A Dozen Years, Already?!

Oh.my. This picture looks so old!! I am laughing and cringing at the same time. We had a horrible experience with wedding pictures. Spencer's brother took better pictures than our paid photographer. I only thought that one on them was really good. And I am pretty sure we don't have it anymore, at least I haven't come across it yet.


It really has been 12 years since Spencer and I were married. It was actually yesterday but, in true Roxann-fashion I HAVE to be a little late! Happy Anniversary. It is always a whirlwind around here at Christmas time. We have Christmas, Anniversary and Spencer's b-day. It has been one crazy ride and I have a feeling it isn't going to stop anytime soon.

BUSTED!!

I have all of my wrapping done. I have been wrapping as I go and it has been much less stressful this year. 2 days ago, I remembered some gifts my sister in law had left for the kids at Thanksgiving. She had asked if we would wrap them up for the kids. No problem. So while the kids are engrossed in yet another 'Holiday Special', I set up at the table to finish this up. I had just finished when Caitlyn wandered up and 'wanted to wrap something to'.

"Honey, these are the last things I have to wrap. I don't have anything else for you to help me with."

"Well, I REALLY want to help!"

"I don't have anything else to wrap."

"I want to wrap the ring daddy got for you."

"W-w-what?"

"The ring that daddy bought. It is in his trunk!"

"Honey! You are not supposed to tell mommy what she got for Christmas. It is supposed to be a surprise!"

"OH! Well, then, daddy DIDN'T get you a ring."

And she walked away.

Christmas Lesson #1
Always pick your gift accomplices over the age of 4!

In Loving Memory

Our goal with this family blog is to stay in touch with family and friends, as well as keep an online journal of all the things that happen in our lives. We are planning on making a book out of this blog. Sadly, Spencer and his family lost an Aunt and Sister. She will be missed.

MARILYN REED
Marilyn Olsen Reed 1945 ~ 2009 Marilyn Olsen Reed, devoted mother, grandmother and wife, passed away of a massive stroke on Friday, December 18, 2009. Marilyn was born February 10, 1945 to Lee Evan Olsen and Anna Carver at Hill Field, Utah. She graduated from Madison High in Rexburg, Idaho in 1963 and went on to receive her bachelor's degree from Utah State. She married the love of her life, Gary Edward Reed, on November 25, 1980 in the Salt Lake Temple. She then went on and completed a Master's Degree in Library Science at BYU in 1981. Marilyn made a difference in many students' lives. She was an English teacher and librarian at Kaysville Jr. High for 15 years and a librarian at Woods Cross High for 18 years, retiring in 2000. As a librarian, she never lost her love for reading. A member of the LDS Church, she was currently serving as Relief Society secretary. She had served in many callings, in the Primary presidency, as Young Women's president, and scouting leader, but her favorite was serving in the Bountiful Temple. She also served with her husband on a service mission in the Bountiful Central Stake. Marilyn loved traveling with her husband and family. She visited Australia, Europe, and throughout the United States. She had a love for family histories and recently traveled to England, Denmark, and Sweden, after which, she compiled a book detailing 14 generations of ancestral biographies. Her life was centered around people, at school, and especially at home with her family. She was organized and a loving caregiver to her children and grandchildren and took care of her ailing mother for years. She was a member and served as secretary of the South Davis Kiwanis Club. She is survived by her husband Gary; sons, Kyle E. (Julie) Reed, Curtis G. (Kelsey) Reed; daughter Cari Lyn (Jordan) Morrow; grandchildren, Kiylee, Sophia, and Mathias. Also survived by two brothers, Richard (Mickie) Olsen, Rodney (Annette) Olsen and sister LeAnn (Richard) Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Utah. The funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 11a.m. in the Oak Hills Ward Chapel. 455 S. 1200 E. Bountiful. Friends may call at Lindquist Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E., on Monday from 6-8p.m. and Tuesday, from 9:30 to 10:30 at the Oak Hills Chapel. Interment in the Bountiful City Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com

My Middle Name Is "Futility"

That's right...Roxann Futility Olsen.

So, we had guests for the Thanksgiving Weekend. I am not complaining, simply stating a fact, when you have guests you will experience an abundance of laundry. You have extra towels, sheets, and blankets. I spent my ENTIRE day on Monday running laundry. I am not joking that my poor washer and dryer did not stop all day. Well, it was worth it because I was down to 2 loads and had gotten all the bedding finished. Last night we went to tuck the kiddos in and lo and behold...Caitlyn had peed her bed. I do not know how since she hadn't napped that day. She must have just been sitting on her bed and decided the bathroom was too far away. Spencer is trying to get her bed stripped and I am trying to get the sheets into the wash, when Ben starts yelling that Caitlyn has smashed crackers all over his bed. "It's all slimy!!" It wasn't crackers and it wasn't Caitlyn. The cat had barfed ALL OVER Ben's bed. Today is Tuesday, all the Monkees are in school and the house is quite. Well, except the hum of the washer and the occasional buzzer of the dryer in the background. Why do I even try!!

Blessings

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Ours was quite relaxing. We had Spencer's older sister and her husband and precious baby girl, Anna, as our guests. We didn't do a whole lot, just enjoyed each other's company. I even got out of making a turkey again this year because, we went up to the church for Thanksgiving dinner. I did make some pumpkin pies and pumpkin bread out of our garden pumpkins! YUM!

In my seeming endless list of new things I am learning to do, I learned how to make 'Turkey Frame Soup'. So now my gallons and gallons of pumpkin puree now have companionship in the gallons and gallons of turkey broth!!

On Friday I got up really early, 3:00! I get my shopping bug bad this time of year. I always say I am not going to go Black Friday shopping, but then I get too excited about it and have to go! I may have a problem :) I could barely sleep, it was just like Christmas Eve when I was little!! Anyway, I was in line at Wal-Mart by 3:45. I hardly saw a car on the 30 minute drive in, but when I turned the corner and saw the parking lot...WHOA! I had somewhat convinced myself that no one was going to be shopping at the Manchester Wal-Mart. I was way off!

So I spent an hour and some minutes in line with a lot of other nuts like me! We were laughing so hard! I had a great time! I love the camaraderie that you feel with other people in situations like this. It is just fun! I did miss my sisters, they are my best shopping buddies and this is our tradition. I always wish I was with them on Black Friday. I did get to text with one of them as we told each other which store we were at and what deal we were getting. That had to be enough this year!

Overall a really nice, fun weekend. Now as for this Monday...we will have to see.

This year has been a L-O-N-G year for us so far. Despite the misfortunes, we have felt truly blessed. I am very thankful for many things.

1. My husband. He works very hard and puts up with me! He knows when I have reached my limit and encourages me to take time for myself. Not many husbands are as awesome as that!

2. My children. Benjamin is smart and helpful. Seth is perfect and my reminder to do all I can so that I can live with my WHOLE family forever. Matthew is a total crack-up and very tender hearted. Caitlyn is beautiful and loving.
Some days it just hits me 'Heavenly Father sent these children to me. They are for me to care for. He trusts me to do the best I can.' WOW, I am suddenly stressed and overwhelmed by the responsibility.

3. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They love me, they watch over me, they help me, they believe in me when I don't.

4. The Gospel. I know it goes with the 3rd one but I am grateful to have been raised in the church. I was meant to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is all that I am and all that I hope to be.

5. My parents. For joining the church while they were young. My mom was 16 and my dad was 18. They are the only members in their family. That took a lot of strength.

6. My other mom and dad (in-laws). I could not have asked for a better family to marry into. They are supportive, compassionate,and loving.

7. My siblings. All of them, the ones I grew up with, the ones that have married in and the ones I married into. They are some of my best friends. I love talking to them all.

8. Friends. God has blessed me with many wonderful people in my life. Some have been friends since middle school and others I still have to meet. I seem to have met the most wonderful people. Friends that are sincere and loving and would do anything for me. I hope you all know that I would do ANYTHING for you!!

9. Compassion and Service. For all the people that have sacrificed to help me when I have been in need. For all the people some church members, many not, that came and helped us when we lost our home. I am in awe of the love that was shown by entire communities. It was amazing!

10. Prayer. The way in which I know that Heavenly Father hears me and listens to me. The prayers that other people say or have said for us. The prayers I say that are answers for others.

11. The Holy Ghost. My constant companion. He has prompted me and comforted me many times. What a sacrifice he has made to forgo a body, for now, in order to be a service to us here on Earth. He must have an unconditional love for us all.

12. A Sense of Humor. Some people get it some don't. At least I think I'm funny. I seem to make myself laugh a lot. Humor is in many ways my coping mechanism.

A Good Friday

Well, I first I have to say I am not going to see 'New Moon' tonight. I tried to get tickets but they were all sold out! I am sad, but feel as though I will live.

Despite that we had a good day today. The weather was beautiful, the sun was out. It was payday, my favorite day. Spencer will be home soon after being gone ALL week. (phew, I made it) My laundry is all caught up and there are no dirty dishes in the sink. We are having frozen pizza and we rented a movie from Redbox. I couldn't ask for more. (Well, not right this minute...)

Earlier today Caitlyn was my coupon buddy and helped me out at the grocery store. I got a turkey for $5! AAAAAmazing! She was a great helper. While in the car she started to sing. It took me awhile to figure out what song it was. See if you can guess....

Ot-ward ever ot-ward
as we story in his name!

Give up or did you get it?

Called To Serve. It was really stinkin' cute. She also taught me this little diddy

He's big and fat
He gobble, gobbble, gobbles
on Thanksgiving Day
Now it's our turn to
Gobble gobble gobble!

I am so glad we had a good day together.

My Blog, My Gush

Sometimes the older my children get the less I find them 'cute'. They don't do as many cute things or say the cute little things that they used to do and say. That doesn't mean that I love them less. My posts have become so far between, I have several pictures I want to put up. This post is dedicated to my oldest son, Benjamin. Ben is a very bright boy and he is kind-hearted and helpful. Sure, he gets pretty irritated at his younger siblings, but what 1st born doesn't. He has had lots of fun things going on the past month and a half so I am just going to lump them all into one place.

Coffee County, and I guess other more rural areas, get a special day off from school. We call it 'Fair Day'. Matt had a Thursday off to go to the fair, as kindergartners. (That is another post I hope to get to.) Then everyone was off on Friday. Each class completed an art project to be displayed at a fair exhibit. Guess what? Ben's won a 3rd place ribbon. I am totally impressed!!


He is able to study supplemental things with a smaller group of children twice a week at his school. They had been talking about
Samuel Clemons, better known as Mark Twain. For a treat we were able to go see 'Tom Sawyer' at the Nashville Children's Theater. It was really nice to have a date with just Spencer and Ben. (the younger 2 stayed with a sitter.) After the play we went backstage to meet the actors. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!


Around the week of Halloween the school has a pumpkin decorating contest. The only rule is that you CAN NOT carve your pumpkin. The boys did a great job on their pumpkins...here they are

Matt cut strips and made a Mummy. Ben's is a Vampire. They both used felt and paint. Ben came home with 2nd place on his pumpkin.


The ominous thing about this picture is that the background shows what is about to happen to this pumpkin. (Someone told us white pumpkins were great for pumpkin pie!)

The 1st week of November found the New Union 4th graders learning about early explorers. Ben had the task, with his smaller group, of writing a paper and then giving an oral report dressed as his explorer. He was Ferdinand Magellan.



Dang! I don't have time to fix that picture! Sorry it is sideways. I will fix it later. I am posting it anyway, deal with it. Time to run and get the monkeys from school.

Lyrics by Matthew

Any one who knows Matt, knows how funny he is. He was just born that way. Here are some of our recent 'Matthew-isms'.

The Wise Man and The Foolish Man...
The rains came down and the fluids came up.

Little Miss Muffin sat on her tuffin
Eating her bread and cheese
When along came a spider
And said apple cider
And Frightened Miss Muffin away

And finally we had been having some gorgeous weather, until it started to rain again. Anyway, we busted out the jeans and long sleeved shirts. Overheard in the van on the way to schhol...

Matt to Caitlyn...When you wear jeans you look like you are big.
Cait - yeah
Matt - yep, you look like you are 6.

Pictures from Campout

Sorry this is so far between. For your viewing pleasure I offer the following photos...enjoy!

Matt and Spencer on our hike down to Foster Falls, you know the one where I almost died!

Ben at the bottom (literally) of Foster Falls

Matt and Cait on the rocks/in the water after the hike down.

Spencer and his fish!

Matt and Cait's first boat ride.

1st Family Campout

Over the Labor Day weekend I decided to be benevolent and ease my family's laborious burdens! Well, we just changed it up a bit. We ventured out on our 1st ever family camp out. The boys have been camping with Spencer, I used to camp with my family all the time, and Spencer has gone several times with the Scouts. We have never all gone together. If anyone tells you that camping is not work, just walk away from them because they are lying to you! I can't even blame the kids for all the labor because they were busy out playing and were very well behaved for the most part (more on that in a minute). Regardless we really enjoyed ourselves. We drove down to Foster Falls which is about 30-40 minutes South of Manchester. It took a bit to actually get on the road, we are trying to resolve ourselves that that is just part of travel.

We didn't get into the campsite until dark so, we had the 'pleasure' of setting up our tents by lantern light. (I know- you are jealous) I wouldn't think to put this part in but...I made my first trek to the glamorous public bathroom. 'That's nice' you are thinking but this was no ordinary trip to no ordinary bathroom. I REALLY had to go, I had tried to put it off in order to help finish with the tents. I waited too long, it seemed awfully far away, I hoped I would make it. I grabbed my flashlight and made my way through the trees and fallen sticks. I heard a noise to my left, 'OK, don't freak! You are working yourself up.' I thought. Then it happened again - this time definitely not in my overactive imagination! Lo and behold a not so little snake slithered right across the trail directly in front of me. I screamed! I just about peed myself! And so started our happy, happy fun time.

Later that night Caitlyn had a doozy of a fit when it was discovered that she (and I) had forgotten to pack her any PJ's. Luckily Matt had packed enough for a small army and had an extra pair. Was that problem solved? OH, NO! They were not pink! They were not fuzzy! They were not cozy! She cried and threw an all-out tizzy! I just about packed us back up and took her home. Either from exhaustion or cajoling she finally relented and wore Matt's Iron Man pajamas. They fit two of her requirements. They were fuzzy and cozy. They were red, not pink.

The next day we hiked down to Foster Falls, that is one steep trail. Even in my 'better body' days I was not a fast hiker. I took forever and the way back I swear my heart was going to pop right out of my chest and plop in the dirt. The kids took no time in asking if they could get in the lake? pond? whatever it was. What started as 'feet only' soon became full on swimming in their clothes. I don't know about anyone else but wet jeans are on the top of my detest list. Glad it was them and not me!

Sunday we broke the Sabbath wide open and set a horrible example for our children and anyone else that saw us that day. We took the kids fishing. This was also a first for them. 3 children under 9 with sharp objects on a long pole. That was a real test in patience. I failed miserably. I ended up in a time out in the van by myself. After awhile we saw a horse that was coming down the way towards us. Now it was Caitlyn's turn to pee herself! She was so excited! They came right over to us and asked if she could ride. I had to decline, the horse was very tall and she was pretty happy just petting her nose and being near a horse. Then we saw a 4 wheeler coming down the road and Ben thought it looked like a girl in his class. We told him it probably wasn't. Sure enough it was. She and her cousins (the girls on the horse) were visiting their grandpa, he lives just outside the lake. The kids got to ride the 4 wheeler and Ben even got a chance to drive. Spencer even caught a fish! It was a small mouth bass. He is 'hooked' on a new hobby now!

On Monday we broke camp and headed back over to the lake to take our friends boat out and let the kids swim. Breaking camp took quite a while. We and our friends had a lot of stuff to haul around. We literally barely had room for the kids! I really wish I had gotten a picture. Well, sardines in a can would be close! By the time we got to the lake and got the boat in we had a huge storm. No swimming for my little monkeys! We decided to hang out awhile and see if it let up. It was really beautiful after the rain because mist was rising up over the water. Spencer took the kids around the lake in the boat and then we headed home.

Those are just the highlights of the trip. We had fun being outside, making s'mores around the campfire, and just getting to talk with friends after the kids were put to bed. Thanks for inviting us to go with you. We had a great time and the kids are anxious to go again, in fact the following Tuesday when I picked the boys up from school Matt asked if we were on our way to go fishing! Yes, son, we will go fishing and camping again soon, just let me finish all this laundry first.


(check for pictures later)

Make Over

BEFORE.

AFTER.

Back to School

I love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils. The feel of a brand new pen and paper in my hand. I can wander in the school supply aisles for hours and be in my own personal zen. I can almost feel fall in the air. Too bad it is 90+ degrees today. It is ruining my delusions of cooler days and autumn colors.

The boys are in school. Ben is in his 3rd week already because they started back the first Friday in August. He likes it and I have a good feeling about his teacher. He is making friends and getting to learn lots of new things. WE have had homework more nights than not. Matthew's 3rd day is today. He is my little kindergartener. He already doesn't want me walking him to class. I had to beg him to let me go in on Monday. On Tuesday I argued that I needed to bring in some paperwork. Today I relented and dropped him at the front door. Where has the time gone? He is loving it and says his WHOLE class is his new friend. I don't doubt it.

I thought it would be so nice to be back to having 1 child at home. I thought back to my 'new-mommy' days, taking naps, getting the house cleaned, hanging out with friends for playdates, going out to lunch. (I didn't realize h0w good I had it until much later.) Well, leave it to my darling, Caitlyn to shatter the daydream. I think she is in a type of shock. She has only know a house of older brothers. Her and Matt are close in age so she has always had him nearby. She has become increasingly clingy. 'hold me', 'carry me', 'sit next to me', 'watch me', I could go on. Please don't take me the wrong way, I love her. At first it was nice, I don't mind a little cuddle time. I know the time will go quickly and I need to appreciate it before it is gone. This is getting a bit ridiculous. I may as well roll around in velcro so she can attatch herself.

She starts school in September. I am making a paper-chain! I hope that once she has her own school schedule she will realize that everything is OK. I am trying not to be so giddy, but, really, I can't wait!! Oh, the things I will do...until I realize how boring my life would be without them!!

Family Fun Time

I am behind...but what is new. We had a visit from Spencer's brother and his family for a few days the 1st week of August. The kids LOVED having their cousins to play with! We swam and jumped on the trampoline, shot guns (well some of us) and made yummy treats and just in general enjoyed each other's company. Here is the proof (Merilee).
My nephew, Grant. He is HE-LAR-EE-OUS, well he is to me, he is very mischievous!
My little scuba diver!

Sweet niece, Eryn she is 6 and will be a big 1st grader this year!

Rachel, she is so cuddly and loving. Her and Cait got along great, they were both born in 2005. The year of girls for the Olsen's. Cousin Mailee was also born that year!
We made, and I do mean WE. I had so many helpers in the kitchen! Yummy frozen chocolate, Oreo pudding pops! You can see how much Caitlyn and Grant enjoyed them! The kids kept making chocolate mustaches and beards, it was unbelievable how many napkins we went through. It was so much fun! I did not get any pictures of our nephew Ryan. He is a little flirt already at 6 months old. His smile would brighten anyone's day. I wish I had captured it. We had a good time just hanging out. I loved having Sharel to talk to and I know that Spencer was so glad to see his brother. (And his guns). My favorite part of the whole visit was when all the kids were sitting at the table and they all broke out singing "Families Can Be Together Forever". It was so spontaneous. It was amazing and a real testimony builder of our Saviour's love for us and for the importance of families.

Oh nuts.

About 6 months ago, we decided that the best way to swerve the mouse issue into our favor was to acquire the services of a feline hit-beast. So one day, while I was at Wal-Mart I noticed a man giving away kittens in the parking lot. deciding that this was a good opportunity to hire said hit-beast, I called Roxann and she promptly drove herself and the kids down to help me select our murder-machine. The gentleman had 3 cats left - 2 boys and 1 girl. Roxy and I decided that the girl cat would be the best decision - mostly because male cats usually start to spray at some point during or after kitty puberty. We selected our cat. We asked the man for the girl-cat. So we trotted into the store to gather our supplies. Pink food dishes - check. Pink collar - check. Pink bed - check. We took our little bundle of joy (and sharp appendages) home for training, and of course love. The children named her Princess Truffle von Spaz - I called her cat. At any rate we brought our cat home and the bonding began. We affixed her collar but soon found out that she was just too small. So we had to wait a couple of months for her to grow up. The cat's upbringing was awesome. There were good times and bad; blood and tears; scratching and biting. And now our cat is getting larger and more grown-up.

So here is where it gets weird. The week that Danny and Sharel were in town, Roxann brought something to my attention. It seems that our cat was having an inappropriate relationship with a stuffed monkey. Rox brought me over to look and what I saw was our cat, biting the head of the monkey while furiously working the tail end. "Is that normal for girl cats?" Roxann asked me. I wasn't really sure, but I did remember that growing up we had two girl dogs that would regularly enjoy the company of pillows or teddy bears. I relayed this information to Roxann who by that time was yanking the cat's first love from her paws and sternly reprimanding the cat. From there we didn't think anything else of it. Until...

Friday evening Roxann came to me, cat in hand, and began to relay the most disturbing thing to me. For the sake of the readers, I will only say that Roxy had seen the cat get excited. Then the question came about whether girl cats get excited or not. Again, I wasn't sure. So Roxann held the cat up while I grabbed her 2 rear legs. As I began to pull them apart, I saw it. Or them. Two kitty testicles resting snugly beneath the kitty's hindquarters.

In my defense, I am not a vetranarian. I am not a farmer, and I have definately not spent that much time looking at cat crotches. But now, I feel betrayed. I feel like Luke when he found out that Vader was his father. I can't even look my cat in the face anymore. I bought her him a blue collar and he promptly went into the yard and lost it. I am so confused. The kids now want to rename the cat Gryffindor. Roxann has decided that Truffle still works. I want to name it Hillary Swank.

-Spencer

Christmas In July

OK, I know it is not July. I know it is already August. I know I am behind. But, these were taken in July, so it still counts...because I said so.


Wanted for being the Messiest Monkee in the house...

Her accomplish in crime...the newest member to the zoo, our kitty, Truffle.

They were both having the time of their lives. Too bad I had to clean it up. Have I mentioned that I loathe packing peanuts. Sadly, they are a necessary evil.

Meet The New Neighbors

Well here they are, the new neighbors...



I have been outside today, trying to get the front yard to look better. There are weeds everywhere, the garden, the front bushes, even around the propane tank. (Yes, we now have a propane tank. That phone call was probably hilarious for the lady at Highland Rim Propane.)

We live in a house that sits on 5 acres, it has a barn and detatched garage. Part of the backyard is fenced off so there is lots of space beyond the fence. One of the ranchers here asked us if we planned on using it, and we told him we had no plans for livestock. He called the landlord and the rest is blog history. So far we have 7 calves. The kids are really excited!

Reverse Frogger

The boys start school on Friday. Where has this summer gone? I am both sad and happy. Happy because I really think I am losing my mind trying to entertain the zoo. Sad because we have been lazy and as stress free as we can be. Sad because I am not at all thrilled at sending them to a new school, especially a county school. Call me a snob, and I am sure some of you do, but these just don't look that great. I am praying that things will go well. That the boys will make friends, that the transition won't be so bad, that they will not fall behind, and that the educators will be able to reach them.

Dear Caitlyn is another story all together. This year is supposed to be her 1st year in pre-k. I have her registered at the one Matthew attended in Murfreesboro. I am going to try and get her enrolled in Manchester, if I can find one. I am also praying that they will have room for her. Enrollment is typically in March for the upcoming fall. If this all crashes through then I have to decided if I can and would be willing to drive her to the 'boro twice a week. That will also depend on the boys' hours of school. I guess all these questions and more will be answered soon. Registration is tomorrow.

OK, this is going to be confusing so try and bare with me. We used to live on Penny Lane. Then we moved to the house on Westbrook, which is directly behind the 1st house. It took a bit of getting used to looking at the back of your old house from the deck of the new house...just a side note. Anyway, both houses were destroyed in the tornado. The man that is rebuilding the Penny house also bought the lot that the Westbrook house was on. He then moved the frame of the Penny house to the Westbrook lot and re-modeled the house. We LOVED that house and were sad to move, but then we really felt at home in the Westbrook house. So here is my dilemma, we were offered to rent or buy that house. I really want to. I keep dreaming of that house, where we could put things, how nice it would be to be 'back'. We could probably do it. Maybe a lease purchase? But...We still are in no condition to move. We have 'stuff' still in the garage. The logistics of packing it all would blown my mind away, because there would be no organization. I am so sick of moving. I also don't want to keep moving the kids from school to school. So, I guess that I know the answer, I don't like the answer. I am praying that the house will not sell and that in a year we can move into it. That would give us time to save some money, the kids would finish out the school year and maybe we could have the van paid off (Finally!).

This is why I am not sleeping at night, that and Ben has been up with nightmares and Cait keeps trying to come into bed with us at 3 am. I haven't slept through the night in about a month between the 2 of them. Thank you, Matt, for being a good sleeper! I have become a walking zombie.

So you may be wondering about the title, and some of you have given up reading this because I am rambling. It has been raining quite a bit lately and that means that we have had a TON of frogs! The other night we were driving by both of the schools to check them out. On the way home the frogs were all over the road. At first I thought they were leaves. Spencer was trying to miss them and we were swerving all over the road. It was just like a game of reverse frogger...

Our Son

"Another pair of tiny hands
To lay beneath the clay
Slumbering little baby eyes
To wake another day
O God of heav'n
Come guard this bed
And let this angel sleep
Till earth is pure for
tiny hands
And safe for tiny feet.

A wondrous little baby smile
The hope of things to be
Born to face a troubled
world for a moment
And then set free
O God of Heav'n
Take hate from man
Till lambs and lions feed
And make earth pure
for tiny hands
And safe for tiny feet

Tiny hands
Angels hands
Perfect hands
Blameless hands

Lifeless hands resting
in the night
Waiting for the light
when life will follow
O God of heav'n
Send Christ again
Bring in His reign of peace
Let earth turn pure
For tiny hands
And safe
For tiny feet

Then give back my child
to me
-Tiny Hands

"Kiss Goodnight, Seth"
Not a day goes by that I don't miss you! Love, Mom

Summer Fun

We went to the Manchester Rec center, on the 1st of July. They have a playground in the shallow section, sprinklers, water volleyball, a few large water slides and a 'lazy river', along with the normal swim areas. It looks like it would be fun, everytime we drove by it the kids would salivate and beg to go. We went with some friends who drove the hour to visit us and play. (Thank you) It was a bit cooler that day so the water was extra cold. It didn't seem to matter to most of the kids. My friend's little one, 'E' was not so thrilled! It was crowded and I had to be in a swimsuit, but enough negativity! We had a really good time they had 'Watermelon Wednesday' and gave out slices of, you guessed it, watermelon. The kids did not want to leave. Matthew was the only one who stood still long enough for me to get this picture...

Playing Catch UP

I am trying to get re-engaged after licking my wounds for 4 months. I feel like I have just been going through the motions of life. Sunday meetings were really uplifting, well at least 1st hour (that's another story). I was actually inspired to try to get motivated again.

In accordance(that word was for you, Lindsey and Liz) with my new found lust for life, I am actually going to try and put more pictures on here. I may be biased, but my kids are pretty dang funny so I have some humorous pictures, when I remember to take them. (that's part 2 of my new plan) We will see how long my resolve lasts. So let's get started...

I Told You So...

So there!

OK for everyone lost, here is the back story...
We were at a girl's night for my sweet friend Katie, who is abandoning us in order to follow her husband to Florida while he goes to law school. (sheesh, whatever!)
While at said girl's night I mentioned that on our way home to 'the farm' one day we had gone a back way and come across some zebras, just hanging out in this field. I had Spencer turn around so that I could go see them closer. I actually got out of the van and they came right over to me. I was able to pet them and feed them some grass. It was really cool. Well, everyone was really acting silly and it was late so maybe slaphappy would be a better term. I told them I had proof and I went to get my camera out of my purse. I am quickly flipping through all my pictures and I can NOT find the pictures anywhere. Everyone is giving me heck, yea right, did someone put something in her Pina Colada?... ect. Little did I know my genius husband had cleaned off my SD card onto my lappy. You know he was trying to be helpful so I can't be upset about it. But I will have my justice! Feel free to leave your apologize in the comments! :)

Monkee update

So, here I sit at the local Manchester McD, I feel so 'starbucks-y'! I whipped out my Dell Mini and let the kids run amuck in the play place. It seems a win-win situation. They get to play and I get to feel like I am once again connected to the world wide web.

I guess I am just going to give a little summary of the Monkee goings on for the last few months since our "not-so-Good Friday" tornado incident. It seems like a lot and nothing all at once.

Spencer is offically finished with his BS in IT, try not to add any letters to that. They really should try to come up with a better name for it. The traveling at work is about to pick back up for summer. I am sure he will see alot more of Flordia soon. Our health insurance premiums have gone up again but other than that things are going well.

I am here, that is about all I can say. At the present time I feel like I am 'on hold' trying to come up with a plan. Spencer and I did put in a garden and I think it will be another miracle if anything grows, since neither one of us had a clue what we were doing. I was sitting there the 1st try at planting corn and actually started thinking, "What the H*** am I doing!? This sucks" Like I do not have anything better to do, seeing as how most of our life is in a wet, insulated, molding mess in the garage. It is so overwhelming to walk out there. We have ignored it the last 2 weeks. That is coming to a head on Saturday, we are determined to dig in and stop letting it hang over our heads anymore. I think it will help us both. Geez, I am a whining negative ball of energy. Wish me luck!

We had requested that Ben be tested for the 'gifted' program through his current school and he did really, really well. I knew he couldn't be driving me crazy for nothing. I will not be at all surprised if he turns out to be a lawyer or, heaven forbid, a polititan. No topic goes by without a debate. He also has tested for the Discovery School, they say you don't have to be gifted for the school but that is the general idea of the type of school it is. His teacher had some very nice things to say about him and he had a fantastic year this year.

Matthew had his pre-k graduation and he can not wait to go to Kindergarten. He talks about it constantly. He is still my crazy boy. We recently had an adventure in finding the Manchester ER. He and Cait were playing an inventive game of marbles and pick-up-sticks. Needless to say it did not end well. Matt was stabbed, not by Caitlyn, and a totaly freak accident, in the top of his foot by a stick. It just missed his tendon. He recieved a wheelchair ride, x-rays and a strong dose of antibotics for his efforts. He also had a t-ball game on Wednesday and made it home twice!! He was really excited about that. He did a little triumph dance and was shouting "Oh yeah, I made it! Oh yeah, I made it!" while pointing his fingers and wiggling his booty! It was quite comical.

Caitlyn starts pre-k in the fall and just keeps telling me how big she is and how much she is growing. In the ER while we were checking in she apologized to Matt. He replied that it wasn't he fault, she didn't do it. She came back with "Then you better apologize to yourself!" Then through out the visit she threw a fit when she didn't get a wheelchair ride and proceeded to tell the nurses that she was not going to be a nurse she was going to be "The Doctor!" (I hope she does) She has inherited a very strong will and I feel sorry for Spencer and I because we know it is only going to get worse!! Just a few days ago I asked her is she was still going to be a doctor and she said, "No, my hands aren't cold."

She's Baaaack!!

No you do not need glasses, I am updating the blog! We have been "tornadically displaced" to the city, I use the term loosely, of Manchester. Needless to say living in the country has got its assets and limitations and one of the down sides is internet. Or, I might say sad, sad lack of internet. I guess it is a good thing I am married to a genius. (he pays me to say that) He has found a way for me not to be totally cut off.

Since my time is limited, and there is so much to catch up on I am going to try and post a bit everyday, remember I said try.

First things first, I want to publicly thank every single person that has helped us during this, oh, I think I will say, "seriously, stink-tacular" time. I know that things are a lot better than they could have been. I know that we are being watched over and blessed. Our most precious blessings is having a loving, supportive and loyal family and the other is to have met and kept fantastic friends! I have been absolutely touch by the outpouring of support from all of you.

Overheard...

Caitlyn:  ...and please bless Nana...  Bananna.

Matthew:  ...THERE'S A BEETLE!  IT'S HUGE!  GET THE BUG SPANKER!

test

test blog from phone

Bath-Time Re-Evaluation

This happened awhile back but I wanted to document it.


When the children were smaller we would have all of them in the same tub for bath time. Ben, however, has been showering on his own for a few years now. Since
Matt and Cait are so close in age I really didn't think anything about bathing them together. That is until this happened...
I had sent them down the hall to get ready for bath, while I picked up a few things. I came down the hall after them and overheard the following.

"Well, maybe yours fell off."

Now we all shower and bathe separately.

Princesses, Panties, and Grape Soda

We had a really nice day on Saturday. The weather was beautiful, and finally no pre-scheduled activities to run to. At least that it was we thought until a phone call from a friend reminding us that Matt's ball practice started, um, now. OK, troops throw on some clothes and grab your shoes, we gotta go! Matthew has had 4 practices so far and I have yet been able to fix my hair, I am always in a hat...just a side note for ya.
Somewhere in the fray, Caitlyn told me that her undies were wet. I told her to go get another pair. This conversation happened yelling down the hall, as we were all rushing to get out the door.

"Mom, I don't think princesses wear panties!"
"UUH, I am pretty sure they do."
"No, I don't think so."
At this point I am trying not to laugh, this is so random.
"Honey, please just get some new panties and come here, we HAVE to go!"
"Well, maybe Snow White has some, I think I have seen them."

Later that day we ended up at Sam's, we were all hungry and decided to eat a most delicious, nutritious lunch at the Sam's Cafe, not really, I usually regret this decision. After pizza by the slice and hot dogs of questionable color, we refilled our drinks for the ride home.

Before I finish this story, I offer an inside to our daily meals. We have not had a SINGLE meal where one of my children has not spilled their drink. I am not exaggerating. Spencer and I have even joked that we need an "Accident Free for XX Days" sign by the dinner table. Of course I would never need to change the number because it would always say ZERO. (It is actually quite frustrating!)

So halfway home a child, who will remain nameless for the sake of avoiding persecution, dropped his 32-ish oz Sam's styrofoam drink.
"Um, mom there is a crack in my cup"
"OK, pass it up here, carefully, so I can toss the soda out he window."

What proceeded to happen was 32 ounces of grape soda being poured from one end of the van to the other. It was not a crack, but indeed the entire bottom portion of the cup was hanging on by a styrofoam thread! It was every where, including my arms and Spencer's lap. Our van smells very fruity and the window is so covered in sticky substance that you can barely roll it down.

Guess what I get to do today?!

Very Fitting

I was pretty excited to see this new background...How fitting for our blog! I love it!

And as an added bonus for you checking it out I have a funny for you, actually 2 funnies...
Matthew had an art show at his pre-school last night and it was really neat. I do not know why we did not think to take a camera! Anyway, Matthew was very excited about showing us around. He introduced Ben and Cait to all the classmates he saw. The parents got a kick out of that, he was really animated! Then he took us to see his classroom and we got to see his clay bunny he made. I promise to take a picture of it to add to this post. The teacher then told us this little story. While they were making caterpillars, for their "Very Hungry Caterpillar" display, every time Matt heard someone drop a bead he would say "bead down, bead down" all without breaking his concentration from stringing his own beads. I had to laugh because I can clearly hear him doing this. When the kids (and that includes Spencer!) play Nerf Wars, they will always shout "man down, man down" just like a soldier. Caitlyn even shouts "duck and cover!" at random times!

Now for your viewing pleasure I offer the following:

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy "Kiss-Me-Blarney-Stone" Day! You may call me McOlsen, but just for today. The sun is out today and it is making me extra giddy and happy! Plus, I am procrastinating on a talk for Enrichment night tonight. Hope to see all - who can be - there!!

Obsessive? Maybe.

I have no life.  I will be the first to admit it.  When something exciting comes along I grab it and run.  I find joy where I can.  My current joy is the Twilight Series, just like many others.  My friends and I are going to have a Twlight viewing party and then, of course, go see the new movie in November.  I am going all out, that's just how I am.  I fully plan to get a new outfit for the occasion.  Here is where you come in. I can't decide which to get so I am going to try and open my first poll on my blog.  Wish me luck!  Please vote, even if you are a blog-stalker and I don't even know you read our blog.  I just want a variety of opinions!

  #1  

  #2  

  #3   

  #4   

  #5  

And this one is just for fun and made me laugh out.  I am also I huge Harry Potter nerd.  As I have gotten older, I have decided to embrace my inner dork and just have fun with it!  See you at Twilight!  

  

 #6  

Christmas in March

I got this from my sister-in-law's blog and I thought it sounded like something fun to do, and I get to give people presents, what could be better?!

The first five people to comment on this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year (hopefully sooner than later.)
4. You will have no clue what it is going to be.
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me you did will win a marvelous homemade gift by me!Let the games begin!!

Quote Of The Day

I love this...

Don't worry that your tasks are small and rewards are very few.

Rememer that the mighty oak was once a nut like you! 

My 1st Baby

I HAVE to add one of my favorite pictures of my first baby! Ben was quite a chubby baby! He didn't start out that way but the dr's were concerned I wasn't feeding him enough. I think I have proof that he was doing just fine! He was a "perfect baby", slept all the time, happy, and oh so cute! I still just want to eat his cheeks!! Ben is an amazing son and I (and I am sure his dad!) are so blessed to have himin our lives. Ben just finished testing for the Discovery School. We are praying that whatever is best for him will be. I know, no matter what, that Ben is a smart, handsome, caring son and I love him very much!!

Even though you gave me my first grey hair at 24!  I still have it I put it in your baby book so that you will NEVER forget!

Pure-Blood

I took this picture awhile ago and have just gotten around to putting it up on the blog.

Caitlyn is a true-born princess. She will only wear dresses that "twirl" and certain dresses have better "twirl-ratio" than others, hence they are better dresses. So a jumper would score low on the twirl scale and therefore be unacceptable for her to wear (without force). While a full skirted dress (think Christmas or Easter formal) would score at the top of the twirl scale and would be more satifactory for everyday wear.

You will see her in jeans and such but on those days her and I have had an argument over her wardrobe that day. She usually gets over it pretty quickly.


On this particual day I had tried for 3 hours to get her-highness to take a nap. I finally gave up. This is how I found her in the playroom.

This One's For You Katie

I finally found it.  This is Matthew's preschool picture.  Appartenly this was all his doing.  He is his father's son!

Wonderful Dad

It isn't just Caityn but all our children around 2-3 years old have done it and it is very endearing.  

Nothing melts my heart more than when Caitlyn get excited to see Spencer!  "That's MY daddy!" "I wub my daddy!"  

She is a very loving girl!  (but still evil Ü) On our better days, she will tell me over and over that she loves me.  "I wub you", "I wub you, mom", "I wub you this much", as she stretches her arms out at far as she can.  I get lots of kisses and hugs.  She calls herself my shadow.  

This morning I was so tired!  I have been tired all week, I just have had no energy.  I asked Spencer to call in so we could stay in bed.  He always tells me no, as this is an everyday occurance! This morning he did!  He told me to stay in bed and sleep.  He got the kids ready, he made lunches, and Ben and Matt are off at school.  As of now he is still gone with Caitlyn.  He has been Superdad, all morning!  I love that man!  

 

Pre-Meditated Rant

Dear Stupid Drivers,

Is it really that hard to use your blinker?!  You know, or maybe you don't, that they are located just within reach of your finger, just right there within the steering column, you don't even have to take your hand off the wheel!  They are installed on all vehicles for a reason!!!  

And while I am feeling my Monday-Morning-Grumpy, let's talk about people that decide to swerve into the other lane instead of slowing down behind the car in front of them that is about to turn!! That is just an accident begging to take place.  Thanks for the random heart-attacks, I really appreciate it!!

Signed, I don't do Mondays

Hat-Trick

Yep, it happened again!!  I would advise everyone to stay away from me for awhile!  

Well, sort of, today I had to call Animal Control, that's like the animal police. Ü  Caitlyn and I were on our way to pick Matthew up from school and I noticed a little bird lying by the side of the house.  At 1st I thought it was dead but as I looked closer it was still breathing.  I called Spencer to see what I should do.  (that seems silly but, that's what I did)  He gave me the number for PAWS and I called them.  They told me to pick the bird up with paper towels and check for a heartbeat.  I did it although I was totally squimish about the whole thing.  By the time I had picked it up it had died! EWWW!  I was holding a dead bird, I was about to be late to pick up Matt, and Caitlyn was asking a bazillion questions!!  I placed it in the trash can but now I am concerned that I should have buried it.  Does this count against me for my final judgement?  Why is all this weird stuff happening to me? I promise, right here, right now, that if anything odd happens tomorrow I am not leaving the house for a really long time!!  

MY 6 random things

I know...3 Posts in 3 days, that's some sort of record for me!!

 

These are my 6 random things from a tag...I had a really hard time doing the 25 for FB and don't know if I can come up with anymore...but here goes

1.  I took 1 drum lesson and wanted to be in a band

2.  I was the only English speaking child in my kindergarten class

3.  I can't watch Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, it scares me

4.  I am the only one in my family, now and growing up that does not have blue eyes, I have green

5.  English is my best subject and I never have to study to get a good grade

6.  I really want(ed) to get a tatoo. The night before I went in I had a dream about a picture of me in front of a temple and everything was white except this big black spot right in the middle of my body.   So even though I think I want one, I don't have any

Habit Forming

I really hope this isn't going to become a daily occurrence...

I was heading down Church Street about to go over the 24 overpass, when a white truck coming up the on-ramp lost control.  (It is rainy here today)  It started to fishtail and then went over the side and into the grass.  He was swerving all over the grass and ended up going down the embankment, out of sight!  I turned around to see if I could stop and look over the side and make sure they were OK but, they was no safe place to pull over (I had Matt & Cait with me).  We tried going along the outer road to see if we could see the truck from that angle but we couldn't.  I ended up calling 911 to report it.  I half expected them to say, "Hey, is this the same lady that called about the calves yesterday?!"

Rancher Roxann? And Various Other Thoughts.

We have just finished a very nice, relaxing, long weekend with a visit from Gramma and Papa Olsen.  The kids are always very excited when family comes to visit!  Thanks Gramma and Papa!!

This morning it was back to business.  The usual run Tues. and Thurs. mornings is Ben to school, Spencer to work, Matt to pre-k, today we added taking our visitors to the airport.  It was quite a long ride in the car today!  

Along Compton Road, which is quite busy, we saw some baby cows that had gotten out of the fence! I was afraid that they were going to get into the road.  I drove up to the house to find another Good Samaritan trying the back door.  No one was home!  He went to talk to the neighbor and I drove down to the side of the road and put my hazards on.  I really didn't know what else to do!  I contemplated trying to get them back in through whatever hole they had gotten out of but, could not see where they had possibly fit through the fence.  

The other gentleman gave up when the neighbors offered no options.  I felt extremely silly when I called the police department to report "cows in the road"!  I actually started to laugh and then had to apologize and tell them I was being serious!  Caitlyn and I waited to for the Sheriff Dept. to come.  Meanwhile, what I can only think to call a ranch-hand, come out of nowhere and started to round the cattle up and force them back into the fence.  

Anti-climatic, I know but did this Cali-girl ever think she would be considering rounding up cattle and calling the police about cows?  I gotta answer NO, to that!      

My daughter

All of my children have gone through this phase, I am not sure what to call it besides the "you-are-SO-lucky-your-mother-is-going-to-let-you-live-another-day! Spencer, I can not take anymore of this!!" phase.

It starts the day before or of their 3rd birthday, leaving me wondering why I am even putting any effort into celebrating another year with this spawn I have helped create!  (harsh, I know)

In retrospect, I know I am going to survive, as are they, because the boys are still here!  And they are both loving, good boys.

Caitlyn, my dear sweet Caitlyn!  At birth, you were my smallest baby weighing a tiny 6 lbs 12 ozs.  Just a teeny bundle of beautiful pink!  You were timid and afraid of all the noise your brothers would make around the house.  You would stay with me everywhere we went.  

Now, and I think it comes from being born behind 2 rambunctious, active brothers, you are mean!  I realize that you are the youngest and have a need to stand up for yourself, but you are vicious!  

Today, at the library, of which we were at because I am a wonderful mother and was signing my children up for story time, my daughter starts to yell that "You shouldn't hit little girls!" 

She kept it up all the way across the covered parking garage, over and over again.  I had not even looked  at her cross-eyed, much less spanked her!  People were staring and I was definately not being paranoid.  I am so lucky not to be locked up in the local poke!  

Tonight, Caitlyn got a spanking because she was not listening and would not come to dinner. Spencer popped her on the butt.  

She looked and him and said, "You spanked me!"  

Spencer, "Yes, I did."

"You hurt me!!"

"Probably."

"You are mean and you like to hurt little girls!!" 

I am now at a loss for words, I do not know what else I can say or do.

Silly Fun

So, I stumbled acrossed this site that let's you add an avatar to your blog or forums. I had fun creating a fake me and a fake Spencer. I did their "plus-size" bodies and this is still what we got. Man, I wish I could look that good!

I have been in another blog-slump. There just isn't a whole lot going on. I did have an idea the other day that I would post monthly re-caps. Mostly, so I can remember what we have been doing all month. I may or may not actually follow through on that.

A Fun-zee For Today...

We were on our way home from dropping Ben at school.  It is freezing, by the way!  Matt and Caitlyn have seriously been obsessed with going over to my friend, Lindsey's, house.  (she has a WII) I have tried to talk to them about not inviting themselves places and remembering their manners, etc.  They are stubborn, hmm, wonder where that came from, they would not let it go this morning.  Finally I said, "Ms. Lindsey isn't home, she is going to Utah to visit her sister and her new baby niece."  

Cait "Oh, can I go to Utah, too?" 

Me "No, honey.  Utah is pretty far away."

Matt "Cait, you don't want to go to Utah, they speak a different language there.  You won't understand it."  

The Haunting

As many of you who are familiar with our blog and our children know, Matthew is in a Baptist pre-school.  I think it's great.  He is in a place where our values can be upheld while he gets a decent education.  No problem, right?  You see, us "Mormons" don't do that whole crucifix thing and Matt comes home with quite a lot of them.  And then there have been some other questionable activities which I won't go into.  Some include praising Jesus in the loudest of ways, and talking about riding a car up to heaven to MEET Jesus and letting us know that he doesn't want to die on a cross, like Jesus.  It's not that it's wrong, just that it seems so foreign to us and as a result a little strange and off-putting as it doesn't seem to hold the same reverence that we are accustomed to.  Which brings me to my point.

Matthew has a craft that he made at school last week.  It's an angel.  But when you look at it...  well...  I just can't describe it.  It's probably the most evil and haunting thing I have ever seen.  It's unholy gaze burns deep into my soul.  I can hear its evil laughter as it plots my destruction.

I love you Matt....  But jeeeez!!!

You Know You Are Old When...

Today was another Mommy and Cait day as the men were all at work and school today.  We did our nails and had a make-over.  Then we put on our fanciest clothes and did ballet.  As I was looking for Caitlyn's ballet mat (located in a cabinet under the entertainment center)  I pulled out several VHS and cassette tapes.  Cait picks a cassette tape up and looks at it strangely.  

Then she asks, "What is THIS?!" (picture a look of technological disgust on her face.) 

I replied "It's a tape." 

"Well, what does it do, what's it for?" 

I couldn't even answer her.  I was too busy pushing my LifeCall button to let them know...

 "I had fallen and can't get up!"

High 5

I was also tagged awhile ago, and am trying to tie up all my loose ends, so don't want to leave this hangin'.   I am also in a blogging slump so maybe this will get me back in the swing!  (get it hangin', swing, monkees - HA!)

What are 5 things on my to do list today?

1. Take Ben and Matt to school
2. Take Spencer to work
3. Clean house
4. Make-overs with Caitlyn
5. Take a nap

What are my 5 favorite snacks?

(Dang, no wonder I need to get back to the gym!)
1. Ice Cream
2. Chocolate
3. Mozzarella Sticks
4. Peanut Butter M&M's
5. Chex Mix

What 5 things I would do if I were a millionaire?

(A million is not enough...not that I wouldn't take it, I am just sure I could spend it really quick!)

1. Buy or Build My Dream House
2. Take a Hellava Vacation
3. College Funds for Kids

4. Pay off Debt

5. New van (odyssey) for me and a car for Spencer

5 places I have lived:

(5 is not enough for all of the placed I have lived so I just went in chronological order)
1. Ft Walton Beach, FL
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. Bittburg, Germany
4. Sumtner, SC
5. Merced, CA

5 jobs I have had:

1. Pizza Hut Delivery Unit
2. Store Manager for Musicland (now Sam Goody)
3. Wire Transfer Operator for a bank
4. Mutual Funds Manager for Janus Funds
5. MOM