311/365 and Thankful Day 7

310/365 & Thankful Day 6

309/365 & Thankful Day 5

308/365 & Thankful Day 4

Because it's these special Friday nights that my kids are becoming best friends with their cousins.

307/365 & Thankful Day 3

I'm having a hard time figuring out what to say today... nothing too exciting, nothing too motivating, nothing too exceptional.  Actually, it was just a normal day. The one thing I would have changed about today was that I would have had more patience with my kids tonight.  The two younger ones were playing and making messes while I was trying to help two very unfocused older kids do homework.  I found myself getting impatient, a little grumpy and quick tempered.  It wasn't fair.  I have total control of our routine, I have total control of creating a more peaceful learning environment, but today all that went out the door.  It was a good reminder that with a little extra preparation on my part, it will make a HUGE difference at the end of the day when we are all more tired and ready for the day to wind down.
So at the end of this extra normal day, I guess I got a quick reminder that patience is a work in progress...

Kaden did say a funny thing when I was putting him to bed today.
He said his prayer and fumbled on some of the things he was saying. After his prayer, he said, "geez mom, I feel like I'm losing my mind today! First I couldn't remember how to do my homework and then I forgot what I was saying in my prayers.  It's kinda weird huh?"

Well buddy, I feel like I'm losing my mind everyday.  Welcome to the club.

306/365 & Thankful Day 2

Today was the first time this little guy got in trouble. He was pulling things out of the pantry and spilling them on the floor.

Look what happened when I said, "Connor, NO!"
He literally looked up at me, quivered his lip and started bawling! It was hilarious! We are so abusive can you tell?

I'm thankful for not taking life so seriously that I can be ok with yelling at my kid AFTER I had already gotten mad at him so I could get his reaction on film.  (yes, I went and grabbed my camera, and then made him cry again by yelling at him so I could get this shot!... you caught me!)

305/365 Thankful Day 1

Last year my friend took a "thankful" picture every day in the month of November. I was so inspired with this idea that I decided to do my Larsen 365 blog.   I've been waiting all year to do an official  "Thankful Month" and copy what my friend Jen did last year.  So, here we go!

I have had so much fun posting the everyday moments of my life.  I've had even more fun going back and seeing all that life has blessed me with this year.  I know that this year of blogging will be something I will treasure for years to come.

305/365

A day late, but SOOOOO worth it! 

We had a great time tonight.

I love it when on the rare.... very rare occasions that my kids use this phrase...

"Mom.... this is the BEST dinner EVER!!! Woo Hooo!!!"

(like I said.... very rare occasions. Luckily, this was one of those occasions!"

304/365

Happy Halloween!!!

Super fun day! The kids scoured the neighborhood for yummy treats, hot chocolate and spooky houses! They had so much fun.  When they got home, Kaden said, "My legs are exhausted!"

The Ninja

         

Belle... The Princess

The Bumblebee..... used for the 4th time.... gotta love hand me downs.

 This little guy had a blast passing out the candy.  I think he liked this part even more than trick or treating. Whenever he opened the door he would give handfuls of candy to every one that came by.

... and of course... Thomas the Train (we've already talked about this killer costume!)

303/365

OH MY GOSH!!!!  WE'VE MADE IT 300 DAYS!!!
I can't believe this is my 300th post.  Crazy how fast this year has gone.

What a better way to celebrate than to enjoy an afternoon in the mountains with my favorite people in the whole world.  We love being outside, but especially love it in the fall!

I love these two pics.

302/365

Today was the most relaxing day I've had all week. It's been insane! I actually got a few hours to work on finalizing the script for the primary program with a quiet house.  It was wonderful. 

The cutest part of the day was when Brighton was "waiting" for his blanket to get out of the dryer.  I told him to go play, but he wanted to sit in the laundry room and wait.  I have to think that there's a part of him that has a bit of anxiety every time I put it in the washer. 

He's super protective of his "guankey"! 

301/365

Tonight was the night my neighborhood looks forward to all year long.  I have this crazy amazing friend named Amy who is the most amazing host and party planner.  I can't even begin to explain the detail she puts into her parties without writing pages and pages.  For the past 5 years, Amy has planned a Witches Tea each Halloween.  This tea has evolved from about 15 ladies to almost 60! It is the best party of the year! I love this woman! She is the most inspiring, loving, non judgemental, kind person.  She makes everyone around her be a better person.  I wish I was more like her.  Sadly, she just sold her house so she's leaving soon. I'm really going to miss her.

Here's the Springview Farms Witches in all our Glory!!!

My amazing friend Amy.

Just a small look at some of the decor.  Believe me... we go all out!! It's so much fun!

A couple of my awesome witchy friends.  They were voted "Most Sexy Witches" 

300/365

Dear Brighton,

Today was your preschool halloween party.  You were an adorable Thomas the Train.  At some point in the future, I'm sure you will see your Thomas costume that you wore when you were obsessed with trains,  and then you might see Kaden's costume when he was obsessed with trains.  I want to tell you right now.... YES, I LOVE YOU JUST AS EQUALLY!!!! Just because I didn't spend hours making an actual train out of a box for your brothers costume, doesn't mean I don't love you less because I picked up your costume for 9 bucks at Wal-Mart. The actual truth is..... you are my 3rd kid... Kaden always got the cooler costume (for example...see examples below) because I had more time...... MUCH more time.  Now I'm lucky to get to Wal-Mart to actually get a costume.  So, my dear 3rd child, you are loved. You actually LOVE your wal mart special thomas costume and you looked pretty darn cute chugging all over the house today.  I apologize I'm not as overly ambitious with the Halloween costumes as I once was... but you still looked adorable.  

Happy Halloween Party.

Kaden's Thomas Costume of Yester Year                                                   Brighton's Wal Mart Special

Kaden Bee Costume of yester year                                  Connor... Throw on the bee costume at the last

 (yes, I actually made it to fit over his stroller!)                     minute... dirty pants, no socks... call it good!
What was I thinking? Like he'd even be trick or treating!              

           

I AM SO GETTING MOTHER OF THE YEAR. 

299/365

We went and and got our pumpkins today.  I love this time of year.  

Avery wanted the biggest pumpkin.  She said, "Holy Cow! I got like the biggest pumpkin ever!"

LOVED the mini wheel barrows. So cute! The mini kid in the big wheel barrow is pretty cute too!

298/365

My little girl got her first set of fake nails today.  She's officially more of a girl than I am! I've never had a pair of fake nails.  Maybe I should try it one of these days, she sure seems to like them.

297/365... Brighton-isms

Here's some Brighton-isms.

Explanation of picture.

Mom: Bright what are you doing?

Bright: I'm trying to get comfy mommy! 

Age 3 1/2
"mommy, my foot is hurting. I need food to make it better.
I'm sorry Bright. You need to go back to bed though.
No. No. No mom.. my head is wobbling, I need a snack.
Bright. Go back to bed.
But mom, my hands are sparkly.
Bright!
Mom, my tummy hurts. I need a treat.  "
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I was singing in the car to Brighton today and he said, "Mom, STOP!!! You are breaking my ears!"

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(while we are at church)
Mom, I want my guankey!
No, bud, its out in the car.
But mom, lets go get it.
Nope, blanky is resting right now.
MOM!!!! It doesn't have any eyes!!

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295/365

Today was the big "Crystal Sale"
If you can believe it, the kids made $11.00!!
I guess it was a big hit.   When business got slow, Kade hopped on his bike and started going door to door while Avery held up the storefront. The kids were great salesmans.

294/365

Today was a the photo shoot for the cake I made before I left.  I think it turned out pretty cool.  It was HOURS of work, but I was happy with the finished product.

293/365

Today was the final day of our very short trip. We spent most of our time at the pool.  The kids could  spend hours and hours chillin in the pool.  I have to say, this was a really fun vacation.  It's amazing how less work it is to just have two kids with you. Especially when they are the older ones.  As much as I missed Bright and Connor, I have to admit, it was the most relaxing vacation I've ever had with kids with me.  We had a blast.

Before we left, we went to see the St. George temple. It was cool to be there with the kids and talk to them about the peaceful feeling of the temple.  It was one of my favorite parts of our trip.


We also went to this crazy place in the middle of no where.  It was called "The Glitter Pit". It was full on gypsum rock that "glittered" in the sun. The kids brought back two huge buckets of rock to sell to their friends. We'll see how it goes.

All in all, I think we all had a great time. I loved this trip.

292/365

Tonight was the big play!!
We had so much fun.  The kids loved it.  We took them to Texas Road House before the play.  These kids LOVE steak!



 Little Mermaid made me cry.  Let me take it back.... Avery watching Little Mermaid made me cry! At intermission, she said, "Ahhhhh! I love this soooo much!!"  Then at the end when we were clapping for the actors, I told her that when you think they did a good job, you can stand up and clap.  Before I could finish the sentence, she popped up out of her chair and started clapping.

                          

It could have stopped there, but then we got to see Ariel... ok....I'm just gonna start crying again.  My little girl is ALWAYS going to be my princess... no matter how old she gets.  What a fun night.