LOVE

3 months ago my niece, Halli Wood, who is 9 years old, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The cancer was very rare and within the tumor there was three different kinds of cancers. Later they learned that is was the same type of cancer that Lance Armstrong had, except his was on the prostate. They then removed the tumor that was the dimensions of a soccer ball. Halli began chemo treatments which made her very sick and at one time she had an allergic reaction to the medication and became very confused and was talking like a baby. During the course of next chemo treatments she contracted the H1N1 flu and then was stung by bee which lead to blood poisoning. This time was so scary and very hard to understand. My sister Keli, her husband Ty and their 4 other children had to juggle going to school, driving to the valley from Snowflake every week or so, and worrying about their precious sister and daughter. They were constantly in fear of her getting sick because of her weakened immune system.
At first this experience was so hard for me to deal with. It was almost like a dream, like how could this really be happening to my family, to a little 9 year old girl? I was not sure how to help or what to say. Our family started to pray and fast for her treatments to get rid of the cancer and for her family to have the things that they needed. Well 3 months later on November 16 she found out that all the cancer is gone!
Looking back I am so grateful for the strength and faith of Halli and her family. From the very beginning of the diagnosis, Halli had faith that she could over come this. My sister has taught her children the gospel and the importance of faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has suffered all. She has taught her children the laws and ordinances of the gospel, but more importantly she has taught them love. All of her children and especially Halli's heart is so tender and genuine. Keli has taught and shown her children love. The kind of love that lasts, endures, uplifts, and comforts. The kind of love that our Heavenly Father has for us. Even when I am imperfect and not the BEST sister or Aunt and forget their birthday's or don't think to just pick up the phone and call they love me. I am so grateful for my sister who has adopted me as a little sister even though we are far from blood sisters. I am grateful for the trials that her family has had and then come out victorious. They have taught me so much about faith and LOVE.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said "Think of the purest, most all consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by infinite amount-- that is the measure of God's love for you. God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely...He loves everyone of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great he loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked."

Yeehaw

Bruce has a new favorite toy!
A family that I used to work for while I was in college, the Grasser's, made this rocky horse for Bruce. It is completely homemade. Paul used recycled oak floors to carve this beautiful chestnut gelding. When we went to pick the horse up Bruce smiled so big and kept nodding his head so I would rock the horse harder and longer. The cutest part is that he rides it like a bareback horse, with legs up at the shoulders and toes out. I hope this is no precursor to his future career, for I much rather him be a roper, which is much more safer.

Halloween Trick or Treating in Class

I am sorry to say that the funniest (an most handsome) part of our Royal family was photographed by every other Trunk or Treating family than ours. Isaac was the Jester on stilts. Families at the party kept asking for pictures with the 'funny, tall man'. It was a hit as always, you know an already 6'4 ft guy on stilts.

My beautiful little ladybug Autumn is growing up!
The other day I was sweeping the floor and Autumn was over on the couch looking through the scriptures we have on the end table. And truth be told she usually would be disciplined for such action because she is usually writing in this particular Book of Mormon. It's one of those "Don't hit!" as you spank your kid. Each night when we read Scriptures we under line any words that are a reference to Jesus Christ and so she tries to do the same except not so nicely underlined. Anyhow, so I am sweeping the floor dreaming about spring or sewing and I her say "I like my testimony" so my ears perk up and she proceeds to bare her testimony.
"I love my mommy and daddy. Church is true! I read scuwptures (scriptures). Prophet President Monson. I love Brucey Boy! Jesus wants me a Sunbeam. I love daddy. Hevennnly Fader (Heavenly Father) loves me."
WOW!
I am so blessed. I too know that the Church of Jesus Christ is the true Church and that President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet that leads and guides our church today. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and that He wants us to shine through living His gospel. I know that I am a child of God and that He does love me.
This months Relief Society message is about Nurturing the Rising Generation. The message talks about how that our children are a chosen generation. They were prepared and held back for this the last dispensation of time. This generation will prepare the earth for Christ's 2nd coming. We have the divine responsibility to love and nurture Heavenly Father's children. What a awesome opportunity! I am so grateful to be a part of and have knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan. I love that the article encourages us to treat our children like converts. That means to me that we must take every opportunity to teach about our Savior Jesus Christ. BIG calling but President Hinckley stated "You have not failed as long as you have tried. Be patient."

Rock Wall

Little Brucey Boy and I have been working on a garden bed. We have made a rock wall that extends the width of our house and covers up part of the stem wall. We collected the rocks from around our house and down the road. And by the way if anyone has any lava rock that they want to donate to our cause please feel free to drop them off at our wall. My goal was to make it about 3ft tall but I ran out of rock so it will do for now, seeing as we have 8 more months before we can plant anything anyway. The garden bed is filled with home grown compost and horse manure. I plan to fill the garden bed with beautiful perennials, not sure what kind yet.
The next project is our garden. I am still formulating ideas in my head for all the railroad ties Isaac collected and the huge rocks that would not work for the wall. BUT don't hold you breath for this post because today it snowed here so my outside projects might have come to an abrupt halt.

Turn that frown upside down

2nd Annual Pumpkin Carving/Halloween Eating Party at the Morriss'
Isaac creatively took a perfectly delightful happy smiling pumpkin and turned his smile upside down. But I guess we took perfectly good cookies and made fingernails with bones (prezals).
I know that Isaac is very proud of his work because he has asked my 3 times if I have blogged is his pumpkin yet (guess we better name it) and I know the ladies were proud of their work because every one scarffed the food, even the babies.

Achievement-Heaviest Purse

I am embarrassed to say that I have won an Achievement Award for the Heaviest Purse. Yes, me a Health Promotion Major. Now I went into the competition knowing what I was up against so in reality I asked for it, I brought my diaper bag to a purse competition but I know many moms will agree with me in saying that your diaper bag is your life. And today folks I did not question why I received the award because one month later I still have a heavy bag maybe even heavier than when I won the award at Enrichment.

Today when I brought in my bag from the car this is what I found, no joke:

2 new #3 diapers

1 new #4 diaper

1 used #3 diaper

1 package of new wipes

3 used wipes

1 wallet

1 pair of tweezers

1 new jar of baby carrot food

2 used jars of baby food

1 used printer cartridge

1 package of Kleenex with one Kleenex

1 box of baby crackers

5 file folder quiet books

1 Ziploc bag of 6 paper dolls

1 changing pad

3 pens

1 bottle of water

1 empty bottle of hand sanitizer

1 comb

1 children's book "Zebra and Foal"

2 melted crayons

2 packages of diaper cream ointment

5 new diaper trash bags

1 binkie

1 used plastic spoon
1 toothpick

AND last but not least

1 random vacuum attachment

OK, can you say RiDiCulOuS. I cannot believe that it has come to this, an award for the yuckiest diaper bag ever. And the sad part is that it did not even have all the snacks that I usually keep on hand for when I get the munchies, I could have gone hungry. So now I will stop blogging to go clean out my diaper bag, yuck!

Fall Festival

This is Autumn starting her day off with some light reading in the Reader's Digest and breakfast. In the mourning Isaac and I read the Ensign and so Autumn is now requesting her own reading material for the most important meal of the day, breakfast. So after breakfast we headed to the Fall Festival at Warner's Nursery. They had 8 different crafts which the kids loved. Autumn, Makayla, and Ethan made bird feeders, magnets, spiders, and Halloween art.

They also had a petting zoo with goats, turkeys and THEE Velveteen rabbit (this thing was huge). Afterwards for lunch we went to Sam's Club and filled up on free food samples.

Isaac was not able to come with us because he started a new business! Can you guess?

Yep, woodcutting. His friend Ammon and him are naming it 'Ammonaac Lumberjack'.

He even has another order to fill this weekend. What an entrepreneur!

"Sister Larsen she is breathing my air"

For the past 2 weeks we have been house/babysitting for a family in our old ward. The parents went to Europe for their 25th wedding anniversary. It felt like we were coming out of retirement. When Isaac and I were in school we would house/babysit at least once a month. When I sat down to think about it I counted 15 times that we have gotten the opportunity to be parents of 7, 5, 4, 3, and 2 children. It is the best opportunity to see what kind of dishwasher, sink, washer, dryer, patio, car, carpet, or layout you want for you dream house one day. We also get to implement different parenting styles and learn where every school, dance recital, basketball game, football game, homecoming parade, piano practice and recital is. I love getting to see how such awesome families with talented and bright kids live the gospel. Because I was not raised in the Church or had a big family I get the chance and responsibility to run a big family as if it was my own and see how family scripture study, family prayer and family home evening help families. I am so grateful for the prophets in giving this counsel to families to strengthen and unit them. I felt so comforted when we sent the kids off to school or practice that they had the tools they needed to combat evil. President Bednar quoted this from Doctrine and Covenants " Wherefore, be not weary in well doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small thinks proceedeth that which is great."
This particular family was no exception to the 'awesome, talented, and bright kids' rule. In just one family of three they play the drums, piano, guitar, and french horn. They play basketball, run cross country, play football, and dance. They are all straight A students and participate in Scouts and Achievement Days. They were also so kind to one another and very helpful to me. The kids treated Autumn and Bruce so well and made them laugh whenever they walked in the door. I think it took them a little while to get used to Autumn saying "whatcha doin?" Hence the "Sister Larsen she is breathing my air!" She would follow them wherever they went and took upon herself the task of knowing which one we needed to be picked up or dropped off. When we came to our own home she was so determined to get one of the boys from football that evening, it was cute. I also learned alot about music and instrument identification. Every mourning on the way to seminary we would crank up the radio and try to identify what instruments they used in the song. You or maybe just I was very surprised at what was actually coming out of the radio.

Basketball game (Autumn took the picture)

Autumn hamming it up in her Superman costume

General Conference Projects

Wood carving accident (which at the time was no smiling matter)

Thanks so much to Grandma Frost who saved the day

Livin' in the Projects Part 2

Look what we have made:

Big pile of Juniper,

bigger pile of Aspen,

two blue eyed blond cuties,

whole grain bread w/oatmeal,

peach and strawberry freezer jelly,

and 21 quarts of pears and 6 quarts of peaches

Tis the season for cheap, beautiful, and delicious fruit. My friend Jamie and I have been busy little bees canning, freezing and kneading. Jamie is such a wonderful inspiration to me. I have learned so many new skills with and from her that I'm pretty sure one day we could open our own restaurant and daycare, but wait we already do run these business right out of our home, that is without getting PAID in monetary value like a chef or teacher. We love our jobs though, especially when the kids start saying the dandiest things. On Monday the Morriss' came over for Family Home Evening and canning. Before they got here Autumn was out on the porch waiting for her BFF to come. She had her cell phone in hand and was "talking" to her BFF. Autumn was making sure she could get to our 'new' house on time, so she gave her directions. "M we live on Black Spur Rd then turn at the 2 green trash can" Autumn says. Now these directions are made up, but in her conversation she used the real street and landmark we use to give directions, it was way cute. The more she picks up the more I question the time I actually spend on the phone talking. Anyhow, Jamie taught me this new recipe for bread that has oatmeal, whole grain flour, olive oil, and honey. The bread only needs one rise, pure awesomeness! If anybody wants to try out the recipe I am sure we can trade for some chocolate or something chocolate, just let me know (my wellness challenge is over this week so wait until then). The recipe yields 5 loaves which is perfect for about a week and half here at the Larsen's. AND I think Isaac really likes it, even though he swears he is not a nuts and bolts bread eater (to bad his mom and wife are health nuts). So my plan is to put my Aunt Virgina's bread recipe and Jamie's recipe together or switch off every other week.

Isaac as you can see has also been very busy with his new hobby as a lumberjack. His goal is to fill our entire stud pen with wood and there is no doubt in my mind the way that man works that it will get done. Wood cutting has really become a family event. We like to all hop in daddy's big blue truck with a picnic and blanket. Daddy works like crazy cutting and hauling the wood and we enjoy the beautiful forest. Last week Isaac let me try the 'beast' out for myself, the chainsaw that is. Vrooooooooom! I almost cut my leg of starting it and then it felt like I had a hold of a wild cheetah. So much power in just a little machine. I don't think we will be trading roles any time soon, but it sure was fun to contribute two branches to the pile.

Thanks Scott for the awesome power tool.

Livin' in the Projects

Library before :(

Library after :)
Laundry/food storage/office room before :(

Laundry/food storage/office room after :(

My friends M&M posted a blog about 'Livin in the Projects' and I was just so amused that someone else is going from project to project to project. For me the journey seems to take so long but the reward it definitely worth it. And hey I am going to be a professional painter at the end of this journey and I met just have to start all over again with different colors.

RM-Real Mormon

7 long years ago, 4 months after I had been baptized, I came up to NAU and attended the Institute of Religion. I was assigned to Fourth Ward, in the Flagstaff Stake going to church amongst the most beautiful Molly Mormons looking for an RM. I then was invited to FHE (different that is from FFA). Now if you are a member of the church your thinking oh yeah the Institute, Ward, Stake, Molly/Jack Mormon, FHE, and RM those are all familiar terms. BUT if you have just recently been baptized you are in for a new vocabulary lesson. So in my mind I'm thinking INSTITUTE, wow that sounds like the psychiatric wing of the hospital and WARD is the floor of the hospital you're on or the prison WARDen. AND the STAKE building, isn't that where you eat steak, like meat? AND now those Molly and Jack Mormon's, were those real people? I don't know any Mollys or Jacks. Then there is the RM. What in the world is an RM and why are all these beautiful Molly Mormons chasing, writing, dating, marrying, and dreaming about them. It was like this craze for 'A' or 'THE' RM. So I got to thinking, now that I am a Mormon I better start chasing, writing, dating, dreaming, or marrying an RM. BUT wait is an RM like a unicorn or a good parking spot at the mall, does it really exist?
I then started to come up with words to fit the acronym like Real Mormon, Real MAN, Rambling Man, Rifle Marksmen (you know Arizona Mormons and hunting), Registered Masonry, Real Macoy, Regal Man, Registered or Retired Militant and the list goes on and on. Anyhow, I have obviously come a long way since then and guess what? I am sending out my first missionary tomorrow. Now he is really not mine, not even by blood, but my baby brother-in-law is going on a mission to Macon, Georgia. I am so proud and thankful for his testimony and dedication to serving the Lord. I know that he will be on the Lord's errand preaching the gospel to all those Jack Mormons, even if he has to leave a nice Molly Mormon.

I had to post a Happy picture since those Larsen's make pictures look like a real chore. Joe really is excited to serve a mission! In his farewell talk he said that he had watched each of his brothers come and go on missions and it was finally his turn. What a faithful young lad!

Doesn't Pop's grass look AMAZING! Who knew you could have such a beautiful lawn in Winslow, Arizona!

Now, since we are on the subject of Weird Mormon Culture what about all that Jello, Potato Pearls, and Cream of Chicken Soup?

Day 1

Today was the first of 30 days I will be sacrificing all that is scrumptious and delicious in chocolate. I am doing a wellness challenge with 23 men and women from the Walnut Canyon Ward. The challenge is very simple in theory, that is if you are a total Granola but as I am only half, then it is in deed a challenge. The biggest challenge for me is the NO sweets, meaning no chocolate. The challenge includes 10 category's that you must adhere to over the course of a month. Each week points are tallied and at the end we will accomplish the greatest of all human achievements, living healthy and clean. If you would like to join us in the challenge feel free, below is the categories that you must adhere to each day to receive maxium health kudos.
1. Drink 48 oz of water
2. 45 minutes of exercise
3. 2 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit
4. No soda, beer, wine, unhealthy snacks, or fried foods
5. No sweets
6. No eating dinner after 8pm
7. 15 min of scripture reading
8. One journal entry
9. Express sincere appreciation, love or praise to spouse
10. Personal Goal
So your in right?
If not, cheers to living a little more healthy! And wish me luck
P.S. DO not send any chocolate or leave any trace of chocolate in your candy bowl if I come to visit.

Jump Jump Jump Around

Autumn performs for the first time on stage at the 175th Annual Payson PRCA Rodeo in front of adoring fans. Her dancing moves are like none we have seen before!

Now that you have seen it you are thinking wow that girl has some rockin moves. The beat must have been awesome. Was the song 'Jump Jump Jump Around' by House of Pain you ask!

NO NO It was George Strait's 'All my Ex's Live Texas'.

Pretty crazy dance moves for a song you should two step to. Oh well, at least she can grove like her Daddy or maybe she dances to a different beat in her head like her mom, who knows. I especially like the hand moves on the ground like the pros do in 'Dancing with the Stars'.

Well, at least we know she can draw a crowd (I am not sure if that is bad or good). Grammy and Grandpa Frank thought it was classic. They were so proud that there granddaughter could 'get down' with country music. But we are proud of them for being honored at the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo as "Ring of Honors" for their accomplishments as professional bullriders.

Baby-on-the-hipitis

My grandma Jane came to stay with us for a week and every time I turn around she says "Tera why don't you put that baby down?" Then I respond by shrugging my shoulders and continue to keep sweeping, doing laundry, washing dishes, pulling the trashcan to the road, washing Autumn's hands, moping the floor, cooking dinner, reading, talking in the phone, typing etc., all with Baby on the hip. Now I never realized how draining this disease can be because, well, I am almost certain that is how I was raised. We NEVER had baby sitters. My mom would haul us from the Salon to the Grocery Store then all the way to Ft. Worth Texas to her rodeos. AND honestly I don't mind having my kids right by my side to complete my daily tasks and I actually enjoy their company. BUT to get my grandma to stop nagging or suggesting that I put that baby down I went on a experiential treatment plan.

Step 1: Encourage big sister to round up the prairie dogs on Trigger the pony with a rope.

Results: Baby laughing hysterically at his crazy haired cowgirl sister. Mom gets porch swept but is laughing to hard to accomplish much.

Step 2: Place baby on sisters bed with sisters jewelry in sisters room.

Result: Mom gets two shirts folded but has to keep sister from taking HER toys away from baby, nothing much accomplished

Step 3: Just give baby to Grandma.

Result: Dinner done but baby squirming to the floor to find mom and growling at grandma for making him stay.

Step 4: Put the baby in water.

Result: Soaking wet mom but happy baby.

Step 5: Feed baby peas, applesauce, watermelon, chicken noodle soup, and whatever else he can get his hands on in one sitting.

Result: Messing baby, messing chair, messing floor, and I still did not get to eat my dinner.

Step 6: While cleaning put the baby in the sink for a good eye level view.

Result: Wet baby, wet floor, wet counter, flour on the floor but dishes put successfully away, except all the ones thrown on floor.

Step 7: Butter grandma up by giving her a pedicure and manicure and then she won't even notice that you have a baby.

Result: Grandma does notice the baby and insists you put him on her lap so you can get the polish on the toes not the baby.

Now all this is in good fun because I actually wish she could stay. She has helped me so much. After every meal she washes the dishes and while I cook she entertains Autumn. Then when I serve her a meal she makes comments like "This is like heaven and wow that is the best bread I have ever eaten!" Grandma Jane loves to tell stories and remembers very well for being 89 years young.

And about the Baby-on-the-hipitis I am pleading Guilty. I figure they are only babies for a short time and it only takes about 1 year for them to figure out they want to do it all by themselves, everything all by themselves.

WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA.

Drum Roll Please

The moment you have all been waiting for, Bump Bum Bum...

THE TRANSFORMATION OF ONE LOWLY HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE!

WARNING site under construction!

WARNING young children with paint brushes!WARNING turtle/frog green dye EVERYWHERE!

WARNING neon yellow/pineapple puke in the corners of EVERYWHERE!

WARNING camera will blur at such scenes!

WARNING ONE LOWLY HOUSE IN NEED OF A FACELIFT!

AHHHHHHH NOW ISN'T THAT BETTER!

DON'T YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN A FIELD OF SUNFLOWERS NOW!

WHY YES, THIS IS JUST WHAT TRANQUIL TY FEELS LIKE!THIS CAN'T BE THE SAME LOWLY PRAIRIE HOUSE, CAN IT BE?

WHY YES, YES THIS IS HOME SWEET HOME!

OUR LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE,

OUR REFUGE FROM THE WORLD,

AND THE PLACE WE CALL HOME!

THE END!

NOW WAIT, DO NOT SHED A TEAR. There is more to come. Yes that's right, years and years and years of work to do!