Larsen's Loop

In our church we try to set aside Monday nights as a special night reserved for our families called Family Home evening.  Since our children were small we have always tried to follow this pattern and reserve time together each week.  Sometimes we have a short lesson, message or video, other times we might do an activity together like a game or go out for some ice cream. Regardless of what we do, it is a time to show love and appreciation for our relationships and hopefully teach some good values along the way.  This past week was Miguel's turn for the lesson.

I just read this great talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks   https://www.lds.org/new-era/2002/04/reach-out-and-climb?lang=eng   it made me really stop and think about so many times in my life when I have been required to climb and stretch myself and my faith beyond what I thought possible.  Other times I have been required by faith to simply walk through doors that are opening up for me and to have the courage and fortitude to keep going, as was true in the case of our adoption.  Years ago a powerful lesson was taught to me by the spirit. I was sitting alone with one of my children in a hospital room. We had been transported there by ambulance for evaluation and to get my child's stats up from a severe bout of asthma. We had been through this routine in many emergency rooms before as both of our young children battled with what felt like constant asthma attacks. I sat there in the room waiting  and exhausted from my lack of sleep.  As I waited for a doct...

Homemade Applesauce  Nothing tastes as great as fresh homemade applesauce.  Even if you aren't normally a fan, this recipe is sure to make an applesauce lover of you!!!!  FRESH DELICIOUSNESS!  I revised this a little, but found the basic recipe on the Pioneer Woman's website , whom I love to follow.  The result is so yummy. I received buckets full of apples courtesy of my Dad, who now runs the farm where my Grandpa used to garden.  The trees were planted over 50 years ago by my Grandpa and the apples are a crisp, tart-sweet flavor.  I kept adding brown sugar until it tasted just right because some batches of apples were more tart than others.  I canned mine by filling sterilized jars to within a half inch from the top.  I ran a butter knife around the edges of the bottle to get out any air bubbles.  Wiped off the rim of each bottle and placed on a flat lid that had been brought to a s...

  Dutch Apple Baby Since I still have a boatload of apples left from my Grandpa's orchard I decided to whip up some of these and they have became a fast favorite on our breakfast for dinner nights!  I first tried these at Smitty's Pancake and Steak House in Idaho Falls.  They serve theirs piping hot with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top. MMMmmmmm good! (adapted from  All Recipes ) I ngredients: 4 eggs 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 tablespoon sugar 1 pinch salt 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg   1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon dash of ground nutmeg 2 large tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced Directions:   In a large bowl, blend eggs, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Gradually mix in m...

We recently celebrated Nan's 76th birthday. Alesa planned a wonderful dinner and party. Every one of Nan and Pop's children were there and most of the grandchildren were able to make it.  Nan has been a most wonderful mother, grandmother and wife.  She has dedicated her life to her family and serves them all in every way that she can. She is a great example to us all of selflessly giving all that she has!  We love her dearly.   Nan surrounded by many of her grandchildren     Some of the lovely granddaughters: Zoe, Tayler, Melinda and Lana Our handsome nephew Copleland came up from St. George

Alesa, Lindsay, Tyler, Matt and Brad Lexi, Quinn, Tristian and Miguel Caleb The Larsen Family went on a hike today through beautiful Bell Canyon.  It is a fairly easy and short lived hike but the view at the reservoir was very relaxing.  So fun to have Alesa and George and their cute family back in town after living away in Arlington, Virginia for over 25 years.  They now have a home here, so hopefully we will have many more hikes like this and time spent together with family in the future!!!! So fun.

Miguel and Mikayla found the mascot Bumble and got a photo op with him and a couple of autographs too! My Sweetie and I enjoying a beautiful night out Miguel and Mikayla loving the game What a fun night we all had attending a last of the season Bees game.  The evening was nice and cool.  Very relaxed as always.  We were able to enjoy it with our 2 kiddos.  Love going out to the old ball game....especially when we win!!!

Tastiest Cupcakes ever and made with Love Mimi and Miguel   My all too cute kiddos decided to make their friend Britton some cupcakes since he had broken his arm. This was all their idea, both are very compassionate. Mimi got started making these as soon as she got home from school today. They were made totally from scratch and boy were they delicious. She even decorated them all by herself. I'm happy that they both love to serve others! So sweet-literally...hehe!   Delightful Vanilla Cupcakes 2 cups all purpose flour (spoon in, level) 3 tsp. baking powder pinch of salt 1 1/2 cup white sugar 2/3 cup butter, softened 2 large egg 1 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract   1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Line 18 muffin tins with paper liners 3. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl and mix 4.   In a mixer cream the sugar and butter.  Whisk in eggs.  Gradually add t...

These two were truly meant to come as a pair.  Mikayla has always kept him in line and Miguel is her brother who is a natural leader and unafraid to take charge. this morning when Mikayla woke up for 6 grade orientation she also woke up her brother to pick out her outfit for the day. He was so cute he offered to ride with her to school and walk her into her first class which she was very grateful for. It helped make the transition so much easier for her because she didn't have to do it alone. So sweet, it made me teary to think of a wise Heavenly Father who paired them up for a great purpose, to walk through life together.

    I decided to create a scatter sunshine category in my budget this year. This portion of my budget didn't need to be a large amount. I set mine at 50$ but the same could apply if you put aside 10$ per month for this purpose. Any sum of money set aside to bless the lives of others and allow you the equal blessing of being awakened to seeing the needs of those around you will yield great benefits.     My first months experience with this was a joyful one for me. Ahead of time I visited the dollar store and picked out a few things I thought may be fun to have on hand were I to ever throw someone a real "pity party". This was first intended years ago as an inside joke between me and my sister. Whenever one of us felt blue or was going through a really discouraging time I would say "hey let's have ourselves a "pity party", I'll bring the pie!"  She and I both would laugh because we love pie, and I figured who could really stay completel...

  This summer at Draper Days.  One of the companies was sponsoring a small tethered balloon ride just above the park.  Miguel's fascination with balloons had him giddy to give it a go.  As you can see by the smile on his face it was a success!

Landri, Miguel, Tristian and Lexi What a fun time we had at Bear Lake with our cousins and the rest of our family this summer. We rode four wheelers, held a ping pong tournament, enjoyed the lake and lots of sunshine!  The Shmidt's invited us to their family cabin and provided all the entertainment.  Thanks for the fun invite we all had a blast.

  Runners must learn how to conserve their greatest amount of energy for the most challenging part of a run or race.  If they fail to do so they may hit a wall that can make it nearly impossible for them to finish successfully.     I am not a runner but I am a mother and wife. I have learned over the years much like a runner that I must wisely cue in on times when I have optimal energy and those times when a challenge or stress may make it more difficult to give my all. The key to success is learning to pace ourselves.  In doing so you must first evaluate and know yourself well.  What is your own personal style? What types of triggers add stress to your life? And do you know how to nurture yourself along the way when you do feel off balance or your energy waning? I for instance have learned over time to embrace my relaxed easy going style.  I am not a parent who thrives on having my children...

I really love these simple but delicious muffins.  Mostly because I always have the ingredients on hand. They're also healthy and make up so quick.  When I make them I really feel like I've done something special and nutritious for my family.  This recipe can be found at Barefoot and Baking.  I have followed her blog for some time now and I love many of her recipes.  Check out more of her delicious muffins by clicking on her link. http://barefootandbaking.blogspot.com/search/label/muffins 1 cup oats 1 cup buttermilk (tip: If I don't have buttermilk I use this perfect substitute.  Place 1 Tbsp. of vinegar or lemon juice in liquid measuring cup.  Add enough milk to bring liquid to the 1 cup line.  Let stand for 5 min. Then use the amount called for in recipe.) Mix these together then add: 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 egg Mix again and then add: 1 cup flour or whole wheat flour ( I like...

When others become combative, confrontational, disrespectful, rude, loud or out of control- I must remember that their is wisdom in choosing to measure my few words carefully and then quieting myself after. In this case silence truly can prove to be golden. When possible, I try to calmly remove myself from a chaotic environment then wait at least 30- 40 min. before returning. This allows time for anger or a negative energy cycle to subside. If I pray for calm peace and contentment to return for both myself and others and still myself,  I begin to see and understand things more clearly.

This is how the Larsen's celebrate the morning of Memorial Day...  The older I get the more I appreciate and love this tradition.  We visit the Salt Lake City Cemetery and the graves of those family members who have passed on before us.  We all bring bagels or fruit or something to eat as we spread out on blankets and visit and reminisce with Nan and Pop about their parents and hear some of the sweet memories they have from these wonderful grandparents who have forever filled our lives with love!  Above are top row: Brad, Lexi, Landri, Quinn,  Tyler, Colton, Tracy (me), Caleb, Matt, Miguel and Mikayla.  In Front: Cola (Nan) and Alton (Pop).  We are sitting in front of Nan's parents grave stone, Bessie and Samuel Paul Memmott.

This year I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity I have to be a mother in this life.  I have been so very blessed with wonderful children!  This is my 3rd child Colton.  He is a very loving and supportive part of my life right now.  When Matt needs to travel Colton is my protector, my buffer (when his younger siblings get out of hand) and a great friend who listens to my detailed stories and menial parts of my everyday goings on.  I am truly grateful for this sweet son and the compassion, love and happiness he adds to my every day!!!!

Here are a couple of fun pictures of me and my sweet Mom, Sandra Davis.  She is a wonderful example to me.  Her disposition is always one of cheerful sweetness.  Most often when you see my Mom she will be smiling and offer words of kindness.  This Mothers Day I was happy to get her to come up on Saturday and have a brunch with me and my family. As of late my Mom has not been doing well and it makes you very grateful for the precious time we have left here on earth with one another.  I hope that I will be able to honor and serve her the rest of the days of her life here!  Love you lots Mom!!!!

Quinn showing us his skillful form Miguel not so sure about these ice skates Cute Tristian and Lexi Landri and Mikayla way to go! Pop, Nan and my cute Matt Me and the Hubs Tyler a true sport having fun with the kids Lovely Landri Each month this year we are trying to plan get togethers with our extended family.  We love our Aunts, Uncles, Nan and Pop and all of our fun cousins. We went to Cottonwood Heights ice rink, for some of the kids it was their first time on the ice but by the time we left for Pizza benders most had gotten the hang of it.  Lots of fun for us all (even the spectators)!

Went to my cousin Acacias wedding tonight. It was really quite a production. We missed last night, they had a southern dinner and their marriage ceremony. Today they did massages and manicures for the ladies and Skeet shooting for the men. Later dinner at the reception center. We made it in time for the program...which included all kinds of acts. People on stilts, drum lines, acrobatic rope dancer, belly dancer, hoop dancer, groom singing to bride, an artist drawing caricatures, henna tattoos, photo booth, desserts and dancing. Tomorrow is brunch at her parents house as she opens gifts. By far one of the most unique, fun and memorable weddings I've ever attended. Caleb and his girlfriend Madi went with us. We all had a very fun time.

Today I cleaned my little Mimi's room and boy was it a mess...I've encountered my children's rooms looking like this before and exasperated I clean them top to bottom. This happens when I can no longer stand looking at the mess and I'm always frustrated as I purge and clean (after all this is my kids responsibility). But today something changed in me. I think it was my attitude. Rather than being exasperated I cleaned with the intention of providing an act of service for my daughter. Whether she can truly appreciate it right now or not and whether or not she keeps it nice,  I am teaching her about order, service and motherhood. I cleaned until it looked just right then I left a chocolate truffle bar on her pillow along with a note that said. "You're welcome (please keep it beautiful)" Love, The Good Fairy. I felt so good about doing this I didn't need her thanks. I didn't even lecture her. My satisfaction came from my quiet act of service :...

Conversation last night over dinner with my Miguel and Mikayla: Miguel: The aid at our school might help me get a new locker.  She's really nice. Mikayla:  How old is she? Miguel: I don't know I never asked her. Mom:  That's a good idea it probably wouldn't be polite to ask a woman her age anyway. Mikayla: Does she have wrinkles around here (pointing to just under her eyes). Miguel:  I don't know she might be a little younger than Mom maybe like 45. Mom: (said sarcastically) Well it's good I don't have any of those wrinkles. Kids all break out in laughter! Mom:  You know actually I'm proud of those do you know what they're called? Miguel: (quick comeback) BAGS? (then immediately claps hand over mouth and says,) "I don't know why I just said that it just came out." We all had a good laugh, including me!  The honesty of children is so real. Thank goodness I have a good dose of healthy self esteem!  I later had to tell Miguel ...