All Grown Up

I always dreamed that when I had my own place I would have a garden. Now that we are in a house with a perfect little plot for a garden, my dream has come true. We started relatively small for our first go. Corn, peas, carrots, melons, green beans, pumpkins, and tomatoes and peppers.

Growing up my mother and I always planted the family garden from starts. Sam and I tried using seeds for everything but our tomatoes and peppers. I was a little nervous at first. I was not sure anything would even grow.

Look at the magic growing in our back yard!

Except for the neighbors dilapidated shed... it is not all that bad.

Okay, so it is not that much to look at, but for my first attempt at growing anything from seed.... I think it looks pretty good.
Happy growing to all you gardeners!

Where does the time go?

Whoa! Life sure gets away from you sometimes. Time for a little catch up since my last post wasn't since Christmas... Sam and I have now been married over a year, and it still seems like yesterday we went through the Temple. We are still living in Basin; however, we are now in a house... yes a house. Our two bedroom apartment was beginning to close in on us and through a work connection I was able to get us into a four bedroom, two bathroom, two level rental! The adjustment has been good. We have a yard, a garage, and three little plum trees that will produce fruit this year. There is also a good sized area where we can put in a garden (that I am very much looking froward to doing).

We are both still working. Sam has swiched employers and is now working for a plumber and liking his work. I am at the retirement center still, and everyday is a new challenge for me as I grow as a nurse. School is also still on my to do list.... I plan to be finished with my BSN by next spring (fingers crossed) I am hoping I can go part time with work and full time with school for fall so I can knock some classes out.

With our busy schedules it seems like we do not get a whole lot of time to visit family, which makes me sad. My little brothers will be graduating next month and then off on missions!! Where does the time go?

Sam's family has a lot coming up this summer too, but with most the siblings out of state if feels like all the action is happening too far away.

I cannot wait for the warmer months when our families can all get together and spend some quality time!

Christmas 2010

This Christmas marked Sam and mine first Christmas as a married couple. I had always wondered how to coordinate holidays between the two families, but I have found it is much easier than I expected due to our convenient location almost exactly half way between both places! I was scheduled to work on Christmas day, so we elected to spend Christmas eve with my parents, and then Sam would spend the next day with his while I was at work. I was not the only one who had a holiday work schedule, Sam's brother David was working as well, so the Olsen bunch put on a belated Christmas dinner the 28th so all could be included. As always it is a treat to be able to spend time with both families, and getting to share the holiday with both was extra special.

One thing my side of the family has always enjoyed in the winter season is ice skating. A relative of ours has created a rink complete with skates to borrow, warming hut, and basic hockey necessities. It is the Moncur tradition to make several "hokey" trips while the ice is on. This year we took Sam on our Christmas eve visit. I had forgotten how much balance it takes to be successful on the ice, and it took me a while to find my skating legs. Sam and the other boys took to it with ease.

As a fast paced hockey game ensued, I stood back to watch as pucks flew, sticks smacked, and Dad said hello to the ice a couple times. It was a blast, and well worth the trip.

This was easily one of the most pleasant Christmas seasons yet.

Sister Olsen

It takes a certain determination and faith to make certain sacrifices. Sam's little sister, made the decision to sacrifice a year and a half of her time to serve a mission. We have all been so excited for her, knowing that by her example and testimony she will be able to touch the lives of many people in a very special way. On Sunday Most of our family got together to wish her well and see her off before she flew out to the MTC on Monday. It was so great to have so many people gathered together showing her their support. Wednesday marked her first day in the MTC, and we just can't wait to hear how she is doing.

Congrats Sister Katie Olsen.... you are going to take the Washington DC-South Mission by storm!!

Lime Light

I always enjoy witnessing my siblings talents. There is always something special about seeing the ones you love accomplish something they feel is important.

My youngest brother has (in the past few years) developed a knack for acting. It started with Lip Sync contests, and now has moved to school plays. Lovell Middle School put on a mini production of the Fairest Flower of the South, where Cole played the demented, yet charming Col. Cullpepper. It was so much fun watching his character come to life as he swaggered around the set voicing monologues traced with a well done southern accent. The crowd was small, but the laughter and applause that Col. Cullpepper received was not.

Take a bow little brother!