"All the Places to Love"

I downloaded a list of 100 ideas to try. Most don't seem too interesting to me but one I liked was to list all the places you have ever lived. Home to me is the most important place and hence the title of my post. Here is my list.
1. Granger, Utah (I do not remember this home at all but my parents still have friends from this time.)
2. Kaysville, Utah (I am very glad that my parents still live in the same house I grew up in. I love it, its a great home.)
3. Rexburg, Idaho (I could not continue to live there. It is too cold for me.)
4. Jerusalem, Israel (Life changing experience. I loved it! I hope to return someday.)
5. Provo, Utah (Not my town. I did have fun roommates though.)
6. Louisville, Kentucky (I have a special place in my heart for good old Kentucky. It was so good for me.)
7. North Salt Lake, Utah (I love my home and life here in NSL. I hope to remember what makes home so good and recreate it everyday for my family.)

These are my places to love.

A House Divided!

Today is November 22nd, the big game is here. My poor children don't know who they are suppose to cheer for. Even our grandma is making BYU blankets to try and persuade them to our side. David walks around listing all the general authorities that are Utah fans and I finally had to tell him that President Hinckley and President Monson have a lot of redeeming qualities about them so cheering for the wrong team can be forgiven more easily. Some one will be disappointed after the game but I hope it is not me. GOOOOOOOO! COUGARS!

The 45 Minute Challenge

My younger brother Michael gets home from his mission the day before Thanksgiving. We are all so excited. Isaac has never heard of such a long "vacation" and he is still refusing to go on a mission because he doesn't want to be away from his family for so long. (I just realized I am rambling in Larsen fashion.) Back to the point of my blog. Michael will be home soon so Jessica challenged all the family members to do 45 minutes of cardio everyday until he gets home. Yuck! I didn't want to do it but then she accused Kim of being skinny fat and me of being just plain fat and she told me to get off the exercise fence. So it is day two of the 45 minute challenge and I just finished my workout. We'll see if it makes a difference.

"Toothbrush Episode"

Lucy has been into everything lately. It is hard to keep up with her. One of her favorite things to do is to take all the shoes off the shelves in my closet. Sometimes I will put them away three or four times a day. The other thing she has really liked lately is toothbrushes. A few days ago, I got out of the shower and she had my sonicare toothbrush, or so I thought. I took it from her, brushed my teeth and put my sonicare away in my drawer. Later that night David was getting ready for bed; he went to brush his teeth and he couldn't find his toothbrush. (David never loses or misplaces anything so he was perplexed.) I realized my earlier mistake immediately. Lucy didn't have my toothbrush; she had David's. I also realized that I had used it! (GROSS!) This "toothbrush episode" reminded me of how my older brother Jason use to torment me. He would always say to me " Hey which color toothbrush is mine, again?" Acting like he couldn't remember which one was his. Then I would pick up my toothbrush and it would be wet. It made me crazy and I couldn't understand why he didn't think it was gross. He claims that he didn't really use it but I am not quite sure if that is true or not. Now as a mother my kids have the same color toothbrush all the time. Truman's is blue, Isaac's green and Lucy's pink. There will never be confusion. I am against the sharing of toothbrushes and drinks.

Do you have a look alike?

We found this picture and everyone was amazed at the resemblance between David and Truman. (Even the ears are identical, I guess Truman will grow into them.) We showed the picture to Truman and asked him who it was and he thought it was him but he couldn't figure out who he was with. John and Amy I hope you are both okay with me putting this picture on my blog.

Amy, David, & Johnny

Truman & Isaac

Goodnight, sleep tight...

I have a cute story to tell about Isaac, but to fully appreciate the story you must know two things. David is out-of-town for the weekend, and Isaac has never been a good sleeper. I mean NEVER! So anyway, the first night David was gone; Isaac came up to sleep in my bed around midnight. He slept like a rock. It is amazing how soundly he sleeps in MY bed. I mean what is the difference? The next night he fell asleep on the couch and when I put him in bed he said to me, "Mom? Who is going to lay by you since Dad is gone?" I replied, "No one." Isaac (in his very cutest voice), "Mom, I can lay by you, because I don't want you to have to lay alone." This is both very sweet of him, because he hates to lay alone and exactly what he wants. So I say why not? ( No one was going to be in that space anyway.) We slept until almost 8 o'clock, not something I get to do very often. Right now, the third night, he is currently asleep waiting for me in my bed. Tomorrow night David is going to have a difficult time reclaiming his spot. Isaac is so funny and such a great kid. I really am glad to be his mom. I'm hoping to wake up to a clock that says 8 something. Goodnight.

Family Pictures

Does everybody hate having their family picture taken or is it just me? Sunday we met Kimberly and she took some pictures for us. There are a few good shots so it is worth it, right. Kim please do not think me ungrateful because I am not but family pictures are stressful to me. I guess you go to all the work to get everyone looking their best and then you have to hope you can all look your best all at the same time. It is tricky. Here are a couple of my favorites.

Come on Lucy, look at your Aunt Kimberly.

He is so handsome. I can't stand it!

I have always thought he has luscious lips. I tell him to save his kisses for his mama.

I love having a little girl.

It was a beautiful setting. Thanks Kimma. You are getting to be good. Practice on us anytime.

Ridgetop Trunk-or-Treat

I have mixed feelings about trunk-or-treat. I really liked trick-or-treating as a kid. I think people like the kids to come to their door and I think trunk-or-treat really takes away from this. We really don't get many trick-or-treaters. I partially blame trunk-or-treat. (It is also a very lazy way to trick-or-treat. ) I do actually like seeing all the kids in their costumes though. We didn't win the costume contest but I think we should have won something. My soup was good. Here is a picture of Lucy all tuckered out. Take note of the sucker.

Halloween Costumes

These pictures are lousy. I am very sad about my good camera dying. The point-and-shoot is crappy! The happy pumpkin, dashing Dracula and a fierce lion.

"I want to suck your blood."My happy jack-o-lantern.Cutie pie!

Minestrone Soup

My friend Heather requested my Minestrone Soup Recipe. (I got it from David's aunt.) It is delicious!

1/2 lb bacon

1/2 lb sausage

1 onion (I use sweet yellow)

1/2 t garlic powder

1/3 c fresh parsley

2 t dried sweet basil (spice island SWEET basil)

2 cans bean with bacon soup

2 cans beef broth

1 qt tomatoes

6 celery stalks with leaves

3 carrots

2 c finely shredded cabbage (I use bagged coleslaw)

3 small zucchini

1 c frozen peas

Brown bacon, sausage and onion. In a large pot on low heat add soup, broth, tomatoes and spices. Begin chopping veggies. I like them chopped finely. Simmer soup for about 1 hour. I don't like to over cook veggies. Add the frozen peas at the very end or they turn gray green.

This soup is delicious and quite healthy. The sweet basil is apparently one of the tricks. Hope you enjoy.

Mexico

We had a fun trip to Cancun, Mexico. This is our second year in a row going there and the trip was pure relaxation. I am generally not a hang-out-at-the-pool type, but that is what we did. The kids loved it. They swam and made friends with all the other children. Wyatt and Sierra were their favorites. Wyatt however was not my favorite. He did not have very nice manners and he wasn't nice to Lucy. Jason told Isaac he would give him five dollars if he would hold Wyatt under the water. He was just kidding, of coarse, but that just illustrates the annoyance level. The kids also loved playing at kids club. The have fun crafts and activities for the kids to do. Their favorites are face painting, pinata party, making bead bracelets and Foosball. They also released baby turtles into the ocean. That was very fun! Lucy loved swimming and she made friends with everyone. She waved goodbye and blew kisses all over the place. She and Jason became best buddies. The adults hung out, read and talked. We took turns playing with Lucy and the boys. The food was good and several nights we went into the town of Playa del Carmen. We also followed the economy and politics in the evenings.


One day we took a day trip and went to Xel Ha! It is an adventure park, Mexican style. We swam with the Dolphins and it was quite fun. Isaac and Truman were a little nervous but they have talked about Alux, our dolphin, non-stop. Alux swam up behind us and then we super maned across the pool. Kind of like at Sea World. My childhood dream is almost realized. (Reference Oceanside Blog about Shamu.)


My camera also died in Mexico. It had a weird pop and then wouldn't work again. It is currently being fixed. My other point and shoot cameras battery was dead so I don't have good pictures to post. I know that I am computer and camera challenged. I guess I have a good goal for next year.

Salon Gossip

I got my haircut yesterday. Hooray! I don't really like getting my haircut but I really needed it and I like my new hairdresser, Matthew. He does a good enough job not to get fired by me, at least not yet. (I have a history of firing my hairdresser. ) It doesn't really have anything to do with the hairdresser; mostly just I don't usually like my hair. I wish it were long and thick instead of baby fine. Matthew has given me a good stylish cut and I like it, plus it is super easy; which is a huge bonus. One additional bonus is Matthew has a new client. Using Matthew's words:
Matthew: I cut some hotshot jazz players hair today."
Me: "Oh who's that?
Matthew: "A Kyle Korver."
Me: "He's foxy!"
Matthew: "Yeah! He is!"
Buy the way Matthew great job! Did anyone see the Jazz game? Perhaps Kyle and I will pass each other in the salon. (David does know of my affection and he has nothing to worry about. He is really the only person I have eyes for.)

I need a kick in the pants!

I have not been doing good on my exercise/nutrition program. I think I gained like five pounds in Mexico. I did not want to go to my fatman appointment last week so after missing for two weeks and going today,I am officially giving myself a kick in the pants. It is Jessica's assignment to question if I have exercised everyday. If I get her on it, it should work. She is a Nazi. The consistency theme emerges.

It looks like Halloween!

There is glitter all over my house. It is every place but I really think the witches hats turned out cute. I love Halloween . We are all ready. All the kids costumes are ready and the kids are all very excited. We have some fun stuff planned for the week.

Monday-Jessica's Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party. This is our second year, the party is held on family night. It is a good dress rehersal for the big day. It also relieves a bunch of running around on Halloween. Great idea Jess!
Tuesday-Trunk-or-Treat with our ward. This is really a very lazy way to trick-or-treat. We are having a halloween parade, trunk decorating contest and I think they are judging the costumes. I am also taking my favorite minestrone soup.
Thursday-Harvest Parties at school. They do not wear costumes. At first I thought this was just one more way to take the fun out of school but I think I might be glad not to have to get them all dressed up again.
Friday-Our neighbor Noah's Haunted Birthday Bash. (Knowing Nicole J. it will be a blast. She is a very fun mom.) Also trick-or-treating.

It will be a busy week. Hope you all have a great time.

2008 Travel Log

Jessica told me today that she wanted a new post from me. We have been busy getting back into the routine of regular life after our trip to Cancun. Traveling is fun and something I enjoy doing but I would prefer to go a little less. It is a lot of work, especially with kids. I always tell David that going somewhere takes up three weeks. The week before preparing to go. The week you are gone and it takes a week to recover from the trip. I was looking back on our year and these are the places we have been.

January- New Orleans. David went to the National Championship Football game. I wasn't traveling but I was home alone with three small children.
February- We stayed home.
March- St. George with the whole family.
April- LasVegas. David and I went for the BonJovi concert.
May- Pinehurst, North Carolina. David went on a golf trip. I was once again home alone.
June-Lake Powell. Our family trip with the Larsens.
June-Oceanside, California. Family trip with the Stohls.
July- Spudman. David, Nicole and Wade.
August- Lake Powell. The Stohls, Wards and Jason.
September-St. George/Las Vegas. Couple trip with our friends the Johansens.
September-Louisville, Kentucky. David and I went to the Ryder Cup.
October-Cancun, Mexico. Our family and Jason.
November- New York. David and I will be attending his moms wedding.

No wonder I don't get anything done.

Sponge Curlers

I thought we would try out the sponge curlers. We rolled her hair at night. In the morning there was not 1 curler in place. Now we bathe in the morning and then put the curlers in. Our fine baby hair takes no time at all to dry. I am really happy to have a little girl to be girlie with.

Sugar and Spice!

Check out her muddy feet! (Thank you Erin!)

Lessons from Louisville

Our recent trip was a fun walk down memory lane. When we first arrived I immediately felt at home but Kentucky didn't always feel that way to me. Our first year there was difficult for me, but looking back on it I learned a lot and I think it is really good for a new married couple to move away. It really helped David and I to become our own family unit.

1. Families are so important, they make us who we are. Being near and around them really helps confidence. I am so glad that I have a close family and for the things they teach me. I had some great friends in Kentucky that were like family to me.

2. I love the manners that people have in Louisville. People are very civil to one another, everyone uses yes ma'am or sir. People from Utah could take a lesson.

3. I loved being around a variety of people. I was definitely the "different" one. It was good for me to learn to explain myself and for my friends to see that Mormons aren't as weird as they thought. I also learned that some of the best people I know do not belong to my church.

4. I learned to work hard and always try to do my best at work. The hospital I worked at did not have great conditions. We were always under staffed, we didn't have equipment that worked and our patients could be very mean. I am proud of the job I did and I am very grateful that I don't have to work there anymore!

5. I learned a lot about myself. I know that I am tough and can do hard things. I can stand up for myself. I enjoy spending time with myself.

I am very glad that David and I had the opportunity to live away for awhile. I am also very glad that I can raise my kids near my family and that they can grow up around friends that have similar values and beliefs.

Ryder Cup

David and I just returned from a quick trip back to Louisville, Kentucky. We were attending the Ryder Cup and stayed with some friends, the Marrilla's. Talk about gracious hosts. Thank you so much Michelle and Brian. It was really fun spending time with them. I had some great talks with Michelle and I appreciate the great people they are.

We missed our flight out of Salt Lake into Louisville and luckily were able to catch a later flight that same day. It really was a bummer and David was NOT happy. We missed our dinner reservations that night so instead of dinner we headed to Graters. Graters is possibly the greatest ice cream on the face of the planet and we had ice cream three times while in Louisville. We were eating our ice cream while waiting for the Marrilla's, and some of our old dental school friends walked in. Broadbent's, Coleman's and Roos' were also all in town for the Ryder Cup and it was really funny to run into them. Julie and I were quite close the first few years of dental school and it was so fun visiting with her.

I was also able to meet up with my dear friend Kelley. We attended school together at McKendree College. I also worked with her at the University of Louisville Hospital. She was a mentor to me and taught me a lot about being a good nurse. I really don't know how I would have made it with out she and Tara.

The Ryder Cup was fun. It was a little bit slow for me but David loved it! I only attended one day and that was plenty for me.

While at the airport waiting for our flight home we ran into Elder Bednar. He was attending the Ryder Cup with his sons and we had a delightful chat with him. He was really a funny guy but also a man of God.

All in all a fun quick trip. I of course forgot my camera so I have no pictures to post. Oh well.

My sweet Dad!

I have a terrific dad, and I have always been a little bit of a daddy's girl. Some people think my dad is a bit gruff but he is really a big softy, especially when it comes to his girls. When I was little I remember walking with my dad and holding his pinkie finger. He also loved it when I would scratch his back or rub his feet. He nick named me soft hands because I had a gentle touch. I remember my dad would tell us stories and he would change them to make them extra funny and we loved it. My dad would always take us for a treat when my mom was working. We loved buying a candy bar or getting dilly bars from Dairy Queen. My dad liked his girls to look pretty and he would roll our hair in curlers when my mom was gone. He still likes curly hair best. My dad was always very kind to people that were down on their luck and he is a good example of anonymous charity. My dad gives good advice and he is an ADORABLE grandpa. He is soooo pleased with his grandchildren that it is almost funny. He calls Lucy several times a week to talk to her on the phone and is very happy when she jabbers back to him. I feel so BLESSED to be his daughter.

I haven't been blogging lately because I have been so worried and concerned for my cute dad. Many of you know my dad was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer at the end of July. August 18th he had his kidney removed. My dad's health hasn't been very good the last few years and we were very concerned that he could have serious complications during his surgery. We were very blessed that the surgery went well and they think the cancer hasn't spread. My parents have been remarkable through all of this. Cancer is scary and it is a feeling of total helplessness. Dad we love you so much, we pray for you often because it is the only thing we can think of to do. During our prayers my boys almost always remember to bless their grandpa and if one of them forgets the other one will say you should have blessed grandpa. Then we say another pray to remember to bless him. Dad I love you and I'm glad YOU are MY dad.

First Day of School

Walking to school.
Truman is very excited.

And a bit nervous!
Isaac didn't want his picture taken, TOO BAD!

School days are here and the last few weeks of summer I was starting to get anxious to have a more regular schedule and my boys needed something more productive to spend their time doing. Truman has been so excited to start Kindergarten and he is ready. He tends to get a bit silly when he has friends around so I hope he will be a good boy at school. He has a good teacher and I think he will have a great year. Isaac will be gone all day. I am actually quite sad about this. It seems like I have lost a lot of my influence and control. I hope that these last few years I have taught him appropriate values. It seems to be going by too quickly. I love being a mother and I hope my boys will love school and always try their best. Look out Orchard.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell-Halls Creek Bay

Last trip of the summer. It was the least crowded I remember Lake Powell ever being in the summertime. They say its because of the price of gas. We went with Kimberly and her family, our family and Jason. Jess and Mom and Dad were out for this trip. We decided to go to try and keep our minds off the stress of dad's surgery.
We had a good trip and the most exciting event was teaching Isaac to wakeboard and waterski. He was able to pick up on both easily. He is the most coordinated kid around and he was waterskiing for so long we finally had to tell him to let go. He was mad at us after that. A watersport lover is born.

Nicole and Lucy

The kids love to watch the watersports!

David about to bite it on the skurfer.

Lake Powell is such a beautiful place. It has so many memories for me and I hope that my kids will love it the way I do. Its not just the fun that makes the vacation it is the company. I love my family a lot and hope to have many more Lake Powell Days!

What I love about Summer!

The lazy days of summer are just about over and I thought I would remind myself why I love it!

1. Lake Powell. I love this family vacation and have been going there since I was a young girl. Even though it is a very different vacation now that I have kids I am happy that my kids are loving it from a young age as well.
2. Reading a book. When I was younger Jessica use to give me a summer reading list. I should have had her give me one this summer. I will remember next year.
3. No schedule. I love the relaxed, easy, no plans days. You can wake up and decide to do what you feel like doing.
4. Yard tours. This is something that I do with my mom and sisters. We go for a little walk around each others yards and look at plants and get ideas. We even pull a few weeds as we go. All the Larsen girls love to garden, our Grandma was an excellent gardener and we inherited the love.
5. Water skiing. Nothing like an afternoon and evening at Pineview!
6. BB Q's. I love to get together with family and have a simple BBQ.
7. I love to relax in a hammock. I have yet to do this this summer. I better get on it.
8. Sunshine.
9. Flowers. They truly make me happy.
10. Eating outside. My boys and I have eaten lunch outside on the deck quite a bit this summer. I love eating outside. It is just fun. Not having a big mess inside is an added bonus.

I hope everyone has had a great summer and that you get in those last few loves.

Swimming Lessons

Nice googles, T-Dog!

Go Isaac!

The boys have been taking swimming lessons at the Bountiful Rec Center. They were in the same class and were working on stroke development. I maybe signed them up for too high a level because they still need to work on stroke development. They had a fun time. We stayed after several days and swam with cousins; now I am all swimmed out. (Perhaps I should have enrolled myself in a swim coarse. It might have come in handy last weekend.)

Spudman!

Pre-race.
Why are there so many crazy people?
The swim is tough. I kind of freaked out.
David & Wade after the race.
Just before crossing the finish line.

We did it!

Hooray! We did it! I feel so good to be done with this. We are both a little sore but proud to have finished the race. We both improved on our times from our last Spudman. We decided that we need to focus on swimming in open water. It is soooo different. Also if I commit to do the race I need to train more consistently. Do you see a common theme in my life?

We drove to Idaho with Wade and stayed with my aunt and uncle. My kids stayed with my parents. Gayle and Milo were very gracious hosts. Thank you so much to them. Thanks also Mom and Dad, I never have to worry about my kids when they are with you. My cousin, Lisa was also participating in the race for the first time and she did a great job. We talked about doing it again next year and decided that today would not be the day to decide. We also saw Andrea and her family so it was a fun little reunion. Joc was also there with some other friends so she didn't stay with us but she did a great job too.

Pre-race Jitters!

This is all my gear.

Tomorrow we leave for the Spudman. It is Saturday and I am very nervous. My goal is to finish the race and hopefully do it a little bit faster than last time. I think that I am in better shape but I am not sure that I have trained as much as I needed to. I have been focused on the fat man program which, for me, takes a lot of effort. Last spudman, all my siblings participated. This time I will be the only Larsen. David and I decided today that at least our entry forced us to exercise probably more than we would have otherwise. Wish us luck, we may need it.

Behind on Blogging

I am very behind in my blogging. I have not been feeling much like writing lately. You will have to look back in time to see what we have been up to the last month. It has been a busy one.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Dad & Mom with all of the grandkids.
Grandma and Lucy.

My mom celebrated her 60th birthday. (I think we should have had a big birthday bash. Maybe that will have to be for 65. If I start thinking about it now I will have 5 years to plan it.) We had a family BBQ at Jessica's and had a great time.

My mom is a great lady. She is a very hard worker and rarely sits down to relax. She has to be doing something. Her daughters love it when she comes to help them because she can get so much done. We call her Kathy the whirlwind. She has many talents and hobbies. She knows how to do almost everything. I am glad that she raised me with a can do attitude, it helped me become a confident person. I feel so blessed to have her for a mother. She always does the right thing and she can't understand people who don't do the same. (This quality reminds me of my grandma.) People often tell me that I remind them of my mom and it is one of the best compliments I could receive. Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!

Oceanside

Hudson and Truman buried. Can you tell whos who?

Anzley and Sylvie looking on.

The hot tub was a huge sucess for the kids!

Luckily there were two hot tubs; one designated for adults.
Amy and Adam. Adam is a sweetheart!
Lucy and David on the beach.
Lucy and Mom.
All the kids in one shot; a difficult job.
Lucy loved to crawl on the sand.
James and Isaac building sandcastles.
Rebecca and Isaac buried alive.

We had a great trip to Oceanside, California. We rented a beach house and went with several of David's siblings. I wish all of them could have come but that is still a few more years away. The house was right on the beach and it was so fun. We had plenty of relaxing, hot tubing, boogey boarding, movie going and hanging out. I honestly could have stayed another week.

We took a day and went to Sea World, which is a favorite of mine. When I was a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist. The first time I went to Sea World my sister Jessica was called down out of the audience and she received a kiss from Shamu. It was sooooo cool! So cool, in fact, that for several years I told everyone that Shamu kissed me. I remember being older and thinking to myself, that wasn't really you, it was Jessica. I can not think of Sea World without remembering this story. We saw the Shamu show Believe. I loved it! I have to admit that I was teary eyed.

I also did a bit of shopping. California and Nevada have great outlet malls and for the past several months I have been working hard to loose weight. This was my reward and incentive to keep up the hard work. I studied fashion by watching What Not to Wear and I was actually surprised at how much I learned. I haven't been able to get anyone to nominate me so I have just taken matters into my own hands.

David and I celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary while on the trip. We were able to get a night out and we went to dinner and saw the broadway show, WICKED. I love this show. It is kind of like life; full of surprises and misunderstandings. It helps me to remember there is always another point-of-view.

We had a really great trip! Thanks, Matt for all your hard work in putting the trip together. We hope to do it again soon.

Birthday Round #2

Mom and Dad with Lucy
My first attempt at decorating with fondant.

Lucy with her new stuffed animal.
Can't you just tell how much they like each other?
Lemon Cake is YUMMY!

Lucy's 1st Birthday is officially over now. She had a great weekend of family parties. She didn't really know what was going on but she kind of liked the presents and singing happy birthday. She also quite liked her cake. The Larsen Clan was all here, minus Michael, they are an easy group to have because everyone is very helpful and there isn't much stress. I guess they all know me pretty well and I don't worry. (This might be a bad thing, I really wasn't ready when the party time came. Luckily, Kathy the whirlwind came in and saved the party.) After Lucy opened her presents Grandpa wanted to line them all up and see which one she liked best. He is hilarious! Luckily for everyone she picked one that he brought. Lucy has a little dog that she loves and her Grandpa bought her a new stuffed animal and he wants her to love it the best. We'll have to wait and see Dad. All the Stohl birthdays are over for the year and it will be a good break. They are fun but its a good thing they only come around once a year.