Just A Reminder

I was out today running some errands. I was about 3 miles from my house when a little incident happened that bothered me and I wanted to put a little reminder out there for everyone.

All around my home there happens to be many fire stations. We have a couple of the Mesa Fire Stations and Rural Metro is just up the street. I have grown quit fond of the Firemen, probably not for the same reason that you may be. (Though I will admit lots of Firemen are good looking.) It is just that firemen have been in my life for way to long. It seemed routine to have them at my home when I was little do to my dad having seizures. I was always so grateful when they arrived because I knew they would help my family. Second, my gratitude for them came when they came to the rescue of Kamber. They tried with all their might to save her. We could see it in their eyes that it was also an emotional call for them. We have kept in some contact with them, but try not to be around to much as to not be a constant reminder of a very hard day for them. We had heard that tears were shed over the loss of Kamber and one of the Firemen couldn't return to work to finish his shift. My heart continues to go out to these men and prayers are said in their behalf still.

So now on to the incident today that bothered me so much. As I was driving down Power Road towards my house Rural Metro was coming in the opposite direction from me with Lights and Sirens going. Behind them was the ambulance with lights and sirens going also. It was evident that they were in a hurry. I quickly pulled to the side and watched as not one other car pulled to the side or even stopped. I couldn't believe what I was seeing as the Firetruck and Ambulance had to come to a stop in the middle lane to try and go around people. I was so bothered by this, knowing what it is like to be on the other end of the 911 call. You are panicked and so desperately wanting to hear the sound of those sirens to know that help is on it's way. When it is you that is waiting for help it feels like an eternity when maybe only minutes have passed. Minutes are precious when something is bad enough that you call 911 and the Firemen feel it is necessary to run the lights and sirens. So next time you see the lights or hear the sirens make sure you move to the side whether you think you need to or not because you still could be in the way of someone else trying to get out of the way. There is always someone on the other end of the line waiting for help.

BOUTIQUE AND CHRISTMAS PARTY ARE OVER/ NEW ASSIGNMENT FOR THIS WEEK

Yesterday was a day full of stress. I had the last boutique/charity for Kamber for the year. I also had our ward Christmas party that evening that I was in charge of. On top of all that I was speaking in the program for the party. By the time the party was to start that night I was breaking out into hives on my neck and I was shaking uncontrollably. I actually didn't feel nervous to speak, I was just so stressed from everything I had to get done that day. Actually the whole week leading up to yesterday just was crazy. I am just soooo happy that is all done and over with.

I just found out that I am released from that calling in my ward and have been given another calling. It hasn't been announced yet so you will just have to wait to find out what that calling is.

My new assignment for this week is to get a pay pal account set up for the Kamber's Kaskets. We had a fairly good amount of donations from the boutique, almost enough to finish one casket. Many others want to donate and have asked about an account. Since I know that people are interested in helping that is the next step, so look for it on the blog by the end of the week if you are interested in donating!

The Caskets of Love, They're coming along

I know that this might be something hard for some of you to see, but this is a true reality. Here are some of the caskets partially finished. They are coming along and sad to say someday they will have to be used. I hate that this is part of some people reality but I am also grateful that we can help someone out during their time of need. I am grateful to have Kamber be apart of this special-tender Charity. Something good to come from Kamber's tragedy.

One of My Favorites!

My mother-in law had this picture of Kamber on her blog today. I saw it and smiled, but had a little ping in my heart. Oh, how much I love and miss this sweet little girl. I had to post the picture because it is one of my favorites! I love you Kamber! :)

Winter Boutique/Kamber's Kaskets

The Winter Boutique and Kamber's charity was yesterday. It was a cold rainy day, but the show must go on. Actually I really enjoyed the weather and rain, I just wish it didn't rain as much as it did. It put a little damper on the fact that the boutique was outside. I was amazed at the amount of people that came out despite of the weather. We raised very little money, but it was fun none the less.

I was surprised how emotional I was. I should have know the emotions were coming, since I kept myself extremely busy last week. I had one focus and my mind wouldn't deviate from it. That is usually how I get before the water works start. I had my sister change my hair color to a dark brown and when it turned out darker than I anticipated, it put me on edge. (This is another sign that I am hiding from my emotions, I try to change myself on the outside in hopes to make me feel good on the inside. I am sure my sister and sister in law are ready to beat me.) Anyways, that night I cried because I felt I didn't look like Kamber's mom anymore and how out of wack my life still is even a year after my daughters death. I didn't cry at the boutique, it wasn't a safe place for my emotions, but they were right at the surface, till my friends and family came. They were my saving grace.

My new hair do!

My friend Crystal that was putting on the boutique was put into the hospital last Sunday. She is pregnant and not due till January, but she went into active labor and none of the medications any of the doctors were giving her were stopping the labor, so she was admitted. Crystal has been my friend since 9th grade. We have always been pretty much tied at the hip. I knew that her going into labor so early was very dangerous for her baby and I did not want our charity to benefit one of my friends. Crystal is doing much better and will more than likely be able to go home on Tuesday, but she will have to stay down.

Here is a picture of Crystal and her husband a year ago.

Needless to say... the boutique went on and very well given the circumstances. I cried Friday night and fought back all my emotions on Saturday till my family and friends arrived. Thank goodness for family and friends, what would be do without them in our lives?

Our Kamber table looked so pretty and I was so impressed with everyone else at the boutique. There are some seriously talented women. I just wish one of them was me. :)

Here are some pictures at the boutique!

Thanks to all that participated.

Kamber Larsen

( To read her story, double click to enlarge.)

This weekend is the boutique that is going to help raise money for Kamber's charity. Ethan has already started making caskets from wood that we already have in the garage. I have to say that these little caskets are looking beautiful. That is kind of sad to say when you are talking about a casket that a little child will have to be laid to rest in. It is the inevitable, children do die. I am just so grateful to be able to help others out. Hopefully those that will have to use our caskets will really know that each one is made with sincere love.

After going through this trail it has brought out a love that I never knew existed. It is a pure love for others, especially for those who have to suffer. I would do anything to be able to save families from ever having to go through this same trial in life. I wish I could protect every one. I wish I could have protected my girls from this, but that isn't how our life was meant to be. Now it is up to Ethan and I to stand up and teach our girls how to endure. I hope we can be an example of how to love others, especially those in need.

Thanks Crystal and Melissa for your love and help!

We Use To Have Four...

I went to Kohl's tonight to get some things and took my wild girls. Actually they were pretty good for me. They all got a long with each other and I love hearing them laugh and play together. As we were checking out the cute girl at the register made the comment that we have 3 girls and how cute they were. I just said thanks and smiled. Before I knew it Kylie blurts out "We used to have four." It didn't bother me that she said that because that is usually her response, but tonight it went even farther. The young girl was taken back by Kylie's response and in a questioning voice said " Use to have four?" Well, you question Kylie and she will give you her story. " Yes, we use to have four but she died. Kamber jumped into the deep end of the pool and drown. Actually it was our spa but, we don't really cry anymore. We use to cry a lot when it first happened. Tayler and I kept wondering when she drowned if Kamber was dead and she was but it is okay now." As Kylie was telling her story I could feel the vice tightening around my heart. I couldn't bring myself to look at the girls face. I'm sure she felt horrible. Her response was "Sorry, that was a bad question." I just told her it was okay and that we are use to the question. A question that I feel will be answered that way for years to come.

Are You Up For It ?!

The Turkey Trot is coming soon! This year I find myself not as motivated to train for it, but I am still planning on doing it this year. I am going to do shirts again this year and I am trying to think of a different design or even a picture for the shirts. Please let me know if you are up for it this year and if you would like a shirt. The price on a shirt may be a little more than last year depending on the design. Hope to see you this year running for Kamber!

Charity: Kamber's Kaskets

Kamber's casket...

Ethan and I have been thinking for a long time of something we could do to give back. Kamber's life was beautiful. She helped bring love and happiness to everyone she met during this life. Now almost a year and a half after her death I have heard over and over again how Kamber has continued to bring happiness, love, and meaning to families lives. She is a beautiful angel that continues to give and influence others lives for the better. We have been impressed to start a charity to help those who may have to experience the tragedy of loosing a child.

We have decided to start Kamber's Kaskets.

Kamber died suddenly in a drowning accident in July 08'. It has been very hard to accept that Kamber was with us only minutes before, happy and healthy and next, her life had been taken. Seeing your child lifeless is horrible and then having to pick out a casket and plan the funeral is also horrific. Ethan decided the next morning after she died that he was going to build her casket. He wanted it to be extra special and made with love. When we went to plan the funeral we were sadly disappointed in the options families had to bury their children. On August 1, 2008 we buried Kamber in the casket made by her daddy filled with forever love.

We will be making child caskets for those who have lost a child in a tragic accident. These caskets will be donated through the mortuaries after hearing of special stories. Since this will be a charity the caskets will be made through donations only. Therefore we do not have the resources to make caskets for just any situation. Any death of a child is tragic and we wish we could help everyone.

Our first charity function will be at the Winter Boutique Nov. 14th, 9-3pm.

October 21, Happy Anniversary!

On Wednesday was mine and Ethan's 9th Anniversary! I can't believe it, we have been married for 9 years. If truth be told, I feel like it has flown by. In my mind I still feel like a newly wed. The past 9 years has been filled with its ups and downs, happy and sad. So much has changed within our little family. We have been so blessed and I am continually thankful to my Heavenly Father for that. I am married to the best man for me!

One of the things that drew me to Ethan when we were dating other than his smokin' hot body and awesome eyes was that he always made me laugh. Many times we would laugh so hard that our mouths would hurt. It didn't matter what kind of day I was having, he could always make me happy. Nine years later he still does that for me. I am grateful to have him in my life every single day, and he continues to make me happy. My life, I can say is a happy one and one of the main reasons it is that way is because of Ethan. I love You Honey!

Oh, If Life Were Easy

Well I think I have made it out of my zombie state, at least that is what I call it. It has taken me 15 months to really realize, I mean every cell in my body to realize that Kamber has really died. Before I of course knew it, but there was still a big part of me hoping it was just a dream that I would eventually wake up from. On the outside I could put on a pretty good show of making things look like I was okay. I smiled when I needed to smile, did the things that I needed to do, and continued with life. All the while feeling absolutely dead inside. No emotion, just so lost.

Oh , if life were easy, that is what would bring true joy, at least that is what I thought. Maybe you have thought that also? When the storm is coming down on us we plead for an easier life, at least I do. I am finally realizing that going through hard things makes us really know what pure joy is. If life were easy we wouldn't know the good from bad. If everything went perfect then how would we really know what happiness was? Through our trials we learn what hell is like and search with every being in our bodies to find the happiness and joy in life. I find we spend this life searching for happiness and there are many times that we get to learn and feel it. It just shows that we are truly sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. He is pure love and joy. We are here learning to be more like him and we want to be with him again. We want that pure love and joy. If life were easy then we wouldn't know where to find happiness and it wouldn't be our ultimate goal for eternal life.

Our Body is a Temple

Lots of things have been going on this week. I have had such intense feelings and emotions that I am trying to work through. I have spent a lot of time looking back on the week of Kamber's death and seen the horrible memories and the most spiritual memories that I can never deny.

I have also found out this week that a friend in my wards baby had died. I was hard to get a hold of since we have changed our phone number and the Relief Society President is the only one who has my new number. I guess they didn't think to ask her or maybe people thought it would hit to close to home for us. Which is true... I felt like I had been punched in the gut when I found out. My friends baby had been born with serious complications and there was always a chance of death, but he was doing well jumping over the hurdles. Last I had heard things were looking good, but that all changed in the matter of a day.

I now grieve along with my friend. Each day that she has endured I remember as clear as yesterday those same days and nights for us. NO family should ever have to endure this. It is what I know hell to be. At the same time there are many times you know heaven is so close, you can feel it, it is almost tangible.

We spoke about how much of a clear understanding you get when your child dies, that we really aren't our bodies. Our selves are our spirits. Our bodies are just the temples that our spirits dwell in for our time here in earth. It is so evident the first time you hold your child after they have passed. You can feel their spirit all around you. You are enveloped in them and their love, but you do not feel them in their body, they are separate. You want to hold them and you cherish that time because that precious body is what you took care of. Their body is what you held close to your body, their body is what you touched and what let you know that they are real, it is what made them yours. They are made of your flesh and blood. Our body is our temple, our temple for our beautiful spirits to dwell while we come to this earth and are loved.

My heart aches today knowing my friend will bury her baby, that sweet little body that she has loved and as I did with my sweet little girl a year ago. This is what is wonderful, their spirits live on forever and we can feel them near and know it is truly them and that one day we really will be together again.

Busy

Well, we all made it through what I think was the flu. It hit every member in our family. Thank goodness it is over because this week was busy. I did hair a couple times this week, had appointments to go to, mutual to teach, and shopping to do. We were going to go to Flagstaff this weekend with some friends, but that didn't work out. Thank goodness or I would have been pulling my hair out!

Hopefully I can relax a little this weekend and take in some encouragement and the spirit from Conference this weekend. That way I can be refreshed and ready for another busy week and months ahead.

Sick Family

Sick kids sick kids every where
Let me tell you "I do care. "

Two of us in our family
and scary to think it might be three.

Brookie and Kylie that is who,
but I'm starting to think it
might be me or Tay Tay too.

Sick kids sick kids every where.
All I can say is I do care.

Up all night and crying too
I wish I could take a snooze.


Okay, I know that was totally cheesy, but it was fun.

Happy Birthday Kylie Bear!

Today is Kylie's Birthday! She turns 7 years old today. I can't believe that she is that old, time is flying by. I remember when she was born and I was wondering how I was going to handle two little girls. Tayler and Kylie are 16 months apart, so it was almost like having twins. Kylie was such an easy baby so it made it easy to have her and Tayler so close together.

Kylie is still a joy to have and fairly easy going too. Kylie is our little comedian. She says some of the funniest things. Sometimes it is her brutal honesty that is so hilarious, only when it is not about you. She is so innocent and at the same time so feisty. We all love our Kylie Bear!

Yesterday we celebrated her Birthday with the family and a few of our close friends that feel like they are a part of our family. The kids had a fun time doing the gigantic slip and slide that Ethan made. Since our yard slopes down it was a little like they were sliding down a small hill. They had fun splish splashing around and of course opening presents and eating birthday cake!

Here are some pictures of the kids doing the slip and slide. Kylie is in the blue and white swim suit.

Here is Kylie opening her presents and blowing our her cake.

Love You Kylie!

F.H.E.

Okay I am going to admit something that I need to work better at... Family Home Evening. Yes, guilty as charged, I do not have regular Monday Family Nights. Actually it depends on what you think defines Family Night. We are always together as a Family on Monday Nights. We usually do something together like, swimming, grocery shopping (yeah!) or just hanging out. If you define Family Night as having a lesson each time well then I fall short. There, I admitted it. Nobodies perfect, right?

Anyways... during Sacrament meeting this Sunday my family wasn't very reverent. My girls were arguing and Kylie's idea of talking quietly is keeping it to a dull roar. I think the whole ward heard that she had to go potty, then she needed a drink and asked how many minutes are left till they can go to primary. I was so frustrated by the end of sacrament meeting that it gave me inspiration for a great family night lesson.

Therefore last night we had our lesson on the importance of Sundays and how we act on that day. Don't get me wrong my girls are really pretty good. They don't get out of control too often and I just wanted to remind them how to be reverent and why we act this way on Sundays.

My girls were actually excited for the lesson and were anxious to answer the questions and listen to the scriptures that daddy read. I think the lesson made them think more of how they act. Even though it was a good lesson I could tell the adversary trys to make doing good so much harder than normal. Brookie was totally out of control during the lesson pulling the girls hair, the evening was a little more hectic than it needed to be, but it all slowly subsided. We were happier together as a family. We even went into Ethan's office and listened to music together as the girls danced.

I love my family and I am so thankful for them. I am going to try harder to have a lesson on Family Nights. It probably won't happen every Monday Night but it is definitely something I am going to try harder on. One Step At a Time.

On a Lighter Note

You have to endure the bitter to enjoy the sweet, right? It is so true. Here is my sweet... Eager Arizona during Labor Day! Eager is one of our favorite places to go especially when we need a quick get away. Ethan's grandparents have a cabin there and they are so kind to let us use it. We love taking the quads up and enjoy the nice weather! We went with so friends, but I now realize I don't have any pictures of them. So here is our family.

It's been A While

My mother in law pointed out that it has been a while since I have posted on my blog. Yeah I guess it has been about a week. She asked me why I haven't and I found myself saying "I have nothing to say." True, I am more distant than I have been in the past. I have a lot on my mind and same with my husband. We have been keeping to ourselves mostly spending time with just our family. It is still a constant reminder that Kamber is no longer with us. Brookie is growing up so fast and is starting to do things just like Kamber did. Sometimes it makes me happy and other times it makes me sad. Tayler and Kylie are getting so big also. I miss when they were younger but happy for the kind of girls they are turning out to be. I always find myself yearning to know what Kamber would be like now. How would it be with our whole family here now.

I guess I am jealous of everyone who still have all their children. Daily tasks are done, decisions are made and at the end of the day families are gathered together. My decisions are now done with a little fear and a ping in my heart knowing decisions can change lives no matter how little they are.

I am still learning how to trust and be patient because at the end of this life my family will be gathered together a solid family unit reuniting with the one we have longed to be with our entire lives!

Easier but Harder

Since Kamber has past away life has been so much harder in a lot of ways but sad to say some things are easier. I remember after she had past someone said to me your life now is going to be a little bit easier, in some ways. At that time I could not even comprehend that. Life to me was harder than it had ever been and I felt for sure that it would be that way forever.

A little over a year has past and yes that statement made to me in those first days has rung true in some ways. For instance going to do things away from home is always easier with one child as apposed to two children. Hummm, other than that I don't think life is any easier.

So as I go today to get some things done away from home I think of Kamber and what it would be like with her here. I see moms with a couple of kids out doing their shopping and I smile at how sweet and what would have been for myself. Life, I am sure would be crazy but I know now that crazy is worth every minute.

Brave Little Soul-Kamber

A sweet reader/friend sent me this story. It touched her heart as it did mine. Thanks so much Brooke!

The Brave Little Soul

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?"

God paused for a moment and replied, "Little Soul, do not be sad, for the suffering unlocks the love in peoples hearts." The Little Soul was confused. "What do you mean?" she asked. God replied, " Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.

"The Little Soul began to understand and listen attentively as God continued, " The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this-it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer-to unlock this love-to create this miracle-for the good of all humanity."Just then the Little Soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the Little Soul excitedly replied, " I am brave; let me go ! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!

"God smiled and said, "You are a brave Soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you."

God and the Brave Little Soul shared a smile and then embraced. In parting, God said,"Do not forget Little Soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will so through My strength, And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed."

Thus at that moment the Brave Little Soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and Gods strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in peoples hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys-some regained lost faith-many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and Love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The Miracle happened. God was pleased.