The Ol' Sons & Daughters

2 Years Ago

2012-01-12T21:13:00.004-07:00

Two years ago today my brother, Jim, passed away. He was just 49. This picture was taken the day before he died. Elder Robert D. Hales from the Quorum of the 12 came to visit him and give his family blessings of peace and comfort. He has taught us what "ministering" means. He continues to call my sister-in-law to ask about her family, even though he is very sick himself. Jim died of stomach cancer. My younger brother, Brent, who is also 49, is now suffering with stomach cancer. Sometimes it's very difficult to understand God's plan, but my family never ceases to amaze me with their faith. I am so thankful for my family and the love we share. I am also very thankful for The Comforter in our times of sorrow and pain.

Some of the Unflattering Moments in 2011...

2012-01-02T16:03:00.026-07:00

Don't feel left out if we didn't include any of your pics. Consider yourself lucky!

thankful.

2011-11-25T18:26:00.002-07:00

Today I am thankful for

6 children and their spouses
13 healthy grandchildren
faith that helps us through difficult times
my body which, although imperfect, seems pretty perfect right now
peace that the Comforter wraps us in
covenants that seal families together forever
my guy. what a great one he is.

What are you thankful for?

White Fence

2011-09-04T21:40:00.010-06:00

We drove up to Idaho yesterday to visit Grandma and Grandpa Olson.

We scraped down this fence....

and turned it into this beauty!

Lee replaced a sprinkler valve....

and literally dug himself into a hole in the process!

It must have been nearly 5 feet deep! But this man of mine can do anything!

Lars & Aubony & Girls

2011-09-04T21:13:00.007-06:00

We had a great (but short) visit with Lars, Aubony and the girls this past week.

Some of the highlights...

Isabelle, age 3 1/2 (well, almost 4)

Sophie, age 5 1/2

Erika, age 9

Haylee, age 10 1/2.... well, almost 11 (she's growing up!)

We enjoyed visiting Temple Square.

They enjoyed Grandma's "hot tub."

Cute family! Thanks for coming to visit us. We love you!

Spencer, Karen and Boys

2011-08-18T18:58:00.002-06:00

We had a great visit with Spencer, Karen and boys. Here we are visiting the Golden Spike Museum in Promontory, Utah. The steam engine train demonstration was very cool! The house is once again quiet as they left to go back home today. Thanks for coming out!!!

Brent's Quilt

2011-08-09T08:48:00.002-06:00

Here's the quilt we made for my brother, Brent, who will have his stomach removed on Thursday. Sounds drastic, right? Well it will be life saving for him. My other brother, Jim, died 18 months ago from stomach cancer. They both have the same congenital disease. If Jim's had been diagnosed sooner he would be alive today. What a tender mercy that Brent's was diagnosed so early. He is going into this surgery with a sense of humor, so we put some funny things on his quilt. Like a block by Karen that reads, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Have one now, here he comes!" and one by me that reads, "I may not have a colon but I am still full of crap!" since he had his colon removed years ago. We love you, Brent!

Staub Family Visit

2011-07-30T21:51:00.007-06:00

Now that's what I call a cake! Thanks, Jenn!

Love this little family. Thanks for visiting us from TX!

Happy 1st Birthday to Cody and Happy 30th to Kate on the same day.

My beautiful baby girl.

The Force of Mother Nature

2011-07-02T21:40:00.006-06:00

A powerful tornado hit LaCrosse, WI just one month before Evan and Chelsea moved there. Here are some pictures of the destruction one month later. We are so thankful they hadn't moved there yet, but feel bad for the destruction the residents endured. You can see that their place needs a new roof still, as it is missing shingles. But the apartment complex just across the street was a total loss.

Chicago.... then Wisconsin

2011-07-02T21:30:00.006-06:00

You can see the shingles that are missing from their roof from the tornado. The grassless areas of the yard used to have trees that were sucked up by the tornado. Their neighborhood was a flurry of activity while we were helping them move in, with workers putting on new roofs, new siding, removing debris and tree stumps and getting things raked out to plant new grass.

You're Gettin' a Lil' Seester!

2011-06-09T20:52:00.003-06:00

Hey Camden, you're gonna be gettin' a lil' seester purty soon! (Do I sound like Casey?) Anyway, we're purty excited that the family "curse" has been broken. I hate to call it a curse, cuz we love all our grand chillins and it sounds like we don't when we call it a curse. But it sure has been strange that none of our kids to this point in time have both BOYS and GIRLS, but just one or the other. Happy!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

2011-06-09T20:47:00.001-06:00

Trip to Colorado

2011-06-08T09:43:00.006-06:00

Another Trip to Guatemala

2011-05-11T21:50:00.000-06:00

Working on future missionaries at the Tio Juan Clinic, built by the LDS Church, the LDS Academy of Dentists, and the local Dental School.

Stuffed animals for the children.

They use their heads more than we do!

Before:

After:

Knitted caps made by a 16 year old young woman from Utah.

Lee comforts a young patient.

The crowds.

Our police escort.

Our hotel.

The lines for x-rays at a 6-stake Future Missionary Conference.

Screening a future missionary.

Another great trip!

Happy Birthday, Cammy!

2011-03-15T19:14:00.001-06:00

Our Camry reached 100k the other day. What a good car!

We love her. Happy Birthday Cammy!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T21:36:00.026-07:00

So nice to have some of our family come stay with us for Christmas.
Missed the others so much!

Here's Camden and Emmy.. .so cute, don't you think?

They love each other.

Camden enjoying his favorite new toy.

Emmy is so excited for her new Disney figurines.

Lukas helps Camden learn the noises a car makes.

Lukas making his favorite face, just because he knew I was taking pictures.

Evan getting some much needed R&R.

Evan plotting his rankings for residencies.

So lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa Olson come!

(Isn't she cute?)

Meeting Emmy for the first time...

and Camden for the first time...

We had fun baking and making,

like dipping chocolates...

Chelsea finished her 1st quilt. Yay! It was so pretty.

and duct tape bows. Yes, you heard me correct.

and learning how to crochet hats....

Emmy so proud of her skills....

Finished projects...

(Sorry we didn't get a picture of us with Camden. Maybe next time?)

Can I Just Say...

2010-12-18T20:51:00.002-07:00

Can I just say that it's harder to move out of state after having lived somewhere for 31 years?

Can I just say that?

Can I just say that I miss my grandchildren?

Can I just say that this place doesn't quite feel like home yet, even with a Christmas tree and presents underneath?

Can I just say that it doesn't feel like it will be Christmas in one week?

Can I just say that?

But can I just say that I still recognize that, for some reason, not completely understood, we still know that we made the right decision in moving.

But it's been hard.

Tomato Soup

2010-11-02T20:54:00.003-06:00

(Grandpa taught Caleb how to do "thumbs up!")

Spencer's Pumpkins!

2010-11-02T20:52:00.001-06:00

What did YOU eat for breakfast?

2010-10-25T07:52:00.003-06:00

Luscious, no?

GERMAN PANCAKES

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Place 2 Tbsp. butter in 9x13 pan

(Place in oven while preheating, but watch to make sure it doesn't burn)

Mix in blender:

6 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

Pour into hot pan

Bake for 20 minutes

Serve with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of powdered sugar for good looks, whipped cream, nuts, or just plain butter and maple syrup.

Ahhh, this is livin'!

Ethan, the 3-year old Photographer

2010-10-24T20:39:00.005-06:00

Whew!

That's my boy!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-24T20:28:00.002-06:00

Spencer's garden is amazing and he grew about 30 pumpkins this year. The boys chose two of the littlest to carve.

Olive Garden Saturday with the Fam

2010-10-24T20:24:00.001-06:00

We don't have a home in Co anymore so we have to find other ways to get the family together. Aww, I miss these little girls.

Slumber Party!

2010-10-24T20:20:00.002-06:00

Our "home away from home" is a king-sized bed in Spencer and Karen's unfinished basement. Last night we had a slumber party with all of Lars and Aub's girls, too. They all woke up at the crack of dawn this morning and came down to wake us up.

Precious

2010-10-22T21:18:00.001-06:00

We hope he survives his brother's lovin'!

A Bunch of Nerds

2010-10-22T21:07:00.001-06:00

But I love 'em!

Great Grandma Olson

2010-10-22T21:01:00.001-06:00

We had such a nice visit last week. Love this woman!

Welcome, Landon!

2010-10-10T19:35:00.005-06:00

Congratulations to Spencer and Karen for their

newest addition to the family! This is
the first picture he sent to us, telling us it was

his "8 pound 6oz. baby."

But then he sent this picture, and we are

thankful it was actually a cute little

baby boy person instead of a huge carrot.

We can't wait to meet Landon!

Sisters & Mom Road Trip!

2010-10-03T20:42:00.021-06:00

Highlights: Beautiful corn fields of Nebraska & Iowa, Low tire pressure in the thunderstorms, Slumber parties & squeezing 5 into 2 beds, Chick flicks, Botanical gardens in Champaign, Picnics in the park, Chicago deep dish pizza, Blue Man Group, Boat rides, Valet Parking, Fabulous tour guides from Evan & Chelsea, Emmy's ABC's, Shopping along the Magnificent Mile, Chicago's all-night sirens, Ear plugs, Nauvoo Temple session, Laughing & Crying.... Can't believe it's over.

I love my mom and sisters!

Guatemala #6

2010-09-16T07:50:00.020-06:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
I'm going to let these pictures talk.

It was hot!

Guatemala sinkhole that collapsed in July.

We didn't get too close to the edge.

My twin... same hairdos.

Sistas!

2010-08-29T22:08:00.000-06:00

Sista time! (missed you Aub & Kat!)

Generations

2010-08-29T20:56:00.002-06:00

How Much Do You Love Ice Cream?

2010-08-29T20:12:00.003-06:00

This much?

Willard Bay Fun!

2010-08-29T19:12:00.005-06:00

Missing Her Daddy...

2010-08-29T19:10:00.003-06:00

Emmy's recent visit to Utah
She was inseparable with Lukie.
Must be missing her daddy.

JAWS!

2010-08-29T19:04:00.001-06:00

Open wide!

I like to look for rainbows

2010-08-29T18:48:00.002-06:00

I like to look for rainbows
Whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty
Of an earth made clean again
I want my life to be as clean
As earth right after rain
I want to be the best I can
And live with God again

I know when I am baptized
My wrongs are washed away
And I can be forgiven
And improve myself each day
I want my life to be as clean
As earth right after rain
I want to be the best I can
And live with God again

Erika, we are so proud of your decision to be baptized!

2nd Sons

2010-08-29T18:43:00.003-06:00

Caleb is the 2nd son,
of a 2nd son (Spencer)
of a 2nd son (Lee)
of a 2nd son (Ralph)

Cody Ody Bun Bun Toots

2010-08-08T22:37:00.010-06:00

3 Boy Club

2010-07-26T22:39:00.001-06:00

Dad and his brothers started a "Three Boy Club" when they were young.
Here's another Three Boy Club.

8 is Great

2010-07-26T22:31:00.002-06:00

This is a special birthday for a special girl--
Happy Birthday Erika!

30 Years Ago Today...

2010-07-15T13:23:00.002-06:00

30 years ago today an angel was born into our family and we named him Benjamin Stewart Olson. He was born with a rare congenital heart defect, and only lived for 14 days. I have since talked to two other women who gave birth to sons with the same defect, and their boys only lived for hours, not days. Benjamin was a fighter. What a joy it was to have a healthy baby girl born to us one year later, almost to the day. And another great joy to have her name her 2nd son Benjamin.

Benjamin, we love and miss you. You will always be a part of our family throughout the eternities.

Self-Portrait

2010-06-10T16:34:00.009-06:00

A few weeks ago when we were in Dallas we spent some time with Logan at his school. Posted in the hallway outside his classroom were these self-portraits. We were amused, somewhat, by Logan's picture and wondered if this is a big, gigantic smile or if he secretly wants to smoke cigars.

But as we looked at the others, we decided that his looked pretty good!
Not sure how healthy this girl's self-image is....

Hmmm.... things are getting a bit scarier.

Stella, Stella, Stella, what were you thinking?

And Steven.... well, we won't even comment.

This Family Changed Our Lives

2010-05-27T18:09:00.006-06:00

This is a picture of the family that helped us find answers to prayers. After my brother's death, Lee and I made 8 trips to Utah/Idaho in a short 9 weeks time. At one point Lee said, "We really need to move to Utah." I was surprised at this comment, but we decided that we needed to pray about it. We fasted, prayed, and spent time in the Celestial Room of the temple pondering what to do. Our conclusion: Yes, we need to move to Utah... but not for awhile. After all, with this market it would be terribly difficult to sell our home. And Lee would need to retire and sell the dental practice. Too much to even think about.

One day I was talking to my friend, LaVon, and she told me that our area was getting a new seminary teacher. I started thinking about it, and wondered if they were going to look for a home. I called the current seminary teacher, Bro. Diamond, and told him, in confidence, that we were considering a move to Utah to be closer to aging parents. I told him that I had heard we were getting a new seminary teacher, and was wondering if they might be looking to buy a home. He told me that the Church really wanted them to live in the seminary home. I said that if things changed, and they wanted to come look at our home, we would be willing to show it to them.

One morning I was getting ready for the day, when I had a distinct impression that the new seminary teacher was in town and that they were going to come look at our home. I cleaned up the house in preparation of something that seemed an impossibility. Then the phone rang. It was Bro. Diamond. He said, "Remember that thing we talked about in confidence a few weeks ago? Well they are in town and they want to buy a home. Can they come look at yours, right now?" I said, calmly, "Sure. Come on over." The house was clean, I was ready for them.

I showed them the house, inside and out. They didn't say much, but then we sat down to talk. Bro. Carwin said, "Without even talking to my wife about this I can tell that she loves your house and we want to buy it." I was slightly shocked. I asked if they had looked at other homes, to which he replied "No, we have an appointment tomorrow with our Realtor to look at homes we have searched out on the Internet." I really thought that they would change their minds after seeing other homes, and I told them so. I said, "If you are still interested tomorrow after you look at homes, give us a call and we can talk. Here are some other parts of the conversation:

Carwins: When could you be moved out?
Me: We hadn't planned on moving out until fall, but I suppose we could be out as early as end of June.
Carwins: Very interesting, we need to be in by July.

Carwins: How much are you asking?
Me: I have no idea. We haven't even talked to a Realtor yet. But we are thinking $____.
Carwins: Very interesting, we have been pre-approved for that very amount.

Carwins: How many kids do you have?
Me: 5 boys and 1 girl
Carwins: Wow! That's exactly what we have!

Carwins: What is your Primary like?
Me: Pretty small. I am the chorister.
Carwins (Mindi) Very interesting, I am the chorister, too!

I gave them our garage code and told them that if they wanted to come look at the house again while we were at the temple the next day they could. They met with their Realtor, and she showed them about 8 homes. She could tell they were less than enthusiastic about any of them. She was a bit confused, but then they explained that they had already seen the home that they were supposed to buy. One that wasn't even listed on the market. They brought her over and they showed her the house, as though it were theirs. Our home was the home they wanted to buy.

When we came home from the temple we were surprised to get a phone call asking if they could come over right away. They explained the situation and said their only hesitation was "kicking us out before we were ready." They said that they wanted to continue in the "tradition of raising a righteous family in the home where we raised a righteous family." We were in awe. It was truly a spiritual confirmation that it was time for us to move on.

The next day they came over with their Realtor and gave us a contract offering the full asking price for our home. We accepted, then packed up our bags and drove to Utah to find a home there. We had been looking at homes on the Internet, and even once with a Realtor, so we knew immediately which home we liked best. We put an offer on it, and have a contract on a newer home in Perry, Utah. The half-way mark between my mother in SLC and Lee's parents in Downey, ID. One bonus is that we will be within a mile or 2 from my sister, Karen, and her family.

On Lee's birthday he received a "letter of intent" to purchase the dental practice from his associate, Dr. Sheeks. We are excited about retirement, and the possibilities it gives us to serve our families, travel to visit loved ones, and serve missions for the Church in the future.

All of these events seem quite miraculous to us. We see the Lord's hand in our lives and in these decisions. We no longer are walking by faith, but we have a sure knowledge that this is what the Lord's plan is for us. We don't really understand all the "whys" but we know it is right. It will be difficult for us to leave after spending the past 30 years here, and most especially with children who are settling here. But we hope that with the added time that retirement will give that we will be able to travel more and develop close relationships with all of our grandchildren, even those far away.

We close on our Broomfield home on June 11th and our Perry home on June 18th, and will be completely moved out by June 23rd.

It will be bittersweet, but life is good.

My Guy

2010-05-25T16:25:00.002-06:00

This is my guy. He's been mine for almost 35 years now. He's still mine and I'm still his. Today is his birthday. He's getting kinda old, so we won't say how many years he's been around, but I'll give you a hint. He's not 26. Although he was 26 when we met. And I was just a baby of 18. I wasn't even smart enough to know that I was getting a really great man when I married him. Was I lucky? Was I blessed? I think a little of both. Well, a lot of both. He can do just about anything... well I guess he can't sing or dance, but he can fix just about anything. He has good advice to give people because he is wise. He is unselfish. He is hard working. He wants to dedicate his life to serving people. He loves Jesus Christ. He cares little about what people think of him, but what he doesn't realize is how highly people do think of him. He is just great. And I love him. Happy Birthday, Lee!

Our 5th Guatemala Dental Mission Trip

2010-05-17T23:31:00.002-06:00

We enjoyed another wonderful trip to Guatemala! It's good to be home and we are once again counting our blessings. Here are some highlights of our trip.

Wes came along as our translator. He was fabulous! We even had him giving fluoride varnishes. Wes didn't realize that the cotton rolls are for extractions, however, and not to be placed in the patient's nose.

He was also our educator, teaching the children how to use a toothbrush and brush their teeth. Ah, er, aw, well... maybe he wasn't the best suited to this assignment. (just kidding, Oreos do that to the best of us! He kept us all laughing and in good spirits!)

For 2 days we treated less-fortunate church members in Quezaltenango. The stake president pre-screened and sent those needing the most work. This family lost their mother a few months ago in a car crash. We gave these sisters rag dolls made by a new Beehive in our ward, Jolie Crowther. They loved the dolls!

This 13 year old was in severe need of dental work. Her front top teeth were badly abscessed, as the pictures show. Our procedures would be life changing for her. Without any care, she would lose all her front teeth, and her self-esteem would change for the rest of her life.

She received dental work from all three of the dentists, scalings, sealants, root canals, and restorative work that saved her teeth and will have a great impact on her life.

She was so happy, she was cried when she looked in the mirror.

A team effort!

Her mother lost her husband in December. He was drunk and passed out in the gutter, face down where he drowned. Alcohol destroys so many lives in this country.

She sobbed when she saw the finished results.

Culturally many Guatemalans are self-conscious about their teeth and it is very common to see them cover their smile with a rag, like this girl.

She bawled and bawled, until we gave her this doll.

Did I mention it was steamy?

A common sight. Most of the kids we treat will never see another dentist throughout their lifetime.

Logan sneaked one of his toys in his dad's suitcase to share with the children. This boy chose the toy and loved it.

The local t.v. station came to the school where we were working and did a news story on our visit. Since everyone else was busy treating patients, Wes got to be interviewed and was on t.v. We never saw the story, so we have no idea what he said to the reporters!

These two siblings are twins. Aren't they beautiful children?

Another wonderful trip!

Clinic at the Orphanage

2010-05-17T23:29:00.002-06:00

We spent the last day working in a brand new, state of the art dental clinic that is connected to an all-girl orphanage. The clinic was built by funds from the LDS Church, The LDS Academy of Dentists, and the local university. The clinic only treats missionaries, prospective missionaries and the orphans. They also treat orphans from a nearby all-boy orphanage.

It was so nice to have power, air conditioning, sterilization, and all the other luxuries we sometimes are without.

We treated this group of prospective missionaries who left at 3:00 in the morning for the 3 1/2 hour drive to the clinic.

This young man had his mission papers complete and Lee signed them off after his work was completed. He will change the lives of many by his ability to serve a full-time mission, including his own.

Our Texas Kids

2010-05-17T21:11:00.008-06:00

We spent a week in Dallas after our trip to Guatemala to visit with Kate, Wes and family. We enjoyed visiting Logan's school and eating lunch with him. We watched him in the computer lab and were impressed with the level of thinking that they expect from kindergarten children. He has an impressive teacher who speaks to the children as if they are adults. For Example:
Classmate: Dr. Berry, can I please go to the bathroom?
Dr. Berry: I wish you would go empty your waste in a calm fashion.

Here's Logan being silly...

and Benny being silly, too...

Kate and I enjoyed getting pedicures. What a treat it was for me especially after spending a week on my feet in hot, steamy Guatemala!

Here's Kate at her doctor appointment. She is measuring right on target for her July 26th due date. Yes, that's right. She has 2 more months!

Everyone keeps asking to see pics of her belly. Well here it is! Do you think little baby Cody can keep growing for 2 more months without her exploding?!

Even with her hair blowing in the Texas wind it looks cute, doncha think? The humidity isn't as kind to my hair. I couldn't do a thing with it, either in Guatemala or Dallas. I am glad to be back home to dry, Colorado where it stays the same way I style it from morning until bed.

Guatemala, Round 5

2010-04-29T21:43:00.004-06:00

We leave for Guatemala in 2 days. I wonder what adventures this trip will have in store for us? I hope we don't bring any big bugs home with us. Or experience any food poisoning. Or dog bites. Wes is coming with us to be our educator/translator. We are excited to have him coming along, and hope Kate gets along okay with the boys while he is gone. Stay tuned for future posts....

The $4.00 Difference

2010-04-11T17:30:00.006-06:00

We remodeled 3 years ago, and Lee removed this wood burning stove from our fireplace. It didn't look this bad when we took it out, but it was a heavy beast! Not sure how he even pulled it out of the house by himself, but he was too proud and independent to ask for help. But there it sat, on the patio for 3 years, collecting dust, rusting, the cord disintegrated in the elements. Now that I am ready for it to go, I just want it gone. So I called around, trying to find someone who would haul it off. I would even be willing to pay someone to have it gone. But no, Lee thinks we can sell it. Sell this piece of rusted junk? I say, "No way!"

He looks through his stash of electronics, cords and what not and finds a perfectly good cord. Replaces the old one, goes to Home Depot and buys a $4.00 can of Rustoleum High Heat paint, and I go to town painting.

Okay, now I think we may be able to sell this beast! I posted it on Craigslist and had 4 interested buyers within minutes. Someone is coming to take a looksy tomorrow. We may be saying good bye to the beast... turned beauty! What a difference $4.00 can make.

Birthday, Smirthday

2010-04-07T19:46:00.005-06:00

I just celebrated another birthday yesterday, but here is one of my earlier ones!

Out of the Vaults

2010-04-05T21:27:00.004-06:00

Jim, Brent, cousin Joann

Louise, Peggy, Karen
Probably taken in 1958

Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T20:44:00.013-06:00

Spring Break means slumber party at Grandma's house! I had all four of the girls spend the night on Wednesday. The next day I took them with me to deliver my Meals on Wheels route. That was a lovely service opportunity for the girls and I think it opened their eyes and helped them feel the spirit of service. Then the boys came over and we made rice krispie Easter eggs, dipped in melted chocolate and sprinkles. It was a mess! But lots of fun! We moved the fun to the backyard and had an Easter egg hunt... over and over again. The kids had a blast and so did Grandma! We wish all the grandchildren lived closer so they could all be together.

As you can see, there was a lot of double dipping going on!

Happy Birthday Emmy!

2010-03-28T00:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to our special little Emmy! Emmy is a lucky girl to have a mother who takes such good care of her. They go on walks/runs, to the beach, the zoo, and museums. She reads to her and has a library of books that would make anyone envious. She is learning to go potty like a big girl, which makes her daddy especially proud. Emmy is now TWO and we love and miss her so much! Happy Birthday Emmy!

Taters!

2010-03-27T10:35:00.003-06:00

Okay folks, this picture is just to let you know what may happen when you make 6 road trips in 8 weeks. I know, ewww, gross!

Still Doesn't Seem Real...

2010-03-20T20:12:00.003-06:00

Visited my brother's graveside last week. It still doesn't seem real. I miss him so much and have difficult moments regularly where I fall apart. Just trying to find peace through Jesus Christ and His great gifts to mankind.

Camden's Baby Blessing

2010-03-18T19:21:00.012-06:00

We went to Utah last weekend for Camden's baby blessing. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. What a sweet little baby he is. He is so good natured and is really spoiling his parents. They are going to think that all babies are this good! We think he's pretty cute, too!

I Got a Little Behind...

2010-03-08T09:38:00.007-07:00

I must admit it, I got a little behind. And by little I mean a lot! I got behind in posting birthday tributes to my wonderful family due to 5 trips to Utah in 7 weeks! So I will try to play catch up, and hope these wonderful people don't feel too forgotten. They are all loved and appreciated very much.

Lars: January 15th
Aubony: January 17th

Logan: January 30th

Sophie: March 6th

Happy Belated Birthdays to you all!
(Lame post, I know.)

5 + 5 = 10

2010-02-10T21:04:00.012-07:00

We were blessed with our tenth grandchild today, Camden Christian Olson, born to Luke and Casey at 7:28 this morning! He was born nearly 2 weeks early, and weighed 6 # 5 oz and was 19" long. They are so happy to have him in their lives and we can't wait to meet him. We now have 5 grandsons and 5 granddaughters. We feel so blessed.

Good Bye Jim.

2010-01-18T20:52:00.030-07:00

My brother, Jim, age 49, passed away last Tuesday after a 6 week battle with stomach cancer. He died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children, his mother and 5 siblings. We sang hymns to him in the minutes preceding his death. It was a spiritual experience I shall never forget. Jim was courageous and fought a good fight. He testified in his last days of the importance of attending the temple. He had made a goal to go every week during the 2 years of his son's mission, and now we will have to help him achieve that goal. He also testified of the importance of loving those around you, then loving them a little bit more. He inspired hundreds to live a better life. Jim, we love you lots and will miss you so much!

Jim takes control of one thing he can take control of and shaves his head before chemo takes his hair.

Jeremy shaves his head in support of his father.

All the siblings gather round his hospital bed at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Hospice transporting him home.

Grandma sits by his bedside untiringly; he calls her his "angel mother." He is wrapped up in the quilt I made from him from Grandpa's jumpsuit fabric.

His missionary son arrives home from Mexico to say his good byes. In his 5 days back home he was able to have one day visiting with his father in a completely lucid state of mind, received counsel from Apostle Hales at their home, stood at his father's bedside while he passed away the next day, helped make funeral arrangements the following day, spoke at the funeral the next day, and flew back to his mission the last day. The timing was really quite miraculous.

Jeremy and Daniel paying their respects to their father. Ryan's worn baby quilt hangs on the casket, as well as the new one made from Grandpa's jumpsuits, and the "ugly quilt" made by Grandma that Jim loved.

Saying good bye is difficult.

Graveside Dedication.

The "Family Tree"

Two of My Favorite Women!

2010-01-06T21:25:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday to Grandma Olson! Here she is in a picture with Kate on Kate's graduation from nursing school. Grandma has set a wonderful example for us Olson women. She is unselfish beyond measure and serves others at the expense of her own needs. She is patient, loving and kind. She is a shoulder for many people to cry on because she is such a good listener. She is a wonderful cook, and fine musician and pianist. She is patriotic, loves her country and her God and her family. AND WE LOVE HER!!! Happy Birthday Grandma!

Slumber Partay!

2010-01-04T21:10:00.015-07:00

SLUMBER PARTY! Need I say more? They were all very good girls and we had a great time. Let's do it again soon, ok?

Wow, He's Getting Old!

2010-01-03T13:18:00.007-07:00

When Spencer was a little boy he hated to smile for the camera. He ruined many a family portrait because he was either looking down or sulking. I finally started giving him ultimatums like "If you don't smile for the picture, Santa Claus won't bring you any presents." I was a terrible mother, I know, but it worked. Now Spencer has no trouble smiling for the camera, in fact, he loves it, as these pictures clearly illustrate. Happy Birthday to our goofy 31 year old man-child.

No Pictures But This is Still a Blog Entry....

2009-12-20T10:05:00.004-07:00

I keep thinking I need to post something on this blog, but I keep thinking "I don't have any pictures ready to post." Well, this blog entry just aint gonna have a picture. So there, booyah!

Got this idea from a friend's blog today (thanks Hayley, you always inspire me)

Highlights and Lowlights of my Christmas season so far:

High - Pulling out my Willow Tree nativity set
Low - Setting up the tree, taking it down in anger because I couldn't find the decorations, Lee finding them, me saying, "It's too late!" then two days later, buying a new tree at Wal-Mart for $35.00 and setting one up afterall. I'm such a brat.
High - Getting Christmas goodies from friends
Low - Eating them all before Christmas
High - Listening to my new Andrea Bocelli Christmas CD all day long.... I mean ALL day long
Low - Practicing with the ward choir for the program today. Will it come off?
High - Working in the temple yesterday and seeing so many beautiful brides walk into their sealing rooms to be married for time and all eternity
Low - Wondering why I decided to make last minute gifts that I will never get finished
High - Deciding not to bake Christmas goodies, thus adding to the stress of the season
Low - Finding out my brother has stage 4 stomach cancer
High - Realizing the Comforter is real and helping his family be courageous and strong and comforted. What an amazing attitude he has.
High - I love my family.
High - I love my husband.
High - I love Jesus and His gospel.
High - I am richly blessed.

Thanksgiving in Chicago

2009-12-09T20:13:00.019-07:00

We had a wonderful trip to Chicago for Thanksgiving and were able to get reacquainted with little Emmy Brook. We weren't sure if she would be terrified of us or just how she would respond to us, so we were pleasantly surprised when she seemed happy to see us and was so cute and loving towards us. What a little cutie pie! Evan and Chelsea showed us a great time. Chelsea is a wonderful cook and made us some wonderful meals. Her Thanksgiving dinner was gourmet! I enjoyed running in the "Turkey Trot" 8k race with Chelsea on Thanksgiving morning. It was soooo cold and rainy, but we survived. Chelsea came in 9th of all the women with a time of 32 minutes, and I reached my goal by running the race in 58 minutes. We had fun shopping on Black Friday on the "Miracle Mile" on Michigan Avenue, pushing our way through the throngs of shoppers. What fun we had! Thanks Ev and Chelsea for taking good care of us!

Charming picture, I know, but when you are getting ready to run 5 miles in the rain you really don't care about how you look. I borrowed Evan's nylon pants because I didn't want to run in the rain in my sweat pants. They were big and baggy, but kept me dry. It was about 32 degrees that morning. Brrr! I'm glad I was wearing more than Chelsea was, but she warmed up fast once the race began and she could run like lightening!

We rode the ferris wheel at Navy Pier. The view was spectacular!

Emmy is not sure what to think about the ferris wheel ride.

Chelsea snapping pictures atop the ferris wheel.

If you look closely at this picture you will see Evan carrying Emmy as they approach their apartment at 40 East Oak Street, which is, by the way, right next door to Prada. Their street was all lit up for the holidays. It was much more beautiful than the picture shows.

Lee and Evan: Northwestern Alumni (or soon to be for Evan!)

Emmy feeding her new baby doll.

How's this for a gourmet Thanksgiving meal!

If you tell Emmy to not put her fingers in her nose, where do you think she puts them? Right! Here's a cute video of her dancing... and putting her fingers in her nose.

Paging, Mr. Wesley Marvin Staub, Mr. Wesley Marvin Staub

2009-11-09T18:32:00.006-07:00

Here's a tribute to the best fisherman in the family! I think even Lars would agree to that. We are so thankful to have this man in the family. He is the only male in-law and I tease him that he will always be my favorite son-in-law, which obviously doesn't say very much given the fact that I have but one daughter. But he is a hard worker and has a great vision for the future of his family, spiritually as well as temporally. His wife says he is the best father and husband on the planet, and she wouldn't lie! These are a few things that I know Wes loves:

A good game of golf

A nice fishing trip

Backpacking with his Colorado brothers-in-law

Trips to the lakehouse with his Texas boys

Pride and Prejudice

His little red flute

Wearing his wife's slippers (and his mother-in-laws, for that matter)

(Wow, I just remembered the night that he borrowed my pink pajama bottoms....)

Wrestling his boys until they cry like girls

Midnight fridge raids

BB at the gym

Fixing things around the house

Actually, there is one thing in the above list that he doesn't like. See if you can guess which one it is?

Happy Birthday, Wes! We love you!

Ethan is Three!

2009-11-08T21:57:00.006-07:00

Spencer: Ethan, you aren't very excited for your birthday, are you?
Ethan: Yes I am Daddy, I am big, big excited!
(The second picture tells all!)
Ethan is another little pistol in the family. He makes us tired just watching his endless energy! He has a funny way of expressing himself and cracks us up all the time with his humor.
Ethan, we love you! Happy birthday!

Disgusting and Gross....

2009-11-06T14:36:00.007-07:00

I am trying to eat a nice vegan meal (salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, shitake & sesame vinaigrette dressing, along with a nice warm bowl of butternut squash soup). The problem is this - the missionaries are cooking meat downstairs and the smell is rising and contaminating the smell of my vegan kitchen. This is disgusting and gross.

Happy Birthday, Big Ben!

2009-11-02T20:07:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday to our big boy Benny! He is 3 today! He may look innocent enough in this picture (which was taken at the Children's Museum in the vet room) but he is a pistol! If I had a nickel for every time his mommy called me and said, "You won't believe what Ben did today?!" I would have me a nice roll of nickels! But he is also such a sweetie and he loves his mommy and is always connected to her at the hip. He knows how to spell his entire name and is a little smartie in his preschool class. In the nursery at church he is the oldest and when he talks to the nursery teachers he mimics the younger children and talks like a baby to be like them. Benny, you are a little firecracker and we love you! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Haylee!

2009-10-29T23:45:00.004-06:00

It's hard to believe that our oldest granddaughter is 9 years old. I will never forget where I was when I first found out I was a grandmother. - Little America, Wyoming! I was driving madly to get to Utah to be on the scene when Haylee made her appearance into the world, but she just couldn't wait for Grandma and she was born 4 hours or so before I got there. Her great grandma Jean and great-grandpa Stewart were, however, there, along with her mom and dad, of course. Haylee is such a smart, kind girl and is growing into a lovely young lady. Haylee, you will always be my original Twink!

Happy Birthday, Haylee! We love you so much!

Out of the Vaults

2009-10-25T22:08:00.003-06:00

You would think I would be posting a Halloween picture from the vaults, but when I saw this, I decided it was the picture of the week - Easter 1959, I am guessing? From left to right, Peggy, Louise, Karen, Linda. My sisters. I love 'em!

Children's Artwork is Universal

2009-10-20T16:04:00.002-06:00

It amazes me that children draw houses with 4 walls, a roof, a door and 2 windows no matter where they live. I took these pictures of drawings that hung on the walls of the schools in the remote mountain villages of Guatemala.... where houses look nothing like our houses.

Happy Birthday, Izzy!

2009-10-11T19:09:00.009-06:00

Isabelle Marie Olson came into our lives 2 years ago today! She was one sick little baby with an enlarged heart and low oxygenation. She was a big baby, so she looked healthy compared to the other infants in the NICU. She was on oxygen for several weeks and had home health care nurses come check on her regularly. Thanks to her mommy's loving care and Heavenly Father's goodness

she wasn't sick for long.

She is now a very happy, active, healthy and smart little 2 year old! She is such a pleasant little girl. Whenever you ask her anything, she answers in a sweet little voice, "uh huh."

In a family that started out so dominated by boys, we are thankful to have one family full of beautiful girls! Happy Birthday, Isabelle! We love you!

Laundry Day

2009-09-15T12:37:00.008-06:00

We visited an orphanage where a new dental clinic is being built to serve the needs of the orphans in the area. The girls washed their laundry, then hung the clothes to dry. Since there wasn't room on the rack for all the laundry, they would lay them out on the ground to dry.

This little orphan was supposed to be folding her clothes, but entertained us instead with her headstands.

Awhile later we noticed that she had fallen asleep on the ground.

She must have been so tired. A few minutes after I took this picture, an older girl came over and yanked her awake, telling her to finish her chores. She picked up her pile of clothes, crying, and went inside to her room. I wanted to scoop her up and take her home.

The Children (ahhh...)

2009-09-15T12:19:00.008-06:00

More of Our Adventures

2009-09-15T11:55:00.004-06:00

Gassing up before hitting the roads. The drivers are crazy here! Ours drove 90 mph on the paved, divided roads, even with our supplies (and us!) loaded up in back. I was a nervous wreck!

On these unpaved, rocky roads we went much slower. But it was a much bumpier road. Our bums were sore the next day, just in time to pile in the back of the truck and do it all over again.

Lee loved it.

I pretended to.

I've Always Had a Shoe Fetish

2009-09-14T22:40:00.007-06:00

Shoes have always fascinated me. Maybe that's why I took pictures of our patient's shoes. But then again, maybe not.

Guatemala

2009-09-14T20:45:00.000-06:00

The day after our arrival in Guatemala we loaded up our dental chairs, portable units, compressors and supplies and made the 4 hour drive to Chiqimula. We had a police escort, which gave us some comfort since we were to be driving through some unsafe areas where kidnappings and robberies take place.

We spent the first day seeing patients at the hospital in Chiquimula. We worked with a local dentist who is only allowed to pull one tooth per day/patient, no matter how many teeth are abscessed. (Don't you love socialized medicine?) Because he was taking the week off to work with us, we treated his patients for him before starting our week long mission in the remote mountain villages. We were able to remove as many teeth as needed to be removed, but because of the long lines of people, we weren't able to do any restorations this day. Our goal for the day was to aleviate pain.

The hospital was filled to capacity due to immense sickness in the area. We were told that we were to put on face masks as soon as we entered the hospital and not remove them until we left for the day. With the extreme heat and humidity (90+ degrees with 90% humidity) our glasses would fog up and seeing became quite difficult. We were quite drenched in our own sweat each day.

Sunday evening Lee did the final dental work in our room for this prospective missionary. Lee is signing his mission papers in this photo.

Dental Enigmas

2009-09-14T20:03:00.007-06:00

We saw dental enigmas that we would never see in the States.

This little boy's teeth were all rotted away. Lee had to remove the decayed roots.

Our Bags Are Packed .....We're Ready to Go

2009-08-30T20:04:00.007-06:00

We are going to Guatemala, again! This will be our 4th trip and we are so honored to have been asked to participate again. Especially considering that we know very little Spanish. It really is a huge disadvantage for us to use translators and not be able to put the patients at ease ourselves by speaking their language. But we do the best we can and apparently it is good enough. President Hinckley always said, "Do you best," and that is a good motto to live by. So stay tuned for so more amazing stories and pictures in the upcoming weeks....

Willpower

2009-08-18T22:12:00.004-06:00

I got up this morning and decided I needed to get control of my life again. "NO MORE SUGAR" I said to myself. At least for one day. So I mustered up all my willpower and decided to cut out anything that had sugar in it. Just for one day. It doesn't sound hard, does it? Well, let me tell you how difficult my day was. I have never had such cravings. It was IMPOSSIBLE! My drug of choice is chocolate. So I finally quit ignoring all those little voices in my head and grabbed me a nice Dove Promises chocolate piece. My fingers were shaking as I opened up the foil, and I was hyperventilating as I put the silky treasure into my mouth. Then I smoothed out the foil wrapper and read the little "Promise" fortune that was made specifically for me, today....

Darn it! That's just what I was trying to do!

Well, tomorrow is another day.

How Low Would You Go?

2009-08-10T13:45:00.005-06:00

So I was sweeping the kitchen floor the other day when I found a chocolate chip under the couch. I reached down to pick it up, and promptly put it into my mouth. "Wow, that was pretty disgusting," I thought to myself. "I actually ate that chocolate chip that had been resting in dust bunnies for who knows how long?!"

Then I remembered the old Seinfeld episode where George eats a chocolate eclair that he picks up out of the trash can, and if I am not mistaken it already has a bite taken out of it. Now that's pretty low!

How low would you go?

Happy (belated) Birthday, Erika!

2009-08-06T20:14:00.012-06:00

Due to the technical problems we have been having lately with computers I am very late in posting a birthday tribute to our sweet little Erika Aspyn Olson who turned 7 on July 25th. She has always held a special place in my heart because I tended her for nearly 2 1/2 years when she was just a baby and I watched her grow up.

Here are some words that describe Erika:

Beautiful

Tender-hearted

Loving

Quiet

Helpful

Smart

What words would you add to my list?

Let's Try Again...

2009-08-06T19:59:00.005-06:00

I posted a couple of weeks ago for Luke's birthday, but I was having major computer problems and had just lots all my photos on the one computer. Well, guess what folks? We are still having major computer problems... the laptop won't even turn on now. Oh well. But I still have some fun pictures to share with you of Lukas. You see, he has always loved photoshop, and you can probably tell by the pictures that I am posting below. Despite the red, veiny eyes, the yellow teeth and acne, the unibrow, he turned into quite the handsome young man afterall. Lukas is smart, funny, and probably the kindest person you will ever meet. He is mellow, easy-going, a peace maker. We love you Lukas and hope your birthday was wonderful.

(I thought I had a better picture of you than this, but I am at Dad's office making this post and this is the best I can do right now. If Casey emails me a better picture soon!! I can update this post and put a nicer photo of you on it! hehe)

Happy Birthday Lukas!

2009-07-20T18:07:00.003-06:00

I know this is a bare post, but I lost everything on my computer today. Everything. All my pictures, including the ones of the family, our Guatemala trips, my friends, everything. I am thinking of that commercial where the parents are having their 10 year old boy pose as a baby to recreate his baby pictures, and wondering if I could get Lukas to do that so I can post a picture of him on this, his birthday blog. But I am not sure if I could find a high chair big enough for him to sit in. So.... here is my birthday tribute to Lukas. Happy Birthday, dear! I have no pictures to post here, but I am thinking of you just the same, and I love you and hope your day was wonderful.

(Anybody know where I can find an adult size high chair?)

YELLOW

2009-07-17T21:54:00.004-06:00

Poor Lee. 30 days after arriving home from Guatemala he found out that he had Hepatitis A. Must have been the poor sanitation of the food handlers who prepared our food. He was never immunized because some 25 years ago he had blood work done and was told that his blood had the antibodies and that he would never need to be immunized. Wrong. He was one sick man, and is slowly getting his strength back. No good deed goes unpunished.

Happy Birthday, Kate!

2009-07-14T21:28:00.007-06:00

First of all, I decided to embarrass Kate on her birthday cuz that is a mother's job. So I found the bestest pictures of Kate that I could possibly find and am sharing them with you all on her special day. Aw, shucks, she is such a nice person, I guess I could share a nice picture of her, too... but only cuz it's her birthday.

(Isn't she purdy?) She is also an amazing daughter, a wonderful mother, and a downright good person. She is spending the evening of her birthday doing her little church calling with her little cubby scouts. They love her and she loves them. Well, sometimes. Kate, Happy Birthday! We love you!

Happy Birthday Karen!

2009-07-14T20:08:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday, Karen! What can we say about Karen? Well, for starters, she is one smart cookie. She graduated top in her class from Colorado State University with a degree in Spanish. She also is the nicest person ever. When she is disciplining Ethan, instead of yelling or screaming she politely says, "Come on Buddy, you can't sit on your brother's head." She loves being a mother and considers it her art. And an artist she is! She is a good sport to put up with Spencer and his Olson stubbornness. She is beautiful and loves to be girlie. Karen, we love you. Thank you for giving us two awesome grandsons, thank you for being such a good wife to our Spencer, thank you for being a wonderful part of our family. Happy Birthday!

Tag - You're It!

2009-07-09T09:14:00.004-06:00

Okay, Ruth, I hate these things but I am only responding cuz I love ya!

3 names you go by: 1. Peggy, 2. Vern (remember the show, "Ernest Goes to Camp" and how the guy always said, "You know what I mean Vern?" Well Lee and I always say that to each other, so yes, he really calls me Vern), 3. Loser (that's what Lee and I call each other when we are sitting home vegging, trying to get up steam to accomplish something)
3 things you are wearing right now: exercise pants, t-shirt, sweat
3 things you ate today: almonds, pine nuts, smoothie (is there anything else for breakfast? I think not!)
3 things you want very badly at the moment: lose 10 pounds, a shower, finish this tag
3 things you did last night: feed the missionaries, watch the first 10 minutes of the news, dream of planting corn on the cement floor of the garage... and watching it miraculously grow
3 people you talked last to on the phone: LaVon, Elder Walker (telling me they would be late for the dinner appointment), Lars (telling me he had a long and tearful "good bye" to the large bull snake that Aubony wouldn't let him keep)
3 things you are going to do tomorrow: tend 2 of the cutest boys on the face of the earth, Ethan and Caleb (the other 2 cutest boys on the face of the earth live in Texas -boo!), brush my teeth (at least I think it's on my checklist of things to do), check to see if anybody I tag responds
3 longest car rides: NYC to Chile, all around the world, Denver to Houston (wait, were we supposed to mention car rides we have actually driven? Then just Denver to Houston.)
3 favorite beverages: Berry Smoothies, Tropical Smoothies, Power Green Smoothies
Names of those you tag: Aubony, Karen, (fat chance!), Kate (fat chance!), Chelsea (fat chance!), Casey, Hayley, LaVon, Rachel

Another Set of Elders...

2009-07-07T19:31:00.007-06:00

So we have had another set of elders living with us for the past 6 weeks, Elder Walker (L.) and Elder Porter (R.) Elder Porter was transferred to Cheyenne, WY yesterday, but before he left town we went to the post office and intercepted a large package sent from home that was shaped conspicuously like a long board. Hmmm. Wonder if that will help the work get done? Oh well, he was one happy camper before being sent to "outer darkness" as he said.

While the Men Are Away, the Women Will Play

2009-06-26T22:25:00.027-06:00

This past week was the annual "Mancation" (aka, backpacking trip for the men in the family.)Well, we girls just want to have fun, too! So we assigned everyone their day to plan fun outings and we had a blast! We had pedicures, played at the indoor mall playground, made cards, went to the Children's Museum, had picnics, made tooth fairy pillows, went swimming, shopped at the Dollar Store, watched movies, talked, laughed, changed diapers, stayed up late, got up early, and had FUN! Here are some pictures of the fun we had this past week.

Kudos to our Newest College Graduate!

2009-06-17T20:22:00.005-06:00

Okay, so here's a slightly better picture of him than that dorky one above. Course, every man looks better with a beautiful girl by his side (or back, as the case may be.) Congratulations to Lukas who finished college today with a BS in Bioinformatics from BYU. To those of you who do not know what that is, it's a combination of Biology, Computer Science and Math. Yes, he is one smart cookie and we are very proud. He has had several job offers, so he must have some marketable skills! Which is no small feat in this economy.

Schools out for summer! School's out FOREVER! Yay!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

2009-06-15T17:56:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday, Caleb! You came into our lives one year ago today, on Father's Day. You are one tough cookie to have survived a drop onto concrete, a fall down the stairs, a drop onto a table (by your daddy who was throwing you up in the air for fun) and one big brother who likes to take out his aggression on you. And through it all, you smile. You are the happiest baby alive. We love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday, Ka-Bub (as we all affectionately call you.)

(Don't you love those big, beautiful blue eyes?)

Happy Birthday, Evan!

2009-06-13T19:50:00.007-06:00

Evan's favorite childhood pic - The 80's Mullet.

Evan's favorite young adult pic - The Fro.

Evan's favorite girls who changed his life - for the good.

Evan gets a bad rap from his brothers. He was 6 and 4 years younger than them, so they teased him mercilessly. In all the home movies he has a pouty, grumpy face and whiney voice. Whether it was Katie splashing water on him in the tub or Spencer ruining his magic show, someone was always picking on Evan. His only hope came from chugging milk right out of the gallon jug. He was a firm believer in the t.v. commercial, "MILK - It Does a Body Good!" He soon grew up to be bigger than any of the others, and he finally got some respect. He became the "social director" of the neighborhood. All the neighbor boys would come over to see if Evan could play. If he was reading books, they would all sit on the lawn and read books, too. If he wanted to ride bikes, they wanted to ride bikes, too. If he wrote stories or made inventions (remember the sour sauce?) they were right there following suite.

Evan, you have my respect today and always. You are a hard worker and never complain about your lot in life. And life is tough sometimes, right? We are so thankful you have a patient and helpful wife who supports you in your long days of studying and research. And thankful, too, for the beautiful granddaughter who is growing up without us. Sad.

But we love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday today!

Happy Birthday, Evan!

Do I Look Like This?!?!

2009-06-10T20:31:00.004-06:00

I was browsing the web the other day to find a picture to take in to my hair stylist. I googled, "short, curly hair" and this is what I found. Do I look like this? I sure hope not. I think this is the scariest picture I have ever seen!

Hire a Two Year Old

2009-06-03T20:03:00.011-06:00

Need some help with your yard work this summer? Hire a 2 year old. Teen-agers just look strong and healthy, but put a rake or a shovel in their hands and they soon become helpless good-fer-nothin's. Two-year olds, on the other hand, have an unlimited supply of energy and enthusiasm. At least, this one does. Ethan. Age 2. I would hire him over a 16 year old any day of the week. He seriously thinks he is a contributing member of society. And would be if only he had the real deal instead of the Fisher Price bubble blowing variety. Ethan kept on going and going. Yes, just like the Energizer Bunny. Must have walked (actually, ran!) at least two miles without ever complaining once.

I repeat. Hire a two year old.

And Here's To Yet Another Birthday Girl!

2009-05-30T19:20:00.010-06:00

Happy Birthday, Chelsea! Yes, another birthday in the family for another amazing daughter-in-law. Here is another True/False test to see how well you know Chelsea:
1. Chelsea loves to shop.
2. Chelsea loves to photoshop.
3. Chelsea loves to run marathons.
4. Chelsea loves to cook gourmet meals.
5. Chelsea loves to put hair bows and hats on Emmy.
6. Chelsea loves to clip coupons and save money.

Do blondes have more fun? Chelsea would probably say "yes" and she will probably never go brunette again, although she can wear any color well. Like I said, my sons fall for the beauties. But it's nice to know that they are all beautiful inside and out. We love you, Chelsea! Happy Birthday!

Here's to the Birthday Girl!

2009-05-29T14:50:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to my amazing daughter-in-law, Casey Lyn Olson!
How well do you know Casey? Take this little True/False test and see:
1. Casey loves to shop
2. Casey loves to photoshop
3. Casey loves to eat spicy foods
4. Casey loves to play video games
5. Casey loves public speaking
6. Casey is very computer savvy
(the answers will be posted in the very near future....)
Casey is a woman of many looks. They are all good, don't you think? Here are a few of her many hair styles.

My boys were all suckers for the pretty girls, don't you think?
Happy Birthday, Casey! We love you and are so glad you are an OLSON now!

School's Out For Summer!

2009-05-28T20:57:00.008-06:00

I had a slumber party with some of the Twinks this week to celebrate the end of the school year. Can't believe that Haylee will be in 3rd grade and Erika in 2nd! We went to the park for a picnic. Our play time was cut short when a nameless three year old had a little accident and we were unprepared with a spare pair of underwear. Didn't even have any wet wipes in the car. I am a bad grandma. But we had fun, just the same. Here are some pictures!

Out Of The Vaults

2009-05-19T18:25:00.006-06:00

Here's a picture from the vaults. Lee used to love to balance his babies in his hands like this. They had strong little legs. Just look at the rolls on those legs! Whoa, Spencer! How come your babies don't have rolls like that? And I love how Spencer is just chewing on his fingers non-chalantly. Oh, and I hope you all notice the cloth diaper. Yes, my first three babies used cloth only. We were so po, so po, so po.
Oh, the good ol' days.