A Mama Drama

He Said/She said... Cute kiddies.

2012-01-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

Bridge: "Look dad, my dragon's name is Mexico."
Finley: "My stuffie's name is Mexi-Ker."

Bridge: "Mom what is your favorite thing to do?"

After telling him some of my favorite things, I asked what what some of his favorite things to do were.

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."

*Man, kids are cute!

How do I Tame that Mommy Monster!#@

2012-01-20T17:59:00.001-08:00

I've spent a lot of time the past couple weeks, lecturing Kyanne about

"choosing a good attitude -even when it's hard."

But, I know from experience, like the rest of you, a lecture is about as inspiring as a poke in the eye. Instead I'm trying to sing when I feel like growling at the innocent Littles.

Sadly for Jess and my kiddos, I can do "Martyr" 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 humming or belting out "Count Your Many Blessings..." because that just what I need to throw out those "I deserve" glasses and remember I'm so blessed.

I'd love to hear anything you guys do in the moment, to tame your Mommy Monster, mine is around too much lately.

(Bridgey made this depiction of me and him.

So, cute that he made me saying "I love Bridge".

Do you think he knows about the "Golden Boy"?)

K5 trial.

2012-01-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.

I'm thankful for the Savior.

2011-12-24T10:02:00.001-08:00

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.

And, on that note, I want to share my love for the Savior and Heavenly Father. As a little girl I loved Happily Ever Afters, and as a teen I spent a lot of time searching 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 greatest joy is us and helping guide us on our way back to live with Him after this life is done. The moment I learned this, inside I felt it's truth, 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.

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.

When I was younger each Sunday I attended a little white Baptist church with a neighbor. They taught me wonderful 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, suffering, and heartache that would come to us.

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 the Savior knows us best, and loves us most. 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, Abba (Like we say Papa, or Daddy in our language), asking if there was any other way [Mark 14:34-36 ].

34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

I'm thankful for the Savior, 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, He wants to see and hug each one of us. I really believe this.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday. Merry Christmas.

Our friend Natasha. Her STory.

2011-12-10T19:07:00.001-08:00

When Jess or I first tell people about our charity, the most common response is, "That happens here?" And, the next question is: "How?"

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.

Natasha Herzig (middle)

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".

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: NATASHA's Story

A video of Baby Mia now, for Jessica, Jacob's Mommy.

2011-12-02T08:05:00.001-08:00

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 Mcdonald family blog as well for more updates.

For Jessica from Lilly McDowell on Vimeo.

Halloween Decor...gotta love pintrest!

2011-10-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

The kids and Abbi and I had xtra fun decorating for Halloween this year. . . because of: PINTREST.

What a beautiful thing.
It's like:
finely aged wine

to my. . .craftaholic heart.

It could suck my life away if my kids would allow it.

Most the printables can be found HERE. 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.

(For those who are wondering -yes, I did start a kitchen fire in the process, but only once and there were no casualties so we called it good, and carried on.)

Sister Hinckley inspires me.

2011-10-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

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.

My all time favorite stories 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.

Here's some things I found inspiring last night:

OPTIMISM:

"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!)

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!"

"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.

"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.

Homeschooling: Crafting a world of social misfits, one child at a time

2011-09-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, not really. But, I found this funny quote and had to share, because this is the equivalent of the response I get sometimes when I say:

I'm homeschooling. 

Life is getting back to normal, it's been a long year and a half, with the pregnancy and little sweet hearted-non sleeping-picky nurser-non bottle drinking-Rusty. That's a bit dramatized, but truthfully the kid doesn't believe in nursing outside my bedroom, just the two of us (which, leaves 3 other little tykes alone to reek havoc).

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 starving 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 bottle sucking impaired.

But, with all that he's still charming as all get out, and a happy little guy. I couldn't ask for a better group of kids. They are super fun, funny, and sweet to one another. I appreciate Ky's help more than she can understand, without being an exhausted mommy of four herself. And, Fin is always good for spreading cheer, and Bridge-well the kids hilarious. So, busy he's a blur, so enthusiastic about life, it's contagious.

And, we've officially started homeschool. In familiar Stephanie fashion, getting into full swing took more time than expected, but luckily we tried to officially start in July, so by the time September came around we were officially rolling.

I have to say I LOVE it!

I didn't know I would. I more so decided to homeschool because I couldn't shake the feeling that I should for my specific bundle of kids. Mind you it's only been 4 weeks, but I think I could do this longterm if my kids would allow. It's really fun to learn side by side. Mesopotamia, Bee and day dreaming about math manipulatives. Nerd Alert....

I'm so excited about this whole homeschooling thing, I got a cute pointer, some flip charts to point at, and a jean jumper to really pull it off. (The jean jumper was a moment of odd insanity -from the Gap. You know how I feel about the Gap. What was I thinking?)

We're still figuring out what works best with our little fam. But, I'm thinking we're leaning towards a "Delightfully Directed" approach (cute, right? They had me at the name).

Mostly this consists of a lot of snuggling up for reading, hands on math (Except Ky who gets the full meal deal with Saxon), games, creative adventures, and exploring whatever else excites our fancy. [Truthfully, I'm a little nervous about this approach but it speaks to my heart and we're having fun so far. So, we'll see where it takes us, I suppose if they flunk this year we can go more traditional next year? ;) ]

I wish I had time to blog, but here's some pix...

2011-03-17T10:04:00.001-07:00

And, Spot makes 4. . .

2011-02-05T17:29:00.001-08:00

Adorable Photo taken by my sweet friend Jody. J.A.C. photography

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.

Most people think he looks like Bridge, but Bridgey finds this offensive:

"He does not! He doesn't even have teeth!"

And, when we brought him home, Bridge kept poking at his eyes trying to see if "those grow in later" like teeth do.

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.

Stats: Born: Jan. 29th, 2011
Weight: 7ils 13 0z
Length: 20inches
Cuteness: a perfect 10

"Where do babies come from?"

2011-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

While shopping for the baby yesterday.

Bridgey: "Mom, how did Spot get in your tummy?"

Mom: "Heavenly Father." (we've been over this.)

Bridgey: "Yeah, and you have to be an adult and get married, but how does the baby get there?" (it's like he knows I'm keeping something from him)

Mom: "Well, the Mommy and Daddy ask Heavenly Father for a baby, and then Heavenly Father sends a baby to the mommy's tummy."

Bridge: "Oh, ok."

Mom: "Phew." (cue: laughter from surrounding shoppers)

Man, he's been interested in how 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 bargained for. I've been grossed out ever since.

Fin's new Mullet

2010-10-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have to say I am feeling a twinge of regret for a few things now, namely;

-leaving hair scissors within reach of a two year old. -ignoring the naughty little pitter-patter of footsteps I heard during nap time today.
-and for all the times I complained about Fin's "whispy... straggly... unruly hair".

As, now all there is to say is:

Butchered.

When she came down the stairs smiling, scissors in hand, I felt like I had been gut checked.

I have to say I was surprised at my own reaction 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 involuntarily gasp, in which she doubled over in hysterics at!

I think she thought I was playing with her, so of course, I needed to straighten her out. After all, Hair, is no laughing matter.

After giving that naughty 2 year old a hefty lecture about who is and is NOT allowed to use the scissors, she turned to me, with her little lip quivering and said,

"Mommy? You be nice to me??" Her plea was so disarming, it even made her freshly cut Mullet seem darling.

October Craft Ideas

2010-09-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

I love October to December! I wait all year for these months to arrive. I've been scouting out fun ideas online and here's some I'm hoping to try with the kiddos this year or in years to come. Thought I might as well share the list.

Halloween Treats:

Crafts to Make with Kids:

Pom Pom Tutorial HERE

I really like the crafts at Kaboose: HERE

Martha Stewart: Bat Pinata

Make Snow Globes with the kids: HERE.

Halloween Banner Modge Podge for durability: HERE

5 Little Pumpkins Puppet Show

"Black Cat, Black Cat. .. .what do you see" Puppet Show

Baby #4 due to make his/her debut Febuary 1st. . .

2010-09-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

We're super excited about Baby Rusty/Tuesday/Scout/Rockwell/Ollie/Mc-something (love those Mc surnames).

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.

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.

Any ideas? We seem to lean towards cowboys names for boys and what Jess's sibs insist are "exoctic dancer" names for girls.

Another news clip. . .child rescue. . . I'm kind of misquoted.

2010-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Child Rescue's Concert on Fox News

2010-08-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake Billboard

2010-08-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Our very own Radio Ad! Whoop. . .Whoop!!

2010-08-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

GIVEAWAY: MODBLOG Thanks Bree your amazing!!

Learn more at: www.candlelightserenade.com

Anthropology $300.00 Giveaway!! If affairs with stores were possible, this would be the one!

2010-08-03T12:36:00.001-07:00

Look at this delicious Giveaway from Modevents it's so fun, and really I'm not sure I want to encourage more entries and lessen my chances but I will. After all it is to help spread the word about Child Rescue, their mission to stop Child Sex Slavery, and the benefit concert coming up August 21st.

And, here's just a few of the $2500.00 in prizes you could win for spreading the word! Quick pass it along, help out Child Rescue and possibly your self!! There's family photos, shabby chic type baby gear, gift certificates, jewelry, photography lessons and more being donated to help a great cause. Thanks Bree, your amazing!!

Indecent Exposure. . .

2010-07-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Where Bridgey is concerned there is a constant struggle between mad and amused, even sometimes amazed at his mischief.

I ran into pick up a script from my mom's doc and when I returned, Ky complains, "Bridgey peed out your window".

Sure enough there was pee proudly streaking my side door and window and a big grin on the 3 year old in the back. I should have been furious, since I know very well he could have held it, but the image of a little three year old casually watering the flowers, out the driver side window, just makes me laugh. He is so proud of his new ability to stand up, cracks me up.

Poster of Summer Fun

2010-06-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine made a Fun Summer To Do List for her and the kids. I think we might try that.

Any ideas what should go on it?

-Lemonade Stand (it's so cute! It's an old metal trolly that we modge podged and stuck a red umbrella in the middle of).
-Farmers Market
-Circus
-Garden (poor plants I bought them 3 wks ago, and they're still sitting out back waiting to be planted)
-Canmore kids hike
-Make frilly/tacky flip flops with a glue gun and pom poms?
-Scavenger Hunts are always fun. . ."Bigger-Better"
-Homemade popsicles

. . . just like Jesus said.

2010-06-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Last night after Ky's cute little recital we went on a Mommy/Ky date and ended up discussing Stranger Safety in the middle of which she explained that I shouldn't worry, she knew just what to do:

"If a stranger grabbed me, I would say, "Touch Me Not."
. . .Just like Jesus."

Show up Naked with Food. . . a "open door" policy.

2010-06-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is the name of one my dearest friends BLOG (CLICK HERE). She's amazing and I love her ideas! She is an advocate for marriage and has a very simple idea:

Feed and Take care of your man. I agree wholeheartedly.

When you put your spouse before yourself, you invite him to do likewise.
Lose yourself in the service of your sweetheart:
He'll reciprocate.

I promised to. . .

2010-05-31T11:21:00.001-07:00

Let you know how you can help save children from being kidnapped and enslaved, here's one great way.

Check this website out, and donate 5 minutes if you can, to push send on some emails to corporations who have the power and the financial backing to really stop slavery.

If you get a chance to donate any amnt of time to this, please leave a comment, I'd love to see how much help we can generate just between friends. And, if you can pass the challenge on via blogs, facebook, etc. that would awesome too. :)

Scary mom's and roll away poo's. . .

2010-05-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Bridgey: "Mommy, you should put make up on so you don't look so SCARY."

He really took that FHE lesson on honesty to heart.

One of the funniest kid quotes this week happened at preschool, it was my turn to host. Bridgey's little friend came up to me taps my knee and say' so polite it cracked me up: "Excuse me, I . . . pooped my pants. Two Poops."

Sure enough, he was right 2 poos. Every mom know what I mean when I say it's a little tricky trying to pull off underwear filled with poo or poos. This was not one of my better times and those poos escaped, and as they are rolling across the bathroom floor this cute little guys says, "Well. . . that's awkward. .. " Who say's that, as a 3 year old? I was cracking up, he's the cutest kid!

And, finally what's with the weather this week? I love the snow. . . but in June? Poor little Bridge woke up Wednesday, took a look outside, and with the cutest frowny face said, "Mom, I don't want it to be Winter again." Neither does anyone else, buddy.

I'm sure you've all seen this, but it really just cracks me up.

2010-05-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

Finally feeling empowered instead of just depressed...

2010-05-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Many of my family and friends know that Jess and I, along with some family and good friends have finally launched Child Rescue. Yay! It's off the ground and running and I can't believe the miracles that have taken place in the past 5 months.

There are so many wonderful people (Lindsay you know who you are) who have been gone above and beyond donating time, and resources. We've even had people call us asking what they can do or if they can donate, it amazes me. I wasn't expecting this sort of response.

It's just like Justin Dillion (from Call and Response) says There are children crying out , literally, now it's just up to us: How we are going to respond?

When I first started learning about trafficking and the sex trade, I felt hopeless, kind of paralyzed by my discouragement, how do you fight something so big? But, I continued along Jess' side anyways. It's not like I could say,

"I realize these horrific things are actually happen to children, but it makes me too sad to hear about." (although that's how I felt, it's still hard to hear about). Some days I can tell the children's individual stories and not skip a beat, other times it just hits me, my throat constricts, and I know I could just have a cry fest all by myself (today was one of those days).

Interestingly as I continued to learn and research I began to feel inspired and empowered by all the good works going on all around me. While it's true that there are brothels and children being exploited in just about every North American city, there are also good people fighting and responding to these crys in every city as well.

While there are great people fighting against these evils, there aren't yet enough to make a permanent societal change. That's where Child Rescue comes in. We hope to educate everyone we can about what's happening a few blocks from their houses, at local truck stops, spas, salons, old wearhouses.

Our hope is that you will get fed up enough that you will respond with an outraged voice loud enough for the lawmakers and politicians to take action and provide the local law enforcement agencies with enough funding, manpower, and legislation to end child slavery.

Please stay tuned for ways you can get involved and respond. They're are so many ways you can just help in only a few mins or just from home. Thanks for reading friends, this is dear to my heart.

Our First Child Rescue Concert! Dashboard Confessional, Relient K, Steel Train

2010-05-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Our first concert is August 21st at Thanksgiving Point, in Utah. It's an all day acoustic Festival, 9,000 person venue, with a 15 band lineup, including:

-CHRIS CARRABBA (DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL) -
dashboard confessional.com
-RELIENT K - relientk.com
-VEDERA - vederamusic.net
-SHERWOOD- sherwoodmusic.net
-Priscilla Ahn- priscillaahn.com
-ALLIE MOSS- alliemoss.com
-STEEL TRAIN - steeltrain.net
-EVERYBODY ELSE myspace.com/everybodyelse
-MAKING APRIL myspace.com/makingapril
-ALLRED - allredmusic.com
- MORE TO COME......

And, an awesome huge skateboard ramp there as well as other fun stuff to do, buy and eat during the festival. It's going to be awesome. If any one will be in the area during August or wants to caravan down with me, we have lots of friends and family from Calgary heading down to the concert the day before.

TICKETS AVAILABLE JUNE 5TH @ SMITHSTIX.COM AND ALL SMITHSTIX OUTLETS.
www.RescuingKids.org

Sendn a Shout out to all the Minivan Mama's!

2010-05-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Makin' Minivan Mama's proud everywhere!

"Where my MotherFathers at?"
"Straight own'n bake sales with my Cupcake Skills."

SLAVES: The going rate this Spring? $90 Bucks.

2010-04-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

Many have deemed us a "Disposable Society", due to products built and sold so cheaply, that it has become the norm to consistently buy, throw away, and repurchase. But what about:

"Disposable People"?

"One thing I learned recently from reading Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery is that a practice that is growing in the fishing industry, which one of his interviewees, who was a policeman in Thailand, called the most violent type of slavery today, is where small boys are taken onto fishing vessels for ten months straight; they work 20 hours a day, they're kept alive on amphetamines, and at the end of the ten months their reward is to be shot and thrown in the ocean. You wonder why your fish is so cheap. I believe that we might want to at least be thinking about paying a little bit more money for the social and environmental impacts that we have in the way that we live." -Devin Stewart January 27, 2009

From the mouth of Babes. . .

2010-04-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

Thankful Goodnight prayers.

Kyanne is thankful to "be an inventor, soon" and that she could "discover so many new things at the park with Best friend Lexi". (I'm assuming this is in reference to the lady bug that peed in the palm of her hand, I think she was more bemused by the golden goo than perturbed by it. That a girl. The intrigue of Buggy whiz.

Bridgey was thankful for his "babysitters even though, I don't like to be babysitted. And, for all my girlfriends, even though they messed up my room."PS. Bridgey's prayers are priceless. Often I find him saying his morning prayer, kneeling, bum up in the middle of a room, with a squeaky voice he reserves for small children and Heavenly Father. It is honestly so sweet, I unfailingly walk away teary.

Two other little convos worth repeating,

Ky's statement after Jess finished explaining sin and the need for the atonement. "Well, when I'm eight, I'm just not going to sin, dad." Said so sincerely and matter of fact. Like 'I pick option one, sin seems like a bother.'

Why is it important to dress modest?
"So, if a policeman pulls you over, you don't go to jail."
Seat belt safety. . . dressing safely, I confuse them all the time. I'm not sure how she came up with this but her serious tone of voice left me straining to keep a my face straight.

Adventures in London

2010-04-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

The open palm crosses all language barriers. They weren't interested.

Eating a helpless little dead little snail. A bit squishy, and salty. . .

emmm... like snot.

London Regret #1: Not making over to visit the Royal guards in front of St. James Palace. The 10 year old in me would have really liked to make silly face or two at the guards and see if they really don't react.

Regret #2: not smooching in one of those cute red phone booths, in a cramped, germy sort of way it seemed kind of charming.

Loved the caramel, rosted nuts from a vendor on the London Bridge. We have to make two visits.

We saw The Queen show, "We Will Rock You". Great show!

The Tube in London. Mind the Gap.

London was just as I imagined, Darling! Picadilly Circus, Big Ben, Westminister Abby, Buckingham Palace, Fish and Chips, the National Gallery of Art.

Above we have my Favorite Traveling Friend, for obvious reasons: Ridiculous, handsome and FUN, all in one!

Most of all I just loved being there with Jess. We weren't in a hurry to do anything in particular just, play together, relax, and have a ball, and so we did.

Adventures in Paris

2010-03-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

Paris Favorites:

The Old Paris Mansion we stayed in with a wooden elevator for two.

Smooches under the Effiel Tower while it sparkles glitter in the middle of the night.

Laughing my head off while Jess maneuvered the best 23 point turn I've ever seen.

Romance and spying together in the French Countryside

Bathrooms were a peculiar thing in Paris. And, the Maid that put my make-up bag in the Ba day was even more peculiar, Yuck! I loved the bathrooms in the Le Caroussel Mall *(colorful picture above) beneath the Louvre. You had to pay a Euro but they were super clean and had a souvenir shop full of quirky paper rolls, and toilet seats.

Loved the Treats! I felt fancy eating them, and a bit of an idiot ordering them. "Parlez-vous anglais?"

Bakery Treats in the Morning. . afternoon. . . Evening wee hours of the Morn.

"Tex-Mex" in France

The Arc, and the Bridges over the Siene were breathtaking.
Versailles and London's Portrait Gallery are really fun with headsets.

The Louvre. . . really fun for people who like ALOT of Art. ;)

Jason Bourne on the Pont Neuf
- People come to Paris to Fall in Love, and so I did.
Doors, and More Doors! I fell right in Love, I went camera nutty for doors.

Another Glorious door. These people really know how mix color with stone.

Le Zimmer's Cocoa: A Pari favorite, for sure.
- Eeek. . . a little more skin than needed, but still probably my favorite thing in Paris aside from late night trips to the Cafe's. There was a vintriliquist, and a real live "talking dog", acrobats, ballet, and the Cancan. Best Broadwayish show I've ever seen!
The subway Broke Down in Paris. Just quit running mid-tunnel, lights flickered off and on, then there was lots of French coming from the loud speaker. Lucky for us, there was a young boy on the trail who could translate pretty well for us.
Here we are making our way back through 7 or 8 cars, to get off due to something or someone on the tracks. We don't know which since the French Police were holding up a large sheet so we couldn't see. Kind of eery.

Life back to, Normal?

2010-03-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to be home. By the 5th day I was in Paris, I really really missed my little critters at home. And, so getting home was a delight and Life is almost back to normal.

Life as normal (in the last 48 hours) consists of:

Mom's makeup doubling as art supplies, brushing the dogs teeth... with Fin's toothbrush, broken glass in the bathtub, fuzzy pom poms in our dinner, water in my bed, another Bridgey original upon the wall, a punch to the face, a bloody nose, a lake in the kitchen, grape jelly on the carpet, and mud adorning the newly mopped kitchen.

Of course this has all been mixed in with "Surprise!" kisses from Kyanne, Finny "shake-a-bum's", and "Fuzzy Robe Snuggles" with Bridge. Now we're just waiting for Dad to come home and join the fun. He gets back from London sometime today, Hooray!

Romance inspired Fashion.

2010-03-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

Timeless.Romantic.Charming.FabulouslyFeminine.

I came home from Paris feeling inspired.

I love to sew. After this past week I have so many ideas in my head I feel like I'm in a candy shop.

Paris Day 2 and 3: For the Louvre of Eating.

2010-03-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

(Dang, That's a Handsome Boy!)

Eating was an Experience all in it's own.

Swishy Snails. . .

Highlights of Day 2 consisted of sleeping in, awhhhhh. We never seemed to adjust to the time change, so we would wake around 11am and eat breakfast around 2p. After a traditional French breakfast of Crepes, we headed to the Louvre. Where we spent the rest of our loooonnngg afternoon. I think it may not have been quite as long for my cutely cultured husband, but I may or may not have rather been.... shopping, eating, or snuggling on a boat down the Seine. At dinner that night I tried my first Snail. It was squishy.
n
I love the little toddler here trying on a soilder's helmet.

Day 3: Was more of the Louvre for Jess and Exploring for me. I meandered around the Maria District, characterized by darling little Bakeries, charming cobblestone streets, and lots of little quaint, eclectic boutiques. And a delicious dinner at Zimmers after which we got stuck in the subway. We still don't know what happened but it was such an ordeal that when we finally were escorted out of the tube, there were French police holding up a big tarp so we couldn't see what happened on the tracks. And, I believe that was the night I couldn't fall asleep so I woke Jess around 1am and we went for dessert. That was probably my favorite night, we giggled and giggled over nothing really, and had alot of Chocolate.

The one breast exposed thing, baffeled me. I think the naked body in sculputure, or paint, is beautiful, but leaving your garment dangling off to one side, just seemed uncomfortable and the trend seemed to transcend many cultures for over a century at least.

Paris Day 1: A story of rainment and grief.

2010-03-10T02:44:00.000-08:00

The long red coat, that I received from Jess for Christmas is sadly still sitting in my front hall closet, instead of keeping me toasty warm in this very windy city. It is even more sad than it appears as I have imagined a romantic picture of Jess and I snuggling, possibly even… smoochy-smooing in front of the Eiffel tower in long, cozy, wool coats, ever since I learned about the trip.

And so, today’s afternoon was spent purusing the Rue’s for a coat, possibly long and elegant, possibly anything remotely warm. It was nearly a fruitless search as it is March, but in the end: success was savored.

After a lot of strong coaxing from a weary husband to a pouty wife (it’s hard to spend $$$ on a coat I may never wear again. Paris Value Village, anyone?), I walked away a warm woman.

Love Struck in Paris. . .

2010-03-10T02:31:00.000-08:00

It’s no secret that I love:
all things romantic, charming, and adorable.

Like the darling Navy Blue, Peter Pan collared, Sping coat I found today down a crowded little street in the Paris. With it’s impracticle, yet very cute, quarter length sleeves, and two rows of little white, leather covered buttons gracing the front of it’s dark blue canvas, it was:

Love at first sight.

Soon followed by a heartbreaking glance at the un-romantic, un-adorable pricetag: 400.00 Euros. I’m tempted to Haggle, Bargin, and Plead for a sale, just to recall the only words I speak are Pardon, and Bounsouir.

And so, the Outerwear Love of my life, remains on the body of an ungrateful, smirking, store window maniquin instead.

Jess, the Eiffle Tower, and Freshly baked bread make my heart go Pitter-Patter.

2010-03-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

Guess where I am right now??? Anyone???

....The Calgary Airport! The most magical place on earth of course. Actually, I am here and on my way to one of the most magical places... more romantic places on Earth, with my really hot, freckle faced, Husband.

PARIs.

Oh-Aurevoir! I'll be back next Wed. :)

My Brain is being sucked out thru my nose...

2010-03-03T21:15:00.001-08:00

Well, not really, but I can totally relate to this funny article I came across about the Brain Fog that all mom's become more than acquainted with pre and post baby. Oh, save me I feel that Brain Fog this week, and no, sadly there is no lil' bun in the oven to account for it.

I'm just here in Kalispell, helping my very cute mom get her very full house unpacked along with three very energetic, overly neglected, underly-nutritioned, well bribed, Treehouse watching, Pip Squeaks. It's been a train ride with more motion sickness than vistas at the moment but I know in the end "it will have been worth it", right??

Right!! Onward, Heave! Ho! How's that for a Fabulous Attitude!

In the mean time here's a funny quote from this amusing article. For the full story Click Here.

“My brain was sucked out around the time I was passing the placenta… So this new study in the British Journal of Psychology that contends that scientists “found no evidence of persistent cognitive deterioration being associated with pregnancy or motherhood” is really cramping my style. They’ve even gone so far as to tell the BBC that ” obstetricians, family doctors, and midwives may need to use the findings from this study to promote the fact that ‘placenta brain’ is not inevitable…First they steal my name for it, and now they’re stealing the whole excuse away from me?”

"Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven,"

2010-02-02T07:14:00.001-08:00

Last nights Family Home Evening Lesson was on Giving. Seems simple, but in the world of 3 little tater tots it's more complicated than it sounds. For the youngest (Fin 2, Bridge 3) the lesson was a bit dry and maybe too long, but for Kyanne it was special. You could just see her wheels turning as she listened intently. We talked about how the Savior spent his life serving others and that He has told us that service brings happiness, especially when your grouchy or having a bad day.

"The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13: 15-16

At the end of the lesson I asked the kids if they would like to send our extra family money for the month of Febuary to the people in Haiti. We talked about what this would mean for our family this month and for the people the money could help.

The kids happily agreed, and then Kyanne softly asked, "Would it be okay if I sent my 3 American Toothfairy dollars also?" I know how much these magical dollars mean to her, aside from her pony Rosie they are most prized possesion.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
-Matt 6: 19-20

The Tooth Fairy came! .... just barely.

2010-01-30T08:40:00.001-08:00

Anyone else's tooth fairy just barely make it? A sad and disappointed Ky woke me at 7am to tell me the tooth fairy hadn't come yet... surprising I know. I was so surprised I woke Jess just to tell him the news. Luckily while Ky was snuggling with me, the magic fairy made it to 125 Prestwick Mews. Phew! Three Magical American Dollars later we had a very happy 5 year old.

3 dollars was definitely more than I ever got from the toothfairy, but Ky did loose two teeth similtaneously. I know the toothfairy sees a lot of teeth but two with some leftover skin attaching them in the middle? That's impressive. At any rate I was super impressed with Ky's bravery the night before, when her and I tried for a really FUN solid hour to get her two bottom teeth out. In the end she said I could use dental floss to yank them! A brave soul that one is.

Of course when they came out full force, BLOODY, and landing on her arm, Bravery quckly was replaced by shock and disgust. I laughed my head off, it really was a super fun night!

Here's some awesome shots of the priceless moment I'll always remember.

Nurse Meggie... "Practically a Doctor".

2010-01-29T08:14:00.001-08:00

Way to go Meggie! While it's disappointing that you willingly have been kicked out of the Cool Kids Club: Larsen Drop-outs, at least we can celebrate having another Nurse ("Practically a Doctor") in the fam. All that hard work, worry and dessert cereal paid off.

Larsen Trivia: When Mo went to Nursing school she stayed in all women dorms, graduated in cute little nursing dresses, complete with nursing cap. And, was chosen by her class to be their valedictorian and asked to MC the previous year's grad, which I was surprised to learn she hated doing and still to this day hates public speaking.

"I...I.. fell... really."

2010-01-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at the Ky's bus stop I could just see the women there wondering... she fell?
Yes. Glamerous, I know. I've always been clumsy and now I've got the face to match.

Even as I was putting on those very cute, very impractical knee high boots, I thought better of it, but in the end Fashion won over Function and ended in 6 stitches.

Jess said when I hobbled into the house he thought I had surely been in a car wreck for all the blood. Which is still frozen, bright red in a trail leading to my front door.

Jess was great, he jumped up threw me a cloth, belted out orders, "Pressure! Hospital! now!" The drive was fast and painful with a lot of family singing.

Singing. That's has always been my keep calm strategy. During child birth some women, do Lamaze, or meditate. . . I belt out the primary songs. The lovely pitch and volume, naturally vary according to pain levels. Jess dutifully holds my hand and unbashfully sings along. The doctors and nursing staff politely go about business as though a woman crooning away during transistion is super normal.

"I looked out the window and what did I see..." "Awhhh!" 2 big breaths and "Popcorn, popping on the apricot tree."

Recycling Sweaters into Stockings

2009-12-21T09:52:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love thee let me count the ways. . .

2009-12-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

Kitty. My sweet little pup. She's a snuggler, a playful, tender heart, and an inspiration. We can all learn a thing or two, or three, from Man's Best Friend. When you come home, at any hour mind you, they wake up, waggle their tail, and chase you around. They're so easy to forgive, even when you've just rubbed their nose in the wet spot on your carpet, followed by a good dose of lemon juice to the mouth, and a "You Naughty Puppy!" before tossing the little thing out in the snow. But, never holding a grudge they'll run right back in and give you a snuggle. Oh, how I love my puppy and tonight I just had to tell someone. So, there you have it someone's, that little Kitty is keeper!

Giving in to Temptation.

2009-12-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know what's so alluring about frozen poles, frosty windows, or cold metal spoons, but there's definitely something.

Today, that natively born Californian gave in, and was surprised by the consequence. Ky stuck her tongue to the window of the school bus, and in -24 degree weather you can guess what happened. When I laughed, she very seriously said,

"it was not funny, mom. My tongue was bleeding!"

Sad, but still a little funny...

"Have I seen his hand in my life today?"

2009-11-23T12:55:00.001-08:00

Early Onset AAADD... KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

2009-11-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

I just got this from my Mom in Law, I cracks me up, it's Me! I'm only 29, I must have Early Onset. Can anyone relate?

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -

Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden .

As I turn on the hose in the driveway,

I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I start toward the garage,

I notice mail on the porch table that

I brought up from the mail box earlier.

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys on the table,

put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,

and notice that the can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back

on the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think,

since I'm going to be near the mailbox

when I take out the garbage anyway,

I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table,

and see that there is only one check left.

My extra checks are in my desk in the study,

so I go inside the house to my desk where

I find the can of Pepsi I'd been drinking.

I'm going to look for my checks,

but first I need to push the Pepsi aside

so that I don't accidentally knock it over.

The Pepsi is getting warm,

and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold..

As I head toward the kitchen with the Pepsi,

a vase of flowers on the counter

catches my eye--they need water.

I put the Pepsi on the counter and

discover my reading glasses that

I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk,

but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter,

fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.

Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,

I'll be looking for the remote,

but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,

so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs,

but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers,

but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

So, I set the remote back on the table,

get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to

remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:

the car isn't washed

the bills aren't paid

there is a warm can of

Pepsi sitting on the counter

the flowers don't have enough water,

there is still only 1 check in my check book,

I can't find the remote,

I can't find my glasses,

and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,

I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day,

and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem,

and I'll try to get some help for it,

but first I'll check my e-mail....

Larsen's "Title of Liberty"

2009-11-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about my Family Home Evening tonight, I have to share.

A cute fam shod in President's Choice Aluminum Foil (Shield, Helmet, Sword).
Flag: A Polka-dotted pillow case.
Pole: Old witches broom for a flag.
Fabric Markers.
Bible and Book of Mormon

Today while I was studying I had a strong feeling that our family would be blessed by having a defined GOAL, and a STRATEGY to get there.

As a family we are studying the heroic stories of Captain Moroni, Helaman and the Stripling Warriors (Awesome stories, especially the 2060 brave young boys, fighting for the freedom of their families and attributing their strength and faith to their Mothers who taught them about God. READ it HERE.)

Truthfully, I never really enjoyed these stories like I do now that I am not only reading but, explaining the stories verse by verse to the kids (ages 3 and 5). The other day Ky came up to me and handed me a drawing explaining it was an "epistle" from her to me.

And so, tonight for Family Home Evening we are going to "Strategize" just like all the great Captains of the Bible and Book of Mormon do in war. With Satan waging a war against all of us, including my sweet little ones I feel like it's time that they help mommy in the battle to fortify our family (Family Prayer/Scripture study, and Family Home Evening). They are diligent warriors in the fight for clean teeth, always reminding me even when I'm too tired and wish they would forget just this once and go to bed, teeth unbrushed and all, but they don't forget much at their age. So, what better way to help our family remember the little things that matter most.

In conference Elder Bednar told a story about raising his kids and trying to do the small things. He said things didn't always go as planned, instead there was a lot of:

"He touched me", "She looked at me" and "Dad, He's breathing my air!"

I loved this story because it really hits home, so much of what we try for doesn't go as planned. Elder Bednar goes on to say, if he asked his grown boys what they remember most about family prayer, scriptures, and family night it would probably be that the CONSISTENCY of always doing it. I can see how this would be such a invaluable lesson. And, I want my children to be able to fall back on knowing how to be consistent in living the gospel too, especially later in trying times when they are on their own.

Happy Birthday Stac.

2009-11-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

(CATCH UP POST)

Stacy's Birthday. We showed up at the YMCA to surprise her after Porter's swim lesson. She said when she walked out and saw us from a far, she thought, weird. There's a bunch of my friends, all dressed up for someones birthday, I must not have got the memo. Little did she know it was for her birthday! A week late.

It was a fun night, well -minus the really crude comedy show we endured for all of 10 mins. Leaving was more than awkward since we had already ordered dinner for 10 people, you could hear a pin drop let alone 10 people meandering through crowded tables to leave. But in the end we moved the party to the Cheesecake cafe and laughed our heads off while we consumed our weekly caloric intake all in one slice.

Stacy is one the most rad friends I have. She's so adventurous, and her interests are as diverse as they are many. She takes a course at the college like history or anthropology just about every semester, is an advid cutural arts/theatre enthusiast, and is currently learning to sew. This summer she moved to Utah with her 2 children and husband for the month of August. . . just for fun. Her talents include sewing pajama bottoms and bags. . . and yes, more bags, button collecting, balloon animal artistry, and chatting (with exception during SYTYCD when we take vow of silence). Stacy aspires to be in a Hollywood movie, possibly live in the States, and be my next door neighbor, where we will happily wear our pj's till noon, and watch Regis and Kelly over bubble tea. Her sincere love for people and appreciation of their quirks is one of my favorite things about her.

She knows how to laugh out loud and is always up for a last minute party, (unless she's out with her Old Lady's Club). She's a night owl, gets up at the crack of noon when possible, loves sappy movies, attending the Cinema and still claims the "Little Princess" to be her all time favorite. But, most of all, like Diana of Aveonlea, she is a Kindred Spirit and a true Bosom Friend.

(This picture below is telling a story of: Me, a nail, and an angry
can of spray paint, 5 mins before I had to leave for the party.)

The Ky Funnies.

2009-11-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Ky: "I can't wait to read the new Unicorn book with you!!"

Mom: "Actually, I didn't buy it because it talked about some bad things" (divorce)

Ky: (noddling her head) "Like Mud?"

Another Ky funny. Last week I got a call from a friend who's daughter rides home on the bus with Ky. I guess this little girl came home worried that "Ky and her family didn't have food or a house because her family is so poor." When her mom asked why she thought this she said, "Kyanne said her family gives all their money to the kids in Africa. Do we have to do that mom?"

Wish I could take credit for this generous idea, but it's all Ky's. While we are trying to help her school raise money for a school house in Africa, we still have food of our own. Her imagination has been doing overtime this week.

She also came home from school on Friday after the field trip and told me her teacher didn't let her go because she didn't receive her permission form. After having called the school and left 3 messages last week to ensure they received the permission form, and finally talking to Ky's teacher that morning who said she had received it, I was livid.

I did what any over reacting Mother Bear would do, I called and wrote a "I mean this in the nicest way possible" email to the teacher. But, lo and behold this too was only due to Ky's imagination, she had attended the field trip. Awh, I only felt like a semi-idiot when the teacher called me back very confused.

Being CREATIVE. .. especially as a Mom.

2009-11-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

This message speaks directly to my heart. I struggle and worry often as to whether the time I spend creating (sewing, crafting, blogging) is of value or if I should be doing something more important with my free time. I keep going back and forth between giving in to my crazy love for sewing or stopping it all together to pursue what I think are loftier goals. Watching this video
helps me realize there is value in all sorts of creation.

And, for those who see the subject (creating) and think it doesn't apply to them, because they don't paint, draw, sew, craft, play an instrument, or other ways the world views "creativity" it does. From where I stand I see that imagination and creativity permeating every part of our lives. Jess is a really talented artist, husband, and businessman all due to his imagination and ability to create. My mom is extremely creative in how she cares for people and helps them over come problems in their life.

And, one of the most creative people I know is a mom my age and a dear friend. Some ways she has inspired me with her constant creativity are through:

-Amazing family home evening lessons to teach her children on a weekly basis. She really puts tons of effort and planning into creating these. And, has a whole cabinet full of the different lessons and all the stuff that go along with them. (ie. Lesson: Putting on the whole armor of God. Activity: Having kids shoot Velcro darts at a unarmored Velcro body where they of course stuck, and then shoot that same body with all it's laminated and cutely colored armor on, where it won't stick. I was there for that lesson it was a riot! She also gave the dads aluminum foil to make "real" custom fit armor for the kids.) That takes major amounts of creative energy.

-And, last year around Christmas their family had a dinner patterned after a dinner the Savior would have had when he was on the earth, including sitting on the floor, unleavened bread, figs and olives with her little kids and husband around Christmas time. Not to mention the annual Christmas Talent show.

.-Darling Kid Parties: ie. A 5 year olds movie party, where all the little girls got to where boas, star glasses and walk down the red carpet (red dollar store table cloth). Complete with a concession stand ran by dad, real paper money, and lots of treats! Another one was a cute Pirate party where the kids got to walk a ballet bar which was the Plank of course to get their party treats.

-And, her wealth of knowledge if full of creative ways to motivate, teach and impact her children. Like a jar in her pantry with fun ideas to ward off boredom. Another idea I've adopted and has worked great for us is: "Morning Cards". I laminated cards with pictures of a made bed, toys box, toothbrush/hair brush, a child saying prayers etc. And, instead of telling the kids over and over, did you do....this, this, and this? I just ask them to do all their cards. The sweetest part of that has been walking in on them saying their morning prayers, they still only pray out loud and it's so sweet to see your 3 year old praying all by himself.

This friend has just been an inspiration to me by how much time and imagination she invests into creating experiences for her family that enhance and make her home a wonderful place. I always thought being a mom was a pretty repetitive and predictable job, but I've learned it can be as fun and exciting as you want it to be.

"Daddy wore a Diaper?"

2009-11-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

I was telling a friend this story and didn't realize Ky was listening. Yes. Daddy wore a diaper. Coming home from Raymond Sunday night in hopes of getting Bridgey who was 'tummy sick' to wear one of his baby sisters diapers on the 3 hour drive home. Of course our first line of defense was a candy bribe and when it didn't work and I was out of ideas, daddy came to the rescue. He really took one for the team when he offered to drop his drawers and put one on himself. Bridge was stoked.

It just goes to show the power of : "Everybodys' doin' it".

Reminicent of that first year... Livin' on Love

2009-10-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

The first year I was married, all I could see was Jess. My sun rose and fell around that 6 foot 3" freckled boy. When we moved to Huntington and got real adult jobs I was just shocked that we were expected to spend 9 and 10 hours away from each other everyday, year after year, all in the name of: Work. I could hardly stand it. Night after night we'd lay on our popped air mattress in our one room studio apartment and wonder if anyone else was really this happy and this lucky.

We moved to Huntington Beach the summer of 2002 with $30.00 to our name. No jobs, no food, no electricity. However we did have running water, an apartment paid up for the month, a 1970's Crown Victoria, and a surf board, what more did we need.
"Livin' on Love" was more than a song to us that first year of life.

But, we thought it was fabulous! With no frig, and no money, we ate a lot of .99 cent hamburgers, and I happily gained the newlywed 19 in just under 90 days. This sticks out in my mind because our California wedding reception was three months after we got married, and no, I did not fit that pretty white dress!

But, life was grand. We ate a lot of hamburgers, .25 Homerun Pies, and cereal by candle light, we bought ice for the foam cooler every morning, played at the beach and surfed everyday. Our bed was a $20.00 blow mattress that popped soon after we moved in.

After that first month, this cute young girl living above us came and dropped off a grocery gift card for $150.00. We were so thankful. With tears in my eyes I asked her how she knew, and she casually said, "Oh, I saw your car." What! Who says that? It still makes me chuckle. Where I come from, if you are rollin in something with 4 wheels, you are stoked! So, it made me laugh every time people giggled or pointed at our awesome car in Orange County, it's a strange place all it's own.

After a few weeks Jess was hired by Yakaty Yak in Newport, we got electricity, internet and I finally found a job on the 23 floor of Deutsche Bank. Life began.

That year was: magical, that's the only way I can describe it. We were so charmed and delighted by everything that came our way, especially each other.

Any Moms Overwhelmed by the need to do . . .more?

2009-10-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

I have put a few cute or silly videos up over time, that generally are time wasters, but this one is truly a blessing to watch. I feel so inspired and encouraged that I can do, instead of my usually feeling overwhelmed that I can't do enough. I'm posting it for everyone but also for myself, I think it would be a great 3 min. addition to my morning routine this week.

Long...Blonde...

2009-10-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

...to short brown in only minutes. It's funny how I didn't think I'd really care. But, 5 days later, I still don't know how to style this do, and I'm starting to really care. I've tried curling, fliping, scrunching, bedhead, and I'm still at a loss. Yesterday I was seriously considering shaving.

Faith.

2009-10-22T09:49:00.001-07:00

A sweet friend just came by and showed me this. It's of a little boy calling in on a Christan Radio Station. Just darling.

An Easy Halloween Advent

2009-10-20T18:45:00.001-07:00

I haven't put the numbers on them yet. But, I think I'm going to embroider numbers 7 thru 1 on white circles, as a countdown the week before Halloween. And, fill them up with goodies or fun foamy Halloween cutouts to make Halloween Grams etc.

Wishing on Stars

2009-10-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I loved this tv show from the 80's called This Old House or something like that. It was about this cute family that all lived together with the grandpa too in this Old House. A Big Happy: with granparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the full meal deal.

As a child my family, including all extended relatives consisted of 5 people. That was all, and most other families I knew were closer in dynamic to my family than that on the screen. With nothing in real life to relate this show to, it was mostly a sweet fable I'd wish for at night while looking at the stars. "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight... ending in Amen" It was somewhere between a prayer, and a superstitious wish, that I did religiously night after night until I was probably 12. I think I secretly thought if I was diligent enough maybe it would come true.

So, now when I look at my life filled with people: husband, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends so dear they may as well be sisters, my heart swells up so big, it leaks out my eyes. Especially on Sundays. There is something about the kindness and genuine love and friendship I feel at church that makes me embarrassingly teary-eyed all through church on Sundays. I can't believe it's all true.

Who knew, wishing on stars really worked! No, I know all good things come of the Lord, and I feel so grateful. Below, are the pictures that inspired this recall down memory lane. How lucky are my sweet children. Here's a picture of the kids having their first sleepover with their cousin Livi. They had an absolute ball, and haven't quit talking about it since!

Halloween Quilt

2009-10-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Playing rookie from church. I feel kind of guilty, taking pictures of my Halloween Quilt instead of being miserable in bed. At the same time I couldn't go to church, hacking up a lung, and spitting out mystery green stuff. right? t.m.i? Well, just enjoy my spooky quilt, then.

To Make a House a Home: A Tribute.

2009-10-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

Early in the Spring this year I can remember fervently petitioning help from the Lord to move into a different house. One that would fit our family's needs. At that time we had 2 extra people that we loved dearly living with us and another staying half time, making our small home full with 3 small children and 5 adults coming in and out of the house and needing make shift sleeping arrangments at night. And, at the time we were possibly going to add another, my 17 year old sister, making a total of 9 people in our 3 bedroom house.

If anyone loves a party it's Jess and I, not only were we having fun but, it's fun to be helpful. At the same time our house started to feel like it was magically shrinking. Being disorganized by nature, these circumstances weren't helping me win the war.

I assumed if I was patient, the Lord would provide a miracle and our small house stuffed with a basketball team of people would sell even in a dead market, and we would end up with a roomier home for our family. As per usual, my plan was different than the plan in Heaven and I'm so glad it was.

Today, I sat down in our almost finished basement, watching the kids 'Backagon Doggy Show' (right), and felt overwhelmed with joy. Looking back I see how we got here, how a home that started out wrong in so many ways, became just right for our family. Had we of moved at that time we would have left the most wonderful ward we've ever been apart of, we wouldn't be living next door to one of my dearest friends, and we would have left a home that has a setup that we love. As I reflect I realize I have fallen in love with all the houses I have lived in, it just takes awhile to make it Home.

Our first married Home was in Huntington Beach. It was just like a little cottage enchanted with magic and just a block from the beach, we lived there for our first 3 years, and it's the house I brought my first little baby, Kyanne, home to.

Our second home, and the first one we owned was in Raymond. And, there we got to have a beautiful yard, another new baby, Bridge, and could walk to grandma's house. It's the home Bridgey was blessed in, by his dad, grandpa Larsen, and Great Grandpa Bridge, who he's named after.

And, now our sweet home in Calgary. We've been so blessed. Every time I leave one of our homes I cry, and I know when we out grow this home in a few years I will cry again. Homes are emotional places, that's why I wanted to write this post, as a tribute to these physical dwellings that have provided such wonderful comfort, refuge and joy.

Schools In

2009-10-05T00:59:00.000-07:00

Ky is attending the Canyon Meadows Escuela where she is taught half the time in Spanish. And, Bridgey started Playschool, which me and some other mom teach alternating every 5 weeks. He loves it, wishes it was everyday instead of 2 times a week, and of course, like his big sister, packs his backpack before we head out. One of the moms/teachers last weeks said he was one of the most poliet 3 year-olds she ever meet. I was kind of nervous about how he would act away from home. I knew from early on that Ky would be well behaved in public, she's just like that. But, Bridgey is just Bridgey. Enthusiastic, Energetic, and Honest all the time.

Ky thinks school is fabulous. I always knew I would be that mom tearily waving goodbye on the first day of school, holding back the sobs until I got in to the privacy of my car, where I would have a good cry and count the minitues until her return. So, how surprised was I when I felt excited and cheerfully waved back to my enthusiastic Kindergartner on her first day of school.

Actually, I felt guilty, like I wished I could squeeze out a tear or something, but the truth is she was so excited for school! 2 years in waiting. She couldn't wait to ride the bus, line up, and wear a backpack half as big as her. And, I couldn't help but catch her enthusiasm. She's been attending for just over a month now and loving every minitue of it. She loves her teacher, playing kitchen, drawing, singing, and sitting by her friends on the bus. She's come home speaking spanish words with a much more authentic accent than Jess or I. She even has that accent sometimes when she says english words. At first I couldn't figure out what she was saying, but then I realized she's learning new english words at school too from her teacher who has a very strong Spanish accent. It's pretty cute.

The Big Apple

2009-09-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'm off to New York tomorrow -Whoop, whoop!

I'm super excited. Loving show tunes and 'Sleepless in Seattle' like I do, I've wanted to go forever, and have planned many untaken trips since then. Most were planned with Nina by my side, in wee hours of the night. One of those nights was just before finals. We decided we were going to fail our classes anyways and should skip out to New York to make ourselves feel better. At least I think that's how it went, Me, Nins and Mark Harris. What were we thinking? That's what we thought about 5 in the morning when we realized we had stayed up all night, and had our finals in a few hours.

I'm a little sad to be going to the Big Apple for the first time without my better half, but we'll still go one day, we won't count this time. I wish I had a digital picture of us from college to post along with this fun memory, but here's one from her wedding 08'.

People getting punched before eating!

2009-08-28T19:56:00.001-07:00

Okay people. Out of the 61 people who viewed my blog today, how did no one think this short was funny? I just watched it again for the the fun of it and guess what... it was even funnier! I am so going to be that parent who help their 13 year old kid make a remake of it.

I don't know if most of you have seen the SNL skit "People getting punched before eating" but it's pretty funny, and then I found this done by a couple of kids, it cracks me up! Here's the origional first, it's really stupid, but worth a laugh and I love the kid version.

Wakesurfing. A picture's worth a 1,000 words and here's 4.

2009-08-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

A friend just emailed me these photos from her camera. I'm a scaredy cat when it comes to water. I was so nervous when it was my turn to jump in the lake I could hardly breathe, Nerdy... I know. So, it was really cute when Jess jumped in after me and asked Kent to drag us around together, before I actually attempted going on my own.

Here I am, not looking nervous at all....

A Classy Wipeout

And, last but not least, a charming picture of me, really sticking out that bum! Not the most flattering picture, but amusing enough to make the cut. And, then there's my sweet Jess sitting on the back smiling at me all big, like I just took my first steps! He was so cute that day.

What's in a year?

2009-08-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday...
to the 'Big Kids' as they've come to be known. And, they have really become big kids this year. Things that have changed, as Bridgey went from 2 years old to 3 and Ky went from 4 to 5:

Kyanne: You learned how to do loads of stuff. You can now write your letters, draw adorable pictures of people and make nests with baby eggs out of play dough. You can clean your room, put your clothes away, make your bed, get dressed and say your prayers all by yourself. Your really interested in Heavenly Father and love to tell him all about the things you love.

Your favorite game right now is "Barn", where you pretend to be a horse tied up in a Barn on fire. Bridgey is usually the fireman who rescues you. Your also fascinated with Unicorns and baby ponies. You love to draw and color and can spend hours doing it. Your favorite color is pink again, a big change from purple. And, you still love princesses but not as much as you love horses.

You also still love make-up, dress-ups and painting your toes. But, your no longer so insistent upon 'Disney' brand dress ups, but instead enjoy my great-grandma's scarfs and the old vintage clothes in Grandma Larsen's attic (they're way cooler anyway).

Your dad taught you to do handstands and you practice all the time. Your favorite number is still 5 and and your favorite letter is still S. I started reading you chapter books this summer and you love to cuddle up for a half hour to an hour at a time listening to stories about witches, ponies and Captain Underpants.

You help me out with Fin and Bridge all day long. I love it and realized just how much you do for me the weekend you went to Waterton with your Grandma. Your favorite playmates are your siblings, and any little girl your age. Your very social and love going for "playdates". Your still as independent as ever and never mind going places alone.

Your a bit more mischievous since you figured out how to bait Bridgey into to doing something naughty for you. (ie. "Bridgey, there's cookies in the pantry, go get them.") If he doesn't get caught you eat them with him, if he does you totally blame the poor kid. It's pretty funny.

Family Home Evening is something you look forward to every week. And, you usually always put on a "Show" for the family at the end. You think swimming is where it's at, and this year when you played tee-ball you tired any excuse to get out of it. You started sewing with me this summer, but sadly I'm not sure you really like it. I thought my favorite ages for kids were baby and preschooler but, I was wrong, I love Kindergartner too. You start school in 2 weeks and I can't wait for you. You love new people, places and new adventures. You've been that way since the beginning. It's sure fun!

Bridgey Bear: What can I say. Your "Bridgey Bear" you tell me all the time. Along with Bridgey the super hero, and Spidy-man too. You love pretend about as much as your big sister. Your super easy going just like you were as a baby. If Ky wants to play Barn, your in, Princesses, Heroes, House, your in. But, your favorite thing to play is: "A Game". Any game with do. You don't care for the rules, you've got your own. And, you don't even need all the pieces. Your in Heaven with a package of cards, or an old game board and a die. Your the most enthusiastic person I think I've ever met, taking after your dad for sure. Even when you get in trouble you smile with your mouth and your crinkly eyes and say, "Okay mom." And then bounce away. Sometimes I have this thought that I need to be meaner or harsher so you'll seem more sad when you get in trouble, but then I realize that's silly, your enthusiasm is something to be admired not extinguished.

You love animals and "Beedles". All bugs are Beatles to you. It's pretty cute. You started using the potty about 6 months ago and love wearing underwear. Sometimes you have accidents because your too busy to use the potty, and I get frustrated with you, but you never seem to care, you just jollily smile at me and apologize and then skip away. You got a dog this year. You named her "Blue Kitty" and then giggled because your so funny. We all giggled too. Blue Kitty has been a true pal and you play with her several times a day. You think skateboarding and riding your bike is where it's at and do it everyday. Your so tickled with how fast you can go around the culdasac. We are too. We recently got Tree House and your in love, too in love. You beg to watch t.v. and cry when I turn it off. I'm a little worried to introduce video games when your older.

Your favorite person is your big sister, and you cry when she leaves for school. You've also become pretty good friends with Fin even though she's only a year and a half. You've really learned how to be patient with her as she doesn't understand when she takes your toys or hits you in the face thinking you'll laugh. You pick her up when she falls and give her hugs when she's sad. And, I have heard you more than once, tell bigger kids, "Hey, that's my sister!" when they make her sad. It's the sweetest thing ever. Your sure alot of fun. I love this age.

We took you two to Chuckie Cheese for your Birthday and you both got to pick one friend to come with. Bridgey picked his cousin who he adores, Livi and Ky picked Aria Ogden. Ky got horses and Barbies to ride them for her birthday (surprise! surprise!) and Bridgey got Linkin Logs, and a Dinosaur he loves from Auntie Kesh.

Fun in True Larsen Form!

2009-08-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Meg's wedding was a good example of a typical Larsen celebration.
When I met Jess one of the first things he told me about his family is: "Larsen's like to have fun". That has since become our family motto and we have learned it from the best.
Here's a few examples of Fun in true Larsen form.
Meg's wedding dinner:

Swing Dancing, Salsa, and a surprise preformance of "OK-Go" (Steph left, Keshia Right, Jill Center, and Trev hiding in the back).

Livi, Bridgey, and Ky doing "Wish'n and Hop'n"

Aunt Helen doing some Disco

Authentic Peruvian Dancers
and there were also preformances from the Bride herself singing to her new husband, and a ridiculous number put on by Mo and all the Aunts.

More of Meggies Wedding Photos.

2009-08-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wake Surfing

2009-08-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

Jess doing what he loves almost as much as the snow. I was brave this time and got in the water too. I'm a bit like a cat when it comes to water, but I knew it would be more fun for Jess if I tried. I wasn't very good, but I did manage to surf a bit and had fun too.

My Other-Other Half

2009-08-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

"And, please bless Meggie and Uncle Jorge to be safe from the bad guys, and for Meggie to come home ." -Bridgey age 3

"Mom I'm really glad that Meg married Uncle Jorge, but I still wish she would come home. I thought family were suppose to be together forever."
-Kyanne age 5

"If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus one day, so I never have to live without you."
-Stephanie + Pooh

Life is different now. More room in the shoe closet, more laundry piles to be washed, more space, less family dancing, less water fights, less desert cereal, less giggles with my other-other half. Last night you were in my dreams and I woke up missing you. Wish you could at least live across the street, if you refuse to live in my beautiful basement. In Raymond this week I staked out plots for us, we could be neighbors, have pj parties, watch Regis and Kelly over do-no's, borrow sugar, and bicker happily like Marilla Cuthbert and Mrs. Rachel Lynde forever and ever. It sounds magical, I know.

Be Smart...Be safe. Human Trafficking

2009-08-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

Jess and I are starting a charity to help stop child trafficking and sexual exploitation. We have realized what a lack of awareness there is in the general public. Other than the movie 'Taken' most people know little about child trafficking and that it is taking place right here in Canada and the US.

Right now the RCMP believes there are 600 to 800 people sold as slaves in Canada. Roughly 70% for sexual explotation. The State Department in the US believes there are 15,000 to 18,000 sold to Americans per year.

How to protect your children and others. Step 1: Start your Education (See links below). Step 2: Educate your kids appropriately. Family Home Evening is a great time to learn about stranger safety, modesty, and to do role playing as a family. Sidenote: A Calgary PD officer told me it is better to teach your child to yell "Stranger!! Stranger!!" if in danger and run, rather than yelling for mom or dad. Because hearing a scarred child yell "stranger" will immediately get the attention of other around.

Most concerning is girls, ages 12 to 16, who kiddnapped while visiting cities other than their hometown, where they are more easily lurred into more vulnerable situations. Jess and I are working on organinzing a curriculum to teach parents how to protect againest child trafficker and online child pretadors (facebook, myspace, chatrooms). While crossing the boarder last year to Montana, a boarder patrol officer told me that they are seeing a rise in kidnappings of young children (toddlers and preschoolers) who are taken across the boarder to be sold and after which shipped to the Middle East and Asia.

CLICK Links Below:

Exploitation in Canada (facts and figures)

US Buerua of Law Enforcement (Who is being exploited? Where? How?)

(click graph to Enlarge)

62 Messages and counting...

2009-08-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

My cell is missing and I am currently listening to the 62 messages in my voice mail. Awh. I don't know why it doesn't occur to me to check my messages daily like the average phone owner, but it doesn't. I have been working on this for years now, and I still don't think to check messages for weeks at a time. I am better about checking my cell phone, but it doesn't help that I lose it so often. Lucky for me my head is permanently attached, and my kids never leave me alone long enough for me to forget about them... too often. Listening to messages is a chore right up there with laundry and toilet bowls when you only do it every few weeks, and so I type while I listen to entertain myself and vow to do better this month.

Measure twice, cut once.

2009-08-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a new dress I sewed for little Fin. The shoulders are a bit big, I didn't do any measuring beforehand. You all know me: Measure twice, cut once. Well, one day at least. One day I'll be that patient, that logical, but for now, I was just stoked it came out a wearable dress!

Believe It or Not?

2009-08-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Most people just don't seem that awe struck when I tell them my 4 year old sewed this adorable unicorn -minus the horn. But, it must be because they don't believe that she machine sewed it together, stuffed it with the help of a pencil, hand stitched the belly up, and then sewed on all those buttons, ALL by Herself! But, it's true. I know it's crazy, she's just one awesome talented gal. All I did was cut out the pattern (because she was napping) and I sewed on the mane for her. Way to go Ky!
Sad side note: When I enthusiastically asked her if she wanted to have a, Dress a Pet Party, where the kids could sew little tutus for their pets, she sweetly said, "Maybe, we shouldn't sew for my birthday mom." It was pretty cute.

The Family that Plays together Stays Together

2009-08-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've also heard the fam that prays together, stays together. Both are true. And, we have done a large amount of playing this summer, but sadly not much with that tall freckled boy I love. He's been gone so much this spring and summer and we miss him. But, today was wonderful.

He came to Kalispell to visit my mom and dad with me and kids. While he could only stay one day, due to meetings in Utah, that one day was one I always want to remember. We had a lazy morning, and a super fun afternoon playing at the lake, doing a bit of swimming, wandering and just general puttering.

A few days ago I felt like I'd reached my limit, and Jess must have too, because it was that very next day that Jess put an end to his crazy schedule. He still has to follow through on his plans for the next couple weeks but then he's back home where we love him to be. I just loved having the time to putter, and 'be still' as a family today.

We allow ourselves to lead such busy lives, and I think it really robs us of those sweet peaceful moments that make life worth waking up for in the morning. I always know something needs to be re-adjusted in my life, when I dread rolling out of bed in the morning. That's a terrible way to live. And, I'm so grateful for the example of my mother in law, Mo. She refuses to live that way. To her, Happiness is a decision. And, I find that school of thought so empowering. If you don't like something, do something about it (even if the only thing you can change is your attitude.) Why not, right?

Jess's summer 09'

2009-08-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

Summer Highlights:

Awesome progress at work.

Awesome Ramp coming along painfully slow.

And an Awesome Man-cation to Hawaii.

A Happy Birthday. . .

2009-07-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that your one of my dearest friends, so I'll skip the mushy post and just say your a forever friend and that's hard to find (because that wasn't mushy at all!) P.S. I am Lovin' that scarf! It's so. . . Stephaniesque?

Happy Birthday you old woman, you!

The night wasn't without a bit of puking and alot of sneezing!
(Thanks Dave for the Allegra- I'm Hooked)

What's more romantic than the fair or Stampede in this case. When I was little I equated romance and my parents at the Lancaster Fair Grounds. Silly, I know but there was something magical and carefree about my parents when we went to the fair each year, they'd hold hands and smooch alot. Maybe it's the Ferris wheel? Is that it Rach?

And, last but not least what would a Stampede date be without a ride down the slide. I wouldn't actually know due to my fuzzy head but the picture tells all.

The Voice of Reason: "Mommy..."

2009-07-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

So, it's 2:38 in the AM. What am I doing up? I know I'm asking myself the same thing. Every few months I catch a cold that turns into a cough, which turns into me sleeping downstairs on the couch, tossing until I finally give up and pull out my laptop instead. Tonight my choice entertainment, a ABC Family show, that in an effort to protect my dignity we'll leave unnamed.

While watching unnamed mindless show, I start to feel a bit nostalgic and longing for the spontaneous whimsy of my college days. The more I watched this lame show the more I started to see my life as "Humdrum" and predictable. As though 'predictable' is something bad.

Predictable/adj;/: constant, stable, reliable. Definitely all things I've wanted in my life as long as I can remember. But either way, as I was wishing for something exciting and whimsical, my sweet Bridgey came filtering up the stairs with the most tender sleepy voice, "Mommy, can I sleep in your bed?" And, in an instant, I realized nothing was more attractive than this. Excitement is alluring, but consistency is comforting. Spontaneous is fun, but getting to wake up with these sweet babies is more than I ever hoped for. I had a moment of crazy, glad it was short lived.

Book Excerpt: The Creative Family

2009-07-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Our Summer Theme: Creativity

I'm reading a book called: The Creative Family. Here's an excerpt:

I encourage you to think about letting your child be the guide, director, and teacher, while you try to be a student. Your role is to provide the environment and to watch and learn. Try to forget and put aside all the things running around in your mind-- all the lists that need completing, all the distractions of your day, and all the mess that you might be making (don't even think about the cleanup process yet). Focus on your child. Watch. Never forget to play (and if you've forgotten how, just watch your child).

As difficult as it may be to shift your thinking from that of adult responsibilities such as cleaning up, try as hard as you can to think a bit differently about your chilren's "messes." When your child stomps through a puddle, try to think of the experience gained. When your child slips her hands right into that puddle, think of the way she is touching the earth, getting a sense for how things change in the soil. All of their messes are really lessons about life and the earth. Don't be afraid to get dirty. Be in the moment as much as you possibly can, and follow your child's natural, creative imagination where ever it may lead you both.

It's a great book. Two thumbs up.

"Maybe he uses plastic." -She said....

2009-07-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

I can't remember how we got on to this topic, but it went something like this:

Ky: "How are people made?"
Mom: "By Heavenly Father."
Ky: "But, HOW does Heavenly Father make people? (Thoughtful Pause) Maybe he uses plastic. Or stretchy stuff. Look Mom (she lifts her shirt and pulls on her tummy) Stretchy!"

Bridge: Dad get me a fork.
Jess to Bridge: "Don't tell me what to do, Devil Woman" (italics indicate southern drawl)
Bridge: Dad I want a fork.
Ky: "Well, listen up with your Devil ears"

Back to Your Bridge, Evil Troll!

2009-07-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-Eleanor Roosevelt

True? False? This is one of those quotes that sounds really wise, but is it? Either way, this week I guess I was in the mood to give my consent. I hate when I do that. It isn't the first time and I'm guessing it won't be the last. As much as I would like to walk away from a mean comment with my head held high, not allowing it to effect me, it always does. How do you choose not to care? Especially if you care about the person who made you feel that way. The only solution I've found success with is what my sister-in-law calls The Jerk Theory. It's just like it says act a bit like a jerk and people will behave themselves. What can I say, lame I know, but it works. It's like my dad with cats. He's allergic and trys to keep his distance, this only makes him irresistible to the felines. As effective as this solution is, it's not me. It takes so much effort for me to remember not to smile at someone or speak in Bored Monotone. And, the moment they show a hint of decency I hastily give up the act.

I've always had a hard time staying mad. When Jess does something that really gets my goat, I have to call and leave him a message right away if I can't get a hold of him, because I know by the time he walks through the door I'll be so happy to see him I'll just hug and kiss him. Not helpful when your trying to make something sink in like: put the toilet seat down!

About a week ago my oldest brother and I were in a full fledged argument about our mom and when I could think of nothing more to back my point, I did what any dignified angry woman would do: make things up. But in the middle of my rant he sweetly apologises for having 'offended me', and I predictably melt, followed up by gushing. "Oh, no Jason, I'm just being ridiculous. I just said that because I couldn't think of anything else, I know you love me and mom and would never want to...." He cuts me off mid-dialogue. "Stephanie! STEPH-A-NIE! I was being sarcastic!" And, continues his awful rant. Awh! Of all the nerve. Really in retrospect I can't help but laugh at this one, it's so humorous. (Not that your off the hook Jay, in case you read this).

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" -I blog mostly for my kiddos and I wish I had some great words of wisdom that would help when someone tramples their little spirits, but I don't.

Just that in the end it's better to be kind than bitter. Remembering you can never know what experiences that person has or hasn't had to make them the way are. So, love them and let it go. I'm not suggesting to be a Martyr or a mat for reckless stomping, just that forgiveness yields happiness.

Nerotic Mom?? (Another edition of She said)

2009-07-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ky: "Witches shouldn't grab kids, but they just don't have Mommy's to teach them not to, huh?
(That's right Honey, witches just don't know better. She's so sweet. Tolerant of even witches, the Democrats would love her.)

Ky: "Mom, why do you always stop children in the street and tell them what to do?" Because their mommy's should be doing it, okay I know your not suppose to parent other people kids but I'm such a crazy when it comes to busy roads and kids. My poor kids have been so tramatized by me they start screaming when they see a car coming towards them, not what I was going for, but better than not being cautious enough, right? How's my rationalizing? Really it's just my mom in me. It's the same reason I tell boys to 'quit looking at my sister that way!' when I take Keshia places. It's what my mom would do, and if I don't protect her, who will? It's not like she's 24, and married with 2 kids. :)

And, now in good sport I relate this somewhat embarassing story:

Last year I hear a car come zooming down my culdasac (nothing makes my blood boil like a zooming car and kids near by). And, so the mother in me (as in: my mother in me) jumps up mid-conversation with my friends and runs out the open door to the middle of the road where I stand with my hand out like a crossing guard in front of this moving car and proceed to give them my infamous 'Slow down, Kids at Play' lecture, and they pretend to be mildly interested and polite. When I turned to go back in the house I saw my neighbors watching this neurotic scence from their front porch. These particular neighbors are young, single, and I think they were friends with the guys I lectured. In any case if there was any doubt about whether they lived next to The Crazies there is no longer. And, here I am (to the right) in a couple more years, you don't think Ky will mind?

Fin the Goat Herder.

2009-07-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Parents like to imagine what their kids will be when they grow up. Goat Herder, never crossed my mind until the day we visited Butterfield Acres.

Ky was Ky, nurturing and sweet. She stayed in the same corner, singing, snuggling and sneaking in the occasional kiss (I kept telling her not to Kiss that Dirty goat, the little Sneaker.)

Bridgey was all bubbly with enthusiasm, bouncing from one goat to another, freely giving away unwanted hugs to unsuspecting goats. And, if this wasn't enough to pronounce his love, there were sweet squeaky sentiments: "Your so cute!", "Look Mom, He loves me!"

But, with Fin it was all Business!

"Ooooout! Puppy!"
"Gooooooo!"
"No, no, no! OUT!"

I'm hoping this is an a prediction of future leadership, rather than a repressed need for the youngest child to boss someone around. Actually it was the first time I noticed how much Fin likes to be in charge, it was hilarious. She went from goat to goat, pointing and yelling, it probably seemed obnoxious to other visitors but I was just doubled over with laughter.

"I love my Sewing Club" -Kyanne

2009-07-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I had a sewing day with the girls a few weeks back, we started quilting pillows. It was "sew" much fun that we thought we'd start a Little Girls Sewing Club. We've only met twice but it's been a blast and the girls are really good. I was hoping their projects would look more like a 4 year old made them, but no such luck their too talented. Here's some cute photos (thanks Jaq).

"Your so Dead!" Famous last words?

2009-07-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

"YOUR SO DEAD": The Movie

I thought it was so cute that Kitty kept jumping on the rim of the tub to see the kids, until she fell in. And, here we have Meggie joining the kids for an afternoon swim?

Missing that boy...

2009-07-10T23:46:00.000-07:00

It's been 6 long days without my favorite pal. He's been in Hawaii all week, just bumming it. A board, fresh fruit and a rented car and he's been happy as a clam. From the sounds of it he's spent just about 98% of everyday in the waves, no surprise right.

The first few days without him were okay, and the house was uncharacteristically clean because I don't have his cute face distracting me, but the extra laughs and the silver lining to my day is missing. I realize how much more I laugh when he's around, how lighthearted I feel, and how come on weekdays, 4pm rolls around and I start counting down the minutes till he gets home to play with us.

This week I'm counting sleeps, I hate counting sleeps! Aimless post, just wanted to say I'm missing that cute boy, come home already!

*FYI: I just didn't want to go. He tried really hard to get me to come, but it's just too long and far away from my babies, especially on 12 hours notice. But, I'm so glad he got to go, he could use a break about now.

"My Hero(es). . ."

2009-07-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

About 3 weeks ago I called a repairman for my fridge. He was an older gent who had recently decided to venture out on his own.

I'll skip all the boring details but, 4 visits later, the frig is working, and I'm out:

$600.00 bucks ( I could have just bought a new one),
2 grocery trips to the store,
have to repair wet drywall/water damage downstairs in Bridge's bedroom
and worst of all have to replace the wood floor in the kitchen (Estimated $5000.00 to fix) due to water damage from the fridge.

Awhhh. . . . After he left I was pretty bummed so I called Rachel. At best I was hoping for a good amount of sympathy but instead she actually called him up posing as my big sister and I'm guessing let him know her opinion on the subject in a "kind way". As kind as she was I'm guessing He must have caught a glimpse of her inner tigeress because he didn't argue much.

But, as the day went on he kept calling me, and I was nervous he was going to show up at my house if I didn't answer. So, I called my friend Stacy's husband who's a police officer and just a good guy, to ask his opinion. He came right over, assessed the damage and called the repairman up posing as my very stern brother and asked how he planned to remedy the situation. Way to go big brother and sis because the guy ended up apologizing and not making me pay for the 3 xtra visits after all. I am so glad, but more just in awe of my good friends. It was so sweet, I was so nervous especially with Jess gone all week, I kind of knew I was being taken for a ride but I was to chicken to do anything about it. You guys make rad siblings, Thanks.

Meg's Wedding Pix. A Bridal Beauty

2009-07-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

They look way better on Amber's Holts blog. CLICK HERE to see more.