Unforgettable Christmas!

Whoosh! that sure went fast, it seems like December is the shortest month of the year and the busiest. We had an unforgettable Christmas this year with snow, family, and a trip to the emergency room it was an adventure.

It all started with Christmas Eve and the biggest snow storm we have seen in probably years. We spent the day at home with My sis. Heather and her husband watching movies, cooking ( thanks for the amazing potato pilling skills Fernando) and putting finishing touches on a Gift. Uncle Brent's house was our destination for the evening festivities and the annual Cogdill Christmas Eve Party. They always do such an amazing job decorating there house is beautiful and we have such a fun time. (I forgot my camera so no pics) Getting home was not as much fun because while we all celebrated, ate and enjoyed the warmth of the season inside; the snow and wind just got heaver and harder outside. Several cars had to be pushed out and driving home was slow and slippery. Crazy but fun, every time Kevin would slide around a corner Cameron would say do it again Daddy or go faster Daddy. Silly Boys it sure starts early.

Christmas Morning was so much fun we woke up at about 6:30 am and opened presents Cameron was great he got excited over everything, like when he opened his stocking and exclaimed " a LEMONADE" while pulling out an orange. I am starting to think he has a little OCD though, because he had to make sure all of the paper and tape was off the box before he would even consider opening it up to get the toy out it was so funny.

We then made our way to my parents house where we opened more presents and ate breakfast.What a Haul (ha ha ha)

After coming home for a short nap we trudged once again through the snow to Kevin's parents for yet again more gifts and more food. After dinner we all sat around talking and enjoying the day. At around 6:00 one of my Nieces came over to me and said that Cameron fell, he was crying for me, and he was in the bathroom with Kevin. I casually walked into the bathroom to find Cameron and Kevin all bloody. Cameron had some how hit his head on the stone fireplace hearth and cut his head. Needless to say we spent the rest of the evening in the emergency room, two staples later Cameron told the doctor Thank You (such good manners he has) and we ended the festivities with a big sigh. Lets Go HOME! Not a good pic but he got two staples!

Merry Christmas To All, And To All A GOOD NIGHT!

Merry Christmas

OK, so taking pictures for the Christmas card is not as easy as I had once thought. I pick out the outfits, I found an alright location, I found a photographer (thanks Fernando) is it to much to ask for a little cooperation in the smile department. I guess so because this is as good as we get, not to say that Cameron didn't smile a few times, but it just happened to be when Kevin looked like he had three chins or you could see right up my nose. We decided Cameron looks cute even when he doesn't smile so we would go for a picture that Kevin and I look halfway decent in majority rules in this family. With that out of the way I think I am ready for Christmas, short of wrapping few gifts I think everything is done. I am getting out the gifts for the neighbors tomorrow night and then I can sit back drink hot apple cider, watch White Christmas and enjoy the season! wahoo! I probably wont post again until after Christmas but I wanted to take a minute to let all of my friends and family know how much I love them. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people around me this time of year and as I reflect on the birth of our Savior I cant help but be grateful for all that He has give me and my family. May your Christmas be bright and your homes be filled with the spirit of Christ. Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Eight Years Later

On Saturday the twenty fourth Kevin and I celebrated our eighth anniversary. Wow I can't believe we have really been married for eight whole years. Time as they say "fly's when your having fun". And we have sure had some fun. We have shared good times and bad happy and sad, and through it all everything has just made us stronger. If someone would have told me that after eight years I would be more in love than on the day we were married I wouldn't have believed it, but now WOW! I cant wait for Fifty to get here. I am married to the most patient and wonderful man ever and I am truly blessed to have him in my life. I pray daily that I can be the kind of woman worthy of such a loving man.

Giving Thanks!

We enjoyed another great holiday this past week. I am so grateful for all that I have. I have an amazingly wonderful husband and the most "adorable" little boy in the entire universe. I have two great family's and many super friends (could I use anymore adjectives). We spent Thanks giving with Kevin's side of the family this year and after a lot of great food, tons of laughter and a stack of dishes two miles high we all slept pretty good that night. In fact we slept so good that we slept through our 4:30 am alarm. We were supposed to meat at my parents at 5:30 to go Christmas tree hunting. But once we received the call from my mom we were out of bed and on the road in a flash (or should I say flush, because that's really about all we had time for). We spent the day with my side of the family driving to Soda Springs Idaho, and hiking up and down the mountain to find the perfect tree. Ok so omce we got it home it was not quite purfect, but once we hid the funky side in the back and strung afew lights I think it turned out pretty good. I love all of the family traditions that come with the holidays.

Bubble Bath,Popcorn and Twinkle Star!

Bubble Bath!

Last Sunday morning as Cameron ate his breakfast I cut out a few little things for primary. When I got him down I told him that as soon as I was finished I would give him a bath. He loves baths so he was really excited. I forgot to mention that the day before I bought him a large bottle of bubble bath and showed it to him (first mistake) As I continued to sit at eh kitchen table cutting things out It got quiet, usually a bad sign but I thought to myself I just need to finish really quick (second mistake). Seconds latter Cameron comes walking into the kitchen with the bubble bath bottle opened upside down saying "Bubbles All Gone!" Trying not to overreact and hopping that they went down the drain of the tub I asked Cameron where are the bubbles, and he turned to walk down the hall and we reached the bath room he didn't stop instead he pointed to the large spot on the carpet, and said "right there", "Oh! My Gosh" I exclaimed, soon to be repeated as he pointed to my boot sitting on the floor full of liquid, and then again on some paper work I had piled up next to my primary bag. I was not happy at all but I did pretty good at keeping my calm. I told him that what he did was wrong and that now he didn't have any bubbles for his bath, that did it he started to cry and said "bubbles pleeeese" I explained again why he wouldn't have any bubbles and took him to the tub. I thought wow he'll never do that again he learned his lesson. As I turned on the water and stripped him down he looked into the tub Happily and said BUBBLES! I turned to look, and to my dismay he did get some bubble bath into the tub. Lesson NOT Learned!


POPCORN!

This Wednesday afternoon Cameron and I popped some popcorn and sat on the couch to watch Monsters Inc. (for the 3rd time this week). As we watched and ate I looked over to see him playing with his nose, the conversation went a little something like this.


M- What are you doing?

C- Nose!

M- What?

C- Popcorn Nose!

M- WHAT!!!!

I then tried to look in his nose to see and as he squirmed away I confirmed that he had indeed shoved an un-popped kernel up his nose. After a little wrestling and trying not to freak out, I sat him on the bathroom counter, pinched the other nostril shut and had him blow. Luckily, it worked and, as the kernel flew from his nose hit the mirror and landed in the sink, all I could think of was hearing a story about my cousin (you know who you are) shoving pieces of sponge curler up her nose and it wasn't until a a while later when they couldn't figure out why she stunk so bad that they take her to the doctor and realized what happened. I guess it could be worse huh!



Twinkle Star!

The little things that mean sooo much!
The other night Cameron woke up crying at about 12:30 a.m. Kevin when in to comfort him and all he did was cry for mommy, so of course I went to see what was wrong. When I took him from Kevin, he lay his head on my shoulder and said "Mommy sit Cameron bed", I obliged and sat rocking him for a minute before he said "Twinkle Star?" as my eyes filled with tears, I sang the song. After a few more requests and a sweet little "good night mommy" I lay him down and went to bed. Its times like this that make me realize how important I am to that little guy, I love him so much words can never express, I am so grateful for these sweet little moments, and that heavenly father has trusted ME to be his Mommy!

My Cute Little Cowboy

Cameron was a Cowboy this year for Halloween, he wore my Grandpa Cogdill's old Stetson hat and he even had a horse, but you wont see it in any pictures, because he didn't like it at all. We started out by going to Salt Lake and having lunch with my sister Cindy, we then went to Heathers office where Cameron went from cubical to cubical saying "bucket" instead of trick or treat to get candy from her co-workers. We then drove to Grandma and Grandpa Larsen's house to show off and get more candy. While there he helped had out candy to a few kids and when Grandma gave them to much he said "that's all" (too cute). Next we made our way to Grandma and Grandpa Cogdill's house once again to show off, get more candy and help pass out treats to the kids. And again he was a little worried that grandpa was giving the kids to much and put a stop to it (I think he was afraid Grandpa would run out before he got more). Home was then next stop for us, because of traffic and the fact that Heather, Fernando, Matt and Cindy were all coming over we decided to forgo trick or treating in the neighborhood. Besides his bucket was full and he had more fun running to the door every time someone knocked and helping daddy pass out Candy, while my sisters and I made our traditional Halloween meal of Chili and Scones. It was a fun day and probably the last year we can get away with eating most of the Candy ourselves.

Look Who's Two

Our little monkey celebrated his 2nd Birthday on Monday the 22nd of October! Unfortunately he was not feeling well so the celebration had to wait, but we got together with the family on Sunday afternoon and he had a blast opening presents and eating cake. I can't believe he is already two, as everyone says time goes sooo fast. I thought I would put together a few pics of Cameron this past year so you can see how much he has changed. Enjoy!

Month in Review

Wow! September was a busy month, we're probably on the inactive list since we haven't attended church in our home ward since the first of September. We started the month with Lotoja, where we spent a great weekend with some great friends the Stucki's ( ok not really sure how to make that name plural). A week Later we flew as a family to Tennessee, Cameron and I stayed with my amazing sister in law Vicky and her kids at there place while Kevin and my Brother in-law Todd rode their bikes around Tennessee. Cameron and I then flew to Oregon for my cousin Janel's wedding and spent about a week with my Grandparents. About two days later Kevin and I flew to Florida to go on a cruise to the Bahamas while Cameron stayed with Kevin's parents for the week. We've been all over the this month; Wyoming, Minnesota, Arizona, Chicago,Idaho, Tennessee, Oregon, Florida, and the Bahamas. We were swimming, snorkeling, eating, shopping, biking, hiking, eating, walking, flying, climbing, eating, touristing, playing, singing, cruising, dancing, oh and did I mention eating. We all had a great time and Cameron did better than expected on the plane. I need to thank Vicky, my parents my in-laws and my Grandparents for all there help with Cameron while Kevin was riding his bike across Tennessee and I was a single Mom, and while Kevin and I were both gone on the cruise they made things a lot easier and more fun. All in all we had a great time, It was fun and exciting, but I am soooo happy to be home. There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed, eating in your own Kitchen and being together as a family again in your own house.

Well, I had better get back to real life now and do some Laundry Yippee!!!!

McMinville Tennessee

Vicky and Cameron at the Carter House (civil war site)
Walking along the river in Portland

Playing at the Park in Eugene W/ Grandpa and Grandma C.

Janelle and Matt's Wedding

Aquarium at Atlantis Hotel in Bahamas

Kevin's new Bike in Key West
Catamaran to go Snorkeling in Key West

My Baby Sis Got Hitched!

My baby sister Cindy got Married on August 25th I have been busy lately and haven't been able to post about it yet, but I could let time go anymore with out saying how excited I am for her and her new husband Matt. They were both so cute smiling and laughing all day. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple and it was a beautiful sealing. Cindy looked so pretty, and Matt so handsome. They had a luncheon at the Olive Garden there in SLC and a reception that evening at my parents ward house. Everything turned out wonderful it was great to be able to share such a special day with them. She is such a great sister and friend and I know they will be happy for eternity. Congratulations Cindy and Matt!!!

Sooo Cute

Fun In Tennessee

Tennessee is beautiful Kevin, Cameron and arrived on Sat the 15th and we all had a great time. Kevin and Todd left early Monday morning for a bike ride across Tennessee. Kevin says that the country side is beautiful and the weather has been great. This ride is not quite as serious as LOTOJA they call it a rolling picnic. They stop along the way and check out the local attractions such as the Jack Daniel's brewery ( great place for missionary work right???) Vicky, Brennan, Jen, Cameron and I, met the guys in a place called McMinville on Wednesday night, we had dinner and walked around the park a little just to spend a little time with Kevin and Todd. Vicky, Cameron and I have been all around Franklin and she is showing us all the neat historical sites form the Civil War and we also went to the Grand Ol' Oprey and of course the mall for some shopping. We had a great time with the Scott Family and we cant wait to visit again. Tennessee is really a beautiful state. Here is a link to a newspaper article the one of the local paper wrote about the ride my brother in Law Todd is interviewed and quoted in it. http://www.t-g.com/story/print/1277766.html Now its off the Oregon for my Cousin Janel's Wedding!

LOTOJA 2007

He did it!!!!!

Kevin completed his fourth LOTOJA ride on Saturday the 8th. For those of you that don't know what that is, its a one day 206 mile bike ride from Logan Utah to Jackson Hole Wyoming. He started at 7:22 am and completed it in under 11 hours (his best time yet) he finished 423 out of 1000 riders. Kevin has been training with his friend Clayton all summer for this race , they were a great team and even got Clayton's employer T-Mobile to sponsor them with free Jerseys (real men do wear pink) They both did great and had an amazing support crew:)

It is amazing to think that less than 5 years ago he was going through chemo therapy and hardly able to walk from one end of the house to another. He sure has come along way, I'm so proud of him.

Catch Up (pics now included)

OK so is been a few weeks since my last post, but boy have we been BUSY! As I said before we went camping with Kevin's fam and had a blast. Kevin rode his bike up to camp (approx 113 miles) he left home at about 6:30 am and arrived before 3:30 pm tired and a little sore but happy and ready to camp (remember this is just a training ride the big one is 206 miles).
Less than 2 hours after we arrived with a huge scrape on the side of his eye and dirt up his nose Cameron had already managed to look like a solder coming home from battle. but was that enough? NO! not for my son, instead he decided he wanted to get a more authentic look so he face planted it on a gravel parking lot and added a nice gash above his eyebrow. 40 min later we arrived at the hospital in Montpeiler for stitches. What an exciting first night fortunately everything went a little smoother the rest of the time. We had fun singing songs around the camp fire and telling silly stories that we have all heard about 1000 times (burnt toast) good times. We spent one day at Bear Lake, rented wave runners and messed around on the beach. Cameron loved the water and the sand he and Kevin even got in a mud fight (the things we teach our children).
After spending four days camping we were all dirty and tired and I was ready to go home, but instead we packed out jeep up again and headed to Lava Hot Springs for our ward camp out. So it was a busy week but not over yet. We drove straight home Saturday afternoon just in time to get cleaned up and go to the Ogden Temple for Cindy to take out her endowment's. Wow a great week spent with family and to end it at the Temple, even better!

Sitting Around the camp Fire
The Bear Lake Mud Monsters Menatonka Cave
After all the dirt bumps, scrapes and bruises
a long ride home is something to look forward to.

Laundry Anyone?

Ok, if there is one frivolous thing you could do if money was no object what would it be?

I would pay someone to do my Laundry. I know its not exciting or glamorous or even very imaginative, but WOW would that be nice. Laundry seams to be the one thing around the house that never seams to be completely done. I can get caught up on the dishes, vacuuming, and even Cameron's toys are put away, but someone is always wearing clothes and so that means the Laundry is never quite done. We got back Saturday afternoon from the Larsen family camp-out and our ward Camp-out. We really had a lot of fun (I'll fill in the events of the trip in another post) but somehow when we walked into the house and left our bags in the Laundry room I got a pit in my stomach and reality hit we are home and that means Laundry. I guess I really don't have much to complain about, with the blessings of modern technology my Laundry will be done in a day if I stay on top of it, its not like I have to use a rock or even a wash board, maybe that's why back in the day people only had two sets of clothes its not because they were expensive its because Mom didn't want to spend all week washing. Oh well I guess I' ll stop complaining now and go fold some more clothes.

My two favorite Guys

I love Sundays! Today we went over to my parents house for dinner yummy roast and corn on the cob. We sat around talking, teasing , and laughing for several hours. Of course Cameron felt he should be the center of attention the entire time and Grandma, Grandpa , Aunt Heather, Aunt Cindy and soon to be Uncle Matt didn't have any problem allowing this to happen. As for Kevin and I we just sat back and relaxed as Cameron entertained the troops. We are thinking of taking him on the road I bet we could make some good money with his animal impressions and Twinkle Twinkle Little star rendition alone. SOOO CUTE! We are getting ready for a busy next few months with camping trips and Cindy's wedding we'll be missing lazy Sundays sitting around with Family talking about absolutely nothing pretty soon. With Kevin's Job and calling there aren't many nights in the week that he gets to help tuck Cameron into bed but Sunday is a guarantee and Cam loves it. He always wants daddy to kneel right next to him and give him extra hugs. I am so blessed to have these two guys in my life, I cant imagine anything better than waking up next to my sweetheart every morning or getting a sloppy kiss from my little monkey. I love them both more than words can say Heavenly Father must really love me big time!

A Day Off!

Nothing new or exciting has taken place in the lives of the Larsen family, and maybe that is a good thing. Cameron continues to amaze me each and every day with the ways he is able to get into things he can open most of the child safety-lock on the doors and the other day i caught him trying to pry the outlet cover off. Little rest for the weary! Right Moms?
Although today was great, Kevin and his friend Clayton left at about 6:00 am to go for a bike ride to the top of sardine canyon they got home at about 11:00am (Kevin crashed for about 20 min. and then went to work (busy man trying to do it all) Then my friend Dani and I were able to slip out for a few hours have lunch and go see the new Harry Potter movie (matinees rock) no lines and we even got great seats. Her saint of a husband (Clayton) volunteered to spend his day off watching the kids his own two (3 years and 2 years) and Cameron it was great everyone was alive and happy as far as I know no blood was shed and house was still standing. Its sure is great to have friends like that. As I take a look at this note I think to myself wow my husband just rode about 75-80 miles for fun and what did I do? I ate and went to a movie. I guess our Ideas of relaxing are two different things, I must be my mothers daughter:) And now that Cameron is in bed I guess I should go catch up on all the stuff I neglected to do today. Days off are great!

POOP!

Yes, I said POOP! it is a word offensive to some, but common in the everyday vocabulary of any mother with a child under 5. But why you ask, did I title my entry with such a descriptive and disgusting word? Well I'll tell you.
Cameron and I went to the mall today, and to all of my childless friends out there, NO! a trip to the Mall is not the care free, fun and relaxing experience it once was. Taking a child to the Mall requires planning, preparation, supplies and bribes. But today I was off my game just a little. As I packed the granola bars, juice, Cheerios, diapers and wipes I thought great I'm all set (mistake), Cameron had other plans for me.
The first 45 min. or so were uneventful except for the random shirt being pulled off the rack or the sandal being kicked off everything was going pretty well. It was not until we entered Macy's that Cameron started to get a little winny and wiggly in his stroller; so being the in tune mom that I am, I figured he needed to be changed. We proceeded to go into the restroom where to my surprise I found my little boy had completely soaked himself through and his stroller was just as wet as his diaper. I then thought to myself 'at least it was just wet and not poopy (big mistake). As I cleaned him up I realized I had neglected to bring a change of pants (something any mom will tell you is very important for a long day out). So I got him all cleaned up put him back in the stroller and went over to the little boys department and bought him a new pair of shorts (on sale at least). Once redressed and a little more comfortable we proceeded to go up stairs to the men's department. As we looked around I noticed a smell coming for the general direction of my son, I looked at him with his big blue eyes and he said "stinky" and then laughed like he had just told a great joke. Alright I thought I'll just go to the checkout stand pay for Kevin's shirts and then go change Cameron (an even bigger mistake). As I handed the checker my items I looked down at Cameron as he attempts to hand me something, a handful of POOP! oh my Gosh!!!! I told the woman I would be back in a minute and ran to the restroom. To my total horror I found that Cam had pooped all up his back down his leg and now because he had put his hand in it it was also all over the stroller AHHHHHH!! In spite of it all I kept my cool cleaned him and the stroller up again, put his wet shorts back on (wet is better than poopy in my book) put his dirty shirt and new shorts in a bag and strolled out . I payed for my stuff, and then proceeded to walk quickly to the car but not without having my very social son say "hi" to everyone we passed bringing attention to the fact that he was half naked, and I was very embarrassed. Parenting sure isn't easy but I wouldn't trade it for anything, because even after a day like today ,when I tucked him into bed tonight and he looked at me again with those big blue eyes and said "wove wou, in na moning" (which means, I love you, see you in the morning) it makes everything else just melt away. But hopefully it won't be something we will need to be blessed with again:)

The Fourth of July "Good Times Today"

It was a Great day, it all started early at the ward breakfast where we ate great food and the kids got Pony rides, Cameron though it was great, he was so excited to see the pony's eating wasn't even an option. Cameron doesn't seem to be frightened of many things and so although many of the other little kids started crying when they got on the horse, Cameron got on and said "giddy up hosee"

SOOO cute.

Next it was up to the mountains where Grandma and Grandpa Cogdill are running a stake camp near Huntsville. The whole family was invited up for a picnic lunch. We played in the river ate a lot of food and caught up on family time. It was greatCameron with Great Grandpa Cogdill-They use this handy little cart for Grandma to get around in, but the great grand kids sure like it too (he wont let us "Grand" kids use it, we must not be great enough :) sorry its late). Cameron also had fun attempting to ride Ammon and Issac's bikes and scooters.

I think he needs a little more practice, but look how smart he was to put on the helmet first!

That's enough of that for today lets go see what Dads doing by river!

Next stop home for a much needed NAP for all then off to the Stucki's for a Bar-B-Q and fireworks with a few friends.

Cameron loved the fireworks but was not a happy camper when they were over, probably because he knew it was three hours past his bed time and we were going home.

We live in a great Country with more freedoms than we probably realize we have been blessed with so many wonderful things, and I'm glad that I am able to share them with good friends and family. "Good Times Today"

Happy Forth and God Bless America