April Project-If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

I cannot believe how all consuming preparing a missionary to go on a mission can be. No one really told me how hard this was really going to be. While Brooke was finishing up at BYU we were also trying to finish up all the paperwork we had to complete to get her Visa. It really is a waiting game...always waiting on someone else in hope they will get it back to you and then you can get them turned in on time. So during finals and everything else Brooke got really sick, first signs of a kidney infection. How helpless you feel with her so far away, but we both learned many lessons during this time...The Lord does not forget about you. He loves you and wants the very best for you. She had some friends give her a priesthood blessing and take her to the instacare. I was comforted to know that she was in good hands and that even though I cannot be there for her, I can trust that The Lord is watching over her and protecting her. She had a few more bouts with sickness but was able to work through them and have her testimony strengthened that she needed to go on her mission now.  I know the reason she went through all of that was to toughen her up for the conditions in Nicaragua.

She got home and we went full force ahead with going through the templ for her endowment and attending nat's patriarchal blessing together. Mor shopping, packing, planning, dr.'s appointments, grandma coming for a visit, my house falling apart and being completely neglected right in front of my eyes and nothing I could do about it.

But it was all worth it. We made it through the hard stuff and are better for it. I have decided to adopt the saying from Gone With The Wind quoted by Scarlett O'Hara, "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow." It has worked so far for me and has gotten me through really tough times. I have loved everything about preparing a missionary to go out to serve The Lord. She knows she is on the Lord's errand and is completely going to be 100% obedient. So excited for her and so excited to share her actual departure with you all next month.  

March Madness IS Real...Going Back To School...Kelly Olsen

Here are 2 of my beautiful daughters, Brooke (in graduation gown) and Natalie.

I told my oldest daughter Brooke that my goal was to graduate college before she does.  She graduated from high school last year and has been at BYU Provo for a whole year already (coming home one week from today).  I am running out of time.

We started our family while I was pretty young.  I found out I was pregnant with Brooke when I was 20 years old and both Kevin and I had 2 years of college left.  I chose to finish my Associates and try to just get Kevin through college, I did not continue on at that time.  So now after 20 years I have decided to return.  

Life happens.  My goal for March was to paint my kitchen (that is now being done this week instead)...I had to push that one back because I decided to enroll in a pre-calculus class with Straighterline and start my trek to receiving my Bachelor's in Mathematics.  I want to teach 5-9th grade math when I grow up.  :)

Once my daughter returns from her mission in 18 months from Nicaragua she will be a junior.  I only have about 3 1/2 years to finish up my Bachelors to graduate before she does.

It has been interesting relearning algebra and teaching myself along the way.  I love it.  I just sit in my basement doing math for hours and then come upstairs and realize that time has just flown by.  I am pretty nervous to take the first test...wish me luck.  It is exciting being back in school but also scary.  I have a long road ahead, but I will just take it one step at a time. It is pretty hard finding time to get the assignments done.  I am going to have to make it a bigger priority.

I know I will be this happy when I graduate.  

Kelly Olsen-February Projects...Run Martha Vineyard 20 mile relay and visit family in TX and UT

I was very slacking on training for this 20 mile relay that my husband and I ran the day after Valentines day.  It all started in 2008 I believe when I needed to find something that would make me keep in shape and run through the winter months. Training for 20 miles absolutely makes you train, you can't just sluff that distance. In Martha's Vineyard they have a 20 miler that is a Boston prep run.  In checking it out and it just so happened to fall on Valentine's day.  So for our anniversary that year I gave Kevin the wonderful gift of a Valentine's day get away, with a 20 mile run included.  He was thrilled.  ;)

So the first time we ran Martha's it was together on Valentine's Day. You have to take a ferry over to the island and then walk to your hotel.  We went on Friday night and stayed at the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven (just 2 min. From the start of the race).  During the tourist season (June-Sept.) the hotels are really pricey, but during February the rooms are priced quite nicely.  We went to the Black Dog for dinner and had a lovely time.  The weather was a little icy, windy, super cold.  I believe around 15-20 degrees.  We just bundled up and endured.  It turned out to be an amazing race and one that I was so glad to share with him.  We ran the first 10 miles together.  We saw people running together while holding hands and that was just not for us.  At mile 10 we got our picture taken running together (it was nice and sunny...we both had sunglasses on) and then he gave me the go ahead to "go on ahead". I then picked up the pace and finished strong.  It was a great race. And we then were able to return to our hotel, shower, walk the shops, eat dinner and spend the second night.  It is a romantic get away (if you don't mind running 20 miles in the middle of it).


MV 20 miler 2008

 

The next couple of years we were quick to invite all of our running friends and their spouses.  It became a fun get away for all of us.

Well this year I have been having problems with my foot and have not been able to train like I normally would.  So...Martha's decided to add a relay.  I jumped right on it knowing I could pound out 10 miles with a hurt foot or not.  I also had to sign up my wonderful husband that has not really been running a lot as my partner.  Can I tell you again how thrilled he was?  ;)

We ended going with my good running friends Yuki and Sue and their husbands along with Jayne and her husband.  Here we are bundled and ready to run in the 20 degree weather.

 Kevin, Kelly, York, Jayne, Sue, Yuki, Eric 

I do have to say that we had a great time.  Kevin started the relay and ran 10 miles along the coast in pretty decent weather.  By the time he passed off the baton to me it began to blizzard.  It was quite the experience.  Jayne and I had a plan, because she was running the full 20 miles she would stick by Kevin the first half and then I would be able to finish the second half with her. It worked out perfectly, Kevin passed the baton to me just as Jayne passed so I was able to finish with her.  This to me was not a race...Kevin and I were not in the greatest shape for it, so it worked out great to just finish with a friend and get her through her 20 miles.  It was so enjoyable, even though the snow began at mile 2 for me (12 for Jayne) and really pounded us the last 5 miles.  What a great time I had with a great friend.  Afterward we all went to Sharky's for dinner (minus Jayne and York.  They were the only ones that ran the full 20 and were kind of tired).

Zach is Sue's husband and drives the vehicle for us every year.  He is an amazing support crew.

We were trying to head out of the Cape that night and get home so we could attend church in the morning, but ended up getting the last ferry off of the vineyard and then got stuck staying at a cute little inn on the Cape. The bridges were closed down because of the 50 mile gust of winds.  Who knew that bad of a storm was going to happen? We made it back the next day to church a little late, but in plenty of time for the baptism.  It turned out to be a very memorable weekend.

The next weekend I traveled to Austin, TX to see my little nephew and sister and family.  They bought a home there that I was able to see and also my parents were down there renting a house for the month so I was able to see them as well and stay with them.

Kelly (holding Oscar...we have matching outfits on), Maya and Amelia

My baby sister, Cami. She is an amazing mom.

My mom and I standing on a hill overlooking Austin (I am wearing flip flops...yay!)...holding my buddy Maya's hand.

I then headed to Utah to visit my other sister, Ginger and her new baby.  They traveled to meet us from South Dakota so I could meet Lottie for the first time.

An usy (like selfy) with my crazy daughter Brooke and my new niece Lottie (named after my grandmother)

Brooke just got her mission call the Nicaragua, Managua North, Spanish speaking and will be reporting to the Mexico City MTC on May 14. She finishes up her finals at BYU on April 22. She does not have a lot of time to get prepared for her mission.  She will fly home on April 23 and then turn around and leave us for 18 months just 3 weeks later. We had such a fun time together shopping for outfits that would work in weather just 90 miles from the equator.  She is very excited and I am excited to be included in her adventures.

Rachelle (Paul's wife), Kelly, Paul, Kent, Heather, Crystal, Darren (Crystal's husband)

Ginger, Bennett and her husband, Sam

The great thing about this trip was I was able to see all seven of my siblings and all of my nieces and nephews.  I miss them so much. It was a great trip and very hard for me to leave them all and return back home to NH and to our stormy, frigid weather.

I know this doesn't seem like a project for this month, but just the fact that I had to figure out where and what was happening with my kids while I was gone, and trying to find 10 outfits for my daughter for her mission...I do feel like I accomplished a ton.  Also, because I got to see my family and be with them it made me very happy.

For March I will finally accomplish painting my kitchen ceiling and walls.  I am also trying to study to take a college assessment test.  I will be going back to school in the next couple of months to WGU to receive my bachelors degree in Teaching Mathematics 5-8 grade.  I just found out that I need to have a pre-calculus pre-requisite within the last seven years and since I got my associates degree about 20 years ago I will need to enroll and take this math class.  In reviewing math that I have not kept up on over that last 20 years, I have realized how much I do not remember...so wish me luck. ;). Jill, where is my calculus study buddy when I need her?

I love this girl...my Brookie.

Kelly Olsen, January Happiness Project

Nora has been one of my good friends for a really long time.  I remember in Jr. High hanging out with Nora and Annice and just being crazy kids.  I unfortunately do not have a memory like Julie D. but I do remember always having the greatest feelings about Nora and the kind of person she is.  She has always been a great friend to me.  Her mother even made an impression on me to the point of where I think about what she did as a mother of 9?? to stay so fit and trim even now. She would place a certain amount of chocolate chips on the counter each day (say 20) and that would be her treat throughout the day.  Once they were gone, she was done.  I loved her self control.

WLJH Gymnastics team with Nora

WLJH Advanced Dance with Annice

Nora and I were in gymnastics and Madrigals together and in musicals together going way back. I love Nora and the strength she has as a woman, mother, daughter, spouse and friend.  She can totally kick your butt in setting and accomplishing goals, and this is why I am glad to be on board with her 2014 Happiness Project.  I expect to be inspired and guided through her wisdom and others.  Thank you Nora!

 

Visiting Utah years ago and getting together with friends
Finishing Basement and Ordering Family Pictures

It is interesting that I was so willing to add one more thing to my life right now.  But I know for a fact that if I am not held accountable for something, I will at times fall short and it does not happen.  I just recently went through a pile of stuff that has been sitting by my bed for the last 6 months.  I could not even force myself to dig into it.  I told my husband just to pick it all up and throw it out for me while I was away one day. :)

So this is exactly what I need at this time in my life.  We had our family pictures taken back in June before my daughter Brooke went away to BYU for college.  I hate making decisions so there they sat, locked up like prisoners in the computer where no one can enjoy them.  Well now that I have placed it on my happiness project list for January I placed the order. It took me 3 hours to go through all of them and make sure to order the right ones for grandparents and figure out which one I wanted to have as the large picture in my family room upstairs and also in my family room downstairs and which ones will go in the family album.  I think I probably went a little overboard, but at least I think I have enough to make me happy.

We also have been working on our basement for the last 4 months. We got a new pellet stove to heat the home and replaced the carpet and purchased new furniture all so the kids will have a place to invite their friends over and have a place to hang out.  I am very excited by how it all turned out.  I am also happy to say that at least one of my children since it has been done has had friends over for parties and are using it.  This weekend for example Carley is having a slumber party down there on Friday night and Zack is having his first boy/girl party on Saturday night.  Natalie had a movie/game night with friends last weekend and plans to have one every other week?  It is nice to have a place that my kids want to be and invite their friends into our home.  The only downside is now Kevin and I are banished to the upstairs.  :)

For many years Kevin and I will live in our homes and then finish the basement right before moving out.  This time we decided that we needed to do a basement overhaul.  No one wanted to ever go down in the basement before (even though it was finished).  It was cold and uninviting.  A little couch that seated 3 and a recliner with 2 big love sacks were all that was down there.  In the summer it was too humid and smelled funny and in the winter it was just too cold.

We decided it was time to make it a place where we will all want to go.  The first thing we needed to do was add a pellet stove.  With propane prices skyrocketing and us paying $3000-$4000 to heat our home each winter we decided not only would it be cost effective to get one, but it would also provide a much better heat.  So we tiled the floor around where the stove would be and tiled up around the walls of the little cove it would nestle back into.  We then ordered carpet and got that put in right after Christmas.  We purchased a new leather sectional and leather theater chairs and love seat to fill the space and add a ton of seats so all of the family can be down there at once.  We moved things around to make a TV/theater/viewing area, a gaming area (with game table and ping pong table), a computer/homework area and a system gaming area where there is an additional TV to play the Wii and PS3 on.  I actually even touched up all the dings in the walls and hung some pictures. 

So now here comes the finishing touches.  I ordered the family pictures and will have them framed and hung...along with some vinyl lettering...so it will finally, after nine years of living here, be a place where we want to all gather.  We still are trying to find a cabinet that will hold the components for the TV, but other than that it will be complete.

Ignore the chords, we are searching for the perfect cabinet

Gaming area

Computer/homework area, game table

Ping pong table folds and stores to side until needed.

We already gather here the first chance we can get every day and we never want to leave it.  It is soooo warm and cozy.  Our dog, Taz loves to lay in front of the stove and bask in the warmth.  I find myself going down there to check emails and never coming back up all day long.  Even though it is heating the rest of our home on the main level to 71-72 and the top floor (with bedrooms) to around 65, I just love to be cozy and warm.

Taz enjoying the fire in his favorite spot

Oh how I love my family room and oh how I love this happiness project connect for helping me order my pictures and complete the room.  Thank you Nora!

Kelly Olsen's Goals & Projects for 2014

January:  finish basement, order family pictures, get them framed and hung.
 
February:  run a 10 mile relay with my hubby for Valentine's day in Martha's Vineyard.  Travel to Austin, Texas and Provo, UT to see family.
 
March:  paint kitchen walls and ceiling...take Carley and Natalie on a mommy/daughter date to Boston to see a Broadway show.
 
April:  talk with Amherst Middle School about starting a volleyball program there.  Start up our VB open gyms at the high school.  Celebrate being 40.
 
May:  get Brooke ready to go on her mission.  Clothes, luggage, spiritual prep, mental prep, emotional prep.
 
June:  pull off all wallpaper in upstairs bathroom, paint and finish bathroom...organize the closet.
 
July:  plan and pack for our Outer Banks, NC family vacation, hike Mt. Washington as a family.
 
August:  help Zack finish his Eagle project...lots of preparing and executing during this month.
 
September:  make sure to have at least 4 dinners prepared each week whether it be in the crock pot before leaving for the day or in the fridge to have the family warm it up while I am away.  MWF and Sunday
 
October:  prepare my varsity volleyball team to get to the final 4 in volleyball.  This is all consuming of my time during the fall months with training, practices, games, pasta parties
 
November:  go through 4 boxes a week in my storage room.  Get rid of anything I have not seen or used in 2014.  Label what is in each box.
 
December:  choose a family to do the 12 days of Christmas and execute the 12 days of Christmas by taking different items with a message of love to them each day.  Testify that Jesus is The Christ, the son of the living God.