tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73789090538704876092023-11-16T02:58:43.738-08:00This is Life - Olson StyleThis is Life - Olson StyleAOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-47994683381254643342011-06-07T09:12:00.000-07:002011-06-07T09:12:46.294-07:00Shop for a Cure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW8gDdMeZ_JlXv65dmrOleREUo44Y5qm5XJ-LNwoo4Xk6baB4hkVOz0wzz7hHwNXEXGUpK33e2sv42uAA_VMjRT8co4mrBTfvbngyDWoWDqvLFA5Uj83a0bkp6uuFaG6-QzyviI8QgdQd/s1600/SFAC+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW8gDdMeZ_JlXv65dmrOleREUo44Y5qm5XJ-LNwoo4Xk6baB4hkVOz0wzz7hHwNXEXGUpK33e2sv42uAA_VMjRT8co4mrBTfvbngyDWoWDqvLFA5Uj83a0bkp6uuFaG6-QzyviI8QgdQd/s1600/SFAC+pic.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So I haven't done a real post in a really long time, but this is a great way to get back in the habbit. Cancer is very real and it really sucks. My amazing friend <a href="http://www.prpakakjo.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: white;">Karen</span></a> is doing something to help fight back. Check out her blog <a href="http://www.prpakakjo.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: white;">here</span></a> and help her in her efforts.AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-62705497273478049702011-03-23T09:30:00.000-07:002011-03-23T09:30:13.715-07:00It's Almost Ready!!Here are a few pictures of our house. We could be signing papers at the end of next week!! So what are your plans for Spring Break? Wanna help the Olson's move?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wLziioLAjY6gcmUFgrhGhpX3ctwgj8oeLSJEt7MkSm25HwLA-u-yfwEGmLC6uUyF3K0XS95BRXgpnfwn_k6_q9-_sDhm4Fsy16EBC4KPQPblYEMpnhlZNCzOVehyunv9i3HM3Zvj-kOs/s1600/Box+Ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wLziioLAjY6gcmUFgrhGhpX3ctwgj8oeLSJEt7MkSm25HwLA-u-yfwEGmLC6uUyF3K0XS95BRXgpnfwn_k6_q9-_sDhm4Fsy16EBC4KPQPblYEMpnhlZNCzOVehyunv9i3HM3Zvj-kOs/s320/Box+Ceiling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a picture of the boxed ceiling in our office/den. It was one of a few little surprises Kevin had up his sleeve that I didn't know about until after it was done. I LOVE it!! Moving into white walls is gonna drive me nuts, though. I'm gonna have to start painting the walls first thing.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gBIHbhpaeS89_QsWvtnSA5OSmeVp45-oRS1clXsDRBQmMS7AML1St41yRrJAzIruuEVCMz0Z8K98RxTe4DrlUor-6R3EOhlqxKqFHsh8-am6c_Hxt8wJQbR3pTqhsILK0ESEv9Tq5Sk6/s1600/Wainscoting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gBIHbhpaeS89_QsWvtnSA5OSmeVp45-oRS1clXsDRBQmMS7AML1St41yRrJAzIruuEVCMz0Z8K98RxTe4DrlUor-6R3EOhlqxKqFHsh8-am6c_Hxt8wJQbR3pTqhsILK0ESEv9Tq5Sk6/s320/Wainscoting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is another little addition of Kevin's. Beautiful wainscotting down the entry way hall.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qUB7bArbwT7YXlCggLWIrhduHb_wZj63lBqC_42FjfYUSNR0Tv584EKpTfZukpg5v_C-m8bfuDqVIrCkWeSYJmibepxW48Ccx-wpTIo5NkRA92bU1LRyY1FAHXOF_XDux-0lL3v9yec4/s1600/stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qUB7bArbwT7YXlCggLWIrhduHb_wZj63lBqC_42FjfYUSNR0Tv584EKpTfZukpg5v_C-m8bfuDqVIrCkWeSYJmibepxW48Ccx-wpTIo5NkRA92bU1LRyY1FAHXOF_XDux-0lL3v9yec4/s320/stairs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wainscotting continues up the stairs.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_TB5TB-Rtb3SiuNuSx6aFxg_HRy0e086UGXYmbg1VdZ3yDnLOADRhn-g_R75rv4RS_n3yVenB7o0tjFzhR7jhrGI2K1m-eyzUHExJC4rqGtylmSiW4RhcjtpDAdo89DtyFJoqu9OV6db/s1600/Exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_TB5TB-Rtb3SiuNuSx6aFxg_HRy0e086UGXYmbg1VdZ3yDnLOADRhn-g_R75rv4RS_n3yVenB7o0tjFzhR7jhrGI2K1m-eyzUHExJC4rqGtylmSiW4RhcjtpDAdo89DtyFJoqu9OV6db/s320/Exterior.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ta da!! The exterior. I love it!! We love the huge driveway and very spacious back yard. Looking forward to dwelling within these walls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the tile work gets finnished this week. The appliances got delivered yesterday, I think. Next comes carpet and finishing up the electrical and hvac. These workers are so good and move so fast. We are hoping to be moving in the first week of April. You'll have to stop by and say hello and maybe bring in a box or two;)</div>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-30387075475071323092011-03-08T14:36:00.000-08:002011-03-08T16:58:18.544-08:0034 & Feelin' Fabulous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXByj7ZMTyjgI0NiEpAteCxiKBlNxwxg_jNHjbAbxP9WThoYAdGplxRyvbHBJ5PYj1Yj-YH_Dn-hu4gif29_ypkiOhTuIXYJHqRubJ3iB0_ubXWG8-vPyHjTc5edMqo67AcDKP18JQLHj/s1600/birthday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXByj7ZMTyjgI0NiEpAteCxiKBlNxwxg_jNHjbAbxP9WThoYAdGplxRyvbHBJ5PYj1Yj-YH_Dn-hu4gif29_ypkiOhTuIXYJHqRubJ3iB0_ubXWG8-vPyHjTc5edMqo67AcDKP18JQLHj/s320/birthday+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today it is my birthday and I sing to let you know, that I will be Queen for the WEEK, whatever I say goes!!<br />
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Yeah, I totally stole that line from Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses. I sing it to my girls every year on their birthdays, but today I will sing it to myself. Hopefully this won't make me seem self-absorbed or self-centered, but I feel like I never toot my own horn and today I feel like tootin' it!!<br />
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I am 34 years old today and I am loving every second of it. Nothing miraculous has happened today. Nothing has changed since yesterday. I've talk to some amazing friends on the phone, received some early morning texts, and through the social network power of Face book, I 've been made feel so special. All of this is fabulous. I am having dinner tonight with my family, dinner tomorrow night just me & my hubby (I think), and a lunch with the most amazing women in my life on Thursday. Thursday night I get to watch on television WSU vs UW in the PAC 10 basketball tournament in LA that my sister just happens to be cheering at. How cool is that?! <br />
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Does it get much better than this? That's what I realized when I woke up this morning. Life is good. All previous birthdays have led me to this one today and I am SO happy. I have the best husband ever, really great kids and friends that keep me feeling like I'm 18 not 34. I don't know what I thought 34 would feel like,but it feels good. I'm thankful to all those individuals who've help mold me to this 34 year old woman that I am today. I like me and I like where I am in my life. Here are a few things about me you may not know. Fun facts and thoughts from the 34 year old me.<br />
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<ul><li>I LOVE chocolate. Like truly. I want something chocolate after EVERY meal. Chocolate in any form. With or without nuts. Crunchy or chewy. Melted or solid. Milk or dark. Doesn't matter I love it, I want it.</li>
<li>I am a sports FAN-atic. I truly enjoy watching sports on television or in person with my husband. I love to compete. I love to see athletes excel at their best. I hate that there has to be a loser and I always feel bad for the team that doesn't win, but when my team wins its an elated, exuberant feeling. I love to trash talk, to the television of course and I love to yell at the refs/umps when they get a call wrong.</li>
<li>I love music. ALL music. From Garth brooks and Taylor Swift to Black Eyed Peas and Chris Brown. Broadway hits and Michael Buble. Ingrid Michelson and Metallica. Mercy River and Mindy Gledhill. I love a good Tejano Cumbia or a country line dance. Music and dancing make me happy. I am not even ashamed to admit that I still love to listen to music from the 80's and 90's like, oh, I don't know, The New Kids on the Block. Yeah, I said it. You read that right. I'm still a block head after all these years and am ubber excited about my VIP & Meet-n-Greet passes that my cousin and I scored for their concert coming in July. Don't judge me and don't hate on me. You know you are jealous. Did I mention the Back Street Boys will be there, too? Yeah, you're jealous.</li>
<li>We belong. Last month as we sat in Stake conference with the rest of the Pasco Stake awaiting the changes we were about to receive I felt pure excitement. As our new stake boundaries were announced and I learned that we were a part of the new Pasco North Stake, I had a calm, comforting feeling come over me. I looked at Kevin and while fighting back tears I said to him, "This is where we are suppose to be. I know it. I fee it." He did too. He smiled and nodded. That was a huge testimony to me. For so many months we felt displaced and like we were wandering. We found our permanent new ward boundaries and our new home in the Pasco North Stake and we couldn't be happier. We are surrounded by so many friends that we love and even those friends who aren't in our new stake are just across the freeway. We are settling in to our new callings and we feel like we are home again. Like we belong.</li>
<li>I have become a Cake Boss and Kitchen Boss junkie. I LOVE Buddy Velastro. I watch every episode. Even it its one Ive already seen, I'll watch it anyway. I want him to make be a cake, Hoboken style baby!! I tried some of his recipes from Kitchen Boss and they are all fabulous. Kevin did not complain one bit when I made chicken cutlets over spaghetti with Buddy's Sunday gravy (marinara/spaghetti sauce). It. Was. D. Licious. I need to go to New Jersey and visit Carlos' Bakery.</li>
<li>I love musicals and plays. I've only been to a few in person and they were magnificent. I dream of watching some shows on Broadway some day. Les Mis, Phantom, Lion King, Chicago, Wicked. Oh to watch them all live. It seems like every time a show has come close to me I have not been able to attend for one reason or another. I wish I had the talent to be in a show. How fun would that be? They lucky thing for me is that as much as I love watching sports, Kevin enjoys watching musicals with me. Hopefully very soon we get to go watch a show in person together. </li>
</ul>Wow, look at that list of completely random stuff. That's me. Well, some of me. Hmmm.... I wonder what the next 34 years has in store? Bring it on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WrauVIfKFOx91bLIUbf0UsuY1lt178VaLZVSw4KKO33uJB5xrlTBHmKQ6sX8f2OXI4Mrqq0yeYBKUt-MO0mfLYpIGV2L9FPTS-4_J3oFH_B4YYqRjPEKBCP57Mp3cHB0JEEz9Pyy25A1/s1600/happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WrauVIfKFOx91bLIUbf0UsuY1lt178VaLZVSw4KKO33uJB5xrlTBHmKQ6sX8f2OXI4Mrqq0yeYBKUt-MO0mfLYpIGV2L9FPTS-4_J3oFH_B4YYqRjPEKBCP57Mp3cHB0JEEz9Pyy25A1/s320/happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-60340308976209325102011-02-08T13:12:00.000-08:002011-02-08T13:12:47.124-08:00Tuesday Thoughts<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">** Kevin is delivering the doors to our new house as we speak!! Hooray!! Doors and windows will be installed by the end of the day and framing will be all done!! Next up exterior siding and electrical!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** BodyFlow this morning was intense. Who said Yoga was for sissy's? SO not true. I did back to back BodyJam and Zumba classes last night so that may be why I was feeling more stiff than usual this morning, but I was feeling excellent when class was over this morning. The scale only reflects a pound or two but I feel stronger and more flexible. Yay me!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** We laid down the law. Last night for our FHE we had a kind of Family Meeting. I have been feeling our of sync and out of control ever since we sold our house back in June. We now have a place in a ward family again witch feels amazing but in our own home things are still out of whack. Bedtimes have been lazed as has homework time, chores, scripture reading, EVERYTHING!! It's just so hard with the limited amount of space we have and the lack of individual space for the kids. Or maybe I'm just making excuses. Jacob is the King of leaving his homework for the last minute and Kayla HATES doing for reading at nights. We honestly haven't really pushed or encouraged them much I think because even we have felt unmotivated. That all changed last night. We reinstated some old rules that had not been followed and added a few new ones, such as going back to our allotted homework times and bedtimes and chores lists. Hopefully we can keep it up and not drop the ball. I can honestly say the television has not been turned on since after the Superbowl on Sunday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** Kelsie told me after school today that she didn't like it when I called her baby. I always address her as my baby in some form. She is my baby. Tough noogies Kelsie. I will still call you my baby, just maybe to myself and not directly to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** I'm getting our rental ready for showing because my friend/landlord is trying to sell it and is having an open house on Sunday. If you know of anyone interested in a great starter home for a young couple or a cozy cottage for the young at heart send them this way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** I should probably get started on our taxes. Bleh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** I am planning a baby shower for my sister Lisa who is due at the end of April with her first baby, and it's a girl. It's not till mid March but am feeling a little nervous about pulling it off. The guest list number is 160. Yikes!! Wish me luck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** Also feeling nervous about the upcoming Candy Bar Bingo Night I am planning for Kayla's school at the beginning of March. I've never planned an event like this before. What was I thinking. What if people hate it? What if it flops? What if no one shows up? How many should I plan for? Just breathe . . . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">** Is it Friday yet?</span>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-15275049755970502442011-02-03T14:53:00.000-08:002011-02-03T14:53:33.967-08:00Randoms<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I told myself that this year I would do better at keeping up my blog. Well, that didn't work. But here I sit reading your blogs so I thought, let's throw down some thoughts for you to read, if you are still reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">** I drive down Pamplona EVERYDAY. We have been given an April 8 move in date. I am beyond excited and everyone tells me, "It'll go by SO fast." Thing is I'm impatient. Not a patient bone in my body. I want it NOW!! Driving by the progress everyday just makes it worse. They have it all framed up now and the roof is going on tomorrow. Windows and siding on Tuesday. SO close yet SO far away. We took the framers some pizza today to warm up their cold, hugary bones and also because I am NOT above bribery. They really appreciated it, hopefully enough to get a move on my house faster than the one next door;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">** We joined the gym this month. As a family we made a resolution to be a healthier more active family. So far so good. I try to make it there at least 4-5 times a week. The kids love climbing the rock wall and Kevin and Jacob enjoy playing basketball together. I feel healthier on the inside, I just wish it would reflect faster on the outside and on the scale. Remember I am not patient, I want results now not a month from now. We've even been eating healthier. Jacob has even started measuring out his snacks. Instead of sitting at the table with a whole bag of chex mix, he'll measure out the 1/2 cup suggested serving, finish that off and be done. It's been hard for me not to snack. I LOVE snacking. I also love baking and cooking. I haven't been doing much of either on of those lately because I will eat it all. For the rest of my life I will have to watch every item I put into my mouth and have a "healthy diet" unless I want to be 5'1" and 250 lbs. Not a pretty mental</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">** We are very excited about the Stake boundaries changes that were made this last week. I can 't believe how much this stake has grown since we moved to Pasco in April of 2003. The new house is being built in 1st Wards boundaries so that is were we will be attending, and we couldn't be happier. There are so many amazing families in this ward. Not to mention, some of my bestest friends ever will be in our ward, too. Honestly, all of the new boundaries are pretty sweet and there are some amazing wards. No matter where you go, the Church is true and the people ROCK! It'll be nice to feel like we belong to a ward family again and receive some new callings that'll test and try us and help us grow. Did I really just say that? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">** Jacob. He's a funny boy. At Christmas time he received and Axe body kit. At first he was like, what is this? I didn't ask for this?! Then he used it the first time. Deodorant, body wash, shampoo and body spray. Both of my sisters were like. "Wow Jake. You smell so nice!" I think the bells went off in his head. Every morning we are knocked over with the scent of Axe coming from the bathroom. It's so funny to me because he is still me baby boy. At least he doesn't stink like b.o. He's playing basketball right now and I think he is going through a stage where he is still trying to get comfortable in his own skin. It's so funny to watch him run. He's not very quick, but he tries to be. He runs flat footed so you can here him coming down the court. He is looking forward to baseball season for sure. He is also doing D.I. (Destination Imagination) again. This year I am not one of the team mom's so I feel less stress because I am not in charge but also a little anxious because I know how things are suppose to go and how the process works and it's hard for me not to put in my 2 cents about how far along I think they should be at this point. Last year they got 1st at regionals and 3rd at state, we shall see how things turn out this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">** Kayla. My toothless little gymnast. She has pulled out three teeth in the past 6 months. Unfortunately, they haven't grown in yet. She loves gymnastics to no end. I have tried on many occasion to get her to try ballet or dance but she refuses. Earlier this month she finally learned how to do a back-hand spring all on her own. She was so excited. I could tell by the look on her face that she was thrilled and terrified at the same time. She also is playing basketball. Last year she wanted to play SO bad and wasn't old enough. So this year when sign-ups came around she said that indeed she did want to play. Kayla is a very coachable girl. If her coaches or instructors tell her to do something, by golly she tried her best to do what they ask. I don't know if basketball will be her thing though. She's way too nice. I keep trying to tell her to be scrappy and aggressive but it's just not in her nature. If she ever gets the ball at the same time as another girl, she'll gladly let go and hand it over to the other girl. I ask her if she wanted to play fast pitch this year and I was shocked when she said she wasn't sure. WHAT? I always envisioned her playing softball. I have always played softball. I LOVE softball. Hopefully she will decide to try it again this year but if not, it'll be okay. At least I can look forward to playing on a team, myself, in the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">** Kelsie, Kelsie, Kelsie. Where to begin. This girl keeps us on our toes. She is a sponge and absorbs every funny joke or song she hears. She loves to sing. She loves to dance. I LOVE watching her sing and dance to the song Tik Tok when she plays Just Dance 2 on the Wii. That girls' got skill!! She gets it from me. She can shake that little booty like nobodies business. She also is our self-proclaimed artist. She loves to paint and draw and color and does a really good job for a 4 year old. I can't tell you enough how much she absolutely LOVED preschool. Her teachers are so AMAZING. I can't express enough how much I appreciate them and all that Kelsie has learned from them. She is always walking around the house singing, "You're a Grand Old Flag". Who does that? My chipmunk does. Speaking of chipmunks, that is her favorite movie. Alvin & the Chipmunks. She can watch it 24/7. She knows all of the songs and lines. She says that she is Theodore which is hilarious because she is a skinny little bean pole. She also says that Jacob is Simon and Kayla is Alvin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">** Kevin. I have to brag a little here because he is too modest and won't do it himself. Earlier this month, Kevin went to a dinner in Seattle for work where he was presented with the "Top Gun Sales" award for he region. He sold over $1 million dollars of product all on his own. I am so proud of him. This is huge for those of you who knew Kevin as a child. Kevin was the shy quiet one who never brought attention to himself. Never in a million years did anyone think that he would end up a salesman that had to schmooze with contractors and make big time sales. He started out in the door shop sanding doors about 14 years ago and worked his way up the ladder. Way to go flaco!! Kevins' love of sports has been well fed this month. We were able to go watch WSU take on UW in mens basketball. That was such a rush. Being in Beasley coliseum as the Cougs smoked the huskies was so thrilling!! Not to mention we were able to watch Ashley cheer and she was in a Sports Center highlights reel and the students stormed the court after the win. So cool! Kevin will never miss a good basketball game on television. Lucky him, I don't mind one bit. We love to sit on the couch with our game snacks and watch a good game of hoops, or baseball, or football, whatever! We love sports- both watching and playing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">** Me. Besides my goal to get fit and be healthy this year, I have decided to take on one more new adventure. School. I am going back to school in the fall. I'll be taking on-line courses and finishing up my degree and trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I am looking forward to finishing. Our computer crashed earlier this month and it was such a nightmare. I missed my computer so much!! Luckily, they computer gods were able to recover about 90% of my pictures!! Yay!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Whew!! Once I got started I just couldn't stop! </span>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-89433343805386583352011-01-05T15:52:00.000-08:002011-01-05T15:54:40.477-08:00"So, how's the house coming?"The THING that consumed us since July of 2010. <br />
The question that was asked by all we came in contact with.<br />
The question we knew would be asked every week on Sunday or anytime we saw someone we hadn't seen in a couple weeks.<br />
The question we dreaded. We'd secretly roll our eyes and give a short, vague answer and smile.<br />
It wasn't anybodies fault. We have so many really great friends and family who just wanted to know, as did we, what was going on with the house stuff. And, we love you all. I know there are a couple of you out there who listened to me pour my heart out in heartbreak and mourning and had just the right words to say when I truly needed them. I am so extremely thankful for you, and you know who you are.<br />
<br />
So. What really IS going on with the house stuff? Well, now I have ALL of the answers, and now I can tell you.<br />
<br />
When I last posted, you read my "Tuesday Letters". To continue on from there, builder #2 NEVER called back. To this day. Disappeared. Then I met with a realtor at a new development where a TON of my friends are building. She was great. She showed me around and I saw the floor plans. They were really great. I took all of the information with me and told her I'd probably be back with my husband later in the week. Don;t get me wrong, the houses were awesome, it just didn't feel like that was where we were suppose to be. I still wasn't ready to give up on our dream of owning a little more land with lots of room to grow and play. <br />
Our last efforts to build on that piece of land went to looking at having a builder do it for us instead of trying to do it all ourselves. I have been a fan of this NEW builder (#3, for those of you keeping track) for many years. I really love his floor plans and he and his company are super great. Kevin took him down to the land and he said that, yes, he could build it. We had to take the plan we had, which was his plan just modified to begin with, and make it smaller. That was fine but also hard. The house had no options, no bells and whistles, but I thought, "No big deal. We can add those later." We were able to make all of the adjustments and things seemed to be working out. We got all of the final numbers. Contracts were drawn up. Things were looking good. It was Monday, December 6, and we had an appointment with a really great mortgage guy at the bank. Our loan had been approved and all we had to do was sign. Boy were we excited!! Then, we looked at the final number of what our monthly mortgage would be for the next 30 years. Talk about feeling like the wind had just been let out of your sails. It was $400 MORE than we were originally told by the Big Banks. What?! Mr. Nice Mortgage guy went through all the numbers with us and it all made sense. Someone somewhere had given us wrong information about what the monthly payment on a house that costs "X" amount of dollars would be. Kevin and I stared at each other. Silent. For. Ever. I think we made Mr. Nice Mortgage guy uncomfortable. We knew without speaking, there was No Way this was going to work. <br />
All we had to do was sign. We were approved. We could get started. But what would that mean for our family? I might have to go back to work, which isn't a bad thing seeing as how our kids are older. But me going back to work right now wasn't in our plan just yet. We could change the house again. Make a smaller house on a nice big piece of land. But we really need a bigger house. That's why we sold our in the first place.<br />
We both stood up and thanked Mr. Mortgage guy and told him we'd let him know in the morning. What a LONG night that was. We knew what the answer was. We knew what we had to do. But it was hard to finally admit to it. For months now we had gone down every avenue we could think of to make this work. We were trying to force it to work however we could. We wanted that rural atmosphere, like where we grew up, with the convenience of the city. There was no sleeping for either one of us that night. As much as it broke my husbands heart, he made the call the next morning that we were in fact walking away from the land and the house. I literally mourned that whole day-week actually. <br />
So now what? Where do we go from here? We need a house! I am feeling claustrophobic in my cozy little rental. <br />
It's Thursday, December 9, and my favorite builder calls us and says we should go down to the office and discuss our options. At this point, I am still mourning and being very stubborn. We go down to meet with him and he tells us that he can build that same house plan for us with all of the bells and whistles and options that we want on one of his available lots for LOTS less money. We're listening. We go through the options and I'm getting excited just thinking about all of these cool options in the house. He tells us to go look at the available lots, so we do. Here comes stubborn Amy again. I start to pout and say things like, "It doesn't matter, just pick one!" I know, so mature of me. So we choose a lot that's really nice. It's close to the huge neighborhood park, we have friends within walking distance, the lot is bigger than our old house was on, it's in a nice neighborhood, we are near my parents which is great for babysitting, we will be in a great church ward where there are tons of friends and people we know. <br />
Everything is great. So what's my problem? I think I just needed time to mourn my dream. My dream of acreage and that country feel. My dream of a nice big shop for my husband to tinker in and tons of land for my children to run and have a dog. It's a nice dream. A dream I still have. <br />
Everything just feel into place in two days. The plans were finalized. The loans were approved. Permits requested. It all happened so fast and so smoothly. Like it was meant to be. I can honestly say this. My mourning is over and I am totally and completely excited for our new home to be built on the great lot that we chose in an awesome neighborhood. We drive by it every day. We talk about it every day. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is a smile in my heart and on my face. I don't look at it as settling for something at all. I look at it as finally listening to what my Heavenly Father had been trying to tell me for months. There was a reason that all of our other plans fell through. A reason it was so hard. All of that lead us to here, and this is where we are suppose to be. We will have a great house and I won't have to go back to work sooner than planned and we can still have our same comfortable lifestyle. Sounds like my own perfect piece of heaven to me. <br />
<br />
From now on you can all bet that you will see lots of pictures and updates like the one below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddFa0MJQIpzkAmxqRQikrZO5zZC5tHgziFnZRvy-ErJvMqvqqL58nZN-zLl706nIE_uXdOGiHQZzgpqU2JmRWNoIzOIBS7MChNCT2qobNyxIoMeRODcM07ZTQ-1yNxLac3d1g1G61eNpI/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddFa0MJQIpzkAmxqRQikrZO5zZC5tHgziFnZRvy-ErJvMqvqqL58nZN-zLl706nIE_uXdOGiHQZzgpqU2JmRWNoIzOIBS7MChNCT2qobNyxIoMeRODcM07ZTQ-1yNxLac3d1g1G61eNpI/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
<br />
Day 1. Estimated Date of Completion: End of March 2011<br />
<br />
Yaaaayy us!AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-53987248782663668542010-12-16T16:08:00.000-08:002010-12-16T16:08:16.031-08:00Merry Christmas from us<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0IZtnDNw2bsa/0IZtnDNw2bsacW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1291607477000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>With Love Chartreuse Christmas Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Get custom <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">photo Christmas cards</a> online at Shutterfly.com.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-12545565080833982332010-12-01T10:43:00.000-08:002010-12-01T10:43:33.429-08:00December 1st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk_NVJgkcux9btmT743agOtXH756EUFsRaY4LZCW9nN_8MCcwW7qWZ3xpzQJyNf3kQOOaXCxPOJqvrX6t2eviopm0BNN1SQezALoJDF5Z0d1SCBq0WTwBAYY9_vFI_TXvBDmqTS6ipCth/s1600/kelsietree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk_NVJgkcux9btmT743agOtXH756EUFsRaY4LZCW9nN_8MCcwW7qWZ3xpzQJyNf3kQOOaXCxPOJqvrX6t2eviopm0BNN1SQezALoJDF5Z0d1SCBq0WTwBAYY9_vFI_TXvBDmqTS6ipCth/s320/kelsietree.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It's going to be a long month for Miss Kelsie.</span></div>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-1570870422175419162010-11-16T14:13:00.000-08:002010-11-16T15:09:02.713-08:00Tuesday LettersI stole this idea of writing letters (or venting what's on my mind) from my friend. Thanks<span style="color: white;"> </span><a href="http://prpakakjo.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: white;">Karen</span></a>, hope you don't mind. Here I go.<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Big Banks,<br />
<br />
Hi. My name is Amy. Remember me? Probably not. We've been working with you since July to get help with our new home. Does anyone REALLY work there? And if you really do have employees, do you ever speak to each other or work on the same days? It seems as though the only way I can get any sort of response from you is when my husband physically goes into your office and sits in front of you until you do something. The second he leaves you totally forget about us. I do not like you very much at all. You are making my life more miserable. I hope you never need anything from me because I can tell you I will not make it easy or pleasant for you. I'm just returning the favor.<br />
<br />
Impatiently,<br />
Home owner stuck in a rental<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Builder #1,<br />
<br />
Thanks for convincing us that we really could build this on our own MUCH cheaper than going to a "tract" builder. Thanks for trying. Thanks for your honesty. Thanks for waiting until the very last day to tell us your fee was a brand new truck more than you originally told us.<br />
<br />
Frustratedly,<br />
Looking for another builder<br />
<br />
Dear Builder #2,<br />
<br />
I am so happy that you got my hopes up. You told me that everything would be fine. The other builder was way too high. You could do it NO PROBLEM! "I'll take care of everything," you said. Whew! What a relief! Oh. I'm sorry. What's that? On the LAST day of our three week waiting period you tell us your fee is a brand new truck, too? Didn't I just watch that movie? You are on my list and I feel very sorry for you.<br />
<br />
Defeated,<br />
I'm so done<br />
<br />
Dear Jacob, Kayla & Kelsie,<br />
<br />
I love you with all that I am. You have been nothing but perfect children through this whole mess I got you into. You have shown me how to truly be grateful for what we DO have. You love each other, and fight with each other, and bring me back to reality, and our reality is awesome. I love how you share a room and help each other, most of the time, to keep it clean. You are humble and sweet and you show me everyday how to truly love. You sincerely love your new neighborhood friends and ward family. You are the greatest examples to me. I hope to be that for you some day.<br />
<br />
Love you truly,<br />
Mom<br />
<br />
Dear Sweet Realtor who gave me hope,<br />
<br />
I've been looking for you. I had lost all hope. I am glad that I listened to the voice in my head that told me to go and see you today. You gave me a lot of answers. You were so kind and sweet. I hope you weren't just being a "Salesman" today. I am not 100% ready to give up on the land we are looking at now, but I feel my options are running out. I'll probably come see you again. I enjoyed the tour you gave me. I am intrigued by the information you gave me. I want to explore my options. It seems like you have made LOTS of my friends happy, maybe I could be too.<br />
<br />
Curiously & Prayerfully,<br />
Family wanting a home again<br />
<br />
Dear Kevin,<br />
<br />
I'm sorry for being so whinny. I'm sorry for making you feel like this was all your fault. You work so hard for us and I know you are trying your best. It's not your fault that there are stupid people out there who don't keep their word and bait you in just to let you go again. You are more than capable of building us an amazing home, I just wish other people could see that. Maybe we rethink this AGAIN. Whatever we do, we'll do it together and it'll be great.<br />
<br />
All my love,<br />
Your wife<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I feel much better now.AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-81256370913116025912010-11-03T16:20:00.000-07:002010-11-03T16:20:53.457-07:00Just A Reminder . . .<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YzfEH0UPEBo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YzfEH0UPEBo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Are you gonna come watch it with us? 15 More days People!!!AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-64749004427631545202010-11-01T11:32:00.000-07:002010-11-01T11:32:14.745-07:00Catching Up on the Story of UsI sit here in my cozy little rental house wondering what to blog about. So many events, so many topics. So I'll write about what's on my mind right now. <br />
<br />
This year has been filled with a roller coaster of emotions. Back in February, Kevin and I discussed selling our house and building a new one. I didn't think we needed to. Our house was small, but it was ours and we made room for what we needed. Sure it was cluttered and cramped, but it wasn't unbearable. We pushed the thoughts aside until after Spring Break in April. The topic came up again. This time I was really leaning towards Kevin's idea. I was feeling cramped and claustrophobic in our little house. We need more space. After a couple of nights of prayer, I ran to Lowe's one mid-April morning, bought a For Sale By Owner sign and stuck it in the yard. I made up a little flyer and I was ready! So I thought. After only 4 showings and 10 days "on the market" we received an offer for our full asking price and we took it. WHAT?! I honestly thought it would take us at least 3-4 months to sell. 10 DAYS!! Suddenly my head was spinning and there was no more order in my life. We had to pack up and clean out 7 years worth of stuff. Of course I put things off until the very end and was rushing at the end of June to get moved out and moved in to our rental house. We were lucky to find this place. Occupancy rates were at 99% and I was having a hard time finding a place for us to live where we didn't have to change schools and move too far away. A friend of mine from high school got married at about the same time we needed to move. She read my plea on Facebook to anyone who knew of a place to rent out in our current school district. She was moving in with her new husband and was trying to decide whether to sell or rent her house. It worked out for us all and now here we are, a family of 5 in 1100 sq ft. <br />
<br />
But what about the new house? This is where ALL of my stress and frustration lies. I was so naive. I thought it would be so easy. Boy was I wrong. Sure, it would be easy if we went to a builder like everyone else and picked a lot, chose package A, B or C, and wala! The house would be complete. WE decided that we could build the house on our own and get a bigger house for less money and have more room. 3/4 of an acre!! Can you hear the bankers laughing at us? I had no idea the red tape and hoops that we would be jumping through to get this thing going. It has been such a long process. No one tells you what you need to do. It's all been trial and error for us. Just when we think we've got everything they want turned in and filled out, they find another document that they are missing or a step we forgot. I wish they had a check list. I'm good with lists. I make one for myself everyday!! Give me a list of documents and permits that you need and I'll get it to you.<br />
<br />
It's been 4 months since we moved into our rental and we are still waiting. Now, as far as i know, they have everything they need, the loan has been approved and now we are waiting for the appraiser to say we can build the house at the price we have come up with (after a month of chasing down tons of bids). The lady at the bank said we'd know in 3 weeks. It's been a week and a half. SO many times throughout this 4 months I've said, "I'm done." Let's just build or buy a house they easy way. This is too hard!! Luckily, Kevin does not give up that easily and when times are tough, he fights harder. I thank him for that. I wanted to be in my new house by Christmas. I hoping for Easter now.<br />
<br />
The kids have been AWESOME through this whole process. Not one complaint. Not once. I've been the whiny one complaining for 4 months. They share one bedroom. All three of them, 1 boy 2 girls in 1 small bedroom. They have adjusted to the new neighborhood and made lots of new friends. They ride the bus to school and are enjoying our new ward/church family. I have been the exact opposite of them in practically every way. They are such good examples to me and I am SO thankful for them.<br />
<br />
I am hoping to get a real answer in the next week and a half. I am hoping we can take our shovels down to our little piece of land and start digging before Thanksgiving. I will be patient.AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-87648859325864773132010-10-15T22:05:00.000-07:002010-10-15T22:05:38.275-07:00First Field Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUU2Gmtlcji9SY_yfjnUa104H6n978mRlgVGuMbywNovQ3YOxA_tKjiDbbJzer8mP6rRUDj-ZmgQfA3K_2q7yMPJgWqtJFyAxIHXqTXibXDlnlfLcs-wmZ5law2HvM80tXKuOW_dkaWNB/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUU2Gmtlcji9SY_yfjnUa104H6n978mRlgVGuMbywNovQ3YOxA_tKjiDbbJzer8mP6rRUDj-ZmgQfA3K_2q7yMPJgWqtJFyAxIHXqTXibXDlnlfLcs-wmZ5law2HvM80tXKuOW_dkaWNB/s320/001.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />
What?! A post by Amy? Nooooo. Yep. It's true. With the boys away hunting and the girls in bed, what else is there to do? I've been away for a LONG time. I'm not promising an everyday post, but I hope to MAKE the time to hop on here a lot more often. I like it. I miss it. I've enjoyed catching up on all your wonderful posts. I've missed SO much. I have TONS to blog about, but for tonight, I hope you enjoyed a peek at Kelsie's very successful first ever Pre-School Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch.AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-59136020996318096512010-03-02T21:49:00.000-08:002010-03-02T22:40:23.185-08:00Kayla vs the tailgate<div align="justify">*WARNING - This post may not be for those with weak stomachs. There are pictures that may be too much for some people.* </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify">As many of you know, we had a little accident in our home last Wednesday. Gosh, has it really been a week already? Well, it may be a week late, but here is the story of my brave little girl and her trip to the ER.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Last Wednesday was pretty much just like any other Wednesday. Got the kids off to school, ran a few errands with Kelsie, had lunch with Kevin and went home to wait for the kiddos to get home from school on early release day. Our plan for after school was to head over to Lindsay's house to work on some Destination Imagination stuff (That's a whole post in itself for another day). </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">As I was waiting in my kitchen, making sure I had all of my supplies together, I looked at the clock and I knew they should be walking in the door any minute. After a few minutes, I heard a scream. I stopped and listened. I heard Jacob's voice yell, "Mom there is lots of blood!" What?! I ran to the front door an opened it. Standing in front of me was my beautiful six year old daughter with blood streaming down her face. It was like a scene from a horror movie. Literally. There was blood in her eyes in her nose in her mouth, everywhere. I screamed. Jacob screamed. Kelsie stood frightened. What the heck happened?! Did she get hit by a car? Did someone throw a rock at her? Did someone push her down? Did she fall? WHAT?! It finally came to me that I should do something. Jacob and I are the LAST two people you want with you in an emergency situation. We both panic very easily. I get my wits about me enough to run Kayla into the bathroom and bark at Jacob to call his dad. I grab a washcloth and turn on the faucet and try to figure out where the blood is coming from. There is SO much blood!! I never knew how bad head wounds bled until last Wednesday. Jacob comes running into the bathroom and says that Kevin is not answering his phone. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I finally think to ask Jacob what happened. Kayla is really crying this whole time. He proceeds to tell me that they were just walking home together and Kayla decided to start running home when they were near our driveway. She starts running, Jacob stays behind and the next thing he knows she is screaming. She had ran directly into the tailgate from Kevin's truck that had been left down the night before when we were unloading DI stuff from the truck. We NEVER leave the tailgate down. Stupid thing is that I saw it earlier that morning as I was leaving to run my errands and I thought, "Huh, the tailgate is down. We never leave it down." Kevin, too saw it when he was home and thought about closing it but rushed off to work. If only we had listened to those little prompting. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">ANYWAY, I see the 1 1/2 inch long laceration in her forehead. The source of all the blood. We apply pressure to the spot with the wash cloth and clean up the rest of her face. By now I have re-dialed Kevin and he answers. I bark at him to get home asap, we have an emergency. Luckily he was not too far from our house and rushed right home. I take another peak at her forehead. The second I remove the washcloth it starts to gush with blood again and I am shocked as to how wide and deep this laceration really is. Even though my daughter is bleeding, I still have DI on the brain so I call Lindsay to tell her that we will not be coming over, we have had an accident. I don't remember what I said to her, except that I felt really panicked and I was kind of freaking out.</div><br /><div align="justify">Kevin gets home, we hop in my car and we drive to Kadlec's ER. They take her back after about 15 minutes. By this time the blood has stopped, thank goodness, and the nurse is able to REALLY see the gash in her head. Kayla makes a comment about how now she will look like Harry Potter and we all laugh. Typical Kayla. They agree that she will need stitches. They put some lidacain ointment on her and tell us they will be back in 30 minutes. So Kayla took this opportunity to literally chill in the hospital bed. Kick back, remote in her hand, watching Sponge Bob. No worries. Cool and calm, just like her dad. Jake and I are still freaking out about the whole thing. Doctors comes in, Jake and I step out. I hear him tell her he may have to inject a little more numbing medicine. Uh oh. Jake and I take a walk. About 10-15 minutes later we wander back and they are all done. That's it? Yep. Kevin said she just laid there with her hands behind her head. The doctor started stitching and he asked her if it hurt and she said just a little, and he kept going. He did not use any more medication, just the topical ointment. Kayla is a ROCK STAR, she is my hero. She hops off the bed and out the door. We get into the car and start on our way home and she asks, "Can I play with my friends when I get home?" I tell her she may need to lay down and take it easy after all you just got 7 stitches!! We get home and I try to give her some Tylenol and she refuses. She gets bored on the couch and runs off to play. Really?! </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">She is so much like her father in that way. I would have milked it as long as I could have, not her. It was a waste of her time to be laid up for an hour or so.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So there is our story of Kayla vs. the tailgate.<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pp9Ftw0txvKq4JMLo76vuRbwi-9I9Vkbj8PCRaVR5eNfqEm31DOr2KcucjWtmUIjkWIDLFOddRmZgrRhqqwZNXMnfEQDw5YXLNvVKT1FkpeTtpaiZQ_IChBanktvKWZxVKbyxMXqI4CM/s1600-h/030.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444292509583540418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pp9Ftw0txvKq4JMLo76vuRbwi-9I9Vkbj8PCRaVR5eNfqEm31DOr2KcucjWtmUIjkWIDLFOddRmZgrRhqqwZNXMnfEQDw5YXLNvVKT1FkpeTtpaiZQ_IChBanktvKWZxVKbyxMXqI4CM/s400/030.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJpPMtOjZOTOb2_zOZ_YkbIcRRpxqYP9WsZpEBCxQVU3CmWPRy6ZG178iK-pIc_pc_2E_mrfqGozNhUoeVwXh_S5XbEo0drrYMgUKeFU2ox5O1hwMvzOBe_4Z7ohTo4i6BfwC3nZIKSXn/s1600-h/033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444292516455513346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJpPMtOjZOTOb2_zOZ_YkbIcRRpxqYP9WsZpEBCxQVU3CmWPRy6ZG178iK-pIc_pc_2E_mrfqGozNhUoeVwXh_S5XbEo0drrYMgUKeFU2ox5O1hwMvzOBe_4Z7ohTo4i6BfwC3nZIKSXn/s400/033.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkq_RcCULRyAVMsDr_GcBrHO-ySNn-Uf9Gbkg_r2VRZN7P2YCl4m6RmVY414trzyjb2PPPY62Z6hFRpfXrGJt0e4Y2TondYx050lNjzfx0IXMSwEmcMQ5Dk9Al4vOZYk_g7pD-gVoVT-L/s1600-h/032.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444292519362763298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkq_RcCULRyAVMsDr_GcBrHO-ySNn-Uf9Gbkg_r2VRZN7P2YCl4m6RmVY414trzyjb2PPPY62Z6hFRpfXrGJt0e4Y2TondYx050lNjzfx0IXMSwEmcMQ5Dk9Al4vOZYk_g7pD-gVoVT-L/s400/032.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPRfMISQ1hPBjvA1dIqeqdzde_z0hXBGLcrrjyL3WWdiYt1Mp7OeAgmYYg6Kz6xGeAJVpn3R1wsAo3GvFFOuOOxPCNmzfxNVXVdVdoe-XDs3GqkIjgYL75nadTgD66zWpn10Jt5vLuoP8/s1600-h/031.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444292528987998722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPRfMISQ1hPBjvA1dIqeqdzde_z0hXBGLcrrjyL3WWdiYt1Mp7OeAgmYYg6Kz6xGeAJVpn3R1wsAo3GvFFOuOOxPCNmzfxNVXVdVdoe-XDs3GqkIjgYL75nadTgD66zWpn10Jt5vLuoP8/s400/031.jpg" /></a>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-9199177468660937022010-02-02T11:22:00.000-08:002010-02-02T11:36:43.837-08:00SCENTSY 10% OFF SALE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDty167Y-rEKJDFW7wxYNigPf_kygUYD02A8dcMNGfpsuXO15at1JWkF2ZumrFsz4WYldMlVXO8borer7vpRb1WFr_P8wGY41-ZaiVaYWAv2cDbJvZjeHZOU0arC6qjFhoeyVp80jtkjY/s1600-h/10%25+Off+Pic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433732155161514082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDty167Y-rEKJDFW7wxYNigPf_kygUYD02A8dcMNGfpsuXO15at1JWkF2ZumrFsz4WYldMlVXO8borer7vpRb1WFr_P8wGY41-ZaiVaYWAv2cDbJvZjeHZOU0arC6qjFhoeyVp80jtkjY/s400/10%25+Off+Pic.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">ATTENTION SCENTSY FANS!!</span> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">February is the perfect time to STOCK UP on all of your favorite SCENTSY products. To make room for our exciting, NEW Spring/Summer 2010 products, everything in the Fall/Winter 2009 catalog will be offered at a 10% discount for the month of February. (Some exclusions do apply) Check my web site at <a href="http://www.amyo.scentsy.us/">http://www.amyo.scentsy.us/</a> for a list of the current fragrances and warmers that will be DISCONTINUED come March 1. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Call me and let's set up a Scentsy Open House or Basket Party!! They are lots of fun and you can earn FREE product.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Scent of the Month - VANILLA SUEDE - Classic, comforting vanilla combined with rich amber and hints of sandalwood and spice - a cozy and subtly masculine fragrance.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Warmer of the Month - PAWS - Animal lovers everywhere can now express their affection for their furry friends and add beautiful Scentsy fragrance to their homes at the same time.</div>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-79355928804617935942010-01-29T16:54:00.000-08:002010-01-29T17:09:09.481-08:00A Getaway Giveaway!!WOW!! Go <a href="http://www.rachelthurston.com/blog/?p=1860&cpage=2#comment-3415"><span style="color:#cc0000;">here</span></a> or <span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rachelthurston.com">here</a></span> for the most amazing giveaway I have ever seen!! Seriously. Browse around and you'll find some really great work!<br /><br />Have a SUPER GREAT weekend!! Mine has started by getting my butt kicked by Kelsie in Candy Land, making brownies with Jacob, and dancing all around the kitchen to 'FOREVER' with Kayla. Add a movie and some popcorn or a Chiawana Basketball game (we are still undecided) with Kevin and this weekend is off to a SPECTACULAR start!!AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-945070025905486502010-01-13T22:08:00.001-08:002010-01-13T23:00:56.073-08:00So Random<div align="justify">I can't believe it is now the 13th Day of 2010 on this is my first post of the new year. What's up with that? I use to be a devout blogger and blog follower, I am not sure what as happened. I think I need to learn some time management or maybe I have been spending my time on more important things than blogging. Is that possible? Yeah, I think it is. Maybe not as fun but possible. I have numerous things to say, not to anyone in particular, just things I need to jot down for myself, to help me make sense of my thought.<br /><br /></div><ul><li><div align="justify">I have been analyzing myself since the beginning of the new year, maybe a little too much actually. I have some things to work on. I need to be a better friend. I need to just randomly show up and say "Hey, how are ya?" I need to make those phone calls to keep connected and to start getting better connected with those people in my life that uplift me and that I want in my life. I need to serve more.</div></li><li><div align="justify">I feel like I have been such a Debbie Downer lately. I feed off of positive energy and I try to create my own, but there are times, lots of them lately, that no matter what I try there is negativity slapping me in the face. I don't like that at all. I like to smile and laugh and be happy. It takes too much energy to be mad or in a bad mood, but I feel like that cloud is just hanging over me. Hopefully there will be a change in the weather <span style="font-size:78%;">(or a new house built quickly)</span> very soon.</div></li><li><div align="justify">I have been overwhelmed by the amazing women in my ward. They have no idea how much I NEED them. I love seeing each of them on Sundays. I recently was given the new calling of Compassionate Services Leader. I truly thought it was just setting up meals for families who just had new babies born. Boy was I wrong! There is so much more to it than that, and I am loving my new calling. It's keeping me busy, but the love and willingness to serve from the sisters in this ward is seriously overwhelming. If your phone rings and my name shows up on your caller ID and you live in my ward, I will probably be asking you to serve in some capacity, or maybe just to say hi!</div></li><li><div align="justify">I love my kids. They are simply heaven sent angels. When that cloud is raining on me, you can bet that those three can blow it away. With their sparkling eyes, amazing laughter and unconditional love, they let me know why everyday is a good day.</div></li><li><div align="justify">It's in the water. Babies everywhere. From dear little Eva to dashing little Jeremiah and so many more in between, what's a girl to do? I try to love on them and hold them and then give them back. Problem is sometimes I want to take them home with me. Everyone keeps asking me if you are "done" yet. To be honest, I don't know. One thing I do know is everyone tells me to go to the Temple for my answer. I know they are right, but I have a feeling that whatever the answer is I probably won't like it at first. I don't think that I am ready to take this question to the Temple yet.</div></li><li><div align="justify">One word: LAZY. I have been soo lazy so far this year. What is the deal! I despise getting up in the mornings. I am not really a morning person. I have been taking late showers thus starting my day later and later. I don't want to do those little things around the house that I know should get done but don't necessarily need to get done. It's really sad that I get winded just carrying the laundry basket from my bedroom to the laundry room. My body is not happy with me. I am out of shape and a few pounds overweight. I am not happy with me. I feel icky. I don't like running in the cold, winter months. I only run March through September. I can't afford to join a gym, or maybe it's an excuse, I don't know. I have some really great workout DVD's and Yoga DVD's that I really love, but again, I am lazy. To use them would mean to get up early all on my own and actually do them. I need to put on my running shoes and just run. I need to challenge myself again. I need CAMI to say she's gonna pick me up in the morning because that was the only reason I got out of bed at 5:30 in the morning. I want something to train for, something to look forward to. I want to feel like I am gonna puke and my legs to feel like jello from a good run. Did I really just say that? I guess I did. And you know, I think I really mean it.</div></li><li><div align="justify">I think I am going to start being really selective about where I volunteer my time. I feel that I have said yes one too many times and I am spreading myself way too thin. All the things I have going on right now are just about enough. I don't think I will be taking on any other roles for now. I will finish out what I have started and then not replace that hat with a new one.</div></li><li><div align="justify">I need to reconnect with my husband. Can I just say right now I have THE BEST husband ever. He knows me so well. We annoy Ashley when we finish each others thoughts and sentences. The girls love to giggle and point when they see us acting like Troy and Gabriella, their words not mine. But since we have had "roommates" for the past 4 1/2 months, things have changed, not in a bad way, just different. He's a trooper, not many men could deal with the in-laws for that long. Hopefully just a little while longer. I am thinking of taking him away for Valentines Day or maybe his birthday in March. Nothing fancy, just an over night trip, somewhere not too far away. Portland? Idaho somewhere? Spokane? Chelan? Even Tri-Cities? Any suggestions?</div></li></ul><p align="justify">Just a little randomness. </p>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-26415623338173677332009-12-28T15:22:00.000-08:002009-12-28T16:48:14.891-08:00Oh Hear The Angels Voices<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxyxIM536BVSTqCGYqfbbK-2WlDpTXFrhWBBMHRFV4vztm9sImx1XZKWHJV1IUfLf9cwtwfdknDLqD2p4N6' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-27933809227282232712009-12-22T09:27:00.000-08:002009-12-22T09:58:11.751-08:00Random thoughts before Christmas<ul><br /><li>Here we are, three days before Christmas, and I have accomplished a lot, but yet there is so much left to do. Gifts still need wrapped, which means I will probably pull my usual all-nighter on Christmas Eve, and a couple gifts that still need to be purchased.</li><li>We had a Family Meeting last night to discuss our plans for Christmas. We are so blessed to have family very close to us on both sides so the Holidays are always a schedule juggle. Jacob, who is still holding on to the magic of Christmas with his heart even though I think his brain is telling him otherwise, really wants to wake up here, at home, on Christmas morning. We usually juggle Christmas by spending the 24th with my family, spending the night of Christmas Eve at Kevin's parents house, and then waking up Christmas morning with Kevin's family. This all meant that Santa had to come to our house on the night of the 23rd and we would open his gifts Christmas Eve morning. This worked out fine in years past, but this year Jacob is not buying it. So we will be staying home and waiting for Santa to come on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning I am sure will be a mad rush of excitement with opening gifts then quickly getting dressed and ready to drive to Warden for the day, then Moses Lake for the evening, but I am sure that great memories will be made.</li><li>My original plan to spread Christmas cheer with the gift of homemade tamales was a bust. My mom and I could not workout a schedule where we were both home, ALL DAY, on a Saturday to make our yummy gifts. We were both feeling bad that this was not able to be done, so we are hoping that maybe we can get them done as New Years gifts. Until then, we hope some of you will enjoy our treats that we whipped up quickly for you. Merry Christmas!</li><li>I am enjoying having my kids home for break. We spent all day yesterday playing LOTERIA, Mexican Bingo, and we had so much fun. Kelsie is the bingo queen!! She won so many times and she LOVES yelling BINGO when she does win. Lots of giggles and playful bickering and great memories were created on day one - Now on to day two!!</li><li>Ashley is also home from college for break. She is currently asleep on my couch, such is the life of a college student, and I am using her laptop. My whole family is literally HOME for the holidays. My parents and Ashley are patiently waiting for their NEW HOME to be built. It'll be about 90 days, and their new home will be ready for them. They are very excited to pick out all of the fun stuff that comes with building a new home, like carpet and paint and appliances. Jacob's favorite things about this are 1) He'll have his room back and 2) My parents house is being built right around the corner from his two friends CARSON and TYLER. He thinks this is the coolest thing ever.</li><li>Christmas Sunday at church was perfect. All the right words were spoken and the right feelings were present. I was surrounded by sisters who I love and the ones who were not actually in the building, I could feel because of their amazing strength and awesome examples that they are to me. Thank you all.</li></ul>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-90523253526283036672009-12-16T08:58:00.000-08:002009-12-16T11:09:41.859-08:00All I want for Christmas is My FIRST Haircut<div align="justify">Yes, it's true. Kelsie is 3 years old and had her very first haircut ever yesterday. Kelsie is well known for her beautiful, curly hair with ringlets that go on for days. I love her hair - except for every morning that I have to tame her fro from all of the tangles of her bedhead. I should buy stock in the Suave Detangler Spray, but Kelsie is a champ. She sits there everyday and lets me do whatever I want to her hair. Some days I don't hear a peep from her as I am combing out her locks, other days she peeps a lots. I decided in recent weeks that it is time for a knew do for Kelsie. Nothing drastic, just trim off all of her uneven baby hair and update her look. Kelsie, however, was not on board with my plan. She would simply just tell me NO when I would suggest a haircut. Fine. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Last Thursday, Kelsie and I were driving around town on errands and she said to me, out of the blue, "Mommy, it's time for my haircut." Really? I told her that I thought that was a great idea, only problem was she wanted to go RIGHT NOW and that wasn't on my scheduled day. I convinced her to wait a few more days and she agreed. Yesterday, was THE day.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkMwuqlc-CofXgjFnUAED6qpGNZYU86xHrHQ4ATlOohAgTgrlsruViwjfkKiv4-vtBkiAHZYXpgnyU6o-mLMKMUEFDcKe0beYwZt2-l1quw-_N_dxRlf6AgAOMPQ_9nWGAna_LqYRMp6j/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415883244192351890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkMwuqlc-CofXgjFnUAED6qpGNZYU86xHrHQ4ATlOohAgTgrlsruViwjfkKiv4-vtBkiAHZYXpgnyU6o-mLMKMUEFDcKe0beYwZt2-l1quw-_N_dxRlf6AgAOMPQ_9nWGAna_LqYRMp6j/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+001.JPG" /></a>I really wanted to take her to a friend of mine who is a FABULOUS hairstylist, but Kayla had told Kelsie about Monkee Dooz and Kelsie's mind and heart were made up. She was very excited to go there. On the drive there she says to me, "Can we go there later, not right now?" I told her we had to go now because we had an appointment. I could tell she was nervous. This is a picture of Kelsie waiting for her turn. She was happy and smiley. That all changed VERY QUICKLY.<br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qU2rq5uKVqGnCgJ-IiqvvTOHloYvPpcAD6VEyTDQK6aUILVMYsCnxmcWnTc89PV_8d8TPqwq3uNQJT9HV8RwiYgBouZz1cTJOJigk1gqNIy7bVDh7pFjo_zgSMHsCR5tMmxv_R_g7NvO/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415883239369377698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qU2rq5uKVqGnCgJ-IiqvvTOHloYvPpcAD6VEyTDQK6aUILVMYsCnxmcWnTc89PV_8d8TPqwq3uNQJT9HV8RwiYgBouZz1cTJOJigk1gqNIy7bVDh7pFjo_zgSMHsCR5tMmxv_R_g7NvO/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+002.JPG" /></a> Here she is as they are laying her down to get her hair washed. She was so apprehensive and nervous. Her whole body stiffened up and there were no more smiles and giggles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyVbRoYVAMiMxWKzYi4aazLPA2uOgk7K9PWTPxVIS6U3AaZm6mZxaApUyoKQGdLcBE85cHiRG80RdF_Xzws1Pvwj84Empc5vSl_V2TeGGVzkuJhaLlXe7naU55Atz8M8k6VJoA3s340ck/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415883235678799570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyVbRoYVAMiMxWKzYi4aazLPA2uOgk7K9PWTPxVIS6U3AaZm6mZxaApUyoKQGdLcBE85cHiRG80RdF_Xzws1Pvwj84Empc5vSl_V2TeGGVzkuJhaLlXe7naU55Atz8M8k6VJoA3s340ck/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+004.JPG" /></a> They asked her what kind of shampoo she wanted. Chocolate, Raspberry, Orange, Blueberry, Coconut, Bubblegum, WOW! No response from Kelsie. She would not speak. She would only shake her head yes or no at me. She chose Raspberry.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqElKKRKAM0Wvx8EqSRyZYrXv6KMphB4HJwThZljdC2Z1TvQuLdT-ocb6N79gp8UGSj1O9Cy69LA9GsgKyMZ3fSK_3UFspXvzdtn8-G51E6xTcSn4l0L2ZrO8ZOys2RTUE_mUmuckQ4Rv/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882997030859826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqElKKRKAM0Wvx8EqSRyZYrXv6KMphB4HJwThZljdC2Z1TvQuLdT-ocb6N79gp8UGSj1O9Cy69LA9GsgKyMZ3fSK_3UFspXvzdtn8-G51E6xTcSn4l0L2ZrO8ZOys2RTUE_mUmuckQ4Rv/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+005.JPG" /></a><br />She was happy when that was over, but still no smiles or any reactions at all. Stiff and still.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP3A9vX2YYORtkaSQk7MU3pgoJkFz3SbHNeYZZQR1-y2xTabewluuzDL8fpoPcrShZNnQH3Ty8JWD3djO9rZscyVrJ29yOhHXA8JNCJpUKmZG6G1cnflxTbGY0sXHdlqSbY6phGitwzU0/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882993834804018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP3A9vX2YYORtkaSQk7MU3pgoJkFz3SbHNeYZZQR1-y2xTabewluuzDL8fpoPcrShZNnQH3Ty8JWD3djO9rZscyVrJ29yOhHXA8JNCJpUKmZG6G1cnflxTbGY0sXHdlqSbY6phGitwzU0/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+006.JPG" /></a> She was pretty excited about the Barbie Jeep she got to sit in. She really liked the penguins on the cape she was wearing. Isn't she so cute, even with no emotion.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32AXWnGdK8XfM0vF6FNschMCNIHxaF1Fe6kFapzG-gU1gBDuZ1-ayreo_dKOf0e_-05K_Qz1-HsFhAAsydJhWr8WgDOJ4pxlRl9ZofXYMZM3HvRXSmlyacnNgOsiFCoYVngRlREnMFdMK/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882986070901074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32AXWnGdK8XfM0vF6FNschMCNIHxaF1Fe6kFapzG-gU1gBDuZ1-ayreo_dKOf0e_-05K_Qz1-HsFhAAsydJhWr8WgDOJ4pxlRl9ZofXYMZM3HvRXSmlyacnNgOsiFCoYVngRlREnMFdMK/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+008.JPG" /></a> These WERE her beautiful curls. It was SO long. It stretched right down to the top of her bum. I was sad and excited both. When the hairstylist asked me how short I wanted it I asked her to go to her shoulder blades. She informed me that would be about SIX INCHES!! WHAT!? That kinda freaked me out so I changed my mind. How about 3 inches. Sounds good.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbig25lVtyZkCkqIf6vQ21ssZnQ856bk_e6N55HF8BiKX3qHP4NiMtQqeUOkFQ9d0v7WAlIdV5IIz6NJb63qsyP3imlEuSaWF3OSl8xFBths4WmuGhEySfPBaSsSSiTWGAFtlkLNCZXKV/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882980258533250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbig25lVtyZkCkqIf6vQ21ssZnQ856bk_e6N55HF8BiKX3qHP4NiMtQqeUOkFQ9d0v7WAlIdV5IIz6NJb63qsyP3imlEuSaWF3OSl8xFBths4WmuGhEySfPBaSsSSiTWGAFtlkLNCZXKV/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+010.JPG" /></a><br />This was the first snip, getting rid of her baby hair. ((TEAR))<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR935UEJ77MPM9CMZEy9IH7n-C9jBy2fi4iQ2Oh6Hnug_oDOjjsZF02H7EdfL3uJMsG3v1VFRivPHRXkqTYB_SqlrO-roNcwMkic4ghZB9ETmXuQCuAGhUtHKkypeq5ashiP_V4H-5VRQO/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882972063279458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR935UEJ77MPM9CMZEy9IH7n-C9jBy2fi4iQ2Oh6Hnug_oDOjjsZF02H7EdfL3uJMsG3v1VFRivPHRXkqTYB_SqlrO-roNcwMkic4ghZB9ETmXuQCuAGhUtHKkypeq5ashiP_V4H-5VRQO/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+011.JPG" /></a> Here, I am holding 3 inches of curl and showing it to Kelsie. She obviously is NOT amused.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjds-F42tOX_30tiRi__BnPCRLG3QCyQ6imaCAvvmrgyEt7fB71glZbM7XQdkfABa31C4tPZH6eVmPNtEwvSiy8MQU_OooyR9mdHIC_Z5bstov9vAi7nSKt29Nv6y3Cpu4Rmq_EDeAph9BK/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882550761956306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjds-F42tOX_30tiRi__BnPCRLG3QCyQ6imaCAvvmrgyEt7fB71glZbM7XQdkfABa31C4tPZH6eVmPNtEwvSiy8MQU_OooyR9mdHIC_Z5bstov9vAi7nSKt29Nv6y3Cpu4Rmq_EDeAph9BK/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+012.JPG" /></a><br />I asked for a little bit of layers to give her a little bit of volume.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie12yGAKknT9k2fKMJurrGE5dTRfb0yixQuL_k-3jI8P4AL2JpTkisY2f6ZNnEkZTJEpSjKA8Qdbo7bHWROm2TSCELAFtxna314PMjZpX5P2b-vlZqJULT_PT3lLyMV3aYzs1KuBBuxFrO/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882538914160274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie12yGAKknT9k2fKMJurrGE5dTRfb0yixQuL_k-3jI8P4AL2JpTkisY2f6ZNnEkZTJEpSjKA8Qdbo7bHWROm2TSCELAFtxna314PMjZpX5P2b-vlZqJULT_PT3lLyMV3aYzs1KuBBuxFrO/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+015.JPG" /></a> Remember, this was Kelsie's idea and she looks like someone just broke her heart.</div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZl4NhTvSHdXeUeO4VsxwKvY_yCC7U_gSGeoHelDegpmXFkd-tqkgiWVFYEBPtnLLDtpcncyFHW3zaCt6ulGaxScVPnHMR2GZFPicPllnwf99nYbD4nfEiGqUW5EDL9zZ-4t-l0OAW3qW-/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882533168050546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZl4NhTvSHdXeUeO4VsxwKvY_yCC7U_gSGeoHelDegpmXFkd-tqkgiWVFYEBPtnLLDtpcncyFHW3zaCt6ulGaxScVPnHMR2GZFPicPllnwf99nYbD4nfEiGqUW5EDL9zZ-4t-l0OAW3qW-/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+016.JPG" /></a> I wonder what she is thinking here? My little baby, growing up right before my eyes.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDejIYSMOLc6BL0UCGNcG2WAnWyIPvPqgICjg34XxQIMq6VhZSOgl2Q-9VwjWMk6IOfO-DUUFY_RvrgvdmddPZe933jGTsvgAnsSJlfeezAFoQg8IcAXqdKRCk7IWrZFzEImXfN63DBIVW/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882527072378114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDejIYSMOLc6BL0UCGNcG2WAnWyIPvPqgICjg34XxQIMq6VhZSOgl2Q-9VwjWMk6IOfO-DUUFY_RvrgvdmddPZe933jGTsvgAnsSJlfeezAFoQg8IcAXqdKRCk7IWrZFzEImXfN63DBIVW/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+020.JPG" /></a> TADA!!! This is the finished result. I told you it was nothing drastic, but it was enough for Kelsie and me, too. She still has some curl left, but I fear, the more haircuts she gets, the more curl we cut off and then I will not have those long beautiful ringlets anymore. It's pretty much growing in wavy, not curly.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxjBEieO6JyYwAyUofNk0ayXl3cPD7Z-C0myGLHhM6y7Ob5yPhIT5_DMO1J2E9T0bHZksENCTA6XRjxjgaRlQuqZ2MjSDq23U8EJ3Y6P_vqVRexWt9A8zFO5CW2y2DPyHr3ejd_1QbVow/s1600-h/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415882518504014450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxjBEieO6JyYwAyUofNk0ayXl3cPD7Z-C0myGLHhM6y7Ob5yPhIT5_DMO1J2E9T0bHZksENCTA6XRjxjgaRlQuqZ2MjSDq23U8EJ3Y6P_vqVRexWt9A8zFO5CW2y2DPyHr3ejd_1QbVow/s320/Kelsie's+1st+Haircut+021.JPG" /></a> They finished her off with a cute Topsy-tail and some sparkles, but not even those would make her smile. Don't you just LOVE that face!! Of course, after we left and met daddy for lunch, she was all smiles and giggles again. She told everyone about her FUN haircut. Her version of the story is a little different than what I witnessed, but that was her take on it I guess. She did admit to Kayla that it was a little scary but then she said she can't wait to do it again. Not for a long while Kelsie. She was flipping her hair around all night long, it was so cute to watch. I hope now that combing and styling her hair everyday won't be such a chore for either one of us. <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-13217648989139791492009-12-15T08:24:00.000-08:002009-12-15T08:40:02.407-08:00Feelin' The Love<div align="justify"><span><span>I am totally loving this Christmas Season. New babies, friendly faces and my children who teach me everyday what the true reason for Christmas is. After running some Christmas errands yesterday, I came home to find THREE plates of goodies that were left by some of the best friends I could ever ask for. I was speechless. Let me tell you my friends can BAKE!! They were all so yummy. NO! I did not eat them all, I just sampled a little from each plate:) It also reminded me that I need to get started on my goody giving! Time is running out!<br /><br />While going from store to store, I encountered TONS of really nice and friendly people out there. In fact, I don't think anyone was rude or unfriendly at all. This really shocked me because I can usually count on coming home with some story about how rude or impolite someone was to me or someone else while I was in town, not this year, so far.<br /><br />Lovin' the weather. Yeah, it's been frigid, but it's winter, it's suppose to be cold. We are very happy about the tiny bit of snow we have so far and hope to get lots more. Call me crazy, but I am looking forward to the kids being out of school next week and hope to get some good play time in the snow in.<br /><br />All in all, this winter ROCKS so far!!</span></span></div>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-74120467190360543292009-12-11T17:30:00.000-08:002009-12-11T17:33:33.247-08:00Twilight - Mormon StyleThanks SO much to <a href="http://4bsinapod.blogspot.com/">HEATHER</a> for posting this video. ENJOY!!<br /><br /><object width="400" height="200"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8009598&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8009598&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="200"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/8009598">Twilight Years</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2751266">Tom</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-20724891452818255242009-12-03T09:20:00.000-08:002009-12-03T10:13:20.779-08:00Can you FEEL IT?<div align="justify">I can, and I really needed to. I'm talking about Christmas and the wonderful spirit and feeling that it brings with it. After Thanksgiving, none of us could wait to get out our Christmas decor and spread it through out the house. There was only one problem - The Tree. For the past three years we have used an artificial tree and it worked out just fine. Some people have very strong feelings of fake vs. real, but for me it's always kind of been whatever is easiest for that year. Our little artificial tree has been great and served it's purpose and was beautiful every year. This year however, I needed something more, and I KNEW it started with the tree. I know that this year I need to feel ALL of the spirit of Christmas, the real Christmas not the commercial one. We headed out to the local nursery on RD 68 as a family in search of the PERFECT tree for us. We each had an idea of what we wanted. Kelsie even took a picture form an ad in Sunday's paper to make sure we got the right one. The man at the nursery was so nice and helpful and I could tell that he knew how important this was to all of us. He showed us the different trees on the lot and each one was either too small, too big, had a bald spot, too skinny. It was cute to watch the kids walk from tree to tree and form their opinion, Kelsie with her picture in hand comparing each one. It took all of about 20 minutes, and there it was. Everyone ooooed and awwwed because we had found our tree. It was so exciting! We loaded it up in the truck and took her home. Once we got home we found that our perfect tree fit perfectly in our front window and it was time to start the trimming of the tree. One small problem - NO LIGHTS. You see, our artificial tree came pre-lit so we had no lights for our tree. Kevin and I run off to Wal-Mart and found lights and a new tree topper, rushed home and then started the decorating. We had such a good time! Kelsie was just so giddy and giggly I couldn't help but smile the entire night. My mom helped me find the right spots to display Christmas splendor throughout the house. It was great! Since Monday, I have loved the feeling in our home, I hope it lasts all of December and well into the new year. I love it all!<br /></div><ul><li>Christmas music playing 24/7 in the house and car. There is no way you can feel anything but happy when you have Christmas music playing. Love it!</li><li>Frosty, cold weather that makes you break out the gloves, hats and scarves. I even had to scrape my windshield before taking Kayla to school this morning - and I enjoyed it!!</li><li>Singing Christmas Hymns in church on Sunday. I can't sing, and I try not too sing too loud on any normal Sunday, but this month I will sing out loud, so I apologize in advance to any of you sitting within earshot of me.</li><li>Kelsie woke up the morning after we decorated the house and saw me putting the tubs away and screamed in protest because she thought I was going to put everything away. I assured her I wasn't and she was okay. Every morning she runs into the front room to check on the tree.</li><li>Whether it is politically correct or not, I will be wishing everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS.</li><li>The SCENT of Christmas. Cinnamon, evergreens, peppermint. It also helps that I have all of my Scentsy warmers going and it smells oh so amazing in here!! If you need some, come visit me, I have a few on hand.</li><li>Baking! Good thing I lost a little weight before now because I am pretty sure it's all coming back. My mom and I have decided to make tamales as a Christmas treat for ourselves and for those friends that we love.</li><li>Basketball. Yes, I said basketball. I absolutely LOVE to watch a good college basketball game with my husband and it all starts in December. Last nights Zags victory over WSU had Kevin beaming!! We think WSU is great, as long as they are not playing against Gonzaga. Kevin is a die hard Zags fan and has been for years and years.</li><li>We've scaled back on the gifts this year and we are very happy about it. The kids are on board with our plans for service and giving and we have been feeling that little something extra in our hearts. </li><li>I am going to try and be more Christlike. Be forgiving and patient. For me, this is a challenge, after all I am still human and a very stubborn one. I am trying to love those who offend me and try not to let other people bring me down. I choose to love and be happy.</li></ul><p>I hope you feel that same thing in the air that I do. It fills up my heart and makes me smile.</p>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-57072497977838305802009-11-11T11:31:00.000-08:002009-11-11T14:36:12.941-08:00Veterans Day<div align="justify">Yesterday, many of the local schools held Veterans Day assemblies. As I knew would happen eventually, having kids in two different schools, the two schools we attend had their assemblies at the same time. Because Jacob was participating in the assembly at his school I had to tell Miss Kayla that I would not be coming to her assembly, she was not happy but she understood.<br /><br />Jacob and the rest of his 3rd grade class gave a presentation about Veterans Day and why we celebrate it, and he was also asked to be part of the Color Guard along with all the other Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts in the 3rd grade. He was very excited to have the opportunity to do this at school. He got dressed for school in his Cub Scout uniform and rode the bus to school while Kelsie, Grandpa JR and I drove to the school and met him there.<br /><br />I was very excited to go to the assembly and watch Jacob and all of his friends be part of the Color Guard. I was a proud mama with my camera in hand and I was just so excited to hear his part of the presentation and watch him do his part. That's all I was there for, that was the only thing on my mind.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSMAkTEVZygxcAdlcIojNNCelDW4JqLb_DJbn1VN34fNStDWtC_UB1EVH1xTccrP532HM2DZKXpEbH5gMDrupYdFvDr5-hhrfwHV62__j_0PZMxl82cyOqUnQXgTKhbpKmc6CrajOgJJy/s1600-h/Vets+Assembly+09+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402931577414696690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSMAkTEVZygxcAdlcIojNNCelDW4JqLb_DJbn1VN34fNStDWtC_UB1EVH1xTccrP532HM2DZKXpEbH5gMDrupYdFvDr5-hhrfwHV62__j_0PZMxl82cyOqUnQXgTKhbpKmc6CrajOgJJy/s320/Vets+Assembly+09+004.JPG" /><br /><p align="justify"></a></p>This is a picture of Jacob and his classmates and fellow Cub Scouts before the assembly. Aren't they so cute!! We are very fortunate to be in a class that consist of mostly boys who happen to have a lot of things in common. This is a great group of boys.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxAWBt34Z7AV0KKBEYhYofRwG0QoV-7EFBoSnPxtHxnGxmlj7IxATY1tEhIQXFdXDR9370HcZtUwFzHz42z1wsJrTH9qsriR_8BhkKK0Xjy6FFYKVb7p_NWcrOK8XXda6r52fUvSYsvwD/s1600-h/Vets+Assembly+09+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402931580732149218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxAWBt34Z7AV0KKBEYhYofRwG0QoV-7EFBoSnPxtHxnGxmlj7IxATY1tEhIQXFdXDR9370HcZtUwFzHz42z1wsJrTH9qsriR_8BhkKK0Xjy6FFYKVb7p_NWcrOK8XXda6r52fUvSYsvwD/s320/Vets+Assembly+09+005.JPG" /><br /><p align="center"></a></p><br />Here, their teacher was lining them up and making sure that they all knew what they were suppose to do.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEZAbekx-PZGwzU91L6Af5hNMdWRfZTd-sjrMluVpIx4APDxMEEBXnCDVXwo6uj2b9xV3n2ANXJM9d7OEW8WC4P7fwoJRYxpEjxbxCadHDaMuMPe1zuLyPrAFQMy1mQtnfBUgwClkTKMB/s1600-h/Vets+Assembly+09+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402931583765189250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEZAbekx-PZGwzU91L6Af5hNMdWRfZTd-sjrMluVpIx4APDxMEEBXnCDVXwo6uj2b9xV3n2ANXJM9d7OEW8WC4P7fwoJRYxpEjxbxCadHDaMuMPe1zuLyPrAFQMy1mQtnfBUgwClkTKMB/s320/Vets+Assembly+09+007.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-8tLyjCphXPRJF1szWpcP6hBDioKHS4JcrGi_roTtaEwT-q6wUqYq9Beu_s6012FQwnjqY0f6v0aPXQZ7zxExib3PO1O6s4s96otJkhJcJQGOaHGsEGZ89qfAD-iT121IVGbo9SG58h3/s1600-h/Vets+Assembly+09+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402931587204487858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-8tLyjCphXPRJF1szWpcP6hBDioKHS4JcrGi_roTtaEwT-q6wUqYq9Beu_s6012FQwnjqY0f6v0aPXQZ7zxExib3PO1O6s4s96otJkhJcJQGOaHGsEGZ89qfAD-iT121IVGbo9SG58h3/s320/Vets+Assembly+09+009.JPG" /></a><br />I love a man in Uniform!!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD8lWalTXjSZuv2obTbVgxVGdtgK3X8lKVeYUG9XVFgljx58yNvtRmTu_Ioz584PvoQsTZtCTUw6SabezPuJUfb_pAtnKoUrR3KyDIvs2CyGhXZ3i9816rzOAb0L77hLp526rSWawOU9i/s1600-h/Vets+Assembly+09+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402931591984333506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD8lWalTXjSZuv2obTbVgxVGdtgK3X8lKVeYUG9XVFgljx58yNvtRmTu_Ioz584PvoQsTZtCTUw6SabezPuJUfb_pAtnKoUrR3KyDIvs2CyGhXZ3i9816rzOAb0L77hLp526rSWawOU9i/s320/Vets+Assembly+09+015.JPG" /></a> Here, Jacob is waiting his turn for his part of the presentation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfPl5ZIlMzuQP6okHhyphenhyphen5SfXEv_rUDOTJb1PIJAtgwdpuTkv2HR-WpQAPOTISFM0Ute0E9Wu65IG4cAIGhenxsis49_fmAQDM_gLPbUM4Npa6gfIjgka2PDAKxthrjRwdFVfr87bNOwKEZ/s1600-h/Vets+Assembly+09+019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402932032114386194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfPl5ZIlMzuQP6okHhyphenhyphen5SfXEv_rUDOTJb1PIJAtgwdpuTkv2HR-WpQAPOTISFM0Ute0E9Wu65IG4cAIGhenxsis49_fmAQDM_gLPbUM4Npa6gfIjgka2PDAKxthrjRwdFVfr87bNOwKEZ/s320/Vets+Assembly+09+019.JPG" /></a><br />He said his part very well. He was afraid he would forget what he was suppose to say.<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5JsFX7G2gKamgq78LloH4yV9SuLZxZ32XHp9Qn7SsHSIyPXz2l8QjAqCoOKvwf4S-C2bCn_f8TG8lsswEg9ISU5vTG0sV0B1oQluNvOjLNB9Uc4xFvRwyJGlPYIHW8ZbZBowZtuSecS2/s1600-h/Vets+Assembly+09+022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402932035894744578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5JsFX7G2gKamgq78LloH4yV9SuLZxZ32XHp9Qn7SsHSIyPXz2l8QjAqCoOKvwf4S-C2bCn_f8TG8lsswEg9ISU5vTG0sV0B1oQluNvOjLNB9Uc4xFvRwyJGlPYIHW8ZbZBowZtuSecS2/s320/Vets+Assembly+09+022.JPG" /></a> A strange thing happened during the assembly. I forgot that the ONLY reason I went was to watch my son take part and take some pictures. I forgot that the reason he was participating in this assembly was in honor of Veterans Day and all of the brave men and women who make our way of life possible for us. I was quickly reminded. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">At the start of the assembly, before the color guard came in, they had the guests of honor all walk in. They were invited there by the children of the school, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, aunts, uncles & friends. As they walked in we all stood and clapped. As they filed in some of them were overwhelmed and began to cry, then I started to get teary eyed. The school put on a wonderful assembly. The guests of honor all introduced themselves and the child who invited them there. It was very touching to hear each one of them speak. One of the grandfathers even presented his granddaughter with his Purple Heart, it was very moving. I instantly thought, why did I not ask Jacob's grandpa Ed and Uncle Nick to come as guests? Why did I not submit the photo of our dear friend Jeremiah who was killed in Iraq a month before his 21st birthday or Jacob's Great Grandpa Cox. I think it was because I was too busy being a proud mama and forgot to be a proud American Citizen. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The assembly continued with an invited young Marine telling his story. You have to remember this was a gym full of children grades K-5, and every one of them was completely respectful and captivated by our guest speaker. I was moved to tears, luckily I wasn't the only one. After the speaker, the children sang some beautiful patriotic songs as they played a slide show. The pictures and images in the slide show of both past and present Veterans and scenes of war completely touched me and reminded me of why I was there. It wasn't just to take pictures of my handsome son in his uniform, it was to honor ans respect all of the brave men and women who fight our our freedom and liberty. They closed the slide show singing Lee Greenwood's <em>Proud to Be an American</em>. That song gets me every time. I saw so many children and parents moved to tears. There was a feeling of American Pride and unity in the gym. It was awesome. I am thankful to have gone to that assembly and to be reminded of why I have the opportunity to have my some attend a public school and he a part of the Cub Scouts and worship religiously as we know is true. Next year I will remember why I am really attending the assembly and make sure to invite those that deserve to be honored for their service.</div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw5b8qkFdvtsEshkgduKozbXFGymJlf-D2iDCg0-DVQdmwb8BOeuMVVXDtbV9drZmqTLBlWLMdHc9cPyoKIXSBKCH7AchhmVgaUkBxeaZXmMmf2zm6WdJUkgwzAi1SUryD5rS6rVQBvkX/s1600-h/Vets+Assembly+09+023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402932039295995058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw5b8qkFdvtsEshkgduKozbXFGymJlf-D2iDCg0-DVQdmwb8BOeuMVVXDtbV9drZmqTLBlWLMdHc9cPyoKIXSBKCH7AchhmVgaUkBxeaZXmMmf2zm6WdJUkgwzAi1SUryD5rS6rVQBvkX/s320/Vets+Assembly+09+023.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>When the kids got home from school, we talked about the assembly and they both thought of them. Kayla said her assembly was so awesome. I wasn't there, but for a first grader to come home and say that, it must have been great. Jacob said to me, "Mom, that assembly made me want to be a Marine." I paused for a long time. I wasn't sure how to respond. As his mother I am thinking are you crazy!! No way!! As a proud American I am thinking, thank you. I just simply said, "Well talk about when you are older and if you still feel that way, we will talk about it some more."</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Today at 11:00 Jacob made sure that we took 2 minutes to pause and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. It was a great lesson to me that this was something that he had learned and felt very strongly about. Again, back to being a proud mama.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Thank you to all the men and women who serve so bravely for our country.</div><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Jeremiah W. Schmunk</span><br /></span><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7woorIjuAPp9QILiH97GvSKc1sQ2OsZVlHjjUD3KwzifyJnvn9Y3Ea7WW-Jv9aR3_IEGhtGwhOC7vhnG_dd5iz6ijOIG6Fvsh1RvcMprRU7kJVUJ3K66GtO0U3yL_GQPHmGVO-2KjMQD/s1600-h/jeremiahschmunk01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402944777624948402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7woorIjuAPp9QILiH97GvSKc1sQ2OsZVlHjjUD3KwzifyJnvn9Y3Ea7WW-Jv9aR3_IEGhtGwhOC7vhnG_dd5iz6ijOIG6Fvsh1RvcMprRU7kJVUJ3K66GtO0U3yL_GQPHmGVO-2KjMQD/s400/jeremiahschmunk01.jpg" /></a>1983-2004<br />Branch of Military:Army<br />Rank:Spc.<br />Unit: Company C, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry<br />Unit's Base: Moses Lake, Wash.<br /><a href="http://www.timeofremembrance.org/schmunk.aspx">http://www.timeofremembrance.org/schmunk.aspx</a><br /></p>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-59066631420483693392009-11-04T17:49:00.000-08:002009-11-04T18:04:55.470-08:00Peanut Jelly & Butter<div align="center">Like Father, like daughter.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FmYrMAxrQQP0EPu3q8vnnwR0yHuVU1ia6o83bFH6TGa8540pTc_RgeTVSSCfDmqRWCGHjqRWuIcDmUbT2NsAIfXAjw81qMgYV7MeWd_PUoEEA2VLAlCxHk0LTfcDSRpNhDNc8gNwZTDL/s1600-h/232.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400432747130330802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FmYrMAxrQQP0EPu3q8vnnwR0yHuVU1ia6o83bFH6TGa8540pTc_RgeTVSSCfDmqRWCGHjqRWuIcDmUbT2NsAIfXAjw81qMgYV7MeWd_PUoEEA2VLAlCxHk0LTfcDSRpNhDNc8gNwZTDL/s400/232.JPG" /></a><br />Kevin's favorite and only meal as a child was good ol' PB&J.<br /><br />This little apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, she just renamed it. It's not Peanut Butter and Jelly, it's Peanut JELLY & Butter. And she WILL let you know.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAHkS99ksiR5U2BFBZ3MIrGy84CAcsEccJ5HfjVakLACBqQ-JxSIE48cuRH7H04VX2hmIptNKsvXnu3EL2FrRGzFWWWhpXEbOraLZIXFxEGhXGFJ6hlIAhQVLAHogtXCDvNa-JgU4E_WE/s1600-h/231.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400432750502265170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAHkS99ksiR5U2BFBZ3MIrGy84CAcsEccJ5HfjVakLACBqQ-JxSIE48cuRH7H04VX2hmIptNKsvXnu3EL2FrRGzFWWWhpXEbOraLZIXFxEGhXGFJ6hlIAhQVLAHogtXCDvNa-JgU4E_WE/s400/231.JPG" /></a><br />Anytime of day or night, this is her request. Only now, she wants to make it "my ownself".<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZvbVVVM4h46bJ0a0X1QgwgGOyLg70gzW4_SpZ_HZwtPq1Vn-2f8PAVQygUO9bFGcVAngncjXl3twKjPe9gq0LOc92fTBg2xKXMLiVqRjeTycJL5hoxESpzWkRlAbz5z6j49fE8dBO_w_/s1600-h/233.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400432753643902562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZvbVVVM4h46bJ0a0X1QgwgGOyLg70gzW4_SpZ_HZwtPq1Vn-2f8PAVQygUO9bFGcVAngncjXl3twKjPe9gq0LOc92fTBg2xKXMLiVqRjeTycJL5hoxESpzWkRlAbz5z6j49fE8dBO_w_/s400/233.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>Don't worry, it's just a butter knife. I think she licks more off of the butter knife than actually gets on the bread. Kevin says he has NEVER tasted a PB&J so good as when Kelsie makes them. </p>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7378909053870487609.post-57941349150370984052009-11-02T16:25:00.000-08:002009-11-02T16:27:16.078-08:00Holloween 2009 - Olson Style<embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" src="http://widget-d7.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=216172782134479831&site=widget-d7.slide.com"></embed> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; WIDTH: 400px"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=216172782134479831&map=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-d7.slide.com/p1/216172782134479831/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=216172782134479831&map=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-d7.slide.com/p2/216172782134479831/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=216172782134479831&map=F" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://widget-d7.slide.com/p4/216172782134479831/bb_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" /></a></div>AOlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216822282415319496noreply@blogger.com5