Christmas Count Down!

Today I went to go get my hair cut. I go to this salon in the mall and whoa was I reminded that it is almost Christmas. I had to park in the second to last spot at... Sears! When the Sears's parking lot is filled up you know something is going on. I considered playing the pregnancy card and parking handicapped but my conscience got the better of me. But I really feel that women in their last trimester need some extra consideration. From the very end of the parking lot to the store is a long way to waddle. My hairdresser told me that she had two clients cancel on her earlier because they didn't want deal with the traffic. My bangs, however, were out of control and I had no choice but to face the crazy crowds. On another note I have been worried that I am an out of shape pregnant lady, I have started getting winded going up the stairs to the door. Much to my relief, I just read that the baby starts squishing an expectant mother's lungs so being out of breathe is totally normal. Merry Christmas everyone and take my advice avoid the mall until January.

The Weekend

This weekend was busy, but fun. Yesterday the choir I'm in performed The Messiah. It turned out to be a really fun experience even though I dreaded going to the Tuesday night rehearsals these past few months. On Saturday we had a long long rehearsal with the orchestra and soloists and by the end my feet were completely swollen. For those of you who have never experienced swollen pregnancy feet, it is disgusting! Your feet look like big watery marshmallows, bursting out of your shoes. You feel more hobbit then human.
Friday Neil took the day off and we went to a movie and out to lunch. It was great to go on a date. I was really excited to see The Golden Compass since it had gotten so much atheist vs. christian hype, but it was pretty run of the mill stuff. I was disappointed in the sappy ending. Even the music at the very end was gag inducing. However, there were some cool scenes and special effects (the polar bear brawl).
Today during Neil's lunch break we are going to go look at some houses. It should be fun :)
Oh, and another good thing that happened this weekend, my sister in-law sent me a bunch of maternity clothes! Thanks Amy! It doubled my wardrobe. And a dress I had ordered got here and actually fit! (I'm always nervous about online shopping.) It was a good wardrobe weekend.

Social Blunder

I was at Target yesterday with my friend E. We wandered over to the Christmas decorations isle where my eyes were confronted with what appeared to be dead bird bodies. Little did I know these fake birds are the new big thing. E informed me that at Pottery Barn they sell a ton (she works there, she does not just have a freaky knowledge of their inventory). Well, when I saw them I exclaimed, "EWWW, who would buy these, they just look like bird carcasses." To which a random lady replied, "Oh maybe I shouldn't put mine up." To my horror the inside of her cart was bursting with bird bodies. E, trying to save the situation, said "I don't think they are that bad." But the damage was done, we had to flee the now socially awkward Christmas section.

Glamour Shots

Yesterday I went in for another ultrasound. Once again the baby was bent over in half, but it was confirmed she is really truly a she. We got two great face pictures, I can't stop looking at how cute she is! Here they are.

On another note, the weekend after the car accident Neil and I went to our Church Christmas party. After about an hour and a half I started feeling really sick. Guess what.... I have the flu! And consequently we haven't been able to go get our Christmas tree! We are going tonight. I don't care if I pass out in the store. Yesterday I woke up with a feeling of panic. I had so much Christmas stuff left to do but I was feeling sick. Well, I went out shopping and found Neil some fun presents. I keep wanting him to open them so he can see how great they are! Now I just have to get some things for our stockings, a gift for my father in law and I am done!

A Series of Unfortunate Events or No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Yesterday was an eventful day. I started it out babysitting a 6 month old for this lady at my Church. She works and her mom usually takes her kids two days a week but the mom was going on vacation and she apparently didn't want to shell out the dough for some childcare. So the baby was pretty good overall but screamed like a banshee for an hour if I tried to put him down or even just sit down while holding him. Standing and walking around with a baby for an hour straight is not the easiest thing in the world if you are yourself 6 months pregnant but the situation was not truly horrible because one of my friends graciously invited me to watch the baby at her house, which was baby proofed and filled with important baby things like a pack and play for napping. I had also agreed to watch the baby today but as events unfolded that was not meant to be. After the lady picked up her baby my friend and I decided to go to Target. We strapped my friend's son into his car seat and took off. Much to our dismay, while stopped at a stop light a semi truck decided to ram into the back of the car. It was actually an 18 wheeler with a huge tractor attached. Not only did he ram but he continued to push us the next few feet into the truck in front of us, causing another crunch! Apparently this trucker wasn't smart enough to realize you should hit your break after running into a car, not keep accelerating to the sound of crunching metal! So my friend started calling the police. While on the phone the trucker comes up to the window to say the car is fine. Luckily, my friend handily ignored him, and for the record the entire back of her car was smashed in and scratched! It was at this point I thought that maybe the trucker was also inebriated (as far as we know he wasn't.) So the paramedics checked us out and they told me my blood pressure was off but probably from shock. They asked if I wanted an ambulance. At this point I was totally in shock and asked the paramedic if I should go to the hospital. He didn't really respond so I decided to call my doctor. After being on hold for a while I was told to go straight to the hospital to labor and delivery, but sad news the ambulance was already gone. The police offered to call another one but I figured Neil would get there just as fast, we were close to his office. So I called Neil to come and get me and take me to the hospital, I called and called and called, he was in a meeting and did not have his cell phone on. My friend's husband beat Neil to the scene and gave me a lift to the hospital, where I was to remain for the next six hours strapped to machines. Thankfully the baby is fine and Neil got to the hospital and I wasn't having any crazy contractions, I'm just bruised and sore and have to take it easy until my next checkup on Monday. I have a whole list of scary symptoms to look for and directions to follow. But while I was in the hospital my friend called the lady I was suppose to tend for who was apparently put out that I wasn't willing/capable of watching her child the next day for eight hours, for free! I haven't heard from the lady since, there has been no call to see if I was OK or anything. Some people are so horrible. I'm just glad the accident wasn't more serious and our baby is safe.
PS: Only 99 days until my due date!!!

The Worst Possible Things You Can Say to a Pregnant Woman

In the first trimester:

"Isn't your risk for miscarriage really high?" (actual comment made to me in my first trimester!)

In any trimester:

"Wow, are you pregnant with twins?" (made by a woman who is way larger then I am now and doesn't even have the excuse of pregnancy)

"I haven't heard anything but are you pregnant or just getting fat." (oh~ where is the dying art of social tack)

"You're only 5 months pregnant! You are going to be huge at 9 months" (this little gem was also accompanied by the man holding his hand out away from my belly to illustrate how large he believed I would become)

"Whoa, whoa don't move your going to blow!" (not actually said to me but to a friend of mine)

After these comments I got a little worried and talked to my doctor. I didn't think I had turned into Jabba the Hut but maybe I was living in a hormonal pregnancy dreamworld. Guess what all you nast people with your rude comments my weight gain is actually on the low end of the acceptable range! And my uterus is measuring right on track too! Now I don't think these people were trying to be vicious but it is these kinds of thoughtless comments that make women pregorexic. Here is my advice to the world, just keep your mouths shut about pregnant people's appearances. Even if a women gains more than the recommended amount, do you have the body of a Greek god? My guess is no as most of the people who made comments to me didn't exactly win the genetic lottery, in fact some of them quite plainly lost. Has anyone else been victim to a litany of vocal pregnancy abuse? What are you stories?

Christmas is around the corner!

"Its lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you" It seems like years since I've gotten really excited for Christmas but this year I cannot mask my enthusiasm. I'm so excited! Perhaps because this is my first married Christmas. Neil and I got hitched on December 28th last year so all my excited energy went into the wedding, not Christmas. So since last month I've been gathering presents, making stockings, and preparing decorations and this Saturday Neil and I are going to go get our Christmas tree! Its fun because this year we can start our own family traditions. For example I want Saturday to be a day of Christmas. After we trim the tree we can have donuts and hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie all curled up on the couch. This afternoon I'm going to start gift wrapping the gifts so they will be ready to go under the tree. Merry Christmas!

Pictures From the Past Year

Sorry I couldn't figure out how to flip this! PS: It is great to post pictures of before I was pregnant, I don't have a bloated face!

Here is the family!

Here we are busting a move at our wedding!

Here are Neil and I walking around Navy Pier at night. ooo lah lah romantic (not really my mom took the picture:)

I found some fun pictures from my bridal shower on my parents computer. Yes, I am wearing a tiara with a veil and holding a paper mache wedding cake the guests later smashed to pieces!

CHICAGO!

Last Saturday Ashton and my mom threw me a baby shower. It was wonderful to see everybody and the baby received some really great gifts. The funniest one was from Ashton, I unwrapped the package and across the box was written "Poopsie." I initially thought it would be something associated with some sort of diaper genie/human waste, I voiced this thought and the old gals couldn't stop laughing... oh no it is a little doll that fits inside a pea pod. It is undeniable now, I look totally pregnant!!!

Quarter Century Crisis

I know everyone is just dying to hear about my birthday so here goes! The first fun birthday themed thing occurred on my birthday eve. My friend and Mom of the maligned Neville Longbottom baby (see prior post) took me out to lunch. What was really clever was that I had no idea she was footing the bill. After we were done she revealed that fact and confessed she hadn't told me because she wanted me to order whatever I wanted. I decided this was a good idea and next time I go out to lunch and want to pay I am going to use this surprise tactic, then people get what they really want. Another good thing about the element of surprise is if the other diner orders lobster, steak, and a bottle of expensive wine you can just change your mind, not pay for them and they have no idea. That might have been tacky to write.... oh well.

Now fast forward to the morning of November 9th. I was awakened in bed by Neil and a plate of scrambled eggs and toast and a big wrapped box. The breakfast was great but the box of gifts was better! Neil presented me with a box of chocolates, a big fluffy bath robe (like the one in our Paris hotel), and an envelope. Inside the envelope were pictures of the downtown Hilton(pictured above), we were going to stay there for the weekend!!! ParTay!! So we ended up going down town and shopping at the galleria. For those of you unfamiliar with the galleria it is a big mall and when I say big I mean it has an ice skating rink inside it. They have all the normal stores and then some fun posh shops. There is a Tiffany's, a Giorgio Armani, Kate Spade and pretty much anything else you can think of. They also had a Cheesecake Factory where we had a delectable dinner. When we got back to the hotel there was some sort of fundraiser going on because people in formal wear were everywhere, it was rather fun to spy! We had a tasty cake with Neil's family later on that weekend. Needless to say I had a great birthday.

Oppppppps!

When my primary class came over for a party they gave Neil strep throat! Whoops!

PS: Today is my birthday eve!!!!!

The Buzz

Today Neil is down town taking his next actuarial exam, cross your fingers for us! This afternoon I went to a mommys lunch at a friend's house. One lady there told another, "Your son looks like that smart kid from the Harry Potter movies." At first I thought Hermione? Then it dawned on me who she meant. I gasped out loud in horror, "Neville Longbottom?" And then the mother of the accused child exclaimed in dismay, "The Squib!" Talk about a dis! Trying to look at the bright side the mother said, "Oh do you mean the eyes?" and the lady responded, "No his face." I almost died! If anyone is truly unfortunate looking it is the actor who plays Neville Longbottom! For the record the child in question is really cute and I see no resemblance to Neville.

Tag

I have been tagged by my cousin to play this game, so here I go!

Rules: Tell 6 truths or habits, then tag 6 other friends (I may just do a couple) on their blogs. Those tagged have to do the game and tag other friends.

1- Habit: I read msn news almost everyday, not all of it, truthfully I focus on the important parts like celebrity gossip

2- Truth: I once hit my brother with a two by four... on purpose. I was 9.

3- Truth: I think I like the name combination of Grace Julia Larson the best so far

4- Truth: I am making most of the Christmas presents I am giving out this year from scratch and I really want to post pictures but the only ones who read this blog are the recipients

5- Habit: I am OCD when it comes to keeping the kitchen sink clean, I have trouble falling asleep if there are dirty dishes.

6- Truth: While pregnant I had a dream I had twin boys. One looked like my side of the family and the other looked like Neil's side.... I loved the one more that looked like a Wagner! How is that for twisted narcissism!

Halloween!

This past weekend has been pretty busy. On Friday night our ward had a trunk or treat party. Since I grew up in a colder area of the country I had no idea what that was. You decorate your trunk, park, and then kids come to each car "trunk or treating". It was really fun. Neil and I dressed up as scare crows and decorated our trunk like a farm. We won a cutest couples award but the next day at church a picture of us was posted right in the middle of the bulletin board and I look HUGE! I certainly look pregnant now and the fact that I am wearing one of Neil's hugely unflattering shirts does not help matters. Don't worry I will sacrifice my vanity and post them here. On Saturday my primary class came over for a party. We had to sing a duet for the primary program and I promised them if they memorized the words we could have a party. Neil was great, he helped with the games as I prepared a nutritious lunch of pizza and fries. Tonight we are carving pumpkins for family home evening and I can't wait!

LDS Urban Legends

Check this out
http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/12627

The First Day of Fall or Adios FLip Flops!

Now I know the "supposed" first day of fall was August 23 but here in Houston it was yesterday. I went outside and there was a delicious bite in the air, it was the first day it would have been silly to go to the pool. Outside the grocery store the crisp wind brushed my face and I was in heaven! I love cool/cold weather which can be a problem when you live in a land of eternal summer. Sweaters, jackets, and scarves just call to me. It could be a nostalgia thing. I don't remember a Halloween growing up that didn't involve a coat over my costume. I just hope the cool weather keeps up. In honor of the first day of Fall donuts and cider were offered to all in the house of Larson.

I heart Taco Bell and other things of the utmost importance

I use to be able to smugly say, "I haven't thrown up for a decade." All this ended yesterday. I woke up feeling rather out of sorts. I'm not sure if it was the smoothie or the vegetable soup from the day before but something was having a painful party in my tummy. Suffice it to say I had a rather miserable day until dinner time. Then a miraculous thing happened. Neil asked me what I wanted for dinner. My head told me I wanted a soft taco from taco bell but I wasn't sure my body was in agreement. I decided to go for it. Three tacos later and I was healed by the astounding culinary skill of a teenage fast food worker. Nauseous no more!

Lately I have started to worry about naming our little girl. I couldn't sleep last night because the naming responsibility was stressing me out. Before we were even pregnant Neil and I decided we liked the name Kansas Larson for a little girl. But now that there is an actual child I'm not sure if that is too weird. Like naming a child Apple for example. We also like Lily Larson and have talked about Julia. I was reading the baby name book this morning and Kira sounded cute and then I thought of Kira Knightly and I am not her biggest fan. I can't even think about middle names yet without breaking a sweat! Any ideas?

Guess what! I am 19 weeks pregnant- Next week I'll be half way done, hurray!!!

The Day of Fun

This morning Neil went to go play basketball and when he came home he brought two bunches of tulips. One for me and one for the baby! It was really sweet. Then we went on a picnic by a lake and ate tasty fried chicken. And the day of fun did not end there. At the mall we window shopped for baby clothes. Neil was really excited but thought pink was over used. We then went to go see The Seeker, Darkness is Rising. I enjoyed the movie but I did have to hide my head at the truly corny end speech of the main character. Instead of hiding his head Neil just laughed and openly mocked. My favorite scene was when the kid is at the mall, before he knows he is the illustrious seeker, and some security guards tell him he has to come with them. Guess what... they are not security guards but truly frightening creatures made up of ravens! AHHHHHHH! For dinner Neil made delicious steak! It was a wonderful day!

Dancing Queen

When we had our ultra sound Brenda gave us a few different pictures. I was looking at them closely and discovered that our baby may indeed be a dancer. Not only was she contorted into a pretzel (great flexibility) but, she has one leg extended with the toes perfectly pointed. It just screams ballet! I'm not sure the picture will scan well, but here it is.

Sugar and spice, and everything nice (we think)

This morning Neil and I went to the hospital imaging center for our 18 week ultra sound. We entered at 7:30 and left at a quarter to 10. Today we learned that our baby is one stubborn little lady (we think). No amount of movement (I tried dancing), poking, or pleading could convince this fetus out of the pretzel position. Yes, you heard me correctly. Our baby was contorted into the shape of a pretzel with "her" legs behind "her" head and "her" hands covering the spot we were interested in. That was not our only problem. You might say I was a little zealous in the drinking instructions. I had to drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes for an hour before hand. I did this and thought, "No big deal, I could drink more." Then I remembered the many family road trips I have been on. When everyone else had to go, I never did. I could ride on comfortably for a few more hours. It was then that I concluded that I must have an extra large bladder which needed more liquid to fill. At this point Neil and I were in the car driving to the hospital. Luckily (I thought) I had an extra bottle of water. So I did what any sane person would and began to chug that bottle down. Little did I know we would not see the ultra sound tech immediately. About a half hour later I was ready to die. It seemed to take forever but finally we were invited into the ultrasound room. Our friendly tech, Brenda, had some classic 80s rock playing and so to the musical genius of Bon Jovi she complimented my full bladder. It seems often she has to get expectant mothers to drink more. My bladder, however, was full and huge. She exclaimed "Your bladder is bigger than the baby!" She made her measurements and then, thankfully, I was allowed to go to the restroom. The exam then continued but my bladder kept filling up and squishing the baby so I kept having to leave and go to the bathroom so Brenda could get clear shots of the baby. Brenda tactfully requested that if I need more ultra sounds it would be a good idea not to drink so much. All the bone and organ measurements were done and we started looking for the gender. It was only after Brenda tipped the table back so that my head was precariously close to the floor that we got a look. From 3 different angles the baby appeared to be a girl, but this obstinate chick would not move her hands or unpretzel so that we could get a cute baby photo or a full frontal shot. Brenda sensed my disappointment and told me when I come in for my next appointment to stop by and if she isn't too busy she will look again and take some more pictures. So until we get any new information...Its a girl!!!

A Day of Infamy

October 1, 2007 will go down as a day of tragedy in our household. Yesterday after a hard day at middle school my brother, Baby T, broke his leg in two places at football practice. Some fool kids smashed into him, I know not a shocker it is football. On the drive home from practice Troy alerted my mother to the problem and they spent a fun evening in the emergency room. Only one of the breaks could be set there and Troy has to see a specialist for the other. Feel free to leave your condolences on this website, gifts, money and candy can be sent directly to me :P

Halloween!

I found these Smashing Pumpkin invitations at Martha Stewart Living. I think they will be perfect for my Primary class Halloween party! Hurray!

Mac 'n Cheese, Sheri Dew, and Pinatas!

I have a confession to make, I haven't wanted to write another blog because I don't want the lily pad baby thing to move from the top of the page. Weird, I know. I also know there must be a way to stick the image in the heading but it seems like it would take too much energy to figure it out. So any way here is a list of what has been going on.

1. Neil's sister Julie had her mission farewell and is headed to the MTC.

2. I attended a women's leadership conference with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, Julie. The event was run by Deseret Book. Sheri Dew and Wendy Watson Nelson gave excellent speeches and workshops. The other workshops I attended ranged from OK to poor. This was the first conference of its kind so improvements are inevitable. But, I did have a good time.

3. I joined the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra and Choir. Our first rehearsal is tonight.

4. I read Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse which proved to me once again that just because a book is loved by the masses that does not ensure quality. These books relied too much on adolescent sexual tension. There are too many descriptions of Edward's pale cold hands tracing the line of Bella's jaw and then down her neck. And after using the word electric about 10 times I hope Meyer's made her point that the tension between Bella and Edward is electric.

5. Our ward was split on Sunday and we are now meeting in a new building for Church. Neil was excited because it is the nice clean new building.

6. I'm planning a Halloween Party for my Primary class that I am really excited about! Bring on the hot dogs, root beer, and mac 'n cheese!

7. I'm afraid this blog may seem a little critical but what the heck! Last night I watched The Bachelor and was horrified! Never before had I watched an entire episode, so it was a bit of a shock. I had to hide my head in embarrassment numerous times because of the actions of the female participants. Do these women not realize their scandalous and often stupid behavior and comments are being viewed by all of America? Their parents and grandparents and employers and friends and complete strangers are watching as they behave like unprincipled vicious trollops! I suppose that is what makes "good TV" these days.

8. I started a group with some of the gals from church. We are going to meet once a month and have a lesson on a different culture and then have a cultural activity. I'm in charge in October so I need to start doing some research on Mexico. Get ready for a pinata!

Baby Counter

Little Baby Larson strikes again!

Last Friday I had another doctor's appointment. Everything was going fine until the Doctor was trying to find the baby's heart beat. After about 5 minutes she still hadn't found it. This, of course, was starting to make me nervous. So the doctor gave up on the doppler and grabbed the ultra sound machine. It turns out the baby was just being super active and wouldn't stay in one place long enough for her to catch the heart beat. It was really fun to watch the ultra sound screen because I could see the baby moving all over the place. The baby looked like the ball in a pin ball machine jumping all over my uterus! We got two pictures of the baby which were a little blurry. In one you can see an outstretched arm and in the other the baby just seems to be chilling upside down with his/her legs all curled up. Well, Little Baby Larson finally calmed down and we got the heart beat. I'm so excited though because on October 12th we find out the sex of the baby! I can hardly wait!

Personal Responsibility.. Where are you?

I was reading an article on MSN news about the rising obesity problem. Here is an excerpt explaining why there is no personal responsibility for the problem.

"The average American child sees 10,000 food advertisements a year, and most promote foods with questionable nutrition profiles. Research has shown that for each hour of television watched per day, a low-income preschool child's risk of being overweight increases by 6 percent. Children in the U.S. watch an average of 3 hours of television per day. A study in the medical journal Pediatrics found that, for each hour of television watched by 11-year-old children, fruit and vegetable consumption decreased by 10 percent. The investigators concluded that the relationship "may be the result of the replacement of fruits and vegetables in youths' diets by foods highly advertised on television." "When David Ludwig hears arguments that food choice is an issue of personal responsibility, he shakes his head. "This is a questionable argument at best when it comes to adults, but it breaks down entirely when we're talking about kids. Where is the personal responsibility for the 6-year-old who sees an average of 10,000 food commercials a year, the 10-year-old who is offered soft drinks and fast food at school, the inner-city child who walks home past a dozen fast-food restaurants and can't find a single healthful alternative? Where is the personal responsibility there?" (Fast Road to Fat City)

Why didn't that occur to me? Its not what the kids are putting in their mouths or what their parents are putting in their mouths, or the amount of daily physical activity, its TV! Now according to this line of thinking if a child sees numerous acts of violence on TV they have no choice but to accept that negative behavior as their own. Why aren't all children who are exposed to television dropping anvils like Wylie Coyote or shooting people like in any crime show? Why are criminals on trial not using this television defense? Because we have free will!! Someone doesn't wake up one day suddenly severely obese, it takes a lot of calories and bad habits to get there. And now science is reasoning away people's accountability. I'm not the skinniest thing ever but I don't blame that on television, I blame it on my own personal choices. Now I do have sympathy for children who are without options but they grow up and it is not a secret fast food is bad for you!

Twins!

Over the past year or so Neil and I have really gotten into the TV show House. I'm not sure why... the medical stuff is interesting but Dr. House is atrocious, and now three of the main characters have been fired! It is like morbidly watching a train crash as Dr. House hits rock bottom. However, I recently discovered that the character of House is a rip off! I started reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Complete Sherlock Holmes Vol. 1, and House is Sherlock Holmes. Here are a list of the similarities.

1. They are both substance abusers

2. They are both fascinated and obsessed with following clues and solving mysteries (medical or criminal)

3. The both have an easy going side kick (Wilson or Watson)

4. Hello- the names Wilson and Watson!

5. Another name similarity House and Holmes

6. The inability to have a healthy relationship with the opposite sex

7. Both geniuses

8. They both lack respect for authority figures (Cuttey and Scotland Yard)

I'm sure there are more but that is all I can think of spur of the moment. Anyway, if you like watching House give reading Sherlock Holmes a try.

Party Time!

Now that I am finally over morning sickness I felt it was about time to throw a party. Therefore tomorrow I invited a bunch of church gals over for lunch. I have done this a few times to try to get to know people from our church better. I invited some tried and true friends and then invited a few other chicks I don't know that well. My problem is this, the tried and true all RSVP-ed, however none of the new crowd did. Are they coming? Are they bringing children? Do I need tons of food? I have no idea. I would just call and ask but due to some lengthy conversations with my sister this month I am all out of minutes until tomorrow morning. I guess I will plan for the masses even if it could be just three of us. I wish people would RSVP, especially when it is written out on the invitation. It is the classy thing to do. At my wedding we served dinner, in the invitation there were RSVP cards and addressed and stamped envelopes and some people still didn't RSVP. I understand not RSVP-ing if you're not coming (still rude but there wont be a scene when there is no place card for the people) but there are always a group who just show up anyway. Where is Miss Manners? These people need a smack down.

Look A Likes

Has anyone else noticed an uncanny resemblance between Ellen Pompeo and Lauren BaCall?

Primary

At my church I teach a class for the 6-7 year olds. The first part of the hour we meet with all the other kids and have an activity, music time, scripture, and one child gets to give a talk on an assigned topic. The second half we split up into classes for a lesson. Well, the talk this week was interesting to say the least. The little boy giving the talk was about 9. He is a little mischievous but really cute with blond curly hair. Well, he was asked to speak on the Holy Ghost. His talk went like this, (Imagine in a monotone voice and a rather grim expression.) "I was asked to talk on the Holy Ghost today. The Holy Ghost is good because he can warn you when bad things are going to happen. Like one night I woke up and got out of bed. Just as I got out of bed my brother threw up all over. The Holy Ghost is good, he saved me from throw up." I couldn't help but laugh!

I Heart Stretchy Pants!

There is one amazing thing about Texas that is rarely advertised. I only discovered it by wandering into a mall on the right weekend when we first moved here. Twice a year a spectacular event occurs... TAX FREE WEEKEND! Translation, you can buy all the clothes you want and not pay sales tax. Now I realize this only saves me 7%, but it is better then nothing. So my amazing husband decided it was time for me to go on a shopping spree. While at the mall I happened upon some incredible pants, incredible maternity pants. These babies have a fashionable boot cut, a lovely wash, and are void of any unfortunate whiskering. (Whiskering usually highlights the negative aspects of the figure.) And to top all that off they were only $16.95! Now I no longer have to rubber band the top of my pants (which creates a very fatifying feeling) but I can gracefully slip into my beloved stretchy pants.
Oh, and on a different topic and I have discovered another benefit of being pregnant. I can no longer fit into my cub scout leader shirt! This means I can go to weekly meetings wearing whatever I want!! It will be a blissful 6 1/2 months, free of patches, bandannas, and having to tuck my shirt into jeans! And no one can say I don't have "proper respect for scouting approved attire"!! Unless the scouting store sells maternity...... I hope not........AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Neil turns 25!!!

This Saturday was Neil's Birthday!! Neil's parents and his sister Holly came over to par-tay! Janet and Holly made and delicious and beautiful cake. It looked quite professional with strawberry and Oreo garnishes. Neil's college friend, Christian joined us for dinner. I made Cafe Rio pork burritos (thanks Amy for the recipe :) and the night was a smashing success. My favorite part of the evening was when the Larson Seniors gave Neil and I our first gift for Little Baby Larson. It was a beautiful hand made blanket. Hopefully, I'll be able to add a picture in later.

Pregnancy and my pants

I have noticed a reoccurring phenomenon in my daily life. When I get up in the morning and get dressed my pants glide on with apparent ease. However, as the day goes on my stomach grows and I begin to fear my expanding girth will force the button off my pants and straight into the eye of an innocent bystander. This is somewhat alarming, who knows what will happen as the weeks pass, exploding seams, erupting zippers, popping pockets? How many will fall victim to my wardrobe malfunctions? Will I be forced to don orange caution signs? The possibilities are staggering. Must go shopping, it is for the good of all mankind.

Be our Guest, Just be our Guest!

One of my favorite parts of our trip was the food. Crepes, baguettes, cheeses, french onion soup, not to mention snails and frog legs were all a part of our diet. At the beginning of our journey I was as adventuress as they come with my palate. Towards the end however steak and fries became my staples. Here is the proof of our crazy eating! Doesn't Neil look cute consuming that snail?

Paris the City of Love

Oh yeah, did I mention we got to go to Paris for our honeymoon! I'm not sure who took this lovely picture of the Eiffel Tower, but both Neil and I claim it :) On our last night in Paris we climbed to the top. The Eiffel tower looks rather garish at night but when you are on it, it looks amazing with the changing lights! Notre Dame was also an incredible thing to see. I couldn't stop singing the song from the Disney movie, "The bells, bells, bells, bells, bells of Notre Dame," the entire time we were there. The stain glass was breathe taking. The South rose window depicts scenes from the New Testament, while the North rose brings the Old Testament to life.

Baby, Baby, Baby!!

An exciting thing occurred today. I saw the first picture of Little Baby Larson!!!! In other words I had an ultra sound. For seven weeks our baby is in great shape, the doctor was even impressed that we could hear the baby's heart beat. Yes my face beamed with pride at my very own little over achiever. Enjoy the picture!

PS: There are two visible blobs in the picture. The blob to the right is the lovely little tyke.

The Back Story

As this is our first blog I believe a bit of background is in order. I am Meredith Brooke Wagner Larson (I know, a lot of names but I can't bear to loose any). I was born in a town in Idaho recently made famous by Napoleon Dynamite, Preston. Luckily, we moved shortly after my birth. The majority of my growing up years were spent in a Northern suburb of Chicago. I now live in Texas with my husband Neil. Neil is from the area and was delighted at his return to the lone star state. As we drove our van of wedding loot into his beloved country Neil recited Texas trivia facts to me and happily pointed out the mammoth statue of Sam Houston. Did you know the infamous term, "Don't mess with Texas" was coined for an anti litter campaign? I had always thought it was just Texas ego. The picture to the left was taken after we got engaged in August 2006. I had no idea Neil was about to propose on the day of reckoning. I thought we were headed to dinner and then a wedding reception for one of Neil's friends. When we pulled over at a park to have a picnic I was still clueless. Suddenly Neil was on one knee holding two dozen roses and a ring. To be honest at first I thought it was a twisted joke, I started looking around the park for Neil's sisters. When I realized it wasn't Neil's unusual humor I happily said "yes!!!" and sealed the deal the with a great big kiss. We were married in December of 2006 and are expecting a baby to arrive around the 14th of March 2008.