OlsenPyles Blog

2010-01-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Jackson. 4 years old! We are blessed:)

Fall begins....

2009-09-28T11:48:00.001-07:00

So it has been eons since I posted- mostly because facebook has held me captive. Not like crazy captive- but enough to fill the few minutes extra each day when I want to be mindless. Mind you- I am not a facebook poster- just a reader. One of these days I'll find my voice. But maybe not. I love to talk and debate but writing has never been an outlet for me.

So here are some catching up photos.

Kara and kids came to visit for about a week. We had lots of fun- playing on the river on the nice days and exploring great Middlesex county on the others. Jackson loved spending time with cousins.

Jackson started pre-school. He was apprehensive and clingy but I think he is over that now. They just took a field trip to the apple orchard and he told Donny and I that we could not come that it was just for him and his teachers.

As most of you know (since my readership is small) we were pregnant and now we are not. The first ultrasound found the baby did not have a heartbeat. This was difficult, especially considering we had been trying to get pregnant for 2 1/2 years. In fact, we had kind come to peace with the fact that we might not have another baby when "wham" we were pregnant. I am coming to terms again with the fact that we might not have another chance- and am grateful for what I have. Although there's always a chance......but I think once I turn 40 (March) I am done. Done being on the roller coaster. So, if we get lucky that will be great and if we don't then we are blessed with what we have. One thing we found through the experience is how blessed we are to have great family and friends. Many of the same people who rejoiced with us when we found out we were pregnant also cried with us when we found out we weren't going to have a baby.

Anyway. Life is good. We are going to Charlotte, NC this weekend to visit friends. Fall weather is beautiful. Today is in the 80's and since I anticipate mostly cooler days ahead- we will go to the beach to enjoy. Looking forward to fall colors beginning in a few weeks.

Other fun things to look forward to....

Costa Rica for me over Thanskgiving break.

Grandma and Grandpa coming before Christmas.

And...just booked tickets to Puerto Rico with vouchers from bumping on Airtran for Spring Break.

We had fun in New Hampshire with Devin, Shelli, Casin and Julia (Pumpkin Pie as they call her and Jackson loves to still call her) and Kris too! Swimming in the lake, hiking and Trains were all in the mix.

Loving where we are

2009-06-23T17:53:00.001-07:00

Although I often long for the West Coast I am loving where we are. Jackson has lot's of friends- many here on campus. And....we go to the beach nearly every day. Not a bad life. We love visitors so here are some photos to entice you! Come visit!

Summer Fun-Gardening

2009-06-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

It has been and will be a busy summer- not a lot of time at home to just enjoy. However, we'll have lot's of fun on the road with family and friends and are taking advantage of our time at home as well.

Our garden is doing well- except for the pesky groundhogs that have eaten our coneflower and sunflowers. The mosquitos are so bad now that very little work will be done from here on other than harvesting fruits and veggies. We have lot's of herbs, tomatoes- including some new heirloom varieties, summer squashes, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon and cukes. Yum.

And now funny things he does...

2009-05-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

Jackson loves to spend time with his friend Abigail. The past few times we have been to her house he has ended up girling out. The first time they locked themselves in her room (had to break in through the window to open the door) and put on makeup and dancer costumes. They put on a nice show for us in their tutus. Last time was Abigail Owens B-day party. It was a hot day so we filled up the kiddy pool. Jackson and Abigail came out of the house- both with Abigail's swimsuits on. He had a great time and didn't seem to see anything unusual about it!

Funny things he said...

2009-05-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Something funny Jackson said the other day and has repeated a few times since-

In the car driving and Donny asks Jackson if he wants to do something (can't remember what) and Jackson replies:

"No thanks, I'm not into that right now."

Dude sounds like a teenager already!

Mother's Day Haikus.

2009-05-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

I hosted a baby shower last weekend and I don't do games so we asked everyone to write at least one Haiku for the mother to be with a theme of motherhood, parenthood or womanhood. It was alot of fun. I am no creative writer but once you get going with the Haiku it's hard to stop. Here are mine:

Time for a diaper change

Oh no! Fountain in his face!

Better his than mine!

Need to do laundry

“Mom, will you please play with me?

The laundry can wait

Love dirty boy smell.

Sweaty, dirt rubbed in face, hands

Clean boy is good tooJ

Playing with daddy

Tricksters, rowdy, rolling fun

Belly laughs, testosterone

By the way I was inspired by the last issue of "Brain Child" a mother's magazine/journal where they posted Haikus that readers had written.

Now if you are reading this a I challenge you to Haiku!

Jonathan and Nicki

2009-05-03T18:59:00.002-07:00

Jackson and I drove to Elizabeth City, NC on Friday to go to Jonathan Skinner's wedding reception. Unfortunately I did not get a good pic of the bride and groom but here is one of Ray and family. I haven't seen their boys for year. I would have never recognized them. It was fun to see them- even just for a few hours.

2009-04-27T11:53:00.001-07:00

It's hot. 3rd day of 90 degree weather in a row and tomorrows looking the same. Summer in April. Aunt Winnie and Uncle Frank visited this weekend. It was fun to see them. We had parent's weekend going on so couldn't play the whole time but we joined them at Jamestown on Saturday after parent conferences. Donny had a Lacrosse tournament and duty so he was pretty busy. Pics- new baby geese at kid farm, new cousin Wyatt, Baltimore zoo at Easter break.

American Buffalo

2009-04-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

I just finished an interesting read- American Buffalo- In Search of a Lost Icon. It is a narrative by Steven Ridella, whose fascination with buffalo begins with him finding a skull while hunting in Montana and becomes even more intense when he has the opportunity to go hunting for one. He enters a lottery to be one of 40 to hunt a herd that inhabits the Alaska's Copper River basin. He is only one of a few to actually shoot a buffalo. It gives an interesting natural history of the buffalo in North America and also narrates his Alaskan hunt. It is also reminds me of how much you can learn when driven to do so by an interesting topic. Someday maybe I'll write a book about something that I love. I'll have enough knowledge about something just because I've spent time learning- from books, from talking to people and from experiencing. I'm sending this to Scott for his B-day. I think he'll enjoy it.

Snow Day!

2009-03-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

OK- it was only about 3 inches but it's the only snow we've had this winter and we had a great time playing. Jackson never came into the cafeteria for lunch because he was too busy shovelling snow (for fun!). Sledding at the Soucecks was great fun too. Jackson got to try out the new sled he got for his birthday.

Feed your soul

2009-02-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

I was channel surfing last Friday night when I came across Enchanted April- one of my top 5 favorite movies. A must see if you haven not! So...what it reminded me is that I need to feed my soul more. It is hard to do as a mom of a young one (even more for those of you with multiples!). I have a hard time doing the things that I love when I can only do them every once in a while rather than consistently. So...I am starting by going to a Spring Wildflower Symposium in the Mountains this Spring. It's a weekend of field courses with professors and naturalists up in the Blue Ridge Mts.. Donny and I will rent a condo and his parents will come for the weekend to watch Jackson.

Maybe I just have the February blues but I need something to look forward to.......Watch it- Enchanted April.

2009-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Awesome new skill- nose picking. We recently went to a movie and several times during Jackson said "here mom" and handed me a booger. Awesome.

2009-01-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

Jackson is 3! How time flies. It has been a fun three years and it just keeps getting better. We are grateful to have him with us. Jackson favorites- top 10

Trains
Trucks
Music- listening, singing, playing
Dancing
Grandparents
Blankie and Teddy Bear
Strawberry milk
Riding his Bike
Friends
Dinosaurs

(Do you think he's a boy?!)

Round 2,3,4.....

2009-01-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the wrap up on the Christmas Holiday.

On the 23rd and 24th we went to Washington D.C. We visited the Natural History Museum (Dinosaur Bones! and Nemo fish) and the Air and Space Museum (Old planes, rockets and space shuttles!). We saw Polar Express on the Imax in 3D. Very fun! My favorite was eating dinner at a Spanish Tapas restaurant. Jackson was excited to pack his green monster rolling backpack and take it to the hotel.
Next it was to Granddad's and Grandmom's house in Maryland. Santa visited on Christmas and then we opened the rest of gifts on the 26th when Aunt Amberly and cousin Skyler came from New Mexico.
Lyndsay and Brad's baby shower- we are looking forward to baby Wyatt entering our world soon!
We visited the B&O train museum and Aquariums in Balitmore.
Then it was home for relaxation and a little work too.
It was a fun holiday but we are glad to be back into a normal routine.

Happy New Year!

Christmas- Round 1

2008-12-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

We have had so many Christmas activities the past week it is hard to believe that Christmas is yet to come. Grandma and Grandpa were here from Oregon for a week. It was great to have them. They were able to spend some good time with Jackson and play tourist a little too. Unfortunately they have been stuck in Detroit for the past two days as all flights to Portland have been cancelled- hopefully they'll make it out tomorrow!

Some of the highlights of the past week:

The children's Christmas party at the headmasters house. Parents call it the sugar party as kids are served a full course dinner of sugar. Cookies, hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes and candy galore. After sugaring up we sing Christmas Carols, read the Night Before Christmas and then Santa visits. It really is a fun party for the kids.
A trip to Williamsburg with Grandma and Grandpa. It ended up being mostly a shopping excursion. We intended on visiting Colonial Williamsburg but Grandma and Grandpa went later in the week so they could really take their time and enjoy it.
Senior/Faculty basketball game- we dominated.
Lessons and Carols service- an annual tradition for students and faculty of Christchurch. Includes scripture readings and carols by the choir and congregation. The chapel looked beautiful.
Antiquing and estate sale shopping.
A Christmas dinner and opening presents with Grandma and Grandpa. Jackson opened his monster suitcase and pulls it all through the house several times a day. He is excited to pack it for our trip tomorrow.
We look forward to taking time to watch Planet Earth the rest of the break (Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa.
Thanks to Jaime and Scott for kids nativity and advent calendars. We have enjoyed them this week and will enjoy them for years to come.
Getting lots of Christmas cards from friends and family. It's fun to hear about and see the changes as everyone grows up!

Tomorrow we are off on a family trip to Washington DC to the Natural History Museum (to see dinosaur bones!) and then Wednesday we'll go to the Air and Space Museum.

Merry Christmas until Round 2 Christmas post:)

Christmas and Green Monster rolling backpacks

2008-12-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Like many I love this time of year. I try to not commit to too much so I can enjoy it. I also try to stay focused on the reason we celebrate- the birth of Jesus. However, I also love to buy gifts- especially for Jackson. Especially when his wants are so particular.

Which brings me to the Green Monster Rolling Backpack. We saw it last summer in a Portland Airport shop for kids. Of all the things in the shop Jackson fell in love with it. On the way back to Virginia he remembered it as well and we went to the same store so he could see it. He described it to Donny in every minute detail. So....when a month ago he was still talking it.... When asked what he would like Santa to bring him he launched into super descriptive account all over again of the Green Monster rolling backpack. " I would really, really like to get that" he said. So how could I help myself? We called the airport shop, and although they don't ship they gave us enough info to find it in one on-line store.

Maybe I'll be disappointed if he doesn't take it everywhere for a month but it was fun to find and at least I know he won't be disappointed - for at least that day.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to Charlotte to visit our friends the Hemingways. They moved last summer from Christchurch. We miss them and it was a lot of fun. Jackson and Alison picked right up where they left off and had great chases and playing. Then we returned home for a few days so that Donny could go to class. Next stop was Grandmom's and Granddad's in Maryland. On Wednesday we had a fun day in Ellicott City. We went to a train museum and visited a great toy store. There was a nice crowd for Thanksgiving- the food was great and I am fatter. Then it's back home for more parties at the Souceck's with Donny's friends from College. Things have changed for this weekend party that was once dominated by young bachelor men- lot's of little kids and babies running around. Last night they had an oyster roast. Jackson LOVES oysters. Very strange we know. He probably ate 2 dozen. They couldn't roast them fast enough for him.

I am thankful for kind people who help us to feel at home when are families are far away. I am thankful for our families who care for us even when we don't see them often. I am thankful for a comfortable life in a time when many are struggling. My hope is that we can be grateful for what we have and share with others. Life is good:)

Tagged by Kara

2008-11-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

So I've been tagged by Kara and though I know she might have doubted that I would respond to the challenge- I am very competitive. The problem is that this tag stops here. I don't have much of a blogging network so who would I tag? Besides- gives me something to write about tonight.
8 favorite TV shows: (There are 8 TV shows worth watching?)
1) The Office
2) The Daily Show
3) The Colbert Report
4) House
5) Curious George (Nice time spent with Jackson)
6) The Weather Channel- weather on the 8's
7) I'm thinking....
8) Still thinking...

8 Things I did yesterday:
1) Mailed some things I sold on Ebay
2) Jackson and I went to a local petting farm- they've added pony's!
3) Went to library with Span II class- researching Hispanics in the US.
4) Changed a stinky diaper-Jackson is getting the peeing down but will not poop. Because I am making him wear underwear most of the time he is holding it- for days sometimes until he has a pull-up on.
5) Picked up our weekly share from our CSA (community supported agriculture).
6) Bought flowers for Mrs. Norma Jean
7) Took Jackson to Norma Jean's for a haircut.
8) Went fishing at Mrs. Norma Jeans. Caught a big rockfish on Jackson rod. It broke off right away as Jackon's rod is really not strong enough to support a very large rockfish.

8 favorite restaurants:
Ok this is tough- we rarely eat out because there are only a few options nearby.
1) Thai Pot in Williamsburg
2) MoJo's in Urbanna
3) Something Different Country Store
4) Wild Rabbit Cafe in Gloucester
5) Nawab in Williamsburg
6) Smokin Joes- Kilmarnock
7) ????
8)????

8 Things on my Wish List
1) Barrack Obama as President (Granted)
2) World Peace
3) A Really big Green Revolution
4) A baby!
5) To build a house in the next year
6) For my husband to get a passport so we can go on vacation outside of the U.S.
7) To see my family more than twice a year.
8) To have more time and a good venue for Yoga.

Thanks Kara

2008-11-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

So Kara did the most intimidating part for me- she set it up, gave me a pretty background and some good music. I'll try to do my part now to keep family and friends posted and perhaps get on my soapbox occasionally.
Halloween was fun but a bit drawn out for me. It started with a church party last weekend (in the rain) and last night we went to a school party for the little kids on campus. Jackson was a dragon and he liked to roar at his friends. As he said it "I want to scare all the little people". I've never been into Halloween all that much. I don't like to get dressed up and I eat too much candy- just because it is there.

I prefer Día de los Muertos or "day of the dead" as celebrated in Mexico and parts of Central America. It takes place on Nov 1 and 2. It is the time that people celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed on. Families build alters or decorate the gravesites of loved ones with marigolds, candles, favorite foods, cut out paper (papel picado) and pictures. Everywhere are skulls and skeletons- but not scary ones- funny ones.

They mock death because it is inevitable and there is life after death so why worry? It is a combination of Aztec and Catholic belief systems about death. Here is quotation I like about the concept by Octavio Paz (Winner of Nobel Prize of Literature): “To the resident of New York, Paris or London, the word Death is never
pronounced because it burns the lips. Mexicans on the other hand,
frequent it, caress it, they sleep with it, they celebrate it; it is one of their
favorite games and their most permanent love.”
So... Feliz día de muertos!

Starting Today... I vow to be an awesome blogger

2008-10-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is actually Kara blogging in behalf of Kim. I can make no promises for her. All I can offer is loving encouragement. Maybe if enough of us bug her, Kim will be the rockstar blogger that we all know she was meant to be.

New blog

2007-11-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

This is my first posting on our new blog. I am trying to keep up with the Joneses, or rather my family and their clever blogs. It has actually been a great way to check on news so I thought we'd give it a try. It seems to be a generational thing and kara and Jaime have lots of friends posting as well. We'll see how this goes with the older crowd:)