Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sick Family
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.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Kylie Bear!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
F.H.E.
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.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
On a Lighter Note
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It's been A While
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!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Easier but Harder
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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.
Friday, August 28, 2009
I will...Kamber
I will...Remember you always.
I will... Love you Forever.
I will... Be with you for Eternity!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Brunch with some of Earth's Angels
I am just grateful that I have these friends in my life. I wish I could have known these women through another means, but feel thankful that I have them to travel this road with.
Thank you girls for a nice brunch yesterday, love ya!
I also would be unappreciative if I didn't mention my readers. Thank you so much for remembering my Kamber and helping to lift me up when I am down. :) Heavenly Father truly knows that I need you. Thanks to all my blogging friends!!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
One Of Those Days, Searching For That Rainbow
I have been trying to figure out what has brought it on. Maybe it is the fact that another sweet angel has passed away last week. I know the feeling that the mother is going through and it makes me terribly sad. Maybe the feeling is brought on because a sweet friend of mine is approaching the one year mark of her child's passing and I know the sad feeling of that also. Or maybe the reason is because I have since realized that to many of my friends have lost a child and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone and that makes me sad. Maybe it is the fact that I just miss my Kamber and it has been a while since I have just let myself just feel the pain.
I should be at church right now but I sit here disappointed with myself that once again I didn't get my family ready in time. We will go to the rest of church but what is my deal? Why did I need that little bit of extra sleep, or so I thought I did. I wish I could push myself harder to dig in deep, deeper than I have.
Today I am searching extra hard for that Rainbow. I know it is there but sometimes it doesn't show up till there is a little bit of rain. Maybe I will allow the rain to pour so the sun can shine again and the rainbow can lighten my day!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Look for the Rainbows
I do not feel whole yet nor can I say that I truly know who I am. My world is still shattered but there are a few pieces that have found a way to mold together. I still struggle and get depressed, angry, alone, and left in despair but I also have times that I am happy, joyful, grateful, compassionate, sympathetic, and feel totally blessed. Did you notice my positives out weighed my negatives, yes there comes a time that it can happen.
Our life as we have known it has changed dramatically over the the past year. There was a time in my life that I could honestly say that things were pretty dang close to perfect. We had four beautiful daughters, a beautiful home, lots of friends, and business was pretty dang good and we were able to enjoy what it had to offer. It is amazing that in one years time that it can change so dramatically. We have lost one of our beautiful daughters for our time here on earth, we still have a home but doesn't seem a beautiful to me anymore, friends don't know what to say to me anymore, and business is not as good as it was before.
Everyone has trials that are hard for them. Sometimes I wonder if it is ever going to let up. It always does at sometime. Trials change who we are. I am not the same person I was a year ago, but feel that in some way I have change more for the better. One thing that I have noticed the most is Family Is Everything. I use to enjoy having really nice things. The value of things have dramatically changed for me. I am more grateful for the things that I do have. I cherish them and feel blessed to have what I have and this pertains to everything in my life. I am more grateful to my Heavenly Father than I think I have ever been. He has taken one of the most special people in my life yet somehow I find myself thankful for blessings in my life. There were times last year that I never thought I would ever feel this way. My husband and I find ourselves saying that we would give up everything to have Kamber back. We would live in a cardboard box if we had to. Our perspectives have changed.
I use to worry about everything that wasn't going right in my life. It would really stress me out but, now I know it is not worth worrying about as long as I have my family. Things are going to happen in life that we don't like or want to happen but I have learned as long as we hold on to what we believe and cling to our families we can make it through the storms. We have every right to be upset during the hard times but as long as we don't let those feelings linger and always strive to look to the positive we will endure the storm and soon it will pass making us better.
The storm hasn't yet passed for us and there may always be a cloud over our heads but we are trying to always look for rainbows!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Seriously thinking of going PRIVATE!!
She has sitemeter on her website and had discovered her children's pictures on a pornographic website.
This is what she wrote:
I have SITE METER attached to my blog spot but unfortunately I have been really bad about checking it for unusual visiting sites this past year. To be honest, I have always been very trusting and thought that I could never be the one whom wackos actually target and stalk so I rarely have made efforts to check. Tonight I chose to click into it and directly on the first page I noticed an unusual website that had viewed my blog. Curiously, I clicked onto it to see what it was. The site contained dozens and dozens of images. I began looking closer at them and come to find out there were some VERY inappropriate pictures. I clicked out of the site immediately and sat there talking to Brett about my concerns. We both became VERY worried. The more I sat there, THE MORE SICK TO MY STOMACH I WAS. IF THIS PAGE HAD DIRECT AFFILIATION TO MY BLOG, THEN THAT MEANS THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT THEY HAVE A PICTURE OF MY KIDS OR FAMILY ON THAT PAGE.
With out hesitation, I went right back to that page. I was so scared of what I was going to find. There were hundreds of pictures on that page and I looked through each one very quickly but efficiently when all of a sudden I FOUND A PICTURE OF MY SWEET TAYLIN. Yes, a picture of my sweet Taylin on the same page as pornographic AND child perverted pictures. I then returned BACK to my site meter to look for other sites in direct affiliation with my blog. I found a different website that had come to my page 5 TIMES THAT INCLUDED A PICTURE OF RIDGE WITH HIS LITTLE BUNS SHOWING AS HE WAS SITTING ON THE TABLE DOING DISHES. I'm just sick right now. My sweet innocent children so exposed. I FEEL SO VIOLATED AND SCARED.
I immediately googled the website BING to find out more about what it is. I then went to WWW.VOICEFORTHECHILDREN.BLOGSPOT.COM to see if I could find anything. Here is an explanation of what this website is. BING:BING is a recent search engine launched by Microsoft. The major problem with Bing is that it has brought pornography directly into your home or office. Porn is no longer a few clicks away.When you search on Bing, you no longer have to click to go to a different website to view porn. All you have to do is roll over the thumbnail image of the video on the video will begin to play snippets of the pornographic video.Imagine the harmful effects if a child is searching on Bing and merely rolls over the image and instantly the child is watching a porn video.This is completely unacceptable and irresponsible of Microsoft to launch a program such as this without a solution to block pornographic videos.
DO NOT USE BING AND ESPECIALLY DO NOT LET YOUR CHILDREN SEARCH ON BING!!*Do yourselves a favor and add VOICEFORTHECHILDREN to your blog. My uncle, Jeremy Geigle, is President of Arizona Family Council and between him and a few other family members, they are SO diligent about keeping this blog up to date. They want nothing more than to educate all of us on how we can keep our families safe and protected from the pornographic world. As ruthless as it is, I hope I DID scare a lot of you.
We stay so sheltered and ignorant thinking it will never happen to us...but let me tell you people, CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IS EVERYWHERE.
Let me remind everyone too that Phoenix now is the #1 kidnapping capital in America.*
If you have kids old enough to play games on the computer, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend that you download this web protection site to your computer. We have had it all year long, until our computer broke. We recently got our computer back and I forgot to re-download this protection, WHICH IS WHY I COULD EVEN ACCESS THAT BING WEBSITE WITH THOSE IMAGES.
I PROMISE you, having this K9 WEB PROTECTION is the BEST way as of right now, to protect your kids from seeing anything pornographic or inappropriate on the computer. Pornography is so available that even if your baby started slamming down on keys, a porn website could pop it. Any porn sites, sites with questionable images, swim suit sites, facebook, youtube, and other social networking sites are ALL BLOCKED. It is VERY FILTERED. HOWEVER, you will have an ACCESS password that will allow you (as the adult) to type in a password that will allow you to enter into a site you want available to you. You will have to type in the password every time you want to enter the site. (it's one extra step that is worth the 2 seconds).
I love knowing that I can walk out of the room now with my kids playing on the computer and I have NO concerns that something will pop up.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
More pics from Powell!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Glimmer of Hope and Joy Through the Darkness
This cute little boy is one of my nephews. He holds a special place in the hearts of each person in the Larsen Family. This little boy was born on a very special day... a day that the families heart was broken, but he brought a glimmer of hope and joy.
Here is his story...
July 25 th 2008 Kamber had drown in our pool. Hearts were broken, testimonies were tested, and tons and tons of tears were shed for our sweet Kamber girl. My brother-in-law Spencer was in Colorado for his first day of training camp for the Denver Broncos when the devastating news of Kamber was relayed by his wife Annie who was still in Arizona waiting for the birth of her baby. Annie had about a month before Gunnar was to be born. Spencer was able to come down for a day to be with the family during this trying time. All the family rallied together and helped me out a ton. Annie came over every day with her little boy Tyton to help make sure things were getting done at my home. I know this was not easy for her being the last month of her pregnancy, but there she was day after day supporting us. Spencer had to head back to Colorado to finish training camp, but little did we know we would be seeing him sooner than we all expected.
The whole week of the 25th were spent planning Kamber's funeral and of course extremely emotionally, spiritually, and physically exhausting. The night of Kambers viewing Annie had said that she was having some contractions but I had no clue how strong they really were. Annie did a good job hiding it from me, which she says she wanted this time to be all about Kamber. The next day, Friday August 1st was Kamber's funeral. I have to say that I was so busy worrying about this day and being so emotional that I hardly even remember the people that spoke to me or even attended the funeral, it was such a blur. But I do remember that the chapel to our church was packed. All in support of our family and sweet Kamber. Little to my knowledge Annie was in the lobby listening to the funeral while having intense contractions. As we all went to the cemetery Annie was headed to the hospital. Later I found out that Annie was admitted to the hospital and that little Gunnar was going to be born soon. Ethan and I went home exhausted and fell asleep. That day I had a sweet experience and knew when Gunnar was born before we even got the phone call minutes after his birth. We were again heading to a hospital sooner than I had ever hoped that I would have to, but there was peace. Through our darkest moment, joy was found in this new baby boy. It turned into a beautiful day, a day of peace and a glimmer of hope and joy. Spencer came down to be with his family and he and Annie decided to name their new little boy after Kamber. They named him Gunnar Kamb Larsen. One sweet innocent child had left this earth and another had entered. Just one of the tender mercies given to our family during the hardest time in our lives.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Enjoying the water
This is what we did most every day. I love getting to watch Ethan play with the girls. He is such a good daddy!
Two peas in a pod. Brookie adores her daddy.
Before we went on the trip Brookie was scared to death of this dog. After the first night she loved him. Brookie actually learned the word soft because she wanted to pet him, which was practically beating him. "Soft Brookie...Soft."
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
First night in Powell
Monday, August 3, 2009
One Year Ago
Like I mentioned in my last post, we went to Lake Powell on July 25th, marking one year since we lost Kamber. It was the right choice for us. It helped break up the day and focus on brighter days to come. We stopped by the cemetery on our way out of town to see Kamber and leave flowers. Her headstone looked the most beautiful I have ever seen it since it was put in. It was clean with not a spec of dirt or dust on it. The grass around it was a beautiful green. It was so neat to see it this way especially on this day. We felt peace while we were there and sad that we even had to experience a day like this. We of course remembered the time of the events and watched the clock as that time approached, but it was so nice not to be in our home during that time. The 5 hour drive to the lake was a great time for us as a family to talk about Kamber and the funny things that she did and the things that we miss the most. The 25th was a peaceful day filled with love for each other and for our Kamber.
Thanks to all for the thoughtful gifts, cards, and phone calls on this special day. We have many angels here on the earth that continue to lift us up during our trials. Thank you for remembering our Kamber. I think remembering a loved one is the one thing a mom and dad feel is the most important. We hope everyone will continue to remember Kamber and the sweet spirit she is for years to come.
Coming Soon!
Many more pictures, funny and heart felt stories to come of our Lake Powell Trip.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
July 25th, Lake Powell!
I have been so torn on whether we were going to go on Saturday or leave later. Saturday marks one year since Kamber passed away. I have been so sick thinking about this day for the past couple of weeks. This week so far has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. Every thing has been so real. I remember this week a year ago even though I try hard not to. The storm we had on Monday night happened a year ago also. When I lay my head down to sleep so many images and thoughts run through my mind even though I try so hard not to think about them. It has brought me to tears every night. My body quivers like it did those early days a year ago. I am exhausted by the emotions. I find myself in the survival state once again each and every day. It takes a lot to get me even dressed for the day which hasn't been happening till the late afternoon or not at all. So with everything that I am going through so far the idea of running away to Lake Powell on Saturday seems like a really good idea. Hopefully it will keep my mind busy.
On the other hand we have lots of family we are leaving behind. I know that their lives have been changed also. I recognize their sadness and missing. This is why it has been so hard to make the decision to leave. I hope that they understand why we are going to leave but know they are in our thoughts and prayers also. As of yesterday we had decided to be here for Saturday but we were staying strictly for our family members but knowing it was going to make it that much harder on us. Then my husband spoke to my father- in -law today and expressed how we felt and asked his opinion on what we should do. We don't want anyone to hurt any more. My father -in- law expressed to Ethan that he felt we should do what is best for our little family. Kamber was our child and to do what we need to and that he thought every one would understand. I am so grateful for his kind words, love, and support that he continues to give to us. Actually, I can't fail to mention how supportive and caring all of our family members have been.
So with that we will be leaving Saturday to hopefully break up the memory of the worst day of our lives. A day that we don't want celebrate, a day that the world for us stopped turning, the day that one of our angels left this earth for a moment in time.
Monday, July 13, 2009
This caught my eye and my heart
As I mentioned in my last post that the one year mark of Kamber's death is approaching. With it brings all kinds of emotions and anxiety. In someways I feel I am stronger and in other ways I feel weaker. I find myself more often just speaking out loud to my Heavenly Father about my feelings. This is what I spoke to him about this morning on my way to pick Tayler and her friend up from swim team this morning.
"I don't know how to feel. It has almost been a year and I am still very sad and still in some ways mad. I know you know how I feel and know that I will come around. I don't feel that you are upset with me for my feelings. But how long is it okay to feel this way? I wouldn't bring Kamber back now that she is in such a perfect place. I am glad that she doesn't have to endure this world and all the bad things that happen. I am glad that she doesn't have to endure the sorrow of losing a child, or a mom or dad eventually. I know she misses us but, she understands the big picture and so I am sure that makes it a little different. I just miss her. I am sad that all her memories are not fresh in my mind anymore. At times it feels as though she wasn't really here, like it was all a dream. I hate that it feels that way at times. I love you Kamber. I just wish I was stronger. I wish I had the drive to accept it all but part of me feels if I do it means that I didn't love her enough. But I do, I love her with my whole heart."
When I got home I was going through some of the things I saved after Kamber died and I found a talk that I had read a day after. This is what stuck out to me today:
We knew before we were born that we were coming
to the earth for bodies and experience and that we would
have joys and sorrows, ease and pain, comforts and
hardships, health and sickness, successes and
disappointments, and we knew also that after a period of
life we would die. We accepted all these eventualities with
a glad heart, eager to accept both the favorable and
unfavorable. We eagerly accepted the chance to come
earthward even though it might be for only a day or a
year. Perhaps we were not so much concerned whether we
should die of disease, of accident, or of senility. We were
willing to take life as it came and as we might organize
and control it, and this without murmur, complaint, or
unreasonable demands.
In the face of apparent tragedy we must put our trust
in God, knowing that despite our limited view his
purposes will not fail. With all its troubles life offers us
the tremendous privilege to grow in knowledge and
wisdom, faith and works, preparing to return and share
God’s glory.
Spencer W. Kimball
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
It's Coming

This is a picture of last 4th of July.
The one year mark of the loss of our Kamber is approaching. In so many ways I can't believe that it has almost been a year since I last held my sweet little girl, but in other ways it seems like forever ago. I miss her every day and try not to think too much about the dreaded day to come. I am finding out that I don't cry out in pain as much anymore. I definitely have those days but they don't come as often. I do have a constant ache though that never goes away, it is always lingering but, most of the time I can handle the pain and fight my way through it.
Many people are asking what I am doing for the one year mark. Well, I really don't know. If I had it my way I would run away, find a way to check out for that day. Take away all the hurt and pain for my whole family. It is definitely a day that I don't want to celebrate but I do want people to remember the day that changed my families life forever. I want them to remember that on that day a special angel left this earth to be with her Father in Heaven. The day that I felt as if heaven and hell surrounded me. I have never been so close to those that loved me, especially those on the other side of the veil. Yet I have never felt so much pain in my entire life. It all collided at the same time.
My worst dreams had come true. I worry about something happening to my kids every day and night. Ever since I became a mom I have always prayed for the safety of my children. That same prayer was given the night before Kamber died. I knew that following day what that safety was... safe in the arms of our Savior. Definitely not the answer I wanted but one I have to deal with and some day maybe accept.
Tonight I think about you Kamber and think about that scary day for me and our family. I know you are with me as I worry about this day. I know you are always there and together somehow we will make it through.