Jeff and Kelli Larson

Ashlin's 1st Birthday

2011-09-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ashlin!
Today was Ashlin's 1st birthday.

We had a small family birthday dinner.
Just Jeff, Alex, Ashlin and I.

It was a yummy, moist carrot cake.
Alex helped me frost and decorate it.

"I'm the Birthday Girl"

She really dug into it!

Strengthening Home and Family

2011-08-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

"Strengthening Home and Family"
was the message in our Sacrament Meeting
this last Sunday. It has been an ongoing topic, but
this time it really hit home. Jeff and I had an emotional
discussion about our lack of spirit in the home.
So we will be challenging each other with daily
prayer and scripture study. I know that
when I start my day on a spiritual
plateau, I feel better and am more
patient with my children.

bqQB

So last night Jeff and I
had our first FHE in a long time!
It wasn't much, as our kids are so young
and don't want to sit still. But we all sat together
and Jeff read out loud from The Book of Mormon Stories.
Then we sat and said a family prayer together.
After wards I was touched by the spirit,
confirming that we had done well,
and that this is a great start to
teaching our children
the gospel.

Water, Corn on the Cob, and more Water.

2011-08-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Friday night we were visited by Jeff's sister Amy and her two kids, Ethan and Emersyn. Alex just loves it when his cousins come over to play! After an easy dinner of Papa Murphy's Pizza, the kids were running amok, so we sent them outside. To make things more fun, I set up our small tent, and a water mister. The water mister won over!

Yummy dirt Mom!

After a while, the boys were running around and wrestling, while the girls took over the water mister!

Alex did not want to share the tent!

After Emersyn noticed I had a camera, she came running up "Take my picture!" This was her lovely "Miss Diva" pose!

After they were done playing outside in the water and were cleaned up, they wanted to watch a movie on Alex's bed.

PMp

Today after church, I made a yummy dinner of mashed potatoes, pork chops, and corn on the cob. The corn on the cob was of course a big hit! Alex absolutely loved it. So much, that it was the only thing he would eat.

He loved twirling the cob on the stick of butter!

Ashlin wasn't crazy about the mashed potatoes, so she stuck with the pork chops and some oatmeal.

She gets oatmeal on her hands, which she then rubbed into her hair.

I guess that means bath time! It started out with just Ashlin, but Alex wanted one too. This didn't last long because the bathtub barely fits both of them. (We don't have an actual bathtub, it's only a shower. This tub my mom found for us out and Ranch 'n' Home.)

"Splash!"

Daddy got them to smile for me!

Ashlin got out first, but was so squirmy, so I only got her diaper on. She then proceeded to climb on and off Alex's bed multiple times. I don't know if it was because she was sleep deprived or what, but at church and just then she was all over the place and wiggly. (She usually has a 2 hr morning nap, and 2hr afternoon nap. Today she only napped for 1 hour before church.) Ashlin's craziness got Jeff and I laughing to the point Jeff wanted to hear me laugh some more. So he pins me down and starts tickling me! Alex is still in the bath, and hears me screaming and laughing. So he comes running in naked and wet and attacks Jeff! Once Alex was dry and clothed, Jeff became a jungle gym for the kids until it was bed time.
Another night of getting kids ready for bed conquered!

Summer Fun

2011-08-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here's what's been happening since I last posted:

Brotherly Love

Happy girl in her Easter dress.

Black Eye

Playing "Peek-a-boo"

Constantly commented on her RED hair.

Playing outside in the grass.

Loving to swing at the park.

More swinging.

"Higher Daddy!"

"My turn Daddy"

Remembering my inner child.

Our lives have been pretty routine. Jeff's works 4am-11am, Sunday through Thursday. While a lot of his spare time goes to his calling as Scout Master. I'm home with the kiddos mostly and fill my spare time with the duties of my church calling as the Primary Secretary.
My colitis has been flaring up again, and I don't know what it's gonna take for me to stop feeling tired and weak a lot of the time. Alex is now almost 3 1/2, and still refuses to potty train. Ashlin will have her 1st birthday September 6th! In the last couple of weeks, she has finally been getting in her first front bottom teeth, standing on her own and taking her first steps.
After almost a year of academic probation, Jeff will hopefully be able to finish his BA in the spring. He only needs 9 more credits, which would be 3 classes. He also took the public safety test this summer, which went really well. Unfortunately they wont be doing interviews till next spring after then get enough applicants. If all goes as planned/wished, Jeff will get a job with the Richland Police Dept. Then we could use all that extra income to save up sooner for our own place!

Dresses and Sunshine!

2011-03-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Recently I had to go clothes shopping for Ashlin as she is growing! I found this adorable dress at Kohl's. I love the pink and orange with her red hair! I also got pastel checkered one for her Easter dress. Pictures to come of that one!

Then yesterday we all enjoyed some sunshine in the backyard. Jeff and Alex played with Alex's new T-Ball set he got for his birthday from Gma and Gpa Larson. I did some pruning on our hydrangeas and played with Ashlin and took a bunch of pictures. Here's just a couple of the good ones.

Things will be different the next few weeks. Jeff will be starting a couple of classes next week. Also my sister and her kids will be in town next week for spring break, so I'll probably be at my Mom and Dad's a lot :) We won't be going to church for the next 2 Sundays because of General Conference then our Stake Conference. So I won't have to have my weekly primary meetings for a while. And Jeff won't have Mutual with his Scouts for the first 3 weeks of April. 1st because of spring break, then because of Savior of the World practices and performances (Richland Stake is putting on a play about the Savior's life and resurrection). So with all this going on I sure hope we have some more warm and sunny weather to get out in!

Long Time No Write

2011-02-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Where to begin? I'm so terrible about updating this. The holidays have come and gone, during most of which I was sick. It started after Thanksgiving. At first I just thought it was hemorrhoids because of having Ashlin. Wouldn't have been the first time. But then things got worse, running to the bathroom several times a day and upset stomach all the time. I finally got in to a gastroenteroligist beginning of January (as he was out of town for the holidays). After a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy, we found out I have ulcerative colitis. Because of the medication the doctor wanted me to start, I weaned Ashlin to formula and a bottle. Thankfully the meds work great! Once I started felling better, I couldn't believe how sick I was! For over a month I was eeking by, just doing the bare minimum. I was finally able to do my housework and take care of my family.
Ashlin is now 6 months, and we just celebrated Alex's 3rd birthday! I'll post some pictures of the party later after I get them from Kiersten, since I forgot to bring our camera. Other than that, I'm keeping busy with my church calling as the Primary secretary. I get to work with a great bunch of women and kids. I took it upon myself to start a blog for our ward's primary. I thought it might be a good way to announce upcoming events and talk assignments. We used to put what was happening for the month in the ward newsletter. But since that calling got switched to someone else, it hasn't been consistent. I wish I knew how to, or what to use to put a calendar on there. There's one on the ward website through lds.org, but you have to have an account to get on, and I just don't know how many people would go look and that one. If anyone has any ideas please fill me in!
Can't think of what else to write, so I'll just post some pictures from the last few months!
11/17/2010 Autumn Decor.

11/23/2010 Alex having fun in the snow!

12/17/2010 Christmas tree and decor.

1/14/2011 Loving brother and sister! Ashlin's 4 months.

3/9/2011 Alex loves to help me with dishes. Mostly so he can splash in the water!
3/9/2011 Happy girl Ashlin! 6 months.

I told Alex to gives sister kisses, and he blows a raspberry instead.

Halloween

2010-11-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was fun. The weekend before, our ward's primary threw a carnival at the church for the kids. I helped at one of the booths while Jeff took lots of pictures and Alex ran around playing games and getting candy. Alex was dressed as Tigger, and Ashlin was a bee.

The day before Halloween, Jeff's brother Trevor threw their famous Halloween party. Jeff dressed up as Steve Irwin: Crocodile Hunter, complete with rubber snakes and sting ray. He even took it a step further and bandaged his head and hand to look like he was attacked! I had had a crazy day that day, and didn't take the time to dress up ( I know I'm so lame!), and Alex took a late nap and didn't want to wear his costume.

Blessing Day

2010-11-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

October 10th Jeff gave Ashlin her baby blessing. It was such a special day. Both our dad's and a bunch of Ashlin's uncles were in the circle, along with the bishop and 2nd counselor in our ward. Jeff and I both bore our testimonies, and I joked about how Jeff complained about Ashlin's long slick dress, and that he should take it up with my mom since it was the dress I was blessed in. Al lot of people commented on the dress after that. It'll be a great keepsake to give to Ashlin when she's older, and could even give to her future daughter!Me with my Dad and Ashlin

That evening we spent with Jeff's family. That day was also my nephew Calvin's 3rd birthday, so the next night we combined a party for him and Ashlin with my family. We had a big dessert buffet! I had made chocolate cake and brought ice cream. Jen brought a pie, and my mom made an apple crisp and had all sorts of toppings for the ice cream, plus bananas to make banana splits!

My cute family

2010-10-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Just a few more pictures that I didn't post yesterday.

Daddy holding Alex, holding Ashlin.
Alex laying next to "baby sister."

Before church, Alex wanted a bow like Ashlin's.
Camera angle makes her look really long!
Holding my little girl.

Our Family is Growing!

2010-10-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ashlin Sariah Larson

Born Monday, September 6th (Labor Day)
at 12:20 pm
Weighed 6lbs 3oz
19 inches long

Now that its been almost a month, I guess I'll update my blog with Ashlin's birth story!
Monday morning, Sept. 6th, about 2am: Jeff's alarm goes off for him to get up and get ready for work (he has to be at the Airport at 3:30am). I decided to get up to use the bathroom since baby was pushing on my bladder. After going, I crawl back into bed and feel a little gush. I knew something was going on, but wasn't sure if my water broke. With Alex it started with contractions and the doctor had to break my water. So since I wasn't cramping at all, I wasn't sure. I told Jeff what was going on and was on my second pad by the time he left for work. I reassured him I was fine and would call him at work if anything changed.

After going through another pad I called the hospital to ask a nurse her opinion. Since I hadn't been checked yet for GBS (group b strep), which was supposed to happen the next day, the said to come in and would check if it was amniotic fluid. I called Jeff, but he couldn't leave work. Then I called my Mom, bless her, and she came to stay with Alex since he was asleep. I got to the hospital a little before 5am. After confirming my water had broke, they got me into a room and started the I.V. and penicillin for the GBS. I called Jeff, told him what was going on and that he didn't need to rush or worry.

Since it was Labor Day, my doctor (Dr. Schroff) was on vacation. So Dr. Salisberry was on call for him. He came in and we talked about what I wanted to do for pain. I said I wanted an epidural, and because of that he suggested I take petocin to speed up the process. It was a little after 6am at this point, and I was 2 cm dilated. A couple hours later at 3 and a half cm, I asked about starting the epidural since the petocin was make the contractions come every 2 to 4 minutes. Once the epidural was done, Jeff and my dad gave me a blessing for a safe delivery. Once the epidural took full effect, the nurse checked and said I was already dilated 8 cm! At that point Jeff said he and Dad were going to the cafeteria to get lunch since I might not have much more time. By the time Jeff came back I was fully dilated!

Once the doctor came in I pushed for 15-20 minutes or so before he decided I needed an episiotomy. After that she came the next time I had to push. Once she was out and I saw her I cried a bit, overcome with emotion.

Ashlin and I came home Wednesday, but didn't bring Alex home till Thursday because while I was at the hospital he got croup. This picture below is the first time Alex got to hold her. Such a proud big brother.
Thank you to all the family and friends that have helped us out or given us cute gifts. We love you all and are loving our small but growing family. I'll be sure to post again after we give Ashlin her baby blessing. I'm hoping to get better family pictures then.

It's late, I'm tired, so good night!

Summer Fun

2010-08-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted. This summer has been fun so far. Jeff took the summer off from school and at first took on more hours of work. But he was started to get burned out, so he's down to just one part time job instead of two. He offered to quit Kids at Heart when they did a budget cut and were planning on laying off some employees. He was planning on quitting in the fall when school started up again anyways. But since he was one of the few guys and few Spanish speaking employees, they're keeping him on call in case someone else can't work. So now, if he has any visits at all, he only does a visit once a week.

Alex has been slowly growing taller, and loving all the summer water activities. Yesterday we went to the Playground of Dreams for his cousin Ethan's birthday party. It was the first time we'd taken Alex there, and he fell in love with the water fountains!

My pregnancy has been going okay. This one has been totally different. With Alex I was never sick, plus most of it was during the winter months. This time, I was sick the whole first trimester. And the summer heat has kept me indoors a lot. I've been a little anemic, which hasn't helped when Alex wears me out enough. I had an ultrasound at 20 something weeks, and we found out then that we're expecting a girl! At that time the tech wasn't able to get a good image of her kidneys or face. So about 2 weeks ago we went in again. She still wouldn't show her face. So Jeff and I have been joking saying she's either really shy or really stubborn! Hopefully if my doctor sends me back again they'll be able to see her face from the angle they want.

At first I wasn't going to have a baby shower, since I've already received a ton of clothes from family and friends in my ward. But my sisters and visiting teachers have all been asking about doing one, so I decided we're going to have one after she's born. I thought it would be fun that way so everyone can enjoy the new baby! I'll let everybody know when it is once it's decided.

Alex with a sparkler on July 4thAlex moved when I took the picture. I thought the effect was kinda cool!

Day at the Park

2010-05-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this late, but wanted to share some pictures. In late March on a Sunday afternoon, Jeff and I took Alex over to Leslie Groves to feed the birds. It was hilarious. As soon as we were out of the car all these geese came running toward us, somehow knowing we had some bread for them. So here are some pictures of our fun afternoon!

Picture Update!

2010-05-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted. So lots of pictures to come!

Jeff and Alex fishing.

Alex playing at a park.

"Peek-a-boo!"

This was taken this morning. Alex playing with his cousin Emersyn at G.ma and G.pa Larson.

Alex and Mommy

Silly boy.

Jeff showing off what used to be the cyst in his forehead. Got three stitches to show for it!

Glowing!

2010-02-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

Today was my first trip to my OBGYN. Did an ultrasound, and I am definitely pregnant. Today I am 6 weeks and 4 days along, the due date is Sept. 27th. I have to share a couple of funny things about the visit.
First, after talking to the nurse she left the room so I could undress from the waist down. As I took off my shoes and went to put them under my chair, I noticed that I had put on two different tenni-shoes! Jeff wouldn't stop laughing and just had to share this with the nurse and doctor when they came back in. I thought to myself "How could I have done that? I'm not so far along that I can't see my feet?" Which I do remember dealing with that last month or so when I was pregnant with Alex!
Second, while the doctor was doing the ultra-sound, he had the baby (more like kidney bean shape with a small heart beat) in view, and was trying to measure it to get an estimate for how far along I was. As he was doing this, I heard him mumble to himself "Twins? No, that's not right." For a moment there I thought, "Don't tell me Jeff is right about that!" He's been saying for the past two weeks that it would be cool to have twins. And since my Dad is a twin, and somewhere there are twins in Jeff's family, it is possible. But I'm happy to say that there is only one baby in this belly!
It'll be a while yet before we know the sex. When I was pregnant with Alex I didn't find out till a couple months before he was born that he was a boy. I wanted it to be a surprise. But since Jeff knew, it started to nag at me and I had to know! So from that time we have a girl name that we both like: Ashlin Sariah. So any suggestions for boy name would be great! Girl names too if you wish.
At this point if it is a boy I have no idea what to do for a name. We just chose Alex (Alexander) because we like it. I think we both like the more traditional names, and not so many of these names nowadays that seem kinda made up. (No offense) And we chose Paul as Alex's middle name because that's Jeff's middle name. As for Ashlin Sariah, I had in recent years come to like the name Ashlin, because it was just a little different from the traditional Ashley. Jeff was the one who came up with Sariah and a middle name. It just seemed to fit so well, and liked that it was a name from the Book of Morman.
Everything else is going good. Jeff is busy with two jobs, school, and a calling as Scout Master. His Klondike (winter camp-out) is coming up so that will be a fun weekend for him. I'm just staying busy being a house wife and mom. Just last week I started giving piano lessons to a girl in my ward. Inside I'm doubting my abilities to teach, but I'm gonna stick with it. And next month we'll be celebrating Alex's 2nd birthday!
Well, I'm just rambling now, love you all and take care. We'll keep you all posted!
~Kelli

The First Snow

2009-12-23T12:44:00.001-08:00

After the first snow, we got Alex all bundled up to go play outside. He wore snow boots and ski overalls that made it difficult for him to walk. He mostly shuffled. I felt like I was watching Ralphie from A Christmas Story! Here are some pictures of the fun we had!

Ready for Fall

2009-11-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well, we really didn't do anything for Halloween. Alex is still a little to young to understand, and he really doesn't need the candy! But this last week Jeff and I tackled two big projects. First, we moved all the furniture out of the living room and shampooed the carpet. It had been two years since we last did it, and boy was it ready. Second, we got a window insulation kit to install on all the windows. Last winter our heating bills were ridiculously high. Most of our windows are old and aren't insulated well, so hopefully this will help.

Jeff is burning the candle at both ends with all he does. Some days Alex and I don't see him much. He is working two part time jobs and going to school. Luckily school this semester is much easier this time. One is Spanish 101, and Jeff is fluent in Spanish from his Spanish speaking mission, and the other class only meets once a week. As far as working, he is still working at the airport. But this new part time job takes up a lot of his time. The plus side is he is getting school credit for it. He works for Kids at Heart 5-6 days a week. What he does is transport foster children from the foster home, to go visit their real parents. Most visits he has to observe and write every thing down that's going on. The reason this job takes up so much time: the visits are usually a 2-3 hour visit, but since he transports the child(ren) he's gone for an extra hour or two. Then when he is home is has a lot of paper work. He has to write down all the mileage info (he get's paid so much cents per mile!) and sometimes has to re-write the reports.

Aside from the jobs he gets money from and the school he's putting money into, Jeff is the Scout Master in our ward. Some Sunday's he has various meetings, and Wednesday nights are spent at the Church for mutual. Also one weekend a month he takes the boys camping.

My days are mostly filled with playing with and taking care of Alex. He is really good natured and plays well by himself, so he doesn't need my constant attention. That way I can get other things done. I've been filling a lot of my extra time with my crafts. I got a Cricut Expressions machine earlier, and I recently bought the Sure Cuts A Lot program, which allows the Cricut to cut any font or dingbat that is on my computer! I have been using it so much recently, and making a bunch of cards for my card swap that I go to once a month. I'll be posting my projects later on my other blog, Kelli's Krafts. But my favorite has got to be the vinyl decals I made for mine and Jeff's car. Take a look!

Yay Nursery!

2009-09-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

As of last Friday Alex is 18 months, finally old enough for nursery at church. I just had to share the picture I took of him before church. "My little man!"

Strawberries and Snakes

2009-06-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Can't think of anything in particular to write.
So I'll just share with you the pictures that I wanted to post.

I shared my strawberries and cool whip with Alex.
He enjoyed it very much!A few weeks ago Jeff and I visited our friend Jason.
Jason's dad has a 16 ft Burmese Python.
Meet Jazz!"Hi Jazz!"Don't worry those of you with Ophidiophobia (had to look that one up), know that Alex was completely safe, as Jazz was inside her cage the whole time behind wood and thick plexiglass.

Crazy Times

2009-05-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Things have been crazy, crazy, crazy! At the beginning of May Jeff finished the semester and will be taking a break for the summer. Money has been super tight because Jeff got a new insulin pump and we're still paying it off. Thank goodness for parents! Both our mom's have helped us get groceries a few times. And Jeff's mom helped us work out a budget. I just wish I'd have done that sooner. Jeff'll be getting more hours at the airport, and I'm thinking of teaching piano for extra income.

Grandma Larson with Alex and his cousins, Ezra and Ty.

Alex has had several visits since his birthday. Our pediatrician is concerned that Alex is underweight. As of his 1st birthday (March 18th) he weighed 17lbs 9 oz. We've visited a few times since, once because of a throat infection. Today we had another check up. And Alex is a whopping 18lbs 9oz. After some tests the doctor figures that he's just a little guy. He's been eating better lately, but Alex is just so active so he works it all off. He loves to be outside!
Alex is also getting way to smart. For example, tonight Jeff and I were busy doing something else. Alex had just had a bath and was wearing only a diaper. He goes over to the table and spills some of Jeff's pop, on him, on the table, on the carpet. Once Jeff saw this, from the tone of his voice I think Alex realized daddy was upset. Alex went and picked up his shirt he had been wearing earlier, and offered it to Jeff to help clean up the mess. I thought, wow, Alex, you are way too smart.

Toilet Paper and Hair Cuts

2009-05-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

Last week, I left the bathroom door open. Which with a little one usually means trouble. There are child locks on the drawers and cabinet. And Jeff and I have gotten into the habit of putting the toilet seat all the way down. But I forgot about the toilet paper. After being distracted for a few minutes, I realized that it was really quiet. And this is what I found. I was getting tired of Alex's bed head, so I decided to give him a buzz cut. I've been wanting to do something different with my hair too. On a whim I cut my own bangs. I haven't had bangs like this in a long time. Jeff thinks I look like I'm 16 years old! But I like it. Some of my friends think I resemble Uma Thurman. I dunno about that. But I'll take it as a compliment. It kinda makes me want to dye my hair more blondish. Hmm, I'll have to think about it.

Cookie Dough or Dirt? Hmm?

2009-03-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I finally made Jeff the cookies he'd been begging for. After I got it all mixed Alex was getting tired of not being able to see what was going on. So I placed him on the counter between the bowl and the pan will I scooped the cookie dough onto the pan. He grabbed a spoon and decided to help himself.

"I caught you!"

Then on Friday, I decided to get some Vitamin D while the sun was still out. I got out my rake and was cleaning up the leaves around my plants, and Alex wanted to help, again! He sat right down in the dirt where I had already raked, and dug right in. After he tried eating the dirt though, he stood back up and went to find something else to do.

"Mmm, dirt."

Happy Birthday Alex!

2009-03-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we had a birthday party for Alex at my parents house. A couple weeks before my mom and dad got him a "Bounce 'n' Spin Zebra" for an early birthday present. My mom asked me to bring it 'cuz my dad hadn't actually seen it. That toy ended up being a big hit with all the little kids! They all took turns riding on it.
Thanks again to all who got to come. We had so much fun!

My brother Jeff's boy Calvin

My brother Rick's girl Danielle

My sis-in-law Kiersten's boy Ezra

My bro Rick holding Calvin and Danielle

Ward Chilli Feed

2009-03-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

This last Friday our ward had a family activity: a Chilli Feed. They judged the chilli (I got the "Texas Hot Shot" award!) and had a western theme. They asked for everyone to dress in western attire. Jeff and I went all out! Western shirts, wrangler jeans, cowboy hats and boots. Alex had a cute button up shirt and overalls (thanks to my sis-in-law Jenn!) She gave a some cute boots too but he would not put them on. Every time I put shoes on him he curls his toes, and that didn't work well with the boots.

Also, last week Alex started walking! He's just about got it down now, but is still pretty slow. I'm still getting used to seeing him walk into a room instead of crawl.
This week is Jeff's spring break. A few weeks ago he requested time off at work and got it. He is so excited that he can stay up late if he needs to and be able to sleep in! (He works from 4am-8am mon-fri.) He will have a nice break, but I'm still gonna put him to work. We're going to try and re-do our bedroom closet. Right now it's just one shelf and one long rod (which Jeff's clothes take up more room than mine). Shoes galore all over the floor and hanging on the closet door (again mostly Jeff's), and lots of ammo boxes (nope, not my ammo. I only have one box, and it's elsewhere). So, wish me luck getting Jeff to de-junk things!

Skeletons and Swings

2009-02-27T00:33:00.002-08:00

A couple of weeks ago when Jeff and I finally dusted in our bedroom, he noticed how the board in the windowsill was getting very sun damaged. After removing the board planning to sand it down and re-stain it, he found a nice surprise. Underneath the board in the insulation was the remains of a mouse. We have no idea how long it's been there, but it just makes me anxious to find a bigger/newer place even more.

On a higher note, a few days later it was decent outside, so we took Alex to the park for the first time. It ended up getting more windy and cold so we finished our picnic we packed in the car. Alex enjoyed watching the geese and ducks, but didn't like the swings. This pictures says it all! Not much else to report. We're looking forward to Alex's first birthday on March 18th. I made a wish list on Toys R Us' website of some things I think he would enjoy.
Much love to all friends and family.
~Kelli~

New Camera

2009-02-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

Circuit City is going out of business, so everything is on sale. We've been wanting a new camera for a while now and finally got what we've always wanted. We got the camera and a memory card for 20% off, each. Plus an additional lens (up to 200mm) at 30% off. It's going to take a while before we figure out all of its features, but we're loving it already! Some of these pics are goofy, but the quality is so much better than our old digital camera.

Crazy Jeff
Wacky Kelli and Alex
My wonderful Dad (finally got a picture of you. Mom, you're next!)

My Children

2009-01-28T22:52:00.000-08:00

My Children

Little shoes along the hall,
Finger marks upon the wall,
Toys scattered over all
My Children
Cries of pains,
And tears of joy,
Tossing, tumbling, little boys
My children
Sounds of laughter sheer delight
Hard to get to bed at night
Dirty, grimy, such a sight-
My Children
Years have passed
And now I yearn
For the days of their return
My Children

~Maxine Taylor~

The White Elephant and the Buffalo

2008-12-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

It has been a family tradition for some years now to do a white elephant gift exchange at our Christmas party. It started before I can remember, during harder times when near broke young couples and kids couldn't get everyone gifts. So they would all just find something around the house that they didn't want anymore. More often that not, the gifts were very ugly or tacky. Over the years the gifts just get more humorous. Thanks the the wonderful world wide web, I found a website filled with gag gift ideas. Although so did my sisters, so some of the gifts were repeats. But the one I went with was the Redneck 'Brief'case, made with real briefs! I took a pair of men's briefs and sewed the legs shut. Attached elastic handles to the waist band and voila!
But the fun didn't stop there, it was filled with Redneck items.

nail=redneck toothpick
old car key=redneck ear wax remover
cut up newspaper strips the size of toilet paper=redneck toilet paper
a can of beans=natural bubble bath (cook beans and ingest at least one hour before bathing
tin can with an antenna=REDNECK CELL PHONE
magnifying glass=REDNECK MICROWAVE(uses the sun to cook)

Another thing that goes along with this tradition is The Buffalo. About ten years ago one of my older nephews brought a musk cologne in a Buffalo shaped container. The stuff reeks! For whatever reason, it's been coming back every year. And this year I finally got it! So, I'm all set for neck year.

We all had a great Christmas, especially being Alex's first. Although we never did a family picture. I'm sure we'll do one in March for Alex's first birthday. Anyways, thanks to everyone who got us gifts. Alex loves all of his new toys! Now I just gotta find a place to put them.

The Christmas Nail

2008-12-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

This is a poem my mom has had for years. She usually has it printed on pretty red paper, and then attaches a nail with a red ribbon, just like the one below. I felt a little creative, took a picture of the nail instead, and added the poem on top.

Merry Christmas everyone!
Love, The Larsons

New Blog

2008-12-14T22:11:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd start a new blog showing some of my crafts. So far I've got some homemade cards on there. Here's the link if interested, it's also on my list of links on the right hand side of this blog. Kelli's Krafts

My Mom Is Finally Home!

2008-12-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

Where to start? November was busy, and it only seems to be getting more busy. Thanksgiving was great, we spent it with Jeff's family. The best recent news is that last Wednesday my Mom finally came home after being in Nebraska for 2 1/2 months. She first went to help out my grandpa, who was really sick. After being in and out of the hospital several times, my grandpa said he didn't want any more blood (he'd been bleeding internally), and that he just wanted to go home and wait for his time to come. He passed late October (at 86 years of age), and after the funeral my Mom stayed to help my grandma out. She decided to sell her house and move into a smaller apartment. Hopefully my grandma will fly out here soon so she can see all us grandkids and great-grandkids!

Earlier this summer my mom was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. During her time in Nebraska I think she fine tuned her diet and learning when and how much insulin to give herself. She lost a lot of weight, so much in fact we barely recognized her when she got off the plane! I think she and I can swap clothes now! It's so nice to have her back. She also loves being a grandmother, and missed all her grandchildren sorely. When she left, Alex wasn't crawling yet, and two of his cousins weren't walking yet. Now she gets to watch them roam around and get into everything! She told me that she wants to take this first month back, getting to know her grandchildren again.

As always, some pictures of the family! Alex began getting his first tooth just two days ago.

The Halloween Party

2008-11-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

As promised here are some pictures from Halloween. Jeff was Master Chief from Halo. Alex was a giraffe. And I was a gypsy, although with Trevor's Scotsman costume, I became his wench! As for the finger food, it wasn't really a finger food, but I couldn't resist. I took a small watermelon and carved it to look like a brain. It seemed too plain by itself, so I made some red jello to add the 'brain matter'. If you'd like to see more pictures from the party, check out Shelli's blog through 'my links'.

7 months and crawling!

2008-10-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Alex is finally crawling! He started last week and hasn't stopped since. Nothing else new other than that. School is going well for Jeff, as well as work. Alex keeps me busy, especially now that he's crawling.

Ezra, Alex and Ty.

Ezra and Alex, Crazy Cousins!

Aside from Alex keeping me busy, I've been working on a few projects for Halloween. Jeff got a Master Chief costume (from the Halo video game), so I thought I would be Cortana (another character from the Halo game).
I ordered a unitard, and was planning on filling in the details on my own. But unfortunately I won't get it till the end of November. So much for that idea. When I found out that idea wasn't going to work, I had to figure out what else I could be for Halloween. Plus, for the Halloween party that Trev and Shelli are putting on, we were asked to bring a "scary treat"! I'm glad to say I have a costume and everything I need for my ghoulish treat. But I'll wait to share all that for after the party!

6 months and rolling!

2008-09-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, nothing much new to report. Alex is 6 months now. He can sit up well on his own and loves to roll across the room. As always I've got some new pictures. Enjoy!

Alex loves to roll around. He'll probably be crawling soon!He also loves his bouncy chair!Such a happy boy

Summer's almost over

2008-08-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost over. Jeff will be going back to school (WSU in Richland) Mon, Aug 25. I'll also begin nannying soon for Kierstin (my sister-in-law) and Josh two boys. Ty, 4 yrs old, and Ezra, 7 months old. It'll only be two days a week for about 5 hours each day. I'm looking forward to it. With Jeff going to be gone a lot with work and school, this will give me a chance to get out of the house. Plus Alex will get to play with his cousins!

Me being silly with my nephews Jaden and Dustin.

"Aren't I Cute?!"

"Whoa"

Alex in his 'bouncy chair'.

Alex asleep on Daddy.

Fun In The Sun! / 4 months

2008-07-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, Alex got his first chance to play in the swimming pool. He actually didn't want to get out he liked it so much. Hopefully though, he'll be sitting up on his own soon so we don't have to hold him the whole time!

Also reporting, today Alex is 4 months old. Another dreaded visit to the pediatrician. He got four shots this time. Two in each leg. But he did really well. As soon as we picked him up off the table he calmed down. Alex is now 13 lbs and 24.5 inches tall. I shudder to think if he were this big at birth. My brother-in-law Dustin was over 10 lbs and 24 inches when he was born. That poor mother of his!
Also earlier this week I got to celebrate my 22nd birthday! Jeff got me a book I had been wanting, and a funny t-shirt from family guy. My sister Amy is visiting, so she and my sister-in-law Jennifer took me out to lunch at Applebee's. The rest of the day I just stayed at my parents house, visiting with them and my sister, and playing with her kids. It was simple, but I had a really good birthday. Jeff's 30th birthday is next Monday on the 21st. So Jeff and I decided to combine the two. We dropped off Alex at my Mom's and went on a date. We had brunch at IHOP, and then went to see a movie (The Dark Knight). As much as we love Alex, it was nice to go out, just the two of us.

It's been a fun summer so far. Come late August though, things will be getting a lot more busy. Jeff will be taking classes at WSU again. The sad thing was, he signed up for them late. He had thought he already did, and was checking on it a few nights ago. Turns out he didn't, and so his schedule isn't exactly what he'd like it to be. He's got 3 classes, Tues and Thurs spanning between 9am to 5pm, then 1 class Mon and Wed in the late afternoon. On top of that, he is still working part-time at the airport, from 4am - 8am. I sure hope it'll go by quick.

3 months

2008-06-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Today Alex is 3 months old! To celebrate, more fun pictures. He's now starting to smile a lot more, so the pictures just keep getting cuter! Jeff and I also celebrated our 1 year anniversary last Sunday. Other than that, not much else is new. Our lives pretty much revolve around Alex, which is alright with me. He's a keeper and is worth it! p.s. to Aunt Pat: We're all excited about your visit and are anxiously awaiting your arrival. Especially Alex!

Evil Shots!

2008-05-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today Alex had his 2 month check-up at his pediatricians. He's now 10lbs 8oz and 22 3/4 inches long (was 7lbs 6oz and 19 1/2 inches at birth). He also had to get some of his shots. I have never him he cry as bad as he did after getting those shots. But once Jeff and I took him off the table and held him he calmed down and feel asleep in his car seat on the way home.
Other than that things are going well. Jeff is taking the summer off from school, and I'm looking into taking some online courses so I can start my schooling going again. We're looking forward to summertime (although it's hot enough already), and to the family who will be visiting. We love and miss all those we don't get to see often.

Love, KelliAnother crazy candid moment!

My mom found one of my newborn pictures and couldn't believe the resemblance!

Alex's Blessing

2008-05-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jeff gave Alex his baby blessing! Here's a few pictures of him in his little white tux.

One Month Down

2008-04-18T22:21:00.001-07:00

Today Alex is one month old! So I thought I would share some pictures with everyone.

~Chillin' on mom's pillow~

~A very tired momma, and sleeping Alex~

"What's this thing on my face?"

"Whoa!"

~Fell asleep in daddy's lap~

2008-04-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hello family and friends. I thought for those of you who live else where or we don't get to see often, that this would be a nice way to let everyone know how we're doing and what's going on in our lives.

As most of you know, our son Alex was recently born on March 18th. After 5 days in the hospital we got to bring him home, and things have been going great since. Thankfully, Jeff got paternity leave from work and doesn't have to be back till April 14th. It's been so nice having him home to help me out. Plus I think it's given him a better chance to bond with Alex. Over all Alex has been really good about eating and sleeping well. We've only had maybe 2 or 3 nights that were ruff so far. As much as I like him in this tiny, newborn stage, I can't wait till he starts noticing Jeff and I more. Smiling and cooing when he sees us and such.

Alexander Paul, 4 days old

Again, most of you already know all this, but I'll write it anyway for those who don't. We're living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Richland that his dad owns. Jeff's still working for TSA at the Pasco airport, and liking it less everyday. He's currently going to school at the WSU here in Richland, working toward a bachelor's in juvenile counseling. As for me, I'm at home taking care of the little one for now. But once we get a better routine down for Alex, I'll be going back to work for my brother at his gym.

Well, that's all for now. I'll try to keep this blog up to date with what ever's happening in our lives.

~Kelli