The Mommy Monologues

January

2012-01-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Phew. January has been a huge blur. I lost my Grandpa on the 12th of January. What an amazing man, husband, father and grandpa. His heath had been slowly declining for years, and I remember watching him at Christmas and thinking that this might really be his last one. On New Year's Eve, he suffered a stroke that took his ability to speak and swallow. It was awful. I went to the Hospital and it broke my heart. That is when I truly mourned for him. I remember coming home to Eric shocked. Shocked that I knew that he wanted to go, and shocked that I wanted him to be free of all of his pain, frustration and constant illnesses.
My grandparents had such a special, unique love. There relationship was inspiring and there was never a question that they absolutely treasured and loved each other. In true Grandpa fashion, once Grandma said it was okay to leave her, he did.
The funeral was lovely. Everything a funeral should be. Grandpa's request was that the funeral be completely done by the family. Everyone did such a nice job. Big E and I even got through our duet. Honestly, I left that funeral wanting to be such a better person. That's the kid of man my grandpa was, someone that inspired others to be their very best and greatest. I will always be so grateful for my little Mack, that he has such a marvelous person whom he is named after. I hope he develops so many of Grandpa's qualities.
I love that Grandma of mine, I will always be so glad that my family is close. What a blessing for Grandparents to be such an huge influencing factor for their grandchildren.

So I am sure we have appeared to be frantic and crazy, and we kinda have been. I know I missed Birthdays, prior commitments, lunch dates and so on. But sometimes life is like that. Sometimes life has to stop for a few moments so we remember how great and blessed it is.

2011-12-27T23:47:00.001-07:00

Christmas was awesome, absolutely delightful and magical. I love the excitement and surprise that The Mr. had this year. The only thing that kid has wanted for months has been a Mack truck from Cars. I kept on trying to emphasize that it was Jesus' Birthday. Mack has seen everyone else have a Birthday but him, all of his cousins, mom and dad, and Bump and Mango. He has been desperately awaiting his, I told him it was after Jesus' Birthday. Then he insisted that I call him Jesus. Interesting. I finally came to the conclusion that he thought if his name was Jesus it would be his Birthday. I love that kid.

Big E way surprised me this year with a sewing machine. This earns him a lot of bonus points. In fact, this week we have been painting and redoing the Craft Room in which said sewing machine will be stored. I can't wait to have all of my stuff organized and in one spot. I am a lucky gal.

Growing up, I always wanted to open jammies on Christmas Eve, and vowed that I would do it with my family. I usually buy myself a nice warm pajama set, but this year I went for a nightgown. A full-on ankle/wrist nightgown. I love it. Big E despises it. Utterly hates it. When I told him I bought it and was so excited to wear it all the time, I am pretty sure he thought that I met "a nighty", like his type of nightgown with very little functional material (or material at all). Wow that was one disappointed hombre on Christmas Eve. Before you feel sorry for the man realize this: A) the nightgown is actually quite slimming. B) I do wear his type of nightgowns whenever the situation calls for it. I have children for crying out loud. I can trapeze around the house in that. C) He refuses to let me buy a Christmas sweater. I f I can't have a sweater, by crap, I will have a nightgown.

Speaking of Big E, we had an awful, horrible conversation today. He thinks we should trade in my beautiful Pilot for a mini van. What the holy flippin' crap? Seriously? I thought that we had agreed on this: I would never drive a van. I know there are those of you out there who drive one and love it. Good for you, I am sincerely happy for you. It's not for me. I clearly should have put this clause in the pre-nup along with my tummy tuck and breast lift after the last baby comes. I will keep you posted on this issue, as it is of the utmost importance. Seriously it is.

Cakes is nine months old, where has the time gone? She is darling, sweet and peaceful. Her nine month check is tomorrow and I am expecting to her that she probably is a little small. I am also going to ask about her freakish flexibility, not quite sure if she has hip joints.

Christmas pics coming soon!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T21:03:00.001-07:00

We had a lovely Thanksgiving, and have so much to be thankful for! In an "out-of-body" moment, I suggested that it might be fun to host Thanksgiving for Big E's family at our house. Um... last time I checked, I had never even baked a turkey before. The days leading up to it were incredibly stressful. But had I not been a complete idiot, and if I would have known it would have turned out so lovely, I wouldn't have stressed half as much. I didn't poison anyone with raw turkey, the gravy wasn't jello and I figured out a great seating arrangement. It really was great. Eric's brother's family, Brad and Lisa and there four kids came, along with Big E's parents and sister Christie and Arturo.
The whole day was calm and so nice. Everyone brought great food, helped get ready and helped cleaned up. It was fun having our house full of laughter and voices. My father-in-law took some lovely pictures, here we go!

Pretty dang beautiful table if I don't say so myself!

This is our "Thankful Tree" one of my very favorite things that we did this season.

The Sister-in-Laws

Our children LOVE their Uncle Arturo, and I am pretty positive he loves them back.

Love this beautiful girl, loved her from the moment I met her!

Check out those awesome rosy cheeks (and the little bumps, I have tried every brand of lotion. Any recommendations?)

Someone got somebody else hooked on Angry Birds.

October Catch Up

2011-11-07T13:41:00.001-07:00

October in review:


Big E and I at the USU vs BYU game. Lots of fun, USU lost - sad days. But a six hour date night: AMAZING!

Big E and The Man. making cookies so we could BOO our neighbors. I love The Mr.'s apron.

Took both boys to the Fire Station.

This was the best picture I could get. Thanks Christy and Heather for the invite, The Man still talks about it.


These kiddos make my days great, I am one lucky Momma

Total random sidenote, but I have been trying to switch some of my makeup for cheaper brands. Big fan of Sephoras line. I have only tried the cream eyeliner and the eyeshadow, but I love both. Cheaper and more in the container.

Big E's Birthday extravaganza week starts today. Should be a fun week. I sure love that boy, and he is so good to me.

Thanksgiving decor is up, and when I am not so lazy, I might post some pics.

Happy November!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T22:10:00.001-06:00

Happy Ween!
Love, Big E, Me, The Mr. and Baby Cakes

Argh... Matey!

Tool Bench

2011-09-25T21:06:00.003-06:00

So I always have every intention to blog every night, but wow, it obviously doesn't happen. So in my last post I mentioned my addiction to Pintrest, I love it. Well, my nephew Tj's birthday was coming up and I saw this great idea for a tool bench. It was actually really easy, cheap and turned out super cute. I bought the TV cart at the DI for five bucks, and most of the rest of the stuff I just had. Here is the before and after:

We went up to Silver Lake recently with Eric's Mom and Dad. I love that place, it is awesome for the kids and has great memories of dating Big E. We used to take a blanket to the dock at night to "star gaze". We liked to "star gaze" a lot.

I have been decking out the house in Halloween, it's awesome. Hopefully I will get some pics up soon. Big E has been super busy ripping out bushes and trees... the yard is finally starting to look somewhat decent. The Mr. is awesome, seriously I love that little boy. He is just so much fun, I think the two year old crap is starting to wear off. Cakes is as darling as ever! She recently got her first tooth. At her 6 month check she was 30th for height, 25th for weight and 50th for head. Wow I am sleepy... think I am off to go "star gazing" :)

2011-09-05T21:42:00.000-06:00

- Um how hot and ripped is Big E? (see Flaming Gorge pics) Pretty hunky me thinks. - My time as of late, has been taken up by Pintrest. I am in love and addicted....more so than Facebook or blogging.- Thank heavens my gig as Primary Chorister is up, out of every calling I have ever had, it for sure was the hardest, with the most prep. - I found Mack last week with the power drill, drilling the wood on the deck. What the crap? The kid is two and a half. he is super smart, sometimes I worry too smart. But then I remember the poor kid still can't get his colors right. Everything still is green.- I went back to the dark side: Proactive. Yup, my off-again-on-again romance with it has begun. Bless my amazingly finicky skin.- I love fall and can't wait for Halloween. I am not sure when I decided to totally dig Halloween but I do.- Making new friends is hard, but I am getting better. That is all

The Gorge

2011-08-23T22:01:00.004-06:00

Okay, so one of my all-time favorite places on earth is for sure Flaming Gorge. I love our annual trip, honestly it is magical. It is always a great time boating, gaming and laughing, and usually some form of hysterical nudity. My family rocks and they took such good care of the Mr. and Cakes. Big E and I have officially started our "boat fund", it's going to happen folks. Seriously if I were to get cremated, spread me over the Gorge! Thanks again fam, you were awesome and it was a fantastically fun trip! I love the picture of Mack falling asleep on the water weenie!

Suckers or Cigarettes?

2011-08-05T11:36:00.002-06:00

So the Mr. is totally into sitting on the front porch and watching birds. Not sure where he developed this love of bird watching, but he loves it and therefore I do it. He even can name a couple of birds, but his favorite is the Macky-pie.
Anyway, so we are out on the front porch and our neighbor across the street was out smoking a cigarette. Mack stands up and yells, "Hey, how is your sucker today?" Gotta love the Mr. The neighbors here are so great, we are REALLY lucky!

Long Time, No Blog

2011-08-03T21:25:00.002-06:00

Wow, it has been a really long time. TWO MONTHS, time is a flyin' by. Things at the Casa L have been great, we are almost completely furnished and decorated. Oh the excitement! The next big project is my pink and black Craft Room, I can't wait to get started. Next time the house is clean, I will try my darnest to remember to take some pics and post before and afters. (Yes, I did just type afters).
The Mr. is doing great and talking up a storm. He repeats everything we say, which has gotten us in trouble more than once. He loves nursery and playing with friends. He also prefers that we call him Macky. Not sure where he got that one.
Baby Cakes is now four months old! She is darling and thankfully feeling better and better everyday. She now weighs 13 lbs 11 oz. She jumped from the 5th percentile to the 60th, go Cakes!
Big E is as awesome as ever. He is totally addicted to Deadliest Warrior, and yeah it's pretty cool. He is also addicted to crossfit classes at work, and I must admit he is pretty ripped.
I am great, almost feeling adjusted to two chillens. I did have a horrifying night a couple of nights ago though. I sleep with an ear plug due to the lawn mower I share a bed with. Well when I turn over, I take it out of one ear, and put it in the other. I went to take it out of one, and only half of it came out! I flipped out and ran to grab my trusty Tweezermans and successfully managed to jam it in even further. I woke up Big E, laughing/sobbing hysterically. Right after he said he couldn't see it and he was pretty sure that it had reached my brain, he pulled it out. Bless that Big E, or as I now call him Dr. Larsen. Shark Week has dominated my life, I can't get enough of it. And for the life of me, I can't figure out why!

2011-05-25T21:25:00.002-06:00

I was a mean Mom today, it was awful. Poor Mack, pretty sure it was one of my most mean-mommy-ornery days ever. The man is really a sweetheart and actually put up with me. He cried when I left for an appointment and I was shocked that he still liked me. That's how ornery I was today.
I have mentioned this before, but honestly with just Mack I felt like I was playing house. He was such an easy baby, and it was just he and I cruising the local Costco aisles. Don't get me wrong, Miss Kate is a really good baby too... but now there are TWO kids. Now breast feeding isn't relaxing and quiet, it is now an anxiety-ridden half and hour wondering what medium the Man is painting the walls with.
I do love it though, I am having fun and it still sometimes surprising that I have two kiddos and drive a SUV. I need to play more, I want to be a fun Momma (just like Momma J). I need to not be so worried about a clean house and just have fun with the Man.
Things are going well with the house, still doing work on it, but it is oh so much fun.
I think I have finally convinced Big E to dress up as Tom Selleck for Halloween! Awesomeness, go Magnum P.I..
Totally and completely random, but I am so glad I didn't marry the boy I thought I was in love with when I was 20!
Birthday week starts in a couple of week, go 24! 23 was sure a good year for me!

Randomitis

2011-04-21T13:19:00.002-06:00

- Miss Kate is doing well, no more scares. She still is under house arrest with her monitor on her foot, but we haven't had anymore major de-sats!
- I am so tired, I don't think I have ever been so tired. The reality of a two year old and a newborn have hit. I am a wimp, I know. My left eye is on perma-twitch, it's a great combination with my slutty sultry right eye.
- Said tiredness is illustrated by the following story. Miss Kate's monitor wasn't working so I called Home Health for a new one. Dialed and waited for an answer. Apparently the woman on the other end of the line had been waiting for me all day to call, she said so. Then she said other things, and I was shocked that Home Health offered such services. Finally, I realized I had grossly misdialed. Then I realized that I needed to tell Papa Jones that I called a sex phone line and when it showed up on his bill, I would being paying for it. Papa Jones' face was awesome.
- Mama J is having BOTH knees replaced. Not sure how I feel about this, I sure love her.
- BFF M is the best. Did I mention she has taken days off of work to take care of me and my chillens? She makes me laugh, way too hard. Seriously, I have said it before and I will say it again: Everyone needs a BFF like M in their lives.
- So excited for the new house. Flooring and lights are going in this week! I can't wait to not share a bedroom with a kiddo. I think we had just barely gotten over our Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from sleeping with the Mr. and then Miss Kate arrived. Pretty sure you can find Big E rocking in the corner.
- I have always wanted to be on Broadway, just one show one night. What character would I be? Glinda? Nope. Elphaba? Nope. Princess Amneris from Aida.
- Easter needs to be over soon. I can't get enough Easter candy. Jelly beans, nerds jelly beans, really anything. Today I am making Peep monkey bread. I will let you know how it goes.
Both chillens are asleep, I think I will go join them!

Katelyn Update

2011-04-10T15:42:00.003-06:00

Oh wow, I kinda feel like I have been playing pretend mom with Mack the last two years. Two kids is kind of a wake up call, but oh so great. I think we are finally coming out of the adjustment period, The Mr. is still getting the naughty out of his system. He has done really well though and loves Miss Kate.
Katelyn is finally doing better. After three days at Primary's, an EEG, EKG, CT scan and x-ray things are looking up. Ever since she was born all of the color would drain from her face and she would get a little blue around her mouth. Surprisingly, a lot of newborns get the blue tinge. But last week, she went completely blue and wasn't breathing enough so we headed up to the ER. Scary, awful and more awful. I now know why my mom would cry when I got hurt.
That first night she had seizure like behavior and stopped breathing. Hence the EEG. That came back normal and we met with a Neurologist on Friday and we are pretty confident that she is not having seizures. I am supposed to keep a journal of her days and the sweet Neurologist gave us her cell phone number in case she looked like she was having another one. But overall, we don't think seizures are causing her not to breath.
Her heart looked great on the X-ray and the EKG, it just goes hummingbird fast. Her average resting rate is 160-170. She is hooked up to a monitor at home and I think that might be improving a little though.
Hopefully, the breathing problem is severe acid reflux. She doesn't really spit up at all, so they think she might be spitting up, choking on it, and it is blocking her airway. We will see how the medication goes.
I really feel like she will be just fine though. Her oxygen levels have been really good and her heart rate seems to be okay most of the time. I am so grateful for good Dr.'s, a great hospital, an amazing husband, a willing family, and friends that took care of Mack.
Katelyn is surprisingly really happy and calm. I can tell she is in pain, but she doesn't cry all the time at all. She is so sweet and really has a calming influence about her. Now enjoy some pictures. Thanks again Melinda! (Before and after pics of the house are coming soon!)

Katelyn Kennedy Larsen

2011-03-27T20:44:00.005-06:00

She is here, well she has been here for awhile now but I am just getting my blogging groove on. She is beautiful, absolutely beautiful. She was born March 15 and weighed in at a whopping 5 lbs 8 oz and I think that 2 oz of that is hair.
The delivery went really well, much less uneventful than the Man's. Eric got to take in the camera to the C-section and I am so tempted to post some appropriate surgery pics, but I don't want to gross anyone out. The only thing that was hard for me was the lights are reflective and I could see all of me. Not attractive, couldn't they cover me up a little sooner instead of waiting for every Dr, resident and student to come. Needless to say, my eyes were closed the whole time. I couldn't watch myself be sliced open. Katelyn did very well, it was so good to have time with her in the recovery room. I am so grateful for great Dr.'s and Nurses, I couldn't be happier about the delivery, except being exposed for so long.
The hospital stay was uneventful and Mack did so well when he met her. He loves her so much and loves to help and stroke her hair. Big E is quite the proud papa. There is something so special about the bond of a daddy and a daughter.
Unfortunately, being so small she didn't pass the car seat test. Bummer, she travels in a car bed instead. This means that until she can keep her oxygen levels up while slouched, she cannot be in a normal car seat, bouncy chair of swing. Our little Kate lives in a laundry basket or someones arms. Here are the promised pics, among them you will see: Big E scrubbing in for surgery, me looking stunning in the shower cap headed to surgery, Katelyn weighing in, Katelyn sporting the Aunt Jemima look after her hospital bath, The ride home with the car bed, me enjoying the post surgery morphine with the breast pump, Mack and Katelyn, and Big E and I with Katelyn.

Kids make me nervous

2011-03-22T21:14:00.002-06:00

First things first, I know I don't post here very often (this is Eric) but I thought it couldn't be that hard to figure out. Well, after trying to find the "New Post" button I finally had to ask Annie - which was a bit humiliating in and of itself. Well it turns out the problem is I was trying to log in under her email, and then mine. Silly me. Turns out we have another email account just for the blog. Who knew?

The point of this entry was actually to address something that our son Mack did the other day. We were of course a little apprehensive as to how well he would handle having a new baby sister and all the changes that come with it. But the good news is that so far he's taking it like a champ. But in case there's any doubt as to how much our children watch us, I submit the following;

The other day I was washing some bottles and other stuff for the pump that Annie's using. Well, I turn and Mack has unzipped his pj's to his belly-button and is holding the proper piece of equipment against his chest and smiling up at me saying "Look!"

Tomorrow!

2011-03-14T17:50:00.005-06:00

Okay, so I have been MIA for a little while. Sorry about that folks, life has been wonderfully hectic and busy. Those of you who didn't hear our joyous cries from the mountain tops, we finally bought a house. An awesome, amazing, wonderful house. Big E has been stripping (wallpaper that is), patching and removing walls and a lot of other totally testosterone loaded things (what a hunk). Hopefully, we will be moving in two weeks.
However exciting the house has been, we can't get over the excitement of little girl's arrival TOMORROW! I couldn't be more excited and more grateful to meet her. I am SO glad that she stayed in the oven this long, it wasn't expected that she would make it to 38 weeks! She as of now, has about six names that are possibles. Hopefully tomorrow we can narrow it down! I am more excited than nervous, except for the fact that when highly drugged I sat completely inappropriate things to my Dr.. Please, please, please let me have some form of a filter.
We go to the hospital at 8:00 a.m., and within a few hours she should be here! I think I stay until Saturday, so sadly no updates with darling pictures before then. Wish us luck. Here are a couple of pictures taken yesterday. 37 weeks and 5 days, here is to the belly shot. (I love how my butt shrinks whilst pregnant)

2011-01-20T12:23:00.002-07:00

Lately I have had completely random thoughts pop into my head:
1. Ophthalmologists need to chew gum, suck on a breath mint, whatever needs be....all of the time.
2. Crap, I am so getting old. Said Ophthalmologist was a baby, how did people younger than me become my doctor?
3. I am so footballed out, really I am so great at watching it with Big E all season. But I really don't like watching the NFL, I am sick of it. So sick of it, that as payback I made Big E watch a totally trashy reality show with me. I am awesome.
4. Is it totally stupid that I am worried about being lonely when we move out? It is great having someone around all of the time. I get lonely pretty dang easily.
5. So excited for our own house again. Can't wait. But I am totally sick of house hunting, all of this viewing, offering and crap is getting way old.
6. For some reason, since I got pregnant I stink at Rock Band. What happened to me? Big E and I thought we were so clever when we named our band "The House Hunterz". I thought this was hysterical, and then I realized again I was getting old. Just cause you add a "z" on the end, doesn't make it edgy.
7. The Mr. is the light of our lives. Wow, we are lucky to have him. He is starting to sing and I love it!
8. I want something really good and divine to eat, I just don't know what it is.
9. I blog stalk way too much. Heck, I blog stalk people that I didn't even necessarily like or know in High School. Please tell me this is normal.
10. THIS IS BIG: The Mr. went twosies in the potty yesterday! Awesome isn't it? I really feel strongly about not pressuring kids to the potty, but the man has shown an intense interest. My mom and I are going to write a book about our potty training theory. It all starts with preventing the nose picking and eating. Seriously, we are going to make millions!

2011-01-16T14:40:00.002-07:00

Um, so this is why I never should make blogging goals, I get WAY too overwhelmed and then WAY too burned out. Thus, leading to a two month blogging dread.
We had a fantastic holiday season, pics may or may not come later. The Mr. was amazingly darling and I was able to surprise Big E with a gift. We spent time with lots of family and friends, it was perfect.
The house hunt is going well. Well, I actually hate it but we have made some offers and are continuing to look. I am so grateful that we got out of the condo when we did, pretty sure that we would have been stuck there for a long time. The goal is to have said house by the time Baby Girl arrives.
Baby Girl is glorious, moving constantly and accumulating lots of pink stuff. It has been super fun planning a nursery again, even if there isn't an actual room yet. In bummer news the whole preeclampsia thing is back and in full force. Blah. But at least I get to see her in ultrasounds every week. I am so excited for her! In a total weird happening, I woke up with a droopy eyelid last week. It hasn't gotten worse and it hasn't gotten better. The body does such nut job things while pregnant. I am a little self-conscious about it, but what do you do? We joke that it is my sultry and slutty eye. Hopefully, after pregnancy more answers will come and it will just disappear! Eight more weeks!
The Mr. is showing a lot of interest in the toilet, this has shocked me. He is all about sitting on it and flushing. He finally is talking a lot more too. he is so fetching handsome. At his last checkup he finally got his weight up to the 50 percentile. His height is still steady at 95.
Big E is amazing, it's true. Just being around him makes me happy. I can't believe as of next week we will have been married for four years, knowing each other for six. Man dating sucked, and was way too dramatic.

My Dreams Have come True!

2010-11-17T15:20:00.002-07:00

Today I am thankful, very thankful indeed. Since my very first trip to New York at the age of 14, I have dreamed about the day that Salt Lake would get a Crate and Barrel! Today it was announced. I remember the pandemonium that broke loose when Krispy Kreme, The Cheesecake Factory and IKEA came. I also remember thinking that we had nothing until we had a C&B! What a great day!

Birthday Boy!

2010-11-16T14:16:00.002-07:00

Sorry I have been slacking, Birthday Weekend Extravaganza was a blast! A blast that left me tired and exhausted. Every night when it came time to blog about my thankfulness, it was all I could do to take out my contacts and collapse into bed, watching reruns of House.
So thankful for Big E! I love making a big deal out of Birthdays, I really feel like the Birthday person should feel loved and special. We had a great time together and so much fun.
Eric is one of the kindest people I know, how I got so lucky I am not sure. Just one example to illustrate the kindness: When we got married, we bought a top of the line pillow top mattress. Big E loves our bed, like as much as I like my Cricut. He came into marriage with an amazing pillow that had traveled to college with him. I came into marriage as a very needy sleeper. I had to have a fan blowing air onto me, and it had to be loud enough to drown out any noises in the house. Eric preferred silence. But of course, he acted fine with the fan thing, even though it dried his sinuses like the Sahara Desert. With the crap back, I couldn't sleep in our lovely bed anymore, so sure enough Big E flips the mattress to the awkward hard side and is fine with buying a memory foam topper. That favorite pillow of his? Yup, now mine. He is amazing and so much fun! I love him with all of my heart, and I am so glad we found each other. As tumultuous and dramatic as dating was, marriage is awesome and couldn't be better! To Big E, I love you and thank you for all of your sacrifices for me and our growing family!

2010-11-10T20:09:00.002-07:00

I have to say that I am really grateful that I decided to do this whole "Thankful Blog" thing. With being so limited, sometimes I have gotten really discouraged. Then, when I sit down to blog at night what I am thankful for I am overwhelmed at my many blessings. Usually when I used to blog I would look to see how many comments I had received. This whole thankful thing has really changed that, it's been awesome. Like absolutely awesome to blog just for me, not for anyone else, not for comments and reactions. This has been a great thing for me!
Probably won't hear from me tomorrow. Big E and I are spending his BIRTHDAY alone together. That's right we are going on a hot, steamy date (even the Tom Selleck pics are staying home).Wish us well as we stay at a great B&B and celebrate 32!

2010-11-09T21:21:00.002-07:00

I am so glad that Big E puts up with me, he must be in love, he even thinks I am funny. It is pretty fun to get in bed every night and laugh together. He also puts up with all of my older men and little boy crushes (i.e. the cute little Yogurt Stop boy and the man of all men Mr. Sellick.) So for tonight's giggle, I taped a couple of pictures of Tom Sellick to the ceiling over our bed. I love that Big E. got a kick out of it!

2010-11-08T22:05:00.001-07:00

So thankful for babies today! Rob and Merisa welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Porter Jones! There is nothing as beautiful as a new little life! Congrats to them and Big Brother Carson!

The Mr.

2010-11-07T21:31:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful for the Mr. He really is the best little boy ever and I love that he is such a snuggle bug. I love him so much and he brings so much happiness to our little family. I especially liked that during snack time in Nursery today, he asked for a Coke!

Today...

2010-11-05T21:39:00.003-06:00

Remember how a few posts ago I mentioned all of the awesome, generous people we have around us? Well,I am thankful for all of them, but my cuz Janie has done so much for us! She is such a giving person, she would help anyone, anytime. She has been taking such good care of Mack, and he loves her so much. Today when I told him she was coming up, he actually tried yelling her name.
Last week, it was Papa J's big 60th party, I texted Janie and she spent all day with us setting up. Today I really wanted to make something but I would have had to go to the grocery store. Unfortunately, not being able to lift the Mr. I am really not able to go anywhere because I can't lift him into baskets, strollers and his car seat. I texted Janie and sure enough she came and helped me all day. Janie, you don't hear it enough. YOU ROCK!

Thankful For...

2010-11-04T20:01:00.001-06:00

Water, Colace, Zofran, and Phenegrin, in that precise order. Because let's face it, if you are not drinking enough water and not taking some form of fiber, you have a problem A LOT bigger than just puking your guts up.

2010-11-03T21:24:00.003-06:00

I totally dig Fall. I love everything about it! One thing I really love about it is making warm yummy soups. The pregs in me has been craving Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana, but I pretty much have no interest in going there. (Way overdid that restaurant on random dates in college.) So when I saw this recipe on Studio 5, I thought I would give it a whirl and make some of my own changes. I must say it was darn-tootin' good (well not literally), but honestly I liked it better than the Olive Garden's (as did the whole fam). Here it is, try it!

* 1 (12 oz) Jimmy Dean hot pork sausage (I actually used 1 (12 oz) reduced fat and 1 (12 oz) hot.
* 1 yellow onion, chopped (2 onions is the only way to go)
* 2 tsp minced garlic
* 2 cups chopped collard greens (I used Kale, I liked the texture better and I probably used about 3 cups total, next time I will probably still use more.)
* 1 (49 oz) can chicken broth, plus 1 (14 oz ) can chicken broth (Trying to cut down on sodium I used the large can and then water instead of the smaller can)
* 4 russet potatoes, chopped, skins left on (5-6 large russets)
* 2 tsp red pepper flakes (I did 1 1/2 tsp, but in making it again I would only use 1 tsp, the soup turned out a little bit spicier than I thought)
* 2 tsp Italian seasoning
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pint heavy cream (Use milk, I am afraid the heavy cream would make it way too rich to eat.)

Method:

1. Heat wok or large soup pot. Add sausage, onion and garlic. Fry until sausage is cooked through and onions are tender. Break sausage into small pieces as it is cooking. (DRAIN THE SAUSAGE and pat with paper towel. I honestly don't know how you could eat it without draining the fat!) Add chopped kale and stir fry 3 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth, potatoes and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in milk and warm through. Adjust seasonings and serve. Serves 6-8 as a main dish. Even with draining the sausage grease, I suggest skimming the grease off the top if there is any!)

Enjoy! You might like her version better, but try one of them. It was SO yummy. I am especially thankful that I was able to cook, it's been a long time and this soup was pretty quick prep. Wow, three days of blogging in a row, I rock!

2010-11-02T21:46:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for where I live. What a great nation we live in and what an awesome opportunity we have to vote! Big E, the Mr. and I trudged down to our voting location and stood in line. I am pretty sure the Mr. and I looked mildly homeless. I was wearing sweats, along sweater that's actually pretty nice, a T-shirt stained from dinner, threadbare slippers, hair in a bun and glasses. The Mr. was decked out in the ever fashionable outfit of jammie pants, stained sweatshirts, sandals WITH socks, and the ever present snot encrusted nose (the poor guy is fighting a bad one). Even though we looked a site, so glad we went and so thankful for where I live!

November

2010-11-01T21:47:00.002-06:00

Every time I make a goal to blog more, I always fail miserably. Who knows, maybe I will this time too. But I really don't want too! Because I have so much to be thankful for, I am attempting to blog everyday about one thing I am thankful for. Here is day number one:
I am thankful for The Mr.'s laugh. It makes me smile immediately. It has grown into more of an adult laugh and it is so cute!

Things That Make You Go Hmmm....

2010-10-24T21:41:00.003-06:00

Strange week here at the L household. Not necessarily bad, just odd....

SO we go out with some weirdo agent to look at homes this week. We saw an awesome bankruptcy and needed someone to show it to us as soon as possible. (We pretty much knew it wouldn't last long. Great house, Great Neighborhood). Well, it didn't last long at all, but onto the weirdness. So we actually saw two houses, the first one was the vacant bankruptcy, and the second was still occupied by homeowners. At the second home, we go into the Master Bedroom and Mr. McCreepo Real Estate Agent actually started opening dresser drawers. Um... excuse me? AND, when he noticed that the dressers were still full, he kept looking. Weird, creepy, total boundary steeper.

Second oddity: I lost my Chuck-A-Rama V card. It's true, I have never been until last night. It's perfect food for the Mr.: Pizza, cottage cheese, fries and raspberry lemonade. Honestly, it wasn't that bad. Way too many people though, and not the best idea to go while prego. I can't stand seeing genres of food mixed on a plate. Who eats lasagna, a taco, fried chicken and deep fried scones on one plate? That's right, Big E.

Not so much odd, but different. Sporting blackish/purplish nail polish. BFF M tells me I look emu, Big E says it's kind of hot. I think I will go with Big E on this one.

Here is my final weird, Glee. Let is be known that we have been followers from the VERY beginning. We saw the pilot when it was originally aired. Loved the music and laughed hysterically for the first half of the first season. Started to not love the second half as much, but we still enjoyed it. This season is really pushing it for me. Don't get me wrong, I don't think of myself as a prude (maybe I am just getting old, I mean how many years have I been 23 now?) but honestly what was the point of Santana and Brittany getting it on? Way disappointed. Come on Glee, let's get back to great story lines and music. I can feel myself drifting. I knew when I was looking forward to Parenthood more than Glee last week, that Glee would have to get much better and stop pushing the envelope for me. Now last time I blogged about something totally trendy and something that people are somewhat obsessed with (Twilight), I received the most comments on the blog. Might be interesting to see the response is this time (of my five readers ).

It's a........

2010-10-18T18:53:00.004-06:00

ITS' A GIRL, IT'S A GIRL, IT'S A GIRL!Oh my flippity flippers! We are so excited to have a baby girl! Bring out the bows, flowers, clothes, ruffles, pink, purple, and brain squeezing headbands!
I love her already. She is VERY active, so much more then Mack. I already feel like she is quite the little survivor. I started bleeding at 5 weeks and went in for blood draws to see if the pregnancy hormones were rising, and they weren't. We were told to go home and prepare for a miscarriage. Thankfully, that never happened. The back was at it's worse from about 8-12 weeks, then we were told that abortion was always an option. What? Really? We were not comfortable at all with this Dr. and quickly found THE BEST Dr. in the world. Seriously, Dr. Porter is the best. How thankful I am for such a great man that also happens to be a great Dr..
I am so excited to be her Momma, for Big E to have a little girl and for Mack to have a new baby. I have already started dreaming about her. She totally rocks. I do love being pregnant, but March can't come fast enough, we want to meet her already!

2010-09-29T16:49:00.001-06:00

Lame, I wrote a new post, but it isn't at the top. It's under and Then There Were Four. Blogger, what?

Then There Were Four!

2010-09-21T19:08:00.002-06:00

Big E and I couldn't be more excited to welcome Larsen Baby #2! I am 13 weeks along and the due date is March 27. We will be able to find out the sex of the baby in three weeks. Big E believes it is a girl, I think that we might have another little boy on my side to complete our Jones basketball team.
We have been incredibly blessed with this baby. I re-herniated my stupid back before I found out that I was pregnant, but already two weeks along. It has been an adventure for everyone. We are so thankful for such great people around us, we have been so blessed. I am pretty much stuck in bed due to the crap back and a tear in the placenta (it's healing nicely though). People have been amazing. Two wonderful ladies in the ward take Mack two days a week. I had a cousin come clean my room, multiple offers to take Mack during the day while Eric is gone, people visiting and bringing books and yummy food. My brother comes up to watch Mack on the afternoons he doesn't work. It has been amazing and I have been in awe of the willingness of people to help. THANK YOU!
My family is the best! It really is pretty great that we are living with my parents right now, I don't know how we would do it without them. Big E is the love of my life. I couldn't ask for a more kind, loving, generous and understanding husband.
Once again, thank you so much to everyone who has helped us so far. At the end of the night Big E and I often talk about how lucky we are to have such amazing people around us, we can't begin to thank you enough!

Favorite Things, Segment 2

2010-07-22T14:36:00.003-06:00

So Big E and I had a huge row last night. (Well, we actually didn't, but I have been reading Brit Chick Lit while stuck in bed and this is my latest word to incorporate into my vocab.) I kinda forgot about Fav Things until I saw this draft that I wrote quite awhile ago... so here are some more.
Best Place to Buy Yankee Candles: TJ Maxx, I really love Yankee Candles, really I do. But I am not willing to fork out $27.99 for them. TJ Maxx has full size jars for just $9.99. They don't have a huge selection, but most of the time they are the seasonal flavors.
Best Fries: I am not a huge French Fry Gal, but I really like Red Robins fries and Smash Burgers rosemary and olive oil fries.
Favorite Date: Well, one of the many, but it's seasonal so look into doing it soon. Deer Valley Concert Series. I usually see the Broadway one, and it is fantastic. You can bring chairs and a picnic and watch the concert. SO much fun!
Window Shopping: Home Again is one of my favorite places to browse and get ideas on furniture and decorating. However, go to the one in Midvale and not Sugarhouse, the selection is much better.
Favorite Recently Read Book: Mullberry Park. Charming, happy and all around feel good book. So anybody have any other good books for me? I NEED IDEAS. Oh and I need happy ones, no sad, murderous nightmare inducing ones.
Favorite Maternity Jeans: Buying jeans is like delving into the 7th Circle of you know where to me. Since I am kinda still keeping my bed company, I sent Momma J out to buy me some Maternity clothes. She came back with jeans and I laughed and thought "No Way." Tried them on and kazaam! They fit! Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit, STRETCHY denim. Awesome. They feel like Jammies. I think I might wear mine not pregs.
Favorite Onion Rings: The Philadelphian. I am shocked that the County Health Department hasn't closed this place down yet. When you go in, make sure not to look at anything: ceiling, floor, tables, cooking stove, anything. Order your onion rings and promptly leave before you barf. It's really that bad, but the rings are really that good.

Favorite Things, Segment 1

2010-07-13T22:02:00.003-06:00

So I have decided to list a few of my favorite things, mostly because I love when other people do this and give me ideas. So here goes Segment One:

Cleaning Product: Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. Amazing. Seriously this little rectangle will last forever and works on everything. I loved using it on my flat wall paint and moldings.
Frozen Yogurt Joint: This has been debatable for quite awhile, but I am ultimately going with the Yogurt Stop. Here is why: I like the feel of it, I love the little boy who doesn't balk at seeing me three times a week, and the Red Velvet flavor is to die for.
TV Shows I could watch over and over: Of course Glee is on the list, but I am forever grateful that my brother James made me watch Arrested Development. Love it. Hysterically funny. "There is always money in the banana stand!" Frasier, Cheers and MASH as well.
Vacuum: Dyson, you can't go wrong. I know it is expensive, but it is an investment. It is so satisfying to empty that canister out, and plus Big E. look super hot vacuuming with his shirt off.
Book: A Girl Named Zippy. If you read it and don't like it, don't tell me... I might cry.
Mascara: I am a MAC girl, born and raised. My Mom took me to the MAC counter when I first started wearing makeup to have a professional teach me how to put it on, (mostly so I wouldn't look like a hooker). BUT, MAC's mascara makes my eyes water. I love Covergirl's Lash Blast Volume.
Root Lifter: Gotta go with Paul Mitchel's Extra Body Daily Boost. I did use Big and Sexy's Root Pump, but it made my hair stiff. My hair is so thick and heavy that it is weighed down, Daily Boost is essential for me.
Best "Deal" website: I have gotten so many things for free or amazingly cheap from this website. Check it out: Freebies2Deals.com, I guarantee you will get hooked.
Diapers: No, not for me, for The Mr.. I really liked Pampers Swaddlers when he was a newborn. Not because it had a pee line that changed colors when he was wet, I could figure that out on my own. But I liked how soft they were. Now that The Mr. is chowing down real people food, we go for durability and blow out protection. Huggies all the way.

Okay, there you have it, segment one. Hopefully you got some ideas, and I totally think you should do this on your blog, all three of you!

I am a Lucky Mom

2010-06-30T21:48:00.002-06:00

It's true, I totally lucked out with the Mr.. The other day I was sitting in a chair and Mack brought me all of his bottles one by one. Interesting, but I didn't think anything of it. Later that night, wouldn't take a bottle. Ever more interesting. Nap next day.. No bottle. Yup the kid rocks, weened himself off of the bottle. I don't know why I feel strangely liberated. I kinda have "Free Momma" moments, this was one. First one was when I was done nursing. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed nursing. Eleven months was a long time though. Second one was when we moved our bed out of the Mr.'s room. A whole nights worth of uninterrupted sleep was bodacious. Lastly, the bottle. Diapers here we come! I know this is a sappy parent post, but hey it is my blog right?

Busy, Busy

2010-06-22T14:22:00.002-06:00

Wow the Larsen clan has been so busy. On Friday night we had a delightful BBQ with some friends in the backyard. Might I just say, that I had one of the best smores in my life. White chocolate (which I don't like) with coconut in it (which I also don't like.) Seriously amazing. It was so much fun but I was a little frazzled. What's new right? I got some frustrating news about a project I had been working on, I was working on multiple projects for Father's Day, Big E's work Lagoon Day was on Saturday, and the horror of all horrors.... my underwire snapped. Yup, right in half. It hurt. I didn't have a replacement, that meant big roomy baggy sweatshirts and much slouching. Oh well.
Lagoon was a blast. The Mr. did so well and pretty much owned the "Bulgy the Whale" ride. He thought he was pretty much the schiz-niz, which he was. Did you know the Lagoon makes pregnant women buy a full priced ticket now? How cheap is that? You can't even go on the rides and have to pay 44 buckaroos? Nope, not prego just tried to get tickets for the sister-in-law. Cheap, like stealing ketchup and jelly packets from restaurants cheap.
Father's Day was great. I actually woke up early with Big E and made him breakfast. The Mr. and I made him a shirt with his hand prints on it, a huge candy jar for work, and a calendar with pictures of him and Daddy. It was a great day, I have an amazing father and I was lucky enough to marry one of the best Dad's ever. Big E rocks. Well, enough ranting for now :)

Birthday Extravaganza

2010-06-15T13:35:00.003-06:00

The Birthday in Jackson Hole was pretty much perfect. We had such a great time and Big E planned things out so well. It was a great relaxing trip, full of well relaxation. We took naps during the day, went to see Robin Hood, shopped, hiked and ate... a lot. Big E is quite the man and I love how he indulges my childlike behavior when it comes to birthdays. We did miss the Mr. though.
In fact the day we got back we had quite the scare. I swear that kid has so many guardian angels. Even at his delivery I am pretty sure he had extra help, but I digress. So all of the older kids are outside in my parents yard and Eric can't find the Man. He ran outside and sure enough he was in the MIDDLE of the pond walking across it. How in the world? I am not sure how he did not slip on the rocks, and keep in mind that the pond is two feet deep. We counted ourselves very lucky that day. And the worst part? He sobbed and was so angry that he had to get out. The kid is a maniac with no fear.
Here are a few random pictures from the trip and then from the "boys" what cute nephews I have! Obviously I am not the best at posting pictures in order. Don't you love the Mr.'s "Rocky" look?

My Best Decision, At Least Lately

2010-06-02T13:37:00.002-06:00

So when we moved into Casa Jones we knew we would definetly have to make sacrifices. Probably the biggest one was sleeping in the same room with the man. MISERY. Really I am not over-exagerating one bit. So months and months went on with me getting about two to three hours of sleep a night. To make MISERY even more miserable, when the man would wake up and "cry it out" I was two feet away. The couches became our new beds. We were in bed pretending to sleep about a month ago, and Mack starts to laugh. Hysterically. Belly laughs. This was super cute and made me smile. However, I was not smiling at 2:54, 3:19, 4:30... well you get the idea. That was the last night sharing a room. Our bed is now out in the "front room" and it is a thing of beauty. Mack transitioned so well. He doesn't wake up in the night at all anymore and has extended sleeping hours fro 8:30 to 9:00 in the morning and then takes a two hour nap. Brilliant!
I am sleeping better then ever. Mr. L and I can finally talk in bed and make noises. This is great. We are giddy now to go to bed. Like I said, best decision.
We are off to Jackson Hole this week for my Birthday Extravaganza Week! I can't wait! Hopefully I will be with it and actually blog about it!

I May Have Mentioned

2010-05-04T13:54:00.002-06:00

So, in past posts, I may have mentioned that I used to be somewhat of a shopper, or maybe a compulsive-non-thinking-have-to-have-it-now shopper. I am not sure how I got this way, but as I think back it might have been the fact that I lived with my awesome rent-free parents and had golden jobs that paid me too well. Maybe.
Anyway, I loved to shop, I shopped anytime I could get a chance. I went on fantastically fun vacations with the best girls ever, and when we got there I shopped. But I like to think that I have grown up and even matured a little. (Nothing helps you to fiscally mature like marrying an ACCOUNTANT. Yup, someone knew what he was doing when he put Big E and I together.) And seriously, aside from the accountant husband forcing me to change my ways, I am quite proud of myself. I am pretty dang financially responsible. I shop ads, I love bargains, thrifting and KSLing. I think that I have one piece of furniture that is not used. (Used mattress? I think not.)
I am good. I am really good. I manage to find great used things and change them into my own. I no longer compulsive shop. I no longer shop to make myself happy, well maybe sometimes. I am a rockstar..... Except for one tiny little thing. My little girl's nursery. Forget that she isn't even conceived or that I might not even have a little girl (now that would be blasphemy!). I can't stop buying things for her nursery. Big E is aware of this, I am not quite sure he knows exactly how much has been purchased... but he is aware. BUT, in my defense it has all been fantastically priced things. So that brings me to my story. I found little girl the most wonderful CLEAN hot pink 5 x 7 rug at the DI. It was darling and went along with her nursery so well. I found it last night. I didn't buy it. Honestly for $10 why didn't I snatch it right up? It helps that I was with Momma J and she talked me out of it. Even though in my heart of shopping hearts, I knew I should buy it I didn't. I didn't sleep at all last night. I just visualized the hot pink rug with the white crib and dresser and how smashing it would look. I went back first thing this morning. Some old bat stole my baby girl's rug!

2010-04-13T16:37:00.003-06:00

I can't stop eating fruit snacks, I love them... every flavor and every shape. While growing up my Mom never bought crap like fruit snacks. I never knew what a Lunchable, Capri Sun, Squeeze It, or anything Little Debbie tasted like, our "sugar" cereal was Honeynut Cheerios. This was probably a good thing because well, I was fat. I used to feel like I missed a huge part of childhood, now I am grateful. I actually have tasted a Lunchable and honestly how much more disgusting can you get? I, like Momma J probably won't buy all the crap listed above. I have a hard time buying Potato Chips. But... oh my goodness, I LOVE me some fruit snacks!
I love The Blind Side. It was fantastic. Did I mention that it had Tim McGraw in it? He definitely belongs in the "Yummy, Fantastically Good-Looking Older Man Tom Sellick Club".
Wow, this was a random post, but the man is taking an afternoon nap and I am sick of browsing at the Utah Real Estate web site. It's funny, now that we have been looking more and more at houses, I have changed my requirements a bit. I swore I did not want to move to West or South Jordan, way too windy and far. But who knows now? This house stuff is stressful. I know it will all be worth it when The Mr. gets his own room back and Big E and I can have a conversation in bed not whispering into each others ear!
Oh and seriously, I can't believe Renae died! Just when Jack had some glimpse of happiness. I would be lying if I said that I didn't cry when the Dr. came out of the ER and told Jack.
WATCH GLEE TONIGHT!

The Regime

2010-04-05T21:03:00.002-06:00

So here is the new facial regime. I got it from the most best friend imaginable M, and she picked it up from acne.org. If you are interested in trying it out, for sure go to the website. Anyway, I first use Johnson and Johnson's Clean and Clear Daily Gentle Cleanser. I REALLY like this cleanser, it is non abrasive and not harsh at all. And it lathers, I love the lather. Second, I use Neutrogena's On-The-Spot Acne Treatment, on the website it says to use a lot. I felt like my skin wasn't that bad, so I think it just kinda depends on your skin. Then finally I use a moisturizer called Complex 15, M got it somewhere online for me, but it is the best I have ever used. It is not overly greasy, but the on-the-spot-treatment dries out your skin and this lotion made it so I didn't even peel at all. Part of the whole concept is not to irritate your skin at all, ya know patting dry instead of rubbing and that kind of thing. But anyway, check out the website, I really have noticed a huge difference, especially in the overall even-ness of my face. I credit M with saving a precious commodity, my face. Everyone needs a friend like M, she really is the greatest!
Have I ever mention how much I love Kristin Chenoweth. Really, I love her. I am re-reading her book and I think she is wonderful. Random, I know but true.
Big E was sick with the 24 hour stomach flu on Easter. Major bummer. I even made Easter Brunch and all. Oh well, at least he is better now.
We hung out with some friends from the old ward this weekend, it was so great to see them and laugh. I love these nights, even though they bring out massive inappropriateness. Speaking of old ward, Carrie, I totally can't believe you didn't tell me You were pregnant at Jenny's shower! Congrats my dear!

2010-04-01T14:26:00.002-06:00

So I just got out of a fabulous bathtub/tweezing session. Yup, it's 2:27 pm and I took a long hot bath... and now I am in my sweats and Mack is still in the PJ's. Seriously my eyebrows look smashing. I thought about taking a pic, but I am way too lazy.

The Mr. finally took a few steps! Yea! A few as in like four or five, but hey it's progress. Yes the Man is 15 months old and no he doesn't walk yet, and no I am not concerned or worried at all. He is taking his sweet time and I am down with it. I do love the constant questions I get about if I am worried or not. Other then the walking he is finally sleeping a bit better. Now that is a Hallelujah moment!

I have decided that I either need to get way into blogging or not blog at all. I have no idea why I made this decision. And I hate to say it, but goodbye to Tasty Tuesdays and What's for Dinner Wednesdays. I just can't handle the commitment. Ridiculous huh? But alas, it is true. I will keep posting yummy recipes but not at any given time.

Remember when I solemnly swore that I would never drift away from ProActive? I did it again, to great results. Truth be told I had kinda had it with spending so much money, and my great friend M had tried a new regime and her skin looked fabu! So I dropped it like a brick, cold turkey. Now I use over the counter, buy in the grocery store products. It is the right combo and so much cheaper. The next sentence might be a little TMI, so read at your own risk people. So a couple of days after I switched products, I pushed my nose back and holy smokes white head erupting galore. Disgusting I know, but oh so satisfying.

Ah crapper, I totally jacked up the back again. This bums me out big time. It is slowly getting better though and of course I blame it on that cursed place, the gym. I was just really getting into the grove of exercising and I was all about the bike. What's better than burning calories, sitting on El Tushie and watching TV? Sitting and exercising, I am all about it. But that was to much bouncing pressure on that blasted disc and I am back to the boring old treadmill. I hate the gym... and sweat.

So Glee starts in 12 days, I am so excited. How I love thee, Mr Schue!

Steal of a Deal, Act NOW!

2010-03-12T20:56:00.002-07:00

Okay peeps, here is a bargain for you! Here are some directions for printing out $20 Gift Certificates for $2. Yup, true story $2. They also have $10 certificates for $0.80. Go to Restaurants.com. (This is a website where you can buy Gift Certificates for %50 off). Find your state/region and search restaurants. (Even you out of staters can do it.) Add the Restaurants to your cart and on that page enter the promo code: BITE. I think that this expires tomorrow night so hurry and do it, they are selling out fast. Also pay close attention to the limitations, some you cannot go on specific days, and on all of them you have to spend a certain amount before applying the G.C.. Still it is so worth it! We just got back to Tres Hombres and it was EL Fantistico! One of the best parts is that you do not have to wait for it to come in the mail, you just print it on your printer, Let me know if it works for you, and don't forget to hurry!

Blog-Humbug!

2010-03-09T10:49:00.002-07:00

I haven't been into blogging at all lately. Number one reason, I detest thinking of post titles and then trying to connect all of my random thoughts to it. I am seriously debating doing away with post titles. Take today, I don't have anything overly important to say, and my thoughts are most certainly not connected, but can I really do a 67th post title with "random" in it? Anywho here they are:
1. Totally bummed I missed the Jet Blue sale where tickets from SLC to JFK went for $10 each way, yup you heard me. It would have been oh so great to go with Momma J, I sure do love that women.
2. Teething stinks. I hate it, not as much as the Mr. though I am sure. The poor thing looks like he is getting four teeth really close together. Cheers to sleepless nights folks.
3. Speaking of nights, the other night I woke up to a HORRIBLE smell. I was pretty sure it was Big E's breath that was blowing in my face. I kinda gagged and then rolled over. The stench was still surrounding me. It wasn't too long before I realized that the smell was coming from my own mouth. Sometimes Farsen is disgusting.
4. Why don't they make sitcoms like they used to? Really, where are the Frasier's, Cheers and Golden Girls? I had a serious dilemma today when Frasier and the Golden Girls were on at the same time.
5. I miss my Sorority officer group. Kristina, Melissa, Amie, Mindi, Gretel, Bethany and Maureen you guys rocked and were such a blessing in my life. Really, I had never needed solid friends so badly when you all entered my life. Thank you a million times over. For the giggles, the fun and the richness that you added to my life. I miss you all! I think that when we finally find a home, I am going to throw us a reunion party!
6. Hate the gym and I still hate sweating. I have been going pretty consistently since January, thinking it would get better, but alas, still hate it.
7. I love 24 this season, but Jack and Renea need to hook up already.
8. Cooking today? Well, I have totally slacked off with Tasty Tuesday so here is a recipe, once again super yummy! This one comes from my Grandma Jo, and it is seriously the best fudge ever!

Microwave Fudge
½ c butter
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream
2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 (5 oz) or 2/3 c evaporated milk
1 (12 oz) chocolate chips
1 c chopped nuts

Place butter in large bowl and heat on full power for 1 minute or until melted. Blend in sugar and evaporated milk, mix well. Cook on level 8 for 8-10 minutes, or until soft ball stage is reached stir mixture frequently during cooking time. Blend in chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, vanilla and nuts. Stir until smooth, chill until firm. Cut into 1 inch squares, store in airtight container.

I'm back!

2010-02-24T12:03:00.003-07:00

Wow, it has been awhile and I must say it is good to be back! Eric and I went on our trip to Orlando and it was fabulous, fraught with adventure. (Is fraught a word? It is now?) Our first two days were spent mainly in the airport hotel. I do have to admit it was a fun airport though, good restaurants, shopping and people watching.) I relaxed, slept in, and finished two books. I went out to go to the pool but Orlando was having an unusually cold month. The high the whole time we were there was only about forty five, so my vision of me reading and lounging by the pool sipping fruity drinks was quickly headed out the window.
After Big E's conference was over, we headed to DISNEYWORLD! Amazing, seriously that place is huge. Our first night we strolled around Downtown Disney and had dinner at Earl of Sandwich. Eric and I looked into opening an Earl franchise, it is that good! The next morning we got up and went to the Magic Kingdom right in time for opening. We did the "Give a Day, Get a Day" service program and it was awesome. Really if you are planning any type of Disney trip Do it. It saved us $160. We went crazy and hit all of the good rides. I was sorely disappointed that the Magic Kingdom doesn't have Indianna Jones. By eleven o'clock we had hit all of the rides about three times, so we upgraded our ticket to a parkhopper. We went to Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Epcot as well. We went all day and only sat down for one 10 minute break. We stayed until the park closed at one o'clock in the morning and headed back to the hotel for a "nap". An hour and a half later we were up on our way to the airport. I flew standby and the early morning flight was my best bet at getting home. (This was the week that snowstorms slammed the East Coast and all of the airports were closed.) Well I got to L.A. and then I was stranded. Flight after flight I never got on. By the time the last flight left I would either have to get a hotel for two nights (I wasn't allowed to fly on President's Day) or stay in the airport. After my hour of sleep I broke down and we bought a ticket home on another airline.
It was an adventure! We are so thankful for my Aunt who gave us the buddy pass (we saved a lot of money) and my Mom for watching the man. By the end of the trip I was missing him terribly! The pictures are of us and our Mickey Mouse pirate ears, and on Harleys at the Harley Davidson store.

What's for Dinner Wednesday?

2010-02-24T11:58:00.002-07:00

Okay, I have slacked off.... quite a bit really. But, I do have fabulous reasons that I will go into in the next post. But seeing as though I have missed three Tasty Tuesdays, here is What's for Dinner Wednesday. Thanks for the title Jill, you are the best! This is a great and easy recipe, not to mention amazingly good and even better for leftovers! To cut some of the fat, we very rarely put the cheese on top and if we use sour cream it is the no fat kind (ya know the carton that looks like a cow) and it still is very good.

Tacoritos
1 lb hamburger
1 onion, chopped
1 can refried beans
8 8-inch flour tortillas
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
½ can water
1 can enchilada sauce
1 can mild chopped chili peppers
1 c Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1 c Cheddar cheeses, grated

Brown meat and onion in pan. Add refried beans. Spoon mixture on to tortillas and roll, placing in a greased 9 x 13 pan. Combine soup, water, enchilada sauce and chili peppers and pour over rolled tortillas. Top with cheese. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Tasty Tuesday III

2010-02-02T21:22:00.003-07:00

Yup my friends, I made it to week three. So week 1 was salad, week 2 was a main dish... so this week let's make it breakfast. This first recipe comes from Big E., and I must admit it has become a favorite. Last week we made this with freshly ground whole wheat flour and they were SO good. (Wow, that last sentence makes me sound so domestic/homemakerish, but don't be deceived Momma J ground the flour for me.) I am sure that many of you have had this before, it's an oldy but a goody!

German Pancakes
3 egg whites
3 whole eggs
1 c flour
1 c milk
½ tsp salt
½ cube margarine or butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, spray 9 x 13 pan with Pam. Take ½ cube of margarine and put into pan. Place pan in the oven while preparing the batter. In a blender combine egg white, eggs, flour, milk and salt. Mix for 2-3 seconds on a low setting. Use a whip to mix as you pour into the pan leaving some lumps. Bake for 25 minutes.

This next one is a simple granola recipe. I love granola and always wanted to make it but soon found out that I didn't have wheat germ and dandelion oil in my cupboards. Really good granola recipes have such things. But this is a simplified granola, and it is so yummy. I like it best with cold milk in the morning. If you make this remember to keep it in an airtight container. I know I got this off of some website, but I am not sure which one.

Cinnamon Raisin Granola
5 c old-fashioned oats
½ c honey
4 tsp ground cinnamon
½ c packed brown sugar
3 tsp vanilla extract
½ c vegetable oil
1 c raisins or crasins

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, oil, honey, and cinnamon; bring to a boil. (I usually double the syrup) Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over oat mixture, stir to coat. Spread in a large shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes stirring every 5 minutes. Cool and add raisins. Store in an airtight container.

There you go folks, give them a try!

Yuck!

2010-02-01T15:09:00.005-07:00

I don't know why, but lately I have been bombarded with the simple fact that I am aging. I don't know if I actually have issues with aging, or more the idea that I am running out of time with people. Does that make sense? And okay, in all honesty I DO hate the wrinkle that is now permanent between my eyebrows. Mostly for the fact that if I forget to pluck my unibrow, my wrinkle highlights it and I look like Sam the Eagle off of The Muppets. I have been telling people that I am 23, for about three years now, why? Not sure. I liked 23, but I like now too. I love that I have Big E and The Mr. now. It's all very complicated.
However this hit me last night. Big E and I were watching an old Warren Miller movie, I remember back in the 23 days I thought these people were exciting and I took cues from them to be more daring... and maybe stupid. I wanted to become the skier that did amazing jumps while looking totally stylish while doing so. (Forget the fact that I have never skied). I was watching last night and the only thoughts that came to my mind were these: What complete idiots, just asking for back and joint injuries.
The aging thing hasn't been helped with the realization that if I wear orthopedic inserts in my New Balances, I am a new woman. This combined with the second realization that if I ever lost Farsen, pretty sure I would lose it. I also saw on one of my old young women's Facebook that she was a fan of the group, "At your age I knew Shia Labeouf from Even Stevens NOT Transformers". What in the crap is Even Stevens?
Well, I am tired while writing this post. I am not even sure if it made sense. But maybe it has brought me some comfort, and maybe tomorrow I will actually wake up a 24year old. Maybe.

Tasty Tuesday

2010-01-26T18:11:00.003-07:00

Well, Tasty Tuesday made it to week 2. This recipe sounds really gross, but it is oh so good. I kinda have an aversion to hamburger, there is nothing worse then the smell of cooking hamburger (actually there area a lot of things that are worse... but I digress). So even WITH the smell, this is an amazing reciepe. Try it out.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Meatballs:
2/3 c milk
Flour or breadcrumbs
2 lbs ground beef
1 tsp salt, pepper
1 egg
½ onion

Sweet and Sour Sauce:
13 oz canned pineapple chunks
¼ c white vinegar
2 TB cornstarch
2 TB soy sauce
¼ c brown sugar
1 green pepper

Combine all meatball ingredients and separate into 1 inch balls. Cook on 350 until brown throughout the middle.
Separate Pineapple chunks from juice, add enough water to the pineapple juice to make 1 cup of liquid, add all other ingredients stir until not lumpy and then heat over the stove. Pour sauce over meat adding green pepper and pineapple. Serve over rice.

In other happenings, it was our anniversary yesterday. Three years, and what a great three years it has been. I got Eric a wedding ring (better late then never right?) and he gave me a beautiful bouqet of white roses, and COUNTRY ROCK BAND! Love it, love it, love it! In complete cheesiness, Eric is such a great hubby and an amazing Dad. I feel so blessed to have him in my life. What fun we have together. How glad I am that I asked him to ask me out on a date five years ago!

Photographers

2010-01-21T10:52:00.003-07:00

Wow I am impressed with myself, two posts in one week! For all of you that want to know how to do your own customize banner and become a technological genius as well, go to www.cutestblogonthebolck.com. On the right hand side you will scroll down until you see "free blogging secrets", click on that. I think the third one down is How to customize your own TCBOTB banner. Just follow these directions, they will be MUCH better then the ones I could attempt to give.
By the way, Glee won a Golden Globe and I loved Kristin Chenoweth on Idol last night!
Back to the title of the post, Photographers. Eric and I have not had the best of luck with photographers. It might have started out with our wedding photographer who was an hour and a half late, or the chick who brought her dog on the shoot, or perhaps it was the one that said, "I don't really make kids smile, your the parent so it's pretty much up to you." We have been LONGING to find a confident, fun, creative photographer for years now. One that doesn't ask you how you want to pose, one that just does everything for you. I was initially interested in Melinda because she did these amazingly cute one year pictures that included baby getting a go at birthday cake. So we booked our appointment, and she was amazing! Talk about everything we wanted... creative, fun, confident, and very reasonable. Really if you need a photographer she is great! I would recommend her to anyone and will definitely be going back. Check out her other work at www.melindabryantphotography.blogspot.com. Below are some of my favorites!

Tasty Tuesday

2010-01-19T16:05:00.002-07:00

I am kinda debating about having a weekly recipe post, (seeing as though the family cookbook was such a hit, don't you want to try some?) but I am not quite sure yet. So here is my first attempt, please also note that this might be my only attempt. But welcome to Tasty Tuesday.
My sister-in-law Merisa, invited us over to her house on Friday for Cafe Rio salads, not the bought kind, the homemade kind. (Some of you might remember that I was extremely allergic to cilantro, tomatillos and bunch of other crap. Like throat swell shut allergic. But the oddest thing happened, after I got pregnant allergies turned off. So bring back Cafe Rio!) ANYWAY, Merisa is one of those cooks who claim that she can't cook, but yet EVERYTHING that she makes is super yummy. You should try this woman's banana bread and sweet and sour chicken. I tell you what... she can cook. So here is the recipe for yummy cafe Rio salads:

Cafe Rio-Like Chicken
1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 TB chili powder
1 TB cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
Cook all ingredients in a crock pot for 4 hours, shred the meat and cook 1 additional hour.

Cafe Rio-Like Dressing
1 buttermilk ranch-dressing packet
1 c mayonnaise
2 tomatillos, husk removed and diced
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 clove garlic
juice of 1 lime
1 jalapeno (w/o seeds makes it milder)
Blend all ingredients well in food processor. Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.

Cafe Rio-Like Rice
3 c water
4 tsp chicken bouillon
4 tsp garlic mixed, minced
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 can green chilies
3/4 tsp salt
1 TB butter
1/2 onion
3 c Minute rice
Blend cilantro, chilies, and onions together in food processor. Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.

So there is a lot of food processing, but it is worth it! Enjoy!

New Things Are Happening!

2010-01-17T15:53:00.002-07:00

Hallelujah! After two years after naming the blog Larsen Living and HATING it every time I saw it, I have found a new one. The Mommy Monologues, I like it and I am not even sure why. I think that it no longer screams enrichment night, and really I just love being a mom.
I have also found some great new blogs and websites that are full of yummy food, great bargains and creative projects so check them out on the blog list to the side.
I am a Technological Genius! I finally figured out how to customize my own banner! I feel so accomplished. Granted many of you have been doing this for years, but for me this was a huge step. I feel like my blog is getting a makeover. I had a friend who I had not seen for a long time that looked at my blog and noticed that I don't have any pictures of me. This is one of my resolutions. I don't want to be that mom that is never in any pictures.
On to more important things. THE MR. So as promised here are some pictures from Mack's Finding Nemo extravaganza. Thank you so much to everyone who came and made it a special occasion. We have the best extended family, thank you so much for loving Mack. He loves his new toys, clothes and books. He is all sorts of big boy now. Four teeth and close to walking!

And I Thought to Myself....

2010-01-07T16:41:00.003-07:00

The following are completely random, unconnected things that have entered my mind lately:
1. Mack totally pooped in the tub last night. Nothing could have prepared me for this. At the first sign of floaties, I gagged and fled the room. (Big E was there, I wouldn't leave my one year old unattended, would I). Maybe I am not so great at this Mom stuff.
2. Praise be for night guards. I love my night guard. Yup the big hunk of plastic to keep you from grinding and clenching teeth. Best thing I have ever done for improving my sleep. In fact I love it so much that I named him: Farsen. Sick aren't I.
3. Why whenever I turn on M.A.S.H., it's the episode where Colonel Blake dies? I hate it, but can't stop watching. Have I mentioned that BJ Honnicut is totally hunkalious to me... in that Tom Sellick way?
4. I am starting to think I might do this whole Facebook business. Not quite sure I can take the plunge yet though.
5. I have a new calling. Sunday School again, but this time it is the 16-18 year olds. I taught last week and they ate me alive. Not sure what to do now.
6. The Family Recipe Book rocks. So far I have cooked three new things and they are delicious.
7. My life is pretty dang great and I am really lucky and blessed. The Mr. and Big E are the best! Even though sometimes I only see the things that I want to improve about my body, I am so grateful for it. I am thankful that it works and there isn't constant pain in my back anymore. I am thankful that I can exercise, even though I loathe sweating and stinking!
8. Big E has a conference in Florida next month. I should go, it would practically be free. I think I might really, seriously need to go to Disney World.

December in Review

2010-01-01T16:34:00.003-07:00

Whew! December was crazy busy! It just flew by, but was filled with great things! Unfortuanately some projects had to go to get other ones done, hence no Christmas Cards. Sorry peeps. Instead the monster three year project of the Blake Family Reciepe Book was finished! Hallelujah! I finally finished with probably two hundred or so tried and true yummy family recipes.

We also went driving around to look at lights, with the Mr. in a FORWARD facing carseat. (Can NOT believe he is so old!) We weren't able to celebrate his Birthday on his actual day of birth due to some family stuff. But in two days comes the big "Finding Nemo" party! The poor guy did pick up croup for his Birthday, that was pretty awful and I felt so sorry for him. At least I was prepared that he was going to get it though.

Christmas was sensational! How fun it was to celebrate it with Eric and the Mr.. It could not have been better. The Mr. got a TON of toys, his favorite being Sillytown. A few days before Christmas, I decided to take everything that I had gotten for Eric back and get him a wii.... I know I totally caved. He loves it though and I might mention that I pretty much kick trash while playing the guitar on Rockband 2. Big E gave me a Cricut! Yeah!! Holy smokes, that was really exciting, now I am just not sure what to do with! We got to spend time with both families, which is one of the things I love most about Christmas. Eric's sister Christie's wedding was on December 26th so we also spent time up in Idaho.

As for New Years resolutions, the ones that I am serious about, I keep to myself. Ya know, don't want to jinx them. But there are a few that I can share.
1. Wash our sheets more. Don't think us disgusting... I mean we do wash them, just not as much as we should.
2. Stay in touch with people better. I really need to improve in this area. Do I dare venture into Facebook. I guess I should blog more too.
3. Having more fun with the Mr. during the day and not worrying so much about keeping a clean house.
4. Language. Need to improve. Have to stop using some of my favorite phrases. Afterall Mack is going to speak something other than whale one day.

Anyway, Best wishes and Happy New Year!
By the way, if you read the blog and don't see your name on my blog list, please leave me a comment and link to yours!

Gold, Frankincense... and Gold

2009-12-03T10:38:00.003-07:00

So Big E and I pretty much love Christmas. Really there is nothing better than being married to someone who loves something just as much as you do. (Oh how I wish the Utes were one of those things.) Anyway, a couple of nights ago, we were telling Mack the Christmas story. Here are some of our favorite, totally inaccurate parts.

-So Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. See the funny thing is that the Bethlehem Treasury System, is very different then the United States Treasury System. To pay my taxes every April 15th, I would have to travel to Idaho.
-Joseph got Mary all ready to go. He packed her bags and got her comfortable on the CAMEL, that was taking them to Bethlehem.
-We they got to Bethlehem, there was no room in the inn. The only place Joseph could find for Mary was a BARN.
-The wiseman saw the star and wanted to come worship the Baby Jesus. They brought him gifts of gold, and frankincense.... and MORE GOLD.

I think we need to take Christmas 101 again.
Here is an odd story for you: We had a lovely Thanksgiving up in Idaho with the Larsen side of the family. It was great food, family and fun. But both Mack and I came home to a HORRIBLE cold. Gross. I weened Mack about three weeks ago, like cold turkey weened. No more milk. The moment he burns up with a fever, guess what happens. Milk. Yup, started randomly. Fully lactating again. WHAT?

Things That Make You Go Hmm..

2009-11-14T14:21:00.002-07:00

Good week this week, actually great week this week much better than the last one. Afterall it was Big E's Birthday Week! I love Birthdays and this year was a great one. I had been trying to think of great gifts to get him about three months ago, when I came up with the idea of really good Jazz tickets and Braza Grill. Two weeks before Birthday Week, he calls and asks if we have plans on the 9th because his work was taking him to the Jazz game and a Brazilian resturaunt. Hmm.. that idea was blotched. Plan B, fly out to Disneyland for the day, spend ten or so hours there and come home. Nope airline tickets and times didn't work out. Plan C, Monday Night Football game in Denver. Nope see Plan B reasons for falling through. So by the time I reached Plan M, I was getting a little discouraged. But the day was GREAT.
He came home from work and we left to go to "dinner" but really checked into a Bed and Breakfast, Castle Creek Inn. (Here is a plug for the Inn. I have been to a many of B&B's and I am always somewhat leery. I don't want overly hokey my-bed-is-a-gondola/covered wagon. I also don't want bright lights screaming that this is the place to well, do it, if you know what I mean.) Castle Creek was AMAZING, clean and NO, we didn't hear anyone else.)
We checked in and left for dinner and I possibly had one of the best burgers ever, Red Robin's Bonzai burger. Yummy. We went back to the B&B and watched Glee. LOVED IT. Holy smokes, Sue is human and actually made me a little weepy. HMMM... Loved this episode, the only thing I did not love was "Defying Gravity" , the youtube version was much better. The next morning we woke up, had breakfast and went for a couples massage. My body is still delightfully gelationous. I really just love Big E, he is great, everything that I could have ever dreamed. What an amazing husband and daddy.
So I have had a really hard time getting Mack to take me seriously when I am trying to tell him "no" or "danger". The man knows he is adorable and smiles and then giggles. NO MATTER WHAT I DO. Really I doesn't matter how emphatic I am, how stern, or how loud. I did notice that he does respond to Toby when he yelps at him... so I tried it, works like a gem. So if you hear me yelping in church, just disregard me!

Need a Giggle?

2009-11-08T15:09:00.003-07:00

Wow, what a MONSTER week, it really was a nasty one. I needed a giggle, so I found my favorite dog vs cats story and chortled. Maybe you need a giggle too?

Doggie Diary Entry:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Cat Diary Entry:

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Idiots!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow --but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously stupid.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now . . .

Hope you laughed. By the way, if you are a Glee fan, youtube "Glee cast Defying Gravity". LOVE IT.

Happy Ween!

2009-11-05T21:01:00.008-07:00

Halloween was, as always, a howling success at the Larsen/Jones household. We had planned a great party with my family, which was SO much fun! I love how into the adults and children get into the whole costume thing. We had great food, donuts on a string, games and costumes. The "Sign Game" was the hit of the night (Kenzie, Kennedy and Keegan rocked). It really was great and I am SO grateful that I am so close to my shiz-niz family!

So, I am WAY too lazy to put a caption under each one, so here is a small summary:
Eric is one dang sexy Zorro, I am a purple witch a Mack is a sleepy lion. Meet Hugh Hefner and his Playboy Bunny, Grandma and Grandpa. Rob and Merisa, the Devil and Angel, with Rob looking quite fetching in a dress. Janie is the prettiest Teletubby ever, while Toby is a mighty steed. My parents costumes are somewhat disturbing with Dad as a baby, and Mom as Uncle Fester. Kenzie and Kennedy are cheerleaders in training, while James was just simply born to be a pirate. Suzy was a gorgeous witch with quite the wicked hat and Swans are the scariest zombies, vampire and NERD known to man! And lastly, TJ and Mack are the cutest tigers I have ever seen! Thanks everyone for a fantastically fun night!

Seriously, How Cute is the Man?

2009-10-28T19:12:00.002-06:00

Blogitis

2009-10-27T10:34:00.003-06:00

Can't believe it has been a month (or longer) since we have posted. I have had blogitis what can I say? In a nut shell, here are the Larsen going ons.

Check out the newest member of the fam. Suzy and James welcomed TJ into their family last month. He is six weeks old and a DARLING baby. And might I mention he is pretty dang lucky to have such rockin' parents!

Speaking of new members, Christie, Eric's sister is engaged to be married in December. Arturo is a great guy, I can't wait to have someone else in the Larsen clan that likes to sleep in. Morning is SO not the time for singing :)

The move was successful. We feel very lucky to be in the position that we are in right now. My parents have been INCREDIBLY generous and the arrangement is working out well. We are getting really sick of the "Aren't you so sick of living with your in-laws?" and the "How is it REALLY going?" and the finale "You know you really need your own space" questions. Seriously. It is working out very well. We feel so lucky to have sold the condo, and to have a place to stay while we house shop. Plus, my parents are the bomb-diggity so how could we be miserable?

The man is as darling as ever. He is perfecting his army crawl, almost crawling on his knees. Man that kid is as cute as ever. He has two bottom teeth and is cutting more. I feel so bad for him but he is holding up SO well. Query and suggestion: Why is it called "cutting teeth" and not "cutting mom's nipple"? Just a thought.

Sorry this was a quick one, but look for more posts soon!

I Hate Packing

2009-09-15T22:32:00.002-06:00

I HATE packing, I really do. I have never complained so much in my life, I am sure that helps the process. How do you people do it that are moving from a house larger than a two bedroom, 1300 sq foot condo? Really I admire you. I get so bored. Bless Mr. L's heart, he knows that I am getting sick of it. All of the sudden my labeling of boxes starts to get really fancy so I can take more time labeling than packing. The words "Storage: Bathroom Junk" have never looked so good. I also like to really take my time with taping. Whoops all of the sudden I lost the end of the packing tape, finding it can turn into a thirty minute project. Mr L is good to me, I also have to be acknowledged for every box I pack. I am married to a good man!

My Twilight Rant

2009-09-11T23:02:00.003-06:00

Mr. L and I decided to take a break tonight and rent a movie. Why I rented Twilight, I have NO idea. I was one of the few that did not fall in love with the books OR Pastie (Edward). For those of you that love Twilight, you might think my little rant sacrilege, so go ahead and skip this post.
I am disgusted. Really I did not like the books for the very same reason I did not like the movie. Bella. The girl is a co-dependent walking case study. I am sorry but, "I am going to my death, but at least I knew this guy (who I supposedly fell in love with in three weeks--- and yes I know what unconditional love is because I am 17)." "Forget my family I will never leave this guy who wants to drink my blood."
This girl is a follower with a capital F. Bella has NO life outside Pastie. My goodness gets some independence and live your own life. Discover who you are. It kinda makes me a little upset that so many young girls are reading this and loving it. Hopefully they are not getting the idea of what love and relationships are from this. And yes people I know that Twilight is fiction. But girls are girls.
Coincidentally, this article was on MSN today What do you think?

Is Twilight Bad For Your Love Life?
Some of you told me I wouldn't like Twilight, but I bought the book anyway just to see what all the hoopla was about. Well, I finally finished it, and ... I appreciated the romance-factor, but I couldn't help thinking it was giving girls the wrong idea about love and relationships. I did a feminist reading of Twilight and here's what bugged me:

1. Bella has no outside hobbies.
After she moves to Washington, Bella makes a few friends, but she's not interested in them. Mostly her life is about Edward, Edward, Edward. But what relationship can survive that? Take it from Simone de Beauvoir, who writes about this in The Second Sex: "Two lovers destined solely for each other are already dead: they die of ennui, of the slow agony of a love that feeds on itself." (658)

Outside interests breathe life into a relationship. If you want a healthy one, you better get a life, whether you're a dead vampire or not. On the other hand, Romeo and Juliet were teenagers obsessed with each other, so I don't know what to make of that.

2. The guys are totally unrealistic.
Women are always writing male characters how we'd like guys to be — not how they really are. We're setting up expectations. In Twilight's beach scene, Mike Newton brings Bella "sandwiches and an array of sodas to choose from" (118). Excuse me, but a teenage boy at a beach is either going to be goofing around with the other boys, throwing marshmallows, or spending hours in the water.

3. Bella is brainwashed.
Bella tells us repeatedly that Edward the smug vampire is "too perfect," (256) "flawless," (261) and has an "angel's face" (262). I nearly got brainwashed. But it's like, he could kill her at any second, yet she continues to trust and lust. Of course he doesn't kill her, so we're supposed to be grateful and think highly of him. Such manly restraint!

But he is always talking down to her about her safety, like she's a porcelain doll. He tells Bella he can't leave her alone for a second. Even doing laundry, he speculates she might fall into the dryer. Really? There's nothing wrong with being a klutz, but even joking like she can't possibly function ... well, that doesn't do wonders for a girl's confidence. It turns her into a dependent. And as my mom says, no one loves a helpless woman. Obviously, for the story, it's the knight in shining armor thing, I get it, but I don't have to like it.

4.Bella is a domestic diva.
She cooks for her bachelor dad every night. (Okay, I guess cooking is technically a hobby. But she doesn't do it out of joy, really. It's more out of a sense of obligation.) Bella does laundry, too. But I think we only see her do homework once. See, she's too busy feeding a man to stop and feed her mind. There's nothing wrong with cooking for a man, but doing it in tandem with constantly getting saved by a guy and worshipping said guy ... it's just too much. At least Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast loves to read, right?

But! I am not saying I didn't enjoy the book at times, and that I wouldn't have swooned at 13. I just worry that some people will read it without a critical eye (I know, it is just a story). Some girls might expect their love life to look just like Bella's. Now that's what I call scary.

Sorry if you are a lover of Twilight. But honestly I am curious what YOU think, so leave me a comment if you feel like it.
Maybe for the white elephant Christmas party this year, I will get a shirt for Eric that says, "He is my Edward."

P.S. And WHATEVER Bella's Dad was TONS hotter than Edward!

And by the way, I couldn't get over Bella's Dad being okay with her driving from WASHINGTON to ARIZONA by herself in some old pickup truck. When I was 17 I wanted to go to Europe with my the Art History Class and my mother as a chaperone. My Dad's response, "Annie, don't you know.. people kill people in Italy."

It's one of THOSE days

2009-09-09T13:04:00.002-06:00

So, it's one of those days. The day that I wish I could stay in bed all day and watch rented movies. The day I want to stay in my pj's without a bra. The day where I am craving the 42 grams of sugar that a can of cherry coke provides. The day that I wish Mack would nap for three hours, instead of his normal one (Is that awful to admit? I don't think so, honest is honest). The day where I wish I could eat out every meal so I don't have to cook or clean.
But in reality, we have ten days to pack. The Mr. and I have HORRIBLE snot nosed colds, and boxes are empty waiting to be taken to storage. Repair men have been lined up on the hour to come fix the washer, furnace and windows. I most certainly should not be wasting time blogging, but you gotta take a break right. Not even my trashy neighbor has been out on his balcony for his photo shoot. (Did I tell you about the conversation he had on his cell phone about refusing to take a paternity test? Quality people. You need a picture!)
But alas, everything will be fine. Everything will get fixed, and everything will get packed. My sister in law Suzy is getting induced next Monday! And I get to melt over Mr. Schuester tonight!

Irony stinks

2009-09-07T21:34:00.002-06:00

Okay, to start out, I will not do this story justice at all by blogging about it. In fact I even hesitate to blog about it at all, but it was SO funny.
My brothers are pretty dang tough looking, don't you think? My goodness they still look tough in tuxedos. Anywho, so we were up at the school playing Bocce Ball tonight with the whole family. (By the way, I rock at Bocce Ball, seriously I ROCK) All of the sudden this punk kid is running across the school lawn towards us. And then two or three cop cars pull into the school. (The schools playground and the lawn are barricaded off, so the cops couldn't just pull in their cars after them, see already I am probably not making sense but oh well.) So the kid is booking towards us and sees James. James looks at him and yells, "I wouldn't come near me, I'll take you down kid." So the kid darts the other way.
My Dad took Carson to the playground to the other side of the school and the kid is running towards them. And the cops are trying to run after the kid, but they were not exactly fast. So my Dad starts to run after the kid. Rob sees Dad and Carson and runs towards the kid. (I do have to say Rob was dang fast) So Rob runs over there while the kid is trying to get past my Dad. Rob gets closer and the kid turns and looks at him. Immediately we hear the kid scream. "Holy S*@$, it's you." and all of the sudden the kid stops. Rob gets him in some kinda lock and takes him down. Meanwhile the cops finally show up with their tasers pulled out, and take the kid into custody.
Here is the funniest, most ironic part of the story. Rob and James both work for the state in criminal justice with kids that are in lockdown or detention. The kid was in Rob's program and ran away on Friday. So on Labor Day, the kid running from the cops, runs into some park with a family playing Bocce Ball and gets taken down by a counselor who worked at the program he ran away from. And there was NO WAY that the cops would have caught the kid had the boys not have been there.
See I told you, I would not do the story justice. By the look on that kid's face was totally priceless.

I put the stye in stylin'

2009-09-07T21:30:00.001-06:00

So that gross eye infection.... Yup, turned out to be a massive stye. Well it was gross, it hurt BUT the tea bags took it away in two days! I will take it!
We had a great weekend with Eric's family up in Idaho Falls. It was so great to get away and take the Mr. to see Grandma and Grandpa Larsen. Eric parents took us to see Harry Potter and I must say fan-freakin'-tastic. LOVED IT! We mostly just hung out, which was what we really needed. We of course watched the BYU game, pretty sure I might nickname their house the Cougar Den. Thank heavens I am mature enough to be able to cheer for the conference. But I won't lie, I felt like I was kinda betraying my UTES.

I LOVE Mr. Schuester!

2009-09-03T10:34:00.001-06:00

Of course Mr. L and I watched Glee last night, they said there would be un-aired scenes. As if I didn't like Mr. Schuester enough, I think he is now on the freebie list. Oh my goodness, was anyone else transfixed by his acoustic, "Leaving on a Jet Plane?" LOVE, LOVE, Love Mr. Schuester. Sing to me anytime and then wipe my melting self off the floor.
Mr. L and I made a few discoveries and observations about Glee last night(well more like last night early this morningish). Doesn't Finn's friend Puck look like Tony Almeda from 24? And wasn't Terri Schuester Claire's birth mom on Heroes? Once again I love Glee, and I am constantly getting the chills!

Randomness

2009-09-03T10:06:00.003-06:00

The Larsen Fam has been going crazy! Life has been a little hectic and stressful. Last night and tonight we are painting my parents house. When we move in we are displacing my Dad's office up to my old bedroom. So as a part of moving we have to get their house ready for us. Painting, organizing, things in storage. Which we are happy to do, my goodness we are so grateful for their willingness to have us invade their home.
But oh my goodness I hate painting. HATE IT. I was under the impression that painting was fun, like in the movies. Painting with your spouse is supposed to be romantic, complete with playful and flirtatious paint fights. Not the case. In fact I was hideously wrong. I hate painting.
I have this weird eye infection thing, no idea what it is. But no, if you see me, I did not get socked in the eye. For some reason my bottom lid is pretty swollen. Could this be a result of my wearing two week contacts for eight weeks? Oh well, It looks like I am going all granola with no makeup and glasses for awhile.
However, in good news, I have made a few discoveries. Harmons has Quaker Oat Cereal on sale, 5 for 5. All you cereal lovers should know this is a steal. Run now to stock up on Quaker Oats, and say hello to Bob and Randy. Maceys also has General Mills Cereal for $1.88 a box. I hate going there though, but maybe the polygamous clan will be shopping there today.
I also made a pretty yummy dinner the other night, so here it is. Try it if you like pasta, but if you are like me, go VERY light on the alfredo sauce. My lower GI just doesn't tolerate rich food.

3 diced boneless skinless chicken breast
1 can of artichoke hearts cut up into small pieces
2 bunches of green onions sliced thinly
8 slices of bacon browned and chopped (I have been putting in the already cooked ones and it has been pretty good)
Bow tie or Penne pasta
3-4 large tomatoes cut up and diced (You HAVE to scald them to get the skins off)
about 1/2 of jar of Classico Alfredo sauce (this is where i go very minimal)
pepper

So brown your chicken, add artichokes, green onions, bacon (if using the already cooked variety, if not cook your bacon separately and add it now) and scalded tomatoes. (if you don't know how to scald tomatoes, boil a pot of water, when it comes to a steady boil, drop the whole tomato in for thirty seconds. Spoon it out and peel the skins off. They should come off VERY easily.) Let all ingredients cook and combine for about five minutes and then add alfredo sauce and pepper. Yummy, yummy!
The picture of the neighbor is coming as soon as he displays himself on his balcony again.

Sweet Rebellion

2009-09-01T14:34:00.002-06:00

So now that the condo is sold (well mostly), pretty sure Mr. L and I have rebelled. After keeping a pristine house for the last five months we have turned into slothful oinkers. Spoons dried to the cereal bowl- no biggie, toilet flushing- nope conserving water, moldy gross rancid fruit on the counter- yummy! Really today I looked around my dwelling and was a little pleased and then a little disgusted at the place. We did such a great job keeping it clean, when we didn't have to anymore- we broke loose.
So I kinda have a trashy neighbor in the next building over. He is a little to a lot pudgy and gets in his John Stockton shorts and camps out on the balcony. It is truly a sight. He is in his super short shorts, topless, with the TV and fan out on the balcony. He texts and sips his Miller Light. What a sight! Would it be wrong to capture this moment with a camera? My description doesn't begin to touch the white trashness. I think this would be something that the three and a half readers of Larsen Living might appreciate.
Every time that I did laundry, my cramped laundry room would smell so bad. Well today T-Dizzle was going nuts pawing at the side of the dryer. Hmm... I stole a peek and three fresh tomatoes that are probably four weeks old fell down the side. That explains the smell. Sadly, it does not explain the washer dying.
In great news, Glee is on this week! Set your TIVOs, DVRs whatever else you people have to Fox tomorrow night. The original pilot is also airing on Friday night. The Larsen fam can't wait.
Randomness, but my new favorite snack is the Kirtland brand dried fruit Mango and Berry mix. DIVINE! My favorite thing to touch my lips, well almost. It's 8 bucks a bag but well worth it. Dig in, once you start you won't stop!

Sad Days

2009-08-27T17:59:00.002-06:00

Well someday finally came and we sold the condo! Really it was one of those things that we both kinda thought would never happen. I am pretty sad, we have great memories here, and great friends. This is where Big E proposed, where we brought Mack home and other great memories! BUT no more Gospel Doctrine Teacher (can you hear the angels singing?)! The lady that is moving in seems delightful and I know that she will be good to all of Mack's "Building Grandmas". As sad as I am... no more three flights of stairs with car seat, dog on leash and groceries! No more Toby on a leash, no more picking up Toby poop. Oh the delightfulness! As for the immediate future, Mama and Papa J have been generous enough to let us chill with them until we find a HOUSE!

Giggles

2009-08-13T17:05:00.003-06:00

Okay how impressed are you with my new blog look? Me, myself and I are all very proud. Those of you that know me really well, also know that my computer literacy is that of an eighty year old. So special thanks to Bri for helping me post the update link thingy. I feel like a friggin' Web Designer.
Anyway, Larsen Living is looking for a new blog name. Larsen Living sounds way too relief society/enrichmenty. We have thrown around a couple of ideas, pretty much all inappropriate. I thought about using our nicknames: Big E, E-licious, E-dawg, Mr Mack, The Mister and so on and so on. But alas, I am the giver of nicknames so I am at a loss (Eric calls me Babe and that just doesn't flow in a blog title. Any ideas would be greatly and vastly appreciated!
This video is one of our favorites. The man is darling in every way. How in the world did I get so lucky?

What the CRAP?

2009-08-11T20:38:00.000-06:00

May I just for a moment mention how truly sick I am of having the condo for sale? I hate getting those calls from our real estate agent saying that someone wants to walk through in the next half an hour. You can only stuff so much junk into the washer, dryer and dishwasher. It is really tiring trying to keep your living area (including closets) clean ALL of the time.
Tonight we had a true "what the crapper moment". So I get a call from the agent saying that someone wants to walk through in the next half and hour. I attempt to clean up all of our junk, and get both Toby and Mack out before they get there. SUCCESSFUL. Eric comes home, we take the dog up to my mom's and head out to the Farmer's Market (always a good time). We came back to turn off all of our lights and turn down the air (we leave both on in hopes that it shows better). Well, I turned the corner into our bedroom and the bed was a crumbled mess! EWWW, GROSS, DISGUSTING! These people totally laid on my bed! That's it, the house is off the market!

Summer Happenings

2009-07-14T13:07:00.002-06:00

So for the three of you out in the blogging world that actually read the good ol' Larsen Living blog, I thought I would give you an update of our busy summer.

First things first, how adorably tough does Mr. M look in his do-rag, bink, and sunglasses? He surprisingly will leave the sunglasses and the do-rag on for hours, but try to put a hat on the kid- and you know what breaks loose. I have a friend who made me promise not to blog too much about the Mr. M, because it is apparently a very annoying "mom thing" to do. So if you agree, skip the next paragraph.

He is fantastic and still as sweet as they come. He is a rolling maniac and is mastering the whole sitting up by himself thing. He still doesn't have any teeth and I am crossing my fingers that they will come all at once! These are what I call the "grandparent stats", the message being that only grandparents really care to hear about the percentile thing, but here it goes:
Height: 90%
Weight: 20 %
Head: 50%

The summer has been full of family, weddings and breakouts. We hung with my fam for the 4th and had a smashing time at a canyon breakfast, BBQ, park and fireworks. Eric has this thing about watching "big" fireworks with a lot of people, so he talked my fam into going to our secret watching place for the Murray Park fireworks. It was great and worth it, but for all of you Idaho spuds, it wasn't close to the MELALUCA FREEDOM FESTIVAL (picture Eric saying that with spirit fingers.)

Last week we headed up to Alturas Lake for the Larsen Family reunion. Holy smokes there are TONS of Larsens! We had a great time, and special thanks to Mom and Dad Larsen for organizing the whole shabang!I was happy to be the covert caffeine provider. (And no lectures from the peanut gallery, I just taught an awful Word of Wisdom lesson and don't need anymore shenanigans!) The drive was SO long but Mack did a great job, and we actually didn't even have a meltdown. Well we kinda did but it was more from me. I hate driving at night. BORING! Nothing to look at, and having to stay awake to make sure Mr. L stays awake. Then one night I felt something crawling on me. Yuck! Cannot handle that one and I may have had a mini- to extra large meltdown. Whatever. It was a great time though and SO pretty. I must admit I have darling nieces and nephews on both sides.

Earlier in the summer, I did what I never swore I would do. I stopped using proactive. I know what, was I thinking? This is the same girl that would volunteer to do infomercials (speaking of that, so sad Billy Mayes died and our late night love affairs are no longer.) Eric works at a company that has pretty high end facial regimes and gets them for practically free. So trying to save money, (I know I am great.) I switched over and canceled my Proactive Membership. Bad news. I am totally convinced that Proactive has an ingredient in it, that when you stop it, you break out like wildfire! No kidding I had a pimple for six weeks that I named because it was so big, like its own zip code big.

I am pretty sure that the Larsen Household has the Brine Flu. I figure we live by the Great Salt Lake, and are in more contact with that great lake air than pigs. So instead of swine we have brine. And no we don't actually have the swine flu (By the way, what is with these crackhead parents that are holding swine flu parties, for the love people!) Eric is a sinus/mucus factory, I have it in my lungs, fully expecting to hack up said lung any day now. And the Man, bless his heart, his nose is like a faucet. (Bad combo with a mom who gags VERY easily.) So wish us luck with the brine flu!

I love Mack's Bumbo, but am I the only parent whose child barfs right after getting out?

Pictures of the Chick Magnet... No not Eric

2009-05-30T13:46:00.004-06:00

In a few of these pictures The Mr. looks completely like Brad and Lisa's son Ty, and in a few of them he looks like Rob and Merisa's Big Boy Carson. The Mr. is as darling as ever and still so happy!

Forget Kris Allen and Shawn Johnson... Glee anyone?

2009-05-22T12:48:00.001-06:00

We loved Glee. It was fantastically funny, creative and will become somewhat addicting. We are still watching it over on TIVO and still laughing. Loved it! Sang "Don't Stop Believing" and "On my Own" all day. Really it was so great that I forgot all about American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. You must watch it!

Mufasa

2009-05-22T12:27:00.002-06:00

That was Simba's dad's name on the Lion King right? He bites the big one and then Simba learns all about the Circle of Life, right? Mack and I had to have that conversation yesterday, it was devastating. Every year we get a massive birds nest in our garage, and every year we have tons of little baby chicks. Mack and I were going to the car and spotted one of the birds, one of the baby birds. It was on its back, wings out feet propped up with rigor mortis (or so I thought). I quickly shielded Mack's eyes. So sad, I hate when animals die. So it was on the concrete right in the middle of our garage. Thinking that it would probably be best if I moved it, I got a sheet of cardboard and put it to the ground ready to scoot it over to the side. It twitched. Crap it wasn't dead yet. It was suffering, I couldn't handle it. Should I leave him there, or should I end his misery. My tummy is way too weak to end it misery, but it was in so much pain. I summoned my inner farm girl (I didn't know I had one either) and thought that maybe if I left it where it was and ran it over with the Pilot that would be best. I saw Lassie, I knew it would be tough, but this way I actually didn't have to see the bird die. (And no I have never actually seen the end of Lassie, but I have been told.) We got in the car and I talked myself into it, only to bail at the last minute. I couldn't do it. Mack and drove off and I told him about Simba and Mufasa and then sang the Circle Of Life.
I also flushed my cell phone down the toilet yesterday. Yup. Apparently if you put it in a bag of rice for a couple of days there is some chance that it can be revived. So, e-mail me or call Mr. L if you need to get a hold of me!

Cardboard Milk and Billy Mays

2009-04-29T20:11:00.003-06:00

As I age (not that I do at all, I actually stopped at 23), I have this quirk that gets more and more pronounced. I am a SUCKER for anything infomercial. Well, not anything... maybe. When I can't sleep during the night, I turn on the TV and watch infomercials. They are the most conducive to sleep because they don't have laugh tracks and the sound in general is pretty even. But every once in awhile I get hooked. Back in my 23ish days I was a shopaholic something FIERCE, I have come a long way. Pretty sure Mr. Larsen would not have married me if I hadn't. Anyway, so in my sleep deprived state at three o'clock in the morning Billy Mays is hypnotic. He says I need a topsy turvy tomato hanger, done. Those cool purses that have the changeable magnetic outsides, done. Mighty Puddy, done. The Mendit, done. Slice-it, chop-it, whatever-it, done. I have decided that it might be best to not sleep with my wallet and phone next to my bed. I mean I wake up in the morning and know tha I for sure don't need it, but Billy uses his conniving ways in the middle of the night. I almost feel like I am cheating on Mr. L with Billy
In totally depressing news, the Doctor thinks Mack might be allergic to cow milk. Wrong. Sick. Twisted. Turn. Of. Events. Crapper, this is only day four without me eating or drinking anything with cow's milk, and this is agony. I know I can do it, I am a firm believer in breast is best (so is Mr. Larsen, but for different reasons) but this does kinda stink. So I am trying to adapt to soy milk (i.e. cardboard milk- same color, same taste.) Wish me luck and if anyone has any good dairy free tips, recipes, whatever, let me know!

Smarter than a Stroller

2009-04-09T22:15:00.003-06:00

So I have been trying to figure out the whole Mama thing. I think I am doing fairly well but man, I am super slow when it comes to a few things. We never did figure out the Diaper Genie, even with a very detailed video from a very thoughtful Brooke. THANK YOU! So replacing the crap stupid genie, is a garbage bag with poopy diapers in zip locks. I guess it will do.
I have decided to set some goals for myself everyday to try to be more with it.
#1 I have decided that I can only wear my black four sizes too big comfy pants, only in our home and Momma J's. They are disgustingly big and I trip over them constantly.
#2 Shower everyday and do the hair and makeup even if I am just staying at home. I don't want to stink like breast milk and poop everyday.
#3 And last but not least I make our bed.
So anyway, I decided this week that I needed to go to Jordan Landing to get some new clothes for Mack. (He is TALL! My three month old is fitting perfectly height wise into six month old clothing. But he is too skinny to fill them out.) I pack in our stroller and load Mack into the car. I have to say I was feeling good that day. I got dressed in something other then jeans and my white hoodie and took to the road. This was really the first time that I had used our stroller. (Which P.S.is AMAZING, thanks Merisa!)
The stroller in the store was great. Mack was chill looking around, and my maneuvering was exceptional. We got done shopping and I loaded the Mister back into the car and went to put the stroller down. What the crap? I can't for the LIFE of me figure out how to take it down. At first I giggled. I normally don't really care what people think, and I don't get embarrassed easily. I fiddled with EVERYTHING on that stupid thing. Then the embarrassment set in. All of these moms were walking by and I couldn't figure out how to put down my stupid stroller. Come on have pity on a fool, couldn't one of them stop to help me? I looked desperately around for anyone to help me. Tara? I knew she lives in South Jordan, it's not West Jordan but maybe she was here. Eric's Aunt Nan? Come on anyone?
I got so stinkin' frustrated, that finally I decided to pick up the whole stroller and load it into the pack of the Pilot. I mean after all, the Pilot can comfortably house eight. The stroller is a jogging stroller and a little heavy, but I heaved it up and hit the sides of the trunk. For the love, it wouldn't fit! Meanwhile it is so stinkin windy out there, Mack is crying in the car, and I have stroller grease or whatever on my cute shirt. I slammed down the stroller, saying a few words under my breath, when lo and behold, I see the "collapse" button. What the? How did I miss this in my thorough examination? I push the button and easy as could be the stroller collapses. Will this get any easier?

Hunk of Deliciousness

2009-04-09T22:08:00.002-06:00

Check out this hunk of a man. Yup, I don't need Tom Sellick, I have my own moustache sporting hottie! I thought about Magnum P.I.ing him up. Big E would look FANTASTIC in a hawaiin print shirt, aviator sunglasses and super short shorts. We had a good giggle over this and it helped me pay homage to all hot men with the staches. BJ Honeycut, Tom Sellick well, the list might end there. I saw a glimpse of Magnum, but then I realized E has never looked more like his Dad.

And I'm Movin' Out (You Know the Billy Joel Song)

2009-04-09T21:58:00.002-06:00

The Larsen Fam is moving! I am kinda bummed and sad about it, but I am SO excited to have a house. As far as all of the moving crap is going: We are trying to sell the condo ourselves. We can't move into a house until we do sell. There will possibly be some transition time at Momma J's. And we would love to stay around this area. So if you know anyone looking to move into a super sweet condo, let us know. We are going to miss all of our friends around here, but we are not going far! Here are some of the pics we took of the condo.

Crap Stupid Diaper Genie

2009-03-22T16:19:00.004-06:00

I kinda feel like a stupid fool. So does Mr. Larsen. The stinky diapers have become way too stinky for my all too sensitive smeller and gag reflex. We finally caved into the Diaper Genie. We were pretty excited to put it to good use and went home to install the bags... to no avail. Why can't I figure this out? Is there a secret mommy trick to installing these stupid bags that I can't think of? We tied our knot, put in the can of bags, dropped in the diaper, closed the lid and twisted. Nothing, no twist, no disappearance of diaper, zilch. Please I am begging for help, and no we do not have the instructions. And what in the world is the scissor button on top for? Really if you have any idea please leave me a comment or call me. My smeller thanks you!
It has been a long time since the last blog. Sorry. This past week has been a rough one. I became SO dang sick on Monday night with the stomach flu. (Thank heavens it wasn't my amazing meatloaf that I made, I would be devastated!) I am now just starting to feel semi-human again. Holy Smokes, sicker than sick. I don't think I have EVER been that sick with the flu, water wouldn't even stay in me. Why the pity fest you ask? (This might be an overshare for some of you, but like the above problem, I am willing to take any suggestions!) Because I couldn't even keep liquid down my milk supply is about nada. Poor Mack, I am all about milking for awhile longer and hope that I can be the supple dairy maid I once was. Please share!
Other then s being sicker that a dog. Or life is great! Mr. L drove to Boise to see his beloved Aggies play, and got some Manly Man time with Papa Larsen and Brad.
Mack is doing so wonderful, he is a great kid! Above is one of our favorite pictures of him. He smiles and giggles a lot and is trying to figure out how to talk.
Master T-Dog is also doing well but has been ordered back into the kennel. Since Mack came along we have been letting him sleep in our room on a pillow. One morning I woke up to the sound of running water. Toby was marking around our bed in a perfect square. Really, it was so perfect, it seemed a little ritualistic. I halfway expected to see incense or something burning in the corners. That kind of behavior makes you earn kennel duty.
As for DWTS, I am all about Melissa. She is cute and she can dance and she is from that stupid show that I am ashamed to admit that I watch. Thank heavens Cheryl got a new haircut and yes I still want to beat up Derek!

Valentines Day

2009-02-17T18:27:00.003-07:00

V-Day was FANTASTIC for the Larsen Fam! Eric and I both agreed that it was by far the best V-Day we have ever had. We didn't even do anything that great, but it was so much fun. We cleaned the house, (I know NOT fun, but totally necessary) and then dropped Mr. Mack off at Grandpa and Grandma's house. We went to an earlier diner, and then went to see the movie "New in Town". Great show, fantastic, funny, we both loved it. See we really didn't do anything out of the ordinary or grand but it was so great to be together and laugh. I sure do love Mr. Larsen!
Mack is doing so well! He is starting to smile, and I thankfully am not gagging nearly as much while cleaning the diapers. He still is an extremely good baby who is very laid back. It has been really nice getting back into public life and going out and being with friends. Mack is a beautiful kid and hopefully I will start being a good Mom and getting pictures up.
ONCE AGAIN, THERE IS STILL NO TOM SELLICK ON DANCING WITH THE STARS! I am perturbed and I don't think that I will be watching good ol' Dancing very much. Speaking of reality TV, aren't we shocked that Tatianna and Norman made it through on American Idol? For the Love!

Coming to Terms with 45 Minute Muffin Tops

2009-02-17T18:14:00.004-07:00

So this girl in my ward warned me that after pregnancy my body would never be the same. I think I knew at the time she was right, but denial was my coping device. She was right. My poor body has morphed into something unrecognizable..... I have a muffin top! (For those of you who are lucky enough not to have one, or perhaps don't know, it is the extra flesh/fat that sits right above your jeans.) No matter how my weight has fluctuated or what size I have been, I always have had a delightful hour glass figure. Kiss that goodbye. I always used to say that I was an hour glass with maybe an extra 5-7 minutes extra worth of sand on the bottom. After pregnancy, I have not only graduated to the muffin top, but now the booty has a full extra 15 minutes on the bottom. Oh well, I know that it is going to be hard to get this crap off, but it must be done! AHH! So in the meantime, because it is not going to happen overnight I am trying to come to terms with it, and possibly find some "pros" in the whole situation:
1. With the extra "padding" maybe it will be easier to prop Mr. Mack up on a hip. (No not Mr. Mac the suit guy, I am NOT that big.)
2.
Well, one is about how far I have gotten but I am sure I can think of more. Here is to hoping!

February.... Already?

2009-02-03T14:11:00.002-07:00

Oh wow, today is one of those days. It is two o'clock and here I sit in my bathrobe with a house to be cleaned, laundry to be folded and dinner to be made. I just can't get the umph to get going. However, I am showered with the hair and makeup done. Poor Eric will come home to Mack and I in our jammies and Chicken Voila for dinner.
Where did January go, and why am I such a blogging slacker? So here it goes, a mini summary of January.
Mack is doing extremely well. He is darling and so good! We feel incredibly lucky to have him. He is eating well and gaining weight. His little cheeks are getting chubby. He has just discovered his voice. When he starts crying and then gets mad, his volume triples he scares himself silly.
I feel like a dairy cow. I milk a lot and he isn't the fastest eater, he is improving though. Other than nursing all of the time, I feel great!
Eric and I celebrated our two week anniversary on January 27. It was fantastic, we dropped Mack of at my parents and went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner (I know, not the most romantic, but fun and yummy). We then rented a movie (P.S. I Love You) and watched it in bed. It was fun to be out together and it was fun to pick up Mack and Toby at Grandma and Grandpas!
In GREAT, EXCITING, and WONDERFUL news, my sister-in-law Suzy is pregnant! It was a shocker to all of us, and oh so exciting! With Joni (Larsen sis-in-law) having Jake almost exactly a year before Mack, and Lisa (Larsen sis-in-law) due in May, and then Suzy, Mack will have so many cousins his age to play with!
I cut my hair. I know what you are thinking, she caved into the mom-low-maintenance thing. This is NOT true, truthfully and honestly I looked frumpy... really frumpy. It was a ponytail everyday. I needed a change. So I cut five inches off, and got an A-line. I like it a lot. It is easier, especially because it doesn't take a stinkin' half an hour to blow dry! I also decided to go to the MAC counter, get some new colors and shape my eyebrows. My wardrobe is still limited, both Mack and I are between sizes.
With the start of January, comes some of my favorite entertainment. One of them being a stupid reality show on Mondays that I am ashamed to even admit that I watch. Last week I was watching and actually caught myself rolling my eyes. But I can't stop. I am hooked and pathetic. To make matters worse, I missed last night so after I post this dear blog, I will sit here in my robe and watch it online. Once again hooked and pathetic!

Two Week Pictures

2009-02-03T14:05:00.002-07:00

Mack had his two week pictures taken and they turned out pretty well. Of course when you have such a darling baby, how could they not?

Garlic Burgers and Rock Band

2009-02-01T22:11:00.002-07:00

I decided it might not hurt if I (this is Eric) actually jumped on here and jotted something down. Periodically Annie reminds me that it is "our" blog and I'm more than welcome to contribute. So I decided to let you all in on a little secret. Garlic burgers and a guy who burps a bit too often can make for a bad combination. Allow me to elaborate:

We went out to dinner Saturday night with Annie's aunt and uncle to a place called Salt Lake Pizza and Pasta - having been there all of one time now I can say that it's excellent. Incidentally it was the first time Mack has been out to dinner with us and he was great. Not much for conversation, didn't show much interest in anything on the menu, and he seemed a bit comatose at times; but all-in-all we were glad he came along. Anywho, I had the Garlic Burger with Monteray (sp?) Jack cheese and 'shrooms. WOW. Possibly the best burger I've ever had. Although I've heard good stuff about the burgers at the Cotton Bottom, but that's another story for another time (Chris and Annie, if you're reading this I hope you're once again in tears with laughter at the thought of me and my wife trying that place out).

The side note is it was also also quite possibly the worst breathe I've ever had. And apparently it wasn't appreciated when I grabbed a soda later that night to help stay awake - something about carbination and the worry about me burping up a storm and spreading garlicly joy to the entire neighborhood. Ah well. We also played some mean rounds of Rock Band. I'm hooked. Did I mention I scored 100% a couple of times? That's right. If my career in International Tax doesn't work out I can always fall back on video game kareoke contests.

Long story short, I absolutely love my wife and son, and work is pretty fun too. We're doing well and I hope the same can be said of you (who reads this thing anyway?).

Save a tree, eat a beaver
-Eric

It's Go Time

2009-01-13T15:21:00.002-07:00

Okay so for those of you that gag easily or don't like reading human gross stuff.... please do not read!
So this was the funny story at the Larsen's this week. I am not sure if it really is that funny or if we have cabin fever waiting for RSV season to pass.
Those of you who know me well, or really know me at all, know that I have a hyper gag reflex, and gross things just gross me out. (Basically any bodily function). Last week I was sitting on the couch holding Mack, realizing once again how beautiful he is when I noticed a little booger (We call them boogs, so from here on out, it is boogs) hanging out of the nose. I tool a deep breath and realized this was "go time". It was time to be a Mom. Bite the Bullet and join the Mommyhood. I could handle this, besides I fully know that things are going to get a lot more disgusting. So I attempted to pick. Multiple gags later and the boog waiting to be picked up after I launched it off of my finger, I called Eric in to pick it up. He looked at me VERY oddly and picked it up. Later that night he tells me that he has never met anyone like me. This was not the "you are so great and wonderful and I have never met anyone like you", but a more disturbed version. I asked why and here was his reply, "I have never met anyone like you. You can't even pick your OWN nose and clean it up!". He thought it was mine and actually cleaned it up! This my friends is what love is.

Pictures of the Cutest Baby Ever

2009-01-07T21:50:00.001-07:00

Introducing Merrick Warren Larsen

2009-01-06T15:25:00.003-07:00

What a big name for such a little boy! Mack was born December 27 at 2:54 p.m.. He is such a sweet and mellow baby, and he is of course beautiful. We feel incredibly blessed that we were at the right place at the right time. That day was a Saturday and I had an appointment for the bi-weekly ultrasound and baby heartbeat screening. We were not scheduled to go into the Doctor until the next Monday and with Christmas that week we had to on Saturday. They started monitoring his little heartbeat and noticed every time I contracted his heartbeat would drop. The nurse looked at us and said that it was quite possibly baby day. Of course, that morning I thought there was no way that baby day was that day. But luckily Eric had the foresight to bring the hospital bag.
We moved into a Labor and Delivery Room where they hooked up the monitor again, and they couldn't find Mack's heartbeat. Before we knew it we heard a Code Blue over the intercom and the room was flooded with doctors and nurses. I was so frightened and worried for Mack and it was all so overwhelming. I was whisked off to the OR for an emergency C-section and Eric was left in the room (they weren't sure if they had time to give me a spinal epidural or if they would have to use a general). Thank heavens there was a little time for the epidural and Eric was able to come back to be with us. The whole C-section thing was very surreal, but Mack came out screaming, and it was such a relief to hear that sweet cry!
It turns out that I had low amniotic fluid and that caused the umbilical cord to wrap around his neck twice, and every time I would contract the cord would wrap tighter. The only thing that saved him was the fact that his head was up against my pelvis on one side preventing him from moving down. It was the scariest day of our lives, and we were told that he would had not made it to Monday for the Doctor appointment.
He is the sweetest baby and he is so quiet and mellow. In fact a couple of days of having him home we were a little worried about him being so chill all of the time. As to who he looks like, we have no idea. We have really enjoyed the time off work that Eric has taken. My mom has been helping me out a ton, and it was so nice to have Grandma and Grandpa Larsen drive down to meet him. We are so thankful that he made it here and that he is a part of our family, and we definitely know that we were blessed that day.

Christmas Mack or No Christmas Mack?

2008-12-23T22:47:00.002-07:00

Hmm.... So, will Mack stay in the oven until the 26th? As of yesterday, we are now 85% effaced and dilated to a four. Contractions will be VERY steady for an hour or so at about four minutes apart and then space out and be inconsistent. The Doctor doesn't think there is anyway he will stay in much longer. But in GREAT news, he made in to week 37!!!! If he came on Christmas that would be the best Christmas gift ever, but it would kinda stink for him to have to share his Birthday!
We will keep you posted!

A Christmas What?

2008-12-18T15:45:00.002-07:00

So yesterday was a roller coaster day for the Larsen fam. Once or twice a week I go into the hospital to have an ultrasound to measure the amniotic fluid around Mack and to monitor his heartbeat for about an hour or so. I can't even tell you how different the ultrasound looks from week seventeen! His little hand takes up the whole screen and I could see muscles and bones! Technology is amazing! I actually had a harder time seeing things on this ultrasound though. So, the fluid level looked okay, but his little heart beat was going SO fast, so that was a concern. I was fine until they said that I might have to go down to Labor and Delivery that day. That was a little scary for me, if he came now he would be okay, but if he wait even just one more week, then his development would be that much better. Thankfully his little heart chilled out and he calmed down.
So they let me go and sent me up to my doctor's office for a checkup. I was thinking that the roller coaster part of the day was over, but not really. I went back to meet with the Doctor, and I guess I have lost weight, which normally is a great thing that I celebrate but he was concerned about that one. (I don't know how this could happen. Really I made Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookies the night before and ate my weight in dough.) So we talked about that for a minute and the weight of Mack (which is probably barely reaching five pounds) and then he checked to see if I was dialated. He was surprised and measured me at a 3. What? A 3? I was still so shocked about the 3 thing that I can't remember how effaced I am, but I remember him saying that I was "quite" effaced and that we might get a baby for Christmas and that it was doubtful that I would make it past December. So Mack and I are on limited bed rest, hoping to get one more week out of him. And plus, for his sake I don't want him to share his B-day with Christmas.
I am really glad I went in yesterday, Eric and I are now preparing ourselves for an early arrival and we won't be taken by surprise! We would really like him to stay in the oven til due date, but we just want him to be healthy. If you are bored, give me a call, daytime TV is the WORST!

Randomness

2008-12-18T15:32:00.004-07:00

We had such a great week last week. It all started with two amazing chicas in my ward who threw me and Mack and rockin' shower. Thank you so much to Ashley and Bri, you two are the best! It was really fun and thank you to all that came.It was fun to get that group together and Ashley and Bri went to SO much work. Thank you again!
The next Monday my Aunt and Suzy threw another shower for the fam and random friends, yet again another rockin' good time! It was so great to see so many people that I haven't seen in such a long time. I also know how much work this one was because my Aunt is still on crutches. They even had an ice sculpture made for the shower!

The ice sculpture stayed alive on our porch for five days. At one o'clock in the morning on Friday night it fell over on the porch table, broke in two, and crashed to the ground. I thought for sure it was a bomb. (Eric's parents slept over that night and every Larsen slept through the crash).
Speaking of Eric's parents, they came down on Friday night and took us to the MoTab's Christmas Concert, it was amazing! Really it was awesome and I am so glad that we were able to go. Thank you so much for inviting us! My favorite part was by far, the story and the musical number "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". If you have not read the history behind the song, google it. It was a great night and wonderful to have Mom and Dad Larsen here with us!

No... No I Have Not

2008-12-18T15:23:00.002-07:00

Another great Prenatal Class story. Last week was a long week in class. The room was like a furnace and neither Eric or I were having too much fun. Boy did that change. I don't think that I have told you about this other couple that we have dubbed the "Mad Russians". So they are obviously Russian and they are not crazy, but the guy has read every pregnancy book and he is constantly asking the teacher if she is sure of something. After she answers yes he will say, "Really, because in this book I read....."" And so on and so on. So it gets a little annoying. last week we were talking about the price of breast pumps and he raises his hand and says that he is not sure if they want to buy a pump if they don't know if she can breastfeed yet. The instructor answers and says that there really should not be a problem at all. The only thing that might be a problem is if she has had an augmentation. So then she just comes out and asks, "Have you had an augmentation?". The Mad Russian MAN doesn't even skip and beat and responds with, "No... No I have not." (Note: it is much funnier if you can read that last line with a Russian accent). Of course I lost it. I mean tears running down the face, the silent laugh making my whole body shake, I couldn't take it. Eric took one look at me to which I told him to look the other was quickly. I knew if we made eye contact we were going to really loose it. Last week's class was by far our favorite.

The Crooner

2008-12-18T15:12:00.002-07:00

So I am not sure why, but I have been in a blogging slump lately. It might be the craziness of Christmas and baby, but I just haven't had the time lately to blog. So here are a few posts to catch you up.

Our friend Meredith put on this completely awesome 40's themed Christmas dinner for the Relief Society. Part of the dinner was a radio show from the 40's complete with actual commercials and guest performers. Everyone was also asked to dress up. She called and asked Eric if he would be the radio host and sing White Christmas as Bing Crosby. So we both dress up and we go to the church for his debut. Keep in mind one thing, both of us really like being around and helping older people. So when we moved into the ward the older ladies kinda started to flirt with Eric, and I got the older men. We love it and we are so glad that they are comfortable around us. So Eric does an outstanding job hosting and singing. So outstanding that he is now known as the Crooner. The Ladies were all over Big E. He now has a fan club. Here are a few pictures of the night.

Pregnancy Surprises

2008-12-02T19:46:00.002-07:00

Well, with a little less than six weeks to go, I was thinking about all the things that have surprised me about pregnancy. So here is my list:
1. I am stupid. Really dumber than a doornail. Words come out jumbled and incoherent, that is if I can think of them in the first place. I forget everything. I don't pay attention to details until it is too late... like going all day with my pants on backward!
2. I know pregos go to the bathroom more than they usually do, but before I was pregnant the bladder was incredibly small and I love water! My average nightly trips to the bathroom after we are in bed average four times! By the way, going back to number one, if I can't find my keys they are definitely in the bathroom.
3. Clumsiness. I am not naturally graceful, in fact my Mom thought about naming me Grace and then decided with her genes that would be cruel and unusual punishment. With the large belly my balance is totally thrown off. Tripping is just another part of my day, thankfully I haven't gone down yet. In fact I tripped and arched my foot so badly that I tore some ligaments or something and broke some blood vessels on the top of my foot. I really don't trust myself to chew gum and walk at the same time anymore.
4. The hind quarters. For those of you that know me, you know I have a booty that ethnically belongs to another race. In the beginning of pregnancy, it looked normal...huge. But as I come closer to the end I swear it is shrinking. Of course I know that the front has just gotten bigger, but take for instance what happened last night. Eric parked the Pilot pretty close to the side of the garage, so I kinds had to squish myself between the open door and the car to get out. I actually had to go on my tip toes to get the smallest part of me through the opening. And lo and behold, the smallest part was my booty. That has NEVER happened.
5. The cravings. I never really got the cravings except for one week when I ate an artichoke everyday. I kind of thought that I would be one of those that loved eating food while prego. Not the case, which I am happy for, I don't want to blimp out anymore you know.
6. The never ending exhaustion. Wow the tiredness, I was not ready for this one. The second trimester was not bad but oh the first and the third. I am shocked at the places I have dozed off at.
7. I don't mind the belly grabbing. Really I don't. It is a little odd when the bagger at the grocery store grabs the belly, but I really don't care. The only time when it is uncomfortable is when the person grabs the belly with both hands and shakes it. Yes this has happened. And really the only reason it bugs me is because it stretches my skin. I can simultaneously feel another stretch mark rearing its ugly head.
8. I am so thankful for my parents and Eric's parents as well. I have gotten a deeper appreciation for them and have been able to understand the amount of love that they have for their children so much better. I am thankful we were both raised my such remarkable people, and I hope we can become the kind of parents they are. I can't wait for Mack to have rockin' Grandparents!
9. I love this baby. I can't believe how much I love him and I can't believe how much I will miss his little (or sometimes rib crunching painful) kicks. I am so excited for him!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T19:23:00.002-07:00

Thanksgiving was good to the Larsen's this year. Really it was a great weekend and we had SO much fun! We were really bummed that we missed the Larsen Thanksgiving, but due to Mack being so close and some complications we were told to stay in Salt Lake. Since we missed that, we sent up a butter sculptured turkey and a poem up with Christie. By the way, to the Larsen siblings: I have been shocked about how much my brain function has gone down during pregnancy! I know that Mack will be number six, not five!!
We went to my family's house for Thanksgiving, which was so nice because we all had not been together for Thanksgiving for a few years. Eric and I were in charge of pies, so after much deliberation we decided to make an apple, pumpkin and chocolate pie. After I was told to stay off my feet more and chill out, Eric had to do a lot on the pies. But alas they were AMAZING! It was a lot of fun to have all seventeen of us at the same table chatting and eating away. The heartburn was pretty brutal that night, but dinner was SO good! It was a day full of relaxing and eating.
On Friday, we decided to go wild and put up all of our Christmas stuff. The house looks so great! I love that Eric loves Christmas as much as I do. Since I am kind limited on what I can do I assigned Eric to the garland above the sliding glass door. The first thing he had to do was loop ribbon in it, followed by hanging the ornaments on and from the garland. I totally thought that he would do it, I would live with it all weekend and then when he went to work on Monday I would "fix it". Holy smokes! I can't even tell you how impressed I was with the hubby! Amazing eye for detail, the garland looks amazing! I was shocked and to be honest a little turned on!
Saturday we went down to Temple Square to see the lights with friends and came back to have chocolate fondue and watch Christmas Vacation. Eric and I both had a VERY disturbing revelation while watching the movie. We are turning into Clark and Ellen Griswold. I even call Eric Sparky. This came to light at the very beginning of the movie when they are going to cut down the tree and are singing together with the kids in the back rolling their eyes, we are in trouble!
All in all it was a great weekend, way too much for Mack and his momma, but I am doing a lot better at taking it easy! Doctor's appointment is tomorrow so we will see how things are going.
And of course, we have so much to be thankful for! These posts are always a little cheesy to me, but I feel like we have been incredibly blessed this year! I am thankful of course to Eric, what a wonderful man! I couldn't ask for a better spouse or a better friend! We are both thankful for Mack and can't wait for him to come, and I am especially thankful that after warnings from Doctors about the back, my body has done so well carrying him. We have so much to be grateful for!

Suprise Party Continued

2008-11-20T17:02:00.002-07:00

Okay, I was supposed to post this blog two weeks ago, but since I am a little technologically challenged I couldn't figure out the stupid slide show thing. So this is a good as it gets, I couldn't figure out how to zoom out of the pictures either.... but on to the party!!
It was such a success! Thank you so much to everyone who came, we were overwhelmed with the amount of people that came, and we can't thank you enough! There were actually 47 of you in that house at one time.
I had been planning the party for weeks, and I was so proud of myself and my pregnant mind that I didn't let it slip! My mom (who is going to be my partner in our party planning business) and I started planning the party as a smaller affair, and of course it grew bigger and bigger with the more ideas that we came up with. Our theme was a Surprise Tailgating party, since I am the only thing Eric loves more than sports (actually I am sure Toby comes before sports too). My parents were so great to let me use their house, there was no way that all of you could fit into our condo! The tablecloth was made out of AstroTurf with tape and stenciled letters, thanks mom and dad. The football cake was supposed to resemble a trophy, both my mom and I really wanted to have an ice sculpture Heisman Trophy but we had to draw the line somewhere.
Thank you so much to everyone that helped me, I couldn't have done it without you! Thanks to Mama J, my partner in crime for EVERYTHING! Dad for cutting out those little stencil numbers and cleaning the house, Merisa for the yummy hot dog wraps that people inhaled, Suzy for the football sugar cookies, Bri for the legendary brownies, muddy buddies and chex mix, Grandma for the toffee and fudge, Annie Swan for the queso and Kennedy for helping us set up! I am sure I left someone out, but really thank you all so much for coming!
As for Big E, (aka: the Toxic Avenger, Man-o-Man, Babe, Baber, Lars, Little Larsen, Erk, E-licious) it was so great to do this for you! I wanted to do something extra special that you would enjoy because I feel incredibly lucky and blessed that I get to be with you! You take such good care of me, and you will be the best Dad to Mack. I appreciate so many things about you. But I don't want our blog readers to puke because of the cheesiness factor. I love you and you are the BEST! I hope your Birthday was everything that you wanted it to be!

Eric's 30th SURPRISE PARTY

2008-11-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Crazy Happenings!

2008-11-13T16:35:00.003-07:00

Okay, I know I have NOT been the best blogger lately! Life has been hectic (I will post more on the main source of hecticness in just a minute). For this post I have decided to do more of my random rantings.

#1 Kamikaze Toby: Oh how I love the Beag! I love how excited he gets to do ANYTHING, really going outside, in the car, eating (well that especially), snuggling, frolicking in the snow and so on. So Eric and I were just get ready to go up to my parents house and every time we go we usually take Toby with us. So of course we tell him we are going and he freaks out, doing the tail wag, jumping all around, you know extreme dog happiness stuff. Well, he charges down the stairs and is waiting at the Pilot's bag end so he can jump in the back. I open the hatch and he is so excited that he doesn't wait. I kid you not, the dog leaped right into the tailgate.... hard. I was expecting to find a beagle head imprinted in the metal. This really didn't help me defend the dog's intelligence to Eric. Toby has recovered.

#2 Comatose Eric: Okay, if you ask Eric to tell you this story, it will definitely be different than my version. But I figure if he wants to be heard he can blog too! So we go to Prenatal Class, which is great and totally worth the money! Anyway, at the end of the class, the nurse goes over breathing for the last fifteen minutes or so. So we get in position, Eric sitting up with his back against the wall and me leaning against him, holding hands on my amazingly enormous tummy. This week she decides to have the men do the relaxing and breathing with the women so they will know what it feels like. Soothing music and a voice comes on and we are lulled into relaxation. The voice is telling us to relax every bone in our body from our toes all the way up to our necks. All of the sudden Eric goes limp... totally relaxed... hands fall to the floor.... neck goes slack and leans against my head.... breathing is incredibly deep. He will argue that there is no way he fell asleep, obviously I disagree. At least when Eric goes into labor he will be totally relaxed!!!

#3 Coke: Okay I have done such a great job laying off the coke since I got pregnant. This really has not been easy, oh the burn down the throat all the way into my tummy. But it makes me a little ill now and Mack gets way hyped up. So anyway, like I said I have been great at resisting. But for the love, there is one place where I have such a hard time resisting the Coca-Cola goodness. I was at Nordstrom at one of my favorite places the MAC counter. (No, I am not so disturbed and obsessed with my makeup that I would name my first born after it. Gimme a break people. Mack is a family name!) All of the sudden I spot it, the Nordstrom cafe see-through soda container, with a brown syrupy coke in it. These Nordstrom people are a genius. The fill the clear cups with the coke and from fifty feet away you can see the carbonation bubbles rising to the top! They even use the yummy small square ice, you coke drinkers know of the ice that I speak of. Oh how I wanted to run up the escalator and order one ASAP. You all should be impressed, I didn't break!!

Halloween and Yummy Nummy Goodness

2008-11-02T15:38:00.006-07:00

So Eric and I LOVE dressing up for Halloween! This year Eric looked great as a vampire (no to all you ladies out there, he DID NOT get the inspiration from Twilight!!) Anyway, he looked great and whoever did his makeup and costume were amazing. Thanks Momma J! I went as a prego gypsy. I wore this outfit about four years ago with a little corset type thing and looked awesome!! Oh the waist that is now gone. I put on the costume without the corset and was the size of a barge (you know like Gaston). So anyway, we waddled to a few parties, special thanks to Pat and Annalisa, the party was great!!

I was reading on a Eric's cousin Marissa's blog about how she loves pumpkin, I am quite the pumpkin lover myself so I decided to put this amazing recipe up on the blog. Be careful though because the batter is the BEST I have ever had and every time I have made it I have eaten way too much and gotten ill.

Pumpkin Cream Trifle
1 (18.25 oz) spice cake mix

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding

2 c cold milk
1 c pumpkin puree

2 (3.4 oz) cheesecake instant pudding and pie filling
½ c water

½ c vegetable oil

2 c whipped topping
3 eggs

1 package English toffee bits

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, combine the cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin,
water, oil, eggs, and pie spice in mixing bowl and pour into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
Cook cake for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature and cut cake into 1-inch
cubes. Whisk together the milk and the cheesecake pudding mix. Allow to set for two
minutes. Fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Layer 1/3 of the cake cubes
into the bottom of a large bowl; top with 1/3 of the cream mixture and sprinkle 1/3 of the
bag of English toffee. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used. Refrigerate 1 hour
before serving. I have also used a can of sweetened condensed milk mixed with 1 cup of cold water and then added vanilla pudding mix, let it set and stir in into a small container of Cool Whip. AMAZING!

Mack is doing very well and moving all the time, most of the time into his mom's ribs or bladder. I got some limb in the bladder today as I was teaching Gospel Doctrine and almost had to make a beeline for the bathroom. We are getting so excited that he is so close, and we are amazed that we can love him so much already! The Nursery is still in transformation mode, but it is coming along nicely! Sorry I haven't been the best at blogging lately, I WILL be better!