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)