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- Old Blogs
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Written by Jennifer Larson
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Monday, 25 August 2008 |
We're here! We're in Arizona finally and I don't have to sit in my car seat for hours and hours anymore! The drive here was long, but I did really good. Mommy made sure I had lots of books and toys to play with on the ride here.
I got to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Larson in Idaho. I had a lot of fun playing with my kitty, Copper, and Grandpa's dog, Poochie. We also went swimming a lot and I got to go on the boat with my cousins. Kyden and I played a lot together and I had fun swimming with Kaysha. Danilyn and Shay babysat me a few times, and we had fun playing and watching t.v together.
I was a flower girl in my Aunt Shelly's wedding. I had a new dress and shoes. Mommy said I looked beautiful and that I did a good job. The wedding was a lot of fun and I got to dance a lot with mommy and daddy. The reception went until 10:30pm so I got pretty tired and went to sleep in the spare room while everyone danced in the ballroom. It was still a nice night, and Aunt Shelly looked so pretty. Uncle Russ looked good too, but not as pretty as Aunt Shelly!
Right now we're in Arizona. I love it here cause I get to go swimming in a big pool almost every day. I jump in the pool now, so mommy and daddy have to watch me very closely. I got a new beach-ball to play with in the pool too. I like to throw it at daddy and he throws it back at me. Mommy and daddy also throw me in the air and I splash into the water while the catch me. It's a lot of fun.
On Saturday night we went to the water park here in Flagstaff. They had baby slides that mommy and daddy took me on. It was a lot of fun, and on one of the slides, my whole head went under water. It was kind of scary, but I didn't cry! Daddy went down some really big slides, and we watched him!
Well, that's it for now. I'll write more when we do more fun things. Mommy and Daddy are looking for a new house for us to buy.
Love you,
Natalie
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Written by Jennifer Larson
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Monday, 25 August 2008 |
Once again time has gotten the better of me, and I have failed to update my blog. However, one can only begin to wonder if I forget to update it because I like to sit and write novels so much! Either way, here is the update on the Larson family . . . much has changed!
July found us staying with my dad for 2 weeks while I finished working at the office for Sage Software, and while getting everything set up to work full-time from home. It was great to be with my dad, and to spend the last 2 weeks of our stay in Oregon with my family. We spent a lot of time with my mom, Jason, and Lisa. We didn't get to see Scott too much cause he was working like crazy, but we still spent a little time with him.
After staying with my dad, we moved to Idaho and stayed with Nathan's parents for a month. It was so great to see everyone and to spend so much time with my in-laws. We sure had fun going swimming at the aquatic center, boating on the river, playing with the kids, and just being together. The sun was out almost every day we were there, and it made for a great summer vacation!
The 2nd week in August we packed our things once again and went to Utah. Shelly and Russ were married on August 15th in the Jordan River Temple. It was a gorgeous temple, and the sealing ceremony was absolutely wonderful! The sealer talked a lot about families, and how Shelly and Russ will have a wonderful family if they remember to keep Christ at the center of their relationship, which I fully believe they will do. Our week in Utah was so fun, even though most of our time was spent preparing for the reception. I was able to spend a lot of time helping my mom with decorations, making the cake, etc. I think I enjoy doing crafts and things with her more than anything. That is when I see we are a lot alike. I like order, cleanliness, perfection, crafts, cooking, etc. And, so does my mom. I am always amazed at house our energy never seems to run out when we're working hard. And, I am even more amazed at how well things turn out after all the work. My mom never fails to make her children's special occasions great and wonderful!
After the wedding and reception, we packed our things agian and headed for vegas where we spent 2 nights with Pete, Alison, and Tristan. Nathan was able to go golfing with his brothers while I went shopping with Natalie. Then we all spent time playing games and eating! It was fun to see everyone, and we hope to get back there again soon.
Now, this brings us to Present Day Larson Life!!!! We finally made it to Arizona! We are currently in Glendale, AZ renting an apartment. We have a short 3 months lease because we are looking for a house to buy here in Glendale. We have found 1 we particularly like, but wanted to check out a few more today before putting in a final offer. However, we should have an offer in today, which is quite exciting. I got a little frustrated with our realtor because he tried to put us into a brand new home for 250k. He knew that we weren't looking to purchase something for that much as this is only a house we will be in for 4 years. However, he was so adamant that they had good incentives to purchase a new home, and we had to finally entertain him by going and looking at the house. Of course it was nice, but we just don't need a 3000 sq ft home right now. So, we politely told him we'd like to look at a few others, and were able to find some we really like. So, we'll see what comes of our offers.
Nathan starts school Wednesday and will be going full time for the next 4 years. He is glad to get back in school, but a little nervous because he's been out of school for so long. But, I know he'll pick it up again in no time and do just as well as he's always done. His decision to become a podiatrist has really been a blessed one. When we were looking into dental school, we ran into so much confusion and frustration over the schools and interviewing processes. We started to feel like something needed to change, so we talked with Kurt and Karen. The moment Kurt said podiatry, Nathan and I looked at eachother and we just knew. That night we went home and talked about the possibilities and found that podiatry was the way Nathan should go.
We quickly submitted our application in June to 6 schools and within a week Nathan had 4 interviews lined up. He really liked Midwestern University in Arizona, and went to that interview first. He fell in love with the school, and how new and up to date it was. He told me when he got home that he really wanted to go there, and guess what? The Lord has been directing us in this decision since day 1. Not only was he accepted to podiatry school, but he was accepted for this fall, and to the school of his choice. From then on out, everything has fallen into place, with my work allowing me to work full-time from home, the money necessary to make this large move, the apartment we were able to find over the phone, etc. It has been so great to see the Lord's hand in our lives as we have chosen this new path. It has been a breath of fresh air, and we have really enjoyed our new adventures.
As for now, we are enjoying having a swimming pool in our backyard, a playground in the front, and lots of nice weather to take walks in. There are some things about Arizona that baffle me, but that will come in a future blog!!
Loves and Hugs,
Nate, Jenn, and Natalie
* Check out Natalie's new blog for info on how she's doing.
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Written by Nathan Larson
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Thursday, 12 June 2008 |
Well, its been a pretty crazy week for us and there are a lot of people wondering what is going to happen, and when, as far as our plans for the next couple of months. This entry is to help clear up everyone's concerns.
 As the title of this post suggests, we're moving to Arizona. I have been accepted into the Midwestern University's Podiatry School which is located in Glendale Arizona (just Northwest of Phoenix). You may be wondering if I made a typo in that last sentence. No, its not dental school but I assure you, i am just as excited about this new career path as I was with dentistry. After two years of being frustrated and waitlisted by dental schools I felt a change needed to be made and podiatry was the way to go. I am very excited to be going to Midwestern as it was my first choice for podiatry schools.
Now, on with the agenda.
- June 27th (Friday) - We will have PODS drop off a unit at our home.
- June 28th (Saturday) - We will be loading the unit with as much of our stuff as will fit. What doesn't fit, will be left in Oregon.
- June 29th (Sunday) - We will be moving in with Paul (Jenn's Dad).
- June 30th (Monday) - PODS will be picking up the unit and taking it to Arizona.
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- July 13th (Sunday) - We will be moving to Lewiston to live with John and Dixie (Nate's Mom and Dad).
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- August 12th (Tuesday) - We will be heading down to Utah for Shelly's (Jenn's Sister) wedding.
- August 15th (Friday) - Shelly's Wedding
- August 16th (Saturday) - We will be driving to Las Vegas
- August 17th (Sunday) - We will be driving to Glendale
School starts sometime after that, I'm not sure when though.
We are looking to buy a house while we are there so if anyone knows a good realtor in the Phoenix area, please let us know.
Thank you everyone for all your support and encouragement. Your thoughts and prayers have not gone unnoticed. We greatly apreciate all you have done for our family.
You can post comments or questions by following the link below this article.
Sweet Lincoln's mullet!
- Ron Burgundy
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Written by Jennifer Larson
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Thursday, 05 June 2008 |
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Yes I know . . . it has been too long since I last updated this blog. Finally, after four months, I am taking the time to write and update you all on the fun adventures of the Larson family.
February was probably the least exciting month we have had in a while. I don’t think we actually did anything except hang around the house and focus on work and school. I do remember that in February I again tried to opt out of having to celebrate Valentine’s day, but was once again whisked off to a romantic dinner and given some flowers. I am not quite sure why I am not a fan of Valentine’s but I am not. Although it is always nice to feel appreciated and loved by my dear husband and we had a great time at dinner.
March was a very fun month for us. We took a trip to Selah, WA to visit Troy, Alysia, and the kids. We spent Easter with them and Natalie had her first Easter Egg Hunt. It was so cute to see her out there collecting eggs and shaking them to hear them rattle. The poor girl was not allowed to actually eat any of the candy (yes we are strict sometimes) but we did let her play with the stickers she got in some of the eggs. I think her greatest enjoyment was figuring out how to pop those plastic eggs open. While in Selah, I was able to go on a run with Alysia at 6am. It was so gorgeous there in the morning, and it was nice to see the different orchards (apples, cherries, pears) and to hear the birds signing good morning to us as we ran. Nathan and Troy obviously spent time on the golf course, and we all had fun hanging out around the house and with the kids. The girls played dress up and Natalie was a little gypsy girl! It was darling.
April brought with it Natalie’s very 1st Birthday! I can hardly believe that she is 1 year old already, and that she has continued to grow so fast. We had Shelly and Russ (along with Russ’s sister and friend) fly up for Natalie’s Birthday. We took a fun trip to the beach and got to visit the aquarium where Natalie loved poking the sea urchins. My cousin Amelia and her fiancé came down from British Columbia and spent the day with us as well. We went to a wonderful seafood restaurant and had dinner and got to hear a girl play music on wine bottles. It was pretty fascinating and Grandma and Natalie sure loved watching. Natalie got so many gifts for her birthday. Grandma and Grandma Larson gave her a gorgeous dress (which she has already worn about 4 times). Grandpa Beaumont gave her a new toy box that looks like a dollhouse. She loves it, and it is perfect for her to pull her toys out and play with. For now, we’re learning how to pick them up afterwards! She also got some building blocks, sports blocks, books, cards, and new toys from my sister, Russ, Scott, and my cousins. Nathan and I got her a new big-girl carseat that she loves. And above all . . . Grandma Beaumont bought her the most exciting gift for everyone that showed up at my Dad’s house for cake and ice cream. Grandma got her a (believe it or not) Baby Alive Doll. That thing is amazing. It’s a large doll, about the size Natalie was at 2 months old. It has hair, eyes that blink, clothes, binkies, a bottle, and it even talks. But, what was most fun is the fact that you can literally feed this doll and it CRAPS!!! Yes, that’s right. It actually pees its pants and takes a crap. We have little tiny diapers for this doll. It was so funny to watch and Russ bottle fed Natalie’s doll, and as everyone was grossed out by the fact that the diaper filled so quickly. Nathan doesn’t really like it (he says, “just more diapers to change”) but it was a kick to watch. Now, a few months later, Natalie can even feed her dolly and like to make it talk. It’s quite cute and fun to play with.
Recently, I was offered to work at home. I love working at home as it allows me more time with Natalie, and gives me the freedom of going places. Because of this, Nathan and I decided that Memorial Day weekend in May would be the perfect time to go to Lewiston, ID and visit family. We were able to stay over a week because I just worked from Karen’s office on the days I was supposed to be working. The weekend was spent up in Coeur d’ Alene with our best friends, Riley and Leanne Schuit. We had so much fun going to Spokane and visiting the fair grounds there. Natalie rode her first carousel with the rest of us and we all stopped to enjoy the fountains. We also stopped on the bridge over the Spokane River and watched the water for quite some time. The water was so incredibly high that it was rushing faster than any water I’ve ever seen (including water on the Snake or Deschutes when white water rafting). The rapids were literally larger than my car! It was so amazing and tons of people were stopping to take pictures, video tape it, and just admire nature’s massive power. I was nervous that the bridge beneath us would get swept away in the current, but we survived. While we were in Coeur d’ Alene we spent time playing Guitar Hero and Mario Kart on the Wii. It was fun, even though I didn’t win at Mario Kart!
After visiting Riley and Leanne, we headed back to Lewiston to spend time with Nathan’s family. I took the kids to the park and played with them and then we went out to lunch at McDonalds. We spent time golfing (I actually golfed 9 holes but did terribly bad), hanging out and working. Natalie had so much fun playing with Grandma and Grandpa Larson’s dog Poochie. He is a small dog and they would play together and chase each other around the house. Natalie loves animals so much, and that was one of her highlights of the trip. We didn’t get to go boating because they had a lot of snow run-off and the river was really high with logs floating downstream. The water was soggy as well from recent rain so we didn’t go four-wheeling. But we did get to play games, swim in the hot tub, and watch movies. Overall it was a very relaxing and fun trip that we really needed. We love getting away from Oregon and it had been too long.
Now that June is upon us, Nathan and I have been married for three years now. When I think of being married for three years, it seems as though time has flown by. I honestly feel like we just got married a few months ago. However, when at look at all that we have accomplished, and all that we have been blessed with, it really does seem like three years. I can hardly believe the blessings our marriage has brought to our lives, and how the Lord has continued to bless us as a couple. It has been wonderful!
We also had our dear friends Andrew and Rachel McBride, join us this week for some fun times. They recently got married and came to visit and hang out. They are having their Oregon reception this Saturday so we’ll be attending that (actually I am doing all the decorating and set up with my mom). We went to dinner and played games the other night, and hopefully we’ll get to hang out Friday night for some more fun (maybe bowling).
As far as our lives go, those are the major events for each month up to date. However, we continue to interview for medical/dental school (Nathan recently interviewed in Arizona and has another interview in Ohio). We are really hoping for either Oregon or Arizona so we can buy a house and settle down for 4 years while Nathan finishes school. Afterwards, we are still planning to move to Idaho. I am working at home and continuing to spend time with Natalie and working around the house. I have gotten rid of most my cysts and am doing well now. Natalie continues to grow and improve in her learning, but also seems to be more independent. Just the other day I tried to help her get into her little chair and she wasn’t too happy about that. I took a few steps back and watched nervously as she climbed up the chair’s legs to proudly sit atop her throne knowing she did it all by herself! Oh my, she is such a joy. I could go on and on about the cute things she does . . . but then we’d be here all day.
Hopefully I will be better at keeping in touch and updating our blog. Be sure to check out Natalie’s recent blog and keep an eye out for Nathan’s up and coming addition to his. Take a look at our new pictures, and feel free to leave us some comments.
Loves and Hugs,
Jennifer
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