Friends!

Growing up I was the only girl in my seminary class with 11 boys, so I didn't have very many LDS girlfriends all through high school. Don't get me wrong, it was alot of fun. I was lucky to be so close with these guys, and they were great friends, but I sure missed having girls around. It was especially hard when the boys all went on their missions and left me friendless. For the first time in my life I found a good group of LDS girls to hang out with and we had a blast and were there for each other when we needed each other most. After a couple of years we all kind of went our separate ways, luckily right at the time when the boys were all coming home! I was super excited to see my boys again. I was not disappointed...we picked up right where we left off and had alot of fun times. Of course the guys got home and started looking for their future wives. It was a scary thought thinking I would have to lose my boys to a bunch of girls...lol! I'd always been the main girl in their lives...and I quite liked that! I never imagined that they would marry such amazing girls and that they would become my new best friends! We ended up all getting married within a couple weeks from each other (except for a few stragglers!) So far we all live in southern Alberta so we've been able to get together once in awhile. Its great to see each other and watch our kids play together. I am so grateful to have such amazing friends! Last night we had a potluck dinner together. Here are some pics though alot of them are very bad quality...sorry. My camera was not cooperating and I'm clueless as to how to fix the settings.

The girls!



The kids!



McKenna and Jaden Banack



Ty and Brody Smith



Nate and Ashton Smith




**I didn't even take any pics of the guys...I guess they aren't as important to me anymore...lol! I just needed them to give me a bunch of the best girlfriends! Thanks guys for sharing your wives with me!

08/02/09

Perfect Moment!

Today while McKenna and Ty were sleeping and Nate was playing a game on the computer, I laid down on the couch to have a little nap. Just as I was drifting off to sleep I hear Nate's little voice "Mommy I want to play lite brite or do a puzzle". In order for him to do these things I have to get up and reach them down for him, so me being half asleep and really not wanting to get up said "Mommy's just going to have a rest first". I heard Nate go into the kitchen to redo the puzzle that was already on the table, and I drifted off to a nice sleep. I woke up to some whispering. I looked over and Nate was sitting on the floor with some of his toys playing quietly. I watched him for about 5 minutes until our eyes met and he did his little embarrassed laugh as he realized I was watching him. I once heard one of the apostle's say that Motherhood is not perfect but filled with perfect moments...this was one of those moments for me! He got up and with no second thought said again, "Mommy I want to play lite brite or do a puzzle". How could I not get up immediately and help him with what he wanted after he put his desire's on hold so I could have a sleep. After I gave him a big hug and told how much I appreciated his kindness and his thoughtfulness we went and did a puzzle together.

I'm going to try and notice and write down more of the perfect moment's that Motherhood brings to me! I just don't want to forget them!

06/02/09

Look Who's Two!

29/01/09

Ty!

This is a little late. Ty, the one who...

love's to get into everything and keeps me on my toes

helps Mommy with the dishes, sweeping, vacuuming, baking, and pretty much anything else

has the cutest little cheeks that I want to squeeze and kiss everyday

loves to play with Nate and is getting quite the imagination

says so many words and phrases now that he still surprises me everyday with how big he is getting

throws the biggest tantrums I have ever seen...yet anyway

still loves his afternoon nap, but hates to go to sleep at night

loves his little sister and is always trying to help her (though I don't think she's too fond of the help)

makes me smile and laugh so much!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ty! I love every moment with you!



22/01/09

Holy Knee's!

What is it with young boys putting holes in the knee's of their pants! Since Nate turned three, he cannot outgrow a pair of pants without putting holes in the knee's first! I mean really, must he jump and crawl around on his knee's so much? Boys! I wonder how much money I'm going to spend on boys pants in the next 6 years?

08/01/09

Gifts to Jesus!

I've had a couple of people ask what our tradition was with our gifts to Jesus so I thought I would just answer with a new post. The FHE before Christmas we all thought of a gift to give the Savior...something that would make us more like him. Then on Christmas morning after stockings and before we did gifts we opened the gift box to Jesus and shared what each of us will be giving Jesus that year. Then a few times throughout the year during FHE we'll talk about how we are doing on that particular gift. I just didn't want it to be something we only did at Christmas but something we worked on all year. Hopefully each year we will be able to turn one of our weaknesses into a stregnth. I've had the idea for awhile but its the first year we are trying it out since I think Nate is old enough now. We'll see how it works out!

06/01/09

Personal History!

I remember moving to the big two-story house in the cul-de-sac. I think I was 4 and it was still in Coaldale. We had so much fun playing in the cul-de-sac with all the neighbor kids! Again I knew everyone who lived there and had my few that I would visit with all the time. I also had a couple of friends that I played with. It was still a 3 bedroom so me and my sister still had to share a room, and my parents were still renting. After awhile though my mom moved my sister into the very tiny office (it was like a closet) while she was at school. I don't think I ever saw her more happy and excited! I didn't know sharing a room with me was so bad! Though I didn't care, I had a great big room all to myself! I remember getting into trouble often because I would climb from the balcony onto the roof. I was a little monkey and loved to climb. I learned how to ride a 2 wheeler in the cul-de-sac. Ginger and her best friend taught me and another neighbor boy. I loved my little blue, sparkly, rainbow brite bike. I use to ride my bike all over the place. I remember getting into trouble once for riding my bike to Coladale's main street which was like 15-20 blocks from my house. You could also find me riding my sister's bike occasionally while she was at school. It was way too big for me. I couldn't pedal and sit on the seat at the same time. We never had to wear helmets back then. I don't think I've ever worn a helmet bike riding. Now that is unheard of. I started kindergarten and went to St. Joseph's school. My teacher's were Mrs. Marten and Mrs. Deezer. I like them a lot. I remember being very nervous my first day and crying a bit. I've always gotten really nervous about new things. My mom always thought I would give myself an ulcer cause I would make myself sick with worry. I remember having to stay over at my Grandma and Grandpa Malacko's once and my Grandma knit me a beautiful blue sweater and I picked out little lamb buttons. I wore it to their church and because I was so nervous about being there I threw up all over it. I never got to wear the sweater again.

03/01/09

Christmas Letter 2008!

2008 has come and gone. I can honestly say this has been one of the toughest years for us. Having three small children comes with its challenges, Ryan has been working out of town a lot the past six months, which has given me a taste of single parenthood, and as all of you know, the hardest trial we’ve had to endure was my mom’s fight with cancer and then her passing. It has been a whirlwind for us, but through it all we have learned tough lessons, found much joy, and have so much to be greatful for.

 Of course, one of our greatest blessings this year was the birth of our first little girl McKenna Ray. She was born on February 22 and has brought so much happiness to our lives. She has been an angel and a special addition to our family, especially for me who lost a mother but gained a daughter. I already feel our bond is so special and so strong. She is growing like a weed and is already nine months. She’s a feisty little thing and loves to chase her brothers around and make lots of noise. She loves having baths and climbing stairs, and is starting to get ready to walk. We all absolutely adore her!

 Ty will be two in January and is definitely in the terrible two’s stage. He keeps us on our toes because he loves to get into everything! We cannot take our eyes off of him for a minute, and he can throw the worlds greatest tantrums! But he is also very loving to his family and still loves to cuddle with his mommy and daddy. He and Nate are starting to play together so well, and he’s really getting into books. He is talking like crazy! It’s so nice to know what he needs and wants. He is mommy and daddy’s little helper. He wants to help us do everything…the dishes, sweeping, vacuuming etc. He brings so much fun and excitement to our family.

 Nate turns four this December and is such a big boy. I often wonder where my little baby went. He loves to learn and read books, and has the biggest imagination. He loves to play make believe and is always creating fun things for him and Ty to play. He is already learning how to navigate the computer and loves to play on the Disney playhouse website. He started swimming lessons this fall and just barely finished. He did great and really loves to be in the water. He is especially excited for Christmas this year and I love seeing him experience all the wonders for the first time (that he actually understands anyway). He is a good big brother and is finally starting to make progress on potty training. I can’t believe I’m going to have a four year old!

 Ryan is working hard for Hasegawa Engineering and loves his job as an engineering tech. He has had to do a lot of travelling this year, and is learning tons and excelling in his field. I’m starting to get the hang of three kids and love being at home with them during the day. I’m still working two nights a week as a receptionist for the walk-in clinic and I absolutely love it. I’ve started blogging (kelliolsen17.blogspot.com). I really enjoy it and find it very therapeutic. This summer we moved back over to the Westside into a townhouse. I love having three floors and the extra space was definitely needed.

 We love living in Lethbridge, and love being surrounded by family and friends. We couldn’t have made it through the year without you! Thank you. Hope this holiday season finds you happy and healthy, and that the New Year will be fabulous!

Much love,   The Olsen’s (Ryan, Kelli, Nate, Ty, and McKenna)

2/01/09

Christmas Day!

Opened stockings

Gifts to Jesus

Opened presents

ate small breakfast

played with new toys

Grandpa Jim's @ 9:00am.

Big breakfast

Christmas story from bible

Opened more presents

Played, played, and played

Grandma and Grandpa Shurtz's @ 1:00pm

Yummy turkey dinner

Played some more

Home by 8:00

All exhausted but happy...Bedtime!

















27/12/08

Christmas Eve Pics!

26/12/08

Christmas Eve!

Christmas is finally here! I become my 8 year old self at Christmas and get so giddy and excited that I can hardly hide it! When I was young I would literally squeel every few minutes to get out my excitement. Although you won't hear me squeeling anymore I am still doing it on the inside!

On the agenda tomorrow:

Shannon and Steve (brother and sister in-law) are picking me up at 9:30am to head out to Cardston to my in-laws (Ryan and the kids went out today but I had to work tonight so I'm meeting them out there tomorrow).

Day full of games, snowmobiling, and snacking...a lot.

Gingerbread houses

A fantastic turkey dinner

Christmas Eve program (which I was in charge of this year)

more snacking!

Christmas jammies

Opening a few presents

even more snacking!

Heading back home to hang up the stockings and go to bed (if I can actually sleep!)

Have a Merry Christmas everyone! Hope your holidays are filled with family, fun, and food!

23/12/08

12 Days of Christmas!

I just finished our last day of doing the twelve days of Christmas. Our family and another family did it for a less active couple in the ward. I pretty much did it all by myself this year but am excited to keep the tradition going and having the kids help out when they get older. What a great way to do something nice for someone else over the holidays! For those who might not know what this is its when you pixie (ringing the door bell and running but leaving a gift behind) a family every night starting on the 12th and going to the 23rd. The first night you give them one thing, the next two, then three...all the way to 12. It is a lot of fun! I remember doing it  a few times when I was a kid and knew I had to add it to my list of traditions to start with my family. Here's our list:

1st day: A delicious apple pie

3rd day: 3 white mugs

5th day: 5 hand lotions

7th day: 7 bar's of fudge (homemade)

9th day: 9 packs of gum

11th day: 11 packs of hot chocolate

P.S Ty pulled the Christmas tree completely down today! What a nut. Its a good thing      I love him!

22/12/08

Mommy Moment!

Today we went to put a wreath on my mom's gravestone. Its so weird that she was here with us last Christmas but won't be with us this year or anymore to come. I'm so greatful for three little children who will keep me so busy that I won't have too much time to be sad. Here are some Christmas memories I have of my Mom:

Singing Christmas songs while mom played the guitar or the onmnicord

Mom telling me to calm down and relax over a 100 times because I was so giddy with excitement and literally squeeling every 2 minutes

Mom in her slippers and house coat Christmas morning

Waking up Christmas morning to Grandma Fraser and Mom having tea.

After opening our stockings Mom would make us eat breakfast before we got to open presents.

Mom opening her first ever computer for our home. She was so surprised and excited!

Mom forgetting to label the presents one year and Cody opened my Dad's razor instead of his gameboy! Not sure who was more shocked...my mom or Cody!

Santa bags!

She always made the holidays exciting and meaningful! Merry Christmas Mom!







P.S My siblings and our family's usually go to my Dad's house for Sunday dinner. Tonight when we were all sitting at the table eating Nate says "I think there's someone missing" we all looked around but everyone was there, and then Nate said "I think its Grandma Kim". It was so sweet. He doesn't talk about her much anymore so it was pretty special!

21/12/08

Personal History

The first house I remember living in was in Coaldale. It was a 3 bedroom house with an unfinished basement. It was the first house my parents owned, but was eventually taken away cause they couldn't afford it. Can you imagine not owning a house until after 9 years of marriage and four kids! It seems that most people now have to own houses before or when they first get married or shortly after! Ryan and I are still renting but I'm more then okay with that. We want to be completely out of debt and ready before we own a house. The time will come soon, and it will be worth the wait. I honestly don't have too many memories of my Dad back then. I think it was because he worked a lot, and then was too tired to do anything when he got home. He was also in hockey, baseball, and karate so he wasn't home very much. I do remember looking underneath my parents bed one Christmas and seeing all of our christmas presents. I felt so guilty I told my Dad and he just spanked me and that was that. He spanked us quite a bit when we were really young. I don't think they really knew how to discipline back then. He just did what his father did. Spanking is not very acceptable anymore. I don't ever remember feeling unloved when I got spanked but it is definately not something I have chosen to do with my children. We have slipped up a couple of times but I don't want to discipline my children out of anger or frustration. I don't think it really teaches anything. I did have a healthy fear of my Dad though (if there is such a thing). My mom spanked sometimes too. Mostly when she had to take us out of church. I remember crying not because it really hurt physically but more emotionally. My mom always cuddled and talked to us after. I think it hurt her to do it too. The last time I was spanked was probably when I was 5 or 6. I don't ever remember feeling poor but my mom told me we were and we struggled for many years to get by. I guess you don't think about those things when your little. At 3 I was a very adventurous and friendly  little girl . I knew everyone in the neighborhood. There were a couple of elderly people that i visited with everyday. I also remember a few times trying to follow Ginger and Adam to school and Ginger having to drag me home. I guess I didn't like being in the house. I remember me and my sister sleeping in the same double bed together for awhile. I'm sure she absolutely hated it but I didn't mind. It was a very exciting day when we got bunk beds though. I  was prob 3 or 4. Of course I slept on the bottom, but I remember playing on the top when Ginger was at school. She was very protective of her pillow...lol! I remember Cody being a chubby baby. everyone said I malled him but it was only because I loved him so much! (hhmmm maybe thats how Nate felt about Ty!)

18/12/08

Date with George!

I'm about to get a little personal...

I never thought there would come a day when I would be so happy and relieved to get my period each month! I love my kids and being a mom, but I definately need a little break. The last 2 years at Christmas I was pregnant, and 3 out of our 5 aniversary's I've been pregnant. I'm a little tired of being pregnant to say the least, but I'm happy to announce that I'm not pregnant this Christmas! Now, time for some new winter clothes that actually fit me!

Just some background info...

My friends and I use to have a code for talking about our periods at school. We'd call it our date with George. It was so handy to say "I have my date with George...do you have anything I can wear?" I thought it was pretty brilliant if I do say so myself!

16/12/08

Look who's Four!

14/12/08

Nate!

Four years with this little guy has been more then I could have hoped for! He has truly blessed our lives so much. I love the way he moves his little mouth while he is concentrating on his computer game, or the way he makes McKenna laugh when he plays with her on the floor, or the way he sings and dances along to the Imagination Movers. I love that he still wants to sit on my lap, that he makes sure I hug him before I go anywhere, and that every morning I wake up to him in our room on the floor (he usually comes in sometime in the middle of the night). I love that he has a huge imagination, loves to read books, and loves to play with his little brother! He's got these wicked blue eyes and looks so much like his Daddy that I'm sure he's one of the cutest kids in all the world!

Happy 4th birthday Bud! I love you!

11/12/08

Personal History

I think one of the earliest memories I have is visiting my mom in the hospital when Cody was born. I don't really remember much about it, just that my mom was in a hospital bed holding a little baby whom we were all calling Dylan. His name was changed to Cody by the time they brought him home. I don't really remember a time when Cody wasn't a part of the family, so I guess my childhood begins for me when I was three. I guess my life wasn't that important with out Cody in it! I believe I had a good childhood. I have a lot of happy memories. I remember feeling safe and loved, and thats what a child should feel. My brothers and sister and I all played fairly well together and got along for the most part...more then a lot of siblings do. We spent a lot of time with our extended family and are very close to them because of that. Family became very important to me at a young age and continues to be now.

11/12/08

Big Bully!

I have a problem. My almost two year old son is a full on bully. If he feels threatened or wants something at nursery, he'll grab the other child by the hair or neck  and pulls them down to the ground. He hits, bites, and pushes. he is not like this at home with his siblings, just when we are around kids his own age. We say "NO", we give time-outs, and we teach him about being nice, but he is still the nursery bully. He throws the biggest tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants or gets frustrated. He screams, throws anything in sight, and bites the nearest thing to him. Where does this come from? On his behalf he is very good at saying sorry and giving hugs. Sometimes I think he hurts kids just so he can say sorry. He can be so sweet, loving and cuddly, and then...it can get pretty scary. I can't wait until he grows out of this one. I mean look at this kid, does he look capable of such things!

4/12/08

I'll Never...

One of my favorite quotes, which I heard on the Mom's Show, is "I was the perfect mom until I had kids." Its funny how you have all these idea's on how your going to parent your kids and the kind of child you will raise, and then you have them and things change (atleast some did for me). For example: I said "I'll never...

let my kids have a soother after they're one.

give my baby's junk (ice cream, cookies...etc) before their one.

let my kids sleep in our bed.

spank my kids (sorry to say I have done this a few times, but we try really hard not to).

OR..."My kids will never...

be almost four and not completely potty trained.

be the nursery bully.

act out in public.

I was a little naive before I had kids. Being a mom has taught me, and is teaching me so much! I know I could never reach my full potential here on earth without my babies in my life! Thanks Nate, Ty, and McKenna for always pushing me to be something more!

If you have any "I'll Never..." or "My kids will never..." I'd love to hear them!

4/12/08

Tis the Season!

It is officially Christmas at our house! The boys started their advent calendar's and we decorated the tree! The boys had so much fun decorating the tree this year. We've got disney ornaments that they get so excited over. We have one of those small tree's that the kids decorate all by themselves...well except for those hard to reach places. I think they did a pretty good job! Whenever we put the tree up we top the night off with homemade fudge, eggnog, and a new Christmas movie! I love traditions!

1/12/08

Five Years!

The last five years I've learned:

     that girl time is essential!

     that I can cook!

     that the simple things in life really are the most important.

     that I'd rather have Ryan home then off making the big bucks.

     that children add much more depth to a marriage relationship.

     that my love language is service.

     that MOST (not all) of the time, Ryan is right!

Thanks Ry:

     for sharing the last 5 years with me.

     for 3 beautiful children.

     for always giving me a feeling of comfort and security.

     for doing dishes and changing poopy diapers.

     for your example of patience.

     for making me laugh.

     and for being the best husband!

You truly are my perfect match! I love you!

27/11/08

Personal History!

Well if there is one thing I have been good at doing, its writing in my journal. It hasn't always been consistent but I've done pretty well. Looking back at my entry's now is almost painful though. I know I wrote my thoughts and feelings, but its not always something I'd ever want people to read. So I thought I would go back and sort of rewrite it adding my thoughts and perspectives that I have now. It wasn't that long ago so I think I will be able to remember it pretty well. Although my brain doesn't work as well after having a few kids...lol! I would like other's to be able to read what my childhood and teenage years were like without being embarrassed, especially my own kids. I guess it's sort of like writing my personal history (like our grandparents eventually do) only I'm starting younger, which might be better since my mind is a little fresher..lol! After my mom passed I've read her journals over and over. It makes me feel closer to her. I wish she had stuff written about her childhood and teenage years, so she kind of inspired me to do mine. I have a written copy at home and then I'll be posting entry's on my blog so I have it recorded in another place as well.

26/11/08

Carnival Ride!

Last night a friend and I went to the Carrie Underwood concert! I'm a huge fan of hers. I watched her faithfully on American idol and was rooting for her the whole time. I have both her c.d's and just love her music. When I found out she was coming to Lethbridge I was very excited and told Ryan that I really wanted to go. A couple of days later he told me he went to get tickets but they were $50 so he didn't. I was like "I don't care, I really want to go". Everyday I would ask did you get tickets. Finally he got some, but I was afraid the seats were going to be really bad so Devon and I went early to secure some standing spots if we needed them, but our seats were actually really good. We were up on the balcony like right next to the stage. The concert was amazing! She seems like such a sweet and genuine person. I sang and danced all night and had the best time!

Thanks honey for the tickets! They were definately worth the 50 bucks!

Here are some pics. My camera wasn't cooperating so they're not that great














25/11/08

Mommy Moment!

It's been almost 6 months since my mom passed away. As the time goes by the pain starts to decrease and life gets easier but I'm also scared that she'll start to fade and I won't remember her as clearly. I'll be using my blog to remember her and to share what an amazing woman she is! So expect a lot of mommy moments!

I wrote this on my facebook right after she passed but I want it on my blog also. I know most of you know about my mom…those who don’t will know now. There are just some things I need to say…

Just over three months ago my mom was diagnosed with a very rare skin cancer which was not treatable. I literally found out 2 days after the birth of McKenna. So many things went through my head…this isn’t fair…she’s too young…I’m too young to be without my mom…my kids will never know her…why at this time when I need her the most…what will our family do without her…are just a few of the main ones. I’ve spent the last few months crying, praying, celebrating, making new and cherished memories, and watching the woman I love most in this world fade away. Today she went home.

So today and forever I pay tribute and honor her. For those who knew her I know you loved her…and for those who didn’t, I’m sorry you never got the chance. She has been, and will be, my most treasured example…example of strength, honesty, fairness, kindness, sacrifice, love, and especially service. She lived for others, especially her family. She was an amazing teacher, and friend. I don’t remember her ever speaking unkindly about anyone, she was always quick to love and accept others. She had a gift for helping others feel comfortable in our home and in her presence. She loved having the family gather in her home and was an incredible cook! I know she has gone to a better place and will have much work to do on the other side! Thank you Mom for being you! I love you! Until we meet again…

Thank you all for your love, support, friendship, and encouraging words through this amazingly tough time in my life. Please use your talents to make this world a better place! Life is too short to live in a mindless, lazy, and selfish way. You’ve all touched my life in some way…thank you, and I love you!

21/11/08

Twilight!

*SPOILER WARNING*

Sorry  Twilight fans but it has to be said...I do not like the twilight series! I admit, I liked the first book. I wanted her writing to be better, but I enjoyed it. Thats where it ended for me. I thought the rest of it was just crap. I found myself reading as fast as I could and skimming through some of it just to get through it and find out how it ended. Bella is like the worst character I've ever read about. There is nothing likeable about her. When Edward leaves her she becomes so depressed and cares nothing about herself or her life. When Edward thinks she's killed herself he goes to get himself killed. To me, there is nothing romantic about that. It is not real love. Bella is willing to give up everything- her family, her life, her soul, to be with him. Not a healthy view of love if you ask me. And then, after they're married she refuses to get "changed" until after she as sex with him, then when they do, she has bruises all over her body and doesn't even care. And then she whines and begs for more even though she was hurt the first time. What! Not a good message for our young teenage daughters. Don't even get me started on the whole Jacob imprinting on their baby...so lame and so predictable. Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest. Is there anyone out there who feels the same way?

21/11/08

And then There was Five!

5 months after I had Ty I started feeling pregnant, but just brushed it off as my body getting back into the groove of things. Then my period was like 2 weeks late, but again, I brushed it off. It would only have been my second one since Ty so I just thought my body was still adjusting. I finally decided to take a test so I would stop worrying about it. I was completely shocked when it was positive. It wasn't part of our plan but Ryan and I got excited anyway. We knew this baby was supposed to come now. Of course I was ready for a girl! Lucky me, I got my wish for the third time and McKenna Ray joined our family February 22, 2008. She's been an angel and has all of us wrapped around her little finger. She's starting to get quite the little personality and loves to chase her brothers around doing this funny fake laugh. She could play in the tub and climb stairs all day long. She brings so much happiness to our family and has taught me that Heavenly Father knows what I need more then I do and that the mother-daughter bond is so special and strong.

18/11/08