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

And then There was Four!

When Nate was just over a year Ryan and I decided it was time for another baby. As soon as we said it outloud I was pregnant! I thought 2 years was the perfect spacing between children. Ryan and I both wanted another boy so Nate could have a little brother. Again, we got what we wished for and Ty Matthew joined our family on January 19, 2007. He was bigger then Nate weighing 7'11 pds. He was my chubbiest baby (so far) and was also a happy baby, but would only sleep during the day if he was held. As soon as I would lay him down he would wake up. He is a very fun little guy and has so much peronality and charm! He already know's how to work a crowd! He rarely sits still and is into everything! I can't take my eyes off of him for a second. He has brought so much excitement to our family and has taught me (and is still teaching me) patience, patience, patience!

18/11/08

And then there was Three!

After Ryan and I got married we decided not to do anything to prevent our first baby. I knew having a baby was the next step and I felt more then ready. 4 months later I was pregnant. Ryan and I were so thrilled! We both wanted a little boy and on december 11, 2004 we got our wish and welcomed Nathan James into our family. He weighed 7'7pds and already had such strong features. He never really had that newborn look. He was such a good baby! Always happy and always moving. He was an on the go toddler...loved being outside and could just walk for miles looking at all the "big crucks". He loved to read and could spend so much time doing so. If Nate was quiet I knew he was reading books. he still loves books and now loves to read to Ty. He is very imaginative and could play by himself for hours or  he creates fun things for him and Ty to play. He's always been a cautious child. he feels the safest and most comfortable around mom and dad and has been quite attached to us. He needs to do everything in his own time. He is a very good big brother and loves Ty and McKenna so much. He is in swimming lessons now and is lovin it! he brings so much joy to our family and has taught me that we can't control who our children are going to be, we have to love them for who they are!

17/11/08

Our Wedding Day!

We got married November 28, 2003 in the Cardston temple. It was the most amazing experience! We had a family luncheon/program/ring ceremony at the Tanner Center in Cardston and then back to Lethbridge for a reception at the Lethbridge Stake Center. Everything was fabulous and the day was very amazing and special. We stayed a few nights in Banff for our honeymoon! I can't believe it was almost 5 years ago. Its one of those days that I could relive again and again! Well maybe once every few years!

04/11/08

One Fine Day!

Ryan and I met at a mutual friends birthday party. Our friend (lets just call him Taylor) was suppossed to introduce us but was a little preoccupied all night, so I had to take the initiative and go up and introduce myself to him. We ended up hanging out all night, and the next night out at another mutual friends house. Then we went on a group date with a bunch of my friends the next weekend, where the night ended with a nice kiss, which surprised both Ryan and I (I wasnt expecting it and I guess he hadn't planned on doing it, it just happend). Things took off from there and in 6 weeks we were engaged!  I've heard people say they knew they loved someone because they wanted to be a better person...but I knew Ryan was the one because he made me feel good about who I was and not what I could be. He proposed on the water tower which we had climbed on our first date! It was perfect!

14/11/08

10 Months After it all Began

On a cold winter day (February 15, 1982 to be exact)Roy and Connie Olsen welcomed Ryan Matthew to their family. He was a cute little guy who grew into a fun, energetic little boy. He loved the outdoors and playing out on the farm, and in the sandbox. He grew to be quite the athlete and excelled in the sports he played, especially football and baseball. He gained a testimony and served a mission in the Philippines. When he got home he knew the next step in his life would be to find a wife (well, after buying his dream truck of course!). Would he be able to find the wife of his dreams? One who would give him the most beautiful children?

09/11/08

It All Began...

On a beautiful spring day (April 17th, 1981 to be exact), Jim and Kim (Shurtz) Malacko welcomed Kelli Raylene into their family. She was the cutest baby they had ever seen and was adored by all ( I swear I’m not biased…lol!). She grew to be a spunky toddler who loved to run and play outdoors, and loved playing and following her siblings around! (they might say she was somewhat annoying). She loved school and had lots of friends. She loved to be around people and could talk for hours to her closest friends…or to anyone who would listen! She was always going here or there and drove her mom nuts because she was constantly talking on the telephone! She cherished her family, friends, and Savior. She gained a testimony of her own and grew to realize that she had a purpose in this life. She knew her greatest joy, and maybe her greatest challenge, would be to marry in the temple and become a mother. So, the search began. Who would be her perfect match? The one who would be good enough to be with forever?

I guess I'm a Blogger!

I've had a few people tell me that I should start a blog, but it seemed like something I would never have time for with everything else that comes with being a wife and mother (As I'm sure most of you know). However I started reading other people's blogs and, well, I got hooked. What a great way to share your thoughts, keep in touch with friends/family, and keep and share memories. I've always been quite good at journal keeping so this will be another way for me to record the life and times of the Ryan and Kelli Olsen family! So...I guess I'm a blogger!

19/10/08