The Olsons

A Princess Evening: New Beginnings

2011-02-06T20:17:00.001-07:00

Queen Bee!

My Princesses and Me!

Cayden's new glasses!

2011-02-06T20:08:00.001-07:00

Cayden, 11 yrs.

A Princess Evening: New Beginnings

2011-02-06T19:30:00.003-07:00

Hailey 13 yrs.

Tayler 12 yrs.

2010-07-12T12:36:00.001-06:00

The BUS RIDE home after the Mariners Game...standing room only!

2010-07-12T12:25:00.002-06:00

Tayler giving us "The Finger" hee-hee! :)

2010-07-12T12:16:00.002-06:00

Cayden's LOVING the game and I'm snap happy!

Seattle Mariners Game

2010-07-12T12:11:00.000-06:00

Mariners VS Cubs

Goofy Doug!

2010-07-10T20:20:00.005-06:00

Doug's So Silly!

Kids' School Portraits (Spring). They are such beautiful kids!

2009-05-05T20:55:00.006-06:00

Here's my Tayler bug!! (10 yrs)

Hailey's (11yrs.)

Cayden (9 yrs.)

Mom's Graduation! Class of 2009!

2009-05-01T17:26:00.002-06:00

I GRADUATED!

My Friends From Our UVU Education Cohort

Cayden, Tayler, Papa, Me, and Hailey

Me and My Dad!

New Member of the Family!

2009-04-26T19:56:00.002-06:00

She's very sweet!

Well, I think we have a new member of our family! Doug and I were heading out yesterday to the video store when just three blocks from our house I saw two tiny kittens in the MIDDLE of the road! Doug was driving and didn't see them. I yelled to stop! I hurried out of the car and scooped up Little Missy who was very confused and dazed. Upon closer inspection, her sibling was dying. Doug was good to pick up the dead kitten and lay her on the side of the road in the tall grass. Little missy was scared, wet, cold, and shaking. We guesstimate her to be only about 3-4 weeks old. She may be a runt as she is smaller than her sibling. We must have just come up on the kittens after they had been DUMPED in the road! We surmise that the sibling who died either landed on its head or got ran over by the car that dumped them. Some people are SO MEAN! It took about an hour before Little Missy stopped shaking from the trauma. She is very cute and sweet! She is adapting to our family and home very well. I think she's a keeper! :]

She's not much bigger than Hailey's gerbil!!

We Did It! Mom Is Graduating! :]

2009-04-24T23:30:00.002-06:00

My Graduation Announcement (front)

Graduation Announcement (back)

Cayden's Field Trip to the Bean Museum in Provo

2009-04-23T21:38:00.002-06:00

Cayden's on the left

Our Field Trip Group that I was in charge of at the museum. We had so much fun!

Moose on the Loose!

(Cayden on the left)

Family Pictures

2009-04-19T19:36:00.002-06:00

Pretty Girls!

2009-04-18T12:27:00.003-06:00

A proud mom with her beautiful girls! Hailey on the left (11 1/2 yrs.) Tayler on the right (10 yrs.).

We attended their Stake Achievement Days Activity this morning.

THANKS GRAMMA!

2009-04-15T19:13:00.002-06:00

We got the box in the mail today!! Thank you!

Whatever you want to send our way, we'd LOVE it! :]

The Charlie Brown Dance!

2009-04-15T18:36:00.004-06:00

Doug and Cayden shakin' a leg Charlie Brown Style! :]

Just another example why I love Doug SO MUCH!

DISCLAIMER: Doug didn't want this posted, but I just HAD to! :]

Basement Camp-Out in Their Forts!

2009-04-13T11:49:00.003-06:00

I think my kids are finally comfortable in their new home. They slept in the basement! Tayler set up and slept in the "kids" tent. Cayden and Hailey made and slept in their forts! And, of course, Shiloh was right there with them! :]

Where Does It All Go?

2009-04-13T11:46:00.000-06:00

Yep! He pretty much ate all of it!

Cayden's Down The Hatch!

2009-04-13T11:14:00.003-06:00

After Doug lifted up the lid to the Water Shut Off, the kids found a Salamander at the bottom of the hole. Cayden goes HEAD FIRST into the hole to "rescue" the Salamander!! It's too cute! :]

PHI THETTA KAPPA Induction Night With The Family!

2009-04-11T15:24:00.004-06:00

This is me at my Induction into the PHI THETTA KAPPA Honors Society. It was great to have my children there to watch their mom getting recognized for academic excellence! :]

Tayler's Got Doug Wrapped Around Her Little Finger!

2009-01-30T20:30:00.004-07:00

So, Tayler was home today with a yucky stomach. Before this semester of student teaching, my kids have been able to call me and cry on my shoulder so-to-speak. I console them and tell them to make sure they're drinking plenty of water and getting something to eat. Well, this semester they can't call me while I'm doing my student teaching because the town where I'm student teaching doesn't have cell service! And if she had been able to get a hold of me I wouldn't have caved like my dear, sweet husband did! :]

Here's what Doug told me had transpired this afternoon (ironically, around lunch time!). While Doug was teaching, Tayler calls his cell phone and he answers it because he knows Tayler is home sick. She tells him she feels like she's going to toss her cookies and that she is feeling really, really sick. He consoles her then goes back to his teaching. Tayler calls AGAIN! By what he's getting from Tayler, Doug is thinking he's got to leave work early (luckily he has a student teacher that can take over) and bust home to help Tayler.

I promise, it gets better! So, as Doug is busting it home on I-15 Southbound to Santaquin from OREM he calls Tayler to see if she is tossing cookies or not. She answers the phone in a feeble tone. Doug asks her if she wants him to stop and buy her some chicken noodle soup? She says, and I quote, "No, I don't like chicken noodle soup. But could you stop at Wendy's and get me a #8 meal, no tomatoes, with fries, and a frosty?" A #8 meal?!! I swear we don't eat at Wendy's very often! She knows the combo meal number?!?!! Hilarious!

DOUG GOES AND BUYS HER THE MEAL! Oh, man. She has him wrapped! And miraciously, Tayler feels better! :]

The Loss of A Sweet Grandpa and Way of Life

2009-01-11T17:35:00.004-07:00

Sweet Grandpa Olson passed away this morning, Sunday, January 11th, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. He was 84 yrs. old. We know he is happy and joyful to be with his dear wife, Ann, who passed away more than 20 years ago. Our Heavenly Father's love and comfort was felt as the family gathered during their father's last moments here on earth. His last words were, "Good-bye kids".

Then, he peacefully crossed the veil to join his eternal companion.

The Salmon River Valley where Grandpa Olson had an 80 acre ranch/farm.

Throughtout his life there, he raised pigs, cattle, and hay. He had horses for his daughters when they were kids, but the most favorite of all for his two sons, Doug and Mark, was the freedom to ride their motorcycles all over the farm!

We will miss his way of life that we all got to experience and enjoy during our summer visits with "Grandpa Olson on the farm".

We love you Dad/Grandpa, and we will miss you very much!

This Just Cracks Me Up!

2009-01-06T23:39:00.002-07:00

The Bathtub Test:

During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the director how do you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.

"Well," said the director, "We fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.

"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the teaspoon or the teacup."

"No" said the director, "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"

Doug's Anniversary E-Card to Me--I Love It! :]

2008-12-27T22:54:00.002-07:00

Sorry, I can't figure out how to share this so it will play.

It really is cute though!

All A's AND 13 Years of Marriage! :]

2008-12-27T21:48:00.006-07:00

I just checked my grades for the Fall semester and I got all A's! I'm so excited! And, today/night is our 13th wedding anniversary! Who says 13 is bad luck? No way!

Curious minds--just double checking:

So, earlier today I told the kids it was Doug and mine's 13th anniversary and told them what we were going to be doing to celebrate. Well, a couple hours later, Hailey was sitting next to me and asked me how old I was when I got married. I said 28. Then, she verified with me that I was 41 and I said yes. She proceeds to "do the numbers" and came up with 13 and says, "Yep! That works!"

She's 11 1/2 yrs old (my oldest), so that works too! :] hee-hee

Christmas Day--Thanks Aunt Eileen!

2008-12-25T19:42:00.005-07:00

So, when I came downstairs from taking a huge nap, this is what I walked in on! :]

Aunt Eileen sent Doug/Kids the 3-D version of Journey To The Center of The Earth.

They love the 3-D version!

Thanks Aunt Eileen for spoiling us!

We love all the wonderful gifts you sent our family!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

Santa and Reindeer goodies.

Tracking Santa on Google Earth!

Making and Baking for Christmas Day!

Best Friends

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-21T17:58:00.006-07:00

We Hope You Have A Wonderful Christmas!!

All Our Love,

Doug, Sandy, Hailey, Tayler, and Cayden

Click on the pictures to get a bigger and better image.

Getting Ready To Take A Family Pose

2008-12-21T17:49:00.001-07:00

Finally, The Inside Pics Of Our House!

2008-12-21T17:36:00.004-07:00

So, when I start posting, I inevitably forget to post pics in the opposite order so that the posts that I want you to see FIRST are on top! Anyhoo, to see the order I was shooting for, you have to scroll to the first post showing pics of the main floor and then scroll up! GRRRRR! :] Sorry!

ENJOY!

The Basement!

2008-12-21T17:21:00.005-07:00

From the bottom of the stairs to the left: Bathroom area

Bottom of the stairs to the right: Framed for a bedroom/Doug's office

From the "bathroom" area is the mechanics room and storage space under the stairs

Looking to the right of the furnace: future Entertainment Room

Looking to the left of the furnace area: My future office

Master Bedroom!

2008-12-21T17:07:00.004-07:00

It's SO BIG compared to what we had before!

I love it!

SHHHHHH, Don't tell Doug I posted a pic of our closet. He said not to, but I HAD to show it! It is just SO HUGE compared to what we had before! :]

Our Closet is about half the size of what our kids' bedrooms were in the old house!

It has it's OWN window AND outlet! :]

Our beautiful bathroom with TWO sinks! A huge deep tub!

A beautiful shower and a SEPARATE toilet room! :]

More Inside Pics: Continued From Previous Post

2008-12-21T16:34:00.003-07:00

From the Formal Living Room: Kitchen to the right

Kitchen Included All Stainless Steel Applainces:

GAS Stove/Oven, Side-by-Side Fridge, and Over-the-Stove Microwave!

From the Kitchen looking towards the Front Door

Off the Kitchen is a Great Room (Family Room)

Kitchen view from the Great Room

START HERE!

2008-12-21T15:52:00.009-07:00

From the front door to the right: Bathroom

(Doug thought I shouldn't post the pic of the bathroom) :]

From the front door to the left: Formal Living Room

Living Room and Formal Dining Room

From the front door looking staight ahead: laundry room door to the right, basement door to the left, kitchen straight ahead

More Fuller Fun!

2008-12-21T15:40:00.003-07:00

Jared couldn't stop laughing for the "serious" GQ pose! :]

Chad and Cayden silliness!

Jared and Michael "swinging" Cayden

Chad and Jared got to ride our 4-wheelers, sorry Michael! :]

Thanks for coming to visit with us Fullers!

Fuller Fun!

2008-12-21T15:21:00.002-07:00

We got to visit with the Fuller's during their quick trip to Utah to drop Michael off at the MTC. We had SO MUCH FUN!

The girls had so much fun with Madison, she was so sweet to them!

Good lookin' boys!

FINALS ARE OVER!

2008-12-21T14:42:00.003-07:00

I'm done with my LAST semester of classes in my Education Program! The past two weeks were gruelling to say the least! The week of the 8th I had to pull an all-nighter (literally) and during finals week I had to pull two nights of staying up until 2:30 and 3:30 getting final papers and presentations put together! It's been a whirlwind! But I'm done! Now I get to relax and eat lots of goodies (well, not too many) for the next three weeks until I start my Student Teaching. I student teach from Jan. 12th-March 20th. Then I graduate May 1st! I can't believe I'm finally to this point in my life! It is SO exciting!

I have to thank Doug and my children for being supportive of my decision to go back to school during these past 2 1/2 years to do something I love--learn and TEACH! :] It hasn't been easy and we've had to make sacrifices, but it's been worth it!

I think it's a blessing that my children have grown up seeing that learning is important and on going. They know that you're never too old to learn or to go to school! I love that they talk about going to college all the time! They know it's very important!

Thanks to all those who have given me words of support these past couple of years. I really have appreciated their pep talks, words of encouragement, and prayers on my behalf. You know who you are and I thank YOU! :]

Well, I'm off to take a nap! I deserve it! hee-hee :]

Love to everyone!

Finally! Pics of our house--outside pics.

2008-12-07T16:01:00.002-07:00

Well, I finally did it! Here are some pics of our new house!!

I'll take pics of the inside and post them later tonight (hopefully). Don't mind the laundry, boxes, and un-made beds!! :]

I LOVE our new home! :]

Love to all!

p.s. Remember to click on the pictures if you want to get a closer look. :]

OUR NEW HOUSE!!

2008-12-07T15:40:00.007-07:00

PICS OF OUR NEW HOUSE! YEAH!! :]

2008-12-07T15:30:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving Fun With Aunt Lisa and Kids!

2008-12-07T15:15:00.004-07:00

Aunt Lisa jumping with Paige, Brooke, Hailey, and Cayden :]

Brooke chillin' with Cayden, Hailey, and Tayler while they watched movies.

Rick Mick and Paige havin' fun on the tramp with Cayden and Tayler

Sisters looking on as the cousins jump and play together on the tramp!

Family Tradition: MONOPOLY NIGHT! Watch out, the gloves come off in this cut-throat game! :] hee-hee

In Like Flynn!

2008-12-06T15:02:00.003-07:00

WE'RE IN OUR NEW HOME! We were finally able to move on Thursday!! I took some pics but Doug has to scrub out our license plates and street sign before I can post them. We are so relieved to be in our new house! I'll also take pics of the inside, but just ignore all the boxes in every room! :] We've been going like gang busters to unpack, but there is SO MUCH! Where the heck have we been keeping everything?!

FINGERS CROSSED!

2008-12-03T14:03:00.004-07:00

Okay, so the last I've heard (as of this morning) is that our buyer's docs are to be at the title company today (they've been waiting on a doc from the IRS!) and they are supposed to close at 4:00 this afternoon. WE'RE KEEPING OUR FINGERS CROSSED. They were supposed to close LAST week! UGH!

Anyhoo, we can officially get our keys tomorrow morning after our title company gets the wire for funds. Then we will move like banchees to get the rest of our stuff that couldn't go in the garage, moved inside our new home!

I will keep you posted! :]

We're Closing!

2008-11-23T09:06:00.003-07:00

We're scheduled to close on our house with our buyers on Monday and Tuesday we're scheduled to close on our new house! Then, we can move in on Wednesday-the day before Thanksgiving! (Jill, too funny huh!?!) AND, my sister in Arizona and her kids are coming Thursday morning to spend Thanksgiving with us! It'll be a whirlwind, but it'll be FUN! :]

I AM SO EXCITED! :]

Looks Like We're Moving!

2008-11-16T15:18:00.002-07:00

We found a beautiful house and they accepted our offer! It's only a few blocks from where we live now!! :] The kids will still go to the same school and be near their friends. They are very happy about that!

Our buyers want to be in our house before Thanksgiving! If everything goes through quickly (inspections, appraisal, etc.) we could be moving over Thanksgiving weekend! Realistically, I'm thinking that it'll most likely be the first week of December. But that means we could be moving in 2-3 weeks if everything goes through without any problems. CRAZY! I'll keep you posted and ask that people email me so I can send you our new address. :]

I'll post pictures of the house after we sign on the dotted line and we get keys in hand! :] We feel really good about it and we are SO excited! I can't wait to show you what it looks like!

Tayler's Dance Outfit

2008-11-16T15:12:00.002-07:00

Tayler had a recital on the 8th up at the City Center for the Christmas Booth Fair. She looked SO CUTE!

Pics of Cayden's Birthday

2008-11-16T12:36:00.004-07:00

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY CAYDEN! :] We love you!

What a bunch of cute kids! :]

Everyone anticipating the Candle Blowout! :]

Cayden LOVES my homemade pumpkin pies so that's what he wanted for his "birthday cake".

Back Home For Cake, Ice-Cream, and Presents!

2008-11-03T22:00:00.004-07:00

Te-Te's Birthday Cake. I thought it turned out pretty cute. :]

It's the little things! Cayden gave her a High School Musical pen. Tayler LOVED it!

Te-Te is SO pretty!

Tayler going throught the spanking machine!

After Tayler's friends went home, I took her to see HSM III. Tayler loved it! After the movie, Tayler and I met up with Doug, Hailey, and Cayden and went out for a birthday dinner. I think she had a pretty fun day! :]

Bouncing Maddness!

2008-11-03T21:50:00.004-07:00

Te-Te with her poodle in a cute outfit! What a cute bunch of kids! :]

Te-Te dressing her poodle. WHOA! Look how tall Hailey is to me! I just noticed that!!

Tayler got to buy and stuff a "poodle" at the fun center. It turned out really cute!

Doug's the biggest kid in the place! :] He got the kids playing tag and hide-n-seek! He's hilarious!

Tayler's Birthday Invitation--Thanks Lydia!

2008-11-03T21:44:00.002-07:00

Lydia made this cute birthday invitation for Te-Te's birthday! It is SO cute! She just had to email it to me and I printed it off! So cool! :]

Trick-or-Treat!

2008-11-03T21:39:00.001-07:00

Cayden and Tayler wanted to be a witch and ghost for Trick-or-Treating.

Morning Halloween Costumes For School

2008-10-31T17:35:00.002-06:00

We stuffed Taylers shirt so she looked prego, it's difficult to see in the picture. She looked really cute!

Family: Click on the picture and it will enlarge it so you can see the kids better. :]

Under Contract!!

2008-10-30T22:21:00.003-06:00

I just got a call from our realtor telling us that buyers accepted our counter offer and we're under contract to sell our house! We just don't know what house to buy now that T & A's house went under contract with other buyers a couple weeks ago! CRAZY! We have 2 weeks (addendum in our counter offer) to find another home! So, I'll keep you posted! :]

Cayden's Story---And He's Stickin' To It!

2008-10-28T19:37:00.003-06:00

Here's an excerpt from a story Cayden wrote in school about some guys on a ship. Typed as he wrote it...

"Are we going?" said Jack ass he was staring at a picture. Yes were going, then comon...

See any significant spelling errors??? I wonder what his teacher thought?! :]

What Cayden is really saying: "Are we going?" said Jack, AS he was staring at a picure. Yes we're going. Then come on...

That pretty much made my day! I needed a good laugh! :]

Early Birthday Present...Ears Pierced!

2008-10-26T19:37:00.002-06:00

Tayler got an early birthday present. She's been wanting her ears pierced for a long time, but I was making her wait until she turned 10 yrs. old. We were only a week early and she was thrilled because we did it Saturday when we were at WalMart and decided to just do it! :]

She also decided to start shaving her legs, which I make my girls wait until they are at least 10 yrs. old. Hailey showed Tayler how it was done. It was very sweet hearing them talking and laughing in the bathroom as they both shaved their legs! What good girls! :]

I Love Fall Colors! Our Vine From Grandpa Olsons

2008-10-26T19:36:00.002-06:00

Hailey girl.

Hailey's Flag Football Game! Go Eagles!!

2008-10-11T11:46:00.005-06:00

Doug's a proud daddy watching his little girl play football! :]

They lost their game, but they had excellent Defense and held the other team from getting 4 additional TD's!

Hailey's having fun. We are so proud of her for trying something new and getting out of her comfort zone! :] GO HAILEY!

Cayden's "House" he made for a Social Studies unit on Community

2008-10-11T11:32:00.003-06:00

Newspaper Article and Picture of My Nephew!

2008-10-11T10:43:00.008-06:00

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Tigers look to defense for leadership. Rick Mick (Michael) is on the far right in the blue shirt. He is SO handsome! :]

Lisa (his mom) writes: Michael played football in Pop Warner, the Broncos named here, with all of these guys. Vince is something else--huge. Kind of a cool article and the picture is great.
Tonight we won 14-6. Michael scored once, rushed plenty and got an interception at the one yard line to prevent a TD by the other team. He also got voted Homecoming King. It was a great game.

Newspaper Heading Under Photo (above) in Article:
Randy Metcalf/The Explorer, In a tough 4A Sonoran region, the new-look Marana Tigers' offense has its work cut out for them, with a brand-new front line. The team looks to seniors Kane Punt, Vince Robles, Santiago Miranda, Justin Faust and Michael Kivi for guidance as defense determines how far the Tigers advance this season.

Newspaper Ariticle Published August-20-2008:
Exactly how “Stormin’ Bandits” became a sub-species name for tigers is a mystery, but that’s the tag head coach Willie Dudley attached to his outside linebackers. Aliases aside, the Tigers will rely on defense this year, as a vernal offense — sporting an all-new line — endures a trial-by-fire initiation to a crack division of re-energized rivals. “We’re going to be as good as those guys are. (Our defense is) going to lead us,” Dudley said. Senior quarterback Santiago Miranda (6’ 0”, 155 pounds) hurls for the Tigers, after rabbit’s-foot dual-threat quarterback Robert Rowe graduated to a scholarship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dudley believes Miranda’s a “playmaker” whose speed will allow receivers like junior Jon Cummings (5’ 11”, 165 pounds) and senior Justin Faust (5’8”, 160 pounds) to get downfield and open. “We lost our whole offense last year, so we’re pretty much starting fresh,” Faust confirmed.Also downfield should be senior Kane Punt (6’2”, 185 pounds), whose size presents his former Marana Bronco teammate with a good throwing target. With a name that forever associates him with the gridiron, Punt has the right attitude for a budding attack. “You just have to give it all you got,” Punt said. “No regrets.” If speed and hops develop into the Tigers’ calling card, senior free safety Michael Kivi wields plenty. The 6’1”, 180-pounder won last year’s 4A state title in triple jump, and plans to get his gloves around enemy passes. “We just have to have to have a different attitude toward our opposition,” Kivi said. “But we can handle them.” Senior nose guard Vince Robles — another former Bronco teammate of Miranda and Punt — cements the defensive line. Formidable at 5’10” and 315 pounds, Robles hones his strength during spring on the track team, with shot put and discuss.

Neat Site

2008-10-08T22:18:00.002-06:00

I think I've posted this site before, but it is really neat and you should take a look. There are some really funny videos that can give you a good chuckle and there are some very touching ones that will probably make you cry, they did me.

Enjoy: www.ignitermedia.com

I Love Their Imagination!

2008-10-08T17:32:00.002-06:00

Enjoying our 73 deg. weather before we get into the low 40's this weekend, with a chance of valley snow! Look at the beautiful mountains in the background!
Cayden, Tayler, and Hailey each made their own fort! :] I love how they play, create, and imagine with each other! Reminds me of simpler times when I played like that, no electronic gidgits and gadgets to get in the way of social interactions and enjoying each other! Man, I'm I THAT old?! :]

I laid out in the sun while the kids built and played in their forts. I have to get as much sun as possible before it gets really cold! :]

Encounter at Subway!

2008-10-04T17:31:00.004-06:00

So, today, Tayler and Doug were going to the hardware store together and as they were driving past Subway, Tayler said, "Dad, there's that little black guy!" Doug didn't quite clue in on who she meant, so she said, "the little guy from Church Ball!" Sure enough, Doug looked over and there goes Gary Coleman into Subway. Of course Doug pulls into Subway! DUH! :] Doug wasn't hungry at all, but to save face he and Tayler order a sandwich, right behind "the little black guy!" Rumors around town is that Gary is kind of crank to the employees at the gas stations and at Subway. Uh, yeah, he is! Gary did apologize to Doug for a mix up with their Subway cards, but he was pretty sharp with the poor kid making his sandwich! After Gary left, Doug mentioned how Gary was not too nice to him and the kid told Doug, "That's nothin', he's been a lot meanier the other times he's come in"! Sad, huh?!! I know I've had my moments in public places, but every time? Come on! Folks around town are pretty nice for the most part, so come on Gary, lighten up a little! Although, that guy has had some hard knocks in life and I'm sure he's had a lot of crap dealt him because of his height, or lack there of, so maybe it's okay that he's a little cranky. He's probably always on the defense! Oh well. :]

Update on Kids, Mom, and Dad! :]

2008-10-03T11:55:00.008-06:00

Cayden:

Cayden had another fun season playing Defender during the Fall soccer season and he's really disappointed that's it over. But, he'll be back on the field come Spring! (He could play year-round if it was offered!) He is doing really well in school and he enjoys his teacher and friends there. Cayden still loves the Weather. He LOVES storms and wants to see a tornado, but "not around our place" :] His teacher from last year gave me a website to go to just this morning when I was dropping off the kids to school (she knows Cayden's love for Weather). Here it is if you want to take a look: www.accuweather.com She told me that if you do a "forward slash" then type in something like astronomy, then you get stuff on that! I'm going to show him today when he gets home. Doug has decided that for Cayden's graduation, he wants to plan a trip for the both of them to go on a Tornado vacation with Storm Chasers! FUN!!

Tayler:

Tayler is still in City Dance and loves it! She is SO excited to order her new dance costume for the Fall (I have to agree that it is way cute!). She will look so dang cute in it! I'll post pics when we get it! Tayler just went on a school field trip to see the Utah Symphony. She liked it, but she said it made her sleepy! :] Too funny! Tayler is my little shadow at home. She loves to hang out with me and "talk". She is getting so grown-up, so fast! She is such a beautiful little girl and such a sweetheart! Tayler loves school! She loves her teacher and all of her friends (she is very social) and she even likes doing the work!

Hailey:

Hailey is playing Flag Football through the city. She is the only girl on her team and she's 1 out of three girls in the league! Doug and I were both surprised that she wanted to play because she is still shy around people she doesn't know, but she is doing so well! She has a good arm, she's catching the football better and better each time, and she is FAST! That girl has wheels when she puts it into gear! The boys are getting used to the idea of a girl on their team and they are SO good to her! They include her in the plays and they welcome her when she gets to practice (I think a couple of the boys may have a crush on her) :] Hailey still has no idea why boys go googoo over her! Uh, hello, because she's so pretty AND approachable! :] Hailey likes school okay, but not really. She'd rather be riding horses, chasing butterflies, swimming with dolphins, climbing mountains, parachuting from an airplane, saving the planet, adopting all lost or neglected animals, etc! :] We've just got to get her through school so she can pay for her adventures! :] Maybe one of these days Doug and I will have the money to help her realize some of her dreams while she's living with us! :] She's definately a free-spirited girl! School work, yuck! :]

Doug:

Doug still drives Driver's Ed. students in the O-dark early morning hours before school. He's coaching football (the sophomores) after school (the kids and I went to his game yesterday and it was a lot of fun!), and he's teaching the 17 yr. olds in church. And, he tries to go jogging with me as much as possible, he's a good sport! Doug's a wonderful hubby and a great dad! :]

Sandy:

I'm still in school (my last year!) and doing lots of homework! I'm trying to jog at least 4-5 times a week and I'm hoping to keep it up this year and not poop out during the cold weather like I did last year! :] I might be playing volleyball in November with a girlfriend of mine whose trying to put a team together to play city ball. So, we'll see. :] I'm still in Nursery at church, so no stress there! :] I still drink Pepsi, eat cookies and pizza and listen to loud music--I'm pretty sure that keeps balance in my life! :] hee-hee

Argentina Here He Comes!

2008-09-20T19:36:00.003-06:00

We just got a call from my sister up in Washington who told us that her OLDEST son is going to Argentina on his mission! I can't believe my nephew was old enough to graduate from high school this year, let alone, old enough to be going on a mission in just a couple of months! Time flies too fast! I remember like it was yesterday my nephew as a little boy playing in the back of Papa's house on some great adventure or hiking up the trails infront of Papa's house with "the cousins". Time flies too fast! It is so neat to see how "the cousins" are growing up into such amazing young adults.

Congrats on your mission call M!

Interesting If This Is True...

2008-09-19T11:15:00.003-06:00

This is listed as UNDETERMINED on Snopes.com
Lets See What Happens After Oct. 2nd!!! YIKES!

On or about October 5th, Biden will excuse himself from the ticket, citing health problems, and he will be replaced by Hillary. This is timed to occur after the VP debate on 10/2. There have been talks all weekend about how to proceed with this info. Generally, the feeling is that we should all go ahead and get it out there to as many blog sites and personal email lists as is possible. I havealready seen a few short blurbs about this - the 'health problem' cited in those articles was aneurysm. Probably many of you have heard the same rumblings. However, at this point, with this inside info from the DNC, it looks like this Obama strategy will be a go. Therefore, it seems that the best strategy is to get out in front of this Obama maneuver, spell it out in detail, and thereby expose it for the grand manipulation that it is. So, let's start mixing this one up and cut the Obamites off at the pass -send this info out to as many people as you can - post about it on websitesand blogs - etc.

Aunt Lisa Comes for a Visit!

2008-09-14T15:05:00.004-06:00

Aunt Lisa had a 20 hour layover in SLC, so Doug & I picked her up and brought her to our house to spend the night! We all had a wonderful time visiting with her!
If you've been around Cayden, then this picture should come to you as no surprise! :]
Our kids were SO excited to see Aunt Lisa. I was very excited too! :]

My Wonderful Sister and Me!

2008-09-14T14:56:00.008-06:00

I'm the "big" sister only by 11 months! What was our mom thinking?! :]

Actually, I'm very glad we were born so close together. We always had a friend to play with and somebody special to lean on to get through life's ups and downs. I think our mom would be very proud of what we have done with our lives and who we've become. I know I am very proud of my sister!

Thanks for coming to stay and visit with us Aunt Lisa! We really enjoyed having you here!
WE LOVE YOU! :]

Our Neice Had Her Baby!!

2008-09-02T09:16:00.006-06:00

What a sweet little angel.
How sweet is that!
Proud daddy!
Mom and baby are doing good!

Dominick is 8 weeks early, but he is a 9 on the premie scale (1-10) so he is doing great! He was born Sept. 1st by C-Section. He weighed in at only 4 lbs !

Mom's First Day Back to School!

2008-08-28T21:32:00.002-06:00

Mom going back to school as a SENIOR!! :] This is my last year of school and then I will graduate with my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education April of 2009!!! Wow! I can't believe the end is finally in sight! Time has really flown by! When I started this journey two years ago, I thought it would take FOREVER to get through school. But, here I am only months away from graduating and getting a real teaching job! I'm excited, scared, & nervous all at the same time!! Wish me luck! :]

Friend and Toad Come Home To Play!

2008-08-25T16:14:00.003-06:00

Hailey and her sweet friend K posing with the toad they found at school today!
Hailey "Saving the Toads" from being "mistreated" on school grounds...
Why should I be surprised?!?

First Day of School!

2008-08-23T12:26:00.003-06:00

Tayler "Pretty in Pink" and such a cutie!
Cayden is such a handsome devil!

Tayler and Cayden ready for their first day of school! They are so stinkin' cute! (If I do say so myself!!) :]

Cayden in 3rd, Tayler is in 4th, and Hailey in 6th. They are growing up too fast!!

Charter School to SQ Elem!!

2008-08-23T12:11:00.003-06:00

You all will think I'm a crazy mom, but I sometimes let the emotions of my heartstrings that are attached to my kids move me to make some of my decisions. One of those such decisions was to enroll Hailey in a charter school because her BFF was going there. Hailey begged me to let her attend the same school, so I caved and signed her up. I never felt 100% right about it, but I did it anyway. Well, after the first day of school on Wednesday, I decided to pull her from the charter school and put her back at SQ Elem. with Tayler and Cayden. Hailey didn't go to any school on Thursday because she'd been sick since Wed. morning with a crappy stomach, so I kept her home while I frantically went out and returned all of her uniforms and bought her another batch of new school clothes!

Hailey went to SQ Elem. on Friday for another "First Day" of school and she came home walking on air! She'd had a great day! I was so relieved!

First Day of School--Again!

2008-08-23T12:01:00.004-06:00

Hailey's first day back at SQ Elem. She was a trooper and went into it with a big smile on her face and a good attitude. Her fears of not having a friend at lunch or recess never came to be. Her teacher and familiar friends from last year welcomed her back and they were excited she was there!

THESE ARE FUNNY!

2008-08-13T22:59:00.005-06:00

I haven't taken the time to figure out how to imbed videos into my blog, but check these out. They're Funny!

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/573/Teamwork

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/18/meCHURCH

http://www.truveo.com/EDS-Cat-Herders/id/1735917624
(Old Superbowl commercial)

AN AMAZING VIDEO!

2008-08-13T22:53:00.003-06:00

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/2/Are-You-Amazed

Brave Climbers!

2008-08-12T11:34:00.000-06:00

Hailey and Cayden climbed 30 feet up the side of a rock!
Just kidding! It was only about 3 feet!!
Doug being silly!

Doug Giving Cayden a Closer Look at the Cacti

2008-08-12T11:30:00.000-06:00

Mom & Dad "Go With The Flow"! :]

2008-08-12T11:22:00.000-06:00

Our kids wanted to stop at the Lava Fields (again) on our way home. So me and D said what the heck, lets do it!
Cayden and Daddy
Hailey and daddy
Stormin' Tayler and daddy!

A Beautiful Bride

2008-08-12T11:21:00.000-06:00

Christy looked so beautiful and happy!

Christy and her Mom

2008-08-12T11:18:00.000-06:00

In Love...

2008-08-12T11:05:00.000-06:00

Steve and Christy
Steve with his mom and Christy with her dad
Happy in love

A beautiful evening

Christy's Reception

2008-08-12T10:56:00.000-06:00

Doug's a softy when it comes to his kids!

Uncle Doug, Cayden Douglas, and Douglas Stewart
Aunt Darla and Catherine. They are beautiful!

Eliza and Tayler

Children Keep Us Young! :]

2008-08-12T10:47:00.001-06:00

Doug and Rootin' Tootin' Hagen. "Cowboy Up Little Brother!"
Hagen, Amberlee, and Hallie
Do you have to ask?! I don't know either! :]
Papa Bunce, Gamma, Tori, and Eliza Jane

Visiting at the Reception

2008-08-12T10:37:00.000-06:00

"Well, I heard..." I'm just kidding!!! :] Connie and Darla
Hailey, Tayler, Amberlee, Autumn, and Lydia
Cayden and Elyza Jane
Tayler and Elyza Jane
Hailey and Tayler playing "CubScout, You're Out!"

An Elk Farm--Rexburg, Id

2008-08-12T10:35:00.000-06:00

There were hundreds of Elk in velvet!

The Rexburg Temple

2008-08-12T10:33:00.000-06:00

Lava Fields

2008-08-11T20:44:00.000-06:00

In the past 12 years that we've driven to Idaho, we've never stopped to see the Lava Fields...so we finally did!! :]

Santaquin Days: Parade and Talent Show

2008-08-02T17:36:00.001-06:00

Tayler on the far right

Hailey on the far left
Hailey & Tayler in the middle during their performance at the Talent Show in the park
Tayler in the middle and Hailey on the right, in back.

I am SO PROUD of them for being willing to perform in front of a lot of people! They had fun and they did such a great job! And, of course, I think they're pretty dang cute! :]

Evening Pics of the Fire

2008-08-02T16:55:00.000-06:00

Fire On The Mountain!

2008-08-01T20:00:00.001-06:00

Watching the Fire

2008-08-01T19:56:00.001-06:00

We Thought The Fire Was Under Control

2008-08-01T19:49:00.001-06:00

The Fire Keeps Spreading!

2008-08-01T19:45:00.000-06:00

A wall of flames probably 200 yards up the mountain side!

An impressive wall of flames

The Law of the Garbage Truck

2008-07-30T12:18:00.000-06:00

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost caused an accident and sent us to the hopital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, full of disappointment and rage. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't pick up their garbage and spread it to other people in your life, whether at work, at home, or to people that you don't even know on the streeets.

Always remember that good people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so..."Love the people who treat you right and forgive and pray for the ones who don't." Author Unknown

Treasures Along the Way

2008-07-28T21:09:00.001-06:00

Butterfly, Butterfly, Fly Away Home...

Butterfly and Snail Shell
The Sweetest Treasures of All!

Cayden's Hidden Water Fall

2008-07-28T20:58:00.000-06:00

Cayden wanted to take a detour off the main trail and he found a waterfall!

Doug and Cayden hiked up to the waterfall
Hailey at the bottom of the waterfall enjoying the water pouring over the rocks

Butterfly Whisperer :]

2008-07-28T20:50:00.000-06:00

We Love Utah!

2008-07-28T20:42:00.000-06:00

Doug didn't want to get his feet wet, so he scaled across the rock!

Tayler decided it was FUN getting wet!

Tayler was so cute as she balanced her way over a log!

The Olsons

A Princess Evening: New Beginnings

Cayden's new glasses!

A Princess Evening: New Beginnings

Goofy Doug!

Kids' School Portraits (Spring). They are such beautiful kids!

Mom's Graduation! Class of 2009!

New Member of the Family!

We Did It! Mom Is Graduating! :]

Cayden's Field Trip to the Bean Museum in Provo

Family Pictures

Pretty Girls!

THANKS GRAMMA!

The Charlie Brown Dance!

Basement Camp-Out in Their Forts!

Where Does It All Go?

Cayden's Down The Hatch!

PHI THETTA KAPPA Induction Night With The Family!

Tayler's Got Doug Wrapped Around Her Little Finger!

The Loss of A Sweet Grandpa and Way of Life

This Just Cracks Me Up!

Doug's Anniversary E-Card to Me--I Love It! :]

All A's AND 13 Years of Marriage! :]

Christmas Day--Thanks Aunt Eileen!

Christmas Eve

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Getting Ready To Take A Family Pose

Finally, The Inside Pics Of Our House!

The Basement!

Master Bedroom!

More Pics From Previous 2 Posts...

More Inside Pics: Continued From Previous Post

START HERE!

More Fuller Fun!

Fuller Fun!

FINALS ARE OVER!

Finally! Pics of our house--outside pics.

OUR NEW HOUSE!!

PICS OF OUR NEW HOUSE! YEAH!! :]

Thanksgiving Fun With Aunt Lisa and Kids!

In Like Flynn!

FINGERS CROSSED!

We're Closing!

Looks Like We're Moving!

Tayler's Dance Outfit

Pics of Cayden's Birthday

Back Home For Cake, Ice-Cream, and Presents!

Bouncing Maddness!

Tayler's Birthday Invitation--Thanks Lydia!

Trick-or-Treat!

Morning Halloween Costumes For School

Under Contract!!

Cayden's Story---And He's Stickin' To It!

Early Birthday Present...Ears Pierced!

I Love Fall Colors! Our Vine From Grandpa Olsons

Hailey's Flag Football Game! Go Eagles!!

Cayden's "House" he made for a Social Studies unit on Community

Newspaper Article and Picture of My Nephew!

Neat Site

I Love Their Imagination!

Encounter at Subway!

Update on Kids, Mom, and Dad! :]

Argentina Here He Comes!

Interesting If This Is True...

Aunt Lisa Comes for a Visit!

My Wonderful Sister and Me!

Our Neice Had Her Baby!!

Mom's First Day Back to School!

Friend and Toad Come Home To Play!

First Day of School!

Charter School to SQ Elem!!

First Day of School--Again!

THESE ARE FUNNY!

AN AMAZING VIDEO!

Brave Climbers!

Doug Giving Cayden a Closer Look at the Cacti

Mom & Dad "Go With The Flow"! :]

A Beautiful Bride

Christy and her Mom

In Love...