Toothless

Makayla's tooth finally fell out. She was so excited...it was like a right of passage, joining the other toothless smiles of her first grade classmates. The Tooth Fairy left her a charm and $1.oo...she was very excited because her Grandpa Glade had convinced her that because her tooth was so small it wouldn't be worth more then a nickle. She happily proved him wrong the next morning.

Flower Sweetie

What do you get when you add about 200 hours of volunteering, running, and rehearsals with tutus and twirling...you get the Nutcracker and a very happy little girl. After last year I told myself that I wasn't going to do that again...but somewhere in the course of the year I had forgotten how much work it was and instead remembered what a cute little baby mouse she made (even if I had no idea which baby mouse was actually her as they scurried around the stage). However, this year Makayla got to be a Sweetie, and there was so mistaking her on stage with her blond little buns. She also was chosen to give the principle dancers flowers at the end of the show, which Makayla later informed me made her a "flower sweetie".

Her friends from her Brownie troop came to she her and insisted that she was the star of the show (although I think the Sugarplum Fairy would disagree). Grandma and Grandpa Larsen flew in from Utah which was a huge help because long dress rehearsals and Evan do not go well together. While helping in the green room, I discovered I have a talent for ballet buns (basically I am really good at slicking hair back with gel so that there are "unsightly" fly aways)...so next year I am being put in charge of hair for all the little girls. And yes, there will be a next year...not only because being a flower sweetie was just "the best time of her life", but because she has her sights set on being an angel next year.

Deck The Halls

We had a great Thanksgiving this year! Mainly because I got by yet another year without having to stick my hand inside of the backside of a turkey...

Over the break we also got our Christmas tree. It was really fun this year to see how much Evan was into decorating....much better then last year where everything had to be out f his reach. Ever since we got the tree decorated he wakes of every morning and asks me if it is Christmas.

Wes thought Cooper would make a nice ornament....he is about the right size. I love this time of the year....wrapping presents...letters to Santa...Christmas lights...and my parents hot chocolate machine.

Apple Turkey

Yes I made the cookies (don't be so shocked)... I didn't want my kid to be the one to bring carrot sticks to the Thanksgiving feast...
Evan had his Thanksgiving play at preschool this week. It is still hard for me to believe that he is up on that stage... not Makayla. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday that it was Makyala shyly walking up there. I was so excited to see what they had been working on. And without fail, every show they did, she would just sit there quietly, barely making a sound....
Fast forward three years... and you get Evan. He comes in so excited and smiling so big. He hopes on the stage and loudly welcomes everyone. Such a contrast. He sings all the songs and knows all the little signs he had learned. I was laughing the whole time.
I was waiting the the entire show to hear him sing what I thought was a song entitled "Apple Turkey". All week, He had been singing it at home while making cute signs. When the show ended, I wondered why they didn't sing it. When I asked his teacher, she stared laughing... I guess one of the songs they sang was called Albuquerque Turkey.... Evan's take on the word.... appleturkey. I can't wait to see what he comes up with for the Christmas show!

A few funny phrases from Evan this week....

**"Look mom, I taught Cooper a new trick....See! I showed him how to walk on four feet"... this kid is going to be the next Dog Whisperer

**Evan was insulted by a comment I made when I told him was not big enough to play Yahtzee..."Oh yeah mom, I have big muscles (flexing), and a big brain right here (pointing to his belly)." To his credit he came back about five minutes later, laughing and told me his brain was actually inside his head.

Lapse In Judgement

No... you haven't clicked on the wrong blog... we got a puppy... I know, big shocker. Makayla has been wanting a puppy for a while, so Wes and I where thinking of getting the kids one for Christmas. After a lot of research, I found a great breeder, but she didn't have any litters available right at Christmas time, but she had just had a litter of chocolate brown puppies. The kids where so excited when we told them, but they still had to wait awhile, and then finally we were able to go and get him. We decided to name him Cooper. Wes said that since I was making him get a sissy dog, that he couldn't have a sissy name.
I was really nervous to get a puppy because I have never been 'in charge" of one before. So far he is the sweetest puppy I could have hoped for. He loves to cuddle, adores the kids, and so far hasn't even had any accidents (fingers crossed).

Spooky

I can't believe that Halloween has already come and gone. Now everywhere I go all I see is Christmas decorations... it is making me feel really behind the game. I have to keep reminding myself that there is still Thanksgiving, then I can stress out about Christmas.
The kids had lots of fun carving pumpkins, although they still wouldn't reach their hands inside and pull out the seeds. I asked Makayla what she was going to do when she had her own little ... who would clean the pumpkin out for her. She quickly informed me that she still had along time before she had to worry bout that and I would be the grandma and she would still let me do it... always so thoughtful.

This year we went to our ward's trunk or treat. It was a lot of fun... and just the right amount of candy. This year Makayla went around to the cars and then decided she wanted to pass out candy with me (she is getting so big).

This picture pretty much sums up Evan's Halloween. He wasn't feeling very well and fell asleep in the car.... poor Buz. Once he woke up he did have fun trick or treating... I think.

Singing

Today Evan woke up singing a little song that went something like this....

I don't like to close my eyes

I don't like to fold my arms

I don't like to bow my head

I don't like to say prayers

I don't like church clothes, except for my tie

I don't like to go to church

Pretty sure he didn't get that one from the Children's Song Book. The things this kid comes up with! And of course when I started laughing, he informed me that this was not suppose to be a funny song.

Happy Birthday Wes

Today Wes is 32....I know he is getting old! I had big plans to make him a lemon cake for his birthday this year (Wes's favorite), but when we got to the store, Evan found the Funfetti cake and there was no changing his mind. And of course he had to have the Funfetti icing to go with it. According to him, "Dad likes cakes with lots of dots on it...all boys do." Of course they do, I should have never questioned his selection. Another amazing thing about Wes's birthday this year is that I finally got him a present he did want to return....an iPhone. I mainly got it so he would leave mine alone. He is in phone heaven downloading all kinds of apps that make make his life complete...like where to find the closest Redbox. I am just glad that I finally got it right. Happy Birthday Weston!

Makayla's favorite things about her Dad- He is nice, and fun, he plays with her, and always helps her with things that are hard.

Evan's favorite things about his Dad- He fixes houses (a skill I would like to see more often), he gives lots of hugs, he is a boy, and he is his best friend.

Tami's favorite things about Wes- He is kind and easy going, he lets me pick what I want to watch on TV, he is a great dad, and even after all this time he is still my favorite person to hang out with.

Mud Buddies

The other weekend we decided to tackle our first landscape project...which means we only have about a million to go. The kids decided they wanted to help so I dressed them in old clothes so they could play outside while we 'worked'. Before we got started my Dad sent my mom and I into town for a few things they were missing. The kids were having so much fun I didn't want to drag them into town with me. Besides Wes and my dad should be able o supervise two (fairly well behaved) kids...right? Well this is what I came home to..........
Now what the picture does not show is the muddy water that their boots were filled with or the trail of dirt and mud they had made all over the driveway...or how Evan tried to spray me with the hose if I got close to him. I gave Wes a "I thought you were going to keep an eye on them" look and his response, "they are alive aren't they." I know, I married him. Now next is a picture a Evan's back...is it just me or does it look like he was ran over by something?
After I got home, Makayla decided she didn't like being soaking wet and covered in mud so it was bath time. It only took three tubs of water to get them both clean and there was little hope for their clothes (red dirt)....but why should I complain...they are both alive.

***I actually don't care they got all muddy. What's childhood without covering yourself head to toes in mud?

Junk

I am not exactly sure what prompted me to have a garage sale...I guess since I have never done one before I thought it would be fun. Having now done one, I can tell you that they are not fun...at all. Now our garage sale drew a "interesting crowd". The first customer drove up and asked if we have any knives, guns, or ammo. No sir, but I do have a nice Baby Bjorn and a boppy pillow. Our house lent itself very well to a garage sale, mainly because of its sweet circular drive. This allowed people to drive by slowly...check out our stuff...and then continue on their way. But the best part of the day happened when Wes decided to clean out the pump house. It was just full of junk and garbage form our remodel. He couldn't throw the stuff away because our cans were down at the road with the signs. Turns out we didn't need the cans because that is the kind of stuff people like to buy....junk...the more beat up the better...doesn't work...perfect....you have no idea what it is...well then you can double the price. Another highlight of the day was when a lady came up asked me how much I wanted for Makayla's old baby stroller. I told her it was $10 and she asked me if I would take $8. Before I could answer Makayla says, "The sign says $10 not $8. See" (holding up the tag). That's my girl...tough as nails. (Although I think she really thought the poor lady couldn't read)

Bumpa's New Toy

I remember when I was younger my dad had a couple of motorcycles...the story goes that my mom made him sell them because he couldn't die and leave her with three kids (this is pre Megan and Jarom). Well it only took about twenty five years, but he finally convinced her that having him around is over-rated. I am actually pretty excited for him. It is nice to see him do something for himself for a change. Makayla thought it was pretty cool...and Evan, while keeping a safe distance, also thought it was much better then his toy version.

So Dramatic

The other day while I was driving the girls home from school, they started complaining about what hard lives they had. Pearl: "Evan and Sam are so lucky...they get to have play dates all the time, they don't have any homework, they get to just play with toys all day...it's no fair! All we have to do is work...work...work." Makayla: "Yeah, we are just like Cinderella, but without the happy ending!"

I know, they have such hard lives

And Evan Makes Three (in school, that is)

I can't believe it....Evan is in preschool. He has been asking me everyday if it was time to start school yet. When the big day arrived he was so excited. When I dropped him off I could barely get a goodbye out of him (so much for separation anxiety). I had big plans for when he started preschool...I was going to take a yoga class, get caught up on all the things I could never find time for, and most importantly run errands all by myself. However, instead of all those wonderful things, you can find me at the library trying to stay on top of my microbiology class. My favorite thing from this week was the macaroni necklace Evan made me at school, he was so proud of it. He asked me if I was going to keep it forever. Well apparently forever in three year language is about an hour. Because that is how long Evan was able to resist eating all the macaroni off the string. I know...big shocker.

Old School

I did it...somehow I survived my first week back to school (my house, sadly did not fair so well). And of course to top it all off, I had a crazy flower week. There were several times I questioned my sanity...why was I doing this to myself? But then I went to my dental hygiene introductory course, and I was so excited. I know it is going to be crazy at times (ok..probably all the time), but I have been waiting to do for a long time. I learned seveal things week....my yellow Jansport backpack from 1998, while a classic, is not as high tech as Makayla's backpack (no headphone pass through, ipod case, fancy laptop pocket, or cell phone pouch), that unlike BYU, people smoke and swear all around you, textbooks are still outrageously priced, and it is easy to find my car in the parking lot because I am the only one that drives a minivan.

Twirling

Fluffy white tutus, hair wrapped tight in buns,
tip toe, tip toe around the room, leap and spin for fun,
pink satin shoes, lipstick and rouge...
twirling and whirling, that's what little ballerinas do.

The pictures pretty much speak for themselves. The dressing room was a sea of white fluff. The best part was that the girls didn't have to put their tutus on until right before they went on stage....of course that wouldn't do, they all had them on as soon as they got there (about two hours before going on stage). It is alot of fun to watch Makayala be part of something she enjoy she really loves. (when I was little, I cried every time my mom took me to ballet... I didn't have the patience for it. I know, big shocker)

First Grade

It happened, we knew it would....summer vacation officially came to and end at about 6:30am:( Somehow we made it out the door and to school on time. Makayla was really excited when she got there and all her classmates started to arrive.

It took me back how different things were dropping her off this time. She is a first grader now...she knows the drill, where to go, what to so. Evan was two when she stated kindergarten, I remember holding him and trying to take pictures of her. This year...he wanted to wear his own backpack...all grown up.

Makayla had fun saying hi to all the kids she hadn't seen over the summer, but she kept searching the crowd for her best friend Pearl. They are so lucky to have each other.

They looked so much bigger then the kindergartners in line next to them. I am still amazed at how much things change in a year. All I know is that right now I can't wait to hear all about her first day as a first grader...

4th of July

This summer we have been busy doing a whole lot of nothing...just enjoying simple things and time together. For the 4th of July, we had a family BBQ at my parents with swimming and games. Fireworks are illegal in El Dorado County, so that night we headed down to the Folsom Rodeo... good times!

Megan (always the fun aunt) face painted stars on Makayla's cheek. The kids were very excited to find out what the Rodeo was all about. Makayla's Favorite part was the "pretty ladies with the painted horses"(trick riders).

The best part of the night was when they had all the kids come down to play a game. The kids were supposed to line up around the edge and when the announcer yelled go, they were suppose to run out and collect silver dollars and cow bells. Well, Evan didn't quit get the whole wait until he says go part, and went running out filling his arms with bells. He was so proud of himself. If you look closely you will see him in the middle with the red shirt (and the mean cowboy that made him put the bells back and line up). When they made him return his prized bells, the crowd booed...I don't think I have ever laughed so much...that boy!

One of the really neat parts was that they had a man jump from a plane with a huge American Flag...it was amazing! I love so many things about the 4th of July...so many people coming together (even if it involves cowboy boots and tight jeans)....teaching our kids respect and love for their country...the awe on my kids faces as fireworks light up the night sky...and truly appreciating all the sacrifices that made it possible for us to enjoy that wonderful moment.

Evan Turns Three

Evan's birthday was so much fun this year. He was so excited! He picked to all his party stuff...he wanted a Word Word party. (I don't have any idea why) We got him a train table for his birthday and set it up the night before. Wes built a track on it and we put balloons all over his room. I could hear him in the morning playing and laughing. When I went in, he had a big grin on his face, "It's my birthday...I'm ten!"(another thing I have no idea where it came from) His party wasn't going to be until evening (when the dad, grandpa, and uncle came home) so Ashley and I took the kids to ride the train in Folsom. After, we let Evan pick where he wanted to eat. He picked Chipolte...no complaints from me.

When my mom asked Evan what he wanted for his birthday, he told her he wanted a big scary guy with buttons. (again I don't know what goes on inside of his head) Well my dad and her got him a big transformer that talks and lights up....this is a picture of his face when he opened it....I think they got it exactly right.

Uncle Bryan, who felt bad that Evan's only dress up options were fairies and princesses got him some boy dress up clothes. (a fireman and a cowboy) I would like to personally thank him for the fire extinguisher (which sprays real water). ...that's a fun way to be woken up in the morning!

It was just a great day...Evan was so much fun to party with. He was so appreciative of everything and kept hugging my knees and repeating, "Thanks mom." We just love this little boy. He brings so much joy into our lives. Everyday when I look at those big brown eyes and kiss that curly sweaty boy hair, I am so thankful to be his mom. Happy Birthday Evan!