A "Cowboy" Thanksgiving

So, it has been a while. I am not even sure if I know how to blog anymore..... I am committing to getting back into recording my family's events!

I decided to start at Thanksgiving. Brandon and I left our kids for Thanksgiving! I know that sounds horrible. But, our kids sure didn't mind. Not sure if Papa Bruce and Grandma Debbie thought it was such a great idea though!

Brandon LOVES the Dallas Cowboys. He has since he was a little boy. They are "his team". When we lived in Arkansas we had the chance to drive and attend our very first Cowboy's games. Even going to the Thanksgiving game one year with Kason who was 2 at the time, and Jaicee who was 2 months. It was such a memorable Thanksgiving - and Brandon has wanted to do it again ever since.

So, we finally did it! Thanks to some amazing and wonderful friends - Ms. Tommie and Ms. Sheri - we were able to visit the "Palace in Dallas" in style.

We flew out on Tuesday, and immediately went over to the stadium to take a tour. The tickets were $30 a piece and well worth every penny. Lets just say that place is AMAZING! A 5-star hotel inside a stadium. The "Palace in Dallas" (as we like to call it) is exactly what it is!

We visited the locker rooms, and yes that is a concession stand above...not bad huh?


This is the 'Jones Family Perch' equipped with plenty of screens for replays, even a phone directly down to the coach on the sidelines, and his own elevator that goes to the sidelines.

The amazing huge screen that is almost distracting when you are watching the game....it is so big and oh so clear!

We were able to meet some friends from law school that evening for dinner. It was so fun to spend time with Rick and Ginger! (Not sure why we didn't get a picture?)

The next day we ate at the "waffle house" for breakfast and then set out to explore Dallas and the Ft. Worth area. We of course had to hit the Galleria Mall, with the gigantic christmas tree and ice rink in the middle. We also went to Ft. Worth for the first time. It was such a fun cowboy city, very different from Dallas!




Thanksgiving day was finally here! Brandon was so excited he couldn't even sleep. We met up with our great friend Sheri....and off to the stadium we went.

We had perfect seats, and even sideline passes (notice they say "Guest of the Owner":))to go on the field before the game. NFL players are so BIG, FAST, and ATHLETIC when you are right next to them. Much better to watch them like that then on TV!

That is Dez Bryant warming up...he was fast and jumped so high! We also saw Troy Aikman. Also picture are some New Orleans Saints warming up...I don't think the picture does it justice, but the guy with his back toward us was a GIANT! His thigh width was my entire body width!

We even met Jerry Jones! The picture wasn't great...but I had to put it in. Sheri is friends with Jerry Jones' family...that is how we got the tickets and sideline passes!

Here are the players warming up, and running out of the tunnel before the game. And the game is not complete without the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!




The game was so exciting, amazing, energizing, and so much fun! The Cowboys ended up losing but it was a great game. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

We ended the day with Thanksgiving dinner with Ms. Sheri, Ms. Tommie, and baby Cole! A perfect Thanksgiving, and definitely one to remember!

Crazy May!

May was so busy....and crazy...and fun. The only way to document it is in collages. So, here goes......



It started with a great mothers' day! I love being a mother - and am so grateful for 5 unique and crazy kids. The kids and Brandon gave me a watch that I have been wanting....love it! (it was obviously sunny - check out my eyes and ava cowering in my shoulder from the brightness)



Lots of school programs, graduations, and saying goodbye to fabulous teachers. Kason graduated from sixth grade - now onto the big JR HIGH! He even played the graduation commencement song on the piano for their graduation. All of the kids did excellent in school - and had a wonderful year.



Dance competitions/recitals galore! Jaicee and Halle both had a few each.



Plenty of soccer, basketball, and baseball to last for a year. But we decided to do it in one month. Kason was playing soccer, baseball, and basketball; Braden played tball and soccer; Jaicee and Halle both played soccer.



We had 19 seven year olds over for a birthday party. It was lots of fun, but I don't think I will do quite that many again!



I happily attended Jaicee's fieldtrip to antelope island. Let's just say when the sign at the entrace flashes: "Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, and Biting Gnats" they are not kidding! My head was covered in gnats and I came home with bites all over my neck and head. At least it was memorable! The kids also went with Dad on a hiking/hunting/rhino adventure one night. Oh, and Halle graduated from "RAD Kids" at her school. If you don't know much about RAD Kids - look it up; I was extremely impressed on the curriculum! It teaches the kids all about strangers, bullies, how to get away from danger, and empowering kids to talk if they are ever threatened.

Whew....we survived May! It was questionable for a while....I think May is busier than December!

Happy Birthday to my Halle!

Halle turned 7 today!

I love her so much, and am so proud of her.

She has a firecracker personality
Has an incredibly kind heart
Knows what she wants (and is not afraid to tell those around)
Loves to dance, sing, and perform
Cartwheels all over the house
Loves being a big sister to Ava
Is an excellent reader
Likes playing with friends
Loves to play school and be the teacher
Makes up dances with her sister and friends
Is a true conservationist: seriously! She turns off lights, closes doors, and makes sure no water is wasted.
Has the cutest raspy voice
Lost her two front teeth
Has a gorgeous smile and a contagious laugh



For her birthday Halle picked Chuck-A-Rama for dinner. Being the "great mom" I am - I obliged. Let's just say that the kids and Brandon loved it! I am not so sure how she came up with this idea....but the endless ice cream must have had something to do with it.

We love you Halle. Happy Birthday!!

Pure Chubbiness gives me Happiness

(Ava 20 months)
My favorite picture of the day!

The Ultimate Hiding Spot

I think Braden found the best hiding spot ever.....



I couldn't even find him.


Funny thing is...he waited so long he fell asleep!


Actually, I found him here after coming home from the grocery store late one night. He had gone to bed, but wanted to come down and watch the basketball game with his dad. He knew he shouldn't get out of bed, so he hid in the living room....and fell asleep!



Luckily, I saw him (which was hard - you can barely see his arm) before I went to make sure he was in his bed. I would have panicked not seeing him in his bed.

This kid is a crack up! He keeps us hopping!

Befores and Afters

Some things have changed around here in the last 6-12 months or so.....thought I would document them!



Halle lost her two front teeth!


Kitchen Before.....

Kitchen After


Kason got his much anticipated BRACES!


Brandon finally got a new phone after using his sister's hand me down phone for quite some time. (purple nonetheless)

Finally decorated my basement shelves - thanks to my talented sister in law Cyndy (didn't have a before picture....but love the after)

And, last but not least....we sold our very first car that we purchased as a married couple. 13 years, 204,000 miles, 5 kids later....it served us well. Farewell our friend - you will be missed!

Puzzled!

He loves to do puzzles

All kinds

All day long!

The best part about it is that he sings while he puzzles.

Music to my ears!

Christmas Roundup

We had a great Christmas break. So great in fact - that I can't get back into the schedule of real life...even a month later! (Hence the lateness of this entry)


Christmas Party Festivities at Grandma Debbie and Papa Bruce's: the nativity and pjs


Santa even paid a visit


Christmas Eve...the excitement, and finally they are to sleep (all in the same room of course)


Christmas morning is here! Cozy socks for everyone.


Christmas at Grandma Nae and Papa Jer's. My Dad took all of our home videos growing up and put them on DVD's for us. Priceless gift!
It was also so fun to have Shar and family here for the holidays.

We took a three day trip up to Grand Targhee with Brandon's family. So much fun....lots of skiing and cousin time. Braden was a maniac on his first time on skis - he did not want ANY help! Halle loved skiing, Jaicee really got better, and Kason is a great skier.


Hot tubbing, sledding, cousin time, and so much fun!

What a great break. I love my family!

Leaving a Legacy

pictured: LeGrande (grandpa), Betty (grandma), baby Ava, Brandon (July 2008)

Brandon's Grandpa passed away just before Christmas.

90 Years old

7 Children

48 Grandchildren

101 Great Grandchildren and counting

I would say that is a legacy to be proud of!

He was an amazing man of strength, determination, and insight.

He will be missed dearly.

Love you Grandpa! 1-2-3!

Merry Christmas!

And a Happy 2010!

What 12 years old looks like...

Kason turned twelve......

I still can't believe it!

I am not old enough to have a 12 year old.

My first born - who made me a mother cannot actually be 12!

I don't want him getting any older.....not one bit (he doesn't like it when I always say that).

He received the Aaronic Priesthood. His Dad gave it to him, through a blessing. He is passing the sacrament (and is so extremely handsome doing so). I am so proud of the choices he has made.

I love him so much!

He has given me my identity, my happiness, my world, my family, my everything.

He is the one who taught me how to really love, how to worry, how to give, how to serve others, how to survive on less sleep, how to rejoice, how to cry, how to be infinitely proud.....He made me a mother.

A role that I cherish dearly with all of my heart.

And for that, I am eternally grateful for him.



Thanks for coming to our family Kas.....it would not be the same without you.

Some of my favorite things about Kason:

• he is determined and responsible
• loves his sisters and brother with all of his heart (even though he teases them relentlessly)
• worries about others' feelings
• wants to do what is right, and can't last a minute if he has done something wrong without telling me
• is extremely bright
• very coordinated
• loves all sports.....especially basketball
• plays on competitive baseball, soccer, and basketball teams
• wants to be busy 24/7 (and does a pretty good job doing so)
• loves to read
• is a great pianist - even though he does not enjoy practicing
• teases everyone around
• loves to hunt...and even got a shotgun for his birthday. (No, this was not my idea - but it is a long "Larsen tradition", and Brandon INSISTED it was necessary.)
• respects girls (especially now that he thinks they are cute)
• can't wait to have a cell phone (and is trying each day to persuade me into getting him one.....not working)!
• loves the Dallas Cowboys almost as much as his Dad
• helps without being asked
• is a great listener
• was so excited to get braces on
• loves music
• worries like his mom (not a good trait, however)
• is an amazing student, and loves to be challenged
• was so excited that I actually let him have a slumber party with his friends for his birthday. (He has only been asking for 5 years straight)
• still lets me hug and kiss him....even in front of his friends

Happy 12th Birthday Kason! Bring on the teenage years!!

Some Important Things Missed....Part 2

Another important thing missed was my sweet Braden's birthday.



He turned 4

And couldn't be happier that it was finally his birthday!

He had been counting down for months.....waiting and waiting



He loved all of his Buzz Lightyear toys, and especially liked his binoculars, knife (fake of course), and walkie talkies. His words: "Dad...now I can go huntin with you, and get a bear with my knife!"



He chose "NicDonalds" for dinner, and we celebrated the next day at Grandma Nae's and Papa Jer's with cake and ice cream.

Some of Braden's favorite things to do:

Getting "atorgade" (Gatorade) from Papa Jer's house

Hunting with his Dad

Playing "hunting and camping" all day long



Packing everything he owns into bags, sacks, and his pockets. (it is not unusual to find ALL of his underwear, socks, and pjs in his backpack. And he insists on taking it to the grocery store - or any other store - with him)

Playing with his friends (this is the first thing out of his mouth each morning)

Telling mom and dad that he loves us multiple times a day

Saying "hold you me" when wanting to be snuggled

Singing loudly all of the words to songs on the radio....such as "I've Gotta Feeling" and "Love Story"

Giving his shy, coy smile when he is embarrassed. (I love this smile!)

We love you Braden boy! Happy 4th Birthday!

Some important things missed...Part 1

I have missed some important things lately.....

First missed was Brandon's birthday...which was September 18th.

I missed it however, because he was having the best birthday ever by doing this:



Yes....hunting black bears with his bow and arrow! So manly!!



This was their beautiful scenery in Maine where they found their "poor bears" (as I would say). Also pictured are their luxurious accomodations and some pretty funny signs they came upon.



He went with his brothers and dad....and they had the time of their lives for a week. They all shot a bear...and now we wives are all going to be recipients of some beautiful bear skin rugs! (Can't wait....totally goes with my decor :))

Happy Birthday Babe.....glad you had the time of your life. I love you!

Halloween Collages

Halloween was lots of fun, and the kids (especially Kason and Jaicee) did a great job trying to fill their ENTIRE pillow cases full of candy!


All of the school parades/parties


A corpse, skeleton bride, pink devil (had to be pink), pirate, and lady bug. Even Brandon and I got into the spirit this year...and I must say it made the day so much fun.



We ate and trick-or-treated at Grandma Debbie and Papa Bruces'. Then home to run through the neighborhood, gathering as much candy as possible! Grandma Nae and Papa Jer came up to see us.

Another Halloween come and gone...crazy since I feel like it was just yesterday we had last year's Halloween. ( I must really be getting old)