Speaking Larsen

What I would give to have a photo of today's happenings for each kid. Brooklyn made this for me, for my birthday. I wasn't allowed in the kitchen while she made it, and when she gave it to me, she practially hugged me for a solid minute. It was super sweet. Landon cleaned the whole kitchen, and I might add, he did a really good job. Almost too good, which tells me he's ready for harder chores on Saturday mornings. Cate tackled all the other rooms in the house! She was a little grumpy about it, but she kept cleaning anyway. Jocelyn and Brooklyn stayed out of the way, and played quietly together in Brooklyn's room while I worked on some Christmas stuff in my room. Sure, there was fighting. There were tears. It was a normal day, in most regards, but they did try hard to make it special for me. We took off for ice cream and cupcakes, and the tears didn't stop, but they've all hugged me today and that takes cake for me, Not the best photos, but they were ...

I only have a decent photo of Jocelyn--but both little girls were sick this Thanksgiving break. Thankfully, they didn't miss school, and they were feeling better by Turkey Day, so there's that. On Friday, Brooklyn complained of a sore throat. On Monday, the first day of break, I took her into the doctor after hearing her complaints all weekend. For a sore throat, the actual diagnosis was an ear infection. Oh, goody. On Wednesday, Jocelyn crashed hard on me. At 10 am, after a few hours of happy-go-lucky-Jo, she crawled into my bed. She didn't get out of it until I took her to the doctor at 4. She kept complaining her stomach hurt, but she also had a fever. I decided it would be better to get her in the day before Thanksgiving, rather than need to visit the E.R. the next day. Good call, mom. Because while I was certain she'd picked up Strep from Brooklyn, she ended up puking twice at the doctors and again at Walgreens while we were picking up her meds--for her b...

Jocelyn's Hand Work! Nice work for a five year old! Landon's Christmas Wish List Brooklyn-- after being mad at me

We purchased Bean Bags at the end of November! And the kids seem to love them! I loved mine growing up and have fond memories of sinking into one. It was like the most coveted blanket in the house--just the perfect seat. Well, the little girls both fit into the one for now, and when I caught them doing this--giggling like crazy under my blanket--I just had to smile and snap a shot. The bean bag purchase was so worth it! I'm so glad that there are moments when they really are friends.

Black Friday we had everyone over and after eating a second Thanksgiving Dinner, Grandpa Lynn and Jocelyn had a stare down. It was hilarious. After a moment, it turned into a game, a staring contest, but at first, it was all serious and tough. Like which of them was the toughest. It was Jocelyn. Grandpa's a softie.

 Loving: American Girl dolls, Barbies, My LIttle Ponies, Strawberries, Tomatoes, playing with friends, computer time, cousins, jumping on the trampoline, and snuggling. Not Loving: Going to bed, cleaning your room, being teased, being left behind, and being told what to do.

Loving: Disney figurines, My Little Ponies, Strawberry Shortcake dolls, cleaning her room, making her bed, lining up her stuffed animals, playing with Paige, singing, dancing, and American Girl dolls. Not Loving: doing her hair, cutting her nails, coming home from school, getting up in the morning, being bossed around, and boys.

Loving: Legos, basketball, the drums, playing with friends, reading, math, his cousins, and riding his bike. Not Loving: Spaghetti, girls, putting his laundry away, making his bed, and cleaning his room.

Loving: American Girl, clothes, long/hot showers, hanging out with friends, her iPod, reading, musicals, and singing. Not loving: the idea of having to pull out permanent teeth for braces, boys, cleaning, being bossed around, that she can't go to mutual, and cleaning. Seriously, cleaning isn't cool unless it's her idea or it's 10 pm at night.

Well it's that time of year again! And this is kind of a special year for us because Catelyn, Landon, Jocelyn, and Brooklyn are all attending the same school! This is the only year magic on this level will happen. The first day has come and gone, and while other moms are flooding Facebook with 'back to school' and 'first day' photos, I'm trying to balance getting my kids to the fair! Everyone's gotta have a turn helping grandpa at 5 am! Also worth noting, we didn't buy a single article of new clothing for anyone and not one of my kids complained this morning about not having anything to wear. Granted, they all need some new stuff, but I decided it really could wait. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Catelyn has Mrs. Haynes. She said she had the best day, and the most eventful thing to happen was when one of her classmates threw up on another classmate. Poor kids! I know that nerves were running high in our home, but thankfully no one puked--we had a near vomit, though...

The kids have a chance to get to know Kevin's stepdaughters and Kiara more this year than any other year before. It's been super fun for them and they are loving the time they get to spend with each other. Miles away, it does make it tough, but they take full advantage of every minute they get when the girls come to visit Grandma and Grandpa Larsen.

We really try to get together every year. Amber and I have been friends for years now, and our cute kids seem to like each other well enough. This time when we went for a visit everyone seemed to pair up and go play like they were long lost besties. It was rather adorable. When it was time to go, they were asking when we were going to see each other again. In fact, they ask me every once in a while when we'll see them, and while we didn't get to see each other this 2015 summer, we really do plan to make it happen next year.

So Catelyn went to Pine Basin and didn't die. ☺ Really, she had so much fun. We were so proud of her because it was a little scary to send her on her own. She'd never done that before and she's had little experience with 'roughing it.' In fact, I think it's the first time she's ever been away from home, on her own, without family.  She didn't have anyone with her in the beginning, but she came home with 40 new friends. On parent's night, when we arrive, she spotted us and came running up and hugged me so tight. Then she started bawling. It made me cry. Kyle got a little choked up, too, but he mostly laughed at us. We listened to Darrin (The Headmaster) tell us all about what the kids had been learning and doing, from water purification to the history of the Jackson Hole valley. We watched their skits and listened to their silly/catchy/annoying songs and each counselor took a minute to tell us about what he or she had been responsible...

Our Ward Campout is a chance for us to all hangout with friends and visit and we absolutely love going. This year it was up near Heise again and the kids got to do a little rock climbing again.  Landon refused to be in the photos, but what can you do? He spent most of his time playing catch with the football and kickball. Catelyn held babies and talked with her friends and the little girls giggled. Non-stop giggled. They were so silly.

We hit Chad's house on Sunday, and had all day Monday to play. We took the kids for a hike, and while we weren't quite prepared for it, we had a great time! They all jhung out on Tuesday while I met with my editor, and then when I finished we hit the Bean Museum in Provo. After two years of renovations, it was like new again. Dana took us to the most amazing park while we were in Utah, the second week of June. Even Catelyn and Landon were entertained! And that's saying something, because they are outgrowing the park, fast. Then we made a quick stop in at Costco. Our first visit, ever! They all had to try on glasses, and then they discovered the SAMPLES.   I'd turn around to see where they'd all gone, and it was to the next sample station. We started loosing track of them a little bit and were slightly embarrassed as they ran from treat to treat, but oh well. I"m sure they're not the first group of kids to do that. ...