Humiliated

I just got home from my rehearsal for my singing recital. I felt good when I left; as I was singing people were smiling. That felt pretty good. No, I'm not good yet. The song I'm singing is cute. Anyway, I just looked in the mirror and my pants were UNZIPPED! I only thought they were smiling at my song... Have yourself a good laugh.

Buyers Remorse

Okay, we had this HUGE fight over what flooring to put in our house. So, we compromised on wood in the front rooms and travertine through the halls/kitchen/baths. Now, I'm having buyers remorse b/c I don't think it's going to flow well at the transition spot. They will float the travertine with thin set to that it will be flush with the wood and not one of those T pieces that bump up, but it's just such a big contrast. Should I take the 20% restocking fee and cancel it or will it be okay? If we keep it, do we lay the slats so they are going straight when you walk through the front door or go the way of the hallways? Travis's family is all laughing at us b/c if we had to build together we would, yes would, get divorced. If he wants one thing I want the other. Any decision that has to be made we disagree on. The ONLY thing we haven't disagreed on is the color of grout. I guess that's something right.... but it is seriously stressing me out. Yes, Marianne, this is annoying- I know. I can't help my analyzing; it's just who I am. SO PLEASE cast your vote for keeping or canceling the wood... and ya, I really wanted to do wood. So I would be eating my words- but I want the house to flow too.

Moving Tips

Holy cow this is a big job. I don't even know where to begin; surely not on my blog. I think I'm doing what I can to put off the inevitable...PACKING!! I have started, but not really. Any pointers?? I'm packing what I can, but we can't move in until Saturday at the earliest so we still need most of our stuff. I need a professional organizer over here; if you know me very well you know I am just a mess most of the time. Why I can't get it together is beyond me. Oh well. I did get my Christmas shopping done so that's a start, right? Well most of it. I still have to pack my house, move it all, re-set-it up in the new house, sing a solo in my first recital (throw up a lil' in my mouth), get warm clothes for my NY trip, go to New York for a weekend, finish shopping, and put all of my Christmas decor up in my new house before Christmas- meanwhile taking care of two kids. I mean I have a little over a week; piece of cake. Think I can do it??? ha ha ha...

wood floor

Who knows anything about wood floors, and what do you know? We have this (above) beautiful wood flooring picked out for dining/entry. Is it going to get scratched and look crappy?

Ninja School

Thought some of you could use this. Thanks for the joke Craig. Hilarious.

Andrew Merrell

Well, I can't believe I'm writing about this again so soon. While I didn't know Andrew, it breaks my heart to have to write this knowing what the family is going through. Andrew, 30 years old, died yesterday in a tragic car accident in Dallas. He was Travis's cousin, and many of Travis's childhood memories of his family involve Andrew. They were the same age and great friends. Andrew has a seven year old daughter. I can't imagine how she is feeling right now or what Steve and Peggy (his parents), and his siblings, must be going through. To lose a family member in a tragic accident like that is just one of my worst fears. Losing a child period, no matter the age or circumstance, is one of my worst fears. You just never know what's going to happen. It's so easy to take life for granted but, it really is fragile and precious. We are reminded, again, to always have an eternal perspective and remember what really is important in life. Reminded to make sure that we are doing the things that our Heavenly Father would want us to be doing. We are, once again, grateful that we know Andrew is with Grandma Twilla again and in a better place. Grateful that we KNOW we will see and be with him again. Saddened that we don't have him here with us any longer but at peace because we are lucky enough to have the gospel to help us through times like these. Peggy and Steve are wonderful people and my heart really goes out to them and the rest of the family. I wish I could take away their pain. I wish that Travis and I would have taken the time to visit him when we were in TX visiting my family. I wish that we were more involved in his life and have a new resolve to stay close to, not only our immediate family and loved ones, but all of our family members. We will miss Andrew deeply and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Flooring

I'm going to pick out my flooring this morning. I would like wood but have really dark cabinets so probably will go with a lighter floor. Any ideas???

Twitterpated.

Definition:
confused by affection or infatuation.

We bought a new house. Travis will kill me but, he is twitterpated. : ). We can't eat or sleep or do anything but dream of our new house and what we're going to do to it. We wake up at three and Travis hops out of bed to go to the new house and start working. We are trying to be in before Christmas, but we'll see if the remodeling is done in time. It was kind of a spontaneous decision, and I am having mixed emotions. More info to come soon...I'm too tired to write anything coherent right now.

Grandma Twilla

Travis's grandma Twilla passed away this afternoon. I don't even know where to begin in writing this post. We all knew it was coming and were emotionally prepared. However, when it actually comes, are you really ever ready for someone close to you to go? I have mixed emotions. I wish she were still here for me to learn from. In the four short years that I have known her I can honestly say that there isn't a sweeter more optimistic person on this planet. Even during her last days on earth there wasn't a complaint out of her mouth. When asked how she was feeling or if she needed anything all she would say is "Can I just look at you? I just need smiling faces. You are mine you know? Aren't I lucky?" These were the things she always talked about- her loved ones and how we should always cherish them. Every time I saw her she would tell me to enjoy every minute of having my little angels because they will grow up and move away one day. She always reminded me of what I should be focusing my attention on and what is really important in life. Last week she was telling us of her life during the depression and how they wouldn't dream of going to the store to buy food. Instead, they worked hard for their food and canned it to store it for winter. She told me that the most important lesson she learned in life was to stay close to the church. I left feeling so grateful for the things that I have that have come easily in life, including food and the gospel. She was such a sweet and kind hearted person. I truly am blessed to have gotten to learn from her.

Although I miss her, I am also happy for her. I know that she has been reunited with her husband, who passed over 30 years ago, parents, siblings, and son. How exciting for her to see them again and be in such a much better place. I am grateful that I know where she is and don't have to wonder if there really is life beyond mortality. It would just be too hard to lose a loved one and not know that I would see them again. I am grateful that Travis's family can not only feel sorrow and grief but hope and peace in knowing that she is happier and that they will be reunited with her one day. The passing of a loved one always brings life into perspective and leaves me asking myself so many questions. Am I doing what I'm supposed to be doing? Am I giving my kids enough attention? Do I let my husband know how much he means to me? Am I wasting too much time on things that don't matter? Do my kids know how much I love them? And my parents and siblings? and the list goes on... So, Grandma Twilla, you are such an inspiration to us and we are lucky to have known you. We love you and will miss you until we see you again.

My conversation with Kinsey while giving the kiddos a bath:

Kinsey: "Mom, why do we have to take bath'es'?"
Me: "So that we will be clean and not stinky."
Kinsey: "Why do we not want to be stinky?"
Me: "Well, no one will want to be around us or be our friend if we stink."
Kinsey after a second or two of contemplation, "mom, sometimes after you workout you stink. I can't be your friend anymore."

Also, yesterday after I asked her to clean up her toys she told she couldn't because she was going out for a date and a wedding. Yikes!!

Happy Birthday (a day late...)

Marianne,
Well I may be a day late but it's not because I didn't try. How do I let you know how much I love you and still not sound like a total cheese ball on my blog?? I guess I decided oh well if I sound cheesy. I'm so glad that you are my sister. You are always there for me when I need someone to come to with good or bad news. Thanks for listening to me whine, I know it's not fun. I have always and always will look up to you in so many ways. You are dedicated, hard working, and strong. I think of all the things we have done/been through together and I can't help but laugh (and want to cry at the same time for somethings...ha ha). Anyway, just wanted to let you know I think you're GrEaT!! Happy Birthday!!
Love ya,
Amber

Halloween etc...

Halloween night we had a little get together at Travis's parents house with all of his sister's and their kids. We ate chili and hot dogs and then went trick or treating. It was really fun; everyone in the neighborhood gets really into decorating their houses and making it fun for the kids. Kinsey always gets really scared though and clutches on to my hand for dear life the whole way. I think it's kinda sweet. So, I bought Kinsey's Halloween costume about a month ago. Yes, you guessed it, I couldn't find it the day of Halloween minutes before we were supposed to leave. Yep, imagine that, I lost something. I was so mad, and I searched that house high and low for that dang witch costume. I had it sitting on top of the washer for weeks b/c the black fuzz on it was too messy to put anywhere else. So, while I'm ranting on and just being mad that I can't find her costume she just looks at me and says, "it's okay mommy, I'll just be a princess for Halloween." I had to stop and laugh at myself; aren't I supposed to be the parent? She had been talking about being a "scary witch" for weeks, and I felt so bad for her. Of course we found the witch dress in the toy box Saturday morning. Go figure. I also forgot to take my camera on Halloween, I know I just can't get it together, but Connor was a pumpkin and Kinsey was Cinderella. I made them dress up again on Sunday so I could get pictures. These are the pictures of what my children should have looked like on Halloween He looks really thrilled


Strike a pose honey...

My regular camera isn't working so hot, so this is all I could get out of my video camera still shots.

On another note... Connor is a little over nine months old. I just can't believe how the time has flown by. That little boy is just so funny and perfect, we love him dearly and are so grateful to have him in our home. He weighs in at just under 20#'s and is... I can't remember how tall, only that his weight was in the mid 20th % and his height was somewhere in the 90's. He is still not sleeping through the night, and the ONE time I decided I'd let him fuss it out he woke up with a huge bloody gash on his head. Okay, so it was more like a scratch (as you can see above) but, to me it was a gash. I felt horrible. He was actually hurt and needing his mommy and I let him cry it out!! I guess I'll have to work up the guts again soon bc I'm really tired of getting out of bed in the middle of the early AM. I just hate listening to him cry when I know I can console him so easily.

Connor got his top two front teeth in. They are funny little, or I should say big , chicklet teeth. HA!

Can't remember if I posted pictures of Kinsey on her first bike. She LOVES her bike, and now that it's finally cooling off we can take family bike rides. It's really cute if I do say so myself : ). Oh and ignore the really messy garage in the background. There really is no excuse for it except that we have NO storage space.

One more thing... I never blogged about our girls weekend away to New Port Beach, but it was a blast. I don't have any pictures due to my non-working camera but Marianne has some posted on her blog so click here to read more.

4 years...

Travis and I had our 4 year anniversary yesterday; I can't believe it's already been four years. We went to dinner at Ruth's Chris Stake House to celebrate. Travis was really sweet and had flowers waiting for me downstairs and diamonds waiting for me in the car. Yes, diamonds... I LOVE classy diamond jewelry. Travis thinks it is a tragedy to buy b/c it depreciates so fast, (that's my hubby always thinking logically...) but for me he will do it anyway. Aren't I lucky? It was really sweet of him. My earrings are beautiful with chocolate diamonds that he picked out b/c it would go well with my eyes. I would post a picture but unfortunately my camera won't work. (Dad, you left a day to soon. I need you to fix my camera.) We weren't supposed to do presents so the putz that I am didn't get him anything... sorry babe.

I'm not going to lie, our first few years were really rough. We are both hot-headed, stubborn, and "always right". I just can't help but think it's a miracle that we made it through those years. Does that sound bad? I don't mean it to sound bad... But here we are 4 years and 2 kids later with one on the way, and I'm so glad we've come this far. I am so glad I found you Travis. You are the perfect match for me. I know I drive you crazy sometimes but I love you more than you can imagine. You are one of the smartest, most capable, funniest, goofiest, most tender hearted people I know. You would give the shirt off your back for anyone who asked, and I love that about you. I know you would do anything for me and I for you. I love you honey.

PS. Psych about the baby thing I was just making sure you were paying attention.

???

This is a weird post but... Yesterday Kinsey threw all of the big toys out of her toy box and got inside with all of the small toys. Then she peed her pants. Doesn't that suck? It was quite the clean up job.

Hair Cut

Today we had the best "fall" dinner complete with, but not limited to, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin bread... mmm... I LOVE fall. This, however, is not the point of my post.

Travis CuT Connor's hair!! WithOUT my permission, and I have to admit I cried. He looks so much older, and I just want him to stay a little BaBy as long as possible. He had such cute little baby fuzz hair, and even though it was uneven, thanks to big sister, I just wanted it to stay that way. I don't have a picture yet, but I will get one as soon as he wakes up and post it.

We really enjoyed conference this weekend with grandma and Katherine. How lucky we are to have the hope filled words of prophets and apostles of the Lord bless our home and lives. I struggled to keep my tears at bay over the course of the conference with the strong feelings of peace, love, hope, faith, and motivation to better myself and family the spirit of the Lord brings. I feel so lucky to have the gospel in my life, especially for my children. It gives me courage to know that although my kids are going to face... who knows what in their lives, at least they will have the knowledge of the gospel to lean on. I just pray that I will have the strength to teach them what they need to know despite all of my flaws.

On another note... BJ and Katherine moved here!! I am so happy they finally joined us here in AZ. He is going to work with Travis and they bought a house by Marianne and Clint. I am SO excited to get to know Katherine better- well and BJ for that matter. I haven't seen much of him over the past four years, so it'll be nice to get to know him again as well. Dad helped them move so we were able to spend a few days with him. We LoVe it when grandpa comes to town, Kinsey has so much fun with him! He is just the best dad ever and so very thoughtful. I am so lucky! I just remembered I have some pics so I guess they will be at the top of this random post... oh well!

Tagged- Quirks

I am supposed to list 6 quirks about me. This should be relatively easy for me b/c I am a little weird. It's no secret; just ask my family. So here goes...
1. I cannot stand to think about, hold, or touch in any way a cotton ball. I have the chills just writing about it. It just makes me cringe.
2. I can't stand to go to bed without washing my feet. This is tribute I can actually thank Travis for, he does it too. It's really annoying when I'm tired and just want to go to bed, but I won't be able to sleep with dirty feet.
3. I am a picker. No, not a nose picker (only on occasion ;) ). I find any tiny little bump on my body and have to torture it until it pops, bleeds, or bruises. Next time you see me take a look at my arm. It looks horrible b/c I pick it incessantly. I do this to my whole family. Today, I babysat Sage and even picked her earwax and saved it for Marianne. Gross, I know. I can't help it; I get it from my mom.
4. I hate shoes. I'd rather be barefoot any day at any time. It doesn't matter if I'm at the mall or outside, I'd rather take off my shoes.
5. I'm scared to call people. Sometimes, I still wish I could make my mom call the insurance company for me. I guess I'm just shy but my heart starts beating fast and my stomach gets in knots if I have to call someone I don't know very well. I'm a freak, I know.
6. I have this insatiable need to please people. I really HATE this about myself. I have the hardest time saying no, and I can't stick up for myself. Inside I'll be screaming NO NO NO, but then the "yes vomit" comes flowing right out of my mouth. Travis hates this about me, too. He wants me to take a class on being more assertive.
Okay I could go on but I'll spare anyone reading this. I tag Audrie, Marianne, Bre, and Tiffany.

R-E-D

Kinsey singing her new favorite song. Although I

literally have to drag her to school, she really is learning. If the fighting continues, I'll take her out of the program, but once she gets there she enjoys it. I just can't take fighting over it everyday; it ruins my day and I hate it. First, we fight about going and doing hair. Next, we fight about using the potty chair before we go, and then we fight about getting in the car seat. By that time my "patience and long suffering" have gone out the window and I'm just mad. Monday she refused to work with me so I locked her in her room the entire time she was supposed to be at school. What can I say? My patience has had it up to here.

Pre K

Kinsey started her first day of Pre-K on the fourth. It was a bittersweet moment for me, I have to admit I cried after dropping her off. I just can't believe how the time has flown and, the day will soon arrive when she is at school all day and no longer very dependent on mommy. She was so interested in what was going on around her that I could not even get her to manage one smiling picture, so this is all I got...

The first day I had to run errands before class and in my haste forgot her shoes and realized we had no backpack. So, after a mad dash to Target to grab shoes and a backpack, where she got grease on her pants, we barely made it in time for class. I know I know I'm horrible... She already got in "trouble" for having gum, too. Whoops!! I am so excited for her, this will be really good for her. She loves to learn and make new friends; I just know she will love this little class she is in.

Denver

We really enjoyed ourselves at my sister's house in Colorado over labor day. We went to the Rockies and to Estes Park. Here are a ton of posing pictures. The background is just so gorgeous I couldn't leave any of these photos out so bear with me.
- Notice the boys and their matching outfits... Audrie and I really had a good time making fun of them : )

The kiddos played really well together this trip. Kins is finally out of the whole fighting with other kids stage so, Audrie and I could really relax and not worry so much about a fist fight breaking loose.

During church Kenedi kept picking her nose and trying to feed it to Audrie- yummy
This was really cool... There is a gondola you can ride up to the top of one of the mountains to feed chipmunks. They would come right up to you and eat of your hand. Chance kept calling, "Alvin, Simon, Theodore... where are you?" He is so dang cute.
Trav and Craig thought this was sooo funny- notice the sign behind Kenedi.

Thanks Copples for your hospitality and everything that goes along with it. We love/miss you guys! Now it's your turn to visit ; ).

Day Trip

Saturday we spent the day enjoying the slightly cooler weather in the Payson/Heber area. We fed fish, hiked, had a picnic, and just enjoyed being together. Yes, I know it sounds cheesy but it's true. Oh, and Kinsey had her first "peeing behind the tree" experience that actually went rather well. : ) I am also happy to report that we have been in panties for 4 days now with no accidents, and we even went on a trip and to church!! Yippee!! Connor is always happy to see Kinsey, his face just lights up every time he sees her.






So it wasn't really a hike, more like a nature walk...
This little pond was full of trout- Kinsey really wanted to go fishing, but they wouldn't let you catch and release so we opted for feeding them instead.

The Plunge

We have been working on potty training for quite some time now and are still in the process. I know that I have to take some of the blame for this taking so long because I am scared to take the plunge and go out in public without a diaper. When we are home she wears panties and usually does fine with the exception of an occasional lovely number two in the undies. My little girl just gets distracted so easily that I'm afraid we will be where ever and she will forget that she has to use the potty. I think it confuses her a little to keep going back and forth from diapers to panties. Maybe I need to give her more credit and just put her in panties all of the time and see how it goes. I am just getting really sick of it! I really wouldn't stress about it, but she needs to be trained for preschool starting September 2. I really think this is a punishment for me because I always wondered why parents stressed out about it. I mean I don't know any adults who aren't potty trained so whats the big deal right?? Wrong!! Kinsey NEEDS to go to preschool and she HAS to be trained before she can go. I'm sure I could throw her in a pull up for the first little bit but I don't know... Any advice from you more experienced mommies of potty trained kiddos??

Kinsey is 3!

Kinsey's birthday party with the Larsen side of the family...

Ashlyn really enjoyed her chocolate cupcake; I'm not sure if any of it actually got into her mouth ; )
Well, this post is about 6 days late but better late than never, right? I just haven't had a chance to sit down and write about my little sweetie pie and her third birthday.

We are so glad to have Kinsey in our home. She definitly adds excitement and adventure to our lives. Kinsey is so full of life, spunk, personality, and sass. I keep thinking about what my life would be like if I didn't have Kinsey. The only answer I can think of is dull. I was telling Travis the other day about a conversation she and I had that went something like this:

Me- "Kinsey, come and help me clean up the trash you just emptied all over the floor."
Kinsey (without hesitation)- "I can't, my hands are broken."

And later that day after she had broken, yes broken, her closet door:

Me- "Kinsey, your daddy is going to be mad."
Kinsey- "Can I hide?"

I just wish I had a video camera attached to me all of the time so I would remember all of the funny little things she says. She keeps me laughing even when I want to be mad. Kinsey has such a tender heart and I want to trap her in a bubble where none of the ugliness from our world can taint her. She is such a strength to me and a true blessing to have. We love you Kinsey!! Happy birthday baby!