My (2nd) 30th BiRtHdaY PaRtY !!~~!!

I know I am a very lucky girl all the days of the year ~ but I was a spoiled birthday girl this year.



My big sister came ~ and I was tickled pink. My husband and babies (I was without my Sassy, but maybe next year) gave me wonderful gifts..a watch I have been drooling over for many moons now, the smooshiest white robe and killer slippers and all the birthday lovin' I could handle!!

It was truly a very wonderful birthday that was filled with all my family and loved ones. I'm pleased as punch to be blessed with all that I have.

"30 and holding" Here's what I've learned so far...

• Your smile is the beacon of happiness for everyone
• I feel empty when I'm not with you
• The mother you are to our children makes me proud every single day
• You enter a room and demand attentions attention. I love sitting back watching you put smiles upon everyone's face
• You've never ever let me down
• You have never failed to surprise me
• There is Chuck Norris strong and then theres Karli strong
• You're smoking HOT anytime of the day
• The joy you find in the simple things makes me happy
• You'll do anything for our family
• You have more sandals then I can count
• You're the best friend anyone could ask for (ask the Jess's)
• Your feet are never warm at night. And I love that I get to warm them
• No is not an option
• If given the choice between jewelry or cleaning supplies, I think you might choose the cleaning supplies
• You've proly spent over $1000.00 on US Magazine's at walmart (because they have it soonest)
• Tomorrow will always be better then today
• Your kids come first
• Don't mess with her family or there will be hell to pay
• She loves her boots
• Favorite music - anything with Britney Spears
• Favorite House Wives season - Orange County
• She is smarter then she give herself credit for
• Sincere in everything she does
• Fully committed to our family
• Loves me for exactly who I am

Happy birthday love. Enjoy "30 and holding" because you're one of a kind!

I love you more than words can describe!

Shutter - Bugs ...

As humbly as any proud mother and wife can say ~ here is my perfect, beautiful, loving, happy, solid family.

What DAD is thankful for...

Something about this time of year that has me thinking (tis the season right) about what I'm truly thankful for. Quite simply I'm most thankful for my family and here is why.

First here are the things I love that we do as a family:

1. Sunday brunches
2. Movie nights
3. Chasing around the house
4. I like how loud and fun we all are
5. Jazz / RSL games
6. Dinner as a family at the table
7. Everyone helps everyone
8. Going to Mogmas and Pacas houses
9. Grocery shopping
10. Monday night football
11. Watching "Beast" over and over

Now each member is unique but I couldn't love anyone more then these guys...

Jaxon

1. He loves his sisters, nothing is more enjoyable to watch Gracie and Jaxon run around the house chasing each other. To see him go googoo over Reese melts ones heart.
2. He's aware how much his Gracie looks up to him. If Bubba's shirt is off, her's is too. If he's playing xbox, a controller is in her hand also. If he's doing homework, Gracie has crayon's in hand. He has more then stepped up as the role of "big brother" and I admire that
3. He is completely unselfish. Never once will you see him complain about sharing anything. Quick story... He had a plan to save money from chores for walkie talkies we found the model he liked and he had enough for a two pack but waited and saved for the four pack so he could have enough for him and his cousins. Never wants something for him, it's always for him and someone else.
4. Will never tell you no, no matter the task.
5. Finds joy in the simple things. "Jaxon what do you want for xmas?... A few pieces of sugar cain. Really? Yep"
6. Loves and respects his mother!
7. He's always happy
8. WWF Wrestling matches we have weekly
9. He does exceptionally well in school
10. xbox night - will never get old
11. Does what he's told (more then your average 10 year old boy does)

Gracie

1. She is on 100% of the time. She is the fuel in our family fire. Some may say this is a bad thing but it keeps us on our toes and quite honestly thats a wonderful thing.
2. She is obsessed with Reese. First thing when she wakes up or comes home she wants to know where Reese is. When she finds Reese she mobs her. (no really she literally lays or sits directly on top of her)
3. She is amazed at Bubba (see above)
4. She is a sponge. (see above again) You show her how something works and within a few minutes she has it in her hands and doing exactly what it is you showed her.
5. Full of life. It never fails, the moment she see's her family members she yells their name and runs towards them. Gracie isn't always with us physically but her presence is felt 100% of the time
6. Smiles and laughs EVERY TIME she see's me
7. Our Snuggles (sometimes) while watching movies
8. I love her little raspy voice
9. Her curly hair that is finally growing
10. "Binky... Binky... Binky..." You always know what she needs for ni-night
11. I love it at dinner time how she goes around the table saying everyone's name
12. Her laugh - It's different, unique and so damn cute

Reese

1. No matter what, you always look up and she smiles
2. She sleep through the night (petty I know but thank you)
3. I love her baby talk - I'll be in another room and hear her and that makes me smile
4. She is a constant reminder to smile (see item 1)
5. She should be more fussy but your NOT - thanks
6. She puts up with .... actually she LOVES it when Gracie lays/sits on her
7. She lets me mug her face because that's what this dad does
8. Her actual fussy time is justified with any age group ( when she's tired or hungry)
9. Her chunky cheeks
10. Our snuggle time, always content to just sit in my lap or on my chest

Karli

This one isn't fair because I could go on for hours about Karli and yes I know how spoiled and lucky I am so here we go.

1. 100% dedicated to being a wife, mother and friend
2. I've honestly never ever touched our washing machine and have never had to ask where my favorite shirt is because its always clean and hung in the closet.
3. I can count on one finger how many times I've gotten up with the kids at night. This is her favorite time to be the one to "come to our children's rescue" even if its as simple as finding a mis-placed binky.
4. Before the kids wake up she is/does/has... Showered, Dressed, Make-up applied, Lunch Made, Cloths set out, Bed made, Breakfast ready, (The kids and I) Smile on her face (after coffee) and ready for anything that comes her way. This is just how she rolls.
5. Is a clean freak!
6. Grocery shops. Sometimes we do this as a family but only because it's kinda fun!
7. "Me: What do you want to watch? Anything you want to watch love!"
8. "Kar'ie did you pack... Yes I already did"
9. She has the most contagious smile you'll ever meet (Reese, Jax a G are a close 2nd)
10. Life of any party. This is usually my role, but Karli always seems to win the hearts and minds of my friends. I'm glad to step down every once in a while!
11. She 100% runs the house and with a loving heart and strict schedule!
12. She doesn't let me get away with anything! Lets be honest I need this!
13. Her jokes... "A man walks into a bar... Ouch" Thats rich!
14. You can set a watch by her schedule.
15. When it comes to dancing, she's up there with old Puala
16. Dishes don't automatically clean themselves. Karli does them!
17. We can argue or have a few tiffs but we always come out from them happier, better and more loving
18. Loves me unconditionally and completely!!!

In closing about Karli... Often I get a Thanks and a Smile from Karli. I'll ask for what? Her reply will never get old... "Thanks for my kids and providing for our family so I can stay home and be a mom!" This always stops me dead in my tracks because I think of all that she does and how thankful I am for her and how she makes me want to be a better person!

As you can see I'm so very lucky and have a lot to be thankful for. I have the most wonderful family, Our kids are so sweet and loving and my wife is #1.

My Thankfuls..

I’m thankful for my family - my husband and my children are what I live for..my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles -my wonderful, loving in laws and crazy out laws included - I cherish you.

I’m thankful for my friends.. my very small group of friends that love me..love me no matter what. They might not agree with my decisions or choices, but they love me regardless, they love me unconditionally. And that means so very much to me.

I’m thankful for my health..touch and go at times, but it always pulls through. I’m thankful for the health that allowed me to cook my babies..I may not have a colon, but my uterus is flippin’ awesome. I guess I should be thankful for...um bioMom’s uterus too?? She did produce our Sassy after all ~

I’m thankful for the stability I have finally in my life. I prolly could have had it many moons ago... but apparently the lack of Chris and Gracie was all that was missing for Jax and myself.

I’m thankful for the time I have to help out others.. I used to be the one always needing someone to help pick up Jax from school or get him because I had to stay late at work. Being able to be there for my loved ones, makes me happy.

I’m thankful for my Dyson.. she kicks ass.

I’m thankful for the patience I am learning while moving to the “love shack” while our families home is being built. When Gracie came home, here to the “love shack” for the first time, she gave hugs and kisses, but then immediatley got down from my arms and started to play.. the little firecracker didn’t skip a beat about being in a new home. She didn’t care where she was, she was with us.. and I learned that it doesn’t matter where we are - as long as our family is together, we are home.

I’m thankful for my friends from the past that have resurfaced in my life and have made me feel happy and sassy again. I’ve learned that true friends are hard to find..but when you do find them, its totally fetch. A lil’ shout out to Jess Covert..you helped more than you’ll know my friend.

I’m very thankful for all that I have. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t realize this. I have a thought that is framed and I keep in my kitchen it says: ~Everyday is a Gift ~ and I truly believe this and I count my blessings daily.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Larson’s ~

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun....

If I would have known then what I know now...

If I would have known then, that there WAS NOT enough time to get the band-aid and still get under the garage door before it closed, I wouldn't have got stuck and caused a neighborhood uproar.

If I would have known then that learning 360's DO NOT come with the first try while snow skiing, I wouldn't have twisted every joint in my body sore.

If I would have known then that there is a difference between measuring ingredients properly and just adding the amount of salt I wanted, I could prolly bake by now.

If I would have known then that the Delta 88' was like an airplane after achieving 70 mph on a dirt road, I wouldn't have slid off and smooshed up the side or laughed really hard with the girls, while saying, "what the crap.."

If I would have known then that having a first love to be followed by a first heart ache sucked big time, I wouldn't have thought that he was the cats meow like I did.

If I would have known then that the SAW series was the scariest most gruesome movies I ever saw - that I couldn't even stop watching, I wouldn't have worried about being Jig Saw's next game.

If I would have known then that meeting Christopher Bradley Larson in 1997 was one of the most important things that I would EVER do in my life, I never would have been complete now.

Like sands through the hour glass ~ these are the days of our lives...

I'm a full time momma... It's my calling in life. Don't get me wrong.. I killed it as a sales rep in my working days and I loved it.. I loved selling to my customers, shmoosing them with dinners, gifts, complimentary laughs - BUT it does not compare to the rewards and feeling of being a mom. I use to wonder what stay at home moms do.. Do they sleep in? When do they shower with babies awake? How do they fill the day with activities that keep the babies happy? Their houses have got to be spotless clean.. I've learned that there are different kinds of stay at home momma's... I'm the kind that likes to be showered and dressed before our babies wake up, making sure the house is ready for our "Search and Destroy" mission that we are willing to accept for that day.. But then after that I sip my cup of joe and wait for their little voices or J to stumble in for cuddles.. It's on like donkey kong for the rest of the day ~

I pack J's lunch and put it in his back pack and send him off to school.. He misses out on the sock-hops that go down through out the day...but I don't think he would really join in..then again lately he is a dancing machine.. Either way Bubba has to leave us, and we try to make do without him.

Gracie is not a fan of food..she will eat anything you give her, but she will eat one rice grain at a time or it's loop by loop with the FruitLoops - so to keep her eating through this snails pace I dance - I turn up the tunes and "drop it like it's hot".. Katy Perry is one of her favs. When she is finished she'll dance with me..(as a back-up dancer of course..I'm a diva like that). However I can't "back it up" anymore cause G-Unit has picked up the move.. And the girl can "drop, lock, and pop it" Diddy style. And I want her sitting AT the table not dancing ON the table.. Feeling me on this one??

Sassy hearts musicals.. Her #1 at this time is Beauty and the Beast - she likes to dance and sing with them. The part where Belle is dancing in the field with her arms out and twirling, seems to be G's favorite. I can't help but see her in the re-make of "The Sound of Music", and Gracie starring as Fräulein Maria.. I hold Reese and all three of us twirl around. This activity is repeated hourly and I hope my girls will never think its lame..I have so many moves to show them still ~

Gracie Girl loves to clean.. she has her own apron, cleaning rag, and the desire to scrub..and I tend to think I gave her this gene..huh? Anyhoo - she waxes off, what I wax on. We are serious about cleaning..and there is no rest for the wicked. When Reese is older, I'm thinking of starting a maid service with dancing and singing involved..(prices will vary). We like to clean to music of course.. I've noticed that Tupac, JayZ, and Snoop D-O-double G get us shakin' and movin'..

Since I got Gracie, she has loved to watch me cook. So I would hold her in one arm and cook with the other, and now, I am a one armed, bad ass chef. She likes to stir everything and to watch things bubble and boil. Its our little thing and I have yet to figure out how I'm going to have Gracie in one arm and Reese in the other.. I have a feeling nothing is going to happen. I don't bake for legal reasons - my family will understand this, so I'm hoping Grandma's or aunts will teach my girls this lesson that all ladies, excluding myself, should know. And when its clean up after meals, I can count on Gracie to be at my side handing me dishes as we empty the dishwasher and of course to help wipe down all cupboards and counter tops, 409 them, and then one final wipe down. And the finale of cleaning those na-stay water spots off my faucets and sinks. Reese is in training.. she takes note from her Bumbo, and waits until her day is here.

Our fillers through out the day, are coloring, books, shape games, puzzles, crafts that we usually just eat before we're done..bouncing balls and chasing each other. Gracie likes to hold her sister and that is our down time. Nap times are boring for me.. I usually eat. I sit and just eat until they wake up and we get to do it all over again.

The evenings at the Larson home are deliriously funny.. its normally Reese and I holding down the couch, recliner or blanket on the floor, while Dad lovingly terrorizes the big kids, and requests that they suffer in silence by chasing them up and down the rooms, throwing all pillows and stuffed animals in their faces as they run by. After bedtime snacks, bath time, lotion rub downs and cuddling until eyes can no longer stay open.. we tuck them into their bed and cribs and close the doors...its mom and dad time and our day will end here.. this is a family blog.

My days are full and never long enough.. I'm pleased as punch to be able to raise my kids, and not have to feel the ache of dropping them off at a day care. I realize that I am lucky and fully understand that it is such a blessing to have this opportunity in my life. My hot husband works very hard to support us and he is awesome at his job. I used to have a hard time at the beginning of our relationship because I was bringing nothing to the table to support our family. Chris very lovingly told me that by me managing our home and raising our children is what allows him to focus fully on his work..I'm totally all "Team Chris" and know the harder I work in our home, the better performance Chris does at his job.. our powers unite and we're a force NOT to be reckoned with.

Step-moms aren't all wicked ~

My momma-in-law was staying at our house the other weekend, and she said, "the house is so quiet without Baby G here..." then asked, "sometimes is it nice when G is gone? Kind of like a little break, some alone time?" I didn't hesitate, "No. It's borderline awful... I will never see it as a break or relaxful. I'm complete when I have all my babies." She then hugged me and said I was a good mother. And that's when I realized..

BEING A MOTHER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BIOLOGY -

I'm not a "step-mom expert".. You won't see me trying to make a business out of it.. But you will see me as the mother of Jaxon, Gracie and Reese. There is no "step" about it.. Gracie is mine as though I cooked her in my tummy for 9 months, just as I did with her big brother and little sister. I understand that she has a biological mother and that I'm the next runner-up. I respect that.. but I don't see it that way, I UNDERSTAND that is the way society has paved it. If I wipe her poopy bum, kiss her "bonks", nurture her mind, feed her tummy, and assure her heart..then dammit she's mine. Because I love her too.

Alone time is something that goes when your children come.. The alone time that I cherish, is when Chris and I put our babies to bed and cuddle on the couch. Or if we are super lucky and get to go on a date.. I have yet to be alone and think it was great.. knowing that my children are somewhere without me, leaves me on edge. So if its errands I'm doing or lunch with friends, I tend to rush things..to hurry home to where my time counts.

Sadly there are some rotten step-moms out there.. but there are some rotten bioMom's too.. Sometimes I wish society could lose the terms, "step" and "bio" and simply be moms - "co-mother" if you will. I've learned a lot since I got Gracie.. as I said above, its amazing that I love her like my "home grown" babies. There is no difference in my heart.. I've learned that people parent different, and even though we don't agree with their ideas, you can not change them. I've learned that a step-mom can achieve anything, as long as we don't need the credit. What I haven't learned is to close the door after my daughter has left to begin her time with her bioMom and be okay with it..even though I know she is in good hands - I haven't learned to share her.. but any minute now.

MoViNg...And the HaTeS

I didn't like the move.. I never say hate or hate anything or anyone but I can say I hated moving. Chris and I remind each other, hourly it seems, that moving to our "love shack" will be so worth it when our home is finished being built, and we will have a beautiful home for our children to grow up and make forever memories in... It's just that I hated that move.

Confessing my hates.. I hate when people lie.. I don't understand the concept - I wonder how they can be okay with themselves knowing they lied and that sadly, really good hearted people believe them, oh and when they lie about their kids, or use their children as accessories... I really HATE that..

I hate when people hide behind their faith.. You know saying that they are "examples" of their religion yet they are the worst example of it?

I actually hate that I took the time to even acknowledge those things.. But those are the things that I've been so stuck on I haven't been able to focus on much else..and its started to cramp my happy outlook.. so I've decided that I should prolly just get over them.. There is nothing else I can try or that I can do to make things better or change them. People do what they do.. They use facades to make themselves look dashing in the public eye, but the real people that they truly are, is on full display to those who have to deal with them on a personal level.

Happy /Positive summary: those are the only things I hate!! So that's not so bad. I'm very grateful that I don't have to worry about my life..our life. I'm grateful that I don't feel the need to cover up the past or remember what lie I told to who.. I've gotten myself into trouble by lying and telling the truth in my pre-adult years.. But I liked the endings of the "truth told" situations the best. There were still consequences but I never had to worry about the lies to be uncovered later in life... Because lies always do eventually come out-Karma some say I guess... but personally I just feel that good people deserve good things.. and people who cause troubles and lie to cause those troubles are just going way out of their way to cover things up.. (this soap box I'm on sure is high, eh?) But these are my feelings and I think they are fair and just.. things always work out happy in the end..and our ending is "SA-WEET!!!"

Buh-Bye ~

Gracie Girl...

When you leave it physically hurts..

Get better for momma and eat all the food you see ~

I love you
Momma

Monkey See.. Monkey Do...

If Bubba isn't wearing his shirt... neither is Sassy. And don't even try to make her!!

That's what she said...

Jaxman and Sassy's overheard conversation....

Jaxman: "when are you going to say sentences Sass?"

Sassy: "Poop!!!!"

I think her dialogue is coming along swimmingly!!!!!

This chair...

I was told this chair was the comfort for a great man.. Grandpa Larson loved this
chair Chris tells me.. So from the beginning of this chair being in our home, it was loved.

To me personally, this chair has huge meaning. This is the chair where my bond with my oldest daughter began. I might have not bonded with her like a birth mother would or should from the moment you saw her, but this is where I did..this is where I would rock her to sleep. The chair where I would hold her when she would wake up in the middle of the night crying. The chair where I would sooth her back to sleep, and the chair that heard me whisper my promises, dreams and hopes I have for her. The chair where I fell in love with her...

Now this chair is in my youngest daughters room..where it again, is starting all over with another love story of a mother and her baby.

It's truly not the cutest chair and can be considered out of place in rooms decorated for our princess'... But this chair is a staple item in my home and it's existence will be needed permanently.