Girls Camp in August

This post is a little late… but it was a great highlight of my summer.  Here are some pics from one of the YW leader’s blogs:

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Karmel Larson was crowned Mrs. Utah United States on April 25, 2009, having never before entered a pageant. She was drawn to the program for the emphasis placed on promoting a platform. Her platform for this year is “Declaring Decency: Engaging Civic Leaders, Educators and Families in a T.E.A.M Effort to Stand For Decency.” With this platform she will work with a different population of Utah leaders each month to provide resources in the areas of Treatment, Education, Activism and Monitoring to promote decency in families, schools and our communities.

Posted by Everill Family at 7:56 AM 1 comments

Thank you Mrs. Utah for coming and sharing your testimony with us. It was so fun to have you at camp! Good luck in your endeavors, and you go girl!!!

Posted by Everill Family at 7:08 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 10, 2009

Exploring American Fork Canyon Today

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Summer Updates

Our Cousin Playdate with the Greene’s

Playin’ at Daddy’s Gig

Culdesac of Fire in July

Cousin Raya’s Birthday Party

At the park with cousin Livy in St. George

Professional Photos from Mrs. United States

Where did I go?

Anyone wondering why I’m not posting?———-I know someone is because I can see on my blog stats that lots of people keep checking my blog each day and are probably disappointed that I haven’t been updating.   Well…. much has happened and indeed there is much to share and report on, but that will have to wait a few more weeks.  We are moving this weekend and packing a business and family of nearly 7 is all consuming while in the third trimester of pregnancy.  So once I recover and have a normally functioning environment and family life again, then I’ll resume posting and share all of the exciting updates.  Then I can resume my Mrs. Utah updates and e-mails again as well.  This past month and the next few weeks have required more of Mrs. Larson than Mrs. Utah.  Thanks for being patient.  Life doesn’t always go according to my visions and great plans.  (I think it’s going to turn out even better if I can survive this move.)

Here is one teaser photo.  I loved speaking at this girl’s camp this summer!  The experience was so enlightening!  I’ll share more soon….

Best Buddies Fundraiser at La Caille

Emily Nelson, Mrs. Utah 2008, invited me to attend the Best Buddies of Utah Fundraiser at La Caille back in August.  It was a great event that she was in charge of planning and organizing.  She continues to do so much good!

New giggin’ gear!

Brigham is pretty excited about his new additions to his gigging piano.  I think he’s the only professional pianist locally that brings a real piano, not just an electric keyboard.  It’s a good think he’s built like an ox, because he frequently moves it entirely by himself.  He’s having so much fun!

White Ribbon Week Meeting for PTA

Brad Barton, myself, Whitney from Utah Netsmartz.net and John Gunter Jr. from Citizens For Families.  I’m grateful to each of these professionals who came to help me pass along information on White Ribbon Week to PTA Presidents at the Provo Library on August 13th in an effort to promote the EDUCATION part of T.E.A.M. Decency.  Here’s a link to the information we shared at this meeting.

White Ribbon Week Resources

Let me know if your child’s school is launching a White Ribbon Week for the first time!  So many are starting up this year-it’s exciting!  A tremendous thanks to each of you who helped this important meeting come together!!!

August American Mothers Meeting

We had an inspiring presentation on the value, importance and spirituality of motherhood by Jenet Jacobson.  She inspired us all!  Thanks Jenet!!

Today’s fashion highlight…

This is what my kids do when mom quits directing their day…

Mrs. United States Photos

Tramp for Birthday Boys!

We finally got a tramp!  Happy Birthday Ben and Thayne!

Ben turned 7 and Thayne turned 4 on July 12, 2009!  We e-mailed them the slide show below and had them check their e-mail first thing in the morning on their birthday.  They laughed, screamed, ran to the back yard and have been jumping ever since!

Great Friends, Dinner and Mrs. Utah America

Tonight I enjoyed a wonderful evening of friendship as pageant friends gathered for dinner and then to attend the Mrs. Utah America Pageant at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo.  A good friend, Heidi Murray, was crowned the new Mrs. Utah America 2009.  Her platform is a Voice for Autism.  She will do such great things!  It was so great to be with these wonderful women and to catch up on each others lives.  My life is too blessed!  So many great people surround me and inspire me continuously.

Presentation at PIC Meeting, Sponsored by United Way

Today I had the opportunity to speak to members of the PIC (Partners For Infants and Children) Committee sponsored by the United Way.  I was overwhelmed with the positive response and outpouring of ideas and desires to volunteer and help that followed.  More e-mails came from the group as I arrived home.

One woman volunteered to solicit help from the the Regional PTA Representative to promote White Ribbon Week.  Another individual wanted to pass along Child-Appropriate Resolution information to each of her children living in Utah Cities where resolutions have not been passed.  One father in attendance was anxious to have a referral for internet filters.  So many others were moved to action as well.

This has been the typical response I have found from fellow Utah citizens as I have been invited to speak on decency at various events.  I’m grateful to be among such wonderful company!

As I head to Las Vegas next week to compete at the Mrs. United States Pageant, I look forward to promoting Decency to a national audience that I hope to find as receptive as the great citizens of Utah.  Thank you for your support and for helping me to spread this message!

Clint and Lucy Lee Wedding at Logan Temple

This family is very dear to us!  Brigham was able to help reactivate them to the church while he served his mission in France.  We were invited to attend the Temple wedding of their daughter Lucy on June 27th at the Logan Temple.  It was a beautiful day of celebration and joyful reunion.

Cousin Raya’s Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Raya!  Thanks for inviting us-we had SOOO MUCH FUN!!!!!!

Speaking at Sugar House Rotary

Here I am with Steve Knudsen and his wife at the Rotary Meeting.  He called me the day after the Deseret News article published a piece highlighting my platform with this quote: 

“Up until this point, I was just a really passionate mom,” she said. “But does the Rotary want a really passionate mom to come speak? No, they want Mrs. Utah or someone with a title. People will listen if I have a title instead of just ‘mom,’ and already that’s the case.”

I was impressed with their group and grateful to be a part of their meeting.  They were so gracious, so entertaining and so service oriented.  I like their motto:  SERVICE ABOVE SELF!

Sushi Father’s Day

For Father’s Day, we went to the Asian Food Market and bought ingredients for some of Brigham’s favorite Sushi and Thai recipes.  Then we watched you tube for instructions and had some fun results.  Here are the sushi photos:

Sweet Abby

She is my constant helper.  My little buddy.  My sanity with crazy and wild boys.  We missed her this past week while she was gone at “Gramp Camp”.  So happy to have her back home with us.  She still tears up each time someone mentions her “new baby brother”.  Hopefully, she’ll come around by November 28th.  I will miss this sweet 5 year old girl when she’s all grown up.

I am so in love with you….

Professional photography by Marc Olivier, Take Out Photo

“My heart is ever at your service.”
–William Shakespeare

Davis County Junior Miss Scholarship Program

I was invited to be a judge for the Davis County Junior Miss Scholarship Program yesterday.  It was a wonderful experience to see how well prepared and well-rounded these girls were.  I wan’t familiar with this program prior to this invitation.  Now I will recommend it to everyone who has teenage girls.  These girls were so talented, poised, intelligent and fit!  For fitness they performed a 5+ minute physical fitness routine complete with double time pushups.  I would be thrilled if Abby participated in such a program in the future.  These were high quality girls with direction, purpose and excellent training!  I’d like to meet each of their mothers and get some tips!  The judges were all so wonderful as well.  It was an inspiring day of women seeking to improve themselves and their communities!  The Provo Junior Miss Program will be in October, if any one is interested in that-I can connect you with the director.

My sweet baby

I captured this today during our hour of “Silent Reading” time.  Baby Brigham grabbed a board book and chose his tonka truck for his reading spot.  Don’t let his sweet face fool you…. the tongue tells all…. just moments before the flash went off, he ripped the book and stuck out his tongue.  That clenched fist is holding the evidence.  That’s about as wild as this wonderful boy gets.  He seems to be developing the sweetest disposition and inclination towards immediate obediance.  We are enjoying his personality shining through in such exciting ways.  He is our first child to be almost 100% obediant the first time we make a request.  Don’t I sound like a proud mama?

Thrillionaires Summer BBQ

They are not just funny on the stage.  It’s constant!

Scott Champion, with his new fiance Rachel.  He’s teaching  our Briggy Jr. how to be funny.  See results below.

They do stand up, they sing, and they dance!

Someone suggested they try a “poker face” and they came up with their own version of a “poke-her face”!

The whole group.

Our kids had so much fun playing with the other kids!

Brig Squared.

I took this one of Thayne.  Such a face!

Then he grabbed the camera and got this one of me….

and this one of Bob Bedore (and about 54 other shots of the fence, trees, eyeballs, etc.)

Abby and Bella became quick friends on the trampoline.

A near perfect replica of her funny father, Brett Merrit…. Bella insisted on doing a silly shot next:

Ready early…

We were ready for church early today and so Brigham read to the kids (while baby slept).  They all looked so picutre perfect that I had to run for the camera.   Thayne just kept smiling so he got an extra shot.  I was feeling so blessed to be a mother… so full of joy that they are mine.

Miss Provo Pageant

The Miss Provo Pageant was last night and I attended with some friends.   I thought the talents were inspiring.  So much discipline, training and practice to prepare such refined talents.  It was really great!  Here I am with the new Miss Provo and below with Miss Utah, Kayla Barclay, who was the night’s MC.  Emily Nelson, Mrs. Utah United States 2008, was one of the judges. (An interesting note:  this was the first pageant I’ve ever attended in the audience, since my first pageant experience EVER, I was on the stage side of things.)

June American Mothers Chapter Meeting

Congratulations to Shauna Dunn, who has been nominated by our Utah County Chapter to be our Young Mother of the Year Nominee for 2010!

We heard from Jenny Ahlstrom of moms2moms.com on her Legacy Project.   A really exciting website based on mom’s videotaped stories.   Here’s her presentation.

Ingrid Sorensen led our Power of Positive Parenting Discussion.  Here’s the youtube video of that discussion.

I also shared some information on the White Ribbon Campaign and we discussed our topic of financial preparedness.  My favorite part of the meeting was chatting with those who stayed afterwards.  Always so great to share ideas with wonderful women!

We don’t hold meetings in July or December, so mark your calandar for August 13th at the Provo Library at 7:30, with a pre-meeting social at 7pm.  That will be the same night as the PTA White Ribbon Week Informational meeting to be held from 6-7pm in the same room!  So come for both!

Program Book Ad For Nationals

Photos and Design by Chad Braithwaite, Faces Photography

The Women’s Information Network

Stay tuned for more information on www.TheWINonline.com.  I’ve been invited to be a show host for this international Mega Site that will launch officially on September 26th in SLC.  I’ll start recording shows in June and they will be incorporated into the work I’m involved with promoting TEAM Decency.  Please contact me if you know of someone who would enjoy sharing ideas involving decency for the show.  I’ll be interviewing professionals, moms, leaders of organizations, creative thinkers, anyone who has ideas on how and why to promote decency!

Our friend, John Pestana, in the news…

I just found this article in the Daily Herald, highlighting the new business of our friend John Pestana.  Check out his website at exactrail.com to learn more about his model trains.  John hosts the monthly movie club that Brigham started.

Here’s the article

Photo by MARIO RUIZ,Daily Herald

Look out, Lionel. A new Orem-based model railroad business, ExactRail, has embarked on a journey that the company’s founders hope will eventually take the “new kid on the tracks” to the peak of the industry.

ExactRail, co-founded by Chris Clune and John Pestana, designs and manufactures model trains in HO and N scales.

“We want to become the largest train company in the world,” said Pestana, who lives in Provo. “We estimate Lionel has sales of around $100 million per year. There’s our benchmark.”

Thrillionaires Video Clips

After Nana Maya’s funeral rehersal/suprise 60th birthday party, we all went to the Thrillionaires show at the Covey Center to enjoy Brigham’s amazing improv talents.  I’m having so much fun with my new FLIP Video… here are some songs that I captured that night from the improv musical.  The first one, by Bret Merritt was inspired by the audience suggestion for a song title-I called out (in honor of Nana’s big day and what she ALWAYS says), “Have Fun At My Funeral!”

Nana’s 60th Suprise Funeral Practice (Birthday Party)

Nana arrived to Rodizio Grill to everyone shouting “DON’T DIE” instead of SUPRISE!

The cousins had a great time playing together.  We all wore black in honor of the “funeral dress rehersal” since Nana is SOOOOOO old!!!!!!!!

Our kids gave Nana a funeral plant and a birthday card with dentures on the front.

Happy 60th Nana Maya!!  We love you and we’re glad you didn’t die of a heart attack with all of the teasing during your “roast”.

Freedom Festival Baby Contest at UVU

I was invited to present on TEAM Decency and American Mothers at the Baby Contest last weekend.  Presentations were held in an activity room filled with play stations and information booths.  It was a very comfortable and casual setting.  I even roamed around the room with the mic during the 30 minute presentation and was able to talk with alot of the moms.  I am always happy and inspired to see moms who are seeking improvment for themselves and their children.  There were great play ideas.  Two of my favorites were a mini pool filled with styrophome and bubble wrap taped to the floor.  Here are some pics…

It’s a….

I had a prenatal visit today and the ultrasound changed my due date to 11/28/09.  One month sooner.  So I’m 15 weeks right now and they were able to see the sex….  the video tells all!

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My wonderful new neighbor Annette!

My wonderful new neighbor Annette!  She stopped by today with a beautiful boquet of roses for me.  I must have complained a bit about being overwhelmed or something… because she returned 5 minutes later with her oldest son, a roll of paper towels and a bottle of windex to clean all of my newly hung frames, mirrors and windows.   Although the help cleaning was certainly welcome and wonderful, the most joyful part of her 2nd visit was her display of support, friendship and the burst of sunshine she left in my home after she left…. Angel Annette!!!

Creative Climber Ben

I noticed Ben had been missing for awhile and went to find him today.  This is what I found…

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Our Nightly Routine

My wonderful husband reading Treasure Island to our kids.  (Amazing Shauna Dunn introduced me to the book, The Read Aloud Handbook, that has transformed many moments in our family to be more centered around reading.  Can’t recommend it enough!  Buy it!  It’s a yearly re-read and important reference book!)

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A Few More Mrs. Utah Photos

The official pageant photographer, Chad Braithwaite of Faces Photography, just provided each contestant with a CD of photos.  Here are some of his shots:

Grandma Muggy’s 80th Birthday in WA

I enjoyed a wonderful weekend trip to WA to celebrate my Grandma Muggy’s 80th birthday.  A wonderful respite and chance to relax and enjoy many family members!  Happy 80th Muggy!

Mom took me for a trike bike ride after the party.  It was slow, relaxing and so beautiful to enjoy Washington’s green landscape.  Life should include more moments like this one.

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Abby’s Dance Recital

A joyful moment in mothering.

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Join TEAM Decency at 7-Peaks June 20th-Here’s 25% off!

T.E.A.M. Decency Newsletter Promoting Utah’s Strong Family Values
TEAM Decency is targeting a specific leadership population each month.  In conjunction with Father’s Day, we are focusing on FATHERS in June! SAVE THE DATE! Sat., June 20th TEAM Decency at SEVEN PEAKS! FATHERS- BE FUN & FIRM! Have “FUN” all day… stop by the TEAM Decency Cabana and pick up information on how to be “FIRM”-establishing a “Family Decency Standard”. Event Sponsored by: American Mothers Utah NetSmartz Parents Television Council	Hello Utah, Thank you for the outpouring of offers to help in this effort.  This newsletter includes ideas on how you can act to help further the cause of decency in Utah.  Together we can create positive change. How Can I Help T.E.A.M. Decency? An overwhelming amount of friends, family, citizens, and decency partners have expressed a real desire to do all they can to help achieve the goals of TEAM Decency.  As those offers for help have streamed in, I have created a list of various opportunities for people to choose from that would be most meaningful, satisfying, and fun for them. So I invite each of you who would like to help, to visit this link on my website and match yourself to an opportunity or many opportunities to further the cause of decency.  I look forward to working together! Support TEAM Decency I’m so grateful for the support & positive feedback from so many.  If you have suggestions, resources or contacts that would further this important work, I welcome your e-mails and phone calls. Sincerely, Karmel Larson P.S. I’ll soon be hosting a weekly radio show.  Watch for details coming soon!
Save 25% Attention FATHERS: Print this coupon and present it at the entrance for 25% off your family tickets to Seven Peaks Water Park on TEAM Decency Day.  Send a message to your family that Dad is FUN & FIRM! (You know how to have a great time and you know how to set limits.) Join us at the Cabana in front of the wave pool. Offer Only Good for Saturday, June 20, 2009-TEAM Decency Day at 7-Peaks Water Park

NPR Story on Sitcom Sex & PTC May Alert

NPR News Story on Sitcom Sex on Broadcast Television During Family Viewing Hours

Visit Parentstv.org for more info on “what you can do” if you are concerned by the above news story.

A Great Article on the Role of Women

My friend, Janille, shared this with me and I just had to pass it along.  It is an inspiring article by Rachel DeMille, a great mentor of mine.  If you read the recent Daily Herald article written on Mother’s Day, you may recall my favorite historical female, Abigail Adams.  This article captures well why I aspire to be like her and encourage my children to study her and others like her who have lived such exemplarary lives.  I hope you enjoy it and are inspired to action as I am by it!  Thanks Janille for sharing!  I am blessed to be surrounded in the present by good friends who exemplify the message of this article.  Janille is one of them!

Steel to Gold: Feminism vs. Stateswomanship by Rachel DeMille

PTA Convention at BYU

This week I was invited to attend the UT State PTA Convention at BYU.  I was able to give a presentation on White Ribbon Week and to promote decency in the commissioners hall. Here’s a short clip of the intro I gave on White Riboon Week:

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Here I am, pictured below, with a fellow member from Citizens For Families promoting White Ribbon Week and Community Decency Standards.  I was also able to share information about the Parents Television Council and my platform on Decency.  I met so many great women from all over Utah who were volunteering to improve their children’s education and school experience.  It was a great day to be in the midst of so many good women.

Honoring Motherhood Event at White Willow

This was the most wonderful celebration of Motherhood I have ever attended!  I’m so grateful for such inspiring women whose friendship daily blesses my life!  It was a privilege to be able to share my platform at this great event!

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Some Recent Media

Speaking in SLC May 9th-

Deseret News

Daily Herald

Here is my portion of the Daily Herald article on Mother’s Day.  Also highlighted were Dixie Clifford, Utah Mother of the Year and Danielle Kennington, Utah Young Mother of the Year.  Click the Daily Herald link above for the entire article.

Karmel Larson — Mrs. Utah United States

Age: 32

Lives in: Provo

Married to: Brigham

Hobbies: Reading, square-foot gardening, movies

Recently read: “The Power of Positive Parenting” by Glenn Latham, “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine

Lots of people have a favorite historical figure. For Karmel Larson, it’s Abigail Adams, wife of America’s second president, John Adams. “We named our daughter after her,” said Larson, a mother of four children (the youngest is 18 months and the oldest is 6) who grew up in Washington state. “She’s a perfect blend of a woman who had her own accomplishments but was fiercely devoted to her family.”

Abby’s Dance Class

Brigham went to Abby’s dance class today and played the piano for their dance music.  Abby was beside herself with excitement!  All of our kids are so crazy about their dad.

Speaking to Mapleton Young Women

I was invited to talk to the Mapleton 7th Ward Young Women about modesty.  Their leaders were so excited that I had won the evening wear award with a modest dress.  I also shared with them this article, about Mrs. Texas International, who was crowned last week, wearing the only dress with sleeves.  Wonderful girls… it was a great honor to be with them!

One of my favorite Mapleton babysitters, cute Megan.

TEAM Decency Updates and Ideas

T.E.A.M. Decency May 6, 2009 In This Issue How Do You Define “Decency”? The No Cussing Club Join Me on Saturday to Launch TEAM Decency Sponsor Thank you! Thank you to Kelly King Anderson, founder of nationally acclaimed Startupprincess.com, for providing hours of marketing, media and on-line networking mentoring to help launch TEAM Decency. Please contact me if you know of a business or individual willing to support the efforts of TEAM Decency through donation, services or products. Join Our Mailing List! Quick Links Karmel’s Website Karmel’s Blog TEAM Decency.com Hello Utah, Thank you for joining me in this effort to promote decency!  The overwhelming response to my first e-mail was certainly encouraging.  Please continue to forward my e-mails to friends and family and invite them to join us in “Declaring Decency”. How Do You Define “Decency”? As defined by the online dictionary: Decency is “having a suitable conformity to basic moral standards; showing integrity, or other characteristics associated with moral uprightness”.  As defined by me, decency involves encouraging any behaviors that promote strong family values.  The vision of TEAM Decency is to speak out against anything in society and especially media and advertising that is indecent, violent, profane, demoralizing or pornographic.  I am passionate about guarding what goes into the minds of our children.  Over the course of the year, a variety of topics will be covered that touch all of our lives.  Today I want to share ideas on improving our language. The No Cussing Club McKay Hatch started this club at 14 years old.  Now a year later, it boasts over 30,000 members worldwide.  I hope you will talk to your kids about his example of “Standing For Decency”.  I invite you to take time as a family and talk about the words we choose and why they matter.  Peruse the  No Cussing Club website as a family and take the no cussing challenge.  Ask your children about their friends word habits and the environment in their school.  (you may be alarmed at what you find out…) McKay is such a powerful example of how one person “Declaring Decency” can create powerful positive change!  From his website, “The words we use affect how we feel about ourselves, how others react to us and how others feel about themselves.  Our words truly shape our world.” Join Me Saturday, May 9th, to Launch TEAM Decency McKay Hatch of the No Cussing Club, members of the national Parents Television Council and local leaders of decency organizations,will be joining me this Saturday, May 9th at 1:30 to launch TEAM Decency.  You are invited to join us as well.  Hear from McKay and me, as well as joining in  the discussion to organize TEAM Decency events for the year. Sweet Branch Library 455 F street (9th avenue) Salt Lake City, Utah Sincerely, Karmel Larson Mrs. Utah United States 2009 TEAM Decency

Forward email This email was sent to karmel.larson@gmail.com by karmel.larson@gmail.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by TEAM Decency | Serving | all of | UT | 84664

Walk For Autism

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Our family was invited to attend the Walk For Autism at UVU to help promote this fantastic event.  I was so sad for the organizers that the rain poured down and lessened their attendance.  It was an amazing event for those true blue supporters who came out despite the rain.  Our kids had fun despite the downpour!  I am excited to be able to share this experience and opportunity to serve Utah as often as possible with my children.  What a rainy day memory we made!  We had a great discussion in the van, before and after the event, teaching our children about disabilities.

Support local film-Go see this Friday!

A good friend of mine, Jed Wells, directed this film and it will be in Theaters this Friday, the 8th.  Here is some info:  (sorry for the lame format… but I’m packing boxes and moving, so quick blogging is the best I an do)

From Jed:  This is my least favorite position to
> be in, and i hope you’ll forgive me for putting you in a
> similar one.  But here goes.
> I mentioned last week that my film, fire creek,
> would be opening this weekend along the wasatch front.  due
> to insufficient advertising (isn’t that always the way?)
> that’s turned into friday, may 8 only.  cinemark has
> been generous to open this for us, but they are
> understandably unwilling to hold it if there isn’t an
> audience.  not sure why the trailers aren’t playing on
> tv and there was a sizable delay with the posters because
> they were waiting for an official rating from the MPAA.
>  anyway, bla bla bla… we need your help.
>
>
> if you thought you were going to do me this
> favor at catch the film on saturday, as of right now you
> can’t.  below i’ll list the theaters where you can
> see it and when.
>
> Provo Cinemark 16
> 9:10pm
>
> Cinemark American Fork
> 9:50pm
>
> Cinemark University Mall
> 11:45am 2:10pm 4:45pm 7:10pm 9:45pm
>
>
> Cinemark 24 Jordan Landing
> 12:35pm 2:55pm 5:15pm 7:35pm 10:15pm
>
> Tinseltown USA (Layton)
> 9:15pm
>
>
> please visit the website
> if you’re unsure what i’m even talking about www.firecreekmovie.com
>
> they’re running
> newspaper stories in the herald, the trib and des news, but
> i don’t think any of those will be printed before
> friday, so i’m going at this grass-roots style.  so if
> you have a blog, a myspace or facebook page, if you’re
> on twitter or you stand on a apple crate on the corner
> hollering your opinions at the world, please put in a word
> for the film.  you don’t have to do it for me, because
> most of you know i’m a pretty reprehensible individual,
> but do it for the hundreds of people who worked on it and
> the potential other hundreds that could benefit from getting
> more student work in front of viewers.
>
> thanks,
> friends.
>
> www.firecreekmovie.com
> http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/72383

We are moving!

This Friday is our move day.  Life is full!  Very, very full!

Last Day as Bear Den Leaders

Brigham and I have been the Bear Den Leaders in our ward.  This week was our last meeting.  We did bike repair and safety.   I think our own kids enjoyed this each week even more than the scouts.

Crown and Sash Photo Shoot

One of my first assignments was to have this photo shoot done for the Mrs. United States Pageant Program book.  So mark your calendars for July 23rd and 24th in Vegas!

1st TEAM Decency E-mail Newsletter

Mrs. Utah United States 2009, Karmel Larson, Promoting T.E.A.M. Decency

May 2009 Vol 1, Issue 1 Please Join Me In Promoting T.E.A.M. Decency Hello Utah, What a great honor and privilege to have been selected to serve my fellow citizens as Mrs. Utah United States 2009!  What a humbling challenge lies ahead. It was my passion for decency that energized me during these past months as I prepared for last week’s pageant. Thank you to all who supported me along the way. This coming year, as Mrs. Utah 2009, I commit myself to sharing many of the important lessons I’ve learned by working in leadership with organizations supporting strong family values and decency. This will be my work within Utah, and also as I represent Utah in July at  Mrs. United States. Please join with me on this exciting journey. Watch The 1st Video Update Please click on the image above to watch my first weekly video update.  Each week these will be included on my blogs, newsletters and Facebook, providing updates, information and ideas on how you and your family can “Stand For Decency”. In This Issue Watch The 1st Video Update Please Help Spread The Message! What is T.E.A.M. Decency? American Mothers Hosts Mrs. Utah Quick Links Media Info E-mail Karmel TEAM Decency Website Karmel’s Website Schedule Karmel to Speak Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn Karmel’s Family Blog Please Help Spread The Message!  Forward this e-mail to all who will “Stand For Decency”! In Utah we demand strong family values.  I promote decency for my children’s sake and for our community of children.  Now, I am calling on my friends, family and fellow citizens to help me get out the information and join our voices together in proclaiming decency. Please forward this newsletter & encourage others to sign up for e-mail updates. What is T.E.A.M. Decency? T.E.A.M. is an Acronym for Treatment, Education, Activism and Monitoring.  In each of these areas I have created goals for the year.  For example, in the area of Education, I plan to educate PTA Presidents and School Administrators on the importance of having White Ribbon Week (Internet Safety Week) in every school.  Each month I will be targeting a specific population of leadership with resources.  For more information, visit the newly created and under construction, TEAM Decency Website. American Mothers Hosts Mrs. Utah to Launch T.E.A.M. Decency! Karmel will be presenting her platform for the first time on May 9th to American Mothers, Inc. as part of their event, Honoring Motherhood.  This event is an opportunity to pay tribute to your wife, mother, daughter or friend and celebrate the important role of motherhood.  Speakers will also include, Utah Mother of the Year, Utah Young Mother, and American Mothers Utah State President.  For more details and to purchase tickets, click the logo above. Maybe like me, you don’t want to just sit back and complain about the very real problems our families are dealing with in today’s society; so together, let’s do something about it and “Stand For Decency.”  I invite you to join me! Sincerely, Karmel Larson Mrs. Utah United States 2009 TEAM Decency

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My big suprise from my amazing husband!!!!!!!!!

As we were exiting the Covey Center For the Performing Arts and I thought we were getting into the car to drive home, Brigham said, “You’re not going home Mrs. Utah”.   He pulled out the key to the penthouse suite of the Hines Mansion, which is directly across the street from the Covey.  I was so stressed at first (what about the kids, and I don’t have any stuff and I left the house a wreck and, and, and…..)  Then he told me he had cleaned the entire house, scheduled an all night babysitter (even setting out breakfast for everyone to make it easier), he had arranged rides home for our kids, packed our overnight bags and already had them delivered and waiting at the penthouse suite along with a table set with celebration food and sparkling cider!  Do I have the world’s most awesome husband OR WHAT??????????????  Pretty fab Mr. Utah!  I LOVE HIM!  I LOVE HIM!  I LOVE HIM!  It was the perfect fantasy ending to our amazing journey together.  He’s been nothing but supportive and excited the entire time.  I thought he was supportive throughout the pageant process… he has totally blown me away with support now that I am tackling the promotion of my platform.  Everyday he asks how he can help.  He takes the kids for hours, days at a time!  He is spearheading the obtaining of sponsors to support TEAM Decency.  He is working on my presentation powerpoint slides.  He is tracking down website designers and being my videoographer and youtube techie for my weekly video updates.  HE IS THE IDEAL MAN!  I’m so grateful for our wonderful partnership.  It is going to be an exciting year together.

Our celebration feast!  He spoils me!

More Mrs. Utah videos and photos

On stage questions:

Our kids being interviewed by Brigham on their way to haircuts for pageant night!

Me with Emily Nelson, Mrs. Utah United States 2008

Opening number and contestant intros:

My wonderful husband escorting me.

My wonderful kiddos!  Baby got left at home.

Introducing myself…

Oh…. I love this guy!

I really grew to appreciate all of these women and their many talents.  The entire pageant was without negative incident.  Everyone was always so helpful and kind!  Love them all!!!!!!!

The opening number final pose.

Amazing ladies!  The top 10… and so many amazing women still on the stairs.  I’m glad I wasn’t judging.

On stage question with Laura Dugovic.

Winning evening gown award, presented by Emily Nelson-Mrs. Utah United States 2008.

Brigham’s first smile at me.  So madly in love with him!

Our happy family (look at Abby’s face-so excited!)

Brigham’s parents, Greg and Maya.

Sweet, sweet Abby!

My mom, Diana, and sister, Heather, who flew in from WA.  Thanks sister for taking all of these photos!!!!!

Thanks Heidi Murray for the little crown for Abby!  She was so excited to have it!  She’s been wearing it all week!

My neice, Brooke, who flew in from WA!

I’m so grateful for everyone who helped me accomplish this goal of promoting my platform-TEAM Decency!  You can see my first weekly video update a few posts down on this blog (hot pink shirt video).  Send me an e-mail to be on my weekly e-mail list for updates and ideas on how to “Stand For Decency”.   karmel.larson@gmail.com.

Swimming at the Marriott with Gma Diny!

Two lines=#5 on 12/28/08 :)

My first weekly video update for TEAM Decency!

Support TEAM Decency and receive weekly updates by e-mailing me at karmel.larson@gmail.com, subject line: TEAM Decency Weekly Update.  Each week will contain ideas on how you and your family can “Declare Decency”.

Featured on www.startupprincess.com

Thank you to Kelly King Anderson for featuring me on her website www.startupprincess.com.   She was the first one up on stage offering her congrats!

Here’s the link:

http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/congratulations-to-mrs-utah-united-states-2009-karmel-larson-a-startup-princess/

Thanks Kelly!  She was so helpful and generous with my pageant prep.  Now she is offering lots of help and tips to launch my platform with speed and power!  So grateful for devoted family and dedicated friends!  I have been flooded with support!

Love to you all,

Karmel

PS-Anyone have any good resources for websites?

Anxious to get going on my platform!

I have a basic website started and need to quicky get Utah business sponsors and a web designer to create a professional T.E.A.M. Decency website.  For now, I’ve started this basic one at www.teamdecency.com.  If you have any ideas or contacts for me, please advise immediately!

Now that the initial shock is over… it’s time to get to work and I’ll need ALOT of help!  I’ve been having offers to help from so many people!  The outpouring of offers to help and support for my platform have been overwhelming.  Let the fun begin!!!!!!!!!!

I am feeling so grateful…

…and soooooo excited to get to work sharing my platform.

Here’s the video of the top five.  (I love Brigham’s screaming as he records!)

Here is the evening gown video.    It was my favorite moment of the evening when, in a moment of silence, Abby called out, “I love you mom!”.  Oh the precious moments of motherhood.   It melted my heart and I think the hearts of the judges and audience too.  I was awarded the evening gown award.  What an honor and opportunity I have been given.   I’m overwhelmed with joy and anticipation!

More photos and videos coming soon.  I’m so grateful for everyone who helped and supported me in this endeavor.

Love to you all! -Karmel

One week to go!

Tickets are almost sold out!  Are you coming?  www.coveycenter.org to buy tickets!

We had our final practice today and it was great.  This whole opportunity has been so wonderful and I’m excited to pull it all together next Saturday.   -Karmel

Some of my pageant friends at our last rehearsal:

My new favorite food!

Do you see that label?  ZERO Calories! ZERO Fat!  I can eat the whole jar and float away in crunch, flavor and salt and not even feel guilty!  LOVE PICKLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C’mon…. leave me a comment!  How could you resist not commenting on a “pickle post?”  Happy crunching!  Love Karmel

A better Mother’s Day gift than flowers!

American Mothers of Utah Valley is hosting Honoring Motherhood this Saturday, May 9th from 8:30-11:00 am at the White Willow Reception Center in Provo.   Treat your wife, mother, daughter to a catered breakfast and a tribute to honor her as a mother.  Speakers will include Utah’s Mother and Young Mother of the year.

For complete details, visit www.americanmothers.wordpress.com

Easter 2009

April American Mothers Meeting

Utah Mother of the Year visited our group

Dixie Clifford, the Utah Mother of the Year, visited our group and gave her speech that she will be presenting at the National Convention.

Dixie grew up in Paradise, Utah in a loving family where spiritual and moral values were taught. While a student at Utah State, she met and married Lincoln Clifford, her husband of 52 years. She has been blessed with four children and seven grandchildren. Born with a positive mental attitude and boundless energy, she has focused her life on homemaking and mothering with “spare” time spent in youth leadership and volunteer work in the schools, communities and churches of the six states where she has lived. A prolific writer and musician, she inspires young people to achievement and patriotism through her work in PTA, Scouting, 4-H Club work, school and church programs. She is a published author of essays, poems, newspaper feature stories and photos, with a novel, The Dictionary, slated for Christmas 2009. As a re-entry woman earning a Communications degree, she was named Student of the Year by her professors. In 1992, she was named Commissioner of the Year by the Los Angeles Area Parks & Recreation Commission for 123 cities.Click here to read a copy of her speech.

Utah Valley AMI Chapter President, Karmel Larson with Utah Mother of the Year 2009, Dixie Clifford

April Meeting on Educating our Children

As usual, we had a great discussion last night.  Our Glenn Latham parenting lesson was on toilet training, Chapter 18, p. 249. Consistent with all of  Dr. Latham’s approach to parenting, he says to ignore the negative behavior (going to the bathroom in the diaper or having an accident in underwear) by not talking, tickling, singing or scolding when changing diaper or underwear.  When the child is dry (diaper or underwear), praise child, give high fives, dance, sing, etc.  Ingrid suggested starting out by checking child’s diaper every 30 minutes and praising when dry, saying nothing when wet.  Everyone’s general consensus was to not force toilet training. Watch for signs of readiness of child. When child is ready, he will most often make the transition himself  or herself.

Education at home- Use every day moments to teach children.  For example, Ingrid put up an alphabet chart by the changing table when her daughter was one, and taught her the alphabet every time she changed diapers.  Danielle likes to have her daughter count apples while they put them in the bag, and make up addition and subtraction problems with every day opportunities.  Dixie said that when her children were young, she and her husband vowed to use correct grammar and speech around their children.  Karmel shared a scripture binder strategy that has helped improve scripture study around their home.  We all agreed fathers are important in using everyday moments to teach children.

Shauna Dunn gave a wonderful presentation on teaching children to love reading at the Thomas Jefferson Leadership Conference in March. She has graciously agreed to share her presentation with us,  “The E’s and Ease of Teaching your Child to Love Reading”

Chapter members, Shauna, Danielle & Ingrid

New President-Elect Kristin Collins

We are excited to welcome Kristin Collins as our President-Elect of our Utah Valley American Mothers chapter.  She will start her term as President in July.  At this time, we will also form a board for our Utah Valley chapter.  If you are interested in being on the board, contact Kristin.

Karmel and Kristin

Next meeting will be our Honoring Motherhood Event, May 9, 2009.

Swinging

Conference Weekend

The talks that impacted me most this weekend were focused on the temple.

Powerful thoughts came to mind!  So grateful for these opportunites to seek improvement!

Here is a link to Elder Bednar’s talk (my favorite).

Here are some photos from our weekend.  Brigham’s parents came to our house to watch conference with us.

This is kind of a goofy photo of yours truly, but shows the posted menus that I collected from each family menu for “Karmel’s Cafe”.  Business hours are the first Sunday of each April and October from 8-10am.  It was a huge hit!  The kids are always hearing me say…. “You get what you get and don’t throw a fit.  This is not a cafe, it’s a cafeteria-just one option!”  So they were thrilled to get a huge list of things to choose from off their printed menus.  We all had fun making it and serving it restaurant style.  Below is Abby filling out her “Karmel’s Cafe” menu.

It’s a good thing the talks are posted on-line for future reading.  There is a danger in watching anything laying down!

Between sessions, we did “Grown Ups and Doughnuts”.  Each of the 4 kids picked a grown up and picked books from the huge assortment of new library books.  We read and ate donuts!   Happy kids…

New updates to our family page

Thank you to Chad at Faces Photography for the beautiful photos!

The Larsons… Never a dull moment!

Dado-Brigham

He’s the best dad on the planet… the kids call him, “Super-Hero-Dado”. When he’s not giving tractor rides or reviving an old piano…you might find him at a Jazz gig or watching an old film with friends at movie club. He’s a big thinker… always a new idea or invention at the forefront of his mind!

Mama-Karmel

Motherhood is her passion!  Educating her children is her peak joy.   She thrives on the social interaction and goodness found with American Mothers, yet also loves the solitude of quiet country life at home canning, baking, gardening, collecting eggs and reading books in our mini orchard.

Benjamin Greg-Ben Ben

Ben is our social scholar!  His latest concern was that he “has too many friends and not enough time to play with them all”.  He’s the kid at the park who is introducing himself to everyone and organizing a game.  FYI-Ben’s current favorite color is “hot lava color”.

Abigail Diana-Abby Diny

Sweet little Abigail!  She’s got her daddy’s musical ears-always heading to the piano to plunk out a song she’s singing.  Abby is mama’s little helper too-frequently requesting new chores to be added to her list.  Her latest request to be “in charge” of “putting Thanye down for his nap”.

Thayne Richard-Danger, Thayne-a-punim

Quick… hide the breakables.  Actually, don’t bother-he’ll climb, jump or fly to find them.  He’s our active delight!  Curly headed, giggling kid!

Brigham Walter Jr.-Briggy, Brig Jr, Baby, Buddy, Little Guy

He’s cute, cuddly, fills our home with joy.

We are so blessed!

My Personal Philosophy

I met with Heather Osmond yesterday and she suggested that I seek out a personal philosophy.  Something that encapsulates who I am, my life’s mission, my greatest desires, etc.  So this morning I meditated on this topic and the words came to my mind…….

SEEK AND SHARE TRUTH!

It was a powerful experience.  Consider the statement for a moment.  It truly encapsulates me, my life, my purpose, everything I spend my time doing!  I’m grateful!

Love Karmel

PS-So as Heather Osmond encouraged me, now I encourage you…. seek out a personal philosophy statement.

Mrs. Utah Gala at La Caille

What a fabulous success this event was!  A great celebration and effective fundraiser to support the platform of the next Mrs. Utah.

Only 4 weeks until the pageant…. have you bought your tickets yet?  Tell me if you are coming!  I think I’m going to have the biggest cheering section that night.  I’m lucky to have a home court advantage having the event held in Provo!  More importantly, I’m lucky to have so many friends and family who are coming to support me.  I’ve been overwhelmed at the outpouring of support.  So blessed with so many wonderful people in my life who believe in my efforts!  So come… it’s only $15!   See you there!  Love Karmel

We are so in love

More new family photos coming soon…

Spring day at the park

We spent our day at the Pleasant Grove Discovery Park.  We met our cousins there and had such a wonderful time.  What a blessing to have family that are friends as well!  There is something just magical about children playing, sliding, swinging and laughing.  It makes life peaceful and filled with true joy.  I am blessed beyond!

Glenn Beck-We Surround Them

Check out this article!  I’ll be watching at 3pm!

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames.
We Surround Them-The Unveiling
March 13th on FOX News 5pm ET

Host or Attend a Viewing Party Sign up on meetup.com to join the WE Surround them Viewing Party. Where is your gathering taking place? Let us know. Click the ‘more details about this meet up’ link to leave your comment… Radio stations participating in the We Surround Them gathering party Find a Viewing Party Click on your state to add/find a party near you. Share this page with your friends and family…

Do you watch the direction that America is being taken in and feel powerless to stop it?

Do you believe that your voice isn’t loud enough to be heard above the noise anymore?

Do you read the headlines everyday and feel an empty pit in your stomach…as if you’re completely alone?

If so, then you’ve fallen for the Wizard of Oz lie. While the voices you hear in the distance may sound intimidating, as if they surround us from all sides—the reality is very different. Once you pull the curtain away you realize that there are only a few people pressing the buttons, and their voices are weak. The truth is that they don’t surround us at all.

We surround them.

So, how do we show America what’s really behind the curtain? Below are nine simple principles. If you believe in at least seven of them, then we have something in common. I urge you to read the instructions at the end for how to help make your voice heard.

The Nine Principles

1. America is good.

2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.

3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.

12 Values Honesty Reverence Hope Thrift Humility Charity Sincerity Moderation Hard Work Courage Personal Responsibility Gratitude

4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.

5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.

6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.

7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.

8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.

9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.

You Are Not Alone

If you agree with at least seven of those principles, then you are not alone. Please send a digital version of your picture to: wesurroundthem@foxnews.com and then stay tuned to the radio and television shows over the coming weeks to see how we intend to pull back the curtain.

Join Parents Television Council Yahoo Group

The Parents Television Council is the nation’s most influential advocacy organization protecting children against sex, violence and profanity in entertainment.

If you would like to be a part of the PTC of Utah Valley efforts to promote decency in entertainment, you are invited to join our newly formed yahoo group.  This enables us to network, plan, act, file complaints, etc. through e-mail to eliminate unnecessary meetings.  Email me at karmel.larson@gmail.com to join our group.

Sincerly,

Karmel

Happy to pay my 10%

Study: Utah No.1 in online porn subscriptions

Way to go Utah!

We’re #1, We’re #1, We’re #1!

By DAWN HOUSE
Salt Lake Tribune

Despite its conservative political bent, Utah’s per-capita appetite for online pornography makes it the nation’s run-away red-light state.

A study by a Harvard Business School professor shows that Utah outpaces the more conservative states — which all tend to purchase more Internet porn than other states.

This month’s primary scripture

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God. D&C 88:119

We are grateful to the Goddard family for sharing their talents with us and we have their posters, listing the themes and primary scriptures, up in our home each month.  You will want to visit their website at www.ldsgreats.com.  Good people doing good things and always sharing so abundantly!  Thanks!

Here is a link to a great article by Daryl Hoole, one of my new favorite homemakers (thanks Ingrid for sharing).  Her article adds great insight to this month’s primary scripture.  http://www.theartofhomemaking.com/gospelcenteredhome.htm

Home school tip: We use these scriptures and many others for our daily copy work.  Each of the kids have their own scripture binders that they use for daily family scripture study, getting gum from the scripture gum jar for recitation and for their copy work.  There are alot of things in those binders… maybe a topic for another day’s post!

File a Complaint Against Fox’s Family Guy

As Director of the Utah County Chapter of Parents Television Council, I invite you to read and take action below.

It is alarming that content such as what is listed below can be shown on a Sunday evening during family viewing hours.  What is really scary is that many people consider the show to be a cartoon as opposed to an animated drama and therefore don’t consider its content prior to allowing their children to watch it.  What a deceiving title-”family guy”.  Oh the adversary is sooooo wise!  This kind of stuff motivates me to speak out!

From the PTC website:

Should a Sunday night cartoon show YOUR children bestiality, gay orgies and babies eating sperm?

Fox thinks so.

Create-I love this video!

Thanks to Cherie Burton for sharing this with me.  Love it!  We are gearing up to “create our garden”.  Also planting new blueberries, raspberries, grapes and and herb garden this year.

Home school has been my current greatest joy of creation as well.

Love to you all!  Enjoy-

Mrs. Utah Gala at La Caille

Would you like to enjoy an evening with us at the Mrs. Utah Gala at La Caille, One of Utah’s premier award winning restaurants?   This will be a night to honor and introduce the 26 contestants.  All proceeds will benefit the platform of Mrs. Utah 2009.  Our table will seat 10 and so we need 4 fabulous couples to enjoy the evening with.  Does the following menu look good?

Coconut Shrimp, Bruschetta, Spring Geens w/Raspberry Vinaigrette, Chicken Picatta and Tournedos Skewers., Fresh Breads.
Dessert Trio of Chocolate Chantilly Cake, Creme Brulee, and Fruit Tart.

This typically costs around $85 per plate!  For this event, tickets are only $55!  You can click on the invitation above to purchase tickets.  Be sure to e-mail or call me to let me know you are coming so that we can have you seated at our table.

Here are some more LaCaille photos and info about the Gala:

The celebrity guest is Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, a VERY well known football player who won the Heisman Trophy in 1972. He will be bringing a autographed football with some of the recent Heisman Trophy winners on it, which has auctioned off for several of thousands of dollars.   There will also be other celebrities there including Miss Utah and other football icons.

You ONLY have until MARCH 23RD to purchase tickets. No additional tickets will be sold after that date, so be sure to purchase them before the 23rd!

Purchase tickets

Tickets Now On Sale For Mrs. Utah

Buy Tickets! Let me know if you are coming!  So many friends and family have told me they are coming to support me!  This is going to be such a fun event!

Thank you to everyone who has become an official sponsor for my platform.  It feels so good to have your endorsement and support!

If you would still like to become a sponsor, click here.

I’m Back

It’s been almost a 2 month break since I have last made a blog entry.  We decided to home school again and I have been pouring my energy into setting up our daily routines, curricula and learning centers!  I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING!!!  I couldn’t be happier!  Here are some photos to update family and friends on the last 2 months of “Larson Life”!

Briggy Jr. is almost ready for nursery!

Every morning he joins dado at the piano or does a squatting-dancing-jig making us all laugh.

Thayne loves his new trike in any weather!

Mom and Briggy at Gateway Discovery Museum.  We went there for Abby’s Birthday.

Here I am with my Visiting Teacher, Carolyn.  Brig and I have been newly called as the Ward Bear Den Leaders!

Ben’s first batch of bread-he was so proud of himself!

We had to call poison control when Briggy Jr. got into dado’s shoe polish.

A homeschooling moment.

Abby diligently studying her music theory.

Ben shoveling Thayne.

Our snow shoveling buddies!  They wanted to surprise dad with a clean driveway when he got home!

Buddy #4 warmly watching from inside and cheering them on.

The spaghetti photo for the grandparents.

Abby started dance in January.  She is crazy about dancing!!!!!!!

Abby turned 5 in January.  She now has her own e-mail and is about to launch her own blog.  If you want to e-mail her… contact me and I’ll hook you up.

We finished reading Charlotte’s Web and started reading Alcatraz vs. the evil librarians.

For Valentine’s Day we made these mouse mail boxes and went to the Homeschooling Friends party.

Here’s Thayne with his Valentine’s Box.

Here’s my headshot for Mrs. Utah.

These are the wonderful 26 contestants.  I’ve really been impressed by these women and enjoyed getting to know them.

Brigham playing football with Ben in the backyard between pruning our trees.  That’s our new goat Sophie.

Ben, Dado, Sophie and the football.

This is our second goat-Annie.  Yep, we milk her every night and the kids LOVE it!  We’ll see how long that lasts! 

Sophie.

Our first ourside meal of 2009!  We are so excited for Spring to help our yard come alive so we can play outside everyday!  Looking forward to lots of playdates!

Now if you are still reading…. you must be either my mom, mother-in-law or one of my closest best friends.  (or weird internet stalker… why else would you read such a LONG entry?)  So if you are in one of the first three categories… leave me a comment and let me know how you are doing!  Love Karmel

American Mothers January Meeting

What a wonderful night of friendship and idea sharing!  I love that the events coordinator at the Library had to come and shoo us out!  Once a month is never enough!  So happy to have you all as my friends and mentors.  Great ideas everyone.  Thanks Emily for joining us.

AMI & PTC Same Night!

Since I have the opportunity to lead both the Utah Valley American Mothers and the Utah County Parents Television Council.  I’ve arranged to have both meetings on the same night at the same place.  January will be our trial run for the double whammy!  Hopefully, this will make it easier for others as well who want to support both organizations.  Every second Thursday- PTC 6-7pm and AMI from 7:30-8:30.  Both at the Provo Library.  Following is the plan for January for both organizations.  Mrs. Utah 2008, Emily Nelson will be joining us for both meetings!

Our Sunbeam’s New Trike

Brigham and I had a Sushi date last Saturday and afterwards stopped by DI for a treasure hunt.  Brigham spotted an old rusted trike for a few bucks that I told him wasn’t worth buying.  Nonetheless, he picked it up and took it home with a vision.  A few hours later, he had it stripped apart, repainted, greased, buffed up, back together, tightened up and one super-happy three year old riding it around our house!  WOW!  What an awesome dad!  Thayne’s first Sunday of Sunbeams was this weekend.

Great Website

Check out www.nutritiondata.com for great resources on knowing what it is you are eating. I’m focusing on calories, but it has TONS of other info as well!

Happy New Year with Greene Cousins

Happy Cousins ringing in the new year!  Below, my brother Dave and his wife Amber joined us for the New Year.

We’ve been getting LOTS of snow here in Mapleton!  Above is Ben’s MEGA icicle he broke off of our house.  Below are some more icicles from the front of our house.  Lots of snow shoveling exercise.