Sarah and Dane

Larsen Update

2009-04-15T23:30:00.016-04:00

Here are a few of this years cherry blossom pictures. Of course I had to work the day all our friends went down town, but I didn't want to miss the flowers altogether, so we took a nice little day trip into the city. It is always amazing how pretty the blossoms are, you just don't see any other trees with quite the same unique color!

For Dane's birthday I just happened to have a 4 day weekend so we decided to go out of town. Of course the weather also happened to be terrible, as in pouring literally the entire time, but we decided to go camping anyway. Anything to get away right?! So we went camping at Virginia beach. It was cold but we had a great time! The camp sites are beautiful and we were just about the only ones there, which was nice. Chloe, who loves to swim had a great time running around too.

So my brother Darren works at this cool place called Sport Rock and is a really good climber. He took me, Dane, and Danielle climbing a few weeks ago. Here are a couple pictures of us giving it our best. It's a pretty good feeling once you make it to the top, but you just can't be scared of heights cause it looks a lot higher from the top than the bottom!

Amazing Audition

2009-03-06T17:26:00.002-05:00

Maybe everyone has already heard of this guy, but my parents showed me this video and I thought it was amazing! I'm not into American Idol at all, I didn't even know that it came from this show Britain's Got Talent, but watching this audition made me realize that it can really give some people a chance that deserve it. I was really moved by how humble he was and how, against all criticism he showed that he really had some serious talent. I love his voice, it would be great to have such an innate talent like that. So, hope you enjoy it. It was a really touching story to me.

Fall Fall Fall

2008-11-22T16:17:00.012-05:00

So it's about time that I caught up again. We've done a few fun fall things lately. A few weeks ago we drove to the Shennandoah Mountains for the day like we've started doing each year when the colors change. Last year we were a little late, and a lot of the leaves had fallen already, but this year we were right on time. It was beautiful! We went for a scenic drive throughout the park, took lots of pictures, and went on a few little hikes.

We took one hike up this cliff right as the sun was setting. It gave us a really pretty view of the Shennandoah valley from up top. It was a little freaky because it was pretty much a straight drop down. We found this little mountain pool that I thought was so pretty and Chloe liked it for the refreshing cold water.

So right before Halloween we went on a ghost tour of old town Alexandria with the Voges and the Chaffee's. I didn't realize how much history there is in that town, our guide told us all kinds of ghost stories that had taken place there in colonial times. She was hilarious and made it really interesting. Alexandria is a pretty fun place to hang out!

These pictures represent the last real day of summer. We took Chloe to the Shirlington dog park. It was hot and sunny, but the very next day got cold and has been ever since, so we made it just in time. The Shirlington dog park is way better than the one by our house. So if you're into pets like us, which probably isn't many of you :), it's the place to go. It's huge and right by water so the dogs get to swim. After about an hour of running up and down the bank barking at the water, Chloe finally went in farther and learned to swim! It was a lot of fun.

Family Family

2008-09-08T21:02:00.014-04:00

Well now it's been OVER a month since my last post!! I have been lucky to have a lot of family in town lately.

Me and Jenny in Georgetown

It started when my brother Darren got home from his mission in Moscow last month!!! I am so glad that he's back and it's awesome that we can share our love for Russians! My grandma came into town to see him home and stayed for about a month. My cousin Jenny also came down from New York for about a day.

Grandma with all five of her grandchildren, plus Dane and Anne

Here is Darren showing us some of his mission pictures. He had some really cool videos too. Man it made me wish I had had a nice camera on my mission. He really had an awesome mission and got to know some really neat people.

I had to add these pictures of my grandma playing Wii. Who has a grandma who's so cool that she can play Wii bowling, and be good at it too?! She is game for anything and sooo fun!

Isn't she cute?!

Me and Darren

Danielle and her adorable boyfriend Ryan

Everyone just chillin

Yoga!

2008-08-02T13:43:00.006-04:00

So I guess it's about time for my monthly post! I really need to get up to date here! I guess there isn't too much to say, I started working finally a few weeks ago. That's going alright I guess. It is fun but definitely a challenge being the one who can do things by myself and having to have the judgement to know what to do all the time. And my patients are so little too, they all seem to be babies. Anyway i don't want to talk about work, here is something I am excited about. I recently got a new gym membership at Golds and I love it!!!

It's totally reasonable in price and it's just down the street from my house. I've been spoiled with totally amazing yoga classes at the YMCA, but it's too far away now, and the classes at Mason are just, well, they just don't quite cut it. But the Golds on Ox Rd is brand spanking new with beautiful equipment and great classes! I've been into yoga now for about 4 or 5 years on and off. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

I love that you can work muscle strength (it's freakin hard and kicks my butt), balance, and flexibility all at the same time, while also clearing your mind and relaxing in much needed meditation. You really walk out of class feeling like a new person, having stretched muscles you wouldn't have normally stretched and harmonized your body in a much needed way. Anyway I'll get off my soap box, but this was a fun post for me cause it's something fun I do for myself that I can get excited about.

Now that nursing horror, I mean school, is over my next ambition is to become a RYT (registered yoga trainer). It's actually a lot more comprehensive than I expected after looking into it, so I'll probably just pick at it here and there. But I figure, once i get done, I could go to the gym on my days off for a nice hour long work out, and hey be the teacher getting paid for it! A nice little side job. Anyway there are my ramblings for now. This is a cute mat and bag from jcrew that maybe I'll get some day. :)

Happy Fourth of July!!

2008-07-08T21:37:00.030-04:00

Well I guess I'm catching up for lost time by posting a lot of pictures since I haven't put up that many lately. I do get really excited for the forth of July, it's one of my favorite holidays!! I like to get all into it and feel really patriotic.

I am very grateful to live in America!!! I'll find any opportunity to brag about it. I've been other places, and there ain't nowhere like here!!!! There's nothing like a good American BBQ and some good classic rock like CCR or something.

This year we had a really fun time with some of our friends. We started the day off by going to breakfast at the church and a parade in downtown fairfax. Chloe had a good time playing with all the kids from the ward.

My patriotic AMERICAN pit bull terrier. So cute!!

Later we walked around Burke Lake with Chloe as she sported her American colors. I love going to the woods on the 4th. There are lots of people hanging out and having picnics, and everyone is really friendly.

Cool little cars at the parade Dane and Chloe at Burke Lake

The Voges and the Chaffees came over later for some intense Rock Band Wii. What a band! Dane on vocals, Pam on drums, and Mandy on guitar! And of course Christian is there, our wonderful band manager!!

Then we went over to Fairfax High for a concert and some awesome fireworks. We got pretty soggy as the rain that had been predicted all day finally decided to start pouring right before the fireworks. Our original plan was to go to DC but we chickened out due to the expected rain.

Well we got rained out either way so I guess it wouldn't have mattered if we had gone into the city or not. In any event, we had a wonderful time, I guess the rain just kind of added to the excitement.

Us under our little umbrella while everything around us is getting drenched

Go Dane!!

Take Me Out to The Ball Game

2008-07-03T23:22:00.005-04:00

Last week we were able to go to a Nationals game with the Voges and got some really good seats thanks to good old Walt Disney. None of us had a huge interest in who won, the Nationals or the Angels, but it was really fun to watch and hang out. The stadium is amazing and we had a really great time!!! Dane's Uncle Wayne just happened to be in town, so he decided to crash the game and scalp some good tickets. It was really cool that we got to see him!

Yellow Xterra

2008-06-18T22:37:00.006-04:00

Well I haven't posted in awhile and I don't have much to say, so I figured I'd just put a picture of my new car. We've had it for over a month now, but I'm still pretty excited about it. I love driving it around, the visibility is so much better when you're higher up. I've never driven a big car before so I wasn't sure how it would go, but I love it. And yes I totally love the sporty yellow color!!

The "Bomb"

2008-06-05T19:22:00.005-04:00

So I felt like posting this recipe just for fun. My in- laws have asked me for it before, but i never had it written down to give because i usually just eye-ball it. So I actually measured it out today, but the portions are really just guidelines, you can put more or less of anything as you like. It's a pretty easy meal and makes great left overs.

Chicken Pasta Salad (or as Dane calls it, "The Bomb")

About 3/4 of a 12 oz box of bow tie or shell pasta

1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, well drained

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1 cup chopped cashews

2 1/2 cups red grapes

2 chicken breasts cooked (I usually just boil) and chopped into small pieces

2/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

1 tbs any italian dressing ( just to help the mayo go farther)

Salt and pepper to taste

Just combine everything in a big bowel and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. It is much better cold. This will serve a family of two for about two meals, so it will probably be enough for one good meal if you have kids.

Cute Little Pup

2008-05-26T22:04:00.006-04:00

So I know that I'm probably obsessed, but I had to put up a few more pictures of my baby girl because she is so cute!! She is growing too, gained 4 pounds since we got her.

Nursing School in Memorandum

2008-05-22T21:54:00.003-04:00

Horay it's Over!!

2008-05-22T18:07:00.006-04:00

I figured I should put a few pictures from graduation now that it was a week ago. This was definitely a day that I've been waiting for a long time. I really don't know if I have ever worked harder for something. Nursing school totally kicked my butt, and was the source of unmeasurable anxiety, but it was all worth it. I'm still getting used to the idea that my life is finally my own and I can actually do things that I want to do. Nursing is fun and I love it, but I almost forgot that I have other interests too!! The thought of being able to read a book or cook dinner is so delightful. I now officially have my bachelor of science in nursing as well as a job lined up, but in order for it to all be official and be able to practice, I still have to pass the NCLEX exam. . . oh scary. So after taking a week to relax (ya finally), take care of a hyper puppy, and do some serious spring cleaning, I'm ready to study for NCLEX. Making good progress on this will be my goal for next week. It doesn't sound fun, but seriously, it's better than school. I also owe a lot to my family who has supported me all along the way. It's probably been just as hard for them as it has for me. My parents have always supported and encouraged me! Dane has supported me emotionally and financially for the past two years and has endured my emotional roller coaster with me. I am so glad that he has been there for me, and that I've had him by my side throughout this ordeal. Thank you everyone so so much!!!!!! I couldn't have done it with out you. Horay it's over!!!

Best in the West, 2B

2008-05-17T09:20:00.010-04:00

Well we had a good time watching the Laker game last night. The Jazz played really well and gave them a run for their money at the end, but the Lakers secured their victory in game 6. It was definitely too close for comfort, but as usual, its looking like the Lakers are on their way to becoming the best in the west, sorry Jazz fans. Way to go Lakers!! :)

Typical game face

Yum

Sporting our gear

New Baby Girl

2008-05-15T01:14:00.006-04:00

Well anyone who knows me knows that I've been wanting a dog really bad for a long time!! I've always had dogs and I can't stand to live without one. I've "stollen" Duke, from my parents house for the weekend on a couple of occasions, but he always has to go back home again. I've wanted a dog that I can take to the park, and just keep all the time. So Dane surprised me this birthday with a new baby girl named Chloe. She is the cutest little puppy, and a little bundle of energy. You'll have to bear with me, I posted a lot of pictures, but I figured, hey there can never be too many puppy pictures! :)

Story of My Life

2008-04-29T05:22:00.003-04:00

So I haven't posted anything in awhile and wanted to check in. This picture should pretty much keep you updated on my life. :) Each day involves a lot of screaming and crying, but I really don't notice it anymore. In fact i can't really imagine what it would be like to work with adults anymore. I don't know if thats a good thing or a bad thing, but i guess since i know what i like i should go with it. Sometimes we'll walk over to the adult side of the ER for some reason or other and i think to myself, hey why are the parents in the beds! And then i remember, oh ya, big people can be patients too. :) I really love the kids, they make you smile and make a bad day good. They are cuter, smaller, and better in every way if you ask me. It's especially great when you get the really happy ones, maybe they're just coming off of anesthesia or something, and you give them a pair of rock star sunglasses to jam with. They are just so cute!! I love um. Sometimes you want to take them home with you. So anyway, just checking in. Hope you like the cartoon, we really don't mean to hurt them. :)

A Night on the Town

2008-04-17T00:52:00.002-04:00

Dane has been lucky enough to see more than one good friend from far away lately. Keith came by last week from California with a group of students from his history class to see the sites of DC!! We had a great time visiting with him, and only wish that he could have stayed longer. This is a picture of us in Georgetown where we ate dinner. Keith recently got engaged to his girlfriend Vanessa! Congratulations Keith!!!!

Dane's Recent Trip

2008-04-17T00:39:00.010-04:00

Dane recently went to Idaho for his Grandma Larsen's funeral. :( We are all sad about her passing, but happy to think that she is well and in a better place. I unfortunately never had the privilege of meeting her, but everyone says that she was a wonderful, kind, and spiritual lady.

On his way there, he stopped in Utah to visit some close friends, Daniel and his wife Ashley. He was able to spend the night with them and had a great time. Below is a picture of him with them and their two gorgeous daughters.

I also put a picture that he took of our nephew Derek while in Idaho. Isn't he cute? Looks like he's trying to be a miniature Dane boy with that Lakers hat!

My New Blog Design

2008-04-15T21:08:00.003-04:00

My cousin Heather recently gave my blog a whole new look, and I am really excited about how she put it together. She is very talented and creative and has started doing blogs for people on the side. What a fun idea and she's great at it!! If you want to know more about it, check her out at Heather's Blog Designs.

Thanks Heather!!

Tribute to the Cherry Blossoms and the Beginning of Spring

2008-04-08T00:08:00.002-04:00

I felt inspired driving around today by the beautiful newly sprouted cherry blossom trees that have begun springing up here and there. They stand out in stark contrast to their surroundings and seem to defy the barren leafless trees, refusing to surrender their blossoms. However, the seemingly dead trees around them only help to make the pale pink blossoms stand out even more, adding to their beauty. An occasional dark green leafed tree can be spotted alongside showing off it's dark branches and adding it's part to the beginning of spring. It's a beautiful sight to see these little sprouts along the road, when everything else is not yet in full bloom. They represent something that is just beginning, like a new birth on a misty morning. I'm always inspired by color combinations and this one was created solely by nature herself. These pictures are actually from last year, but we got quite a few good ones down town last year. I doubt we'll make it into the city for the festival this year, but we still get to enjoy the serenade of trees lining the roads popping up here and there.

Happy Belated Easter

2008-03-29T03:11:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter everyone, almost a week late. Our Easter started out really great with some very uplifting words and music that was just beautiful at church. Then we had a great day in Great Falls with the family. I took a nice stroll with Dani and Duke, and we had a fabulous ham dinner with the family. We also watched the movie Chocolat which I somehow had never seen before and loved it!! I must say that I'm grateful for my family and for Christ's resurrection and the chance it gives us to always be together.

2008-03-29T03:10:00.000-04:00

Just a Day Trip

2008-03-22T16:36:00.007-04:00

So last Wednesday Dane and I both had the day off so we decided that we should take advantage of that and do something fun, so we decided to go to Mt. Vernon. I've always loved Mt. Vernon, but I hadn't been there for a long time. I remember going there when I was young and loving the grounds and the estate. The mansion is surrounded by so much land and it's all so beautiful. I always love pretty outdoor scenes and this is a good one. The view of the Potomac River from the back porch is to die for. I also helped plan a youth conference service project to Mt. Vernon when I was in youth womens where we cleaned up the surrounding forest. It was nice to go back and reflect on those memories and make some new ones. We were only there for a few hours and it was raining most of the time, but it was still fun. They have done a lot of renovating and expanding since the last time I was there. I'm glad that in Northern Virginia we have the luxury of saying, hey where do you want to go today, and we have a plethora of historical landmarks right at our fingertips. People travel from all over to see these places, but for us it's Just a Day Trip!!

2008-03-22T16:29:00.000-04:00

George Washington

2008-03-22T15:31:00.001-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANE!!

2008-03-17T21:41:00.003-04:00

So this year I wanted to do something special for Dane's B-Day. Instead of lots of cool presents, we decided to do cool things(however there were cool presents too). If you think to yourself what would Dane(or any guy for that matter) want, the answer must be, lots of steak and sports, right?! So anyway, we went to an awesome Brazilian steak house and then to a Globetrotters game at Mason with our friends. It was lots of fun!! We just took the whole day to chill and be together. The game was very entertaining and is a great thing to take kids to, if you have some. It was cool because we ran into my favorite little Gi Danielle and her boyfriend Ryan. All and all, an awesome day!

Texas de Brazil and the Globe Trotters!!

2008-03-17T21:32:00.003-04:00

Cake!

2008-03-17T21:17:00.001-04:00

Peds ER Here I Come!

2008-03-04T17:42:00.000-05:00

Well, its finally here, my senior preceptorship. I finally found out where i will be, and i'm very happy with my placement! I will be at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in their pediatric emergency department. I spent a few days there last summer during my externship, so it will be familiar. I just wanted to be somewhere in pediatrics, kids, yes that was the main thing. And i did the regular med-surg floor already, so i am very happy to be able to get a peds experience in a slightly new and more acute setting!!

Happy Birthday

2008-02-28T12:13:00.001-05:00

This is my parents back in January celebrating their birthdays, which are only 4 days apart. Aren't they cute?!

Dukie!

2008-02-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite little big boy. He is so adorable and definitely could have been a model!

Isn't he cute?!

2008-02-28T12:02:00.000-05:00

We also took a relaxing drive to Tahachape, a little town about 30 minutes from Lancaster. It's up in the mountains and they were covered in snow. So our January vacation in California took us from the sunny beaches in Santa Barbara on our way to Solvang, to the snowy mountains. Talk about diverse climate. It was really pretty up there.

2008-02-28T11:58:00.000-05:00

Also while in California, we drove a few hours to the cutest little Danish town, Solvang. Here is a picture of us and one of his parents. We really got in touch with our Scandinavian heritage!

California Vacation

2008-02-28T11:56:00.001-05:00

Over Christmas break we went to visit Dane's family in California. We went to a Laker's game at the Staples Center which was really cool. They played the 76ers and totally killed them! It was really fun. We went with his sister Jill, her husband Mitch, best friend Keith, and his girl friend Vanessa.

Sunset in California

2008-02-10T17:24:00.001-05:00