The Larson Family

Valentine's.

2012-02-14T14:12:00.000-06:00

I love my little Valentine's.

Hope you have a very Happy Day with those you love.

Love, Us.

my boys.

2012-02-06T11:37:00.000-06:00

All it seems we do lately is watch our boys grow right before our eyes. I can't believe how big they are getting and how much they are learning lately. We are desperately trying to soak it all in and keep up with them. Even though we have moments where we restrain ourselves from making them run twenty laps around the house to get rid of their (ok just Zenock's) sassiness - we wouldn't trade all that we are learning from them and all the rewarding moments.

Zenock... My little Zenock has a testimony. I makes me cry... We have been learning and talking about testimonies during family home evening and have shared them with each other. Yesterday, at the beginning of Sacrament Meeting JC asked Zenock (jokingly -- never ever thinking he would say yes) if he wanted to share his testimony. He said YUP and tried to run up there. I kept telling JC he would get up there and be terrified and that he needed to at least walk up there with him. He walked up with him and Zenock went straight to the pulpit, put his hands on the microphone, and shared his short testimony. It was so sweet. A moment I won't ever forget. Also, a moment in time telling me how big he is getting and how short of time they are little. He said he felt good after he did it and he liked all the high fives and thumbs up he got for sharing.

I'm kind of (just a little bit) starting to worry about all day kindergarten next year. Just wishing that I could be there to watch him learn, eat lunch with friends, and interact with others on the playground.

He is becoming such a big helper. On Saturday we cleaned the church and he helped vacuum all the corners -- with out complaining and would ask us what to do next. We started a little rewards program a couple of weeks ago (thanks to my friends genius idea... Thanks Erin!) He gets tickets for being good and at the end of the week he can use his tickets to go shopping in my store. (It is full of fun "junk," treats, and dollar store items.) He earned three tickets for helping clean. I'm thinking over time, we can turn the tickets into actual money.

We are on a little lemonade kick lately. We drink it all the time. I love that my little Zenock can't say lemonade and pronounces it... LEMON-LADE. It is pretty cute.

The other day JC was saying something and out of no where Zenock says, "These pretzels are making me thirsty." (A Seinfeld line... maybe no one will understand, but we laughed pretty hard.)

He is such a friendly kid. He can make friends so easy. Wherever we go he is always sparking up a conversation or activity with whatever kid is there.

He is such a good, sweet, caring big brother. So grateful for him.

---

Kamden... Is a little tease. He LOVES to tease. He loves to tickle and play. JC told him the other day to come and get my toes... it was dinner time and he picked up a fork that he had thrown on the floor and came after my toes with it. I was a little nervous and thankfully he missed two or three times trying to get me, but it was so funny and cute to watch.

I'm dying thinking that he will be in Nursery the end of March. Seriously - where did the time go!? I am not ready to let go of my baby during church. I love my time in the hall with him. I love my sweet baby boy.

He loves to play under the table and is short enough to still walk under it. He loves his lawn mower toy and his tractor.

I love his kisses and big hugs. The way he says, "mama ma" over and over again. I love his cute little round chubby face and big blue eyes. I love his little feet and toes.

We are pretty much obsessed with his cute little walk. He sticks out his tummy and wiggles his bum back and forth as he walks. He is getting pretty darn fast. When he gets nervous or shy he will put his hands behind his back and come up to you (as if to ask you a question) or get what he wants.

He is a good little listener and will obey us when we say "no" or "put it back."

I love the way he goes off and plays all by himself. I could sit and watch him for hours. I wish I could jump into his little mind and know what he is thinking.

He knows what the sheep, duck, and cow say.

Loves to sing and dance... He is finding his rhythm and it is so fun watching him dance when he starts to "feel" the song.

He is also a very sweet, happy, friendly little boy. We love him so much.

So grateful for our boys and for all they teach us... even though sometimes it feels like all we are learning is patience. They are so special. =)

Cathedral Caverns

2012-01-26T15:15:00.001-06:00

First... I'm sick of the weather. It's been raining all month... like flooding/torrential/monsoon type of rain. Let's add in the warm sunny 70 degree one day a week weather (which I don't complain about), but then the cold front moves back in and it turns back to the dreary rainy days.

Anyone who lives in a "Tornado Alley" knows warm and cold do not mix. One day last week I spent all night laying wide awake in bed, listening intently waiting for the dang Tornado sirens to go off so that I could grab my children and run and hide in my closet. I prayed all night they wouldn't go off. We were told THEY would go off. It was a high risk storm. So I layed there and listened to the wind, rain, and lightning... not your typical wind, rain, lightning storm. It sounded like it was ripping the bricks and shingles off of my house one by one. The few minutes of sleep I did have I had a dream that me and my good friend got separated from our husbands and were stranded with our four boys and we were running and hiding from the storms and watching the Tornadoes rip our houses apart. It was literally terrifying! I woke up shaking and never fell back asleep.

SO... did the Sirens go off?? They did actually, but I couldn't hear the blasted things, (and yes I was wide awake when they were supposedly going off) because of the wind and rain.

I've made a HUGE decision in my life. I'm feeling pretty good about it right now. I realized something as I watched the little snow video from Bountiful's snow storm last week that a hundred people posted to facebook. I would take a SNOWSTORM any day over a risk of their being a Tornado and ripping my house apart. That being said, I'm ready. READY to move back to Utah. READY to hole up in my house for days on end and suffer out the cold, snow, and long winters. (This is huge for me!) ANYTHING to leave behind the Tornadoes. Every times it starts to rain and the wind starts to blow- I start begging JC to move. It's only January and people are saying the Tornado season is going to be a LONG one this year. I'm freaking out. I can't handle it. I'm ready to move. Pray for me. =)

---

For MLK day we spent the day going to Cathedral Caverns a cave that is about 45 minutes from our house. Our boys loved it. I loved that the entire cave was paved and I didn't have to pack my kids and could push a stroller. The caves entrance is the biggest entrance known for a tourist attraction cave. All in all, it was a fun afternoon with my family.

Playing peek-a-boo waiting for our tour to start.

6teen months.

2012-01-21T16:46:00.000-06:00

Both of my boys are sick (not fun!!!) and all three of my boys are sleeping, which means I can catch up...

I've meant to do a little catch up on my Kamden for a month now. I was so good at documenting everything with Zenock and it seems like time is just speeding by with Kamden. I can't believe he will be Sixteen months this week. He had his fifteen month check-up the end of December. I'm still in shock at his stats... He was in the 95th percentile for both weight and height from 2 mths until about 9 mths and now...

Now my big boy is a little boy.

I don't remember exact numbers at the moment, but he was

in the 25th percentile for height and

20.8 lbs which means he is in the 5th percentile for weight.

How do you go from 95th to 5th?!?

I swear I am feeding him and he eats quite a bit most of the time. He also has so much more chunk on him than Zenock ever did. Not sure. We just might have to keep a few more cookies around the house than we already do. =)

A few things that we love about this happy boy...

-When we go grocery shopping he loves when we can ride in the "car" kart. He also loves when we get a "cookie." The bakery ladies are getting to know us very well and love when he comes by... He greets them with a "HI" claps his hands and gets so excited and when they give him his cookie he says, "YEAH!" It is so darn cute.

-Words he can say or that we have heard a few times: Hi, Cheese, Ball, Bug, Go, Thanks, All Done, Cookie, Yeah, Mom, Dad, Yes, Car. It seems like he is learning a new one every day.

-Loves his baths and can't wait to get in. Before his diaper is even off he has his little foot lifted clear up over the brim of the tub trying to get in. I love little feet.

-Gut laughs all the time. Kisses. Teases and tickles. Loves to sing. Loves to play Ball - loves to throw and catch (catches with help). Plays patty cake and just learned how to "Roll it" all by himself. We get so excited and tell him, yeah! and then he gets shy and burries his head into my shoulder.

-I love our bedtime routine. He has always been good about going to bed. After bath time we play for about ten minutes and then say our family prayer. Right before family prayer he will run over to the fridge and yell until I come and get him his bottle (only at night and he doesn't take it to bed). After prayers we go in his room and will either read a book or just rock a bye for a minute while he drinks his bottle. We then stand up and I turn on his music box (he's listened to it since he was a baby) and he lays his head on my shoulder, wraps his chubby legs around me, and gives me big hugs, and even pats on the back at times. We cuddle for a minute or two and then I lay him down, kiss his cheeks a hundred times, and say, "Goodnight sweetheart. I love you so much. Have good dreams." He then rubs his eyes, I cover him up and leave, and he goes right to sleep. It is such a sweet moment that I look forward to every night. I love that it's our little time together during the day.

-He loves to cuddle and sleep with his hands tucked in underneath his tummy.

-Gets so excited when I say, "Let's go get Zenock from school." He is going to miss his brother so much next year. They have become best friends and play so well together.

-Loves his binky, his blue star blanket, primary hymns in the car, and suckers.

-Loves to climb in his rocking chair and read books.

-His favorite activity is playing ball with Dad.

-We have a few tears at times. He will just flop himself on the floor and cry until we come and get him. As soon as we pick him up he stops. I have a hard time resisting that sad face.

-I bought him a bag of bugs the other day and they have been a huge hit. He plays with them, teases me with them, yells "BUGS" all day long, and sleeps with one in his hand.

He is such a happy little boy. We can't get enough of his sweet personality!

My little Zenock is also growing up so fast. The realization that all day kindergarten is less than seven months away is making me panic and hold on to the moments that I get to have him at home.

He currently has an ear infection and may have to get a new set of ear tubes. (We'll see what the Dr. says this week.) He just learned how to write his name, is learning how to tie his shoes, defeated/passed his entire Lego Batman game on his DS, just signed up for the Spring T-Ball season, and is currently obsessing, insisting, and planning on a Batman themed Birthday Party. (Any ideas for that one?!) He is also a most of the time happy, dramatic, and very loving child. He is such a good kid. I'm so proud of the "big boy" he is becoming. =)

Evening routine.

2012-01-12T15:32:00.000-06:00

I pretty much dread the hours between four and seven. It is complete chaos around here... at least most of the time. Kamden wakes up from his afternoon nap around 4 and it takes him a good hour to get in a good mood. All he wants is to have me hold him, which I would LOVE to sit and snuggle the cute boy if it weren't time to get everything done, picked up, dinner made, and life to look put together before my husband gets home. Writing that makes me sound like a 50's housewife... Am I the only one who does that???

On a typical day, I have Kamden trying to pull my pants down as I prepare dinner and Zenock isn't too far behind trying to wrestle his brother, making him scream, or digging through the pantry trying to find a treat with out being noticed. I then have to tell him to stop which results in him screaming and yelling and chaos...

The other day was a GOOD day for making dinner. Both of my boys played right next to me, but the point was that they played and didn't attack me, tackle me, pull my pants down, scream, yell, or other crazy things. They were happy and laughing. When JC got home they ran to the door and yelled, "Hi Dad!" (Ok... so they do that part every day... We ALL run to the door so excited for someone else to be there besides each other.)

One boy in the cupboard and one boy on the counter... At least they were happy. Sure wish this would happen more often. The next night Kamden had three time-outs in his crib, because he wouldn't stop screaming and Zenock spilled his water twice.

I always breathe a little deeper once seven o'clock rolls around and I can sit and snuggle my well fed, freshly bathed, sweet smelling boys. =)

Christmas.

2012-01-02T15:38:00.000-06:00

We had a sweet, simple, and very relaxing Christmas. We have been spoiled having JC home for over a week! As soon as 7pm hits our kids go to bed... Not really because we are strict, but because they go to bed so easy. No matter what time Zenock goes to bed, he still wakes up around 6-7 in the morning. SO, we figure we might as well get him to bed earlier. Kamden is our sleep-a-holic... He sleeps from 7pm until 9 am most every day. We've loved being able to sleep in a little bit, while Zenock's been playing with Christmas toys all week. Putting our kids to bed early gives us a chance to be together, watch a movie. We've been catching up on lots of movies this past week, passing levels on Lego Batman (I know it's a kids game...) and eaten our fair share of Oreo shakes. It has been so great to have a little vacation at home. JC goes back to work tomorrow and Zenock starts school again. Although I normally dread it, I am excited for a little bit of normalcy, schedule, routine, and some healthy food again. As well as a clean house that lasts for more than an hour! Call me Scrooge, but I was ready to take down Christmas decor last Sunday. I patiently waited until Tuesday when I couldn't handle another ornament pulled off the tree.

Making cookies for Santa. I held off baking until the last possible minute Saturday afternoon and then decided we needed some treats. Zenock is always a great helper in the kitchen.

Kamden's favorite spot for the last month has been under the Christmas tree. We have spent lots of evenings laying under the lights.

My happy boy on Christmas Eve. He is such a blessing and joy in our life. =)

We feel so blessed that we have so many good friends we can share the Holidays with while we are away from family. Friday night (before Christmas) we had our Ward (church) party. I loved having it so close to Christmas and spending time with people we love. Christmas Eve we spent with more friends from our ward. Afterwards, we came home and let the boys open a present... always pj's and a book. We read their books and then sent them off to bed so Santa could come.

One day we will get rid of the darn binky so that you can see the adorable smile behind it.

I think he just gets excited about anything. Christmas is the perfect holiday for having a dramatic child. He makes you feel like a RockStar for any present you give him. (Even pajamas!)

We have early morning church and didn't want to be in a rush to open presents. So we got ready, enjoyed the sweet spirit of a musical sacrament program, came home, and jumped back into our pj's to open presents.

Christmas Day 2011

My boys were so fun to watch open presents. Zenock was so excited... his Christmas consisted of Superheros. I think he has something from each of them now. He told Santa (the 5 different times he saw him), that he really wanted a Batman Cave and Batman video game. We went to the mall a week before Christmas with a friend and when Santa asked if he had been good he said, "Just a little bit." Santa thanked him for his honesty and told him to try a little harder. We laughed and kept telling him he really needed to be good to get a Batman Cave.

Zenock's Batman Cave and his Nintendo DS were by far his favorite presents.

Kamden loves playing basketball. When he shoots it, he says "go." We call it "Go-ball" around here. He loves playing on a little hoop just his size.

Aunt Kelly gave my boys this awesome castle tent. It may never come down. They are always in and out and will play with the tent for hours. Zenock's favorite game to play is "Tornado." You have to save all the animals and hide in the tent before the Tornado comes. He and his friends also play the game at school. It is fair to say they are very aware of Tornado's. Can we just skip March - May this year???

It is always great to be able to skype with family on Christmas.

We were so excited to spend Christmas day evening with our Alabama family the Anderson's. They made us an awesome Christmas dinner and we loved the company! They have made living away from family so much easier. So glad to have them here in Alabama. =)

Zenock opening the batman cave... Enjoy!

....

We spent a day at the Space and Rocket Center with our favorite family over the break. We couldn't stop laughing at these two on a ride. They are so much fun together. =)

We enjoyed good friends, food, and laughs for New Years. We are happy to say goodbye to 2011 and excited to see what may happen in 2012. I feel like last year was an in between year. A lot of different trials... In the last little while I've had a lot of down days, (maybe it's that seasonal depression already creeping in.) I don't set a lot of New Years goals, but try to pick a word of the year to live by. Last year my word was "Simplify." I tried not to go overboard with things and to simplify life's events. For 2012 my word is "Positive." I want to stay Positive no matter the situation, the day, or whatever happens. I want to just be happy and try and smile through it all. =)

Happy 2012!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T23:25:00.001-06:00

My kids are snug asleep in their beds.

(I'm pretty sure sugar plums are dancing in their heads.)

Two hours of wrapping and four rolls of wrapping paper.

A glass of milk and a plate of cookies... =)

And I am officially done.

I love my job.

To those we missed...

everday moments.

2011-12-14T11:20:00.001-06:00

Mainly just a post with a LOT of pictures to share. Our everyday moments. I've been trying to be better at capturing all the little things my boys do. They have been doing lots of cute things that I want to remember.

I feel like my memory is leaving me these days. I can't remember one day to the next, let alone what I'm supposed to do. I have to have my lists (not only because I love checking things off), but if it's not on the list, I seriously forget everything.

At the beginning of December I knew JC would be gone for at least 2 weeks during the month. I wanted to make the most of our weekends and do everything "Christmas" related we could find. I checked out all the festivities for our area and made a list and put them on the calendar. We've done a lot... and still have a list to do. Whether we get it done or not really doesn't matter, I just enjoy spending time out with my family at Christmas. =)

One of our first activities was "Santa's Pit Stop." Where else would Santa stop to refuel his sleigh except in "Rocket City USA." (Huntsville's nickname.)

We enjoyed playing in the snow (a bin full of man made snow...) I have to give them credit for trying. My boys loved it though. We visited the reindeer, made an ornament for the Christmas tree, ate some cookies, played with friends, and got to sit on Santa's lap.

Last weekend JC and I got to enjoy a date night out. We went downtown and toured all the historic homes in the Twickenham historic district. The owners open up their homes one night during Christmas and let you come and tour them. It was awesome! I love old homes... especially, when they are all decorated for Christmas! Most of the homes were built in the early 1900's and have been remodeled and upgraded, but still have the old Southern feel to them. The neighborhood is lined with thousands of luminaries and there are carolers, a bagpiper, and people singing up and down the street. Old fashioned cars were parked out in front of the houses. I loved it.

We enjoyed our Stake's Annual Christmas Festival on Sunday and were able to enjoy an old fashioned Christmas at The Burritt on the Mountain museum. (We went from cabin to cabin enjoying old fashioned Christmas activities and goodies.) A couple of friends have had girls nights out, which I took full advantage of... my payment for multiple weeks of single parent status.

I've watched Miracle on 34th Street twice and parts of White Christmas (JC's favorite) a few more. Any spare time I have I am submerging myself into preparing my Relief Society lesson for Sunday. Not sure how I got nominated for it, but I did. Our big Christmas lesson no less... (just thinking about it gives me butterflies!) the one where they invite all the Y/W and Primary leaders. I'm trying to tell myself to chill... and to just focus on the contents and the spirit of the lesson.

Other activities...

While making dinner and listening to my Michael Buble Christmas CD (best Christmas cd EVER!), I turned around to see Zenock conducting Kamden in a song.

After dinner it got really quiet. JC and I found these two quietly reading together. Such a sweet moment... They are never quiet.

My happy boy who laughs all the time. He loves his treats. He also loves the Christmas tree... We've had one ornament mishap so far. He pretty much thinks everything is a ball and will throw it if you hand it to him. It doesn't matter if it is your phone, a cup, a car, or his binkie. He's got quite the arm.

I love watching his eyes light up when he is sitting in front of the tree.

Watching the snow flurries. It started to snow one day. It didn't last.

We did simple decorating with our tree this year. I love how it turned out... even if we can't decorate the lower half of the tree, because of a certain one year old. Less is more... right?

Zenock did his preschool program at an assisted living home. All the boys did so great! Zenock was Joseph and said his lines loud and clear. (Sorry for the blurriness.)

My little climber... (sigh*)

Getting into lots more trouble now that he can walk.

He loves sitting in things to eat his snacks...

Our elf on the shelf has been up to some very sneaky things... like crate papering Zenock's door while he was sleeping. We thought it was hilarious. He didn't find it very funny and we found him crying on his bed when he woke up, because he didn't dare leave his room.

More Christmas pictures at night. =) I love the glow. With JC gone, I've had a lot of late nights to sit and think by the tree. What really matters, what I love, what I want for my children, where I want to be, what I need over what I want, and what Christmas is really about. I love this time of year!

projects

2011-12-07T13:09:00.000-06:00

When JC is away - I get busy! I stay up way too late and do projects. Last week I didn't go to bed before one AM. That is unheard of for me. I'm pretty sure I do it otherwise I would go to bed and lay there, think, and worry/scare myself. If I go to bed as late as possible I'm out as soon as I hit the pillow and I can't even think. It works great for me. =)

Even though I get lots done when he is gone, I would much rather have him home!

Here are a few of my late night projects...

Zenock's room has been on my list to paint since we moved in... I finally did it and I love how it turned out. Zenock is loving his "new room."

So simple. I should have done it two years ago.

Next was my ugly end table. I've hated the color for years... but, it is such a good piece of furniture I didn't want to give it away. I had a couple of ideas, but in the middle of it all I decided to just paint it white and distress it.

I wasn't sure if I would like the white, but I love how much it brightens up this corner of my living room and next to my dark couches.

Next: Chicken wire frame

I wanted something to put in our hallway to hang all of Zenock's school work/art work/ cards on.

It's hard to read but, I love that Zenock's paper came home from church saying,

"I am thankful for transformers."

Love my boys.

This past week, I stayed up late finishing my blog book and putting together this ruffle tree skirt. I love how it turned out. Awhile back a friend and I were looking through blogs and came across this tutorial from Miss Mustard Seed. We died over it. I've seen it everywhere since on Pinterest and other craft sites. It is so easy and super cute. I almost want to make another one (a more colorful one with stripes and polka dots!)

I still have a few other projects in "process" that I will share later. =)

sillies

2011-12-02T10:02:00.000-06:00

JC has been gone all week. (This time to Iowa/Illinois) When he is gone we inevitably have at least one day where we have nothing to do, no where to go, and pretty much go stir crazy and drive each other crazy. That is when we have to pull out the camera and we get the sillies. =)

Zenock went to the Dentist on Monday and got a couple of surprises at the end of his check-up. These awesome glasses were one of them and they have provided us week long entertainment. So for your enjoyment...

At least it provided a side distraction from Zenock "trying" to sing Frosty the Snowman at the top of his lungs over and over and over. (I'm going to burn that movie and I really mean burn!) His version goes something like this, "FROST-Y the SNOWMAN was a hairy happy man....."

And now a few other silly pictures...

Kamden LOVES Zenock's handy manny visor. He thinks it is the coolest thing ever when we put it on him. (He thinks anything that is Zenock's is the coolest thing ever.)

In attempt to get dinner ready on time and not have both kids pulling down my pants and crying (which always happens as soon as I decide to make dinner) we made a little fort in the kitchen. Kamden loves hanging out under the table as well as playing under blankets... (He is AWESOME at playing peek-a-boo!) He will laugh and get so excited. This was a brilliant idea... We will have to do it again. I love their happy smiles! =)

A LITTLE TREAT... My baby is walking. =)

Us 2011

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

I just finished putting together a blog book and while I was working on it, I realized I had left out some family pictures... I use the family pictures for my headers on my blog, but sometimes forget to put them into a post. I want to have them part of my book... so here are a few we had taken back in October.

(I should really post the out takes of these... The one's where Zenock is red in the face from crying, trying so hard to smile, and looks like he is about ready to claw somebody with his hand... getting him to smile outside is difficult. Apparently, whenever it is family picture time the SUN is always shining right in his eyes. Even when it is cloudy and overcast. agh. Family pictures will kill me one day. That is why I love taking other people's and hate taking my own. =)

Four good ones out of two hundred taken isn't bad... right? =)

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T21:39:00.000-06:00

Our Thanksgiving was pretty simple this year.

I'm thankful for family. =) We missed our extended families, but love that we can grow closer together as our own family while we live FAR far away. When we were skyping with JC's family Thanksgiving night Zenock kept telling his cousins, "When my Dad gets a job, I'm coming back to Utah." He said the same thing to my Mom the night before. He is so sweet. He loves his cousins and grandparents.

Maybe one day my sweet boy... Keep praying.

I am so thankful for these three handsome boys. They keep me grounded. They make me laugh. They love me for me. They take care of me and willingly put up with me and wipe my tears when I need to cry. =) I couldn't ask for anything more.

As I was having a particularly rough day the other day, this sweet little guy brought a dish towel to me and sat on my lap and wiped away my tears and told me, "It's ok Mom... It's ok to cry." Oh, how I LOVE him and his sweet personality.

I am so VERY thankful to be a Mom and a wife. It is the best job ever. =)

We are also thankful for good friends with cute kids who are willing to share holidays with us and who are willing to stay up until midnight and brave the cold, enormous lines, fights, and drama of Black Friday at Target. (I love you Nickole!)

We feel so lucky and blessed to be surrounded by so many good friends in Alabama.

September (2010) was a month for babies in Alabama. This cute little girl is only three weeks older than Kamden. I loved watching them play and do the exact same things... like sitting inside buckets and baskets (one of Kamden's favorite past times!)

---

The day after Thanksgiving we decorated for Christmas and as we were settling down for the night, we heard some Jingle Bells out on the front porch. When we went to check it out we found this cute little elf sitting on our doorstep. Santa left him there just for us. He watches over Zenock and Kamden and flies back to the North Pole every night to report back to Santa if they were naughty or nice. =)

So far... We have been extra nice this year.

The first thing you do with your "Elf on the Shelf" is give him a name. After much thought and deliberation, Zenock chose our Elf's name.

Meet CAPTAIN AMERICA. (Captain for short.) =)

Every night after returning from the North Pole Captain America hides himself in a different place to watch over us during the day. The first morning we found him on the table and he had brought us doughnuts covered in North Pole SNOW! (Zenock's favorite!) He was pretty excited about this.

Last night Captain America left candy wrappers on the couch and Zenock found him in a bowl of candy. =)

Every morning Zenock tells me... "Mom, Let's go find Captain America!" and then we search the house.

Oh... Let's not forget to mention - You can't touch him or he'll lose his magic (flying power). So Zenock gets as close as possible. He is dying to just give him a big hug.

We LOVE having Captain America at our house this Christmas!

smiles

2011-11-18T15:49:00.001-06:00

I thought everyone only had one child that could climb... I was wrong. I have two! My little Kamden is climbing up on everything these days and just in case your curious... he's still not walking.

I've mentioned before - the pantry is the hideaway and play place. I swear I organize it daily and it gets pulled apart by my boys within seconds.

Kamden is also learning that when the camera comes out it is time to smile big...

I love the window sill in our office... It is the perfect little ledge where my boys can play. They drive there cars on it and they also love to sit and have a little snack.

(Sorry, about the goldfish in Kamden's mouth... for a 1 year old smiling and manners haven't quite connected.)

I love when my boys will play together (and smile together)!

Today.

2011-11-07T16:08:00.000-06:00

Today I have no pictures.

Today my little 4 year old has colored red marker on my brand new couch...

(I spent an hour and a half using my guardsmen kit to get it clean.)

I had just told him twice five minutes earlier to get the markers off of the couch.

He then used his bike to climb up to the back of my car and broke my windshield wiper completely off.

I had just told him three times to get down or he was going to get hurt and possibly break something.

He then painted my garage floor... Green.

I told him, "DO NOT TOUCH!" as I walked away for 2.5 seconds.

He has made his brother cry a zillion times... doesn't share... and even though I have asked a billion times all day he WILL not go into his room and clean it up. He dumped everything out about 6:30 this morning after he woke up.

Tell me I'm not the only parent who wants to give away their four year old. =)

He is hard for me and even though I love him to death I CANNOT wait until ALL day kindergarten next year!

That's all.

foggy morning run

2011-11-05T16:42:00.001-05:00

JC ran his first 5k on Saturday. It was a cold and very foggy morning, but he did awesome... came in under 26 minutes (he said all he wanted was to be under 30). He even placed in his age group.

We went down early to cheer him on and grab some pictures. =)

Friends from church on the left. Work on the right.

Friends from work.

JC's work recently did an article about him for their monthly wellness letter. Right after we were married JC started having major migraines... We dealt with them for a few years - we didn't know what to do. He went through all of college and grad school with them. After Zenock was born we started to find some answers. We were spending TONS (thousands... It makes me sick to think about) on medical care (MRI's, cat scans, chiropractors, prescriptions, etc.) We've heard all sorts of different reasons for his headaches, ie: hole in his brain, sinus infection that never drained, allergies, and talked to all sorts of neurologists and medical personnel. Doctors would just give him new prescriptions with out even explaining what it was... that alone caused a whole new set of problems. When we were in Texarkana a doctor prescribed "effexor" for his headaches. Little did we know it was an anti-depressant. Shortly after, a chiropractor we started using explained to us what it was and what it did. When JC tried to get off of it he experienced "brain shivers" and we spent the night in the ER. Doctors couldn't tell us how to get off of it. After researching online, I found out what to do and for the next month and a half we would open the capsules and count the tiny little beads in them and create our own capsules downsizing them each day and each week until we were down to zero. (JC still experienced the brain shivers up to a couple months after we were all done.) It has been a crazy journey to say the least.

JC started the Spring of 2009 and has spent the last few years making lifestyle changes, exercising most every day, drinking water instead of soda, and eating healthier. Since starting he has lost 60 lbs. His headaches aren't completely gone, but he definitely feels a lot better and doesn't have them every day like he used to.

We are really proud of him and all of his hard work.

So grateful for a Dad and husband that works so hard to stay healthy for his family.

We love you. =)

haircut

2011-11-04T15:43:00.000-05:00

We decided to give Kamden a little haircut trim the other night... He still doesn't have very much hair, but had a few long flowing locks in the back. He did so much better than Zenock's first hair cut... who screamed like we were beating him and was red in the face before it was all over. Kamden didn't cry at all, just tried to get away so he could go and play.

I love baby hair and hate that it has to be cut... I think I'll hold onto my baby a little longer tonight. =)

Halloween 2011

2011-11-03T15:01:00.000-05:00

I feel SO behind on blogging. There is so much to do this time of year... not to mention my head is bursting with planned projects and crafts to create (thanks to pinterest) before Christmas time. Somehow, I will get it all done. =)

JC left the middle of October for work. He was enjoying Maryland for two weeks. He was missed A LOT! There were quite a few tears shed from both of my boys. They were sure excited when he got home just in time for Halloween.

BUT, before he got home, I had to attend a few Halloween festivities as a single parent. For the second year in a row I went to our wards trunk or treat solo. (I have to admit... this year was easier than last year and having a one month old... but, just a little bit!)

Kamden was our little monkey and Zenock was a cowboy. Honestly, he had his heart set on batman, (which he talked about for at least the last 3 months), but we already had the cowboy stuff ready and after talking with Aunt Emi about what to be - he was excited about being a cowboy... like Grandpa Reeder, Uncle Daniel, and his cousins. My brother is a serious true cowboy... at least as close as you can get. He has his dream job. He manages a multi million dollar ranch for the CEO of Hewlett Packard in Southern Utah. (Every little boys dream place to live and grow up!) Zenock's costume is no where near what my little nephews wear on a daily basis as their regular clothes. They are so stinkin' cute. BUT, I love my cute little cowboy as well.

Our next activity was our preschool Halloween party and costume parade. I LOVE our little preschool group. Love the Moms I get to visit with every Tuesday and Thursday and love ALL the little boys we get to teach. All the boys in Zenock's class are the oldest and have a little brother. It wasn't planned that way at all, but sure makes things lots of fun! (There are at least 3 boys missing from this picture.)

Kamden loves the cars and Zenock loves the swings at preschool.

October is the best time of year for a Birthday... I love fall birthdays and always wished mine was in the Fall. A couple of friends from church combined there little boys birthdays (3 days apart) and threw the ultimate Super Hero Birthday party. They cut out masks and made capes and belts for all the kids.

Some Moms are so creative... The kids decorated their own shields, there were Villians who captured them and duct taped them to the wall (older brothers were the villians), they then had to break out and free Superman who was captured in the playhouse... In the end they got to vaporize the Villians with silly string. Seriously, all the little extras were so cute and fun! I might have to hire them for my next Birthday party. Zenock loved it!

Then... it was Halloween day. We spent the day with some friends and their super awesome Aunt - who Zenock is in love with... She might be a close second to Aunt Emi. We ate some jack-o-lantern pizzas and then headed out to our neighborhood Halloween party! I am loving our neighborhood for throwing such a fun get together complete with inflatables, games, cotton candy, hot dogs, face painting... So fun to get to know your neighbors. Last night I spent 4 hours at my neighbors house for girls night with 9 other ladies... I had NO idea I had such fun girls living around me! Yeah for Neighbors! =)

JC and I could not stop laughing at some of the costumes... We still don't know who this neighbor is.

Kamden got introduced to chocolate and we ended the night on a sugar high! I need to get rid of the candy asap... I'm so sad Fall is coming to an end, but am getting excited to spend Christmas at home this year, christmas shopping, the season of parties and get togethers with friends, and enjoying my family. I already have a good start on Christmas shopping a few more things and my boys are done... I hope to be done by December 1st so that I can just sit by the tree and drink hot chocolate every day instead of stressing about all the little things.

How early is too early to put up your tree...

One year pictures

2011-10-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

A month later and I'm finally getting around to Kamden's one year pictures...

I love my sweet happy little boy. =)

I'm also in love with his fake/courtesy laugh he has picked up on in the last few weeks.

Both of my boys have been blessed with some serious eyelashes... And they sure know how to use them to melt their Mom's heart.

It's been a little bit crazy around our house for the past week... This week isn't much better. Trying to finish up projects (pictures coming soon!) and starting Wednesday our Fall festivities continue through next Monday.

Tate farms

2011-10-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

Last year we didn't get to enjoy too many of the Fall festivities... It was kind of a blurr. Having a newborn and having your husband gone for a month is something I would NOT recommend. :) This year we are doing as much as we can and enjoying every second of Fall and the beautiful weather.

Saturday night, JC and I went on a ghostwalk tour of historic Huntsville. There were 4 different tours to choose from. It was mostly a history lesson (w/a few ghost stories). Our tour was lucky enough to have a real true medium that night. She kept telling us that the spirits were all around us... Also, go download the "ghost radar" app on your iphone... don't do it when you are alone at night. Not sure how it works, but it totally freaks me out. I loved our tour... Not the ghost part (I'm a wimp), but I loved every second of walking through historic homes. I'm in love. They were awesome. I need to go back and get pictures...

The only part I didn't like was when our guide told JC that I was onry... Seriously?!

We introduced Zenock to Hocus Pocus this weekend... One of our favorite Halloween movies when we were little. He has a thing with witches, but he loved it. :)

Last Monday (the 3rd) we spent FHE/family night at the pumpkin patch. We had to make sure and get it in early this year... We love that place and just might have to go back.

I love Kamden's hair right now... see it blowing in the wind on our hay ride. It is so thin and soft and has long pieces in the back... (not a mullet. I promise.) I just can't bring myself to cut it yet. I love baby hair.

We had lots of fun playing on the slides, the big cotton jump pillow thing (Zenock was being a daredevil and throwing himself around doing flips and all sorts of tricks... He needs a trampoline!), playing hide n seek in the hay mazes, the corn cribs, petting the bunnies, the hay ride, and of course picking the perfect pumpkin. :) I love FALL!

end of season.

2011-10-11T05:58:00.000-05:00

Zenock finished up t-ball and soccer last week and had two end of season pizza/trophy parties. HE has improved so much in both sports... We are pretty proud of the little guy. We have loved spending our evenings and Saturdays watching games and getting to know the families of the other players. We have had awesome/patient coaches for both sports. AND, just in case you haven't had enough of pictures from either sport... (get used to it. :) Here are a few more.

He is such a goofball... He is super proud of his trophies (as he should be) and hasn't stopped wearing his AYSO medal. He even wore it to church this last Sunday to show his teachers and friends.

sweet tooth.

2011-10-06T21:48:00.002-05:00

Kamden has a major sweet tooth... (like his Mom). He loves when Zenock will abandon his chocolate milk. Kamden will snatch it up, test it (to make sure it's chocolate), and guzzle it down. It is pretty hilarious to watch. This drives Zenock crazy. I say it is fair game for all the toys Zenock steals from him through out the day. :)

...

The other day while making dinner I heard Kamden crawl over and start playing in the pantry. My boys play in there all the time... It drives me crazy, but when I'm cooking I don't want to lock it every time I go in and out, so the door just stays open. (Yep, we lock it... Zenock has a sweet tooth too and likes to sneak treats. Mean Mom I know... but, trust me he gets plenty.) Anyhow, I didn't think anything of Kamden being in there - knowing he couldn't open anything and couldn't climb up anything. Besides, I was in the middle of making some killer sweet and sour sauce. :) When I finally ran to the pantry to grab something I caught him in the middle of all the fruit snacks and eating a rice krispy treat. I have no idea how he even opened it, but it was so dang cute. He was pretty proud of himself.

The best line was when Zenock came to check it out he said,

"AND, that's why we call him The Chubbers!"

...

Another line from Zenock this week was when he told me...

"Mom, I need to watch the Mermaid movie..."

me. "Ok. Why?"

"Because she is SO Bee. U. tiful!"

He cracks me up. :) Each day gets more and more fun to hang out with these two boys! It definitely keeps me on my toes for sure....

Kamden's Birthday.

2011-10-05T14:49:00.000-05:00

Our sweet little boy turned One... (I think I mentioned that. :) I'm still in denial or maybe depression over the event. My word of the year is Simplify... I've really tried to cut things out, tone it down, not worry as much, and just enjoy the little things or what is really important. We didn't have a big fancy party- just enjoyed our time together and celebrated the last year of our cute boy. What a year it has been. We can't believe it's gone by so fast and are even more grateful that Kamden is part of our family. He makes us smile and laugh each and every day. We can't imagine life with out him. He is sure our special little boy. I'll let the pictures tell about his happy day.

Kamden woke up to lots of balloons around the house... He loves balloons. He loves them even more when they aren't helium filled and he can play with them and chase them.

We set out after breakfast to take some ONE year old pictures... I'm still working on them, but here is a little peak. Oh how I love those blue eyes and that round chubby face. I would kiss it all day if he would let me. I'm loving how the pictures turned out.

Kamden was pretty excited about turning one... :)

We ran a few errands and Zenock picked out a special present for Kamden... (the ball he is holding.) It flashes, plays music, and jumps around. Kamden's two favorite things are balls or cars. It was a perfect gift.

While Kamden was taking his nap, Zenock painted us some decorations and I made Kamden's cake. Zenock was so sweet and could hardly contain his excitement that it was Kamden's Birthday.

As soon as JC got home we opened his presents...

I had to include the above picture just for the look on their faces... They are so identical in so many of their facial expressions. Kamden is his Dad's little twin.

I think his favorite was this little tractor that he can push around. I love watching him crawl and push his cars... it is so cute. Something that Zenock never did. They are SO opposite.

His monkey cake... I swear when he was a newborn he looked just like a little monkey baby. I'm not a cake decorator (I'll leave that to my Mom... she's a pro!), but thought it turned out pretty cute.

Happy Birthday Kamden!!!

He lasted about one minute until he started screaming and hated every second of cake and ice cream. As soon as his hands were covered, he started waving them all over flinging cake and frosting everywhere. Teaching my boys how to be clean is sinking in. :)

Just a few things to remember about Kamden at One year old...

Stats
Weight: 20.12 lbs
Height: 28 3/4"

He is in the 20th-25th percentile for both height and weight... Crazy considering at 4 mths he was in the 95th percentile!

He has 4 teeth and 2 coming through on top.
He has tiny feet... (like half the size of Zenock's at one.)
He HATES the car. He only lasts about 5 minutes before screaming starts. I just recently introduced him to suckers which is the ONLY thing that has helped in the car.
He loves, LOVES bath time, but hates getting dressed afterwards.
He is a snuggler and is very wiggly... He got sick in August and it's only been since then that he will lay his head on my shoulder and cuddle me when he is tired. He won't fall asleep unless he is in his crib. He will crawl clear across the room to come and give me a hug or bury his head in our lap, turn around crawl a few feet, turn back around come hug again... on and on.
Loves to read books. After getting dressed he crawls to the books and picks one out and brings it back to me and will sit in my lap.
Shakes his head no, claps, says mum, dad, and hi.
LOVES his peek a boo game on the tablet. He is REALLY good at pointing his little finger and touching the tablet finding the little guy hiding. He doesn't watch tv at all... won't even give it a chance.
Loves yogurt, cheese tortillas, peas, waffles, grapes and cookies. His eyes light up when you give him a cookie. (That is definitely from my side. :) He is also really good with his sippy cup and only has a bottle at nap or bed time.
He gets so excited at meal time and will roll his wrists and ankles in anticipation for the next bite.
I love the way he crosses his ankles when I'm feeding him his bottle or when he is in his car seat.
Crawls everywhere... I don't think he'll walk anytime soon. Just starting to stand without holding onto things. Loves playing with Zenock. Loves teasing Zenock. He will scream if Zenock looks at him the wrong way or tries to take a toy.
His nicknames are chubby, chubbers, and Kamdenator... never Kam.
He is very sensitive when his feelings get hurt and can turn on the crocodile tears in seconds. BUT, he is also very sweet and is a VERY happy content little boy. He is always smiling.

Happy Birthday Chubbers!
We love you. :)

ONE

2011-09-30T16:04:00.001-05:00

Without permission my baby turned One. I was told the second child (and so on) grows even faster than the first, but I was surely not prepared for "how fast." Even though I have memories of the last year I can barely believe that it has been a year since I had this sweet little boy of mine.

So while I am busy enjoying my little one year old and don't have any time (this week has been insanely busy) to do an actual Birthday post... Enjoy watching my baby grow. A few pages I've put together over the last year. =)

I would have to say the three month picture with the monkey is my favorite. It makes me smile every time... his pointed toes, his chubby legs and his chubbiness that overlaps his knees. I've loved every minute of the last year with this sweet little boy. He is our happy go lucky boy.

We love you Kamden. Happy first Birthday! =)

Monte Sano

2011-09-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we went hiking up in Monte Sano. (It is a state park about 20 minutes from our house.) We have been there before for a few things, but have never had a chance to explore.

As we were driving up and getting closer we noticed tons of cars parked along side the road... Just our luck (not really) the Monte Sano Arts Festival was going on at the same place we were headed. It was quite an interesting place to be... As well as interesting company... The "Artsy" folk - you know the free loving/hippy type. We felt completely out of place and over dressed.

We tried to bypass the festival and just go on a little hike, but about ten minutes into our hike we heard some grunting noises in the bushes... (they were not animal noises). We promptly turned around and headed to the car. Apparently, we need to find a new place to enjoy nature...

It is really sad, because the view from Monte Sano is beautiful.

Zenock was apparently trying to fit in with the crowd in this picture... A fun day. Funny moment. :)

the county fair.

2011-09-20T16:25:00.000-05:00

I love the county fair.

Especially my county fair back home.

The Box Elder County Fair.

I have so many memories of that place growing up. The fair grounds, the rodeo, the grandstand, the music. It all has a smell and a memory. I pretty much lived at the fair during the week it was going on. When I was little I did 4-H and entered all sorts of fun stuff to earn money for school shopping. Things got really exciting when I started to enter a sheep each year and then sold it during the livestock auction. I can still hear and smell that auction barn... It was a lively place to be on Saturday of the fair. I loved everything involved... It was everything country. The way I grew up. I loved that I got to spend an entire week hanging out with my Dad and my brothers. I loved riding in his truck and stopping at 7-eleven on our way to the fair for Big Gulp Dr Peppers. I loved the ride out the fair... taking the back country roads, past the wheat fields, with the windows down, the country music, and singing to the radio. You could smell the hot Summer coming to an end.

I loved it all. Needless to say, my moments of depression and being in a bad mood hit rock bottom during the week of the fair every year since I've moved from Utah. I hate knowing what is going on and I am not there to be a part of it. I hate not taking Zenock and Kamden and introducing them to the smells and the excitement of the fair.

Every year we "plan" on going home for the fair, but something always comes up... We end up moving, having a baby, or can't justify going to Utah twice in one Summer. So we say, "There's always next year..."

I'll be honest... This year was a rough one as far as bad moods go. My father in law told JC to tell me I didn't miss much... but, if he only knew. =) I missed SO much.

I was beyond excited last week when JC told me he was taking me to a county fair in Tennessee.

It was pretty much like Christmas morning...

We played all morning. We couldn't wait for JC to get off work so we could leave.

I love this little boy... (Can you believe he is going to be ONE next week!)

We spotted the tractors first. (Even Red ones. My Dad and brothers love Case tractors.) I think this was Zenock's favorite part...

JC was pretty excited to get a scone... although, they had no idea what a scone was when we asked for one. Apparently, they are "elephant ears"

The fair even had 4-H booths... I was like a kid in a candy store when we walked in. I explained to Zenock all about the ribbons and how people worked really hard all year on their projects to enter them into the fair to be judged.

I had to laugh when I saw the above exhibit... It took me a minute to figure out what it was. (Something you don't see entered in the fair in Utah.) WINE. I laughed out loud when I thought of the judging going on (and laughed even more when I noticed the bottles were all at least half empty) and then thought of the Roger and Hammerstein movie "State Fair" one of my ALL time favorite movies. If you've seen the movie, then you will totally get this. =)

No rodeo, but they did have some cool horse racing. We didn't stay too long... not a great environment. Pretty sure there was some major gambling going on and I think we were on the wrong side of the grand stand....

We ate some fair food and then let Zenock choose a few rides to go on... he was super excited about that.

It was a smaller fair and there were a few things we missed that it didn't have, but all in all it was a fun evening and really helped out with my bad mood. =) I had a great time spending the evening with my boys at the county fair! Now I can officially say goodbye to Summer and feel ready for Fall.

Fall Ball

2011-09-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

A few more from Zenock.

(Before I forget them.)

As we were wandering through Old Navy the other day trying to find something for pictures, Zenock picked up a Batman lunchbox and started begging if I would buy it.

"Please Mom! Batman is AWESOME!"

"No Zenock."

"BUT, please."

(This went on for about five minutes.)

"Come on Mom.. just say whatever."

I apparently need to watch what I say. He wears me down and then I say "Whatever." Which to me means no and to him means YES he has won.

Yesterday, our conversation went like this...

Me: "I asked you a half hour ago to pick that up!"

Him: "And I told you a half hour ago to chill out!"

Yeah. My four year old has an attitude. It doesn't help when things like this are said and his Dad laughs. All discipline from Mom goes out the window. ugh.

---

We signed Zenock up for Fall Ball and Fall Soccer this year. It has been super busy and has consumed at least 3 nights a week and Saturday mornings, but it is lots of fun for Zenock. He is learning SO much. It's fun to watch things click inside his little mind when he understands parts of the game.

He is scoring at least a goal a game in Soccer. In t-ball he will make it on base every time... (which can be hard to do when you bat left handed and hit it right to first base or the pitcher.) He scored three runs a couple games ago and his coach gave him the GAME BALL. He was so excited! We were so proud of him. =)

We live in the South which means people take Sports VERY seriously. Fall Ball is a bit more laid back than the Spring Season... they try to focus a little bit more on basics than actually winning. Yeah... they keep score. They have 3 outs. They can even strike out. Coaches recruit players for the Spring season. During the Spring season they have a tournament and even have STATE t-ball winners. It's a BIG deal down here. During the Fall season they also allow kids a year younger to come up and play (to help learn the basics for Spring.) Not a lot of parents realize this, so this means Zenock is the only one on his team that is AGE FOUR. The rest of the kids are five and six and have played a whole year. Zenock has done AWESOME to keep up with them and it has been great for him to learn from and watch them. Although if you ask him what his favorite part is, he'll tell you everytime... "The snack at the end of the game!"

They have just started practicing, "BASEBALL READY" stance when someone goes up to bat.

We are the White Sox this season.
Being the youngest (and shortest) on the team, Z's jersey drowns him. I'll give him credit for being one of the fastest though. He knows how to RUN!

We love that he is really starting to enjoy playing. I love spending the evenings with my family at the ball park, under the lights, in the cool weather, enjoying friends, and eating my snow cone. =) Pretty sure I'll be doing this for pretty much the rest of my life!

(The video above is a few minutes from Zenock's game last week.)

Z.man

2011-09-08T14:01:00.000-05:00

Who wouldn't love Z.man.

He has been super imaginative lately.

Going on treasure hunts through the stores carrying a map (he got from chick-fil-a).

Making up all sorts of games to play with Kamden

and making messes.

Yesterday he yelled at me from his room, "MOM! Kamden's making a mess of my mess!"

This morning I told him "Zenock you better hurry and eat your cereal or Aunt Emi won't love you anymore..." (Yeah, I used that as a threat... we were late for pre-school and in a BIG hurry.)

He kindly told me, "Mom, I don't have to eat my cereal for Aunt Emi to love me. She loves me no matter what."

He is super smart... TOO smart.

I found this out as he was singing along with me to Hot Chelle Rae's song, "Tonight, Tonight."

He pretty much knows the whole song.

He told me NO the other day while singing "No, No, No" to the tune of Jingle Bells, waving his finger around in the air, and dancing around.

He has got LOTS of character.

Sometimes I just want to throw him away for a few weeks. I seriously have had a few mental breakdowns with this child in the last few months. AND, for the most part I don't feel bad about thinking that, but then I start to feel bad that I don't feel bad.

Four is a crazy age.

What's five or six going to be like??

Either way, I love him like crazy and think I'll keep him for another day.

Pre-school: Year two.

2011-08-29T15:05:00.002-05:00

Zenock started his 2nd year of pre-school last week. He loves school! I am so happy to have him back in school... This kid of mine thrives on friends, organized structure, and learning. He is so much happier when he is busy.

Who wouldn't be happy to go learn and play with their best friends.

Zenock is lucky to have seven of his best friends in his class (ALL boys and one girl.)

He tells me every school day...

"Mom, this is going to be the best day ever!"

We are hoping his enthusiasm continues all year. =)

Letting them be little...

2011-08-28T14:40:00.003-05:00

I'll be honest... I have been awful at updating and keeping up with blogs lately. I feel bad because I love being on the "in" and knowing what you are up to and love keeping my own "family journal" up to date. Maybe, it's because it's Summer and life has been super busy... (With what? I'm still not sure.) BUT, now we are headed into Fall and it seems like it's only going to be busier.

I do have one blog that I am addicted to and absolutely love. It is Miss Shawni's blog at 71toes. If you aren't a current reader, trust me you'll be addicted and fall in love with her as I have. Besides the qualities of my own Mother and Grandmothers, she pretty much sums up all the qualities that I want/strive to be. I know I have a long way to go to be anywhere near how awesome she is... (even though she claims she's not.)

She is always giving the BEST advice on kids. I love the Q&A post she did here. I swear every time I read she answers a question that I have been pondering about with my own children. A lot of her great ideas come from her Mom (and Dad). (Who just so happened to found "JOY school." The pre-school Zenock has been in the last two years. We love the curriculum.) She and her Mom wrote a book called, "A Mother's Book of Secrets." I've read it twice and loved every minute of it. Now if only I can remember all the good secrets within it's covers every minute I parent.

Lets not forget to mention the pictures on her blog are beautiful and just plain gorgeous.

One thing that I have learned from all my reading of her blog and book is how important it is to let your children be little. Something I so often forget and at times find myself expecting so much from a four year old. I only have so much time with these little spirits and I want to enjoy them here and now. I want to remember their sweet little faces, happy smiles, laughter, and even maybe the way they look when they are really really sad.

So when Miss Shawni said she wishes she had taken more pictures of her with her children (esp when they were babies) I knew exactly what she meant. I am always taking the pictures, but I am rarely in the pictures. So as soon as I finished reading I grabbed the camera and Kamden and took a picture. Completely random - I know. But, I so want to remember these little moments and how sweet they were as babies. I remember feeling this way with Zenock too, but now even more with Kamden. I love the sweetness of a baby and just being able to cuddle him. I don't want him to get bigger. I want him to always be little. Maybe it's because I know what stages come next, terrible two's, even worse three's, and maybe it's the sassy, stubborn, defiant attitude of a 4 year old who is telling me no, not listening when I say, "Mind your manners," jumping off the couch, pointing laser nerf guns at my visiting teachers faces while I have had a horrible no good day and want to just bury my head in the couch because I am TOTALLY embarrassed and feel like I'm failing as a Mother.

I would keep my sweet eleven month old forever.

But then I would take my 4 year old on his sweet days too.

What I'm getting at is how much I love my boys (defiant attitudes and all) and just wish they could stay little, but since they can't I want to enjoy every minute of it and just let them be little.

Shawni has a favorite quote which also happens to be one of mine. I used it in a talk I gave in church 2 years ago when we moved to Alabama and have tried really hard to remember it since I found it. It kind of sums everything up.

"But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of {my children} sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4, and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in a hurry to get on to the next things: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less."

-Anna Quindlen

Some of the pictures are a little blurry, but a little of life here at the moment.

Point Mallard

2011-08-22T15:47:00.003-05:00

School starts tomorrow and we have been trying to soak in all the Summer goodness.

A couple of weeks ago JC's work had a day event/work party out at Point Mallard... one of our favorite places to be in the Summer.

We ate good food, danced to the Jazz band (part of JC's work and they were SERIOUSLY good), jumped the waves in the wave pool, sat on the beach, played in the kiddie pools, went down the slides, and enjoyed the sun.

I love water parks. I could live there every day during the Summer. It's what Summer is all about.

For some strange reason I thought our lives weren't busy enough this Summer... so I signed Zenock up for Fall t-ball and Soccer. Last week our schedules went a little something like this... Monday: t-ball practice. Tuesday: Soccer practice and Relief Society mtg. (part of my duties as the new 2nd counselor), Wednesday: FREE, Thursday: Soccer practice and Relief Society mtg., Friday: T-Ball, Saturday: Soccer and last minute bbq with friends.

Good Grief.
This week is pretty much the same except we add in School two days a week and an extra T-ball game. This continues through out October. Somehow in between that crazy schedule I am supposed to figure out some ideas for Super Saturday and JC is having some changes with work and will be traveling at least 1-2 weeks a month out of the next few months. I personally think single parenthood is for the birds... here's hoping I survive. I am relishing in the few moments we get to spend at home together watching a movie.

LIFE is busy.

Hope you all are taking advantage of and enjoying the last few weeks of Summer. =)

cars.

2011-08-04T10:43:00.002-05:00

It is amazing to me the different personalities emerging between my boys.

For example...

Zenock has a bucket full of cars, trucks, trains, etc. He never plays with them, unless a friend comes over and wants to play with them.

Kamden loves the bucket of cars. It's one of the first things he goes for in Zenock's room. He will pick up the car and spin it's wheels and just sit there happy and content with a car in his hand.

I caught him in the kitchen Sunday playing with this little police car...
He played with it for about fifteen minutes. (A lifetime for a 10 mth old.)

Possibly my new favorite picture.

He sure makes us smile.

July review...

2011-08-03T14:47:00.002-05:00

We've been enjoying lots of busy fun Summer activities to keep us cool.
Pretty sure my little Zenock has been living in a swim suit for the past week or so...

Not much new to write about, so I'll just share our month of July in pictures.
(which is all you really care about...right?)

Kamden is such a joy. I love being able to greet this happy face every morning.
I don't however love that he still gets up at least twice during the night.

He loves to eat. We are starting to add in all sorts of food... fun for us to watch. It does take a whole lot of creativity to come up with good things for him to eat. His top two teeth have been taking forever to come in... For the last three weeks we keep saying, "tomorrow for sure." BUT, in all seriousness... tomorrow for sure. =)

We celebrated the 24th of July... even though we don't live in Utah. We had a pizza party, JC gave the kids a 2 minute lesson on pioneers, and we did sparklers (which we saved from the 4th) with good friends. (Pretty sure our neighbors thought we were nuts saying, "Happy 24th of July!"

---

We know Kamden is really excited or happy when he gives us the "squint smile." Don't you love it?! He is getting so big and wants to do everything Zenock does and play with whatever Zenock is playing with. At the moment he is ten months going on 4 1/2 years.

We got invited to spend the day at the Botanical gardens with some fun friends. The gardens have a bunch of different splash/water areas for the kids. Perfect for hot Alabama weather!

---

More squint smiles, an afternoon of wrestling with Mom, a little bored, wouldn't take naps, and too hot to play outside all equals lots of random pictures to be taken.

---

We met JC for lunch last Friday (our new once or twice a month tradition), afterwards I let Zenock cool off at the splash pad/pop up jets. He loves these!

July was a happy month for us.

Sadly, we have to start preparing for school... It starts in TWO weeks!

Photography

2011-07-26T21:12:00.004-05:00

I love taking pictures.

Some might say I'm obsessed... =)

I read a lot and am constantly trying new things, new techniques, and teaching myself all that I can. It seems lately every spare minute is spent trying to improve or challenge myself in this department.

I am in no way a professional, but I am pretty particular about what I want and how I want a picture to look when I take it. There have been lots of picture taking to get things to look just so. It has now become addicting to create the "perfect picture."

I took photography classes in high school and really enjoyed them... I never even thought about taking pictures as a so called "photographer" until I had my little Zenock. The first pictures we took of him were in a studio... I loved them all and purchased every pose plus the cd. I was horrified at the price though- (I still have the receipt). My thought was, "Did I really just pay that much for 20 minutes of ME working to make my baby smile." All the photographer did was push a preset button.

When I got home the wheels started turning and I new that in the near future (as soon as I could save enough money), I wanted my own camera, to take my own photos, to create my own memories, the way I wanted them of my family.

AND, so it began.

Now, I find it so much fun to share and take pictures of others as well... to create a cherished memory for them. It makes me so excited to see others excited about something I could do for them.

I have to admit... I've been WAY nervous about sharing. Something about sharing something you've worked really hard on and opening yourself up to criticism and wondering if others will be honest with you (or maybe too honest).

BUT, you don't get anywhere hiding under a basket.

It's something I sincerely love to do.
After lots of encouragement from family and friends (who have somehow instilled some confidence in this rather shy girl) I've decided to share it with you.

A little photography blog to share some of the things I love.

www.carinlarsonphotography.blogspot.com

Look around. Check things out. Follow me.
And of course, I would love your feedback.

Enjoy.

-Carin-

Nine Months

2011-07-25T14:59:00.002-05:00

It is so hard to believe in 3 days Kamden will be 10 months!

I feel like I am desperately holding on to my baby...

He is so sweet, calm, and content.
I love every sound he makes, his squint smiles, and the way he cuddles into me when he is being shy. There is something about his age that I can't resist and can't get enough of. I hear all the time parents talking about which stage is their favorite - Well, I would hold onto this one forever if I could. I just love it!

I caught Zenock giving him goldfish crackers this morning saying, "Here you go lil' buddy..." while shoving them in Kamden's mouth. Kamden loves his big brother and wants whatever he has. Later, he stole Zenock's cup of milk and started drinking it.

Kamden also loves the tub... I love setting him in the next room and turning on the tub water and watching him come crawling full speed into the bathroom and pull himself up to the tub to try and get the water or get in.

I could sit and just watch my boys play all day long. I love how bright and innocent their eyes are and how much they love life and each other. They remind me of all that is important in life. They are such a blessing to me. I can't get enough. =)

A few pictures we took the end of June at nine months.

July

2011-07-20T00:16:00.001-05:00

I've been putting myself on a strict schedule to catch up and get things done this month. Every week I write out my to do list... (yeah, I'm a list maker, I love crossing things off) and every week I put on that list little projects besides the things I do daily that end up staying on that list for forever. I'm bound and determined that before Summer is over, I WILL be caught up.

No lazy Summer days for me. =)

So for the last couple of weeks we have been busy with things like:

Making strawberry jam, cleaning/wiping down all the baseboards, cleaning the windows (inside and out) along with the window seals, organizing closets, etc.

Zenock asks me each day what our chore is... he begs for his chore of the day.

Pretty much spring cleaning around here... except it's Summer. It's too HOT to go outside. When the heat index is one hundred and ELEVEN degrees at nine in the morning... that is when the doors get sealed and it becomes a party inside!

Dance party time that is... (It's not all work. We like to play too!)

Zenock is working so hard at perfecting those steps. =) I love that Kamden gets into it also with his little signature dance move at the moment.

---

Zenock makes us laugh, smile, and love him more every day.
(When he isn't whining or being his sassy little self.)

He was watching me paint my nails the other day and told me,

"Mom, your toes look completely wonderful. All the other girls are going to be so happy and think you are so wonderful and pretty."

"Wonderful" is his new word.

---

I was watching a friends kids the other day and this was the conversation that went on...

Zenock came to me and said, "Mom, can we go outside?"
Me: "It's pouring rain outside right now... let's wait a little bit."

They run out of the room and Zenock was very upset.

Zenock: "Guys! What are we going to do? We need to go outside."
The other little boy replied: "We could just ignore her..."

Hahaha... I could not stop laughing.

---

Last night for FHE we had a "stranger danger" lesson. We prepared Zenock, told him what to say, rehearsed multiple times, dressed up and role-played and thought we had it down... until JC decided to switch things up on him...

The conversation went like this...

Stranger: "What's your name"
Z: "Zenock"
Stranger: "Are your parents home?"
Z: "Yes, They are inside watching from the window."
Stranger: "Want to come to my house and play?"
Z: "NO" and then run inside to find Mom or Dad and yell for help.

JC decided to add to it and say,
"Want to come to my house and play? I have lots of fun toys, popcorn, and candy."
Zenock jumped up and said, "OK, Let's go."

We called a time-out and tried to explain to Zenock the stranger was tricking him, but it was a complete fail... Zenock told us, "BUT, I want to go play... He has popcorn!"

We'll be working on this one.

---

JC turned 30 on the 14th of July. I feel so lucky to be married to such a great hard working guy.
I love having the opportunity to spoil him and tell him how much we love him.

We met up with him for lunch and then got to spend the afternoon together just hanging out at home. We surprised him with exactly what he wanted... wireless headphones.

We celebrated with a Reeses ice cream cake. =)

That is an otter pop in his mouth... We go through an endless amount of those things during the Summer months. They are his weakness.

Happy Birthday my Love!

---

We've been to 3 work events/bbq's so far this month with one more to go.
Our ward split on Sunday... So sad to see good friends go, but glad to see the church growing here in Alabama! We are lucky that we live close and get to stay in touch with friends often. This also means new callings for us...

July isn't over yet... either is my to-do list!

slip n' slide

2011-07-19T16:11:00.002-05:00

The other day JC "showed" Zenock how the slip n' slide was really done. They were hilarious to watch.

Just like sliding into first...

So glad my boys have a Dad that knows how to have fun! =)

9 months

2011-07-19T15:01:00.002-05:00

I know all too well that I can't make my baby stop growing... I've been here before.
It only makes me want to hold on for one more minute and just maybe if I give him enough cuddles I can make it stop... (wishful thinking.)

Nine months has gone by way too fast. (Almost ten now... I'm a bit behind.) He is getting so big and has recently (last thursday 7.14.11) turned into a little crawler and pulls himself up to everything!

While taking our measurement photo shoot we always have to have a few moments to wrestle with the monkey... He loves to cuddle anything soft. He loves, loves his blankets and rubs them against his face and coo's. I can't get enough of it.

I have somehow forgotten all about this age... Everything within reach is a toy and is so much more exciting than an actual toy.

One of our favorite activities is watching the wash... Endless entertainment on laundry day (for me too!)

He already knows this means trouble...

He loves torturing Zenock for toys. Secretly I love that he loves torturing Zenock... which means Zenock picks up his toys.

A few other things about Kamden at this age...

Weight: 19.08 Height: 27 inches

He is starting to lose his chubbiness and thinning down. I could cry - I just love his chubby legs. He still loves to eat though and would eat all night if I let him.

He takes two really good naps a day, but wakes up at least twice during the night.
When he eats he rolls his arms and legs in anticipation of the next bite.

He has two bottom teeth and the top two are ready to pop through any day.

Hates riding in the car... If it is longer than a 20 minute drive, we are sure to have a breakdown.

Hates his clothes being changed.

Can shake his head no when he is done eating and doesn't want anymore.

He has just started clapping his hands together.
Jabbers, "Da,da,da" ALL day long...

Loves his big brother, playing in Zenock's room, Zenock's toys, etc.

He is still a really calm, content, sweet baby.

4th of July

2011-07-07T15:06:00.002-05:00

Our 4th of July was eventful at the very least. =)

JC went to work half a day on Friday and afterwards we met up with one of JC's co-workers and his family. Zenock has been begging to go back to the Space and Rocket museum... They are currently hosting an exhibit about dinosaurs and he has a thing for dinosaurs.

Sadly, we were a little unimpressed with the exhibit... They had game stations set up where you could pretend to be a dinosaur.

The main attraction was "SUE" the t-rex. She didn't seem that big... and that was the only fossil they had. I hoped for Zenock that their would be more...

After the museum we headed to dinner with our new friends... I'm starting to understand why my parents never went out to eat with us as kids. (AND, I only have two.)

Our Saturday was spent shopping for some new living room furniture, a bbq with JC's work friends (the 2nd one in the last week!), and then a personal firework show put on by Zenock's Primary teachers.

Zenock loves his Primary teachers and this just put them right over the top.
(They both have pyro technician's licenses and the husband helped with the fireworks at the SLC olympics.)

They did lots of fun kid things; sparklers, parachutes, snakes, etc.

When they finally got to the big fireworks (like the BIG up in the air/sky kind), Kamden got a little scared and would shut his eyes and cuddle into JC or I everytime a bang would go off.

Right before the finale, one of the ground fireworks sparks started to rain a little bit on us... JC told me to cover up Kamden and just as I did we heard this little bang, someone said "RUN!", kids started screaming, and then something hit me in the leg. I looked down to see a firework at the bottom of my feet that looked like it was just about to explode! I took off and dived over onto JC. Apparently, the firework fell over and shot out into the crowd (hitting my knee) and then ricocheted off of a few people. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt, just a little scared.

The whole event was pretty exciting. We decided to watch the finale from a safe distance. =)

---

On the 4th we spent some more time shopping and enjoying the day together.

Kamden hates car rides... The only thing that calms him down is primary music or classical music and he will instantly stop as soon as it is turned on. Zenock was trying to help out by holding Kamden's hand and telling him... "Shh, It's alright, Kamden." He is such a sweet big brother!

We had a bbq with friends that night and were enjoying the evening when all of a sudden we heard a loud crash/bang come from upstairs and Zenock started crying. JC ran up to check on him and I just thought, "Zenock being Zenock." The poor kid is major accident prone. He is always breaking his lip open, scraping up his knees, smashing his toes, the list goes on and on.

When JC came downstairs he said we may need to go to the hospital and when he turned Zenock around blood was everywhere. We aren't quite sure how it happened, but there was some spinning and a wall involved??? We headed to the urgent care which of course was closed, so we went clear across town to the ER.

The whole time Zenock was making sure and asking us if he would see the fireworks.

An hour and three STAPLES later we were as good as new... almost. =)

He did great and really didn't cry. I wanted too, but didn't dare. I had to turn away when they put the staples in.

(The picture makes me sick to just look at it... I took it to show Zenock what they did. I'm not looking forward to them pulling them out next week. The thought gives me chills.)

Watching Fireworks...
Not the best picture, but I love Zenock's little face and his hospital gown they let him keep. He wanted to sleep in it.

There is never a need to go "SEE" fireworks in Alabama when your neighbors shoot off big fireworks. This was our 360 degree view for two hours. Kind of fun... until you want to put your kids to bed.

We did a few sparklers and watched the fireworks with our neighbors.

It was a great weekend. We are so thankful for our family and our freedom. =)

lunch date.

2011-06-21T23:05:00.003-05:00

We have been busy with the usual Summer activities... swimming, popsicle eating, playing with friends, enjoying the sun, sprinklers, late nights, bbqs, lots of family time, etc. What isn't to love about the Summer?

They just built a big new building/office for JC's work. They were finally able to move in a couple of weeks ago. Not only is it nice and new, but it is also lots closer to home. We were excited we could meet up with JC on a Friday afternoon for lunch while I was out shopping with the boys. This is something we haven't been able to do before, but I'm excited that now we CAN do it. It made Zenock's day to see JC for lunch. :)

While we waited for JC these two were being way cute playing together... Zenock was telling Kamden all about why he "shouldn't" eat the flowers.

Zenock's favorite things are the water fountains... (Reminder to myself - We are going to have to go play in the splash area one of these days.) After lunch Zenock and I got to share a frozen yogurt piled with chocolate chips, strawberries, and raspberries.

Friday lunch dates might be the new best thing around here. :)

---

I can't forget to mention Father's Day... I somehow forgot all about picture taking.

We had a fun weekend... JC took Friday off so he could watch Zenock's last swimming lesson. On Saturday we had Zenock's last t-ball game, visited the parade of homes with friends and got to eat at one of our favorite pizza places - Mellow Mushroom! Sunday we visited with family and kept things simple by relaxing and being together.

I am so grateful for the amazing Dad JC is to our boys. He is such a great example for them to follow and look up to. He always lends his time to them and is SO patient with them... especially with our little Zenock who is pretty stubborn and defiant these days. Zenock thinks of him as his best buddy and when Dad leaves you better watch out... there is always a full on fit. :) He thinks he needs to be right by his side. I love watching them do things together. JC is always trying to teach him new things whether it is batting practice in the backyard, helping mow the lawn, wrestling, or reading Book of Mormon stories to him before bed. He makes me a better parent, because of his unselfish example, patience, and love to our boys.

We love him a whole bunch around here. Not sure if we would make it with out him.
He keeps life happy.

T-ball

2011-06-21T22:41:00.003-05:00

Zenock had his last t-ball game of the season on Saturday.

He has been awesome - picking up on things fast. He is super quick and loves to get to the ball first to throw it. We had to remind him to share a few times...

One of the little girls on our team loved Kamden. She was way more interested in playing with him than playing ball. :)

Half of our team was also on our soccer team. It has been fun to get to know a few of the families in our area.

We loved watching Zenock play... sad that the season is over, but glad we don't have to sit in the 90+ degree heat to watch games for awhile.

Enjoying the

2011-06-10T14:29:00.004-05:00

It has been SUPER hot around here lately!
It is day number 10 of above 95 degrees!

We enjoy being indoors and if we have to get out we head to the water. :)

Zenock loves his new goggles he got for swimming lessons.
He wears them around the house as if he's a super hero.

I sit and watch with my feet in a bucket of cool water... HAha... Not lazy at all. :)

After Kamden woke up from his nap, we decided it was time to test him out in the pool.
(His first time.)

Here is how it went.

I think it was a little cold at first and he gave me this look like, "Get ME out!" Then, he warmed up a bit and splashed with his shovel... by about the five minute mark he was done.

We'll have to try it out again.

We sure love Summer.

A few things...

2011-06-09T11:40:00.002-05:00

This post is completely random, but I didn't want to forget a few memories and wanted to add them to our blog journal. :)

(The pictures are a little blurry... just downloaded them from my phone.)

Back in May we all had our semi annual dental check-ups... Zenock does so good with the dentist. It is so fun to watch him climb up in the chair and sit up big.

IT's so hard to look at him and know he's not my baby anymore. He is getting so big.

We had his 4 year old check ups also... 50th% in height and 25th % for weight. He is such a skinny little thing. There is three and a half year difference between my two boys and Zenock only weighs TEN pounds more! That is so crazy to me how different they are.

This was also the BIG appointment for shots. We had him prepped when we walked in, but it didn't do much good. He was still so scared. They had to call a nurse in to hold Kamden, I held Zenock's arms, another nurse climbed up on the bed and held Zenock's legs, and the other nurse gave him the shots. Man oh man... I felt awful.

Afterwards, the other nurse that helped "pin" Zenock down commented that, "He sure is a skinny thing, but one of the strongest little 4 year olds I've ever met!"

I totally agree with her... I'm exhausted if I ever have to fight him.

He is such a fun little boy and full of life and LOTS of stories. He is still quite dramatic in all that he does. Back when we had the storms and JC and I were packed up and ready to go to Utah in our moment of panic... We told Zenock where we were going and he replied after a few moments,

"Mom, Maybe if we go to Grandma's and Aunt Emi's house.... umm... Maybe they will have WAAFFFLES for me!"

He was so excited to eat waffles. I love that children know how to lighten your mood. Our friends came through that night for him and made him pancakes... I think he ate FIVE and of course he got waffles at Grandma's house in Utah.

My baby is the sweetest sleeper... he always crosses his legs when he sleeps.

A few weeks ago, I had finally had enough of carrying Kamden around in his car seat!

He hadn't been real steady sitting up on his own until then, but I was done.
We headed to the store and I strapped him in next to Zenock.
(Funny how before I had kids, I told myself I would never use these karts...)

Boy oh Boy! He was the happiest/proudest little 8 month old you ever did see. He was so excited! He sat, played, and smiled at everyone who passed by.

Shopping just got a whole lot easier and a lot more FUN! :)

Swimming lessons.

2011-06-08T15:22:00.003-05:00

Monday Zenock started swimming lessons.
Our Bishops wife and daughter teach them in their pool.

Zenock has been talking about swimming lessons for a LONG time. He was super excited to find out that the day had FINALLY come and was even more excited that his best friend Mason would be taking them with him.

A little nervous to start with. The first few days have been rough. I think after today's lesson they both got excited and have warmed up to the idea of going underwater... maybe.
(We'll see how tomorrow goes.)

Zenock can't wait to get to swimming lessons every morning...
SO, I'm hoping he is enjoying them!
---

While Zenock is swimming, Kamden and I get to sit, visit, and enjoy the heat!
(Kinda wish we were in the pool too sometimes.)

So glad Summer is here! =)

Family Date Night

2011-06-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

Saturday we had a Family date night with our good friends.

We enjoyed a yummy dinner at Logan's Roadhouse followed by some miniature golfing.

Our golf course wasn't the typical clowns and windmills, but had sand traps and water obstacles instead. It was quite the adventure with 4 little boys. :)

It was also "steaming" hot!

A few pictures of the night...

Fun memories. :)

May

2011-06-05T12:56:00.000-05:00

May was a busy month for us.
I don't even remember all that we did, but it sure flew by.

Some of the fun things we did were

T-Ball games/practices... At least twice a week.

T-Ball has been lots of fun for Zenock and super fun for us to watch.
He is starting to get the hang of things and has been AWESOME at fielding/stopping the ground balls that are hit his way and throwing them to first base.

They like to have lots of coaches out on the field with the kids to help encourage them and remind them what to do. It has been fun to watch these two both enjoying time together.

A lot of the kids parents have to encourage them to go after the ball or to stand up out of the dirt, etc... but, not Zenock. He is always excited to play and gets mad that he has to take turns throwing the ball to first. HE wants to be the one to always get it. We think a little bit of competitiveness has already started sinking in.

(His coach tells us that is a good thing... or so we hope it is.)

We are excited for a few more weeks of t-ball. Our Summers wouldn't be complete with out some baseball games in them.

---

Zenock graduated from pre-school in May.

He got all stars on his report card :) and a certificate of graduation.

We are SO proud of him for working so hard in school. He has grown up so much and learned so many things this last year.

We had a graduation BBQ with his teacher and the other boys in his class after their graduation program/ceremony.

---

We are loving this time of life right now. Things are good for us.
You know those moments when you feel so blessed...
I'm soaking up that feeling lately.
Just enjoying every moment together.

Maybe it's partly the feeling of Summer and even though it's busy ALL the time... time does seem to slow down just a bit.

This little guy has been so much fun lately. HE makes us laugh daily. Getting bigger and growing stronger every day. He loves to eat... hates to sleep. He is sitting, rolling everywhere, and kinda army crawling... he manages to get wherever he wants to go. He loves teasing Zenock and thinks Zenock is the funniest person on the earth. His little laugh makes us all smile.

He got his bottom two front teeth in May.

Eight months old... and Loving this face. :)

With two cute boys like this who wouldn't love life. :)

"Aunt Emi"

2011-06-02T14:52:00.004-05:00

Well... She made it.

My cute little sister graduates today!

(We almost didn't think she would... she enjoys sleeping in and skipping school.)

BUT, we are seriously proud of her!!!

Emily is one of our favorite people in the whole world. Just ask Zenock. He talks about "Aunt Emi" ALL the time. He even knows how to call her by himself from my phone and has called multiple times when she was (or was supposed to be) in school.

Miss Emily is my go to girl. She is always there for me with a good story when I need a break from the drama of a 4 year old. I complain to her often (she listens) and she gets me laughing all the time. She is always willing to hang out (even to ditch her friends) and loves to hang out with all her nieces and nephews. There is no doubt about who is the favorite Aunt in the family.

Emily is the carefree, fun loving, spunky sister you always wanted.

She loves chocolate chip cookies and ice cream just as much as I do.

She has her heart set on marrying a good ol' cowboy.

Boy oh Boy... There are so many times I wish we lived close...

She is and will be your best friend.

She is definitely mine!

Not to mention she is drop dead gorgeous...

WE LOVE YOU TONS AUNT EMI!!!

Congrats! :)

love, us.

vacation.

2011-05-26T07:16:00.002-05:00

We had planned on visiting the beaches in Florida (this weekend)... but, after all that has happened in the last month. We changed our vacation plans and enjoyed some time in Utah with family after my Grandma's funeral.

It was nice to just relax. We made no plans and didn't tell anyone we would be in town - that way we wouldn't be caught up running around and having to be here for this and there for that. (Sometimes having our families live so close to each other and planning for so much when we are in Utah ends up being more stress than a vacation.) Since this would end up being our "Summer" vacation this year... I really wanted to enjoy it. MAYBE one year we can actually vacation instead of visit family - no offense. We LOVE our family, but it would be nice to use vacation time for us...

(Please hold off on all weddings and funerals for at least a year and a half or so... Thank You!)

We did get to visit with a few friends, spent Mothers Day with our Moms, enjoyed lots of yummy dinners with our families, and enjoyed Spring time in Utah.

It was a nice little break from the last month or so.

JC's favorite part would be when the rental car company asked what we were in Utah for... when he told them we were there for a funeral, they upgraded us to a 2011 4-door Black Jeep Wrangler (his dream car). He was pretty much in Heaven for the duration of our trip.

We spent one of our days with my Mom and JC's sister Kristen and her family enjoying temple square, the Brigham Young house, and the fabulous Lion House restaurant.

We wanted to show Zenock temple square (He's only been there once when he was one) and the Brigham Young house is JC's favorite. I'm not kidding when I say I've been through the house at least 10-12 times since I've been married. I should be the one giving the tour. :)

(Another family picture for the books... I'm waiting patiently for the day when I can say smile and he will do it with out throwing a fit.)

The flowers were beautiful! I've forgotten how pretty Spring is in Utah. :)

We were so excited to be able to meet up with JC's grandparents for dinner who were in town for a cousin's baby blessing.

Grandparents and Great Grandparents are sure special people in our lives.

I got to visit my cute Grandma's house... reminisce and enjoy her surroundings one more time.

I really tried to slow down the time and just enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

We have got to get this kid a trampoline... HE could spend hours on it. He came inside each night with black black feet.

Basketball games are a must with my family.

I am so jealous of my parents who walk out the back door and get to see this every night.
I sure miss it.

We enjoyed our vacation!

Reality settled back in as soon as we hit the airport... Our plane kept getting delayed. Finally, after sitting in the airport for over 3 hours we were able to get on a different flight out... change planes in Dallas, and then get home. Zenock was pretty excited when we landed in "Alabama."
It was about 11:30 PM and we had started our day around 6 AM. I was READY to be home and about went crazy when my Zenock and Kamden's bag "got lost." We ended up waiting for another hour or so for a plane to come in from Chicago (our original flight). Lucky for us they just hadn't transferred one of our bags and it was on that flight.

It felt so good to sleep in our own beds with ALL our luxuries (power, air conditioning, etc.) in our own home. We didn't wake up until after 10 the next morning! :)

Glad to be home, but sadly life still hasn't slowed down at all...

T-ball games, practice, pre-school graduation, baby showers, planting more flowers (since mine were all ripped out by the storms), etc.

We've also had a few more storms... Just last night after midnight the sirens went off and the wind started blowing. Everything is still too fresh. Even though there wasn't any real threat, I laid shaking in bed for an hour trying to go to sleep...

Maybe, it's time to move. ha :)

All in all, life is great and even though we are busy, I'm trying to take the time to enjoy the simple things in my life.

Grandma Reeder

2011-05-23T13:24:00.003-05:00

I got a call the middle of April from my Mom who has been taking care of my Grandma (my Dad's Mom) for the past couple of years. She said my Grandma wasn't doing too well and they figured it would only be a couple of weeks until she would pass away. I had a little breakdown that day... I watched the sweet movie my Cousin's wife made of her life and just cried. I love my Grandma. She has been such a special person in my life. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to grow up next door to her and when I was little spent a little part of every day visiting her and then as often as I could when I got older.

I remember sneaking over to Grandmas to be her special helper. It was always more fun to help Grandma (who paid you in treats and Idle Isle chocolates) than to help Mom. :) One of my earliest memories had to of been when I was sitting on her green stool watching her iron in the basement. The next was when I was 6 and I had been praying SO hard for a baby sister. Every night and day I prayed that my Mom would have a baby girl. I remember my Grandma and I telling my Mom that we were both SO sure that the baby she was going to have would be a girl. I even remember helping my Grandma make a pink blanket for the baby. (We were that sure and yes we were right!)

Part of my breaking moments during the storm came from knowing how soon the time would come when she left this life. I had been calling and checking in with my Mom daily and getting updates. When my phone's battery went out after the storm and there wasn't any way to charge it... or so I thought, I broke down thinking that I might miss the call or not know what would be going on. By that time, my last update was that she was only going to make it a few more days.

Once again, I can't tell you how grateful I am for good friends who let us charge our phones at their house. As I called my Mom Saturday morning to check in with her and ask her the update... she said my Grandma was awake enough and would be able to talk with me.

A few moments I will treasure and cherish for the rest of my life.

I was able to hear her sweet voice one last time and tell her how much she meant to me and how much I loved her.

I will never forget our little conversation...

Our power was turned on Tuesday afternoon, but my excitement was short lived... As I called my Mom to check in Wednesday, she let me know that my Grandma had just passed away.

It was another little breaking moment for me. How grateful I am for my sweet husband and boys who just let me cry for awhile. How grateful I am to know families are forever and for my sweet little Zenock who had just learned about resurrection (from the Easter lesson in Primary), who when we told him Great Grandma had died, responded with, "It's ok Mom... She will be resurrected and be alive again." What a powerful moment for me. I was already so exhausted from the last week... to hear his little testimony completely did me in. My crying didn't stop for pretty much the next week.

---

We found out the funeral would be that weekend May 7th.

We ended up making reservations about eight Wednesday night to fly to Utah and left around 4 am the next day. (I was just beginning to do laundry... I've never gotten laundry done, cut Zenock's hair, baths, bed, and packed so fast in my life!)

We got to Utah Thursday afternoon and surprised our Mom's with some flowers.
(We hadn't told JC's parents/family we were coming... surprise!)

---

My Grandma's viewing was Friday night and the funeral Saturday.

It was so good to see so many family, friends, and special people in my Grandma's life. All of her children and grandchildren were there.

My Grandma made the comment this past winter that she was going to wait until the flowers bloomed to die. She did just that...

It is was barely Spring in Utah and the flowers were everywhere. It was a seriously beautiful day!

Cousins. I have so many fun memories of this group.

My Dad's siblings with their spouses.

It was a perfect day to remember and honor my sweet Grandma.

---

I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories/stories of my Grandma... for journal purposes.

This has to be one of my all time favorite pictures. My Grandma and Grandpa on their wedding day. Isn't she beautiful!? I absolutely love her dress as well... my favorite.

One of my favorite stories is from their wedding day. My Grandma was so nervous and was outside in the garden/behind a tree throwing up. My Grandpa showed up behind her with a bouquet of bluebells... My Grandma always talked about how handsome he was. She said seeing him, just made her more nervous and took her breathe away.

My Grandpa served in Italy during WWII. My Grandma was at home with two small children. There are some amazing love letters between these two during that time. The kind of letters movies should be made from. People don't write that way or say those things to each other anymore. Every letter starts out, "My Darling, my darling, sweetheart, darling." Their love was real.

I never knew my Grandpa... he was thrown from a horse and passed away when my Dad was serving his mission.

I can ONLY imagine the reunion between these two in heaven...
I can only hope someone recorded it.

Some other memories of Grandma...

-Playing dress up in my Aunts old formals with my cousin Caroline and having a fashion show for my Grandma. (We did this a lot and loved it!)

-Sleepovers at Grandma's with my cousin Caroline. We would always watch Anne of Green Gables and play "Hide the thimbel or Johnny Lemonade (a charade game.)"

-Chinese checkers

-Her house and the way it smells. My maternity clothes were boxed up after having Zenock when we still lived in my Grandma's basement. When I unboxed them with Kamden -- they all smelled like my Grandma.

-She loved her rose garden and was always out tending to them.

-The "magical" laundry shoot in her house. We always wondered where it went or tried to throw empty toilet paper rolls down the shoot.

-Night games with cousins on her back lawn and then going inside to listen to stories from Grandma.

-Gathering at her house when someone was in town. It was sure to be a party!

-The kid bench in her kitchen.

-Her reaction the first time I highlighted my hair... haha. =)

-Root beer floats and Sunday ice cream socials on her terrace.

-Her love and knowledge of birds... except black birds. She did not like them.

-Shopping days with Grandma in Ogden. We always had to stop at Clifton's dress shop then onto the mall and lunch at the Tiffin room.

-Writing secret anonymous love notes (with my cousin Caroline) and leaving them on her doorstep... along with a flower from her garden.

-Her rocking chair in the kitchen

-Her chocolate cream cookies... yum!

-Idle Isle Chocolates... her favorite.

-Her testimony of her Heavenly Father... she shared it often.

-Her white swing outside... sitting and watching the sunsets every night in the Summer.

-Having her talk about her history or Grandpa.

-Her cheery "Hello" when she would come over for a visit.

-Cleaning her house every Saturday in 7th grade so I could earn money to buy Dr Marten sandals... (So important at that time and she understood.)

-Dinner at Idle Isle for her Birthday... While JC and I lived with her we took her to there for her Birthday every year.

-Memorial day picnics at her brothers house in Logan.

-Pulling out of Kents and seeing her drive by at 50 mph down the road in her BIG red car. (She was keeping up with my Uncle Bob)

-Having her take me to work a few times... (I begged my Dad to take her drivers license away...)

This list could go on and on... I have to stop somewhere.

I read a quote while in Utah... "Childhood has a short shelf life." It is SO true, but so many of my memories come from that short time. (Ok- so I know I'm not very old...)

JC and I were able to live in her basement for a couple of years while he finished up school. I loved the nights that he would work late and I could just go up and sit with her on the bed or in the living room and chat and watch Lawrence Welk. A time I will never forget.

JC and I used to laugh when we would hear her banging pots and pans around 11 or so at night... We knew she was up making a treat. I get my sweet tooth from her.

I loved after Zenock was born and I was home for maternity leave, she would come down every day to visit and to hold Zenock for a few minutes.

She would always sing the same song to him... "Oh What shall we wear, oh what shall we wear, Oh What shall we wear to the ball..." After which she would say, "I don't remember the rest."

I ache to give her a hug one more time or have her squeeze my hand, but so grateful I was able to tell her that I love her one last time. She has taught and given me so much in my life. Her charity and love of simple pleasures in life are things I want so badly to incorporate into my own. She is such an example of the kind of person I want to be.

At her funeral we (the granddaughters) sang the Primary song, "My Heavenly Father Loves Me." (Whenever I hear the song of a bird...) It was one of my Grandma's favorites... it fits her and who she was so perfectly. The words in the song describe her so well.

My Grandma Reeder was a beautiful amazing woman. She always made me feel so special.
I am so blessed that I get to call her MY Grandma.

(And maybe now I will quit crying. :)

Life.

2011-05-18T21:39:00.003-05:00

There are times in my life when I feel unbreakable.

I feel strong. I can survive anything. I am happy.

Unfortunately, there are times when I have breakable moments. Moments when I feel like I cannot move forward with life. My heart and body ache from emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion.

I am grateful that at those moments, although I feel like I cannot move forward... LIFE does move forward. It takes you along with it, helping you to move forward. It is a reminder that indeed you can get through those moments. You DO move on. Life moves on. And at some point in time you heal from the ache that you felt at that breakable moment.

You can then look back and realize just how strong you really are... which in turn gives you the confidence to feel truly unbreakable again.

That is until the next breakable moment occurs.

Those of you who know us... who know me are probably very aware of a few breakable moments in our lives the past few weeks. I can honestly say that they have been some of the hardest weeks I have been through. This may take up multiple posts, but they are memories I never want to forget. They have strengthened me... even though at the moment I am absolutely exhausted and still trying to take in all that has happened.

---

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The day and week that followed is still a blurr in my mind. So sorry if this ends up a jumbled mess. It is more for my journal account of things.

Tuesday's weather report warned us of storms coming in... specifically tornadoes. You never really know what will happen or what is in store as far as weather reports go... I end up taking them with a grain of salt.

As JC was getting ready for work Wednesday morning it was raining... (You don't know rain unless you have lived in the South. Southern rain is like someone dumping a bucket over your head... repeatedly for twenty or so minutes or as long as the storm lasts.) The rain/thunder/lightening is so loud it is almost impossible to hear the tornado sirens just down the street.

I've gotten somewhat used to this kind of noise and was trying to sleep through it. JC had the tv in our bedroom on and was listening to the news. He woke me up telling me to get Zenock and Kamden and get in the closet... This was about 6:30 in the morning.

I DID NOT want to drag my kids out of bed that early... we waited it out a bit until the reports said things were all clear. JC left for work a little late. The next round of storms were supposed to come in later that afternoon around 1:30 or so.

I needed to take a few things back to the mall and it seemed to be pretty clear skies that morning, so we got ready and headed out around 10:30. After the mall we went to Target to do some quick shopping. Skies were starting to go grey and I knew I needed to get back home before the "big storms" hit, but I thought I had plenty of time.

I was swiping my card at the check out when the lights started flickering; going on and off. They came on the loud speaker and told everyone to head to the center of the building. A few seconds later they told us to all head towards the bakery area. They ushered us into the meat locker... apparently, the "safest place." My boys and I were all in shorts so we were FREEZING. They offered us water and clean deli white coats to wear and to wrap the kids up in. We ended up staying in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. Everyone was SO sweet helping with the boys and making sure they were covered up.

At this point in time... I was thinking, "This is kind of exciting. I get to go home and tell JC I rode out the tornado in the Target meat locker... he'll never believe me." I had someone take a picture with my phone... for the memory. I then thought, "That's it... last storm for the day."

We should've stayed in the locker or at least in the store, but, since I had already checked out... I didn't want to go wander the store, my thoughts were that I needed to get home. It was still pouring (buckets) of rain outside. I waivered for a minute and then decided to just go for it and ran to the car... literally, drenching us all. The wind was blowing like crazy and I had to hang onto the kart and grab it a couple of times as it started to blow away. I threw the kids and bags into the car.

Driving home was an adventure in itself. Kamden was screaming - Zenock was asking a hundred questions, and I could barely see out the window from all the rain. I cranked up the Primary music (the only thing that gets them quiet in the car), said a quick prayer, and tried to get home. The first road was closed... flooded. I turned around. By this time all the street lights are out -it is a VERY busy area of town. I drove down another street to get home and had to drive under telephone poles that were halfway down and ready to fall at any given minute. Huge trees were uprooted all over. I was swerving around them. I pulled into our subdivision and was in shock... fences were blown everywhere, there were outhouses sitting in the middle of lawns that were blown there from 2 blocks away, siding and chunks of shingles had been blown off. It was also garbage day and trash cans and garbage had been blown everywhere. As I pulled onto our street it was just drizzling. Everyone had ventured outside surveying the damage. I was on the phone with JC and was crying seeing all that had happened since I had left that morning. Our neighbors siding was completely ripped off as well as a big tree in the back yard fell through their window.
(Our home spared with only very minor damage.)

Other neighbors had windows that were broke out from the wind. Fences blown down. Shingles had been blown off of roofs in patches. Trees uprooted everywhere. The new construction home behind our house was framed in and ready for brick work... it was completely destroyed. In all honesty, it was something you see in a movie - not something you witness in your own neighborhood.

(That's part of an outhouse - ripped apart; next to the house)

(Blue tarps on roofs and fences blown all over are still a very common sight all over town.)

(The end of one of the tornadoes...)

From what the neighbors say, the tornado went pretty much over the top of us... not touching down, but creating a microburst of wind. They said you could feel the power and strength of the wind as you were sitting inside... it sent vibrations throughout your home.

I was glad to be home, but also very glad that I was in the meat locker for this one... I may have been freaking out.

JC was on lock down at work as well... They were given a half hour to leave before they were going to be on lock down again due to the next storm system rolling in. He took the chance and was able to get home.

The day didn't end there nor was that the worst of the storm.

Thank goodness for our weather radio... A MUST have living here. The power was out and it was the only thing telling us what was going on. The weather radio siren as well as the tornado sirens outside were going off about every 10-15 minutes for the rest of the day until 8 or so.

The words "Tornado on the ground..." will forever ring in my ears. Especially, when you know exactly where they are talking about.

There were some incredibly scary moments throughout the afternoon.

-Watching the sky turn from a normal rainy cloudy day sky to dark and eery green.
(The sky would do this in Texarkana also... it gives me chills.)
-Watching the lightening/thunder go off every 2 seconds.
IT was SO loud. At one point JC was standing on the front porch watching the sky, Zenock was in the closet, and I was yelling at JC from our bedroom door while holding Kamden, telling JC to get inside. They were saying it was right over us. All of a sudden the loudest rip of lightening I have ever heard crashed. JC and I both jumped. He slammed the door shut and we jumped in the closet. It was terrifying.

(Hanging out in the closet. They did so well!)

By the end of the day... word of mouth (no power) was already getting around that there were touchdowns within a mile and a half of where we live.

A lot of the national media has focused their attention on Tuscaloosa, because that is where the college is and so many were killed. The tornado that hit there was an F-4.

The Tornado that hit our area (less than two miles away) was determined to be an F-5. It left a six mile stretch and a mile and a half wide path... it went right through homes and subdivisions. There aren't very many videos out there of the one that hit our area. It was hidden by a wall cloud (rain) and came up over the hill.

We went to bed Wednesday night... not sleeping very much... none of us.

Sirens were ringing in our ears all night long, we were waking up at every little sound. Kamden got up 5 times at least. It was the worst night, ever. I hit one of those breaking moments. I hadn't slept at all... I was exhausted. Around 5, I handed Kamden to JC and told him I couldn't do it. I needed to sleep. I then cried myself to sleep.

As we got up Thursday morning... reality was faced. No power meant no hot shower and no hot breakfast... even our cold food wouldn't last very long.

We headed out to drive around a bit and check things out. We didn't get to far... most roads were blocked with uprooted trees or downed power lines. At one point in our drive, what we did see was shocking. My thoughts tried to say it wasn't real and I kept asking when I would wake up... (Another breaking moment for me.)

I looked out over the stretch of land and saw a subdivision that wasn't there anymore. It was in an area where JC and I looked at buying a home. A beautiful area. It was a drive we took many times. It was all gone.

(Notice the telephone tower... ripped apart and rolled into a ball.)

(Part of the tornado went right through)

Being up all night and seeing what had happened, my emotions were so raw and close to the surface. You do not ever plan on this in your life. Even though you are taught to prepare for things like this... You can never be fully prepared. There is nothing you can do when the worst of it hits you.

JC is the elders quorum president in our ward... After we got home he and another elder in the our ward (who had a full tank of gas - gas stations weren't open either) headed out to start checking on people and to see where they could help. They came across many people who just needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to listen to them. Some of them had just lost everything - even family members. One person they talked to found his neighbor lying in the gutter after the storm. Awful, awful stories that just play on you emotionally. You can only take in so much. It is exhausting.

We spent part of the day going from store to store seeing what was open (store were running on generators). We were trying to find propane and a few misc items. There were lines of 100 people or more for propane and when Friday came and a couple of the gas stations opened you had to wait in line for 2 hours or more to buy gas. (People got mean waiting in line.. we are talking threats.)

The power thing was a big deal.

We ended up being without power for SIX days...

Breakfasts and most of our meals were cooked on our grill. We boiled water for the boys baths on the grill. We went to bed when the sun went down. We spent most of our days outside.
IT was a LONG six days.

An estimated 615,000 people were without power. We never would have survived without good friends. They lucked out and (for our benefit) live just off the power grid from where we are... or the next town over.

At our lowest point JC had just gone down to the airport on our last few gallons of gas to see how much tickets were to Utah... $700 ONE way! All though even with the outrageous price gauging... the thought was considered. Our suitcases were packed and in the car. We wanted to leave - even the thought of just heading down to the beaches in Florida for a few days seemed to be an awesome idea. We scrapped both ideas... mainly, the thought of leaving anyone in need. We felt like if we left we would be abandoning them. There were and are many who are still in need. JC had already gone out every morning trying to help with clean up and help with anything that was needed. He was organizing clean ups with the ward and stake. I am so proud of him and the way he handled things. He took charge, went out, and would've helped anyone who needed it. He came home each day telling me the stories of others and who were so thankful for his help.

(What's left of a gas station.)

(A piggly wiggly grocery store.)

(I thought my brick home would keep me safe... apparently not.)

(The spray paint on the side of homes meant the storm had claimed a life in that home.)

(Notice the foundations where homes once were. One home JC saw the foundation had been picked up and thrown into the house behind it.)

(Hanging clothes on the downed power lines...)

The hardest hit area was inaccessible. They weren't allowing anyone in or near the subdivisions. They were still trying to find people and the subdivisions themselves were so bad you couldn't get to them.

Friday afternoon, we showed up on our friends doorstep completely unannounced... (our cell phones were dead by that point.) They took us in, fed us pancakes (per Zenock's request), and let us just zone out and watch the news. It was the first media news we had caught of what happened. We were stunned to see what had happened not only so close to home, but all over Alabama and other states. Over 300 killed by the storms and even 600 still missing at the last report. The reports say that there were over 270 touchdowns in Alabama alone.

Our friends let us crash at their house for three afternoons... letting us do laundry, give our children baths, feeding us delicious food, etc.

We will forever be in debt to them!
After we felt broken... they literally helped build us back up.
I cannot say "Thank You" enough.

It was a weird feeling being in your home surrounded by all of your "stuff" that you couldn't use anymore. It didn't feel like home... it was just a house and things were just that - things. I know now why people are able to just pick up and leave after something like this.

There were so many valuable lessons I learned. I take so many things for granted - everyday. I was so mad at those that went out and mowed their lawn when others were standing in line for hours to buy gas. When I look back on it, it wasn't that they were being rude... they were just trying to take on and do anything "normal" they could think of at the time. Life moves on and you have to move on too. You can mourn with those that lost, but you have to live your life as well.

I want to say how truly lucky and blessed I feel that nothing more happened to us. I wonder if my Heavenly Father knows that that kind of trial is something I could not handle in my life - at all. I then look at those who did lose out on homes and life and think how much they will grow from this experience. Trials are just a way of washing/polishing us; refining us to be better than who we are at the moment. I know this and am thankful for trials in my life... little or big. I consider this one a big one that I have been able to walk away from. It could have been bigger... I just feel so lucky.

Our power came back on the afternoon of Tuesday May 3rd.

I grabbed my children, laughed, shouted, and did a HAPPY dance.
Pretty sure they thought I was crazy. =)

As JC and I lay in bed that night (after some nice hot showers), we went through the past weeks adventure/trial... The thoughts/emotions just came out of how close we really were and what ifs... The thoughts about how insignificant some things really are in our life. We thought about what really matters and what we need to pay more attention to; our children. We spend a lot of our time concentrating on "things" when it should be more about each other. Something we will not take for granted anymore.

It is true. I'll say it again - I feel very blessed. I am walking away not unbroken, but feeling "almost" unbreakable again. That is to say, I feel stronger than I was before.

Easter weekend

2011-04-26T10:02:00.002-05:00

What a crazy busy weekend...

Super fun, but super busy.

We literally wore ourselves out... The Z man, Kamdenator, and I (carin) all have colds. I seriously thought we were through with being sick for the year. {agh!} I swear I have been sick more this year than ever before.

We started our weekend bright and EARLY Saturday morning as we headed out to Zenock's first t-ball practice. I love watching Zenock get excited each time we tell him it is a soccer or t-ball day. He loves it... {unless of course he isn't feeling well, like last nights soccer game where he just wanted to cuddle with me on the chair and watch the game.}

He loves his coaches and does so well listening to them. His t-ball coach {his granddaughter plays on our team} told him he's done this for a lot of years and "can just tell Zenock is going to be one of those good players."
{Yes, we realize he is only 4... but, come on - that makes any parent excited, right!?}

Practice... practice...

---

Don't you love the tongue sticking out?? He was trying so hard and putting a LOT of energy into that hit. We are excited for the many games we will get to watch over the next {hopefully many-many} years. =)

After T-Ball practice... JC headed home with the boys for a bit and then we met back down at the field for a Soccer game. Four year old soccer is a blast to watch. We sit back with our friends and just laugh at our boys.

---

After Soccer we ate a quick lunch and headed to an Easter Egg hunt. A family in our ward does a big hunt every year for all the Primary kids. They have 4 kids... 3 are boys, ages 5, 4, 3... Zenock absolutely LOVES playing at their house. I drag him away screaming every time. They always are doing fun BOY things.

Before the egg hunt they had a few games to play.

Zenock's team won the tug-of-war and got to pick out a BIG candy bar of their choice.

Then the hunt was on...

---

Our ward did an activity later that night, but our boys were already completely worn out and Kamden had not had a good nap all day. So we skipped it.

We let Zenock watch The Wizard of Oz instead.

He came up to JC and I the next day and in his best witch voice {complete with cackel} said, "I'm going to get you and your little dog too!" hahaha!

I spent all evening making salads to take to a potluck Easter Sunday dinner with a group of friends from the ward. {So much good food!} Someone needs to host Sunday Potluck dinner every week!

---

We have early 9am church so we decided to tell the Easter Bunny to come visit while we were at church. I think I really like that idea and might keep it going no matter the time of church. It was great to focus on other things that morning and not be in a complete rush.
Although, I'm always in a rush on Sunday morning... and always late. Just glad JC has early meetings and can save me a seat. I'm working on it!

The easter bunny did make it to our house while we were gone.

I can not for the life of me get this kid to smile... when I ask him to show me what he got, it is always some weird facial expression.

Like this.

The Kamdenator... who is currently teething. We go through an enormous amount of bibs and clothes. He constantly has a puddle of drool on his shirt. His bib was soaked when we got home and I thought he would be ok for a minute... Within a minute his shirt was soaked.

Zenock was pretty happy with the Easter Bunny this year. =)

I can now breathe easier now that April is over... it is always such a busy month!

Hope you had a Happy Easter weekend. =)

**Any of you photographers out there want to share your tips on taking photos inside??? I try and try tricks and tips I read, but oh my goodness it is driving me crazy that I can't get my pictures to look just right!

Atlanta...

2011-04-22T13:18:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday JC and I celebrated 7 years of marriage!

I seriously can't believe it's been that long. We've had our ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade any of it. I'm so grateful for a great guy in my life. I love him more and more everyday.

We spent the day at an Easter Egg hunt and then had our friends watch the boys while we went to see a movie... The Conspirator.

GREAT movie. Just a little input... Don't go see it, if you have ever had the thought about becoming an attorney or have a strong willed opinion on justice and what is right.

On our way home I told JC I wanted to go to law school. At the moment I REALLY meant it. I've always had a love for "law and politics." I have my moments where I just soak it up and wish I was a powerful politician of some sort. Don't get me started on Miss Palin... just read her books and you will love her.

Anyhow... It was a good movie. We really appreciate our friends for watching the boys for us while we took our one night out a year. (JC had to pry me from Kamden... I don't do well leaving my children. Even for a couple of hours. I have issues. =) Our boys had a fun fun night... Zenock didn't want to leave. It is always easier when you know they love the people you leave them with!

We had a great night too.

---

We took last Monday off and headed to Atlanta Georgia with some friends for a little day trip.

It is a three hour drive to Atlanta from our house... I love little road trips with my family.

It gives us time to catch up, relax, and enjoy each other with out distractions.

The Atlanta temple has been under renovation for the past year or so and we thought it would be a great time to take Zenock to the open house.

It is a smaller temple, but oh so pretty. I still can't get over the chandeliers and chandelier sconces inside... Everything seemed to glow. It was gorgeous.

Not to mention the peace and comfort feeling you feel anytime you are on temple grounds.

My happy baby after our tour.

Me and the boys. It was such a great little moment to be inside the temple with my three boys. While we were in one of the sealing rooms I leaned down and whispered to Zenock, "One day you can bring a cute girl here and get married." His response... "No Mom, I don't like girls."

Everything about girls at the moment is just gross... (except of course mom's.)

We couldn't get over the "lush" grass. It is HARD to grow good grass in the South.

This has become our little challenge and hobby of sorts - to have GOOD grass.

Kamden wasn't too sure about grass at all...

Atlanta Georgia Temple

April 18, 2011

---

After the temple we were driving around trying to find the cheesecake factory... when our friends hit the break lights and we looked over and spotted non other than

UNCLE JULIO'S!

JC and I were so excited and were lucky to be with great friends that gave up cheesecake factory to dine with us and Uncle Julio. (Although, I think they might like it just as much as us...)

I'll say it again... We LOVE this place. It is so SO good. I have a hard time eating at any other Mexican restaurant now... I have been spoiled. =)

Thanks for a fun trip Anderson family!

They exist... The Piggly Wiggly stores that is.

This was the last stop of the day on our little road trip... To be honest, I just love the name. Say it ten times fast and you will too.

---

We are excited for our little Easter weekend... It is going to be busy. BUSY.

I'm off to bake some cookies with my boys, followed by homemade pizza tonight, dying Easter Eggs, and hopefully, fit in a movie with my favorite guy.

Hope your Easter Weekend brings lots of fun.

lazy afternoons...

2011-04-11T10:51:00.002-05:00

We had a beautiful weekend!

Friday JC tested out his bbq skills...
(Good thing it was just us!)
Next time we will know what we are doing!

We spent the evening watching a movie.

Saturday after Zenock's soccer game we spent the rest of the day working in the yard. This is by far one of my favorite things to do as a family. I love it! I love the satisfaction of growing pretty flowers and maintaining a yard. The weather was seriously gorgeous! Ninety plus degrees... IN April! We all ended up with sunburned arms and faces.

I love the feeling of a hard days work and seeing flowers like this every time I step outside...

I love living in the South simply for the fact that I can grow these!

---

We have early church on Sunday... As much as I hate waking up early. I love the lazy Sunday afternoons we get to spend as a family going for walks, drives, taking naps, talking to family, eating treats, and playing games. So refreshing!

A lot of our Sunday afternoons are spent being teased, tickled, and "tortured."
By anyone who knows how. =)

Hanging out or sitting around is a must... as long as we are together.

Occasionally, we suck on our toes...
(I promise just Kamden does and only when they are clean.)

No matter what we do. We love Sundays and hate to see them go. I find myself staying up late on Sundays never wanting them to end... knowing all too well what Monday morning brings as well as the rest of a busy week!

hope you have a happy week.

love, us.

Baby Toes

2011-04-10T15:16:00.003-05:00

Don't you just love cute baby toes and feet.

I wish they would stay that little forever.

Kamden has been loving his toes for awhile now. I just can't get enough of either of them. He is such a sweet baby... always happy and smiling.

We had his six month check-up last week... hate those dang nasty shots plus allergies and teething this week have made for an "I want to be happy, but don't feel good" kind of baby.

His stats at his appointment were:

Height: 29 1/4 inches

Weight: 17 lbs 15 1/2 oz

Both are in the 75th percentiles. At four mths he was in the 95th for weight... Glad to see that has come down a little, since I have to still "lug" him and his car seat around.

Our favorite things at SIX months are:

-His little fake laugh. He does it ALL the time.

-His squeals and babbles.

-He is always blowing bubbles.

-Loves Primary Songs in the car. Whenever we have them on he is "singing" along with Zenock in the backseat.

-Currently teething and always has his hands/fingers in his mouth... but, still loves his paci.

-Woke up only ONCE last night for the first time EVER. (I slept like a baby! It was so nice.)

-Loves his jumperoo, Zenock, and being outside.

-Starting to sit.

-Hates his tummy and refuses to roll onto it... although he can. When we lay him down at night he doesn't move at all from his back and is usually in the same spot that we layed him in. (SO different from Zenock who was ALL over the crib.)

We love our little chubby chubbers. =)

A few things.

2011-04-09T21:21:00.003-05:00

We have had quite the last two weeks!

Busy and entertaining- at the least.

(This just might be a record long post... feel free to skip around.)

Something like this...

Monday morning (two weeks ago), I woke up so excited that I had nothing planned for the day.

A whole day to do things on my list. =)

I jumped in the shower early and when I got out I checked my phone...

Three missed calls and voicemails.

(Never a good sign at 8:30 in the morning.)

The first was from Lowe's... scheduling delivery of our new grill. (yahoo!)

The second went something like this...

"This is Colonel .... and I work with your husband JC. He is currently in route to Crestwood Hospital." (Yeah, My heart sank at this point.)

Apparently, JC had reached up to scratch his head and his shoulder dislocated...

For those that know JC - I know you are laughing right now.

A bit of background... JC's shoulder started dislocating when he was a sophomore in high school. He says he quit counting around 143 times...

I laugh every time I hear about the time he sneezed and it came out.

He has had 3 shoulder surgeries... The last one being about 8 years ago right after his mission.

The surgery was done by one of the best in the country and we haven't had any worries about it since then.

Apparently, surgeries like this only last for so long and need to be redone every so often.

Something exciting to look forward too... {insert major sarcasm here}.

BACK to my missed phone calls.

The third was from JC telling me what happened. They took him by ambulance down to the ER.

I got the boys ready, packed them up, dropped Zenock off with some friends, and spent the rest of the day in the ER and running errands related to the event.

The rest of the week was filled with taking care of JC, appointments, soccer practice, pre-school, errands, friends b-day parties, dinner with friends, conference, the usual... as well, as my little Zenock's BIG 4th Birthday.

He has been so excited about turning 4.

I have been so bummed that it has been 4 years... wish it would slow down a bit.

We had a great day. No Birthday Party or BIG stress this year.

Simple family celebration.

Zenock awoke to balloons all over his room.

I made him pancakes with sprinkles on them.

(He did the sprinkles and then he got to eat his pancakes on the Birthday plate.)

We got ready and headed to the Jump Zone. A big wearhouse type place with gigantic jump/bounce houses. (It had been raining for the last two weeks. We needed a fun activity... This is my NEW fav. rainy day activity. Love this place. Worth every penny.)

This picture cracks me up... for some odd reason he looks exactly like my brother. I know I've seen that facial expression before. I sent it to my Mom and sister who agreed.

No joke there are at least 6 or 7 of these enormous slides. So fun for little kids... (And I'm in love even more when I watched them go through at the end and start sanitizing everything!)

There was a little arcade area also.

JC showed up and surprised Zenock.

We kept the gifts simple... some books, a game, a piggy bank for all his chore money, a transformer (he begged for), and a new bike or motorcycle as Zenock calls it.

(He was a little upset that I didn't give him a helmet... we'll have get on that one right away!)

For dinner we went to our favorite pizza place "Mellow Mushroom." Best pizza EVER.

Don't judge my cake... =)

Zenock chose all the stuff for his cake and then helped me make and decorate it.

His wish... (he told us)

Was to get on an airplane and go to Utah to visit Aunt Emi and Grandma.

He is such a sweet boy.

Sure love this boy!

Happy 4th Birthday Zenock!

---

First Soccer practice a few weeks ago...

{Water Break}

He loves getting to wear all of his soccer stuff.

A pep talk from Dad before the game.

Our original first Soccer game was rained out. Our first gamed ended up being last weekend.

He did great.

We had another game today and he did awesome...

He even SCORED a GOAL!

He was so frustrated after the first game. He didn't understand why everyone didn't get their own ball like at practice and didn't get to each have a turn kicking the ball. Needless, to say the first game was a little rough.

Things must have clicked, because he was so good today!

Not just saying that because I am his Mom, but we were so proud of our little guy.

He was a blast to watch.

Some of my favorite things about 3/4 year old Soccer are...

-The pinecone treasure they stop to pick up and examine mid game.

-There are train tracks right behind the field. Every time a train (or airplane for that matter) goes by or flies overhead the entire game stops as the kids watch in utter amazement.

-The water breaks they take during the game. They just run off the field to grab a drink... no time-outs.

-No defense... Wherever the ball is... There is usually a crowd of little people bunched up or chasing after it.

In the game today...

-Zenock elbowed a girl... (oops!)

-Got clotheslined big time and jumped up and shook it off.

-Ran after the ball with full force yelling... when he would kick it he would yell "High-Yeah" (like a karate chop action).

We could not stop laughing. Oh my goodness. We treated him to a kids meal after the game.

He totally deserved it. =)

little feet.

2011-03-24T15:16:00.002-05:00

I am obsessing over these little soccer cleats this week.

They just seem so little...
Is my child really old enough for all this.
Am I really old enough to be a full- fledged soccer Mom.

Zenock had his first soccer practice last Saturday... one tonight... and his BIG first game is this Saturday. He is super excited about ALL things soccer lately.

He woke up last Saturday around six-thirty asking, "Is it my soccer day today?"
Every day, he begs his Dad to play soccer with him outside after dinner.

More pictures to come...

The shoes are SO little (the smallest size possible and still a bit big), but my little Zennie is seriously getting too big.

The BIG number four is a week away.
(I tell myself it can't be, but really, no joke, IT IS.)
Not to mention Zenock reminds us about it daily.
He has been my best little buddy lately.

How I wish they could stay little.

Kamden (five months)

2011-03-23T10:34:00.002-05:00

We took some pictures of Kamden at almost 5 months...
(I am WAY behind at sharing them, since he is six months next week.)

BUT, wanted to get them on here anyway, so they can be part of "the book."

I thought they turned out dang cute.

Now that the weather is warm I want to get more taken outside.

You can never have too many pictures of when your kids were little... right!? =)

Happy St Patrick's Day...

2011-03-17T16:10:00.002-05:00

We have had one busy day...

Pre-School was super busy today. The boys are making "About Me" books and have lots of coloring and art projects to put in them.

We enjoyed an afternoon at the park with friends...
and even got a little sunburned.

EIGHTY degrees my friends! =)

My boys in their matching green. Cheesy - I know, but, I am doing it while I can. Zenock was so excited that Kamden had his "same" shirt on.

We seriously don't own green clothes...

(Don't ask me what Zenock is doing or the face he is pulling... I was happy to get one happy normal smile or have him be in a picture at ALL.) :)

See that green bench in the background...

I'm pretty excited about it.

It just happens to be my first thrift store purchase... umm... ever.

I'm usually completely against it... Just can't get over the whole "germs" thing.
(I have major OCD when it comes to germs... in my house.)

BUT, I did it and made myself buy it.

I totally bargained and got a deal too. Score!

I'm excited to give it a fresh new coat of paint this week...

Don't you love his chunky fat legs...

Now, it's time for some GREEN breakfast/dinner and then headed to a baby shower.

Hope you are having a fun day.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder... =)

2011-03-09T20:47:00.005-06:00

Remember how Zenock gets fed to the witch when he is bad...
He decided to draw me a few pictures of the "silly witch" in my closet.

Too cute not to share.
(I seriously didn't even know he could draw this well!)

---

Last week, JC had a class he had to go to up in South Bend, Indiana.

He ended up basically on the campus of Notre Dame.

I wanted to share a few pics he took via his iphone.

Football Stadium

You can see this mural when you are in the stadium...
If you've ever watched a Notre Dame Game, they refer to this as "Touchdown Jesus."

JC said The Basilica on campus was really cool... very ornate.

If you have a husband that is into Sports at all or follows sports at all you know what March is all about...

MARCH MADNESS...

It happens once a year at our house. Some mysterious illness hits JC every year on the first day and he doesn't go into work and ends up sick on the couch...
(Hmm... :) Not saying anything.)

JC was also able to attend a Notre Dame basketball game vs Villanova. (4th row tickets!)

Also, not that we are BYU fans,but it has been fun to watch them this season... pretty darn good.
JC was able to field all sorts of questions as to the "suspension" of Davies from the team.
Great little missionary conversation starter. :)

---

Before, JC left, we tried to prep Zenock that JC was leaving. (JC being gone for 3 weeks was/IS still very fresh on Zenock's memory and since Kamden has been born, JC and Zenock have become the bestest buds.) JC spent Saturday with him... took him to the driving range and even let him hit his own bucket of balls.

It didn't do much good.

Sunday came and we headed to the airport... goodbye's were somewhat said, but even before the door was closed, Zenock was screaming.

I don't think I have ever heard him scream or cry that hard... EVER.
I felt awful, helpless, and we ended up ALL crying the whole way home.

THANK goodness there was ice cream in the freezer. :)

---

I am NOT one to pine away while my husband is out of town.
That doesn't mean that I don't love him and miss him terribly when he is gone.

I kind of go crazy when I hear about girls that can't be alone...

Time away is sometimes good.

When JC leaves... I know in advance and I have a plan of action.
(Otherwise, I might end up being one of "those" girls crying myself to sleep at night... NOTHING is wrong with that. For ME, it is mainly because I'm a wimp and hate the dark.)

I stay up late when JC is gone... getting things done that NEED to be done or I just haven't gotten done. I craft. I spend a day shopping - enjoying the day out. OR, I play with my kids and don't worry about things being picked up.

Last week my plan was to... PAINT... a room, a chair, and a table.

I had it all planned out.

I failed... miserably.

UGH.

That's the end of a long story cut short. It's depressing. I'll have to explain later.

I did spend a day somewhat shopping... (the best you can do with 2 boys in tow.)
I ventured to PIER 1 imports... It's a must this time of year. LOVE all of their new Spring decor.
It inspired me.

Bought some new kitchen rugs.

And, added a little Spring subway art for decor in my kitchen.
(I love/hate decorating for Spring... How do you decorate with pastels when the main color you use in your house is RED...)

The actual file was a bit more spring looking...
The colors turned out a bit different when it was printed, but I think it still turned out cute and actually matches my kitchen better. Feel free to steal the idea... (it took all of 15 minutes to make.) OR, I'd be happy to share and e-mail you the file. :)

---

I also found a cute frame at Pier 1 that I had a great idea for...

---

I'm always changing decor and never liked what I had over Kamden's crib, but thought this worked out great. Love that I can switch out the pictures fast and quick as well as add things here and there over time as he gets older. :)

---

SO much for my plan of action for the week.

SO glad JC is home.

Here's hoping us government employees have jobs next week...

YIKES!

Stories to be told...

2011-03-09T15:27:00.002-06:00

The last few weeks have FLOWN by.

We have had one thing after another.

Beautiful weather leads to getting outdoors and no time for the computer or blogging. We have been up in the 70's!!! (Minus the last few days of rain - my reason for blogging.) Zenock and I count the popcorn trees (as he calls them) as we drive around town. It doesn't matter how many times I tell him they are "flowers that look like popcorn." He still asks... "Mom, Maybe we can stop and eat some one day." I love how excited he is that it is SPRING!

He (WE) can't wait for his first Soccer practice (don't tell Grandpa Larson!) to start on Saturday and then T-ball to start in a month.

Yahoo!

---

Truth be told... I seriously have some darn cute boys.
AND, yes, I know I am totally biased.

Sometimes, you just gotta say how much you love their cute little faces, smiles, and the laughter.

I wouldn't survive each day with out it.

I only wish both of my boys would let me document it.
Zenock has turned into a "run and hide or whine" kid when the camera comes out.

SO, No pictures of Zenock... again.
(Trust me when I say, I tried.)

BUT, I do have some stories...

While being told, enjoy some pictures of my pretty much always happy baby!

At preschool the other day they were learning about consequences and what happens when they get in trouble. Their teacher, "Miss Jessica" was asking what happens to each of them.
The usual comments were made, time-out, etc. When it was Zenock's turn he informed everyone... "My Dad turns into a Zombie and takes me to the witch in my Mom's closet."

Oops! Maybe, we went a little overboard on that one. =)

---

---

A couple of nights ago, JC heard Zenock tell me...

"Mom, Tell Kamden to quit looking at me!"

Hahaha... We are still laughing.

I'm sure that won't be the end of that...

---

My little Kamden had a HUGE milestone just today...

READY for this -

He rolled over.

The Dr asked me at his apt if he had even attempted it...
My answer was no way, I think he is too fat. :)

BUT, he did it... Tummy to Back.
(He hates being on his tummy.)

Zenock and I clapped and cheered while Kamden stared at us like we were crazy.

Both of my boys are growing so fast... with out permission.

The 2nd time around goes even faster than the first.
(I barely have moments to document it all... and believe me, I would LOVE to document it all. In fact, it drives me crazy when I leave something out. -- Maybe, not so fun for you.)

Kamden barely fits in this bumbo chair... he has some crazy fat little legs.
Anyone else experience this??

---

---

Can't you just hear him laughing... he has the cutest little laugh.

We torture him all day long tickling him and playing games to make him laugh.

---

He just started doing this thing... Hard to explain... BUT, he puckers his lips like above photo and lets out lit spit noises. He does it over and over again. Hilarious to watch.

Kamden also found his toes last week - love when babies play with their toes.

---

We spent ALL day outside last Thursday- Playing at the park, picnics, walks, and playing at home.

Zenock has gotten SO good at learning his letters lately. He can name them and say their sound.
We are now onto practicing to write them.

(This is a HUGE accomplishment from a month or two ago... We would sit down and go over them for hours at school and home. It just wasn't sinking in. I bought the movie "Letter Factory" by Leapfrog... and seriously after a few times watching it, he is AWESOME!)

Here is his first attempt at his name... (almost all by himself.)

(Mine is the top one... His is the bottom one... if you couldn't tell.)

---

Hope it's starting to look and feel like Spring wherever you are. :)

Four (and a half) months

2011-02-18T08:36:00.003-06:00

They grow WAY too fast...

We had Kamden's check-up yesterday.
At four months his stats are:
16.7 lbs (95th percentile!)
28 inches long (75th percentile!)

The Dr said he is the size of most 6 or 7 month olds.
I really wanted him to stay little as long as possible.

He is such a chunk.
My back has been hurting constantly the last couple of weeks... After a day of shopping/running errands last week, I felt as if I'd been working out all day. My back was feeling very strained. I was telling JC something must be wrong with me... I'm a wimp. JC asked what I had been doing and we quickly figured it out... It HAD to be, because I was carrying Kamden and his car seat around all day and hoisting them up over my head into shopping carts, strollers, the car, etc.
I know it can't be because of a good workout -- I haven't set foot on a treadmill or ran around the block in over a year. haha.

Who has time as a Mom to work out... I refuse to wake-up before six-thirty/seven when my boys wake up.

Kamden never stops eating. He is ALWAYS hungry. I can feed him and two minutes later he will be stuffing his hands in his mouth wanting more.

We started him on rice cereal a week ago and he loves it! He is doing SO well eating.

I try to give it to him twice a day... Morning and Night.

Just wish it would help him sleep better at night.
He is an awful sleeper, because he is constantly wanting to eat at night.
He wakes up starving.

Our current schedule waking up at night goes like this...
Bed: Between 7-8
First wake: 10
Second: 12:30
Third: 2:30
Fourth: 4:30
Time to get up: 6-7:00

AWFUL.

I'm always tired...

We are working on it. Reading "Healthy Sleep Habits" and trying to get this schedule to stop.
Hopefully, sooner than later.

These are some of our favorite jammies from when Zenock was a baby...
He wore them at 9 and 10 months.

I was a little worried about buying clothes for Kamden, because he and Zenock were born in opposite seasons. I haven't had to buy much. He caught right up to Zenock.
Right now he wears anything from 6-12 mths.

Kamden loves his bath time. He kicks, splashes, and smiles.

Nothing is sweeter than a babies smile.

I can be up all night with him and SO tired and frustrated the next morning. BUT, as soon as I walk into his room and lean over his crib and see his big smile... My heart just melts (as does the frustration.)

Kamden is such a happy and content baby. All he does is smile and talk to us. He loves when we play with him. He started laughing around 2 1/2 months... He is WAY ticklish!

He loves when Zenock plays with him. Zenock can get him laughing harder than either JC or I.
These two already show protective signs of one another. Kamden will start to cry if we try to discipline Zenock. Kamden had a little cough a week or so ago and we needed to give him some breathing treatments. The home healthcare guy was at our house showing me what to do... when Zenock started freaking out...

"Oh No! You are going to hurt my Kamden... Please! Please! Don't hurt my Kamden!"

It was seriously so sweet.

Zenock refers to Kamden as "Chunk" or "The Kamdenator."

We pulled out the jumperoo and bounce chair the other day for Kamden.

He plays really well with toys.

He thought he was so big being able to stand up and bounce on his own.
(I think he is such a mini JC. They look so much alike.)

Love chubby/happy babies. =)

A few other things we love about our sweet baby...

He lets out the biggest sigh after he sneezes.
He hates sleeping or laying on his tummy for more than 2 minutes.
We love when he raises his eyebrows at us.
He has these cute little shy moments (especially when eating) and will try and duck and bury his head and hide. Funny.
When we tell him he is so big, he will raise his eyebrows at us and gets this excited grin and try's so hard to stand up taller.
When we put him in his car seat he try's to sit up and won't lay back. (I never remember Zenock trying this!)

We hooked this duck onto his car seat awhile back. It makes me laugh out loud every time I hear him pull it in the car. He loves playing with it... The other night when we got home from dinner with friends we found him like this.

I wish this baby stage would last forever.

Loving life with a four month old!

Valentine's 2011

2011-02-16T12:44:00.002-06:00

We had a simple fun little Valentine's Day.

We spent the morning with friends chatting, playing, and eating lots of yummy salads and treats.

We then delivered some treats to my Visiting Teachers and Zenock's teachers.

Totally cheesy I know. BUT, that's what it is all about. :)

We spent the afternoon running errands...
(they seem to never end.)

When JC got home he took Zenock on a quick trip to the store while I blew up a hundred balloons and laid out a few treats for the boys.

Zenock was so excited for the balloons, his new candy land game, and new movie.

Kamden got this cute little monkey and book. The book is a new favorite. We have already read/sang it a hundred times. It is a little love song/book.

I love Sandra Boynton - the author. Her books are always our favorite.

My boys surprised me with yellow roses... and a treat. My favorite. :)

After dinner we spent the evening playing candy land and enjoying the night.

---

Last week, we sent some personalized Valentine's to our Grandma's and Grandpa's...
Thought we would share a few.

Hope you had a happy day.

Love,
Us.

private

2011-02-09T21:47:00.004-06:00

FIRST...

Thank you. Thank you for your comments. My hair is getting cut.
(Sorry JC.)

SECOND...

We've made the decision and would like to go private sometime within the next month.
(If I can find enough time to do so.)

I really don't want to... I love all the connections I've made with old friends.
BUT, I would like to be a little more personal with my blog.

WE would LOVE to have you join us. Even if we don't know you.
(We love meeting new friends! AND, keeping in touch with old.)
You are welcome to keep reading.

Just leave us an e-mail where we can invite you.

Thanks.

The Larson Family

The great debate...

2011-02-02T14:32:00.002-06:00

I need your help!

(Especially all you beauticians out there!)

I have this huge issue...

with

My hair. :)

It drives me crazy! The thought of what to do with it drives me crazy. It is seriously ridiculous the battle of thoughts that go through my head daily about what to do.

"Cut or don't cut. Long or short."

If it was even remotely appropriate I would don a Demi Moore G.I. Jane look... if only...

One day I will be dead set on cutting with phone in hand ready to make the apt.
The next day I will be totally committed to growing it out more.

My "source" who I usually go to (aka: my husband) is totally biased about long hair. He tells me all the time not to cut it. He refers to short hair as "mushroom" hair.
It's aggravating!!!

Just the word mushroom makes me cringe.
(BUT, I always said long hair was cone headed on me... which makes me cringe too.)

I WAS always a short hair person... all growing up. Until, the Summer I met JC and for some reason I let it grow out. Since I've been married I have gone back and forth.

Now the battle is killing me... The decision needs to be made once and for all.

Help me please. :)

If you prefer... submit an anonymous comment/opinion/suggestion.
If you have any cute suggestions with pictures, feel free to e-mail them to me...
carinlarson@hotmail.com

Yes, I'm doing this and I know it is totally lame/sad....
Trust me, I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't sick to death of the thought process.

My pros/cons:

My hair is curly... really curly. ALL, but the top layer.
Long hair is easier when all I have to do is put it in a pony tail... which is pretty much how it ends up every day. Esp. when you have kids/babies that pull on it.
Long hair takes longer to blow dry and even longer to straighten.
Short hair costs more... cutting it every 6 weeks.
There is always remorse a few weeks after I cut my hair. (hate that feeling!)
I love short hair for Summer... esp. when it is humid (like Alabama!)

The list goes on... Ahhh! I hate it. I'm done.

Tips, Ideas, Comments, Opinions, Suggestions, or maybe a completely different option...

ALL are welcome! :)

January!

2011-01-31T12:23:00.002-06:00

January has seriously flown by...

I usually hate January and spend the month complaining.
I haven't had two seconds to complain this year... Busy month!

SO here is our January in a nutshell. :)

January first came and went...
I think we spent a few days crying that we weren't still in Utah and then a week recovering from the laundry and getting things in order and getting back to a routine.

I was released from my piano assignment in Relief Society and called to teach the 5/6 year old's in Primary.

LOVE this calling!

We have a HUGE Primary. We can't even fit all the kids in the same room at a time... (I think I counted like 88 kids or something!)
I have one of the smallest classes and teach by myself, which I'm totally ok with. :)

I have the cutest kids. I come home every week to tell JC what they said and we end up laughing hilariously.

SO far... I have two love birds in my class. When I turn my back the little girl likes to sneak kisses to the little boy.

Another little girl is so quiet and will randomly interrupt the lesson to let me in on her secrets... The first week she said, "I'm going to marry Justin Beiber! I love him so much." I couldn't stop laughing. After she says things she goes quiet again and will just sit there. I only wish I could see what she's thinking in her little brain. Last week she piped in to tell me that I was her B.F.F.
-

I felt so cool. :)

Another little boy interrupted my class saying, "Uh-oh! Something's happening... (as he started shaking) I'm turning into something..." (He happens to LOVE dinosaurs and was turning into a t-rex.)

Haha! I love Primary!

---

We had quite the snowstorm in January...

RECORD-breaking snow for Alabama!

The snowstorm closed work for two days, school for a week... Lowes and Home Depot laughed when I went in and asked if they sold snow shovels.
(They don't carry them in Alabama!)

The snowstorm happened the day of the BIG Auburn National Championship game.

The snow/snowmen were all decorated with Orange and Blue.

We tried to order pizza for the game and all the stores were closed!

Zenock loves snow and had a blast getting to play in it at his "own" house.

---

We spent the rest of the snow week huddled inside (like the rest of the city) playing games, eating, and enjoying the fireplace.

My little handy manny... His goggles could be a little too tight!

He loves these goggles and wears them everywhere.
He can be found around town with his goggles or glasses, cowboy hat, and boots. :)

---

My Birthday was also in January... yeah for being 27. I used too think that was SO old.
Besides the sleep wrinkles under my left eye that magically appeared the day my Kamden was born... 27 isn't so bad.

My boys spoiled me. JC took half the day off... bought me an ab glider... (so far - love it!) and took me to dinner at Logan's Roadhouse.

Pretty sure Zenock thinks the ab glider is his. When I try and use it, I have both boys staring at me like I'm crazy and the whole time Zenock is saying, "Mom when is it my turn!?"

My little Kamden is growing so fast, (PLEASE stop!)

WE are enjoying him and loving his cute little personality that is starting to appear.
He loves to play with his toys... He is such a happy, content baby.

---

We went on a field trip with Zenock's school last week to Sci-Quest.
It was CRAZY fun.

They have this huge exhibit about the body. Some of the things were totally gross!
For instance... Above: You get to turn the wheel and feed this guy soda until he burps.

Or make some awesome farting sounds... (such a boys exhibit!)

They had another one that you squeezed a bottle and had to guess the smell coming out...
The options of the smell to guess were: Mouth, Armpit, Anus, Foot...
Seriously, NO joke.

Apparently, I didn't read what the exhibit was and made Zenock try it... I got a little too close and
OH MY GOSH... DISGUSTING! It was the armpit smell... EW, gross!!! It was bad.
Never Again.

I don't want to know what the other one's smelled like.

The bubbles and the earthquake chair were by far our favorite.

---

We were able to check off the lovely task of "taxes."

They are submitted and done before February!
(My goal not to drag it out this year...)

It was only accomplished with the help of about 3 bags of pink, red, and white peanut M&M's.
They will seriously kill me in the end.

---

Kamden is finally sleeping in his bed and in his room and only waking up once or twice a night.

He turned 4 months on the 28th!
I'll update more about him after his appointment. :)
Can't wait to see how big my CHUNK is.

---

We accomplished lots more this month -

-My Oldest Baby became a Sunbeam! YIKES! BUT, so fun!
We love his teachers. He loves his teachers and talks about them all week long.
I love being in the room with him during sharing/singing time and watching him raise his hand and get so excited to answer the questions.
-Rain Gutters on the house! FINALLY.
-JC turned into the handy man this month and fixed/built multiple things.
(This is a REAL accomplishment for him - he's not the handy type. The tools are mine.)
-Baby Showers, Relief Society, & Pampered Chef Parties allowed me to have a few nights out this month. Yeah! Love girl time.
-Searched and found new left handed golf clubs to replace JC's old ones (on sale no less). Just in time for the spring season. This last weekend brought 70 degree weather!
GOODBYE winter. :)

-We had a family fun taco night with friends and made the best SALSA ever!
(courtesy of the best "COOK" ever Miss Rebecca.)

You have to try it...
I promise you'll LOVE it. :)

Restaurant Style Salsa

1 can (28 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes With Juice
2 cans (10 Ounce) Rotel (diced Tomatoes And Green Chilies) (1 ORIGINAL AND 1 MILD)
¼ cups Chopped Onion
1 clove Garlic, Minced
1 whole Jalapeno, Quartered And Sliced Thin
¼ teaspoons Sugar
3/4 TBS Salt
¼ teaspoons Ground Cumin
½ cups Cilantro (more To Taste!)
½ whole Lime Juice

Preparation Instructions

Combine whole tomatoes and Rotel, (You will have to pour half in the serving bowl to fit the rest of the ingredients in a blender). Add onion, jalapeno, garlic, sugar, salt, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro (add cilantro last or it will change the color) in a blender or food processor. Pulse until you get the salsa to the consistency you’d like—I do about 10 to 15 pulses. Test seasonings with a tortilla chip and adjust as needed.

Refrigerate salsa for at least an hour. Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, or cheese nachos.

Yum. Yum. Yum. :)

-We also introduced Zenock to the movie Harry and the Henderson's...
He was terrified at first, he laughed hysterically through the movie, and sobbed at the end when Harry left.
He now pretends to go camping every day with Harry.
We spent the majority of the movie watching Zenock's reactions.
priceless.
I love introducing him to movie's or things that I remember watching and doing when I was little.

---

AND, that was January...

Welcome February!

The Wedding :)

2011-01-19T14:31:00.001-06:00

My sister's wedding was lots of fun and lots of good memories.

My Mom grew up in New Mexico. Most every Summer or Thanksgiving growing up I remember driving the 8 to 9 hour drive going to visit. It was the highlight of the Summer when we got to go and visit my grandparents.

We also loved when they were able to come up and visit!

When we moved to Texarkana we stopped in New Mexico and stayed with them for a few days. Zenock was only 3 months old... It was the last time we saw them.

They recently moved to the warmer climate of Arizona :) and were able to be at my Sister's Wedding. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to spend a few moments with them through out the crazy/busy day and to give them each a hug.

My sister shares the same middle name as my Grandma and I was glad to be able to capture their cute moment above.

One of my favorite moments when I got married was walking into the sealing room and seeing them sitting by my Mom. They were the first people I saw and I hadn't seem them for a couple of years. It was such a testament to me of what I was doing and the perfect example of eternal marriage.
Love them so much.

Outside the temple equals lots of pictures...

Not sure how I got to be the oldest, yet the shortest!
(I have like 3 inch heels on too!)

I love the picture of Jake (Melissa's husband) and his dad and brothers.
You can totally tell how excited Jake is to be married... :)
Cracks me up every time.

My Aunt was their official photographer and I got to be the "unofficial" photographer.
It was fun following them around and watching them smile. Melissa was so cute when she walked out. Talk about perma grin. She couldn't stop!
I love weddings. :)

To be newly married again...

I love the pictures of Dads and their little girls...
Jake was super cute and was dancing Melissa all around as they were walking around the temple taking pictures.

Aren't they cute together?!?

---

The lunch/reception were both at Maddox... hallelujah! :)

I was beyond excited!

I'm obsessed with their turkey steaks and custard pie/cream puffs... which I definitely ate/had my share of. I had a plan to be careful of the amount of food I consumed during my stay in Utah. It went out the window the moment they set my plate down.

My Family... It just keeps growing!
Love them all.

You have no idea how many pictures we tried to take... Zenock wasn't having it. He was tired, crying, and "just wanted to play with his cousins..."

This is the best I got. Hahaha. :)

My nieces are seriously adorable and the sweetest girls ever!

They are going to be some heart breakers when they get older...
Watch out Chad and Jamie! :)

I love that my child wasn't the only one getting "the talk" during the reception. I was able to capture the same moment with my Brother and his son.

The boys thought the dance floor was a great surfing/sliding floor. :)

We had lots of fun catching up with cousins and old friends. :)
What a fun party to have a few days before Christmas!

We also had a blast on the dance floor. :)

It was great practice for the Valentine's Dance JC and I were just put in charge of for our ward...
JC has this great theme to re-visit the "Enchantment Under the Sea" dance from Back to the Future... (since it's like the 50th anniversary of the dance or something like that.)
SO... Our theme is 50's. We are currently working on decor ideas and spreading the word.
Got any great ideas???

Really unforgettable moments...

Like when Emily and I talked my cute niece Alexa into playing "Love Song" by Taylor Swift on the grand piano.

She is an AMAZING piano player. She said ok, played the song which she has memorized (the real version - no simplified stuff!) and played it perfectly! Everyone had gathered around to watch her. The band members were filming her on the phones and sat there in awe...

She was so SO good, very talented, and adorable!
AND, she's only TEN! :)
(I can't believe she is so big! I remember how excited we were when she was born! Our first niece/first grandchild for my parents.)

I have the video and am working on trying to get the background sound to go away- so you can just hear the piano... Maybe, I'll post it when I'm through.

---

What a fun FUN day. Thanks Jake and Melissa for sharing it with us.

So glad that we could be there! :)

Christmas. Utah. and Part One

2011-01-10T21:00:00.006-06:00

Monday:

Currently we are experiencing record breaking snowfall here in Alabama!

We are talking SIX inches or more... that have already fallen.

School was canceled, JC didn't have work - most businesses and government offices were closed.

Even fast food/pizza places were closed.
We tried to order a pizza for the BIG Auburn/Oregon game tonight.. (If you live in Alabama you are either an Auburn fan or Alabama fan. Game days are a fan of red or orange/navy at the stores.) The nearest pizza place open was 50 miles north in Tennessee.

Once again, I just have to laugh. I thought about a week ago when my Mom, sister, and I drove to Logan through the canyon in a blizzard and I was terrified. I hate that canyon... flashbacks came flooding back of early mornings driving to work in snow.

Just an FYI to my Alabama friends: Lowes and Home Depot don't sell snow shovels.

Good Luck!

After being dumped on 3 different times while we were in Utah over Christmas, I remember saying how HAPPY I was to go home to a place where it never snows...

Haha.. I was wrong! :)

---

Wednesday:

Apparently, I am not supposed to finish this. :) This is the second attempt after it being deleted once! Also, am I the only person that sits at the computer and two minutes later is bombarded with interruptions!

I WILL finish this today...

Our snow storm turned into two canceled days of work for JC! Yahoo! Everything was closed, so not much else to do, but sit around and drink Hot Chocolate. :) We are excited for another 3 day weekend in a few days!

---

We LOVED our time/Christmas spent in Utah.

It was a perfect and much needed vacation.

The only downside was there wasn't enough time to see everyone and do everything we would have liked.

We arrived on the 16th of December (after barely making our plane!) and were able to meet up with my family at the Logan temple so that my sister could take out her endowments. It was so fun to be able to see her for the first time and meet her husband in the temple. :)

---

On Sunday December 19th, we were able to bless our little Kamden.

We had planned on just family and couple of JC's close friends to help bless Kamden, but felt so loved when lots of friends were there to support and help us.

My little Kamden is so sweet. :)

A couple of my favorite things from the blessing were:

We had talked to Zenock about blessings and how we were going to bless Kamden when we went to Utah during an FHE earlier in December.

On our way to the church we were going over what we had talked about and how we were going to tell Heavenly Father what we wanted to name our baby.

Zenock looked at us and said, "Well, Heavenly Father.. It's Kamden." :)

We might have to go over that one...

Zenock also was very upset that he couldn't stand in the circle... he was the only boy in the room not in the circle. I will cry the day he is old enough.

The sweetest part of the blessing was when Kamden was told that he and Zenock would grow up and be the best of friends. :)

I feel so lucky to have such sweet/special boys.

---

My sister was married on Tuesday the 21st.

The "event" is a post in itself. I seriously took over 400 pictures that day alone. The thought overwhelms me to think about. It WILL get done. One day. Maybe by the end of January!

---

We were able to spend a few days with my family. My brothers and their families both live in Southern Utah, so it was nice that they were there also to spend time with.

The grandkids favorite thing to do is go "Ghost Hunting" in the basement/storage room. Apparently, it is haunted... Who knew?!?

I was a little worried about Zenock, who is terrified of the dark. BUT, at one point he and his cousin Jailyn were in the room by themselves with the lights out and when I went to check on him, I was told to go away!

Love cousins and imaginations. :)

---

We went and visited Grandpa at school one day... Zenock loved it!

They have completely remodeled the school since JC and I were there... We kept waiting for the "smell" through out our tour (you know the musty, old, books, combination of 300 kinds of perfume smell.) Sadly, it wasn't there. The school looks great though!

---

Family Christmas Parties...

We had a few or a lot. Our entire vacation was a Christmas party... with lots of family, food, and fun!

Christmas Eve was spent with JC's family. His grandparents were able to be there as well.

I was so excited how well Zenock jumped in and bonded/played with his cousins. Cousins are really something special. He needed no introduction and wasn't too worried when we just left him there to play.

---

We went home and let Zenock open he and Kamden's new pjs's and a couple of books to read before bed.

Then we checked in to see where Santa was.. (I have the cutest video of Zenock checking in on Santa. He was SO excited and just "couldn't believe" that Santa was on his way!)

My sister Emily made the sign above for my Dad. She always comes up with the best presents! Whenever my Dad answers the phone and knows who is calling - he says, "Joe's Bar."

We told him his sign would be perfect over the doorway to his "office."

Zenock had a great Christmas and informed us, "I got everything I wanted!" Whew! Santa is always happy to hear that. :) He got a Leapster Explorer/games, a dr kit, lots of Toy Story 3 toys, and a REAL cowboy hat so he could help Grandpa on the farm.

---

More family and fun with JC's extended family.

Min it to win it was hilarious! We were laughing so hard. That darn Hannah sure knows how to shake her hips and get the Jingle Bells out of the box. She's a little diva and is adorable! :) My poor Zenock only knows how to jump up and down...
We'll have to practice for a re-match!

---

It's always fun to get with friends and catch up. Love these girls. I know I can always count on them if I need them.

(thanks for the pic Tati:)

---

Zenock loves planes and trains. He got to go with JC, Grandpa, and cousins to the Train Museum at Ogden Station and the Hill Air Museum.

---

Love this picture of Kamden just chillin' before church. :)

It sums up our vacation in one word... "Relaxing."

(Even though I think we were all sick at some point or for half of our vacation!)

---

Zenock also got to have a fun snow day and go sledding with his cousins.

I think I've had enough snow this winter. I'm ready for Spring.

---

We loved our vacation and loved being able to see those of you that we did get to see!

We returned home just a couple hours before it was time to ring in the New Year.

Thanks to my visiting teachers who left a sweet and sparkling New Years treat on my doorstep!

The last week has been spent trying to catch up, clean up and get back in our routine...

BUT, so far our New Year is off to a great start. :)

Us to You...

2010-12-26T10:13:00.004-06:00

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

I meant to get this up a few days ago, but we've been a bit busy. :)

SO...

and wishing you a Happy New Year!

Along with our Christmas Cards this year, we sent out Kamden's Birth Announcements. :)

Two Months.

2010-12-15T12:49:00.002-06:00

Schools are closed for the day and they just closed the post (JC's work) and sent everyone home.
The weatherman says we are supposed to have "winter weather" today... BUT, we haven't seen any sign yet. It hasn't even started to rain.

Seriously...

---

Kamden had his two month check up this morning. The office called me yesterday to tell me they were canceling all appointments today, because of the weather?? My doctor wouldn't be coming in. I begged them to let us come in and see a different dr. They finally decided that they would see what happened in the morning rather than predict and close the whole office. So we went in bright and early - first thing this morning.

My little chunk's stats are as follows:

Length: 23 inches (50th percentile)
Head: 40 cm (50th percentile)
Weight: 13.5 (90th percentile!)

And you thought I was kidding about the chunk... Yesterday, Kamden wore a shirt size 6-12 months!

Those who knew Zenock at two months would never think he and Kamden were brothers.
We really don't think they look alike... but, with babies that can always change.

Kamden let out the saddest cry when they gave him his shots. I hate that part. I made Zenock hold my hand. He was so cute and protective about his brother being hurt.

Love this little boy. :)

Holly and Jolly...

2010-12-13T14:13:00.003-06:00

It is surely a crazy time of year!

We experienced one of the busiest weeks EVER last week.

(We had pictures taken in October, but thought I would share a few during my post to have in my 2010 blog book.)

Every day was something new and we needed to be in five places at once...
It was my week to help with preschool, my "calling" to decorate for our Relief Society Christmas program (this took an entire day of running around like a mad woman - back and forth.), shopping, JC's meetings, taking pictures for friends, editing pictures for my Sister's wedding, work, pre-school program for an older lady in our ward, preparing pre-school treats/lessons, another pre-school program and party for the Mom's, Setting up for and attending the Stake Christmas Festival (a HUGE 3 night event for our stake. Consisting of a choir/orchestra concert which they practice months for and you have to reserve your tickets. Thousands of nativities/christmas trees/a live Nativity, etc. It is incredible how they transform the entire Stake Center into a big Christmas Wonderland.) We were excited to be able to take JC's boss and her husband and another co-worker of his with us Friday night to the concert. Such a fun event! :) The concert was awesome!

Lets add in two visits with Santa, more shopping, and our Ward Christmas Party to end the week.

The REAL holiday parties haven't even started to begin...

Sure glad that week is over... Every night I got into bed feeling like I was about to die and my feet were going to fall off. Sadly, I didn't get to sleep for long... My baby is still on a schedule of waking up 2-3 times during the night!

I am looking forward to a 5 hour block of sleep one of these days. :)

---

We are also getting BEYOND excited to visit with family and friends!
I spent an hour and a half on the phone with my Mom and sisters last night planning out our time with them and every detail from the "WE have to watch The Holiday to WE will be going to Cafe Rio and Sugar n' spice." Too bad the middle sister has to run off for a honeymoon and miss some of the fun!

I'm excited for the events, parties, traditions, food, friends, Sister and Brother in laws (and nephews) I get to meet for the first time, and SO much more! :)
We are excited to introduce and re-introduce our boys to FAMILY, cousins, and what JC and I like to refer to as "home."
(Although, I must admit ALABAMA feels Home to us too. We love it here.)

SO much to be excited about and look forward to!

As my youngest sister declared... "LET the annual feasting begin!" You can bet there is going to be some dang good food around. :) (Although, I began my annual feasting a LONG time ago.)

SO excited for Christmas and my little boys reactions. HE is ridiculously into and excited for Christmas this year. AS he should be. We have tried to teach him it is better/more fun to give than to receive and have dedicated each FHE this month to Christmas, giving, family, and of course made sure he knows the real reason for the season.

---

Zenock is at such a crazy fun age. We laugh at pretty much everything that comes out of his mouth... Not all good at times. He can also get into some good mischief. In the last week he has proudly announced to us that his life ambition is to grow up and become a

"ROCKET (rock star) STAR AND PLAY THE BAGPIPES."

We have no idea where this came from.

Zenock NEVER stops talking. Even when we aren't listening to him. He is talking or singing AS loud as possible. I relish in the moments when he is asleep and there is silence.
When I have that rare moment to run a quick errand by myself I end up leaving the radio off just to enjoy a quiet ride and the sound of the road. I have no idea how many times I listen to him singing Jingle Bells or Santa Claus is coming to town during the day. :)

I'm not complaining... He is a SWEET, sweet boy.

Mischief is his middle name. When he got in trouble the other day he got mad at me and went and turned my Wallflower upside down. I didn't notice it for an hour and when I did, RED scented oil had spilled out all over the carpet.

(How to clean it out in case your wondering: Blot the best you can, then spray WD40 on it and blot some more. This gets the oil out. Then Resolve Carpet cleaner gets the Red and the WD40 out of the carpet. Good as new!)

HE has such an imagination! It takes him a good hour at least to eat his food for EVERY meal. The reason being... They become his family. I have no idea how to even explain this to make sense, but it is honestly hysterical... until you just want to CLEAN up and be done with dinner!

He lines his noodles up on his plate and each one becomes a family member... They get eaten when they are bad and have to go to time out. He loves to play this little game with everything. The weirdest objects become his little guys or family members! He has been doing this for months now.

I would worry if he wasn't three. :)

My little Kamden is the sweetest baby.
He smiles so big that his eyes shut and is just happy and content.
(I needed a baby just like him to make me want a million more!)

BUT, I can't help but love every minute I spend with these boys.
I'll say it again... I'm a lucky girl. :)

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas Season!