Gender Neutral

So, there was a show on Discovery the other night called 'Extreme Parenting'. It had extreme styles of parenting....one in particular was labeled 'Un-schooling'. Anyone heard of that one. Well, I really try to be open-minded, but this one had me quite flabbergasted. Look it up if you are interested...basically I think its lazy parenting and neglectful.

Anyway, there was another called 'Gender-neutral' and by the looks of the picture above...looks like we might fall into that catagory! Ha ha ha. Makes a pretty handsome Tinkerbell:) That smile pretty much melts my soul!

Multi-purpose...

...according to these kids:)

'Mustaches' is what they called them...I about dies when I turned around and saw this.
They keep me going, thats for sure.

better late then never...

so...since new years ive had this on my mind:

goals.

one particular goal.

i need to be a better friend...to my family,
to my already friends,
to my old friends,
and to my new friends.

so...there ya have it.

J/K

to elaborate a little...

in the past, before I decided to grow up, i was really flaky. so flaky that sometimes i wonder if it cost me a few really close friends...and it kind of makes me sick to think that i am the reason i may have lost out on friendships that i treasure. and...through the years ive realized that relationships are so important to make, have, and keep. also, i am really bad at keeping in touch. i know life grabs you by the ankles and sweeps you away from the real world sometimes but i need to make a better effort at keeping in touch with friends.

to make a long thought process short...i will try my best to do this. i will try to mend broken relationships...try to strengthen current relationships...and try to find lost relationships.

i love you friends:)

FHE, Family prayer, and Dad

So, I'm not gonna lie and tell you all that we have been doing FHE, and family prayer consistently...but we are doing much better. Probably over the last month we have done FHE every Monday...and can I say that it is hilarious. It lasts a total of 10 minutes, and half that time we are laughing. We try. We really do try, but really, the kids are too funny and their comments are so great.

Prayer is my favorite part. Rae usually opens our meeting with a prayer, and I generally peer out my half open eyelids at Evan...trying with all his might to be reverent. He folds his arms, peeks out his little eyes around the room, sneaks a treat to his mouth occasionally then quickly resumes prayer position. Only to do it again but this time he quickly gives his truck a little ride up his leg...all the meanwhile he has his eyes still just half way open and the arm that he doesn't use he still has folded over his small chest....trying. Too funny.

Then Rae ends the prayer and gets to pick a song. We have a short...very short lesson then Evan picks a song and says the closing prayer...and this is how his prayer goes:

"Hebanly Father...thank you for the food, and Raegan, and daddy, and mommy, and Mayci..."

and this is where the normalcy ends...he then can't resist and opens his beady little eyes just a little, starts to observe, and then says,

"and thank you for the trucks...and the table...and the babies that are Raegans...and Mayci's blankets..."

and on and on and on.

I can't help but laugh, and then he laughs and then we all laugh, and then we say Amen!

LOVE IT!

And yes, that is Shawn being the 'teacher' reading all the kids Barney before bed. Even Mayci enjoys the action. How cute.

Evan vs. Nemo

So the other day Evan and Rae were playing in the bathroom while Farrah was getting dressed. All of a sudden Rae runs out of the bathroom screaming that Evan had left a present in the toilet and sure enough he did. He and Rae were messing around and she was talking to him about using the toilet. Good teacher!!! haha So Farrah decided maybe it was time to potty train Evan. She has put it off due to a couple reasons and wasn't in a hurry to go through that training with a new baby in hand. After the incident with Rae she thought she would give it a try. She put him in some Little Nemo "swimmers" since we hadn't planned this and had no pull-ups. We brought down the toilet and he was sitting on it but just not doing anything. The morning passed with a bunch of attempts but no accidents nor progress. Well Farrah has to run up and get Mayci who was waking up and when she comes down Evan is panicking and with a pouty/scared face says, "I'm sorry Mom. I'm sorry". Farrah asks what happened and he replies that "I pooped on Nemo." Farrah tells him that's okay but you can see he's worried. She picks him up and lays him down to change his diaper and Evan asks, "Is Nemo Ok Mom?" Farrah couldn't stop laughing... :)

If you haven't been around Evan lately, you are missing out. He now loves to tell you that you are hurting his feelings if you ever say no to anything. Fruit snacks, gum, cookies. Today we were walking to the park and Evan was on his bike. Farrah got him a helmet that she says he looks funny wearing. While on our way Farrah was giggling to herself looking at Evan. He tells her to "Stop looking at me Mom. You're hurting my feelings Mom."

Cute Kid!!!

Lots of Mayci=Lots of smiles

Well, its been 3 months now that we have had Mayci in our lives...and she truly has added so much joy! She is now smiling...at everyone...and it is the best. She has turned out to be THE BEST baby ever. She had us going there for a bit though. She turned 2 weeks...and was full on colic! I thought I knew what colic was with Evan, but I found out he was just fussy:) Mayci would literally scream from 8pm to 3am...scream. Not fuss, scream. After talking to a few people who experienced colic babies, I knew it would end but I remember those nights thinking...'really, another 2 1/2 months'.

But lucky us, it only lasted one month and now...I can't describe what an angel she is. She now sleeps 10 hours at night...consistently. I didn't know that was possible either (I kept her in my room thinking oh this will change, but ended up moving her to her crib and still hasn't changed)! And she just chills. Shawn said last night, 'she seems different than our other babies' and I said, 'what do ya mean' and he said 'she seems more...' and I finished 'chill!!!!' Yes, she is sooooo mellow.

I have heard from so many people who have 3 or more kids say their third was the best. I wonder if this has to do with the fact that you can't pick them up the second they squeak and they learn to adapt, but whatever it is, I am one of those parents who can claim the same about the third child. I was the third and my mom tells me I used to sleep like Mayci and that I was a really good baby...if I didn't know this I might think something is wrong with her, but look how I turned out...beautiful, funny, so smart... :)

Anyway, I could go on about this new little treasure, about how my heart swells when I hear her waking from her naps just so I can see her big beautiful smile cross her face once she see's mine, and how I still stare at all her little features in amazement at the pure innocence she holds, and how I try to comprehend the unmeasurable amount of trust my Father in Heaven has given me with His most precious gift. It's overwhelming.

As busy as life gets, I am doing my best to soak up my kids and the special time I get to spend with each one of them. Life seems to move so fast...I'm just trying to slow it down and enjoy each step because before I know it I will miss constantly picking up puzzle pieces, sippy cups, binkis, blankets, trucks, babies, blocks...and will miss folding footies, and onsies...and miss sweeping up crumbs under boosters and high chairs...and so on. I know this day will come so I'm gonna hold on for as long as I can to 'the now' and enjoy:)

Tune in for a few more posts I have comin...one in particular I've been thinking about writing for a while now so it won't be long till Im back!

Mayci Jo Olmstead

Mayci is now 3 months and doing great. She is an absolute doll and joy to have in our family. Farrah is pretty cute too!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Shawn was out of town recruiting this Valentine's day so we decided a date was in order for Monday. We brought our kids and had a great time at Texas Roadhouse. Raegan and Evan brought along their glasses that Mom gave them in their Valentine's boxes. Enjoy these two kids because we sure do!!! Happy Valentine's Day!!!! (if you're wondering about the picture quality in our recent pictures they're all from Shawn's phone)

L.O.V.E.

Well, from these pictures, you can see the love our little Mayci has for grandma Trudy! How adorable are these pictures...TOO MUCH! She wouldn't look forward for a picture but I didn't mind cause these turned out much cuter!

Thanks...grandma and grandpa...for your visit. We were so excited to finally be able to share our precious angel with you both. We love you. Hope Kaya is doing well...not being too naughty. I'm sure she is in pure HEAVEN!

DAD...thank you...

Dad...
thank you for being there for mommy when grandma left...
for taking care of us while mommy held the baby so much...
for getting up with us every morning and getting us our favorite cereal...
for giving us baths and singing us the toothbrush song every night...
for being the 'nigh nigh' train...
and tucking us in bed...and singing me 'sunshine'...
for letting us come to your work...
for helping mommy so much around the house...
and for going to work everyday so we can have a nice home...
and clothes
and toys
and food.

Thanks for loving mommy so much...
and for loving us unconditionally.

We love you
and love every minute we get to spend with you.

We don't know what kind of day you have at work...
but
We can't wait till you come home...
and do puzzles with you
ride on your back
tickle you
wrestle
hug...
kiss...
and love you.

We love you dad.
You really are the best dad in the whole wide world!
Thank you.

Love...

Raegan and Evan

Time marches on...

Things in the Olmstead home have been going well. Mayci has a funky sleep schedule but she's healthy and slowly changing patterns so we're ok. She is smiling a bit now and loving her swing. Grandma and Grandpa Trudy came to visit and spent a ton of time with us. Thanks so much to Trudy and Rick for hanging out and having fun and allowing us our first date without any kids in a long time. :) They drove out so they could take Kaya back with them to the sunny weather. We're happy that Kaya can have a California winter and go to the beach daily with Grandpa Rick. You can see what Raegan and Evan are up to this winter...whatever keeps them happy and occupied. This photo actually has a little story. When Shawn and I got home from the Jazz game, Trudy and Rick couldn't wait to show us the pictures of Evan in some princess dress-up. They couldn't stop laughing. Shawn told them that he was going to take Evan out the next day to get some batman or spiderman costumes. haha True story...next morning as Shawn and Rae are down stairs eating breakfast Raegan says she needs to go to the bathroom. Shawn tells her to listen for Evan and if she hears him to bring him down. 5 minutes later they both come down with Evan dressed as what he calls a Policeman dress-up. That kid will have you laughing all day. How can you not laugh just looking at them right now? Tonight he was back in his Policeman gear and Raegan was in her Tinkerbell outfit. They were doing "ring around the rosie" stuff and when they finished Evan looks right at Rae and says, "I love you Tinkerbell." hahahaha... Life is good!!!!!!!!!!!

New Pics and Video...keep reading!!!

This one wouldn't go on that post so here you go!!! Look at Rae's form...haha. She was awesome. She would wait for me to tell her and she would skoot her skis until they started going. So much fun!!!

Raegan Lee...our little skibunny!!!

Today was a day I would describe as AWESOME. Scott and I were able to take Raegan and Austin up to Sundance for their first ski day. It was a blast and they were unbelievable. Snow was falling all day. We hauled up there all loaded up in the Civic and parked front and center in a loading spot since my car wouldn't make it to the upper lot. Sundance has a rope pull that's free for anyone. Raegan and Austin were troopers. We went up the hill about 5 or 6 times. Both did a great job considering they were both skiing on skis that were two sizes to big for them and no ropes to hold them together. (We didn't get to the ski rental till about noon and they were out of small skis and those rope things.)



Above is Austin and Raegan getting sized up for their day on the hill. Shout out to Outdoors Unlimited at BYU for their 10$ ski/boot rental. What a deal!!!

Raegan and Austin at the end of the day. I did these last two photos in reverse order.

Raegan ready to ski!!!! I was amazed at how well she took everything and she wanted to do a bunch of it alone. I would go down the hill a little and have her ski to me. As you can see in the video, she enjoyed pointing her tips downhill and taking off. Listen to me yelling "Stop" even though she really has no idea how to. Please don't critique my coaching skills. I pretty much listened to the Sundance Ski instructors who were teaching other kids. Thanks Scott for a fun day.

Little Evan

This little kid had a wonderful Christmas (as did all of us!!!) and can sit by his railroad track all day long. I think the best part about Evan's Holiday season was the time he was able to spend with relatives on both sides of the family. He kept everyone laughing and had 3 nights in a row going to bed around midnight. This is a funny picture taken when we ate In n' Out. He was begging for his milkshake but we told him he couldn't have it until he ate his food. The picture says it all. He pushed his fries off his plate and said "I finished my fries, can I have my milkshake." We look over and see what he did and can't help but laugh our head off and give in to his request. Could any of you tell that face No? Didn't think so. We thoroughly enjoyed that moment as did Raegan.

Rae and Evan

Really just trying to see if I can upload video on here. Raegan and Evan gave us a little Sunday evening concert. Sorry about the poor picture quality. It's from my cell phone.

Raegan and Mayci

Raegan came down from her nap this afternoon and couldn't resist a little more snuggling with Mayci.

2 weeks old!!!

A few things happen anytime I walk past this little cutey...I am humbled when I think of the Lord's goodness...I just have to give her a kiss...I have to take another picture. :)

Pictures speak a thousand words...

Here is The Miracle....

and here are the faces of those who witnessed the miracle...

*big sister...instant love*

*big brother...'whoa, look at all that snow' :) *


*mom...look of unbelief...she is finally in my arms*


*dad...words can't describe*
*mom...watching dad's instant love wash over his face*


*does his face make you cry? makes me*

*proud parents...nothing better to share with the one you love*

*stop it Shawn, you're killing me*

*grandpa...looking on in the distance with a big smile*

*i love you*

*aunt becca...what a tender spirit you bring*

*grandma...unconditional love and pure joy*

*dad...trying your hardest to keep it together*

I will post some of Mayci from the hospital, but when I got these pictures from Rachel, these are the ones that really hit my heart. To see the unconditional love for our precious angel in the faces of those I love so much, tears just flowed from my eyes. I was so focused on my most special gift from God, that I wasn't able to see the others around me.

Shawn's tear-filled eyes and look of overwhelming emotion on his face makes me cry now. To share this moment with him and every one else who was there made this experience heavenly. The veil feels so thin, as if our Heavenly Father personally hands over His most precious creation right into my arms. The feeling is undescribable, and it makes me understand the difficult decision that everyone has to make....when you have to move on to the next phase of life...no more babies.

I'm grateful that transition is long in the distance because I will mourn when it comes my time to make that decision... so for now, I will hold on to, remember, and cherish that special day, one week ago. Each time I hold Mayci and stare at all her beautiful features...from the curves of her ears to the wrinkles in her forehead to her tiny little fingers and toes...the spirit that was alive and real in that small hospital room comes flooding back to fill my heart and home. This is what I will hold on to, cherish, and remember forever.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this experience...you only made it more special...if thats possible:) I already can't wait for next time...sounds crazy...but it's true!

PS Rachel...thank you so much for capturing an unforgettable sight. And also a special thanks to Jamie and Jake for being there to care for my other little ones. I love you all!

Beautiful

What is beautiful? Well, right now, many things are beautiful to me, but the woman on my right hand up above is beautiful...in every meaning of the word. Mom...what you have done for me this past week is...I really don't have the words. You left today, and I was in tears. Tears of gratitude. And with the quiet that surrounds me now, I have been thinking of you.

What dad said the other day when they came down for dinner is right on...you are one of a kind. You are and always have been one of the most selfless persons I know. What you have done for me I only pray I can do for my children. You cooked, cleaned, laundered, dusted, vacuumed, and most importantly entertained. Evan woke from his nap asking where you were, and I have yet to tell him you have gone home. I keep telling him we will see you soon.

You are beautiful. I say that with tears welling in my eyes and swelling in my heart. Even though you have a 'potty mouth', I love everything about you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you are.

I love you mom.

Quick Update

Mayci had her first Dr. visit. She has gained an ounce which surprised the Doctor a little. She has also grown a little more than an inch. We love having her around the house.

Didn't want to leave out Evan. He is now a little more than 2 1/2 years old. He is getting a little attitude which is sort of funny. He went and saw Santa but wouldn't sit on his lap for the picture. Now Raegan likes to take pictures of him telling him to "Sit with Santa." So included in this post is a picture Rae took of Evan sitting on a chair.