LARSEN FAMILY

HOUSE FOR RENT

2011-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

We have this home for rent in Riverside. If you have questions or are interested in it, please call Spencer at 680-0180. Here's some pictures of the home.

Family Pictures 2010

2010-11-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

So, here we are, with our newest family picture. I think it's pretty cute. . . something different than we have ever done before. Thanks Sherice, you did a great job!

TOO BUSY TO BLOG???!!!!???

2010-10-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right. I guess there comes a point when you have to choose between 2 good things. I love to blog, especially for my family to see how the kids are growing. I think it is a great way to keep up on what our family is doing. However, I just don't always have time to upload pictures and write a paragraph about everything I have done that week. We are lucky in most cases just to get our tasks done for the week let alone write about it. Anyway, so off my soap box, and on to my post.

I have taken on 23 piano students this fall. I thought this would be difficult, but I have to admit, rather than the 12 hours a week it takes to teach, it hasn't been difficult at all!!! I LOVE IT!!! I love my students, I love watching them get better as they practice and I love teaching them!

I have also taken on directing 2 children's choirs with my friend. I am so grateful that she thought of me to help her. It has been a great blessing for me to be able to develop some of my talents more fully, and I love the fun music it has brought into our home. My girls will not quit singing and playing the piano, but I couldn't ask for anything better.

In our spare time, 3 of the girls take gymnastics lessons on Monday after school. I am the 1st counselor in the primary, Spencer is the Y/M president. He just is just finishing potato harvest. . .yay!!! Not to mention, homework, baths, dinner, laundry, housework, and just keeping up.

My latest project during harvest break was to paint the girls' bedrooms. Anna informed me that other girls got to have "cute paint" and let me know that brown was SOOOOO BORING. So, Here is what we came up with...

Abby and Lyndsie's Room

Anna and Vivian's Room

The girls had a fun time painting poka dots (BOLD, I KNOW) And I have to admit that I like the way they turned out. . . thanks for the little push Anna!!!

Hair, Hair Hair

2010-05-08T15:20:00.001-07:00

Anna has been asking for a shorter haircut for a while. As we were walking out the door for the appointment, Lyndsie was quite sure she needed hers done as well. Thanks a ton to Merri who spent 2 hours cutting hair for me and my girls this afternoon. The girls love their new haircuts!!

They are actually cuter in person!

Anna's Front View

Anna's Back View

Lyndsie's Front View

Lyndsie's Back View

10 THINGS I LOVE

2010-05-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

1. Spencer
2. Date Night
3. Kisses on the Chicken (that's what Viver's calls her cheek)
4. My 4 girls
5. Fresh homemade bread with butter
6. Music
7. Watching Gymnastics Class
8. Sewing new clothes for my cute little girls
9. Primary
10. Garlic Shrimp Scampi at Red Lobster

HAPPY CORRALS!!!

2010-05-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Last night the Snake River Kids Choir held their spring show. I have been helping this year, and it really has been alot of fun. I didn't get any pics of them on stage since I was up front helping. Thanks to Kara for asking me to help and to the other directors for accepting me so willingly!!!

This is Abby who had the part of Tricia (who was a tourist)

This is Lyndsie who had the part of Dawn (who was a cowgirl)

This is Anna who had the part of Beth (who was a city slicker)

Here is the whole cute little cast.

WAY TO GO SNAKE RIVER KIDS CHOIR!!!!

Happy Birthday Vivian!!!

2010-04-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

My Baby is 2!!! We officially celebrated her birthday tonight. She was 2 on Friday, but we planned her birthday party around potato planting season.

She was so funny tonight. Every time she would open a present she would say "TA-DA". She was so excited for "present time." We are so glad we have both families so close and our friends Jim and Jan to spend birthdays with!

Marilyn was such a sweetie to make Vivers a birthday cake. Vivian immediatly recognized it as "THE MOUSE!" Thanks for taking the time Mares. . . we love you!!!

POKA DOTTY OH SO SPOTTY

2010-04-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Lyndsie woke up with a rash. It wasn't too bad, but I kept her home from school anyway. I figured I would run her to school as soon as the rash went away. As the day went on, the rash didn't go away. At about 4:30 p.m. she came to tell me that her foot was hurting. I didn't look at it to hard because I was busy. About 15 minutes later she came to tell me again. When I looked at her foot, this is what I saw: Yes, her foot was obviously swelling. After a couple of phone calls, I decided to take her to the clinic. By that time, she couldn't even put weight on her foot.

The doctor was not quite sure how to diagnose the problem, so he ordered a few blood tests and let me know that they would be testing for Rheumatic Fever and also for a couple of other options. He also thought it could be an allergic reaction to penicillin, which she was on for strep throat. He sent me home with my motrin and Benedryl for the night.

The next morning we awoke to find that her swelling in her foot had gone down, but where the swelling was, she was bruised. Her rash had about tripled at this point.

We decided to take her back to the doctor. There were 4 doctors who saw her and finally came to the conclusion that we wouldn't know for sure untill the blood results came back, but they thought it was an allergic reaction to the amoxicillin she had been on. They diagnosed her with HSP which causes the blood vessels to leak blood (that is what caused the bruising.) Again, sent her home with more motrin and benedryl. By 6:00 that night, both her feet were swollen and she couldn't put any weight on them. Spencer let me know that he would be coming home to give her a blessing.

The next morning, she was able to walk again, her feet were still quite swollen, but the bruising is what was breaking my heart. Here are some of the pics of her legs.

She healed quickly from there. She was able to go back to school on Thursday. We still have to take her in 1 time a week for a month to check if she has kidney damage and to look at her blood pressure. Her first appointment back will be tomorrow. We hope all looks good. No more penicillin for her ever ever ever again!!!!

BLOG THE DOG

2010-04-18T20:03:00.002-07:00

Meet FRANKIE. . the stray dog. No, seriously. We took a nice walk/bike ride to Grandma and Grandpa Larsen's house tonight. We were so kindly greeted by this sweet little doggie. I asked Nicky if they got a new dog, and she said he was a stray. . people often drop dogs off out here in the country if they don't want them anymore. Needless to say, Abby named him Frankie and before we knew it, we had a collar on him and he is now in our fenced front yard. I never thought I would be getting a dog today. . or ever, but he is already trained and so good with the kids so....why not? We hope he doesn't get nervous over night and leave, or my Abby will cry some serious crocodile tears in the morning. He seems like a good dog. He can play fetch, and sit. I suppose he will be a great addition to our little family if he will stay!!!

HICKEY HEAD

2010-04-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

So, the other morning was one of those typical mornings when you are running like a crazy woman trying to get all of the children out of the door by 8:00. I tell the kids to go to the bathroom to brush their teeth, (which is the new favorite thing due to the fantastic suction cup toothbrushes I just bought). They girls all come out of the bathroom with their toothbrushes stuck to the front of their foreheads. I laugh a little and tell them to hurry up. We get in the car. I turned around to talk to Abby when I realized that she had a GIANT toothbrush hickey on her forehead. . . I never thought that my 5 year old would have a hickey. . . hillarious!!! This pic was take like 2 days later, so the pic doesn't do the hickey justice!!!

Early Easter Dresses

2010-03-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

The girls got to wear their easter dresses to church today. I worked all day on Saturday to finish Anna and Vivian's dresses. They turned out really cute, and I have to say, the girls are adorable. What a great day! I love dressing up my little girls!!!

HAPPY EARLY EASTER!!!!

ACHIEVEMENT DAYS

2010-02-28T20:22:00.000-08:00

Tonight Anna's little achievement day group had a recognition night. They got to show off some of the things they have been working on, and it was alot of fun. It really made the girls feel special. They have some great leaders, and we are so proud of Anna for her hard work and dedication. We love you Anna!!!

I'm Proud to Be an American

2010-02-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

God Bless the USA

On Friday, Lyndsie got to participate in the Moreland Elementary 1st grade Patriotic Program. She had a little speaking part (which she has had memorized for like 3 weeks), and she sang her little heart out. You would have thought that entire program's success depended entirely on how intently she sang. She was so cute. Those little kids reminded us how we should have pride in our country. It was so refreshing to see them learning about our freedom at such a young age. Way to go Lyndsie!!!

FOR KAYLEEN

2010-02-25T07:31:00.001-08:00

Okay, here is the dress, I hope these pics help you.

Here is the full dress. I only sewed one side seam, the other side is just folded over. I would sew the top and the bottom together first . Then add the "white bias tape" then fold the piece in half with the good sides together and do the side seam. Turn the dress right side out and then fold the "pillowcase" in half and cut a "J" shape for the arms. then you can hem the bottom and the top. You need to gather the top seam before you put the bias tape around the arm holes. Good luck. Call me if you need help.

Here is the close up of the bias tape I made for the arm holes and the ties.

Here is another full shot of the dress

Here is the dress I made for Brittany's baby. It is about a 3-6 month size.

Modeling My Latest Projects

2010-02-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

There were a couple requests to post some pictures of the girls wearing the dresses I made. I really don't feel like the pictures do them justice, but here they are. They turned out pretty cute.

MOM. . . A MESS!!!

2010-02-08T19:43:00.001-08:00

"Mom, A mess! I clean it." These are Vivian's favorite words. Usually, the mess is spilled milk at a meal, or water spilled on the floor. . . but this chip mess happened 2 times in like 15 minutes tonight while I was cooking dinner! Lesson to mom to move the chips to a higher shelf. What a stinker.

My Latest Project

2010-02-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

So, after spending hours dress hunting with Anna, I decided my dress hunting days are over. Dresses are over priced and it's hard to find what you really want. I decided it is time to learn to sew them. So, I began my search for a beginner pattern to try sewing for the younger girls. I found a cute pattern and went on my way. . .. . . after 1 hour TA DA!!!!! Abby has a cute dress, it is the right colors, the right length, and it's comfortable (Abby's all about comfort)! Spencer was about as excited as husbands get about dresses, so I though I would post it show it off to someone who would be excited with me. I thought it turned out pretty darn cute!!!

Disney World Continued. . .

2010-02-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

We saw this giraffe on the African Safari. Abby loves animals and we did this ride twice just for her. It was really cool.

Here's the "UP" characters. We waited in line for a while for this picture. . . Lyndsie was so excited!

At magic kindom, there was a man who did water art on the ground. It was really neat to watch him. We would find this art randomly through out the park. (sorry for the sideways pic.)

Lyndsie got to be an "Apprentice Pirate" for being in Captain Jack Sparrow's show. What a cute little pirate she is ARRRG

Abby and Vivers sporting their minnie mouse ears

Lyndsie and Abby with Annie and Leo from Little Einsteins (Anna would have no part of this picture) so funny!

This is Ta Mater. . without the "Ta". The girls loved this!

We are at the Block Party Bash in Hollywood Studios. The girls got to dance with Jesse in the street. They had some sweet moves!

Here are the green army men that live outside the Toy Story ride. Seriously cool costumes!

This is Vivian with Minnie Mouse. She loved meeting the characters, which surprised me just a little bit! She had absolutely no fear. . . she just loves the mouse!

Here are all the girls with Minnie

Group picture at the bus stop. Can you tell the whole week was a party?

Thanks for a great Vacation!

VACATION OVER

2010-01-24T20:03:00.001-08:00

We're Back!!!! We had such a great time in Florida.. . . The weather was great and the kids were such little troopers. I think they each walked at least 20 miles while we were there! This is going to be the biggest post ever. . . but here we go!

We flew out of SLC Airport at 6:55 A.m. (this picture was taken at about 5:00 a.m. when the kids were still chipper) Here we are just waiting at the airport to check our bags. Check out all the luggage!

This is the airplane we boarded for our flight to Denver. The kids thought the walk way that connects to the airplane was pretty cool.

This is at the airport in Orlando. I knew the moment that everyone got excited to take a picture with a plastic goofy that this trip was going to be magical!

Here we are driving on Disney's Magical Express ( the bus that takes you to your resort). We were so excited to see the official Disney World Sign. By this time the kids were about to lose it because they were so excited!

Tuesday: Flight to Denver/Orlando

Quick trip to Magic Kingdom just in time to ride the Buzz Lightyear Ride and watch "Wishes" which is the fireworks show. Sorry we missed you Grandpa, Grandma and Landon (they missed their connecting flight, so they were too late arriving to watch the fireworks with us)

Wednesday: Animal Kingdom where the favorite rides were definately Mt. Everest and the Animal Safari. We met quite a few characters this day, and we totally loved the Lion King show!

Thursday: Hollywood Studios where we scared the pants off of Abby on Tower of Terror. The big kids whooped it up on Rockin' Roller Coaster, and everyone loved "Lights, Motors, Action" the car stunt show and Beauty and the Beast. We were able to finish off the night with the amazing show Fantasmic. It was so great.

Friday: Magic Kingdom where Abby found all of her brave that was left in her for the Thunder Mountain Railroad. She loved it, which was a breath of fresh air after the Tower of Terror! Lyndsie got to be in a show with Captain Jack Sparrow where she became an apprentice pirate and took the pirate oath. What a cutie! Everone loved Magic kingdom because it is so kid friendly. Sorry Landon, not so many thriller rides here! We ended the night with another great showing of "Wishes". The kids love the fireworks.

Saturday: Off to Epcot where the favorite rides were soarin', test track and mission space. Abby got to talk to Crush (the turtle from Nemo) She asked him if he has teeth. We all learned that turtles just have strong jaws. She was so happy that he called on her (the little dudet with pink spots on her shell) What a great time. Then off to world showcase where the kids loved the chinese acrobats (they had some sweet tricks) and then we skipped the fireworks show and went back to the hotel a bit early due to some seriously pooped out kids!

Sunday: Back to Magic Kingdom, hoping to see all that we missed the first day. Favorite rides were Space Mountain, and the Laugh Floor with Mike from Monsters Inc. (Except for Vivian who was sure that Roz was going to get her). Part way through the day we took Abby, Lyndsie and Vivian back to the hotel for some napping and swimming while Anna played with the big kids at Magic Kingdom. We made it back to the park in time for SpectroMagic ( a light parade) and another great showing of "Wishes". We sent Grandpa and Grandma back to the hotel and the rest of us rode a few more rides. It was a fun late night. We had two days in this park and we never made it to Toon Town. . .maybe next time!

Monday: Back to HollyWood studios where the big kids enjoyed Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster a few last times before we had to go. We also got to ride the Toy Story Ride (one of Abby's favorites) and see the Indiana Jones Show. We also loved the street shows there with a really funny actor (Flabio Fallini) What a hoot. We left early this night for a reservation at a restaurant at the Polynesian Resort called Ohana's. Landon and Spencer especially loved the all you can eat shrimp, steak, pork, and chicken that they serve to you on a sword. Anna and Abby learned how to Hula and they got to do the limbo. Lyndsie wasn't feeling well and she slept on my lap most of the evening. We ended the evening with our last rendition of "wishes" that we could see from the restaurant. It was so fun.

Tuesday: Back to Animal Kindom for some extra magic hours in the morning. We had time to ride the Animal Safari and Expedition Everest. Abby got to see the Tigers (thanks Grandpa and Grandma). We had to head back and catch the bus to the airport. Yup, that's it. Our vacation is done!

I will post more pictures later, but there is our vacation in a nutshell!

Thanks to Grandma, Grandpa, Sarah, Katie, and Landon for all the help with the kids. We couldn't have done it with out you! We love you, thanks for a great vacation!

Little Red Hen

2010-01-08T12:55:00.001-08:00

Today I decided to be the Little Red Hen. I let Grandpa Larsen grow the wheat, and I let him thrash the wheat. . . I 'll take it from there.

Who will help me carry the heavy old wheat bucket to my kitchen? Spencer said. . "I will"

Who will help me grind the wheat with the awesome new wheat grinder I got from Grandpa and Grandma Larsen for Christmas? Abby said, "turn that thing off. . it's noisy!"

Who help me measure the flour I made? Abby said, "I will, then can I watch my movie?"

Who will help me eat the yummy bread that I made? "me, me, me, me, me, me"

And the Larsen family lived happily ever after.

Seriously, this was a great experiment! I have never made wheat bread in my entire life, but I tried this recipe that is 1/2 wheat and 1/2 white, and it is wonderful. I'm sure I can improve my bread making skills and it will be better, but for a first try, I was impressed. Maybe some new whole wheat recipes will follow!

2010-01-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Yes, we started off the new year by building a cute little snoman with Grandma Larsen. We gave her a snowman kit for her birthday, and it was definately time to try it out! The snow was a little bit dry, so with a couple of spray bottles to help us make some snowballs, we accomplished the finished product! THANKS GRANDMA!

FROSTY THE SNOMAN

2009-12-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

Mickey Mouse here we come!!!
We have been planning this trip for a year now, and we are starting the serious countdown! My kids packed their bags on Christmas day (a little premature, I know). We are getting ready for an awesome time in Walt Disney World. The kids get to take their first plane ride (Abby is a little bit nervous). We will be staying on Disney at the Carribean Beach Resort, and enjoying micky mouse waffles every morning for a week. We can't wait to try out a few of the rides in particular, including:
The Tower of Terror

The Rockin' Roller Coaster (everyone but Abby and Vivers)

Expedition Everest

The African Safari

Talking with Crush

The Merry Go Round (Abby)

AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

We are very lucky to be able to go, and we are super excited to spend the week with Mike, Nicky, Landon, Sarah and Katie!

Wish me luck on actually thinking of everything that needs packed for all our little people! We aren't ready to go yet, but, soon soon soon!

Back to Blogging

2009-12-30T19:56:00.002-08:00

Yes, A BIG THANKS to my sweet husband, and a brand new computer with a wirelss internet connection for Christmas, I am back in business. I can't believe how much difference this new computer and the internet connection is making already! Thanks babe!

We had a great Christmas this year. We gift wrapped the doors (Thanks to Kayleen for the great idea) and the kids had a great time busting through the wrapping paper to find their Christmas treasures. (except for Lyndsie-- as you can see-- she just wished we would have let her sleep. We found out later that she was running a fever)

Here is Vivy with her "mouse". Santa knew we were preparing for a Walt Disney World Trip!

This is me and the girls in our "Disney" jammies. What a great day!

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Eve at the Larsen's with all of the family. It was nice this year to be able to stay at our house for most of Christmas day. . thanks grandma and grandpa on both sides for cooperating! We truly felt the true Spirit of Christmas this year with our wonderful family.

Family Pictures

2009-08-29T15:49:00.001-07:00

We finally got our pictures taken (I've been wanting to for a while). Thanks to Kristan for the great pictures and her time spent. Also, thanks to Kayleen for her awesome photoshop talent. They turned out great! It was really hard to get the kids to look at the camera and quit picking the neighbors grain! Look at us, all looking at the camera at once. . it was truely a miracle!!

CATCHING UP

2009-01-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, time really is flying so fast. I have to apologize to all of you who like to read my blog. The holidays started coming, and my life got crazier and crazier. I just had to let a few things slide for a while, and sadly enough, blogging wasn't the most important on my list for a while! I just basically thought I could give a quick overview of what we have been doing around here!

We took an awesome trip to Yellowstone National Park in October. . Cold, but way worth it!

Next, It was Halloween time, what cute little kids. I love to see them in costumes!

We had a great Thanksgiving at the Larsen's home with plenty of food, family, and fun, and then it was off for the great Christmas tree hunt!

Anna had a Christmas play and she was an elf. How cute to see those little 2nd graders perform!

Now for Jessica and Adam's wedding. What a cute couple. . .congratulations guys!

And yes, my Vivy is not such a baby anymore. . . 8 months old now! Where did the time go?

And I was very proud of Abby's hairdo at the wedding. . this pic is mostly for Kayleen.

We had a great Christmas, and are truly greatful for the Savior in our lives. We are greatful for every Christmas season to remember Him and celebrate His birth.

So, that's the Larsen family in a serious nutshell. I hope to do better blogging this year, but I hope to do better in a lot of things. I hope you enjoyed the update.