larsen family

Thought I would finally post Thanksgiving

2009-12-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

We never did the official Turkey Trot this year. It just didn't work out for the family and friends. I was actually quit relieved, my world was spinning too fast. Thanksgiving proved to be hard once again. I don't know that going on to year two is any easier than the first year. I guess it's just all part of grieving, you never know when it is going to pop up.

We did do a little "Turkey Walk". A walk around the block, that is after we ate our dinner. My family all wore their "new" Kamber shirts for this year and we took a little stroll around my in laws block. It was a lot of fun, and the kids were able to participate this year.

I love the Kamber shirts this year. We chose to do a picture! It is actually one of the whole families favorite pictures of Kamber. We of course missed our sweet little girl, but we are so grateful for our time we had her here.

Did You Know Pantyhose are SCARY?

2009-11-29T12:21:00.001-08:00

I know, sooo sexy! HAHA Today I chose to wear hose to church since it is chilly. I usually don't opt for them , but it seems to be the style so I thought I would give it a shot. Brookie has never seen me in hose, but she has worn them from time to time. Today I put them on and wiggled my toes and she took off running in opposite direction and crying hysterically. Not really understanding what was wrong I went after her and then I saw it, the fear in her eyes as she stared at my legs as I walked towards her. She of course took off running and screaming looking for anyone to save her from the big black snakes on mommies legs. Ethan and I couldn't stop laughing. Finally after about a half hour she chilled out till we got to church and she noticed that some of my friends that she loves were wearing black hose also. What an exhausting and terrifying morning for my munchkin.

Helping Daddy or just being SiLlY!

2009-11-29T12:14:00.000-08:00

Brookie loves to be outside. If I let her spend all day outside I would never hear a peep and not one tear would be shed. So early in the morning Brookie sneaks outside with her daddy and his workers. I think daddy enjoys his little bit of one on one time with her.
Brookie found a little bucket and thought she was so funny with it one her head. It was cute except it smelt of paint thinner so strong that I am surprised that the fumes didn't burn her hair off. Okay, so that was an exaggeration, but it was pretty stinky. We love Brookie and the silly things she does.

Please, No more Hospital

2009-11-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

The past couple of days we have been in and out of the hospital with Ethan. He has had severe stomach pain to the point that narcotics weren't doing the trick. The E.R doctors aren't sure what is going on with him. So we will see a GI specialist and start many tests, Just please no more hospitals. :(

I PROMISE, I Would Never Make You Look FUNNY!

2009-11-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

If you are a girl, I am sure you have experienced this in your life time. I grew up in the 80's and early 90's. The bigger the hair the better, actually anything big was better. I wore earrings bigger than my ears, my shirts were big and bright with a tie on the side. Most of the time I felt cute. My mom did a great job on my hair, it always looked perfect. BUT. There was a few times that I did not like my clothes or how she did my hair for that day. I remember times feeling like I looked funny and having to go to school feeling that way.

Now I am a mom. I try to always make my girls look cute. Majority of the time my girls agree with me... not today. It has been chilly in the mornings and then beautiful during the day, so today I had Tayler wear shorts and a short sleeved shirt with a sweatshirt over it. Her hair was done the way she likes, she wore the shoes that she loves, and she looked darling. I drove her to school and when we pulled up she started taking off her sweatshirt. I told her that it was cold and not to take her sweatshirt off. She broke into tears and told me she thought she looked funny because she was wearing shorts with and long sleeved shirt. In her mind, you wear pants with long sleeved shirts and shorts with short sleeved shirts. She kept crying not wanting to get out of the car, insisting she looked funny. I touched her shoulder and looked her right in the eyes and told her that "I promise, I would never make you look funny." For the first time I don't think she believed me because she truly felt she did. Thank goodness some of her friends came walking up to the car and lo and behold some of them were wearing shorts and a sweatshirt. She dried her eyes and hopped out of the car. I hope she has a good day and knows that I really wouldn't make her look funny.

Finally Halloween

2009-11-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

My cute niece and nephews. We missed the Larsen boys, Wootan Clan, and cute Trystin

We did trick or treating this year with the cousins. It was a lot of fun. We did chili and corn bread, our usual tradition. It was great to be at the in laws this year for something different. Thanks for a great time Mindi!

Brookie by the end of the Day

2009-11-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

My Brookie is crazy messy. She is into everything, our little tornado! She reminds me of another busy body, our little Kamber. You can't turn your back for 2 seconds on these kiddos because there Will be a mess. I love their similarities, even if it means taking on the messes. Heavenly Father knew we needed another little crazy monster to help fill a little bit of the empty sadness in our families lives. Needless to say, by the end of the day the clothes are off and quite frankly I am tired of cleaning off a messy face and fixing the hair. So this is how it is till it is time for a bath and bed.

I'm Doing Hair Again!

2009-08-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start doing hair again! I am licensed and use to work at Euphoria Salon. I worked their up through part of my pregnancy with Kamber. I started having complications with the pregnancy and was put on bed rest. I have continued to do family and friends hair through the years and thought it would be fun to be more consistent.

Here is my pricing:

Child cut: $10.oo
Womens cut: $20.oo
Mens cut: $15.oo
Color: $30.oo
Partial Highlight: $45.oo
Full Highlight: $60.oo
Blow dry style: $20.oo

Send me an email if you would like to make an appointment!
Kampers2@gmail.com

For Men's hair cuts, I don't do them unless your wife is present or my husband is home. Sorry for the inconvenience.

My hours are fairly flexible, I prefer to do hair during nap times.
10am-12pm and 3pm-5pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.
Saturday mornings are available for those that can't come during the week.

Happy Bithday To Me!

2009-08-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

August 6th was my Birthday! I turned 28 and I am finally realizing that I am not one of these young 2o year old, I am actually closer to 30 than 20. Never thought it would happen.
Valerie planned a fun night for me earlier in the week but as time past and the actual day arrived and plans had changed drastically. It was suppose to be 6 couples going out for the night, two had to cancel, then my husband and Valeries husband ended up sick. So a couple of hours before we were to leave we decided to do a girls night, but that messed up plans for another couple and we ended up with just 3 of us going out. Valerie and Amy took me out to dinner at BJ's Pizza which was delicious! We of course had pazookies! Then we went to see the movie The Proposal. But wouldn't you know that it was sold out. So we tried other theaters but the showings were really late. So we did a little bit of shopping and rent a movie and watched it at my house.
All in all my birthday was great! It was nice and relaxing with some of my favorite people!
Thanks Valerie for planing a great day even if it wasn't how you wanted it to turn out. :)

I am now part of the club

2009-07-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night I went to Tayler's final swim meet. The weather wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The meet was at Kino pool. They have done a nice job on their pool renovation. There is shade all around the pool and the pool its self is huge. Before I went to the meet my stomach was hurting but I thought that maybe it was the beginning of heartburn. Tayler did a great job. She got second place on freestyle in her heat, second on butterfly, and fourth on breaststroke. It was so fun to watch her swim this year and she did a great job especially since it was her first year.

Later that evening my stomach started hurting even more so I took some Tums and laid down to watch So You Think You Can Dance. By 10:00 I was throwing up. I was in a lot of pain and the nausea was horrible. I threw up ever 1/2 hour to hour the entire night and rolled around on the bed all night long. I did not sleep a wink the entire night. Half way through the night I took Pepito Bismol thinking it would take away the nausea. Nope it didn't, it just came right back up. By the morning I was throwing up blood, I had nothing left in my body. I figured that the blood couldn't be good so I told my husband I couldn't handle it anymore and to take me to the hospital. They actually got me right in and tried to give me my IV but that was a bit of a hassle because by then I was so dehydrated by veins had collapsed. So I was getting slapped and flicked and finally a vein showed up and whammo they shoved the IV in. I didn't care, I just wanted meds to help me feel better. They did a CT scan and found a kidney stone. Nothing big but it sure did cause me some pain and made me soooo sick.

As my husband made the call to family members I heard him say "Jen is now officially a part of the club." We don't know how I got the kidney stone because I am constantly drinking water and very seldom drink a soda. I am a healthy person but needless to say I am part of the club.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

Since my computer is broken this is the only picture I could put up, it is the only one I could find of Ethan on his computer. Ethan will be happy with the picture because he doesn't like it when I post pictures of him and to have the pictures I got is like pulling teeth.

I just wanted Ethan to know how much I love him. I am so grateful to have him as a husband and even better to have him as a father to my little girls. I have always said that he is the best dad for girls. He is tough but at the same time loving. He always makes sure that they know that he loves them, especially when he has to discipline them. Ethan loves to play with them and make them laugh. The girls think he is superman, literally. Ethan asked the girls one time if they could ever get a better daddy. They said they wouldn't want another daddy because then he wouldn't be the strongest daddy in the world and they meant it. Anytime something is broken they say that daddy can fix it because he can fix everything. Ethan comes to the rescue on many occasions and that makes him their hero.

I have always said that there is something special about the relationship between a father and his daughters. I know we have always said that we would love to have a boy and that still stands but I am so grateful to have girls and watch as they wrap their daddy around their little finger. I know Ethan loves having little girls that run into his arms each day to welcome him home and love on him. As Tayler and Kylie say " We've got the BEST Dad in the Whole World!"

Happy Birthday Tayler!

2009-05-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

It is Tayler's Birthday Today! She is turning 8 and soon to be baptized. We are doing a Hawaiian Birthday for her and swimming, Of course swimming. It is her favorite thing to do. Tayler lives for the summer so that she can swim. This year Tayler is going to do swim team and we think she will do great!
We hope you have a great Birthday Tayler and know that we love you TONZ!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

2009-04-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Today is my Hubby's Birthday! He is 28 year old today. It is a lot of fun having Ethan and Brookie's birthday so close together. When I was pregnant with Brookie Ethan was actually wishing that she would be born on his birthday so they could celebrate together, what a sweet dad.
I have known Ethan for 11 years now and I am so happy to still be with him. I had no clue that meeting him 11 years ago that he would be my husband. The first time we hung out we never left each others side. The dating years were so fun and the wedding years have been, well I won't go into to much mushy detail but they have been GREAT! I couldn't ask for a better husband for me and a more wonderful daddy for my girls. And when we do fight, there is no one else I would rather fight with. He is my world and the love of my life.

Happy Birthday Honey, Love You!

Brookie's Party Turning 1!

2009-04-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Brookie!

Brookie's b-day party was a lot of fun! We had family and friends to help us celebrate. Did you notice Brookie's big flower on her head? This was our little tribute to Kamber. On Kamber's last birthday I put a pink flower on her head that was the same size and everyone made fun of me for it. Now the flower is something that everyone loves because it is a reminder of Kamber.

Thanks everyone for all the help and making Brookie's birthday special. We all love you Brookie so very very much!

Brookie, sisters, and grandma Madeline

Yummy Cupcake! Trying to touch the flame.

Grandma Teri and Brookie being silly.

Today is a Special Day

2009-04-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Today is Brookie's Birthday! She is one today! We are so glad to have Brookie a part of our family. She brings us all so much joy! We love you Brookie and hope you have a fun day with your family.

Easter Pageant

2009-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the temple for the Easter Pageant. It has been years since I have gone. Since I have always had a couple of young ones I didn't ever want to fight my kids among the crowds. This year I thought that the timing would be perfect.

We have taught our girls of the life of Christ and that he died for us but that he was resurrected and that is how we get to live with Heavenly Father again. It is one thing to tell a child and it is another for them to see the life of Christ. It started with the angels and I could tell that they were glued. They kept there eyes on the stage the whole time. You could feel the spirit that was there and I was glad that my girls could experience that feeling once again.

When we got in the car I asked them what they learned. Kylie always has interesting answers.

Kylie said: I learned not to talk while they are a talking. And that they are not real people they were just wearing costumes.

Tayler said: I liked it.

Me: Didn't you learn anything about Chirst?

Tayler and Kylie: Yes! He died and then he lives again and goes in to Heaven!

Perfect!

This morning I asked Kylie again, did you like the Pageant?

Kylie: Yes

Me: Isn't it neat that after you die that you get to go to Heaven and also see Kamber again?

Kylie: Yes, but Jesus just went on the roof with the angels then was lifted in the air and then the lights went off and he went back on the roof and then down to the ground.

Kylie is so silly.

I've Been Spinning

2009-03-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Have any of you had Vertigo? My answer is YES. Holy Cow, my world has been spinning for the past week! I have been so dizzy that I was throwing up and couldn't even see straight. Finally, today I can focus and sit up long enough to do a post. I don't think I have ever felt so sick with out being sick, if that makes any sense. Thank goodness for good friends, family and husband to help me through this crazy week. Thanks to all those that have been so willing to help!
Love to all.

Maybe a little to Honest!

2009-02-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

For the past month and a half I have been working out with my sister in laws. My brother in law Spencer has been putting us through what we like to call NFL Boot camp. Yeah! I don't think my booty, arms, legs, stomach has ever burned so bad in my entire life. He is kicking our butts into shape. My problem area I would say is my booty but it is looking so much better. I have had a lot of compliments on how I look and I am happy with with how I look also.

Well, there is nothing like a child to humble you. As I have said before Kylie is my brutally honest child. Don't ever ask her opinion unless you REALLY want to hear it. This particular day I had to hear her opinion without even posing a question. I was walking into my bathroom with her following behind me. Here is our conversation:

Kylie: Are you going to workout?
Me: Yes.
Kylie: Well your butt jiggles.
Me: ( Standing with my mouth open)
Kylie: You need to make your butt smaller.
Me: Really, thanks Kylie.
Kylie: ( smile on her face)

If that's not more motivation I don't know what is.
I don't think Kylie was trying to be mean, but she seems to notice any flaws. And I would have to say that my butt is not that BIG but, maybe it does jiggle a bit :)

Dear Brookie

2009-02-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

Brookie,
What a blessing you are to our family. We all love you so very much. You are such a fun little girl and we are starting to see your fun personality. I love to stare into your big blue eyes. You always have a big smile on your face with your tongue sticking out. It is fun to hear you say Dada, though I wish at least one of my kids would say Mama first. I love that you are such a daddy's girl and it is so cute to watch you and him together.
I hope you will always know what a ray of sunshine you are for our family especially after the loss of your sister Kamber. I hope you always know how much Kamber loved you. She loved to play with you and hold you. She would show off for you to make you smile. You use to watch her so closely and I know that you are good friends and will be even though she is not here.
Remember we all love you very much and we are so happy to have you!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Kylie

2009-02-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

Kylie,
I just want you to know how much I love you! I am so glad to have you as a daughter. You always bring a smile to my face. I love your personality because you always know how to make me laugh. I love how honest you are even when it is some thing I don't want to hear. You are a great sister and I know that your sisters love you.

You are such a sweet girl and you know how to make someone feel included no matter who they are. You have such a sweet spirit about you and a beautiful glow in your eyes. You are such a smart girl and I sometimes think you are so smart for your own good.

I love that you always give out hugs and kisses, they are my favorite! I hope you never stop. Thanks for being such a sweet girl and know that I will always love you!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Tayler

2009-01-30T12:26:00.001-08:00

Tayler,

I just want you to know how much I love you. I was so excited when you were born! You were a beautiful baby and even Dr. Huish said so when you were born. His nurses said that they had worked with him for many years and they had never heard him say that about a baby that he had delivered.

You have grown up so fast and at times I wish that I could slow time down so I can savor each moment with you. Tayler you are such a sweet girl and a wonderful big sister. I love that you try to make sure that your sisters are happy. I love seeing you play with your sisters especially when you give them hugs. I love that you have a lot of friends and you always include everyone.

I appreciate all the help you give me and your dad. I don't know what we would do without you.

You make my heart melt every time you come to give me a hug and I hope those hugs never stop no matter how old you get.

You are my world and I love you more than you will ever know. Thanks for being you and I am so proud to be your mom!

Love,

Mommy

Cute Brookie

2009-01-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

My good friend Crystal took these pictures of Brookie. I think she did a great job!

Here is the Crystals blog of you would like to look at more pictures:

crystalandmark.blogspot.com

San Diego, Sooo Fun!

2009-01-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

These funny pictures are at Sea World, last time we were there they didn't have this big play area for the kids. I think this was one of the girls favorite parts of Sea World. This was a big blowup bounce house as big as my backyard!

Daddy and Brookie!

Sling Shot ride! Kylie was a little nervous.

This is seal beach, it was so fun. There was at least 30 seal lying in the sun. Such a beautiful spot.

We had so much fun hanging out as a family. We absolutely love our girls and think they are so Fun!

Secret Santa

2008-12-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

We have had a Secret Santa coming to our home for the past few nights. I admit we have tried to catch him but he is way to sneaky us. Actually we really don't want to know because then that takes the fun out of it. My girls look forward every night to seeing what the Santa will bring! We are grateful for this person bringing a little joy to each day during this very hard time. Were would this world be without the Secret Santa's. Thanks to who ever it is I don't know if you read this blog or not but if so thanks for bringing a smile to my girls faces each day.

We also have had the Young Women in our ward do the 12 days of Christmas in a basket for my girls and they have really enjoyed it also. It is the little things that can make all the difference! Thanks Fremont Hill Young Women!

Halloween

2008-11-23T10:09:00.001-08:00

I know it is about a month later, but here is our Halloween pic. of the girls. Tayler a.k.a. Hannah Montana, Kylie- angel/fairy, Brookie- black cat!

Our ward Halloween party was on Halloween and Ethan and I were running the show. We had fun even though our girls didn't get to go trick or treating house to house because of all we had to do for the party. Sorry girls. The girls were just excited to were their costumes!

Attacked

2008-10-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Poor Brookie was attacked by the Marker Monster today. She was found laying on the floor with pink marker all over her face. We investigated the Larsen household to find the culprit. Tayler Larsen was interview by her father Ethan and was found not guilty. Kylie Larsen was interviewed by her father and she plead the 5th. After much interrogation Ethan found Kylie guilty of the crime. Punishment was Kylie had to wear blue marker on her face as she cleaned Brookie. Kylie was so upset that there were no photos taken.

I think this is one of the funniest things I have seen lately, it made for a good laugh today. I usually find messes made by Kylie or Kamber. With Kamber gone the odds were high that Kylie was our little monster today, I love her anyways despite the messes she makes. A laugh was well needed and Brookie didn't seem to mind.

I've Been Tagged!!

2008-09-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

A. Attached or single? Attatched!
B. Best Friend(s)? My husband,Valerie,Crystal, Sister-in-laws Mindi, and Candi
C. Cake or pie? Pie, I love Key Lime Pie
D. Day of Choice? Friday... I love knowing my kids and I don't have homework for a few days
E. Essential Item? wet wipes they can clean up anything, if you have kids you know what I mean
F. Favorite Color? purple, it reminds me of Kamber
G. Gummy bears or worms? worms, since they are bigger you don't have to eat as many, therefore I don't feel as bad on my diet.(they probably have more calories though)hehe!
H. Hometown?Mesa, Az
I. Indulgence? anything chocolate
J. January or July? January, I love cool Weather
K. Kids?4 sweet girls!
L. Life isn't complete without? my family
M. Marriage date?October 21st
N. Number of brothers/sisters?1 sister and 2 older half sisters
O. Oranges or apples? oranges yummy!
P. Phobias? spiders and snakes
Q. Quotes? Mother's hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.
R. Reasons to smile? The funny things my girls say:)
S. Season of choice? Fall the weather is perfect
T. Tag some people: Mindi, Candi, Crystal
U. Unknown fact about me? I've been told that at times I snore
V. Vegetable? corn on the cobb
W. Worst habit? I often don't put the toilet paper on the holder
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? Ultrasound, I love to see my babies
Y. Your favorite food? Mexican
Z. Zodiac Sign? Leo

Quad Riding!

2008-09-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

Lots of pics! We went riding with some of our friends and family on Saturday the 20th. We went out about 5:30p.m. This time is perfect because as it gets dark it starts to cool off. We had a big bonfire and roasted marshmellows. yummy! We all had a great time and enjoyed to quiet ride home with all the kids out for the night.

Silly Brookie

2008-09-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pictures of Brookie. I'm sure you can see by her smile why she lights up our lives. She is such a fun little girl. I thought the picture of Brookie in Kambers bed was cute. She tried so hard not to fall asleep and this is how I found her, one leg hanging out of the crib. What a silly girl. Brookie is not to fond of taking a bath, so I tried to capture a picture of her not crying. Brookie does love her activity center. This one bounces and that is what she loves to do. The more wiggly she can be the better, so we let her go to town in this with hope to make her tired every once in a while. We love our Brookie baby!

Canyon Lake!

2008-09-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

We went to Canyon Lake on Sept. 9 th with our brother and sister in law and their kids. Tanner and Shasta also came and we count them as part of the family. We had so much fun! This trip was well needed for the family. This was Brookies first time on the boat and she did great! The girls tubed with Ethan and did a lot of swimming with their cousins. Thanks everyone for a great time!

GO BRONCOS!

2008-09-04T09:15:00.001-07:00

Friday night we went to the Cardinals vs. Broncos preseason game. Ethan's brother Spencer was drafted by the Broncos this year. He has played some Linebacker and on the special teams. We just found out Spencer made the team and we are looking forward to watching him play during the regular season. Spencer and his wife Annie have two little boys Tyton and Gunnar. They live in Colorado for now and seem to enjoy it there. We miss getting to have there family here with us, so we enjoy the phone calls for now.

Valerie and Matt were able to go to the game with us. It was a lot of fun getting to spend time with them. We also had some close friends from Ethan's High School years and my mom and sister there. This was a great night!

How we are doing?

2008-08-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

? This represents how we are doing. We never know from day to day even hour to hour. This is the biggest roller coaster I have ever been on. One I hope I never have to experience again. The ride seems to keep going and we can't get off. I have been talking to other mothers who have been through this same experience and they say it does get a little easier as time goes on that the roller coaster does slow down a bit but never stops. So as for right now we are ok, a couple minutes from now I don't really know.

Goals

2008-08-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

I've got 2 goals set for the near future.
1. Mini Triathalon in Casa Grande
2. Turkey Trot 10k run
I did the turkey trot 2 yrs ago and loved it. I'm excited to do it again. I've always wanted to do a Triathalon. I will be doing this with lots of friends. Both of these events I will be doing in Kambers memory. She would love for me to do things I enjoy. This also helps me not sit around and mope. Exercise brings me lots of happiness. Wish me luck!

Finally!

2008-08-21T16:13:00.001-07:00

Finally, I'm sure that is what many of you are saying. It takes time getting a blog up and rolling especially when you have more than one. Life is moving on after Kambers accident. Some days are harder than others but we are doing the best we can. Thanks to everyone for all your support. We appreciate and love all. Be patient with me and there will be more posts to come.