Karen & Ilene's Blogspot

2010-09-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

hi everyone, its me Morgan. :) congratulations!!!! ha ha. i love babies. they are so cute. so anyway, i have recently started blogging, and so i am still getting the hang of things, but i really wanted to just say hi and tell you guys i miss you. my 13th birthday is coming up, and going to 7th grade in home-school has really put my in a crunch lately. so, i want to wish my family and friends a happy halloween, thanksgiving, christmas, and new years! i will try to keep moderately updated, but until then, -Morgan Lynn Rudolph

New Baby

2009-06-13T20:59:00.001-07:00

Alexander Timothy arrived on Thursday June 11. here are some pictures. More later when my computer has more power

Celia and Keith's news, real quick

2009-04-29T11:46:00.001-07:00

Hi! It's been a while. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by how-long-it-takes-to-craft-a-good-blog-entry (and a lot has happened too), I'm going to give your our news from the past 4 months blow-by-blow, with the idea that I'll come back to it later with pictures and more details. So, here goes...

We graduated!! Hooray! This was on Monday. We each got a couple of prizes (Keith's in Old Testament and Greek, and mine in Hebrew and the Arts), and we felt both honored and... rather nerdy.
Since we graduated, obviously that means we finished our coursework--Keith finished his OT comprehensive exam this spring and I finished my arts thesis. We are glad to be done.
We're going to Japan! Approximate dates will be July-December. More details will follow. We're going to work with a Japanese church, and I might be doing some concerts similar to what I was doing for my arts thesis.
Oh yeah... Keith cut his hair. I guess that counts as big news.

Well, that's really the big news. There are lots of little things I could talk about. You can look forward to that in a few days, so check back on our other blog soon. :)

Mourning

2009-02-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

I wanted the rest of the family know that Tim and I cancelled our trip to Hawaii. We recieved news that Tim's dad, George, died Thursday night we are now in Aberdeen and all the kids minus Celia will be here for the funeral. Please keep us and Bernice (George's wife) in your prayers. Thank you. Ilene

2009-02-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

I noticed that there haven't been many blogs since we all got on facebook, but it is easier to send information to just one place sometimes. Christmas was great and I can't believe that January is over. By the time we get back from Maui, February will be almost over!!!! Everyone have a great Valentine's Day. We will be having a romantic one, I hope.
Here are some pictures from Christmas. I really don't like the family picture that much

We had fun even the house was crazy and it was hard to have every one leave. Becca also left for a J term course in the Mediterranean. Her pictures are great and I hope she organizes them soon and puts them in an album. Hopefully I'll have another post when we get back

Keith and Celia's Christmas Letter

2008-12-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone!

I just posted our Christmas letter on our blog. Go have a look!

We're with the Olsons in Iowa this year... ready for a happy, noisy, Christmas with lots of kids (well, 2) and dogs! Joseph and Cat, I hope you guys have a safe trip here tomorrow. We're looking forward to seeing you!

I hope the rest of you are also doing well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you (especially you, Eric)! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Love, Celia (and Keith)

Yay for Blizzards!

2008-12-14T21:54:00.000-08:00

I have a great husband who shovels the walk and makes sure the cars start and lets the dogs out when it's frigid, so I can enjoy blizzards. :) It wasn't as bad today as it could be; we didn't have that much snow (relatively speaking) to blow around and it was too cold to drop any new stuff.

We are doing great. I might actually get Christmas cards out this year! I'm willing to bet I'll be working on them while in Iowa for Christmas though. :) I wanted to work on them today but there was an issue with Sam's Club getting my online order and they weren't ready when they said they'd be. Ahhh, but I won't go on about that, instead I'll update you on fun things, like Michael!

I posted lots of new pictures to our shutterfly site: http://jcolson.shutterfly.com A friend of ours is a new photographer and we were very pleased with the pictures. Michael has a million expressions, and he shared them all during the photo shoot. He was absolutely exhausted so I was impressed we got as many good ones as we did.

I think the little man might be walking by Christmas. We've been making him practice. He's such a nut- he cries when we "force" him to walk, but then he laughs and beams when he takes a few steps because he is so proud of himself! I'm trying not to push it too much because I don't want him to regress, but he came a long way this weekend! He still won't voluntarily stand on his own either.

I figured out how to make Bavarian almonds this weekend. I've eaten way to many! The recipe and technique need some tweeking, but all in all I'm pleased. I've always wanted to find a "special" goodie I can make for the holidays (and be known for), so maybe this is it.

The new job is great. Have I posted about it here? I don't think so... It's a very diverse job and that makes it very interesting. I've been there for six weeks and still enjoy the people I work with. Haha! My supervisor and the Dean of the department/school are wonderful. I agree with their management style and philosophy on dealing with the group dynamics. It's very refreshing, as my last manager didn't want to hurt feelings so she wouldn't put her foot down and manage. I have gotten as used to the odd hours (1:30-10) as possible. Joseph does a great job with Michael in the evenings and doesn't like it when I come home early (to work from home) because I steal MJ time. ;) Our daycare lady is Awesome! Her five kids (of her own) love Michael and he loves them. We're pretty sure one of the words he repeats is her oldest son's name.

Thanks for listening to me babble. I'll have to take a few videos at Christmas of the Olson cousins. I bet by the end of the weekend, if not sooner, they'll be chasing each other around Grandma's house!

Eric's Address

2008-12-11T09:37:00.001-08:00

Hello Fam,

I thought I'd put my address on the Blog so that everyone would know how to get a peice of mail to me here in Iraq. By the way my e-mail address is rudsterman@gmail.com

Capt Eric Rudolph
MNC-I C3 JOC
APO AE 09342-2001

I'm doing fine here, I live in a trailer in work in a palace. It feels as if the time is going by relatively fast, 1 month down and 5 to go. Stacey has sent me a couple packages, I write e-mails a to her alot and I spend a lot of time on Facebook.com. I have several pictures posted there, though I am having trouble posting here due to connectivity problems -- I tried! I'll try again later I promise.

-Eric

Twilight Movie

2008-11-23T04:11:00.000-08:00

Kristyne and I went to see the movie Twilight...twice. Once on Friday evening and again on Saturday morning. Yes, it is crazy, but we were not alone as many did also. We stood in line to get in both times.

We are both big fans of the books thanks to Stacey who started it by giving me the book, Twilight and got us both hooked.

The movie was great. But if you have not read the book, it may have been a bit confusing at times. Maybe not. I guess they are going to make the second book New Moon into a movie now.

Anyway, it is a sweet love story about a girl and a boy who fall in love, but they have issues. He is a vampire and she wants to become one so they can be together always.

Olson family news

2008-11-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

We have a bit of news for the family. Well for those who don't already know. Here it is:

Or should I say he/she is. Baby Sweet should arrive on the scene around June 23, 2009

Sarah and Nathan weren't going to say anything for a while, but looking for babysitters during trips to the ER for fluid hydration meant that so many people knew, that it was hard to keep a secret. Hopefully the hyperemesis will be short lived.

Quick Hello!

2008-11-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, here's a few pics from Halloween. I've been busy posting pics on each of the blogs I have, so Im going to keep this short. We had a great Halloween and I'll post more pictures of the kids later. But I wanted to post the ones of Catherine and Michael when they came through to visit. It was a rainy morning but we loved having the chance to catch up as much as you can in a short time. I can't believe it has been so long since we saw you guys! I hope when Eric comes back we can make a trip through Iowa and SD to spend time with everyone. We miss you all and am so glad we have the computer to keep in touch. Even all the way to Eric on the other side of the world! What a blessing! Take care and Congratulations on the job Catherine!

Life changes!

2008-10-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

I got the job at UND! I start on Monday already. We stopped by the gal who will be Michael's nanny and things will be great. Her son is two months younger than MJ but the same size. They'll be great together. Our parenting styles are a lot alike so I feel very comfortable leaving him there.

The plan now is that we will both work and pay off debt until Joseph goes back to school in the Fall. We figure he has about three years left. Hopefully he can arrange his classes so they are all in the morning and be home in the afternoons and evenings when I go to work. (Did I mention my job is 1:30 - 10pm?) I'm not thrilled about the hours because I will see Joseph a lot less, but Michael will see his daddy more and I think that is great! I'm really disappointed I can't throw Michael's first birthday party on his birthday. I'm going to try and get work off that night... I know he doesn't care but it's important to his mommy. (I take my mommy job very seriously, haha!)

I really enjoyed our trip to Ohio and Chicago. The time with my brother's family was wonderful! We went to the zoo one day and I met up with one of my online mommies which was great. The mommy forum is really my support group so it's a joy to see them in the flesh. There are 50 of them, and I've met four people that are new, and three of them I knew in person to begin with. Our babies are all about the same age.

Stacey, it was really nice seeing you, even for the short time. Joey is still such a cutie pie! Did he ever pass on the tickles to Katie? :) Eric, best wishes to your deployment! Captain Olson sends her best. ;)

Hans Solo, Queen Amidala and Baby Yoda are hosting a Halloween party tomorrow night. We love hosting parties and are looking forward to it a lot. Kids are welcome this time, we'll see how that goes! I'll post pictures soon.

Sounds like Baby Yoda is trying to swiffer for me in the kitchen. I better see how he's doing with that. Ha ha!

Karen & Kris, I look forward to updates from each of you!

Ohio update, haha

2008-10-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

We're in Ohio too! Michael, myself and Grandma Fleming drove to Chicago on Sunday where we spent the night at a friends house, and then continued our drive to Columbus, OH on Monday. Tomorrow (Friday) we will enjoy a visit with Stacey and then on to Chicago for two more nights.

We were able to celebrate my brother's birthday and do some GREAT shopping. I wish the baby stores were this good in ND!

Unfortunately my husband is home sick this week battling flu, a cold or sinus infection (or both) and poisen oak AGAIN. Poor guy. They think he got it on his coat last week and then when he wore his coat earlier this week he got it on his skin. Poor guy!

My UND job interview is Monday at 8am. (We are getting home Sunday night, phew!) I know I am qualified for the job, and though I'm not crazy about taking it I know I'd be good at it, and it allows Joseph to go back to school next Fall. We have a gal lined up to watch Michael if I get it. (The job is 1:30 - 10pm)

Here are a few photos of our week so far:

Holiday Greetings from Ohio!

2008-10-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

So yes, I've been way out of the loop with blogging, but....you know how it goes. Here is a link to a recent post I wrote for our Run Run Rudolph Blog. This will be much easier if I use this link than type it up again.

What's new lately? I'm a new Brownie Girl Scout Troop Leader. Not that I was jumping at the opportunity, rather if someone didn't step up, it would mean no Troop for 11 girls along with Katie. So even though I've really enjoyed learning how the program works, it has been a LOT of work. Eric is gone training for the week and is in Texas camping out in all his gear he'll be using in Iraq. The day before he left the van battery quit on us, but that is fixed now. I always feel like things could be worse, so I'm not complaining. Just sharing. The tow truck guy said his car battery quit on him in the middle of Christmas shopping. So after that, I was grateful it happened before Eric left, it was in our driveway, the weather was warm, we have insurance that covered it, and at least 3 people offered to help, and they each did in some way. It's interesting how sometimes my trials become the things that strengthen my belief that we are being watched over and are blessed. It doesn't mean life will be perfect, but there is always something to learn and appreciate. Thanks for listening and I hope everyone is doing well! Stacey

Keith and Celia update

2008-10-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hi! Wow, lots of stuff going on here. I posted a bunch on my blog, so all of you should look at that. I think both of us have traveled more miles this year than ever before, starting with a visit to ND for Michael's baptism in January, then a trip to Hawaii, followed by a road trip to ND, MN, SD, and IA, then New Zealand in August, and Peru last weekend... but that was just me. Keith stayed at home for that one. Then we're going to IA for Christmas. Probably should book a flight soon. :)

Other than lightheartedly traipsing all over the world, we are heavy into studies here in Vancouver. Keith probably has the most difficult semester ever. Here's what we're doing. Keith is taking Advanced Greek, Old Testament Narrative, and Intermediate Hebrew, while reading about 4000 pages to prepare for comprehensive exams, and working as a TA (teaching aide) for Intermediate Greek. I am taking History of Christianity, working on my thesis (there's a post about that on my blog), working as a TA for both Introductory and Intermediate Hebrew, and teaching cello. Then there's church stuff too... both of us helping out with worship music.

Yep. That's what we're up to. How is everyone doing? We're looking forward to Christmas break... and this year it will be even more fun at the Olson house, since we've got 2 more people since last time!! Yes, we are looking forward to seeing everyone again. So, that's my report. :)

Some pictures for you. Here we are in New Zealand, in the middle of a winery tour. We visited 7 wineries that day. Note Celia's purple teeth. Don't worry, we were good kids, and made use of the spit bucket, so we didn't feel the effects... NZ wine is very impressive! We loved that aspect of our trip. :)

I just got back from Peru! Here I am with my friend, Sindy, her mom, Sonia, and her nephew, Israel. We had a great time!

Update:

Keith wanted me to add the following picture, also from New Zealand. We had a New Zealander over for lunch today, and showed her the picture, but she didn't get it... in NZ, "te puke" (the name of a town) is pronounced "te pookie." Tee hee.

Rudolph Update

2008-09-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well I'm trying to add pictures and my computer is giving me crap. SO, for now I'll just write and then edit later. Our new addition to our family is Pheobe, our 2-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Lab mix little girl who is such a delight. We adopted her from a local Humane Society, and she knows her commands and is loving and sweet to the kids. She's small enough for Katie to take for walks and Joey loves to play with her by covering her with blankets and feeding her dog food. She is so patient. I love that she doesn't bolt out the door when someone comes. She wiggles around the visitor (after barking) on the porch and is delighted to run right back in the house. I love it!

We've planned lots of family things before Eric leaves in about a month. He still doesn't have a date, but it's coming up. We got to attend an awesome Pre-deployment Fair which the kids got to make things like frames to put a family picture in, a Build-A-Bear with Eric's voice recorded in it, and a pillow case with a picture of each child with their Dad on it. It's overwhelming how much they did for us, and it will really help in lonely times.

Joey is recovered almost completely from his surgery. It went very smoothly and we'll have tests in a few weeks to see the results of it. He had bilateral ureter reimplantation to correct the reflux in his kidneys. Basically, reattaching tubes from his kidneys to the bladder in a different spot so the urine stop backflowing into the kidneys, causing enlargement. Overall, his health has been normal so we feel very blessed that this hasn't cause damage.

Girl & Boy Scouts is in full swing, so it's hard to keep our calendar organized; we seem to have a lot of things overlapping and we have to decide what to nix. I have become a Girl Scout team leader since the one from last year can't do it this year, so a few parents have stepped up to help out, but we're all a bit overwhelmed with learning the system and all. This really seems fun, but I was hoping to not add too much to my plate while Eric is gone. We'll see how it goes.

Well, I'll see how this goes for now. Love you all!

Olson Update

2008-09-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

I nearly wrote "Fleming Update" for the title. Wow, it's been a while since I've done that! I did just read my brother's blog so that must be why. ;)

We are great here! The cool weather feels great! I love the fall season. Joseph is a lot more comfortable working in the cooler weather too.

I finally finished reading the Harry Potter books so I can get things done again. Haha! Michael was a great boy and played by himself all day yesterday while I read. This was a great change of pace because he has hit the clingy-Mom stage. He's also been working on teeth so he's been crankier than usual.

Other than battling teeth we don't have much to report here. I am planning a trip to Chicago in the next month or so to visit a college friend. She is battling cancer and it's not going well. We've decided to try something very different and she is going to start drinking my breast milk. I know it sounds crazy, but there are actually more and more cancer and chemo patients doing it with favorable results. Both she and I are a little squeamish about it but if it helps we're willing to try. If you know of anyone who has ever tried this, please let me know. We have no idea how much she should drink, etc. and have been trying to read up on it. We've only been able to find a bit of Swedish research and American articles on the topic. It's too difficult to ship the milk to her and I've wanted to visit the city for a long time so this is a great excuse. I may drive the extra 6 hours after that to see my brother's family in Columbus Ohio. And if I'm already in Columbus perhaps I could meet the Rudolphs too! (It will be Michael, myself and maybe my mom)

Hugs and (sloppy) kisses from our house to you!

Yellowstone Trip 2008

2008-09-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our short trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park.
This is a picture of Old Faithful. We stayed for a while and looked around the Yellowstone Lodge and watched Old Faithful erupt a few times. It brought back memories of when as a child we went to Wyoming and tent camped in Yellowstone. I remember my mother getting some of the hot boiling water on her leg from the hot pots in West Thumb. Things have changed a little and visitors are more restircted in the amount of walking they can do around these areas. That is probably a good thing. Some people are so careless. The whole park is very clean and well taken care of by lots of forest rangers and volunteers.

This is our big expense for the year. The trailer is 27 feet long and sleeps four. It pulls very nicely. I hope we can get our money's worth out of it. After I retire (someday), we will travel and live in it where ever we decide to go or as the wind directs us. Gary's last truck that he bought brand new lasted for 24 years. Hopefully this will also.
We did see buffalo, but only just before we were ready to leave the park. I guess they wanted to say goodbye to us. They knew I was upset that we did not see many animals other than small ones from time to time. There were signs up all over to watch out for them.
This is a picture of the Tetons, they are remarkable. Snow never melts so there are glaciers on them. All in all it was a nice little trip. We camped six nights all together. We did take the dogs.

Next time we won't. Wet dog really can get stinky in a truck.

September Vacation

2008-09-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!!!
Yes, I know, I have not posted in a long time.
But I have been busy...reading and working and being a big pain if you ask Gary.
I have read the Twilight Series of books by Stephanie Meyer. If you have not read them and you enjoy a sweet love story about a 17 year old girl and a 17 year old vampire and a 16 year old werewolf, well these are the books for you. Enough said...maybe you want to read them so I will not go into more details.
Other news! Gary and I have purchased a new 2008 3/4 ton Dodge Ram Truck and a new trailer to pull behind it. We made the big plunge and will suffer making payments for the next few years.
I'll post pictures when I get them taken. Last weekend we took Kris with us and went up to our property in Ogden Canyon. A very nice and secluded area, no power, no nothing just mountains, narrow roads and beauty all around. On the scond day it rained and poured and then we had more rain. We saw lots of wild life, even a moose and it's calf. This was our maiden voyage, and there were a few glitches. But all is well and everything is working. This next week we are going to go to Yellowstone. So wish us luck and happy RVing.
I miss you all so much and think of you often. Sorry I am so slow about blogging and calling.
I'll try to have something to post in the near future.

BACK TO SCHOOL!

2008-09-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there family!
It has been busy around here! School has started and it is going to be a great year.
I am working with a new speech patholgist. - Bonnie Bond. She is great.
The kids are doing so good. My principal is also very supportive.

My kitties are going well. Bella is growing up so fast! She is going be declawed and fixed at the end of the month. She is getting to be more cuddly.

This is quickie, but I also look at the blog at least every other day, so I'll get some pictures on here too!

LOVE YA ALL!

Kris

Looking for Family updates!

2008-08-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hi family! I miss hearing from the cousins! How are the new members of the family (animals) doing? Are the kids back in school, and if so do you have first day of school pictures?

We are doing great in our family! Michael is growing like a weed now and is doing new things every week. It's fun! Joseph and I are doing well too.

Love from our house!

Michael pictures!

2008-07-27T20:25:00.001-07:00

Life is very fun in our house! (Long Michael update to follow)

Here are photos from his 8 month old photo shoot I did tonight in our front yard. These were the only ones he smiled for, thanks to a neighbor who helped. I will probably take more tomorrow. I forgot to take pictures of him at 7 months, but otherwise I think I have a picture of him every month with his Tonka truck! This was the first month he could sit in it by himself and he enjoyed touching it and checking it out.

We are very happy Cousin Elizabeth was willing to lend Michael her walker. To say he LOVES it is an understatement! He figured out how to get around very quickly. He likes to chase the dogs and run laps around the house. I love it because I can get work done (such as child proofing the house).

He can army crawl everywhere and hints that he knows how to stick his butt in the air and crawl on his knees but so far he prefers to do it the hard way. He loves to be upright and have help walking, which is why the walker is such a hit. He has two little teeth and a third one must be one the way but I can't tell which one yet. His nose is running, drool is a-flowing, hands or toys constantly in his mouth... but no tooth. His first two took a while to come so I'm not overly surprised this one is taking it's time as well.

I am so lucky and blessed to have such a happy boy. Even though I think he's teething he is still a happy little kid. He has been more mellow lately, but still happy. When he gets cranky I feel lost- I rarely have to deal with that!

He prefers baby food but will often get mad if we don't share our meal with him too. I feel he has changed SO MUCH in the last two weeks. Size wise I don't think he's grown a lot but developmentally he's changing in leaps and bounds. He's at the fun age where he is figuring everything out. His closet light has a pull string and he's learning how to turn it on and off himself. He is starting to be interested in blocks. His toys have new meaning and depth to them now. You can tell he is soaking in so much more of his environment than he did before. I feel like our house now has the kid spirit in it. When he was a baby our home was nice and the air was sweet, but now it feels different because there is a playful little BOY running around. Our home has new life and I LOVE IT!!!

Here (hopefully) is a video of Michael chasing the animals around the living room. The dogs spend most of their time in this room so Michael does as well. He also loves the large fish tank. (Side note, the floor desperately needs to be re-finished! We pulled pealed off tile from the floor and the icky tar/glue is still there. Someday...)

Here is a link to a much longer video of him making his way through the house. It's not as interesting as the first one but you can see that he easily amuses himself for hours in this walker. (Have I mentioned how grateful we are to Nate & Sarah for lending it to us?!?!)

http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii310/cat52480/July%202008/?action=view¤t=StateFair077.flv

He doesn't talk much in either of the videos but there are times he is quite the chatter box. He is always talking about Joseph: "Dada, a dadadada..." He doesn't talk about Mama yet. *wink*

Thanks for reading this far- can you tell I miss adult interaction? Haha! Being at home is going well. It was an adjustment for both of us but with all the changes he's going through it is a VERY exciting time to be with him all day! Joseph is a wonderful, wonderful husband and father. He is great with Michael and is very willing to share care-taking duties when he comes home from work. As a couple we're doing fantastic and the adjustment of having another member in our family has only made us stronger.

I thank God every day for all our blessings.

Computer woes

2008-07-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

Tim and I had a crash on Tuesday. The night before, an information box came up on the screen telling Tim to disable our firewall because there were two firewalls running. He didn't, but clicking on the pop-up was enough and the next day we couldn't bring up windows or anything. We followed the directions to try to fix the problem with the original windows disc, but had to go to system restore and dispite trying to save our files, we lost everything. A "friend" of ours researched our needs and purchased this computer for us a year and a half ago. There is no original paperwork nor is there a statement that the computer was registered to me. I even think that the disc for windows may actually belong to my other computer in ND because everything looks different now. (Although, Celia actually set the original parameters for my screen so every thing didn't look "stretched" and I don't know how she did it. )
The hardest aspect is all the pictures I have lost. It could be worse though. When Keith was here in May (bless him) he backed up my pictures and documents for me, so I have only lost those pictures I hadn't downloaded from the camera yet. About 200 pictures from Memorial weekend, Mother's day, Will's graduation pictures (darn me for being too lazy to send them along to him) Our May vacation and Elizabeth's birthday. I'm glad I posted my favorite pictures on the blog so I can download them back to my computer. But I'm missing a lot of cute baby pictures
My computer won't let me view Catherine's slide shows on the blog so if anyone has any help I would appreciate it.
Anticipating Eric's question. I had the most up to date version of PC doctor on my computer. When I purchase it, it was supposed to be the best virus control.

Elizabeth's Pictures

2008-07-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth had one year pictures done. They can be viewed at
www.memoriesinfocus.net then select client login and scroll down to her name. The pictures are darling and will be present for view until July 29.

My Baby

2008-06-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Tim & I went to visit Rebecca. we saw Man of La Mancha and Pippin it was good to visit with her. She is doing an internship in Minnesota and the community is nice...small but nice. She won part of a cow in a lottery and will be having a nice celebration with her room mates on the 4th

My babies

2008-06-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

We had the fun of going to SD again last weekend and I worked on Chris' apartment. Joseph and Catherine brought a trailer with most of his furniture and we had a nice gathering. We probably spent too much time with grandkids and not enough getting the apartment ready

We also celebrated Elizabeth's birthday a little early since I didn't think I would see her before her birthday

"Rrrrrr Ye Maties!"

2008-06-19T17:34:00.001-07:00

Here is our little pirate in training!

Here is one of the last gummy pictures we will see of him. He has been working on a tooth and I can finally feel the tip of it this evening. He is much happier now than he was this afternoon!

WE ARE HAPPY FAMILY!

2008-06-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of my little ones!

They are getting quite used to each other.

It makes their Momma feel good that they can get along!

:) Love All

Kris

More photos

2008-06-11T20:40:00.001-07:00

Thanks for posting the other ones Grandma! I have a few more:

Here are his six month photos.

Here are a few from Aberdeen. I created it for my mommy forum so I don't have many of my cute neice in it.

I am no longer working at Coldwell Banker. We debated what my next move would be, and decided I will be a stay at home mom! I am excited and scared at the same time. I will probably start teaching piano lessons in the fall. So far I have ten students, without advertising. I think I may need to find a nanny to watch michael for a few hours while I teach!

Here is one more picture taken with my camera phone. It was taken while I was at Girls State where I am the music director every year. This was during MJ's first government lecture, on state government, I think. :)

Catch up Post V

2008-06-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

OK guys this is the last catchup post, be sure to read the other four. We went to Aberdeen this weekend to see Chris's apartment. Yes, Chris has a job in Aberdeen starting in July and now has an apartment. The house up North is not really empty, but soon we can consider remodeling before I retire and move back there. Yes, you read correctly, Tim wants to move back to ND after I retire. I'm thinking that will be in about 10 years. Right now Will is living there so it isn't empty, but I'm sure he won't want to stay there forever. Not only that there is a lot of everyone's storage there.

Sitting in Chris'sliving room. Just imagine furniture

Fun at Story Book Land

Biker Michael

Walking Elizabeth

"He ain't heavy, he's my cousin"

Now that you are up to date on my family Karen, now it's your turn. Loveya

Catch up Post IV

2008-06-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Keith and Celia came to ND then IA after their trip to Hawaii they spent Memorial weekend and the week after with us. Elizabeth and her family came for memorial Day

Elizabeth plays the piano very well with Uncle Keith's help.

Elizabeth and Aunt Celia ate grass together

Sarah exhibits the new afghan turned blanket I made for her

Nathan enthralls Keith with his levitation of my coaster

Catch up Post III

2008-06-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

Tim and I went to Florida in May and went to the Cypress Gardens. The gardens were pretty, but not worth the price

Catch up Post II

2008-06-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

We spent Mother's Day in ND. Elizabeth's family came to celebrate

A friend of ours gradualted that Saturday and Elizabeth awarded him his gold medal in Star Wars fashion (Joseph and Nathan made the medal)

)

Catch up Post I

2008-06-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a while and have many pictures of my wonderful grandkids to post. We went to ND in April and visited Michael and his parents, Elizabeth and her parents also came up and since the weather was nice we had our obligatory family cook out

Michael enjoyed doing pull ups with his plastic rings. He is so strong!

We enjoyed watching the "beggars" They were all hoping that Grandpa would share

Teddy Roosevelt NP!

2008-05-27T13:42:00.001-07:00

Hey, all. I hope you're doing well... I put pics from our camping trip up on our blog. Please look. We're enjoying our visit with various family members, and I wish we could see all of you!

Our trip to Hawaii

2008-05-20T15:36:00.001-07:00

Hi! We just got back from Hawaii... and I just put a whole bunch of pictures up on our blog! Please have a look.

We just visited Teddy Roosevelt National Park, and some pictures from that trip will be up soon too. Right now, however, I'm a little tired of posting, given the length of the Hawaii post... so it may be a couple of days. Yay for buffalo! They walked right through our campsite repeatedly. This should come as no surprise to any of you.

We're in the middle of a road trip. Right now we're in Grand Forks, and on Thursday we'll be in Aberdeen, then on to Fort Dodge on Saturday... and then to Yellowstone on the way home!

We survived the semester... and when we get back, we'll be language TA's for the summer! Keith will be doing Greek, and I will be doing Hebrew. I'm taking a couple of classes too. Keith will be reading for his comprehensive exams.

I hope everyone's doing well!

Love, Celia (and Keith)

Cocoa one week later

2008-05-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Cocoa loves her big back yard.

Cocoa couldn't get up the first step a week ago, now she can run up them really fast.

Cocoa is doing more and more things all the time. She got a little wet trying to figure out what the spinkler was.

We have had Cocoa a little more than a week now and boy is she fun. She is also a lot of work. She likes to bite things (not hard, but she is breaking in those little teeth). She loves to cuddle and be rocked on the glider bench on the deck. She has also learned that when Christie growls at her it does not mean that she is going to go after her. Christie is not quite ready to let Cocoa share her domain yet. She just tollerates her if Cocoa keeps her distance. Cocoa knows where to go when she need to go out side to go potty too. Smart doggie!!! She will go to the patio door and wimper and then she will pull on the drape if we do not come right away.

This is Cocoa

2008-05-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is Cocoa, our new puppy. She is 6 weeks old and just a little sweetheart.

She is a Bit Bull Terrier. I know they kind of have a bad reputation, but with all the love and attention she will get from us she will break that old myth. In four weeks she will start puppy school.

Today she just started drinking from a dish, we were bottle feeding her for the last two days.

We got her on Thursday. We decided to celebrate her birthday on April 1st...it is just an easy day to remember. I'll post more pictures later.

Bella- the new addition to the family!

2008-05-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

Bella and her new human momma!

Just look at that cute little face!

Bella's kitty mommy - Ashes - taking a break from feeding!

Yes, call me CRAZY, but when my friend Jeanette told me she had two cats having kittens, I just couldn't resist taking one home with me. Bella is my new addtion. She is named after Grizzabella, the cat that sings the song Memory in the musical "CATS".

So, thought I would share the good news.

Have a great day everyone!

Love Ya All!

Kris

HAPPY MAY DAY

2008-05-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Love Michael

Edited to add: http://jcolson.shutterfly.com for more photos!

Krandma's trip to Ohio

2008-04-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

I guess I should give proof that I was there too.

Krandma's trip to Ohio

2008-04-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

I went to Ohio about two weeks ago. Boy, time sure goes by fast. The best part was spending time with my grandkids and Eric and Stacey. We also took a trip to Hershey, PA. It was raining but lots of fun. Here are a few pictures to prove it.

Easter

2008-04-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Catherine has been waiting for some more posts, this is the tickle video from early March

We had Chris, Joseph, Catherine, Michael, and Rebecca for Easter. The easter Bunny gave some different gifts, as none of us (except Catherine) needed the candy. Joseph and Catherine modeled the fashionable Easter bibs with Michael. Grandpa and Grandma Olson got the best Easter gift. I noticed that the camera only seems to take pictures of grandchildren, lately. Since about July 3, 2007, I'd say. Interesting situation. Elizabeth spent Easter with her Great Grandparents Reid in Colorado. Mommy says she can crawl, but no one there would know because they all wanted to hold her all the time. The week end after Easter we went to Aberdeen to Visit.

This and That

2008-04-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Karen! Your nephew sent me a text message this morning to remind me. What a good nephew!

I was about to say there is nothing new going on but there is! The Easter Bunny was VERY generous this year and brought us a new 2007 Town & Country van. We love it! It was a great deal. Granted we'll be making payments to the Easter Bunny every month but that is fine by me!

On Friday Joseph and I (and probably Michael) will attend the ND Democratic convention to hear Obama and Clinton speak. I think it will be really neat! I am a little nervous about taking MJ but he does fairly well in noisy places with lots of people unless he's really tired.

I'll let Grandma Ilene post photos from Easter! But for now I have this one of Becca and Michael to tide you over. The shirt says, "My mom is a Quality Chick" Thanks Auntie Bec Bec!

Michael is growing like crazy in my mind although not statistically. That's just fine by me! At four months he's 13 lbs 11 oz, 23 inches tall and extremely cute, I might add!!!

I can hardly believe it has been one full year since we found out I was pregnant. I remember that day very well- it was a VERY good one!

St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-19T15:37:00.001-07:00

Dear Famliy,

For St. Patrick's Day Stacey and I competed in a St. Patty's Day 5K race. The day of the race I asked Stacey to hook me up with some gear at Wal-Mart to make sure I fit in. Well I think I more than fit in, I rather became the spirit of the race.

Here are the comments Stacey put on the her Family's Hardy Blog:

Happy St. Patrick's Day to ya, I hope it brought good luck to ya! Ha ha! Eric was a crazy Leprechaun and sported the best costume at the Wright Patterson 5K Fun Run. He was cheering everyone on, hollering out of the start line and all through the race giving high-fives to most people heading back after the turning point. He definately brought a smile to everyone and might even get his picture in the local paper for his trend-setting costume. It was a blast. We ran most of the way together and then I watched Eric pull ahead, his afro softly bouncing to the rythme of his stride. Ha ha! I enjoyed finishing on my own. It's a great feeling to compete in a fun way with other runners. Eric finished at about 30 minutes and I at 31:30. The weather was chilly (30s) but we beat the sleet at the end.

Above: Eric recovering from his run.

I have to think of a Halloween costume for Joey so he can wear that wig.

[Eric adds: It was fun seeing the kids taking turns wearing the fro and wearing it around the house, Joey of course wore it the most.]

Joey struck again getting into the liquid laundry soap the day after I posted his other pictures.
There were 5 big puddles we had to drench with water and soak up. I cried when I found it but I guess it could have been worse.

-Stacey

Eric adds: At least we didn't scrub a hole into the carpet like the time we had to clean up his fingernail polish spill . . . ah, the joy of home ownership and cleaning up after 3-year-old kids.

Sarah and Joseph, look what you get to deal with in the near future. Instead of getting too angry just get out the camera.

Love Eric.

Grandchildren

2008-03-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Tim and i made our trips to visit some of the kids two weekends in March. Here are some of the fun pictures. Michael and Elizabeth both love being with Grandpa and aren't so sure of Grandma. Catherine, Joseph, & Michael will spend Easter with us. Sarah, Nathan, and Elizabeth are going to Colorado to visit Nathan's grandparents. We alos visited George and Bernice. Bernice didn't want her picture taken but Elizabeth was fascinated With Great-Grandpa's oxygen tubing.

Photos

2008-03-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

I still need to download pictures from last weekend when Grandpa, Grandma, Sarah & Elizabeth visited. Also I have a photo from Chris' birthday. But for now, here are low-resolution photos from our professional photos last week.

Michael, what else?

2008-02-27T07:55:00.001-08:00

He's 3 months old already!

Florida

2008-02-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

Tim & I spent our anniversary week in Florida. Since Chris has never been to Disney World, we decide to take him along. He had a blast. Here are some pictures.

Michael

2008-02-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've shared photos. Here is a video I took tonight. I have to hold the camera off to the side where he won't notice it, otherwise he clams up and just stares at the camera... You'll hear me yelling at Anna too- the dogs were wrestling. Sorry it's so long but I don't know how to cut the video. MJ has started to mimic mommy. He likes with when we do WOOF and MEOW but will only mimic ROAR!!! He's my cute little man!

I'm having trouble embedding the video. What's the secret Eric/Stacey? I'm using photobucket. Here's the link: (deleted link & fixed! --Eric)

For more photos go to our site: http://jcolson.shutterfly.com There are some REALLY cute ones from last weekend!

He's 11 weeks old already! He must be 22 inches tall by now and about 11.5 pounds. Check out his double chin! I guess he isn't starving!

Christmas and Cookies

2008-01-26T06:01:00.001-08:00

So I'm finally posting pictures after the holidays. It felt good to clean up and put everything away after the New Year and we're off to a busy start. The girls are both selling Girl Scout cookies for their own troops which we have found is incredibly easy. We bundled up in freezing weather to go door-to-door in our neighborhood and only have a few "No thank you"s in over 50 houses. Some people order up to 12 boxes! Morgan has been going to campouts and enjoys earning badges. I'll have to snap a picture of her one day. It has been a rewarding experience for Katie and Morgan. Ethan is preparing for his Pinewood Derby car. Race day is today so we will post news about that soon.

Christmas was so fun and very peaceful. The kids received plenty of toys and we enjoyed playing for days with each one. Although Eric couldn't wait and was rocking with Katie and Joey's music instruments. We had such a fun time but we were tired at the end of it all. I found the picture of me sleeping later and Eric thought it was really funny. I guess it doesn't look bad. We are enjoying the New Year but it's quite busy now that Eric is working on his Master's Degree online in Business Administration. He's doing well but it's always an adjustment. We watch a lot less TV in the evenings and that is a good thing.

We love seeing the pictures posted and miss you all very much! We have such wonderful families that we are a part of and appreciate all the blessings God has given us. Take care and we love you!

Elizabeth

2008-01-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to put up a few pictures of Elizabeth. I didn't post after Christmas so here are a few pictures. Elizabeth enjoyed the Christmas hat and stockings Christmas morning. Sarah and Nathan came Christmas Eve while we were in church and we stayed up until 2 am opening gifts. The picture of Butterscotch was at the begining of December when Sarah & Nathan were babysitting for us.Sarah and Elizabeth dressed up for me on my birthday and we went out for supper. Sarah and Elizabeth took naps while I was cleaning in ND the day before Michael's baptism. Elizabeth had one tooth when she came for Christmas and had two when she left. Yes, all she wanted wa a tooth for Christmas.

2008-01-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

Rebecca taught Keith to whittle (she's taking a Whittlin' class) and Celia thought it was funny they were whittling over a garbage full of dirty diapers. Rebecca also enjoyed holding Michael and marvels at how little he is. Keith had fun playing with Elizabeth and Elizabeth enjoyed Keith's attention. Celia wanted to show us what Elizabeth will look like with hair. I actually think that this is a nice picture of Tim and me. Michael was so perfect at the Baptism, when the water was poured over his head he beamed at his Uncle James as if to thank him for such a wonderful gift. James had such a touching smile back, it was a beautiful moment.

Michael's Baptism-take 2

2008-01-18T16:52:00.001-08:00

Michael's Baptism

2008-01-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

Tim , Rebecca, & I went to ND this past weekend to visit Joseph and family. Michael was baptized on Sunday. Keith & Celia flew to Fargo and Christopher picked them up and Sarah, Nathan, & Elizabeth all came to visit. Michael is 6 weeks here (almost 7)

2008-01-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hello there all!

Hey, Happy New Year!

Hope you have all had a great Christmas and I thought I would start the year with some fun!

Enjoy

Kris

2008-01-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

It is snowing here today in Roy, Utah.

I hope the neighbors dont mind my taking a picture of their homes, but I wante to show you the beauiful snow. It looks so beautiful from our livingroom window.

Michael's smiles

2008-01-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

These aren't the best quality photos but you can see his beautiful smile! He smiles on purpose often and makes great eye contact now. He's growing like a weed!

Christmas 2007 in Utah

2008-01-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

Geese flying over our house Christmas morning.

Christie barking at the cold air on Christmas Eve.

Snowfall on Christmas Eve

The tree
2007

This is how the house looked just a few days before Christmas...seriously. Now the livingroom, diningroom and kitchen are done.

Merry Christmas everyone and a very Happy New Year.

Love Karen & Gary

Santa

2007-12-30T18:33:00.001-08:00

I believe in Santa! Here he is! And you have to love his first truck! (Thanks Grandma!)

First shots with my new camera!

2007-12-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone! Guess what? I got a new camera for Christmas, and I'm so excited! (Keith likes playing with it too.) It's a Canon Digital Rebel--an SLR!! Yay! So, here are a few pictures from our Christmas celebration in Seattle. It's probably good we're here this year, since my grandparents are moving, so we had our last Christmas dinner at their house, and we also lost a family member--my dad's aunt died last Friday. It's kind of a relief, since she had been very ill for a long time. I've been helping my mom a lot, so she has time to help her parents look for their new place and pack. So, on to the pictures...

First, the "children" prance around the corner and get their stockings, and see what "Santa" brought them. Santa happened to be using my present at the time to take pictures of us!

After breakfast, we opened the rest of the presents. We received new ornaments and a couple pieces of our china from Ilene! (Thanks a lot!)

Keith and Colin tested out Keith's new frisbee... glow in the dark and recycled!

Keith called his family while watching the snow outside. We sort of had a white Christmas... it stuck to the lawn, but not the road, thankfully.

We had Christmas dinner with my mom's family, having spent Christmas Eve with my dad's family. Grandmother recently broke her hip, so the rest of the family prepared the meal, set up, and cleaned up. She hadn't been home since her accident at the end of November. It was really good to spend time with my family.

So, looking forward to seeing Christmas pictures from the rest of you! Enjoy the other 11 days of Christmas... and if you haven't already, go read our Christmas letter!

Love, Celia

Michael & Daddy

2007-12-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of Joseph as a baby & Michael more will come when I can figure out how to put them side by side

2007-12-21T22:08:00.001-08:00

Just showing off again... (we love the truck Grandma!)

By the way, thanks for the Christmas cards and birth gifts for Michael! We did get them- I am just slow to get our cards out! Some of the gifts we are waiting to open until Christmas. I look forward to next week with my family where I will certainly have time (and probably help) getting all our cards (Christmas, Announcement, baptism and thank you) out!

Love ya!

Our Christmas letter...

2007-12-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone! Merry Christmas!

We're finally done with our school stuff, and we're at my parents' house in Seattle, until sometime shortly before New Year's. Thus, we've had time to write our Christmas letter! It's only going on our blog this year, since we want to save paper... and it's cheaper. So, go look at it!

We'll miss you, but we're looking forward to seeing everyone in January for Michael's baptism! Keith just got our tickets. We'll post interesting Christmas pictures, if there's anything interesting to post... :)

Love, Celia (and Keith)

Aberdeen, Bath time and Christmas

2007-12-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

We had a nice time in Aberdeen this past weekend. It was fun seeing Elizabeth and Michael together. I really enjoyed getting a photo of the four generations of Olsons!

I posted pictures of Michael's first bath(s). I told Joseph one night that we needed to give him his first bath and while I was switching the load of laundry Joseph wanted to do me a favor by giving MJ a "bath" without me! Mommy wasn't happy... But he didn't use soap (??!??) so we tried it again the next night, this time with mommy, photos and soap! We tried to get his hand and foot prints first which is why he has blue hands and feet. The cat wanted to get in on the bath too! Michael cried during this bath but didn't cry during his next one.

To see photos, go to our usual photo site: http://jcolson.shutterfly.com

I love the pictures of the Rudolph family! It's fun deciding who looks like who- like who has Eric's ears! Haha! The kids look really cute and the parents look fantastic!

Saturday we head to Bismarck for the week. My oldest brother built a new home this fall and most of my family will be there. Yesterday Santa and I had a conference. Santa wasn't going to visit us this year, but since Michael will be surrounded by his young cousins we (Santa and I) didn't want them to think Michael was already a bad boy because he didn't get anything for Christmas!

Love ya! Have a wonderful Christmas!

He's a keeper!

2007-12-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

More pictures of our awesome little guy! His face has already filled out more and his hand coordination has greatly inproved!

He recieved a puppy blanket, like Elizabeth's ducky blanket so I think we need a picture of the cousins lounging on their respective blankets.

Hi from Michael!

2007-12-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! My mommy has been busy loving and taking care of me so she is sorry she hasn't posted news about me sooner! I am doing very well. I'm a week old already! The amount I sleep depends on the amount I eat. Mommy and daddy like it when I eat a lot. Mommy says I have trouble opening my jaw up wide enough to eat, but I'm getting better at it!

Daddy is the best! He seems to change all my poopy diapers. (Mommy doesn't mind at all) Daddy takes good care of mommy too and makes her breakfast, changes me while she gets ready to feed me (even in the middle of the night). She would be lost without him!

Everyone says I look like my daddy. Only one person has told me I look like Mom! Mommy thinks that is a good thing since daddy is so handsome.

Here are a few photos. For more pictures you can go to http://jcolson.shutterfly.com/ Mommy will try to update this site as much as possible, so add it to your favorites.

Baby Olson

2007-11-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

We have news to share. Michael James Olson was born early Monday morning November 26, 2007 He was 7 pounds 3/4 oz. Grandma & Grandpa Olson came to visit on Tuesday and took a few pictures. Both Mom and Dad are doing OK. Catherine had an emergency C-Section, and she looks great!

2007-11-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season is here.

Wishing you all the wonderful sights, smells and sounds of the season.

PUMPKIN SOUP W. GREEN CHILI SWIRL

2007-11-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

I had this soup at a gathering and loved it. I will also post a Black Bean soup that was so incredibly good! I'll post that when I get it from my mom. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

PUMPKIN SOUP W. GREEN CHILI SWIRL

4-8 fresh or canned diced green chilies
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 15 oz can pumpkin (about 2 cups)
2 cups chicken broth (add more if soup is too thick)
1/2 cup water
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder

Combine green chilies, sour cream, and cilantro in blender. Blend until smooth, set aside in refrigerator. In saucepan combine broth, pumpkin, water, and spices-mix thoroughly and bring to a low boil. Stir half of green chili mixture into pumpkin mixture. Simmer for 3-5 minutes. Pour soup into bowls and top each bowl with a small spoonful of remaining green chili mixture and swirl with end of spoon. Serves 4.

Nursery & Family Room Photos

2007-11-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

Nursery and Family Room photos!
http://jcolson.shutterfly.com/action/?a=0AcMWjVszbNmLCnA&notag=1 or www.jcolson.shutterfly.com if the first one doesn't work.

I thougth we would have most of the family room moved in this weekend but a friend needed help with his home and definetely took priority over moving.

We had a nice weekend here; I am a bit disappointed to have to be going to work tomorrow...

Catherine

Neither halloween nor babies

2007-11-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Sorry, we (rather I) don't post very often here... we do it rather more often on our blog, so you should check that out too.

Looks like everyone else is doing pretty well. Rebecca is becoming a pottery making genius, Elizabeth looks all mature (the picture in the little dress), and Catherine and Joseph are working hard on their house... by the way, we're voting for the baby coming early so we can meet him/her next week. See if you can manage that, we'd appreciate it. :)

So, since we spent Halloween in class (I gave a three hour presentation) and avoiding frat boys on the way home, and since there are no babies here (except for the millions that seem to be constantly born to our friends), and since we are not doing any home improvement, I'm kind of at a loss for what to write! Well, we've been doing a lot of cooking, and studying. We're excited about a week off to relax and see many of you! We're arriving in ND sometime in the afternoon/evening next Tuesday.

So... cooking! Squash is in season, and I'm trying to do better at cooking with what is in season and local. Yay! Keith is getting sick of squash. But, here's our ridiculously huge zucchini that we brought home after church on Thanksgiving (since we live in Canada, we already celebrated Thanksgiving once, on October 8). We had grilled zucchini, soup, and zucchini bread... not to mention there's a bunch in the freezer for further zucchini bread. Pumpkin and butternut squash soup too! (See, I am a good little wife when I want to be. ;)

We've both been working really hard to learn biblical Greek (just Keith) and Hebrew (both of us), and I'm brainstorming and researching towards my Arts Thesis--an interdisciplinary performance-based project which will involve both music and theology.

I'm also WORKING. Imagine that. I'm teaching cello for inner-city kids one afternoon a week. I'm also the worship intern at my church, since one of our pastors is on maternity leave (I told you all my friends were having babies...) and since her husband is the other pastor, he wants time to be a father... so I'm doing some work, planning services and working with musicians. It's really fun, and I'm learning a lot.

That's it for now! Looking forward to our visit next week! :)

The Waiting Game

2007-11-16T19:38:00.001-08:00

I really hoped to post photos of the nursery and family room but I wasn't able to stencil tonight. I started the other night and the paw prints looked messy, so I had to paint over them. I was wanted to try them again tonight but found I needed one more layer of paint to cover the old messy ones. I also wanted to pack the baby's hospital bag (and my own) but the furthest I got was folding a large load of baby clothes, if you can call it folding! How exactly do you fold an item of clothing that already starts out smaller than a folded adult piece of clothing?! One of the many things I will quickly learn...

My due date is 13 days away (almost 12 now) but things could happen at any time. Please say a prayer for a health baby! (And an easy birth for mama would be nice too! *wink*)

Assuming the baby hasn't arrived yet we will be moving into the basement this weekend! I will post photos as soon as possible.

Love ya-
Catherine

Nursery photo

2007-11-11T20:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a hint of what things look like! I still have to add the puppy prints to the white border. The flooring is almost completely installed in the nursery.

I'm not sure where the cord is to my camera so this picture from my camera phone will have to do. I'll post more later this week!

The baby is due in two and a half weeks... every night I wonder if I'll get a full nights sleep... every morning I wonder what the day will bring!

Catherine

Visit to Becca

2007-11-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

Rebecca was/is in a play "The Inspector General" and Tim & I went to see it this weekend. Sarah and Nathan and Elizabeth also showed up to surprise Rebecca. We got in a few photo shoots, especially Rebecca & Elizabeth with their Luther shirts. Elizabeth was great during the play. We hoped she would sleep, but she watched all the action with enthusiasm and sometimes would answer back to the performers with her little voice. She was definately conversing with them. After the play the actors enjoyed meeting their smallest, biggest fan. Sunday while we waited for the afternoon performance, Tim & I took a walk through one of the many parks in Decorah.

My Mom's Scary Halloween Message to the Family.

2007-11-05T17:40:00.000-08:00

I think several family members have complained that I don't post enough messages on this blog I've created. My only excuse is when I post a message I only post what I think will be a classic and memorable moment to be passed on from generation to generation and throughout eternity on this Earth. So after a little playing around on my Mac I decided to post this newly created masterpiece on this blog and on the website www.youtube.com -- This posting was only made possible due to the help of my loving mother. Enjoy ... peace.

My Halloween! Thanks for the pics everyone!

2007-11-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
Hey, Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!
I love the blog!
It's nice so nice to hear from everyone!
I'm going great. I went to a cornmaze with my friend LeAnn and we had a blast.
We made some jack-o-lanterns (see above).
School is going well.
I have added 3 new kids in the past month or so and so I keep busy.
Just tonight I put up my Christmas Village. -Yes, I have to start early. I have not put in lights for the village, but that will come later. I have really collected a lot of Christmas stuff over the years. WOW! I have to take a couple of days or weekends to get it all done. However, I do remember Thanksgiving! I have decorated my kitchen table for Thanksgiving and have scarecrows on my front porch.
So, have a great day everyone! Love ya ALL!
Kristyne

Challenge III

2007-11-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

I dare you to challenge me again, Karen. Of course, I'm not geting any cleaning done! We visited Becca at Luther for parents weekend the end of September and were able to watch her make some pottery.

Challenge II

2007-11-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Since I remember that Catherine doesn't like her belly being the first picture on the blog, I'll have to put something else up so that Karen can't say that I never post. Tim is in ND (actually MN) rignt now helping Joseph with the basement and I'm supposed to be cleaning. Actually I have been and am on a break right now. Tim and I took a mini vacation through a small part of MN and stopped in Bemiji for a picnic--it was raining, so we picnic'd in the car. Here is Tim beside Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox

Challenge

2007-11-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

OK big sister. Here sre some pictures of my fabulous grandchildren. Granted you have to use your imagination on how the second one looks, but since (s)he is mine, you know good looks are in the genes. I think Elizabeth looks like a pink gangsta in her shades. She doesn't like them because she is crying in the rest of the pictures. Elizabeth finally settled down in Mommy's arms at the end of Catherine's baby shower, and Elizabeth wondering in amazement about what that silver thing is that Grandma always has and how it makes bright flashes.

Krisyne

2007-11-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

What could Kristyne find so intresting to take a picture of on Halloween...Gary. Yup,he is painting/staining the deck. It is almost done. Just one more small part to do yet.

Halloween & Christie

2007-11-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween & Happy Fall Everyone:

Thanks to everyone for posting, please encourage others to post too...

I love checking the Blog.

Well, OK, you are right. I do not blog so much either, but I've got my sister beat.

The challenge is on Ilene. We need more pics of Elizabeth and Tim. : - )

Here is a picture of Christie, she just got her fall trim and she was all decked out for Halloween.

Looks like she is thinking about some candy.

Sorry, no candy for Christie.

I asked, "How about a doggie treat!"

She said, 'OK", in her arf language

then took the treat and burried

it in the tomato patch.

Love to you all, Krandma

Bring on the Candy!

2007-10-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Eric points the way for the kids to get going and get that candy! After all, Mom and Dad usually get donations from the kids; they're so nice. Considering they each have a huge bag weighing probably 5 lbs each, they have plenty to spare. Joey was fun to see running to catch up to his siblings and walked during all the Trick-or-Treating. Everyone was tired at the end of the night. When I was a kid we would all dump our candy out, sort it and start offering trades. So it's fun to watch the kids do it now. All right, time to get back to laundry and cleaning. Bye for now!

.....Okay, so it's later and we just did a church Trunk or Treat. Yes, we needed more candy since the first bags just aren't quite full enough. Actually, this candy will be donated to the kids cousins who are in flight today to Nepal (their Dad works for the Gov. and they are going to live there) and are missing Trick or Treating. And also to their Uncle Gary who is in Iraq for a year. So it's for a good cause. Ethan won a prize for scariest costume; he thought that was cool!
The kids are holding candy bars all the way from Grandma Johnson in Utah, carrying on a tradition she enjoyed as a kid. She would go every year to a neighbor's house who would give away an entire candy bar. Thank you so much Mom, you are so fun!

Rudolph Birthdays

2007-10-28T18:44:00.001-07:00

Well after all the October birthdays I am happy to be done making icing. I loved how the girl's cakes turned out and Joey's was simple that the kids helped decorate. They enjoy licking the spatula and throwing sprinkles on it. Morgan loves horses and so picked a horse cake this year. Our neighbor is from India and did Henah on the girl's hands during her party. It's so pretty! Katie had a Halloween Dora party and they dressed up in costumes we've kept over the years. Joey's birthday was at home with the family and I loved it. So relaxing and he's old enough to open the presents and somewhat understand what's going on. We're ready for Halloween and will post pics of that. We love it here in Ohio and are also working on projects around the house. I'm still painting a room at a time, we moved furniture around, hung a TV, and have a room to figure out how to arrange. It seems like it takes so much time. I'm excited for Christmas to come, I love the tree and music and feeling that everyone is caring and giving. But first we have to be spooky so I better slow down. Take care y'all!

More basement pictures

2007-10-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

It seems basement updates are all I have to offer lately, but this is what is taking up our time and energy!

The picture with the sheetrock stacked in the middle is the Family Room. The photos with the table saw in the middle (Joseph is SO EXCITED about that) are the master bedroom, and the last two are the nursery.

The large walk-in closet will probably be sheetrocked this weekend.

We start weekly doctor appointments tomorrow. Saturday we have childbirth class and Monday we tour the hospital and finish pre-registering. So much is going on!!!

2007-10-22T19:41:00.001-07:00

Found my cable! They aren't in order, but you can see the large hole that was dug, Tim helping fill the hole back in after the window was put in, Nate showing his true feelings for Will, and Joseph evening out the edges to put the window in.

I will take photos of how things look sheetrocked tomorrow (in daylight).

baby shower

2007-10-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from the baby shower. It was enjoyable. I used all my battery on the movie for the shower, so I don't have any pictures of the basement. Catherine with her Mom, Catherine with her diaper cake and wet-wipes ice cream, & with the puppy blanket. This is the theme of the nursery.

This & That

2007-10-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where the cord to connect the camera to the computer is so that is why you haven't seen basement photos yet. Things are coming along wonderfully... I just hope it will be done before the baby comes. I think it will be, but probably not with enough time to do a few things upstairs that I wanted done or to finish the basement bath, which is fine. We are SOOO blessed to have such generous family and friends helping us with the project. It's amazing!

The baby shower last week was a lot of fun! I enjoy looking through the gifts and imagining the little one here... including rocking stuffed animals (or the kitty) in the new rocker... I know it seems silly but it makes me smile!

As for Baby Olson I think things are going just fine. 39 days to go, but who is counting! ;)

I hope all is well with you!

Love, Catherine & Joseph

The Egress Window Is In!

2007-10-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

YAY! I'm one happy gal! Photos of the process to come soon!

Krandma sends box of birthday presents and this is the reaction.

2007-10-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

I sent a box to my Grandkids for the October Birthdays this month. This was the reaction when the box was opened. Grandma just can't do anything right.

Not really, I sent some Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans in the box. Katie and Morgan sampled some bad tasting beans from the looks of it. Ooops. I hope the rest of what was in the box was a little better. Love Krandma.

Baby Bellies

2007-10-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Just incase you thought Elizabeth's baby belly was cute, it reminded me of another cute baby belly who is 25 today. Here are his pictures. Newborn, 2 months, 2 years,

as Gertrude in a play, and on his 18th birthday

Elizabeth

2007-10-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth likes to show off her belly

Great-Aunt Karen wants new pictures of Elizabeth

Here they are

They are from September around the 11th

My furbabies

2007-10-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

I don't like having my picture be the first one you see, and since I don't have a current picture of Elizabeth I thought I'd post a picture of my kids. This picture is not posed; they snuggle on the couch together all the time! I think it was taken at the beginning of the year. They are watching tv, in case you are wondering!!! (From left to right: Anna 2.5 years old, Snicklefritz 2 years, Bentley, 3 years)

Family Update

2007-09-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hey all! It's been a while since I visited the blog, sorry! We are doing well in our house. The basement working is coming SLOWLY but surely. The major hurdle will be getting the egress window in. The electrical has been *almost* done for several weeks now. At least the insulation, etc has been moved in the basement so Joseph can start putting it in soon! I told he has until the end of October to get it done and he thinks he can do it. I wish I could believe that! ;) Although I do think he can have everything done except the bathroom by then, so at least I could start decorating, etc.

Baby and I are doing fine too. This little one was very lazy for two weeks, to the point I was worried one day because I hadn't felt him/her move for a while so I had things checked out. As soon as the monitors were strapped on the baby started kicking them... stinker... could have saved us a trip by doing that earlier! Haha! I guess the last three or four days baby found a new place to hang out because he/she has been moving like crazy again. Yesterday I decided he/she was doing the chicken dance! I felt an elbow going up and down, up and down my side and then something bigger would push on that side, like its bum. (Do the chicken dance once and you'll understand what I mean!) I think I've registered for everything we need/want and am finalizing a shower invite list. Should be fun!

My job is going all right. I was constantly butting heads with one agent to the point I was job searching (and I really need a bigger paycheck when daycare expense kicks in). Unfortunately he passed away about two weeks ago so things have been a bit different around here. I never wanted that to be the way we stopped working together... so I did feel a bit guilty (and completely shocked) when I heard the news. Actually, this is the agent that showed Tim & Ilene around Grand Forks when they were looking at moving here. He was great with customers and other agents, but for whatever reason he and I just didn't get along.

Joseph's job is going the same as usual... he's the only surveyor and they keep him very busy! He is currently out of town for a few days.

I thought you may like to see my latest picture, taken Friday the 21st. I am FAR too amused by my outtie. HAHA!

Two Fun Weekends!

2007-09-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hello There Everyone!

It has been a fun few weeks. I chaperoned a youth group of girls who wanted a princess party! I also went to a beautiful garden called the Red Butte gardens with some friends. LeAnn and I went to the Zoo so see an exhibit of a White Alligator.

Come look and see!

Hope all is well with all of you. Love to all

Kris

Our first race together!

2007-09-22T17:15:00.001-07:00

Eric and I each earned a medal for running a local 5K race the morning of my 31st Birthday! Can you believe it??! We are both in shock (however we aren't mentioning how many runners we were competing against in our age groups :) ). I came in 1st for women and Eric in 2nd for the men, of course. Eric could have ran way ahead, but this being our first race I asked him to run with me and help keep me going. I ran the entire race without walking and wanted to die before reaching the finish line. It is one of the hardest things I have done and, as such, the reward is soooo sweet! I'm having a big piece of chocolate cake tonight!

2007-09-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a riddle for you. There are two possible answers.

You throw away the outside and cook the inside. Then you eat the outside and throw away the inside. What did you eat?

A whole new look!

2007-09-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

BEFORE ! AFTER!

This is final result of my new EXTREME MAKOVER on my home!

Whatcha think?! Nice?!

I have gotten a lot of comments on it. I got a new door mat, trimed the roses and I am excited to decorate for fall.

Hope all is going well for all of you.

Love,

Kris

Back home again (almost)

2007-09-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hi! We are back in Iowa with Tim and Ilene. I put a whole lot more pictures on our blog. Here is one of us with René, my family's German exchange student, whose wedding we attended last Saturday. We had a great time, but we are still glad to be (almost) home. Today we will enjoy the fun task of packing up all the stuff we left here. Hope it all fits!

Love, Celia (and Keith)

Birthday, School, and too much to eat!

2007-09-02T09:35:00.001-07:00

Eric turned 31 and enjoyed his preferred cherry pie as well as a mandatory cake that the kids enjoyed decorating for him. We had a fondue night the day before school started and I've decided we'll do it every year; Yum!!! And no I did not eat the entire plate in front of me. Katie started all-day Kindergarten and loves it. She comes home singing all these new songs she has miraculously memorized in a day. She is funny and loves to see Morgan and Ethan at recess or lunch time. So Joey is my buddy during the day and I've found he is very quiet when he plays alone. His favorite thing is to jump off of things and get into the cupboards when I am not watching him closely. He knows where the gummies are, and now they are all gone.