Getting ready for a Hot Date to the Disney Store

We've been trying to take the kids on a date each week. If Ky's picking, it usually involves window shopping at the Disney store in the mall, riding on the Merry Go Round and maybe some french fries. Look at those lashes, lucky girl. Thanks Grandpa!

Survival of the Fittest

I've gotten a few requests to post some updates about the little Fin in my life. So, here she is in all her Majesty (you wouldn't know Majesty if it came up and bit you in the face, wah ha ha haaa! -Strong Bad).

She's a "Little Viking" to say the least. I guess with the 3rd kid, the best you can hope for is, survival. Between being fed raisins, and carried down a flight of stairs by a toddler barely twice her size, she's hangin' in there. . . for dear life.

Fin is a doll literally, well behaved, sleeps & eats on demand, smiles on cue. She's heaven, and if she's heaven, then the other kids must be. . . Purgatory? Just kidding, they're Heaven too, when they're peacefully sleeping.

Jess and I, both have never felt like life was so complete. The kids just love each other, and it melts my heart everyday to see them delighted by the baby, secretly plotting mischief, or excitedly embracing because it's been an entire hour since they saw each other last.

Oh, what do the simple folk do.. .

. . . to perk up when they are blue"
- Camelot Musical

I suppose I not so much blue as suffering from the daily adjustment to the monotony of my life. I look at today's "to-do's" and find myself doing alot of self talk, 'this is your life, embrace it', 'find the extrodinary in the ordinary', 'bloom where your planted' and then I find myself stubbornly asking 'but, is this it?'

And, then I remind myself that I have every possible blessing, all I'm missing is a tragedy to help me recognize them. I was reading the blog of a close friend tonight and she had journaled about a truly heartbreaking experience and I felt shame for my discontent and sincere gratitude for my happy life.

Kim Baker gave a fantastic lesson a few months ago about sharing the gospel with others. This being so dear to my heart, I paid close attention. What stood out most to me was when she talked about sharing our testimony through our example. That if we walk around acting put out, overwhelmed and tired all the time as mothers, we are not sharing the right message. (For the record, she said it much more eloquent than this.)

I guess the point to this rambling is that I hope to be a light unto the world, not a soggy rain cloud. And, tonight I was able to re-adjust my perspective again and I wanted to commit my new cheerful outlook to paper or cyberspace, so I could look back and remember, when the time comes again that I can't see the forest for the trees.

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through ^aChrist which ^bstrengtheneth me."

(Philippians 4:10-13)

9.0 volts of Magnificence

I know kids are suppose to be little scientists exploring their surroundings and testing their boundaries. And, you'd think this would be enough for me to be patient with their little experiments: (In the last 48 hours)

If I step on this glass frame with it crack?
How about his mirror?
If I tip over this Jumbo box of Cheerios will they hit the freshly mopped floor?
If I rub this orange marker all over my body, an innocent lamp and my new Snow White doll will anyone notice? (strong resemblence to the Chucky doll)

And, that is why I'd like to send a shout out to Black & Decker. My love for my 9.0 volt Handheld Dustbuster has reached new depths this week. And, while wer'e at it, how about a shout out to Mr. Clean's attractively packaged poison, The Magic Eraser.

"Check out the Majesty"
-Strong Bad

Play House Loft Bed

Here's the semi-finshed kids room. I patterned the bed after one I saw at Ikea. The idea was for Ky to sleep on top of the Loft and Bridge underneath so they would do more sleeping than playing so much for that idea. But, it makes a fun playhouse anyhow. There's more pictures Here.



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Now playing: The Moldy Peaches - Anyone Else But You
via FoxyTunes

If only she knew.

These have to be some of my favorite pictures ever. Kyanne spends most days pretending to be someone else, usually Princess Snow White, Giselle or her friend Lexi. But, she's never too interested in just being Kyanne. If only she knew 'Kyanne' is a princess too.

I'm surprised day after day by her tenderness and concern for others. She's such a grateful child thankful for the simplest things: dinner, dishes, puffy sleeves, clean 'Butterfly Jammies', reading a book, holding her hand. She's kind to her brother, even when her friends aren't, and she humbles me daily as she happily forgets and forgives my Motherly short comings. Aside from all this most days she has me in stitches with comments like: "Your pretty mom (pause), I like your bum." or "Look mom, I'm wearing my gardens to preschool (referencing the slip under her clothes)", or "When I'm the Mommy and your the kid...".

She's a slice of Heaven, I'm so lucky.


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Now playing: The Monkees - I'm a believer
via FoxyTunes

Worry. . . a maternal art form.

Sometimes I think this blog should be titled something like: Circus Survivor or Complaints with a Smile. Jess says I should win some sort of award for how effortlessly I can crinkle my forehead and invent things to worry about. I don't mean to be such a big whiner and yet it comes so naturally.

But, since we're on the subject, let me just say: Motherhood can be so trying. I know some would glorify it with terms like refining or progressive, but really today it was just teeth grittingly hard. Some of you really know what I'm talking about, and some will, come another child or two.
I guess, I'm surprised at just how difficult it is to be the patient sweet mother I imagine in my head. After all, this is all I've ever wanted. As a child I dreamed of dollies that came with adoption papers, and picked "House" over every other game all through grade school.

And, while I find it more challenging than I expected, it's so much more wonderful than I ever imagined. I just wish I had a little book with a few answers. I don't even need them all, but a few, a glimpse of light indicating movement in the right direction would be so motivating. And, while it's always been a challenge, now that I have three little sweet spirits with all their own individual needs and wants I'm beside myself overwhelmed on some days. They're like little puzzles, advanced mysteries for me, a very mediocre detective, to solve.

Luckily there are things like these delicious bite sized brownies, my blog where I can complain and put life back into perspective, and really good music like the Mouldy Peaches for me to chill to.

While I'm so happy for this wonderful chocolately moment when the house is still and I can just be me, I do really look forward to the happy mornings when I wake to my little smiley kiddies that are excited to start the day with me, their complainy mother who loves them madly!

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Now playing: Ewan McGregor - How wonderful life is
via FoxyTunes

The Princess Bride and a 3 year old promise.

I showed Kyanne my wedding dress today. She said it was "lovely" (a favorite) like Giselle's (Enchanted). About an hour later I came down stairs to find little pumpkin like this.

Then the sweet little thing, (with a bit of coaching) asked me if she 'could wear it on her wedding day'. "Of course" I said. And, I even videotaped it, just in case in 20 odd years from now, she's more concerned about fashion than her 3 year old promises to her old mom.

If the shoe fits... Buy it in every color.

I love you pieces and back!

It's so important in life to have a person or two that really 'get' you. Someone who understands where your coming from, even if they don't agree and is always rooting for you on the side lines. My mom has been on this team for as long as I can remember. Tonight as I was laying here in bed I couldn't stop thinking about just how much I appreciate her.

I love that she knows where I'm headed, before I finish my sentence or how I feel by the way I say 'Hello'. I love that I can tell her all my sorrows and fears and when I'm my worst self, she's still pulling for me.

When I was little, it was no secret that I thought the sun rose and set by her. It was no secret, because there at the top of each paper, in my 3rd grade hand, it read "I love mom" with a multitude of little floating hearts. My mom said she wasn't sure if she should feel flattered or a little embarrassed for fear the teacher would think she had taught me to do this.

I guess I'm not really sure where this late night post is going, except to say, Thanks to my mom for remembering my love affair with Red Vines each time she comes to visit. For being someone I can count on to leave me a billizion or more phone messages reminding me I'm dear. For not letting me off the phone before she tells me just 'how' much she loves me, Jess, Kyanne, Bridgey and Fin and for things like, secretly calling me every year since I left home to remind me of family birthdays and sending Mothers Day cards in the mail.

There's so many things I love and appreciate about my mom it would take up all the cyber space to tell. So, I'll just suffice to say:
Thanks Mom, for still taking time out to listen, understand, and 'get me'. For being so patient with your adult daughter who so often needs humbling and guidance, that you should win an award. Love you to pieces and back!

He Did...

This week I have been pursued by a geefully twirlng toddler waving an 8" Butcher's Knife and had a brick sized 2 x 4 happily chucked at my pinnie little head by the same assailant. Awh, Bridgey. That little guy with the 'melt my heart' smile in the picture below. I can't help it, everyone knows, I'm a sucker for that kid!

She said...

"Your pretty mom. I like your bum."

"Is your dad the, 'Man in your life'?"
"No, Nala (from the Lion King) is the Princess in my life."

"If you say "No" to me again, I will have to say "No" to you, Mom." - Yikes.

Finley's Blessing

Finley Nina Larsen

We blessed Finley in my mom and dad's branch in Shelby, Montana. The blessing was lovely and among the blessings she was given she was blessed with the gift of being self sacrificing. I can imagine that just in how she's such a peaceful and patient baby. She of course looked just lovely in the blessing gown her sister and cousin wore just a few years before. Grandma Maureen made this lovely gown for all the girls to be blessed in when Ky was born.

It seems so long ago that Ky was born and blessed. In fact it really doesn't seem like there was ever a time that Ky wasn't around. I can't believe how lucky I am to have all these little ones. After Kyanne I thought, I how much I would love to have more babies but, if she's the only one, I'm still the luckiest mom ever! And, now I have three, and they're perfect and sweet.

I am so fortunate to have the gospel in this life, a beautiful marriage and three sweet babies on top of that! It just makes me want to kick my self for ever complaining a day in my life.

Confessions of "That Mom"

"That Mom". It's such an versatile phrase full of cynicism and insinuation. Today as I used this ambiguous phrase, I couldn't help but contemplate which part of 'That mom' I am. I suppose...

I am "That Mom" who hangs the kids latest and greatest on the Fridge. The kind that has more than one cute expression for ugly words or body parts, ie. "baby's milk", "girl parts", "fort" & "squeak". I'm sad to say, this year I was "that mom" who planed the Preschool Valentine's Party but, forgot to supply my kiddo with Valentine's. The kind that teaches her 3 year old VCR skills, so she can catch more zzz's.

"That Mom" who serves cereal for dinner and cold pizza for breakfast and kisses her kids so many times in a day, they have perma-dention in their foreheads.

I am "That Mom" who wipes away dirt with a licked thumb and hold kids over public potties. The kind who buys xtra underwear to avoid laundry and has a "Company's Coming!" drill. I am "That Mom" who cries a little each time she folds the kids out grown clothes and wishes they'd never grow up and grow up quicker, all at the same time.

I am "That Mom" that sweeps crumbs under the stove and kicks toys under the couch when noone's looking. She who forgets to change the non-smelly diaps and every once in a while forgets a kid here or there. I am "That Mom" who throws the occasional and not-so occasional tantrum along side her preschooler, loves dress-ups, twirling, and polishing tiny toe nails.

I am "That mom" who blogs away her lifes complaints, loves to sew mediocre creations, and do "yo-go". What more can I say sometimes we're all a little bit of "That Mom".

Be of Good Cheer

"To be cheerful when others are in despair, to keep the faith when others falter, to be true even when we feel forsaken—all of these are deeply desired outcomes during the deliberate, divine tutorials which God gives to us—because He loves us. These learning experiences must not be misread as divine indifference. Instead, such tutorials are a part of the divine unfolding." --Neal A. Maxwell, "Be of Good Cheer", Ensign Nov 1982

If I told you these words:

• Toddler
• Nap Time
• Licorice
• Both Hands
• "Nigh, Night, Honey"

Would you know just how desperate I was today?

"Super Mom", take a hike already!

What to do when Chocolate won't fix it?

Due to Fin I'm short on sleep, the kids have contracted cabin fever along with every other fever floating around calgary, my house looks like a battle zone and my desperate attempts for order are seeming dismal and sad. At my breaking point last week Jess suggested hiring help. It was like the magic of an epidural all over again. A housekeeper, what would that be like? Heaven, mixed with a little bit of guilt, but I'm guessing more Heaven, than guilt.

Really, I know it's silly to feel guilty, or bad about not measuring up to the 'super mom' that nags in the back of my mind. Where did she come from anyways? In the cartoons there's only the little angel and devil that sit on your shoulders, there's no minature idealistic mom demanding perfection from good intending mothers.

Either way, I'm going to do my best to ignore 'super mom', who from here on out will be referred to as 'stupid mom'. The housekeeper comes for the first time on Tuesday. I know I'm the kind of woman that will be tempted to clean top to bottom the morning before she comes, but I'll try to resist that as well. In fact, that temptation comes from 'stupid mom' as well. To all the other guilt ridden women out there, relinquish 'stupid mom'! Send her on a permanent Hiatus. And, be thankful to just be you: a great woman because she does her best and chooses to be happy with that!

"Sooo Romantic"

Scarf for Two by The Black Apple










Shoe Lovers
by: Genevieve Gauckler

"We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet"

"Could any people have a greater blessing than to have
standing at their head one who receives and teaches the will of God concerning them? How thankful we ought to be, how thankful we are, for a prophet to counsel us in words of divine wisdom as we walk our paths in these complex and difficult times. The solid assurance we carry in our hearts, the conviction that God will make His will known to His children through His recognized servants, is the real basis of our faith and activity. We either have a prophet or we have nothing; and having a prophet, we have everything."

First Presidency Message “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet”

Yesterday was President Hinckley's funeral services. I really enjoyed hearing the sweet talks and especially the tribute to him after the services. One of his children said that "he never took himself too seriously" and that President Hinckley was not a worrier but a persistent optimist who liked to tell jokes at the dinner table but "never at the expense of others". Tonight as I was surfing around on the internet reading different things about his life, I found this great article about him and his wife. It's a bit lengthy but worth the read. Here's an excerpt:

A couple of years ago, when somebody asked President Hinckley what he would wish for his wife, he said, "That we might live together for as long as the Lord wills and that when the time comes for us to move on, that we might go together or very close together, without one lingering a long time after the other. We've lived together for a long time. I hope we'll continue to move on together."

Recently, while standing at the pulpit together in a church area conference, President Hinckley discussed the years they had been together and began to weep.

"Has it been that bad?" said Marjorie.

How wonderful it must be for him to be reunited with his sweet wife.

Thought Provoking Questions

• Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injections?
• Why are a "wise man" and a "wise guy" opposites?
• Should vegetarians eat animal crackers?
• Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here and drink what comes out"?
• Why is it that when trasporting stuff on a car its called a SHIPment, but if transporting stuff on a ship its called CARgo?
• They say kids brighten the home. That's because they never turn the lights off.
• Whose cruel idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have a "S" in it?
• Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?
• Why do we drive on the parkway and park in the driveway?
• The "Psychic Friends Network" went out of business... didn't they see it coming?
• Can you get cornered in a round room?
• If something "goes without saying," why do people still say it?

My Three Cuties!

“When God wants a great work done in the world
or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn’t stir up his earthquakes or send forth his thunderbolts. Instead, he has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home and of some obscure mother. And then God puts the idea into the mother’s heart, and she puts it into the baby’s mind. And then God waits. The greatest forces in the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts.
The greatest forces in the world are babies.”
-E. T. Sullivan