The Ole Family

one of those you must write down

2012-02-08T09:47:00.000-06:00

Parker tells me that Mrs. Pavleck said that if something is flat it's "tootie" (insert childish giggle here) and if something is bigger like this ball (he smiles holding a ball) it's three d. And when she said that mom, some other kids and I laughed.
It took me a few seconds to comprehend what he was saying...two-d, and my cheeks still hurt from smiling.

From Yoda to The Adorable

2012-02-06T19:59:00.002-06:00

Cannot believe he went from our little Yoda newborn to...

this is just under 4 years...

God he is adorable!

Happy Birthday Grandma Audrey

2012-02-01T10:25:00.000-06:00

Shelby's semi-formal 7th Grade Dance

2012-01-29T12:43:00.002-06:00

"Shelbys Dance"

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Shelby's date ended up with a concussion at his hockey game earlier in the day, but the girl put on a big smile and made sure to keep him and his family in her thoughts. All the other boys were her "date" and they all looked great!

before, during and part way after

2012-01-29T12:22:00.002-06:00

Before we started canning for the season and stocking up for the winter I had Bear and Milo mount some shelving for me.
This is the before canning look of the basement.

This is the look of it once we were finished canning. And then after this weekend, I had them mount even more shelves, since we totally ran out of room!

And now we know we needed the extra shelves because the empty jars on the right are the ones that we have already eaten the contents from. So as the next season approaches we will see just how much we need to can for the year. It'll be interesting to see how much we can really judge how much to eat. I already know I have way too much jam, but it'll keep. And the apple pie filling in the jar will be nice this winter, when there is no way you would make an apple pie from apples in the store.

A freezer full of our own meat, shelves full of veggies...all natural and untouched by chemicals and additives. Love it. I also love my grocery bill as it goes down and down. Not much beats the taste of them either. Mmmmmm.

a Thanksgiving to be Grateful for

2012-01-13T20:12:00.000-06:00

the following is what happens when you set up the auto timer and try to get a family shot of 11 people...enjoy! We did have a great Thanksgiving. A special Shout Out to my bro Bart, for helping me drink 3 bottles of wine with the family, hang Christmas lights and for not crying this year! Love ya!

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Lefse Making 2011

2012-01-11T07:53:00.000-06:00

In the height of the season, we bestowed upon our children the fine art of lefse making. It is a tradition that we have done for years...and I am finally proud to say that my boys each rolled their own lefse and fried it and ate it with butter and sugar...until their little bellies were full!

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ask and ye shall receive

2012-01-10T18:54:00.002-06:00

It has been a long standing joke...that when you want Milo to do something for you, just "add it to Becky's list". Well, I asked him for a couple of shelves with a routed groove to prop up my favorite black and whites of all of my nieces and nephews and of course I got it. First, it was "wait until after hunting season", then it was "wait until after Christmas", but one day, he showed up, we found the studs in the wall and we mounted my new shelves. I had printed my favorites of my "kids" and blew them up to 8x10's. I love how the whole wall turned out. And, I told Blake and Casey, I only have room for 2 more kids...so make up your mind or I'm gonna need another shelf!

Wishing for (more) Snow

2012-01-09T19:45:00.000-06:00

Oh back in December sometime, we headed to the Golf Course sledding. About a week after I actually asked one of the golf course management guys if it truly was okay that we "trespass" on the golf course and sled. He gave me a new route to take to get to some better hills!

Bear, the kids, myself and all of the Froemkes (aside from Jon) headed out. It was a blast. The kids and the adults all enjoyed themselves. I hope I never look back and think..."man, my kids must have thought we were nuts", because about right now in their lives, we are pretty darn cool!
Like, this is dad just before he has to bail out or he's gonna hit the river!

And this is Summer, who is thinking at the age of 32, that it's a good idea to try to snowboard down the hill on a sled!

And then, where we all hit the tree!
Just prior to heading into the river

He looks shocked at our behavior right?

Gracie Lyn and Emmitt Jon hanging out at the top of the hill. They did eventually hit the trail with one of the parents or solo. Pretty amazing when they finally take the plunge and go down the hill all by themselves!

And of course I was there the whole time sledding, doing stupid stuff and taking pictures. See...here I am in one!

Flarp (cuz, farting is funny!)

2012-01-03T05:17:00.000-06:00

The Smashing of the Gingerbread House

2012-01-02T07:37:00.001-06:00

The Christmas Pageant

2011-12-26T18:36:00.001-06:00

A New Member of the Olson Family

2011-12-07T18:26:00.003-06:00

His Name is Chippey. Chippey the Elf. He is our Elf on the Shelf. We got our Elf the day after Thanksgiving. We read the story and had to come up with a name. He was Elfie for a day or two. Then the television show premiered and he quickly took the name of the elf in the movie. So he adopted a new name. Chippey. The basic scoop behind Chippey is that he watches us and then uses Christmas Magic to fly back to Santa at night after we are sleeping. He reports to Santa if we have been naughty or nice. The boys need little reminding that Chippey is watching them. They tend to remind each other that Chippey can see you right now. Chippey can hear you Parker. Chippey is watching you not listen Emmitt. And so on. Early dawn, Chippey returns and picks a new spot to watch us from. The boys basically race out of bed to find Chippey first. Somedays it is very easy to spot him, other days we must search for him. One day he was in the basement waiting and watching for the boys to pick up their toys. Other days he is placed on shelves up high all over the house. He was in mommy and daddy's room for 2 nights to be sure a certain little boy stayed in his own bed. Today he was found strategically placed between the boys' school pictures to remind them, Chippey knows what happens at school too! The only rule is the Chippie must not be touched or he loses his magical powers. Well...this week Chippey was in the little tree in the boys' room and Emmitt (alledgedly) shook the tree, Chippey fell out and Parker put him back in the tree. The next day, Chippey left mommy a voicemail on her cell phone warning the boys to not touch Chippey again!!
I love Chippey!

Hunting Season 2011

2011-11-27T18:50:00.010-06:00

This hunting season was fun! The kids are just a bit easier when we go down to the shack. We still manage to fit 4 in a row on a wheeler and they love everything about a dead deer hanging out of the back of their dads pick up truck!

And I mean everything. Yes those are 2 pics of my children holding deer legs. And my father in law in the background with half a carcass. They especially loved the hard tongue sticking out the side of the deers mouth. Ish! But here I was snapping away at pics of them holding deer legs that had been sawed off! And they smiled with pride that he is providing us with a freezer full of meat. Mmmm.

The first weekend we stayed home while dad hunted. Or should I say, while dad sat in his stand and saw nothing! We had friends over and made homemade pizza and hung out. The second weekend of the season was Parker's 6th Birthday party, so we were home Friday night...but we did go out and stay at the shack. Sunday morning our Griswold family of 4 hit the stand to experience "hunting" together.

Needless to say we scared all wild animals off in a 5 mile radius with our candy wrapper crumpling and fidgeting. We seriously were the loudest hunters in the woods. I can only hope that we drove the deer to someones stand for them to shoot.

Both kids came dangerously close to the heater, both argued over who was going to sit where and both kids ate their weight in Halloween candy! I officially don't need to see another Almond Joy until October 2012.

Bear did manage to get us deer. Our freezer is full and we are going to have great meals full of venison and canned vegetables to sustain us until next season. After not getting a deer the first weekend, I was a bit panicky about not having enough meat to feed these boys, but the hubs prevailed! Way to go, my mighty hunter!

My boy is 6

2011-11-26T07:32:00.001-06:00

I never want to forget this face. The face of pure shock! You were so shocked the morning of your birthday. Momma scored a Ninetendo DS for you at a good price and totally surprised you. You had no idea you were getting one, I kept telling you that you were too young. But like I said, I got a good deal and you got a DS. You officially had to be set on a gaming timer. You would literally sit there all day and play if we let you. I am no longer ever going to wonder what you'll do in a car or any other long trip. The DS will babysit you. As much as I hate saying that, it's true.

Once I got you to put down the DS you went on to open the next present from us. And footie jammies still excite you too! You love them. You always have. And I believe you'll be the guy that sleeps in those giant ones with the trap door on the butt. Like Pa Ingalls.

The 3rd batch of werewolf cupcakes turned out even better. I did take the easy way out and cut off at 2 dozen for the party and plainly decorated the rest. We managed to shove 6 candles on one and as we sang to you, you did something you have never, ever done. You played shy or embarrassed and ducked under the table until we finished. I have no idea why. It's so not like you. But when we finished, you came up and blew out all your candles and the moment passed you.

You of course got way too many gifts. Lots and lots of people got you 6 one dollar bills in your card. It was significant in many ways.

Everybody enjoyed the cupcakes. Well the kids did for sure. All the kids loved the marshmallow and fruit by the foot nose. The adults questioned if the whole thing was actually edible.
Miss Shelby Lynn and Emmitt

Brooks' face is soooo hilarious is this pic! Like he can't quite get that crazy Auntie Becky gave him all that sugar! And Miss Gracie Lyn, cute as ever!

Daddy and messy Parker

Garret and Miss Jillian

Over all, it was a great party. It's hectic with all the people at times, but it's a great hectic. You never feel like you can talk to everybody, but they all talk to each other. It's become such a tradition. I had all the guests fill out their numerology and discuss with each other. You took the last 2 digits of the year you were born and how old you were or will be this year and when everybody compared answers it was 111. It was so awesome! The kids of course just came out to 11. But still. It was creepy and cool. We had a surprise visit from my Aunt and Uncle who haven't ventured this way in 10-20 years. That was special.
And to top it off, Parker got his new jersey for his purple hockey team and he chose number "11".

Halloween 2011

2011-11-25T17:04:00.002-06:00

We had sooooo much fun dressing up this year for Halloween. I really questioned how it could get better than last year, but it did! Our costumes were awesome, a little flimsy (and ahem, skimpy) but they did the trick. Emmitt was so excited to start chirping out who we were all going to be to anybody who would stand still enough to listen.
And he rocked his sidekick Robin costume very well.

Both boys loved that they had huge muscles to flex when they were wearing their costumes. It was fun to see them punch each other and continue to talk about just how tough they really were.

But this man has totally come to love Halloween as much as I do. I mean, come on, it's natural for your kids to follow along your crazy ideas, but your husband? Yes, he was a trooper. When we first started discussing our costume options for this year, I asked him if he wanted me to paint his face or go with a mask...his natural response was, "well if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this right!"

That little comment took me to the whole next level. It took me an hour to paint his face for our Saturday night bar outing and only 10 minutes on Halloween! It took him straight to first place in Best Dressed/Costume category at the bar! He won some sweet prizes for it too. We were basically unrecognizable the whole night. Most people couldn't figure either of us out. He changed up what he was drinking even! But the face and the wig were creepy and totally sweet!

Thank you my dear husband for playing along, acting like a crazy man with me all for the fun of it! Batman and Robin won't forget either, just how cool of a dad you are!

Parker Can Read!

2011-11-15T19:51:00.003-06:00

Well...it's the beginning of a new "chapter". Parker has been learning his site words at school. He brought home his first book from class and told me very frankly, that he "can read it to me!" Which he did, multiple times. I was so fun for him to read it to Emmitt too at bedtime. I am loving being able to sit and watch him with a huge smile on my face!

it's not the best I've ever done...but they are cute!

2011-11-09T07:41:00.004-06:00

The first of 3 rounds of werewolf cupcakes are going to school today. With there being no school Thursday or Friday, we are celebrating Parker's 6th Birthday at school today. I am off to bring my big boy and his cupcakes to school today.

I definitely know that I can do better, but I need to just practice a bit more with the "fur". I tried the plastic baggie piping trick and it just wasn't working. My hot hands made the frosting slippery...so tomorrow I plan to use the actual frosting decorators I own. But I am sure the 5 and 6 years olds will thoroughly enjoy these today!

11-11-11

2011-11-06T12:55:00.010-06:00

11-11-11
...is about the coolest date ever to have a birthday!
I literally scoured the web for any type of party ideas for this date and really came up with nothing. And as I always do, I asked Parker to look through our cupcake book and pick out what he would like this year. He came up with the howling werewolf cupcakes. Seriously? What on earth would I do with that?! I thought for sure, with his puppy/dog obsession, that I would be making those cupcakes, but nope! Werewolves. It was actually super easy to find dog lingo on the web, but not wolf. Let alone werewolf. Thank God I am a Twilight fan, because the amount of Jacob that came up when I was searching was ridiculous. And for the record I am totally an Edward girl. Too bad the kid didn't want a vampire party!

The costume I borrowed from a friend. Her Parker had just conveniently been a werewolf for Halloween. So the boys and I cut and painted a cardboard full moon and hung it up. Got Parker all dressed up and went for the perfect invite picture. Parker was so into posing with his scariest wolf poses I couldn't help but crack upFor some reason he turned the mask around to take a breather and out came my sweet boys baby face. Hairy head and all. I think a werewolf is totally fitting for him. He can be so utterly sweet and kind and caring and compassionate...and other times he is the wolf! He is sassy and rude and disrespectful and hyper and loud. But he is a 6 year old boy who is on the move constantly. And he knows right from wrong and has the kindest heart.

I do have some fun numerology trivia and such planned. I plan to make the best werewolf cupcakes for the party! I think they may blow the alligator out of the water!
So be ready to howl. Because it truly is a "ones" in a lifetime event. My Parker is 6 and we'll frolic with fright, because we have been waiting for such a night. The whole 11-11-11 concept is just too cool. And I won't forget my mom coming up with the fact that all those 1's add up to 6, when written 1+1+1+1+1+1=6.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T16:34:00.003-05:00

Our Father

2011-10-20T07:30:00.007-05:00

I cannot believe I forgot this!!!!

2011-10-19T17:02:00.008-05:00

In my organization of the last 6 weeks of what we have been up to post...I cannot believe I forgot this part! Todd Sether turned 35 on 9/10/11 (or somewhere around there) and had a party. Not just any party, but a dress up party. A "Come dressed as your Favorite Couple" dress up party.
Here is the Birthday Boy. Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski. Todd has not shaved his goatee off in 15 years! A good costume party will bring out the best in all of us! Ria, actually died her hair from blond to brown and cut bangs! I may have met a couple as psyched up about costume parties as us. (Please note how strategically placed the citronella candle wax ended up on Monica). I deducted points from them, since Bill forgot his cigar! Up until the day of the party we were going as Dorothy and the Scarecrow. They are after all great costumes. And even if they weren't really a couple, we were planning on arguing that they surely hooked up in the forest at least once! But oh, nooo. Bear had to change his mind. He wanted to be Jack Sparrow. And I could be Elizabeth Swan. He figured we could just use the pirate costumes from Halloween 2005. But he sent me to Kmart for wigs. Well, I found 2 wigs, one for each of us and they were perfect! I found an awesome pirate wig for him complete with a few dreads and a do-rag. And a long brown wig for myself. We didn't know everyone that attended the party and most of them thought that that was my real hair! Boy were they shocked when we changed into normal clothes and I revealed 2 inch blond!
It's a good thing, we changed our mind because Dorothy showed up. Ria's Aunt came in full costume and had her little dog too. The best part is that she came through Customs and was stopped! They crated poor Toto and she had to go in to be questioned dressed like Dorothy!

Here we are! The dashing Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swan!

Bear was unrecognizable to a few people we know! We totally freaked out my nephew Derek, who was over watching the boys. He watched us get ready for the event and about died when I told Bear to come to the bathroom so I could apply his eye makeup! He was all on board with eyeliner and mascara. I even gave him a little scruff with the mascara wand! That little wand can do wonders to eyes, eyebrows and your face! The best part was when we got out of our costumes and put on normal street clothes. Bear rubbed off the goatee and not the rest. So for the rest of the night he was wearing a red polo and jeans complete with eyeliner and mascara! A friend kept saying, "I'm having a hard time talking to you like this man!". I was secretly loving it in the corner. For any of you out there-remember how much I love Prince?! It is all about the guy-liner! Mmmmmm.

What we've been doin'

2011-10-11T19:58:00.018-05:00

Where the heck have we been?! Well, we've been busy and blogging has been the last thing I seemed to have time for. Instead of feeling like I need to make a special post for each of these every day life moments, I am taking the easy way out and blogging about them all. Then I'll feel all caught up and can go back and expand on them later (if I get time!).

Canning! My husband is a canning slave. We have literally been canning some kind of fruit or vegetable, sometimes more than one item, every single night after work. Usually when the kids are in bed. Which means great quality time with my husband in the kitchen, but also, tons of work. I won't be sorry though. I'll take the "after" picture of my shelves when we are completely done canning. AND when he finally decides to mount more shelves. We are totally out of room in the basement to put the filled jars. So we have jars on the counter, on the basement floor, in the back bedrooms. EVERYWHERE!
Here is a look at the corn we produced. The kids then had sack races around the yard and used them as bags to jump on the trampoline with too! It was A LOT of work to shuck, de-cob and then pressure cook. But fresh Loman corn in the dead of winter cannot be replicated any other way!
Papa Milo turned 66 and we celebrated out at his cabin. We had been talking about my shooting skills. I seemed to have lost them a bit over the years. I was a dead eye when I was younger. Milo was patient with me and taught me all I know about shooting and hunting. Now with my husband, I can barely see the dang bird in the woods, let alone shoot one! So Milo dug out the .22 with a scope and let the boys shoot at some pop cans. They are still too little to steady the gun themselves. And the trigger is super hard to pull. So we'll wait a few years for them. But I was the first to shoot the gun and did hit the pop can off the target! I missed the second time though. We do manage to get to church on most Sundays. The kids love to play in the trees after church. It's something they have come to "earn" when they are really good at church.
One of our weekends at the shack we got to see our Ruby! She's getting big and she's MOVING! She is now standing on her own. She crawls. Fast! You forget how quickly they change. Her cousins love to interact with her and she is always ready to smile for them!Most of the time I am sitting on the wheeler with the kids. This is what we see. Bear searching for the bird one of us saw (usually not me) and preparing to shoot it! It's so fun watching the boys react to the food dad has brought in for us!We have gone searching for dinosaur eggs too! AKA puffball mushrooms. The boys still really believed they were dinosaur eggs. Parker was the one to figure out it was just a mushroom. The debate is still out for Emmitt I think.
Our little hunter. He tends to treat the dead birds with affection. Not sure why? We will find him carrying around the bird, cradled in his arms! It's bizarre. But then he is totally fine with it being cleaned up and eaten.

One weekend Bear was out working on trails and the boys and I toted Papa Don back and forth between trucks and tractors. He was moving tractors from one location to another and kept leaving behind the vehicle he drove there! So the boys took many different tractor rides with Papa. While I was the cabbie for the day. Papa stuck them each up on a hay bale and let them slide down in their carhaarts. FUN!
The rides down the road and through the fields were even more fun! Papa let both boys steer the tractor. Parker found his favorite spot looking out the back window at the road below.
Papa does most of the cooking with daddy. Sometimes I bring a dish for all of us. But I am usually off the hook. And I rarely do dishes or pick up. It's nice to let them do the work as I sit back and watch. Papa makes the best pancakes for breakfast. On this day it was Frosty the Snowman and Pluto the dog. The boys talked about each part they ate one by one.2 Fridays ago, the Bilbens welcomed #3. Jens Daniel came into the world at 8:32 am. I happened to be working that day and took my break to visit the new family. He's tiny (8#3oz) and adorable. This little guy may be the one who finally resembles his momma a bit. The other two are all Derek!
Right after Jens came, I headed down to Lisa. I watched her 3 year old twins while she worked the night shift and slept during the day. I took Emmitt with me, while Bear and Parker went to the shack. Gwen and Griffin are both adjusting to their new school better. I can see improvements in both of the kids. And funny little things they do, that we don't want to forget too soon. I made sure to snap some pics of them while they were in their natural environment and it was a blast!Emmitt had a great time with his new best friends! From a pumpkin patch to tubby time with extra kids. Lisa and I did get to visit and hang out, but we will definitely be planning a non-working trip down to her!

Our next weekend back we had 2 birthday parties to attend. Jessalynne turned 4 and Jillian turned 6. I only brought my camera to Jessalynne's party. They had a pee-on-ta (pinata) as Emmitt would say. Parker saw kids from his class. Raija has been a teacher-helper in both of the boys' rooms. It's crazy that they live down the road and we are actually related (Bear and Raija are 2nd cousins) and we don't get together. Ever! Life has been busy for us, but I've taken more time to enjoy it (and capture it) than feeling like I need to sit down weekly and write about it. But I never want to forget the things we do. We do make time for fun things. Not too many things, even though looking back at this post can be exhausting...but we make memories together as a family.

Fall faves

2011-09-28T19:49:00.005-05:00

Just had to post a few of my faves...

After school pics last week, the boys were all dressed up cute and willing to let me take some recent pictures of them. It paid off...they are changing so quickly still. Parker is literally growing before our eyes. And Emmitt is turning into the almost 4 year old that he is. Big boy!
Parker's front teeth are coming in. The picture below of the two of them makes me smile, because Parker is soooo chapped on his mouth. Kindergarten must require some major concentration because he is always licking, biting or chewing on his bottom lip!
And Emmitt has a huge gash that is in the process of healing in his picture. He took a huge tumble behind the couch in the basement and the tongue and groove wall contacting his forehead is what slowed his fall down. So needless to say, did I pay for the $10 photo touch up option for the school pictures? Heck NO! I want to remember why they looked like this! Because they are cute, busy, crazy little boys!

McCarthy 2011: Part Three

2011-09-13T20:05:00.010-05:00

Or Trois we should say...since thanks to Auntie Becky giving Emma the Katy Perry song, Last Friday Night, she now knows what a Ménage à trois is. So sorry about that Debs! In my defense she has had French class.
So we have been rained on the last 2 years at McCarthy the last weekend of July. This year that week was totally gorgeous (and my family of four took a vacation to Vagabond Village) and the Lepper's and the Olson's had booked the last weekend of August. Brrrr. Windy and chilly. But we did manage to spend one day at the beach. Well more like a morning. It was like a switch and somebody cranked up the wind factor and chased us all out of there.
But as always, we had a blast. The kids still tend to divide into pairs. Peter and Parker go off fishing together, while Emmitt hangs on Emma where ever she goes. In the mornings when he wakes up, he normally comes to momma for his snuggles, except when his Emma is around. They all sat around the fire together, went exploring together and this year was just that much easier. We brought our kids' bikes and that helped with the "long" trip to the bathroom up the path.
Emma got to practice driving a bit. She has her permit and taught me what a PRNDL is! Chris had to meet with some students in Tower and Bear just happened to get dropped off at Fortune Bay for the morning. He didn't want Chris to drive alone of course!
We would put the kids to bed in the camper together watching classic movies, like Iron Will, on the car DVD players and fed them until they were full. They slept great and it gave us adults a chance to sit up around the fire and enjoy a beverage (or two) and each others company.
We had some super funny and memorable moments throughout the weekend: Like setting up the giant food tent. Me kicking the fire pit when I freaked after seeing a spider on my shirt. Debs not remembering what I told her I was getting her for Christmas!! Pete crying and flipping out on the family canoe ride, the huge perch Peter caught off the dock and then recreating the picture of his dad when he really did catch a monster this summer. My little boys fishing in their underwear. Eating our fish fry in the dark! Hiding our adult beverages when the Ranger drove by on patrol. Remembering that we are old and the group that moved in the following night is the group the Ranger needs to be worried about. Me killing the battery on my car again just trying to keep the iPod going for us. The look on my husbands face when he knew I killed the car battery on yet another camping trip. Teaching Emma how to jump start a car properly. Chris bringing out Justin Case to help us. Uncle Chris' ghost stories (if the log rolls over, we're all gonna die!) Our homemade pee pee, tee pee! And of course Parker showing each and every one of us up on how great of a marshmallow roaster he was! We will always cherish this weekend away with this family. Trois cheers to years to come!

"McCarthy State Beach Park 2011"

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Year One
Year Two

UPDATE!!!!!

2011-09-13T20:02:00.002-05:00

I just had to update on what has happened in one short week. I am currently home today with Emmitt who is puking his guts out literally and every time that happens he poops his pants. FUN!

The second day, Parker took the bus home instead of to daycare...we got the wonderful phone call from our Stephie saying he wasn't on the bus to her house. She managed to have another mother watch the daycare kids while she drove to our house to pick up our almost 6 year old and bring him back to daycare. He asked us if it happens again, "should I just watch TV or jump on the trampoline?". NO!!! I have taught him how to get the hideout key and let himself into the house AND to call my cell phone immediately!

First Day of School

2011-09-07T14:37:00.011-05:00

The First Day of School
Well...it was an eventful day...but we made it!
Only half of the kindergarteners went Tuesday, then half Wednesday, then the full class on Thursday. Parker was the Wednesday half.
We managed to get out the door on time this morning. I dropped the boys off at Stephie's for breakfast and them came back to see Parker off on the bus. Davina's mom Diane is the bus driver and I almost lost it right there when I saw her! I know she'll take good care of him. I watched as Parker stood in line with all the other daycare kids with not a care in the world. If he was anxious is any way he didn't show it. All he showed was excitement when he actually saw the bus coming down the road. He actually was jumping up and down in line. And then it was over. He just followed the line, got on the bus and looked out the window at me, gave a little wave and that was it. I didn't start tearing up until he was gone. Then it was on to Emmitt's first day of school.
Emmitt has been giddy about school starting since he realized this was in fact the year he could go. He was much faster about getting dressed and ready this morning. Like I said, I had dropped them both off for breakfast at Stephie's, then I was off to the grocery store for the items listed on the list that I had just located. I was in search of a snack for 16 kids and juice! I came back to get Emmitt when we sent Parker on the bus. He was so excited as he waved goodbye to his brother and Stephie. We get to school, he poses for me with his backpack, he smiles after recognizing and locating his locker, he lets Mrs. Baron take our picture and begins to play. He is totally fine at this point. I was not worried at all. Then as I begin to say goodbye he starts showing that he is not quite ready for me to go yet. I tell him I love him, give my baby a kiss, my heart aches a bit and I walk out the door. I am visiting with another mom and Emmitt appears in the hallway. I stearnly tell him it's dangerous to leave the room and bring him back in. I then tell a "teacher helper" to keep an eye on him because he just ditched preschool. Then I did our goodbyes again and left him. He is not crying at this point, he is not acting truly unhappy, just unsure. I get to my car and notice that Emmitt has escaped again from the room and snuck out the door to the sidewalk (OUTSIDE) crying his eyes out looking for me. Another teacher realized a 28 pound 3 year old is outdoors and retrieves him. I roll down my window and alert Mrs. Dowty that I am in fact not a terrible mother, I do realize that my child has just busted out of the school and ask her if she wants me to come help. She says no, she's got it covered. I tell her he belongs in Room 101. She's been teaching for a long time and I know her well and she scoops up my baby to take him back inside. Another mom that I know is there to witness. (who can miss it, the kid is screaming for me and bawling his eyes out). She comes over to my car and hugs me through the window as I quickly become the mom who bawled in her car in the parking lot and proceeded to cry all the way to work. When we picked him up, it was like nothing had happened! He was happy and excited about his day. He got to be the weather helper today and stuck close to his buddy Andrew. He teacher felt awful as soon as she heard about the great escape and put the "closed door" policy into immediate action.
As soon as he saw Papa Milo was there to pick him up, he asked if he had brought him a cookie. Well, Emmitt...of course he did! Welcome to the new tradition of the daily cookie from Papa when he picks you up from school. I only hope that Friday it is better when Essa takes him to school and Papa picks him up and I have nothing to do with it!
Emmitt and I met Parker at the bus stop after school too. I managed to catch him coming off the bus even! He wasn't too excited to see me picking him up right away. He really wanted to go back and play with his friends at Stephies! I convinced him that I had a cool afternoon planned for us and a surprise at home. (it was a bike ride to play at Kerry Park and I baked cookies while I bawled at home all afternoon). So he was convinced and hopped in the car. I asked one tiny question and the flood gates opened. The question: "What was your first day of Kindergarten like?" It started with how cool it was to write on dry erase boards and then use socks on their hands to erase the marker! AND that Mrs. Pavleck is going to take them home and wash them! She's cool! He had a gingerbread hunt (a tour of the school) and retold daddy all about it. Then they all got to eat the gingerbread cookie...he said he really wanted the eye with the m-n-m but settled for the foot so it couldn't run away again! He couldn't find his lunch money for a milk, but somehow got one! And that he really had a fun day!
I really can't believe how emotionally exhausting today was...but I wouldn't trade it for the world

"First Day of School 2011"

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STOP...DROP...PAUSE

2011-08-31T13:39:00.002-05:00

Check us out doing the Pause Zumba routine for a contest!

Follow the link to vote for us!!!!!! (click here to vote-sorry the only way to vote is through facebook, it's how the contest is set up)

We Curves members followed our fearless leader Jamie Hamilton to STOP...DROP...and PAUSE...our way off the circuit and into Zumba!

the other man in my life

2011-08-29T20:06:00.004-05:00

We spent our 10th Wedding Anniversary out at Sha-Sha with all of our parents. We snapped a few pictures, not one of the hubs and I was taken though. But Bear did take one of me...and the other man in my life. The man who walked me down the aisle 10 years ago, August 18th. The man who cried the morning of my anniversary this year, thanking me for allowing him to be such a huge part of his life. The man who said his head was so far up in the clouds that day and that he couldn't believe how lucky he was. The man who said he almost busted with pride when I asked him to walk me down the aisle. The man who bought me my wedding dress. The man who held my hand for almost all the years of my existence and then graciously handed it over to my husband. The man who knew he wasn't losing his daughter, but gaining a son. The man who has been in my life longer than any other man. The man who tells a bad joke every time we are together. The man who I run to when something goes wrong with my car, or my furnace, or my garage door opener. The man who calls to check on me after every trip we take on the road. The man who spoils my boys rotten (all three of them) and will forever "beg" me for a granddaughter, so he can have another little girl with blond hair and big brown eyes. The man who sends a "thinking of you" card to all of my sisters when our biological father dies, because he truly cares. The man I love as much as life itself. The man I call Dad. My Milo.

Vagabond Village

2011-08-23T18:19:00.003-05:00

Vagabond Village: July 2011We spent our week long vacation just outside of Park Rapids at Vagabond Village. This was the first week off Bear and I have taken since Australia in 2005! We were long overdue for a week off. We pulled the 79 Starcraft camper and stayed Monday-Friday. This trip happened to connect with our previous weekend with the girls from college. So really we had 2 different camping trips back to back in basically the same area of the state. We came home for a day to wash our clothes and pack up more food. It was so nice to wind down for a week with just our family of four.
We did it all this week too. We fished for sunny's off the dock and the boys each caught their own fish. By the end they were baiting and taking off their own fish too. Parker learned how to cast and even hooked daddy in the butt! We swam in the lake for about 10 minutes and then we were in the heated pool the rest of the week. Hours and hours were spent in the pool. This is the pool and the vacation that Parker learned how to swim. Emmitt was no longer afraid of the water. He turned into a fish too. We grilled our meals outside over an open fire every night. We roasted marshmallows, made smores, and enjoyed the heat! We actually had nice weather the entire week we were gone. It stormed just one night, but in the camper we sat playing games and watching Robin Hood and stayed nice and dry. One morning Bear went for a walk and spotted the Sherwood Forest sign. It said the caretaker was Robin Hood. When we drove by the sign the next day, we read it to the boys and they were on a mission to find Robin Hood the rest of the week. The scoured the woods in search of him. You know "the fox with the clothes on". So the night it rained, we let them pick out a movie and sure enough the choice was Robin Hood.
I was told about this place from my boss at the hospital and she said we had to venture out to the Logging Camp. We got directions and headed out one day to check it out. They have a little general store that has everything in it that your kids think they need. And of course a sweet lady working the counter telling you all about the place and what you can do. We bought honey sticks, old fashion candy sticks and stinky rabbits feet. We fed the fish, that literally jumped out of the water when the food hit the surface. We walked on the trail and saw old logging equipment and learned all sorts of fun facts about logging. The kids chased chickens and turkeys. And we were able to look at the camp where we would have breakfast the next day. It is set up logging style, where you all sit on a bench at a long table, complete with tin dishes and silverware. We waited until the next day for breakfast. When we got back the next morning we were asked how many eggs each family member wanted and if we wanted them all scrambled or over easy. We chose over easy, dad=2, mom=2, Parker=3, Emmitt=1. You were served all you could eat ham, prunes, pancakes, orange juice and coffee. Then your serving of eggs and a family serving of hash browns. The food all came out family style on a huge platter. The kids' eyes were absolutely bulging out of their sockets when they saw all our food! The server had come over with two little logs pieces for the kids to sit on as booster seats. It was so cute! Then we ate and ate and ate. As we were eating we kept hearing groups come in. Large groups. Like 16 and 20 people at a time! I asked just how many people they served for breakfast and she told us 300-500 every day! We are talking this little county road in the middle of nowhere! It was worth it. We paid like $8 for the adults to eat and $5 for the kids. Totally worth it. They serve dinner too, but we just did the one meal there. It was probably the most memorable experience for the kids. It was just so different. The platter, the seating arrangement and the decor.
We also went to Evergreen Mountain. AKA The World of Christmas. It had everything from go carts to bumper boats, mini golf and a maze. The morning after it had rained it was too icky to go to the pool so we hit the road looking for something to do. After a meltdown in the parking lot by both children, we headed into the store. We purchased our tickets for the day and told the kids to pick what they wanted to do first. We bought a bag of rocks with sand and hit the mining trough. We mined for stones and found some beauties. Then it was off to the go carts. The kids were unaware that mom and dad were probably having more fun driving these things, than they were riding in them. They were both way too short to drive, but we had a blast. Even when daddy and Parker pinned Emmitt and mommy under the waterfall during the bumper boat fight! Daddy sent the boys with mommy into the Maze. He totally new that we would be in there forever! I can't find my way out of a wet paper bag...I have zero sense of direction. When we came running back out the entrance to the maze after 30 minutes or so, he and the kid working just shook their heads. Parker finally got us out! It only took 3 tickets and 45 minutes!
We also visited a Bison Ranch, biked the loop, had a couple of icecream cones and made friends with people and kids we are sure to see next year!

"Vagabond Village"

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Top Ten of our Family Vacation

10. The meal at the Logging Camp

9. Emmitt is no longer afraid of the water

8. The nights in the camper
7. Catching grasshoppers and frogs
6. The many nights around the fire in silence and making smores with Tolberone and Reese's PB cups
5. Searching for Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest
4. Emmitt caught his first fish
3. We all had tan lines on our feet from our sandals
2. Parker learned how to swim with out a life jacket
1. Good ol' family time

pulling out the front tooth

2011-08-07T12:28:00.003-05:00

Lake Kabekona 2011

2011-08-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

We spent the first part of our week long vacation on our 2nd Annual Kabekona trip. The weather was perfect, the kids all renewed their friendship and us parents were able to actually hang out and play games together. The kids are at the perfect age, they just basically needing watching, but can totally interact with each other and play and play and play.

One of the cutest parts of the trip was when we adults were enjoying a few beverages and playing games, the kids all built a kitchen. A kitchen made of random beach items, complete with sand food served on kick boards. The would go around and take our order and then bring us our food. They made the menu up, which was hilarious! You could order from the specials listed: "Qwece" (quiche??) "eney stew" "eney side" "sea souflea" and of course "BACON!" We roared with laughter when we saw it! Seriously where do kids come up with this stuff?!

We literally lived in the water. The kids all swam and floated on tubes, played in the sand and enjoyed the sunshine. We adults finally figured out that the kids are going to wake up at the same time they always do in the mornings, so why not start drinking at noon and go to bed at 10:30?! SMART!!!! It was so much better than struggling to stay awake and getting just a few hours of sleep and then mustering up the strength to do it all over again the next day!
The kids would watch movies at nap and bed times all together piled in one cabin. We would all just stand in the water, which is like 4 feet deep, most of the day and visit. And eat! Oh did we eat! I made the round of Sha Sha Nachos and Teas for every body again this year. It was a hit again! And we all had to make s'mores every day too. The kids loved making them after lunch! No need to keep them up late at night just for s'mores right before bed.
We plan to continue to make this an annual trip. I am so so so glad we girls from college kept up with each other after all these years. It's so fun catching up and letting the kids play. The guys are all so used to us it's crazy! The morning we left (we missed Annie and Nick-since they had already hit the road) we took our group shot. We set the camera up and the girls piled on the hammock and the guys stood behind us. When the timer went off and us girls viewed the pictures...it was so funny to see the guys had all crouched down behind us! We have them totally trained!

"Lake Kabekona 2011"

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom-will there be enough room?

2011-08-03T10:02:00.000-05:00

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom-will there be enough room?
That was the theme of our 4th of July float. And it was A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E! The theme of this year's parade was in honor of the Falls Public Library's 100th Anniversary. So I thought up this little theme for us mom's to do with our kids. Boy did we have a blast prepping, decorating, and participating in the festivities.

I had Auntie Tolle (Linda) paint a 4x8 sheet of Styrofoam just like the book cover. This book is a very well known children's book, but apparently "my generation" is the group that it is well known by. Many older adults had never heard of it. It took Linda all of 2 days to crank out this huge book cover. I had her paint a shout out splash on the back too, wishing the Library a Happy Anniversary!
I borrowed some PVC palm trees from another local business owner. Us moms glued tons of alphabet letters on the trees so they would look like they were "falling" out of the tree. Bear was a great help figuring out how to secure all the props on the trailer. The huge hex nuts we used to weight down the palm trees were perfect! The braces he placed to make sure the sign didn't blow over during the parade were perfect. The invisible line he secured the sign with was great in theory until Jillian and I snapped them both off in the middle of the parade.

We had just 3 different nights of decorating. One night we prepped the trailer with the green grass, started adhering the grass skirts around the edge, and worked on the palm trees stands. The kids always started out helping us and then it turned into the moms in the garage working while 10-20 kids ran around in my backyard playing with each other! Another night we had the kids make paper mache coconuts. Now that was a giant fun mess! They also had to come back to paint them...well they started to paint them and then we had to finish. By the time float day came, it looked really, really awesome!

One of the best parts was the freezies we handed out! Each mom bought a few boxes of freezies and froze them, then we loaded them into coolers on the float and had the kids hand them out during the parade. We passed out 5,000 freezies in Int'l Falls!!! 5,000! And we ran out at the end. We also tried to just give them to kids, not all the adults. Which makes me wonder just how many people are downtown on the 4th of July? It's amazing.
The kids were breaking apart all the freezies and literally freezing their hands off. It was super hot and humid that day, but they dug out their wool mittens to get the job done.
I of course had colored spray from last year. So I made sure to use it up on any child with in my reach that was willing. Noah and my kids were all over having their hair spiked and sprayed.
The only bummer about being in the parade is missing the rest of it. I really thought that when you lined up you would see all the floats, but you don't. Most of the kids were okay with that, because once we got moving there was no stopping and less time to think. We were sweating our butts off handing out 5,000 freezies!

Here is our whole group. All 25 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom kids. The shirts they all wore/made turned out super cute too. We were losing letters all over the place, but it sort of went with the book! The walking Alphabet was a total hit with the spectators and the judges. We took 3rd Place in the themed category and won $100. We donated the money to the Children's Library and were able to purchase new books from each group of siblings that participated in the float. The books that are purchased with have a seal in the front cover saying "Happy 100th Anniversary-From (name of the kids)" The librarian is going to let me know what books are purchased and from what kids so that the families can go check out the book that has their children's names listed. I had to sneak a little lesson about donating to your community in there somehow.
After all was said and done, we demolished the float...with the help of my 2 nieces and the boys. It was sad to see it go, but it had been so much fun! Parker found a great way to use the coconuts in the end...a helmet and matching football.

Blog World

2011-07-30T19:54:00.002-05:00

It seems like forever since I have blogged...which it has been...but I feel the need to still go back and update this thing before I forget. I still feel like I blog so I don't forget and this site sure does come in handy when I go scrapping and need to journal these stories onto paper. Which the countdown is on until the next scrap camp (AKA Nerd Camp or Drunk Scrappin'). CAN'T WAIT!
We just got back from 8 days of camping. Yesterday Bear turned 35. I have 87 loads of laundry to wash, dry, fold and put/pack away. Including giant bedding, pillows and beach towels. On top of that we had to unpack the coolers and mountains of food we came home with. I finally took a real shower today and used shampoo. Boy did that feel great! And I am in the process of organizing pictures from the last year in order to get them printed for Scrap Camp. So I figure I'll blog a little, go through pics a little in between the running of the washer/dryer and dishwasher. Enjoy the stories to come...they are good ones!

Parker Can Swim!

2011-07-30T11:20:00.003-05:00

Parker learned how to swim on our week long vacation at Vagabond Village. He was brave enough, he trusted us and took off his life jacket. He was able to motor around the pool with the flippers, the mask and snorkel. But didn't have the ability or the courage to swim without all the gear. Towards the end of the week he could manage to swim unassisted with just the flippers on. His courage soared throughout the week and it was a fantastic sight to see.

Fathers Day at the Shack

2011-07-11T08:58:00.004-05:00

June 2011.
We spent Father's Day down at the Shack. It was Bear's brother Blakes very first Father's Day and it was just simply perfect. My Mom and Dave came down to join in the festivities. Milo and Peg chickened out thinking there were too many bugs in Loman (turned out to be ZERO). But it was a simple meal on the grill-brats, baked beans, chips, and rhubarb crisp. And family.

Bear, Parker and Don...just a couple of boys at heart hanging out at the shack.Grandpa Donnie took Parker out of the 4-wheeler and let him drive the thing. We basically no assistance. Parker was able to control the direction and the speed. Then he drove everybody crazy until the obliged and rode with him on his "wheelie rider".

We went on a lady slipper hunt and managed to find a few Showy Lady slippers and the yellow ones. This one was right outside the shack on the edge of the woods. It was so cool to teach the boys about this special flower.

Grandpa Don and his little shack buddy

Ruby Jay...Ruby Girl...Rhubarb...Rubes...
The cutest little girl who made her daddy extra proud on this special day.

Need I say more?

Emmitt was being camera shy this day but sat down to teach Daddy and Papa how to turn on his super cool shack light.

3 Generations. Including the First Olson Girl.

Emmitt was bumming when Uncle Blake, Auntie Casey and Ruby had to go home. He ran out to the road and waved his little heart out. They live just 25 miles out of town, but our lives get so busy that it's a shame we don't seem them more often. But it makes the times we get together that much more special. 3 Generations. Olson Boys-and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Father and Son

Momma and Daughter-I had the lucky draw of bouncing Ruby to sleep for a little nap and changing a nasty. Her first one at the shack, and I changed it right on the bed! Just like I used to do with my boys. Once she's big enough, we'll have to get her in that washtub for a bath at the shack.

4th of July-the 8th Annual BBQ

2011-07-10T20:32:00.005-05:00

Slideshows are just a bit too easy...sorry about that, but when you are this far behind on bloggling, it's easier overall to post a show than individual pictures that seem to go on forever!
We had a blast on the 4th of July...as usual. It was our 8th Annual BBQ. I cannot believe this little tradition has carried on for 8 summers. It doesn't seem like we have been in our house that long. I love, love, love this get together. We have such a hodge podge of people and I think that is exactly what I like about it so much. We have roughly 45 people that come to our house. We have "who brings what" down to a science. We waiver a bit from year to year, but it's pretty much the same. One year my mother-in-law breathed that she may not make her beans due to back surgery and most of the people threatened her and couldn't believe the blasphemy she spoke! My mom made them for her that year, just because I think she felt sorry for the poor woman! Back surgery, schmack smurgery...the beans must be made! Peter actually went up to her this year and thanked her for the beans. It made her day. The 4th is after all, all about the food!
The Karsnia families are a new addition to the party...but we do other things with them throughout the year. Easton was just a newbie last year and this year he was doing the bear crawl all over the place.
Ruby made her first 4th party and vegged out in her diaper or Onesie during one of the hottest 4th's I can remember. At least we didn't flood this year!
The Froemke's came down again for the 2nd year in a row. Minus their oldest boy Jake. Who was in Wheaton visiting his Grandma and Grandpa for a week. We missed having him with us for the party and the float! Garret wouldn't do it without his big brother! But he had a blast flirting his big brown eyes at Emma and playing trains in the basement with the boys.
The Bilbens attended...they are after all "family". Regan battled the heat 6 months pregnant and it wiped her out completely. They made for an early night, assuming that we would be down to their driveway for the fireworks. She makes the best popcorn on the 4th for us as we pile at the end of her driveway to get a great view of the big show in the sky.
Chris turned 40 this year. His birthday was in June and we all forgot. Or were late with his card. Or didn't call him or anything! I mentioned it to my mom and she felt awful. Not to mention that it was a big birthday. Birthdays are a big deal in our family. So we turned the end of our 4th party into a 40th party. Mom made Chris his favorite cake and she found sparkler candles and a cute 40 and sporty centerpiece candle. We surprised him with our family rendition of "Happy Birthday" and "Chris has a birthday". He really was surprised and then immediately asked "Whadidyagetme?"...ha ha! Just be lucky that we owned up to forgetting your birthday made good with it Leps!
It was a bit tricky juggling a float, the kids wanting to be downtown, the heat, the hosting, etc...but by the time 3 o'clock came around, the kids had had enough of being downtown and we were welcomed home to a garage full of family and friends who had already made themselves at home...just where we wanted them. It was nice not having the 5k fun run the same day of the 4th. That made the day a little less hectic, but the float sure did add on to the business of the day. It was an awesome day that turned into an great evening...the storm that came scared us away from the fireworks that still went off...we were all tucked in bed when we heard the booms from across town. We all stayed there with eyes closed dreaming about how pretty the fireworks must have looked and how many mosquitoes the rain storm brought out.

"4th of July 2011"

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The Grand Tour

2011-07-08T20:01:00.004-05:00

We ventured out on the "big cruise ship" on Tuesday. Parker saw the boat on the 1st of July when we were at the new Voyageurs National Parker Headquarters watching fireworks and has been talking about the huge ship ever since. My mom bought tickets for myself, Parker, her, Emma and Shelby. We were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather as we took an afternoon and spent it on Rainy Lake.
We stopped at Little America and walked around the island. The "tour guide" was very, very good. She kept the attention of the kids and the adults. I had grabbed beads and string from the Visitors Center and Parker was able to make a necklace/bracelet for himself. Then we grabbed more for Emmitt to make while at home.
We were able to see a bald eagle and learn about banding them when they are eaglets. I even learned some history about Rainy Lake City and Bushyhead. Things you forget because you live in the area. We are truly blessed to have such great scenery and history in our area and it pays to partake in the "touristy" events offered in your own back yard!
Thanks Mom for the idea! Thanks Debs for letting us kidnap your daughter for the week...it was GREAT!

5k of 2011

2011-07-04T15:25:00.003-05:00

Family Race day...the whole family participated in the annual Bronco 5k Fun Run(walk). Parker has been there every year with me...the first year, I was pregnant with him, but it still counts. This year he was the youngest participant. We figured he did 2 miles out of the 5 we did that day. 3 miles was the actual race and the other 2 miles were getting to and from the race.

Cousin Pete and his buddy Parker. Pete finished the 5k (very unwillingly) but finished 16th in his age bracket.

A very cooling and windy breeze at the end of a hot, hot race to cool off these hot, hot sisters.

Bear participated this year for the first time. He realized very quickly that even though we don't "run" that it's definitely easier on your mind and your body to jog than it is to walk a very fast pace. He would make the call and decide who got to push the kids while we jogged a few legs of the race.Parker would hop in and out of the stroller when he felt like he could run. He was all over the water stations. Drinking and throwing his cup like the best of them.Once our family of four crossed the finish line with a time of about 39 minutes, we had a few minutes to recover, get a refreshing snack and it was off to the kids race. Parker has done this little lap around the track since he was 18 months old, but Emmitt finally participated this year and made it the whole way, actually running as fast as his little bull-legged legs would take him.

The kids race was one of my favorite parts of the weekend. Parker took off (with his tongue out of course) and pulled out way ahead. Then he kept looking back over his shoulder to see where Emmitt was.
Emmitt was just running with a huge grin on his face as we all cheered him on. Half way around the track Parker stopped to wait for his brother to catch up, then turned around and jogged back to him and grabbed his hand! It was totally priceless the way he helped his little brother finish the race strong. The boys were so excited to run and make it around the track. The were rewarded with a ribbon and a bottle of water. We really made a big deal out of Emmitt finishing. He (believe it or not) is not as outgoing as Parker is and actually takes some convincing to try new things. Parker was such a big boy running miles that day. It was a great way to start off a very busy, hot, fun weekend.

Even I didn't know...

2011-07-03T16:04:00.000-05:00

a surprise outside

2011-06-25T22:09:00.008-05:00

Awhile back Tammy and Scott gave us these birds. The stuffed ones. The eagle and the owl. Their boys had them when they were little. When my boys first got them as a gift they were the new favorite toys. For a bit. Then just like everything other toy they get, it soon becomes forgotten and tossed aside. Well I dug those birds out this morning and revamped what Scott used to do to his boys. He would stick the birds outside in a tree, on the garage, at the park...all over the place. I however taped little notes on the birds for the boys to find this morning.

Parker's eagle carried a note that said "Parker, life's a beach! If it's nice and hot today why don't we head to the beach and you can show your mommy and daddy how well you can swim now". (he's been at 4 days of lessons you know!)Emmitt's owl said "Emmitt, today is a 'stay home day' why don't we have a happy day today and play all day" (he tends to wake up a bit whiny and moody you know!)Well it was in fact super hot and sunny here today and we did go to the beach. We cherish our days that we can all four be home together hanging out, or as we say "stay home days". We were happy and there was only a little whining going on in our house today. We spent hours at the beach. We braved Rainy Lake and it was very cooling yet refreshing. Parker swam. Emmitt got braver and braver each time he went in. Bear and I relaxed on the beach watching the kids. We built a sand castle and buried Emmitt. The boys continued to wonder who left the notes on the birds and put them outside. It ranged from Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and Jesus! (I know, what a combo?!) We eventually came home to crash on the couch for late naps. We surprised the kids with a 7 pm showing of Cars 2 at the theater. And they are both currently sleeping in their bed with the eagle and the owl nestled under their arms...for they are after all, their new favorite toys again!

Ruby Jay is 3 months!

2011-06-10T06:13:00.000-05:00

Emmitt gets to play too

2011-06-08T22:35:00.002-05:00

We met up with some friends a couple of weeks ago to let the kids all play t-ball together. I figured it would be a great way to let Emmitt get some game time in since we aren't having the tiny twins t-ball this year.
He had an absolute blast, hitting, running, throwing, picking up the bases, playing with the sand! All of it.
Just for the record, Parker has his tongue out again!
I manage to have enough Tiny Twins T-ball shirts left over to fit Emmitt for the season and he wears them all so proudly.

He actually did really well connecting with the ball and has the concept down of hit the ball, drop the bat and run! He even went to the right bases.
He put his glove on to play in the field and it was taking him awhile...I finally figured out that he was working his little pointer finger through the glove slot so he could "catch better".

Derek's Grad Ceremony & Party

2011-06-08T21:28:00.001-05:00

it's anything but a diploma

2011-05-30T18:13:00.011-05:00

They say "don't blink and he'll be in kindergarten"...well folks in the Fall he will be. We celebrated Parker's preschool graduation last week. He is such a goof ball that I love that I laughed through the ceremony instead of crying! 5 years has blown by so fast, but I know some of the best are yet to come. Can't wait to use the following pictures against him someday...

Parker and Papa Milo. Papa has had the wonderful job of transporting Parker for 2 years. Parker will ride the bus to and from school next year so that means Papa gets to transport Emmitt to preschool! It is time treasured for both of them.

Grandma Audrey came to the special event. She enjoyed the show just as much as I did.

He was a bit excited once it was all over. We enjoyed cookies and juice together. I even got a hug from one of the helpers, thanking me for sharing our little boy with her.

The proud graduate.

He used his scroll as anything but what it was for...

a telescope

a thighmaster

a flirt tool (checking out a cute Pavleck girl-by the way dude, her mom is your teacher next year you might way to behave yourself)

a megaphone

a drum stick

a feather in your cap

When it really is a cap and scroll.

He told us that since he knows all the letters in the alphabet he now gets to go to kindergarten...yes buddy that's all you need to know!

Tongue Out T-Ball!

2011-05-24T18:27:00.000-05:00

Who knew that T-Ball could be so intense?! Parker has been playing for the Dodgers this year and apparently it has been very intense for him!

I brought my camera the first night of T-ball and when I looked back at the pictures I took, he has his tongue out in almost every single picture!

Batting=tongue out
Getting ready to run from First to Second=Tongue Out
Touching Home plate=tongue out
He can (obviously) get a huge grin in too. I tried to remind my mom and Bear of how great of a ball player I was and got little (if any response) from either of them! T-Ball is in fact about exciting as watching paint dry. But the kid can connect with ball, pretend he is pitching from first base and throw quite straight. In fact, he throws full force no matter the distance you are from him...at least we know how to catch a fast ball from 3 feet away....the other 5 year olds...not so much!

Happy Mothers Day Momma

2011-05-21T09:09:00.003-05:00

Parker came home with a handmade mother's day "card" and a marigold in a Dixie cup. The marigold is just greens sticking out of the cup but growing taller daily. His teacher "interviewed" him and below is what his answer's were. I love how he wrote Emmitt or Parker on the card!
For the record I just turned 31 and Bear is the one who makes cookies, I hardly ever do. And I admit I tell my kids to pick up their crap daily. But they are so very quick to compliment me when I am all dressed up. If I have a fancy dress on or just a simple sundress, have a necklace on or change my earrings, they both always say "you look pretty momma"...and I am pretty crazy and goofy and therefore he thinks I make jokes all the time. But most of all I am so very lucky to be momma. And they both know that they will be my babies forever. Parker will tell you "even when I'm like 90, I'll still be your baby"...

2011-05-14T15:56:00.001-05:00

all for The Cure

2011-05-01T19:38:00.004-05:00

For the past 10 years I have been rallying and racing and raising money for The Cure. I have participated in many different events and fundraisers in support of Susan G. Komen-for the Cure. This year I plan to Race for the Cure-on Mother's Day, with my mom, sisters Debbie and Tammy, niece Emma and Nephew Peter.

I have painted on my "ta-ta's" and dyed my hair pink...I have raised and challenged others to raise awareness, bring education and help find the cure for this disease that effects so many of the women we love.

In 2011, I added one more to my list: my aunt Kathy, so in honor of many who have fought and survived and for those I will never forget...
Aunt Kathy Braulick-currently fighting
Janet Olson-Mother-in-law
Aunt Jeanne (God mother)
Diane Olek-one of my favorite people and a woman I can tell anything to-she is a fantastic listener and will always give a level headed response
Jeanne Corrin-golfing buddy & great friend
Margo Hell-who left us far too soon
Donna Barg-one fantastic woman with one of the best laughs...it's contagious and unforgettable
Maxine Werner-24 year survivor who will always support me
Marlene Schol-best (Oz) costume maker I know!
Julie Jaksa-the best bargain hunter ever and most willing to help others
Terri Nagurski-one of the best photographers and funniest "moms" I know
Wendy Mayer-one of the Young and the Breastless that "owns" it
Stacy Litwiller-helped my son with his speech issues and I was in awe of her beauty before and after.
Janet Wagner-who has fought and fought and thanked me for my efforts. She loved the bras that were recognized in the paper and the awareness I bring to early detection.
Update-in Memory of Janet Wagner-who was taken far, far too early from this world because of this disease. She was a strong woman who fought with grace and compassion.
Carol Hauge-a devoted mother and wife and is always looking out for others
Gina Rasmussen-a woman who we will forever be linked with because of "Papa Norm" and we love it!
Lisa Bahr-currently fighting, with grace, strength and beauty
Arlene Julien-another early survivor who continues to amaze me daily
Kathleen Riley-my sister Tammy's mother in law
Ellen Breneman-just fought it this winter with a smile on her face
Last but never the least...one of my best friends and the craziest woman I have ever had the pleasure of staying up all night and dancing with-Becky Glatz
and many, many more...
If you would like to donate to the Race please click the following link...Team Debbie's Angels

...thank you for your support!

I hear Easter Bells a ringin'

2011-05-01T06:08:00.001-05:00

Easter weekend was wonderful. The kids had been practicing for weeks with me on a bell program at church and with myself as their "teacher/director" the practices didn't always go off without a hitch. It is hard teaching your own children in a group setting where you are responsible for other children. I had tried to quit my Sunday School teacher position earlier this year and somehow ended up being the director of the Easter program!!!??? The little bells they played were color coded and each child picked a bell (read: fought for the bell color of their choice). I had director cards that had colored ovals on them. Simple: when you see your color ring your bell until I change the card and you no longer see your color. I had Emmitt who is 3 all the way up to a 12 year old girl participating. It was so cute! We performed 2 songs during the church service on Easter morning and it went really well. The church was packed, the kids smiled, I only fumbled one card and everybody enjoyed it. There happened to be a bit of a lull between background music and the kids were to be standing with their bells on their bellies or against their legs to not ring while waiting. A few of them just couldn't stand the silence. It was priceless to see their faces when they rang their bell in a silent church only to be rewarded with chuckles from the congregation. A-Dor-A-BLE!!!!

Happy Birthday Momma

2011-04-26T17:58:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday to Me! We had such a great day together celebrating my 31st birthday. Bear grilled homemade burgers, California style, per my request and homemade fries. YUM! It was delightful. I had set a cake mix, eggs, oil, pan, frosting, beaters, etc...on the stove earlier in the week hoping somebody would make my cake, other than myself. Nobody did, but he did bring home a store bought cake that was delicious. They put 17 candles on my cake, that's all we had in the cupboard (and I didn't object), and sang to me. The boys helped me blow out the candles and made wishes with me.

The Bear toasted me with a large glass of wine and we had a great evening together. The boys and I pulled out all the past birthday decorations and made the house look so special. I had the camera out on the tripod and the boys were taking pictures of us...some turned out pretty cute!

well...what else do you do with left over play-dough?

2011-04-19T20:30:00.003-05:00

You make volcanoes out of it...that's what!

Parker came home from school with a recipe for clay volcanoes. You shape a volcano out of clay or play-dough and then add baking soda and a little bit of cider vinegar. Sit back and watch it erupt! Parker came home telling me how to make it exactly. It took him 10 minutes to get the full verbiage out and then I went through his back pack and found the actual directions from the teacher.

Our play-dough got a little gooey towards the end and the directions say to use clay if you want them to last. And then my husband informed me that my volcano wasn't the right shape and that is why is didn't erupt that much.

It was still a blast to use up all the mixed up, nasty, half hard play-dough and the cider vinegar I think I am supposed to cook with?!

a weekend at the Edge

2011-04-18T18:01:00.005-05:00

A weekend at the Edge proved to be a great one! The trip planning started in February. Mahrya, Sean, Abby and Isaac and the Olson 4 were all going to make up for our winter weekend that didn't happen in January. We were so excited, the kids were earning stars on their charts for the water park and then it happened...the bedbug report came out and we all freaked!
Once the issue was cleared up and there were in fact no bedbugs at the "big hotel" we were back on. We had one simple request. Please put us in joint rooms so we can all hang out and then go to bed in our own rooms. That didn't happen.
The kids were so excited to swim that we all got changed in the locker rooms and waited for the staff to fix our room mix up. Abby was celebrating her 9th Birthday that Sunday and brought enough goggles for all the kids to wear. The boys are all just a year apart, 5, 4, and 3. Busy.

We spent as much time as we could in the pools. Abby and I went down the tube slides multiple times. Parker even braved the big slide with me. I was just a tad concerned that they wouldn't let him wear a life jacket down the tube slide, but he took it right off. You could find Emmitt at any given moment with some parent in the hot tub. By the end of the weekend we were saying he had "hot tub cough". This loose, gross, wet, phlegmy cough. He and Isaac were the two in the hot tub the most and they had it. Then the next morning all the kids at breakfast were coughing so it is something in the water or air.
Isaac and Sean. Two of the most fun boys I have ever known!
The look on Emmitt's face in the picture below is something I hope and pray I never forget. This image has been forever etched in my brain. I can even hear his voice when I think of this face. It's the I see my momma and I want her to come get me right now, I love her so much! And I am not lying. That is really what he is thinking and saying. He will blurt out to most people that he loves them so much, just out of the blue. It makes most people so happy they just scoop him up and love on him. I am not sure shouting it to the pizza delivery man is such a great idea, but hey...we all know the world could use a little more love!
When we were finally alerted that the room situation had been worked out, we were pleasantly surprised. One because what we ended up with is what we had originally requested and were told no and two, we were told no by the hotel and the husbands who all agreed it was the best part of the trip. We (Mahrya and I) had originally wanted a suite for 8. 2 big begs for the parents and 2 sets of twin bunk beds for the kids. The hotel said nope, it only sleeps 7. Whatever, I am sure we could cram those guys on the pullout couch! When we checked in, they gave us (or so they thought) 2 rooms that joined by a door. Well Mahrya's door joined to some one else and we didn't have a door to anyone! So we ended up in the suite for the same price, throw in our discounts from being hospital employees, pack all our own food to share and you get a $200 weekend for everything! Wristbands included. We didn't factor in food costs and liquor since we would have done those two at home all weekend anyways. But not dining out, free tickets to the Children's Museum (via the Library system), and smart meal planning made the whole trip that much more fun! We had a blast. The kids all had toys along to share and the bunk beds made it that much more memorable. Their room was sort of closed off with their own TV. It was awesome...definitely a must do again.
Gave the hubs the camera, on top of low lighting and steamy air temps, this below is proof that I am their mom and I was at the Edge in March of 2011 with them.There is something about watching your kid accomplish something all by himself that is so rewarding and sad at the same moment. Parker wanted to do the rope walk. The first 2 times I literally had to hold the floaty walking "stones" in place so the kid could get across. Then he says, mom you can go take pictures of me, I'll do it all by myself. Sigh, I say and I proceed to the edge of the pool. You know what? You are so right, he crossed them and came running to me with the biggest, proudest grin that it made it so rewarding and sad all at once.

shoveling in sandals

2011-04-14T06:15:00.002-05:00

The boys quickly figured out that if they broke apart the snow it melted faster. Saturday brought us 60 degrees so they justified sandals, shorts and shovels.

Emmitt also found the Easter hat that is size 0. He has been wearing it day and night. Literally, he wears it to bed and wakes up with it on.

The boys also figured out if they moved the sump pump hose everyday it melted a new patch of snow in the front yard. Parker then decided to turn the hose on in the back yard (without me knowing it). Bear was gone last week for the Frozen Four and one night I kept hearing this noise in my house. Almost like water running. So I check all the toilets, run downstairs and stare at my ceiling wondering where the heck that noise is coming from. By 10 o'clock I figure out that the noise is coming from the hose running outside. For 5 hours! 5 hours of full blast hose running in my back yard!!! The kid didn't even have it in a patch of snow.

2nd Annual Father's Fishing Trip

2011-04-07T17:48:00.011-05:00

Last year was the 1st Annual Father's Fishing Trip and the tradition continued this year. It has turned into a great Christmas gift for these guys. Again, 5 am they were on the road. This year they were able to get away during the middle of the week (must be nice). But it was a great reward for Bear to have completed the VNP building and be able to take a breather for a guys weekend.

Another year older and baiting his own hook. He insisted on wearing "the glove" though each time he did it. But he got the minnow on the hook properly all by himself!
Daddy and Parker were able to spend some one on one together again. It's nice for Emmitt and Mommy at home too. The fish houses were a bit away from each other this year. Last year they were all in one, this year it was a bit different and they were in 2 houses.
Parker would run between the 2 houses all day long visiting the different "fathers".
They did manage to catch a few fish each day, but the fishing is down all over the place, so it was to be expected. It makes the trip that much longer when the fish aren't biting but it's still so special.
"Harry" and Parker again. I cannot remember what this guys name is, but he remembered Parker from last year and Parker remembers him. Well, all but his name. He said, it's Harry, because he has a lot of hair. But this guy drives the Bombardier on the ice and transports you to your fish house.
Papa Milo and his little buddy fishing.
Parker with all the fish. Once again, he reeled them all in and therefore believes he "caught" them all.
Harry, Parker and Bear. This year the guys stayed in a cabin on land. I am beginning to think that Harry may be part of the family also.
Parker and daddy hanging out on the couch at the cabin. Doesn't get much better than this!Well maybe it does. How about you add a Superman cape, a bag of chips and a pop? Yeah that's more like it!
The guys spent a couple of days fishing and enjoyed each others company. It is a great time for all of us involved. I am all for pulling my kid out of school for a couple of days to subject him to the great outdoors and to be with family. It is the chance of a lifetime to be able to spend quality time with these very important men in his life. Time we won't ever be able to get back and time worth making time for!

the day we played hookie

2011-04-03T08:28:00.008-05:00

Bear and I played hookie from work a couple of weeks ago. He asked me on a day date and we went out ice fishing. We dropped the kids off at daycare and headed out. Bear offered to pack the lunch and I simply said whatever you pack, I'll eat. We grabbed some supplies from the bait shop and tried to find a solid ice road. The first road was not what we considered safe so we went out past Island View.

We got a good ways out on the ice by carefully steering to keep the truck in the previous trucks ruts. We finally see a few houses and trucks and breathe a sigh of relief. Bear decides to pull off and set up. Well he pulled off the road a little too early and we got stuck. A bit of panic sets in for me as I hang my head out the open window wondering what the heck we do next. A few minutes of rocking the truck back and forth and we see another truck coming up behind us and the nice stranger offers to pull us out. THANK YOU NICE MAN! We go approximately another 25 yards and it's the glare sheet of ice that we should have pulled off on...not the 2 feet of slush that pulls you all over the place! Griswolds.

We decided not to set up the fish house, it was gorgeous out, a little windy, but nice enough to stand on the ice all day. Bear drills the holes for us, baits our hooks and we wait. Literally, we wait all day. I got one bite, didn't set the hook properly and the fish got away. That was the only bite all.day.long.

The hubs clearly enjoying his day date with his wife. He served me PB&J sandwiches and FunYuns. It was perfect. I had to "make" the lunch he packed but it was still perfect. We ate sunflower seeds all day and spit the shells on the ice. We would hang out in the truck if the wind got too cold. We would sit and watch the lines for any action.

The queen hanging out on her throne.

Since we didn't use the minnows what else do you do with them? You have two options: 1) dump them down the hole for the fish to eat for free and reward them for not biting our hook or 2) take the home for your kids and let them play with them in the tub until they all die. We obviously picked option 2.

When the minnows "went to sleep" we would just flush them. It was hours of fun.

Even though we didn't catch any fish, we had a great day spending time together, talking without interruptions and simply hanging out. We forget how important it is to do, but so worth it when the rare moment comes along.

14 years ago today...

2011-04-01T06:20:00.002-05:00

14 years ago today...a super hot guy got down on one knee if front of the Rainy River Community College library and asked me for my number...ahhhh.

Ruby Jay

2011-03-15T06:20:00.002-05:00

Where have I been the last month of blog world??? I wish I could use the real Ruby as an excuse but the shower planning will have to do.

Below are the shots I took for her shower invite and announcement.
She is soooooo cute!

I love how crinkly her skin is on her arm. Like a new puppy who needs to grow into her skin.

These headbands are ridiculous, but oh so cute! I couldn't help myself when I borrowed the box of headbands from Summer. The same week I marched myself up and down the girl aisle at Kmart and bought every headband and ridiculous socks that look like little mary jane shoes I could find. Then I had to head home and face the hubs with the purchases.

And to finish off the photo shoot she put me in my place and pulled a little Ruby attitude.

I'm not sure if it at me or that headband, but still...Girl!
And to top it off, right after this she peed on my couch.

the one who ate the screwdriver

2011-03-14T17:31:00.005-05:00

Recently more and more people are saying how much Emmitt looks like his momma. But who would have thought that he would inherit my eating foreign objects trait?! Well on Saturday the kid did it. See the little screwdriver on the right of the picture below? He ate it. And if you are wondering how it's in the bag...well momma got to put on some rubber gloves and dig through poop. In my defense I was in the bathroom getting ready for work and dad was in charge. But he had it in his mouth and took a drink of his fruit smoothie and down it went. Top that with the high quantities of popcorn and out came the screwdriver the next morning!
I say he gets it from me because I was about 5 and swallowed the revolver from the Clue game. Again, in my defense, Shawn Sirotiak told me to! It was one of the only times I can remember my mom spanking me. I was ashamed and knew better. When I told Parker this story, I asked him how many times he thinks he's been spanked and he answered a hundred. My poor kids.

We met Miss Ruby

2011-02-27T20:38:00.003-06:00

We ventured out to Loman to meet Miss Ruby. Just 2 days old and oh so sweet!
The boys were so excited to hold her. Emmitt kept putting his arms out and saying "I hold her." He would then of course be instructed to sit on the couch with the boppy around him and hold her gently.

Parker really liked holding her too. He loved kissing her head and kept saying how tiny all her body parts were. Her ears, her nose, her lips. And she is tiny. Even if she came into the world at almost 9 pounds. She dipped down a pound but is eating like a trooper, she'll gain it back in no time.

Auntie Becky held her most of the time. We had brought them down dinner so I snatched her right up while they ate. Bear put the swing together that we bought them and then the boys had to see her in it. She finally opened her eyes right before we left for home! She woke up a bit and looked at the mirror and objects before her on the swing. I had to tell the boys that she probably could only see shapes and doesn't see what we see. It is such a miracle how tiny they start out and how very fast they grow.

I've got boys for a reason...

2011-02-22T17:01:00.003-06:00

...most of the time I know how to handle them, but today I got a case of the giggles so bad that I started questioning my sanity. I hope this funny story about Parker is as funny to you as it is to me. If not, oh well, because it totally made my day!

I bought Parker new underwear this weekend and he put a pair on last night for bed. He woke up this morning with an "inspected by number 71" sticker on his tenders! I could barely hold it together to think of how to get the sticker off. We ended up trying to rip it off like a band-aid. That didn't work. Then I went with a warm washcloth which took the first layer of the sticker off, but the residue was left behind. So I told him he had to rub gently with the washcloth to get that part off. Then he and Emmitt had a discussion about it getting big! Oh my!! He was so proud of himself for not crying when he was trying to rip it off and I was laughing so hard I had to walk out of the bathroom. I had no idea what to say or do, so I simply ignored it all together. But I have had random fits of giggles all day! Oh the joys of boys.

She's Heerreeee!

2011-02-21T11:36:00.001-06:00

Ruby Jay
2/21/11 @ 1:45am
8#15oz 21 inches

(The First Olson Girl)

The Hockey Great is Three indeed!

2011-02-16T14:14:00.011-06:00

The Hockey Great Cake. This cake idea came to me the week of the birthday party. I found out that Super One bakery sells kits (the little nets and hockey dudes) for $5 for just about any theme you can think of! Bear and the Internet helped me with the line placement.

We are close to 35 people with just "family" at the birthday parties. It is getting fun and easier with the kids at the table eating cake. Left to right around the table: Gracie Lyn, Garret, Brooks, Emmitt, Parker, Jake and Jillian.
A favorite memory of the day: he sang along to Happy Birthday to himself. Not just Happy Birthday to you, or me for that matter...but Happy Birthday to Emmitt. It was so cute. Word for word.
and BLOW!
He and his brother eating the cake and ice cream.
The Olson Family. Bear put on his '95 jersey. Then sadly admitted that it fits the same, except he had all the equipment on in '95.

Momma and E-Man. We had planned on skating on the rink in the back yard and couldn't because it was raining in February!

The gift craziness. He got a Bronco horse, Gator Golf, a new Emmitt backpack, Tarzan movie, the Mater Car wash, a Buzz Light year toy, a punching bag, clothes, savings bonds, jumping beans...it was fun to see him open the gifts. It was not fun watching his brother try to open them before the birthday boy could get a chance.It was a little chaotic but always a good time. We keep contemplating just doing our Olson 4 party, but when the birthday nears I invite everybody. Birthdays are special. We don't over buy gifts, we don't feed people supper, we have never had a "kid party", just our closest family members celebrating another year of life with our little dudes.

40 Weeks and counting

2011-02-14T17:03:00.006-06:00

Well these Olson cousins won't share the same birthday that we know. Casey and Blake and baby-still-in-the-womb attended the 3rd Birthday party for Emmitt Jon last night. It was so cute how every person at the party was more than willing to give up their seat for the mom-to-be. Tuesday, February 15th is the due date. Casey says she is waiting for the weekend and the full moon to deliver. We shall wait and see. Here are the rest of the "belly shots" of her.
These boots were worn by Bart, Blake and Barrett. Blake is the only cowboy of the bunch so it was fitting that I return these adorable boots to their rightful owner. Baby Olson.

This cheesy pose is soooo cute. I can't help but love it.
So here's to the finale. Here's to the new baby Olson that will soon be joining our family. Here's to my favorite sister-in-law becoming a mommy for the first time.

I'm not going to complain about the snow, I'm gonna ski on it.

2011-02-07T20:30:00.003-06:00

My sister Tammy and I have been skiing together for 7 years. Our winter morning routine has been etched in ice for years now. We are up and out of the house by 5:45 to start our skiing adventure together. I call it an adventure because, like most things with Tammy, it is an adventure. We just skied last Friday morning in freezing rain! It hurts a little by the way. We have always gone 3 loops at Manka's little trail in the mornings (3 km) and save the "big" skis for the weekends. We attempt to ski out at Tilson one of the weekend days. This past weekend we skied the long red loop. It is a little over 10 km. We saw moose prints. We saw huge overturned trees that had been lifted right out of the ground. We saw lots of gorgeous land. It was fantastic. This year our adventure grew a little more and we rented skate skis. I am favoring "skating" a bit more than classical. The idea is growing on Tammy. But she has this gorgeous, long, graceful ski while on classicals. I have this choppy racing spastic movement about me when on classicals. So skating is a bit more up my ally. The skiing suits the personality I think. A couple of weekends ago we met somebody on the trail, with a camera, that we knew. She snapped what is known to be our first ski photo in 7 years! This season is by far our best in distance. The season started so early and all the snow makes for a long and gorgeous ski season. I love that we are those people who smile when we get a big snow because it means more great skiing. It's what I live for in the winter. I'm not going to complain about the snow, I'm gonna ski on it! With almost 150 km skied to date just this season, this -30 below weather is going to put a kink in the routine. But it's just a kink. We get back out there when it warms up to -15 and above. It is so comforting and motivating to know that we are going to be waiting for one another every morning in the parking lot. Some days we refer to it as our therapy session. Some days we say very little. Some days we laugh a lot. This morning our eyes watered from the cold wind...and then our eyelashes hang with little frosty icicles.
Thank you Old Man Winter for giving me the joy of skiing with my sister!
And yes, we wear fanny packs on our butts.

new baby coming (and it's not mine)

2011-01-26T14:48:00.003-06:00

I can't hardly contain myself...I am suuuper excited to be Auntie again. I'll have you know that it has been 10 years. 10 years!! since I've been an auntie to a new baby. I'm always the one having the babies around here. Well...in just a few short weeks Baby Olson will be here. Due date is 2 days after Emmitt's birthday. Boy or girl? We don't know...but I will be highly surprised if the Olson guys can actually produce a girl. It would be a first. I ventured out to Loman to take some pics of my sister-in-laws belly. Here is a favorite of mine....

gearing up for another Hat Trick party

2011-01-24T14:36:00.006-06:00

We are literally gearing up for a party. Not just any party. A 3rd Birthday party. While cleaning up the basement I found all the leftover (ahem, unopened) black and white referee/hockey decor. Then I realized that I used all my creative juices 2 years ago on Parker's hockey party. So we are having a repeat party. A bit different, but the same theme. A hat trick is defined as: to "achieve a positive feat in the sport three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes." Well folks-we have achieved 3 years in this little dudes life!
We plan on having all the family over for a hockey party. I tried to host a party with food served last year and I felt like I was being pulled in every direction, so this year...it's just back to cake and ice cream. Hockey cake and ice cream that is.
We do actually have a rink in our backyard. Emmitt isn't the kid (like Parker) who wants to get snow pants on right away and play outside for hours on end. He comes in after a bit and says something like my face is so cold. or I have to pee. or I have snow down my shirt. Inevitably he comes in the house shortly after he has gone out. So he has learned how to stand on the ice. Not skate. But stay upright and move about with the little pusher thingy.

If anybody asks him how old he is going to be? Those cute, tiny fingers go up in the air just.like.this. Cute and tiny he is. He is just 24 pounds and his features are still so baby like to me. He is our little peanut.

As you can see from the pictures above and the one below, this kid has many different looks. He can look so grown up and so baby like the same day. For these pictures he demanded a Mohawk! Then he demanded his Bronco hat and looked like a different kid, just within minutes.
One thing is for sure, this little guy loves his big brother. He copies him, he adores him, he follows him, he annoys him, he beats on him, he truly loves him as a big brother.
I say it every time...I cannot believe that my baby is another year older! It just doesn't seem possible...but life is getting easier and harder every day, but so, so worth it.

Top 10 of 2010 Emmitt style

2011-01-18T18:35:00.000-06:00

Top 10 of 2010 Emmitt style
10. had one of the coolest Owl Parties ever
9. went to the dentist and sat through a full teeth cleaning (with poop in his pants)
8. gets to attend Sunday School
7. rode a horse at the fair
6. learned to pedal a bike/tricycle
5. slept in a big boy bed with no railing
4. learned to swim with a life jacket
3. can dress himself with little assistance
2. will pretend play
1. potty trained (well most days at least)

Top 10 of 2010 Parker style

2011-01-18T18:31:00.003-06:00

Top 10 of 2010 Parker style
10. road the bus for the first time
9. learned to skate much better
8. caught his first fish ice fishing
7. caught his first fish from water that wasn't frozen
6. went deer hunting with daddy and sat in the stand
5. jumped off a dock and went under water
4. behavior 101-AKA got naughty notes sent home from school and had a total revamping on his behavior
3. learned to tie his shoes
2. lost 2 teeth and got 6 new ones
1. learned to ride a two-wheeler free of training wheels

The Traveling Christmas

2011-01-06T05:45:00.002-06:00

Our Christmas Eve was honored with a new tradition this year. My side of the family decided to host a Traveling Christmas. Basically we traveled to each of our houses doing different activities, parts of the meal, festivities and traditions. The idea came to us all when we really couldn't figure out who was going to host, who was going to cook, if we were going to do gifts, blah, blah, blah. My kids are little and need naps at noon, Tammy's boys are big and are barely awake at noon. So it began...the Traveling Christmas. And it was fabulous.
We started in Ray at my parents house for a bonfire, a winter walk through the woods, caroling, goodies and hot chocolate.
Then to our homes for our own lunch and naps.
Then just Parker and I headed to Church. We both were able to enjoy it. He loved the Silent Night candlelight part the best. I loved being able to sit and listen and enjoy.
Then to Tammy's for a simple and wonderful meal.
Then to my house for the Annual Smashing of the Gingerbread House, goodies, and decaf coffee. Only to get people out the door to get my kids to bed and to wait to catch Santa in the act once again this year.

The two pictures below are actually the end of the evening. It was the house smashing and devouring. They have come to expect and thoroughly enjoy the smashing. The anticipation of waiting until we count to three is almost uncontainable.

I almost could not believe that Parker could actually get the huge tree topper in his mouth, but he did!

Back up to 10:30 am in Ray. The Winter Wonderland. Grandma Audrey took off with the "heaviest kid she could pull" in the sled and blazed the trail for us all. Tammy and Emmitt followed.

Tracey and Shelby

Grandma and Parker

The Olson 4 and of course a big stick.

Our Nicker

The whole group of us.

Emmitt Jon in his new owl hat enjoying Grandma's hot cocoa.

The awesome carolers. Mom printed out the words so we could sign along. The guys slowly drifted further and further away from us! It was hilarious and a memory I will never forget. Singing carols by a bonfire in the woods-so cliche and so perfect!

The boys loved the fire the best. They could sit out by one and throw things in it for hours.

This day could have turned out horrific. But it really was a favorite Christmas of mine. Bear wasn't sure at first. He said, "it feels like we are dragging the day on forever". I responded with, "It is Christmas and that's not a bad thing you know?!" By the end, we all loved how perfectly it all played out.

The way the card should have looked

2011-01-05T21:31:00.003-06:00

Mommmm, Emmitt has a piece of coal bigger than me!

Oh, she said we should act like we love each other...wonder if this is what she meant?

ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! I wonder if we scream real loud she'll give up?

nope. guess I'll choke you and then maybe she'll give us that candy cane she's been promising for the last 10 minutes!do you think she bought it? Dude, at least we got our candy canes.mommmmm, Parker has a piece of coal bigger than me.

2011-01-02T12:55:00.001-06:00

My favorite picture of the season

2010-12-28T19:29:00.002-06:00

Because we are the Griswold family, Santa must have thought these shirts were just too perfect to pass up! And I love being married to Clark Griswold!

a few more

2010-12-26T07:12:00.000-06:00

Not much better than watching a Christmas movie in your jammies laying on a snow tube.

Or being dressed like Tigger and a Ninja Turtle while decorating Christmas cookies. All the while eating homemade lefse and drinking eggnog. Mmmmmm...We decorated 3 dozen cookies that night. Bear was flooding the rink in the backyard and by the time he came in, I was at the table all by myself decorating. I had been totally ditched and left to finish up.They did enjoy decorating, eating, licking and sprinkling all those cookies.Our finished products. Many Bronco colored angels, bells and Santas. Lots and lots of sprinkles!The traditions have been fun this year. The boys are getting a little easier to do these projects with. Parker especially enjoys them!

I know I'm spoiled, but...

2010-12-16T06:23:00.005-06:00

I know I'm spoiled, but...doesn't it count for something when I admit it?

My Milo and the hubs mounted my shelves for me in the basement. There is not much that I love more than these two guys...but organization comes a close second.

After the "shit-geyser" went off July 1st, my basement was totally trashed. The new carpet went down in August. Then the dehumidifier quick sucking moisture out of the air but continued to run day and night. Bear and I both always thought the other person was dumping it out, when in fact neither of us was. Then the day came that I went to move the furniture back into the newly carpeted area and realized it was all covered in a fine layer of moldy fuzz.
(insert freak out moment here)

So the craziness began. I tore everything out of my laundry area. Sprayed every crevice of it with mold resistant cleaner, scrubbed, scoured and removed all particles of dirt, debris and mildew. Then enlisted Regan to help me paint my floor, complete with speckles. That took us about 45 minutes. Then I made the guys move my deep chest freezer (totally full of meat), not once, twice, but three times! Then I realized that I totally needed to paint the walls a fresh coat of white complete with mildew resistant additive. Then I wondered why the heck I painted the floor first? 10 drop clothes later and I was on my way to painting. I painted the basement walls the month of November. The hubs was hunting so at nap time and bedtime. I would pour a glass of wine, change into my painting clothes and head down to the dungeon.

Then I drew a map, yes a map of where I wanted shelves to go. I needed to get things off the floor in case the city sewer decides to come into my house again. Then I took my little map (5 pages) to Menards with 2 kids and batted my eyes at some poor kid and made him help me load up my cart and then the car. I drove through town with my hatch open, the little red flag a waving out the back and told the kids to hang on to the shelves!

Then Milo and Barrett spent a weekend doing this for me...spoiled I know.2 shelves for all our canned goods. The empty jars will be replaced with food from next years garden. This may have been the easiest section to mount since it went into wood and not cinder block!
The deep chest finally ended up on the left side of this little area with all my totes of seasonal decoration on the right. The top shelves are full of games, puzzles, cards, etc...

The big sink is the only part left to go. Derek and Bear are going to saw this bad boy apart this winter, remove it and replace with a new nice white one. This old one is made of concrete! Regan has one just like it in her basement, so that one will go too, the same weekend.
My laundry shelf. Extra sheets, towels, toilet paper, big things that don't fit in my kitchen, like the bread machine and the giant mixer.
Another angle of the decorations and game shelves.
Now...if I could just get that label maker I want from Santa...

another one down...

2010-12-13T07:51:00.000-06:00

Well...I have another tradition down. A new one actually. One my husband finally let me do. I haven't burned the house down yet with my fire hazard. I put a fake tree with twinkle lights on it, in my boys' room for their night light. They have their very own tree. You should have seen their faces when plugged it in! Priceless.

The 5th Birthday Party

2010-12-11T20:04:00.000-06:00

A month after the kid turned 5, I realized I hadn't "documented" the whole experience! Forgive me...we've been a bit busy.

So the day of his birthday he of course had no school and enjoyed the 2nd of the 3 Alligator cupcake platters at daycare.

Then that evening all the family came over. We top 30 if all show up. It gets busy and chaotic, but it's always been that way, and we love it.

I bought these, ~~Ahem dinosaur~~, Alligator hats at the Dollar Tree for each of the kids to wear. Then I bagged up all the extra Runt candy (minus the banana pieces) and gave those to the kids too! They all ate them and nobody complained about the leftovers.

A wonderful addition we would have missed at the party was Nicker! He came and made himself comfortable in the chair and talked a bit about the accident/back surgery. The cutest was when Jillian pulled on her momma and asked Is that Parker's cousin Nick that we pray for mom? She was so surprised to see him in person, yet too shy to go up and talk to him.
Parker is still in love with puppy anything. Derek had drawn his name and got him 2 new puppies and Spiderman socks and slippers! A HUGE hit with a 5 year old!
Guns. Guns. Guns. Bullets. Bullets. Bullets. EVERYWHERE IN MY HOUSE! And he loves them all. Papa taught him to set up various toys around the house and see if he can "dead-eye" them. He can.Grandma Janet and Papa Don went to Florida back in the 60s. Yes the 60s. They bought a stuffed and real at one time Alligator. Laying in bed one night he shouts out that he actually thinks he knows where a 50 year old Alligator is?! Guess what? He found it and they wrapped it up and gave it to my kid! It was a huge highlight of the party!My mom typed up an "All About A" card for Parker and on the back was a song called "Along Came Mr. Alligator"...I read the card to him the day after his birthday and he knew all the words and actions to the song. We made sure to invite Grandma Audrey over one night to watch the performance and teach her the actions.We served cupcakes and mint & chip ice cream to the family. Every time I asked Parker what piece of the gator he picked, he told me it was the one with the toenails! Mmmmm.Emmitt really enjoys the parties just as much as the next kid. While reorganizing my basement I came across all the 3rd Birthday/Hat Trick party supplies and figured a hockey party would be just great for Emmitt too! And I have basically run out of ideas...
Happy 5th Birthday to my Little Man!
And because I know you just can't wait to hear "what am I going to do next year?"...my mom (the least creative person I know) came up with the marvelous idea of Parker's next Birthday: 6. Yes 6. His birthday next year is 11-11-11. Or should I type 1+1+1+1+1+1 add up to ???? You guessed it 6!

Take me for a ride...

2010-12-06T10:19:00.001-06:00

Enjoy the show!

two pictures

2010-11-28T17:12:00.003-06:00

I took a total of 2 pictures on Thanksgiving.

One of my centerpiece I made of fresh cranberries and white roses. I got the roses for $10 at Gearharts Floral for donating to the Food Shelf.

And this one. Papa Don and his boys. It's precious and gorgeous all at the same time.

It was 6 years ago that he had his heart attack precisely after I made my first Turkey dinner. We even laugh about the Heart Attack Turkey each and every year, but are truly thankful he is with us today.

tagged

2010-11-27T11:28:00.002-06:00

Gina tagged me.

RULE #1 : People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2 : Tag 4 people to do this quiz and they cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family?
Ummm…I HAD cats and they hated my first born so we "got rid of them". Enough said. I don't wanna talk about it.

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
I have no idea. I am blessed and I know I am. I wish I could know the future some days, but it's not meant to be that way.

3. What is the one thing most hated by you?
People who start their sentence with "I shouldn't be telling you this, but…". Then shut your trap!

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Live comfortably, pay off debt, hire somebody to build us a new house, invest it, put new lighting in our church, add to my retirement, give it away…

5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
What bad mood? I am rarely in a bad mood…it's a waste of time.

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Both equally, but giving your love away is a rewarding feeling.

7. What is your bedtime routine?
Crash. If I have time, I'll do the remove eye makeup, wash my face, brush my teeth, but 5 out of 7 days I just simply go to bed.

8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?
I stalked him with Gina at Rainy River. Then I asked him out. And then he married me. And we lived happily ever after.

9. If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?
Bear's Auntie Joyce is a painter. I would love to sit in a chair with a sugar free skinny latte and watch her paint.

10. What kinds of books do you buy?
I have a library card. I check out fiction books and kids books.

11. How would you see yourself in ten years time?
10 years from now…I'll be 40. YIKES! My kids will be growing up, we will still be running around like crazy people, but happy, healthy and thankful for the busy fun years we have shared together so far.

12. What's your fear?
Death.

13. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space?
Umm, NO. This is absurdity. Dido.

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor?
I am married and poor and doing just fine.

15. What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
I get woken up almost every day of the week…to one or two sweet little boys, who are nestling under the covers. We snuggle until somebody shouts, I have to pee!

16. If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be?
That he would complete projects for me faster. He's a starter, not a finisher which makes me a nag. I don't want to nag.

17. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
Wonder Woman.

18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
Been there. Done that. I think I am burnt out in this area currently. I am not a bad person to not forgive, I am a good person who won't allow it anymore.

19. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?
Cheese. I LOVE cheese. Mmmmmmmm….me too!

I'm tagging, Summer, Daf, Anna, and Jen P

yet another tradition fulfilled...

2010-11-27T10:32:00.003-06:00

Another seasonal tradition fulfilled. Sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want for Christmas.
The boys had just witnessed the coolest, cheapest balloon being blown up by Josh Cann and by golly they both told Santa they wanted a balloon for Christmas!

a hunting we will go

2010-11-22T06:58:00.005-06:00

Well another seasonal tradition down. A first for Parker in fact. He was able to out in the deer stand with daddy the last hunting day of the season. They did not get a deer but saw a pine martin and a wood pecker.

Bear was actually surprised at how long Parker sat out in the stand. They were out there for about 2 hours. 2 hours is a long time for a 5 year old little body.
Bear taught him how to call a deer in. I think he may have done more scaring off the deer than attracting them.He got his coat for his birthday. His very own hunting coat. He and daddy have this thing going with orange gum. They call it hunting gum. Parker had the pack of gum in his pocket 2 days ahead of time! After they came in from the stand, he fell asleep in the truck on the way to town, took his nap, and when he woke up he was still chewing the hunting gum!My two providers of the family. Off doing manly things like calling deer and peeing in the woods. And of course creating some great memories.

One down, many to go

2010-11-20T15:48:00.001-06:00

One of many seasonal traditions fulfilled today...the horse drawn sleigh ride.

The opener

2010-11-15T18:35:00.008-06:00

This was year two of the Opening Weekend of deer season that the Bilben family came to stay with us. Last year I managed two 4 year olds and 2 18 month olds...this year...much, much, much easier. Again, it was a weekend of adventures, laughs, not many tears and way more energy than I'll ever have.

I took the kids up to the bike trail and let them run. Run, Run, Run, Run until you can't run anymore! I told them. And they did. It is crazy to look back at last year and see that there was no snow, warm weather. This year we didn't even have jackets! All our hunters kept saying it was too warm to hunt. The kids and I loved that it was this nice out. I appreciated the time to be free of them all and I turned them loose in the back yard.

Jillian. The only girl in the bunch of kids. She fits in perfectly. Auntie Becky taught her a few things in the woods...when she had to go potty "real bad". From one girl to another!

Once she was home she mentioned to Regan that she noticed when we all prayed at the table the we say AhMen (short a) and they say A-men (long a). I am not sure if a lot of funny things happened at the table while eating or if we just simply spent that much time at the table eating. I literally felt like all I did was think of a meal, cook it, serve it, clean up and start all over again.

Parker. The almost 5 year old. He was busy running, building "fires", and helping me keep an eye on the "babies". Brooks. Brooksy. Dude. He was hilarious. I kept hiding his nuk on him. He would communicate with his eyes. A lot. He doesn't need to say a word, just a look. At one point I told him he had "angry eyes" (watch Toy Story 2) and we all got the giggles at the table, and sure enough he would do it again to get a laugh out of us all.

The Bilbens taught our kids a bunch of funny knock-knock jokes...but there answers were always something to do with food or underpants. I was amused for the first 3 jokes, but they all laughed themselves silly at their own funny answers.

E-man. Kept up with the best of them all weekend long. The first night of the sleepover each set of siblings slept together. The second night I let the big kids sleep together and the little kids sleep together. At 1 am Brooks lost that darn nuk and was screaming for it. Emmitt told him to "hush" and came downstairs to sleep with momma.

While on our walk, we gathered fire wood and made a pretend fire to warm our hands. We sat around and had a snack and climbed on the log and rock and then headed home for yet another meal.

The 2 five year olds. Cute as ever.I told Jillian while combing out her wet hair that God gave me boys for a reason! She looks like she is giving me attitude in this picture, but she really is a sweetie.And alas...a shot of the 4 of them sitting still long enough for the memory...like 1 millisecond.On the walk home...we came to the corner before piling back into the car...one of the reasons I love Fall so much in Northern Minnesota.

I am thankful that Regan and Derek got away for a weekend together and that once again she tagged a huge buck opening morning!

The next chapter

2010-11-09T07:20:00.002-06:00

Well, the next Chapter in my Big Book of Life begins today at 8 am. I am beginning a new job at Rainy Lake Medical Center. It is called Material Management Clerk (inventory/stock of medical supplies). It is part-time and I will work Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I will go between the hospital and the clinic, but will spend most of the time at the clinic. Barrett and I started realizing awhile ago that Curves was not going to be able to support our family financially long term and I began to put together a resume and seek outside work. A big question many of you may have is "what about Curves?" Well, I will continue to own and manage it. I will be at the club Mondays and Wednesdays-which happen to be my 2 busiest days of attendance. So I really believe this will be the best of both worlds. A new job that will give me a paycheck, a 401K, the ability to pay into my social security, etc...and still allow me to manage my own business. The flexibility is of course gone and hopefully the stress we felt with financial strain. It's bittersweet, but I hope all my girls at Curves realize that I am not abandoning them, I am taking the next step to keep the place they love and support so much, going. Here's to the next Chapter and all it has to offer...

Almost 5

2010-11-08T07:03:00.005-06:00

5 Years Old! That seems like such a big milestone Birthday. Although I cannot remember mine. I think the first birthday I really remember was my 7th. I had a girl sleepover birthday party. I am trying not to think about the fact that my kids are probably not going to remember any of these parties or anything we have done with them to this point. I do however know that they will remember they are loved, taken care of, nurtured, taught, instructed, hugged, kissed and told I love you, daily. And the pictures help. I admit, I can be a bit obnoxious with the camera, the scrapbooks, the blogging, but I want them to go back and see what it was like raising them. Somebody asked me what my due date was with Parker, and I actually couldn't remember off the top of my head! Something that I had remembered for the past 5 years, simply escaped me. I still have yet to find the time to look it up. I think it's the 9th, which is tomorrow.

All he knows right now is that he will be 5 in three days. He desperately wants a two wheeled scooter (which he is getting from his Fairy Godmother), that his cupcakes are going to be awesome and that daddy is taking him hunting, up in a deer stand on Friday...simply because he will be 5.

The invite and what the cake will be

2010-11-06T11:03:00.005-05:00

Parker picked to have an Alligator cake this year. I basically gave up on telling him what kind of birthday party to have and let him choose. This year at least. He looked through our Hello Cupcake book and picked the Old Swampy Alligator. For as much as he loves puppies I thought for sure I was going to be making dogs this year. This is also the book that I got the Owl idea from for Emmitt's Look Whooooo's Two party.

Here is what the cake/cupcakes are to look like...we'll see how well I do. I will in fact be making 3 sets of these gators, so by the end of the week I should have mastered the pull and flip piping technique! I am still on the hunt for Newman's Own Alphabet square cookies, but it looks like I would either need to make a trip to Duluth or the Metro area to buy them. If anybody is coming from that way, give me a call! I think I can substitute chocolate covered graham crackers. Should be fun! Is he really going to be FIVE?!!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

2010-11-02T06:52:00.009-05:00

First Dorothy ventured off on the Yellow Brick Road in search of the great and powerful Oz. On her journey to Emerald City she came across a Scarecrow. They decided to hook up and venture off together. She needed a home, he needed a brain.Along the way they try to steal some apples off some very creepy talking trees and come upon a Tinman who had rusted in the rain while chopping down a tree. The Tinman joined them on the journey to Emerald City in search of a heart.Next the fearless trio come across a Cowardly Lion. The Lion is in need of some courage and they all head down the Yellow Brick Road.
They were off to see the Wizard...
...The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!That is actually the story that Parker's tells...with a little help on wording from momma.

the toothless tinman

2010-10-31T20:51:00.002-05:00

Guess who let Auntie Tracey pull out another tooth? Yep on Halloween morning, he had his second tooth pulled by Auntie. And, guaranteed an extra treat tonight on Halloween under his pillow from the tooth fairy! I worked on the tooth the night before and he would barely hold his mouth open for me...he said, "I just want Auntie to do it mom!". Of course she obliged. They had this cute banter going back and forth about how she wasn't really going to pull it out, just wiggle it and then OUT it came! It made for a very cute, toothless tinman!

and the costumes were hung...

2010-10-30T20:22:00.003-05:00

and the costumes were hung...

the power of prayer

2010-10-27T09:52:00.006-05:00

I am a true believer in the power of prayer. Our Nicker is going through an incredibly tough time right now. Saturday he was in a four wheeler accident, it rolled on top of him when he went up a steep hill, and he broke vertebrae in his back. Today is Wednesday and he is set to have surgery around noon. His family has created a caringbridge site for him. If you can; leave a message, read the incredible messages people have left for him and say a prayer for him. He is a strong 15 year old boy with a great head on his shoulders. He is an amazing nephew. My kids adore their cousin Nicker and it's been hard explaining all of this to those little minds. The surgery is fairly common and the outcome looks good. He definitely has somebody watching over him right now and at the time of the accident.