Happy Birthday and Happy Birthday!

Today is a big day...it's my niece & nephew's birthday! At one year apart, Kate turns 3 today and William turns 2. I am happy to report that they get to celebrate this bday without a new brother or sister (and instead of laboring in the hospital, Michelle was able to put on an awesome bday party)! While they don't have another sibling to share their bday, I have to wonder...what year will be the year that 'sharing' their bday will be a huge drag? So far, they seem to enjoy sharing the spotlight, but knowing Kate as I do, I think those years are in the not too distant future.

Happy Birthday my little muchkins. Your auntie so wishes she could be with you! I promise to be there next year to celebrate with you! My bday wish for you is that you don't grow up too quickly...especially since your auntie can't be with you as much as she'd like.

XOXOXOXO

Missing NorCal

Spent a great weekend in Northern California, the place my heart calls home. Haven't been in 3 years!!! How on earth did I let that happen??? I guess it's an example of 'life getting away from you'. I don't know how it's possible, but I'd totally forgotten how incredible it is there - the air, the mountains, the landscapes, the weather, the flowers/trees/plants allowed to grow all year round, all those familiar places that consumed my life for over 20 years...oh how I miss it! Maybe I didn't get home as some sort of self-preservation, maybe I knew if I went home I'd 'leave my heart in San Francisco' only to return to KC heartbroken. Well, now that I'm back in KC, I realize that I HAVE left part of my heart in that city by the bay and I miss it terribly. And let me tell you...once I got off the plane in KC and my lungs were suppressed by the humid air, my brain confirmed what my heart has been feeling for sometime now...it's time to go 'home'. Or time to try anyway...

Mark had a great time in NorCal and I think he was loving the area that I call home. As we drove through twisty Canyon Road over the Oakland hills, lined with conifers and ferns, I could almost hear his mind wishing he was traveling this road on his bike rather than in a car. When we drove the short distance from my father's house to my brother's house down the main 2-lane road (with ample bike lane space I might add) and passed literally 20 cyclists each time we took this short, jaunty car ride, I could feel his urge to join them. And on more than one occasion, I caught him standing on my brother's deck looking out at the views of Mt. Diablo and it's sister mountains, wondering about all the trails he could explore on them.

Soon we were having dreamy conversations about 'downsizing' and not having to mow a ginormous yard. About renting and not owning. About living on the fringe of town where it would be more affordable (sure! we'd take a shack in Napa! why not?!?). The trade-offs where flying...and I'm still not sure it's out of our system. NorCal will do that to you. It has so much to offer that people 'find a way'.

Perhaps it's time we 'find our way'...

Big Bunny Meets Big Dog - An Easter Tale

This is one of my absolute favorite pictures in the world - nevermind that it's of one of my favorite people in the world, Kate. I adore this photo for so many reasons. It shows a connection - you can really see Kate and this dog bonding. It shows that Kate is fearless and that large 'bully' dogs aren't so mean. It shows the love between a little girl and dogs, and the love between dogs and kids. It tells a story. I imagine it goes something like this: Kate says, "hello friendly dog, you're the biggest dog I've ever seen!", Mastiff replies "why hello cute bunny, you're the biggest bunny I've ever seen!". They both excitedly shout, "LET'S BE FRIENDS!"

Here's to meeting new 'Springtime friends' and celebrating Easter with big cute bunnies and big friendly dogs.

HAPPY EASTER!

She Wore an Itsy Bitsy Yellow Polka Dot Onesie...

Awwww...Isn't she cute??? This is Jocelyn Elizabeth Larsen modeling her new yellow polka dot dress from her Auntie Kristine. Just like me, she is the 'first baby girl Larsen'. We're generational soul mates. She's just about 3 months old (Born Feb 2nd) and is just a doll. This past weekend I got to see her for a second time via the wonders of the internet on iChat. I know it's not like seeing her in person but it is so wonderful to see her 'in action'.

Can't wait to meet her in person! Soon Joss, soon...Auntie K sends lots of love!

Pictures + Words = MAGIC!

I love children's books. They are like little accessible works of art. Originally I am drawn to the illustrations. Some graphic with crisp lines and bold colors, others hand illustrated with soft lines and flowy watercolor. The art is always so endearing to me. Then the title and story line captivate me. Children's stories always take you to a safe happy place. As a child you read and imagine you're part of the story, you're a character, or you're empowered to be whatever you want to be. As an adult you read and are transported back to childhood. Such a magical place.

It is such a craft to write and/or illustrate children's books. I'm not sure most people appreciate it like I do. True, the 'Mona Lisa', is quintessentially what people think of as 'real' art and classic works like 'Pride and Prejudice' may be on the forefront of peoples' minds when they think of 'literature', but I hold children's books in high regard. There is just something awe-inspiring about a little bound book with fanciful images and perfectly timed stories that can capture (and keep!) the attention of young little minds.

Today Google honors one of the all-time greats, Eric Carle. It is the 40th anniversary of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. It has sold more than 29 million copies, is published in 47 languages and sells somewhere in the world every 30 seconds. I ask you - who doesn't know the story of the Hungry Caterpillar? Not only do I remember the story - a little caterpillar that ate and ate, turned into a beautiful butterfly and spread it's wings to fly - but I remember being mesmerized by the illustration. The depth of patterns, the vibrant yet soft colors, and the layered textures had me touching the pages trying to feel the artwork as my mother read the story. Oh, and let's not forget the holes in the pages! That caterpillar was REALLY eating that book!

Now, I'm sure that prints of 'Mona Lisa' and copies of 'Pride and Prejudice' have equally impressive selling statistics, but there is something about capturing the imagination of a child, that lasts into adulthood, that is impressive beyond comprehension.

Brilliant art is all around, sometimes it just takes the magic of childhood to discover it...and appreciate it. I encourage everyone to have their own collection of children's picture books stashed away on the shelf. Novels are a great escape, as are trips to the museum of fine art, but there is no greater escape than turning the pages of a picture book. What else can so simply put a smile on your face, give you hope and bring back childhood memories???

Happy anniversary Hungry Caterpillar...and many more...

Welcome Jocelyn!

My new baby niece is here! More pictures to come, but she's beautiful - of course!

Jocelyn Elizabeth Larsen
Born February 2nd, 8pm, San Francisco, CA
8 lbs, 1 oz, 20 inches

Craig, Kirsten and Baby Joss are doing just fine. Leaving the hospital
to go home today. Can't wait to go see her!!! I hope it's sooner rather
than later. Hugs and kisses Baby!

Vintage Mark

Great old photos of Mark! Cycling is clearly a lifelong passion for him. I could have posted some really embarrassing photos of him, but feared that he would retaliate on his blog with some scary pic of me from the 80s or something!

I have MUCH more where this came from (including some classic mullet shots), so if you'd like blackmail material, just shot me an email and name your price!

Bedhead...A Whole New Meaning!

Is this THE best bedhead 'do you've ever seen or what?!? Seriously think it breaks world records. Funny thing is, this isn't just 'morning, fresh-out-of-bed hair' for Kate, this could be any time of day! I fully expect to see Kate on some 'control static fly away hair' infomercial...that is IF there is a product out there that can contain her wild hair.

Actually, I love her hair. Suits her...she is a bit of a wild child...in a good way. Nothing stops Kate. No fear, full of determination. Although very girly, she's got a good dose of tomboy in her. I guess one could say messed up hair is a sign of living life to the fullest. I mean, honestly, perfectly coifed hair means no wind in the hair, no rolling around on the ground with dogs, no torrid sibling fights, etc. - and how boring would that be? Kate sure is livin' large for a two year old!

Keep it crazy Kate!

Tagged...

Okay, I've been 'tagged'. My friend Marla tagged me...so here goes.

This 'tag' requires 'tagee' to post and blog about a photo on page 6 of your Flickr. Marla blogged about a great photo of her daughter Ainsleigh playing with a paper bag...ahhh, the simple joys of childhood! I don't have a Flickr account, so I decided to dive into my Ofoto (I still can't call it Kodak Gallery b/c I was part of the dotcom era and my company was partnered with Ofoto, the original Kodak Gallery) account. I thought I'd try to find a photo that was a '6' of something. Turns out, the 6th album I created was a photo album of pics of my mom. As a means to capture, keep and share some old photos, I scanned them and placed then in my online albums.

As many know, Mom passed away when I was 19 years old of Metastatic Melanoma (skin cancer). They never did find the primary source of her cancer and presumed it was caused by a bad sunburn when she was younger. Cancer is that way...it can lay dormant for a long while.

Now, Mom loved the ocean. She wasn't a sun worshiper my any means, but she loved being outside in the sun. Being indoors was not her thing. It was a bit of a culture shock when we moved to the Bay Area and colder temp/rain forced us all inside for days at a time (I shutter to think what she'd do if she had to move to KC!). During our first winter in NorCal, she was always feeling our foreheads, asking if we felt okay, "because you look so pale!". Sun and the ability to be outdoors always provided that healthy glow that was so much a part of our lives. Even when she was diagnosed, she'd still find ways to spend her down time outside. She wasn't going to let her cancer change her life.

To this day, I don't believe that 'the sun' caused my mom's cancer. 'Life stress' is what flipped the switch on the cancer. However I do believe that everyone should avoid too much sun exposure. A sunburn may seem harmless, however painful, at the time, but it could have devastating effects in the long run. That said, a life of balance is so so critical. Finding ways to mediate stress is crucial. Too much stress, like a bad sunburn, can cause irreparable damage. Sooo...I guess like Marla's PSA about recycling...my PSA is 'always wear sunscreen' and 'be sure to find balance in all things'.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about Mom. And naturally, the holidays are especially hard...Christmas was Mom's holiday. The decorating, the entertaining, but mostly because it was time for everyone to slow down and spend time with loved ones. That is what she cherished most in life...putting day-to-day stress aside and just being with family. I think that's why she loved being outdoors and at the beach...like a holiday, it's a great way to escape and spend valuable time with the ones you love.

So, I guess the real PSA is from an amazing woman, my Mom...Please take time to *stop the madness* this holiday season, find time to DO what you love and BE WITH the ones you love. Don't miss any opportunity to create cherished memories. Thanks to Mom, I have lots of cherished memories of carefree days at the beach, 'wind in our hair days' on the ski slopes and lots of happy holidays.

Cheers to you and yours slowing down and making special memories this holiday season...and everyday...



Oh...and I guess I have to 'tag' someone else...Mark, Michelle, Anita and Ben/Allison (a few of my blogging friends), you've been tagged! Page 6 of Flicker or any photo and blog away! ;-)

Some Things I am Thankful for...

May you all find time to reflect, relax and be thankful this holiday. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A Legacy Begins...

Yeah! My brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first child. A happy healthy baby girl will join our clan in January. We are all so excited!

It occurred to me after the initial excitement wore off that she will be the 'first-born baby girl Larsen'! Just like me!

I joke with Michelle that I think Kate should be mine because she's got this innate, fantastic design color sense and she loves dogs! And I feel this tremendous attachment to Will when I hold him, it's like we share this calm sensitivity that I know I'll learn more about when he gets older...but this new baby girl and I will share a unique and special 'generational make up' as the eldest Larsen daughter.

It will be amazing to see life repeat itself...and I'm sure it will be very touching for my father to see Craig holding his new first-born baby girl. The circle of life brings some amazing deja vous moments, doesn't it?

Congrats to Craig & Kirsten...all my love.

Way Too Cute!

I just had to share a pic of one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. This photo of William makes me smile the biggest smile! Most photos of Will and Kate make me smile, but this one just grabs my heart.

Love you William!

Random Slideshow

Olympic Rockstar - London 2012 here we come!

I just have to share my excitement about our young relative that is a diving phenom. At just 15 years old, Kristian is currently training with the USA Diving 2008 Olympic Team. While he wasn't one of the two selected to dive in this year's Olympic games, he was selected as the first alternate. This means he will continue to train with the Olympic team and be ready to fly off to Beijing if the others can't dive.

Kristian is SUPER talented and we are all so proud that he more than accomplished his personal goals this year. No one is more deserving to be in his place than he is. He is an all-around great young man - amazing athlete, great student, super big brother/son and an all-around gentleman.

As the youngest athlete to win a gold in the World Junior Diving Championships (beating out the Chinese favorite), Kristian has already made is mark on the sport.

I'm saving my money now to head to London in 2012! Way to go Kristian!!!!

(photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Babies, Birthdays and Cake...OH MY!

We had a great time in Laguna visiting family. Kate and William had a great 'pre-bday' or 'practice bday party' getting ready for their big day in Michigan on the 22nd. Kate will be two and William will be the big number one. It was really fun to see them and share their bday fun. It was also really great that Mark's parents came down to see us and meet my family.

Spending time with family was the best part of the weekend...and was much needed. Squeezing babies, sharing laughs with parents and siblings and just relaxing in the comfort of family made for a really nice weekend. I just wish we got to see each other more often. Until next time, we'll keep all the memories of the weekend close. To quote lil miss Kate, "Cheers!"

Roll cursor over photos to pause and see photo title...

The Amazing Amelia

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Please help if you can...Our friend is running a marathon in honor of her amazing daughter and has turned her efforts into a personal fundraising mission. Amelia is adorable and the Lamb's are an amazing family. Your donation to the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation would be VERY appreciated. You may be saying to yourself, "why should I donate to strangers?"...Let me promise you, everyone is a friend to Amelia and the Lamb family. A gift from good people to good people, strangers or not, is often the most heartfelt and appreciated of all. Email me or post for donation specifics. You will bet a receipt from DBA Foundation for your generous tax deductible donation. Thank you and God bless.

More info:
Diamond Blackfan Anemia
DBA Foundation

Photo Slideshow!

Crazy and Cute

I adore my niece and nephew. Even though they are far away, I am ever fascinated by how they are growing into these little people. They each have their own personalities. Can you guess who is 'crazy' and who is 'cute'?

Kate is cute, yes, but she's totally crazy. She's this tough little girly girl - carrying around her purse as she scales furniture (or anything she can climb). Friends with everyone and without an ounce of fear. A social climber in the making? Perhaps. The Class Clown? Likely.

Will is cute and cuter. He's sweet and angelic. When you hold him you just feel this sense of gentle warmth radiating from him. He's very determined and growing so much each day. He's just now sharing his personality with us and it's amazing to hear about his accomplishments. I got to hear his laugh today for the first time and - uh, be still my heart! A baby laugh is too adorable for words. I have a feeling William will be studious, competitive and kind. A perfect gentleman? Definitely.

I adore them both with all my heart and look forward to seeing more of their personalities shine as they grown and learn more about who they are. To quote one my favorite people (Kate), "wuv yuuuuu" little babies!

Christmas with Kate

Had a great weekend celebrating the holidays with my family...Dad, Carole, Craig, Kirsten, Carrie, Mikayla, Michelle, Brad, Kate, Will and Mark. We missed seeing Stacie, Brad and Nathan as well as my Aunt Wendy and family, who we usually get to see at the holidays. It's amazing we managed to get the crew together that we did! It was soooo wonderful to see everyone and spend time together.

BIG shout out to Michelle and Brad who allowed us to descend on their house and convert it to full blown holidays mode within 24 hours - tree, lights, fancy table, gifts - the whole nine yards. A great time was had by all...it was fun to help the Warezak's decorate and even more fun to kick-off the holidays together.

As you can see, Kate has had a 'preview' of Christmas morning. This is a photo of her after opening her gift from Mark and I (apropos given Mark is an expert/pro cyclist). It's a Red Rider scooter, which we call a pre-trike. It was a huge hit, especially after Michelle pointed out the bell! I actually caught her scooting around on it the next day in the living room when no one was looking! She just got on and started playing/riding around! We hope she'll have lots of fun on it and look forward to providing her with the upgraded trike when she can reach the pedals.

I can probably speak for everyone when I say that this weekend really made it feel like the holiday season. It was so nice to see everyone without the stress of the actual holiday too. I was really looking forward to spending time with the babies, but didn't realize how much fun it was to also just watch Craig, Dad, Kirsten et al spending time with the babies as well. Those babies are so loved, it's wonderful to see firsthand.

Here's to the next holiday (Easter? June 22? - yes it's a holiday!)...hopefully we'll get to do it again, and hopefully we'll get to see more family members.

Cheers to a great start to the holiday season!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Everyone loves babies...but when they are your babies, you love them most. Kate and William are 'my babies' - at least that's how I refer to them. Technically, they are my niece and nephew and if anyone loves them more, that's my sister and her husband, Brad. I take dibs on loving them most after their parents. I hate that I am so far away from them, but I can safely say, I think about them many times a day - in my thoughts and prayers - and send them love across the miles all the time (and like a good Auntie, I spoil them with care packages).

Every day when I talk to my sister, I get to hear Will's little newborn baby coos and Katie's latest word (is there anything cutier than the high pitched baby "hi!" - ???!!!).

It's hard being far away from these darlings, but luckily, a phone call or a webcam is all I need to keep them close in heart until our next personal visit. Hugs and Kisses babies!