tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86553779852988506422024-03-28T20:29:46.092-07:00A Mama DramaThe drama that comes with being a full-time mama. Toddlers, babies, pregnancy, and the lifey of being a wifey!Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-68865628999054486412014-01-02T19:23:00.002-08:002014-01-02T19:23:19.585-08:00#LoL<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&docid=jTzSSd6M93R3jM&tbnid=Baria_TKUUJDSM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fearnotbook.com%2F&ei=hSzGUvr_D6HayAGmloDICw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNHQcSA58a5_yZOMF5ANGwMZXg7O4A&ust=1388805585201135" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px none; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="irc_mut" height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.fearnotbook.com/files/QuickSiteImages/MasterImages/fiery_furnace_shadrach_meshach_abednego_14-346.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="173" /></a><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"Lol!" <br /> <br /> When I read the part where King Nebuc</span>hadezzer said "and the king answered: Lo, I see four men loose." <br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> <br /> My brain read "and the king answered,<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><b>Lol</b>, I see four men loose!" Should I be concerned?</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> <br /> Daniel 3:25<br /> </span>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-67414326330106539382013-04-03T07:18:00.002-07:002013-04-03T07:34:44.410-07:00A House of... "Lived in"<div class="paragraph_style_2" style="padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have <span style="font-size: small;">an <span style="font-size: small;">insatiable</span> need for order in my home,<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">and<span style="font-size: small;"> <strike>some</strike> most days it's just the BIG U<span style="font-size: small;">GLY ar<span style="font-size: small;">ound here</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">With homeschoo<span style="font-size: small;">ling <span style="font-size: small;">4 little children and my own clutt<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">ery nature<span style="font-size: small;">, it's a bit of a losing battle. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvAzSfJC3C3Pt4exEJ8tVzVFq_yTlHB-rpebnvr_oBBx1hkxxfDdMxHHT9heG2WPe0Kz2uFeJZsXRBGKwJ-IouVB8jygEsEhXsqUNUHKXmw51lnXmm_TjQUALOSXA4CGhteMpp6wY-_M/s1600/1343434369541_8997234.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvAzSfJC3C3Pt4exEJ8tVzVFq_yTlHB-rpebnvr_oBBx1hkxxfDdMxHHT9heG2WPe0Kz2uFeJZsXRBGKwJ-IouVB8jygEsEhXsqUNUHKXmw51lnXmm_TjQUALOSXA4CGhteMpp6wY-_M/s320/1343434369541_8997234.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">They say<span style="font-size: small;"> "</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The love of money is <span style="font-size: small;">the root of all evil" but for me<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> the <span style="font-size: small;">"love of <span style="font-size: small;">order" might be more fitting. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not<span style="font-size: small;">hing brings ou<span style="font-size: small;">t the Mommy Monster q<span style="font-size: small;">uicker tha<span style="font-size: small;">n <span style="font-size: small;">a messy<span style="font-size: small;"> kitchen or the <span style="font-size: small;">T<span style="font-size: small;">ow<span style="font-size: small;">er of Ba<span style="font-size: small;">b<span style="font-size: small;">el in my laundry room</span></span></span>.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Whi<span style="font-size: small;">le order can foster peace and good feelings, the "love of order" can produc<span style="font-size: small;">e the<span style="font-size: small;"> stark o<span style="font-size: small;">ppos<span style="font-size: small;">ite<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, I really <span style="font-size: small;">loved this mom's take on order in the home. And, the <span style="font-size: small;">importance of lov<span style="font-size: small;">ing people more than our image or our homes. <span style="font-size: small;">You can see her site <a href="http://milestonesacademy.com/Site/BOW1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Note to Mother:
Why do we want a house of order? A house of order provides a
comfortable, safe harbor for family and friends. But what happens if
life gets in the way? What happens if Billy has to go to the ER for
stitches, when we are doing our Saturday Special Teams stuff? What
happens if Sunday rolls around or friends drop by and the house anything
but orderly?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://milestonesacademy.com/Site/BOW1.html" target="_blank"><i><br /></i></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://milestonesacademy.com/Site/BOW1.html" target="_blank"><i>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Do
you think that is what happened to Martha? Jesus and his followers
dropped in on a day, when the bread wouldn’t rise, the goats got out,
the next door neighbor’s dog got in the chicken coop, and she was just
getting over the flu. Wonderful homemaker that she was, Martha had a
plan for visitors—perfect food—perfect surroundings—perfect Martha.
Even though Jesus was important to her, many things troubled her. Her
image of herself as the perfect homemaker got in the way of what was
important—time with her friend and Savior. Her expectations of honor and
praise got in the way of people.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://milestonesacademy.com/Site/BOW1.html" target="_blank"><i><br /></i></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> While we pursue order in our homes, let us not forget the reason for that order—family, friends, and fellowship. Yes, people are more comfortable, when the house is neat, tidy, and organized. But let’s not put the cart before the horse. When caught unexpectedly, forget embarrassment (or pride as it really is) and focus on people. Growing up in my youthful home, possessions were dearer than people. Stuff was more cherished than children. This was utterly destructive to my little psyche. In your home, put pride aside and let interactions with individuals be more important than image. This is emotional good housekeeping or the lack of emotional homelessness."</i></span></blockquote>
Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-61544706417407188022013-04-01T12:45:00.004-07:002013-11-04T00:22:10.927-08:00Repent ye... repent ye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6mwnkNmW7ovN-qS5FCy3rmfkM4hjHY2BKxGdcMGHigC-lbBk3yFN1Jign9QF_MBUiCRK47yUCRA-iW-UzUCzKZ-R6b8fVUJXJSOq_ssQqOUOw2QQWZcgJ336D_DFgdosNnIL3MhQ-48/s1600/IMG_6340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6mwnkNmW7ovN-qS5FCy3rmfkM4hjHY2BKxGdcMGHigC-lbBk3yFN1Jign9QF_MBUiCRK47yUCRA-iW-UzUCzKZ-R6b8fVUJXJSOq_ssQqOUOw2QQWZcgJ336D_DFgdosNnIL3MhQ-48/s320/IMG_6340.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent" style="color: #444444;">There it was, 5 feet in diameter, glistening up at me. </span></span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent" style="color: #444444;">A shiny pool of Canola oil...</span></span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent" style="color: #444444;">...glistening across my freshly cleaned kitchen floor and trickling down the hall. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Let's just say that was the last straw of the day and I had </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">-A MOMENT.</span></h5>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNgJoW4wPhXOkUbNN9U2EEMyo8bqkd8X_WOl505uGpNTXBdEdlH1eZ1-GPJr-yuhtdCooHVNvcuHtOZRDUchOfFDNLDFws9yNgyNQ5dAVeeCIfko_of93r5I8Me0HUcsTIPBWoWde7Kk/s1600/cookingoilrecycling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNgJoW4wPhXOkUbNN9U2EEMyo8bqkd8X_WOl505uGpNTXBdEdlH1eZ1-GPJr-yuhtdCooHVNvcuHtOZRDUchOfFDNLDFws9yNgyNQ5dAVeeCIfko_of93r5I8Me0HUcsTIPBWoWde7Kk/s200/cookingoilrecycling.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> <br /><span style="color: #444444;">
Everyone knew<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">mom was having a moment</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">,</span> <u>except </u>little Fin who came happily skipping down the stairs, singing in her <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">sweet</span></span>, tiny voice, </span></span></span></span></span></h5>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent" style="color: #e69138;">"If
the Savior stood beside me, would I do the the things I do..." </span></span></span></span></i></b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent" style="color: #444444;"> In a moment I had been called to repentance by my 5 year old. How precious are these little ones...</span></span></span></span></h5>
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Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-48045330499323149822013-03-26T14:01:00.005-07:002013-03-26T14:05:07.121-07:00Honesty is the best policy?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81Zv01RYDNOjSy6ObBWp5fDPUlvzbTcAa-GkohcJa4ZFmjWYvGHNqYGEePkGQdLJ_f7TGM1t-qKSzlmVOC2ni9xOXFsweS52bb2o2Qslxxmu87W37XCDitvKjrFNAnmWcfX8uo7YfU8c/s1600/fin.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81Zv01RYDNOjSy6ObBWp5fDPUlvzbTcAa-GkohcJa4ZFmjWYvGHNqYGEePkGQdLJ_f7TGM1t-qKSzlmVOC2ni9xOXFsweS52bb2o2Qslxxmu87W37XCDitvKjrFNAnmWcfX8uo7YfU8c/s320/fin.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">FINLEY: "Mom, your the best mom in the world.... </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> .....even when your<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b>mean</b></span>....or<b> sassy</b>!!<span style="font-size: large;">"</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-When is a compliment not a compliment?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWesptmjXWj0JNz9E55edKgSdCS5Jxptk6r8egp0CGLUufw3mq2sN3q6HIVdHrrzcE8iBtUyYevF6DGcTZznyakI-6dWmFEZ7IeyRYvYpBepElB7TnHUSRNaSzDMzlqUyS8Qek7vuhb0/s1600/fin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWesptmjXWj0JNz9E55edKgSdCS5Jxptk6r8egp0CGLUufw3mq2sN3q6HIVdHrrzcE8iBtUyYevF6DGcTZznyakI-6dWmFEZ7IeyRYvYpBepElB7TnHUSRNaSzDMzlqUyS8Qek7vuhb0/s200/fin2.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4FPyF0FWQb0BwFG5SfRLW3VYaeGAqBk1qQNm_RjdIMXXPoxBeHAqGs3X4P1fXjBcRl0zmBfRm6L8pYylooO40IJr17iNpSwtb-6dGXVPvt-kEUSrUYriXkT2W5uF0Iy4ljpJKG8suIA/s1600/fin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4FPyF0FWQb0BwFG5SfRLW3VYaeGAqBk1qQNm_RjdIMXXPoxBeHAqGs3X4P1fXjBcRl0zmBfRm6L8pYylooO40IJr17iNpSwtb-6dGXVPvt-kEUSrUYriXkT2W5uF0Iy4ljpJKG8suIA/s200/fin3.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-14915385330721696752012-06-11T22:04:00.000-07:002013-10-07T09:08:10.082-07:00Little Fin...our sweet third wheel.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If Ky and Bridgey are the first and second wheels on the bus, Little Fin is our third. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My fun-loving, happy girl, seem a bit lost lately. Being the middle child looks tricky. I'm so glad she has Rusty. Even though he's 4 years her younger, she just adores his company and has found him to be a real kindred spirit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If Fin is our 3rd wheel, Rusty is our fourth and he really helps level things.</span>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-88953844638437805832012-05-30T09:10:00.001-07:002012-06-11T22:34:53.447-07:00Two lists: FOCUS & IGNORE.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">Until I read this I thought the goal was to prioritize my time better so I could fit more in. Answer or read the many emails, tweets, fb and phone msgs, texts, etc. But, the truth is, in doing it ALL I find myself sacrificing the things I want most in my life: <span style="font-size: large;">PEACE, and Deep Relationships. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">As <b>silly</b> as it sounds, I think I was needing <b>permission to say, "No."</b> to the hurling mass of information that invades my life each day via, internet and phone. The<span style="font-size: large;"> constant stream and "dings"</span> that interrupt the routines of family life and thereby the relationships and peace that I make my day fulfilling. I know this article is framed around the working world but I found it just as <span style="font-size: large;">pertinent to my life </span>at home. </span><br />
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<span class="yiv22718411Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">If you only have a bit of time at least read about the IGNORE LIST. It's a<b> </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"><b>phenomenal</b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">idea! What else can I choose to let go of in my life, that isn't inline with my goals? Very insightful article. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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<span class="yiv22718411Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #bf9000;"><b><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">From a blog on the Harvard Business Review - </span><a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/bregman/2009/05/two-lists-you-should-look-at-e.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1338393575_0" style="cursor: pointer;">http://blogs.hbr.org/ bregman/2009/05/two-lists-you- should-look-at-e.html</span></a></b></span><br />
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</div>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-19898194357624225482012-05-29T17:19:00.001-07:002012-05-29T17:25:13.910-07:00That's my girl, high aspirations.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXilzQonAlYdsIJLcrbnzY8U6Rji4fTdIeQzuRW78er2qZWzoEG_-MGK8oZmPBszQ097GH5Gd5ocmTVT9yddSfMNgAAyoxHXs9pq8Qpp1P0IzWXOPGPEWcGITBWHWIzujOa2WJoNeb68/s1600/IMG_1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXilzQonAlYdsIJLcrbnzY8U6Rji4fTdIeQzuRW78er2qZWzoEG_-MGK8oZmPBszQ097GH5Gd5ocmTVT9yddSfMNgAAyoxHXs9pq8Qpp1P0IzWXOPGPEWcGITBWHWIzujOa2WJoNeb68/s320/IMG_1985.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyanne doing <i>Grown Up.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Ky: "I like to carry Rusty in the store, because people think I'm really a<span style="font-size: large;"> teenager </span>and he is<span style="font-size: large;"> my baby. " </span></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">(Teen-mom, every kids dream?)</span></i></b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Ky: "I had a dream that I gave Oreo a <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">utility belt</span></b>, </i>that helps her fly." </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">-The words she chooses to use crack me up. Clever little thing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Fin's funny of the day:</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Fin: <span style="font-size: large;">"Mom the moon is following me, everywhere I go on my bike!"</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYE-0ErQoudRWC2LNQdzT9FLYjWn-IYBnmWO4PlemmeLbsMPzq0ZEk9DOYMNJqQ8xjuRUoV8buSCBLnh9NMjKtbVvSN6dcQ1iaYv1JfeiLReESa8TbikmeXGH53vdoq1Pso4lLig706xU/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYE-0ErQoudRWC2LNQdzT9FLYjWn-IYBnmWO4PlemmeLbsMPzq0ZEk9DOYMNJqQ8xjuRUoV8buSCBLnh9NMjKtbVvSN6dcQ1iaYv1JfeiLReESa8TbikmeXGH53vdoq1Pso4lLig706xU/s320/IMG_1983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-43495667539983687242012-03-08T15:42:00.001-08:002012-03-08T15:42:40.481-08:00I love you most....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5XnPkvyoHO4jNZMRmaBWqi4BhIj-FP5ChpsUAR1H2Kn5uWMfIH1072mWgwy7jDtjZK1pq8oK4ZExhoK_l0fNnDcEcIVW4rBU4dxTtSvfmaEBtjKWGHmdPMqbKU2eVlVhjE9AMSG55-Y/s1600/IMG_8923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5XnPkvyoHO4jNZMRmaBWqi4BhIj-FP5ChpsUAR1H2Kn5uWMfIH1072mWgwy7jDtjZK1pq8oK4ZExhoK_l0fNnDcEcIVW4rBU4dxTtSvfmaEBtjKWGHmdPMqbKU2eVlVhjE9AMSG55-Y/s320/IMG_8923.JPG" width="320" /></a>Jess: I love you more...<br />
Fin: I love you more....<br />
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Jess: I love you most...<br />
Fin: I love you most...<br />
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Jess: I love you because your the cutest..<br />
Fin: <span style="font-size: large;"><b>I love you because your the esponsiblest....</b></span><br />
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<br />Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-64212941593841791672012-02-01T20:28:00.000-08:002012-06-11T22:34:05.086-07:00The Battle in our Brains. How to crave gospel study.<b>This is just what I needed tonight. Thank you Heather. I love you, and this really was inspiring. Today I was just asking myself why I'm finding it a chore to read from my scriptures, when just months ago I loved that time and found it so nourishing or energizing. And, then I read this article: </b><br />
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<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://segullah.org/daily-special/the-battle-in-our-brains/" rel="bookmark">The Battle in our Brains</a></span></h1>
Several months ago I attended the <a href="http://www.mormonwomen.com/">Mormon Women Project</a>
Salon Event, at which I heard Tina Peterson speak. The title for her
breakout session was, “Becoming a Deliberate Student of the Gospel.”
Tina has a degree in Near Eastern Studies and has studied the Old and
New Testament in their original languages from multiple sources
including the Dead Sea Scrolls.<br />
“That’s where you need to be,” I said to myself. So I chose her
class. And by the end of the evening, it was Tina’s words that stayed
with me most. They hung in my mind for weeks. She so revolutionized my
study and thinking that, with her permission, I share what she taught
here.<br />
Tina first talked about the mechanics of effective scripture study. They were the standard “should-dos” until she got to #4.<br />
<div>
<ol>
<li>Pray before you begin.</li>
<li>Read, cross-reference, immerse yourself in the texts.</li>
<li>Keep a notepad and pencil near you. Write down every impression that
comes to you, without dismissing thoughts that may seem random or out
of context.</li>
<li>Over time, look back at what you have written and search for
patterns. Trends and themes will emerge. You will see what the Holy
Ghost is trying to teach you.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://s601.photobucket.com/albums/tt99/ck_arveseth/?action=view&current=IMG_0460-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="134" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt99/ck_arveseth/IMG_0460-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>Wow,</i> I thought. I jot down notes, scribble in the margins,
underline in various colors, but looking for patterns, themes, and
messages over time? That hadn’t occurred to me.<br />
Then Tina got serious, because we were short on time, and she said,
“Now I’m going to tell you what I feel strongly you need to hear.” We
were listening.<span id="more-11914"></span><br />
<blockquote>
“The battle today, between Babylon and Zion, is being waged between the synapses of our brains.”</blockquote>
(I’m no neurologist, but I’ve had enough physiology to know that
synapses are how our brains process messages. They are crucial to the
biological computation of perception and thought.)<br />
Tina explained that in this information age when messages, images,
and information are coming at us almost faster than we can receive them,
our brains are creating new neural pathways to accommodate the input.
The first time we see an image on a screen (we’re not talking about
pornography here, although it does apply) – like a blog page, a news
feed, texts, or facebook – our brain creates a new neural pathway to
process that image. It is the same with new sounds or any stimuli to the
senses, but let’s use the visual image for this discussion.<br />
Input always travels the path of least resistance. So the second time
we see the new image, it will travel the same route. And before long,
the new neural pathway has been stimulated enough to “desire” of itself
continued activation. A habit is born.<br />
<br />
<br />
After that, when the brain is not currently occupied, we long for
that image. That is why we constantly check our phones or email. That is
why, when we have a free moment, we click onto a favorite blog, check
facebook, and tweets, or any other source of input we frequent. Without
realizing it, we have begun to crave these places of input, hunger for
them, to the point where they can surreptitiously dominate our time.<br />
<a href="http://s601.photobucket.com/albums/tt99/ck_arveseth/?action=view&current=300px-Chemical_synapse_schema_cropped.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt99/ck_arveseth/300px-Chemical_synapse_schema_cropped.jpg" width="300" /></a>Tina said the only way to counterbalance this is with ancient and
modern scripture. We must expose our brains repeatedly to the image or
sound of God’s words. Printed, glowing on the page, read aloud, or
discussed with friends. That is where God’s Spirit lives. It is where
His mind and will can rise out of the texts we read or the conversations
we share, and filter into our lives, allowing revelation to move
through us.<br />
Satan knows the physiology of the brain. He knows if he can encourage
overstimulation through an overload of mundane or technical
information, he can increase the odds that we will not seek more
spiritual sources for input, thus making scripture study tedious.<br />
Recent studies have also shown that when our minds are
over-stimulated, we begin to make decisions without considering the
consequences. Much of the time, these quick decisions are not the best
ones for us. An abundance of “information” prompts reactionary responses
and elevates feelings of anxiety. All of this distracts us from the
peace the Lord offers through His Word, and deprives us of much needed
pondering time – time when our minds can reinforce more spiritual
pathways.<br />
Then Tina said this,<br />
<blockquote>
“Your time with the word of the Lord is your personal
Urim and Thummim. It is there that God will speak to you. Frequent the
scriptures often enough that your brain craves that kind of input – that
your day feels incomplete without it.”</blockquote>
Have you been there? That place of truly feasting on God’s word? I
have. And I’m sure you have too. I love how Jeremiah describes it.<br />
<blockquote>
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16).</blockquote>
I have also been in that place where I <i>don’t </i>crave the
scriptures, because my reading is sporadic, even neglectful. And in
retrospect, I can see I have filled my precious time with things that
matter much less.<br />
After hearing Tina talk, I realized I can’t afford to neglect my time
in the scriptures. I can’t risk being a voice to my children, my
friends, or the Relief Society sisters I teach, if I am not partaking
regularly of God’s word. Time with the word of the Lord is its own
system of checks and balances for me. It’s how the Lord rights me, keeps
me on course.<br />
Naturally, the sources of input mentioned here are not bad things.
But Tina’s words have helped me make a conscious effort to open my
scriptures each day before computer time, reading any other book, or
another leisurely activity. I have started recording impressions. And it
is astounding the level of happy confidence I have felt. I am still
working on the habit, but I’m getting better at hearing as I go. “The
words of the Lord are pure words, said the Psalmist, and I am
discovering that within them we can see things “as they really are and
as they really will be” (Jacob 4:13).<br />
<i>What about you? How is your scripture study going? What do you think of this battle in the brain? </i>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-75557486448767250062012-01-29T18:56:00.000-08:002013-10-06T21:18:18.131-07:00What will help them succeed?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMqOf-hOVMuL_SreThsA6EKHNBiFHos3sIZEyq6el826ANc6yrS5qkHmsPYpaK5a4NCLyBd0D_WrVpBcrGgGiZhcyqCPhAWeY0TO-5Z28hLyVTl6JGScORyw6xwMlbpmB43D9ahNLT0k/s1600/fin19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMqOf-hOVMuL_SreThsA6EKHNBiFHos3sIZEyq6el826ANc6yrS5qkHmsPYpaK5a4NCLyBd0D_WrVpBcrGgGiZhcyqCPhAWeY0TO-5Z28hLyVTl6JGScORyw6xwMlbpmB43D9ahNLT0k/s320/fin19.jpg" width="320" /></a>*<span style="font-size: large;">Think </span>what will help them have success? How can I help
Bridge be successful in doing his chores around the house? How can I
help Kyanne be successful in today's math lesson. How can I help Fin be
successful in staying in her bed after the lights go out?<br />
<br />
When I think
like this, I'm suddenly <span style="font-size: large;">on their side</span>, wanting them to do great. My view
of them changes from, kids who don't care about obeying their mom,
don't care about following directions, to kids who want to do what their
asked and just don't quite know how. Suddenly I have compassion and I
want to be in their corner, <span style="font-size: large;">cheering them on</span>, even if they only make it
half way the first few times.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRBzfAnHkyohUH3igXEOTXredTxdetqiSlz7bgI_8QLCbRuM6YxrWHLAbnY5lB2pQe7w9Xyi5FRshDDkpbjMmoAjH3tNx-fNrONXC_DRzyBwsgM-bwnjPOsF0ujwQe288TsA0mZoMA_U/s1600/fin18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRBzfAnHkyohUH3igXEOTXredTxdetqiSlz7bgI_8QLCbRuM6YxrWHLAbnY5lB2pQe7w9Xyi5FRshDDkpbjMmoAjH3tNx-fNrONXC_DRzyBwsgM-bwnjPOsF0ujwQe288TsA0mZoMA_U/s320/fin18.jpg" width="239" /></a>This is so different than the usual me,
who asks Bridge to put away the shoes by the front door 3 times and wants
to strangle him by time 4 but instead, I feel all controlled and good
parent like when I give him a consequence instead, but is that really what will help him succeed? Sometimes yes, but other times no.<br />
<br />
As I continue to think about our day, I find that Bridgey really does want to please me, he shows
me this all throughout the day as he asks what he can do to help me, he
just has trouble following through.<br />
<br />
His little mind is amazing and so
curious. I've heard him refered to as a blur, and I'd add quickly distracted as a
back up. He's so interested in everything around him, it's hard to
follow through on something less interesting like putting away shoes.
But, the more I <b>help him be successful</b> the more I find he it makes him
feel good and <span style="font-size: large;">he tries to be successful all on his own</span>.Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-52997845899017736282012-01-22T10:41:00.000-08:002012-01-22T18:04:25.612-08:00He Said/She said... Cute kiddies.Bridge: "Look dad, my dragon's name is <b>Mexico</b>."<br />
Finley: "My stuffie's name is <b>Mexi-Ker</b>."<br />
<br />
Bridge: "Mom what is your favorite thing to do?"<br />
<br />
After telling him some of my favorite things, I asked what what some of his favorite things to do were.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJjHO7IzvttrsVKTyk1k5D1JNmhs4FTOJbZ-XMb1BgXFP0iRRFNUzWXNELpZsVovs3DyR6uYORo75DqZ9cGOm3vhwDt7Mw-6LMLZE1Nq59pPJWUAyOk1qPtRYmnC_8aPDODEH9Wzzf9w/s1600/IMG_5516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJjHO7IzvttrsVKTyk1k5D1JNmhs4FTOJbZ-XMb1BgXFP0iRRFNUzWXNELpZsVovs3DyR6uYORo75DqZ9cGOm3vhwDt7Mw-6LMLZE1Nq59pPJWUAyOk1qPtRYmnC_8aPDODEH9Wzzf9w/s320/IMG_5516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Bridge: "My favorite thing to do, is everything I do with my dad. (Pause) And, I like the things I do with you too mom. (Thoughtful pause) Except when you get mad at me."<br />
<br />
*Man, kids are cute!<br />
<br />
<br />Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-7523096323738048882012-01-20T17:59:00.001-08:002012-01-20T19:26:08.762-08:00How do I Tame that Mommy Monster!#@<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsO2FBR7mxbg1GXyiAOlD9Dw-f4emRzgF0mIYqnAN7FkVdlKFDmhtukpwimWZGxLzOlzlyiASN4ughLUB3lymKAhRxtvW7G2KzFX1EOK8xwCrxBu8x9z8eN_Qr0aO6dnBR6jA2k7-9xs/s1600/download.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsO2FBR7mxbg1GXyiAOlD9Dw-f4emRzgF0mIYqnAN7FkVdlKFDmhtukpwimWZGxLzOlzlyiASN4ughLUB3lymKAhRxtvW7G2KzFX1EOK8xwCrxBu8x9z8eN_Qr0aO6dnBR6jA2k7-9xs/s200/download.jpg" width="150" /></a>I've spent a lot of time the past couple weeks, <span style="font-size: small;">lecturing</span> Kyanne about<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">"choosing a good attitude </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">-<i>even when it's hard</i>." </span></blockquote>
But, I know from experience, like the rest of you,<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"> <u style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: small;">a lecture is about as inspiring as a poke in the eye</span></u></span><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">.</span> </span></span>Instead I'm trying
to sing when I feel like growling at the innocent Littles.<br />
<br />
Sadly for Jess and my kiddos, I can do <span style="font-size: large;">"</span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Martyr"</span> </i>really
well. And, I see my sweet Ky mimicking me, Awwwwwhhh. Singing is all
I've thought of at present to combat the grumps. Depending on the
moment, I can be heard <b>humming</b> or <span style="font-size: large;">belting out<b> </b></span><b><a href="http://lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=1&searchseqstart=241&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=241&searchsubseqend=ZZZ" style="color: #45818e;" target="_blank">"Count Your Many Blessings..."</a><span style="color: #45818e;"> </span></b>because that just what I need to throw out those<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">"I deserve" glasses</span></span> and remember I'm so blessed. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">I'd love to hear anything you guys do in the moment, to </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><i>tame your Mommy Monster, <span style="font-size: small;">mine is around too much lately. </span></i></span></b></blockquote>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtw5vyFAey1cEVg8Uen8CoKBz6JSG_anr3K802NTcNu9X_u-d87wpQNcPabR2-HiGVaA5CguwQe0bHg15eU-t2Gtgl1m4QhfGiernoseHpiB5Zxm7YHton0jQLOHfc7aIta-_YE_JnZg/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtw5vyFAey1cEVg8Uen8CoKBz6JSG_anr3K802NTcNu9X_u-d87wpQNcPabR2-HiGVaA5CguwQe0bHg15eU-t2Gtgl1m4QhfGiernoseHpiB5Zxm7YHton0jQLOHfc7aIta-_YE_JnZg/s200/IMG_1178.JPG" width="200" /><i> </i></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i>(Bridgey made this depiction of me and him. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i>So, cute that he made me
saying "I love Bridge". </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i>Do you think he knows about the "Golden Boy"?)</i><b><br /></b></div>
</div>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-84307213198785590182011-12-24T10:02:00.001-08:002012-01-20T21:49:36.694-08:00I'm thankful for the Savior.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sicSmC-yUFhAljV5ABWFr-NcuOiLp-EtavJP51GF24oisyjVhNVUCWJ9l2jVr_XitZxVQ2SjsP8oq_u2A4RyLwZaFdlb166BcJrTu7Br2Wap_VKxpw135LugluGYzv458Ra_5ubxUOU/s1600/IMG_7810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sicSmC-yUFhAljV5ABWFr-NcuOiLp-EtavJP51GF24oisyjVhNVUCWJ9l2jVr_XitZxVQ2SjsP8oq_u2A4RyLwZaFdlb166BcJrTu7Br2Wap_VKxpw135LugluGYzv458Ra_5ubxUOU/s320/IMG_7810.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz3ushxR8Oqr5shZ7q1ieisX95ZiLV-CrSpFUxVbyrHZySgZnrnMe1hAAYgOmLn_etjNVR2IXi3idHSf-iPFpM_4L_5pM3inlUH8qzIUA9l-w3Zj4rt8-cL1N3R8TM_rKluM5y6vAyUo/s1600/images-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>To help us keep our eye on the ball this year, we decided to copy a story I found at the church bookstore about a family who put a piece of straw in a manger as they did kind acts through the month. So, Jess made a manger with the kids (it's sooo cute) and they have put straw inside it anonymously for their acts of service, as their gift to the Savior. Just having the little wooden manger under the tree helped me remember the Savior more this Holiday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And, on that note, I want to share <span style="font-size: large;">my love for the Savior</span> and Heavenly Father. As a little girl I loved Happily Ever Afters, and as a teen I spent a lot of time <b><span style="font-size: large;">searching</span></b> for the source of true Happily Ever Afters. Then when I was 16, I met a friend and her sweet family from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I can remember learning about their belief that Heavenly Father is a loving father, who's <span style="font-size: large;"><i>greatest joy</i></span> is us and helping guide us on our way back to live with Him after this life is done. The moment I learned this, <b>inside I felt it's truth</b>, because I had an imperfect mortal mother here on earth that loved me so much. I've always felt like I could come to her with any wrongs and she would still be crazy about me, and would gently help me find the right way.<br />
<br />
I learned that Jesus is God's son just like I'm God's daughter. That in the preEarth life, Heavenly Father presented His wonderful plan for us to go to Earth, get a body like Him, gain experience, and have free agency to choose. But, this would lead to mistakes and sin, and we would need a Savior that could pay for these sins, so we could return to live as an eternal family in Heaven with our Heavenly Parents and each other. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz3ushxR8Oqr5shZ7q1ieisX95ZiLV-CrSpFUxVbyrHZySgZnrnMe1hAAYgOmLn_etjNVR2IXi3idHSf-iPFpM_4L_5pM3inlUH8qzIUA9l-w3Zj4rt8-cL1N3R8TM_rKluM5y6vAyUo/s1600/images-5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz3ushxR8Oqr5shZ7q1ieisX95ZiLV-CrSpFUxVbyrHZySgZnrnMe1hAAYgOmLn_etjNVR2IXi3idHSf-iPFpM_4L_5pM3inlUH8qzIUA9l-w3Zj4rt8-cL1N3R8TM_rKluM5y6vAyUo/s200/images-5.jpg" width="200" /></a>When I was younger each Sunday I attended a<span style="font-size: large;"> little white Baptist church</span> with a neighbor. They taught me <u>wonderful</u> things about God and Jesus, including He atoned for our sins. But, I never understood what this really meant until recent years. Now I can understand that He not only atoned for our sins, but He also had to carry each pain, <span style="font-size: large;">suffering, and heartache </span>that would come to us.<br />
<br />
As I imagine what it would feel like to know every sad heart ache, suffering, and sin that Kyanne, Bridgey, Fin or Rusty who I love with all my heart, I can understand why<b> the Savior knows us best, and loves us most</b>. I can understand why the sheer weight of such a burden caused Him, part God, to bleed from every pore, and, call out to His father using the intimate form of Father, <span style="font-size: large;">Abba</span> (Like we say Papa, or Daddy in our language), asking if there was any other way [Mark 14:34-36 ].<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div class="">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8655377985298850642" name="38"> </a><span class="verse"></span><span class="verse">34 </span>And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.</div>
<div class="">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8655377985298850642" name="35"> </a><span class="verse">35 </span>And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.</div>
<div class="">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8655377985298850642" name="36"> </a><span class="verse">36 </span>And he said, <b>Abba</b>, Father, all things <span class="clarityWord">are</span> possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thankful for the Savior</span>, I'm thankful for His love and sacrafice, especially when he felt as it was so awful "even unto death", and so awful that even though He knew that's what He came to earth to do, and still asked Heavenly Father if there was another way, but He still finished, because He loves each one of us, and when we are all done with this earth, <span style="font-size: large;">He wants to see and hug each one of us</span>. I really believe this.</div>
<div class="" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday. Merry Christmas.</b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wNaua4GOj9g&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></embed></object>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-82835731772487173272011-12-10T19:07:00.001-08:002011-12-10T20:07:48.796-08:00Our friend Natasha. Her STory.When Jess or I first tell people about our charity, the most common response is, "That happens here?" And, the next question is: "How?" <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXe_V54HctW_m0AjLMuDnoDU4q_f-93YF-yKxaf2qHHb3IIeYNXGU06phic901rYcw6dPcg_Lxqjt0QLKRaFDnbZAbsqPAs9dT2K8ba1cjx7SVTiNTHdCN3Tk-3JgY5RnqnxWiC2eKBA/s1600/kwxp5h-kwxoyzgrcheer0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXe_V54HctW_m0AjLMuDnoDU4q_f-93YF-yKxaf2qHHb3IIeYNXGU06phic901rYcw6dPcg_Lxqjt0QLKRaFDnbZAbsqPAs9dT2K8ba1cjx7SVTiNTHdCN3Tk-3JgY5RnqnxWiC2eKBA/s1600/kwxp5h-kwxoyzgrcheer0046.jpg" /></a>Below is our friend Natasha telling her own story. Natasha was the all American teen, Cheerleader, honor roll, mom, dad and little brother at home. Her traffickers went to such length to abduct her, that they not only gave her their business card asking her to call if she was interested in becoming a make-up artist, but then had her meet them at an office building where they interviewed her and let her know that there were so many applicants she may not get the job. Three weeks later they called to inform her she had got the job and needed to get her travel documents in order and tell her family.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Bq1yMb8wB7tFY1ti1Z6kA8RH-8MGIBgwslzmx9nCs01wHDgSkANX2fxjYbA74f6-evSo2ezlTA5BUe7eWS9vjRRHvbgr5yHqWmTnjtGjdsnKSesKVv7FlDJHTQntIQGa26OTnknXv0/s1600/P5310304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9Bq1yMb8wB7tFY1ti1Z6kA8RH-8MGIBgwslzmx9nCs01wHDgSkANX2fxjYbA74f6-evSo2ezlTA5BUe7eWS9vjRRHvbgr5yHqWmTnjtGjdsnKSesKVv7FlDJHTQntIQGa26OTnknXv0/s320/P5310304.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natasha Herzig (middle)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After being kidnapped and forcefully exploited day after day, her traffickers required her to call home every few months to let her parents know how she was doing and where she currently was traveling for her work as a "make-artist".<br />
<br />
<br />
The story of how she got out and what she's done with her life since to help others is inspiring and empowering. We feel priveleged to know her and have her advising us in matters of Child Rescue. Here's her story: <b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://titancast.titantv.com/p/kyma/v/Natasha-Herzig-Full-Interview/1ABX2RGQ.aspx" target="_blank">NATASHA's Story</a></b><br />
<br />
<br />Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-36917534248438364512011-12-02T08:05:00.001-08:002012-06-11T22:32:46.009-07:00A video of Baby Mia now, for Jessica, Jacob's Mommy.Many of you followed the story of sweet "Baby Mia", my friends baby girl who needed a heart transplant 3 years ago. With so many prayers and donations sent in behalf of her, I thought there would be many that would love to see this tender video. It was made for Jessica, the mommy of Jacob who gave his heart to Mia. I just sobbed as I watched these beautiful babies. Here is a link to the <a href="http://www.mcdonaldfam.blogspot.com/2011/12/for-jessica.html" target="_blank">Mcdonald family blog</a> as well for more updates.<br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><a href="http://www.mcdonaldfam.blogspot.com/2011/12/for-jessica.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span></a></span></h6>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="325" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32950978?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="578"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/32950978">For Jessica</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3511923">Lilly McDowell</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<br />Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-61302219268635293282011-10-28T13:37:00.000-07:002013-10-07T09:40:51.456-07:00Our Witch's Pantry (inspired by cutest kid's book 'Piggy Pie')<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Witch's Pantry. Kids are doing good at staying out of the treats</td></tr>
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The kids and Abbi and I had xtra fun decorating for Halloween this year. . . because of: <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/stephhhead/fall-fun-ideas/">PINTREST</a>.</span> </div>
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What a beautiful thing. <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> I</b></i><b><i>t's like: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>finely aged wine</i></b></span></div>
to my. . .<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">craftaholic heart</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaB7zwzeROQpwHT7YsYaFW4BdRtQ699sbs40nskhuS4SwjhGI2kWxxjTn_mFeJfQvz5gl-olSWDZ_lZaehdw1D_3NG_Go0VRlDBg8WH81Fj5aWVotZl_UKL2VvUwCzlB-NbpbSr1Paxw/s1600/images-4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaB7zwzeROQpwHT7YsYaFW4BdRtQ699sbs40nskhuS4SwjhGI2kWxxjTn_mFeJfQvz5gl-olSWDZ_lZaehdw1D_3NG_Go0VRlDBg8WH81Fj5aWVotZl_UKL2VvUwCzlB-NbpbSr1Paxw/s200/images-4.jpg" width="153" /></a>It could suck my life away if my kids would allow it.</div>
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Most the printables can be found <a href="http://pinterest.com/stephhhead/fall-fun-ideas/"><b>HERE</b></a>.
I found most of the cute glass jars and creepy stuff at the dollar
store. The labels were just baked till they looked old and then modge
podged by Abbi. </div>
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(For those who are wondering -yes, I did start a <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">kitchen fire</span></span> in the process, but only once and there were no casualties so we called it good, and carried on.)<br />
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Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-10812729924827012792011-10-12T09:49:00.000-07:002011-10-12T09:49:03.754-07:00Sister Hinckley inspires me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TdcGKvDv1RKUkysPE28Axv4-vZqLj1XXaX2UQtLc_Hra_rxRgYj5v0GisTNbrW84UVjNEpgehJlX7P_5J_ngLxqBbOWNlV7kdpwtLKhpDL2v0UeZ1W5A4y9I3FyFN-XvIa5oTj1aHdI/s1600/Glimpses+into+the+Life+and+Heart+of+Marjorie+Pay+Hinckley47752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TdcGKvDv1RKUkysPE28Axv4-vZqLj1XXaX2UQtLc_Hra_rxRgYj5v0GisTNbrW84UVjNEpgehJlX7P_5J_ngLxqBbOWNlV7kdpwtLKhpDL2v0UeZ1W5A4y9I3FyFN-XvIa5oTj1aHdI/s1600/Glimpses+into+the+Life+and+Heart+of+Marjorie+Pay+Hinckley47752.jpg" /></a></div>
I love this book of Sister Hinckley's life. She is such a great example of optimism, and being joyful. I love to curl up in my bed, with soft light of my bedside lamp and open this book to read before sleep.<br />
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My all time<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>favorite<b> </b>stories</span> in this book
are about how much she loves her children. She cried every Sept. when
it was time for them to return to school, and once when her son got put
in detention after school, sister Hinckley marched right down to the
school and informed the teacher that "between 9 and 3p, he is yours but
after that he is mine." And, she promptly took her son home. <br />
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Here's some things I found inspiring last night:<br />
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OPTIMISM:<br />
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"I have a n ew project, one chapter a day from each of the standard works. I have been on it for four days and am only three days behind. Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried." (This gives me hope for my feeble attempts!)<br />
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When Pres. Hinckley proposed he regretfully let her know he only had a $150.00 to his name and sister Hinckley thought: "I had hoped for a husband and now I get a $150 too!"<br />
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"Doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done and with a cheerful heart." -Sister Hinckley speaking of her great grandmother's character.<br />
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"Do whatever you have to do this week, do it with your whole heart and
soul, and do it cheerfully. To do less than this will leave you with an
empty feeling." -A letter Sister Hinckley wrote to her granddaughter.<br />
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<br />Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-73427413601572836552011-09-23T22:20:00.000-07:002013-10-06T22:24:40.127-07:00Homeschooling: Crafting a world of social misfits, one child at a time?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life</span> is getting back to normal, it's been a <b><span style="font-size: small;"><u style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">long</u></span> </b>year and a half, with the pregnancy and little <b>sweet hearted, -non sleeping, -picky, -non bottle drinking, Rusty</b>. Truthfully this kid doesn't believe in nursing outside my bedroom, just the two of us (leaving 3 other littles all alone with grand possibilities of <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">reeking household havoc</span></span>).</blockquote>
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I always thought those moms who said their kiddos wouldn't take a bottle were exaggerating too, but it's true, he won't take a bottle. I've tried <u><i>starving</i></u> the little babe, I've tried delicious full strength juices, breast milk, even baby food in a bottle but he's not havin' it. I've come to the conclusion that he's <i>bottle sucking impaired</i>.</div>
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But, with all that he's still <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">charming</span></b> </span>as all get out, and a happy little guy. I couldn't ask for a better group of kids. They are <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">super fun</span><span style="font-size: small;">, </span><b>funny</b>, and <b>sweet</b> to one another.<br />
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I appreciate Ky's help more than she can understand, I'm expecting her to grow a pair of angel wings any day. Fin is a ray of sunshine, spreading cheer in her wake, and Bridge-well some days that boy's straight out of the Sunday morning comics. He's mischievous, hilarious, and so busy he's practically a blur<span style="font-size: small;">. </span><br />
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Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-38211245180808721192011-03-17T10:04:00.001-07:002011-03-17T10:09:10.047-07:00I wish I had time to blog, but here's some pix...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWcD2xCasT22Dawxp1EFoSLVyqCkbgs72dLCsoF4P2eoQe-TQCo_yh7PLnpVDmPRCSL6WfqMSYhgoJFhDJAH6Nr-QU3JGn3yDbgLr9SrKhKIIDzJD3QE5Q68ECCci8xaOMyBMv1LXLKM/s1600/8.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlk122ng_0OdsxK2h7qVqhkOGVQCoLKJPS4OazmGKgdvpn7c9VK-4V0J-7AONJgkITq8USuSbnPnGrn6XwirGG8ieuzCXT29qEVYhrIlXbiO1WTXYqahYN3i8vG52EA7ggQgok42rcXc/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlk122ng_0OdsxK2h7qVqhkOGVQCoLKJPS4OazmGKgdvpn7c9VK-4V0J-7AONJgkITq8USuSbnPnGrn6XwirGG8ieuzCXT29qEVYhrIlXbiO1WTXYqahYN3i8vG52EA7ggQgok42rcXc/s400/5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585096261945594530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUBpEVXlN4qU9jQk4msE0DpSfyYsZSCtK6aSSgM2BrCpkkYatoxCISpOKtqJ5MOR4SUGNpB46B-MAhf1SbnG3mOjNJnDf0LBr5oWujK7jKYm2iNDqZD-jI9rQYTE3l9wEL_7vBjGc1gc/s1600/13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUBpEVXlN4qU9jQk4msE0DpSfyYsZSCtK6aSSgM2BrCpkkYatoxCISpOKtqJ5MOR4SUGNpB46B-MAhf1SbnG3mOjNJnDf0LBr5oWujK7jKYm2iNDqZD-jI9rQYTE3l9wEL_7vBjGc1gc/s400/13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585096276720846818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Dyw4k5tzsm4v9e8lTMwUq23egnU4Dyz0XWHmLzJ3VzZw72xz1vUGNKMMU-JtlenXxVOjWnpXDpOh-VoJFkL8rA98vQ6jM-_eoybbMV56WY06KELxTx_8c9AVSNSOk7vJT58L62zp9PQ/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Dyw4k5tzsm4v9e8lTMwUq23egnU4Dyz0XWHmLzJ3VzZw72xz1vUGNKMMU-JtlenXxVOjWnpXDpOh-VoJFkL8rA98vQ6jM-_eoybbMV56WY06KELxTx_8c9AVSNSOk7vJT58L62zp9PQ/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585096271177593474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHFzXBFjhWE2_Aaaj0fXARVksBuVMcnKZKPOQkzKa-cUdLlW2u4K-DDLsOKtxx9klxNhGvuusySvW-Wfa8EtFWFDSjm91-JyakGrkwqMivX23lHSnExa6YPp9hkoq4Kk9P2zpcwT7f24/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHFzXBFjhWE2_Aaaj0fXARVksBuVMcnKZKPOQkzKa-cUdLlW2u4K-DDLsOKtxx9klxNhGvuusySvW-Wfa8EtFWFDSjm91-JyakGrkwqMivX23lHSnExa6YPp9hkoq4Kk9P2zpcwT7f24/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585096266788762370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlk122ng_0OdsxK2h7qVqhkOGVQCoLKJPS4OazmGKgdvpn7c9VK-4V0J-7AONJgkITq8USuSbnPnGrn6XwirGG8ieuzCXT29qEVYhrIlXbiO1WTXYqahYN3i8vG52EA7ggQgok42rcXc/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlk122ng_0OdsxK2h7qVqhkOGVQCoLKJPS4OazmGKgdvpn7c9VK-4V0J-7AONJgkITq8USuSbnPnGrn6XwirGG8ieuzCXT29qEVYhrIlXbiO1WTXYqahYN3i8vG52EA7ggQgok42rcXc/s400/5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585096261945594530" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWcD2xCasT22Dawxp1EFoSLVyqCkbgs72dLCsoF4P2eoQe-TQCo_yh7PLnpVDmPRCSL6WfqMSYhgoJFhDJAH6Nr-QU3JGn3yDbgLr9SrKhKIIDzJD3QE5Q68ECCci8xaOMyBMv1LXLKM/s1600/8.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWcD2xCasT22Dawxp1EFoSLVyqCkbgs72dLCsoF4P2eoQe-TQCo_yh7PLnpVDmPRCSL6WfqMSYhgoJFhDJAH6Nr-QU3JGn3yDbgLr9SrKhKIIDzJD3QE5Q68ECCci8xaOMyBMv1LXLKM/s400/8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585096283172819474" border="0" /></a>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-83721810818039134392011-02-05T17:29:00.001-08:002011-02-08T09:37:03.936-08:00And, Spot makes 4. . .<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q6wXwVp8wsrKtaxR_bcikMo4EJE6UrMLB-KPMM2J12OzohwsVuv_wuLpJV5X4Ffi6x7xXjMmx6DlZP4ibWgyZw1cxgdJpa-4xB8MDJA0VonelnZBqeJK0Y7yfr1KHTu8sJF5_JINl98/s1600/172013_10150387933215627_213989460626_17180502_3985135_o.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q6wXwVp8wsrKtaxR_bcikMo4EJE6UrMLB-KPMM2J12OzohwsVuv_wuLpJV5X4Ffi6x7xXjMmx6DlZP4ibWgyZw1cxgdJpa-4xB8MDJA0VonelnZBqeJK0Y7yfr1KHTu8sJF5_JINl98/s400/172013_10150387933215627_213989460626_17180502_3985135_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571371583719385778" border="0" /></a>Adorable Photo taken by my sweet friend Jody. <span style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);"></span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 204, 204);" href="http://www.jacphotographyblog.ca/"><span style="font-style: italic;">J.A.C. photography</span></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Little Nicholas Rusty came in his own good time. I went in for induction on Thursday but he must not of felt up to it, because he didn't make his appearance until Saturday.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Most people think he looks like Bridge, but Bridgey finds this offensive: </span><blockquote style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><span style="font-size:130%;">"He does not! He doesn't even have teeth!"</span></blockquote><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> And, when we brought him home, Bridge kept poking at his eyes trying to see if "those grow in later" like teeth do.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">The kids are enamored by little Spot, and he's just a doll. He's rarely set down between his adoring dad, sibs, and me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Stats: Born: Jan. 29th, 2011</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> Weight: 7ils 13 0z</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> Length: 20inches</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> Cuteness: a perfect 10</span>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-3353004919967796642011-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:002013-10-06T21:50:52.423-07:00"Where do babies come from?"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi746dRLwIKA3LdWgVuTzmZ85Mf-3AAmxsuYd52akORNPD6eFYfOu_FyUhH_iWMxphuMLWM4EtUbm5Y6IkTNTnKUqlUnMomT9-xd52Foruo2KCZBbBSC-2_kP3nuembG8b_iVYyeDq3o3I/s1600/IMG_3049.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565047568147530018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi746dRLwIKA3LdWgVuTzmZ85Mf-3AAmxsuYd52akORNPD6eFYfOu_FyUhH_iWMxphuMLWM4EtUbm5Y6IkTNTnKUqlUnMomT9-xd52Foruo2KCZBbBSC-2_kP3nuembG8b_iVYyeDq3o3I/s320/IMG_3049.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="color: #663366; font-style: italic;">While shopping for the baby yesterday.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote>
<span style="color: #330033; font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bridgey</span>:</span><span style="color: #330033;"> "Mom, how did Spot get in </span><span style="color: #330033;">your tummy?" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #330033; font-weight: bold;">Mom:</span><span style="color: #330033;"> "Heavenly Father." </span>(we've been over this.)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #330033; font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bridgey</span>:</span><span style="color: #330033;"> "Yeah, and you have to be an adult and get married, but<span style="font-size: 130%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">how</span> </span>does the baby get there?" </span>(it's like he knows I'm keeping something from him)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #330033; font-weight: bold;">Mom:</span><span style="color: #330033;"> "Well, the Mommy and Daddy </span><span style="color: #330033; font-style: italic;">ask</span><span style="color: #330033;"> Heavenly Father for a baby, and then Heavenly Father sends a baby to the mommy's tummy." </span><br />
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<span style="color: #330033; font-weight: bold;">Bridge:</span><span style="color: #330033;"> "Oh, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" style="color: #330033;">ok</span><span style="color: #330033;">." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #330033; font-weight: bold;">Mom:</span><span style="color: #330033;"> "Phew." </span><span style="color: #330033; font-style: italic;">(cue: laughter from surrounding shoppers)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #330033;">Man, he's been interested in </span><span style="color: #330033; font-style: italic;">how</span><span style="color: #330033;"> this baby stuff works lately. How the baby comes out, and how he got there. I'm doing my best to satisfy his 4 year old curiosity, and maintain his innocence. Because when I asked these questions as a 6 year old I remember getting more than I </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" style="color: #330033;">bargained</span><span style="color: #330033;"> for. I've been grossed out ever since.</span><br />
<blockquote>
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Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-19707218262959555682010-10-03T14:05:00.000-07:002010-10-03T15:42:30.617-07:00Fin's new Mullet<div face="arial" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7A_IB4BvUUEN38OlbJd-C18rLTPnDSGddfCcYX-PCqfuwxAY97xlRaf3mLNMiHmIEIduibnwf59IobutkWyQkwSnWLa57F-pcH3MfK8vbbyVW_JEelcH0eAu4xEGh5LjdGT9ugvzCc8/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7A_IB4BvUUEN38OlbJd-C18rLTPnDSGddfCcYX-PCqfuwxAY97xlRaf3mLNMiHmIEIduibnwf59IobutkWyQkwSnWLa57F-pcH3MfK8vbbyVW_JEelcH0eAu4xEGh5LjdGT9ugvzCc8/s400/IMG_3695.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523951528743811538" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >I have to say I am feeling a twinge of </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >regret</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > for a few things now, namely; </span><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;">-leaving hair scissors within reach of a two year old. -ignoring the naughty little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pitter</span>-patter of footsteps I heard during <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nap time</span> today.<br />-and for all the times I complained about Fin's "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">whispy</span>... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">straggly</span>... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unruly</span> hair".<br /></blockquote><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >As, now all there is to say is:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Butchered.</span><br /></span></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >When she came down the stairs smiling, scissors in hand, I felt like I had been </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >gut checked</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >I have to say I was surprised at my own </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">reaction</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > I always thought I'd think it was more funny than anything, take a roll of film and call it good. But no, my reaction was more of a </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" >involuntarily</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:180%;" >gasp</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >, in which she doubled over in hysterics at!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTIOpuH_beTuCO85URAzzz9Gwb4KVMKI0npNNZOADrIfUH8SGnRh0NKwTSrstcgJYG26YTwUZMdi4dt86dxyTub7lp_sQlBv2HlyqUmW2eMor7jULHv6wlroyuNB0M2ChkPUQ8M4H980/s1600/IMG_3707.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTIOpuH_beTuCO85URAzzz9Gwb4KVMKI0npNNZOADrIfUH8SGnRh0NKwTSrstcgJYG26YTwUZMdi4dt86dxyTub7lp_sQlBv2HlyqUmW2eMor7jULHv6wlroyuNB0M2ChkPUQ8M4H980/s400/IMG_3707.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523663267839816050" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >I think she thought I was playing with her, so of course, I needed to straighten her out. After all, Hair, </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >is no laughing matter.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI17xoZMKWS5IOKWvDyas7HVyiAucklCa2rVI1Yovj2d3BwcTkLqR-QFQ2Hf40WutKIBLGcxkTzarYUA9Wvt9xLwaWqlLGLdAune6riyqw3iztTLxH2tyidQUHGHAguCUFpVdJpXvQdE/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI17xoZMKWS5IOKWvDyas7HVyiAucklCa2rVI1Yovj2d3BwcTkLqR-QFQ2Hf40WutKIBLGcxkTzarYUA9Wvt9xLwaWqlLGLdAune6riyqw3iztTLxH2tyidQUHGHAguCUFpVdJpXvQdE/s400/IMG_3714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523663269715234994" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >After giving that naughty 2 year old a </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" >hefty</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > lecture about who is and is </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >NOT</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > allowed to use the scissors, she turned to me, with her little lip quivering and said, </span><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"></blockquote><blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;"><blockquote><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Mommy? You be nice to me??"</span></span> Her plea was so disarming, it even made her freshly cut <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mullet</span> seem <span style="font-size:130%;">darling</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyD4hPgBq_zrDDhI7cYB-OPh5k-0o5SW73ZrKqmsJgXT52Ljo6fYrM_8We0oRyArHxnZiBxfz1gQELRQYVmTQh465ICScpNsJomg3U9NyiqJ54lLP8CZuBYnaQcRCGgcdAxHeqIpmvNU/s1600/IMG_3715.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyD4hPgBq_zrDDhI7cYB-OPh5k-0o5SW73ZrKqmsJgXT52Ljo6fYrM_8We0oRyArHxnZiBxfz1gQELRQYVmTQh465ICScpNsJomg3U9NyiqJ54lLP8CZuBYnaQcRCGgcdAxHeqIpmvNU/s400/IMG_3715.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523663673213816914" border="0" /></a><br /></blockquote></div>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-57678345726761117862010-09-06T17:31:00.000-07:002010-09-06T17:46:28.645-07:00Baby #4 due to make his/her debut Febuary 1st. . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWsr_wk542cEpR14esRFbfODWGh9_kLfi4B8TC_-U_-91B1AGwFJi0m4y1WbgDq5-mflcaSxy8NcisL6tucrdxM0VIXqaG5jtMmxWTrJTYwbjuTouZEbCpKQ4x4OVD0jpMKW9pPE3Jxw/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWsr_wk542cEpR14esRFbfODWGh9_kLfi4B8TC_-U_-91B1AGwFJi0m4y1WbgDq5-mflcaSxy8NcisL6tucrdxM0VIXqaG5jtMmxWTrJTYwbjuTouZEbCpKQ4x4OVD0jpMKW9pPE3Jxw/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513965059351618818" border="0" /></a><br />We're super excited about Baby Rusty/Tuesday/Scout/Rockwell/Ollie/Mc-something (love those Mc surnames).<br /><br />I went for the detailed ultrasound last week, but that little cutie would not turn towards the camera, and so we get retakes tomorrow morn.<br /><br />Hopefully, he/she is less camera shy this time and we can figure out if we should be looking for he or she names. We're having trouble this time finding names we really like.<br /><br />Any ideas? We seem to lean towards cowboys names for boys and what Jess's sibs insist are "exoctic dancer" names for girls.Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-88931084577590187722010-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:002010-08-22T12:22:02.781-07:00Another news clip. . .child rescue. . . I'm kind of misquoted.<p style="margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 0; outline: 0;" id="kslvid12096285"></p><script type="text/javascript" src="http://pandora.bonnint.net/video/embed-p.php?id=12096285"></script><p style="margin: 0; padding: 0; border: 0; outline: 0; vertical-align: baseline; font-size: .75em; text-align: center; width: 424px;">Video Courtesy of <a href="http://www.ksl.com">KSL.com</a></p>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655377985298850642.post-71213231785762255782010-08-22T12:00:00.000-07:002010-08-22T12:04:46.706-07:00Child Rescue's Concert on Fox News <embed type='application/x-shockwave-flash' salign='l' flashvars='&titleAvailable=true&playerAvailable=true&searchAvailable=false&shareFlag=N&singleURL=http://kstu.vidcms.trb.com/alfresco/service/edge/content/7eb75e46-7aa1-4099-a597-54d34cba8b75&propName=kstu.com&hostURL=http://www.fox13now.com&swfPath=http://kstu.vid.trb.com/player/&omAccount=triblocaltvglobal&omnitureServer=fox13now.com' allowscriptaccess='always' allowfullscreen='true' menu='true' name='PaperVideoTest' bgcolor='#ffffff' devicefont='false' wmode='transparent' scale='showall' loop='true' play='true' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' quality='high' src='http://kstu.vid.trb.com/player/PaperVideoTest.swf' align='middle' height='450' width='300'></embed>Stephanie M Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06061240899933514124noreply@blogger.com1