So sick

This is a picture of Ruthie at her worst: temperature of 102 for 5 days and a throat full of sores.  Diagnosis: hand, foot, mouth disease.  No fun.  While we were at Oakland our baby was home fighting a fever.  As soon as we got home I ran her over to Urgent Care and was told that this yucky stuff is going around.  So glad that she is doing better.

I love watching the kids play together... and especially love the fact that everyone is now healthy!

Oakland

Last Saturday, Joseph and I had the opportunity to fly by ourselves to Oakland, CA to attend the wedding of my sweet college friend, Heather.  It was so enjoyable to be together with Joseph in the temple, because so many memories of our own wedding 9 years ago came flooding back.  The spirit in the sealing room was so wonderful.  I am grateful that we were invited to be there.

Here are two of my besties from BYU, Crystal and Heather (such a beautiful bride!).  I sure love these gals.  It is amazing that we are still such good friends after so many years.  Some friendships are eternal!

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's day weekend was the best!  On Friday, Joseph took the boys for the annual Fathers and sons campout, so Ruthie and I got a little mother-daughter time.  We celebrated by painting her toes pink (she loved it!).  David's Kindergarten class hosted a little presentation for the mothers.  This is a picture of David's desk all lined up with surprised for me.

Me and my David.  I sure love this kid!

Sunday was a great day, even though we couldn't manage a cooperative group at picture time.  The boys were so sweet all day.  They surprised me with beautiful roses from grandma's garden and fun corsages to wear to church.  Joseph also surprised me with my very own Ukulele.  The extra hugs and kisses were the very best gifts.  I sure love my kids.  Though the days can be quite difficult with such little ones, the payoff comes in small ways...such as your 6 year old telling you he loves you all the way to Pluto and back, your 3 year old telling you you look "cute", and your snotty-nosed baby reaching to give you a kiss on the lips.

I hope all the mothers out there had a wonderful day!  Thanks to my own mother for teaching me that motherhood can be a joy, especially when you laugh along the way!

Randoms

David and James have entered their Lego creations into the Lego Magazine contest for a chance to win $100!  David's creation is called "BYU basketball" and James' creation is called "BYU football".  Can you sense a theme?

It's funny how a toddler could think that dunking their head into milk is a good idea.

Speaking of crazy brains... the Larsen household sure has a bunch!

David's thoughts on being a missionary...

"Mom, don't send me any candy.  I don't want to have tummy ache while I knock on doors."

"Dad, I want to go to Denmark so that I can tell people not to worship Legos." 

(as a side note, David's first love next to God and family are Legos, which of course, are made in Denmark).

Called to Serve

We had the amazing opportunity of witnessing the setting apart of my in-laws, Dave and Pam Larsen as missionaries to South Africa.  Although things are a bit lonely around here without grandma and grandpa around, we are so happy for them and so grateful for the wonderful example they set for us!  Here we are just before the setting apart with Joseph's sister, Kara and her family

The Monday before they left, Joseph set up a MTC experience for the kids.  They even got to wear his old missionary badges.

 Pretty cute little gospel learners, eh?

Good luck, grandma and grandpa!  We'll be praying for you!!!

Goodly Parents

We had my parents for a visit last week.  It was sure fun!  James finally got to be reminded of what his namesake grandpa is like.  

We took did our customary bonfire at the beach while grandma and grandpa were here.  Unfortunately, the weather was uncooperative and it was freezing! ... but the food was still good!

Ruthie loves men and ukuleles

the boys snuggle up to grandma to get warm

The very next day was rainy and yucky so we ventured out to a children's museum up in Santa Ana... a little boring for adults, but awsome for little kiddies.

As soon as the rain stopped, James and Ruthie ventured outside for some puddle fun

We call Ruthie our "perch" because where there is an empty lap, she will be there.  She especially loved grandma's lap and took advantage of every opportunity.


Thanks for the fun visit!!