MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

The Memorial Day weekend started on Friday with a baseball tournament for the Blaze. The boys had 2 games on Friday and 2 games on Saturday. They split both days but had some great hits and some great catches. Spencer played in the 9U tournament and also played 2 games on Friday and 2 games on Saturday. The boys were able to catch some of his game on Saturday while Spencer was pitching and they were pretty impressed with how well their little cousin could pitch.

Due to the rainy weather that we had all weekend my mom decided to fire up the fire pit in the garage. The kids had fun roasting marshmellows, cooking hot dogs and even a couple of steaks.

On Saturday my dad decided that he would buy the Indiana Jones videos. I told the boys that we could watch all of them and then go to the theatre to watch the 4th one. I made it through 1, Derek made it through 2 of them and Wes has made it through all 3. Tyler watched 2 and 3 and wasn't scared at all and Sisi tried to watch them but wasn't as focused as Wesley and Tyler. The 2nd & 3rd videos were watched in the back bedroom on the bed. It was nice for the kids since the weather outside was cold and rainy.

Fred decided he wanted to go on a rhino ride and see how muddy he could get. Derek thought that would be fun so we bundled him up and he went on his way. They made it home safe and luckily the rhino received most of the mud. Thanks Fred for taking Derek with you, he had a great time!!!

Finally as it was time to head for home the weather cleared up and Wes and I were able to stop by the cemetary on our way out of town. It is so beautiful during Memorial Day. It is hard to believe that Erik has been gone for almost 9 years. As we were driving to Manti on Saturday after the ball games Wes and Derek were talking about how proud Erik must be of Spencer and how well he is doing in baseball. Wes and Derek were pretty young when Erik died and for a long time they just thought he was living in the temple and would always comment on it as we drove into town. Now that they are older & seem to understand a little more they like to ask questions about him. About a year ago I put his funeral tape in while we were driving to Manti so that the boys could hear all of the funny stories that were told. I miss him so much and look forward to the day when I can see him again.

It was a fun weekend and it was good to get away. I love only having to work 4 days this week and that the boys will be out of school on Thursday for the summer.

Wesley's Hershey Track Meet

Wesley had his track meet on Thursday. He did really well and I was very proud of him. He took 2nd in his heat on the 100M and advanced to the 100M semi-finals and he took 2nd in that one too but they only advance the 1st place runners to the finals. He ran the 400M and took 4th in his heat. He took 3rd place overall in the softball throw. I was pretty impressed with how far he could throw a softball, naturally he gets that from me. :) They were moving along a lot faster than planned but because the busses were not going to be there they asked Wesley to run up and down the track to get the kids in the stands going on a wave. He had a blast!!! It was another fun day at the track and we were able to see so many kids that the boys have played with on previous teams along with their parents. I was so glad that Derek started to remind me over a month ago about it so that I was able to be there. I love being a mom and supporting my kids in all that they do. I wish that I could do more with them in their classes and after school but I know that they understand. I have 2 wonderful boys and they make me very proud!!!

Derek's Track Meet

Today the 4th graders from all of the 8 Spanish Fork Elementary Schools competed in the Hershey Track Meet. I missed last year because I didn't know that parents could go so Derek started reminding me about a month ago so I was able to take the day off. It was so much fun!!! Derek did AWESOME, I was so proud of him. He is very tired tonight and I am sure he will sleep very well. Overall he took 2nd in the 50 Meter Race, 4th in the 100 Meter Race, 4th in the softball toss and 3rd in the 4 X 100 relay. It was fun to hear Rees Elementary cheering Derek on as he ran. When I went to tell Derek's teacher that I would be taking him home she made sure I didn't take him until he was done with the finals. She was so proud of Derek and said, "This is right up Derek's alley and he is doing great!!!" I was able to see a lot of people that I haven't seen in a long time as well.

New Office View

I am still working at Castle Rock and have had many different departments given to me. For the past 6 months my office has been an old break room with NO WINDOWS. I didn't realize how bad that was for me until I moved into my new office last week. The picture above is the view from my new office looking north at Mt. Timpanogas. What a beautiful view I have now and I have been much happier. I guess it might keep me around for another week or two. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WESLEY!!!

On April 8th Wesley turned 11. I cannot believe how fast time has gone by. It seems like yesterday that I was waiting for his arrival. He was 10 days late but everyday felt like 2. He was such a good baby and has been such a good kid. Wesley got a rip stick for his birthday. For those of you who don't know what a rip stick is, it is a cross between a skate board and a snow board. Because the boys are getting older and their wishes don't get any cheaper Eric and I have started to go in together on their gifts so we can get them what they want. Wesley wanted me to come and get him for lunch and take him to Kentucky Fried Chicken. When I got their I asked him if he wanted Derek to come with us or if he just wanted to two of us. He said that he wanted Derek to come with us. We had fun, they got the buffet ($5.99 a piece) and pretty much just ate biskets. I am glad the they only have 1 birthday a year. We had a fun time and they didn't want to go back to school and I didn't want to go back to work.

St. George Baseball Tournament

The Blaze headed to St. George in March to play their first games of the year. I can't think of a better way to start off the season that being in sunny St. George. My mom was on spring break so she came with us. The Blaze did very well down there. They won 3 out of 4 games on Thursday and Friday. It was a great way to start off.

McEwan James Olsen

McEwan James Olsen was born on March 21st. He is the 2nd child for Steve and Jen. Yes, they just celebrated June's 1st birthday so they are 1 year and 2 weeks apart. Jen has been very busy trying to figure out both of their schedules but whenever I talk to her she seems to be doing well. Congratulation!!!

The Boy's New Bedrooms

When we moved from our house the boys were pretty upset because we had a full unfinished basement that they were able to play ball in. I told them that I would do something for them to try and make up for it. Well that little deal landed them with their own rooms and me with everything else in mine. I decided to give them new rooms in hopes it would help with the fighting that brothers do and also for having to sell the house. Derek picked out a comforter for the Philidelphia Eagles and Wesley picked out an All-Star one. They didn't know that I had ordered them, I kept putting them off saying maybe later. On a week that they were with their dad I did a lot of shopping and putting together and was able to get them new dressers, night stands, bedding and other items to create nice room for them. It was a ton of fun and they were very surprised. The part that they loved the most was the basketball hoop hampers on their doors. I guess if I would have known that they would be so excited about a hamper I would have been able to save a lot of money. It is pretty funny though because now they actually take their dirty laundry downstairs so that they can play basketball and not have to worry about their clothes blocking the way.

MOVING!!!

As many of you know when Aegis tanked in August and I went back to work for Castle Rock & took a bit of a pay cut. I didn't have to many options but to put my house of up for sale. I put it on the market in October & finally got an offer in January. Their offer was contingent upon them selling their home in Payson. In February they received an offer and we moved on March 15th. What a blessing that was to be able to sell it that quick with the way the market was going. I was able to find a townhome closer to town and I have loved every minute of being here, especially since all of the boxes are officially put away. The only thing I have really missed about this house is my ward. I had an awesome ward and I was very sad to leave it. I have loved my new place for many reasons, the boys are able to catch the bus, I have a yard that is finished and someone else has to take care of it, it is close to town, I-15 & Highway 6. I am sure I could come up with many more reasons this move has been good but I think you get the picture.

June Isabel Olsen

On March 7th, June turned 1. Steve and Jen had a little party for her so I went down to Ephraim to celebrate. She wasn't sure about eating the cake so Steve tried to feed it to her and that didn't work either. Steve and Jen gave her a 4-wheeler that she absolutely loved. They just finished their basement so she had a ton of room to drive around. Aunty Em gave her a lawn mower so she can help her dad outside this summer hopefully mowing a lawn.

Spencer Erik Olsen

On March 1st Spencer was baptized by his Uncle Bart and was confirmed by my dad, Grandpa Olsen. This was such an awesome day for Spencer and he was so excited. He has grown up to be such a awesome kid. He is so sweet and very respectful. We know that his dad is so proud of him and his choice to be baptized.

Spencer is also playing baseball for the Orem Bats. I remember when he was born Michelle told me that she was worried about how she was going to be able to teach Spencer how to play sports. Well....... I must say she is raising an All-Star!!! I love to listen to Michelle when Spencer is playing, she really loves to watch him, coach him and support him. She is doing a great job and I know that Erik would be proud of both of them.

MOMMY TAG!!!

Mommy Tag
Ive been tagged by my sister Angie, so here goes.
1. Typically, what time do you wake up? Between 7:00 & 7:30am (I try to stay there as long as I can)
2. On a good night, what time are your kids in bed? During the week we try for 9:00 but it ends up being more like 10:00. On the weekends I am in bed long before they are. They like to stay up and watch movies but I can’t do that anymore.
3. How long have you been a mommy? 11 years & 1 month today!!!
4. How old were you when you became a mom? 21
5. What is your favorite chore? Vacuuming, I love the straight lines in my carpet.
6. What is your favorite thing that your husband does with the kids? My husband is pretty worthless!!! He doesn’t do anything with the kids or with me. He doesn’t work or even help around the house. OH WAIT……. I don’t have one.
7. What are 5 things that make you smile when you’re being a mom?
· I love when my kids are playing ball (basketball, football or baseball) and they make a GREAT play on their own or together.
· I love when the boys are getting along and giving each other compliments.
· I love when I get my kids back from their dad.
· I love when Derek calls me on my phone and I don’t answer and he leaves a message. “Hi mom, this is Derek, I guess you can’t come to the phone right now but I was just calling to tell you that I love you.”
· I love when I am sick and my boys turn into little gentlemen. They will do anything for me and are always concerned about me.
8. If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be? It would be to Disneyland, Legoland, Walt Disney World, an NFL football game or on a cruise. (If money weren’t an issue we would be doing all of them every year)
9. What is your favorite thing to do with your kids? My favorite thing to do with my kids is lay in my bed and cuddle while watching TV or a movie.
10. Name one thing you said you'd never say as a mother. I AM NOT YOUR DAMN MAID!!!
11. What is one thing that you do, that your own mom did? Work & follow my boys around from field to field and court to court.
12. What is your favorite quality that your mother has? Cooking, Cooking, Cooking and did I mention Cooking!!!
13. What is your favorite kids book? That is a tough one because my kids have been reading on their own for so long. I would have to say the Dr. Suess books or the Disney books those were some of our favorites.
14. What is your favorite advice for new moms? Enjoy every minute that you can with your kids. They grow up so fast and you look back and wonder where did that time go!!!
Now I tag Annalyse, Anne, Carli & Teresa :)