Snow Day!!!

On Tuesday we woke up to awesome snow on the ground. We all wanted to go and play in it. Those of you on FB with me remember this day. I couldn't decide what to do about Aidan. We bought him some snow pants for Christmas, we wrapped them and put them under the tree. Well as I was trying to decide whether or not to unwrap them and use them that day, Aidan decided for me. I went upstairs to find that he had unwrapped a present. Amazingly the one that I was thinking about opening, snow pants. So with the new development we decided to go forth and let him wear them.

Aidan bundled and ready to play in the vast whiteness!

My favorite picture.
I can imagine him saying it...
"I can't get up! Ralphie! I can't get up!"

Brian shoveling the sidewalk.

"Thanks Dad for the run way!"

And mom's favorite.
The picture where he really couldn't get up.
He was so tired when he fell down,
he couldn't get back up. LOL!

All done with that fantastic snow!
Aidan was so tired, he didn't even fight
when we told him it was time to go inside.

And finally Aidan's first experience with
"Hot" chocolate.
It was really luke warm cocoa.
But he loved it all the same.

Layton Park Lights

Last Saturday night we was bored. You read me right. We was bored! We had done all of our shopping and stuff and was bored. So Brian and I decided to head over to the Layton Commons Park and walk around and see their lighting display. I have never actually walked around to see the lights, driven past yes always, but not walk through. We bundled Aidan up and headed out. Someone should start to remind these parents not to forget to bundle themselves up. What a nerd! Brian was prepared, I was not. I had on my hoodie. It was freezing. Needless to say it was a quick walk through, with some OOOOHHHHs and AAAWWWWEEEEs. And then we ran to the car for the wonderful warmth. Here are some of those pictures.

Aidan running ahead of Brian.
Aidan was excited and confused by everything.

Just a picture of the lights.
I have no idea what is in the snow.
:)

Gingerbread houses

Last Friday we had the McFadden's come over for some yummy food and good times. I made a large pot of Chicken Curry. Yummy! I am slowly making this recipe my own. I am so excited to be able to make it a Larson Family staple, even Aidan loves it. I digress. The main event for the night wasn't the Chicken Curry, it was the gingerbread houses. Megan and I have been talking about doing this for weeks. I have never done one before, ever. I have always been nervous about them, there sticky! But through some sweet talk by Megan we agreed to purchase those pre-made gingerbread kits that you can buy at Wal-Mart and other such stores. I got one style and Megan got another. I am happier with my pre-made box because even the royal icing was pre-made, on Meg's you had to mix it up and wait a little bit so that it could come together. Well this was a project for Aidan and Zoe; they were not into it, not even a little bit. They enjoyed all the candy but not much else. Who would have thought that gingerbread houses could make people so competitive? Not me. What started as a project for the kids turned into Larson's vs. McFadden's and then Boys vs. Girls and then Nate vs. Keira Jo. So much fun it was! Next year I think it will be more fun, because now I know what to expect and can better prepare myself.

Nate and Steven working on their "Man-ger." I believe, my opinion that they modeled their idea off of what would be consider a manger and a man cave. Their house is very detailed and delightfully funny.

Keira Jo working very hard on the traditional gingerbread house. See the left side of the roof...that's what I helped with. I am so proud.
A better view of the "Man-ger." This house uniquely designed for a man. Inside this man-ger the owner has equipped the home with a large couch, a HUGE wide screen television and amazing surround sound system. The house also as room for the man's horse. And because one has made room for his horse inside the house one should share their surround sound with the horse. Notice the speakers hung on the wall for optimum pleasure. This house is also decorated outside with an amazingly placed swamp cooler and a tower of used tires. The imagination!
A better view of the traditional gingerbread home. This home is prepared for anything that winter can bring. Notice the Santa Claus catching hook on the roof. This home owner has also decorated the home and the yard with decorations. The fence around the structure has a colorful fence. The eve's around the house are decorated in beautiful red and green lights. The owner also took some time to place down some ice melt for you, on the path to the front door, dyed nicely in festive colors. They also placed a wreath on the house and a blow up Santa Claus in the front yard to show their holiday spirit.

It was fun night for all. So glad we were able to do this activity.

Now we need your help, my devoted blog readers. We are in a contest. I am taking a poll. Aside from who did which house, I would like you to vote on your favorite house and tell me why. The winner of the gingerbread house viewer opinion poll will receive your accolades and praise. You can vote in two ways. Leave a comment. Or see the poll on the top left of the Larson Blog page. Thanks!

My final for my (potentially) final class ever

Today was the day of reckoning. AT 530PM MST I entered my classroom for my final exam for what I hope to be my final class EVER at Weber State University. I study and even ask for assistance from Brian throughout the semester and I ventured out of my comfort zone and asked for a blessing. I am confused and nervous and on the edge of my seat. The final was open book/open note comprehensive exam. One would think that it would help with the test taking and grading factor. I am here to report that no, it didn't help in ALL the ways I had hoped. We were given two hours to take an 20 question exam. NEVER in my life have I taken the full two hours (or alloted time) to finish an exam. And to top it all off, the last two questions...nothing. I tried to scribble stuff down on question 19 and question 20...well nothing. Totally left it blank.

I feel moderate to good about the other 18 questions. But is that enough? That is what is making me nervous. I need a C to pass this class, receive a diploma, be considered an Alumnus and move on with my life. My two midterms from this class were only C worthy (both of them). My only hope is that I can continue with the average, gain a C on the Final and be awarded a C for the class. Here's to wishful thinking.

Grades have to be in by next Tuesday and will be posted for viewing the following week. So hopefully by December 21st I will know my fate. I hope to have a Very MERRY Christmas. Fingers crossed!

Excuses...

This is my excuse. My last phone was quickly dying so Brian and I decided to take advantage of a sale on iPhones through AT&T. He was able to purchase an 8G Black iPhone for $50. I have never wanted an iPhone. They scare me. I like my old school dang near indestructable Motorola Slvr. See next photo. But when the time came to purchase a phone, the prices on the iPhone have become relatively reasonable. We knowingly didn't get the big Kahuna 16G phone because there is no way I would utilize all of it.
My new favorite thing about my phone...Scrabble! They have applications that you can either buy or find for free to put onto your phone. I don't know if this version of Scrabble is free or purchased but I love it. Thanks to Brian for hooking me up.

Also last night Brian and I were browsing through the app store and found this app.
A piano. These keys actually play the correct notes as found on or around middle C. Aidan is loving this already. I am beginning to see the benefits to the iPhone. Because of this app we went on to find other educational games that would entertain our young Aidan. We found a game that helps him with his shapes and another with his words. There are numerous apps for him on my phone now. Wonderful! Now something good can come from this expensive gift other than Facebooking where ever and when ever.


This doesn't excuse my lack of blogging, it adds to it, really. I am now using my iPhone as a camera and can't figure out how to pull them off yet. So once I figure that out, watch out! You will get a mammoth posting of different entries.

Christmas decorations...

This year we are going all out for Christmas. We have tried to budget accordingly so we have been having fun. These pictures are in no particular order.

This is my awkward corner in the kitchen. It is not very big so I have been using it as an area to decorate. Most of my decorations are older ones from my mom, I love them they remind of being home. Above, the nativity was my mom's. The Ho Ho Ho blocks we got as a gift from Brian's cousin Karrie.


A picture of the lights. I love Brian. I love that we both think the same way and want the same things. However, looking at these pictures Brian and I have decided to put lights up in our bedroom. The left side of the house looks too dark compared to the right.
Another outside shot. The bushes are the cool net led lights and the porch is done in led lights and garland (can't see it, too dark).

My first attempt at a wreath on the front door. I have since put a red bow on the top of it. I need some creative thoughts to make it look better.
The inside of the living room. Call me weird but I love the paper cut outs for decorations. Aidan always talks to this Santa Claus. Before I hung up the candy cane, he tried to lick it. What a cute, odd child I have!
So I was trying to think of a way to hang up the stockings this year. And then my silly mind decided that we needed a shelf or a fireplace to get the best look. So I painted this fireplace out of butcher paper one night after Aidan went to bed and Brian was at work. I know that I am a goof ball and a nerd, but I kind of like it. Next year I will make a hearth and a chimney. LOL!
My mom let me use her nativity last year and I love it. It is the most beautiful nativity I have ever seen. So I made room on the shelf for it. There are six additional pieces that I couldn't fit on the shelf that are in storage, but I think you get the basic idea. Maybe I will leave it up until after Easter...
My mom's advent calendar. I don't know where she got it, but we are using it this year. I have already put little candies into the stocking as a count down. Maybe we will still make a count down chain, just for the fun of it!


I just realized I never took a picture of the Christmas tree. I will get on the tomorrow and post it later. What a nerd!

Operation SOS Ryan

Today just after 11:30 AM I got this phone call from my cousin Ryan. He has been up in Wyoming for the last couple weeks working on an oil rig in Pinedale, WY. Apparently something came up and we needed to immediately return to his home in St. George, Utah...the sooner the better. He gave us a call and I quickly spoke with Brian about it and then we made our preparations. We found babysitters for Aidan (Bob and Virgie and the Greater Larson clan) he travels well, but not that well. We did the basic road trip checklist; checked the fluids, packed a diaper bag, showered, rounded up some treats, and bought drinks. Then we dropped Aidan off at Virgie's and headed out of town.

Departure time 1:45 PM
Depart from Layton, Utah
Destination Pinedale, Wyoming

(See map...right in the middle of the page. On the red line, surrounded by red writing. Or just double click the picture)
Brian and I love to road trip and love to just go. We haven't done this much during our time as parents, Aidan loves traveling but hasn't quiet yet seen the light on the beauty of just the drive. Here is the must-have photo for the road trip. Me and Brian...while driving. :)

Just outside of Kemmerer, Wyoming we drove past Fontenelle Reservoir. You might think I am nuts, but I have never noticed the ice shelf that can and is usually created on lakes and the like. It was so cool. I know this picture doesn't do it justice but seriously...amazing!
One of my things to do during such crazy and spontaneous trips is to drive past or visit the red writing on my cheap map. The red writing indicates a special landmark or national park, etc. etc. etc. Well according to the map Kemmerer, Wyoming is the home of the first ever JCPenney store, its called the "mother store". Apparently JC Penney lived in boonyville Wyoming and opened up his first store there. So I quickly made Brian drive in a circle so I could snap this blurry photo...the things he does for me. And yes, Ryan was laughing the whole time. But he was also willing to take a picture for me if mine didn't work out. PS this store was founded in 1902, and written on the window. :)


Arrival time: 530 PM
Depart from Pinedale, Wyoming
Departure time: 600 PM
Destination Layton, Utah

The drive back was quick and furious. I am such a nerd and forgot to take a picture of Ryan. The trip was for him, about him and because of him and I spaced it! Brian and I really enjoyed our quick trip to Wyoming (I had never seen that part of Wyoming before) and were happy to be of service. Ryan is a hoot to be around. Growing up he was like my older brother, so I would do just about anything possible to help him out. Thanks for the road trip Ryan! And thanks for taking those Christmas presents down to St. George with you...

Arrival time to Layton, Utah 945 PM

We made awesome time!