to let the lawn grow out pretty long before he mowed it.
- What memories do you have of your mother (her name, birth date, birthplace, parents, etc.)?
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| Deanna Laurito, 1960s |
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| Deanna and Ray, in the 60s |
Mom loved everything creative and crafty. Sewing, cooking, cake decorating, painting, baking, decorating, stain glass. She produced amazing works of art. She could have sold them but she said that would take the fun out of it and would never sell her creations. But she gave them away to others and loved to teach and help others.
She had lots of stuff. Because all these activities required stuff. And she loved to delve into a project and lose herself.
She was very social and well loved. She would make friends in line at the grocery store. In the neighborhood. At church. She just always was jovial and friendly to everyone.
- What kind of work did your parents do (farmer, salesman, manager, seamstress, nurse, stay-at-home mom, professional, laborer, and so on)?
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| Deanna and Ray approximate date 1995??? |
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| Deanna and Ray, probably 1987 |
While at RCA dad was involved in the design and building of the first digital telephone system for small LHA class navy ships.
Then a company of former RCA employees called Applied Information Industries was formed. Dad worked for them from September 1970 until September 1974. October 1974 dad went to work for Computer Sciences Corporation in Moorestown, New Jersey. Dad worked there for 29 years retiring in July 1, 2003.
Pictures from Dad's work: Looks pretty complex to me! These were from June of 1973:
The first thing he did there was the development of an operational test system for navy ships. He did various things from system design, software design, software development, software testing and integration of the equipment into the ship system. He did that for about 6 years.
Dad worked on proposals for acquiring additional projects.
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| Deanna and Ray in Hawaii approximately 1989 |
Toward the end of his career from about 1993 - 2003 Dad participated in converting the old ship system into more updated software/hardware to Hewlett Packard operating system. They worked to reduce the cost of managing the ship. The computers used to cost over $1M developed by the Navy. They made smaller more efficient and cost effective systems. They reduced the size and cost of the computer/software. They converted the software to a flexible programming language C++ which resulted in the software being easier to design and maintain which significantly reduced the cost. Dad held many positions from software design, C++ programming, system testing and project management.
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| Ray and Deanna at Grandma Davis in Florida approximately 1992 |
My dad worked as a computer programmer at CSC - Computer Sciences Corporation. I never really knew what he did. I remember his office was like "top secret". We had to get badges to go in and I only remember going in once or twice. I think he worked on computers to help the military but I am honestly not really sure what he did.
He traveled a lot - California, England, Maryland, New York, Montreal, Canada etc. I remember taking him to the air port to go places and he would be gone for 7 - 10 days at a time usually.
My mom put my dad through school as a legal secretary. Once my dad received his master's degree she became a mom and took care of all of us and didn't have a job outside the home again. She always kept busy painting, doing stain glass, cake decorating, sewing, cooking. I am sure there was more. She had a room full of supplies and loved to create things. She never wanted to be paid for her creations though because she said that would make them seem like work.
My mom died from cancer in November of 2004. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991 shortly before AJ was born. She had a mastectomy on one of her breasts and they left the other breast intact. From that time on she always wore a bra with one fake boob in it and a spot for the other. She hated the scars it left on her chest. Unfortunately at the time she did her surgery the reconstructive surgery wasn't common so she never had that done. She followed up with all the treatment that goes along with cancer and went several years cancer free. She even reached her 5 year milestone and felt pretty good for awhile.
- Have any of your family members died? If so, explain what they died from and what you remember of their death; the circumstances of their death.
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| Deanna and Katie, 2002 |
My mom died from cancer in November of 2004. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991 shortly before AJ was born. She had a mastectomy on one of her breasts and they left the other breast intact. From that time on she always wore a bra with one fake boob in it and a spot for the other. She hated the scars it left on her chest. Unfortunately at the time she did her surgery the reconstructive surgery wasn't common so she never had that done. She followed up with all the treatment that goes along with cancer and went several years cancer free. She even reached her 5 year milestone and felt pretty good for awhile.
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| Shelly and Deanna, 2002 |
In about 2001 cancer was again detected. She went through every type of treatment she could even trying experimental treatments. She really wanted to beat cancer but it spread into other parts of her body and within 3 years of her second diagnosis she was gone.
She was a true fighter and was very aware and engaged with the family until about a week before she died. That is when I really noticed a decline in her ability to communicate and get around.
She died surrounded by family and friends that loved her. They sang primary songs as she lay in her bed and returned to her father in heaven.
- What kind of hardships or tragedies did your family experience while you were growing up?
Our family has been pretty fortunate. I remember my great grandmother dying when I was a young girl but I think she was pretty old. My grand parents didn't die until I left for college. My mother died when Holly was a baby at the age of 63. She battled cancer for years and that was hard on her but that also happened after I left for college. 
The biggest hardship of my life was growing up with a brother who was very volatile and scary. He was on drugs and got into all kids of trouble. He was violent and stole and made our lives miserable when he was around. My parents tried to minimize his affects on us but he was hard to deal with.
My grandfather, Ralph Unger Davis, had a strawberry patch birth mark on his face. It covered a large portion of his face and had bumps in it. None of the kids got it.
- Are there any obvious or unusual genetic traits that run in your family line?
- What are the names of your brothers and sisters? Describe traits and memories that stand out in your mind about each of your siblings
David and Shelly, 1970
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| Shelly and Deanna in the hospital, 1969 |
I am the first natural born child of Ray and Deanna. Born May 25, 1969, David and I were 11 months apart.
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| Rebecca, 1973 |
Rebecca joined the family November 24, 1973. Rebecca looked a lot like me but was enough younger that we didn't really "hang" out together.
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| Ruth, 1975 |
- What are some of your family traditions that you remember?
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| Grandpa Laurito and David 1970 |
We went to Grandma and Grandpa's house a couple of times a year. Seems like most Thanksgiving we traveled to western Pennsylvania and had dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Laurito's house. Grandma always had a bag of homemade m&m cookies in the freezer for me. She served a turkey for Thanksgiving along with pasta fazool, ravioli and other Italian dishes. There was always tons of wonderful food.
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| Laurito grandparents home 300 Oaklake Road, New Kensington, PA address later changed to 267 Oaklake Road |
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| View from up the hill by the barn |
Grandma and pa lived in a 100 year old home (it had the placard on the door as a historical home) and I had asthma. So many times I would get very sick during my visits and even had to go to the emergency room to get breathing treatments sometimes.
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| Grandma Laurito holding David and Shelly, 1970 |
Rebecca sucked her thumb far too long. One funny story is Grandma (little tiny Italian woman) got a big butcher knife and in her funny Italian accent she shook the knife and told Becky..."I'm a gonna cut off-a you thumb!" I don't think it impacted Becky...I can't remember when she finally gave up her thumb!
- Did your family have special ways of celebrating specific holidays?
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| Christmas 1972? |
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| Christmas 1975 |
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| David and Shelly,Christmas 1975 |
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| Becky and Ruth, Christmas 1975 |
Mom always bought us the same things...in different colors. So the piles were kind of all identical. If we opened our gifts one starting at the bottom, the other at the top, we'd know what we were getting pretty quick! It was kind of funny. Eventually we told her it was ok to not always get us the same things...but she always wanted to be fair to everyone!
Grandma and pa Davis (mom's parents) were very prim and proper and more strict. When we were young I remember staying at their house. They had an A frame house and I remember sleeping up in the room upstairs with low ceilings. I remember preferring to go to Laurito's house because she always had yummy food and a big farm to run around and play on and she never got after us about anything.
Farm address: 300 Oaklake Road, New Kensington PA 15068
(address later changed to 267 Oaklake)
- Share some memories of your grandparents.
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| Grandpa and Grandma Davis with David and Shelly, 1969 |
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| David, Grandpa Davis and Shelly, 1973 ish |
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| Shelly, Grandpa Laurito and David 1970 |
Farm address: 300 Oaklake Road, New Kensington PA 15068
(address later changed to 267 Oaklake)
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| Grandma Davis looking at baby album with Shelly |
Through her brother the arranged marriage took place.
They were married as Nicolo Laurito (miss spelling we think?!) and Elena Morrone at 18 years of age on August 18, 1921 license #51312 Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
They decided that they wanted to be American's and never spoke Italian in the home so none of their children learned Italian. They only spoke Italian to each other when they didn't want the kids to understand what they were saying. Grandpa was a man of very few words...maybe because he didn't speak English well? He was not a lovey/huggy grandparent. He went out and did his work on the farm and then came in and ate and sat quietly listening to all the commotion -- which he never seemed to mind -- but he didn't join in.
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| Grandpa Davis reading to David and Shelly |
Grandpa worked for the aluminum company ALCOA in New Kensington, PA. He was also a farmer. He was frequently laid off so he relied on farming. He would grow things like corn, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, , cabbage, cucumbers, beans, apples & peaches, strawberries and then take them into New Kensington or Arnold PA and sell his produce. They also had cows and sold milk. Grandma made butter and make cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta type substance) to sell.
- Did your grandparents live close by? If so, describe how they were involved in your life. If they lived far away share some memories of visiting them or of them traveling to visit you.
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| David and Grandma Laurito, little Shelly in the back on Grandma's porch in PA, 1970 |
Both sets of grandparents lived in western Pennsylvania when we were young. At some point mom's parents moved to Florida. I remember spending many days on the farm at the Laurito's house. I don't think my Laurito grandparents came to our house more than 1X or 2X in my whole life...and I think it was only Grandma if that did happen.
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| Grandma and Grandpa Davis in the 60s |
- Who were your aunts and uncles? Write about any of your aunts or uncles who really stand out in your mind. Give some details about them (names, personalities, events that you remember doing with them, and so on).
We were not really close to our Aunts and Uncles. My dad had siblings: Aunt Rose Laurito Turk (born May 11, 1922, New Kensington, PA died at the age of 91 February 12, 2014 cheswick, PA) married to Robert Watson Turk, died when he was about 50 - he was an alcoholic. (she lived alone in a small trailer on Laurito's property in PA. She came over and talked to mom and hung out some when we visited but she was never very warm and fuzzy with the kids.) Her kids are Gary (Linda) Turk, Lynne Turk Crist, Erin Turk, Eric Turk, Lane Turk.
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| Aunt Rose Laurito, Dad's sister, approx 1970 |
Uncle Nick lived in California, and sometimes his visits corresponded with ours. He had a daughter Leslie. She was older then us also. Nick is very quiet and I really only remember visiting with them 1 or 2x all my growing up years. He has come to visit my dad a time or two in recent years.
Uncle Joe lived in Virginia with Aunt Gracie. They had a son Danny. Seems like we visited them a bit but they were smokers and their house made me deathly ill so after a time or two we didn't visit much. Uncle Joe and Aunt Gracie both died pretty young.
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| Uncle Gary, mom's brother late 60s |
- Where did you go to school? Give some details about what was school like for you and some of your memorable experiences.
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| Shelly, Kindergarten |
I remember getting to choose an instrument to learn in the 4th grade. I chose flute. I really enjoyed getting to learn and play an instrument. In 4th grade I was also able to play the xylophone. I really thought that was super cool. I only did that for about a year (in addition to playing the flute). I didn't continue playing that in 5th grade.
Our elementary school was just over 1 mile from our house so we took the bus to school. The bus stop was just 3 houses down from our house. I rode the bus all the years of going to school.
- What were your favorite subjects in school? Explain why.
- What subjects did you like the least? Explain why.
- Who were some of your friends in school? Explain what your friends were like and what they are doing today if you know that.
My friends from seminary that I remember most are Tammy Williams, Rebecca Seraydarian, Gail Behler, Jennifer Davis, Danny Horton, Doug Johnson, & Lisa Drinkwater.
Tammy and I were b-fries (best friends) -- even had a necklace that said so! She lived far enough away that I didn't get to see her all that often...but I have fond memories of going to her house and making cake creations, shopping with her and her mom, watching TV, eating dinner and playing in the little pool in their back yard. Tammy still lives in Jersey, never married but I think has a significant other, never had children, and I talk to her by facebook and email sometimes. I have only seen her maybe twice since graduating school 26 years ago. Her older brother Tim was my "crush" during many of our teen years. We rarely like each other at the same time though! He is also still single today, never married, no children.
Rebecca lived closest but was 2 years younger. I had the fun of teaching her to drive stick shift at 5 a.m. and giggling and carrying on as the car lurched forward or stalled or whatever. Rebecca was always such a cute sweet girl and so talented. Eventhough she was younger I always wanted to be like her...dress cuter, play the piano better, whatever. She was just inspiring and fun. We also went to the same high school. (Pretty rare with Jersey church friends). Rebecca has lived in Maryland/Washington DC area and married Dean Johnson (another guy from our stake). They have 5 kids . I have never seen her again but love to follow her family on facebook.
Gail was always into Michael Jackson and "cool" stuff. She was always cooler than me! haha. She was funny and silly and we had many happy times together. I remember going to her house and hanging out listening to music (Michael Jackson of course) in her room which had lots of posters on the walls. They had a trampoline in the back yard and a big silver streamline camper -- her big sister slept out there as their house was small and so it gave them more room. Gail married her high school gym teacher, got leukemia and was successfully treated, never had children and still has her cute little figure today . I also only have seen her on facebook and communicated by email a little. She still lives close to her NJ home but her parents have moved to Florida.
Jennifer Davis is my chatty friend. She loves to talk and talk and talk. I have actually seen Jen more than anyone else from HS. We both attended USU. She is a couple years younger than me though so by the time she came out to USU I was married and I think I even had AJ the last time I saw her in Logan. We have remained in contact by email/facebook through the years. She moved out to Minnesota and recently her only child (son) started attending USU. I still haven't seen her but I enjoy her tales of substitute teaching and seeing her art that she posts pictures of sometimes.
Danny Horton's mom and my mom were best friends (along with Betsy Behler, Gail's mom) so I really love Danny's mom! haha. Danny went out to BYU same as me and ended up in New York I think as a programmer or something. I think he had one or two kids. I still keep in contact with his mom a little and even got to see her right before my mom died. I feel like I could call her any day, any time and ask for something and she would be there for me. Even though I have only seen her a time or two in 26 years.
I think that might be true of all of the people I listed. There is some kind of bond there -- a special place in my heart -- for all the people I spent so many hours/days with learning the gospel. Some of them stayed very active in the church while others have pulled away. Some stayed in Jersey while others ventured far and wide. But we have this common bond from all those years ago.
- If you went to college or a vocational school, what school did you attend? Describe what memories you have of those years and what subjects you studied.
I didn't know anyone out here so we had made arrangements with Elder Griffin (Andy) to pick me up at the airport in SLC and take me to Provo. He picked me up and took all my things to Provo and then invited me up to a picnic with his family at Copperton Park up in the SL area. His whole family...great grandparents, grandparents, parents, cousins, uncles, aunts...it was a huge gathering . And lots of fun!
We continued seeing each other and talking to each other a lot. And within a couple of months he asked me to marry him. I said yes and then gave the ring back as I struggled with how young I was and how poorly my parents were taking the idea.
We eventually got married in October, 1988 (a year and 2 months later). So my college years were spent with Andy. We did everything together and worked our schedules to spend as much time as we could.
I started out in Computer Science but as I really struggled with the math portion of the major I switched to Business Information Systems and Management about a year or so in. That was a much better fit for me.
Andy and I left BYU shortly after getting married (mostly due to expense). He attended a broadcasting school in SL for 9 months while I took more classes at SLCC (Salt Lake Community College). One of my classes was even taught by Andy's dad - Rod Griffin. It was physics. And it had a lab. A night class. He sometimes bought me a soda during breaks in that class and we got to know each other a little better. At the end of the class I got an A-. (The only thing less than an A that I received from all my classes I took at SLCC). And to this day we always tease him about giving me an A-. He teases that it was more than I deserved!
After Andy completed his broadcast school we packed up and moved to USU where we both enrolled in classes and he became a DJ at a rock station in town. He worked late nights and enjoyed doing that for awhile. He also started doing sports with the USU newspaper and really enjoyed developing in the sports field.
I continued on in BIS and enjoyed my classes. I graduated 6 months pregnant with AJ.
So for me, college wasn't the party crazy time that a lot of kids have. It was the beginning of my life with Andy. I spent all my free time with by best friend and we worked on taking care of ourselves and providing for our needs. We were pretty poor but it was ok because we had each other. We were determined to get our degrees and we both did.
- What do you see as your greatest strengths?
- What were some of the challenges you have had to deal with in your life?
- What medical issues have you had to deal with throughout your life?
- Was religion an important for you and your family? If so, explain what religion your family practiced and what it meant to you. Explain if it is or is not an important part of your life today.
Church has continued to be the center of our lives as we surround our lives with the teachings of the church and attend every week and emphasize the importance of it to our children. I think your commitment to Christ is required in order to live a happy good life.
- What foods do you like and dislike? Describe any food allergies you or other family members had.
- Were there two or three food dishes your mother or father made that were especially memorable?
Dad used to make liver on Sunday. (Ewe!!! Stinky and gross. He and mom ate it trying to be healthy). We had grilled cheese sandwiches most Sunday's for lunch. Also made by Dad.
- How did you meet your spouse?
He came over a couple of times while he was in our area serving. He came over one time and had me play the piano while he practiced for a performance in sacrament meeting.
He came over another time and we celebrated his birthday. My mom made him a teddy bear cake and served ice cream along with a dinner. Andy was transferred out and continued serving. I went to France that summer and we exchanged a few letters.
The last area of his mission put him back in our stake. Our home was close to the stake center so he called and arranged dinner during stake conference. He was going home 3 weeks prior to my coming out to BYU. He agreed to pick me up at the airport when I came out to BYU.
He dated lots of girls those 3 weeks and then picked me up. That day he took me to copperton park and introduced me to his whole family -- great grandparents, grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews. There were a lot of people!
We continued dating for about 1.5 years and then got married in the Jordan River Temple.
I think I was pretty smitten with Andy right from the start. We of course met on the mission. When he was about to go home (3 weeks before I was coming out) we made plans for him to pick me up at the airport. I was pretty excited to get out to BYU and to see him. He picked me up from my flight and we drove down to BYU and dropped all my stuff off. He had me get ready and head over to a picnic at Copperton Park in the SL area where all his family was. I met his great grandma Bahr, his grand ma and pa Griffin, his parents, his brothers & sisters and their spouses and children. There was a LOT of people!
- What was your courtship like? Describe your marriage day.
I think I was pretty smitten with Andy right from the start. We of course met on the mission. When he was about to go home (3 weeks before I was coming out) we made plans for him to pick me up at the airport. I was pretty excited to get out to BYU and to see him. He picked me up from my flight and we drove down to BYU and dropped all my stuff off. He had me get ready and head over to a picnic at Copperton Park in the SL area where all his family was. I met his great grandma Bahr, his grand ma and pa Griffin, his parents, his brothers & sisters and their spouses and children. There was a LOT of people! |
| Aunt Diane Griffin, Jean & Rod Griffin, Wendy Griffin, Laura and Ben Squires Shelly and Andy, Nick and Jared Squires October 4, 1988 |
From that point on we were together as much as possible. He came down most every day after work and stayed as late as he could. He took me up to SL on the weekends to spend time at his house and to be around his family. We went to church together. We ate meals together. We were both pretty smitten with each other.
He asked me to marry him just about 3 months after I got out to BYU. I said yes and he bought a ring. Then I told my parents and they freaked out. And I gave the ring back. I was worried because I was only 18 and I just didn't know how we could make it. Lucky for me he was patient and waited until I finally said yes and meant it. And we continued to date for almost a year before we finally got married October 4, 1988. Our wedding took place on a Tuesday morning. No one from my side of the family attended because my parents were in New Jersey and were not endowed so they couldn't have come in the temple anyway. So they just didn't come at all. A couple of days later they flew us out to New Jersey for a reception and gave us a car to drive back to Utah in and keep. (Big Chevy Impala Station Wagon - would have been perfect when we had 5 kids...kind of big for newlyweds!)
We had an open house that evening at the Griffin's house. The Griffin's paid for everything. My wedding dress, the reception, flowers, cake etc. My parents weren't excited about us getting married.
- Share some stories about your spouse.
- How many children do you have? List their names and share a few memories about each one.
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| AJ, Bryce, Dallas, Andy Katie and Holly |
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| Aj & Andy, 1994 |
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| Aj, Shelly & Dallas, 1995 |
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| Dallas, 1995 |
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| Best buds Burt & Ernie aka Bryce & Dallas |
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| Aj & Bryce |
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| My boy family! |
Bryce arrived promptly behind Dallas June 26, 1996 in St. George, Utah weighing in at 8 lb 13 oz. It's like I had twins only 15 months apart. As they grew up they looked very similar to each other and it was hard to tell them apart. Bryce eventually grew bigger than Dallas making them even more confusing to tell who was older/younger of the two! Bryce was emotional and earned the name of Boo or Brycey-boo-boo that has been his for his whole life. When he was young, probably 4 years old, he would pass out when he got upset about something. One time we were walking and we got ahead of him and he felt he was being left. He just started crying so hard he passed out and landed in lava rock. Took him to the dr and he said not to worry about it since he would out grow it. And he did. And it was always funny, when he woke up from passing out he never remembered what he was upset about!
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| Bryce-boo-boo |
Bryce also worked really hard in school earning all A's and a 4 year full ride scholarship - the Daniel's Fund Scholarship his senior year.
He is currently serving a mission in Spokane, Washington and plans to return to Southern Utah University Fall of 2016.
After three sons I was done having children. Life was fun but hard. It was hard to work and take care of and feed these boys. We were barely making ends meet financially and I just felt our family was complete.
Heavenly Father had another plan. I had a dream when Bryce was probably 3 or so years old. In that dream I saw two beautiful little girls sitting on a blanket in a back yard I did not recognize. And I new they were my daughters. I was given a vision of what my future was supposed to hold. And to be honest I was scared and not really all that excited about it. I doubted. I felt like there was no way I could have two more pregnancies and pay for two more kids and keep working and I was overwhelmed. And I fought it for a little while. And Carla Mitchell, a dear friend of mine, talked to me one day as I was struggling with things and said, Shelly, has Heavenly Father ever not taken care of you? Have faith. It will be fine.
So I did. And it was!
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| Katie, 2002 |
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| Best Friend sisters, Katie and Holly |
Katie brought a different spirit to our home. She settled down her wild rough and tumble brothers. They were different around her. It was a nice change to the dynamics of our family. Katie loves to read and play basketball. She is very competitive and intelligent. She excels in so many areas. She is a great big sister to Holly.
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| Holly, She LOVES to eat! |
I had a miscarriage between Katie and Holly or they would have been 15 months apart. Instead they are two years apart. Holly was born December 12, 2003 my biggest baby at 9 lb. 7 oz. She was also my easiest birth and the only one to ever come on her own...a full two weeks early!! I always tell her she was my favorite just for that fact alone! Holly is an energetic ball of fire. She is very dramatic and noisy. She was such a cute baby (they all were really!). Growing up Bryce always took care of Katie and Dallas always had Holly . They had a special bond and it was so cute to see the brothers taking care of the sisters. Holly is developing as a leader and has excelled at school and in girl scouts and choir. She loves to play soccer and volleyball and basketball is her third choice. She spends all her time with her twin best friends Lauren and McKenzie Riley.
- Describe some of the major community, national, and world events you lived through. How did these events change your life?
Phone calls - particularly long distance calls - were very expensive so we rarely talked to anyone not in our area. Now you can call anybody anywhere and it just costs the same price as your regular phone bill.
The internet may have existed but I was really not that aware of it until probably late in my 20s or early 30s. Then there was limited use. Now it seems I am on the internet all the time. Everyday. Home and at work.
World events:
September 11, 2001 - terrorist attacks on World Trade Center.
Election of a black president, Barack Obama.
- What are some of your life philosophies or life views that you would share with others?
- What are some of the personal values that are very important to you? Share some examples of what have you done and what are you doing now to teach these values to your children, grandchildren and others.
I have tried to be a good example to my children. The things that I would like them to do I try to also do in my own life. I want my children to obtain an education. To work hard. To say what they mean and mean what they say -- not be flaky people. To honor their commitments. To be kind to others. To serve others and God.
My spouse - Andrew Griffin - has taught me more about love and life than I could ever say. Has helped me to grow and learn and discover what really matters in life. Has stood by me though so many things in life. Always builds me up and tries to tell me how special I am.
- List at least five people who have had a memorable influence on your life. What did they do that had such an influence on you?
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| Last noogies before mission for AJ! |
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| AJ & Andy learning to shave |
My spouse - Andrew Griffin - has taught me more about love and life than I could ever say. Has helped me to grow and learn and discover what really matters in life. Has stood by me though so many things in life. Always builds me up and tries to tell me how special I am.
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| Laurito family in outfits mom made |
My mother - Deanna Laurito - taught me to love the gospel and love life. Taught me what being a great mother means. Showed by example how to live life to the fullest.
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| Rod and Jean Griffin with AJ |
unknown teacher from SLCC - taught me about money
- What are 20 things about yourself that make you uniquely you.
Love my spouse and my children
Love to spend time doing things with them
Love the life we have created together - love the area we live and our home
Love to wake up early and exercise
Love to have my feet tickled by Andy
Love to read
Enjoy yard work and especially the results
Love to be outside
Love to take pictures and record the happy times of life
Love to be busy always
Love to swim and play in water -- love water balloon fights
Love to play board games
Love my job
Don't really like getting ready for the day but I like to look good
Don't like to play video games or watch tv much
Love BBQ, pizza & cookies...really love cookies. alot.
Love a good hike and exploring new areas
Love Hawaii - would love to live there for a little while
Don't like getting gifts or thinking of what to give others...find it stressful
Enjoy Halloween if I have a good costume, don't like thinking of one
- What are 50 things that you are grateful for.
Healthy happy children that love the Lord and each other
Religion that helps us to know right from wrong and guides us daily
Health
Comfortable home
job
cars that work
air conditioning and heating
plenty of food
a husband that cooks good
children that are helpful
the scriptures
the internet
email
son serving a mission and sacrificing
son working hard in college
son working hard to support himself and his spouse
girls that want to better themselves - piano, singing, church etc.
husband that works hard at his job
nice bed to sleep in every night
cuddling with husband at night while sleeping
foot rubs
enough - having enough to take care of our needs and not stressing about $
living in this area
good neighbors
good friends
parents
grandparents
weekends
money in the bank
laughter
sunshine
holidays
rainbows
indoor plumbing
mountains
eyesight
grocery stores
ocean
education
music
jewelry
coupons
good deals
low interest rates
being mostly out of debt
gym
sneakers
a best friend as a spouse
vacation
life
challenges that make us better
piano
marriage
church and all that comes with it
- What is your philosophy on money.
I think debt should be avoided. We have a mortgage and have had car loans that we always try to pay off as soon as possible. It is so much cheaper to have liability only insurance rather than full coverage on the cars.
I try to be efficient and use things up. We try really hard to eat all our left overs and not waste food.
I usually donate all our things when we are done to the D.I. so that others can use them that need them.
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