Creating Memories

Larsen Family Christmas Party

2011-12-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

For Christmas this year Jim and Judy aka Grandma and Grandpa took us on the Heber Creeper and then to Solider Hollow to go tubing. It was so fun. I love trains and I love to ride on trains. I'm not sure why but it gives me a thrill. This time was no different.

I stuck my head out of the door of one car and Jon stuck his out out of another and we got this shot.

Braylund was just being goofy. He was such a good boy. He didn't have a nap but that didn't seem to bother him

The boys...Krayden loves Jace and Riley and any time he gets to be with them is heaven.

The girls...need I say more?

Patiently waiting for the train to start. Once it did it was asking why we weren't going fast?

Trying to get a picture and B Man was wondering what was going on. This is the best be could get.

I love this one. Just looking at the country side go bye.

We walked to the snack car to get a treat and this is Trevin holding on for dear life. It was like in the movies moving from car to car except for on this train the put black sheeting so you couldn't see the ground rushing by when you went from car to car. I loved it the kids not so much. I was trying to find excuses to get up and move around.

The train making its way to our destination. It was super fun. It just happened to be my birthday and I couldn't think of a better way to spend it...with family.

Solider Hollow up next

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

I love this train!! I love the way it smokes and the train noise it makes. I just love everything about it. It puts the perfect touch to our tree. I love this picture!! Trevin would just sit and watch the train go round and round for hours. Oh the magic of a Christmas train.

These are our stockings hung with care. My mom did this advent calendar when we were little. There is a string for each day until Christmas and each night the kids get to pull one out and there is a treat on the end. I like this way because each kid gets to participate each night.

The kids watching dad hang the lights on the house. Who needs ladders anymore? Dad just uses the windows throughout the house to climb in and out.

B Man wanted to help too...

Losing interest

All done. (Kynlee thinks I'm mean because I took a picture of him crying:))

The kids getting their turn on the roof. This was the highlight of the day.

Mean mom....I wouldn't let Trevin walk on the roof, but he got the longest turn to sit outside.

Krayden's turn. (Notice I did not take a turn. I stuck my head out the window to get the pictures. That is good enough for me.)

Flick came back and hid in a lot of different places

We found him in Krayden's room riding a Harley. I told him to ask Santa to get one for both of us. I hope he got his because I didn't get mine.

Sitting on Santa's lap.

Every time someone asks what Trevin's name is he tell them 3. We are working on that!! ( He went to nursery and they had a substitute and when they asked him his name he said "one, two, three" so on all of his papers they wrote "3" we all got a good laugh)

It was too cold where this Santa was to get little man out so this will have to do as his Santa Picture

Christmas Eve

They are all wearing their PJ's from Nana. I think this one is funny because Braylund is totally getting Ellie

This is the best one out of the lot. Oh well. They were having fun and I made them stop for a picture. Can't blame them for not wanting to look at me.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

The only things that my kids asked for on their Christmas lists were iPads. (When they talked to Santa it was different every time. Good thing we go of the list) They didn't get their iPads but they each did get a tablet. They were in heaven!!!

Each got a pair of earphones to go with it. Santa was super smart on this one!!!

Kynlee with her tablet and her bean bag from papa.

My dad got each of the kids a bean bag and it was the perfect gift.

This little guy slept through all the fun. He go a new bottle, lotion and baby wash in his stocking and got a little toy that makes lots of noise from Santa.

Jon got a belt buckle

This Christmas was just perfect. We were able to mainly focus on the main reason for the season. We were able to talk with our kids about our Savior and all the blessings that we have. We didn't go into debt and we were well prepared before hand so we didn't feel like we had to go out and buy the "last minute" gifts. We were surrounded by the ones we love most and were able to make memories with them. We did our traditional beef tenderloin dinner and had lots of family over on Christmas Eve. Going to church on Christmas Day was just the right touch. What better way to celebrate Christ's birth than with a great Christmas program? Then we had the traditional big breakfast and later that day we had a fire in the fire pit and roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. I am so blessed and feel so grateful for what the Lord has blessed me with. I have a wonderful husband and four awesome healthy children. I have parents and in-laws that support us and all that we do. I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. Really I have all that I could ever want or need and that is the greatest gift.

These 3 might look innocent

2011-12-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

BUT THEY ARE NOT

***I watch my two nieces who are 3 and 2 so it is like having triplets***

So far they have

opened 10 packages of kool-aid and dumped them all over the floor

they have emptied out the whole bookcase

Have some how tipped over a big cabinet in the bathroom

Tore out all the pages in the book of Moroni in my Scriptures

They have colored on the walls

They have warranted us to buy locks for three rooms upstairs to stop making messes

in those 3 rooms they have

dumped all Polly pockets, barbies, shampoo, and clothes out of drawers

I love them all to pieces and are glad they are such good friends. Can't wait to see what the teenage years old. Heaven help us all!!!!

Toddlers in Tieras

2011-12-14T16:18:00.002-07:00

Well maybe not toddlers but some pretty cute girls!!!!

Brynlee

Madi

Kynlee

The older cousins took these three girls up to Kynlee's bathroom and made them over. They did a fantastic job and everyone had fun. I think Kynlee needs a younger sister!! Ha Ha

2011-11-30T17:03:00.001-07:00

We heard little Braybray laughing in the living room by himself and then when Trevin came he laughed even harder. Trevin can make this kid laugh anytime of the day.

"when my birthday is over I will be three"

2011-11-12T15:23:00.001-07:00

My Sweet, Sweet Baby Boy

I guess you are no longer my baby boy, but my little man that just won't stop growing. You are the sweetest thing ever. You are constantly saying sorry to me. You say sorry when I have to change your diaper, you say sorry when you spill a little milk from your cereal in the morning, you say sorry when you are trying to get me and I playfully say stop you are hurting me.

You are the cutest little guy too. When ever you have an idea that you think is better than mine you say "how about that?" with your head turned ever so slightly and in a little voice that I have to say yes too. You know how to get what you want by turning on the charm.

Every night when I tuck you into bed you say "I need a hug, and just a little kiss ok, not a big one ok mom." Then you proceed to ask me if I will get you bone (milk) and cereal in the morning. Oh how you love cereal. You would eat cereal for every meal if I would let you. When ever I am making dinner and you ask what I am doing and I say "I am making dinner" with out fail you respond "me no like dinner!! I like cereal." But to no avail you get dinner and true to your word you don't eat it. You don't even try it. If we are lucky we can bribe you to try it and then you gag and cry and reaffirm that in fact you do not like dinner. I have to make sure to put some sort of fruit on your plate for dinner or you would totally starve. I have had many friends tell me that a child will not allow themselves to go hungry. I bed to differ. You do every night. You still like to drink your bone out of a sippy, but of late your sippy has been missing (your fault, not mine). You seem to have forgotten the rule that when you are done you are supposed to put it on the counter. So for the last to days, heaven help us, you have had your bone in a cup. You still ask for your sippy and you have a solution for you to be able to drink bone from a sippy. You tell me I need to go to Wal-mart and buy you a new one. I am anxious to see how many days this will go on. You will probably win. If we can't find your old sippy in a day or two I can see myself buying you a new one. Your sad, sad eyes in the morning when you ask for your bone and I tell you you have to have it in a cup are getting to me.

We tried potty training you just two days ago. Note the key word "tried." Yes, you are back in diapers and much happier. You did really well the first day and had only one accident the whole day. Then day two came along and you wanted nothing to do with the potty. I offered the diaper back and you gladly accepted. Now we are both happier. You still didn't really have any accidents you just didn't go at all. You would say that you needed to, we would go into the bathroom and then nothing. You silly silly boy.

Trevin you are super smart and you use your smartness on your parents daily. When you want to be held you say that you are little or small. When you want to go outside and play by yourself you are a huge boy. The other night when it was time for bed dad gave you hugs and kisses then I took you upstairs to tuck you in. You were all tucked in then you said to me "I be right back I need to give dad hugs and kisses." Dad hears this and yells upstairs, "I already gave you hugs and kisses." Which you kindly and ever so smartly say "yep, but I didn't give you hugs and kisses." You got us there and you were allowed to go back downstairs to give hugs and kisses.

You have CRAZY hair!! If we cut it too short than it sticks up everywhere and it looks like we didn't do it. If we grow it out long then it sticks up everywhere and it looks like we didn't do it. So for about three days of of the month your hair looks like your mom cares even though she does your hair every day. (I wanted that in writing so when you look back on your pictures you know that I tried). No matter what your hair looks like though you are still cute!!!

We love you so much and are so blessed to have you in our home. You bring love and laughter on a daily basis. Have a great day buddy.

P.S. For your birthday dinner you get CEREAL!!!

Love you lots

Love,

Mom

2011-11-02T10:28:00.000-06:00

Kynlee Loves her Aunt Sue

Crazy Hair Day

2011-10-21T00:44:00.000-06:00

Kynlee had crazy hair day at school. We made her some wire pom poms. I think we are on to something.

Really Tired

2011-10-21T00:28:00.002-06:00

I guess he thought he would take a little break from having a snack. I was putting Braylund down for his nap and came out to complete silence. Poor little guy!! I moved him to the couch and he finished his nap a little more comfortably.

There are NO words

2011-09-30T17:45:00.002-06:00

No really there are NO words, as in they have not been invented or created or how ever words are put into the dictionary for how blessed I am to be part of this family. To be the mother of four beautiful happy healthy children whom I adore beyond anything else in this world. To be loved by a Father in Heaven to give me this time on earth with them. To learn and grow together and have the knowledge that we will be TOGETHER FOREVER.

Kynlee and her spunky personality. She has some great one liners and is the biggest help. She adores her brothers, wishes for two sisters. I love you Kynlee Babe!!!

Krayden who gives me a run for my money and keeps me on my toes (but wouldn't have it any other way) Loves to be active, hates to be bored. He can hit a baseball and loves to play soccer. He makes me smile. I love you Kray Boy!!!

Trevin loves fire trucks and still drinks bone(milk) from a sippy. He is super smart and funny. He doesn't like dinner he likes cereal (his words not mine). I love you Trevin Dude!!!

Braylund is all smiles. He is a great sleeper both for naps and bedtime. He loves to eat baby food. He is super happy and never cries. I love you baby boy!!!

photos by sara coral photography

I HEART this kid

2011-09-26T00:23:00.000-06:00

This little guy is 6 months. He is the best baby ever, I don't know how I get so lucky. He sleeps through the night and he only takes one nap but that nap is 3.5-4 hours long. (I can get a lot done). He loves to play with his fingers. In fact he chooses his fingers over a toy. He has lots of tricks that he can do with his fingers. He can cross them, give thumbs up, and he wave (non intentionally). He can roll over but chooses not too. He has his sister and his two brothers wrapped around his little finger, and I guess we better not forget his mom and his dad. He his very hard to watch a movie with because he talks through the whole thing. He is famous for his little squeal around these parts and it can get loud when his brothers join in. He is all smiles and loves to eat baby food. He still likes to be wrapped up tight to go to sleep and he has to have his cozy blanket to do so. Once he sees his blanket he knows it is time for bed and will instantly calm down. He will lay in bed and talk and talk when he wakes up. Braylund we love you so much and we can't believe that its already been 6 months. You have blessed our family everyday. Love you buddy boy!!!

Weighs 15.6 pounds 18%
Height 26 inches 50%

Shooting with the Big Boys

2011-07-18T23:59:00.005-06:00

Everytime there are guns around this is how Trevin walks around.

Dad teaching gun safety and letting the kids each have a turn.

I need some serious pratice and some intense lessons!!

I was trying to shoot a paper plate up on the mountain. I don't think I came within 100 yards.

Don't ask me what I'm doing here. At least I am holding it right (I think)

His face sums it all up!! We had a blast.

How Many Faces?

2011-07-18T23:43:00.003-06:00

I love to just sit and watch him!!! He was pulling some pretty cute faces. He has everyone wrapped around his little fingers.

Pickleville and Snow

2011-07-18T20:03:00.001-06:00

How Braylund spent his time over Memorial Day Weekend at Pickleville. He loves his swing!! It was so cold that we didn't dare bring him outside. (Day one)

Day two

Day three (He did get out to eat and take one trip outside but he didn't like it much)

This is what Krayden does all day long. He wakes up and asks for the keys. We don't see him until he needs food.

Trying to big one of the big boys, nevermind that it's pink and purple

Popcicles even though it's freezing

Grandma was painting and had her painting clothes on.

Love Trevin's outfit. He was covering his ears becuase the boys were shooting guns and he thought it was loud. It was pretty funny cuz they were just pellet guns that hardly made a sound.

The back bedroom got new bunk beds. The kids were a tad excited.

I said it was COLD. We woke up to SNOW!!!

The snow melted a few hours later but it was still freezing!!! We had a great time spending time with family. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for having us and sharing Pickleville with us.

Caught Red Handed

2011-07-17T15:10:00.001-06:00

I was feeding Braylund in my room and I hear the sounds of a spill. I was expecting Trevin to come in my room and tell me the news instead I hear silence. I finish and walk out to find this. He tried to use the broom but I guess it was just easier to eat the mess.

"I Trevin, I two, I a boy"

2011-07-17T15:07:00.000-06:00

These are the words that Trevin says whenever you call him anything different than his name. He is not a "stinker," "cool dude" "handsome boy" He is Trevin and he is two and he is a boy.

And he is right about all three. His name is Trevin and he definitely acts like a two year old and is ALL BOY!!!

We live on a lot of hills and he zooms down them on his little bike going 100 MPH. He has the scrapes and bruises to prove it.

He loves to jump....

off of EVERYTHING!!!

When you pick him up he wraps his arm all the around your neck

And I think he is a stinker, a cool dude and a handsome boy!!

Rock-a-Bye-Baby

2011-07-16T12:45:00.000-06:00

Kynlee is the biggest help ever!!! She can put Braylund in the swing, she can get him out of his bed, she plays with him, she can wrap him up like he likes, and she rocks him in the little kid rocking chair. The love she has for her brothers' is amazing.

What Summer is All About

2011-07-08T19:31:00.000-06:00

Family and Shaved Ice. And our family LOVES shaved ice. I remember growing up and going to get a shaved ice with my family. This will be a tradition that will carry on. Thanks dad/papa for this shaved ice. We had a good time!!

The 4th of July with a little taste of PARIDISE

2011-07-05T19:26:00.000-06:00

I LOVE COUSINS!!!! These two only see each other about once a year and you would never know it from the outside looking in. Once we got there we never saw them separated.

Lizard catching

I was a little nervous (I hate lizards), but everyone had to get a kiss

Going for walks

More lizard catching. The boys spent all their time finding and catching lizards

Becky had some crafts for the kids to do

We slept in the guest house which was perfect for us. Once everyone went to bed we would come to the casita and watch a movie

Trying out the playground

This slide was crazy. It wasn't even fun and it hurt all the way down.

The favorite part of the day

We went to New Mexico for the 4th of July to visit my Nana and Papa and Aunt Becky. Their house is just a little taste of paradise. There are porches surrounding the house so you can sit outside all day. ( You just move from porch to porch with the sun). We met my cousin, Sara, there along with her husband and cute little girl. Kynlee and Layla played and played and sang Justin Beiber. The boys played and played and caught lizards(with Jon's help). The adults sat on the porches and relaxed and talked and relaxed some more. It was the perfect vacation for everyone.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Here Kitty Kitty

2011-06-30T19:13:00.000-06:00

We thought we put the kids to bed....

Most nights after we put the kids to bed and think they are asleep Jon and I will go and sit out on the front porch. It's a nice spot, if we leave the lights off then no can see us and sometimes we get a good view of the neighborhood happenings. Mostly we just get to sit and enjoy each other.

Well this night we had a visitor, or two. Trevin decided that he wasn't tired anymore (his words not mine). While we were trying to convince him other wise he finds a "kitty"

Trying to be "sneaky" not so easy for a 2 year old

He chases said kitty and said kitty starts rubbing the tree and Trevin's legs.

Trevin made a new friend

the kitty, kitty came back the next morning

and was snuggling up to the everyone (who would let it, or get close enough for that matter.)

I love how animals can bring so much happiness

"When the snow melts off those mountains"

2011-06-30T14:43:00.000-06:00

Those were the words that we would hear all growing up. My mom wouldn't let us put on our swimsuits until the snow had melted. We used to hate it, but i get it now. Kids want to go swimming when it is freezing outside. I couldn't use that saying this year with the over extended winter and 5 kids under the age of 5 needing some entertainment.

So much like her mother!!!

Kynlee started taking pictures

I was showing the kids how to run through the sprinklers.

Drying off

Nothing but smiles

2011-06-29T14:57:00.000-06:00

How I love this boy and his cute smiles. He is super smiley and will smile and everyone and everything. He wakes up with a smile and is happy all day long.

Birthday Fun

2011-06-28T19:05:00.000-06:00

Went to bed 6 and woke up 7!!!

She chose "the fire place" (Tepanaki) for dinner

This guy was a little nervous

The BEST part, well besides the steak

This year was a family party but party we did

The cake

Licking the frosting off the Barbie

Now here comes the fun part

There was enough candy that all the parents were trying to leave bags full here. We would not have that. It's not a party without going home with enough candy to make you sick and make a huge mess. (That's why we do it at the end, so they have to take it home). It was some fun times had by all. She did remind me at the end though that next year was a friend party. Can't believe that she has blessed our lives for 7 years. Can't wait for what's to come

Relaxing With Dad

2011-06-27T11:23:00.000-06:00

Enough said

Baby Blessing

2011-06-25T17:22:00.000-06:00

Kynee with my Nana and Braylund

Papa and Nana Great with Braylund

Papa with Braylund

Kynlee with Braylund

Nana and Grandma (they were friends before me and Jon)

Grandpa and Grandma

Nana

Braylund was blessed on Mother's Day (May 8,2011) It was really special day. Jon gave a wonderful blessing and we were surrounded by family. Braylund wore the blessing outfit made from my wedding dress, Krayden and Trevin also wore the same one. Braylund we love you so much. You bring a special spirit into our home. Your sister and brother's adore you.

Red, Yellow and Orange

2011-06-25T17:07:00.000-06:00

When Krayden finds things that is thinks is cool we hear about them for days. He got a little book about the earth and and there was a part about volcanoes. We heard about volcanoes for weeks. We looked them up on the Internet and researched them. When we were at target and saw "air dry clay" we knew it would be perfect to show Krayden how volcanoes really work. Dad and Krayden spent a afternoon making their volcano and after it was dry we pt it to the test and it was a success.

"Because It's Jesus' Plan

2011-06-22T00:35:00.000-06:00

You Used to be my baby....

Now you are my big girl.....

What in the heck happened?

My Dearest Kynlee I would really like it if you would stop growing up and getting older. If you could just stop getting taller, losing teeth and stop having birthdays. I know that you really like birthdays and all but I will pinkie promise you that if you stop getting bigger I will give you five non-birthday parties a year. Do we have a deal?

I am writing this after I put you to bed for the last time of you being six, as I tucked you in and said goodnight you were so excited to go to sleep because you can't wait for your birthday. I laid by you for a minute and told you that I wish time would hold still and you just laughed. Then I told you stop growing up and you laughed some more and said that you had to because it was Jesus' plan for you to grow up. Of course you are right but how I wish you could stay my little girl forever. As I was looking at the pictures to put with your special blog post a ton of emotion came over me. You were the first one to give me the title of mom. When I held you in my arms for the very first time love filled every part of my body. I would cuddle with you all day long, I would nap with you, watch TV with you laying on my chest sleeping. The only time you would sleep in your bed was at night and I didn't want to hurt you while you slept. Kynlee Babe you have brought me so much joy and happiness these last seven years and you did it by just being you.

While Dad and I were hanging your decorations tonight we both kept saying I can't believe that she is going to be seven. Then I would walk past a picture of you when you were younger and think back to that time and again emotions would come flowing. You are the BEST big sister ever. Krayden and Trevin look up to you so much and Braylund smiles the biggest smiles ever at you. You help your brothers do what ever they need. They love you so much. Two Sunday's ago you and Krayden were passing notes back and forth. Krayden started and his said Kynlee I love you (dad helped him) then you would write back and say "I love you two" I kept them and put them in my journal. You love to help me with Braylund. If he is crying you will rock him, you can get him out of his bed and put him in the swing. You know how to wrap him up just like I do. I love it when I come in my room and you are just laying on my bed cuddling with him.

You LOVE to read. You sleep with books under your pillow. You read at night by the light of your night light. You have a book in the car too and one of your favorite days is Tuesday because that is library day. It's so fun because now you are starting to read the books that I read when I was your age. But your favorite books by far are Junie B. You play school with Krayden and Trevin and you read them book after book. I love to listen to you read.

Kynlee Babe I love you so much. Have the best birthday ever. And just remember my offer still stands!!

Love you to infinity and beyond

Love,

Mom

You lookn at me?

2011-06-15T20:29:00.002-06:00

Seriously can't get enough of this little guy. He is such a great baby!!! He never cries and is just content to sit a watch all the kids play, and entertain his mom.

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt

2011-06-14T20:25:00.000-06:00

I started watching my nieces (Emma and Ellie) for the summer and here is a glimpse of how we spend our time in the mornings. I work on my tan and the kids.....

spend their time pulling their bikes up the hills that surround my house

Then in true kid style they come down super fast and a little reckless and I let them and take pictures to document what a fun mom and aunt I am:)

But then this happens and we go inside until tomorrow and do it all over again!!!

Just Dance 2

2011-06-12T14:18:00.000-06:00

Just strike a pose. ( I told her I wanted to take her picture and she did the rest.)

The yearly dance recital...Let's be honest, I'm not a dance mom. I really try to be because Kynlee LOVES dance. This year it was on Tuesday night and she had to be there at 5 she doesn't even get off the bus until 4:30. I know, I know what you are thinking dance mom's out there. "Why didn't you go and check her out?" The thought did cross my mind but that would be to easy. I like to do things the hard way. No really I was going to then I thought we could do it if I had everything set out and to my defence we did make it on time her hair just wasn't as curly as I would have liked. (See I do care)

She got to do both her dances and they were both really good. It's fun when they actually start moving instead of waving their arms. She practiced really hard and it certainly paid off.

Good Job Kynlee Babe. We love you!!

In true Krayden fashion

2011-06-11T20:19:00.000-06:00

We live in an area that has a TON of hills. It's kinda tricky to learn how to ride a bike. We took him to the church parking a lot and....

he hasn't looked back since. He got the pedalling down and the most important thing, how to stop!!

Trevin had to have his bike too

Dad heard the ice cream truck down in the neighborhood.

He jumped in the car and hunted him down

Today was a good day

Just Dance

2011-06-04T13:58:00.001-06:00

Kynlee had her annual dance at Lagoon day. Nana came this time and fun was had by all!! Braylund was a trooper and hung out in the stroller all day hardly ever making a peep. We only knew he was there when he had to eat. I guess taking a 8 week old isn't that bad. I admit I was a little nervous that we would have to cut the day short but I was proven wrong by the little guy.

Kynlee did awesome. She was super cute and super excited. She rode all the "big" rides including Wicked and the "roller coaster that went upside down". It helps when you have a friend that like all those rides too.

Thanks Kynlee Babe for giving us an excuse to get out of the house and go have some fun. I even got to get my dippin dots.

Braylund 2 months

2011-05-27T10:00:00.000-06:00

Weight 11.11 lbs 49%

Height 23.5 inches 68%

Cuteness 500%

Loved 1000000000000%

Punch Anyone?

2011-05-25T17:45:00.001-06:00

Before

After

Jon is seriously the best dad EVER. He called me one afternoon and asked if I could bring my car down to his office because he found the "Perfect" lemonade stand. At the beginning it was just the base and I thought that was how it was going to stay but oh no Jon had other plans. He built the upper part and my sister painted the words. The kids had great success and want to do it often. I am the mean mom and say we need to give our neighbors a break. But I have to say from the comments we get from the customers we have the BEST punch ever. One even asked for the recipe. Now if I could just do my part and find some cute material and make a table cloth to add the finishing touch:)

" I Get to Ride the Bus Now!!"

2011-05-23T23:39:00.001-06:00

Krayden graduated from pre-school. He learned a ton and made some new friends. He is super excited that he gets to go to kindergarten more excited that he gets to ride the bus. Good job Kray boy!!!

My Second Mom

2011-05-23T13:31:00.000-06:00

Most people that say they have a second mom it is usually a friends mom that gets the title. Not me...my second mom is my Aunt Becky. She is my mom's sister and she really is my mom. From the time that I was very little. She loves me like a mom loves her child. She has even gotten mad at me like a mom gets mad at her own child:). I remember that she would come and watch us when my parents would go out of town. She would pull my loose teeth and give me a treasure chest from her office. Once when I had braces we went to her office and she changed my colors on my braces too two colors on every bracket. I loved it. She would take me to six flags and ride all the crazy rides with me.

She has come to help me with my last two babies, Trevin and Braylund. It has been so fun.

All the pictures I have are of Becky and my kids but the same love you see in these pictures is the same love that she shows me. She is known around here as Nana Becky. I love her too pieces.

Thanks Beck

Becky came for a WHOLE week when Trevin was born. It was so nice. My recovery was really long and hard with him and she helped make it better. I just felt sorry for her with all my crying that went on.

Helping me with Trevin

It got to the point where only Nana Becky could help Krayden

Becky took over story time while she was here. She bought them interactive books and she is helping Kynlee with hers

Being Super Hero's

Playing around in Texas

Becky staying up SUPER late to make me a TON of ear rings and she made Kynlee a cute bracelet and necklace to match.

Just having fun

Becky is LOVED by ALL my kids!!! And she is a good sport for letting them climb all over her.

She came to help me with Braylund too. She did this A LOT. He was fussy from 7 pm until midnight and she would take him for most of the time. Love her!!!

Becky came back for Mother's Day. She gave me a really pretty bracelet that she made. I'm glad she was here for Mother's Day weekend, I was able to spend time with both my moms.

Bouncing Braylund

My two moms. I couldn't live without them!!
Love you
Photo taken by Krayden:)

Just One of Those Days

2011-05-19T14:00:00.000-06:00

Just trying to keep things real.

I worked out, got in the shower and pulled my hair up today. No make up, but i did brush my teeth.

The boys both dressed themselves. Krayden is wearing black and white camo pants with his camo sweatshirt. Trevin has on a cute shirt but the pants he chose are pj's that have polar bears on them. And you got to love the hair on both of them. I blame it on all the rain.

What you see behind me is a HUGE pile of laundry that needs to be folded. Yes, I can wash laundry with the best of them, but when it comes to folding it that is another story. Before I had Braylund I had a system that worked. I would do a load a day all the way from start to finish. So that is my goal, but I have to start with it all being done first.

I got a lot of this in though. Krayden is turning into a great photographer. He loves to take pictures and he snapped some of me and Braylund.

Notice the laundry has moved from the chair to the bed. At least it's all separated

I got in a lot of love from my boys today. And I was able to enjoy every minute. Maybe this stinky weather should stick around.

P.S I have made a goal with myself that I will be in more pictures. As I was looking through our pictures I noticed that I was hardly in any of them for two reasons 1) I usually have the camera and I am taking the pictures and 2) I don't like to be in pictures. I don't think I take good pictures but I have decided that my kids probably won't care when they go back and look at them years down the road. Hopefully they will just be happy to have pictures of me.

P.P.S The laundry is now folded and MOSTLY put away. The funny thing is I don't know why I dread folding it and putting it away so much. It really doesn't take that much time.

"Just Take it Already"

2011-05-13T14:41:00.002-06:00

So I had this CRAZY idea...all 8 grand kids on my side of the family (yes I have half of them) would be here for Mother's Day. I thought it would be a good idea to get a picture of all of them for Mother's Day for my mom and Father's Day for my dad. Since Chelsey lives in Texas and doesn't make it to Utah very often I thought it would be a good idea. It might have been a good idea but it was a little crazy. There are 8 kids under the age of 6. They all did really good until the big group picture. We brought out the little chairs and it went downhill from there. Trevin didn't want to share his chair and then everyone wanted to sit in the chair. Chase just wanted to crawl around, Emma and Ellie wanted to jump. So I went in and got everyone a sucker. I thought maybe it would be cute if they all had a sucker it was kind of but I think my mom and dad will appreciate the fact that we tried. It was so funny. Kynlee the whole time was smiling and looking at the camera and all the adults where trying to get their kids to look at the camera. Finally she got so frustrated that she just said "Just take it already" we all just started laughing. Katie had been taking pictures the whole time. She actually took about 67 of the group so we could find the best ones. After that we decided to be done.

I wish...

2011-05-11T16:36:00.000-06:00

that I didn't feel guilty when I hold Braylund because my house is a mess

that I didn't feel guilty when I clean my house that I am not holding Braylund

I had a clean house

all my laundry was washed and FOLDED

that I was more patient

that my dinner menu was done

that my grocery list was made

that I would not sweat the small stuff

that I would slow down and enjoy things more

So that is my goal. I just need to slow down and not sweat the small stuff. It's okay if I take some time to hold my sweet little boy other than to feed him. It's okay if I hold him while he is sleeping and smother him with kisses. I need to stop telling the kids to get of Braylund's face, it's their way of showing their love for him. I need to stop worrying about bed time with Kynlee and Krayden and not just go through the routine but embrace the routine. It's not about how fast we can say family prayer and have the songs sung it's about that they know how much I love them and how much joy they bring to me. They need to know that I LOVE being their mom. I got a Mother's Day card from my Nana and it's fits perfectly with what I am trying to work one on the front it has a bowl of cheerios with some spilled milk and the card reads "It's Mother's Day. No sense of crying over spilled milk." Then you open the card and it says "We'll have time enough for that when the spills leave home. Enjoy the MIRACLE of God's blessing of Motherhood." How perfect is that? I really do love being a mom. I love that it is my divine calling and that God has entrusted me with such great kids to raise up in His kingdom. I just need to remember to SLOW down. This has always been really hard for me. I do everything fast. I talk fast, I drive fast, I always want to be first and in order to do that I have to be fast, I eat fast, I drink fast. Jon always teases me that I am Jack from the series 24 because he is always "running out of time" and I am always telling the kids to hurry, no matter if we have twenty minutes before we have to leave or two hours. ( I have been working on that one, not telling the kids to hurry).

My Nana could not have chosen a better card for me as I am trying to enjoy every moment with my kids because they are growing up way to fast for my liking and soon they won't need me as much. So the laundry can wait so can the dusting and the dishes and the grocery list. I have homework to help with, a coloring page to color, a puzzle to do, a book to read with kids on my lap and a little man in the swing that could use some more kisses.

So really I guess my only wish is to keep everything the way that it is and enjoy the MOMENT!!

Things My Kids Say

2011-05-09T13:34:00.002-06:00

Kynlee: "Mom did you know Dad is stronger than you and he doesn't even workout like you do?"

Krayden while spinning around and around: "Mom help me!! I'm getting super busy!"

Kynlee: "Mom we are so out numbered."

Krayden: "Bonus" everytime he gets to do what he wants to do

Krayden: "Mom you are the rudest" everytime I tell him no

Trevin: "Bone in my sippy? Pretty Pretty Please" (Bone means milk) And a funny note my niece that is 6 months younger than Trevin was here for a visit and she started calling her milk bone too!!

Trevin: "Rock a bye with my gigi (blanket)

Krayden: "Why does the baby just eat, sleep, and poop all day long?"

Krayden: "The baby has a mouth, but he can't talk, huh mom?"

Trevin: "Piece of dis (this)" while putting up his fist to fight

Easter

2011-05-02T14:07:00.000-06:00

We had a little get together for Easter this year at my house. I love having everyone over and spending time with family.

Coloring Easter Eggs. Nana was a great help while I was feeding Braylund.

Chloe liked to put her egg dunker in the colorful water and drink it.
Yum Yum

Chelsey brought some eggs from McAllen TX that had confetti in them and when you find them you break them over someones head

Everyone got in on the action

(I don't know if you can tell but Chloe's hands are green from coloring her eggs)

The Easter Egg Hunt

Nana and Braylund hunting for eggs

Gotta love Utah weather the end of April and it is FREEZING

Kynlee was a little excited!!! She was supposed to find around 12 eggs. Look at her basket!!!

She was a good girl and shared all her candy.

Forget looking at the camera they all had candy to eat.

Cute Kynlee posed for every attempt of getting them all to look.

Getting ready for bed they taped Krayden's face

The Easter Bunny came.

Say hi to Chocolate the HUGE bear

The BEST pillow EVER

I am so thankful for the Easter season and what it means. I am so grateful for the atonement and that it allows me to be the me that I am while striving to be the best me that I can possibly be. And for the teachings of the Resurrection and the knowledge that we all will be. That we will be able to live with those that we love most for eternity. There is no greater blessing.

Time needs to STOP

2011-04-23T14:03:00.001-06:00

Because you are ONE MONTH ALREADY!!!

In your first month you have done a lot of sleeping

You were the only one that could wear a new born oneise

You showed me that Trevin is a BIG boy

You survived Kynlee having strep throat

You quadrupled the diaper changing around here

You reinforced that I still have a lot to learn about photography
but that's ok becasue we had fun.

You are the most loved baby

by EVERYONE

You are awake and not very happy from 7:30-midnight. (Everyone says that you are a normal baby. That might be the case but you are not normal for us. We have never had a baby that fussed) We love you any way and I love the time I get to hold you when the other kids are asleep

You tricked me into thinking you liked your binky

You sleep from midnight until 8:30am

When you are awake you love the swing. (I love how only your toes and hand are showing)

You love to be wrapped up tight and your face covered. (Don't worry I pull it your blanket off your face about twenty times a day but some how you manage to cover it back it up)

Did I mention that you sleep from midnight unitl 8:30am

You hate tub time!!!

But most important you stole my heart!!!

Mother of the Year 2011....NOT even close!!!

2011-04-20T20:24:00.001-06:00

I have a feeling I will never be nominated for the Mother of the Year Award. I won't follow the great example that Jon's grandma was as being the Mother of the Year in 1993. I will never have the license plate that proclaims I won the prestigious award, I won't give any fancy speech and I won't have a plaque to display and here's why.

It all started as any other Thursday. Well not quite I guess it was only my second Thursday with having a newborn. My mom was here helping me (please read my mom was here doing everything for me). All I have to do is wake up and hold my sweet little boy, and remember what activities my children have on certain days and that is where I failed on this particular Thursday afternoon.

I thought I was so on top of things. I write the directions to get Krayden to preschool. Feeling pretty good about myself for remembering all the names of the streets that my mom will have to turn on. ( I swear there are about thirty:)) My mom goes and drops him off and comes home and we are sitting on the couch just chatting when I am hit with a thought, not a very good thought I might add. I hurry and jump up and run to the computer and check my email. Yep sure enough at the bottom of an email from Krayden's teacher it says that there will be preschool on March 31st. Seriously? Yep, the date was March 31st. He had been at the preschool for an hour and half before I realized that he didn't have school. I start freaking out my mom hurries to the car to go get him and I call Jon crying thinking I have lost our son and he would be out wandering the streets the Herriman. He hurries home mean while my mom calls and says that she had picked him up in front of the school. He was sitting all alone on the curb in front of the gate just waiting for us. He was a little sad and a lot mad for taking so long to come and get him:) ( A little history to this story. So when my mom drops him off she realizes the gate is closed but another mom drops off her little girl and opens the gate for both kids to go through. The other mom leaves so my mom does too.) Mean while I am crying and I do some more crying as I keep thinking that he had been sitting there for an hour and half all by himself. I guess the other little girl lives close so she and Krayden start walking but he realizes that that is not the way to his house so he turns around and goes back to the preschool. He said that he cried for a little bit but then stopped and was just waiting and that we took forever to come and pick him up. He was right about that. I can't even imagine how slow the time was moving for him. He was so brave and so SMART!! I really thought we would be out searching the streets for him because he would try to walk home. When my mom got home with him she had him come over and tell me that we was ok and give me a hug because I was crying so hard. It was funny I should have been the one hugging him and giving him comfort but that was not the case. But in my defense I still don't get out much and really don't know the date yet. I know what day of the week it is but not the date. Just the other day I was talking to someone and I was like what is today the 9th? Oh no, I was not even close it was the 16th. I guess I need to get out more!! I blame it on the weather:)

So there you have it. I will never be awarded the Mother of the Year. Maybe if they had the award the Mother of the Minute I could achieve that status. But until then I will just keep checking the preschool calendar to make sure that Kray Boy really does have school.

"Baby"

2011-03-25T14:24:00.002-06:00

Braylund Tim Larsen

7 lbs 9 oz

March 23, 2011

But just mainly known as "baby" around here. When you ask Trevin what his name is he says "baby". Kynlee and Krayden always ask to hold the "baby" and mom and dad always say don't touch that it's the "baby's".

This was probably the best labor that I have had. It was SO different from all the others. I was having labor pains for quite awhile and a week before I was having contractions for about 6 hours but they never got closer than 4-5 minutes apart and they weren't all that painful. I call the doctor and he has me come. I was dilated to a 4 but since all activity had stopped he sent me home to "take it easy". So when Tuesday night came I wasn't feeling too good and kept having contractions but again nothing was to close. Jon and I watched a movie and I was still not feeling that great and they started getting more painful but not any closer together. It was about one in the morning and Jon asked if we needed to go. I had no idea, like I said this wasn't how the other ones had happened. Jon was funny and kept saying I don't think it's time...I don't see any tears. (All the other kids I did cry through some contractions). But finally Jon decided to call our help and there was no answer. It was a good thing because about ten minutes all contractions STOPPED!! So I told Jon we should just go to sleep. He told me to try to get some rest and he went and packed the car. We ended up going to sleep but I would wake up about once an hour with a hard contraction but that would be it. I woke up to get Kynlee ready for school and walked her to the bus. Walking home from the bus stop I had a lot of pressure but still no contractions. I decided to call my doctor since he had me come in the time before that I had done this and now I was having pressure. They told me to go into labor and delivery and get checked out there since I was already at a 4. I drove myself to the hospital and Jon stayed with the kids. ( I thought they were going to tell me to go home and it wasn't time yet). They hook me up to the monitors around 10:30 and all of a sudden the contractions start again they monitor me for about an hour and see that I am having more and more and I am admitted. I call Jon, he calls his mom and then drops the kids off at Hillaree's. By the time Jon get to the hospital at noon I have had my epidural and it was pretty easy sailing after that. Around 4 I was ready. We had to wait for the doctor for what seemed like forever because I was READY. It was a good thing we waited. I pushed one and a half times and he was here!!

CODE BLUE

The night he was born the cute little guy gave us a ~~little~~ a big scare. He was kind of spitty all day long and was doing pretty good at getting all the yucky stuff out of his tummy. We had the little bulb thing close by just in case we had to suction him and it was a good thing we did. I was eating dinner and Braylund was in his little bed next to me when all of a sudden a hear a gurgle sound and look over and he had spit up so much that it was coming out his nose. I tell Jon to hurry over and wipe him up. When Jon got to his bed he spit again but was having trouble getting it up this time. Good thing Jon has training in this now. So Jon starts to suction him with the bulb but all this gunk is still stuck in Braylund's throat and he can't work it up. Braylund is no longer breathing and is starting to turn really red. I press the nurse call button on my bed and nothing happens. I am starting to panic because he is no longer red but turning different shades of blue and purple. Jon is still suctioning and getting stuff out but not all of it. I use a different call button and get some help. The CNA rushes in and grabs Braylund and she tries to get it up and then rushes him to the nursery. At this time he is still bluish purple but is making some noise so we know he is getting some oxygen. But they did end up calling a code blue on him and had to stick an IV in his little head to get labs. So at about 5 hours old he had a chest x-ray, an IV in his head, his little tummy suctioned and he had to stay in the nursery for evaluation. It's a good thing that they wanted him in the nursery because he ended up doing it again and I don't think I could have handled round 2. Round one was scary enough for me. Jon is going to make a great Respiratory Therapist he remained calm the whole time and was very good at what he was doing.

I'll love you forever...I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be!!!

Another Year Older

2011-03-21T13:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Babe!!!

His Red Velvet Cake... I love the candle. Ever since turning 30 it has been a joke about how old he is.

He finally got his cozy blanket after nine years of being married.

I love you so much. You have put in so many late nights and hard hours returning back to school. You do so much for our family and I couldn't ask for any one better. Life is so much easier with you around!! You make my world go round. You are my rock to lean on and my anchor to keep me grounded. You are the best dad ever!! You wrestle till you get a head ache and I love to watch the matches come down to the final minute until bedtime. It seems you have a knack of knowing when that is and getting them all wild just before bed. I love how the kids know to go to you if they want something. I love how you can't stand to tell them no. (Yes I know I complain sometimes about that one) but I really do love your tender heart. You make me a better person and remind me to not sweat the small stuff. You live in the moment and and don't hold anything back. You are spontaneous and can fly by the seat of your pants. I love that!! I am so not that way but try to be because you have shown me how fun it is. You are my best friend. Happy Birthday.

Loved you once, Love you still, Always have, Always will!!!

Love ya tonz

Love Me

Zero More Days

2011-03-20T16:00:00.001-06:00

Kray Boy,

It's finally arrived...you are five. You have been so excited about your birthday, you have been counting down the days forever but you really started when there is was ten days left. you had to tell everyone. You couldn't go to sleep at night because you were so excited. You would lay in your bed and tell me how many more days that you had and then when you woke up you would tell me how many more days. I kept asking you what you wanted for your birthday and the only thing was a pinata. You wanted a Iron Man theme this year and it was super hard to find. Dad finally found one on a whim. He was out doing some work stuff when he drove by a Hispanic store and say tons and tons of pinatas hanging. He stopped in and it's a good thing he did because he found the PERFECT one just for you. It was HUGE, after we filled it candy you couldn't lift it. We filled it a little early with begging from you and it was torture for all of us. You wanted to "whack" it. By the time it was party day you couldn't hold in your excitement. It's so fun to you see you like that, having so much fun and wanting everyone to have a much fun as you. Dad has a friend that makes cakes so we got one of Iron Man. You loved it. I was scared that I was going to have a baby on your birthday but lucky us he decided to wait. It was your day and I'm glad that I was able to be part of it.

Your birthday celebration started at church where they sang to you in primary. It's not very often when your birthday falls on a Sunday. You picked out your gumballs and couldn't wait to get home to have them. When we got home from church you couldn't stand that we had to wait two hours for everyone else to get here. You wanted to party!!!

Krayden I love you so much. You are such a big helper!! You love to help me in the kitchen and you love to help your dad in the garage. You LOVE puzzles and are really good at them. Whenever we go to the store you love to look at the different puzzles. You have worked your way up to do puzzles with 100 pieces. Whenever you say you are bored I can cure it by doing a puzzle with you. You can draw really well too (when you want to) it seems like preschool is the only place where you will draw a picture, but the art work you bring home is awesome. You can write your name and you know all your letters and sounds. You are so smart!! You love to learn new things and you always want to know what things are made out of. Right now you want to know if different things will shock you. You are always on the look out for power lines and inform us all that you could get shocked if you touched them.

Krayden you are so special and our family wouldn't be complete without you. You keep us all on our toes but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you so much, to infinity and beyond.

Love ya tonz

Mom

p.s. I got a lot more video then I did pictures. We were having to much fun!!

Looking like a big 5 year old

The iron man cake

New favorite activity, sliding down the stairs on hospital mattresses

Opening presents

Welcome To My Brain....

2011-03-07T13:37:00.001-07:00

Sorry About The MESS!!!!!

So I haven't posted in like FOREVER...I have been thinking a lot about my blog lately. I want it to be a journal but then again do I really? I know that I want to get it printed. I have seen many friends printed blog books and I think they are super neat and I always want to keep a record of what we did as a family. But do I really want it for a journal? Yes and no...but I have to decide where to draw the line. Before I have only posted what we were doing but really never said anything about any of my feelings but isn't that what a journal is supposed to be? But do I really want others to know what I am really feeling? In some ways yes but other ways no. If I am having a bad day sometimes it does help for me to write out my feelings but then I don't want all the sympathy that comes with it because that is not my intention, but I also want to document what is really going on in my life. So then I thought I could just keep a separate journal but then who ever found that in the years to come would think everyday was a bad day because all the pages were filled with worry, grief, and everything else negative that comes with being human. So I really don't want that. And then another thing is if I get behind on posting the things I want to post I get discouraged and think I have to catch up on everything. I am working on that...I am not going to do a huge update, yes I know I missed Halloween and it was probably one of the funnest Halloween's we have had as a family. I did take pictures so I have it documented just not here. I am not going to do an update on Thanksgiving it was yummy and time was spent with family and I have pictures of that too but again there will be nothing on this blog to show it and last but not least Christmas. We did celebrate Christmas and it was fun. The kids had a blast but not one picture of 2010 will show up here. I am going to start with what is happening in our lives now and not worry about it I missed something in the past or even if I miss something in the future.

So here is what is happening in the now. Jon just passed his SAE exam

in Respiratory Therapy, which gave him an associate degree in RT.

He is studying hard to take his CRT exam and then his RT exam. I am so super proud of all the hard work that he has done for our family. The last three years have not been easy!!! We just closed our business that we have worked together building for the last 5 1/2 years. We have grown closer as a couple and as a family and maybe the post important to the Lord because of the struggles that we have had to endure these past few years and wouldn't change what we have learned and how we have grown for anything. Jon just started with a new company and will be their respiratory therapist and manager of their DME. We are super excited for this opportunity and feel that everything happens for a reason.

I am three weeks away from having baby #4, another boy. Yep three boys running around the house, I have feeling Kynlee and I will be having many girl nights out just to keep our sanity. I was just released from being the primary secretary I thought it would be a relief with me having a new baby and all but yesterday the kids in Junior primary sang a good bye song to me and I couldn't hold back my tears. (I did better with Senior). I grew to love those kids and the presidency more than I thought possible. I am very blessed to been able to serve them.

Jon and I joke that we could write a book on how not to live life backwards since that is what we pretty much have done, or how to survive if you happen to live your life backwards. But the important thing is, is that we did survive and we are much better for it. The lessons we have learned are invaluable and we can't wait to continue using them in our lives.

Family is what it is all about. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have about eternal families. The gospel has helped me in my life so much lately. I know that it's true and that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and that he restored the gospel to its fullest. I know that I am loved and never forgotten. Sometimes it has felt like I was all alone but I just had to get on my knees and I felt that I had an army fighting for me. And when I felt like I was forgotten it wasn't me that was forgotten it was I who forgot the Lord. I am so thankful for the power of prayer and that I am able to talk with my Father in Heaven who is always there to listen.

My Little Monkey Turns 2

2010-11-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hey Little Monkey,

Today you turn 2 and I am having a hard time believing it. You are such a good little boy. You take naps and go to sleep at night like a champ. You give hugs and kisses and wave night-night. You now like to be rocked a byed and I just wish I could record the way you say it. I think I am the only one that knows what you are saying. You have to be sitting in a certain position and your blanket has to be just right. I only get to rock you for about 3.3 seconds before you want down or before one of your siblings needs me but I cherish everyone of those 3.3 seconds. Some times though when Kynlee and Krayden are both at school you will let me rock you for as long as I want. I like to think you know it's our time and no one can interrupt. You still have a sippy of milk (warmed) before you go to bed and you call it "bone". We have no idea where this came from but you now have the whole family calling milk bone.

You are learning how to tease and to tease in style. I guess I should say you know how to tease. You can tease with the best of them. In fact you and Krayden tease each other all day. You love to tease and play with your dad. I think you ask me every 20 minutes where dad is. I say work and you say "oh" then you ask where Kynlee is and I say school and you say "oh" This conversation goes on all day. You have no fear, when you play with dad you will dive off couches and beds. I am the one that is afraid for you.

Trevin you are one cool dude! Some times when dad is home we put the other two to bed and you get to stay up. You love this time (dad and I love this time too) we get to see you be you. We love it!! You are so fun. We just play with you and you laugh and run and laugh some more.

I love you so much!!! I am so proud that I get to say that I am your mom. I am truly blessed to have you as my son. Have a happy happy birthday!!

Love,

Mom

bottom pictures by Sara Coral Photography

"Krayden Are You Cute?"

2010-10-19T11:20:00.000-06:00

"NO I'm SMOKIN' HOT!!!"

This is what he says when asked if he's cute.

I agree 100%

"Holy Smokes...It's HOT!!!"

2010-07-20T17:07:00.000-06:00

What happens when you pull out the slip in slide with three babies under the age of two? A whole lot of this....

We have been having a BLAST with Chad and Katie this summer. From dinner and water baloons to the splash park and more dinner to the slip and slide to more dinner.

Our Family's Favorite Sunday Activity

2010-07-09T14:57:00.000-06:00

Summer days filled with playing in the water, jumping on the trampoline, staying up late and CHERRIES.

It wouldn't be a complete Sunday afternoon if the Larsen household didn't venture out to the back porch and down a container full of cherries. We each pick out a chair and line it up along the side of the porch and dig in. It's a good thing that church is early and we don't have anywhere to be with faces like this...

or hands like these

Jon trying to see how far he can spit the seed

Trevin spitting out the seed or trying to...he mainly spits out the whole thing.

"It's My Birthday, and I AM in Charge"

2010-06-28T17:30:00.001-06:00

Kynlee Babe,

It is YOUR birthday, and so far YOU have been in charge. You went to bed five and you woke up SIX. How in the heck did that happen?

You have blessed my life everyday for six years and I am so glad that I get to be your mom. You make me laugh everyday, you are so smart and the things you say I have no idea where you come up with your ideas.

So far for your birthday we have gone to the "steak/fire place", gone to get shaved ice and then to Chili's for your favorite cake ever...yes it's the molten lava cake, and it was super good. Oh and I almost forgot your request for dinner on your actual birthday was purple pancakes and red eggs. You are having a friend birthday party this year and I think it might be the death of me. You keep tellilng me differnt things you want to do for your party and who you want to invite. You have been waiting for this party for two whole years and have been counting down the days since there were 16 left. You have so many friends I don't know how you keep them all straight!! It was fun to make the list of who you were going to invite, you chose all your friends from the neighborhood, 12 in all. Some couldn't come and you wanted to know if you could hold off the party so they all could be there so their feelings wouldn't be hurt. You are always thinking of others. You know when I am sad or frustrated and you have just the right way to make it better.

I am so proud of you. You are always the first one to remind us to pray at meal times, you remind us to pray at bed time, you bring me the Book of Mormon for family scripture study after you get your pjs on (without me asking), and saving the best for last you are the BEST BIG SISTER EVER!!! When Krayden gets in trouble you offer to go and talk to him, you play with him just like he is your best friend, you still let him tag along with you where ever you go, and you two laugh a ton together. With Trevin you make sure he is having fun too, you can get him out of bed for me and you never complain when I ask you to get me a diaper, and my favorite thing is you still treat him like a new born. You get supper excited when you see him when he wakes up, when you get home from school and when you get done playing with friends.

I still sing songs to you every night before you can go to bed. Your favorite ones now are Army of Heleman and I am a Child of God (still) and You Are My Sunshine. You are so funny at bed time. If we stray from the routine it causes a little bit of a fuss but soon you set us back straight. I have to at least sing 5 songs ending with I Am A Child Of God then I hug and kiss you good night, then you tell me to remind Dad that you love him and to brush his teeth and to come and check on you in 5 minutes. Then as I am leaving you tell me like 10 times good night and that you love me. I am half way down the stairs and we are still doing the loud whisper of I love you's.

Kynlee Babe YOU are my sunshine. I love you so, so, so, so much.

Love,
Mom

Went to bed 5 and woke up 6

Sport'n the Birthday Girl crown

Her birthday present from Mom and Dad

Well I guess mainly Dad

(Had to follow tradition)

The CAKE, "I've been planning that for years"

(name that movie)

Emma getting in on the painting. We did freezer paper shirts and decorated purses for the take home bag.

The gang

Kynlee I love you to infinity and beyond!!!

Mid Life Crisis

2010-06-10T15:36:00.000-06:00

What happened when Jon hit 30?

Hint #1

Hint #2

Hint #3

Hint #4

He went SKYDIVING

and LOVED every minute.

I gave Jon a gift card for sky diving two years ago and he finally cashed it in. I guess he had to hit his mid life crisis before he could finally do it. We drove up to Boise on Friday night and spent the night in a hotel. On the way there the kids asked a lot of questions...

Krayden: "Dad, are you going to turn into a rocket?"

"Dad can I jump out of an air plane too?"

"Oh, when I'm big like you I can jump out of the air plane too, huh Dad?"

"Why are you going to jump out of an air plane?"

Kynlee: "Mom are you going to jump out of an air plane too?" (No I'm not Crazy)

"Dad are you going to die? It's really far down?"

"When I'm eighteen can you take me to jump out of an air plane too Dad?"

Needless to say the whole experience led us to some interesting conversation.

Here he is after watching a video stating that he could die or be seriously injured and signing the form stating that if he did die or get hurt that he or his heirs could not sue the company. And then he got five minutes of instruction on what he was about to do. They took him up to 10,000 feet in an cessna 182. (At this point I really couldn't believe that he was really going to do it. I mean his dad owns that same kind of plane and to think of jumping out of it is a little scary.)

Once the plane took off the manager guy said lets go we have about five minutes to get to the landing sight if you want to see him jump. So off we went.

Just aim for the flag

And here we all are after he safely returned to the ground.

I wonder what will happen when he turns 40?

Building huts...DAD STYLE

2010-05-24T16:15:00.000-06:00

This is the ~~mess of all messes~~ the hut of all huts. Let me just tell what this hut consists of. 11 blankets, all the kitchen table chairs but one, one couch, and 5 heavy duty clamps. Forget the the clothes pins folks we need wood working clamps. And the final thing used is

FUN!!! The kids had a blast and mom even got to play a role. I allowed the kids to sleep in this "hotel" on a SCHOOL night times 2. And I allowed it to stay in my front room for two nights and three days. Remember how this thing was constructed? I needed my kitchen table chairs back.

Give me a kiss

2010-05-23T16:16:00.000-06:00

Oh my word, I am 100% smitten. With those blue eyes and that pucker he gets me everytime. Every night the whole family gets one of these. He won't leave anyone out and he won't break the pucker until everyone has had the "kiss."

Keep those kisses coming baby boy!!!

" I Can Do That When I'm FOUR"

2010-03-20T12:10:00.001-06:00

Photos by Jen Herem

Dear Kray Boy,

Today is your birthday (finally), you have been counting down forever. I wonder if now you can touch the ceiling? I have to admit I will miss you telling people you are three and a HALF everytime they ask you how old you are. Most will ask then before you can answer they will guess three and then you have to correct them and tell them how old you really are.

You are such a sweet boy, but you are a boy and you love to tease your sister and your brother to no end. The bigger the reaction you get from them the more fun you have and the more you keep at it. Once you make them cry you hurry and say sorry thinking that will get you out of trouble. Most of the time you're right. I try to put you in time out just for alittle bit but you keep reminding me that you said sorry. You know the rules really well and are using them against me (the rule being you have to say sorry to get out of time out). Dad has found a new place for your timeout since the stairs really don't work for you anymore. It's above the fireplace where the TV is supposed to go. We don't have a TV there anymore just some decorations and you can't get out. You aren't very fond of it up there but it gets the job done. You are spending less and less time there but as we speak you are fake punching your brother and he is running to me for help. You get close enough and he hits you then you kindly remind him that we don't hit and I kindly remind you that we don't tease. You just gave me the biggest smile (the one I love and melts my heart every time. Your eyes, oh Krayden your eyes. Then you run away)

You make my day everyday. You still like me to hold and cuddle you. Whenever you get really tired, fustrated, or just need a moment you say "I want you, I want you, I want you to hold me" then you curl up into my lap so tight and just sit. Some times it can be for one minute and others it's more like twenty. I love that you still like to sit on my lap, but you hate it when I tickle your back while you are "resting". You tell me it feels like I am scratching you. But you do like if I just rub your back, and you tell me to often.

Krayden I am so proud of you. You try so hard everyday to be a big boy. You wish you were as old as Kynlee, and I wish you would stop growing. Your favorite thing to tell me is "I'm trying" I tell you to put on your shoes and you tell me "I'm trying" I tell you to brush your teeth and you tell me "I'm trying" I tell you to put on your jammies and you tell me "I'm trying" all while just standing there. I think it is so funny. Then I start to help you and you tell me no, that you can do it. It takes us FOREVER to get ready in the mornings. I mean everything I tell you to do you tell me you are trying.

You have taught Trevin how to "fly". You still flap your arms when you get exited and now so does Trevin. Krayden I want you to know how much Trevin looks up to you. He tries to copy your every move. You are very protective of him and you let EVERYONE know that he is YOUR brother. Please remember that you are an older brother and be an example. So far you are teaching him great things, you are teaching him to share (even though sometimes you HATE it), you are teaching him that you are his friend, you are teaching him how to play, and you are teaching him what big brothers are all about they can tease you and beat up on you but in the end they will always have your back.

Krayden you LOVE to play computer games. If I would let you I bet you would spend ALL day on the computer. You are good at them too, you amaze me how you can turn on, load a game and then figure out what you are supposed to do. Right now your favorite games is the pirates. You can get bigger weapons and a bigger boat with how many points you have and you love it. Your favorite part is when you shoot a missle and it knocks one of the "bad" pirates off is boat. You also love BOXING. I have no idea where this came from but you love to PUNCH. Your favorite punching bag is your dad's tummy. I tried it once and you can really throw a good one. I don't volunteer any more.

You would rather eat anything but cereal for breakfast. You like mac and cheese and long noodles (ramen). When I don't make something you like you threaten me with the words of El Bandito "do you want me cut you like a stinky burrito?" And you can drink a gallon of juice a day. I swear you are constantly thirsty.

Kray Boy, I love you so much. I am so glad that you are in our family. I am blessed everyday because I get to be your mom. Today you chose to eat at "the music kids meal" aka McDonalds. So that is where we are off too. I love to see you run and play and have fun. You make my heart swell. Happy Birthday big boy, and just so you know I'm happy you can't touch the ceiling quite yet.

Love,

Mom

Trevin Got Tubes...

2010-03-19T22:17:00.001-06:00

and HATED every minute of it!!

Seriously, every minute. I would get him distracted with a toy and a new person in scrubs would walk by and he would scream and run to me. I guess with all the doctor appointment recently he has figured out that those who wear scrubs often inflict pain. We got to the point with medicine that we had to start giving shots. That was a pain, we had to go once a day for three days to get the shot at the doctor's office and it was pure awfulness.

The procedure took about ten minutes but the recovery was long and painful, long for him and painful more me. The surgery actually left his ears feeling better with having to go under and then coming around again was not so fun. We couldn't leave until he had some juice or slush and he was super stubborn on both. Just f.y.i primary childrens has the best slushies ever, I ended up eating it and enjoyed every bite. So anyways about 45 minutes later he finally drank his juice and we were able to go home. He cried the whole way out in the wagon. He was a trooper though and now we very happy to be hopefully done with ear infections!!

All for the LOVE

2010-03-04T14:54:00.001-07:00

of CHURCH basketball

This was pretty much right after it happened. It got bigger and then turned some different shades of purple but don't worry a week and a half later it's now just some lovely shades of green and yellow and just a medium size growth on my leg.

I admit I might take church basketball a little too SERIOUSLY. I DON'T want to lose, I don't LIKE to lose but who does? We were down by 5 with a little over 4 minutes to play (we had just been tied like three minutes before). Our stake does stop the clock for ANYTHING (this really bugs me) I mean anything, not timeouts, not free throws, who name it the clock runs. Half the time the clock starts before we even jump. So any way I knew that time was RUNNING out. I had already spent half the game on the floor, I was either fouled really hard or I was going for loose balls. For some reason I can't just let a ball go out of bounds if I am near by. My head just doesn't work that way. Some times I wish it did it would save me a lot of pain. I think about it after the fact, like after I have a floor burn the size of Texas, or a jammed finger because I slipped on someone's jacket and slid into a chair (don't worry the wall stopped any further progress), or finger nail claw marks running from my elbow to my wrist (why for all that is holy do they not clip their nails before playing. I'm just sayin') or bruises from trying to defend someone three times my size, (the tallest member of my team might be 5'7) I come in at 5'5. Anyways the ball was about to go out of bounds and I couldn't have that so I started running I could see that I was going to be the first one to make it to the ball then time slowed down...I started falling and my hands flew to my ankle. Pain shot up my leg and water came eyes fast. I couldn't cry, I was laying on the floor and nine other women and two men refs were all staring at me. Jon came to my rescue for the second time that night. The first was when he got there to watch the kids. Since he has school every night I take the kids and hope that he gets out a little early. Any way he scoops me up and carries me off the floor. (Yep he is super buff and didn't even mind that I was super dooper sweaty). After that I kept saying to myself and Jon why was I so dumb? Why can't I just let a ball go? Why do I have to chase every loose ball? Why? Why? Why?

The answer(s)...I LOVE the sport and I am VERY competitive. It makes me HAPPY. I have realized once I stop playing the way I do I need to stop playing the game. I don't think I would enjoy playing any other way. As with anything I do in life I don't want to give it anything else but all I have.

i HEART this kid

2010-03-02T21:29:00.002-07:00

The bottom picture on the right is my all time favorite. He wants to give me a kiss and how could I say no? You know what it's like when you have your first baby, and then every baby after that, and all you do everyday, all day is look at them? You just can't help yourself. You wonder why this little baby is so interesting and all they do is sleep? They don't really make eye contact they don't smile back but still you just sit and your eyes never leave that little bundle? For some reason I still can't keep my eyes off Trevin. I could watch him all day, he hasn't lost that newborn wonder yet. Jon probably gets sick of me saying "don't you think he's so cute?" I say it on average about 11 times a day. He has the best personality, he could and does play all day long his favorite playmate is his daddy and again I could watch them play all day. Today we were at the office and Trevin fell asleep on Jon's lap and again I just sat and watched. He was so cute and peacefull nestled into the crook of Jon's arm and I thought how blessed we are that we are able to see Jon while at work. While he slept I kept billing but progress was slow since I had to keep stealing glances. Trevin I LOVE you!!!

Happy Birthday Jo

2010-02-24T14:40:00.002-07:00

We had a little birthday party for Jolene at our house this year. It's a blessing that we get to live by Jer and Hill and the friendships that we have. We filled our balloons and wrote our notes then we sent them off to heaven. Kynlee wanted to say the blessing on the food and her prayer included "please help that our balloons and ours notes will make it to Jo Jo" the simple faith of a five year old renews the faith of a 29 year old. It amazes me how strong their testimonies are. Kynlee KNOWS that we will be together again. I am so thankful for all she teaches me and helps me be a stronger.

Hey Dad You in There?

2010-02-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

I finally grabbed my camera for this. Everytime someone goes into the bathroom Trevin will assume this position and hold it until he hears the toliet flush. Most of the time talking to you the whole time.

We LOVE St. George

2010-02-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

Poor Little Man

2010-02-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when the weather gets cold and the air quailty goes to pot. Krayden gets super sick and then his asthma acts up and he is on so many medications to get it back under control. It's one of the saddest things, at night he can't breathe and comes downstairs wanting his medicine (his rescue inhaler) so that he can have a moment of relief. Then if he starts to feel like he can't breathe and starts to cough because he is just acting like a little boy he will come and get me to "take his medicine." Kynlee and her friend like to walk/run home from church and of course Kray likes to follow but he just can't make it all the way. He gets about half way there and has to stop because he coughing so hard trying to get air. I think it's sad for me becuase he knows and all he is trying to do is just be a boy and play hard. He knows that if he stops for a few minutes and takes a few deep breaths then he will start to calm down. He is really good at taking it all and will sit on my lap for about 15 minutes before bed so he can get his breathing treatment in.

Bubble, Bubble, Bubble, POP!!!

2010-02-16T21:27:00.001-07:00

We love Johnson and Johnson:) Kynlee has wanted to take a bubble bath forever and now she can. She stayed in the tub for hours and I even let her turn on the jets to see how high she could make the bubbles before they spilled out of the tub. She was in heaven.

Play Time

2010-02-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

Only these two could pull off Looks Like......

2010-01-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

THESE

This girl LOVES being off track!! Normally it's just Saturday's that she gets to dress herself and do her own hair. Since we didn't have anywhere to go I let her pick out her clothes and do her hair. THIS is what she came up with. Pants with a SUMMER dress and to make it warm for the existing weather she added the sweater. And then she pulled her hair into a ponytail. She is set for the day.

(This is his new smile for the carmera)

We are growing out his hair to see just how curly it really is but today he wanted his hair in a hawk. This kid has a ton of hair and it used a ton of gel, this is the best I could get it. He loved it and told me "mom this is cool dude hair, huh mom?" I couldn't agree more.

Staying Up Late With Dad

2010-01-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

I went to the grocery store and came home to this...

and this...

and maybe some of this...

Yes that would be chocolate, a piece bigger than his head.

Jumping on The Band Wagon

2010-01-15T13:12:00.001-07:00

And a little late at that. But never mind about that. I have chosen myself a word for the year. I am a New Year's resolution kind of gal and I always have been. I still have my list of goals but this word fits in with all of them. So without further adue, (is that how you even spell it?)

My word for 2010 is

Remember Christ

Remember to read the Book of Mormon

"Remember Lot's Wife"

Remember I am a Child of God

Remember to strive to be a better wife

Remember to strive to be a better mom

Remember to exercise

Remember to live in the moment

Remember I LOVE laundry

Remember to journal (blog)

So there you have it, I have other goals that I hope to accomplish and remember fits in nicely. I am sure the list will grow but just having one word to "remember" thoughout the year will hopefully help me accomplish what I have set out to do.

Here's to 2010!!!

Too Funny

2010-01-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

We were on our to Jon's office and Kynlee ask me to turn the radio on. We were listening for a mintute and then "Bad Romance" came on from Lady Gaga and Kynlee stopped trying to sing along. (She likes to sing even if she doesn't know the words) and ask me to change the station "cuz mom this is a really weird song" I tell her is almost over and about 30 seconds later it ends and the lady announces "bad Romance from Lady gaga" Kynlee starts laughing "mom her name is really Lady Gaga? That is the funniest name ever! Mom why do you think her partents named her that anyway?

All I could say was "Good question?"

"Mom are you CRAZY?"

2010-01-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Yes I am...to think he would share with me!!

Sharing lasted about oh a total of 1.5 seconds. He wanted to hold it to get his own bite then he would hand it back, but once he saw I was eating it too the tears came and with the tears came the runny nose and I'm not so fond of snot covered icecream. He wins this time, he might only be one but he knows how to get what he wants. A little crying and a little nose fluid and it's all his. He might have won this time...but next time I will be ready with......2 drumsticks.

So Far

2010-01-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

this has been my day...poopy. I'm in my office emailing something to Jon for work and Trevin starts crying. Once I finish and I'm getting to the hallway I smell something rancid. I knew that it couldn't be good if I could smell it and not even see him yet. I get closer to my crying baby and can see the cause of his discomfort. There is poop EVERYWHERE!! So off comes the diaper (this time Huggies failed me, there was more poop out of the diaper than inside) and straight to the tub he goes. While I am rinsing him off I see two pretty big spots on the top of his head of missing hair, as I come in for a closer look I can see that it has been nicely (or not) CUT!! To nicely done to be the work of Krayden so the only other culprit? You guessed it his big sister decided his hair was to long and took matters into her own hands.

I grabbed my camera to document her handy work and then sent her to her room to remember who can and cannot cut hair. (When asked why she did it she told me she forgot the rules.) I seriously wonder how she got so close to his head? As I was trying to trim the surrounding areas his head was moving in circles so fast that I became dizzy.

In the meantime...Krayden has to have his part in this story...he gets ahold of the camera and some how deletes ALL pictures, or I would show you what a five year old can do with a pair of scissors and her little brothers hair.

But all things considered I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!!

PaRtY tImE

2010-01-01T22:39:00.002-07:00

For our family's New Year's Eve tradition we stay in a hotel and bring in the New Year with swimming and cartoon watching.

We finally made it to the hotel!! The nice lady said she would let us swim if we promised to be quiet.

Kynlee was working on her swimming skills WITHOUT her floaty, Trevin didn't even want to be in the water and Krayden only wanted to be in the "baby" floaty. I think we have a little bit of work to do on the boys to get them to venture out and like swimming. (in Krayden's defense since his ears have always been a problem he has a right to be a little nervous about getting his head wet. Trevin on the other hand, I have no clue)

She is our little swimmer!! Could swim all day and all night. She got in the all night part!!!

Trevin finally won...we got out.

But wait...is that fun they are having?

Our very own Mogli.

I just might like that??

Oh this water's nice...

Dad, a little help here

I did it, my way and my time.

(that's just the way I roll)

And then he didn't want out and cried when it was time to go.

We had a fun time enjoying the time we had to spend with one another. With Jon in school and him working all the time it's hard to find time to spend together. This trip to Logan was a nice little get away for all of us. The kids love to have their dad around all the time and I love to see them have so much together. I really don't notice how hard it is to have Jon gone all day until he his home and I have help putting the kids to bed and other things that I really don't notice they're hard until I have help. I am so thankful for all the hard work that he does. I know it must be hard for him too but I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband that is willing to make those sacrifices for his family.

Here's to 2010!!! I can't wait to see what's in store for us this year.

Christmas with Nana

2010-01-01T22:23:00.001-07:00

For some reason I didn't take too many of pictures of all the fun we had with my mom. My mom's tradition is to celebrate Christmas on New Year's Day. We have a blast getting together with family and spending time with them. This year my mom made these super cute bags that had little bears in them with some different outfits. The kids LOVED them. Thanks mom for all the fun. Love ya lots.

1 2 3 !!!!

2009-12-12T18:06:00.003-07:00

Grandpa Great had a stroke last Saturday, December 5, 2009. He passed away today, December 12, 2009. We have had some chances to go and spend time with him while he was in his home. On Thursday Jon delivered the DME and I had the chance to hold Grandpa's hand. He was more responsive that day and when I would try to get up he would grab my hand with force and try to pull me back down. I will treasure that time forever that I was able to sit by his side. I didn't talk much, manly just let him know that I was there, but I was able to tell him that I loved him.

Kynlee was able to say I love you and Krayden was able to wave. Kynlee just sat on Grandma Greats lap and they made up funny stories and funny songs. Kynlee had Grandma laughing so hard, it was fun to see.

I hope that Jon and I can have the same kind of love that Grandma and Grandpa have. To hear Grandma talk about Grandpa there was a twinkle in her eye that I want to have, one that I hope I have when I talk about Jon.

Gramps you did a great job. You have a great son that raised a awesome son and now the kids and I are reaping those benefits. The gospel is strong and present in our lives and with that comes the knowledge that we will see you again. We will miss you and your icecream and belly wash but will await the day that we can stand together as a family again.

Grandpa we all love you so much!!

p.s. say hi to Jo for us.

"Do You Want to Hear a Funny Joke?"

2009-11-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Kynlee: Once there was a squirel and he climbed up a tree, but he really didn't know how to climb so he fell down and cracked open his head. He was brave so he didn't die.

Krayden: One, two. Actually I don't have a funny joke.

I personally think they should write a joke book!!

Friends

2009-11-13T21:16:00.001-07:00

Tonight was a wonderful reminder of what great friends I have. Jon and I were supposed to go out tonight but work became busy and we were not able to do so but I still had gotten a friend to watch the kids a few weeks ago so decided to still drop them off. I dropped them off and before I could leave Kynlee and Krayden were downstairs playing and she had Trevin in arms and he was happy. I left to go run some errands without the kiddos and was excited to do so. It's amazing how much faster things get done when you don't have three little ones in tow!!

About an hour and half later I went to pick them up but was told to go do something else and come back later, Kynlee still had not eaten, she had been having so much fun so that was still on the list. The boys were fine and happy so here I am updating my blog and thinking how blessed I am to live here and be surrounded by so many wonderful people. This ward has been the best ward we have lived in since we have been married! I feel accepted and loved here.

Well I'm off to try again to pick them up...I guess it's great knowing they are having such a fun time and that they don't want to come home.

Trevin is ONE

2009-11-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

My little Trevin Dude,

You turn one today and I can hardly believe that you have blessed my life for a whole year. You are an amazing baby...you rarely cry (really only when Krayden takes his frustrations out on you), you are quick to smile and give loves. You are a true JOY.

You are by far my busiest baby. You have mastered going up the stairs, coming down not so much. Actually when you come down you do somersaults the WHOLE way down. Yep you have fallen from the top of the top to the bottom of the bottom. I was in doing the dishes and thought the gate was up. I was wrong and reached you a tad to late. You were so brave you cried until I picked you up and then you just laid on my shoulder. You climb on everything, empty every cupboard, re-organize every drawer, turn the hot water on in my bathtub and you never stop moving until you are ready for bed. But when you are ready for your bed that is what you want. I want to rock you, you want your blanket and your bed. It makes it easy for putting you to bed if we are home but you taking your nap at church you want nothing to do with that.

You had four teeth until about 3 days ago when you decided to get two more, so on your 1st birthday you have 6 teeth. I was wondering when those pearly whites were going to make an appearance. I am not used to having a baby without teeth, Kynlee and Krayden had a mouth full of teeth and could pretty much eat anything. You little man I still have to mash and mash your food so you can eat. You do like pancakes, waffles and I think your all time favorite is a grilled cheese sandwich. We had pancakes for your birthday dinner and you loved every bite.

Trevin you make my heart sing. I am so happy the Lord allows me to be your mother and you to be my son. I love you so much and I hope with all my heart you know and feel that. I hope that I can teach you of the gospel and it's teachings so you can gain a testimony of your own. You have brought so much joy into our home it's indescribable. I love you baby boy!!

Love,

Mom

My Plan

2009-10-03T15:29:00.000-06:00

I can almost see it

That dream I'm dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head saying

You'll never reach it

Every step I'm taking

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying

Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about whats waitin on the other side

IT'S THE CLIMB

The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down

But NO I'm NOT BREAKING

I may not know it

But these are the moments that I'm gonna remember most

Just gotta keep going

And I got to be strong

JUST KEEP ON PUSHING ON

Keep on moving, keep climbing

KEEP THE FAITH

It's all about, it's all about the CLIMB

KEEP THE FAITH, KEEP YOUR FAITH

Lately this is just how I have felt. Not knowing the direction that the Lord wants me to go. I have felt that my faith has been shaking and I hate it. I have been wondering what my "plan" is here on earth? I have prayed about and never seemed to get an answer. One day the whole family was in the car and my mood hadn't been that great that day. The kids were all in their carseats in the middle row and were laughing and having fun together. Jon looks back and then turns to me and say's "honey, there's your plan." In one simple statement my prayers where answered. Yes the trials that I am facing are still here but now I move foward with faith unwavering. I know why I am here on this earth and what I am supposed to be doing. I am supposed to be a mother and a wife and I am loving every minute of it. Like the song says it's not about how fast I get "there", where ever I think "there" is but it's "the climb."

From Kynlee's new favorite movie

"Life's a climb, but the view's great"

Boys, Boys and More Boys

2009-09-10T19:51:00.000-06:00

Kynlee: "Mom I was just playing with Ethan. He likes to hold my hand and I like to hold his hand."

Then that night it was her turn for family prayer...

Kynlee: " Please help us to have good dreams, like ponies and boys and handsome things."

So there you have it at five years of age boys no longer have coodies and they aren't gross. Little girls like to hold their hands and have handsome dreams of them.

Heaven help me know what to do with her when she becomes a teenager.

FREE Therapy....

2009-08-03T23:01:00.000-06:00

RUNNING WORKS FOR ME!!! All of it...the sweat running down my forehead (not to mention other places) the sound of feet hitting the pavement, the routine breathing... when I say everything I mean everything. I normally run at night and it is so peaceful. I am alone with my thoughts and nature. A lot of people say they can't run because they get bored, it is a release for me.

Take tonight I was out running I ran (literally) into the biggest spider I have ever seen. At first I ran right past it but had to turn around to make sure that what I thought I saw was what I really saw and holy moly it was. This thing was huge, to huge for me to step on it. The thought crossed my mind cuz I did not want that thing in my house (side note I kill spiders in my house with the wasp spray that can shoot 20-25 feet and that has a caution to not use indoors. But I have to be able to stand 20-25 feet away from the dang thing and then I have to vacuum them up no toilet paper for me). But then common sense came into play and that dang spider was not even close to my house so I side stepped the spider and continued on my run. Then around the corner was the biggest praying mantis I have ever seen. Those things are creepy during the day just think what they look like at night. And why do the biggest of the biggest have to come out at night anyways? Oh well it is good for me it makes me pick up pace (even if it is only for a minute). But that is not the best part the nights are perfect the moon is shinning and the slight breeze make for the perfect running weather.

My thoughts take me to many places from what happened in the day to what will my life be like in X amount of years, will I still be running, will I still want to run marathons, why do I put myself through the training for a marathon, will my body allow it, friends and the lack there of, but the friends I do have I wouldn't ask for better, my family and how I can be a better wife and mother, the sacrifice that Jon made to return to school, how moving here has been a great blessing and the biggest trial we have ever had together but how it has strengthened our family, or marriage, and has taught many life lessons. Those are just a few of the thoughts that ran through my head tonight and I only ran about 2.5 miles and was out for twenty minutes.

I love the feeling when I first start out of fresh legs and stretched muscles, the air hitting my face, then comes the feeling that I am getting into the groove of things and I am in my element, then no matter how far I have run 2 miles or 10 rounding the last corner and seeing my house my thoughts turn to I can't make but the competitiveness in me comes out and I will my body to run faster telling myself that in the race there is someone on my hills and no way in heck are they going to pass me now with such a short distance to go. Then I finally make it to the steps muscles aching and the best part...I finished what I had started.

I have the motto of "Why start something you aren't going to finish?" I have lived by those words for the last two years and it has helped in more ways than just running.

Can't wait for tomorrow's run, I need to start getting a little more serious about my training for the Marathon that happens in 2 months. This summer I have been a little side tracked but I think I now have the mind set that I need to accomplish the goal I have set for myself.
ST. GEORGE HERE I COME!!

To WIPE?...or not to WIPE?...that Seems to be the QUESTION

2009-08-03T19:52:00.000-06:00

Krayden comes running out of the bathroom all excited. And the conversation goes like this:

Krayden: "MOM I JUST WENT POOP AND PEE!!!"

Me: "Good job bud, you are such a big boy but you need to use your inside voice." (then something goes off in my head) "Did you wipe?"

Krayden: (laughing) "oh ya I forgot!!" (while running back in the bathroom)

Me: "I thought you were supposed to let me know when you are done."

Krayden: (now pulling down his shorts) "oh ya I forgot that too."

Let's just say I wish he wouldn't have forgotten.

My Best Friend

2009-07-11T12:14:00.000-06:00

My heart still flutters when I see his name on my

phone when he calls or sends me a text message.

I can't wait for him to come home at night and

hate that he has to leave in the mornings.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

2009-07-09T14:32:00.000-06:00

Krayden

2009-07-03T11:31:00.000-06:00

Trip To Chelsey's

2009-06-30T11:30:00.000-06:00

Just the way we like them
WHERE?

Thanks Papa for all your help

This is how Krayden came in and out of the backyard...EVERYTIME!!

Phil ran me till I puked. Literally

Had to dress up like monsters again

Then Phil made us all cats.

The baby kittens got thirsty

The reason we drove the 11 hours

Chole was blessed on June 28. Chelsey came out of her room ready for church and she matched my kids perfectly.

Reason #2

Krayden really needed a haircut. Chelsey did GREAT!!

I found a frog and made my Dad catch it. The boys loved it. Trevin wanted to hold it but my dad let it go once it peed on him.

Only In Utah!

2009-06-30T11:11:00.000-06:00

Why is she dressed like this in June???

And why does she need an umbrella???

Only in Utah do we get FREEZING TEMPS and HAIL that POURS out of rain gutters!!
In JUNE

Happy Birthday Kynlee Babe

2009-06-22T11:24:00.000-06:00

My Dearest Kynlee,

You are such a big girl now... I know because you keep telling me once you get to be five how much bigger you will be. You can run faster, jump higher and reach more things. You have brought so much love into my life. When I think back time really starts for me the day you were born. You gave me a whole new outlook on life...I was now responsible for yours. At times I wondered if I would be a good mom. I of course had a very good example of what a mom should be. You are named after both of them, Nana and Nana Great. You share the same middle name as both of them. They are very special to me and hope they become special to you to.

I think I spoiled you too much when you were a baby. You were rocked and sang to every night. I can't sing but that didn't matter to you, you loved it anyways. And things, my sweet girl, haven't changed. You are too big to be rocked (but would if you could). I still have to lay by your bed and sing you songs. Your favorite ones are "I Am a Child of God" and "I Know My Father Lives" I love that those are your favorite and I hope that as you grow older you will remember those two truths, that you are a child of God and that our Father lives.

You can make friends anywhere and everywhere. We go to the park and before I know it you are off playing with "friends". You are an example to me, I try to be more like you and put my guard down. I try to make friends as easily as you. I work on it everyday. You make me so happy that you have so many friends and that you take Krayden along with you EVERYWHERE you go. You are the best big sister ever. Not very many sisters want their little brothers tagging along, but you make it clear if your friends want to play with you then Krayden comes to. Trevin smiles at you when you walk into the room, you make him so happy.

I couldn't have asked for better big sister than you. Krayden and soon Trevin will look up to you and you are the best example ever.

I love you so much Kynlee Babe and look forward to more songs with you tonight.

I hope you have a great day, you just turned 5 and I can't believe it.