Team Larson

Introducing * Jersey Jane Larson *

2010-07-19T19:39:00.011-05:00

Our sweet baby GIRL arrived!

JERSEY JANE LARSON
Saturday
July 17, 2010
12:59 a.m.
7 pounds 14 ounces
19.5 inches

The following morning her 3 "BIG BROTHERS" came to meet her! I loved hearing their footsteps running down the hospital hall. They were all so cute with her. It was a priceless moment as they each kissed her, and rubbed her head, and begged to hold her! They also brought our favorite donuts and a gallon of milk. We shared the extras with the nurses to get on their good side. :)

Beckett (26 mos) was so excited to meet "baby". We didnt' decide her name until the day I was induced, so he is still getting used to calling her "Jersey". He walked around the hospital room pointing and saying, "baby sleep in there", "baby's toes", "baby's eyes", "baby cute". Although Beckett is a little 2-year-old, he all the sudden is really big and grown-up next to his baby sister!
This is the way Beckett touched her the first few times... making sure she was real. :) He has gotten more and more brave (making us more and more protective). :) He loves his baby sister and is always kissing her.

Gunner (4 1/2) just kept saying, "Isn't she just SO cute?!" He randomly says, "I need to give her a hug and a kiss!"

Cooper (6 1/2) has been all about holding her. He would sit on my bed in the hospital room holding her for almost and hour! And still gets his daily fix. He knows how to "shake" her and give her her binky to get her to stop crying (I keep telling him to use the word "bounce" - cause "shake" is NOT a word to use about a baby!) :). He also LOVES it when her eyes are open, and makes sure we all know when she is awake. He calls her an "angel". He also says, "Jersey isn't adorable - she is SUPER, SUPER, SUPER, SUPER adorable."

We made sure to get a bow on her head asap! :) During delivery they joked about me putting a flower bigger than her head on before the rest of her body was delivered. :)

Sweet little feet- and all those hospital bands! She has a couple crooked toes like her big brothers all did. She is ours for sure!

The little onsie and bow we put on her to get her hospital pictures taken. Wish I would have gotten a picture of the ruffles across her bum too. :)

Dad loves his baby girl, and has to fight off his boys for time holding her. They came to visit 3 times the first day in the hospital (morning, before "Dispicable Me" movie, after movie for dinner). They brought me yummy treats, popcorn, soda and a movie, so we could have a "girls night" watching "When in Rome". Then they skipped out of church early, after the sacrament, the next morning to see her again (Cooper's idea). :)

Her first bath in the hospital. Dad went with her just an hour or so after she was born to take pictures. All the nurses said they loved listening to him talk to her in his "sweet voice". They said they love dads like him, and can tell he is a great dad. I had to agree!

Had to get pink on her toes! All the nurses loved it. :)

We loved our visitors! Nothing brightens a hospital day like great friends.

The Bells (Jaime, Clif, Zander, Emberlyn, Shayden)
Brought a cute doll, balloon, and chocolate!

Jayne and Kennedy Crook
Not only are the Crooks our great friends, but he also gave me my epidural right when I wanted it, and all the nurses were sure to tell us how much they love Shaun too!

The Johansens (Kimberly, Craig, Haven & Emmett)
Thanks for the pink polish!

**Birth Story and pictures to come soon!

Tomorrow!

2010-07-15T19:30:00.002-05:00

I know I have been the world's worst blogger... I vow to do better... WAIT! Is it possible to have 4 kids and still blog?!? We shall see starting.... TOMORROW!

As you all know, we've had a busy summer of traveling, visitors, moving out of base housing, etc. We are now staying in TLF (temporary living facilities) on the Air Force Base. It is a furnished 3-bedroom duplex, and actually hasn't been too bad, except not having my own bed for the end of pregnancy, and the uncomfortable couch and chairs.

And did I mention it is HOT! Like 110* heat index with the humidity. I am always sweating! AND, the A/C has been out for a few weeks in the parent/child room at the gym... making my 45 min elliptical rides VERY sweaty. You'd think that would save me from the weight gain?? Well - it hasn't, but I do "feel" a lot better at the end of a pregnancy than I ever have. And, my OB says she thinks I'm retaining a lot of fluids from the heat. And, hopefully, starting exercise again post-baby won't be starting from ground zero again....

We've been swimming, playing, cleaning, sewing... and getting ready for this baby girl who comes... TOMORROW!

Yes, I am getting induced TOMORROW, July 16th, at 6 am. Name? NO! Dilated and ready? Yes, dilated to 2cm and "soft and thin". Hopefully things will go smoothly.

We are all a little more nervous this time around for the delivery. When people as if I'm ready for 4 kids, I say YES! Because having 4 kids means she arrived safely! Not sure if it's because I've had 3 pretty uneventful deliveries, and I feel like it's my "turn" to have something go wrong.... or if Heavenly Father's trying to teach me another lesson about faith... or if it's because just 2 short years ago (almost exactly) our dear friends lost their sweet baby girl during delivery... or, if I am just unnecessarily worrying. Either way - my OB offered me a sleeping pill for tonight because, "I seemed a little more reserved and nervous". I turned it down. I think a priesthood blessing will be the best sleeping drug I can get.

My boys are SOOOOO excited! Their excitement is contagious too - and we are all anxious to meet our little girl!

Andrew gets a week off for "paternity" leave. Thank you Air Force!

Then, my mom will come and help out while Andrew works his final week.

Then, it's off to Coeur d'Alene, ID! Yes, we're moving with a 2-week-old. But, we do get to see lots of family and friends on the way, and we LOVE an adventure. :)

We will post pictures of this baby girl asap!

ps... if any of you in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area have been putting off your dental work until Andrew returns to the area ;) You can call now for an appointment starting in August!

208.664.9129

This one is for the books--

2010-05-04T21:04:00.007-05:00

To start off, this is Andrew blogging the text for the first time since my poor performance when Beckett was born. Crazy to think that next week that will be 2 years ago. Anyway back to the story.

So as many of you know, since I don't really keep it a secret, I played college baseball, and was roommates, with Jason Bay. Jason Bay, is an All Star outfielder who recently signed a mega deal with the New York Mets in the off season. I have brain washed Cooper into thinking that he is the greatest player of all time.

A little background. In 2003, when Cassie and I moved to Cleveland for dental school, Jason Bay was involved in a BLOCKBUSTER trade (okay, maybe not blockbuster) to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh is only about 2 hours from Cleveland, so we went to go watch him play. He had about 3 games under his belt when we showed up and got his attention at batting practice. He was so surprised to hear his name from the crowd that he looked up. It is funny, as we talked, a bunch of kids came up to get his autograph and said, "What is your name". Oh what little did they know. Anyway we got his phone number and he said any time that we wanted tickets to a game to call and he would hook us up. The 2003 season came and went, and the 2004 season came. Bay was always more than willing to supply us with tickets throughout the season, and they were good ones. I felt bad, we went to Pittsburgh a lot. Bay busted onto the MLB scene with a wonderful Rookie season where he won the Rookie of the Year award. During that season, there was a picture with the players day where Cooper, about 8 months old at the time got his picture with Bay.

2004 season ended, and in came the 2005 season. After a couple of attempts to contact Bay I was unsuccessful. I did not want to continue to bother him anymore. We were able to get him to sign the picture that he got with Cooper that season, but that was the last contact that we had with him for awhile.

We made several attempts since that day to track Bay down at batting practice at various games since, but never really been able to do it. Of course playing for the Red Sox - didn't make it easier - as his name got even bigger. Cooper has the picture with Bay above his bed and he always said that "I know that I met him, BUT I JUST DON'T REMEMBER THAT. I want to meet him again." What kid doesn't want to meet their favorite baseball player? Little did he know how nearly impossible that is. We went to several games that Bay played in. A few more in Pittsburgh, then when they played Cleveland. When we moved to St Louis, we went when he came to play there, and now that we are near Kansas City, we went when he was in town here. Never any success.

Well, we are getting short on time with MLB being so readily accessible to us as we prepare to move back up to Coeur d'Alene, ID. And in all actuality had only one more chance to meet him. As soon as the 2010 season schedule was released we looked to see when the Mets were going to be in St. Louis. Not only was it while we still lived in Missouri, but it was a weekend. St Louis is still our Temple district so we made a plan. April 16-17: We would leave early Friday and try to get his autograph before the game, if not go to the game and then try and get it after the game. Stay downtown St Louis. Go to the Temple early Saturday, then do some fun things in St Louis and go home that evening (It is only 3 hours from where we live). Just by dumb luck, our friend from church who has access to a certain number of Cardinal game tickets had tickets for that game, AND COULD NOT GO. So, free tickets, and they were AWESOME SEATS. Right behind the Cardinal dugout. It promised to be a good weekend.

April 16th-
We depart Whiteman AFB, MO at about 9:30. Just as we planned. We arrived in St Louis at about 12:30. We needed to outfit Cooper for the weekend with Mets gear since we are only new Met fans and we don't have any gear. We found him a hat and a shirt -- 1st success. From going to enough games we learned where most of the opposing teams stay when they come to St Louis. There is literally a nice hotel right across the street. The players are taken over to the stadium by golf cart. The plan was to wait outside the hotel and try to get his attention. We got there at about 3:00 -- 4 hours before game time. We waited, got kicked off the hotel grounds for loitering, snuck back on to the grounds, watched plenty of players go to the stadium, but no Bay. BP (batting practice) started at 5:00, and that was the second place that we would attempt to get his autograph. Well, it was raining, and when it is raining teams do not normally do BP outside. But Cooper was determined and he said he wanted to stand by the dugout to try and get his autograph. Stood by the dugout for 2 hours, no Bay. We did get other autographs, most notably Jose Reyes (Mets SS), but no Bay. When we finally saw Bay it was time for the national anthem, and they escorted us to our seats.

4 hours of trying for poor Coop, and no luck. We did get a helpful hint on where players go out of to go back to the hotel, so we would stick that in our back pocket for after the game. It was a good game. Cardinals won, which made Gunner happy (that is his favorite team, and Albert Pujols is his favorite player). Well, it was fireworks night, which Cooper loves, and get this, he choose to wait for Bay outside the door instead of fireworks. So Cassie and Cooper went to wait for Bay, while Gunner, Beckett and I watched fireworks. Fireworks ended, we went to find Mom and Coop, they were patiently waiting, but no Bay. There were many autograph hounds out, and as Cassie does, she learned that most of the big names take the golf cart back, but some of the not as well known leave through that door. After about 1hr and 15 min of waiting, and watching many players leave, but no Bay, I decided to start watching the golf cart. Finally I see Bay coming on the golf cart. The cart stops at the light, and the conversation is as follows:

"BAY!!!"

"Lars? What are you doing here"

"Were here to watch you"

"That's right, you live out this way"

"Yeah" -- about then the light changes

"Are you coming tomorrow?"

"We weren't planning on it" -- I am trying to talk to Bay, while the cart is moving and also get Cooper's attention. Bay sort of waves me over to the hotel, so I (carrying sleeping Gunner) run over to the hotel. By the time I get there he is nowhere to be seen, but I did see Jeff Francour, who he was riding with and asked him where Bay went. He pointed to the door he went into. I ran over that way, but Bay was long gone. Cassie, Cooper and Beckett show up, I tell them the situation. Cassie sees Jose Reyes and runs him down and asks if he will give Bay a message. With his Spanglish he says he will, and acts like he is putting my number into his phone.

We walked to our hotel, feeling defeated, tired, licking our wounds and thinking that we will probably never get a chance to get Bay's autograph really ever again. We were hoping for a phone call, but didn't put much stock in to that happening, and it didn't.

April 17th --

The plan for today was simple. We were going to the Temple, then to eat, then to the zoo or Grant's farm (or another of St Louis' many options), then heading home. I had to speak in church the next morning, and it is not that I didn't have the talk already prepared, it was just that I needed to finalize it. Okay, I really hadn't started formally writing the talk.

So after a late night, we were up early getting ready to go to the temple. We have some friends that are doing their dental residency at Scott AFB, and we were going to trade kids and sessions with them. So the boys began playing at the park at 8:00 am. By the time we both did our sessions, which it was great to get to the Temple, they had played at the park for 4.5 hours. It was a beautiful day, to say the least. After saying our goodbye's to our friends, we headed to one of our favorite sandwich shops in the Lou, and after talking to the boys we decided that we would go to the zoo. We tossed around the idea of the game because it was an afternoon game and the kids received ticket vouchers the night before to be redeemed at another Cardinals game after April 16th, but we were thinking that after the long day at the ball park the night before we should go somewhere where we know that we would have fun.

As we prepare to get out of our car at the sandwich shop Cassie notices that she is missing her phone and wallet. When we took our friends kids we went to a new park and Cassie drove their car. Well, she had left her phone and wallet in their car after we got back to meet them at the Temple, and after saying our goodbyes, just forgot that she left it in there. As we tossed around the best way to go about getting these items back, long story short we decide that Cassie would take Cooper, Gunner and me to the ball park where we would redeem our free ticket vouchers, and Beckett and Cassie would drive out to Scott AFB to get her phone and wallet.

We arrived at Busch Stadium at the peak of stadium traffic. It was a mad house. The plan for the day was to get free tickets, let the boys play around at the kid friendly areas of the ball park. The game would get over about 6:30pm, we would then station Cassie at the perfect spot to spot Bay on the golf cart, she would then call me and let me know that he was no his way, then Cooper and Gunner and I, who were strategically placed near the door Bay went into the night earlier, would rush Bay when he got to the hotel, we would get the autograph, and we would have succeded at our goal, and by the 8:00 pm, at the latest, we would be headed back home. Cassie would drive, I would prepare my talk, and in bed by midnight -- MISSION COMPLETE!

Actually day 2 at the ball park started out a little bit more like day 1. Coop, Gunn and I pick a ticket line to get in. There are about 20 lines all of them about 20 people deep at least. From the air the place must have looked like an ant hill. Luckily for us we got in the line with the idiot that was buying tickets to multiple games, and not the game that we were all waiting to get in to. As the minutes past, so did the likelihood that we were going to get into that stadium for any reasonable amount of money, and if I wasn't going to get to sit and watch the game I really didn't want to buy scalper tickets. After a 45 minute wait, we get to the front of the line where we learn that they are not redeeming the free vouchers to that game. I showed the lady my military ID and asked if there were any complimentary military standing room only (SRO) tickets still available. They usually give one free per ID, and I thought I would buy the cheapest other tickets if they had any. She told me to hold on a second, comes back about 3 minutes later with a stack of tickets and says, "How many do you need?" -- Music to my ears.

So 5 free tickets later we were in to sold out Busch Stadium. We immediately went to the kid play area. It was a MAD HOUSE. There were so many people there, but the boys were having fun, and about the 3rd inning Cassie and Beckett showed up and we messed around a little more, until it got to be about the 8th inning, and people started to leave, and then our SRO quickly turned into outfield box seats.

It was a good game if you are a baseball fan. 0 - 0, plenty of scoring opportunities that clutch pitching came through. Before we know it, it was the 12th inning 0 - 0, the time was now about 7:00pm, but our plan could still work, it would be just a LITTLE bit later. In about the 14th inning Beckett found a nearly finished cup of beer a couple rows behind us. Unfortunately, it was NEARLY finished, and Beck did his best to polish it off. He looks at Cassie after the crowd yells at him to stop and says, "YUCKY MOMMA" followed by a second attempt to down the beer. Beckett has officially tasted more alcohol than I have. He is such a mucker.

After that incident, and as the 15th inning came to a close we asked if Cooper wanted to leave. As he clenched his little fist next to his chin, and started shaking that same fist he said, "I am getting Jason Bay's autograph." So we go back to the kids play area, we wanted to get something to drink but by this time, but no luck, the concession stands were closed.

About the middle of the 16th inning I text Cassie that I need to get going so that I could get that talk written and get home. She text back that Cooper said that we could go, but we would be leaving without him. A little frustrated I continued to watch a great game. Cooper got a ball thrown to him from an outfielder, bonus. Still 0 - 0, the Cardinals had all kinds of scoring opportunities, that were be squandered. Pujols would get intentionally walked to load the bases, only to bring up the Cardinals pitchers that due to the double switch, and lack of players on the bench, were now batting 4th in the line up, eventually striking out to retire the side. As well as field-players putting their toe on the rubber for the first time since age 14.

At in the 17th, 0 - 0, I decided to officially attempt to weasel my way out of my talk the next day. I texted the Bishop and one of his counselors the following text "So I am literally sitting in St Louis at the Cardinal game in the 17th inning -- you want to cover for me tomorrow? BTW I am not kidding" All I can say is that we have a GREAT BISHOP. Without question he texts back "I got you covered, but you owe me".

At this point we are committed till the game is over. Top 19 the Mets manufacture a run, only to be matched in the bottom of the 19th as Pujols and Lopez nut up against K-Rod. Top 20 Mets manufacture another run, and the Cardinals fail to score in the bot 20, and the Mets win 2 - 1.

Here is my thinking: 7 hours of baseball. Our kids, although did amazing considering, all had their moments, and Beckett was DONE! Bay went 0 - 7 with a HBP. I was thinking -- let's just go home. That is not what Cooper was thinking, and his SELFLESS mother was not thinking that either. I told Cassie that I would take the other boys to the car, and she could try and get Bay's autograph by herself. Using her persuasion, she helped me see the light and we put THE PLAN into action.

Gunner, Cooper and I got to our "tree stand" and Cassie and Beckett got to their "tree stand" and Jason Bay season was open. About 30 minutes after the game the first players started returning. It was mainly the pitchers, and other not so known names. Cassie would get autographs of those that passed her, and text me when players would drive by in the golf cart. Cooper and Gunner, bless their hearts, fell asleep on my lap. Players like Johan Santana, Jose Reyes, Luis Castillo passed right by us. At about 1hr and 15 minutes or 11:45 pm Cooper and Gunner woke up. Freezing and tired both finally broke into tears. The golf cart returned with David Wright, and Jeff Francour, and then the golf cart shut down for the night. I called Cassie and she said that she thought another cart was still at the stadium, so we decided to wait a few more minutes. Cooper was bawling saying his head hurt, and he was cold. Gunner said his legs were sore and he wanted to go home. I asked Cooper, "Bud, are you done? Do you want to go?" He cried out "YES :(". I called Cassie. She said that a few of the managers for the Mets just came out and said that there was no one left in the club house. I told her that our boys had it, and I could hear Beckett crying in the background. We were dumbfounded. We knew there was no way that Bay made it passed us, but where did he go?

As I started to head back to meet up with Cassie I turned the corner, and guess who I saw walking the opposite direction? JASON BAY!!! Cooper, still crying, immediately stopped as I said, "Coop, there he is. Here is the ball and the pen. Go get it!" At this point Bay recognized me, and said, "Were you guys waiting for me? I feel so bad I took so long!"

What an experience! We did not have to deal with any other people because it was midnight. Jason Bay was so nice to pose for pictures with Cooper, and sign a ball and hat. He was so nice to talk to, and apologetic. He said the night before he wanted to yell out his number, but thought twice about that as he didn't want just anybody to overhear and get his number. And that he wanted to wait for us to get to the hotel, but that he had to get inside because people just mob them. The whole time I am thinking that we are imposing, and we were, but he didn't make us feel like that. He gave me his cell number, and programmed mine in his cell, so we wouldn't have to "go through this again" if we were ever at another game. (btw - I'm sure we'll find a way to be at another game someday - seems how Cooper's already been to about 80 MLB games, and our quest to visit all the parks continues). Cassie told Bay how sorry we were for bugging him, that we didn't want to seem like wierdo stalkers from his past, but that we were there for Cooper. He assured us he was "so glad we did", that it was "good to see us", that "I remember Coop". We talked about our families, and where life is taking us. Introduced him to our other kids (who weren't very social). And then, we thanked him and said good bye. As we took a few steps down the road Bay yells out, "See you Coop." Cooper turned and waved. Just imagine that if you were a 6 year old. What a neat experience.

Needless to say it was a successful weekend, and Bay is still Cooper's and My favorite player without question. I am sure Gunner, as he doesn't miss a thing, observed what lengths we went through for Cooper to get his favorite players autograph, and can not wait until it is his turn to get his favorite players autograph. It is Albert Pujols by the way. Sorry Gunner, we may not get that chance. As Cassie's Dad texted us during that game, "Making history". That about sums up what we did that weekend. It is definitely one for the books.

Pregnancy Update

2010-04-26T09:18:00.004-05:00

Officially 27 weeks. Pictures taken at 26.5 weeks.

So this time I'd thought I'd include all the pictures we took, since it's impossible to pick one that I look good in! (It doesn't exist! :) ) This way you can get all the angles. :) Even the "getting the shirt straight" picture Andrew made sure to take.

Hard to believe I still have to get bigger, but I'm blaming the 4th pregnancy as the reason for the early growth - right?!?! 12 weeks to go!!! (getting induced a week early because of the move). After looking at the calendar, we realized we have NO free Saturdays before baby comes. Hopefully this makes the time fly by - rather than be overly exhausting.

5/1 - Mom to Women's Conference BYU with Adrienne

5/8 - Visit from Nana and Papa Gatten!

5/15 - Nana and Papa fly home

5/22 - Andrew scout campout

5/29 - Sinema Family (Andrew's sister) in town for a visit!

6/5 - Baby Shower

6/12 - Milwaukee and Minnesota trip with Gpa and Gma Larson (Mall of America, 2 more baseball stadiums, Wisconsin Dells)

6/19 - Garage Sale

6/26 - Gatten Girls trip - Nauvoo!

7/3 - 4th of July festivities

7/8-7/10 - move out of our house - and our 10th anniversary - move into furnished, 3-bedroom temporary housing on-base.

7/16 - INDUCED! Andrew's 10 days of paternity leave begin.

7/24 - Nana comes to help during Andrew's last week of work

7/30 - Start our MOVE!

Didn't even mention all the soccer and baseball games mixed in! I'm so excited for everything the summer has in store for us.

Oh - and forgot to mention our niece, Erynn, coming to visit from 6/17-7/4 to help with the boys and play!

Easter and Spring Break: B R E A K D O W N

2010-04-12T23:01:00.002-05:00

Our classic front yard picture - the week before Easter, after church (wish I would have retightened my dress and redone the boys hair), after trying to use the timer (until a gracious car pulled over to take one for us). Don't I have 4 handsome boys?!?!

I LOVE springtime. We're really trying to soak it in, because we know it doesn't last long here in the Midwest (and then the heat and humidity kicks in!). I love the colors, the buds on trees, the birds chirping, the runs and walks and parks and playtime in the yard, the freckles starting to spot my kids' faces, and that they are requesting their shorter/summer haircuts. It starts each year with the Family Home Evening lessons on Spring "miracles", and the blessing of our Savior, Jesus Christ. How truly blessed we are - and nothing beats seeing your little ones gain testimonies, and learn to love Jesus. At fast and testimony meeting, Cooper was drawing - but listening - and turned to me after a testimony was born, and said, "Mom, everything is just TRUE!" It melted my heart, and I am so grateful for the Spirit, which touches even the smallest of hearts, bearing witness of the truth.

Spring Break started off our season... tried to make it fun.

a. Kansas City Zoo - I'm convinced Beckett is the perfect age to take to the zoo. He got SO excited at every animal... and I love that Cooper wanted to practice his photography so I could be in a picture with my boy. The only thing that was horrible... was when he threw his hat on the ground at the opposite side of the zoo... and I had to RUN it down... in the nick of time for the sea lion show. Can you saw sweaty pregnant woman?!

b. My 3 zoo boys! The best dates.

c. Visiting the gorilla... see how Beckett can't even take his eyes off the animals for a picture?!

d. St. Patrick's Day - tried to be a good mom and do the whole green breakfast... magical green milk. As you can see one boy loved it...

e. and one boy didn't. :)

f. Osage Beach mini trip - one of my closest friends' (Jaime Bell's) sister, Kimberly, had her wedding reception in Osage Beach. I took the 3 boys (while dad went to the BYU basketball playoff game in Oklahoma City), and we took a mini trip. It's a fun, touristy, area in the Lake of the Ozarks. We spent the day at "Miner Mike's and Buster's". It is a SUPER fun place with a few indoor rides (here the boys are on the covered wagon ferris wheel), TONS of fun arcade games, and an amazing indoor "maze" (glorified playground with ball pits and slides galore).

g. The Bell side of the family at the wedding reception. What a fun time with amazing friends, great food, and fun memories. The boys loved seeing grandma Coni (who used to live here), and Beckett loved the chocolate he kept getting from the ladies each time he would visit the kitchen.

h. Dad's day off during Spring Break - we had fun feeding ducks at Lion's Lake... ready to hit the park with our nerf guns... but, ended up pit-stopping at the UCM college baseball game (where each boy came home with a baseball, and we got to see a grand slam!).

i. Beckett liked sharing the old bread with the ducks. :)

j. Coloring eggs. Lots of fun with the magic crayon.

k. a little too much fun for Dad.

l. Gunner's Easter Party at preschool. They made these great bunny hats. Gunner is sitting by Nora, who is our cute little carpool partner.

m. Beckett loved getting to take part in the egg-hunt part of the party.

n. Gunner, after the hunt, before the famous "bean-bag boogie" with the Easter-themed bean bag to add to his collection.

o. Cooper (age 6) in his Easter best.

p. I just love these 3!!!

q. Beckett (22 mos.)

r. Boys!

s. Gunner (age 4)

t. Easter Egg Hunt at the fairgrounds. The way the boys' ages fall - they would have all 3 been in different areas for hunting... so, we let Gunner move up, and Dad went with Beckett. Here they are taking off to the eggs.... and poor Gunner soon realized he was a little behind. I managed to calm one of his famous (and thankfully less-often) emotional breakdowns, in time to get his eggs. Fun times!

u. Austin Reed, Cooper and Gunner getting ready to hunt!

v. Beckett showing me his loot. He is always such a happy boy and so excited about everything. Each egg brings a big squeal, a "wow!" or an "oh yeah!". I love it!

w. Fun to get pics off friends' cameras! I love my boys! Not necessarily seeing myself pregnant. ;)

x. Gunner excited... with his buddies Zander, Austin, Cooper. Love his smile when his eyes light up.

y. Goof!

z. TOO much candy!

* Everywhere we go we get told what a cutie he is. That is the good thing about pictures... they help remind me that he IS cute... despite his too early terrible two tendencies. :)

We also enjoyed a fun egg-hunt at the state-park with the Bells and Browns, where (at Cooper's request) the eggs were actually hidden instead of just laying on the ground. And lots of yummy food and family time with General Conference too!

A Larson GIRL?!?!!!!!!!

2010-03-07T21:35:00.002-06:00

Bring on the PINK! We are so incredibly surprised, and excited, to have a little GIRL joining our family. I guess the poll was right! And, all our boys who guessed right too.

Isn't she adorable?! :)

We took Cooper out of school, and let Gunner come to the ultrasound too. It was Thursday, March 4th, and I was 19 weeks 6 days. I could hardly sleep the night before. I get really nervous for everything to be ok health-wise too. Thanks to the Bells for watching Beckett!

Cooper was getting bored with all the measurements and wanted to know NOW if it was a girl! He's been stuck on a girl since he found out we were pregnant... the first thing he said was "Be a girl!" She jumped ahead for him. When she told us she was a girl, I cried. She checked again for us too. Then during the mid-ultrasound bathroom and sticker break, I told Andrew I needed her to double-check. He said, "she already did!". But, when we came in, I made her check again. She said, "You are safe to shop momma! She is showing us everything she needs to." Cooper told her I've already bought girl stuff and I always give it away as presents. :) And then, one more time at the very end of the ultrasound, she quadruple checked. ;)
Cooper loved picking out body parts... and said at one point, "Look, she's showing us her muscles!" I said, she better have muscles to put up with 3 older brothers. Gunner assured us he could beat her up. Great. We told them they need to beat up the boys trying to kiss her instead! Cooper also loved it when she would "wave" to us. :)
When she went to give me the photos at the end, Cooper intercepted them, and flipped through them the whole way to the car. It was too cute.
Because I was wrong in thinking it was a boy, the boys got to choose our lunch destination... Wendys! When Andrew and Beckett arrived, Cooper grabbed a picture and ran over to Beckett saying, "Look Beckett, it's a girl! We're going to have a baby sister!"

The girl at the register said, you have 3 boys?! I said, "yep, but I'm having a girl... pointing to my belly." She made my day by saying I don't look far enough along to know what I'm having. If only those nice comments out-weighed the "wow, you're big" comments. :)

I am still in shock. I keep thinking about all the shopping, and instead of being overly-excited... I'm more overwhelmed at this point! And nervous we'll go broke. :) I kept saying "I can't believe it!" over and over, and finally Cooper said, "Believe it!" I really am so excited - thrilled. I really didn't think it was possible, but we feel so blessed to be having a daughter. Even more excited and relieved to know everything is healthy too!

Here I was at 19 weeks 5 days. I definitely have "popped" out sooner this time!
This pregnancy has been tolerable. A few highlights:

LOVE Zofran and Phenegran. Took them everyday until 19-weeks. Now I just have to use them occasionally. The nausea is NO FUN! The worst by far was the night I woke up puking in my sleep, and inhaled it into my lungs. I could not stop coughing!
Heartburn pretty much from day 1. Thanks to Zantac for making things tolerable.
Have been able to exercise (if I time it right with breakfast and zofran). Still able to run 5-miles, and have been doing more elliptical too.
Had a nice break-out of zits!
Love Fiber-One bars, peanut butter, fruit, cereal.
No real "in-between" stage... just got big fast!
Nights were the worst... dinner then I'm done!
Feeling a lot better now! More energy too.
Have a funny pain in my mid-back/left side. Hope it's a muscle and not a kidney stone they think it may be? Hope to find out more at my apt. Tuesday.
Just got over a horrible cold, which lasted a few weeks... it's the worst when you can't take good drugs!
Love when my boys give me hugs and kisses, and then say, "I want to hug and kiss the baby too!"
Love hearing Gunner suggest names like Cookie, and coo-coo, and booger. He also talks about how she likes pizza crust?
Cooper has been really concerned about making sure the baby doesn't die. He prays for that each night. And even asked the ultrasound tech if she's not going to die for sure now. He's also into the whole anatomy of the baby being born. Fun stuff to explain as a mom!

I'm A Sucker for Soccer

2010-02-19T15:46:00.004-06:00

Lucky for us, in little ol' Warrensburg, some dedicated individuals (like Rich and Jenifer Reed) decided to start the United Soccer Club of Central Missouri... and, more specifically a team our boys could play on. The U-7 "Thunder"! With Coach Rich as the head coach, I was more than happy to help out and be the assistant coach. We practiced twice a week, and then our games on are Saturdays in the Kansas City area.

The Fall season went great, with the kids improving SO MUCH. Cooper had a blast! We actually took 2nd in our division! So, they bumped us up a bracket for this Spring Season. And... Coach Rich got deployed for 6 months (bless him and his family!). SO.... I have now agreed to step in as head coach this Spring. Me, my growing belly, and the very talented 14-year-old Megan Reed will tackle 10 kids (yes, we added 2 to the roster). Wish us luck! Practices started this week, and at 18-weeks pregnant, I can still beat them in sprints... but not for long! ;)

I really love these kids, and love coaching more than I thought I would. Cooper is Mr. Competitive, and it is fun to see him play his little heart out. I actually enjoy playing around with them too!

Christmas VaCaTiOn

2010-02-08T21:15:00.004-06:00

Catching up on CHRISTMAS 2009

Gunner had a fun preschool party, complete with a visit from Santa! Gunner loves Mrs. Bodine, and has some great friends in his preschool... including 6 other kids from church. At each party they get a new holiday bean-bag to take home, and they do the "bean-bag boogie". Cooper was already on Christmas break, and got to join the party too.

Cooper did great in his Kindergarten Holiday Program. It was perfect. The 4 classes wore their jammies and sang 6 songs. Cooper is a great little performer. The best part was he went straight from basketball, so he had his bball shoes on with his jammies. :)

We all had fun getting in to the holiday spirit. The boys loved doing their Lego advent calendar, that we got from the Sinemas along with an amazing Christmas quilt. From Dusty, Angie & Gage, we got to get a surprise out of the "12-days of Christmas" pocket each day. The boys LOVED them, and I loved that most of them were activities to keep them busy for a minute! I also pre-wrapped some books for each day of December, so we got to open and read a new book each day. We sang a Christmas song, and read a scripture each night in December. For our neighbors, we made gingersnaps, caramels, and sugar cookies. You can tell how eager Beckett was to get in to the cookie dough balls! Mr. Intuitive used the dishwasher as a step. He also stole the sprinkles and took them in the living room.

Santa was very nice to the boys this year, and they worked hard to earn a good Christmas (at least the few days prior!). :) They each got just what they wanted. Cooper got Heelys and a Darda racetrack. Gunner got a scooter, tech deck ramp and a skateboard carrying case. Beckett loved his little indoor basketball hoop.

Christmas morning was magical, except that Dad had to WORK! Technically, it was Christmas Eve, but we celebrated a day early so we could catch a flight on Christmas Day to visit family. Because he was taking the next few weeks off, he had to work a half-day Christmas Eve. We ended up opening all the non-Santa presents on our Christmas Eve. We also had a ham dinner and yummy orange rolls. And, then the next morning, we got to get up early and see what Santa brought before he left. We also gave them temple blocks for their rooms, and had an extra temple block... we had them guess who it was for, and ended up telling them it was for the baby in mom's tummy! They were so excited. Cooper shouted "please be a girl, please be a girl!" It was so cute. Here are the boys with their loot from Mom and Dad and each other.

Beckett's favorite part of Christmas was all the CANDY and chocolate!

So, we left to the airport hotel on Christmas Eve (our Christmas Day) to stay the night, since our flight was scheduled to leave at 6:30 am the next morning. About the time we left, a huge ice/snow storm started! It took us 3 hours (instead of 1:15) to get to the airport! Then all the restaurants were closed for Christmas Eve, but we finally found a Wendy's drive-through open after about an hour driving around. Even our antenna had about an inch of ice on it! We woke up at 4am the next morning, and found out our 5am shuttle driver got stuck on his way in to work. So, the hotel, LUCKILY, got us one of 2 SUV cabs that were running. The crazy taxi driver plowed his way through the snow drifts to get us to the airport. He was psycho... passing people on the right, etc. There were cars off the road everywhere. But, we made it! Most airlines cancelled flights that morning, but ours was "on-time". We boarded and were ready to leave (a little late), and they informed us the snowplow was stuck on the runway. After 2 hours waiting on the plane, we finally took off. BUT, we missed our connection in Denver, and instead of flying out at 10am, we were on a plane at 9PM! I was SO DONE after 2 hours in the customer service line. Luckily, our friends, the Bentleys, came and got us at the airport, and we were able to spend some time at their house (hopefully not crashing their Christmas!). The kids had a blast, and loved getting to see their friends! We made it on our flight, and to Spokane just after midnight.... after 23 hours travel time! We were tired, I was sick (puked in the airport as soon as we landed), but we were so grateful to make it safely - all things considered! What a way to spend Christmas Day!

The next morning, we took off to Hope, ID for the Gatten Family Reunion! All NINE of us Gatten kids, and our families, were able to make it! Spike was fresh off his mission. We had 4 condos at Pend Orielle Shores Resort. It is right on the lake. We had SO MUCH FUN! Swimming, racquetball, wally ball, running, aerobics, cards, movies, sledding, skiing, basketball, ping-pong, EATING, visiting, duck hunting, crafting, and so much more! It was so fun. We were roommates with my sister Mikin's family, the Mortons. They have kids the same ages as ours, and it was so fun!

Here we are skiing at Schweitzer Mountain. I took Cooper and Gunner. Thanks to help from Uncle Dusty, Gunner had a blast once he finally got his skis on! Cooper had only been once before, and caught back on quick too! Gunner skied most of the day until he fell asleep at about 3pm. His last time down the hill, he didn't fall down once! Cooper didn't quit until they kicked them off the run when it was closing... he kept wanting to go "one more time". He was skiing through the trees, and going over jumps, and riding the chairlift with his cousin, Noah (they are at the top pole on the chairlift in this picture). I can't believe how awesome my 6-year-old is, and so independent! Neither of them complained about being cold, and it was just so fun! I can't wait to move by the mountains and have some ski buddies!

Gunner, Cooper, River, Wyatt

Pictured by row below:

Mom, Gunner, Cooper & Gunner, Uncle Spike, Wyatt, Uncle AJ, Uncle Tim

Hayliann, Uncle Tom, River, Wyatt, Uncle Tyler, Cooper & Noah getting off the chairlift

Alyssa & Sophia on chairlift, Sophia, Noah & Aunt Mikin

Sally, Gunner asleep in lodge, Ella

Gunner celebrated his 4th birthday on December 29th. After dinner that night, we had a "Rock 'n Roll Party". We divided into "bands" and came up with lip-syncs to some of Gunner's favorite songs. The blue frosting made perfect lipstick for the girls! Everyone REALLY got into it! It was tons of fun, and Andrew's band, "Beef Stew" won the competition singing "I'm Just a Kid". Gunner actually got sick on his birthday, and went in and out of wanting to participate, but he was the reason to celebrate, and everyone had fun!

Love in the middle of the above picture, Cooper is holding baby Gage (Dusty & Angie's baby). He was so cute and cuddly, and we loved meeting/spending more time with him!

A few miles up the road is the Elementary School, which had a perfect hill for SLEDDING! Papa had brought sleds, and bought everyone a new snow-ball maker (Andrew is demonstrating below)! The snow was perfect for forming the perfect snowballs, and after sledding we had a fun snow-fight. Papa didn't use the snowball makers though, he used a shovel!

Across the top all the kids who sledded:

Beckett, Gunner, Ella, Emma, Mylee, Cooper, Sophia, Ryder, Wyatt, Noah, River, Kiah, Alyssa

I love the picture in the middle above of Gunner, Ella and Sally. These three are all within a few weeks old of each other. They have a lot of fun together, and are so excited to go to preschool together next year!

We had a lot of fun crafting! We made hair bows, flowers, jewelry, etc. Papa even gets involved helping the boys make zipper-pulls and necklaces made out of all sorts of cool stuff... like bear claws, turkey talons, antlers, etc.

Another highlight of the reunion was our NEW YEARS PARTY! Brynne was our party planner, and we did a Gatten Olympics. We divided into 4 countries. We had to "act" like we were from that country the whole night while we participated in different team and individual games. We also each come up with "cheers" for our countries. During a break, Andrew busted out some Snoop Dogg for everyone too. Andrew was the best for the boys at limbo... who new he had this hidden talent?! Cooper was the kid from his team for the "Poofy Puff" contest (fitting as many marshmallows in your mouth as possible). Uncle Brett won. Cooper ran to the bathroom to spit out after 8, and I said, "Are you ok?" He said, "Ya, but I lost." I, of course, told him it was fine, but think it's so cute how competitive he is, and how he felt like he let his team down. :) Cooper was so fun at the party and got to stay up until midnight. The little ones were asleep in the condos. Then, to end the night, the POLAR BEAR PLUNGE! Yes, many of my crazy siblings/nieces/nephews jumped in the freezing cold lake off the snowy dock! Uncle Brett even stayed in for about 5 minutes! And then, made snow angels with his daughter, Nikell!

Above/bottom left - The Polar Bear Plunge Participants:

Uncle Tom, Uncle Brett, Uncle AJ, Uncle Dusty

Nikell, Hayliann, Mylee, Uncle Jon, Uncle Tim, Aunt Brynne

Sophia, Wyatt

After the reunion, we spent the next week of our vacation in Spokane, WA at Andrew's parent's house. His sister, Artie's, family, the Waites, live close too, and we saw them everyday too! After a busy week at the reunion, it was fun to relax a little. Barbara is such a good cook, and we had a turkey dinner, prime rib, apple pie, chocolate cake, and lots of other yummy food! Cooper loved lighting fires in the stove. We also got to spend a day at the children's museum downtown with Grandma and Aunt Artie. We saw Alvin & the Chipmunks Squekuel, ate lunch and played at the mall, created things with Grandpa in the garage, listened to Tanner play his guitar, played cards with Erynn, and just had fun. Andrew and I also got to go on lots of dates thanks to their willingness to babysit!

Gunner got to celebrate his birthday again with the other side of the family at Chuck E. Cheese!

The boys: Gunner, Tyler, Beckett, Tate, Cooper

Overall, we had a great Christmas Vacation! It's hard to believe that we'll live close to all these families next Christmas!

Pregnancy Prayers

2010-01-27T14:11:00.009-06:00

Yes, I'm pregnant.

Yes, I am thrilled with this blessing.

Yes, our baby is still in my tummy "because we've said lots and lots of prayers for the baby to not die", as Gunner would say.

Let's just hope these prayers continue to get answered!

I am 15 weeks. Due July 23rd. Sure it's a boy - will be SO grateful either way.

So, this news of my pregnancy may explain where I've been the last 15 weeks (happy, yet nauseous, tired, behind on everything, overcome with gratitude)... but, it doesn't fully explain where I've been the last 9 months. If you care to know, and like lots of details, I can explain. This is mostly for my own "journaling", so feel free to skip. :)

9 months ago, I started clomid. We've used fertility drugs for all 6 of my pregnancies. After trying for about a year for our first baby, we found out I have really low progesterone. (as in mine is 2.1, and most women are high-teens to low-twenties.) The BLESSING - clomid worked! I got pregnant right away, but miscarried because my hormones dropped back off. Clomid, and progesterone suppositories, blessed us with 3 ADORABLE boys, whom we love so much! I feel so blessed to have modern medicine to allow us to be parents!

So, 9 months ago, we started clomid again, hoping to have one more baby before getting out of the Air Force this August. Moving pregnant and getting on private insurance, would mean my pregnancy would be a "pre-existing condition" and not covered by insurance. Surprisingly, I got pregnant in May the first month of clomid! It took until the 6th month to get pregnant with Beckett, so we were really excited it happened so quickly! I was due this February. I bled at 7 weeks, but everything seemed fine. Then, at 13 1/2 weeks, they were unable to find a heartbeat. I was at the doctor's office with Gunner and Beckett in tow. They wanted me to go to the hospital for an ultrasound. My dear friend, Jaime, met me there to watch my kids, and they confirmed that the baby's heartbeat had stopped at approx. 9 weeks 6 days. I went back to the doctors, and talked about a DnC surgery to remove the fetus. They wanted to do it the end of the week, but I wanted it done right away. The surgeon on-call had a canceled surgery that afternoon, so I went to my friend, Jaime's, house to wait to hear if they could get me in that afternoon. They called and said they would do it if I came right away. She drove me to the hospital, I checked myself in for surgery. I felt so alone. However, a surprise blessing was my anesthesiologist ended up being our friend from church, Shaun Crook. I felt so comforted knowing there was a priesthood holder there, and someone who had my best interests at heart. He even started my IV when the tech missed it a few times! Minutes before surgery began, I asked if I could call my husband one more time, and he was on his way in the hospital doors (after finishing a dental surgery, picking Cooper up from school, and dropping him off at the Bells' house). I was able to kiss him before surgery. I woke up. I was ok - physically. Andrew left to take Gunner to his preschool open house. I prayed.

This may sound odd, but through the whole thing, I was MOST ok with the fact that this baby wasn't supposed to come to earth at this time. The part I didn't anticipate, or had never experienced before, was the wave of depression that overcame me. I didn't feel like myself at all! Andrew was back at work the next day, and I was back to having to be a mom to 3 other kids, and recovering from surgery. It was Cooper's 1st week of Kindergarten, and he was still needing me to walk him in, but instead I couldn't even drive him, and had to send him kicking and screaming with a neighbor to school. He sat in the office for an hour. The next day Andrew was able to come with me to Kansas City where Beckett had surgery for a hypospadius repair (penis surgery). I was a wreck sending him back for general anesthesia after losing my baby just 2 days earlier. I was sure I was going to lose him too. Thank goodness my rational, loving husband was there too! 3rd day post-surgery, Gunner started his first day ever of preschool. He surprised us and did ok - I was the wreck, and poor Beckett was drug along a day after his surgery.

I was SO upset too, that I had to go through 13 1/2 weeks of nauseousness that comes with pregnancy for me, being tired, not feeling like a good wife and mother, and then just to lose the baby made it feel like it was all for nothing.

Another hard thing, was that a few days before my miscarriage, Andrew said while laying in bed, "I've never felt like I've had a feeling either way about the sex of our kids, but for some reason, I really feel like this one is a girl." Which, made me happy at the time. But, made me sad when I lost her.

Besides feeling unable to be there for my kids when they needed me most, I was completely unprepared to have post-partum depression. I'd never had it before. I would sit on my couch and stare at my kids. It was SO hard to be so far from family. I felt so alone. I hadn't told very many people at all that I was pregnant, but then that made it so hard to ask for help. Besides, what do you say? "Can you come watch my kids so I can sit on the couch and do nothing all day?" My house was a wreck. It was really the first time I've felt like I didn't have control of my emotions.

So, despite my emotions, and not being physically or emotionally prepared, I got back on clomid on my first cycle after my surgery. Never before had clomid affected me the way it did now. It felt like there was a beast inside of me. I never took things out on my kids (thankfully, although I could somewhat sympathize with those who do when you are emotionally unstable). But, my poor husband probably didn't recognize his wife. AND, we were supposed to be making a baby! ;) The first month didn't work, but we did it again. The 2nd month of clomid was even worse. I would cry for no reason. I would get so down on myself, mainly. My great husband gave me an amazing blessing, and would just hold me while I cried in the middle of the night. I was fully prepared to stop clomid, and get myself together before we tried the whole baby-making thing again.

I am not proud of those few months of my life, but I feel SO blessed when we found out that the 2nd month of clomid WORKED! Although, I was SO scared to lose another baby too! Andrew said he'd take another first-trimester wife, over a clomid wife, anyday! :) It took me a long time to get "excited" about being pregnant this time. I just was more scared than anything. But letting our kids know on Christmas, and our family know shortly after, has helped me get more excited, and feel more hopeful.

All of the pregnancy calculators say I am due July 24th, but my doctor said July 23rd. July 24th is a bitter-sweet day for me. As many of you know, our dear friends lost their baby girl during delivery on July 24, 2008. And we had more dear friends deliver a still-born boy this past July 24th. And based on my ultrasound, my last pregnancy baby died at 9 weeks 6 days, which was July 24th. And, now, I am due July 24th. I have no doubt that my Heavenly Father shows me his love is so many ways. He has a plan for me.

I bled again (which is when I got the above ultrasound), but everything looked ok, and we've heard the heartbeat a few times, and our kids pray OFTEN for our baby! I don't want to jinx myself by writing this, but I feel safe. Like things are good. Like my tummy is growing, and I'm nauseous again (but so blessed to have Zofran and Phenegran part of my daily routine with TOTALLY helps!).

I feel like being on fertility drugs, and pregnant, and recovering from a miscarriage, and fertility drugs, and pregnant again, I've been SO BEHIND on every other part of my life. However, Andrew and I have a renewed love and connection, and I am SO grateful for him in my life, to stand by me through all of this.

So our pregnancy prayers continue (and hopefully the nausea ends soon!). We feel so blessed - in so many ways.

And, hopefully, I can keep up with my blog now, and not disappear again on all of you!

So, I guess life will go on. And probably only get harder as we experience life with 4 kids! But, I know my Heavenly Father loves me!

{I asked Cooper to draw a picture of our family, and to not forget the baby in my tummy. I've seen friends announce their pregnancies this way, and think it's cute. He did it in 2 minutes tonight before bed, and handed me this 1x2 inch drawing he had cut out. It's tiny, but I blew it up, and I think it is just perfect. Enjoy!}

post edit: Can't forget to mention a few friends were so helpful in making me feel better about even continuing to want a 4th. It is hard to "do it again". Mainly fearful. But my friend said her doctors tried to tell her to stop trying for her 4th after 4 miscarriages (2 stillborns), and she is SO glad she didn't listen. I agree with her that once you have spiritual confirmation that you are supposed to have another baby, there is an empty place in your heart until you do. Thanks Jenifer!

A New Year!

2010-01-12T13:57:00.004-06:00

Yes, we are still alive. Yes, I have committed to doing better at my blogging. Yes, I will do posts about what we are currently doing, but I am anal, and will still have to go back and update what I missed in 2009 (June-December). I know, sad.

Here is our 2009 Christmas Card. The family picture on front flipped up to reveal each person's word updates (found below), and had the collage on the very back. Sorry if it got there late to most of you, and not to all of you, but I actually impressed myself by just getting it created...

We LOVE you all! LOVE reading your blogs. Hope you all didn't give up on us! I'll do better. PROMISE!

Cooper {6}

aka cooper-dude, coop

· soccer, basketball, baseball, swimming

· fan of Jason Bay, Red Sox & BYU

· kindergarten, reading, PE, 1lost tooth

· bike, scooter, park, neighborhood

· wii, legos, wrestling brothers, guns

· friends, cool shirts, growing hair

Gunner {4}

aka bud, gunner-funner-face

· basketball, wiffle ball, trampoline

· Cooper’s shadow, misses him all day

· legos, tech decks, action figures “guys”

· preschool, drawing, wii, computer

· rockin’ out, cool tricks, “fight”

· takes on alternate identities

Beckett {19 mos}

aka bubzy, boo, beck

· busy! moves chairs, messes, hides stuff

· infectious smile, loves church nursery

· pop & treats over real food any day

· favs to say: his name/age, “Scooby-doo”, dog sounds, “Hi” to everyone

· LOVES blanket, showing off, balls

Andrew & Cassie

aka dr. or captain larson, dad, mom

· dad: dentist in Air Force, lots of surgeries, Young Men’s, ESPN, golf, pitching to boys, wrestling boys

· mom: photography, exercise, coaching soccer, crafts/quilting, chasing boys

· ran half marathon together, andrew-2

{Team Larson}

· live at Whiteman Air Force Base (B-2 stealth bomber, Kansas City Royals)

· TX trip (BYU v. OU, Rangers, Astros)

· Branson, Denver, Seattle girls trip, Wyoming BYU game, Spokane/Cd’A

· rafting, roller-coasters, church history, MLB games, water-slides, camping

· Moving to Cd’A, ID in August!!!

Grandparent visits are the best!

2009-09-30T00:47:00.001-05:00

I guess since Grandpa and Grandma Larson are back for another visit, I should blog about their visit this past May. We LOVE when they come, and feel so luck they come so often! Here they are pictured at Adam-on-di-amon. We had a lot of fun touring the LDS Church History that is around the area!

We started in Independence, which is about 50 miles from the Air Force Base. This is where the Saints settled after leaving Kirtland, and before being exterminated from Missouri, and forced to Nauvoo. The Prophet Joseph Smith had dedicated this site for a temple, but they were forced to leave before a temple could be built. It is believed Independence will be "Zion" when Christ comes again to the Earth.

Not far from Independence, on the North side of Kansas City, is Liberty Jail, where Joseph Smith was a prisoner on false charges. It is so neat. They have the original jail, surrounded by a Visitor's Center. A very spiritual experience to learn about his trials while in prison, and what the Lord revealed to him about how we can deal with our own trials (D&C 121-123); that they will be but a small moment, and if we endure them well, we will be blessed.

Then we traveled to some of the grave sites of the special witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Those who saw the gold plates, and bear testimony of it in the preface of the Book. There is the "Monument of the Three Witnesses" in the private cemetery, which the church owns. David Whitmer was buried in the public cemetery not far away. There are many other familiar early church members buried in these cemeteries.

We also visited Far West, MO. This is where the saints had settled for a short time after leaving Jackson County. There was this site, dedicated for a temple. They even laid the 4 cornerstones, which are still in place. But, had to leave before the temple could be completed.

Then it was a short distance to Adam-on-di-amon. Although there are no buildings, or guided tours, this is one of the most sacred places I have ever visited. It feels so calm there. This is believed to be part of the Garden of Eden. Also, there is a small marker where Joseph Smith said there once stood a Nephite alter. It is now mostly farming land, however, it is beautiful, peaceful, and amazing.

Along with our church history sites, we also had did a lot of other fun things with Grandma and Grandpa! We went to the Deanna Rose Farmstead. This is a free place where you can see animals, fish, ride donkeys, play on the playgrounds, visit an Indian encampment, watch a cow get milked, ride miniature tractors, walk through the gardens, etc. It is fun! We actually ran into the Mormon missionaries there... they volunteer there 4 hours a week. Grandpa even got to get a smashed penny to add to his collection!

We made sure to hit a Royals game!
Our boys LOVE the new Outfield Experience. They can bat, ride a carousel, mini golf, pitch, race, etc. They love it... and we use it as a bribe to get them to sit well through the first 5 innings!

There are fountains across the outfield. I didn't know that Kansas city has the 2nd most fountains of any city in the world.... I think Venice is #1. Some are small, but all are neat.

Thanks to our good friend, Brad Cochran, we were able to get a private tour of the B-2 Stealth Bomber! These things are INCREDIBLE! Driving out the flight line, we also saw the A-10s, and the T-38s on the runway, as well as the visiting F-15s. Also, got to see some inert nuclear bombs! Pretty fun to be taking pictures while standing on a line that says "photography is prohibited". :)

Next, we visited the National WWI Monument and Museum. Gpa, Gma, Dad and Cooper toured the museum, then we all went up to the top of the monument, which gives you a great view of downtown Kansas City.

This is a neat picture inside the museum, of the reflection of the monument onto the glass floor. Under the floor are the fields of poppies. I never knew why the poppy was "the" flower of WW1. It is because in the bunkers and war fields, amid all the artillery and dead bodies, the poppies would continue to grow as wild flowers all over!

View from the top of the WWI Monument.

Instead of driving the hour back to base, we decided to stay the night in a hotel in the city. They boys had fun swimming. Cooper is our daring swimmer, and Gunner loves to chill in the hot tub. :)

We walked around The Plaza, and outdoor shopping area. It is the OLDEST and FIRST outdoor mall in the United States! The architecture is really cool. Lots of painted tile. It also has lots of fun fountains. The boys thought this one was funny, cause it looked like the little boy was peeing on the frog. Oh, the sense of humor of little boys! We made sure to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. Yum!

And, of course, some of the best memories from Grandpa and Grandma visits... reading stories, playing board games, going on walks, lots of staying up late and missing naps, getting lots of treats, "10-count grips", smears, and wrestling with Grandpa, a short-order cook who makes anything you want to eat, and more! For Andrew and I, it means, NO changing diapers, NO having to give baths, lots of help, and endless good conversation. We love you guys!

Baptism for the Browns!

2009-09-16T14:49:00.006-05:00

I hope I never forget what a neat experience to be a part of Roxanne's baptism... from the beginning to the end (Wait! There is no end... it is and eternal gift!).

I had finished coaching a soccer game, and Roxanne came up to me and asked, "Can I talk to you for a second?" All I knew at the time, was Roxanne was Taylor's mom. :) She said, "I have some experience with this with my ex-husband's family..."

I thought she was talking about something I'd done wrong... like abused her son or something. :) You just never know as a coach what the parents are thinking!

She continued... "and I've been meaning to ask you for a long time... are you Mormon?"

Phew! Much easier to answer than the abuse fear! :)

"Yes!", I said. "Are you?"

"No... but, I want to be!", she answered. (the conversation continued about Taylor having gone to church for about a month while she and her husband's deployments overlapped... ya, can you imagine?! Basically, Taylor talked about how much he liked church. Roxanne was ready to make big changes in her life, and she noticed our garment lines and BYU apparel. :))

What?! Was it really that easy... missionary work, I mean. But, I've come to find out through Roxanne's conversion, that IT IS really THAT easy for those who are prepared to hear it.

We just happened to be having the missionaries over for dinner that week, and invited them to come.

"Really?!", she asked. "You would do that?!"

She acted surprised at the invitation... I was thinking, "Are you kidding me? I dream about missionary opportunities like this!"

The rest is history. :) Elder Barnes, and Elder Gallegos taught Roxanne in our home over the next several weeks, and on May 9, she was baptized! I should mention what a neat feeling there was in our home as the missionaries and Roxanne visited frequently!

I am so happy for Roxanne. She has never looked back. We have become very close friends, as well. We even had the opportunity a few weeks after she was baptized, to accompany her to the temple in St. Louis, where she was baptized for the dead, including some of her own deceased family whom she remembered. It is amazing what the Gospel can bring into people's lives. Throughout the whole process I realized all the blessings we have through our Savior, Jesus Christ. And, the blessings of eternal families... and even the "harder commandments" don't seen hard when you realize the blessings that come through living righteously. For instance, Roxanne expressed concern that as a working mother, Sundays had been her only day to get housework and errands done, so keeping the Sabbath Day holy sounded hard... but, later said, "Just like tithing, I know that if I give the Lord something, he'll give me back even more!" It is SO true! Sacrifices bring such great blessings.

Baptism is such an amazing blessing... a chance to be washed CLEAN! A chance to make promises to our Heavenly Father that you will live your life for Him... but, also a chance to get unlimited blessings for your sacrifices.

Roxanne, I love you. Thank you for making me realize how special the Gospel is... and, how blessed we are to have "the plan". To know what we are battling through life's challenges for a reason. To remember how important it is for us to always be working at being better. To realize how important it is to be examples to those around us, so that they too can come unto Christ.

So... it continues... and because of Roxanne's example, her mom is getting baptized tomorrow! Seriously SO cool!

He did it... AGAIN! {13.1 miles}

2009-09-14T14:51:00.005-05:00

We are so proud of Daddy... who did it again! Andrew ran 13.1 miles in the Warrensburg Half Marathon (the town about 10 minutes from base). And, not only did he run it... he ROCKED it! He had a time of 1:47! (He'll argue it was 1:48, but he didn't look up until AFTER he crossed the finish line. :)) That's just barely over 8 min. miles! He beat his time from his half marathon in April by about 10 minutes! He was so fast, he didn't even get to here the last few songs on the surprise playlist I made for him! AND... drumroll...... he took 2ND in his age division! (He claims there were only 2 in his division... which IS NOT true...)

We loved being Daddy's support crew! Cheering him on at mile 6, and at the 10/11 1/2 cross street, and of course the FINISH LINE! The boys couldn't wait for him to get to the crowd... they ran down to meet him, just coming over the hill (Yes, the last mile was a big hill! Actually, the last 7 miles were all big hills! Supposedly it's a pretty hard course!).
There were lots of people we knew who ran... this is one of them, Rich Reed. Rich was the YM president, Andrew is 1st counselor, at church. He is also the head coach of Cooper's U-7 soccer team, and I am the assistant coach. The boys LOVED that DQ was a sponsor! The "ice cream man" was a hit at the finish line.

I wasn't able to run this race for various health reasons (no, I'm not pregnant :))... but, lots of my running buddies did it! I was so proud of all of them! (Jayne, Michelle M., Pat, Christine, Julie, Sarah) I would try and run about 6 miles of their long runs with them... We have a running group called W.O.W (Women of Warrensburg Running Club). I LOVE having good running buddies at the gym, and on my weekend runs! I was especially proud of Jayne (in black), who recently moved into our ward. She was my facebook friend prior to coming, and had said she didn't think she could do it, but she trained hard, and did it!!! Pat (in the hat) is one of my idols too... she has run several ultra-runs (I'm talking 100 mile races!). She runs to meet us, runs with us, then runs some more. What an inspiration! She says she can do it cause she didn't start when she was young. :) She said, "We're just like chicken, we get tougher as we age!" All of these ladies are just such great people, and I feel lucky to know them. There are several others, who didn't run this race (some worked the aid stations and registration though), who I have grown to be great friends with too. Michelle S., Jaime, Megan, Amber, Deana, Rebecca... sorry if I forget anyone! I'm so lucky!

p.s. I can't believe it's been so long since a post again... I need to start doing better! I promise to start doing better!

Updates - I love post-dating

2009-08-20T20:22:00.006-05:00

So I know it's been a while since we've updated things. I am working on getting up-to-date, and have done some post-dated posts to fill in some blanks. If you're bored, you can find new posts called:

8/14/09 I DO love you

4/30/09 All I could have wished for on my birthday...

4/20/09 Summer Buzz

4/12/09 E A S T E R

4/2/09 Shayden Jancee Bell

3/23/09 Sweet Emberlyn

3/22/09 More of March

3/16/09 Colorado!

2/28/09 A few more things February

I DO love you!

2009-08-14T20:13:00.009-05:00

Back in February, for Valentine's Day, I responded on a blog post of one of my dear friends, Sarah Blamires. She is an AMAZING mom of 5 kids under the age of 7, who makes it look EASY! She was promising a homemade gift to the first 5 people who commented on the post, and I was lucky enough to receive this ADORABLE, useful, recipe holder. Thank you SO much Sarah!

As sort of a "pay-it-forward", I offered to do the same for 5 of my friends... as well as to answer one question they have for me.

Unable to come up with anything creative on my own, I resorted to something I AM really good at... copying! When Gunner was an infant, and severely allergic to milk, I went on a milk-free diet for 9 MONTHS, so that I could continue breast-feeding. It was not easy, especially in the beginning. My sweet friend, Adrienne Lee, made me this cute little life-saver of a recipe book for my birthday. It came in handy many times! I still use a lot of the recipes!

So, my copying skills at their best, I came up with "7 Larson Favorite Meals... To Get You Through the Week". I did promise these by the end of March, although I didn't get them mailed until later... and now, I am FINALLY getting around to posting about it, and answering your questions. Better late than never, right?!

The questions, with answers:

(Tom Gatten) Didn't ask a question... except for "is this for real?" My answer was, yes. :) I just love that Tom is always on top of checking blogs, and keeping in touch. He is my oldest brother (I have six... and two sisters). He is an amazing vice-principal/athletic director at Brighton High School in Utah, a loving husband and father to 5 adorable kiddos, a marathon runner, dead-eye hunter, x-BYU baseball pitcher, and a caring Bishop. So lucky to have him to look up to... and for my boys to look up to as well!

(TiAnn Finn) What program do you use to create the adorable collages of your adorable children? Is it easy to do? I love them, it's very creative, and makes your blog look extra nice! I use Photoshop to edit all my pictures, and make the collages. Photoshop is expensive, for the full version, but you can get great student discounts if you know any students. Or, you can get Photoshop Elements, which has all the basic features you would need. I think it runs around $90, but Costco periodically does a $20 off coupon. Basically, you create a "canvas", crop your pictures, and put them on the canvas. It is very easy. I like that I can fit more pictures in a post, without making the entry a mile long. Thanks for the compliments, TiAnn, and if you ever get the program, or need help learning how to make the collages, just let me know!

(Mikin Morton) Cassie, what do I want to know about you?? I want to know what you do to relax when you get the chance? Do mom's ever get a chance to relax?! I actually love editing pictures during my down time, either ones of my family, or ones I've taken for others. I love to read photography blogs, couponing blogs, parenting blogs, etc. I also like to do my own blog, read others, facebook, write lists (yes, I'm just like Dad!). It is VERY hard for me to not do anything, but I will watch my favorite TV shows (a lot of times with the computer on my lap), or nap. LOVE my girls nights out too. Can't wait to live closer to you, sis, and hang out with you more often! :)

(Amber Harris) I want to know how you find the time to do everything you do? Your boys always look adorable, you seem extra organized and your blog is always so fun to read. As you can tell, summer has significantly decreased my blogging. :) I am a "go-er". But, not sure I would call myself overly organized. Maybe organized chaos. There are definitely things I wish were more organized... like my desk, my craft area, etc. But you are sweet to "think" I'm organized. :) But, I am a "lister", always have things to check off my list, and organization is always my goal. Sometimes, I wish I could slow myself down... because I have created "go-ers" of my kids too, who always think they have to be doing something. Thanks for the compliment on my kids too... yours always look adorable too!

(Kendra Wirig) If you were to have a girl someday in the future, what would you name her (sticking with your theme)? Oh, Kendra. As your mom of 4 boys yourself, it's nice to see you have hope that there would be a girl in my future. :) Although, I do think we'll try to get one at least one more time. :) Not sure everyone knows we have a "theme" for our names. So, an explanation...We have stuck to a baseball theme thus far (Cooper after Cooperstown, NY where the Baseball Hall of Fame is; A Gunner is a player with a good arm, or go-getter in baseball, and my oldest brother, Tom, the baseball pitcher's nickname was Gunner; Beckett from "Beckett Baseball Monthly"... the magazine that puts a value on baseball cards). I am definitely not obsessed with sticking to the theme in the future, but it just seems like it's worked out that we've liked those names. If we are lucky enough to get another baby... and it were another boy... we like Easton, Wrigley, Parker, Cutter, Mitt. Girl? Jersey (like a baseball jersey), or Summer (the season when MLB baseball is played). But, there are still plenty of other girl names I like outside of the theme. :)

SPORTS!

2009-06-05T00:47:00.005-05:00

We definitely have a house full of boys who LOVE sports! Any kind!

SOCCER: Cooper played soccer (indoor) for the first time this Spring. His team was the FIREBALLS. And, I got to be his coach! It was so fun, especially to see the kids improve and do things in the games that we would practice. What fun, energetic, kids! Cooper is such a natural athlete, and he even had a hat-trick one game! (3 goals) One super cute thing, is they don't keep official score, but Cooper always knows the score! The other thing I loved is when he would score a goal, he'd run back with is "rock on" hands in the air. He definitely isn't very humble! One time, we were winning by a lot, and he asked me why no one is cheering anymore when we'd continue to score goals. :)

Coach Chad Farris, Kovy, Sawyer, Taylor, Ethan, Eric "Q", Coach Cassie Larson

Tyler, Madison, Sterling, Cooper

Here we are at the post-season party. The Youth Center rents out the bowling alley, and each team has a few lanes. They give them pizza too!

Cooper loved being the #1. Below he's pictured with his buddy Taylor. We've been able to get to know Taylor, and his mom, Roxanne, really well. She recently took lessons from the missionaries at our house and joined our church!
BASEBALL: The town close by has a college, University of Central Missouri. We went to a handful of their games this year, and the boys LOVED it. They loved chasing foul balls, and rolling balls off the roof of the equipment shed to catch. One player once asked Cooper if he was a Mules fan, and Cooper said, "Yes!". For days he talked about how a "real baseball player" talked to him! Cooper always made sure to have his baseball pants on too. :)

Coop hasn't played any organized baseball yet (we are sort of an anti-tee-ball family... Andrew is afraid it can put a bad taste in kids' mouths). But next year, if Andrew coaches, he can do coach-pitch on-base. We have hit the batting cages, and play LOTS of wiffle ball!

We just love this little guys open-mouthed kisses!

BASKETBALL: UCM also has a pretty good basketball team. We went to one of their games on military night... and, it was nationally televised! It was pretty cute to see Cooper really watching the game, and cheering at the right times. I guess he did learn something from playing basketball. We sat by our friends, the Bells.

Gunner got to play "Smart Start Basketball" for 3-5 year olds. They bring a parent, and do lots of drills and fun games to learn the sport. He loved having something that was all about him!

Cooper did great at basketball this year! He was the point guard, and a good little ball handler!
Again, the end-of-the-year party was at the bowling alley. He LOVES his trophy!
He is pictured above with his two buddies Sawyer and Ethan.

FOOTBALL: All winter the boys LOVED playing tackle football in the basement with Dad! It's always ok to tackle and wrestle with Dad, right?! I try to tell him it'll go beyond the field!

Preschool Graduate!

2009-06-04T23:02:00.002-05:00

Sacred Heart Catholic Preschool Commencement

May 15th, 2009

Teachers: Mrs. Lesa Carroll, Mrs. Lowry

COOPER attended an amazing preschool this year! We were so happy with how he learned a grew throughout the year.

He went from hardly being able to write his name, to knowing his first/last names, phone number, address, and everything in between! He went from drawing a person as and head with 2 legs coming out, to drawing a "real" person with a body, and even eyebrows.

We are also so happy he was able to go from VERY talkative (not always at the right times), and very physical (not negative, just lots of "look here and see this" pats), to knowing how to better behave and wait for his turn, and the right time, to talk. I've heard he's a lot like his mom was when I was in preschool. :)

This graduation ceremony was really over the top! It was a CIRCUS. From the adorable invitations, to the AMAZING decor, and the popcorn and cotton candy machines; it was really a fun night!

All the kids were introduced and came out of the circus car (as if they were all fitting in there). :) It was neat to hear the names all the clowns chose for themselves. Cooper was Lightening the Clown!

The sang so many cute songs! Cooper is always really involved in the acting and singing! So outgoing, and a real leader... for better or worse. :)

Each kid did a different circus act, from tight rope (balance beam) walking, to balance acts, elephant shows. Cooper was a lion in the lion tamer's act. Ironically, with some of his best friends! He even jumped through the hoop! It was fun to hear all the "ohhhs" and "ahhs". :
Cooper made SO many great friends this year... and so did Mom! We were lucky to have 4 other LDS kids in his class, and one in the afternoon class. Besides the cuties listed below, Cooper also really likes Luke, Zach and Mark. The only sad part is none of these kids live on the Air Force Base, so he will have to make all new friends when he starts Kindergarten this fall. He does know some kids from his sports teams though, and making friends doesn't seem to be his weak point. :)
We were SO LUCKY to have Grandpa and Grandma Larson in town for the graduation! They helped a lot watching brothers too! We had a fun "after-party". Cooper got some money from them, and a new backpack, lunch sack, and some bakugans from us. He LOVED his card, which sang "Bad to the Bone", as he's obsessed with cards that sing! In the picture below he's pretending he's the bulldog on the front of the card.
We are SO PROUD of you Cooper. You are learning and growing everyday, and you help out so much with your younger brothers too! We can't believe you'll be starting Kindergarten! You'll do great, we're sure. Continue to be a leader for good!

Gunner and I got to go on the last fieldtrip of the year. We rode the Amtrak train from Warrensburg, to Sedalia (a town about 30 miles away). It was so fun!
We were able to play at a park by city hall, and the kids at some cookies they had helped make at school. This was the first passenger train I've ever been on too. We've been on LOTS of subways, and tracks, but no trains. It was fun, but smelly in some cars! :)
Then, coming home, we got to ride a school bus! Wahoo! :) Cooper actually LOVED it, as it was his first time on a school bus!

Can't get enough of HIS everyday love!

2009-05-19T23:48:00.001-05:00

A few more favorites from Beckett's one-year-old photo-shoot. Seriously, could he be any cuter?! I think what makes him so adorable to me, is his insides are as delicious as his outside!

Our Baby Beckett is ONE!

2009-05-12T22:27:00.003-05:00

Yes, the inevitable happened, our little baby... who has been the BEST baby EVER... has officially turned ONE!

Beckett, you have been a dream baby, and so fun to have around. Your brothers are not the most gentle boys, and we are not the most patient parents, but you ARE the most amazing at putting up with all of us.

Even though you are still quite petite, only have 3 teeth, still a speed crawler without interest in walking... you are STILL one, and we just can't believe how fast the time has gone.

We had a fun party for you at the Warrensburg Community Center. We had BBQ type foods (hot dogs, smokies, pickles, chips, licorice, watermelon, and Costco cupcakes). Grandpa and Grandma Larson were in town for the party too! Others there were the Bells, Cochrans, Belardos, Larsens, Mark Bain, Cooks, Browns, and some of Dad's 14-year-olds from church. We had fun swimming after the party, and you were so cute eating your cakes, opening presents, and swimming. This is what your invitation looked like...

A few of your FAVORITES at ONE:

WORDS: Da-da, Uh-Oh, peek-a-"Doo", I love "you"!, ma-ma, soft, ball, dog, shhhh, and your own language to get what you want! You also roar like a lion, make the indian sound and vibrate your lips.
SONGS: Indiana Jones theme (you hum along!), If Your Happy and You Know It, Take Me Out To the Ball-game, I Am a Child of God
FOODS: pancakes, grapes, sweets, juice, ice cream!, yogurt, raisens, crackers, Lucky Charms, chicken nuggets, bites of whatever we're eating
TOYS: Your brother's legos that we're constantly trying to keep away!, blocks, books, pull-phone, shape sorter, play computer, play cell phone, walker, balls, turning the Leapster on and off
NON-TOYS: Wii remotes, T.V. Remotes, screen door, power cords, power button on the T.V., dishwasher/dishes, cell phones
THINGS TO DO: baths (you start speed crawling down the hall when you hear the bath, or the word bath), swinging at the park, find the smallest things to hide in your mouth... mostly legos, watch your brothers play video-games, un-load the dishwasher as fast as I can load it
DISLIKES: the vacuume, other people in costumes,

blow on your food whether it's hot or cold
Wave hi and bye
LOVE your left thumb... especially to go to sleep.
Mom loves to chant... "Beck-ett, Le-o, don't you know I love you so!"
You give the best open mouth kisses and morning cuddles!
Love to scrunch up your little nose and give grins and flirt with random people.
You have been the best at sleeping. You love your green and blue plush blanket Aunt Brooke made for you, and you just dive for your crib, roll over, suck your thumb, and go to sleep.
Territorial of your car-seat.
Claps when we say "yay!"

All I could have wished for on my birthday...

2009-04-30T20:48:00.002-05:00

I really had a great birthday.

My 28th birthday was complete with...

F R I E N D S

(Top to bottom, left to right) Emberlyn Bell, Keva Cochran (behind the balloons... thanks for coordinating this Keva!), Jaime Bell and girls, Jen Belardo, Erin Peterson. They all brought their kids to the park for lunch after preschool, and we had a great time!

F A M I L Y

Nothing could have brought me greater joy then seeing these sweet boys SMILING on my birthday!

and, last, but not least...

F O O D
Between the yummy cupcakes at the park, the volcano cookies from Jaime, dinner at El Tapatilos, and FREE icecream night at Baskin Robbins, the food made my birthday great too!

We made it!!! 13.1 miles!!!!!

2009-04-24T15:02:00.002-05:00

So this post is a few weeks late, but Andrew and I accomplished a HUGE goal on April 6th! We finished the Olathe Half Marathon near Kansas City! We don't know of "official" times, as we arrived a few minutes late, and the chips didn't work at the starting line...UGH!... but, we are pretty sure our times were:

Andrew 1:56

Cassie 2:05

We really just had a goal to finish, but we were happy with our times.

Here we are after the run. (thanks for the pictures Jen!)

Here is us with the "happy" family. Cooper has been so cute through our training, and even ran 2 miles with us a few times! He always asks, "How was your run?". And, "how far'd you run today?" Cutie. Kudos to the boys for spending countless hours in the mother's room at the gym. It is nice cause it is a cardio room divided by a see-through half-wall, so I can watch them. And has a big screen tv and toys. They (and I) have actually made some good friends at the gym! It helps that it is only a mile from our house too.

Here is my running partner, Jen Belardo. She is AMAZING! And I am SO GRATEFUL to have had her to do my "long runs" on Saturdays with. We stuck together the whole race too. She even took a fall at about mile 7, and it didn't even slow her down! We nick-named her "Lacey" cause she tripped on her laces. Really, I would not have been able to do it without a partner, and I couldn't have asked for a better one! Jen is my pace-setter, and has become a really great friend too.

More details...

I started running in September, when Beckett was about 4 months old. We had just moved here, I had bought new shoes, and was really wanting to get rid of my baby weight! (Which was more than I'd ever gained!) So I started going to the gym. It was hard to be super consistent because I didn't have a plan or goals. Plus, I'd die just going 2.5 miles... and I didn't have motivation to go further or push myself. I decided to look around for a race. I'd never done one before, but knew I could do it if I had enough time to train, a good partner, a training schedule, and especially if I could get Andrew on board too! Reluctantly, Andrew said YES! I don't think either of us had run farther than 5.5 miles (except in a soccer game). But we committed, and we did it!

Our 12-week training started Jan. 5. A perfect time to start... the new year. I asked some "experts", my sister-in-law, Brooke, and my cousin-in-law, Tiffany, for some tips. They were great to encourage me along the way. Everything was new to us... GU energy shots??? Water belts??? All of it was new to us. But, once we got into the routine, it was invigorating! It was so fun every Saturday to see your body do what you didn't think was possible. It was neat to see the transformation... and especially hear yourself say, "we only have to do 6 miles today". :)

We got a hotel in the city, and it was fun to take the kids to the pool the night before with Olive Garden take-out. Race morning, another dentist in the clinic, Mark, drove up to watch our kids at the hotel and bring them to the finish line. THANKS MARK! We were running a few minutes late, but then GOT LOST trying to find the race because of blocked off roads! Guess we should have done a run through the night before! Anyway, we started about 10 or so minutes late. The one nice thing was we were passing lots of people so we felt fast. :) AND, we even passed the pacer we wanted to stay with originally! The race was way easier than any training run, I'm sure because of the atmosphere and adrenaline. It was amazing to not even feel tired at all until mile 9. Then we tried to run mile 11-13 as fast as we could. It was so fun to see my family at the finish line, and it felt SO good to accomplish our goal!

Some memories I never want to forget:

Andrew was so funny one night. He said, "So I noticed today that I can't feel my stomach jiggle anymore when I run!". :) He is amazing, and I can't believe he did it all without a partner!
The amazing W.O.W. girls! (Women of Warrensburg Walking and Running Club). We meet every Saturday morning at 7am. They are so encouraging and such great friends.
The furthest training run we did was 12.75 miles. We followed a training schedule for first time half marathon runners, and I only missed 1 run (out of 48) the whole time. Thanks for the tip Tiffany! I just kept hearing her advice when I would not want to go, "NEVER miss a run!".
We kept a little better than a 10-minute pace in our training runs, and approx. a 9:54 pace in the race.
Getting excited about new socks and a water belt! :) Feeling silly wearing it... like I should be an expert runner. :)
Running 11 miles on a treadmill because we woke up to heavy snow that day.
Driving to Olathe March 27th to pick our our race packet, and having the race POSTPONED because of severe weather! We had to wait another WEEK! Even worse, we ran 9 miles on a treadmill that day and it was horrible mentally cause we should've been running the race! We took the kids to Monsters vs. Aliens that night instead.
Not being able to sleep on Friday nights cause I was nervous for the long runs. That wore off after the first few, but came back the night before the race.

Overall, it was a really neat experience, and neat to have both accomplished that goal together. Andrew said he'd only do it once when we started, and he's already talking about running more. :) We may even do another race as soon as June!

Summer Buzz

2009-04-20T20:58:00.000-05:00

Every year I like to grow my boys hair out a little in the winter... and get a few good spiky hair days in.

But, when the weather starts to warm up, and the sweat heads emerge, it is time to cut it ALL off! It usually seems to happen in May, but this year it had to happen in April!

They love to rub their hands back and forth on their heads saying, "prickly, smooth, prickly, smooth".

Short hair makes Gunner's eyelashes look even longer!

E A S T E R

2009-04-12T20:26:00.001-05:00

Our family immediately following Church. No time for pictures before 9am church at our house.

Our boys in their Easter outfits.

Cooper (5 yrs. 5 mos.), Gunner (3 yrs. 3 mos), Beckett (11 mos. tomorrow).

Here they are at the community Easter Egg Hunt at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Eggs laid all over the grass... mad-dash chaos. Lots probably thought I coordinated their orange shirts just to look cute, but I actually did it so I would be able to quickly pick my boys out of the crowd.

We were there with the Bells and Petersons. Shayden was just a few days old in her sling. The boys had fun hunting with Kambree and Zander.

We also got to visit Cooper's preschool for the Easter Party and egg hunt. Gunner loves that he gets to join right in at these parties. It was cute cause Cooper got the same candy in his eggs, so I told him to trade. All of the sudden the "trading" concept clicked with him and a few friends. It was cute seeing them trading away. I love that his preschool is a Catholic Preschool, so they focus on the true meaning of holidays, and teach so many good values.

Of course we had our traditional Easter Family Night, complete with the flannel board story of Easter, and dying Easter Eggs. The boys loved finding their baskets Easter morning. They especially loved helping Beckett find his (under the piano bench). The Bells came over after church for Easter dinner. We did an indoor egg hunt too, as the weather was chilly and wet. Coni Burke (Jaime's Mom), lives with Clif and Jaime right now to help with the new baby and Emberlyn. She joined us for Easter dinner too. She is so sweet with our boys, and has become their adopted Grandma. She is so crafty too, always making cute socks and bibs and such for her grandkids.

What can I say?

2009-04-07T15:31:00.006-05:00

Busy. That pretty much sums it up. Get ready for a load of updates. :)

Our BECKETT is growing up! Months 8-10 have been so fun. You now have explored every inch of our house, and are vocal. Just growing up too fast!

These first few pictures (above) you were the lighting tester at a photoshoot for our friends, the Bells. Totally unplanned, but utterly scrumptious pictures!

Some highlights:

LOVE water! When you hear the bath turn on, you speed crawl to the bathroom. You love the feel the water come out of the spout. Also love swimming!
Are 100% mobile and in to everything! You are now a speed crawler, and pull up to everything. Crawled into the dishwasher. Love the toilets. Infatuated with the power button on the TV.
FIRST WORD: Da-da. (at 9 months) Go figure. Love when dad comes and gets you out of bed in the morning (usually 6:45). And then when you're done nursing in mom's bed, you yell, "DA-DA"! To get him to come and get you. Also say mama... sounds a little more like bma-ma.
Other sounds: clicking tongue, indian sound, "shhh", lip stumming.
And yes... you've even started yelling and throwing some fits. You are still a great baby, but I think you just finally figured out you need to speak up a little bit to get what you want.
Your "fits" started about 10 months old after you got sick for the first time. You got the flu in Denver and things just aren't quite as magical. You are still an amazing baby though! We just only go days without hearing you cry instead of weeks! :)
No more binkys. Use left thumb to get to sleep. When we walk in your room to put you down, you immediately lay your head on our shoulder and start sucking your thumb. Lucky for us you only do it when you're tired.
You are the smallest of our boys at this age, but we did finally move you to a rear-facing toddler car-seat. You may not get to the mandatory 20lbs. by your first birthday, so we'll see how long you have to sit backwards.
Church is a constant battle now that we don't have your infant carrier. You just want to get down and explore, or yell.
Started pointing. And love to use your pointer finger to go up our noses and in our eyes and ears! And pull mom's earrings.
Waving. First would open and close your fingers, now you do the full arm wave.
Also scrunch your face in a cute smile when you want to flirt.
Dancing... favorite song, "If you're happy and you know it".
You no longer like baby food very much, or applesauce (after going through a CASE of jars). Now you prefer to feed yourself, but still only have 2 teeth on the bottom.
Yes, you finally got your FIRST TOOTH at 8 months. And still only have the 2 on bottom.
You spend your days on-the-go with your older brothers. Wishing you could everything they can do. When you hear them go outside, you crawl to the back door and try and get out. When you hear them turn on the Wii, you crawl over and start playing with the remotes. When you hear them go downstairs to the basement, you crawl to the door and yell to go down.

Although you don't know how to go down stairs yet, you WENT down the stairs once (at 8 months). Yes, the door to the basement was left open, and mom and dad heard what sounded like a bowling ball tumble down the stairs (hard wooden stairs covered in hard plastic). Mom started screaming, before you did. We rushed to the top of the stairs and didn't see you, as you had fallen off the landing too... probably after slamming into the cement wall at the bottom of the stairs, as we found you laying on the cement floor. We took your clothes off, checked your bones, watched for signs of a concussion, iced your poor bruised cheek.... and remarkably your came out of it with just a few small bumps. We felt awful. Sick. But you amazed us once again.

Shayden Jancee Bell

2009-04-02T20:06:00.001-05:00

Jaime did such a good job battling different issues with her pregnancy (along with taking care of Emberlyn). I think one of the neatest things, is that it took fertility treatments for them to be able to get Zander, and Emberlyn, but Shayden came on her own timing... and was due so close to Emberlyn's 2nd birthday. She was definitely meant to come when she did, and she is SUCH a cutie! I love that they named her after her older sister. Emberlyn's middle name is Shayde, and then made it into Shayden for her little sister.

I had the AMAZING opportunity to be in the room for Shayden's delivery, and to help take pictures. I just love to see little babies come into this world!
I had so much fun collecting stitched quilt blocks from Jaime's family and friends, and compiling them into this quilt for Jaime and Shayden. We gave it to her at a mini, surprise, baby shower at Cafe Coyote. It is always fun for me to do things for girls, since I don't have any! :) Keva and I, her two sisters, and her mom, were all able to be there to present it. Her mom, Conni, even ironed-on a picture of Emberlyn in the center of a daisy for one of the blocks. Too cute!

Sweet Emberlyn

2009-03-23T20:03:00.001-05:00

One of our very special experiences, since moving here near Kansas City, has been meeting the Bell family. We instantly became friends. I remember meeting Jaime outside the preschool on the first day. I knew she'd be a great friend. They have Zander, who has been a great friend for Cooper and Gunner. Then, we met Emberlyn. She was 17 months at the time. She is a very special girl, and instantly won our hearts. She has a rare brain disorder, where the brain didn't fully develop in the womb (probably within the first 17 days gestation). You can tell she is a special spirit of our Heavenly Father's, and He has a great plan for her! Her and Beckett were at very similar stages when we moved here. He was about 3 months old and learning to grab toys, and soon roll over. They just loved laying on the floor next each other, grabbing each other's clothes, and playing.

She was given until about the age of 2 to live. So, as you can imagine, her 2nd birthday, on March 23rd, was a BIG reason to celebrate! Her parents hosted a fun BBQ, covered their house in pink balloons, and she was the center of attention. She was decked out in her cute outfit, bib, socks, bows (she always looks this cute though!).

They rented a bouncy castle, and it was a BIG hit! Emberlyn and Beckett got to try it out before the rest of the party guests arrived. They loved it! I never want to forget Embers cute laugh! Below she is pictured with our friend Keva Cochran.

She also did a great job tasting her cake and making a fun mess! She is tube fed into her belly, so she loves the tastes of food she gets! She has a lot of seizures, so she is out of it a lot of the time, but it is so fun to get her in a happy, respondent mood. When she makes eye contact with you with her beautiful blue eyes, and smiles, it just melts your heart!
Emberlyn has had such a neat effect on our church ward too. Everyone has a little connection with her. They love having her in the nursery, and members of the chuch love to help the Bells in many ways. Jaime has done amazing at managing all of her therapy apts... along with her complicated pregnancy... and they are just the greatest parents. I think everyone who meets her just feels lucky... I know we do!

More of March 2009

2009-03-22T19:48:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more things we did in March... just filling in.

Whiteman Air Force Base (where we live), is the home of the B-2 stealth bomber. It is really fun to see the flying around. They are just amazing. One day they pulled one to the front of the flight line to let us get a little closer than normal. The boys were so excited to see it. It was a FREEZING day, but we braved the cold for a few pictures.

Cooper's preschool hosted a "Tea Party". They worked hard on their manners, and prepared a cute little presentation, place mats, decorations, a tea-cup bird bath, and name cards. Only adults were invited, and it was Sunday dress. It was so cute to be announced as "Mr. Cooper Larson's guest", and to have him escort me to our table. He also filled our plates, of all the things he knew I'd like, and served me. :) It was really a special day, and fun to spend some one-on-one time with Cooper... and to see he really CAN be a gentleman!
The last few above pictures are Bryce Cochran, Zander Bell, and Cooper at the Tea Party. they really are cute buddies... even if it is somewhat of a forced friendship because I love their moms so much! :)

We decided to take advantage of a sunny day during the kids' Spring Break, and head to the Zoo. Despite losing Gunner just minutes after entering the zoo (He was found by some gracious moms. I think he just followed a group thinking it was us.), it ended up being a really fun day! Keva Cochran and clan came along, including a few neighbor friends.

Colorado!

2009-03-16T15:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, I braved the 8 1/2 hour (10 with kids), ALONE, without Dad (he was in Arizona for a conference), drive to Colorado to visit our best friends from dental school, the Bentleys, and my cousin Luke Lee's family.

AND... it was SO worth it!

Here we were at a Sonic playland for a pit-stop. It was COLD, but the boys saw it from the car and couldn't resist. On the way home there was an amazing playland at McDonald's too!

You know you have great friends, when within seconds of seeing each other, your kids are attached at the hip again. Dirk and Cooper are just a month apart, and Coby and Gunner are 2-months apart. They had way too much fun destroying the toy room each day. :)

Beckett met a new best friend too... Olivia. He is 10-months, she is 18 months, and I can already tell he likes older girls! :)

When we showed up, Dirk and Linds had already compiled our list of "funs things to do" while we were there.... little did they know, Cooper was determined to do EVERYTHING on the list! :) We had non-stop fun!
Poor Beckett got his first ever flu our last few days there. Hence the bath in the sink after breakfast didn't settle well. :(

Linds and I just talked and talked... stayed up late... and whined about how much we miss being neighbors. :) I feel so lucky to have a friend that I can go that long without seeing, and when we get together again, it's just like old times! So fun to see their AMAZING house again too, and all the cute decorating she's done! Last time we were there, Olivia was still in the belly, and they hadn't been in their house long.

We also were able to spend a day at Luke's house. I had fun visiting with Janna while the boys played and played! Then we hit Chick-Fil-A for dinner, and had brownies for dessert. It was so fun to see them and their cute house they've been working so hard on.

surgery

2009-03-08T23:59:00.000-05:00

Cooper is now without tonsils. And adnoids. Why did he get them out? They were HUGE! The ENT said he got the award for the biggest he'd seen that day, at his consultation. Why the consultation? He was such a loud snorer. I couldn't sleep in the same room as him, and why not get them out while he was young and it was free (thanks to the Air Force!). Then, the consultation confirmed that the benefits out-weighed the risks. He said they took up over 90% of his throat, and would be a major risk to his breathing if they ever got infected. He said since he snores, still takes a lot of naps, and wakes up in the night, they are affecting his sleep as well. He said he would have more energy, and be less fatigued when he starts all-day kindergarten next year and can't have his naps.

So... our brave boy did it! I think we were more scared then he was. The hardest part was drawing his blood for the labs the week before. I get SO MAD at nurses you ask, "Are you nervous?", or say, "You should be nervous... you wouldn't be normal if you weren't a little nervous." Cooper was all geared up, actually strangely excited, for everything, and the nurses kept putting it in his head that he should be scared. It was making me angry.

My mom had melignant hypothermia when she was under general anesthesia once (you body temperature raises super high, super fast...makes doctors freak out to know it's in my family), and the trait is genetic, so Cooper couldn't have the gas to make him loopy. So, they gave him some oral medicine, Versed (sp?). It was so funny to see him get all loopy and start laughing hysterically. He kept saying Beckett had 4 eyes, I had 2 heads, and just cracking up. It was cute. The anesthesiologist was great, and put us at ease. He just picked Coop up and carried him into the operating room. No matter what, it is not fun to picture your kiddos under general anesthesia. Andrew was a little nervous too, cause he saw a case with a little girl last year, in his residency, where things got hairy. She was fine, but it made him realize how quick something could happen.

Cooper was NOT a fan of his IV being in after surgery. He wanted it OUT NOW! But, they have to keep it in for about an hour, until they know they won't have to use the port again for meds. So, we put ice on it to try and make him forget about it. Luckily Dad, his favorite person, took the day off to help him through the recovery. Beckett tagged along too, and Gunner was at Keva's (thanks again!).

He really wanted to take his tonsils home to show his preschool class... but they wouldn't let him. We snapped a quick picture though.

He did a great job recovering, except for some digestive issues caused by the codeine. He was at the park the next day! We are so proud of you Cooper! You are so brave!

It's always fun for everyone when Grandparents come!

2009-03-08T16:37:00.000-05:00

January 21-28th, Grandpa and Grandma Larson came to visit!We just LOVE when they come to visit! Our boys countdown the days until they'll get here, and then countdown the days until they have to leave.

We didn't get too many pictures while they were here, and although this one is blurry, I just LOVE it! It shows Andrew's dad, who is ALWAYS playing with the boys. He will be so creative and play for an hour with something like a paper towel roll! Or painted pine-cones, or ANYTHING! His garage is full of the "wall of fame", and he is always looking for fun, new, nick-knacks to show his grandkids. One favorite, which Cooper will NEVER forget, is the gorilla mask! He once spent about a half hour video-chatting with my boys on the computer with a puppet parrot!

Besides getting the Gargunda pizza (yes 34 inches of goodness) at Monetti's, and watching one of Coop's basketball games, we also got spend a few nights at GREAT WOLF LODGE! The indoor waterpark/hotel. I just think our boys are so lucky to have grandparents that will hit ALL the slides with them! Gunner even got more and more brave, doing all the slides this time! We had a fun room with a few separate bedrooms, got amazing take-out from Famous Daves BBQ, and even did some shopping, scoring some deals at the Gap Outlet. I love that my mother-in-law loves to shop, and will always help me find good deals!

They do a fun story-time each night and the statues come alive in a fun song and show.

Wiley the Wolf!

We decided a week is just not long enough for them to come! I am finally getting around to blogging about their visit in January, and they are about to come again! We are so excited for them to come May 6-16. This time we are planning on a Royals game, church history at Independence and Liberty (we live right here... so come and see it everyone! :)), and a tour of the B-2 stealth bomber. They'll also be here for Beckett's first birthday and Cooper's preschool graduation.

Weighing In

2009-03-06T11:56:00.002-06:00

Recently had all of their "well-baby" visits. Interesting to see how they compare. Our tall Gunner, average Cooper, and light-weight Beckett. I think he barely is in the 10% for weight. Yes, we do feed him, three meals a day, and he's still nursing.

More updates on what we've been up to coming soon... visit from Grandpa and Grandma Larson, lots of basketball, Coop's tonsils coming out, Beckett doing more and more everyday, visit from the Broyles, Valentines Day festivities, Presidents Day at Paradise Park and more!

A few more things February...

2009-02-28T14:45:00.001-06:00

Biggest snow storm of the year... one of the only times there was enough snow to go SLEDDING! Built "cutter" the snowman, thanks to the cute kit Andrew's sister sent. The snow never stays long here in Missouri... it was gone the next day.... but we do enjoy getting to play in in every once in a while!

Our boys enjoying the snow (Cooper, Gunner, Beckett). Beckett and I got to ride in the car to the sledding hill down the street.
The other two got to go for a ride!
Also got to go to this really fun place, Paradise Park. A great place for a winter adventure. The boys LOVED the little face painting crayons (you just dip them on the water sponges and paint away). They also made some cookies at "cooking class", and braved the semi-cold February weather to play on the playground. Their favorite was pretending to be "Spiderman" on the web.

This ball pit was really neat. When the kids throw the balls into the target, they cycle through this ball sterilizing machine. Pretty cool!
Beckett loved his version of a ball pit in the padded "infant room".

The Broyles Visit

2009-02-20T23:06:00.002-06:00

We just love Todd and Karen! Todd was in Andrew's residency program last year at Scott Air Force Base in St Louis. "Two peas in a pod" as Karen once put it. That is how we met them, but we grew extremely close to them through their pregnancy, and then losing, their sweet angel, Kloe. You can read more about their experience here on my blog. The last time we had seen them was at Kloe's memorial in Boise in August, so we were SO EXCITED when they said they were going to come out and VISIT US! Our boys counted down the days!

This a picture we snapped right outside my house. Aren't they hot! :) Seriously, though, I only wish I could keep up with their workout routines! You guys rock!

They were only here for a few days, but we made the most of it! They are such great sports when it comes to dealing with the chaos of our 3 boys! Our boys just LOVE all the attention the give them! We went bowling on-base, and had a blast.

Beckett was just a few months old the last time we saw them, and he just loved all the attention! They often mentioned they were going to take them home with them, and I don't think he'd of minded a bit. He'd get a lot more attention at their house! :)

They even got to catch a basketball game of Cooper's. You better believe he was so happy to be able to show off his skills! He is #5 ("like I'm 5 years old!"), at point-guard in the picture below.

After the game we made it to Monetti's for the famous Gargunda pizza. Yum! Our boys just think this pizza is the coolest thing ever!
We also stayed up WAY late talking, and laughing, and we just wish we lived closer so we could do it more often! Miss you guys like crazy!

Valentine's Day 2009

2009-02-16T21:14:00.000-06:00

February is the perfect time to throw in a LOVE holiday. The Christmas magic has faded, but the cruddy weather is still here. And Valentines Day just warms the heart!

Cooper did a great job writing our all of his Valentines for friends and family. "You are just 'plane' awesome!" was the theme, and it was a paper airplane with directions that they could take home and do later. And, of course, some fun-dip candy rolled up inside. His party was adorable. He really paid attention to every detail and thanked each person for their valentines.
Andrew and I discovered we may just have developed one of our own family traditions! For 4 years now we have had some sort of heart shaped pizza on valentines day. The boys even remembered this year! This year we switched from pepperoni to ham, as that is what they now prefer. Gunner is alway helpful (or maybe I should say "wanting" to help) in the kitchen. They figured out how to make B-2 bombers out of their square pieces of pizza and they thought it was really fun to fly them around!
A week before Valentines Day, Andrew and I "gifted" each other tickets to the Brian Regan comedy show in Salina, KS. Everyone thought we were crazy to drive 4 hours away (8 hours round trip) in one day to see a comedy show, but this guy is worth it! (If you ever get a chance to see him, it is a must!) It was our 3rd time seeing him, and Andrew still laughed so hard he cried the whole way through. If anyone has watched anything funny with my husband, they know his laughs out LOUD! :) I warned our friends, the Bells, who came with us. (Thanks guys, it was tons of fun!) The worst was the few jokes he had already heard when he was laughing before the punch-line. We've decided comedy (as long as it's clean) is a great date. It is pretty neutral for both sexes to enjoy. Not like sports, or chick-flicks, which are fun, but definitely one person prefers over the other. These pictures aren't great, thanks to Andrew's steal-of-a-deal (worth only what we paid) camera. :)

My friend, Jaime Bell, and me.

The picture I tried to take without a flash, and still got in trouble for.

Bustin' a gut!

I also had a chance to run the Valentine "Heart Healthy" 5K on the Air Force Base here. We'd been training for our half marathon, and I wanted to do it, but it was in the middle of the day. My friend, Jennifer Reed, called to volunteer to watch my kids so I could run. So nice! Her husband, Rich, took first over-all. He is amazing. (He is the Young Men's president at church, and Andrew is 1st counselor.) Her girls are amazing too! They both smoked me! I ran it in 27:26, which I was ok with.

I'm in the middle with the green shorts and black shirt...

Last, but definitely not least, our friend, Keva, watched our boys on Valentine's Day, and Andrew and were able to have a super fun date. We got a couple's massage at a spa and went to lunch at El Tapatilo. It was heavenly.... I am so lucky to have such an amazing man. I know, you're all jealous. :)

Who loves you???

2009-02-14T14:24:00.003-06:00

{and... their mom loves you too... how will I show thee??? A GIVEAWAY!}

What a perfect way for ME to show YOU my love.

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me, my choice, for you. ( I know. . . a little scary, but maybe fun, huh?)

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1 - I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2 - What I create will be just for you.
3 - It'll be done by the end of March
4 - You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may scrapbook something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, or even me:)

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. A friend of mine, Sarah, did this on her blog, and I can't wait to see what I might get as a goodie! The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment asking me something they would like to know about me will then win a Fabulous homemade gift made by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

GO!!

The Next Big Thing

2009-02-12T14:50:00.007-06:00

According to Daddy, Cooper is the "Next big Thing!" He is our little basketball superstar, and we have had so much fun watching him play this year. The best part, is he LOVES going.

Highlights so far this season:

Coop scored the first basket of the season, for either team, a few minutes into the first game.
Cooper is point guard and gets to dribble up and down the court. Word from the coach's wife is he came home from the first practice so relieved saying, "I've got one who can dribble!"
Loves wearing his knee-high socks, just like Daddy.
Beckett gets to practice clapping at his games.
Gunner loves to shoot baskets during breaks.
Grandma and Papa Larson got to come to a game!
You made a 3-pointer (smaller court) last game, and Mom even got it on video!
Brought your Bulls jersey to preschool for "share day".
You love to do the team yells and throw your hand in the air.

I think my favorite part of these pictures is Gunner picking his nose. :)

Royals Blue Through and Through [for now]

2009-02-06T00:08:00.002-06:00

We are hometown fans. Since we live just outside Kansas City, we are now ROYALS FANS! Of course, we still have our other favs. But heck, we need a few more hats in our house! We're well above 100... that's my educated guess. (and I may as well mention the box of old favs Andrew still keeps at his mom's house)

One thing we already know we love about the Royals... 4 FREE TICKETS for military members (that would be Captain Larson) Mondays-Thursdays, and discounts other days. Have a feeling we'll be making it to the ballpark our share of times this coming year!

While I was at the Old Navy Sale, the boys hit up the Royals FanFest. Lets just say, they were in HEAVEN! (and so was I) They went with Clifton and Zander Bell, and fellow dentist Mark Bain.

Gunner, Cooper & Zander

They had tons of games, gave out bags, and were giving autographs. Another favorite was the discount souvenir shop where they got wooden bats, wiffle balls, and Royals matchbox cars.

The last picture (below) has a great story behind it. There was a machine that shot soft balls from the opposite end of the convention center. When they walked in, they were watching lots of older boys taking their chances trying to catch these LONG fly balls... without any success. Cooper, of course, wanted to try. Andrew consented, with his doubts. Doubts high enough to actually say, "Cooper, if you catch one of these I'll give you $20". Well, you can all probably guess what happened. Cooper gets in there... they shoot off the FIRST ball... and yes.... HE CAUGHT IT!

No, he didn't get $20, but he did get $5, and surprisingly didn't push the issue.

I'm going to miss THIS?

2009-02-05T16:02:00.003-06:00

Am I the only one who's living room looks like this about once a week?! My current philosophy is to save the laundry for one day, when I wash all day, then fold that night (usually with help from my hubby) to a good show. That way it is ALL DONE at one time. If I do a load here and there, I never feel like it is DONE. I am trying to decide if my new philosophy will be to fold the laundry straight out of the dryer, into baskets for each person... the way my momma did it (for 11 people, I might add)???

By the way, the cushions are off the couch from the apple juice spill earlier that day.

Does anyone else feel like the amount of laundry and cleaning goes up exponentially with each kid. Get married -- it triples, first kid -- six times the work, second kid -- 12 times the work, etc. :) Obviously, I'm exaggerating... a TAD.

Good thing the same "helpers" who create all this laundry, also "help" make cleaning so much "easier". :)

Maybe someday they'll actually pull their weight, and make things truly "easier"....

But, it is so "worth it" today!

I AM going to "miss this". He did say that, right?!

For Beckett--8 is GREAT!

2009-01-30T22:24:00.004-06:00

Beckett is 8 months... and due for an update. So far, (I hope I don't jinx myself) we have nothing bad to report about this little guy. He is just a light, and we love him to pieces! I think a perfect adjective for him is IRRESISTIBLE!

Our little Santa Baby made Christmas so much fun. He was the perfect age for "Baby's 1st Christmas", and loved all his new toys... and the wrapping paper.

What a fun month it was, with the holidays, and Beckett learning lots of fun tricks....

waving
babbling more and more
smiling when he sees the camera
clapping
lots of tongue tricks
getting yourself ALL OVER... we often have to find you... under the desk, in the corner, kitchen, etc.
loving attention from your brothers... and they love you too... as long as you don't get too close to their things. :)

2000 + NINE

2009-01-16T15:34:00.002-06:00

Our NEW YEARS EVE was spent at the church with the youth. I swear when I was 12-18 I cared more about the activities planned for me, and less about the socializing in the hall. Maybe not? :) At 10 we headed home. At 11 we watched the ball drop in NYC and made some loud noises. I have to admit it is not one of my favorite holidays with young, tired, crabby kids {maybe that will change as they get older?}. Cooper was DEVASTATED that our "toast" was a drink and not bread. Gunner enjoyed the high-sugar-carbonated-beverage, and despite being exhausted, his "toasts" were sweet enough to buy him a few more minutes of cuddle time.

NEW YEARS DAY we went downtown Kansas City to UNION STATION with the Bells. We had fun at the amazing SCIENCE CENTER. The boys loved the science golf, tree house, dinosaur bone digging, instruments, games, animals, slides, bubble machines and more! We also got to go in the PLANETARIUM and watch a "Peter and the Wolf" laser light show. They had a huge, really neat, MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY in the grand lobby of Union Station. The boys especially loved seeing the Polar Express train, and the lego replica of the Kansas City skyline. Great entertainment while we waited to eat at the famous Harvey's Diner {tasty, but had tasteless service}.

I am finally getting caught up on my blog, and ready {or not so ready} to face the NEW YEAR. It has been so invigorating... and intimidating... and inspiring.... to read about each of your goals and resolutions for the coming year.

I face this year:

DETERMINED to continue losing my baby weight from #3, since I will undoubtedly (or should I say hopefully?), be pregnant again before the end of the year. I can't deny myself the feeling that Heavenly Father blessed me with such and amazing baby {Beckett}, because he wants me to have another one. [btw, I'm amazed that so many of you avoided mentioning weight-loss goals... I swear it is not all in vanity... but also for healthy reasons. :)]
GRATEFUL for the many friends we have met here in Missouri. I hope to get to know each of them better this year, and can accomplish this the best through lots of SERVICE. Or, as my husband would call it, "getting over myself". It really makes you feel contentment when you spend more time looking outside yourself.
INSPIRED by my little brother, ELDER spike GATTEN. I hope I can share my beliefs more freely, and help those young men, in white shirts, with name-tags, a little more.
HUMBLED by the pain and suffering of my close friends and family. May I increase my strength (through growing my spirit), so that I am better able to lift some of their burdens. {hope many of you are ready to caravan to the temple}

{ H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y G U N N E R }

2009-01-06T22:20:00.000-06:00

On December 29 (yes, 4 short days after Christmas, and NOT my pick of a delivery month), our "budda-bud" turned "FREE" {3}. I, like I'm sure a lot of you moms out there, wonder where the time has gone... How could our sweet little baby have changed so quickly?

Summing up Gunner at {3}:

Willingly take the back-seat while playing with Cooper. You elect to be player 2, Robin to Batman, Shadow to Sonic, Luigie to Mario... maybe you've realized it's not worth the fight?
Still do an amazing job playing on your own. You love pretending for hours, organizing, and setting things up.
You cry just long enough to get the spot on your teacher's lap in Sunbeams.
Everything is about being your "best-friend". You openly announce who is your best friend at any given moment, and use it as a threat too. "You're not my best friend anymore Mom!"
You still like to pretend to be a puppy dog.
You don't like to be "hot" or "fweezing".
We still get to hear your daily fit... which you thankfully take in your room... and which ends as if we turned a switch.
You won't slow down long enough to eat a meal, but want bites of anything anyone else is eating.
You are in the fun "watch me" stage, and do all you can to be "super cool".
You LOVE your brother Cooper... through blood, sweat and tears.
You pick your nose until it bleeds... especially in bed... and have had enough bloody noses that every time you have snot, you run to us yelling, "blood is coming out of my nose!"
Still don't like to be sticky.
You potty-trained in October.
Won't pee or play without the light on, but want to sleep in the pitch black with the door closed.

NICKNAMES: Bud, Budda-bud, Gunner Funner Face, Buzz

FAVORITE TOYS: "guys" (mini super-heros), Indiana Jones whip & sword, tech deck dudes, cars, kids meal toys, light sabers, blocks, legos, imaginext batcave, electronic guitar

FAVORITE FOODS: cocoa puffs, chocolate milk, chicken nuggets, french fries, macaroni and cheese, chicken noodle soup, eggs, salad w/ ranch, string cheese

FAVORITE VIDEO GAMES: Wii Sports, Guitar Hero, Mario Party 8, Mario Kart, Leapster Sonic, DS golf

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Scooby Doo, Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, Little Einsteins

FAVORITE MOVIES: Ice Age, Cars, Letter Factory, Tom & Jerry, Spidermans, Kung Fu Panda

LOVES: any book we will read to him, playing football in the basement with Dad and Cooper, riding your scooter, riding in the wagon, playing the Wii (especially Wii Sports and Guitar Hero), golfing, bowling, wrestling with Dad and Cooper, saying prayers, taking a few toys to bed each night, coloring, playdough, "writing", treasure hunts, pretending.

On your actual birthday, Dad had the day off. We tried to go to the indoor playground, but it was closed, so we went to Wendy's. We had cupcakes (which you sprinkled), and opened most of your family presents. You LOVED the batman add-ons to your bat cave. Cooper got you your LONG-AWAITED Tech Deck Dude Vanformer. Beckett got you an Indiana Jones Potato Head that you'd been asking for, for your birthday, all year long! Thanks to all those who sent presents and called Gunner. He really felt special that day!

That weekend, we had a "friends and families" party cosmic bowling (bowling with black, strobe and disco lights) at the alley on-base. It was SO MUCH FUN! Here was the invitation:
The cake that mom made. About half way through, I wondered why I get myself into this... but he LOVED it! Seeing it revealed the surprise that we were going bowling for his party.

The party was a hit. It was crazy at times with 4 lanes, and 24 bowlers, but Gunner had so much fun (which is what really matters!). He got a real bowling pin, and everyone who was there signed it. He carried it around and treasured it all night. He is also pictured here fulfilling the Gatten tradition of taking a bite out of the un-cut cake. I love how Cooper is right in on everything. It was hard for him to have everything be about Gunner!

Here are all the friends who came. We had SO much fun, and they were all so nice to bring Gunner presents. He got money, walkie talkies, Whac-A-Mole, Spiderman bath toys, and Indiana Jones sword, books, and a nerf gun. We gave him a jump-track for his Tech Deck Dudes, and some more Dudes. For those who don't know, they are little skateboarders who magnet to their boards. Not pictured below are the Woodruffs too.

For party favors we did glow bracelets, which turned into light sabers for the boys. They LOVED them. And, neon bouncy balls.

Gunner, we LOVE you so much. You definitely add some adventure to our family, and we don't know what we would do without you!

Happy Birthday Mom & Nana!

2009-01-05T10:50:00.000-06:00

Paying tribute to the most amazing Mom and Nana on her birthday. We love you so much... and feel your love for us. We love visiting your house in Dalton, but especially love when you come and visit us, and we get one-on-one time with you! Some of our recent favorites:

Love that you will "let loose" with your kids! Had so much fun with you in Vegas for "Girls Week"!

Loved having you in St. Louis for the birth of our 3rd baby boy, Beckett. You have always been so loving and helpful during your baby visits each time, but I loved have you there to comfort me, and share in this experience with me. I HATE this picture of me, but love it of you, and how it shows your love and concern for me!

Cooper LOVES his Nana! He loves that you will play baseball with him. He loves Nana Sandwiches! :)

Gunner loved the time we had to play before Beckett came. He loved the zoo, and bowling at America's Incredible Pizza Co. You are so sweet to make sure each of your grandchildren feel special and loved.

How neat that Beckett will always know you were there to welcome him in to this world! Love that he was named after your Dad, Leo, and hope he can learn all the amazing qualities you learned from him as well!

Happy Birthday! Wish we were there to help celebrate with you, and can't wait to see you again!

CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-27T16:15:00.000-06:00

What a MAGICAL Christmas we had! I hope it was as enjoyable for all of you. Thank you for all of your Christmas cards. I LOVE this time of year!

We missed all of our extended family... terribly... but, I have to admit it was so nice to have relaxed Christmas as our own little family! Here is a little recap...

Christmas Eve we had a fun evening with our friends, the Bells. They had both sets of grandparents in town, and my boys quickly adopted them. :) We had a yummy ham dinner and played a white elephant game that the boys had a lot of fun with. We opened our PJ's. I wanted to have the boys all match, but Cooper insisted on getting footed jammies (he's been sad since he's outgrown all of his)... and, of course (despite a hint of naughtiness), his wish was granted.

This is our adopted Grandma, Conni Burke, Jaime Bell's mom. She has been living with the Bells since we moved here, to help with Emberlyn (their special needs daughter), and Jaime's pregnancy. She is SO sweet to the boys, and they LOVE the attention. It will be so hard when she moves back home to Arizona this summer! Here are some pics of her playing with Beckett and Emberlyn.

Our friends the Bells: Clifton, Jaime, Zander & Emberlyn. Jaime is due April 1 with another baby girl!

After a fun evening at the Bells, we headed home to put out cookies for Santa, deliver our last "secret elves" gift, and have a little Christmas devotional. We had to get to bed so Santa could get to work! I have to say that being parents on Christmas is the BEST! We were so excited, ourselves, to see what Santa brought for our boys! Here are all the boys' stockings and Santa gifts.

Christmas morning, Andrew was the first to wake up... and then wake me up... waiting for the boys. Just after 7, we heard Cooper snooping around. He came into our room and said, "Guys, come check this out!"

Here is Beckett with his new "airport". The older boys were sure to show him how to use it! Other presents for Beck included a wooden truck, Peter Pan, a shape sorter, balls/hammer ramp, rock n' roll ball, and drum. He must have been the "nicest", cause he was the most spoiled! :) It was so fun to have a "baby's first Christmas" at a fun age like this! From his brothers, he got a new baseball tee (we now have 3 different infant versions). His FAVORITE was his play MIRROR. He is fascinated with himself!

Cooper and Gunner were SO EXCITED that Santa brought them their BATCAVE! (with a letter reminding them to share!). :) They played with it for HOURS! And Beckett has even taking a liking to it! He is getting quick at crawling, and they have to move away with their toys so they don't get spit on them. Each got a board-game, puzzle, craft, preschool workbook, books, and nerf guns too. We let the boys shop for each other, and mom and dad, and it was so fun to see them get excited about giving their presents (Gunner gave Cooper power ranger transformers, and Cooper gave Gunner some super hero "guys"). They know each other the best!

I got a super fun outdoor, above-ground fire pit that we've already tried out! My boys were all very thoughtful, and it was super fun for them to all go shopping together for me. They are very good at keeping secrets!

Mom and Dad stayed in our jammies ALL DAY, and the boys loved their new sweatsuits. We had sticky buns for breakfast, and white lightening chicken chili for dinner. It was a relaxing, perfect day... making our way from one new toy to another.

Here is Andrew and Coop rockin' out to Guitar Hero World Tour (Andrew's present). We also got Outdoor Challenge for the Wii from Uncle AJ. Our parents were, as always, WAY too generous, and we LOVED our handmade advent calendar and plate kit from the Waites. My Grandpa Lee and Grandma Helen even mailed us our candy bars, gum and money, which made me miss home a tiny bit less.

Another great Christmas gift was that it was the first day of a FREE WEEK OFF WORK for Andrew!!!! He didn't have to take any "leave" days, and was off from Dec. 24-Jan. 2! We had so much fun hanging out with Dad!

Christmases Past

2008-12-26T15:18:00.002-06:00

I have a friend, Cyndee, who decorates her mantel each year with Santa pictures throughout the years... just in those L-shaped plastic stand-up frames (her reason was how the nestled together for easy storage!). She did this because her mom did this too (and even made you "sit" on Santa's lap no matter your age, so she could see the family dynamics change). She said her mom's eventually filled the mantel and extended across the window sills in the living room. I'd really like to do this! Then, this year, I saw my friend Kendra post pictures from past Christmases. I love the idea of capturing your family each year and making the comparisons. I decided to do this post on Christmases past (more because then my blog book will have a few shots from the "pre-blogging" Christmases. So here they are:

2003 (no need to start pre-kids, right? Actually, just too lazy to scan them in.) Cooper was 5 weeks old. We traveled from Cleveland, where Andrew was in his first year of dental school, to visit our families in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. We attended the Gatten Family Reunion in Hope, ID, and also had Cooper's baby blessing. He was the best present either of us had ever received!

2004 Cooper was 13 months old. This picture was actually taken at the TV station, where Dad was signing his papers to join the Air Force. He received a scholarship to pay for his last 2 years of dental school. We once again traveled to visit our families this Christmas. I love the 4-generation picture with Nana and Great-Grandpa Lee. Also pictured, your Grandpa and Grandma Larson. Christmas morning at the Larsons. Your favorite present, your slinky.

2005 Cooper was 2, and I was bursting at the belly with Gunner, who was born 12/29/05. We stayed in Cleveland, missing out on the Gatten Family Reunion, but loved having Christmas at our own home, and starting some of our own traditions. We bought our tree at a garage sale. Loved going to Lake Farmpark and building a toy in Santa's workshop. Had Christmas Eve dinner at the Bentley's, and had them over on Christmas Day. Cooper's favorite presents were his train set, and his life-sized Elmo.

2006 Visited Lake Farmpark again with our dental school friends in Cleveland. We sure love these guys (Bentleys, Lees, Munds). Cooper was 3, Gunner almost 1. We did make it to visit our families in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, enjoying Christmas Eve at the Gattens, and Christmas Day at the Larsons.

2007 We were living in St. Louis, where dad was in his AEGD residency at Scott Air Force Base. We sat on Santa's lap at the USO Christmas Party, and the Breakfast with Santa at the farm. Cooper was 4, Gunner almost 2. Visited family in Spokane/Coeur d'Alene. Attended the Gatten Family Reunion in Hope, ID, where Cooper skied for the first time. Had Christmas Eve/Morning in the condo. Favorite presents: light sabers!

2008 Living at Whiteman Air Force Base near Kansas City. Stayed here for Christmas. Missed our families, but loved having our own traditions and staying in our pajamas all day! Sat on Santa's lap LOTS of places. Favorite present: Batcave from Santa. Beckett's first Christmas at 7 months old. He LOVED the wrapping paper! Cooper 5, Gunner almost 3.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-25T15:47:00.006-06:00

Cassie

had baby #3 •

3K, 5K, training together for •

a half marathon in march

dark hair & twilight •

dental wives conference •

gatten girls week •

& rachel in las vegas

primary secretary… now •

course 14 sunday school

photography & blogging •

kept boys busy in bathroom •

during tornado warnings

goodbye president hinckley •

Andrew

base volleyball & softball •

advanced education in •

general dentistry residency

scott air force base (st. louis)

now general dentist •

whiteman afb (kansas city)

hinman meeting atlanta •

(during tornado)

lonestar for 8th anniversary •

neil diamond for birthday •

watched gas prices fall •

byu football & sports center •

wrestling boys & running •

treasure hunts, batting •

practice, football, wii &

obstacle courses with boys

Cooper
5 years old •
birthday @ great wolf •
lodge indoor waterpark
loves preschool •
wii (lego games favorite) •
beat guitar hero on “easy” •
monopoly junior & blink •
nintendo ds and leapster •
skiing for first time with •
cousins, made it all day
shirts with “something •
cool” on front
everything is “interesting” •
rollercoaster lover •
outgoing & talkative •
batting cages •
no more training wheels! •
learning to read •
superheros & “real” movies •
wrestling dad and brothers •
takes care of Beckett •
eggs, broccoli, sonic •
green & “now brown too” •
loved st. louis arch •
november “cute kid of the •
month” in base magazine
basketball on teams •
fishing •
makes friends easily •
learned to swim! •
ran an entire 2-mile run •

Gunner

3 years old (this month) •
wii sports •
potty trained! •
made it through terrible twos •
at least we hope they ended
coloring & playdough •
library storytime •
light sabers, guns, swords •
misses cooper •
bowling & golf •
all other balls, balls, balls •
indiana jones hat all summer! •
indiana jones for halloween •
chocolate milk & cereal •
plays it safe •
says prayers & loves nursery •
doesn’t like being “sticky” •
but also a nose picker
board games •
“guys” •
(superheros, star wars
& tech deck dudes)
plays air guitar •
misses cousins •
(along with the rest of us!)
scooter & wagon •

Beckett
7 months old •
born may 13, 2008 •
6 days late! •
8 pounds 20 inches •
loves big brothers •
best baby ever! •
great sleeper •
almost crawling… •
high fives •
indian sound & strums lips •
loves to eat solids •
smiles for the camera •
friendly & flirty •
binky baby & thumb •
a.k.a. Bubzy/Beckers •

our family
visits from bentleys, all •
grandparents, hirschis, griggs,
dan & riley, & tanner
st. louis earthquake •
to boise for brock reunion •
& kloe memorial
larson reunion in mccall •
gatten cousins camp, •
elephant ear booth,
swimming & silverwood, cd’a
LOTS of mlb games •

[ C H R I S T M A S T I M E ]

2008-12-23T23:12:00.002-06:00

We have thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas season, and hope each of you have as well.

Our preparations began Sunday after Thanksgiving as we put up our tree. When we were married, Andrew's mom gave us a bucket of his ornaments she had collected for him each year of his life. It is so neat to have them, and it has been fun to add to them each year with different ornaments that mean something to us: one for the family, and one for each boy. The boys love pulling them out and remembering where we got them, or where we were living at the time, or what they mean. My plan is to give them to them when they get married, but I am not sure I will be able to part with some of them! This year the family got one from Nauvoo and Carthage, Gunner got Indiana Jones, Cooper got this cute stocking, and Beckett's will be "baby's first christmas".

COUNTING DOWN

Long before our kids were old enough to care, I made an advent book with my sister-in-laws. Each day has a scripture, religious Christmas song/hymn, and a story. This year, we have been doing this at our family scripture/prayer time each night, and the boys look forward to it!
At this time, they also get their chocolate out of their chocolate advent calendar. These have been a tradition since Cooper was 1.
At preschool Cooper made an advent tree. He puts a "P" each day when he says a prayer for someone else, and an "X" each day when he does an extra service for someone. He just loves these kinds of things, and it is cute to see him coming up with ways to serve.
Andrew's amazing sister, Artie, who has hand-made each of the boys' stockings, and our tree skirt, sent us this amazing hand-made advent calendar for Christmas this year. They boys are thrilled to have another way to countdown!

DOWNTOWN READ-AROUND

Cooper's preschool did a really cute field trip earlier this month. We started off at the train depot downtown, where they read "Polar Express" and got a bell to wear throughout the rest of the trip. They separated into groups and got clipboards with pictures of different Christmas items they had to find in a scavenger hunt around town. They were SO into this... it was cute. We then walked to an insurance company (looking for signs of Christmas along the way in store windows and such). At the insurance company they read another story and got cookies, juice and a candy cane off their tree. Then they sang them a few songs as we left. We walked to the courthouse, where they made little candy canes out of pipe cleaners and beads and read a book about a candy cane upside down being a "J" for Jesus. They then caroled for the workers there, and we headed to our final stop, Java Junction, where they got hot chocolate and caroled to the patrons. It was a lot of fun.

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

One nice perk about the Air Force, and living on-base, is all the fun, free, things to do. This was one of them. They had tree-lighting ceremony, and then cookies, cocoa, a live band, bingo for prizes, crafts, and, of course, Santa. But, not just the normal santa trip, they got REAL toys! Cooper came straight from basketball practice.... which he is loving.

MEDICAL GROUP BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

The med-group had a nice "santa cafe" breakfast, where the kids got to order. They got chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, juice, and cocoa. Beckett liked the marshmallows. Then they got to sit on Santa and get presents. Cooper opened his wooden puzzle and said, "No! This is not cool mom! Go up there and tell him I want something else!" Needless to say, we had a talk about being thankful for presents, and gracious... but, really, how do you teach that to a 5-year-old?

WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY

This was a little stressful, as I got the random assignment to be in charge of a living nativity as people walked it. It turned out surprisingly well, and we had a few families take shifts (Andrew was just thrilled we didn't have to take a shift ourselves). There was music playing, and we got a lot of compliments. It proved to be a challenge also, because we are not allowed to have hay inside a church for fire reasons...

Anyway, they had different people decorate the tables in different themes... we, of course, had to sit at the "BYU" themed table. :) There were LONG lines, too many people, a nice program, and santa. Is there really a good way to make a party for that many people enjoyable for a family with 3 kids under 5? The kids had fun... I mean for the parents?

CANDY CANE HUNT

The boys had a blast searching for candy canes at the Warrensburg Community Center. What a fun idea. They also did crafts, made reindeer food, and had hot chocolate and cookies.

COOPER'S PRESCHOOL PARTY

I continued to be amazed at Cooper's preschool. They put on quite the little party! Each kid went and sat on Santa's lap to tell him what they wanted for Christmas... so cute to hear what each kid said. They also got "prayer pillows" from their teachers, and little stockings.
Earlier this week, Cooper brought home this from "journal time". They take a few kids at a time to the table and have them draw in their journal. Then they write what they say as they are drawing. I just love it, cause you really get to understand what is going through your little one's head. Most of the time they are free drawing; this specific day they had asked them to draw the nativity. Here is what Cooper came up with...

SECRET ELVES... THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Since we are staying here for Christmas (not traveling to be with family), we decided to do a few more things to make it a "Christ-centered Christmas" for our kids. We bought a present for the angel-tree at church, made cookies and went caroling with our friends, the Bells. But, we also have been doing the 12-days of Christmas for our neighbors. This was a tradition in my (the Gatten) family while I was growing up, and I have such fond memories of coming up with poems, dressing up to be warm and unrecognizable, leaving presents, knocking and running away... we always did it for needy families, and my parents were always so generous with the things they gave. We wanted to do something similar... so we decided we would do it for our neighbors. They are not "poor", but her husband has been gone for months at trainings and such, and they just moved here this summer, and we knew their little girls would get excited about it. Each night, Cooper dresses up in his pull-over snow mask and tiptoes across our driveway to their side door... knocks... runs into our backyard and down our back steps into our basement. Gunner and I look out our dark kitchen window and watch them open the door with excitement and get the surprises. It has been SO fun, and our boys are talking about it all the time. It has been so fun to see them get so excited about GIVING each night. Some of the things we've given... fruit, donuts, ornaments, candy, chocolate dipped pretzel sticks, sprite (may your days be merry and "sprite"), christmas stories, a CD of christmas songs for kids, etc. We attach a little poem each night, which I have if anyone would like a copy.

Mr. Competitive

2008-12-23T15:53:00.000-06:00

The Youth Center hosted a free WINTER OLYMPICS the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas, to give the kids something to do during the break. Cooper was ALL OVER IT! He, as many of you know, doesn't take competition lightly. I wish I knew how to teach him to not "rub it in". He is actually doing better, but there is something in his blood... especially when it comes to sports! They had a basketball toss, turtle race (these really cool little machines), over-sized tricycle race, obstacle course, free-throw competition, and shuttle run. They all got medals, and they gave you a print out of your times. Cooper did great for 5, and even beat some of the older kids in a lot of events. Gunner got a medal too, and they let him do the events he could (it was for 5 and older, and he was still 2).

Beckett 7-month Milestones

2008-12-13T22:47:00.003-06:00

We just can't get enough of THIS:

This boy brings us so much joy. We get so many comments from others about what a good baby he is, and wondering if he is like this all the time. The answer is: yEs. He is a lovable dream.

Started the month celebrating your brother Cooper's 5th birthday at Great Wolf Lodge. You loved the wrapping paper, and did great in the water... as you do with anything.
Celebrated Thanksgiving at the Cochran's. We are so THANKFUL for you.
You are content just sitting or scooting around the living room from toy to toy.

Visited Santa a few times. Got "aaawwhhs" out of all the people in line as they watched you grin on his lap. The second time you gave us a super cute look like, "who is this guy?!"

Started snacking on cheerios, biter biscuits, veggie puffs, crackers... and take bites of anything we will let you try.

You get up on your hands and feet... we call it your "tepee".
You still get up on all fours, but if you want to get somewhere, you army crawl... dragging your body behind you. Your brothers cheer you on in this new endeavor, and "can't believe he can do that!"

Busy with Christmas activities: tree lighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, church Christmas party, caroling, candy cane hunt, downtown read-around field trip with Cooper's class
You started doing the indian sound, and strumming your lips. We just love hearing your cute noises.
You are so great to just "chill" in your carseat wherever we go. I feel bad you are in there so much... but, since you are always so great... there you sit... and smile.

Especially at this special time of year, I can't help be reflect upon the birth of Jesus. I can't help but think of Him as I rock you in my arms. I know he was still getting visits from wise men at your age. I can only imagine how happy Mary was to chew on His cheeks, and how elated Joseph was to get home from work and be able to get Him giggling. These same things which bring us so much joy, they experienced as well with Him. Babies are just so special. I know our Heavenly Father had a plan for Mary's baby, and I know he has a plan for you. I know you are special to Him, and that I have a big responsibility to raise you, and teach you, and make sure you can accomplish all that He has planned for you.

Just keep RUNNING, just keep running, running, running...

2008-12-13T00:30:00.000-06:00

Andrew had signed him and me up for a "fun run" to raise money for a family who's child has leukemia. It was a 2-mile run. We have a double trailer/stroller that we figured we could put the two younger boys in, but weren't sure what to do with Cooper. He recently took off his training wheels, and is doing great! But, we weren't sure he'd keep up for the whole 2 miles. I suggested we see if he could run it. Andrew agreed, saying that if he couldn't finish, we'd just walk with him.

Well, he RAN THE WHOLE THING WITHOUT STOPPING! We were amazed... and so were all the walkers he passed! He complained once, at the beginning, about his throat hurting, but I just grabbed his hand and told him to slow down and just keep going slow.

At the end, he kept speeding up to make sure he beat Dad! These pictures were taken at the finish line.

The next morning, when he woke up, he said, "Dad, my legs are a little sore." I bet they were!

We were so proud of our little runner!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-12-01T22:38:00.006-06:00

Picture taken at this year's "Turkey Bowl"

I love that I can change the date on posts, so it looks like I wasn't so late posting this...

Our amazing hunny and daddy turned 31 December 1st. The boys had fun helping me plan a secret, "treasure hunt". They are obsessed with these lately (andrew will make maps throughout the house for them to find their treasure).

His gift... a car GPS. His TREASURE HUNT below:

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Here’s our version of a treasure hunt
For our one and only dad

Hopefully by the end of it,
It’ll be the best you’ve ever had

First lets go to the place below
And get some yummy food.

Put in the address and lets see
If we can find something really good!

455 NE Coronado Dr.
Blue Springs, MO 64014

(Texas Roadhouse for dinner)

Hope you enjoyed your dinner
Tonight is all about you.

Now lets head to the next address
And have some yummy dessert too!

20140 E. Jackson Dr.
Independence, MO 64057

(Cold Stone Creamery for free birthday creation)

For the next fun adventure
You’ll have to wait a little while

But when December 15th comes
You’ll have a really big smile

As your and your wife
will have an amazing date

To the address below
To see something GREAT!

1100 Walnut St. #2900
Kansas City, MO 64106

(The Sprint Center where we went on a date to NEIL DIAMOND. Yes, Andrew is a huge Neil fan... me, not so much. But, he did put on a great show! I was pleasently surprised... and even more happy that my hubby talked about it for days!)

Firestation

2008-11-28T00:25:00.000-06:00

We had a fun trip to the firestation with Cooper's class. Gunner is so cute to just tag along with the other kids too. They sang cute songs, had "911" graham crackers, toured the firehouse, and trucks, and had a lot of fun.

Gratitude Attitude

2008-11-27T12:35:00.002-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

An excerpt from my letter this week to my brother, Spike, who is serving a mission in Brazil

"Sitting here so thankful for you.... thankful that my boys have an amazing uncle to look up to. Thankful for your choice to serve a mission so that we all can be blessed and receive the fruits of your labors. Thankful for the gospel in my life... and that you are trying to share the "good news" with everyone around you. Thankful for the opportunity I had to grow up at 1632 E. Canfield Ave., with 8 siblings and great parents. Thankful for every opportunity I had to tell each of those 10 people how much I love them, and even more thankful for each time they told me the same. Thankful for our free country... and all my friends who are single moms while their husbands are overseas defending that freedom. Thankful for the beautiful earth we have to live on, and for a dad who made sure we knew all about it. Thankful that that same dad worked to make sure we always had everything we needed (and more), and a mom who made sure that happened.

I just love this holiday. I am sure your list of "thanks" has grown immensely over the last 12 months... and here you are already HALF WAY THROUGH! On the home stretch! Make it worth every minute. May we all not only be thankful for all of our blessings this Thanksgiving, but show gratitude for them by BEing the people that Heavenly Father wants us to be.

Love you tons Spike! You and me both will spend Thanksgiving and Christmas away from the fam... but, our hearts are knit together.... forever."

Family Home Evening with the Bells. Talked about the things we are thankful for, and how to show gratitude for those things... with Tom the Thankful Turkey. Then made these cute turkeys (thanks for the idea Kendra). The boys actually stayed focused and on-track for this activity... definitely not the norm... a great treat!

"Tasting Party" at preschool. Got to try different parts of a Thanksgiving meal. We were assigned a food "unique to our family". We brought rainbow jello, and it was a HUGE hit. Andrew has had it ever year for "as long as I can remember". Got to hear them sing a few cute songs, read a few books, and ride the Mayflower. Very fun. Once again, Gunner was so excited to join Cooper at his preschool.

To add to my letter to my brother... I am also so thankful for a loving husband. So grateful he works so hard for us. So grateful he is such an amazing daddy. So grateful for the Spirit in our home. Grateful for 3 wild, crazy, cute, cuddly, inspiring, exhausting, adorable, special, energetic, irresistible boys. They are my life, and I love my life. So grateful for each of YOU, and how you have touched me. It is because of those interactions with each of you that I am who I am.

Enjoy your day!

BECKETT [Half a Year Old]

2008-11-21T23:17:00.001-06:00

Beckett Leo Larson

6 months old

16 lbs. 10 oz. (40th percentile)

26 5/8 inches (75th percentile)

Over the last month...

Started sitting up.
Eating more solids (at least once a day). Love pears and rice cereal best.
Started using a sippy cup at meal time... and even manage to get some apple juice out of it. Once you tasted it, you were hooked, but still haven't mastered it.

Peek-a-boo gets you giggling like crazy.
Roll all over the living room. Prefer to be on your tummy with a toy. You do the excited "beached whale", where you get something you want, then lay on your tummy and kick super fast out of excitement. Recently started getting up on all fours and diving to toys. You definitely find a way to get what you want, and it is only a matter of time and you'll be crawling.

Started chewing on your feet.
You rarely cry, but when you do, you do a cute coughing sound.
Still love your thumb.
You sleep between 10-12 hours at night. In the morning, you love to lay in bed with mom and just talk and sing and play.
You started loving books this month. You will talk and giggle and get so excited when we read to you.
Your new trick is slapping our hands when we say, "Gimmie five!
You settle down when I whisper in your ear.
You shared your half birthday with Cooper's 5th birthday.
Love swimming, and did a great job in the water at the indoor waterpark.
You were a skunk for Halloween... although you are the furthest thing from a stinker! This past month was full of Halloween festivities, pumpkin patches and parties.
Got your first haircut. Not sure I would call it that... maybe just a "back buzz"? We just got rid of your little mullet in back.

You are always so content to just hang out in your car-seat. I feel bad I don't take you out more, but you are always just happy in there.
Went to the UCM homecoming parade. Loved the beads, and had your first sucker.

Cooper and Gunner love to make you laugh. Cooper loves to have you hit him, and then he pretends to be really hurt. They love to squeeze your arms, pinch your cheeks, squish your belly, and shake your feet... pretty much anything that I think you'll hate... BUT, you are always smiling! They also make a big deal out of you doing "pukers" on the living room floor. That and poopy diapers seem to make them silly.
Loving going to the park. Love watching the other kids play, and going on the swings. Made your first trip down the slide.

Had your first trip to the Fire Station with Cooper's preschool class.
Ate your first waffle fry and the TREX cafe.

You make friends with everyone you meet, because you are so smiley and social.

The other day Cooper kept yelling, "Mom! You gotta come see this!" I went into the living room, and Cooper said, "Look! It's a SUPERBABY!" I totally agree! We all do. Beckett, you are just the most super baby ever, and we love having you around!

Figuring things out in this world

2008-11-20T20:47:00.004-06:00

In the St. Louis Magic House Children's Museum, they have random facts around the wall. One fact was,

"The average 4-year-old asks 436 questions a day."

I have a feeling, in Cooper's case, it is not going to slow down now that he is five. He has been so curious about everything! The other day we had to explain the universe, planets, night v. day... so... here was a conversation today.

Cooper: "Does everyone on earth have bums?"

Dad: "Yes."

Cooper: "But the earth doesn't have a bum, because it's just round."

Too funny. Also, everything is "interesting". Like the other day when I had only got around to putting one shoe on Beckett. He said, "Mom, look at this. I found something so interesting. Beckett has a shoe on this foot, but not on the other one. That is just so interesting."

Our Coop at FiVe-YeArs-oLd!

2008-11-16T22:06:00.006-06:00

FAVORITES AT FIVE

Foods: broccoli, mozzerella sticks, pizza, chicken, string cheese, pears, bananas, eggs, cereal, Gummy Lifesavers, apple juice, spaghetti, tacos, fruit snacks, Ritz snack mix, cookie dough, ice cream
TV Shows: Phineas and Ferb, Sponge Bob, Scooby-Doo, America’s Funniest Home Videos
Movies: Spidermans, Indiana Jones, Kung Fu Panda,
Toys: Legos, light saber, bike/scooter, balls, board games, Tech Deck Dudes, swords, nerf guns, Cranium Carnival Clubhouse
Video Games: Wii (Lego Batman, Lego Star Wars, Lego Indiana Jones, Sonic, Guitar Hero – beat it on “easy”, Wii Sports, Mario Party 8), Leapster (Sonic Math, Letter Factory), Nintendo DS (Playground, Madden Football, True Swing), PlayStation 2 (Ty the Tazmanian Tiger, NCAA Football)
Songs: Scripture Power, Called to Serve, I’ll Follow Him in Faith, I’m Just a Kid (Simple Plan), Alvin and the Chipmunks Soundtrack, I Won’t Back Down (Johnny Cash)
Friends: Gunner, Dad, Mom, cousins, Scott AFB (Emma Whittle, Logan Wilson), Whitman AFB (Zander Bell, Bryce Cochran, Drew Bolardo, Kambree Peterson, Brian Young)
Teachers: Mrs. Lesa Carroll, Mrs. Lowry @ Sacred Heart Preschool; Sister Little in CTR 5
Things to do: Preschool, go to the park, baseball, basketball, soccer, obstacle courses, video games, bike rides, swimming, “fight” with Dad and Gunner, board games, cooking with Mom, treasure hunts, coloring, reading, pretending
Books: Book of Mormon (won’t let us forget!), Alexander and the…. Very Bad Day, really anything we will sit down and read to him

Color: green... and now brown too!
Dislikes: Stir Fry, going to bed, having to be quiet, holding still, spiders

Cooper, you are such a friendly outgoing kid! You LOVE learning and preschool. Your teacher calls you "a leader", and you are often the "planner" for what goes on amongst your friends. You are VERY social, often getting in trouble for talking too much at school and church. You just "always have something to say", as your preschool teacher puts it. You are a story-teller. Love to tell stories to everyone you meets, and draw stories. Every important event is counted down in the number of "sleeps" left. Also love to cuddle, wrestle, fight, and anything that involves touch. You are a very affectionate kid, and like to make sure no one gets their feelings hurt. You love to help with your younger siblings... especially playing peek-a-boo with Beckett, letting Beckett hit you, potty-trained Gunner, and play constantly with Gunner. You still nap about 5 days a week, falling a sleep to a movie with Gunner in Dad and Mom's bed. You also LOVE your Dad, and ask all day how long until he gets home from work. You asks Dad every night if he has to go to work tomorrow. You especially love to play baseball games, wrestle, go on bike rides to the park, treasure hunts, build/fix things, and play video games with Dad. With Mom, you love to help clean, cook, read books, play on the computer, cuddle, and go places. Every night you ask me, "What are we doing tomorrow? Where are we going?". Once again, you love to plan, and you love to go places.... especially where there with be "friends" to play with. You also LOVE the gospel. You love to sing in church, read the scriptures, go to class, memorize scriptures, say prayers, and have Family Home Evening. You are very proud of your knowledge and testimony. You have a great sense of humor, and love telling jokes and scaring people.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS YEAR

Learned to swim. Can now jump off the diving board and swim the whole length of the pool.
Started preschool (besides joy schools with mom).
Went snow-skiing for the first time and loved it!
Took off your training wheels! Just this week! You said you would do it when you turned five, and we held you to it. :)
Moved from St. Louis (Scott AFB) to Kansas City (Whiteman AFB).
Played basketball (first organized sport).
Got a new baby brother... Beckett on 5/13
Have now been to 13 Major League Baseball parks and over 60 games!
Went to the batting cages for the first time.
Started sounding out words.
Started drawing people and more objects.

We love you so much, Coop! We can't imagine our life without you. You are the best. Thanks for all your help around the house and with your younger brothers. You really are growing up!