Spring

We had milkshakes tonight because the kids got "blackout" on the Bingo game that they played for conference (thanks, Mom, for emailing that packet; it was an excellent way to keep the kids around and somewhat connected).

This week is looking pretty boring because we are waiting for a brake hose to come into Checker Auto Parts so we can replace the busted one on the Chrysler. Derek, wanna trade your Explorer for a minvan?

We're looking forward to April 24th and Rosanne's graduation. Also, we planted the garden (probably a little too soon), so we'll see if any plants come up anytime soon.

Ryan's growing up, and walking now. The difference between 0-7 year-olds and 8-99 year-olds is starting to become apparent as we watch our children pass over the age of accountability. More is required to keep things appropriate and well-taught to those over 8, while "The Three Littles," as Karyn and I call them, are still basking in innocence.

Love y'all, hopefully all is going well. Here's a picture of Ryan that's fairly new...

New Callings

Rosanne's leaving college, I'm leaving my stake (see below), Trent is receiving indications that he might be a terrorist, how is your life changing?

I have been released as stake executive secretary so I can fulfill the role of Young Men President (eh, Derek?). Karyn is teaching a financial class in the ward, as well as chairing the Cub Scout Committee.

What are you doing in your ward?

Brian

I just want to announce that I graduate in 44 days!!!!!

Life is otherwise slightly dull. I'm super excited to finish this semester and concentrate fully on Paul Mitchell and finding a nighttime job to keep an income. I'm interested in working at a bookstore or a salon. Any suggestions on other good places to work?

Ditto, congrats to the Olsens! I'm super excited to meet him :)

I'm starting to get more involved with Paul Mitchell - I just got accepted to join their student council, and I plan on joining a team that does makeup and hair for theater and group productions. I always wanted to get more involved, but BYU is so huge that I got overwhelmed, and in high school I was too insecure. Now, I'm still scared because I've never done anything like this before, but I've decided that I can't let simple fear ever keep me from doing something I think would be good for me. So I'm way excited! :)

Sorry I don't check this much - my other blogs email me when someone comments but for some reason this one is slacking, so I never get updates and I'm not on here very often. I do enjoy reading everyone's updates, so keep them coming!

Rosie

PS I let it slip to my friends that my nickname among my neices and nephews is "Ro-ro" until they can say Rosie, and now my nickname among them is Ro-ro. Awesome

Congratulations, Olsens!

We heard through Mom that the number of her grandkids increased by one tonight. Woo-hoo! We hope the mom and son are doing well tonight. Send us some pictures, and get some rest. :-)

Taxes & Feds

So, we ended up not paying federal taxes again this year.

With what's going on in California...

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_11475776?source=rss

...we took the plunge suggested by financial gurus and marked "Exempt" on the W-4 form, no tax to be withheld anymore.

We're gonna try to manage the tax liability ourselves, and then pay at the end of the year if there happens to be a tax debt, rather than a tax credit.

I've always been afraid to save the money myself, but seeing California pull that stunt and Obama grow the federal government gives me greater concern.

We'll see how it goes.

(I'm obviously just posting blah on here. Anything new with any of you?)

2009

New Year's Resolutions!

We were planning on taking a family vacation this year (ie. Southern California, or something big like that). Now we're planning on hunkering down and maybe doing less.

I put the decimal in the wrong place on our Utah taxes to begin with, so I thought we were going to have to pay additional taxes on top of what was already withheld. Thankfully, I just happened to catch my mistake before finalizing the forms yesterday. It was about a $1500 turnaround. Woo-hoo! (Work slowly and watch the new percentages if you are filling out a Utah return.)

This year we want to fix up the house (for no other reason than to have it be a little nicer). From the hole in Tycho's door from slamming it, to chipped paint on our half-walls, to needing touch-up painting or re-painting, there's plenty to do.

I thought I was going to write some major goals for this year, but nothing much is coming to mind.

I would like to build on commonalities amongst the Larsons. I've enjoyed the recent video chats we've done with some of you. I've sent a few emails saying hi. I'm hoping to take to task two general conference speakers' advice: [A] build Zion by (1) unity, (2) holiness, and (3) caring for the poor and [B] become unified by revelation, humility, being a peacemaker, speaking well of each other, and not judging.

We began discussing a Larson reunion in the year before Dad died. Maybe we can look ahead to see if we would like to hold a reunion in some near year from now, if that is a desire of others.

Love y'all. Eagle Mountain hopes you have a great 2009!

Family Website

Here is the current location for our family website.