A Special lesson by Miguel

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.

Climbing with Faith

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 doctors approval to be sent home a prompting came to me that I had just been sitting back accepting this as a life sentence for my children when I didn't really need to.  I was encouraged then to begin to exercise my faith and pray for our children to overcome this chronic illness. I hesitantly thought at first we just had to accept the diagnosis that medical professionals had given us, which in some cases may be true. But I felt that day an even stronger urge encourage me on to pray for them to be made well and whole and to not struggle so severely with this throughout their whole lives. My mind caught hold of a small glimmer of hope that our pediatrician had held out to us, that some children tend to outgrow their asthma as they get older. Also I knew that they were now free from a smoking environment which could have contributed to much of this from their birth. With these two thoughts in my head and the prompting of the spirit, I began to pray right then and there that my kids would get well and not carry any adverse effects from asthma throughout the rest of their lives. I began to believe that this really was possible.  I also started to talk more positively to them about how they could one day outgrow this and not need to be on medicine for the rest of their lives. Things from that day progressively got better. They relied less and less on their nebulizer and we never did go back to an emergency room again for a treatment. Today they no longer require long term everyday meds and only occasionally use Albuterol if they are feeling that they have a severe cold that they can't shake.  Our doctor no longer lists their condition as chronic and they now function as normal as any other child.

I think no matter what our challenge, if we listen to the spirit as our guide he will prompt us with his still small voice. He will gently guide us towards solutions and a plan. He will put people in our pathway to teach us important lessons and give us instructions that will help us progress in our journey and challenges here on earth. What sweet comfort this brings me :-) A loving Heavenly Father encourages his children in this way and shows us his great love!

Applesauce

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 simmer.  Screwed on the rings and processed in a water bath canner.  Once water was boiling I processed for 20 minutes.  Removed from canner and let rest on a dishtowel for 24 hours until all lids had sealed.

 

Ingredients

• 6 pounds Apples, Peeled, Cored, And Cut Into 8 Slices
• 1 cup Apple Juice Or Apple Cider
• Juice Of 1 Lemon
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, Packed
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, More Or Less To Taste
• Optional Ingredients: Nutmeg, Maple Syrup, Allspice, Butter

Preparation Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
Carefully puree in a food processor or blender (don't fill too full; split into two portions if needed) until smooth.
Store in the fridge and serve by itself, over pork chops, over ice cream, over pancakes...or any place where applesauce is needed!

Dutch Apple Baby

 

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)

Ingredients:

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 milk, stirring constantly. Add vanilla, melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Let batter stand for 30 minutes or overnight.
	Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
	Melt butter in a 10 inch oven proof skillet, brushing butter up on the sides of the pan. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup white sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Sprinkle mixture over the butter. Line the pan with apple slices. Sprinkle remaining brown sugar over apples. Place pan over medium-high heat until the mixture bubbles, then gently pour the batter mixture over the apples.
	Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Reduce your heat to 375 degrees farenheit and bake for 10 minutes. Slide the pancake onto a serving platter and cut into wedges.

Nan's 76th

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

Beautiful Bell Canyon Hike

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.

Salt Lake Bees Game

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!!!

Cupcakes for a Friend

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 the milk and vanilla.  Slowly add in flour until it is all added and the batter is smooth.

5.  Spoon into the liners to about 3/4 full.  Bake 27-28 minutes, until the tops are golden and spring back when gently pressed.  Cool completely before decorating with frosting.

Yields 18 cupcakes

 

Cupcake Frosting

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

3 Tablespoons of milk or cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

a few drops of your favorite food coloring

 

1.  In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening and butter together until light and fluffy.

2.  Add the powdered confectioners sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring.  Beat until smooth.

3.  Spread or pipe on frosting.  Add extra sprinkles or decorate to your hearts content.

What a cute Pair

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.

Scatter Sunshine Project



   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 completely sad while indulging in a slice of heaven. So at this party we could laugh, we could cry, we could share our fears and deepest secret wishes.  I would also present the guest of honor with their very own pity party gift box, complete with supplies, so that the next time they were feeling blue they could host their very own party, or invite a special someone to bring some good cheer with them. So I finally did it. I purchased small boxes and party items at the dollar store. I should have taken a picture they were so cute. Bright colored boxes filled with bright tissue paper, confetti, balloons, silly string, party blowers and I topped them with a paper princess crown. I made up three this month for different people I love. I added a couple of special treats to each according to the occasion. For my daughter it was actually her birthday box. To it I added some of her favorite cadbury eggs, a dove chocolate bar and some cash in a princess card for her to go shopping with, then I took her to lunch. For my friend who was recovering from surgery I added homemade muffins, a book of uplifting thoughts and a card offering to help babysit her little boy until she feels better.  Another friend and I actually had a pity party. To her box I added a dove chocolate bar and some great smelling lotion, then we had a good heartfelt talk and we went out to lunch. All of these boxes and supplies cost under 10$. The added treats were picked up on sale for really cheap at different times in previous months and kept in a box on my shelf. I must say it was really a fun way to make someones day and in the process it lifted me and made my day much brighter too. I believe this idea is a win, win for both the giver and the receiver!
   On Friday night I was invited to watch my niece perform in her last drill team performance. At first I felt a little sad that I didn't have a box or gift for her. But after attending I learned an important lesson. She was thrilled just to have my love and support there that night. Her hugs and appreciation were genuine. And I loved watching her perform snd share her  talents with us,. Even though I didn't bring a gift, my gift to her that evening was my love and time. That was easy to give because I really do love her a lot.  I should never miss an opportunity to visit, support, cheer and show my love for someone simply because I am not bearing a physical gift in my hand. The poet Maya Angelou once said,  "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." There are countless ways we can scatter sunshine throughout our world. Please don 't miss one of those moments!

Other Ideas I have:

Create little gift packages when you see a need.

Send a note or card to brighten sometimes day.

Ask someone to lunch, dessert or to go on a walk.

Be a genuine friend by remembering the little details and goings on of others lifes.

Give genuine words of praise, encouragement and hugs freely.

Offer to serve someone wherever possible. Put it on your calender. Commit to it, and show up with a happy heart.

When a friend trusts you enough to share a personal challenge or struggle. Listen with pure empathy. Try hard not to judge or analyze this person, even afterwards. Reach out and listen with love. Offer encouragement wherever possible. Keep it confidential and check in on them often.

Actively pray throughout the day and night for those who need additional help from above. Add their names to the temple prayer roll.

Fast for friends and family who are in need of additional heavenly help.

Call someone on the phone just to check in on them.

Offer to give someone a manicure or pedicure with a good smelling lotion or new nail polish they can keep.

Offer to come and organize something or work on a project together.

Thoughtful Gifts:

• Baking mixes or hot cocoa mix, warm socks, some minty foot cream and a thoughtful card.
• Candle and a beautiful card.
• Sees candies and a card.
• Book and a throw blanket with a card.
• Favorite treats, magazine, drink and a card.
• Fun little game and a treat with a card.
• Craft idea with a card.
• Lovely flower or plant with a card.
• Weddings give a gift card with a thoughtful card.

(As you can see a card is always an important element to me because it's a chance to write down a thoughtful sentiment or express your love and gratitude for someone special. We all have a  deep yearning to be appreciated. This is my chance to say it, in a card.)

Hosting Friends:

• Host a brunch. Keep it simple. Beforehand make the food. Ideas might include: muffins, cinnamon rolls, quiche, crepes, french toast, bacon or biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit and milk steamers or fresh juice. Set the table inside or better yet out on the patio. Invite 2-3 friends over.
• Host a luncheon. This could be as simple as soup or a salad with rolls. Maybe a fresh fruit dessert. Or invite each person to bring an item, potluck style.  Again keep numbers small so I don't feel overwhelmed.  Enjoy the visit and company!
• Couples game night. Invite a couple of friends over. Share a pizza, sub sandwich or just have everyone bring a favorite treat or finger food. Listen to some favorite 80's tunes, play some games or watch a favorite series or movie together.

A Ballooning Adventure

 

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!

Bear Lake Fun with Cousins

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.

Pacing Ourselves

 

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 run from activity to activity 24/7.  I much prefer to intersperse our busy active lives with a large dose of down time spent unwinding from all of the rush. Our days are filled with the usual school, church and family outings.  But I am careful not to jump on the bandwagon with the rest of society and sign my kids up too hastily for every extracurricular activity that rolls around.  I would much rather expose them to an occasional exploration of a possible talent or class they have expressed interest in, mixed again with time for them to play with one another and learn to love, serve and live the gospel of Jesus Christ as they are home. 

This time in childhood should be cherished and protected.  Adult life comes much to quickly and our moments for teaching and getting to know our children are fleeting.  Likewise as a homemaker and mother, if I spend most of my time away rather than inside my nest. I soon find myself resenting the basic nurturing things I love to do so much for my family.  When I slow down my pace a bit I find that peace returns and my heart is filled with a love for those I must love more fully.

Simple Oatmeal Muffins

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 to use White Wheat flour)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder

Mix until combined. Pour into greased or lined muffin tin.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Makes 12 muffins.

A Calm and Serene Place

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.

A Memorial Day Tradition

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.

Mothers Day

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!!!!

My Sweet Mother

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!!!!

Larsen Family Ice Skating

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)!

My Cousins Wedding

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.

Small Acts of Service

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 :-) Love this feeling!

Honesty Hurts (OUCH)

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 I was going to tell him they were "character marks" and how I had earned every one.  I love my cute kiddos!!!