The 6 Pack

Cousins

2012-02-07T21:39:00.000-08:00

I think its so neat that we are able to be someone close to our famlies. (on the map). Johns sister lives here with her little guy, and I was able to watch him for a few days while she went on a business trip. I took my little G, and her little man to one of those indoor bouncy house places. So fun! You wanna wear out your kids, this is the place! They both crashed in the car on the way home!

Winter...Spring....Winter...Spring???

2012-02-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

So, January 20, 2012...in Reno NV, it decided to WINTER!!! Lately ya just never know. Winter hasnt decided to actually come and stay yet. Its teasing us. back and fort. I mean, the mild weather is great and all, but its getting rather dry up here, and kids REALLY want to bust out the sleds a little more!

So, as I post this, most of this snow is gone. yeah, we are looking at the brown grass. I wish it would snow again, I mean really. If its going to be cold, it might as well be pretty, and fun to play in!

8 Years Ago (my triplets story finally)

2012-02-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

I think this is the first I have written/typed about this. I know it is. Its about time. I have always wanted to jot down my feelings, and memories about this time in my life, but I also knew it would be a painful reminder of the significant loss that my family faced, so Im sure thats the reason for putting it off this long. How pathetic on my part. Here it is.FINALLY. The story our precious girls, Addison,Brooklyn and Caitlin. You dont have to read if you dont want to, im sure its going to be a long one. This is more for me, to finally get it out..We shall see how it goes.

A little over 8 years ago, this is what I was doing. Starring at the most precious little gifts from my Father in Heaven. 3 of them.Our triplet girls, Addison,Brooklyn and Caitlin came into this world at 3:14am January 2nd 2004. They immediately returned back to their Father in Heaven.
I found out I was pregnant, with one of those "oopsie, really??" pregnancies, only 6 short months after Brenan was born. This was not planned at all, but we were thrilled to add to our growing family. I wasn't sure how I was going to handle baby #3, when baby #2 was , well...still a baby!!!! But we would make it work. The pregnancy started off rough, which was sign #1 that something was a little off. At 9 weeks, I had an ultrasound, all looked fine, and my dr reassured me that, and I QUOTE "Well, looks great, and at least there's only one baby! not twins!". Whew, ok..thats nice to know..Well, i got big, FAST, and the heartburn was terrible. At 13-14 weeks, I went back in, and again.. All was fine..Heartbeat was strong (notice I say heartBEAT, not Beats)..So, we kept on going...At 18 weeks, I had my 20 week ultrasound (a a little early)..We were thrilled to be finding out the gender of our baby!! after 2 boys, we were secretly hoping for a little girl, but were fine either way. The ultrasound tech placed the wand on my belly, and instantly we knew something was wrong. She didn't speak..I began to freak out.. She then asked "have you had an ultrasound prior to this?"...I said "Yes, I have at 9 weeks....WHY?"...panic set in at this point...and she said...well "lets start counting babies"...um excuse me? babies??you mean baby right?? she continued...."1........2........oh there's 3.........Ok, you've got triplets!"...I think I may have blacked out a little, the Ultrasound screen look like something out of a alien movie...Arms, and legs everywhere!!!. I couldn't believe what I just heard..John and I looked at each other and were speechless. triplets..naturally. wow, the Lord has something in store...
My pregnancy progressed perfectly. I saw MANY doctors, including some at the University of Utah. Despite being freakishly huge, and uncomfortable, it really wasn't unlike my other 2 pregnancies.I ate a TON, and slept alot. I could feel arms and legs everywhere though..At a certain point, I knew where each baby was, it got so cramped they couldn't switch places anymore.. This became nerve wracking though. I was constantly poking and prodding them to make sure they were moving, I was scared to death for them in there. Just a week before Christmas around 30 weeks, the paranatologist informed us, that baby "B" Brooklyn, no longer had a heartbeat. We were devastated. We were told that the odds of even 2 surviving were becoming more slim..We fell in love with the thought of having our three girls, and now we were down to 2. Christmas wasn't the same that year, I continued to mourn the loss of my little Brooklyn. The doctors wanted to get me to 32 weeks, and then deliver..2 more weeks to go, I can do this..
January 1st, 2004..We were shopping at RC Willey in Layton for a china hutch. As we walked around, i was uncomfortable, and something didn't feel right. Baby "A" hadn't moved much. I thought it was maybe due to the fact that little "B" was so still...But as the day went on, i knew something was wrong.. I called my Dr, he told me to go in...The nurses spent much time trying to find baby "A"s little heartbeat...they were digging those things into my belly, and i just remember it hurting so bad, and I told them "stop, I know shes gone, i know shes gone"...They didn't want to give up, and called in an ultrasound..I already knew. The nurses tried to get me to calm down, because there was still a chance..no there wasn't.. I knew.. Ultrasound confirmed"A" Addison was now passed.. This left "C" Caitlin. There was hope. Caitlin was in a sac on her own, no chance of umbilical cord tangling.. My Dr. decided to keep me in the hospital, and transfer me the following morning to the University of Utah Medical center for the remainder of my pregnancy.. another week..They wanted another week..How could I do this???..I sent my sweet, exhausted, emotional John home. We had rushed in so fast, we didn't have a sitter for the boys..I told him to take them home, and to just come back in the morning to come with me as they transferred me.. He was very hesitant to leave my side, but I knew the boys needed to get to sleep, by this time it was nearly midnight. He left, the nurses left, i turned out the lights, and just sat in the darkness thinking about what had just happened.. I must have dozed off, when suddenly my hospital room door flies open, and a load of nurses come rushing in, the look of panic was on their faces, and I could only mutter the word "CAITLIN"?.....They messed with my wires, and tubes, and one nurse said "Her heartbeat has decelerated, you are going into the OR. NOW"...I was in a fog, being woken up, not knowing what was going on, but I was being flown down the hall, being stuck with needles, catheters, monitors, you name it...Everything just stopped once in the OR...I could hear a nurse talking, it was my dr. on the other end of the line. All I remember is "now, get here NOW"... I heard a couple nurses discussing epidurals, when my dr busted through the door and cut them off saying "no time, general anesthesia....NOW!"..right then, I had a mask over my face, and that was it.....
I was just coming out of the anesthesia, where I could hear everything around me, but didn't know where I was. I recognized my dr.s voice asking "is she coherent enough now?"...i don't remember anyone answering him, but without opening my eyes, i heard him say "Michelle, despite our best efforts, we couldn't revive baby C. She didn't make it, I am so very sorry". I just felt the hot tears down my face. I couldn't speak. I was awake enough to understand, but not awake enough to react with words. I just knew there was nothing left. I must have fallen asleep, because the next voice I heard was my sweet Johns. I opened my eyes, and I was in yet another room, and there was my husband sitting on the couch, with an armful of what looked like a pile of blankets. I knew what he had.. I hadnt yet prepared myself..I didn't even know if I wanted to see them. He walked over to me, and I shook my head,..He just nodded his, and said "you will regret it if you dont, you WANT to do this"...He placed wrapped up little babies in my arms. It was just as if I was being handed a brand new, perfect live baby, except for the live part..times 3..I was informed that John was unable to make it in time to hold Caitlin alive. By the time he got the call from the hospital that I was in the OR getting ready to deliver, and braved the fierce Utah blizzard outside to get to the hospital it was too late. A kind nurse rocked, and sang to little Caitlin as she pass away. John was met at the elevator of the hospital by a nurse, he knew something was terribly wrong. It was on the elevator ride up that he was told that the babies were delivered, and Caitlin did not survive. Im sure he has his own story to tell here..I cant imagine what was going through his head.

As I stare at this picture, I remember everything that went through my mind..Anger, Sadness, Pain, Happiness.Little Brooklyn, the smallest, had been the first to pass, and her skin was darker than the others..She was so precious. Addison and Caitlin, you wouldnt have been able to tell apart. They had loads of strawberry blonde hair already, and they had these perfect little button noses, and dainty rosy little lips. I could have kissed them all day.Little Caitlin was bruised from the resuscitation efforts, it was so sad. They were dressed in little pink fleece gowns/dresses with pink bows in their hair. The nurses took great care to treat them as a regular live birth. They were cleaned, and wrapped in warm blankets.It was surreal to think just hours earlier, all three of them fit in my belly. As I stared at my daughters, they were still, not breathing, and I knew they had a reason for being born.. They needed those little bodies, and that God had big plans for my little girls. It didnt take away the hurt. 8 years later, I still hurt.As I layed in that hospital bed, my sweet mother shopped for 3 beautiful white dresses for them to be buried in. She resorted to a doll maker, who had 3 little doll dresses, perfect for my baby girls..
I have to note as well, that my mother in law called my parents in CA at 3:30am with the news. My mom, sister and dad packed their bags and ran to the airport, they just prayed there would be an empty seat somewhere on a flight to SLC that morning..They headed out on a wing and a prayer. The Lord listened. One flight..3 open seats to Salt Lake City,UT..It couldnt have been better planned.I know this is one of those tender mercies..I really do.
While we should have been celebrating and snuggling our 3 miracles, we were talking funeral plans, and burial plots, and preparing to tell our oldest son at the time (Jordan who was 4) why his baby sisters werent coming home from the hospital.I tried not to think about the physical pain I was going through, having just had my 3rd C section.I had to concentrate on trying to be mentally strong to get through the whirlwind of the next couple days.
I was released from the hospital.And, I didnt realize how hard it would be to leave that hospital, with 2 carts FULL of sympathy flowers, and plants, and hospital memorabilia. But absolutely no babies in our arms. We had people congratulating us clear out the door. Every "congratulations" made me closer and closer to bursting. They had no idea..no idea.
After only 48 hours after delivering the girls, I was standing on a snow covered cemetary lawn, trying to find a place to have our babies placed. I remember thinking at one point. Im cold, im in severe pain, and im trudging through 3 feet of snow here people, just PICK a place!!!!! i didnt care anymore.. Im now so thankful to my husband who took the time to find the place for them. They are at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, in Salt Lake City, UT. They are under the most beautiful, large pine tree, so peaceful. I love when we get to visit. Which isnt nearly as much as Id like.
I think about it now, and that I should be shopping for their second set of white dresses. Their baptism dresses. Its a big year..Not that I dont think about them every birthday, but this was one of those little milestone birthdays..
I cant imagine what was going through Matt (my brother), and Dana (Johns Brother) as they, together, carried all 3 of our little ones to their place of burial. What a cold and bitter day that was..I dont have the picture here, but it was absolutely amazing to see the amount of family and friends that came, and braved that freezing cold January morning, to honor our triplets.The funeral home pulled up in a black stretch limo. My girls got to ride in style! We thought that was so kind of them to do that..We didnt ask for it, they just did it.
So, now each year, we celebrate them..With a Birthday cake and each of the girl's brothers get to help blow out the candles on their cake. Its so precious
We started a new tradition this year..With the help of Skype, my parents were able to join in, singing "Happy Birthday" to their 3 grandaughters.. It was so sweet!
Happy 8th Birthday my angels.. Your mommy and daddy, and brothers love you more than you know, and look forward to the day we get to see your beautiful faces again. xoxoxox

Old Married Farts

2012-02-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

Is that what we are? well, Dec 27th 2011, we celebrated 14 years of marriage. I am still completely in love with my best friend. We have been through our fair share of trials as a couple, from scrubbing toilets at Ricks College, and donating our Plasma to make rent month after month, eating Mac N Cheese many a nights, raising 4 active boys, and the tragic loss of our precious baby girls, Addison, Brooklyn and Caitlin. We have accomplished a lot I would say in these past 14 years! Heres to Eternity my love!!!!!! M + J= forever.

Lost

2012-02-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

Im so sad. I dont like to even think about it. On our wonderful family trip over Thanksgiving to Disneyland, I lost my camera! I had a ton of pictures of our little family trip to Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, and Imperial Beach,CA. Not to mention Legoland.. AND Disneyland..boo hoo! So, use your imagination, it was magical. I have some pictures from my mom and sisters camera, I need to get those posted...eventually right. Im playing major catch up here!

The kid with the sense of humor

2011-11-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

I just adore Bubba Jordy.. Hes a week away from being 12 years old, and I think im in total denial! But I have to mention something here on my blog before I forget about it..This kid is FUNNY! Hes getting older, and his interests are changing, you can tell..This is what happened the other day at Walmart:
As we were in the hunting/fishing section looking at little bow and arrow sets..Jordan wandered off to look at the knives. He came back over to where I was with this cheesy grin, and said "I just found the knife of ALL knives over there, I want it sooooooo bad"..He proceeded to tell me about this HUGE Winchester knife, comes with a case, and all. Hes wanting to start a knife collection like his grandpa Reynolds..I said to him, well, "maybe you should talk to Santa about it"...He looks around, looks at me and in a LOUD whisper says "IM TALKING TO HER RIGHT NOW"..ha ha ha ha!! I busted out laughing.. Well, our day went on, and all I heard about was this knife. We left Home Depot later, and I told Landen "maybe Santa should fill your stocking full of chains!" (Landen loves chains)...And Jordan says " My stocking better be filled with KNIFE!"...I again laughed..and laughed.. So, in the car I said "You really love this knife dont you?"..He said "Mom, you have no idea, I keep thinking about it, its all I can think about...Im going to dream about it.. This knife, is like, like....ummmmmm, LIKE MY NEW GIRLFRIEND!!!!!" That did it, I laughed so hard, tears were rolling down my cheeks...
This kid makes me laugh. Its things like this that I just love about my Jordy..spontaneous, passionate about the things he loves, and hilarious..I love the relationship I have with him. Hes at that age of definace, and attitude, and quite frankly...Mom isnt so cool anymore..Thats ok..I think hes pretty cool .=)

Starting Fresh

2011-11-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

I need to get back on my blogging. I think its too hard to go back and catch up. Im not going to stress over it..Ill start fresh. Here are a couple of our family pictures that my sweet sister took for us this past month..

I think im the luckiest girl..I have been blessed with a wonderful, handsome, loving, hardworking, honest man in my life, and whom I get to spend eternity with. It was nearly 14 years ago this month that he proposed, and we started planning our lives together.. Not long after that, it was marriage, and then children. The most perfect children. I love my boys. Im soo lucky to have them. I feel very outnumbered at times, but in a way..its kind of fun being the odd one out. ha ha!.. I get spoiled. I just love my family, and I am so grateful for each of them. They put up with alot with me, thats for sure.

My little Lan. (and cousin Leena)..He is the firecracker of this family..Never ceases to make us laugh each and every day with his silly personality, his booty shaking, and silly rhymes. Love him..

Little Pookie..time flies. He still is my baby, but growing into a little boy so fast. Hes shy, and loving, and aims to please. I am so grateful for this year that I get to spend with him at home before he starts school. Hes my little buddy.

My not so little Jordy..This is a big month for him. He will be turning 12, leaving Primary, and entering the young mens program. I cant believe it. Young MENS!! I guess its only right, the kid is taller than me now. Its insane. This is the beginning of the tough years I hear. He is a typical pre treen boy..attitude, and sarcasm ... But at the same time, there is no better gentleman than Jordy. He holds doors for ladies, young and old. He is helpful in school,and his teachers adore him. Years are going so fast. Hes still my sweet little Jordy though.
Breny Boo...My Breny Boo..Loving, quiet, full of energy, and handsome! Breny is my little helper, loves to make me happy, and loves to play DSi with little Pookie. Bren is right smack in the middle of all these boys, and sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. I sometimes worry about him. But just when I think hes getting "lost" he bursts out with all his silliness! Love my Brenyboo.

Camping!

2011-08-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

No shortage of fire in our camp with 5 boys living in my family! The boys are always so eager to make the evening campfire, and then are up and early begging to make the morning campfire. I love it cause I get to wake up to a nice hot blazing campfire!
Camping is all about getting a little dirty, and eating good camp food! We had foil dinners on night 1. I made hamburger patties, with carrots, potatoes, and cream of mushroom gravy. They were sooo yummy! As you can see bubba Bren loved it too! I think this was his second!!
bubba Gav and Cousin L.. They were attached at the hip!
Dad and his two girls. It was so fun to have mom and dad up there camping with us. We were sitting around the campfire one night talking, and decided the last time we had been camping together was when I was about 9 years old and my sister was 1!! Its been waaaaay to long, and hopefully we get to do it again soon!
We got in a little boating time as well up at a BEAUTIFUL mountain lake called Jackson Meadows Resevoir.. My sweet bubba Jord is a great co-captain of the boat

Out Here In The West!!!

2011-08-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Out here, we live in the Wild West! Well, sort of.. It is a bit wild at times, and we do live in the West..So, yeah, I guess we do! We live very near to a place called Virginia City,NV..A little old gold mining town just East of Reno. They have kept the town very "authentic" with cowboys roaming the streets, and lots of mining tours.. We were able to visit Virginia City, while my sweet friend and her kids were here visiting..
This was just so funny. A store owner stopped us as we were walking down the street, and said "you look like someone I know!"....He pulled out this good old Howdy Doody, and we couldnt pass up a picture. =)
Couldnt leave there without a picture with some cowboys!!!!

CRITTERS

2011-08-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

This here is my life now.. boys, and critters..Frogs, Lizards,Snakes, and most recently Scorpions.. Not that they touch the scorpions, but they are definately around.. Good thing Im not a girly girl!!!!

Fearless

2011-07-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

This kid...wow...maybe you cant see it from this angle.. But his hair is the same color as that tube hes riding in 100% REDHEAD!!! I cant believe he did this ride...I attempted it for the first time last week, and im pretty sure a bad word came out of my mouth as they pushed me over the edge!!! shhhh, dont tell!!!!

Is this really my little Bubba Loo?

2011-07-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

I dont think I ever gave him permission to get so big..My oldest boy, now looks me right in the eyes, can tackle me in a second, and it just turning into a handsome young man right before my eyes.. I just wanted to post this, because Ive been thinking about him so much lately. Ive been so blessed with such a wonderful son. He has the sweetest personality, and i can honestly say, hes not only my son, hes one of my best friends. We have the best little chats, and outings together..
A couple months ago, his pediatrician told him, that right now, at 11 years old, he is the size of a 14 1/2 year old on the charts...And by the time he HITS 14 years old, he will be at LEAST 6"4in..HOLY MOLY!! My little bubba isnt so little anymore...I love him so much, and am so thankful we were blessed to have him almost 12 years ago! We are sneaking up on those dreaded tween years, with the attitudes, and the defiance..But, I keep telling myself..I CAN DO THIS! So far so good.. I love you bubba loo!!!

Whooooo would have thought????

2011-07-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

Never in my life would I have ever thought that we would experience this..A sweet family member who helps out with the veterinary work on rescued wildlife let us be the ones to release 4 gorgeous Great Horned Owls back into the wild.. Bubba Jord, was VERY hesitant to grab this thing by the legs, but wowie!!!! He did it, and was able to release the owl, by himself back into the forest. It was beautiful, and absolutely amazing...Something Im sure he will never be able to experience again....lucky boy!

The Joys of Boys

2011-07-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

We recentely moved...yes.. again..And have a wonderful opportunity to be living up in the Pines where there is an abundance of wildlife!!!! The boys spend hours each day catching lizards, frogs, and anything else creepy crawly...Bren took especially to this little blue belly lizard, who he named "Blue"....

Summer Daze

2011-07-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

This Summer has been huge highs, ups and downs..... We have moved yet AGAIN, now into Johns parents home...as they are now serving a 2 year mission for the church. So...with changing over to a traditional school year, it leaves the boys with a long Summer vacation! so, we purchased a season pass to the local water park, and have been spending lots of time there! We have been having a blast together!

Pleasanton Trip

2011-04-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a nice hike on the Pleasanton Ridge with grandma and the boys!

The coolest grandma ever! Playing Just Dance on the Wii with the boys..It was sooo funny!
Hanging out at the park..Nice enough to get in swimsuits and splash in the water.
I love this woman. She has made me who I am today. I love you mom!

Boys will be Boys!

2011-04-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

We had a couple days of nice weather, so this is where you will find the kiddos! On the trampoline busting out some tricks!
I thought this was pretty cool! Breny can really do some major flips!
And Landy has now learned how to do them!!! So fun!

Shell's weekend to UT

2011-04-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to go to UT for a weekend by myself, so attend a couple special occasions..Grandpa celebrated his 80-something Birthday! So, all the Zumpanos got together which is rare! It was fun to spend some time with my cute grandpa...I wish grandma was there to see everyone all together. She always loved having all her family around her.

My mom, and her cute sisters, brother and dad. We were lucky to get this shot. We couldnt get them to stop laughing!!!!
I was also able to attend one of my brothers Utah Premiere Brass concerts..My sister and cute baby girl was there as well! So awesome to be all together!
And its always a plus when I get to go see my daughters at the cemetary..I cant believe its been over 7 years....

Happy St Patty's Day!!!!

2011-04-07T17:07:00.001-07:00

Wow, a picture of my boys, that look like they like each other!! a little!

HUGE SUCCESS!!!!!

2011-04-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Our little pookie..and his thumb. go together like PB&J.. But it was time to break the habit. Hes loved that thumb since he was first born. He rejected every type of binky and went for the itty bitty thumb.. Now, teeth are shifting, and we are going to be in real trouble soon..Sooooo. We searched the internet, did our homework..Avoiding all those disgusting liquids you can paint on your kids fingers that taste HORRIBLE...We opted for the...................................................................................................................................................
T H U M B B U S T E R!!!!!!!!!! in the color blue of coarse.

I never thought we would see this happen, and SOOOO fast! Our little man has officially stopped sucking his thumb! After only 2-3 days of wearing his fancy thumbbuster, he stopped! No more interest.. The first day broke my heart..He would say:
"ok, can I suck my thumb now mom?"
" But I LOVE my thumb"
"Who said I have to stop?"
Hes super proud of himself, and so am I! So, if you have a kiddo with that bad habit.. check out the thumbbuster at http://www.thumbusters.com

Happy Birthday daddy!

2011-04-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

John requested something different this year for his cake, so I found this cute little bakery, and got this french vanilla fruit topped cake. It was so pretty, we were afraid to cut into it! But it was soooooo yummy! Happy Birthday to the best dad and husband ever!

Miniature Golfing anyone?

2011-04-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

Its always so much fun when we get to see grandma and grandpa!! This trip down, we went miniature golfing! It was so fun! I have to say, mommy beat the pants off everyone!! =)

I just thought this was so cute! Mom and dad making their putts at the same time.

I love spending time with my cute boys! They are a wild bunch, but they make me so happy!

Happy 7th Birthday baby girls!

2011-04-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

I cant believe how fast this day comes around each year. Another year gone by without our little girls. They would have been 7 years old! We like to celebrate with a girly,frilly cake and singing to our babies..Complete with the boys blowing out their birthday candles!
We love you Addison,Brooklyn and Caitlin! We are blowing you Birthday kisses!

Catching Up once again! (January 2011)

2011-04-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

Catching Up..Man, I need to be better! January brought lots
of storms, a lots of family, trips and snow!!!

missing my sweet sis in law.

Jordy Advances!

2010-12-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

This was a BIG BIG night in the Larsen household. This pack meeting, Bren was introduced into the pack, and the same night, Jordy advanced out of cubscouts into Boy Scouts. It was a very neat night... Jordan also received his Arrow of Light.
Can you tell we are proud of our big guy?
Crossing over the bridge to Boy Scouts. =)
Being accepted into his Boy Scout troop. Way to go Jordy! I still cant believe you are old enough to be in BOY SCOUTS!!! Eagle Scout, here we come!

Breny the Bobcat

2010-12-20T21:57:00.000-08:00

Its official..I now have another boy in cubscouts! And he couldnt be MORE excited! In fact, hes had all the stuff for his bobcat memorized months before he even turned 8! So, when he officially turned 8, he passed it all off, and got his bobcat awarded!
My favorite part..Getting my mothers pin.=) Im gonna have a LOAD of these when we are through with all these boys going through scouts.. They are little treasures to me!
So proud of my little man.

Baptism Day for Breny Boo

2010-12-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

It was a big weekend for my now 8 year old...John baptized Breny and confirmed him a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Yaya and Papa were there, along with Grandma and Grandpa Reynolds, Aunt Sharon, and even Great Grandma Lila was there. It was a very special night...

I never forget the way my little boy, and my big boy looks in their bright white clothes.

Bren received his Baptism journal from grandma and grandpa Reynolds, along with a tie tac,

And his first set of scriptures, in his favorite color green..from Yaya and Papa.

This little boy is growing bigger and bigger way to fast. He looked so handsome in his new suit!!!

#1 Dad

2010-12-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

I may be a little biased here, but I think we have the #1 Dad..=) The kids wait and wait for him to walk through the door at night, and the first thing Landy asks is "Can you jump on the tramp with me?"...So, he rushes to change his clothes, and this is what they do every night!
I love watching out the window to see him do this!!! I love this man so much..He loves his kids so much, and we are so grateful for all that he does for us..

Breny turns 8!

2010-12-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

I love the look on Brenys face here. He was so excited!

I can't believe how fast the month of November has flown by.. The boys were off track all month, we had 2 Birthdays, and Thanksgiving.... We had a BIG birthday this year.. Breny turned 8!! We spent a quiet birthday at the house with our family.. It was lots of fun!
Bren is always to sweet to let his little brothers help him open his presents. Hes always been like that. Hes growing up so fast.
Video games...of coarse!! He was pretty excited!
We started a new tradition.. Well, not really a new tradition.. More like a family tradition that my mom started with me and my brother and sister..Cupcake cones!!!! Mom used to always make these yummy treats for us kids to take to school, and Breny requests it every year.

Poop on Croup

2010-11-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

I believe, it doesnt matter how many times as a mom, I have to see my kids suffer with croup. It doesnt get easier..
My first experience with croup was when Bren was just over a year old.So, a little over 8 years ago.. John and I woke up to this HORRIBLE sound coming from his nursery. When we opened the door, panic set in. There was my baby boy sitting up, gasping for breath, and honking like a baby seal. I had NO idea what was happening. Thankfully, my sweet next door neighbor and good friend answered my 11pm phone call, and came over. She just so happens to be a Respitory Therapist. She knew exactly what it was, told me Croup, and that we had better get him to the ER. I had never been so scared. Thankfully she was with me, because she knew it wasnt too big of a deal, and that he would be better in no time..
To this day, I cant even tell you how many times I have been woken up in the middle of the night by that horrible sound. How many times I have sat in an E.R. while my kids get steroids and breathing treatments, how many times I have made a call to our pediatrician while we were on vacation begging to have a perscription of Decadron called into the nearest Walgreens, How hours I have sat in a steamed up bathroom, just praying it would help the symptoms..
Croup is horrible..Some kids just dont ever get it.. And lucky me...All my kids have had it..And more than once. More than twice....alot, lets just say..Every winter, the cold weather shows its ugly head, and the honking begins.
This is my poor Gav. We tried so hard all night to treat it here at home, with the steamy shower, and the cold air outside. By 5 am, it got so bad, he was panicked and not breathing well. So, I threw on some clothes, and headed to the E.R..
He hated it. He hated the oral decadron, hated the doctor, hated the epinephrine breathing treatment. He screamed, he kicked, he cried..making the croup worse. They almost had to admit him, but with a bribe of a trip to Walmart for a prize, he pushed through, and they released him after 3 hours in the room..
Now here we are, exhausted..And not completely well either..I hope these treatments maintain his breathing, and we dont have to go back.
Croup.. please go away and stop bothering my sweet boys.......

Apple Hill 2010

2010-11-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again. The time when the Larsen family heads over the hill with Yaya and Papa to Placerville,CA to Apple Hill, and to find the perfect Christmas tree!

Who knew that Jordan was such a tree hugger!!
Landy Loo and his cousin were inseperable all day. It was so cute!
And Pookie rode a pony for the first time ever! He thought it was a blast! I thought he was gonna freak out, but he hopped right one and loved it.
Oooh, the infamous tractor that 2 years ago, Landen and Yaya wanted a photo op with, when he pushed the "Start" button and started that thing right up, and landed poor Yaya in the hospital with a ripped Achiles tendon!!'
And we found it! The perfect tree, and each one of the boys got to take a turn cutting it down.Bren and Landen hauled that tree all the out of the lot, up to the parking lot!! those are some muscles!!!
I love this lady so much! Ive been blessed with a wonderful mother in law. We had such a great time together, cooking Thanksgiving, and talking, and laughing.. It was a GREAT Thanksgiving. Lots of memories!

Happy Birthday Jordy!

2010-11-26T22:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Bubba! What a wonder, sweet big brother you are. You are such a big helper to me, your mom, and I love you so much.
Whew!! Thats a lot of candles buddy! LOL
You got to spend your Birthday at YaYa and PaPas, and enjoy Thanksgiving day too! So, along with pumpkin pie, and apple pie.... Per your request, I made you a chocolate cake!

I think it turned out pretty good..Thats Ma for giving me some tips!! It tasted good too!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T22:39:00.000-08:00

Gobble Gobble!! Another wonderful Thanksgiving! We got to share the day with Bubbas 11th Birthday! I spent all day Wednesday and most of Thursday cooking and baking with my mom in law, getting ready for the yummy meal!
My pies I made, apple, 2 pumpkins, and a dulce de leche banana cream pie, as well as a chocolate cake for Jordys Birthday.
The table setting. Ma did a gorgeous job!
I had lots of help from my sweet boys making pies!
Landy helped me with the apple pie.....

Daddy's Boy

2010-11-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

When this little guy had pushed me to the limit, has cause me to use every ounce of patience that I have, and just when I think im going to go absolutely crazy....I see this. Landy loves his daddy so much. I have to honestly say, more than mommy I think..Thats ok though. It melts my heart to see him and his daddy together. John knows just how to calm him, bring him out of his rages, and make him laugh. This particular night, Lan was watching home videos we had just put on DVD's, and fell asleep snuggled up with John... I love these moments..

Summer in a nutshell

2010-11-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, no way to play catch up..sooo. This Summer we spent our days at the Lake....Camping, Wakeboarding, and Fishing....

Pookie turned 3!!! Complete with a Buzz cake I made for him!

An Aces Baseball game, and a couple trips to UT!!

We had a wonderful Summer.. And now its on to new adventures this Fall as we are continuing to sell our home and see what that brings us!!

I promise Im going to be better about keeping up on this now.!!!

2010-06-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

This here, is a picture of Bren's breakfast. I asked him to get his own bowl of cereal in the morning, and this is what I came out to find. cheerios and M&M;s. I swear, these boys crack me up!

Pleasanton trip June 2010

2010-06-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad introduced us to a place called Yogurtland. Oh my word. Talk about YUM! If it werent for the fact I was on a stupid diet, I could have REALLY enjoyed it more...Self serve yogurt, and every topping you can think of....You can imagine what the boys got..Bren called his yogurt "A party in a cup" ha ha!
Dad took me on a nice long ride on his bike like he always does. I love that little getaway each time we visit!
Of course we spent some time at the neighborhood pool!! Found out, Pookie is quite the little water baby!
The boys love it when grandpa gets in with them!
Bubba is getting quite good on the diving board!

Olallieberry Weekend!!!

2010-06-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

Me and the boys recently took a trip down to Pleasanton to spend the weekend with mom and dad, and to take the boys on their first Olallieberry picking trip! It was something I enjoyed as a little girl with my parents, and this is the same farm that I used to go picking at! The boys had a blast..Gav learned to pick the "dark" berries, and sampled probably a pound or two!!
Lan was so proud of his own little bucket!
Grandma showing pookie how to pick the ripe berries.
This was so much fun to do again! This time Im all grown up and taking my own kids! 3 generations of Olallieberry pickers!
The BEFORE picture. mmmmmmm.

AND...The after picture.. Made 19 pints of delicious Lollyberry JAM!!!!

I have 2 little hands...

2010-05-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

I love these little hands, and the other night, little Landy kept saying "can I hold your hand?" and then he would kiss the back on my hand. It was precious.
On our last visit to my parents house. Dad and I discovered that Landy has "grandpa hands" little stubby fingers just like grandpa. Its the cutest thing ever! He still has those little dimples right where his knuckles are.
Someday, these hands are going to be twice the size of mine, but for now, can they just stay little?

Landy Loo's graduation

2010-05-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

My sweet little spitfire Landy graduated from Preschool today. Wowie, 3rd kid to do that..Its amazing how time flies..This means in just a couple months, he starts Kindergarten up at the Elementary School with his brothers!! I cant even think about it.
We were off to a horrible start this morning. I guess I wasnt aware of my childs "shyness".LOL..Who would have thought??? He did NOT want to go to his graduation because he didnt want to sing in front of everyone, or "bow" he said.. So, he screamed and cried, and clung to his daddy, even when his ride came to get him...I ended up getting him there almost 2 hours later, but we made it, and he was just fine.. cute as can be...

After his ride came and left, here he is with daddy. Not wanting to go to school.

FINALLY!! We made it, and he did great!
What else are ya supposed to do with a diploma?? Heck, hes a pirate these days, so.. why not use it as a spidey scope! ha ha ha!
It was incredibly windy and cold..His little cap kept ending up in his face.. After a while, he thought it was hilarious, and just kept it there, little stinker.
What could this little graduate be thinking about? Maybe the Happy Meal and Dollar Store trip mommy bribed him with if he would just go to preschool????

These are his 2 teachers that worked with him the whole year. This is a program up at the local highschool, so each preschooler is assigned 2 high school students who are their "teachers" for that year. They were so sweet and put together this amazing scrapbook for Landy, of lots of his artwork, and pictures, and many other things. SO cute!

After the program, there was lots of yummy treats. Landy was kind enough to share with us..=)

This was just too sweet. Landy loves his daddy so much, and I know he was so excited that he came to his special Day..
Congratulations little man!!! Kindergarten HERE YOU COME!!!

Its a Pirate Party for the Birthday Boy

2010-05-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Landy Loo is turning 5 this year! He wanted to celebrate with his friends, by having a Pirate party. Hes completely obsessed with Pirates of the Caribbean right now. Everything from the movie, to even the music! We asked the kids to dress up like pirates, they decorated their own pirate hats, had pizza, and went on a treasure hunt out in the backyard.

Blowing out his 5 candles..Funny thing is.. His Birthday isnt for another 2 weeks, but he INSISTS that he is now 5..We are just letting him go with it. Its not worth the fight.
Having Pirate Pizza he calls it.. Poor guy has had some stomach issues, and this party almost didnt even happen, as he was doubled over in pain just the night before.. He had a small nibble of his pizza, and that was it.. He didnt eat anything else. =(

The cake..Im sure everyone is sick of seeing this picture! But, Im so happy with the way it turned out. This is the second Wilton cake I have made.. It makes me think of when I was a kid, and mom would take us to the cake pan store, to pick out our pan (you could rent them then!), and she would decorate the cake at night while we were sleeping.. I did the same. After Landy went to bed, I cranked this puppy out. I loved doing it, and I hope my kids chose these types of cakes for a while!!This was just way to cute to not post.. While the kids were out playing after all the party festivities, little Pookie and his little buddy were jumping on the trampoline. It was just so cute to catch them both in mid air..
Overall, a wonderful party!!!!

Yummy Yummy!

2010-05-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

I discovered 2 WONDERFUL recipes this past
couple weeks.. And paired together? OH YUM!
This is a creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
very very simple to make...see the recipe below.

And this. OMG..My sweet friend shared her French Bread recipe with me, and hopefully she doesnt mind me sharing with you, because its too good NOT to share! =)
I do alot of homemade bread, and rolls, and this is by far the easiest recipe I have come across!

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1/2 C Wild Rice (I just used Rice a Roni)
2 C cooked diced chicken
1 medium onion diced
1 C diced celery
4 Tbs butter
3 Tbs Flour
1-10 oz can chicken broth
2 C milk
salt and pepper to taste

Prepare wild rice as directed on package, and set aside.. Melt butter in a large pot, add onion and celery and saute for 8-10 minutes. Add flour. Add chicken broth and milk. Stir and cook over medium heat until soup begins to thicken. Add cooked chicken and wild rice, and let simmer for 10 minutes.. then .ENJOY!

Fabulous French Bread

In a large mixing bowl, or Kitchen Aid add:
2 1/2 C very warm water
2 Tbs Yeast
2 Tbs sugar
Let sit briefly until foamy, and then add:

1 Tbs salt
2 Tbs Olive Oil
3 C All Purpose Flour
Stir together until combined. then add:
2-3 C more flour

Beat on medium speed until dough comes together.Only add enough flour to where the dough is still sticky. The dough will form during the 6 stirrings.

Leave the dough hook in the dough, and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Mix again, and let rest another 10 minutes. repeat this process til the dough has been stirred down 6 times.
(I set my timer after each stirring, and I have a piece of paper nearby that is numbered 1-6. I cross off each number once its been stirred so I dont lose count!)

Turn dough onto a lightly fkoured surface, knead only enough to coat the dough.
For loaves: Divide dough into tow parts. Roll each part into a rectangle about 9 inches long, and roll up jelly roll style rolling from long side to long side. Arrange lengthwise on a cookie sheet. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes. With a very sharp knife, cut two length-wise gashes on the top.
Bake in a preheated 400 deg over for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately remove from baking sheet and cool on racks.
If you like a real crusty bread, just let it cool. If you like me and enjoy your bread softer, just butter the tops of the loaves right after then come out of the over..Keeps the crusts nice and soft.

This makes the BEST french toast the next day. Slice and dip in your favorite egg mixture..yummy!

Crashed Out!

2010-05-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

I just love this.. Little Pookie
crashed out on the floor while watching his fav show Oomi Zoomi. I just love hie monkey tucked up by his head. I love this kid. I cant believe how fast hes growing. It seems like he just got here!

Moosey Girl

2010-05-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

We have a new member of the family. Meet Moosey. Our Newfoundland.. As if 4 boys werent enough, we thought we needed a gigantic dog to go along with!
The story is... Our friends have had Moosey for 3 years, and now the husband works out of town, and Moosey needed some more attention. We decided to dog sit for them while they went out of town, and they told us, if it worked out, and we liked her, we could keep her...
Soooo that first weekend we took her to the dog park, where all of us had a BLAST with her! The boys had fun catching frogs and feeding the ducks at the pond as well.

This was just hilarious. For those of you who dont know..Newfoundlands are water dogs.. So, she found water..More like a muddy puddle, and she just layed down in it. The kids got such a kick out of it.. Crazy dog!
Weve bonded.. We really have, Im home with her all day, she comes in the house and hangs out with me, shes trained to stay where we want her to, so she stays on the tile areas of the house. Shes just one big lovey furry bear!
Shes so cute, you walk outside with her, and she flops down on her back, and just wants you to lay down on her and rub her belly!
Moosey is a perfect fit for our family. After many other failed attempts at having dogs, I think we found our match. One that doesnt pee all over my house, chew up my yard, bite my kids, or run away..
Welcome Moosey. We love you!

TOOTHLESS!

2010-05-14T21:24:00.001-07:00

Breny Boo lost his first top tooth! he looks so cute. I cant wait til he loses the other one. =) Im so proud, I pulled it out myself.. the thing was just dangling there, it didnt take much!

Mothers Day and a Surprise Trip to Mo's

2010-05-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Another sweet baby born into the family!! My little sis celebrated her first Mothers Day!! My Niece, Leena was born! And dad was so sweet to drive me and the boys down to So. Cali to surprise my sister with a visit. My hubby was out of town on business, and I found myself to be super depressed and having a hard time with him being gone on Mothers Day..So this is JUST what I needed!
Bubba couldnt get enough of his sweet little cousin. He just wanted to keep holding her. It was so precious!
It was so fun to be there with mom and sis, and little Leena. =)
My parents were so sweet to take the boys the day we got into town, back to the hotel and let them swim, so I could spend some time catching up with my sis, and just snuggling this sweet little princess.
Thanks dad for enduring those 2 long days of driving with me and the boys. I know I lost it a time or two, but I survived, and it was WONDERFUL to see my sister in her new role as a mommy! and my brother in law as a DADDY!

Last Pinewood Derby for Bubba

2010-04-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

3rd Pinewood Derby for Bubba! He did great! He made it look like a Rat, and called it the Rat Rod! I cant believe hes going to be going into Boy Scouts this year.. Time flies!

oh Sonic..We LOVE You!

2010-04-12T21:11:00.001-07:00

Yes..Sonic is a weakness around here. Everything from their Cherry Limeades, to their DELICIOUS tots..But most of all, its just fun to take the fam down there, park in the stall and let loose!
Bubba Lan, always has a chocolate milk..=)
Bubba Bren...Two corn dogs for him..and this is how he eats them. Peels the outer part off, eats it first, and then eats the hot dog inside..Funny kid!
And Pookie, just loves to get out of his carseat and run around the van with his corn dog.=) We have a great time at the Sonic Drive-In!

goodbye Tonsils

2010-04-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

So FINALLY..the culprit is GONE! Poor bubba was so sick a few months ago, and it was determined that the tonsils needed to come out..So, after much anticipation, he went into surgery on April 8th.. He was so brave!
The nurses were wonderful! They gave him this cute little wolf named "wolfie"..He loved him. And get this... His hospital gown has this little chamber in it, and this hose plugged into it, and warm air was pumped in, Bubba could adjust the temperature to his liking...I NEVER had one of those! LOL

Going Home! All done. Surgery itself only took 15 minutes, and then we had to stay 3 hours after he woke up for observation. The nurses loved him..As they brought mom and I back, they kept saying "Hes so sweet" "What a nice young man"...And in his drugged up loopiness, he kept trying to share his diet coke with me. It was so sweet.
As for recovery..Its pretty harsh.. Lortab every 3 hours, and hes hanging in there. Im so proud of my little man. He did great!

Science Wiz

2010-02-09T22:37:00.000-08:00

Jordan won 3rd place in the
Science fair this year for his
experiment with salt crystals
growing in the light and in the dark.
We are so proud of him. Hes growing so fast!!
I dont snap nearly enough pics of
this kiddo or post much..Hes always
so busy!!! But, we love him so much
and is proud of his hard work!

He can see!!!!!!!

2010-01-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

Look at this cutie!
Another Larsen boy
gets glasses..Hes so happy
he can see he says.We just
think he looks so cute in his
new goggles!

Best of Buddies

2010-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

Its time to get Gav a big boy bed it looks like..Because each morning, Jord tells me that he ends up on his bed..This was just too cute.. I came in to tuck them in and turn out lights one night, and found Gav like this..It was so hilarious...Just waiting for the tax return, and then its beds for the buddies.

Double Trouble

2010-01-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

I have taken on a babysitting job recently, which I am happy to report, I am LOVING!! 3 more little boys to love! They are great kids, and they are all my boys ages, so it works out wonderfully!! I have had my first minor incident...involving these.. Permanent Sharpie pens.

When it gets just a little to quiet, its best to run and check on that "silence" because it may just end up being a little something like this.

Heres the funny part...Im trying to keep my cool, and as mad as I was that they painted themselves, the TV, the bedding, and some clothes....When I walked in the door, they chucked the pens in the corner as if to say "we were doing nothing, we are completely innocent!".. Soooo, after some internet searching..typing into google "How to remove sharpie pen from skin"... Heres what it came up with....
Rubbing Alcohol
Nail Polish Remover
Sunscreen (WHAT THE????)
Well, I figured there was NO WAY I was going to put any of that on these little baby faces. I opted for soaking them in the bathtub for a while, and using Cetephil on a washcloth...It got the majority off, but its taken a couple days to wear off completely.

Gav, and his "artwork"

The little boy I babysit.. I think he got the worst of it.. I thought his mother was going to kill me. I felt horrible.

So, I have learned my lesson. No more facebooking while on the job. =)just kidding. It happens...Im just sure this wont be the last.

Ahhh, Memories

2010-01-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

A couple weekends ago, I had the chance to head over the hill to mom and dads for the weekend. I drove in late on Friday to surprise my sister Melissa who was there for a week. It was sooo much fun to spend the weekend with each other while my sweet husband had the kids at home by himself... We got our toes done, went out to a yummy lunch, and went through bins and bins of our old toys and treasures...I found these............

My rainbow bright dolls, all my strawberry shorcake dolls, cabbage patch, pound puppies, my little ponies, and LOADS of very loved stuffed animals..Memories!

We went on a hunt for Melissas baby blessing dress so that she could use it for her upcoming sweet little baby girl in the Spring.. In the process, we found the dress that I was sealed in the temple in to my family!

It was a WONDERFUL weekend that went by waaaay to fast.. I hope to be able to do that again soon! Thanks mom and dad, and Melissa!! I love you!

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Not much to say, just alot to see. Christmas was wonderful this year. From doorbell ditching a family in need with a pile of presents, to Christmas Eve at our house with family around, to Christmas morning seeing the look of surprise on the boys faces..Lots of fun..Enjoy the pictures..

Lan gets a new big boy bike from Santa!

Mom and Dad got a new laptop..Much needed. I have been blogging on a dinosaur of a computer for the past year or so, its been tough!

Bren on gets a motor scooter!

Gav and his new Dino friend. Koda..We all love this thing!

Jord gets a motorscooter too!

Lan and his fishing pole. He has carried this around everywhere! Even to the bathroom where he insists on his fishing pole "waiting" for him!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US!!!! HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

2009-12-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Oh wow...Looks like we may have a REALLY white Christmas this year! We got a good amount of snow this week, along with horribly cold temperatures...We have been in the negatives in the morning and night, and not much higher in the day..But it didnt stop these bubbas from jumping in the snow!
Or Bren from tasting the snow.............
Or Gav from just looking so gosh darn cute in his little snowsuit...
This reminds me of the part of the song.."Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes"

Just some fun pictures from Thanksgiving

2009-12-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving in CA with my parents, and we did lots of fun things...We took a couple of the kids up the Pleasanton Ridge, and Jordan had a blast~

We always spend alot of time at the "Big Slide" park..Here is Landen and his cousin Kelsey,It was just so cute arm in arm!
My sweet boys. I love them so much!
My sis got a real cool new camera..and took some REALLY neat pictures while we were in San Francisco...Here is pookie airborn!!

Visit to Santa

2009-11-24T09:54:00.001-08:00

While vacationing in CA, we took a trip to the mall and visited with Santa for a bit.. I wish I didnt have to be in the picture, but it was the only way to get Gav to be in it! As you can see hes leaning as far away from the Jolly Old man as he can!

New Calling

2009-11-15T13:26:00.001-08:00

I just felt I needed to post something today..No fun and exciting pictures to go with it but my feelings.
I was released from my calling this morning as the Secretary in the primary presidency. I have mixed emotions about my release..Reasons being...This is where I have served for nearly 11 years. Not in this ward, but in various wards for the past 11 years, as either a teacher or part of a presidency. This is all I know, I am have been pulled completely out of my comfort zone to now serve in the Relief Society as Humanitarian Specialist.. A WHAT? yea, me too. Im not sure what the new calling involves, BUT..I have to say.. I am soooooooooooo excited!
I am excited to attend Sunday School again, excited to be able to go to Relief Society again after 11 years, excited to have those lessons each week. This is going to be a neat change. I love love Primary...I miss will it dearly..I told them they better ask me substitute whenever possible.=)...
I just wanted to share.

Digital Short: Firelight

2009-11-09T10:09:00.001-08:00

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Yeeeeeeeee Hawwwwwwww!

2009-11-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

What a treat we got at playgroup last week. A family in the ward offered to give horseback rides to playgroup! They had 3 horses saddled up and we had a blast!

I ended up leading the horses most the time, and really really enjoyed seeing the boys so excited about riding them.
Jordy was VERY aprehensive about riding, to the point of tears..But we got him on there, and then he didnt want to get off! He was a natural cowboy!
Pookie Baby, well..He was not at all interested in getting on a horse. He was happy to just play with all the other little kids, and enjoy his sandwich!
Landy Loo loved riding as well. He was NOT happy with me when we had to leave.. Wish we had a place that we could keep horses, it was so much fun..

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

We spent Halloween in CA at grandma and grandpa's which was lots of fun! We have never done that before! It was fun to take the kids trick or treating in the neighborhood I used to trick or treat in!! Here are 3 of the bubbas, trying to patiently wait til it got dark to go out!
Introducing................. BRENY as.......................MARIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And Jordy as....................................LUIGI!.........................................Landy Loo as.....................................a BOK BOK CHICKEN......................................

And Pookie Baby as.............................THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE!(caboose shot sorry)

This little guy was WIPED out! After the sugar high, he just crashed.

2009-11-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

During my recent trip to CA, mom
took me and the boys to the cornmaze.
We had a blast, and found that Breny has
a real talent for direction. We would have
been lost in there for hours without him!
Well, all of them for that matter!

Landy finds a "Paterkiller"

Can you see Breny down there in the corn??

Fall is here

2009-11-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

I just thought this one was so
sweet of my Breny Boo. He loves
to pick up leaves and rocks and all
kinds of treasures. He was excited to
show me this beautiful one.

Landy is TWO WHEELIN!!

2009-11-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

Training wheels are officially in storage for a couple more years until the little guy is ready for them, cause this 4 year old does not need them NO MORE! Time for a bigger bike it seems too..Time to bump all the boys up to their older brothers bike again. =)

Wagon Races!

2009-11-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

Let the WAGON RACES BEGIN!!......
This is so cool. This is Bubbas big 4th grade project. He is studying the Oregon trail and the people that moved West, so he had to build his own covered wagon to race. This was a great Father/Son project. They spent most of 1 Saturday building this thing.

Bubba did most the work all by himself, and was very proud of himself being able to use the power saw, and the drill.

Thats Bubba on the far left.. Race day was FREEZING in the 30's, and miserable..But we couldnt miss it! It was so fun to see what kind of wagons the kids came up with. Unfortunately his didnt qualify for the finals, but it was a fun fun project that we all enjoyed!

Landy Loo Starts Preschool

2009-11-07T18:36:00.001-08:00

We thought this day would never come...Ok Ok...I know....what a mean mom I am thinking that. But really, its good for all of us!! Landy Loo has officially started preschool, and hes doing great. Hes got lots of little friends in there already from church and the neighborhood, so he has adjusted well. .He attends a preschool that is provided free at the local highschool which is WONDERFUL! The students love this little guy, and he has them all fooled. They say hes shy.. WHAT???? Are they serious???? Landy Loo? Shy? no way.. =)

Monster Mash

2009-10-06T14:43:00.001-07:00

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Happy Happy Birthday 2 year old!

2009-10-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

My baby boy is now 2 years old.. Happy Birthday little man! We celebrated monkey style of course with just grandparents at the house. Complete with a monkey cake that I am proud to say I made all by myself! And a monkey pinata and Curious George decorations. We had lots of fun. I just cannot believe hes 2.. A little about my 2 year old....

Loves monkeys
give high fives and bumps
loves to sing the ABC's
says "Oooooh man!"
loves to eat strawberries, veggie straws, turkey lunch meat, and pizza
sleeps in his crib now converted to a big boy day bed.
is the happiest toddler I know, and brings us so much joy, love and laughter..

The monkey cake! Took me about an hour and 1/2 to decorate..Thank you to a wonderful friend who took my 2 youngest boys so I could crank it out without inturruption.
First experience with a pinata..He loved beating that monkey up! ha ha ha ha ha!Pookies new monkey jammies.
Pookies new monkey hooded towel.. sooo hilarious!
And the cutest little monkey backpack to hold all his little toddler treasures.....

Bubba Bren's first attempt at WATERSKIING!!

2009-09-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Papa and Uncle Todd getting Bren all set to go! Thats me and John on the Jetskii towing the little guy.Uncle Todd helping Bren gain his balance before taking off.

This was Brens first real attempt at waterskiing!! He did great! He just about got up here, then went over forward! He didnt fuss, didnt cry, just said, he wanted to try again another day..Sooo. We are super proud of him for giving it a shot!

Hangin' at Yaya and Papa's

2009-08-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

We had been so blessed to be able to live so close to Johns parents..They built a beautiful house up in the mountains, and the boys BEG us each weekend to go to their house to play. Its a little boys paradise, full of rocks to climb, pinecones to collect, and of course their little pond and river..
Bubba Gav, just cooling off his little toesies in the river.
Remember the rocks I mentioned? Bren especially likes to climb, and well, drape his body over them as well!
Bubba Lan was waiting for daddy and Papa to get the 4 wheeler running, so he decided to try the helmet on. I love this boy's eyes! He cracks me up!
Bubba Bren waiting too...He put on the big helmet, so his cheekies arent as squished as Lan's were!
If you are wondering where bubba Jord was? He was inside, playing the Wii.. We couldnt tear him away to get a pic of him outside.. Maybe next time!

New Larsen Soccer Player

2009-08-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

Heres the scoop.. Little Lan hate soccer..We are quitters. I guess we are teaching him its ok to quit. I dont know.. Soooooo, anyway..We were able to swap bubba Bren for bubba Lan. There was an empty space on an U8 team, so it worked out perfect! And hes a natural!! He did awesome. Hes behind 2 games and quite a few practices. but I tell ya, for his VERY first game ever.....he did incredible! So proud of him! And he looked soooo cute out there.Look at this boy!!! He can RUN!!!!!!!

He got right in there and wrestled for that ball.

He got to kick off a couple times...Hes got a GREAT coach that is sooo patient with him, and explains everything.. Cant wait til game #2.. This is MUCH more enjoyable than the experience with bubba Lan.. Maybe next year for him.

No more braces!

2009-08-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today was Jords last day of braces!! Here is his before shot..
Here is the after shot!! He looks sooo handsome! Hes got some dental work to go, on the teeth that didnt develop properly due to his cleft issues, but hes looking great!
Funny story.. Jord lost 2 teeth this afternoon..One came out in the impression that the ortho was making of his teeth to make his retainers, and the second one came out just 20 minutes later on the ride home when he bit into a tootsie roll! it popped right out, stuck in the candy! ha ha!

End end of soccer days

2009-08-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, Session 2 of soccer..It went well. It flat out was a disaster.. These are actually the best pictures. I wanted to post that he did have fun, even if it was for a tiny moment.. He actually went after the ball here.
He got to dribble it a little bit too!
And........this is where it went downhill.. The ball got stolen from him, and he lost it. He went bazek. He went to the center of the field and broke down. screamed, and cried, and chewed on his shirt. He wanted nothing to do with the game.. He was so upset that noone was giving him the ball. Well, the little guy does not understand the game obviously!! Sooo, we tried it. We wont be returning for anymore.. He gave it his best shot, he hated it..

Soccer Man!

2009-08-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

My little RED started soccer!!! This was his first session. Hes the second smallest kid on the team, and I swear they ordered uniforms fit for an 8 year old! My poor bubba couldnt keep his pants up!! No matter how tight we cinched his drawstring...Next week...Hes wearing his own black pants..
First session went well. We had some tears.. He was very upset that noone would "share" the ball. We had to explain to him, thats what the game of soccer is all about. You have to try to get the ball!
The next day, when we talked to him about it. We said, you have to try to steal the ball from the other players.. he said
"No thank you, I like my own ball. I dont want to steal theirs"
We laughed til we cried.!
Action shot! He did awesome with dribbling and shooting! Hes a natural I think. Makes his daddy proud!
I had to add this one, cause its so stinkin hilarious...look. 2 fingers up the nose. He was bored waiting his turn I guess! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Visiting Our Baby Girls

2009-08-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

On our recent trip to Utah for my cousins wedding, I was itching to get over to see my precious baby girls. This is the first time all my kiddos have been been together. All 7 of my beautiful children. We had such a wonderul afternoon there at the cemetary. We talked about their sisters, and they spent alot of time "Decorating" their little gravestone.

Bubba Jord insisted on taking a picture of mommy and the girls.
I believe this is the first time bubba Gav has ever been to the cemetary. It was like it was completely natural to him what to do..Not to step on the stones, and he helped his brothers line pinecones around their headstone..At one point, he put his beloved little monkey next to it. This kid NEVER leaves his monkey.. But he shared with his sisters.. Just for a moment. =)
The finished product..Pinecones, leaves, dandylions, even a pink artificial flower they found lying around.
This was such a fun day. The reality that I have 7 children was amazing. They were all there. Together. Im sooo glad I got to go there and visit them. I will post video later of the boys all talking to their sisters. It was precious.

Hollywood Girls!

2009-08-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

This was a completely impromptu trip I took down to my sisters place in Long Beach,CA.. She was lucky enough to be picked for tickets for the last taping of So You Think You Can Dance in Hollywood!! Not the actual finale, but the final night the final 4 danced! So, I flew in, and we woke up sooooo early to get to downtown Hollywood to secure our place in line so we were assured tickets!..So, we took turns sitting in line, in the sun and the heat, we ended up in line for about 3 hours until they started passing out tickets! It was hot, we were sweaty and gross, but we were DETERMINED to get those tickets in our hands!! Ha ha ha! Poor Melissa, shes absolutely melting! This was her turn to wait in line! It sucked.

Look! We got the tickets in our hot little hands! WOO HOO!!! So, then we had 4 hours to kill before we had to be to the Kodak theater for showtime.

So, we checked out the walk of fame! And what do ya know? Pooh Bear has his own star!!Theres the Kodak Theater behind us.. It was a whirlwind of a trip, but sooo much fun to spend some girl time. The show was amazing, and it was so cool to watch them dance LIVE!! Soooo fun!

On Vacation

2009-08-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

I promise I havent forgotten the blog..I really havent, although it seems like its been forever since I havent posted forever....The reason being...
Ive been on vacation!!! Things have been so hectic lately. I will have a TON of catching up to do, with a TON of pictures to post..... I dont have access to a port that can upload my pictures, so I have to wait until I get home. Im in San Diego at the moment..I cant wait to share my adventures when I get home!! Check back soon, there will be LOTS and LOTS to see!

Landy Loos blanket!

2009-07-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hooray!!! Today is the day Landy Loo gets his blanket! This one took me 2 weeks to make, and the first time doing an blanket that switches colors.. Thanks to a sweet friend that wanted to get rid of some yarn, I put these colors together and made a fun blanket for Landen. This was project #3...Im going to start Bubba Jords now, so I can take it on my trip to San Diego. Lan was soooooo excited to finally have it done! Can you tell???

First Day of School 2009-2010

2009-07-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially over. Well, sort of. Its back to school for the Bubbas! Today was the first day of 4th grade and 1st grade for the bigger boys. Its going to be a loooong day for Bubba Bren..Going from 1/2 day Kindergarten to full day school. I dont know what to do with myself with just 2 kids at home!! Its quiet..Maybe a little to quiet. I never thought Id say this, but im sort of missing them. hee hee!

This is bubba Brens friend from Kindergarten..Back in the same class, YEA!!! They were so excited to see each other!

Bubba Lan, was just sad he wasnt starting school too..He gave both his brothers big loves before the bell rang, it was just so sweet.
Heres my 4th grader! I cant believe it. 4th grade!
And my 1st grader, decked out in his new school clothes, and his transformers lunchbox!

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy 4th of July everybody!! We have had a blast the past 2 days!! We spent all day Friday at Boca Resevoir boating, jet skiing, eating and just hanging out on the beach. It was DIVINE!

Lan and Daddy taking a swimming break...Jord and Lan hanging out on the beach. It's so nice this year with Pookie walking around, and can play on the beach..After a great day of boating. We spent the night at Johns parents place, and got up early and the kids decorated their bikes, and the Power Wheels jeep and got to ride in a neighborhood parade. Complete with a REAL firetruck escort, is was so fun!Here's Jord, getting ready to go!

Breny Boo...Before the crash...

Breny Boo. After the crash. Poor guy, scraped up his elbow, and his knees..He was a trooper. Still finished the parade though.
Yum! Complete with donuts and juice! I just love how Lan holds his donuts.. With his pointer finger in the middle!!
Overall..A VERY fun weekend, everyone crashed out before we could see fireworks, so we just came home, and went to bed. =)

Jelly Belly Factory FUN!

2009-07-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

One last post about our trip.. We ended our little mini vacation in Fairfield,CA and a trip to the Jelly Belly Factory!! Yes, Jenni and I, armed with 7 little boys. And we survived! I'm proud to say, we made it through, with minimal meltdowns, and no lost children..It was complete chaos in there, I do have to say, but we made it, and here they are with their cute little hats and their bags of candy (thank you grandma and grandpa for the treat $)..
Cant visit a candy factory and not get C A N D Y!!!
I love what a great helper bubba has become.. We had lots of fun together!
Oh, here is my little hat addict. He was so excited about his "HAT" And he wore that thing, he loved it!
Just so happy to be there my sweet little Breny Boo.. What a blast we had. It was sad to go home. We needed a couple more days to play in CA I think.

trip to CA continued....

2009-07-02T21:32:00.001-07:00

During our little trip with our friends...We spent a day at the pool, and Lan started to get really brave..ditched the life vest, and tried swimming without it. Here is bubba helping him swim. too cute.
Mommy and Dad..Arent they just the cutest?
Bren, he has really become quite the little swimmer!
Bubba loves doing cannonballs off the diving board.
Me and my two little bubbas. We had such a blast!

Little Trip to CA

2009-07-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

My sweet sweet friend Jenni is moving away from me! So, we decided we needed to take a little road trip to CA, so we packed up my 4 boys and her 3 boys, and we hit the coast. Spent a couple days at my mom and dads, and played at Pacifica Beach, and went swimming, hit Cheesecake factory late one night for yummy food and of course cheesecake. Im going to miss her dearly. This was such a fun fun fun trip!
Bubba found the coolest shells and sea glass on the beach, he had so much fun!

mommy came with us to the beach, thanks so much for all your help mom, and for letting all of us crash at your house. I know it was a little wild with all those little boys, and you and dad were so patient and loving. I love you so much! Thank you for everything.
Bren and his best bud Gabe. They went to Kindergarten together this year, in the same class. Bren is going to miss his friend when he moves away.
Pookie LOVED the beach, he loved the sand, and especially the seagulls!

Im so behind!

2009-06-25T18:58:00.001-07:00

Summer is of to a FUN start! Since the kids last day of school, we have been here and there. We took a trip to mom and dads in California where the kids spent most their time in the pool. Jord is a real fish!!
We have set up the slip n slide nearly every day, and been playing in the backyard!
We spend alot of time at parks..Here is my spider monkey Bren at the park in California by mom and dads house.
Lan learned how to jump off the diving board this year! Just wanted to give it a try, and he went for it. Now we cant get him OFF the thing..With his life vest, he just pops right back up, its hilarious! Hes getting tricky now, doing funny things in the air when he jumps off. Aunt Mo caught this action shot, I love it! And thats me waaaaay in the background relaxing in the sun next to mom, and one of my best friends from highschool. Thank goodness Im far away. I freaked out when I realized I was in this shot, and IN A BATHING SUIT! AHHHHH!
And, another fun milestone.Breny Boo lost his 2nd tooth! Im so proud of myself, I have pulled both of them out myself! go Mommy!
Heres to the start of Summer! Lots of other things planned, so check back often, I am going to be better about posting. I promise!

Class of 2009!

2009-06-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

You would think I would have this blog thing down by now, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get these darn pictures on here in the order I want them to be.. Grrrr.... ANYWAY=)
Our little Breny Boo graduated Kindergarten today! Woo Hoo! Yea buddy! It was the cutest little program, and then Bren and I went to lunch after (thus the picture above, out of order)..He chose Subway. Yum!!!
Again..out of order.. But, cupcakes and juice after the ceremony. YUM!!
Receiving his diploma from Mrs. Troll Ohl, the principal.. Oh, did I just say that out loud?
Singing Old MacDonald.......I think hes a chicken here...(hes in the white and red plaid shirt in front).
Walking into the MP room. See what I mean out of order. I suck... But, hes so cute! I will offically have 2 kids in ALL day school next month. WOO HOO!!!
CONGRATULATIONS BRENY BOO!

Celebrating 41 years..

2009-06-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

41 years of teaching...My highschool band director retired after that many years! There was a HUGE celebration back at FHS this past weekend, so we drove down to attend. It was so neat to see sooooo many people honoring Moorf. I saw friends from highschool that I havent seen in over 13 years, hard to think!!! But it was a wonderful reunion, and lots of fun to break out the rifle once again and spin!
Me and two very good friends from highschool. I have only seen them once or twice in the last 13 years!
Jord was taking pictures from the stands, and got this one..I was pretty rusty, but I did it!
Waiting along side my fellow drum major '95, and others from the past 30-40 years, it was really neat. We were introduced in front of hundreds and hundreds of people.
Bob Moorefield himself, and his sweet wife Anne...I wish them the best of luck, and lots of fun!

Catching Up!!!!!

2009-06-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind on my blogging lately..So, Im playing some catch up...We spent the weekend at mom and dads, spent some time at the park with the kids with mom, and Mo...The kids LOVE this park!

Mom and her girls...
Is this not the best Aunt EVER?? These boys LOVE Aunt Mo!

Landy Loo is turning 4.....

2009-05-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

And a his first coed party! woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (this was a sweet little thank you hug for his little friend Anne)
I baked up individual train cakes, and each kid got some frosting and candies and they decorated their own little cakes.
We had a picnic outside with all of Landy Loo's favorites. Hot Dogs, Strawberries, Cheese Puffs and blue Koolaid!
Landy and his friend playing around with the shark slip n slide!
This is one of Landens first friends we met when we moved to Reno..They play all the time together, this was so cute!
Overall, a great great party..I have to say, in these tough economic times, we have really been trying to cut back as much as we can. We decided to have Landy's party here at home, play all the good old games, duck duck goose..etc, we made a very expensive picnic lunch, baked the little cakes on our own..With party bags, food and all, it was only about $20! Not bad! And the kids had a blast!

I Love My Dad

2009-05-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

This is the best Grandpa. Im a little biased.=) It's my dad. hee hee. We were able to spend some fun one on one time with dad this weekend as he came to Reno for a business trip. The boys just couldnt get enough. Thanks dad for dinner at Red Robin, and for staying with us!! The boys had a "sleepover" with grandpa. They all piled in the living room on couches and a blow up mattress, oh man, we are still hearing about it. Grandpa stayed up and told them stories. What a good grandpa!
Grandpa loves his grandsons so very much, and they love him back!
Grandpa always ends up being the wrestling target. The kids love wrestling and attacking grandpa. Hes a little outnumbered though. I know the feeling!
Flat out. I love my dad. He has always been such a wonderful support in my life growing up, and now as a grandpa hes full of advice and wisdom for my boys. It was so much fun to spend time with him, and cant wait to see him again soon!

Springtime. again..For a moment maybe

2009-05-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

This may just be another Springtime tease, but you know. We will TAKE it! It was nice enough to break out the hose and play. The boys washed their bikes, and sprayed each other, and had a blast!
Does anyone ever remember playing this is a kid? London Bridge is falling down??.....With the hose?
Bren likes to make it "rain".
I love catching this little guys bright red hair in the sunlight, its so pretty!
Gav would dunk the towels, and fling the water off them. He had such a good time! Im soooo glad this Mothers Day weekend is supposed to be so nice and warm. I look forward to doing some gardening, BBQ'ing and making some homemade ice cream with the kids!

Playin' at Ya Ya and Pa Pa's

2009-04-26T10:55:00.001-07:00

Ya Ya and Pa Pa's house is completed, and a little boys WONDERLAND! Up in the mountains, lots of rocks to climb and dirt to play in, and a beautiful waterfall feature to play in and throw rocks in. There is even a frog that lives in the pond that has yet to be found, but can be heard. The kids on on a mission to find that little frog.
Jord likes to drop sticks over the bridge and follow it down the "River".
Me and the sweetest Mother in Law ever! I love you Ma!
Lan loves the pond! He pretends to go fishing!
Me and my bubbas. Lots of fun when we go up there!

Haircut!

2009-04-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

Aww, my baby boy looks like a big boy now
I decided to cut him short. Just thought I
would try it out. I really like it. I think it REALLY brings out those deep brown eyes.
Who thinks hes looks like his big brother Bren now?
I do I do!!!!

Look at this sweet boy!

Sledding!!

2009-04-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Jord and Bren had a blast riding the sled that Jord got for Christmas 3 years ago!! This is the first time its been used, and holy moly that thing can FLY! Sorry for my "Oh Crap" comment on the video. You can see they were heading for a tree. The same tree Jordan crashed into moments later on his own. I didnt catch that one on video though. Probably a good thing. It would have been tossed in the snow as I went running down the hill like a maniac to check on him.

Springtime Sledding

2009-04-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

(Bren getting ready to go down the hill)
You wouldnt think we would still be doing this, in the Spring! But a friend of mine and her 3 little boys went up to Mt. Rose and decided to squeeze in a last minute sledding day in the snow. There still is a fair amount of snow up there, so they had a great time!! This was the first time sledding for my boys, and they had fun, but MAN there were alot of tears!! Crashing is all part of the fun I kept reminding them.
(Gav was a great spectator. I took him down once, but we totally crashed. It was way to fast, and trying to hang onto him AND the sled was impossible)
(Lan, making his way back up the hill. This kid was WORN out..notice his orange saucer at the bottom. He gave up dragging it back up.. He waited for his big brothers to bring it up for him!)
(An action shot of Jord down the hill. We had a near severe incident with him. He took one last run down the hill, and crashed into a tree. He hit so hard it knocked the breath right out of him. We were worried he broke a rib or did some internal damage. Hes got a huge bruise on his arm where he threw it in front of him just before he hit the tree. I think it saved him honestly. Very very scary..Poor guy.)

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

The Bubba crew all dressed up in their Sunday best! This was the best shot I got, it was after church, they were starving, and wanting to get out of their church clothes. Gav just plain wanted to go play.
Bubba Jord, looking all grown up and stuff.
Bubba Bren, my bubba that likes to POSE for pictures.
Bubba Lan. The sun is in his eyes, can you tell?
And my sweet pookie baby..He wont look at the camera when I try to take a shot. =)
We had a real nice Easter, a dfun egg hunt in the morning, and then zipped off to church by 9am. We had the usual yummy Easter dinner with Ham, Tatoes, and homemade rolls, and spent some time with Aunt Leisha and baby Zack. Lots of fun, lots of sugar!

Manly Bonding

2009-04-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

Turned out to be a really nice Saturday, and the kids wanted to pull out the Red Rider BB gun with daddy. More like BEGGED all day to do it. So daddy set up the target on the side yard, and they had a blast! (Please dont think we are crazy! I promise they were carefully supervised, and strict rules are enforced whenever the BB gun is pulled out..The boys know these rules, and they are never unsupervised with the gun.)

Checking out who got the closest..They did great! I think daddy got the two bulls-eyes, but Jord and Bren got super close!
Jordan trying his hand at target shooting.
Lan hit more of the fence behind the target, but that's ok. He just loved that he got to shoot all by himself.
Bren really got the aiming thing down!!
It was so cute to watch all of them out there..I LOVE LOVE LOVE having all boys! Its moments like this that they can all bond together, and I sit back and just watch. I love seeing daddy surrounded by all those boys!

Egg Dying!

2009-04-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

My house stinks like a royal "Fart", the boys hands are dyed multi colors for days now, and we had one major spill of the yellow dye. But, overall.....They had a blast! The eggs turned out beautiful, and little Gav had fun with a paintbrush and paint with his eggs.
Bren wants to show you his first egg.
So sweet of Lan to make sure there are no drips.
Handsome Jord!
This is Gav's new face...Everything is "Oooooooooh".. He really got into this!

Im a Loser

2009-04-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

I just had to blog my sweet sucess. For those of you that didnt know. I have been in a "Biggest Loser" competition for the last 12 weeks. 21 ladies from the ward/Stake joined up and we had 3 teams, weighed in each week and had to follow some rules to earn points.. I am excited to say that I was the Biggest Loser for inches! in 12 weeks, I lost a total of 15 pounds, and 17 inches overall (hips,waist and thighs). So, I am beyond excited about it. I won $35 which is much needed to go buy some new pants that are now falling off my behind! =)
The rules were simple. We had to:
Drink 64 oz of water daily
Eat 5 fruits/veggies daily
Eat breakfast before 10am each day
Exercise 30 minutes a day (excluding Sunday)
No eating after 8pm
The extra points came from limiting our sweets to 3 treats a week. We had to plan our serving sizes carefully, and once we had 3, that was it for the week. Also, we had to include 10 minute strength training sessions 3 times a week.
It works! Im telling you. I watched what I ate, and stuck to the plan and I saw results. The good old fasioned way. No funky diets. I now have another 15 pounds to go to meet my final goal, so hopefully by summer!

Time Out

2009-04-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

This was an interesting night. Lan had gotten in trouble for something I can't remember what for, but was sent to his room and asked NOT to come out. Well, he screamed and cried and threw a fit, and than all was silent..I went in to check on him, and found him in his doorway. fast asleep, and snoring. He obeyed though, he didnt leave his room! Wow, he actually listened for once! ha ha ha!. This was so sweet though!