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If you can believe it, her second tooth came out two days later! Wow... this girl is going to be toothless before the new year!

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I got released from primary today got called to be the wolf leader.  I have to admit, my first reaction was a little disappointment.  I don't know why, I guess it just took me by surprise.. I hadn't even thought that I would be in with the cub scouts.  A bunch of wild 8 year old boys trying to entertain them each week?  Listening to the obnoxious cub scout cheers on a weekly basis? Ahhhhh! I don't know if I can handle it!!

Then in one split second, my attitude changed.  

I came in and told Kaden that I would be his new scout leader.  His face lit up, he gave me a hug and could not stop smiling.  He then said, "Now you get to come with me every week! You never have to miss pack meeting!" 

On Sunday, He told all his friends in primary (woops... guess I should have told him it was a secret), then when the sustained me in church, he leaned over with that same lit up face, cuddled up to me and said, "Mom, I'm going to sit by you every week!"

It's all worth it. One little boy made it all worth it.  I am going to LOVE this calling.

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318/365 & Thankful Day 14

This month we have been giving treats to people we are Thankful for in our neighborhood. Tonight I let the kids decide to choose one of their friends to give the treats to.  They came up with the different reasons they loved their friends. (and their families).
It was so special to see them take pride into bringing up a plate of cookies and reading their note to the friend of their choice.  I could tell that they felt that happiness that comes with service tonight. I'm happy I was there to experience that with them.
Kaden chose Parker Lund.  When we got there, his mom told us that these cookies were exactly what he needed today because he had been pretty sad because his grandpa had passed away over the weekend.  I'm so glad we could be there to put a smile on his face. When we left his house, Kaden said, "Mom, Parker is one of my very best friends".  As a mom, it feels so wonderful to know that your kids have friends they care about.  Kade... I'm glad Parker is your friend too.  He's a great kid.

Avery chose Carter Featherstone.... Those two are great little buddies. I was noticing the other day that Avery prefers to play with boys way more than girls. She's going to be my little tom-boy that likes to wear dresses!

Brighton chose Christian Ruf.  He's a little boy in our neighborhood that goes to preschool with us.  Bright was so excited to be apart of the "treat giving".  When he saw Christian, he gave him the cookies and said, "Hi Christian, these are for you!" Then he gave him a hug!! It was so cute!! I wish I would have taken pictures of each one of them passing out their treats, but I hope it was a night they won't soon forget.

317/365 & Thankful Day 13

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Today was our primary program. I've been lucky enough to be in the primary presidency for over 3 years now.  In fact, this was the 4th program I've gotten to write.  I have to admit, besides being in primary with my kids, writing and planning the program every year is my FAVORITE part of my calling!!
Our primary is huge! We've got about 100 kids that are active. So, that leads to a somewhat challenging task to make sure each child has a special part in the program.  It's evolved over the years. The first year I tried to get each kid to say a speaking part.  Close to 100 speaking parts is next to impossible!!! As well as a little monotonous. We made it work, but I know it could have been better.
Four years later and with a little experience under my belt, I feel like this was the best one yet.  I said goodbye to the one-liners and opted for more small group singing numbers, kids reading scripture verses and about 12 kids that gave 1-2 minute talks that they wrote themselves.  It was amazing! The talks were heartfelt, the songs were powerful and the spirit was strong.  I love my calling. Especially this time of year.
Some ask me if I'm glad the program is over and usually I would be shouting for joy, but this year is a bit different. I'm a bit sad actually. Next week we're getting released.  The bishop let us know a few weeks ago. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Change is always good, but change is also bitter-sweet. It's crazy how attached you get to your callings.  It's been fun being in primary, it's been super fun being in there with my kids.  I will miss it. I wonder what's next for me?? I guess we'll find out soon enough.

But for now.... I get one more Sunday to enjoy these cute little kids. They all did so great today in the program. I wish I could record it. I would love to watch it from the eyes of the congregation.  Getting all the kiddos to the right spot at the right time is a show within itself that I'm the only lucky one to experience! It's those super cool moments that makes calling so much fun.

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I've got two Thankful's for today. Both were too important to me to not mention.

When my dad actually has an hour or two to spare (which is hardly EVER), he comes over to my house at 8pm to work in my basement. Most people would just call it a day and go relax, but not my dad... he's serving others every waking minute of the day.  I'm so thankful for such a generous dad and an understanding mom who lets him be who he is without complaining that he's never home.

and....... I'm thankful for my own self-less hubby who knows me better than I know myself.

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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.

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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!"