Survivor of the Holidays

Wow!!! What a whirlwind of Holiday cheer. We partied and partied and it was way fun. And, the best part, we all survived!!!
We started on the 19th with a slumber party at our house. All the kids were there and we had lots and lots of good food. We went to the ward dinner and Santa, then to our house and played until 2:00 a.m. The next morning we got up and had a huge breakfast, almost anything you would have wanted. John even cooked some of it out on the campchef outside. It was pretty crazy. After that, the kids did their gift exchange and we played all the rest of the day. That night we went to the Orr Christmas party with about 120 other people. There was over 140 of us there. We ate, did karaoke, had Santa and had a super great time.
On Sunday, we went to the cemetery and then came back to my house for soups, rolls, relishes and desserts. There was about 30-40 people for that.
Then, on Christmas eve we went to Tif's and ate, made gingerbread houses, and played games. We just about didn't get to bed on time for Santa. We were tracking him on the computer and he was almost to Idaho before we left. He might have missed the Johnson kids if they hadn't hurried and got into bed. Christmas day was pretty laid back but full of excitement and fun. We were until noon opening our presents and then we ate and just kicked back enjoying the day. The kids were all so excited and loved everything they got. John and I were very spoiled by our kids. Thanks so much for everything kids. You are all awesome!!!! After Christmas Heather and Koby stayed for 3 more days. We went out to Applebees and watched movies and just enjoyed being together. On Sunday, everyone was returning home in the crappy weather. Thank heavens they are all home now and safe. We had a wonderful holiday season and it was so fun with all of the family. Thanks to all of you for making it so great.

I love the SNOW!!!!

I am so excited that we are going to have a white Christmas. It just doesn't feel like Christmas unless the ground is white. I finished my Shopping today and everything else is wrapped and under the tree. I just had 2 small gifts to get and I did that. Yeah! So now, I can concentrate on making goodies and getting my house straightened up for our big weekend. It will be so fun. I hope everyone enjoys it. We just have to be in the spirit of fun and laughter and forget that we might be a bit crowded. I'll let you know how it goes. Happy Holidays!

ALL LIT UP

If you pass the Poulsen house at night, you better be wearing sunglasses. John worked outside all day on Saturday and we are lit up like the North Pole. He did such an awesome job and I love all the lights. The inside is really lit up also. We had fun doing all of it and can't wait to have all the kids and grandkids home for the holidays. We will get to spend a lot of time together and I know it will be great. We will be wall to wall but who cares? We will be making some fun memories. Yesterday some of the kids came over to watch the Christmas devotional from Salt Lake and that was fun. I made a fruit tray and some cookies and we just spent an hour or so enjoying. Christopher and Courtney stayed until quite late and we played golf and visited. Afterwards, John typed up the Christmas letter and David and I sat by the Christmas tree and talked and talked. It was so neat! I have an amazing family and I love them all so much. Finally at about1:10 a.m. I told David it was bedtime and that I hadn't stayed up that late since I was 19. Ha Ha!! Needless to say, I am a bit tired today. But, wasn't it fun to wake up to snow on the ground. We might have a white Christmas.

Grateful to get started on decorating

Well, I did the tag thing again with the 101 things that I have done. I guess I have done a few fun things. But now, on to more important things.
Yesterday I finally started to put up my Christmas Decorations and Decorate my tree. I am so excited to finally be doing that. I usually have all that done by Thanksgiving, but it didn't work out this year. So now, you can drive by and actually see a lit tree in the window. Yippee!!!!
I should finish with the rest tonight after work. I even put some lights in my kitchen and bathroom this year. Just to add a little cheer while sitting on the pot. Ha Ha!! Hopefully John will be able to get the outside decorated this weekend. I love all the Christmas lights. I love to go and drive around and look at them. I never get tired of seeing the same ones every year.
I have a lot of my shopping done also, thanks to Tiffany. She did a lot of my list on Black Friday. I stayed home and tended kids so her and Jaimie could go and she did a lot for me. I really appreciate it and thank her so much. I hope to be able to not work as much during the month of December and to enjoy the spirit of the season. I am so thankful for my family and that we will be together for the holidays. It will be fun to have David here to share the season with and Heather and Lizzie will be spending quite a bit of it with us also. Koby will also come but only for a few days. We are planning a whole family sleep over so that will be fun. I hope and pray that everyone has a Merry and safe Christmas. Lets all remember the true spirit and why we celebrate Christmas. Let's try to live it all year long. Merry Christmas!!!!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Ran a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

This was on everyone's blog, so I had to give it a try!!

Tag, You're It!!!

Well, I hope everyone had a good weekend. Tiffany tagged me and so I am answering it.

4 THINGS TAG:
4 RANDOM THINGS I LIKE ABOUT MY HUSBAND:
1-He's a very hard worker.
2-He's very compassionate and caring
3-He's a great father
4-He helps me around the house and yard a ton.
4 JOBS I'VE HAD
1- Working in the Harvest for many years
2- Worked at Johnson Drug in Rexburg during my college years
3- Cheer Coach at South Fremont High for 5 years
4- Floral Shoppe for 20 years
TV SHOWS I WATCH:
1-The Unit
2- Wheel of Fortune
3- Dancing with the Stars
4- Lipstick Jungle
4 PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME REGULARLY:
1- Lindsay
2- My sister Deanna
3- My sister Verleen
4- Kathrine from Tropical Flowers
4 OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
1- Fettuccini from Olive Garden
2- Steak and Baked Potato
3- Mexican Food
4- Huckleberry Cheesecake
4 PLACES I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT:
1- Alaska
2- Switzerland
3- Anywhere in Europe
4- A cruise anywhere as long as I am with John
4 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE COMING YEAR:
1- Going on a Vacation
2- Warmer Weather
3- Maybe more Grandchildren
4- David helping with the yard and garden
4 PEOPLE I TAG: Heather, Jaimie, Courtney, and Brittany
I hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving and you all get up really early so we will see you shopping in IF. What a great day Huh!!!! It makes me tired just thinking about it, but what a fun memory. See ya.

Update! Update!

I get on the blogs all the time and I get really sad if you haven't all posted. Then, I looked at mine and realized I am really bad at keeping mine updated. I guess I don't have too much going on. I cleaned my house really good the other day, mopped the floor, scrubbed the toilets, scrubbed the tub and shower, did the laundry, vacuumed, and cleaned and inventoried my storeroom. It made me feel pretty good, but it is a bit messy again. Oh well!!!
David is doing really good. He is working for Lyle Rumsey right now doing concrete work. He helped Dirk do some insulating and will help him finish that soon. He bought a used Ford pickup yesterday. It's pretty good looking and he's pretty proud. I don't know what it is about a man and his truck. I'll have to take a picture tonight and post it on here so you can see it. All is well at the Poulsen house.

Being Grateful

Today is a very dreary day outside and my mood is a little bit like the day. I have been a bit weepy lately and I need the sun to shine. I get feeling down and then I realize how blessed I am. I have a wonderful family of my own that are so good to John and I. I have the sweetest grandkids, they are all healthy and happy. They have parents that are so good to them and they are great kids. I have a super husband that works extra hard, probably a lot harder than most. He is very good to me and treats me with such respect. I truly love him. I have wonderful brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles that I really think the world of. I come from the best parents in the world, and I miss them a lot. I am so thankful to live in this land of America and to have the freedoms we have. I'm thankful to have the gospel in my life and the blessings of the temple. It's neat to know that all your children can be there with you if we all do what's right. I'm thankful for my home and the comfort and peace we can find there. For the warmth, food and security of having such things.
Maybe its because its starting to be the holiday season-we all get a little more melancholy and more loving. Anyway, for those of you that read this blog, please take a few minutes and remember how grateful you are for the blessings that you have. Be grateful and let someone know how much you love them. Have a great week.

Good Times

We had a very fun Halloween with all of the grandkids as you can see if you have read all the other blogs. I have the sweetest grandkids and kids. They are all very special to us and we love each one of them for who they are. They are all unique and bring joy and happiness to us with all their different personalities, talents, and zeal for life. David, our youngest has returned from his mission in Japan and we love him so much and are so proud of him for the sacrifice that he made to serve the Lord. Missions aren't easy. And, I appreciate these young men that give it their all to do their best. He is definately a stripling warrior in my eyes and a very worthy, righteous young man. Thanks David for being who you are. We all love you!!!!

High School Musical

This past week, on Friday, I took Malorie to Idaho Falls to High School Musical. It was so fun. For her birthday, I gave her a jogging suit with High School Musical stuff on it and then a ticket to the show. Thursday, the night before, we watched 1 and 2 so we could remember what had happened and then went to the movie Friday. It was so good and the place was packed with a ton of kids and Moms. We really enjoyed it. Afterwards we went to Chuck-a-rama and ate a ton of food. That's where she wanted to go. It was a fun experience for both of us. She keeps me young.

The Tag Thing Again

SWEETHEART TAGThe rules are posted at the beginning.B) Each person answers questions about their sweethearts.C) At the end of the post, the person then tags 6 people and posts their names; then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged.

What is your husbands name? John Poulsen
How long have you guys been married? 34 years
How long did you date? 5 months including our engaged time.
How old is he? 53
Who is taller? John
Who is smarter? Depends what we are talking about.
Who does laundry? Me
Who pays the bills? We both do. He takes care of certain ones and I take care of others.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? We sleep on different sides depending where the bed is. John always sleeps closest to the door even in Motels. You never know who might come in and get you. Ha Ha!
Who mows the lawn? John mostly, me once in a while and Lindsay sometimes.
Who cooks dinner? Me, but John does all the grilling outdoors. He also makes a mean bowl of cereal in the morning.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? That would be me!!!! John never admits he is wrong and he never says he is sorry.
Who kissed who first? He kissed me first on our first date.
Who wears the pants? Depends on the subject. I try to but it doesn't always work.

Great Weekend

This past weekend was quite busy, but a great one.

Heather , Koby, and Lizzie came up on Friday night. Lindsay and Camri were at our house also to spend the night because Rob had gone to motorcycle school in Twin Falls. On Saturday morning we all went to Malorie's baptism and then to a yummy dinner at the church. All the Johnson's, except Wayne and Dora were there. And, all the Poulsen's except David. The three of them are serving missions so that is a good excuse to not be there. We ate, took pictures and visited for quite awhile. Here are two pictures...one of the Poulsen family and one of the Poulsen grandchildren.

That evening we had a baby shower at Tif's for Heather and Lizzie. It was really fun and there were alot there to help share in this little miracle of ours. Thanks everyone for coming.

On Sunday, I had planned dinner for all my family because I thought Malorie was getting confirmed that day, but we did that on Saturday as well. But, it was okay. They all still came and we had an enjoyable afternoon visiting, playing games, and stuffing ourselves with lots of food. Christopher said there wasn't enough, but we have been eating leftovers for 2 days. Crazy kid! It was a very nice weekend and it was so fun to have all the family together just relaxing and enjoying each other. Thanks to all of you. I love you very much and couldn't ask for a better family

Jaran Has Entered the MTC

Just a short blog to let everyone know that Jaran entered the MTC yesterday.
It felt like I had just let another son go on a mission. I am such a boob.
Everyone remember him in your prayers because that has got to be one of the toughest things that these young men do. I really admire and respect all who serve a mission. Thank heavens David only has 6 1/2 months left. Yahoo!!!! Have a great week.

A fun, fast trip

On Saturday, John and I took off for Heather and Koby's. He hadn't seen the baby yet, so we went down for a quick trip. We didn't get there until about noon. And, little Lizzie was as cute as ever. We held and held her. Poor Koby, I felt bad for him because I kind of hogged her for the two days. We went to lunch with Debra, the birthmother and the grandmother and it was okay. It was nice to meet them and to see what a special person Debra is. I know that Lizzie was meant to be a part of our family and I am so grateful for her and her sweet little spirit. She has changed a lot and is getting bigger. Over the weekend, everyone wanted to see her. Tif's family went to Salt Lake to visit the Johnson's on their mission and to go to conference. So, they stopped by on Friday so Brett, Conner, and Malorie could see her. We showed up on Saturday and then Chrisper and Court came for dinner on Sunday on their way home from their summer sales. That was the first time they had seen her and all of us after a long summer being gone. In the afternoon, Jaimie called. They had been in Utah for the weekend visiting her family. So, they came around thru Logan to see her also. Only problem was that Jacie wanted to hold her the whole time and not let her Mom and Dad hold her. Jacie is definately a little Mommy like Kallie and they love their new little cousin Elizabeth. It was a fun weekend and it was fun to all visit the Bennett's. Thanks Pooh and Koby for letting us all see and hold that little angel. See you in a few days.

Court's tag

Here are the rules:
1. Link the Person who Tagged you.
2. Mention rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same.
5. Leave a comment to let them know.I have to admit this was kind of hard for me. Not that I don't have quirks, but it's hard to realize them because I just do them and don't notice when I do.

1.http://poulsenpics.blogspot.com/
Okay Court, here goes nothing!
I know nothing about tagging, so don't ever tag me again. Ha Ha!!
Six Quirks about me are:
1.I'm afraid if I do anything on the computer I will ruin everything. I'm learning though.
2.I hate shoes!! I wish I could go barefoot all the time.
3.I like to have my house cleaned totally before I go to bed at night. I'm getting better at leaving things a mess though.
4.I hate snakes. I can't even stand to look at a picture of them or see them on TV.
5.I love to swing. I could swing everyday if I had a swing to swing in.
6.I have a bad habit of tapping my fingernails on the table, wall, or whatever when I'm thinking or just bored.
This was hard for me too. You don't think about the things you do without thinking about them.
Crazy.
I tag Lindsay, Brittany, Angie, Marcy, Nichole and Mandy.

Sunday Drive

Yesterday was just gorgeous. We started out going to church for Jaran's farewell. He did a pretty good job of speaking. I was actually surprised. He only talked about 7 or 8 minutes but he did okay. Afterwards, we went to the Parker School pavillion and had a scrumptious dinner of ham, salads, baked beans, rolls, and lots of deserts. It was yummy!!!! Thanks Dena and Dirk. It was fun to see all of Renee and Cleve's kids there. We don't get together often enough anymore. Everyone is so involved with there own families, so it is hard.
After dinner I had to go to the flower shop for awhile to work. On my way home, I called John and said get ready. Let's go on a drive out thru Kilgore, over thru Shotgun, and Home thru Island Park. It was amazing. The trees are all turning colors and it was so pretty. It was a beautiful day with no wind and just pleasant fall temperatures. We really enjoyed ourselves. We hope everyone is enjoying this Fall season because before we know it, it will be snowing.

Fun Weekend with the Old Man

Well, first of all, I had a great week with Heather, Koby, and little Lizzie. I came home Friday morning in time for work. I just worked until about 2:00 and then went and tended Camri for an hour while Linds went to school. Then, I headed up to Victor, Idaho to meet my Hunny. Tif and Brett gave us an overnight stay at Teton Lodge and Spa and a night out with the Bar J Wranglers. It was super. We had a suite with a kitchen, living room, 2 baths, jetted tub, and a king size bed. It was so relaxing and very much needed. It is so great to get away, just the two of you. John has worked alot this summer and so it was nice to actually have some time together. We really enjoyed the BarJ. We had front row seats and the meal was great as always. John loves the Wranglers. He could go 5 or 6 times a year and be very content watching them over and over. Thanks Brett and Tif. We really appreciated it. And to all you young bucks, you're never too old to get away with your sweetheart. Remember that always.

Our Little Lizzy - Home at Last!

Grandma couldn't drive fast enough to get to Lewiston. The only bad thing was that I arrived about an hour before Heather did. When I got there, people were decorating the yard and the front of the house. It was so cute. I'm sure Heather will show you some pictures. The proud Daddy got her out to show us, Lori and Maynard were here too. Koby was beaming from ear to ear. He got her out and we finally got to hold her. Ha Ha!! He is one proud father. In fact, she slept really good last night because Daddy was up half the night watching and holding her. She already has him wrapped around her finger.


After Placement



Grandma and Lizzie Nay




Elizabeth wide awake


In her dress made by Grandma Whitaker


She is very sweet and tiny. We took her to the doctor today and she now weighs 5lbs. 13 oz. She hasn't slept too much today, so that may be nice for tonight. They better sleep when they can. We are so grateful to have another grandchild. They bring so much joy into all our lives and we love all of them very much. We are so glad to be a big family forever. Thanks to all of our children for being such good examples and such great parents and for choosing to have eternal families. Dad and I love you very much!!!

She has arrived

I am so excited!!! We have a new baby to add to our family. In case you didn't know, Heather and Koby have been waiting for a birthmother to have her baby, so they could adopt her. Well, today at 2:37 she was born. She weighed 6 lbs. and was 18 inches long. Everyone is doing great. I will let Heather tell all the details because it has been a very long ordeal, but we are so grateful for her and so happy for Heather and Koby. We love you guys! Congrats! Love, Mom and Dad Poulsen

Surprise!!!!!

Sunday was Grandparents Day and the Johnson family surprised John and I with a Poem, written by Brett. It was pretty dang good. They gave us a night away at Teton Springs Lodge and Spa in Victor, Idaho and tickets to Bar-J Wranglers. John has helped them remodel their bathroom and they said it was for helping them. Anyway, it was great and we will enjoy it soooooo much. We need a night away together. I will take pictures and try and post them when we go. It is on Sept. 19th. Hopefully our new little granddaughter is here before then and we have spent time with her. Can't wait for that day. Everyone have a great day!!!!

Labor Day

Labor Day morning John and I slept in until 8:30. That doesn't happen very often. He said, Do you want to go to IF to breakfast at IHop? I said sure! So, we got in the car and headed to IHOP. I think everyone had the same idea. There was probably about 40 people standing and waiting to get in, so we decided to wait until 11:00 and go to Sizzler for lunch. It was really good and we had a nice time. On the way home, I said, why don't you and the boys go golfing? Dumb Question!
He said, yeah that would be a great idea. So, John, Brett, Trever and Rob went golfing at Teton Lakes. They only got in 6 holes when it poured on them. So, they waited for the rest of us to come to Rexburg. We all went bowling at Teton Lanes. It was Trever's birthday so we had a bowling b-day party. Lindsay, Jaimie and Malorie were the top scorer's. Afterwards, the men went back out and finished their last three holes. Then, we went to our house and ate chili, grilled cheese, relishes, chips, pies, and cake and icecream. It was fun and for once we didn't work on Labor Day. That's what we usually do.

beautiful flower

Okay, here I am again. I haven't posted for a while. I have to do this at work and I have had the last few days off. I am writing to show you my beautiful amarylis that is blooming at my house. It is supposed to bloom at Christmas time, but for some reason, it is a bit off. It has never bloomed before, and one day there it was. It gets prettier every day. Lindsay will be putting the picture on for me because I don't know how yet, so wait until later to view it. Everyone have a good day.

Lots of Canning

I thought I would try to post again. By the time I learn this, Lindsay is going to be really frustrated with her Mom. I just can't get everything right. Sorry Linds. This past week we did more canning. On Saturday, Jaimie and I did more beans, and I did carrots also. As far as beans, we have canned 128 pints off of my patch in my garden. Needless to say, we pulled them all up because I did not want to can anymore. I think we have a good supply for winter. I have also canned some pickles and potatoes. We did lots of raspberry and strawberry jam also. It has been fun helping the girls learn to can. I have made them all pick berries, beans and help alot. It makes it a little easier on my back. Well, not much else going on. I'll try to do something wild and take a picture of it. Ha! Ha!
Bye for now.

I have a Background

Look at me!
I am actually posting on this blog.
I am at work and Linds is helping me.
Not a lot going on. Grandma Grace left today after being here for 2 weeks.
I have the next 3 days off and I am way excited. See ya later.
I promise I will get better at this.

The Old Lady Figured It Out!

Hi everyone!!!This is your Mom and I have made a blog. It will be short and sweet today until I actually figure everything out. Love ya all. Now, start updating your blogs so I have something to read.