News from the Larsen Lockeroom

Kamren is 8 years old!

2010-08-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

I am way behind on the whole blog thing. Computer problems...so this will not have all the cute little photos of Kamren that I would love to post! I am in Tahoe with the family and using Emily's computer!

August 6, 2002 we were living in Citrus Heights, Calf. and staying with Erics family just incase I went into labor, that and they had a better air conditioner than us. It happend to be the hottest summer in years! I recall it was over 105 for over a week...not fun. Finally, almost 2 weeks after his due date I was induced at the Roseville hospital. Eric and Nana Larsen were there for the birth of Kamren, he was so big (7lbs 10 oz) and had a crooked smile and crooked pouty face. He was so adorable! Visitors included, Emily, Katie, Grandpa, Grandma Hill and a few friends from the ward.
Eric had a meeting the day I was released from the hospital so Nana Larsen picked up kamren and I and took us to their home for the day. I remember it being hard to sleep and just wanting to hold my baby, but his aunties and nana wanted him. I did my best to rest!
It was a HUGE adjustment to have a baby again. Kamren was an eater and wanted to nurse every couple hours. He was not a fussy baby, thank heavens. Robbie loved his brother and just wanted to hold him and play with him. A few days after Kam was born Nana Cardon came for a week. we had so much fun with her.
Kamren was a quiet little boy who just wanted to keep up with his brother. When he was 1 1/2 we moved to Idaho, this is where he began his love of animals. He got a kitten when we first moved into our home. Kamren went to speach theropy, he was not talking much by the time he was 2 1/2, and ever since he has not stopped talking.
Kamren is named after my dad, Boyd, that is his middle name.
Kamren loves sports, loves to read, loves to play games, loves to cuddle (I hope he does not grow out of this soon)
He is so excited to be baptised in Sept. He has been talking about it all year. We love Kamren and are pleased with his example that he is to his brothers. He loves to be with his family and is good with his brothers. Kamren is a hard worker and he enjoys school. Kamren has a very tender heart and is such an important part of our family. He keeps us laughing.
- once we were talking about presidential elections and we were saying that Lincoln had ran twice and won. He looked at me and said, "mom, Lincoln must have been a fast runner" confused I asked why he thought that(maybe because he was tall, it what I thought). He replied, "if he ran twice and won both times he has to be a fast runner" We all got a laugh out of that, then explaind what an election was!

I am now at home and things have not settled down! Kamren will be baptised this week end. I cannot believe we will have 2 children that are old enough to be baptised. Kamren is so excited for this day and has been counting down for this to happen.
When Robbie was baptised we had a private service, Eric's parents were in town so it made it easier for all to do our own. Kamren wanted his to be private, but the Stake does not like it, so we are doing it with the Stake. Kam has been a little sad about not being able to plan his service as Robbie did, luckly they asked us to provide the musical number! He asked his aunts to sing!
Robbie was our first baptised, he had his grandpas both talk, his uncle play his chello, and his aunts pray...he had ALL his family there. Poor Kamren is feeling like a second wheel...he is feeling the fun of being the second. My parents are serving a mission and there is no way they can be here, Eric's parents are most likely not coming due to some conflicts at his work. Neither of Eric's sisters are coming, my sister from Utah is not coming...needless to say Kamren is feeling a little down. I am thankful for those who will be here on this amazing day, the Johnsons, Webers and Browns. Kamren knows that it does not matter who is there, he will still get the gift of the Holy Ghost and he will still be washed from all his sins. I am thankful for his great understanding, he is amazing and we love him!

CRazY LiFe

2010-07-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

This year Eric and I are in charge of the Cardon Family reunion. This entails getting a place to stay, setting the dates, planning activities and the food! We did delegate a few activities to family members so we are all involved. I spent countless hours searching for the perfect place to hold the reunion. A place we could all stay together, yet have our own room for each couple. After many searches I found a place in Ashton Idaho. Not ideal because it was close, but ideal because it was close! It comes with pros and cons, will people run home or stay the entire time?
I have been planning the food, games, activities, some crafty stuff...all the good stuff the comes with a reunion. things were set and I felt really good about it. The reunion is to take place July 23-26. I needed things to be all set as July is always a crazy month. Already we have had Erics grandmother and dad visit for a couple days, my sister, her kids and her fiance for a weekend, and then my parents for four days! It has been a whirlwind of a month and it is going to get even more crazy!
Last Wednesday the owner of the the lodge we are/were renting phoned and told me that they had lost there permit and could not reopen yet. He offered to help find a new location...right a week before July 24th weekend we are going to find a place. I found and booked this one over a year ago! My mom and I searched for over an hour and could not find anything. The owner could not find anything...we even tried pulling some strings...I felt defeated and beaten down. Of course this would happen when it was our turn! But, the show must go on. Luckily, I have a wonderful sister and Brother in law who offered their home, thus saving our reunion. So, sadly our reunion is now to be in Rexburg. I know that it was a disappointment to many, believe me, I shed my share of tears over this entire thing. I have planned, re planned and changed things again. It has been so stressful and frustrating and heartwarming all at the same time. I am thankful to have a wonderful family that is supportive and loving and understands that it is being together that matters.
I hope that the things we have planned will please most, I know it is impossible to please everyone.
To add to the craziness, I have pack meeting the week following, my sister is getting married...on Kamrens 8th birthday, (he is a little bummed as this is a huge birthday in our home), we are heading to Tahoe after the wedding! Then home in time to get the kids ready for school...then Kamren will be baptised! What a wonderful CRAZY summer we will have had! I love my boys, they are all so great!

Fun in the Sun!

2010-07-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

For Christmas the boys got a skim board, this is like a slip and slide only longer. You fill it with water and then you have a board that you stand on and try to skim across the 26 foot slide. The boys have had so much fun playing on this. I even tried it one day! I made it about 1/4 way down before falling! I love summer and I love having the boys all home, even the times they are fighting!

We had two visitors yesterday, Grandpa Larsen and G.G. We went to Bear World. We had a lot of fun loking at the animals and petting them in the petting zoo. Abe loved dancing and chasing all the chickens, birds and anything with feathers. The moose they have there is one they adopted in 2005. It was in the petting zoo as a baby and kamren did something to irritate it and it went after him!
Summer alway seems to go by quickly. We have already done so much and have a fw more things to look forward to!

David it 4 years old!

2010-06-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

Our little David Cardon Larsen was born four years ago today. It was a rainy day, Eric was the only one with me at the hospital and my dear friend Rachel was with our older two boys! It was a wonderful day. Our first red head joined our family! it was a shock to us all, but we love his great personality.
David loves Toy Story and Cars and all that goes with them. He loves to wrestle around with his dad and brothers. His latest thing he loves to play frisbee with his dad. He likes riding his bike, jumping on the trampoline and playing with his friends.
He is a true boy who keeps me running all day long. I love this little boy more than you can say. He is a ball of fire that keeps us laughing. He has his little quirks, but we love them. Happy Birthday David! You have been waiting for this day for a long time, we started the count down about a month ago.

A treat for the older boys!

2010-05-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

So a package came in the mail today! It is a special gift for Robbie and Kamren from their Nana and Grandpa Larsen! Red California Singlets! They are going to be so excited! I can't wait for them to get home from school!

They came home and I sent them to their room for "not making their beds" and a few minutes later, they were both upstairs in their new singlets! They were so excited, and wore them for a bit. It was fun to see how much they loved their gifts! Great idea Nana and Grandpa! We hope they bring them some luck next month.

Two cute boys!

Showing the California on the side!

Cuties!

2010-05-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Robbie wrote this report for school. I thought he did a great job, also I remember this day. I remember sitting in class watching this happen. Then I remember in our year end program singing a song about it.

Robert Larsen
The Challenger

3…2…1…the Challenger takes off in Florida at 11:38a.m. The Challenger had been delayed many times, but not on January 28, 1986, despite the weather conditions. NASA managers did not listen to the warnings from engineers about the dangers of launching that came with the low temperatures of that morning and they failed to report these concerns to their bosses. The cold weather caused o-rings to crack, this was not known before the launch. NASA managers also knew that contractor Morton Thiokol's design of the SRBs had a potentially fatal flaw in the O-rings since 1977, but they failed to deal with it correctly. Inside the three engines, liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen mixed. If these two substances mix, they will explode.
Things seemed to be going perfect until black smoke suddenly came from the right SRB (solid rocket booster), it had failed at liftoff. Hot gasses came through the booster seals. Booster seals are also called o-rings. O-rings are made of rubber so the o-rings began to burn and wear away. The NASA officials did not notice the problem before takeoff. Seventy-three seconds into the flight, the Challenger broke apart as a result of the leak in one of the two solid rocket boosters that ignited the main fuel tank. The spacecraft exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of central Florida at 11:39a.m.
The explosion became one of the most significant events of the 1980’s. Billions of spectators, including school children all around the world watched live as the Challenger fell apart. The seven crew members did not survive the incident. The exact times of the deaths are unknown, several crew members are believed to have survived the initial breakup, but the shuttle had no escape system. They are believed to have been killed on impact with the oceans surface. The crew consisted of: Dick Scobee, the flight commander, the pilot, Michael J. Smith, three mission specialist; Ronald McNair, Judith Resnick and Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis was the Challengers payload specialist and Christa McAuliffe, the first member of the Teacher in Space Project.

A Memorial to the Challengers crew stands in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The Challenger had taken its last flight. It was a sad day for our nation.

Family Pictures

2010-05-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

I probably should not post this, as you will most likely use this for a Christmas card, but here they are anyhow!
We had our family pictures taken in April. It was not as stressful as I had inticipated. I no longer have access to Thayne, as he and my sister are divorced. So this is the first time in a long time I have had to pay "real" photography prices. It was not fun!
We were happy with our final results and the boys did a great job. It is not something I like to do often, I used to get pictures taken all the time when worked at the Studio. I do miss having fun, creative and lasting pictures of the boys. It was always fun to do a quick little shoot with them. Those were the days!

Idaho State Wrestling Tournament

2010-05-06T09:04:00.001-07:00

Last week we took Robbie and Kamren to Nampa, Idaho to wrestle. We left Abe and Dave with a sitter, which was nice, but stressful because I have never left them with out their older brothers. So, I was sick from Tues. til Sun. I did not get to enjoy the time as much as I would have liked! That is another story!
Robbie wanted to drop weight to wrestle in the 65 division, and he made it! He tried really hard to not eat any sugar and breads for a week and he did it. Kamren also lost weight, he likes to be like Robbie, but Kamren still wrestled in the 55 division.
Kamren started wrestling at 9am. He won his first match, and his second, then lost his third match...he was pinned! I think that was his first loss in freestlye this year! CRAZY! He then won the next match and took 2nd. It was fun to see him wrestle and all his hard work paid off. He was happy and that is what matters.
Robbie started wresling at 1pm. He has a bye the first round, which ended up hurting his score, but what do you do? He won his first match and his second match, then lost his third on in the second round...he was pinned! I think that was the first time he was pinned in freestyle this year. He won the rest of his matches and ended up placing 5th! He reached his goal of qualifing for regionals in June! He did a great job and we were so pleased with both boys. Oh, did I say that we finished wrestling at 5pm! What a day.

Easter!

2010-04-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

What a crazy time we had! Eric's parents came up from Calf. on Friday! As you read before, Monday we finally finished the basement. so it was crazyness getting things put all back together! We went to dinner to Applebees, it is tradition do go there the night his parents get in. Saturday the boys wrestled in Pocatello, Eric went down early to weigh them in, I stayed home with the litte boys, and Eric's parents went down around 9:00am. Both boys took first place, it was fun to wrestle with their grandparents there.
I took Abe and Dave to an egg hunt at the local grocery store, as we had a huge storm, snow and all! YIKES!!! Snow on Easter is not unusual, but a storm like we had was not. That night Eric and his dad went to the Preisthood session, then we just chatted and got things ready for Easter!
I could not find the baskets, so the boys each made their own, it was a lot of fun and they each put a lot of work into it. It was fun. I did this Friday before the folks came in!
Easter was a blast, the boys were so excited. I don't think we have found all the eggs that the Easter bunny hid! It will be fun finding them all year long. The boys ate candy, played with their toys...I think the big winner was cars that grandpa got them that drive on the walls. they played with them all day! We ate waffles, strawberries and whip cream, then watched conference. It was wonderful. We then died Easter eggs, shot the bb guns and had a snack before we watched the second session of conference. It was great to be at home and be together all day. It was relaxing and wonderful.
We had a big ham, potatoes, jello, salad, I forgot to make the deviled eggs...fruit and rolls. It was a wonderful and peaceful day.
Monday Eric's dad left after playing Big Game Hunter with the boys on the x-box, flying robbies helicopter and playing with the cars. Dad was really enjoying himself and did not want to leave. It was fun seeing him bond with the boys.
LeeAnne stayed until Tues. afternoon. We had a great time. The boys loved haveing her here and were so glad to have a snow day on Tues., yes we woke up to about 8 inches of snow!
We are glad to be back to normal, we had pinewood derby last night and that went well. robbie took 3rd place. We had to turn his car backwards...it was dead last when he raced it forward. Crazy how weight placement makes a difference! Who knew?
Pictures of his car are on my facebook page.

Changes

2010-04-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

Last November we started on a project...one that has lasted until last Monday! It has been fun, stressfull, happy, sad, sweat and tears. It is called our basement. For the past 6 months my home has been in utter limbo! We have been painting, moving things, getting rid of things and then just waiting for things to be done. We hired out th sheet rock and texture. I primed and painted, which was always a challenge with at least 3 little ones running around. Plus, I wanted something different so I had to figure out what that was. I made three panels on the wall and crackled them. IT was fun and nerve racking all at the same time. Then I wanted a book shelf with color stripes behind...stress! We hired out the trim work and the building of the book shelf, all of which I love! Carpet came last Monday and we started moving things downstairs and getting Easter decor out, a little late, but at least I got it out!
Now we are enjoying the extra room, we only have to get the doors cut down a bit and we are all done...until we tackle the bathroom. I can wait to have construction going on in the house again. It has been dusty, messy and I don't miss it! I am so happy with all of it and glad that it was not just in my head that it would all come together. I'll have to take some more pictures of it all done...this is just the long process! Thank heavens is it over!

New Year....new recipes...new hobby?

2010-02-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

So I have a goal to learn or try new things in the kitchen. This past week or two I have been in love with trying recipes from Deceptively Delicious. A cook book my sister in law Tiffany sent me months ago.

I'll admit,I was afraid of the unknown and the new ideas she has in the cookbook! When Eric was gone in Jan. I watched Julie and Julia...not being the brave soul that Julie was I didn't think or want to do what she did. But in some odd place in my brain it looked fun and challenging! Something to make the days different. Maybe I need hobby!
Many of you know that I enjoy cooking and baking, there is something satisfying about seeing your finished product and better yet, having it devoured by your family! So, I have tried new things and my family to my amazement ate it all...Eric has been out of town, so it has been the prefect time to try something new.
So far we have made brownies with spinach and carrots, breakfast cake with squash (this is the only one we didn't love, I know what I need to do to make it great!), peanut butter with carrots, chocolate and cream cheese, sloppy joes with sweet potato and squash, peanut butter and jelly muffins with carrots, lemon ice cream sandwiches, chicken nuggets with broccoli, and in the oven right now is ginger bread with broccoli and carrots and it smells GREAT!!!

This soup I am going to try next week. It look so good.

Lemon Ice cream sandwiches....yummy!

California Christmas

2010-01-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

We left on the 23rd to come to Roseville. We had such a great time. Christmas Eve we had a pinata, it was so much fun and the boys all loved it! We played lots of games, sang some carols and had lots of treats! The boys had the best Chrismtas ever. Robbie recieved ski lessons from Santa, Kamren recieved a bike from Santa. Santa wrote them both a letter to let them know that their gifts were at home. Nana and Grandpa got the older boys Red Rider B.B. guns, they were SO excited and have been shooting since! Abe got lots of toys, David got Buzz lightyear, toys, games and treats! The family got an indo board, and that was a HUGE hit with all the family. It was great to be together and make fun memories. Now we are heading back to the grind of life! I hate driving...

Christmas Card 2009 (for all those who I don't have addresses)

2009-12-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

The year 2009
Sure was fine.
12 Chickens came to stay,
Sadly, Koda passed away.
All are busy and doing well,
Here is what we have to tell!

Indoor soccer, coaching football,
And traveling move of the Fall.
Elders Quarum Secretary,
Wishing he had a fairy,
to finish his car,
that does not move far!

Raspberry, strawberry and huckleberry
Picking seemed to make her merry.
Canning, cleaning and painting,
wants a goat that is fainting!
Young Women Secretary and Wolf Den Leader,
Wishes her car was a two seater!

Piano, football, wresling and such,
Boy I think this kid does too much.
Turning ten next year,
not much does he fear.
Scouting, science and good books,
Robbie sure has good looks!

Winning State wrestling, working hard
Kamren is always on his guard
Started piano, played sports a lot,
Reading and good grades he sought.
Funny, cute and in second grade
This kid has got it made!

Loves to hug, scream and shout,
David is even known to pout!
Rides his bike and makes a mess,
a true red head, none the less.
Loves books, sports and cars,
Can this boy really be ours?

Growing liks a snail,
Abraham can fit in a pail!
Adorable, sweet and a little rough,
I think his brothers will make him tough.
He is our red headed wonder
Who can sream as loud as thunder.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love,
Eric, Chell, Robbie (9 yrs) Kamren (7 yrs) David (3 yrs) and Abe (1 yr)

State Wrestling (folkstyle)

2009-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Robbie

Kamren

Robbie...I don't have any still ones of Kamren

Robbie, again!

Robbie, Kamren and some of their friends that are on the team.

When Robbie was in Kindergarten he wanted to wrestle, but the only team we knew of was in Rexburg and I was not about to drive up there to wrestle...boy have times changed!
In first grade Robbie read the note that they had wrestling in Rigby, so Eric and I gave in and let him try. We did the practices, but not the meets the first session. Then Robbie talked us into doing the meets for freestyle, we have been hooked since.
It is crazy to think that Robbie has been wrestling for 4 years now and Kamren for 3 years. Robbie is a two time State Champion in Freestyle and Folkstyle and Kamren is a two time State Champion in both styles, he was also Eastern Idahos Outstanding wrestler of the year, and won another trophy from a Bantam festival.
Robbie attened a Kael Sanderson camp this summer in Heber City, UT, and that has made wrestling blood boil in him! He has never really loved folkstyle, but this year he could not get enough mat time. He lost two matches this season. He really earned this State title this season. The boy he wrestled for first had beaten Robbie every time last year but once. Robbie lost to him at State freestyle last spring. Needless to say Eric and I were a little, or a LOT nervous about this match. Robbie got into the zone, pumped himself up and went after this kid. It was fun to see Robbie come into his own. He pinned the boy in the third round! IT WAS AMAZING! I do have to say I was proud of him. He had worked so hard for this.
Kamren only lost one match this year, it was when he wrestled 55lb. Once he went to 50lbs he was undefeated. He was the animal that we all know Kamren to be. It was fun to have two State Champions last week.
Our team as a whole took 2nd at State. It was wonderful to participate and we look forward to taking State in Freestyle. For now we will just enjoy the holiday season and then we will hit it hard back on the mats! How our boys love the mats! If anyone is interested here are some links of State, not all of the matches are here but some.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l22xUYvbAwY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXy469SbbO8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7q0ykL7uhs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19RFF9nbd00
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf3V0cK0uUY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUBu7TJdGxM
To the boys....we are so proud of you! We love how determined, strong and full of life you both are. Keep up the work!

Clair E. Gail Wrestling Meet

2009-11-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

Kamren wrestled twice and pinned both times in the first period, he took first place. Robbie had 11 in his bracket and wrestled 5 times, 4 wins and the final match was a loss...by ONE point! He has beaten this kid before so he was pretty upset with himself. He did a great job! He took 2nd place, the kid he lost to took 3rd, so he really should have beaten him. A lot of other coaches were watching his matches, Robbie is the one to beat. So, the kid from Madison that beat him was so excited when he won, so was the Madison coach. Everyone was shocked! When we were sitting on the bleachers afterwards some coaches were passing by talking and we heard them say, "did you see Robert Larsen get beat?". It was bitter sweet for Robbie. Both boys did amazing jobs. I was so pleased with them both.

Halloween

2009-11-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

Halloween is so much fun! But it is also a CRAZY time when Eric is gone for most of the month and we are trying to get the yard/house winterized. This is the first year in 2 years that Eric has been here for Halloween! We had a ward party, which was fun, you can acutally wear a costume that can be seen. The school had a carnival, Eric took the three older boys and I stayed home and canned apple sauce! Halloween we had a trunck or treat in the neighborhood, nice way to do it with little ones. We were done around 5:45 and then headed home for dinner and a movie night with the boys. What a great Halloween.
Now we are gearing up for Thanksgiving. I think this will be our first quiet one in a long time. Erics family usually comes up, except when his mom has to work. This is one of those years when she will be working and Bob does not want to drive back up...he is taking the boys to a BYU football game the weekend before Thanksgiving. Here are a few pictures of Halloween. Abraham was a lion and a pumpkin (depending on what day) Kamren was a nerd, David was "just David", until Eric told him he could not go trick-or-treating if he didn't dress up, Robbie...a punk! He would make a cute girl! They all had fun!

How to Host a Murder Game Night

2009-09-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

We have had a game group for a few years now. Some people have moved and so we bring in new couples. Eric and I have enjoyed this so much. We take turns hosting the night and we have started a few traditions along the way. Around Halloween we do a How to Host a Murder Party...always a blast. This year the Montano's hosted it and it was so much fun. We were super heros, Eric and I were Blue Blaze and Nerdon, The Montano's were Electra and Vampo, Bezzants were Stingmata and Jester, Brownings were Red Wonder and Wishes and Neads were Mr. Fabulous and Shiver. It was a blast and we love gettting together and making these great memories. We always look forward to the next month to get together. I do have to say, Eric was the best and we could not stop laughing...his hair is a real cut we gave him two days before. What a sport he was, enjoy the laugh!

The passing of our dear Koda

2009-09-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Most recent photo of Koda, with darling Olivia!

Proud Koda.

When Eric and I purchased our first home all Eric wanted was a dog. He had talked about this since we were married, the first thing he wanted after a home was a dog. So, in March of 2004 we purchased our home here in Rigby, Idaho, and we also got our chocolate lab, Koda. Robbie and Kamren were so excited, but Eric was the most excited.
Koda has been a true Lab, he was full of energy and love. He learned to play fetch very soon after we brought him home. He was a crazy dog with problems, as most dogs have. He had a tumor removed that was bigger than a softball...he had a hyper active thyroid and was on medication for a long time.
He had a great friend, Sadie, a female Chocolate Lab that lived next door. They would play for hours together. One day Sadie was hit by a car, she suffered a few stiches and was healed in no time. Koda, was scared by this and began chasing cars.
He even ran into a car, which we got to pay to have the dents pulled out and painted! So, Koda was a pain at times, but we all loved him so much.
He loved to lick everyone, he loved to just be with the family. The boys loved taking him to the river and they loved playing fetch with him. He was a great companion and we will miss him dearly.
On Saturday he ran off, which he has done before, but he usually does not venture out of the neighborhood. We rode bikes around trying to call him, looking for him, and praying he would come home to us...today he was still not home and a dear friend said her son spotted a dog on the side of the road. I went with her to check it out and it was Koda. Eric came home from his trip later and went to verify...to our horror and sadness. Our home has been full of tears and heartbreak. With time I know our hearts will heal, Koda will forever have a place in our home and hearts. He will never be able to be replaced...we miss you and love you Koda.
May you find joy in heaven as you chase all that moves. We know his body is free from all his illnesses and that he is happy. We pray that our hearts will heal.
Robbie will miss hiking with him.
Kamrem will miss playing catch with him and going on walks with him.
David will miss being the boss of him.
Abraham will miss him licking him and will miss his gentle disposition.
Rochelle will miss him walking the boys to the bus stop, watching him with the boys and just the joy that a pet brings.
Eric will just miss his first true pet...Koda has left a hole in our hearts.

Abraham is ONE!!!

2009-09-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

OK, firs off the photos are all over the place and not in order. I don't know how to rotate them, so just rotate your computer! I'm just amazed that I got the photos up. Some day I may learn how to get them in order and rotate, but for now, I don't have the time.
Our dear sweet Abraham Heath Larsen

I cannot believe that our little baby boy, Abraham, is already one. Yes, this happened about a month ago, but it has been a VERY crazy month. So, here is Abe's life in a nutshell.
He was born Aug. 11, 2008. He is our only child that has an odd number in his birthday! He has been such a wonderful baby and a joy in our home. He is loved by all his brothers and they smother him at times, but I think Abe is used to it. Abraham Heath is named after one of Eric's heros, Abraham Lincoln, and Heath is Eric's maternal grandfathers middle name. We were going to call him Heath, but David could not say it, so we went with Abraham. The name had to grow on me, but now I LOVE it and it suits our little man.
Abraham has not wanted to gain weight or grow on the "normal" charts. He is healthy and moves around like crazy, he does not want to be left behind. Yet, he does everything on his own time and with his own flare. He now weighs a whopping 13 lbs. 6 oz and is 27 inches long. He is just little...makes it easy to tote around!
He has always been a very content baby, sleeps well, eats well and just loves life. We are so glad he is part of our family. He is so spoiled with love.
Everyone loves his smile, his giggle and of course his wonderfully curly hair! I don't think we go anywhere without someone commenting on how adorable he is and how much they love his hair.

Kamren is 7 years old

2009-08-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to put a bunch of photos of Kamren, but my computer is acting up and I don't have the time to fiddle with it. If I get a chance I'll add some photos of when he was a baby...but don't count on it.
Kamren was born in Roseville, Calf. Nana Larsen was there when he was born, and she did a wonderful job of documenting his birth! Kamren was born at 12:03pm and was 7lbs. 10 oz. and was 21 inches long. He was a cute baby and was loved by his older brother at first sight.
Kamren loved to eat when he was born, he thought he needed to eat every two hours or so, he was a good sleeper and was a great baby.
When Kamren turned one he had rosiolla, a form of the measles. We took him to the ER because he had a fever of 106, they could not tell us what was wrong, gave him some Tylenol and sent us home. We went to the pediatrician after the weekend and she diagnosed him. He was vomiting on his birthday, poor little guy. All his b.day photos he looks so sad.
When Kamren was two we moved to Idaho. He loved having a big yard to play in and living near his cousins. When he was three he broke his arm jumping off a couch at his aunts house. When he was four he cracked his head open at another aunts house... do you see a trend here?
Kamren loves Robbie. He loves sports, wrestling (he has been state champion, eastern idaho outstanding wrestler, and placed first in most meets), he loves football, soccer and wants motocross. He enjoys riding bikes, playing cars and catching bugs, snakes, mice and holding our chickens.
Kamren is a funny boy, he keeps our family laughing and wondering what he is going to do next. He loves family time. Playing games is a favorite. He likes to read. I could go on forever about Kamren, we all love him so much and could not imagine life without him. He is our little cuddle bug and I cannot believe he is seven today. I don't like that one bit!
Here are a few photos, no particular order or reason. Some show his crazy and silly personality.

David turns three, better late than never.

2009-07-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

David you are our third little boy! You was born on a rainy day in June. Daddy and I were the only ones at the hospital for his birth. My parents were on a mission in Mexico and dads parents were at their home in Calf. You were born at 3:20pm and had red hair, which came as a shock to us both. Later that day you had many visitors...all my sisters came at some point in the day!
Since your arrival into this great world you have made your presence known. You have loved to make noise, messes and scream! You had great curls all over your head so everyone had to stop and look at you.
You are now three and I cannot believe how time has gone my so fast. You are starting to dress yourself and you tell me you are a big boy. Even though you will not go potty on the toilet! We just hope you are potty trained by the time you go to school!
You are a crazy little boy who always has us thinking what you will do next. You like to read books, color and play cars. You love being with your older brothers and you like to hold and kiss your little brother Abraham.
You have been a wonderful addition to your family and we all love you so very much. You are a crazy kid who will always keep us on our toes. Happy very late birthday my little red head with attitude.

Just for fun

2009-07-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Just some fun pictures of the boys! Abe fell alseep on the living room floor. It was so cute! One is David helping make his Mac and Cheese, he is so happy about being a helper. The older boys were in a parade for wrestling.

A tribute to all the dads in my life

2009-06-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

First of all there is my father. He was an amazing father, the best I could ever ask for. He taught me the value of working hard, family time and loving the Lord. I have fond memories of working in the yard together, I am sure I was complaining the entire time. But looking back I treasure that time together. I spent many hours in the truck with him on the way to jobs, being quizzed with math facts. Sadly, that did not make me any better at math, and I'm not sure if any of it has stuck with me over the years. I loved going fishing and camping with my dad. I never loved baiting the hook, but that is what a father is there for.
I have not always been close with my father, and for that I am truly sad. But I can honestly say as I have grown up and have a family of my own, I have realized how blest I am to have my dad. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful father in my life. He is a true hero! His love for the Lord and for the gospel is so vast and I am in awe of his understanding. He always honors his priesthood and teaches with love. I am mostly thankful that he married my mother in the Temple. Together they have reared six children all of whom are sealed in the Temple and are rearing families of their own. I love my siblings and am so thankful to be part of the Boyd Cardon family. I love you dad! And I miss you so very much.

To my father-in-law, I am thankful to be a member of the Robert Wayne Larsen family. I know that Eric is the man he is today because of my second father! He welcomed me into the family when Eric and I were first dating and for that I am thankful. He loves my children and I know he has a testimony of the Savior and his church here on this earth. I have not always felt at ease around my in-laws, but I have always known that they love me and my family. I am thankful that along with his wife LeeAnne, they taught Eric in love and righteousness, resulting in Eric serving a mission and then coming to Ricks. I love my father-in-law and I could not have asked for a better one. I am so lucky to have him in my life.

Now, to the love of my life...Eric. Words are not adequate for how I feel about this father. Next to my dad I have never seen a dad more dedicated to his family and more involved with is kids. Eric would do anything for his boys, they are his world. It seems that every night he is helping them with some sport or school project. He has always coached them in sporting events. He has always helped with them at night when they were babies...not always happy about it, but he did it anyhow. Eric is in my eyes and in the eyes of his boys the greatest father there is. Eric honors his priesthood and his calling in the church. I know he has a deep love of the Savior and he has great desires to serve the Lord in every way. Eric is the head of our home and he is a wonderful leader. I don't know what I would ever do without him. He is my entire world and my heart and soul belong to him.
He has been gone for a week now and my heart just aches to be with him again. He is a wonderful provider for our family and I am so thankful I'm able to stay at home with our children. I am thankful that Eric wants me home and not out in the work force. For all that know Eric, they know how wonderful he is. He is amazing! I'm blest to be his wife.

Missing Eric

2009-06-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

Eric headed off to Texas last Sunday. It has been a busy week and I'm glad he is going to be home Monday night. The boys are in need of some male attention and wrestling...they are going a little crazy.
Robbie and Kamren attended a wrestling camp in Idaho Falls this past week and really enjoyed learning some new moves. Robbie was complaining of a tooth ache for a few days and then on Wed. woke up with a swollen face/jaw. He looked like he had a tumor, of course Eric has the camera so I don't have pictures. It looked painful. I took him to the Dentist and they pulled a tooth. The Dentist was not really sure what was wrong, it looked like the nerve was in knotts and the root was absorbing. So, we pulled the tooth and are praying that is the problem. The swelling has gone down over the past few days and we are thankful.
Eric's sister Katie spent most of the week with us and that was wonderful to have another adult in the house so I didn't go crazy! Today the boys have all been loud and fussy, so I am really ready for Eric to come home. I am not cut out to be a single parent. I just could not do it!

Summer Fun

2009-06-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Boise

2009-06-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

State wrestling was held in Boise in May. Robbie and Kamren both participated and did well. Robbie had a tough bracket and did not do well, he mentally checked out and did not perform to his ability. It was a little disappointing to see, but we win some we loose some. Kamren on the other hand was on fire and went in and took first place. He peaked at the right time. Now we are getting ready for Regionals, Kamren will participate in the Bantam Festival and Robbie was petitioned onto the Idaho Wrestling team and will wrestle in Regionals. We are excited for them both and we are sure they will both do well.
School is out and we are enjoying a week of just playing, reading and having fun before we start our summer rutien. It has been fun, but a schedual must start next week! David is loving following his brothers around and LOVES having them home all day. Abraham is growing, he is getting longer and heavier...but still not much. He still hates a bottle and sitting up. He is moving around and thinks he is big.
These are pictures from State, the hotel that the boys had a great time swimming and playing at, and some summer fun.

Finally, pictures from Easter

2009-05-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

The boys had such a great time dying eggs, David thought they were toys to play with. It was fun watching them, they were sad when all the eggs were dyed!

Oh, how time passes

2009-04-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

So right after Easter Eric took off to Colorado for a week and took my camera, so I did not post photos of Easter. I'll do that soon, I hope! We had a wonderful Easter, we spent it with my sisters and their families in Rexburg. The boys had an Easter Egg hunt and just loved being with their cousins.
The boys and I survived the week without Eric, I even took the boys to wrestle on Friday and Saturday! They both did Greco on Friday and did a good job, I think they both took 2nd. I cannot remember. The next day they did great, Robbid took 5th out of 14 boys and Kamren took 2nd out of 6 boys. We are now getting ready for State in Boise. I am a little nervous for them, Robbie is in a tough weight class and there are some really good boys he wrestle. It is good for him, but I am a mom and I want my boy to win! He handles loosing very well, and as long as he tried his best we are all happy! Kamren has a hard time loosing, he still cries, we are working on that wiht him. He is so emotional and intense that we try to channel that into his wrestling. I am sure they will do just fine.
Eric, Abe and I drove down to Provo last Friday to see Katie, Eric's sister, graduate from BYU. It was a long drive there and back in the same day. Abe was good and we are glad we were able to go and suport her in her accomplishment.
Sunday we woke up to snow...I think spring will never come!

Pinewood Derby

2009-04-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

This was our first car, last year we did a rocket! Robbie called and asked the Bishop to help him cut his car out. We painted it and did the decals. All the boys had a great time. I am glad it is over!

Utah Wrestling meet

2009-04-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Some of the R.A.W. team went to Utah to a meet. Here are a few photos of the team members who went and of Kamren and Robbie. Robbie took 7th out of 14 and Kamren took 5th out of 14. The competition is a lot better down there so it was a good thing for the boys to go and wrestle some really tough kids.

Yummy treat....

2009-03-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

My good friend Jackie put this on her blog...I have not yet made them as I know I will most likely LOVE them! She said they are fabulous so here is the recipie.

Frozen Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon water
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, if desired

DIRECTIONS:
1. Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir in the vanilla, water, flour, chocolate chips,
and walnuts, if desired, and mix until well blended. (dough will be granulated till rolled together) Roll dough into bite-sized balls. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Store balls in resealable plastic bags in the freezer.

*I froze mine on a plate covered with suran wrap.

Sunny California

2009-03-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

So, it has been a while since I have had time to post. I don't have time to do pictures this time, but I hope to get them up over the weekend. Robbie and Kamren are in wrestling, again! So our weekends are shot and the week is so darn busy. A couple of weekends ago there was a big competition at the Holt Arena in Pocatello, it was two days of wrestling. I took the boys on Friday since Eric had to work and I ended up helping at the tables...this was interesting with Abraham, but it worked out. Robbie was eliminated on Friday and I think he was a little frustrated with himself. He did a good job, but has some really tough competition. Kamren made it to Saturday and ended up taking 2nd in his division. He won another trophy! YIKES. Eric and I ran a table on Saturday, so we had to stay till the end of the competion. I think the boys had a great time.
This past week we went to California to see Emily and Mitch's baby girl Olivia. Emily is Erics sister for those who don't know. We met Katie, Eric's other sister in Wells Nv. and drove her down with us. We had to wait for an hour for her to get there as they did not listen to Eric on what time to leave. It was a blast waiting in a gas station with four boys who were already tired of being in a car!
Anyhow, we were on our way and had a pretty uneventful drive down, thank goodness. We packed in a lot over the weekend, the zoo, bird watching, riding bikes and scooters, visiting Grandma Larsen, going to Church, going to a movie...and just being together. Olivia is a doll and has so much dark hair. She is a good baby and I'm so happy for Emily and Mitch.
Katie announced she and Ian are having a baby in October. WOW! We are finally going to have some cousins on the Larsen side! The boys are excited about that.
The weather was wonderful and traffic was horrible. I don't really miss Calf. enough to move back. The drive home Abe was fussy pretty much the entire way. We dropped Katied off at Wells, again waiting about an hour for Ian to pick her up, but it was good for the boys to be out of the car for a bit. But it did make our trip longer!
We are happy to be home and back in the grove of things. Oh, it snowed yesterday! I wanted to be back in the sun of Calf. All the snow had melted and I was so happy. Then yesterday it snowed about 2-3 inches. I guess spring is a ways off for us in good ol' eastern Idaho!

2009-03-09T12:05:00.001-07:00

Results of Robbies Science Project

2009-03-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all that helped Robbie with his project. Here are some photos of his poster and the teeth at the end.
The Monster drink ate some of the enamel off the tooth.
Diet Dr. Pepper tooth shrunk the most in size and weight...and was so black.
Dr. Pepper was next.
Apple juice weighed more, we are not sure what that means. Maybe the sugar was absorbed into the tooth?
Orange juice did nothing.
Controlled tooth stayed the same.
This was fun to do, but I am so glad to have the teeth off our counter. Now we just need to talk Robbie into letting go of the poster!

Yummy and easy treat

2009-02-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

Mint Oreo Balls

1 package mint Oreo's

1 8oz. package cream cheese

Use a pastry blender or a food processor to mix these together. Form into bit size balls and put in the fridge until firm. Dip in white, dark or milk chocolate and top with sprinkles. Let set and then refrigerate.

My friend made these for my birthday and they were so yummy. I thought that you would all enjoy a fun and easy treat. This is one that kids can make and it is not to messy or time consuming. Happy making!

Robbie turns 9 years old!

2009-02-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

Robbie wanted the Star Wars Clone helmet and gun for his b.day. He loves this and plays war with his friends and brothers. Eric and I just have to laugh!
Robbie and David waiting to open Rob's gifts.

Robbie wanted crepes for breakfast on his birthday!

Waiting for his breakfast to be ready!

We cannot believe that Robert Wayne Larsen is now 9 years old. Where does the time go? For his birthday he and a friend went sledding with Eric for an afternoon. We had a family party with all the family in town to celebrate all the Feb. birthdays. Robbie had a Sunday birthday and he liked that. He picked crepes with fresh strawberries for breakfast and chicken rolls for dinner. He wanted carrot cake so I made one from scratch this year! He loved it.

The top ten things we love about Robbie are:

10. he loves to read

9. he is a great student

8. he has a testimony of the Savior

7. he loves to play with his brothers

6. he is very athletic

5. he makes friends easily

4. he likes to be with the family

3. he loves to learn

2. he is a great example to others

1. he is the best oldest brother anyone could ask for

We love you Robbie.

Abraham

2009-02-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

Abraham will be 6 months next week and feels the need to grow up. He rolled over for the first time on Saturday or Sunday and by Wed. he was rolling all over the place. This makes me sad, I don't like them to grow up and want to be busy all the time. Then today I felt in his mouth and he has a tooth. I am not sure when it came in, probably a few days ago at least. He was not fussy so that was great. He may be a teether like Robbie was and I welcome that! We love Abraham and he is a sweet lovable little boy.

Mom Song...

2009-02-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

I know most have heard this, but it is funny. Robbie wanted to see it and he said, "Mom, you have said most of those things to me and Kam today." I had to laugh.

Help Robbie with his science project

2009-02-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

Robbie has to do a science project for school. He wanted to do something different from the norm...so I looked on the Internet and found one with teeth. His Uncle Ian also gave the same idea so he was hooked on the idea of putting teeth in different drinks to see how they react or decay. The dentist gave us 6 teeth that Robbie measured and tried to poke with a pin. He record all his findings and then we put each tooth in 1 oz. of different drinks. He is taking a poll to see what people think will be the worst drink for your teeth, so your opinion will help his experiment.
The choices are: Lo carb Monster drink, Diet Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper, Apple Juice, Orange Juice, and his controlled tooth is in a mouth wash and water solution. I think the Monster drink is the worst. Robbie, Kamren and Eric all said the Dr. Pepper. Here are some pictures of the teeth after Robbie brushed them and measured them.
I love science! ha ha ha A big thanks to Dr. Allen for the teeth and a big thanks to Uncle Ian for helping with the idea and for Uncle Creed for telling us how to do it.

Mommy...Mother....Mom

2009-02-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

My mom sent this to me and I loved it. So I hope you enjoy it also.

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
and get their answer when a little
voice says, 'Because I love you best..'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
because that is the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows,

and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Surgery

2009-02-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Last week I had my gallbladder removed. This was not fun to think about...I don't like to be a charity case. On Tuesday morning Eric took me in to have the surgery. I was very nervous and did not want this done, but I hope that this cures some of the problems I have been having. The surgery went well and I was home by 11:30am. I was a little out of it and did not like that. Eric was a trooper and did his very best with the two little ones. Abraham does not take a bottle so that was challenging and frustrating for Eric. I don't think Eric realized how much playing, cleaning, feeding, changing, playing, holding, changing, and playing I did in a day with the two young ones. By day two I think he was so ready to go back to work, but he stuck it out and was very helpful. I am thankful for all that brought in meals and helped with David. We are so blest to live in a community that is so willing to help when needed.
I had an allergic reaction to the pain pills (I was so itchy and my eyes were all swollen) so I had to take Benadryl with it. After that I really tried to cut back on them, I cut my dose in half and went as long as I could without them. They made me a little crazy and I was not aware of what I said during those times. It was not good. I am now off of them and feel much more like myself.
My sister Kristel, Eric's sister Katie and her husband Ian came up on Friday to help. It was great to have the extra hands. Kris and her sister-in-law Tracy cleaned my home and did all the laundry...a HUGE THANK YOU TO THEM. It was nice to have that taken care of. Kris also drove me around to return pots and pans and give thank-yous to all that helped our family during this time. Katie and Ian tended to the children and that was so great. A BIG THANK YOU TO THEM!
Sunday the left and I cried and cried. I am alone now, Eric is back to work, and I am feeling a little overwhelmed. I don't like this one bit. I want to be back to myself and be able to do all that I did before. I am not very good at sitting still and just resting, but I am sure trying. With two little ones it makes it a little hard!

Kids are funny

2009-01-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

My friend Julie just did a blog on funny things her kids have said. I wish I could remember the funny things mine say, I have good intentions of writing them all down one day! But I think I have forgotten most of them. But here are a few funny things they have done/said.

Last week before Eric left the boys were out playing in the back yard. Robbie and Kamren were daring each other to put their tongue on Koda's kennel. Obviously we did not know this was going on. The next thing we know Kam is running in crying and has a very bloody tongue. His tongue stuck to the kennel and he ripped it off! OUCH! It was kinda funny, but Eric and I did not laugh until they were in bed. And Kam was healed, it looked like it was painful.

When you tell David he is cute, or funny or that he is something he looks at you and says, "I am not cute (or whatever you have said he is), I'm a stinker!"

When it is time for bed David will tell us "I slept good till the morning, I not need to sleep"

I sure love these boys!

Parent Teacher Conference

2009-01-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Last night we had parent/teacher conferences. As Eric is out of town again I took the two little boys with me, that was fun! But, this is a blog about bragging about my two older boys, so hang on as this entire blog is a proud mom moment! :)
Robbie has all A's and one A-, his teacher had nothing but great things to say about him. These are some of her remarks:
He is a quiet student who keeps to himself and is very respectful.
He loves sports and includes others at recess.
He loves to read and is at a fifth grade third month level.
He is very bright but does not boast about it.
He does not like to have attention given to himself.
It is a pleasure to have him in class and I don't have any concerns.
That was so nice to hear. I know he is a great kid and is loves school and learning. I don't know where he came from. But I am very thankful for him and his hard work and love of learning.
Kamren had all 4's (they don't get grades yet) 4 is the highest. So he is doing well. Here are some of the comments his teacher made:
Kamren has A LOT of friends.
He includes everyone and everyone loves him.
He is very bright.
He loves to read and is at a second grade sixth month level.
He is VERY SOCIAL!!!
He forgets to raise his hand and is so excited about answering questions.
He loves to help others and loves to talk!
He needs to remember to put his homework in his binder...not just his backpack!
He loves to write notes and draws pictures on his homework.
He always gets his work done on time
Kamren is my boy! My mom would always come home for ptc and say that the teachers said I was a good student, I just needed to learn to not talk so much. I just had to laugh. His teacher is a neighbor so we both just laughed, cause that is just Kam. But at Church it is a different story, he is so quiet. I guess that is a good thing.
It was fun to hear how different the boys are. This is something I know, but it was fun to see how their teachers see them. It is fun to have them so different, it keeps me guessing on what they will do next.
Before Christmas their Nana Larsen and I went and had lunch with the boys at school. Kamren had lunch first and the entire time people were coming up to Kam and saying hi and just wanting to talk to him. It was fun to see him in his social glory! Then in came Robbie. He is Mr. serious and quiet. He has his select few friends and is good with that. He has a variety of friends that don't really play together unless Robbie gets them all together. He is one that gets along with anyone and likes to do everything. It was so much fun to see him in his social environment.
I guess that I have said what I wanted to and bragged enough about the boys. They are so much fun and I love them dearly.
Just a quick note on the two little ones: David is still two and acts like it. But we love him anyhow. If you ask him what he is he says, "I'm a stinker" It is so funny. Abraham now weighs 11 lbs and is 5 months old. He started cereal and is liking it thus far. They are both doing well and keep me busy all day long.

Santa

2008-12-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa, I would like one of everything! Thanks!

Abraham is so excited for his first visit to Santa.

Kamren asked Santa to bring him Heely shoes and Trick Tracks (hot wheel track)

Robbie asked Santa to bring him a 70 or 80 dirt bike, but he also told Santa he had to pay for 1/2 of that, so this year he wanted a model car and sport stuff.

David asked Santa to bring him some toys!

Salt Lake City

2008-12-30T14:41:00.000-08:00

Robbie and Abraham showing off their USA wrestling hats.

Robbie and Kamren wanted to touch the Temple at Temple Square...what cute boys!

Kamren standing at the door to the Temple.

Robbie at the door to the Temple, both boys promised to return to the Temple and live worthy to enter.

Some of the lights and nativities at the Temple.

Eric and I at Temple Square, it was cold!

David saying "cheese" while looking at the lights!

Kamren and Robbie at the Salt Lake Slam, wrestling tournament.

Holiday Craze

2008-12-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Eric is done traveling for the next month! He was gone a lot last month, so it will be great to have him home. One time he was gone for 8 days!!! I was so busy that week that it went by quickly. I had Evening of Excellence for Young Women, which I was in charge of the decorations. Thank heavens for my mother who always comes and helps me make the Cultural Hall so beautiful. Then she watched the boys for me so I could go and enjoy the evening. My mom is the BEST!!

We had scouts, wrestling practice, piano, wrestling meet...which I braved with all 4 boys. It went ok, I was happy to have it over. The Friday he was gone I went to Twilight with some of my friends. It was so great to get out and have some adult conversation.

Life has been a little crazy for the past few weeks. The boys have finished up the folklore wrestling season and had the last tournament in SLC in the Salt Palace this past week end. They had a great time and both placed 7 or 8 out of a group of 20 boys. We were/are very proud of them and how hard they worked. They both love wrestling and we love watching them. It will be nice to have a break for the next month or so before freestyle and greco start. Their coach wants to continue practice in a few weeks so they don't regress at all. But that is Eric's department, so that is fine with me.

We had Thanksgiving at our home with Eric's family and a couple from RMS that he used to work with. I love baking and cooking the meal, but it is two days of "slaving" in the kitchen and then we eat in about 45 min. and it's over. I am not sure it that is worth all the work, but the family seems to enjoy it, so I do it. It was so fun to have all of Eric's family here with us. Katie and Ian came up on Tuesday night from Provo, and then Emily and his parents came up late Wednesday, around 2:00am. We had a great weekend. The boys loved shooting the air riffle out in the back yard, Ian was the sharp shooter. We took the kids to Bolt and then the next night we went to see Australia, I loved Australia.

It is always sad to have company leave and a little lonely. I miss having people here, but it is also nice to get back into the swing of things. I decorated the house for Christmas on Monday and Tuesday. Then started getting ready for my annual ornament party. I have done this every year since living in Idaho, and I look forward to it every year. I guess it is "tradition" for all of the ladies who have come. It is funny that I am asked as soon as Thanksgiving is here about when my party will be. I am glad that everyone has a wonderful time, I stress over it every year.

The day after my party we headed to Utah for the Salt Lake Slam (wrestling). It was crazy getting there, but well worth all the stress. I'll post pictures on my next blog of the tournament. We stayed with my sister and her family. The kids had a ball playing together. Eric and I went to a Jazz game on Friday night, it was fun to go on a date! We ran into the Petersons from our ward here, it was fun to see familiar faces. Saturday we wrestled and then in the evening we went to the lights on Temple Square with the Wheelers and Jacksons. Then we headed to the Wheelers for dinner and some games. It was fun to see Katie and Ian again and my sisters little girls just fell in love with Ian.

Now we are home and are trying to get things ready for Christmas. YEAH!!!

Boys Pictures

2008-11-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Robbie would not smile for us! He is such a funny boy.

Such a serious little boy!

I just love this one of Kamren. I think this captures his personality.

We had the boys pictures taken while we were in Utah. These are some of our favorite ones of David.

A huge thank you to Thayne who took the time to photograph our crazy boys! You're awesome!

Halloween

2008-11-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

Robbie, Kamren and David on Halloween night.

Dr. Abraham H. Larsen. He was also a pumpkin, but I don't have a photo of it. I'll have to get one later. This is not the best one of him in his Dr. outfit, so I'll be taking another one of these.

Robbie and Kamren before trick or treating!

David ready to go get treats! He was not sure what was going on, but he did not like his hat and did not wear it out, even though it was cold!

Kamren, before school. He could not wear his costume to school or have a lot of face paint on.

Robbie was a BYU fan! He is a traitor! He used to love BSU, but has traded to BYU after going to two games with Nana and Grandpa Larsen this season.

Robbie cheering for BYU!

Eric was out of town for Halloween! It was a crazy, crazy day. The older boys were up at 5:30 ready to get ready for school and have their faces painted. I did get them to go back to sleep for about an hour! We got them off to school and then I got things ready for Kamren's school party. His teacher asked me to plan and carry out his Halloween party! We frosted cookies, played Halloween Bingo, read Halloween stories and made a pumpkin craft. My mom came and watched David and Abraham so I could go and be productive! I don't know what I would do without her. She is the best mom and Nana the boys could ask for!

After the party we did homework, cleaned up a little and headed out to a trunk or treat a friend and me planned. Elsha did most of the work, I was her back-up! She is amazing. After the trunk or treat we went up to my Grandad's and then to my parents. My dad took the three older boys trick or treating and then David spent the night with my parents as we had a wrestling meet in Shelley the next morning.

We had to weigh in at 7:30am, so it was an early morning. I didn't take pictures this meet as I was alone, Eric was still gone! The boys did a great job, Kamren took a first and two second places. Robbie took third over all in his group, he has some tough competition this year. It will be fun to watch them grow and learn.

We will be heading to SLC to wrestle in the Salt Palace in December. That should be a lot of fun. The boys are really looking forward to that.

Eric is finally home and will be home for a couple of weeks and then he heads of for another week! I am not looking forward to that.

Fall Fun

2008-10-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

October has been a busy month. Eric started his job with Klim and is loving it. I like that he is home so much earlier and on Saturdays! He has been gone a lot this month. He went to Denver for 4 days and then was gone to South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. This week he leaves for Michigan...and yes, he will be gone for Halloween. I am not so happy about that.

This month we had our sisters and mom reunion. Eric was gone so Tyson and Audrey Dye watched the three older boys and I took Abraham with me. We went to Salt Lake City for three days. I didn't remember my camera, so I don't have any pictures of the fun event. We spent one day relaxing, shopping and then we watched a movie, Jane Austins Book Club, it's a good show if any of you are looking for a good chick flick! We spent a day scrap booking and making jewelry and then we went to Hale's Theater and saw "Into the Woods". It was a great show and we all enjoyed it. Saturday we spent shopping and then drove home! We had a wonderful time and it went by too fast.

Once we were home it was back into "real life". The boys started wrestling and their first meet is this weekend. Eric will be gone, so we shall see how it goes. They are all excited about Halloween. I hope it is not too cold.

We went to Utah this weekend. Eric had a show in South Jordan so we all tagged along. The two older boys went to the BYU game with their Nana and Grandpa Larsen. They had a fabulous time. I spent time with my sister Kristel and her girls. We had a fun time together. Sunday the kids just played and had fun with their cousins. It is nice to be home and back to "normal".

I was tagged!!!

2008-10-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

I'm It
I got tagged by my friend Alias (not her real name--it's actually an alias) and I'm supposed to blog seven weird things about me. Only seven? I say. Yes, only seven.

1. I grew up with three older sisters, lots of make-up, hair styles, etiquette lessons, music and all that girly stuff. I always thought that I would have daughters and do all that fun girl stuff, but I am a mother of 4 boys. We collect bugs, catch snakes, make mud pies and play all sports possible.

2. My two older boys wrestle, a sport I hated in school, but know I LOVE IT!! They are such great wrestlers. Robbie took first in state last year, Kamren won over all best wrestler in Eastern Idaho and second in state.

3. I have conversations in my head with myself...I think that is a mom thing. I need to talk to an adult at times and sometimes I'm all I've got!

4. I love to make up songs with my boys and sing and dance with them. They think I am strange, but I know they love it!

5. I like the smells of fresh cut grass, dirt in the garden, and after it rains...I think I like the smell of earth!

6. I don't really keep in contact with friends from school, I wish I did, but I don't!

7. I don't like the feel of pruned hands. I have to wear gloves to wash dishes, clean bathrooms and scrub floors. Pruned hands make me sick, I don't know why, it has always been that way.

Now, I am suposed to tag 7 other people. I hate doing that as we are all so busy. But here goes...
1. Jackie
2. Kevin :)
3. Emily
4. Amber
5. Tiffany
6. Rachel
7. Teressa

Game Group

2008-10-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

We have a game group that we get together with each month. We rotate homes and it was our turn this month so we choose to do a dinner and How to Host a Murder. It was a blast. Everyone really got into it and it was fun to dress up! The setting was Chicago 1920's. Nate and Heidi....flapper girl and baseball player!
April and Nick....high roller gambler and lounge singer.
Eric and I were the hosts, just dressed up in the 1920's!
Crystal and Paul...Brothel owner and D.A.

Joe and Shanna...avid golfer/casino owner and a reporter!

This was such a great evening. We love our game group and look forward to getting together each month.

Robbie had surgery

2008-10-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

These are so out of order. I am still trying to learn how to do this blog thing! When Robbie first came out of surgery.
This shows his IV in his arm.
Going home after surgery.
The day we went to get a hard cast put on.

the day before surgery...I only have a picture of this cast, but he had a glow in the dark on and a red one before this one!

Before surgery, I was not there so Eric took lots of pictures for me. I was home with David and Abraham. This was only a couple of weeks after Abraham was born. The anaesthesiologist, I love this man. He was mine with Abraham and David!
Nona reading him a book before surgery. He just wanted to be read to all day.

Naughty David

2008-10-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

I was watching Lydia and she and David were playing so quietly while I did my yoga. Then I realized they were in the "craft room". When they came out this is what I saw....two creations of art! They even colored on their clothes!

Melodi and I have decided that these two together are up to no good.

David was at Mels house while I was in the hospital and he and Lydia took grapes and rolled them all over the floor.
Then they started to smash them into the floor. Mel had grapes all over her house, I think she found them days after. Moral of the story is....David+Lydia=loads of fun!

2008-10-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween Shirts from Grandpa and Nana Larsen.

Abraham's shirt says "I love Mummy!" His hat and socks say the same thing. So cute!

Just a few photos

2008-10-05T08:31:00.001-07:00

Grandpa and Nana Larsen and the four boys.
They came for the blessing and Nana stayed for a week to help with the ne baby!

Abraham finally fits into Newborn clothes. He is getting so big!
Kamren, David and Robbie riding bikes in Island Park.

This is at Porters Place in Lehi, Ut. Eric, Robbie and Kamren went to a BYU game with Grandpa and Nana Larsen. Chelle, David and Abraham spent the day with Kristel and girls! Then we suprised Nana and Grandpa at Porter's Place! It was a fun, fast and crazy day.

Robbie, Kamren and David meeting their new brother, Abraham!

All about the Larsens

2008-10-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

I don't have time to write about each one of us individually, yet. Maybe some day, but here is a short, well not so short blog about our family.
Eric and I met over 12 years ago at Ricks College, now known as BYU-I. We dated for over a year before we were married in the Idaho Falls, Idaho L.D.S. temple. We both graduated from Ricks College, Eric in business management and I graduated in Child and Family Studies. We moved to Boise, Idaho and attended BSU, GO BRONCOS! I studied Sociology and Eric explored the many business degrees offered there. I worked at Bath and Body Works, which I loved, while working towards my degree. Eric transferred with Franklin Covey, a job he had before we were married. We lived at school and the mall...to this day I don't really love going to the mall, but Eric does. Eric also talked me into a paper route during the summer, a job I hope I never have to do again. I hated it!
In February 2000 we had our first son, Robert Wayne Larsen. We arranged our schedules so we could pass the baby on the way to class, work and study groups. It was a crazy time in our lives, but one that I look back on with fondness.
In August of 2000, Eric received a promotion within Franklin Covey and he moved to Roseville, CA. Robbie and I stayed in Boise until the first of October. We stayed with Eric's parents until the end of October when we found a duplex in Citrus Heights. I worked some nights at Bath and Body Works and Eric continued to work for Franklin Covey.
In 2002 we were blessed with our second child, another son, Kamren Boyd Larsen. Having two children was a big change for us. I had a terrible two year old and a new born, what fun that first year was. I think I try to block it from my memory. I did enjoy it, but it was a lot of work!
We enjoyed living in California for four great years. We were able to live close to Eric’s parents, and both sets of grandparents. It was a blessing to be so close to so much family. We made some of our best friends in Citrus Heights and we miss them all dearly.
In 2004 Eric changed jobs, and was working for ShopKo, in Idaho Falls, ID. This job was what moved us out of California and to Idaho. We were happy and sad about his move. It was great to be close to my family, but sad to leave his family and our great friends behind.
We moved into an apt. and lived there for 3 weeks before I found our home in Rigby. Eric was in training in Utah for 6 weeks and never really stayed in the apt. with me and the boys.
We made an offer on our house on Valentines Day of 2004 and moved in in March. We were so excited to purchase our first home.
After getting settled in the home I decided to return to school. I graduated from BYU-I, with my mom in 2005. It was a great accomplishment for the both of us. It was hard to do, but I am so thankful that I was able to finish after so many years.
After finishing school I worked at a photography studio part time. I did this until June of 2006 when our third child was born, yes; we had another little boy...David Cardon Larsen. A year after he was born I started watching a little girl from 8-5 four days a week. It was fun to have "pink" in the house.
Oh, I forgot to mention that in 2005 Eric changed jobs, and was working for Rexburg Motor Sports, a place that he had wanted to work for for years. He was the inventory, parts, accessories and apparel manager. He loved this job and worked for them for 3 years.
This past summer we were blessed with yet another little Larsen lad, Abraham Heath Larsen. Two weeks after he was born Eric received a job offer from Klim. If you are interested in what they make it is www.klimusa.com. He is a regional sales manager for the mid-west, and no, we don't have to move! Thank goodness.
I stay home with the boys and try to keep up with all their sports and activities. I love all my boys, big and small. My life is crazy and I love it.