Home is where our story begins...

High School was....

2009-02-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my cousin Becky's blog and thought it was funny.... don't laugh to hard, please.

1- Did you date someone in high school?
Thankfully no.... I dated many many boys! My best friend Jessica and I had a goal... how many dates could we fit into a weekend! I am so thankful I did this. I watched many friends waist time with boys they broke up with and then hated. Shane was the first guy I dated longer than 60 days. That's when I knew I was in trouble. ;-)

2- What kind of car did you drive?
Ohhh, I love this question. I was blessed with parents who thought cars were only a source of transportation. So... my sophomore year I was "privileged" to drive my parents 1980's Lincoln Town car. After that, I upgraded to a 1990's Ford 350. This was a safety factor... or so my parents told me after my first car accident. Thankfully when my brother Ryan left for his mission, I inherited his 1989 Nissan. It looked OK on the outside, but my friends say you could hear me a block away.

3- Did you pass your driver's license test the first time?
Yes... but the road test was close. I scared my Driver's Ed teacher to death on a right hand turn. He slammed on that passenger side break so hard that the kids in the back started laughing at me. I negotiated my way into a passing grade. I think those Driver-Ed teachers fear death more than other teachers. Or maybe the way they will die. Ha ha ha.

4- Were you a party animal?
If there was a party (without illegal stuff) I was usually there. Just give me a few Coke and I was the life of the party! Who needs drugs? I was in a little bubble in high school and never saw any drugs, drinking, sex, etc.... it was a great safety bubble. I miss it.

5- Where you considered a flirt?
Ummmm... yes. I think it is safe to say. I would flit until I got the boys attention then move on. Not very nice. I think that is why I don't have a lot of high school friends.

6- Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
La la la... I was in choir. Only because I heard then went to Disneyland for the Senior trip. It's one of my best memories!!! I was in orchestra in Jr. High. But in high school I was "too cool" for band. Hahaha. Stupid me.

7- Were you a nerd?
Oh yeah! Still am! Aren't we all though?? I thought I was cool... but now I know that I wasn't. Ugh, memories!

8- Were you on any varsity teams?
Ok... I tried out for the cheerleading thing... didn't make it. But my man was! So I am cool by association! I did make Student Body Officer though... by some miracle!

9- Did you ever get suspended or expelled?
Ok.. this is a sensitive subject. I was unjustly treated and would like to clear things up here. I had a teacher who was out to get me. Mr. Johnson (who now works in the South Jordan Temple... talk about awkward...) wanted to make an example out of me. SBO class was the first class of the day, so naturally I was always late. Then... if the bell rang and I wasn't in my seat.. I was tardy. So... my 3rd quarter of school, I was suspended. I couldn't attend class or SBO activities. Nice eh? Oh, I hear ya... did I learn my lesson?? Nope, still late! I had the privilege of telling Mr. Johnson that in the Celestral room on my last visit to the temple. Good times.

10- Can you still sing your fight song?
Yep... school nerd 100%!

11- Who were your favorite teachers?
Oddly, Mr. Johnson. Strange how these things happen. I also loved my choir teacher Mr. Wendel. I loved our principal David Gourley too!

12- Where did you sit at lunch?
Did people sit? I was too busy bouncing from table to table. I could get by on a doughnut all day long and not gain a pound. Aw, the good old days.

13- School mascot:
Warrior.

14- School colors:
Royal Blue & Gold.

15- Did you go to homecoming and who with?
Yes... but I can't remember with whom. Is that bad? I never went to any dance with the same boy twice. My first dance & date was Sadie Hawkins. It was girl choice and I loved this senior kid named... uh.... oh crap! I can't believe I can't remember. Dangit! I asked him a month in advance and didn't say a word to him after he accepted because I was so in love with him. Funny eh? The whole date was weird and awkward for me. Looking back, he was a champ for even saying yes. What a nice guy.

16- If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Only if I could go back as the person I am now. If I had to just go back... NO WAY! That's just torture!

17- What do you remember most about graduation?
I remember not knowing how to do my hair!

18- Where did you go on Senior Skip Day?
Did we have that? I think we did and I slept it. I missed a lot my oversleeping in the mornings. A trait I hope my girls don't pick up from me!

19- Were you in any clubs?
Ohhhh... just about any one I could get into. Sadly, I was never in any sport clubs or activities. However, I created a club of my own. I was the president of the Disney Club that had the most members, of course.

20- Have you gained weight since then?
I am offended by this question. Two babies later and a hate for exercising and a love for Oreo cookies makes me not want to answer this question. How rude!

21- Who was your prom date?
Uhhh.... I went to Jr. Prom... never was asked to my Senior Prom... not even once! That's the only dance I never went too. Sad, I know. Thanks for the sympathy tears. I appreciate it.

22- Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?
Ugh, I went. And I felt like I was just right back to being 17 again. Stupid. At least I learned how to do my hair since high school.

23- Did you have a job while in high school?
Only the best job ever! I worked at Discovery Zone which was a kid play place! I loved it! I left to work at the Disney Store. Oddly, I hated that job. I don't want to create magic for someone else. I want them to create it for me!

24- Worst class?
Science. I don't get it. Maybe if I didn't fall asleep in class so much.

25- Favorite class?
Oddly, my SBO class. When I wasn't on probation. I loved Choir too because all of my friends made it so much fun!

26- Most embarrassing moment in High School.
Ahhhh, so many wonderful shameful moments! Ok, my top two.... (drum roll please...)

I was a fresh 16 year old driver and begged my friend Jenny Thomas to lend me her car. (Sorry Jen!) She did, against her better judgment. I left to drive to my bowling class off campus. But before I left the parking lot, I rammed into my future English teacher, Mrs. Hicks. I totaled her brand new car and her class was thrilled because I got them out a test that day. No one let me drive their car after that. I think my drivers-ed teacher still feels guilt for allowing me to negotiate my way into passing drivers-ed.

Second was when I was trying to be so posed and cool at a seminary dance. I was walking down a flight of stairs and tripped. I fell down down down with my dress flipping upside down on my head. I hate to think of what people saw underneath. Oie! I ran away and hid in my chair hoping no one saw it. After the laughter died down, a really cute boy that I liked brought my shoe over to me that I left on the stairs. He slipped it on my foot and I was nicknamed Cinderella for the rest of the year. Don't laugh... I hear ya and that's just mean!

www.ExecutiveSecurityCo.com

2009-02-23T08:49:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone....
I am going to get back into this blogging thing... really! But for now, check out my hubby's new business website! It's awesome! :)

I not smart...

2009-01-08T00:25:00.002-07:00

I want to update my blog... really. But I are not smart with computers. For some unknown reason, my computer changed the way it has done things. I believe this is to torment me into insanity. While it succeeds, I sit here and am waiting until my dear hubby can show me how to upload pics again. You all have had this problem once or twice... I am sure you understand. If not, I don't want to talk to you. Well... really I do... I just want to hang out with other digital picture illiterate people. Then I can feel better about my computer IQ. So... until then.

Alyssa's Class Picture

2009-01-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

Alyssa is one of the youngest... but the tallest. She doesn't like always being in the back. ;-) Isn't that cute?!

School Picture Day

2008-11-17T15:35:00.002-07:00

Alyssa's Kindergarten picture. What a cutie!!!

Fall Fun

2008-10-28T10:34:00.007-06:00

There is a lot of fun during Fall. Pumpkin carvings, corn mazes and one Alyssa forgot... Flu shots!

I call this one our before pic! Alyssa knew what was coming...

Keira didn't... see how happy?! They were too distraught for the after pics. I was (politely) told not to take a picture. Just know... they were not happy with me after this. But seriously, Keira has some kind of reaction to the flu shot. Her leg get huge , red and swollen. I think this may be her last one. She just kept rubbing her leg for three days saying "my leg hurts, owie" =( I really hate shots.

We made up for the flu shots though. Daddy helped carve a pumpkin with Alyssa.

Keira wanted to help with the picture only. Both the girls didn't like the inside of the pumpkin.

What would fall be without Sugar cookies. Yum!

I love Keira's big smile!

Ohhhhh.... I have been inspired by my neighbor Brooke. She is always posting such yummy dinners. So I was brave and made this yummy 3-meat Chili I found on one of her links. Nothing better than warm chili on a cold Fall night. Yum! I'll post the recipe. I wanted to serve it in a bread bowl... but I made the mistake of grocery shopping on a Saturday afternoon. They were sold out of everything! Anyway, get brave, try it out... it's yummy!

Chili in Bread Bowls
From Taste of Home
SERVINGS 9
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Slow Cooker
PREP: 15 min.
COOK: 420 min. (I cooked my meat all the way & then cooked it on high in the crock-pot for 3 hours)
TOTAL: 435 min.
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound each lean beef stew meat, boneless skinless chicken breast and boneless pork, cut into cubes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped*
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15-1/2 ounces) navy beans or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce (I added a bit more, I didn't want it to be dry)
1 tablespoon chili powder (I didn't have everything... so I improvised, a bit.)
1 garlic clove, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
9 large hard rolls
Sour cream, chopped green onions and sweet red pepper, optional

DIRECTIONS
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add meat in batches; toss to coat. In a large skillet, brown meat in oil in batches. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker with a slotted spoon. Stir in onion, peppers, tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce and seasonings. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Cut tops off rolls; carefully hollow out bottom halves. Spoon about 1 cup of chili into each roll. Garnish with sour cream, onions and red pepper if desired. Yield: 9 servings.

Family Pics... finally

2008-10-26T01:57:00.006-06:00

Well... after 2 years, we finally got our family pictures done! Hallelujah! Shane's sister, Tiffany, did these for us. I am sooooo happy with them! It was FREEZING and she still got my girls to smile! I have to give her a shameless plug. She is super cheap & does it as a side job for fun. Let me know if you are interested and I'll give you her number. Thanks Tiff!!!!

GO MARK!!!

2008-09-24T09:07:00.004-06:00

I am so proud of my brother Mark that I just have to brag!!! He has not smoked for over a month now!!! WHOOO-HOOOO!!! Great job Mark! Oh.. and for those who don't know, this lovely gal with him is his fiancee Lyndie! Welcome to the family! Be sure to e-mail Mark some words of praise and support at ruzenlire@hotmail.com
WAY TO GO MARK!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Alyssa's 1st Day of Kindergarden

2008-09-22T15:38:00.009-06:00

School Started 3 weeks ago and I am now blogging it! I think I am finally OK with Alyssa gone everyday until noon!!! I know... first grade is going to kill me!

This was the open house for Alyssa. She has two teachers. Mrs. Cowan (left) & Mrs. Durrant (right).

This is Alyssa's first day. She loved her new uniform in the morning. When I picked her up after school, she hated it because it was too hot and hard to play on the playground with. 3 weeks later, she's better about it. I love not having to fight with her about matching colors on outfits.

This is where Alyssa sits. However, today they moved her to the back... I wonder if Alyssa is too social for the middle seat. =) I can't wait for parent teacher conference.

This was how Keira entertained herself while her big sister was at school. The sunglasses, pacifier, succor and cell phone were all in my diaper bag! I am such a pack-rat! I didn't even knew I had a pacifier in the house since Keira never used one when she was a baby. Keira misses Alyssa the most! When it's time to get Alyssa, Keira RUNS to the car with a toy for her big sister.

Sleepover

2008-09-22T15:05:00.009-06:00

What happens when you get 4 girls together and leave them alone for 5 minutes???

This is what happens! AHHHHHH! My House! Keira is in the middle there. She loved having 2 extra mom's to baby her! We helped babysit my brother & his girlfriends kids over the weekend. We had a great time and I miss them already!

The kids attacking Grandpa Ray's house. Trust me though... he's not as defenseless as he would like you to think! Even when he's outnumbered by 3 squealing girls!!!

The best part of the zoo!

Dalia, Alyssa, Marcela, Keira & Grandma Gina

Creepy!

Every statue was a climbing photo-op. No statue was safe!

I LOVE this picture!!! This was just before the bird show.

California Rapture, cousin to Bald Eagle... but double the size! This one is still a baby! Very cool!

Love at first sight!

See what I mean about the statues?!

Daddy's in charge

2008-09-19T16:14:00.002-06:00

I left in the morning to get some kid-free errands done. I came home to this....

Shane doesn't have any boys... so his girls have to been rough, tough hockey fans! Go Colorado!!! Oh, if you can't tell, they are holding up number 1 fingers.

Utah State Fair 2008

2008-09-18T15:55:00.025-06:00

We had a blast at the fair this year!

I love Alyssa's face here! What a cutie!

I love the Little Hands on the Farm! What a great idea!!!

Ewww.... this is dirty mom!

Keira tried to eat the fake apples. Yum!

I hate those clowns that make the balloon animals. First you stand in line for much to long... then you finally get your chance and the lady doesn't know how to make what you really want. So you settle for a dumb hat and flower. Then the kids fight over which of the dumb balloons they really never wanted in the first place... then it pops... then the tears come. THEN they want you to go back and wait in line again for another one! AHHHHHHH!!!

Can't smile... eating!

Ewww... don't touch me!

I love the big yellow slide!

This was the highlight of the whole day!!!

This video is really long because Shane put the camera in his pocket without stopping the video... I don't have an edit program. So... just watch a few seconds and click it off. Sorry... I am still learning how to blog properly.

What a way to finish the day! Got to love that sugar!!!

Thanksgiving Point - Last day of Summer '08

2008-09-18T15:55:00.010-06:00

Ok, so we are a little late posting our last day of summer. But I wanted to because the video at the end of this post made me smile!

We spent our last day of summer going to the Thanksgiving Point. It was too cold to play in the water, so we took a looooong walk around the gardens. The kids did so great and it was fun to spend time alone with them outside of the house.

This was my favorite part... they loved rolling down the hill after each other.

Alyssa loved the Secret Garden. It was a fun place for kids.

Alyssa saw me blogging and insisted that I add the picture of these cute baby birds we found just before we left. The girls watched them for 15 minutes while the mom bird fed them.

I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did! What a fun way to end the summer!

Family Picture

2008-09-18T15:55:00.001-06:00

Tag, we're it!

2008-08-26T16:44:00.003-06:00

This is a cute Mom Tag. I wanted to know what Alyssa's answers would be. If only Keira could talk better, it would be fun to hear what's in her head!

1. What is something Mom always says to you? "Alyssa, you freak me out... Alyssa you're funny" (I didn't know I ever said 'you freak me out'... will have to watch that one)
2. What makes Mom happy? "When I write you a note" (True)
3. What makes Mom sad? "When you're not having a good time" (Also true)
4. What does Mom do to make you laugh? "I don't know... duck duck goose, tag and tickling me makes me happy... but not really makes me laugh." (Isn't that close?)
5. What was Mom like as a child? "I don't know, little and happy and small" (Yeah, she's brilliant!)
6. How old is your mom? "14... no, 100... NO 101!" (Whoa! I skipped a few years there!)
7. How tall is your mom? "15 feet tall" (Um, 5' 5")
8. What is your mommy's favorite thing to do? "Do stuff on the computer and talk on the phone... that's it. Oh yeah, and playing with me." (Alyssa spends quiet time with me in the computer room while I work... I guess that's why she said that. Funny gal.)
9. What does your mom do when your not around? "Um, I don't know."
10. If your mom becomes famous what will it be for? "To make people laugh" (Yet, I can't make her laugh... funny she would say that.)
11. What is your mom really good at? "Good at making food, good at helping me with baby Keira, good at the computer, good at making me laugh" (Oh, I guess I can make her laugh. Yay!)
12. What is your mom not really good at? "Helping Daddy" (Ummm... I'll have to help more & ask Shane to praise my help around the house a bit more to change that one around. That's just sad!)
13. What does your mom do for her job? "The Bank" (Ok, I worked at Zions Bank and quit when Keira was born... I can't believe she remembers that.)
14. What is your mom's favorite food? "Pasta" (She's right... Although, I like almost all good food!)
15. What makes you proud of your mom? "You're really helpful and greatness" (Yeah, she said greatness!)
16. If your mom was a cartoon character, who would she be? "Ariel, because she is my favorite person" (YAY!)
17. What do you and your mom do together? "Play tag, duck duck goose" (Last night we played those games for FHE.... I guess she like it.)
18. How are you and your mom the same? "Our color of hair"
19. How are you and your mom different? "My hair straight and your hair is curly and your ears are pieced and mine aren't and your taller and you have a baby" (I won't let her pierce her ears until she's at least 8... I love her perfect ears!)
20. How do you know your mom loves you? "But giving hugs"

Alyssa tags Jessica & Abby

KEIRA IS TWO!!!

2008-08-25T22:47:00.006-06:00

This summer we celebrated two birthday's.
Alyssa tuned 5 on June 12th (see post below) and Keira tuned 2 on August 22nd!

I can't believe that my baby is already 2 years old and now a toddler!!! I hate having kids grow up! I wish they could stay little longer! I loved Keira as a baby. So completely adorable and much easier to care for since I learned all the tricks from her big sister. Keira is such a great blessing to us! I love that little kid so much! I love how she adores her big sister, I love how she copies everything we say and do, I love her cute smile!

Keira 2 hours old

Keira 2 months old

Oh I love SISTERS!

Alyssa insisted that she make Keira her birthday cake! So we went to the store and she picked out what to put on the cake. I was so proud of her! Alyssa was so happy to give it to Keira!

We were going to take Keira to the bounce house, but she was feeling a little sick. So we stayed home. I'm glad we did because we made homemade pizza's for dinner. Keira loves messing up the kitchen. They were yummy and Keira had a great time!

Keira totally got spoiled from her grandparents and aunts/uncles!

Alyssa's cake..... great success!!!

Keira shares a birthday with my Dad. Grandpa turned 66 and we went to Macaroni Grill to celebrate!

My brother Uncle Ryan and Aunt Meri came.

My mom Grandma Gina and Uncle Trent... I don't think I can ever get a "normal pic" out of my brother Trent.

Ok, this totally made us laugh! At Macaroni Grill, they sing to you for your birthday. Well... Keira didn't really enjoy it to much.

Ok, crazy singing lady left a cake, I guess this is ok.

Yeah, singing lady forgiven... this is great!

Grandma Gina

Keira spun in circles for about 5 minutes after she got her new dress from Uncle Ryan and Aunt Meri! I think she liked it.
Thanks everyone! Keira had a great 2nd birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday Keira! We love you so much!

ALYSSA IS FIVE!!!

2008-08-25T21:41:00.001-06:00

WOW! I have a Kindergartner! When did that happen?? I remember the good old days of sitting at home with my little baby and wondering if there could be anything better in this world! Alyssa was the most beautiful baby! It was love at first sight!

This is the first year that Alyssa really enjoyed having a friend party. Alyssa wanted to go to the Kangaroo Zoo bounce house. We all had a great time.

Alyssa 2 weeks old & 2 months old! I totally missed her cute chubby face!

Keira enjoyed the party as much as her sister!

At the end of the day, we came home and tried to "wind-down..." notice Alyssa's crazed face! She makes me laugh! She was totally spoiled by her friends and family. I love having her in my life! She's such a great kid and I miss having my little baby Lulu. Time flies by so fast! Thanks everyone for making it such a special day for Alyssa!

Happy 5th Birthday Alyssa "Lulu" Larsen... We love you!!!

MeMoRiEs.....

2008-07-18T15:27:00.000-06:00

I copied this from my long lost cousin's blog. I loved this idea and hope to hear what ya'all have to say! Oh yes, that's my cute family and me as a baby! I know what your thinking... "look at all that brown, stylish clothing!"

I don't usually do the tags but this one sounded like fun..and a little interesting. Let's keep it clean, and fair, and I will hunt you down and hurt you if it is mean. Let's remember I have a trash button and I'm not afraid to use it!!! I am also allowing the words, "Beautiful", "incredible body" and "NICEST PERSON IN THE WORLD" on this post. (just in case you were afraid to say any of those things)
Here's how it works:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember, good or bad but be nice please! ;)

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. Come on all my blog followers... I want to post something about you, let's see this on your blog!!!

Young Women's Girls Camp 2008

2008-07-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

I've been called at the Young Women Camp Director! If you ever thought this was a hard calling, you were wrong... it's an impossible calling! Something always goes wrong!!! But, there were so many great moments, that I wouldn't trade it for any other calling! Because my kids are awake and destroying right now... I am posting the text our YW President wrote about camp. Ya'all know how much I love to blog! =)

Our theme was The Wizard of Oz... There's No Place Like Home. Perfect!!! The girls were homesick for home and the theme related to being homesick for our home in Heaven.

We had 23 young women finish their certifications and Anastasia Hunter was able to do two years so she will be on track for next year as a third year.

We drove up to Beaver Ridge camp on Tuesday the 8th and set up camp. We were right next to the stake and amphi-theater. So my car was the target for dust writting. Not all of them washed off. =( If you look closely... the girls wrote "Sorry Shane" on every corner. Yeah, he wasn't too happy, but took it well. Love that man!

We had 9 tents for sleeping and three awnings, three cement picnic tables, three tables for food prep and washing, 1 camp stove for cooking. So we had much to do on the set up. All of the young women helped get everything in order. They got along and were happy campers.

Our Youth Camp leaders were, Steph Palmer, Katie Brandon, Shar Prestwich, Sam Nicponski, Kim Mace, Krista Purser, and Katie Kelsey. They were in charge of the first nights devotional. So they lead the camp in fun songs and wore some goofy green wigs with green whistles and green rings. Their thought was on faith and they told the story of "Che Ami" the carrier pigeon from World War 1 who made it through to headquarters when all of the other pigeons had been shot down. He was shot to but made it through. They related this to being able to listen to the messages of God. That we need to listen and do what he asks. They then handed out some Sunflower seed packages that they had change the name to carrier bird feed. Our second years retired the flag that evening.

We then put on a skit for the whole stake. Each ward was given a list of props and a theme( ours was faith). We then had to make up a skit from it.
Katie Brandon was the narrator, Shar was Queen Ebequenzer looking for her royal paper(Toilet paper). The courtiers' who were helping to look for the paper were, Steph Palmer, Sam Nicponski, Kim Mace, Krista Purser, Katie Kelsey. The French Chefs were Shantel and Candace. The royal dog walkers were Meagan Mondragon, Amber Larson with Kelsie, Camille, Laruen and Jayce. The royal fairy was Laura with the bubble blowers as Jessica and Angie. The princess was Anastasia and Sam Larson who finally found the royal paper. Anyway it was quite hilarious and a good time was had by all.

Kenny Favero came up to camp and perform his song that he wrote for the theme of "There is no place like home". We were the Munchkin Manor and had little baby dolls all with crazy hair stapled to our door(each camp had a door). The babies were stolen and we did a cheer to try and get them back. Some did return home but their are few still floating around somewhere over the rainbow.

Bishop Purser came up with his wife on Tuesday as well as Brandon Beckstead and Jen with Kenny's wife and daughter Ashton. Kenny did a great job and had the Young Women begging for more. He had his 15 year old brother in law with him ( also in his band) which drove the Young Women crazy.

Wednesday they had a speaker who was in a wheel chair. Her talk was very inspirational to the young women and let them know that whatever trials you have to face in this life it is worth it. She is now married and has a little two year old boy. She had the girls laughing at some of her funny stories and crying at others. She thought no one would ever love her because they would only see a wheelchair and not the girl who rode on it. She was wrong and has traveled the world, drives a car and finished college to become a family therapist. She said she has to do more ahead planning.

The next day we did as much of our certification as possible with lots of crafts thrown in. Beaded bracelets, friendship bracelets, beads in the hair, French braids, boon doogle and our hot dog roaster sticks. We played "Alien Baseball" where you have two people in one shirt and run the bases backwards from third to first. The Water obstacle course and the Zip Line with a rock climbing wall thrown in.
Our ward was in charge of feeding 250 people with the 28th ward for lunch... the girls loved the food, see their excitement! =)

We sang lots of crazy songs and played Little Sally Walker that had a lot of groovy dance moves, and Guess who I am. Myra won the most on that game she must have had it rigged.(Just kidding)

We did have two girls get sick and go home. Shantel Liethead ended up having Mono and Steph Palmer went home to have her Appendix out. We visited both of them on Friday evening with some balloons and Get Well cards. Shantel is on Steroids to try and get her back to feeling better. She will need lots of rest and fluids she isn't able to swallow very well but the swelling seems to have gone down in her throat. Steph had three small incisions in her stomach to get the appendix out and was home from the hospital Friday having had the surgery on Thursday afternoon. Steph is able to eat but is quite sore. they both seemed in good spirits.

We made red flip-flops at the stake to help us click our heels three times to get home. We also packed our school bags we made with school supplies to send to Africa. Kecia put a small makeup bag together with some thought on how to stay close to Heavenly Father, with the theme "There's No Place Like home" and some cute little red shoes on the side. She had things inside like a curler to remember to curl up with the scriptures each night.

They had the Bishops come up and hide behind a curtain with their socks and shoes off. So we could just see their feet. They then told a story about their life and we had to guess which feet were our Bishops. When you guessed your bishop they then made them dress up in funny shoes, a green wig, a green hand bag and flower. They came out to dance a to the song "Foot Loose". Since our Bishop couldn't be there Brandon Beckstead took his place and he did the best dance off all of the Bishops. It was a lot of fun.
We did have a testimony meeting around the camp fire. We asked each girl to say something and they did. We just went around in a circle. then we presented the awards and gave out special Wooden Jewelry boxes to all of the 4th year and older girls for a job well done. It will be something for the younger girls to look forward to for next year as they pass off the 4th year. With all of the girls hectic schedules it is a wonder they could all come with us.

One thing that I LOVED was Kenny's song that he wrote for girls camp! You have to check it out at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=3331020966 or www.myspace.com/kennyfavero It's named THERE's NO PLACE LIKE HOME! My kids love it and play it over and over again! They also liked FIX ME. I wanted to down load it on my blog... but I really hate blogging. =) I just like to read them. So please check it out! It's sooooooo good!

This was just before we left to go home and have a much needed shower! Our door had cute decorations on it, thanks to Kecia... but the other wards stole them for fun.

Anyway, back to my family and chaos!!

Thanks 33rd Ward Girls! I loved camp!!!

Easter... a bit late.

2008-05-29T00:26:00.000-06:00

I wanted to include this Easter video... even though it's a bit late. Shane is so cute with our girls. Don't mind my awful laugh! I don't know where I got that from.

Girls' Weekend - NYC BABY!!!

2008-05-28T21:45:00.000-06:00

For Mother's Day, my husband sent me on a trip of a lifetime! He sent me to visit my best friend in York, Pennsylvania. (What a great hubby, eh?) We had sooo much fun! I flew stand-by for the first time in my life. My sweet friend gave me one her her buddy passes so I could go! SHE's SO RAD! She's so humble, she didn't want me to tell anyone she did that. I am so blessed to have such great friends! I had a direct flight that changed to three flights to get me there in time at the very last minute! It's a MIRACLE that I got there in time! The flight I was flying on was full, the next flight was delayed so Jetblue sent me to San Francisco, then to Boston, MA and finally to Washington DC where Jessica picked me up.

I saw the sun set in the Pacific Ocean (that's the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, if you couldn't tell)....
and raise at the Atlantic Ocean in Boston, MA within 8 hours!

Then just a few more hours of flying I finally ended up in Washington DC where Jessica and her kids picked me up!

We spend the day touring Arlington Cemetery and visiting all of the Washington D.C. monuments. I loved the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers!

The next day, Jessica's friends Kelly & Sue picked us up and we left for THE BIG APPLE!!! We got all dressed up and ate Italian in a really small basement Sooo good! I don't know where they fit the kitchen there! Everything is so cramped in NYC.

Then we went to see Mary Poppins on Broadway just a few blocks from our hotel! It was the highlight of the trip! I was so impressed with it! My favorite part was when Mary Poppins flew over the audience above us into the lights and reappeared on stage a few minutes later!

Saturday morning we visited the New York City LDS Temple. It was so quiet and peaceful vs being outside in crazy, stinky NYC. Very different.

Then we ate at Ben Affleck and Rachel Ray's favorite pizza place, Famous Joe's Pizza. Jessica made walk all of Lower Manhattan searching for it! It was worth it! I am now a big fan of flat NYC pizza! Best $2.50 I spent all weekend!

This pic is of Jessica, me, Sue and Kelly braving the NYC subway system. It is soooo dirty and yucky! It smelled like an outhouse and there were crazy people on there preaching, fighting and others in another world! I thought that was just in movies. I had to step over a person sleeping on the stairs! GERMS!!! EWWW!

BOBBY FLAY MESA GRILL!!!

That night we ate at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill! My food was good, I think?! It was so spicy that the orange sauce, I think they said it was a some sort of pepper sauce, burned my mouth. I couldn't taste anything after that. They said it would be spicy... but this would have scared Shane! OUCH!!! It was still a great experience and I would do it again!!!

We visited the World Trade Towers. The girls went shopping across the street, so I joined in a group tour of ground zero. It made 9/11 seem very surreal.

I loved visiting St. Paul's Chapel and churchyard! Some of the oldest tombs are there. Creepy, I know... but I love this sort of thing!

Inside they had President George Washington's original pew/chair where he prayed just after winning the election.

There were memorials to the people who lost their lives during 9/11.

The girls had me running all over the place. I stopped to snap a pic of Rockefeller Center and rushed to catch up... I was such a tourist!

My favorite stores!!! World of Disney & a huge Toys R Us. The only place (other than fridge magnets and postcards) where I purchased souvenirs.

Our Last day we stopped at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Ellis Island was so touching... I wish we could have spent more time there and learned about our U.S. immigrates. We had lunch with Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty. He told us all about his life and history of his "Lady of Freedom." One of my favorite parts of our trip!

This weekend was so much fun and a great break! We are already planning next year's girl's weekend! I came home to a husband who missed me very much. Which was so nice. But the kids enjoyed their time with dad. I had meals in the fridge for them, but instead, I came home to a fridge full of fast food leftovers! One thing I learned from being in NYC, I am soooo grateful for a yard to raise my two cute girls! My house is giant compared to NYC apartment! A fun place to visit, not to raise a family though. Thanks for a wonderful Mother's Day Shane! And thanks to my in-laws... who I know Shane recruited for hours of help with our kids!

Which Austen heroine are you?

2008-03-27T12:36:00.000-06:00

I am not totally happy being Marianne Dashwood... but she is nice. I would like to have been Elizabeth Bennett... of course. =)

http://www.strangegirl.com/emma/quiz.php

Spring, Swings & More

2008-03-18T16:45:00.000-06:00

A fun day at the park with Lynleah & Aveia!

My kids just make me laugh!

Spring is here & sweet Keira doesn't know what to think about swigging yet.

Look Mom... no training wheels!!!

2008-03-18T15:01:00.001-06:00

Alyssa made a New Year's resolution to ride her bike without training wheels. I wanted to wait until she was at least 5... she insisted on the first semi-warm day. Before....
Dad taking off her training wheels... mom screaming NOOOOOO!!! I am way over protective!
Keria learning to ride for the first time too. Alyssa said she's doing good since she's only on three wheels.
This is our friend Chris Keefe. Shane hurt his back and couldn't run and I wouldn't let go of Alyssa so she got mad and didn't want to ride anymore. Then Chris came to our rescue and thankfully took over. Chris's son Gavyn learned the same day! I wanted to borrow his Spiderman costume so Alyssa's would have even more padding. He said no. =(

She did it! Two hours of riding & she doesn't need any help!!! Amazing!!!

Dress Up!!

2008-03-18T14:30:00.000-06:00

Just a few of my favorite dress up pics. We do this about once a day... everyday! I can't get Alyssa to wear normal clothes!

Our friends the Ashton's visited from PA.. Abby & Alyssa loved dressing up!!
Jessica's son Tyler was too cool to dress up and said no thank you for a picture. This is the best shot I could get!

Jessica & her newest addition to the family... Kayla Alyssa just told me, "I miss seeing Abby's cute baby sister... Maybe Jessica can put them on a plane and we'll have a play date today." I love that!!!

Best Friends of Best Friends!!!

Mini Best Friends of Best Friends! Kayla & Keira. Awwwww!

This is how Keira plays dress up on her own. Can you say chocking hazard!?! She scares me!

Alyssa's pre-school teachers kids are so good at play dates! This is a blackmail picture of her son playing dress up. He tugged at Lily's dress until she finally put it on him. Happy little Jefferson!

Alyssa in her Enchanted wedding dress.

Alyssa getting into Mom's make-up.

Keira feel asleep after a long play date of dressing up during her lunch.

My girls after Church in their matching dresses. I'm going to be sad when they are too old to dress alike. They are so cute!

Christmas... 3 months late!

2008-03-18T13:40:00.001-06:00

Ok, I am really lame about blogging. So here are a few of our favorite pics over the past months since Christmas!

Alyssa's showing her "Santa's Magical Key" that he used to let himself in our front door. He left big footprints in our house too! Alyssa was amazed!

Cute kids & Daddy Christmas morning!

As Alyssa would say... "Hanna Montana Rocks!" I'm wearing Alyssa's wig from Christmas & Alyssa took this picture. I know, hot babe. That $1 microphone is the most popular Christmas gift and our girls fight over it.

Gifts... gifts... gifts. Keira like the paper more than the gift!

Alyssa's art... she loves making up drawings! So adorable!

Shane & Keira pulling a face for the picture.

Christmas was fun this year. I love it with kids! So much fun to live it through them!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Making a Christmas Ginger Bread House!!!

1st Snow fall of the season!

Christmas matching dresses... Keira didn't want to pose.
Alyssa's first dance performance! She was front & center! What a cutie!!

Trip to Temple Square for Christmas!

Christmas was calm this year. I took Alyssa skiing with Jessica & Mike for her first time. She went sledding with her Dad the day before & loves being outside ALL DAY! Shane thought she was done and brought her home. She surprised him and made him go out for more sledding! We made our first snowman together. We took the city train & visited Temple Square this week. Then we visited my family on Christmas Eve and Shane's family the night of Christmas. Shane spoiled us, as always and the kids were troopers the whole day! Keira liked the boxes just as much as the gifts. Alyssa stayed up until 11pm to watch Santa on the local news to see where he was on the radar. Then she rushed into bed and heard his Christmas bells outside her window. =) We played Disney Scene-It and had good food and fun! Hope your Christmas was great! I've added a ton of pics to get you caught up! These are for December.

Halloween

2007-11-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

Hi All, thought it was time to add a little something to my blog! I am bad at this, I know. Ok, this was the best Halloween I've ever had! Shane's parents came over and cooked a yummy chili dinner for us while Shane and I took our girls out around the neighborhood & met up with some good friends! Alyssa really understood Halloween for the first time. She said, "Mommy, Let's Run... the more houses we knock at, the more candy I have to eat!" OH BOY! She wouldn't stop for hours! Then when it got too cold, we came home for some hot chili, homemade rootbeer and pumpkin pie! YUMMY! We had a blast!! I am still learning how to do this blog thing and it's 2:31am and I have to watch a friends baby in the morning.... so I am not fighting the poor layout of these pics!! =) Enjoy my messy blog!

Girls having fun

2007-09-05T15:23:00.000-06:00

Keira loves having Alyssa push her around on their rocking horse! This makes us laugh all day long! Alyssa will push her with lightning speed and terrify us! The faster Alyssa goes, the happier Keira is!

They are so fast!

2007-09-05T14:40:00.000-06:00

Alyssa thought her face would look better with lip gloss all over it. See what happens when I focus on cleaning a room vs. playing with the kids. She did this in about 3 mins!! YICKS! They are so fast!!!

Ok... now we are a blogging fam too!

2007-08-26T16:51:00.001-06:00

That's right, we've started blogging. I don't know how long this will last. Scrapbooking isn't working out so well... journals are getting dusty. Maybe this one will stick! For our few family and friends... WELCOME! I hope this will help me with all the many milestones of a growing family! Will write more later once I figure out this whole blogging business. Shane will be so excited that I've got our names and photos on the internet now. Hmmm... maybe I'll wait to tell him. He'll be so thrilled!!! =)