Our Holiday Recap

I'm starting to get back into the swing of things after the holidays, so here is a recap with some pictures to share.

Let's start with all the snow we got before Christmas this year!!! WOW, it was AWESOME! We had a great time sledding down "Hickman Hill", and brought the 4-wheeler to pull everyone back up. We are spoiled brats. But what fun!!! Here's me pulling Monkey C & a friend.Ah, the annual Christmas Eve new pajama tradition. I know many of you do it too. This year, we ALL got jammies, not just the kids. Yes, I do love Snoopy, and the kids thought it was funny that there was a package under the tree "To: Mommy...From: Mommy". But, I was about due for a new pair too!Christmas Eve and all through vacation we love to play games. My mom and dad came over and we played a few.
Here we skip to AFTER Christmas morning gift opening. I didn't post Christmas morning because there were just too many and they were pretty random. But I thought this cute photo was worth sharing. Here is MC reading "Pinkalicious" to MD. CUTE book, even if your little girl is not a pink freak. (mine all tend to be tomboys for some reason...)My sister Kris and her husband Brandon and their 4 kids came a few days later from Cody, WY!! This was the holiday highlight! We had so much fun with them.

My mom likes to host a White Elephant party every year, so she waited this year until Kris & family were here and we had a FABULOUS dinner of chicken enchiladas, & tamales. Oh, it was so yummy, believe me, you WISH you had been invited. Really, you do. Here's us enjoying the food, and here's me sporting my white elephant gifts. Yay, used wrapping paper - I'll take it!We played a lot of basketball hoops. I was the champion for a whole day, and then the rest of the time, everyone kicked my caboose. That's okay, it was fun, even if Trevor DOES use a little too much elbow, and Brandon used his right hand when he said he would use his left. :) Here's me and Brandon with a little friendly competition, followed by Monkey A & Chelsea.
New Year's Eve! We had so much fun at my brother Mike's house. More good food, lots of games, and at midnight we watched the ball drop. This picture is of us all shouting out the countdown. Welcome 2009!!! (Have you ever noticed my love for exclamation points?!!)
We got in as much gaming as we could before Jensens left. We had a blast on the Wii playing bowling, tennis, & boxing. Okay, here are a few boxing pictures. It's hilarious how everyone has a different style. MB looks like he is running, not punching. Kristi has a definite rhythm with jabs and blocks. I am more of a Kung-Fu artist. Hmmmm. We were sweating and laughing and punching so hard, Kris & I had to go change into short sleeves and get drinks to cool us down. Here is MA & Braeden. Then Kris & Brandon, followed by the Kung-Fu artist and her sister.Here's Trev & Kris and pinball. He REALLY likes this game.
Mom & Dad came over before Jensens had to go. We took a few shots, and here is one of us girls. I sure love spending time with my sister & my mom. Two of my most favorite people in the world.
Thanks for tagging along.
I hope you all had super wonderful holidays too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...!!!

2009

Happy New Year everyone!!

Good luck with all those resolutions!

The Day After Christmas

The day after Christmas.

He was born, and brought home in a small red Christmas stocking. I don't have any pictures of this, because his baby pictures are still in his mother's home. I am told he was a cranky baby who cried a lot and had skinny "bird legs". Maybe he had an impatient streak even then. The legs have filled out nicely.

The day after Christmas.
A hard day for a birthday. Everyone gets presents, not just you. Everyone is sick of sweets, so the birthday cake doesn't seem so grand. But he never seems to mind. It is still a special day.

We met in the summer. We were 17. It's okay, you can laugh at my big, permed 80's hair. Isn't HE cute, though? Check out that ready smile and those twinkly eyes. Oh, and don't forget the ARMS! Yes, I am a sucker for strong arms, and I tell you what, I am still in love with those arms. They turn me to jello.

It was the day after Christmas, we were still dating, and he asked me to the movies. As we went through the ticket line, I noticed his ex-girlfriend was the one to give us our tickets. This made my stomach turn a little, but it was nothing compared to how I felt when she looked up at him with obvious adoration, completely ignoring my hand in his and said, "Happy Birthday Trevor!"
Uhhhh. Birthday? I didn't know. Or...I forgot. All I remember is feeling foolish and guilty, it should have been ME to wish him a happy birthday! Ugh. Double Ugh.

Fast forward a few years, the day after Christmas. We were driving around running errands. After my incessant whining, he turns to me and says, "Let's just drive to the hospital and see if we can get a room". I'm game. And what do you know, they gave us a room! Five hours later, he turns to me and says, "This is the best birthday present I have EVER received". He is holding our new daughter in his arms, and I can tell he is more than thrilled to share his special day with someone else. His own little girl. Now we have two "day after Christmas" birthdays to celebrate in our family.This year we decided to get a jump on the birthday festivities. It is not yet the day after Christmas, but we got the chance to gather with friends for dinner. We had such a wonderful time. Thank you Benoits, Despains, Halversons, Hickmans, Heidens, Lees, & Madsens for helping us celebrate! He enjoyed himself so much, we both did. It couldn't have been a better gift.




The day after Christmas we will celebrate again with family, and I can't wait.

He is certainly and most definitely something to celebrate!

Merry Christmas AND Happy Birthday Trevor! You are loved!

busy little hands

My little girls excitedly asked Trev & I if they could get a little tree for their room this year. They had such big plans on how to decorate it themselves.

We took them to the store where they picked out a small but lovely white tree with white lights. Perfect for a little girls room.

We brought the small tree home, where they carefully helped me assemble it, moving the laundry basket to make room for "their" tree. Oh were they delighted.
And then they disappeared.

Where did they go? They were busy for hours.
They spent the time cutting, pasting and giggling. They made round paper ornaments, Spongebob ornaments, "I love you" ornaments to name a few. And Skylar made quite a few origami candycanes, stockings, stars and even a cute little Santa-in-a-Chimney ornament (she loves origami). Oh, and I can't forget the yellow construction paper star for the top.Result? Here's the cutest tree I have ever seen. Ever.

The Michaels Man

What do you get when you cross a sombrero, a harmonica and The Salvation Army?

I found out a couple of days ago as I was entering our local Michael's craft store.

I made it a goal this year to put some money into every Salvation Army persons bucket this year, even if it was just small change. You see them at EVERY store now. So far I have been given a mumbled thank you, and maybe a small smile. No problem, doesn't discourage me in any way.

BUT...what a breath of fresh air the Michael's man was! As I approached Michael's from the parking lot, I started to hear music. Not really a tune I could put my finger on, but a pleasant sound, nonetheless. After putting my keys in my purse, I looked up to see a short, hispanic man wearing a huge colorful sombrero. He was smiling the biggest smile I have ever seen as I approached the Salvation Army bucket. He was wearing the red apron, but was not ringing the traditional bell. I put my money in, and he looked me right in the eye (I am a short white person) and said in broken English, "God bless you! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!" He then lifted a harmonica to his lips, and started to play a random tune as he walked back and forth in front of the store.

I was caught off guard! I was smiling from ear to ear! How wonderful! Everyone around me was smiling as well, and he offered a "God Bless You", or "Merry Christmas" to everyone who came within a few feet of him.

I don't know about you, but I rarely hear those words from people outside my circle of friends and family. Perhaps they think they will offend me in some way. I was not offended. I was made cheerful.

And that is what you get when you cross a sombrero, a harmonica, and The Salvation Army.

Spontaneous Joy

Sometimes I sit down and decide to post on my blog. I have no idea what I am going to say. Other times, I have thought of something I want to share and know exactly which pictures I'm going to use.

Today I just sat down and hit the post button without a single idea in mind. Let's see what I come up with.

Okay, first of all, last week our computer crashed and all our photo files were gone. I am talking photos from the past3 years. Luckily Trev was able to retrieve most of them, but some are missing and some are messed up. I noticed while looking through what had been recovered that many of last month's Halloween party picts are gone. Thank goodness I posted a blog entry with photos of each family. Thank goodness for my blog!

Last night we decided to stop in to visit my parents. They live only about 10 miles away, but funny how often we DON'T stop by. Well, I'm so glad we did because it was just what this soul needed. What is it about HOME? What is it about the open arms of people who love you. We sat around and talked, the kids with huge grins on their faces eating up the attention of doting grandparents. We played games and sipped homemade hot cocoa. Thanks mom and dad for the warmth and welcoming. I feel lifted and loved.

I'm definitely ready to get the rest of our Christmas decorations up, and the tree decorated this weekend. I love the spirit of Christmas time. I love the feelings of peace, hope and love at this time of year. After many years, I finally bought a nativity scene, and I am SO excited about it! I really felt the need to get a "real" one this year. With all the turmoil in the world right now, that scene of Jesus and his birth and the importance of it all grounds me and makes me feel happy. I plan to make it the center of many conversations with our kids this season.

Good place to end my post. I hope this Christmas season brings much joy to the world and to you! Until next time...

My Swinging Monkeys

If you keep up with my blog, you should know that I love to play tennis. I really, very much love to play. (Iknow, you're probably sick of hearing about it...)

But did I ever mention that my monkeys play too?

They do. And they love it.

No, it's not me just loving that they love it, they really do love it! And of course, I do love that they do. Follow me?

I followed them around during their lessons yesterday with my camera.

Trev had his team practice right after the kids had their lessons. I thought of taking some pictures of him too, but didn't think he would have liked me following him around while he hit with all the guys.

Anyway, I admit I do have hopes that they will keep up with this sport. They can play it forever if they want to!

I'm really not prejudiced, I KNOW they all have great potential!!

Keep swinging my sweet monkeys!!!!

"If I can do it, anyone can" - me

The phone rings.
"Hello?", I ask.
"Hello, May I speak to Mrs. L please?"
"This is Mrs. L."
"Hi, this is so and so from the Herald. I am doing a piece for the paper on kayaking, and was wondering if I might be able to interview you."
Pause.
"Um, me?" I stutter.
"Yes, I got your name from.....blah blah blah, and would really like to make an appointment to meet you, and ask you some questions."
"Ha ha ha ha." I laugh out loud. I wonder...is this one of my husband's pranks. He likes those, so I almost ask.
But instead I say, "Oh, I think you want to talk to my husband, he is the kayaker. I have only been a couple of times."
"Oh no", she says. "I would love to interview you. It's good to get a beginners perspective. Do you mind if I come to your home and bring my photographer also?"
I manage to mumble "um, okay", and proceed to exchange info and set up the date.

Luckily Trev got a good lunch break, so he made it for the interview. It was MUCH better with him there, because he had all the "real" info. I got written in for my positive attitude and beginner's experiences. Ha. Monkey A was even quoted in the article since she had just kayaked in Montana and absolutely loved it.
I must say though after all the hype, I felt a little like a hypocrite. I didn't get a chance to go again after that, and probably won't until next year. And because I don't want to be a hypocrite, I'll need to taste the dangers of a little white water and see if I like it. I will also need to go more often with my husband, and make sure MA gets her time on the water as well. Yes, as the article quotes us, this can be a family thing! Here's to next summer!
I did feel a bit silly posing in a kayak in my garage. It's a lot more fun on the water.

5th Annual Monster Mash!

Here we go! Pictures from our annual family Halloween party. Thanks everyone for the frighteningly fun night! We enjoyed Italian sodas (the Ginger Spice, Vanilla Bean & Peach were most popular). We had fun playing Halloween pictionary going from a timer of 1 minute down to 5 seconds. The kids played a candycorn toss and we all enjoyed looking at the costumes and eating awesome finger foods. The chocolate covered bacon was a first for me, but was surprisingly tasty.
Here you go, enjoy the pictures!!!


Your are invited...


Sarah Palin & John McCain made it to our party!!! (Mom & Dad Anglesey)

Eileen & Steve...Wow, what a hot devil!

Jeff, Kelli & Alex
Master Chief, the beautiful wench & giraffe

Shelli, Monkey D, B, C, A, & Trev.
Velma, the witch, the skater dude, the evil empress, the biker chick & the scotsman. MMMM, I love the kilt, but I really think it should have been a bit shorter to show off those hot legs.)

Darren...or is that Fred Flinstone?

Kiersten, Ezra, Ty & Josh
The farmer girl, pumpkin, Wolverine & the hippie

Mike, Mikey, Jenn, Avery & Alexis
The pirate AAARGH, Piglet, hippie chick, Daisy Duck & the pretty princess

Amy as Lady Guinevere...the pregnant Lady Guinevere

Marsha, Deanne, Maggie, Chloe & Patrick
The cavewoman, witch, Ariel, cute octopus & Dude

Mom & Dad Larson going fishing with the toilet paper

MB's loving Jeff's costume.

And the winners of the Best Overall Costume Contest are...3rd place - Fred Flinstone. It was a tie for 1st & 2nd place - Master Chief & Palin/McCain. GREAT costumes!!!

Okay, and for those of you who left earlier, you might have missed the hit of the party. His name is Ezra, and he came as a cute little pumpkin. But as the party began to wind down, and wigs started coming off, this little guy was a GREAT sport. First someone put the "James Brown" wig on him. With Darren in the background imitating James Brown & Ezra smiling for all to see, we all laughed till we cried.

His smile continued as we continued with the wigs. He didn't even try to pull them off and we got some great pictures. Oh did we laugh. Thanks for being such a great sport Ezie!!!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!