Christmas

Well it is over. I can't believe it. This year went by so fast. I wasn't fully ready for Christmas and now it is almost New Years. We had a great Christmas though. On Christmas Eve we visited our families and had some good food. Then we came home and opened new pajamas, we sang carols and had hot cocoa then off to bed leaving Santa cookies and milk, and carrots for the reindeer. The girls woke up promptly at 4 am! They were told to "go back to bed" for a couple of hours, I don't think Ashley slept at all. We then got up at 630 and opened presents. The girls got pretty much everything they asked for. They didn't ask for much this year, we were a little preoccupied. Kaitlyn got her cars and Ashley got her Barbie. Santa also left two new sleds that we tried out later. They had so much fun opening everything and Kami even got in on some tearing action. The girls got a V motion for their big gift. I know, I swore we would never own a video game system. This is like a kids version of the wii and requires physical movement to participate. It really was a good Christmas, and was quite different for us this year. We were busy with some service we were doing and that took the focus off of the materialistic part of Christmas. So, this year we focused more on Christ and what he did for us and how we can be more like him. I think we all enjoyed the change. We had such a fun afternoon sledding out front, Kyle made a huge hill with the tractor and we had a ball sliding down on the new sleds. We had such a wonderful relaxing day. I hope they can all be like this. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Fun pictures

Here are a few fun pictures from the past week.

snow day!l

kickin' back with Daisy

my chimney sweep!

I haven't posted for awhile and thought these pictures might sum up a little of what we have been doing. As you can see it has been crazy around here!

Utah!

Ashley and Anna

Me and all the girls including Sydney- who is taller than me!!!

Gene modeling my girly gloves!

We spent last weekend in Utah for Anna's blessing. We decided to leave Friday night and beat the storm. Travis and Sabra were so nice to offer their Tahoe, especially after all the issues we had the previous Tuesday. I don't ever like to borrow anyones stuff, so I was very hesitant. In the end Kyle convinced me and we didn't have to worry about the truck and hope it was the fuel pump that was the issue. I loved it and am convinced more than ever that I want one before next winter! Anyway, we had a pleasant drive down. I think the girls all fell asleep around Ogden! After settling in we had a nice visit with Devin and Julie until 1am! We then opted to get up bright and early for breakfast with Santa. We then spent the afternoon visiting and waiting for everyone to show up. At about four we headed for SLC to see the lights. With a not so quick stop for dinner, we were off. This is where it got real fun; the roads were icy, there was a Mormon tabernacle choir concert, and oh yeah the Jazz were playing! After about an hour of driving around the boys dropped us all off and parked about 100 miles away! We then split up and enjoyed the lights. I noticed that there were not as many as in previous years, but still beautiful. The girls loved it and I had them bundled up good, Kaitlyn could barely walk. We then had a wonderful journey home. We managed to leave when all the other activities were letting out. The roads were blocked off and Kyle had quite the time picking us up! We had a long slick ride back but did so safely. Sunday was the blessing. It was so neat to see that big circle up there. I enjoyed what I could hear. That was the exact moment when Kami decided to blow raspberries in my ear! We had a good time at church then it was back to pack. We had lunch at Lael's and off we went. A fun snowy ride home with a quick stop at Briant and Missy's to pick up a few things. The bums are headed for Costa Rica today! And then a stop for the dog. It took us about 8 hours to get home with all of our stops, but we made it. The house was so cold. I think next time I will leave the heat up higher! We had such a fun trip. Anna is so cute and has so much hair. We wish we lived closer and could see them more often. Did I mention how much I loved holding a tiny non-squirmy baby! We had fun and can't wait to see them this summer!

The no good, very bad day!

So, I have been meaning to post this since last week. Last Tuesday is the day in reference. Wow! Kyle left for work as normal, but on his way he had a little car problem. He tried a temp fix and it worked. He was on his way again, but later more car problems. We were told that it was probably the fuel pump. Well, fuel pumps are $800 so we started small. Kyle tried the fuel filter and that didn't work. So, he decided to fix it himself, tons of work but worth the money. He started about two and it took him over five hours to fix it and put it back together. I should mention that in the meantime the water heater in the house went out. We were at a loss of what to do. We just replaced the elements this past summer. After unsuccessfully attempting different things we decided a new water heater was needed. Back to Kyle, he changed the fuel pump and put the new one in. He was hoping to run to IF and grab a water heater and come home and install it. Well... the new pump was defective! He had to start all over with a new pump. He was beside himself. He called Chris, and Chris came to the rescue. In the meantime he called Brody to say he would not make YM, and typical Brody called everyone in the ward! Kyle got endless offers of help. Thankfully, Travis and Brett didn't take no for an answer. They drove to Rexburg and then offered to run to IF to pick up a water heater. While Kyle and Chris worked on the truck, Travis and Brett went and got the water heater and came back to install it. By the time Kyle got home it was pretty much in. Travis, Brett, and Brody gave up their evening and came over to our scary basement and gave us an awesome Christmas present- hot water! Poor Kyle he was so exhausted the whole time, and what an awful day. He did say "it started out as the worst day ever, but turned into the best day ever." We were so impressed how quickly and how many people offered to help. I wanted to publicly thank Travis, Brett, and Brody for all their help. I don't think Kyle could have done it without them. We are so blessed to have such great friends. We did find out that the water heater had shorted out and the wires were completely melted. We were very lucky we didn't have a fire. We are also blessed that it happened when it did and not when we were in Utah. Which is why this post is so late. We have been very busy. Kyle said he prayed for a miracle, I guess Travis, Brett, and Brody were his miracle! Thanks guys!!!


A weekly wrap up:
Sunday- Kaitlyn's birthday
Monday- ornaments and gingerbread houses with Mahon, Cindy, Chris, and Chantelle. So much fun and the crafty cute ornaments were Chris' idea, who knew!
Tuesday- fuel pump and water heater- enough said.
Wednesday- "adult" Christmas party at the barn. So fun. Thanks Travis and Sabra. The presents were hilarious!
Thursday- girls night for me. Thanks Cindy I needed a break!
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday- Utah. I will post more later.

I am now working on laundry and Christmas cards, and oh yeah shopping- almost done! I could use another week before Christmas!

8 months old

Kami is eight months old today. She weighs 16.2 lbs. and they have her at 27.25 inches. I think she is taller than that though. She is still not crawling but she can stand by herself and loves to cruise in her walker or hold your fingers and walk. She has seven teeth and has two more pushing through, including a molar. She is a good eater! She loves real food, anything we are eating is good to her. Pancakes are her favorite though. Today is a special milestone. Today we are in Utah at Anna's baby blessing. This is also Kami's first time out of state. Kami did very well on the way down, thank goodness for soy! We also think Kami may be a lefty. What are the odds that we would have tow lefties? Only time will tell. She really is getting so big and fun. We enjoy her so much. It is sad to think she is growing up so fast but we really do enjoy every moment of it. Happy eight months Kami!

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!

Today was Kaitlyn's fourth birthday. I am surprised she is already four, it seems like we brought her home yesterday! Kaitlyn keeps us on our toes. She is always on the go and there is never a dull moment with her around. She was so worried about her birthday. I don't think she quite knew what to expect, but she said "it was the best birthday ever!" She woke up bright and early requesting to open her presents. I found a great little toy train online and she loves it. The train plays music as it goes around and you can rearrange the notes to make different songs. She also got more cars, which she loves. Kaitie is into cars and now trains, she isn't as girly as Ashley. Kaitlyn picked pancakes for breakfast, of course. Then it was time to get ready for church. At church they sang to her and she loved it! When we got home we had chicken strips and french fries. Honestly I didn't know what she would pick for dinner, she loves everything. We had all our family over tonight and had fun opening presents and eating cake. I think all in all it was a very good evening. I am so glad she had such a good day. At one point I don't think she knew what to do with all the attention. We love Kaitlyn so much. She really is such a joy to have around. She is such a sweet loving spirit. She just loves everyone so much. Happy Birthday Kaitlyn! We love you!

Christmas party

We had our ward Christmas party tonight. Boy am I glad that is over! All day I had to listen to repeated questions from Kaitlyn "how is Santa getting there, where will he park his reindeer, maybe he needs a ride and we should drive to the North Pole and get him". She was driving me crazy!!! She is so cute though. They were so excited to see him and I couldn't hardly keep Kaitlyn in line. Even Kami did great and sat for a photo. It was a fun night and I am glad our battery allowed us to get a shot in. Kaitlyn is starting to understand things this year and Ashley is just way excited. Now the fun begins: Christmas Shopping! I order mostly online- helps with the stress. The rest of it I prefer to do childless, and that is a challenge.
On a side note, We finished the Book of Mormon tonight as a family. Ashley now wants to read church history. We are still discussing this.

The countdown begins!

We broke out the advent calendar about two weeks ago, but today was the day. The girls put up the first ornament this morning. They could hardly contain themselves. I think for Kaitlyn this helps her count down to her birthday. Ashley is just excited to put them up. Sigh... I guess Christmas is really coming.

Another catch up

Our leak proof roof!

FHE

Ashley's pilgrim people and turkey

Kaitlyn's turkey
Ashley's attendance certificate

Sunrises from the deck

YUM!

Well it has been another busy week around here. This weekend Kyle managed to put up the cricket(?) on the roof, no more leaks!!! We also had an awesome FHE making Christmas ornaments. Yes, Christmas! I was listening to the radio on the way home one night and found a station with just Christmas music on it. I thought "wasn't it just Halloween". I have yet to wrap myself around the idea that November is almost over and Thanksgiving is tomorrow. I think I am still stuck in August or September. Anyway, Ashely brought home her pilgrim people today along with a turkey. That prompted Kaitlyn to want one and well... thank goodness Ashley had two. She also came home with a certificate yesterday. Ashley had perfect attendance this past quarter in school. We enjoyed parent/teacher conferences recently and her teacher had nothing but good things to say. She loves having Ashley in class, I think it is in their contract to say that, and Ashley loves school! How could I leave out Kami. She loves her people food. She can eat and boy is she messy! She literally shoves handfuls in her mouth. I have to watch her carefully and not give her too much at a time, don't think I haven't gone in there before either! You would think we never feed her! I think she is going through a growth spurt, because she has also decided to wake up at 4 and 6am to eat. UGH! I have adjusted to sleeping through the night again. In the mean time I did discover that she has popped another tooth, that makes five. I know that there is at least one more making it's way down, and possibly three more. Will it ever stop!! I had to pull out more PJ's the other night because she is growing so fast. So between everything, and this is not the half of it, we have been busy around here. I have also been gathering up birthday stuff and presents for Kaitlyn, my baby is turning 4. I think I have just over a week left. I also realized the baby blessing is sooner than I thought and then Christmas will sneak up on me! We have a ton of stuff planned for this next month including an awesome surprise for someone. I think the year will be over and gone before I realize it. So, Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and good luck to all those crazy black Friday shoppers. I will be in bed!!!

Catching up

I absolutely love that my girls play so well together. I really thought Kaitlyn would have a hard time with Ashley in school, but she has done pretty well. She stills asks "when is Ashley coming home" usually at the end of the day. Her and Kami play very well together. Kaitlyn can be rough sometimes, but loves her sister so much. She is so proud to be a big sister. How did I get blessed with such wonderful girls?

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Okay, so I need to catch up on my tags.
HUSBAND TAG
1. Where did you meet?
We first met at a Youth Conference dance- I did not like him! But ultimately the credit has to go to Audra. She was first writing Kyle's brother on his mission and then Kyle. Well she bugged and bugged me to write to him until I said "if I write him one letter will you leave me alone!!!" That is all it took.

2. How long did you date before you got married?
We dated for six months after he got home, but wrote for 20 months.

3. How long have you been married?
We have been married 10 years, 11 in March- WOW!

4. What is your favorite feature of his?
My favorite feature is his gorgeous blue eyes. I guess I have a thing for blue eyes, I have only dated guys with them- unknowingly.

5. What is your favorite quality of his?
Kyle is very selfless and will do anything for anyone. I love that about him.

6. Does he have a nickname for you?
He calls me "beautiful" no matter what I look like.

7. What is his favorite color?
He thinks it is blue, but he always picks everything in black.

8. What is his favorite food?
He is a steak and potatoes man! He could eat them everyday.

9. What is his favorite sport?
He is a Packers fan (football), but doesn't watch religiously. He would rather spend time with us! His favorite sport is actually fly fishing, with snowmobiling a close second. I don't know why I didn't think of that earlier.

10. When and where was your first kiss?
On Audra's couch during a movie, sorry Audra.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We love to spend time together hanging out and just talking. We can still stay up and talk until 2am.

12. Do you have any kids?
Three girls- Ashley, Kaitlyn, and Kamryne.

13. Does he have a hidden talent?
Kyle plays the piano, as many people know. But he also loves to write music too, not many people know that. I think he currently is working on two songs and already has one other one done.

14. How old is he?
He is 32, but I tease him about being 40.

15. Who said "I love you" first?
He did in one of his letters. But he also said it first too.

16. What is his favorite type of music?
He listens to pretty much everything, except rap.

17. What do you admire most about him?
I love how he is with the girls. The girls love him so much. He is so good with them. He plays with them and reads to them. Every night they scream "daddy's home" when they see his truck. I think it is awesome that he puts his family first. Everyone tells him "you need a boy" but Kyle says he is happy with his girls. I love him so much!

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NAME 6 QUIRKS

1. I am a neat freak. Although, I have had to alter a bit with kids. I am learning to live with the mess.

2. I can bowl left-handed, sometimes better than right-handed. This is due to having stitches in my right shoulder the first time I ever bowled.

3. When I am explaining something I will explain it in two or three different ways.

4. I always want a taco from Taco Bell when we are in town. I think it is in my blood from working there so long ago.

5. If I start a book I have to finish it, even if it is terrible. I have read some really bad books too.

6. I am a major night owl. Even if I am dead tired I can't go to bed before midnight. I am often up past one, and I don't even know what I am doing! It is my downtime.

Now I tag: Missy, Audra, and Cindy do one or both you pick.

Grandma Olsen

picture courtesy of Missy

Saturday was Kyle's grandma's funeral. She was 89 and passed away last Tuesday. It was a very lovely service. Pam had a horse drawn hearse take her to the cemetery. The day couldn't have been more beautiful. His mom gave the life sketch and it was so neat to hear all the stories about her. The girls did very well, even better than I thought they would. Although, when it was over Ashley wanted to know when we were going to have our scoops of ice cream. The luncheon went well and it was nice to visit with everyone. Gene and Devin made it up for the service, plus tons of other family from Utah. Overall, I think the everything went perfectly, it was a nice day.

7 months old

Kami is seven months old today. I love the first picture and had to post the second. I was trying to get a good photo and she just kept walking towards me. I couldn't take the photo fast enough! Kami loves her walker. She just cruises around the house and has discovered she can get into things. She loves to help me "unload" the dishwasher! She has slept through the night every night since we moved her into the girls' room!!! She still only wants mom to put her to sleep, but hey if she sleeps all night... She loves her baby food and loves to eat off mom's plate. She is still in 9 month clothes. We pulled out the big car seat and now she enjoys looking out the back window when we are driving. She still doesn't like to be on the floor much. She may actually walk before she crawls (the doctor's prediction). She is such a happy baby and is loving being mobile! She also has four teeth now and started waving this past week. Kaitlyn can get her laughing so hard, it is so cute! She is such a joy to have around.
Happy Birthday George!

Boatin in the snow?

WOW! I feel like we have been running a hundred miles an hour these past couple of days. Friday night after the primary program practice we went scouting for wood in the snow! On Saturday Chris, Chantelle, and Vic came up to help Kyle get more wood (he has a week left to get it). Me and Chantelle went to the relief society super saturday and made crafts. I underestimated how long it would take me and we were there all day. They even had enough that Chantelle was able to make one. I have some Christmas done! The girls stayed down at the barn with my parents, because that night we were celebrating George's 20th Birthday! He came home from Utah state on the perfect weekend. We had fun playing some games and hanging out. Then on Sunday all the Baldwins came up and we celebrated Mahon's 25th Birthday before church with a yummy lunch and cake! Top that off with the primary program that went very well. The girls sang so good and spoke very clearly during their speaking parts. This was Kaitlyn's first program and I was worried she wouldn't say a thing. They both did awesome and thanks to all those who made the trip up to see them. Then Monday happened...

picture courtesy of Ashley

We FINALLY hooked the boat up to take back to Island Park. Poor Kaitlyn was so disappointed to find out we were not going boating! It was very foggy when we left and when we got to the cabin it was raining, this made fun slush. Thank goodness the girls were so well behaved! What should have taken us a half hour took more like two hours. Because of the slush the truck kept going off the side of the road and the boat would not go up the little embankment of the driveway. The truck was fishtailing everywhere and the boat wouldn't move, at one point I thought not only is the boat stuck where it is, but can we get out! Kyle finally drove around and hooked the boat up from behind with a chain and pulled it backwards (I should have had a pic of that). Thankfully, this did the trick, we were able to hook back up to the boat, but then because of the slush he still couldn't get it to back up where he wanted it! When we finally got it in the garage we had about half an inch to spare on one side. I think next year we should take it up in October! What a trip! The snow was so wet that by the time we got home I was soaked through. Then, our night keeps going, we ate dinner and stacked the girls' bunk beds! We still need to finish painting them white, maybe next summer. We got them stacked and Kyle built the ladder and rails. Then pulled the crib down and moved Kami in! Yes, she is almost seven months old and the crib finally came out, and out of our room she went! She slept all night in there and it was wonderful! You would have thought it was Christmas around here the way the girls were reacting. They LOVE the bunk beds! We still have a huge mess in the room, which we will tackle today, fun. So, back to our routine, I think! And somewhere this weekend I made; cinnamon rolls, bread, cake , and dinner rolls- from scratch. And we were in bed just after midnight!

Spuds

This made me laugh! During the girl's primary practice some of us snuck away and went to the Frost Top and this is what I found. I had to get a picture. While we were there I talked to a forest ranger who had a foot of snow on his truck. He said he picked it up in the Cave Falls area and that there was at least 12 inches on the ground and still snowing!!! I guess winter is really here.

Achievement

Ashley received her white ribbon in gymnastics yesterday! She has been working on it since the beginning of summer. Each class level has different skills they pass off. After completing a set of skills they receive a ribbon. For the white ribbon she had to: glide swing onto the bars, bridge up on floor, forward roll (no hands), and straight jump onto the vault. They have pretty strict requirements, so everything needs to be done perfectly every time to pass it off. She is now working on her yellow ribbon and already has two things passed off! Way to go Ashley!!!

What a day!

Well we did it. We went and voted today. It was a lot more pleasant here than in Pocatello, shorter lines! We have also been staying up watching the results. I am somewhat shocked. I thought the race would be a lot closer and honestly didn't expect results tonight. McCain gave a graceful conceding speech and well Obama... I guess it doesn't matter too much which one is in there they have a ton of work to do. I have been very interested in California's prop. and as of now it looks good. We will see more in the morning.
This is what it looks like out our front door now. I guess Ashley needs snow boots sooner than I thought! I did take one with the flash off, but I think you can see the flakes better with it on. I am not ready for snow yet! I would love to be on the beach somewhere sitting in the sun. At least our stove is working great and it actually gets hot in here. Another busy couple of days, but for now off to bed.

Halloween!

We had a fun couple of days. Thursday night we went to the school carnival. The girls had a blast. It was so hot in there, I am glad I was not in a costume! We had fun playing games and seeing all of our friends. We also enjoyed some shaved ice and cotton candy. Then we got up Friday morning and had "pumpkin" pancakes. Isn't it amazing what you can do with food coloring and pancake batter! Then we sent Ashley off to school. They had a party in class and had pizza and goblin punch. They also got to put on their costumes and parade around the school. I was still feeling a little under the weather and did not go. When she got home we headed to Rexburg. We went over to the office building and trick or treated for awhile. After that we hit the trunk or treat in my parents' ward. We have done this the past three years and it still amazes me how much candy they can get in 15 minutes! Then the girls enjoyed answering the door at my family's. And Marianne was even nice enough to take them to a few of the neighbors' houses. We topped the evening off by going and visiting Cindy (Mahon was working) and Chantelle and Chris. We had a nice visit with Cindy. Ashley finally got to find out who's pumpkin won, she was dying all day to know. We then headed over to play with Chris and Chantelle's puppy. He loved Kaitlyn's costume! She loved having him chase her around! Chris and Chantelle were even sporty enough to dress up and hand out creepy body parts candy! The girls had a ton of fun and were asleep before we got home. Ashley is already planning next years costume!
Yes, I did make Ashley's clown costume. We already had the dinosaur and tigger in the closet.

Dada???

Wow! Who is this? It has been four or five years since we have seen this face. Ky decided to shave on Wednesday night. At first the girls didn't know what to think of him. Kaitlyn says "you're not scratchy anymore". Kami just looked at him funny. They all seem to love it and I am coming around. It is funny I have wanted him to shave forever and now, I guess I was use to the old look. I did laugh as he was doing it, I was afraid he might be baby white underneath!
On a side note; Yesterday Kami started saying Dada. I said she is just wandering where he is! I am shocked! She is such a mama's girl I thought for sure she would say it first. Kyle was sure beaming though!
Congratulations Devin & Julie!

Pumpkins!!!

We had to put Kaitlyn's in the fruit basket to keep it upright!

Almost done!

Oops!

:)

He finally got a big one!!!

So cute!

Here are our pumpkin picts. We did this Monday night. Keep in mind we were all still sick, but we made the most of it and had fun. I did have a little mishap with the knife. My pumpkin was like an inch thick and frozen on top of it! The pumpkin won. Kyle cheated and didn't hollow his out. We found these patterns in a book from the library. I did not trace mine on my pumpkin, just eyeballed it. Kyle had to tape his on!!! In fairness his was much harder. The girls enjoyed the foam this year and it was cleaner than our usual marker look. Okay, I did help Kami a little! When we were done there was tape all over the table! I did try and get Kaitlyn to use more than just white, but I guess it wasn't all in black so her color spectrum is expanding! We had a good time and the pumpkins look great!