Come and Gone-So Sad!!!!

Christmas has already come and gone with all the magic and excitement. This year we dragged it out for 3 days. It was so fun. We had Christmas eve with Heather and Trever's family and that was so fun with sub sandwiches, salads, relishes and games. Christmas morning was celebrated with all the excitement of Little Lizzy. It was so fun to watch her open her presents and be sohappy and excited. When I called the other kids to see what they got, you could just hear the excitement in their voices. We went to some of their houses to see their stash and they were all pretty darn good. Of course, I have perfect grandchildren you know, so Santa would surely bring them all what they wanted.

Christmas day was spent with Heather, Trever, Christopher and Lindsay's families. We ate, played, ate, slept, played and ate some more. And, of course we stayed up way late laughing and having a good time after the kids went to bed. Then, on Sunday we had our biggest day with everyone in the family. There is 27 of us now and we all packed into our house with just as much fun and excitement as if it was Christmas day. This was the day that everyone exchanged gifts and everyone got their presents from us. It was a wonderful time and we had lots of fun. Of course, Grandma and Grandpa gave all the grandkids new pajamas and they had to all put them on. I didn't get a picture of all of them, but they looked pretty dang cute. We played games and laughed and visited and just enjoyed being together. I am kind of sad that it is over and I am back to work today, but the memories will last forever. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that the New Year will be good for you and your families. Love to all!

The "ORR" Deal

This last Saturday night was our 'BIG" Orr Christmas party. My family was in charge of it and they did a super job. We decided to have a Christmas birthday party because it was my Dad"s 100th birthday this past year. We have over 200 in just him and Mom's posterity. We had a great turnout and lots of food and fun. We served turkey, salads, baked beans, rolls, relishes and dip, and deserts. And of course Santa was there. We had some great minute to win it games and some hilarious skits. We involved a lot of people and it was so fun and they were great sports. I want to thank all my kids, grandkids, and husband for doing such an awesome job. I had to work most of the day and they just did what needed to be done and it was beautiful. I even had to shed a few tears when I seen my Dad's birthday table and all of the decorations. It is so great to be part of a large wonderful family. I love you all!

WINTER WONDERLAND

Boy oh boy has the weather changed in Idaho. Last week we got snow and the last 2 days we have been dumped on. It has probably snowed a good 10-12 inches and the wind has blown a lot. In fact, most of the schools around here are closed today because of the weather. There are a lot of drifts, roads closed and lots of ice. I even made John drive me to work today because I didn't want to be on the roads driving. The weather report says we are to get lots more snow today and tomorrow. There is a weather storm warning until Tues. night with the possibility of another 10 to 15 inches of snow. And the wind is supposed to blow at least 30-50 miles an hour. I wish I was home curled up with a good Christmas book. I really think our white Thanksgiving and Christmas are here this year.

OUCH!!!

The snow has arrived in Idaho. On Monday, it was beautiful. On Wednesday, I had already had enough. I headed to work Wednesday Morning and decided I was going to stop at McDonalds and get a diet coke for the day. Bad idea. I got the coke and was stopped waiting to pull on to 2nd East when a white Blazer was coming a bit fast and decided to turn into McD's. And, crash, he slid right into my driver side door and crunched it good. The roads were slick because of new snow that morning. When the cops came, I started crying, not because I was hurt , but I was just a little shook up. I have never been in a wreck and it scared me a little. All is well though. We can still drive the car, the guy had insurance, and it will all be fixed shortly. So, be safe and slow down everyone.

I LOVE FAMILY

This past weekend we had a great time with all of our family. It all started on Thursday with a day of scrapbooking at Tif's. We turned her living room into a scrap, toy, kid filled room. It was really fun. We scrapped all day and then the girls went over to Wendy's and made watches and bracelets until 11:30 at night. The next day we all sort of done our own thing until that night when we celebrated Taylie's birthday. She turned 1 and we all enjoyed her b-day with cake, ice cream amd fun being together. Saturday morning we headed to Rexburg where we took family pictures. You may have noticed my new heading with John and I and all our grandkids.It was really fun with all those kids, but our pictures really turned out good. Kelli Hanks took them and she did a super job. Afterwards we all went to Craigos to eat and then home for the afternoon. That evening David and Heather had a dinner at the church for Nikida's blessing which was the next morning. After dinner some of the kids went to the movie and some stayed home to relax a bit. On Sunday, we blessed Nikida and then Jaran reported his mission. He got home at the end of September from Australia. After church we all went to Dirk and Dena's for Jaran's homecoming dinner. The rest of the afternoon some of the family went riding motorcycles, jumped on the tramp, watched football, played at Grandma's and napped. It was a fun filled, very full weekend. But, always worth it. I love being with my family!

The Great White......Fisherman!

Yesterday, Brett's family went to the neighbors pond to fish. They called Lindsay, Camri, Taylie and I to c0me and fish also. So, after Taylie's nap we went over there. Well, Malorie, she got me a pole and kept casting for me. I had a few nibbles, but nothing stayed on. I finally learned to cast myself and then, dundunahna, drum roll please, I caught a fish. I was so excited and was screaming like a little girl. They were telling me to reel it in and I was trying. But, it was tough. It was a BIG fish. I finally got it in with Mal's help and Brett got it off the hook and made me take a picture. It was awesome!!!! I loved it. I had never really caught a fish before. Once, we were ice fishing with Bernie and he let me reel one in, but I didn't really catch it. This was so much fun. I think I could really enjoy being a FISHERWOMAN! Brett cleaned it and filayed it and all I have to do is cook it. I can do that. Yum!

Summer Again

This past week has been unreal as far as nice weather. We have had temps in the high 80's with no wind. It is the 1st of October and that is not normal. It has been nicer than it was all summer. I just had to record that for future reference, so enjoy and have a great day.

FUN AT THE BAR-J AND FAMILY TIME

On Saturday, Christopher and Courtney and Max took John and I to the Bar-J Wranglers up in Jackson. It was super as always. The meal was really good and we all enjoyed it. Thanks so much for taking us. We really appreciated it.
On Sunday, I decided that we needed to have one last cookout before the weather got bad. So, everyone except the Johnson's and the Bennetts came over at 5:00 and we cooked out elk steak, dutch oven potatoes, corn on the cob, rolls ,salads, relishes and peach and coconut cream pie. It was such a nice evening and the weather was perfect. It was a nice weekend.

GREAT TIME OF YEAR

Today I have been reflecting on some of the weeks events and we are so blessed. It is Harvest time and we are canning and bringing in the harvest. It is amazing how we can put a tiny seed in the ground and have so much. The farmers have been cutting grain and getting ready to harvest the potatoes. The weather is beautiful and everything is taking care of itself and getting ready for the winter. I love all the seasons, but I hope fall stays around for quite awhile. The kids are all back in school, there are football games to go to, fun things to do as families, time to go to the fair, be with my hubby, watch my daughter race, watch another daughter play BKB, birthday parties, cookouts,play with grandkids, and so much more. I thank Heavenly Father everyday because I have been blessed with so much. I have a super family, good friends, enough money to make me happy and content, a great husband, a nice warm house, food in the fridge and cupboards, clothes, the sunshine when I set on the porch and a knowledge that all is well and we can be together forever. It definately is a great time of year!

Fall is in the air!

Monday night I decided to have all the kids over for a picnic outside. Christopher, Courtney and Max had come back to Idaho and we all needed to see all the new babies. Well, we picnicked, but it was dang cold. The coldest day of the summer. Some of the girls put on jackets or had blankets around them. I couldn't believe it. There was even a frost warning for that night. Luckily it didn't freeze. I'm so glad because I had just started getting a few things off of my garden. I had only did 1 picking of beans and had 1 cucmber, and 3 tomatoes. Now, it is nicer, but you can tell that Fall is in the air. I hope we have a nice long beautiful Fall and not so much winter this year. All the kids are back in school and loving it. I have already been to Bridger's football game and am going to Conner's tonight so that is a definate sign of Fall. Some of the leaves are actually starting to turn yellow and the farmer's are all harvesting grain. The gardens are on in full force now and the canning season has begun. So, enjoy the Fall and don't work too hard. Take some time to play!

Fun Weekend in the Mountains, in a Cabin, no tents. Yeah!

Last Sunday afternoon, the 25th, we, headed up to Island Park to spend a few days in the woods, in a nice cabin. It was awesome!!!!! Tif's family, Heather and Lizzie, Trev's family, Lindsay's family and John and I all went.
It was so relaxing and so much fun. We just hung out, played games, played the wii, ate and enjoyed being together. On Monday afternoon we went into West Yellowstone and played in the park, ate lunch and then went to the Playmill. It was really good. It was Beauty and the Beast and probably one of the best ones they have done. The costumes and acting were phenominal. We then went back to the cabin and played some more. Trever, Brett, Tiffany and I stayed up until 1:30 playing pinocle. We were so tired but it was great, especially when Brett finally "shot the moon" so we could go to bed. We got up on Tuesday and cleaned up the cabin and headed home. I am ready to go again anytime. It was so nice to just kick back and enjoy.

July Update

I haven't updated for awhile, so just a little about July.

We got a new granddaughter on July 4th. David and Heather had a baby girl. She was 5 lbs. 11 oz. and 181/2 in. long. She has lots of black hair and blue eyes we think. Her name is Nikida Dawn Poulsen. She is a sweetie and is growing good.

July 9th -my b-day. Rhea had my sisters and I over for a breakfast which was different and very fun. Thanks Rhea!

That evening John picked me up and we went to Trails Inn in Ashton for a nice dinner and then he surprised me and took me to a lodge in Island Park to spend the night. It was great and really beautiful and fun.

Family Reunions are the BEST!

I'm sure most of you know that we had our POULSEN family reunion a couple of weeks ago in Kilgore, Idaho. It was so fun and so beautiful out there. David and Heather were in charge and they did an excellent job. John and I were kind of spoiled. Dan Weaver let us take his 5th wheel trailer out there and it was so nice. We had a bed to sleep in and a place to store everything and a bathroom so I didn't have to go outside in the middle of the night. Thanks so much Dan!!!!
We took bicycles, 4 wheelers, lots of food and lots of fun.
David had some really fun games that we all laughed our heads off and just about peed our pants over. Everyone was such good sports and we all had a great time. A few of us stayed until Sunday and came home about 3:00 that afternoon. It was a great weekend. I wish it could have been longer, but oh well. When I get home I will post a few pictures. See ya later.

Time off to PLAY?

We had a great Memorial Day weekend with the family and then Heather and Lizzy decided to come up on Saturday and spend 5 days. I took a few days off from work to play with them, but it has rained and rained. On Saturday it wasn't too bad. We had a baby shower for Heather #2 and it was fun. She got a ton of great things. That baby will have a lot of clothes to wear. Then that evening Heather, Tiffany and I went to the movie,"Letters to Juliet". It was a way good chick flick. On Sunday, we went to church and then down to Brittany and Garrett's ward for their baby's blessing. It was really nice and we had a great luncheon and then headed home. Trever's family came over and spent the evening with us. Lizzy loved playing with all of her cousins for the week.
On Monday we didn't do too much but hang out at our house because it rained all day. Lindsay and kids came and played and then Rob and Heather and David came out and ate supper. On Tuesday it was a beautiful day with sunshine. We took the kids to ride the carousel and then went and watched Malorie play a softball game. Everyone came over that night and we cooked hotdogs and smores on the open fire. The kids played and jumped on the tramp and enjoyed each other so much. It was a fun night. We stayed out quite late and David and Conner kept scaring Malorie and Bridger. It was fun!
Today, Heather, Lindsay and their girls are going to Tauphus Park to the zoo and then Heather is heading home. It has been so much fun to have them here for a few days. I am working for a few hours and then I am going to watch Malorie and Conner play baseball again. They are in their tournament. It has been fun watching them for the season and Bridger too. He is done and doesn't play in a tournament. So, pretty soon I won't know what to do with myself every night. I guess I will have to go home and work or something. Dang!

Windy Disaster at The Poulsen's

A few weeks ago we had a terrific wind storm. The winds were anywhere from 50 to 70 miles an hour. I was at the kids ballgame and when coming home I could hardly see a few feet in front of me. When I crossed over the road on the corner I thought to myself-Where is all of my tree in the yard? I knew some of it was gone and when I pulled into the yard, sure enough, the tree had split and crashed.

John, David and Heather were standing on the deck when it crashed to the ground and smashed the sheds to the east of it. It reached clear to the potato pit. It was pretty freaky! I was so sad. We had our insurance adjuster come out a few days later and they said we would have to take the whole tree down because the rest of it was hanging over the house. I was really sad then. That tree has been in the yard for over 100 years. It was the best shade tree ever.

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Well, we took it down and then the boys came and helped clean. They worked on the shed and the girls and grandkids raked the yard and filled in the big holes in the yard. I fixed a big supper and they really helped a lot. Then, last night, David came and tore out the whole deck. It took him 3 hours. Our place looks like a war zone, but it is getting better. All the kids have helped so much and John has worked all day in cleaning up around outside. It has been cold and windy, but he has been a real trooper. We will have to put in a new deck and somehow cover up the big stump. We are not rebuilding the shed, but will be putting in a new fence. In a few weeks I hope it will look great. My yard looks kind of lonely without the tree and I'm sure it will be a lot warmer when summer actually gets here. But, for now, I'm just glad it didn't hurt one of the kids or grandkids. We can count our blessings for that.

We Have A New Baby!

Trever and Jaimie had their baby Friday May 14th. It was a girl. I don't have pictures to put on yet and I'm sure Jaimie will be writing about it soon. I will let her tell all the details. This is our 12th grandchild. It is so fun. I will be sharing some other things soon. I need to catch up with what has been happening at the Poulsen house. See ya later.

3 Cute Little Dancers

Last night was the Dance Recital for Malorie, Kallie and Jacie. They were the cutest dancers there. Of course, Gandma isn't prejudice or anything. No, they all did very well and looked so cute. They each did 2 dances with cute costumes and it was really fun to watch. The whole program was nice to watch. It ran very smoothly and was a little over 2 hours long. Afterwards we went to Dairy Queen for a treat. It was a fun night and fun to get out and do something.

Happy Spring and fun with Family

Yesterday, I had all of my kids and grandkids at my house for the day. Its been awhile since we have had them all there. It was fun. We had a ham dinner and just visited and hung out for the day. Heather and Koby had come up on Saturday after going to Jackson overnight. It was her birthday over the weekend and they went to play. The weather was fairly decent and so the kids and David, Trever, and Christopher even got to go out and play some football. Everyone ate and pieced all afternoon and then I had made fresh strawberry and coconut creme pies. They cleaned those all up before heading home last night. It was a fun day and I enjoy feeding my family and that they can spend the day with us. Here's to many more fun, spring, days!!!!

It' s been awhile

I decided I needed to post something since it has been awhile. Last week-end John and I went down to Heather and Koby's just overnight. We got up on Monday and headed over to Bear Lake where we attended his Aunt Maxines funeral. It was nice and he got to see a lot of cousins that he hasn't seen in a very long time. He only has 1 aunt and 2 uncles left on that side of the family so it was nice to see them too. The rest of the week I have babysat and worked. Today I am getting ready to go to Tiffany's little open house that she is having for all the aunts, uncles, and cousins to come and see all the changes that they have made to Grandmas house. They are awesome and you wouldn't even know the place. It is totally amazing how different it all looks. Grandma and Grandpa would be so pleased. Everyone have a great week and keep praying for Spring. I know it is out there somewhere.

Spring is Coming

I just thought I would let you all know that I think spring is just around the corner. The birds have been singing and the snow is melting at my house. You can see a lot of grass which is okay, but I don't know if I am ready for it or not. I love springtime but, I dislike all the work that it brings. I think I am getting lazier as I get older. Of course, I don't get around as good as I used to either. I just about talked myself out of growing a garden but then the leaders tell us to and to store food. So, I probably will grow a garden. I have been trying to use up s lot of my canning so I can do new stuff. I try to at least open 1 bottle a day. Somedays I do better and open up 2 or 3. Anyway, its always nice to use up the old and get some new in the bottles. I hope everyone is feeling better now and that you are all ready for Spring. It's coming whether we are ready or not! Here's to sunshine and green grass!!!

Butterfly Fly Away

Saturday night, John and I and some others from the family went to the Upper Valley Idol program. We had a famous singer that we knew and she was performing. It was our sweet little Malorie. She did so good. She sang Butterfly Fly Away and it was super. Her Grandpa said she was the only one that was actually on key. It was a cute bunch of kids that tried out and Malorie got third. She was just beaming and so was the rest of us. We are very proud of you Malorie and hope you keep singing with that sweet little voice. Love ya!

A Great Week-end

What a fun week-end! Heather came up from Lewiston on Wednesday night and we played the rest of the week. Thursday we scrapbooked and just hung out with Tif and kids and Linds and kids. I made taco potatoes for lunch and we scrapped almost all day. That night we went to Wendy's house and made beaded watches and bracelets. On Friday, we scrapped again and Jaimie and the kids came over also. I made chicken cheese soup and cornbread for lunch. That night, our girls week-end started. We went to Bajio for dinner and then we went back to Courtney's and got in our pj's. We played games, did fondue and stayed up late. On Saturday, 2 girls came over and gave us all a pedicure. It was fun. I have only had 1 pedicure in my whole life. It felt so good. We also watched a movie and then we went to Pita Pit for lunch. My first time and it was way good. After that we went home. David and Heather came over and ate supper with us and we just hung out and watched the Olympics. Needless to say on Sunday I had a 2 hour nap. I think I am still recovering, but it was really a fun week.

We Survived Valentines!!!!

The holiday is over. Hallelujah!
I am so glad it is Feb. 16th and that we survived Valentines. Everyday I would pray, please let me make it thru this day. And, I did. We were very busy for the holiday. Not just Saturday, but all week. Thursday, Friday and Saturday were all very busy days. We only had to stay late on Friday though because we were very organized and had really good help. It was a great success and I hope all of you had a Happy Valentines Day.
I only have to work today and half day tomorrow and then I get to have some days off and have some fun. Yippee!!!! We are having our girls weekend this week and I am way excited. Heather and Lizzie will be here tomorrow for 5 days and then the fun begins. We are going to scrapbook, make watches,go out to dinner, play games, sleep over, have pedicures and go to a movie. I'll be ready to go back to work for a rest. HAHA! No, it will be great. Have a great week everyone.

Happy Birthday to my Hubby

Today is my Johnny P's birthday. When we got up I decided to fix him some cornbread, bacon and eggs. We put candles in his cornbread and called it good for a birhday cake. He said that was great! I gave him some new "Brut"$20.00 and a kiss for good measure. I hope he has a Happy day. Some of the kids are coming over later but we are not having a party to speak of. I have a lot going on so I'm a bit overwhelmed to have a party. I have to teach Relief Society tomorrow on Strengthening Your Marriage and then the crazy week of Valentines will be starting. I hope everyone has a good day.

January

I haven't blogged for awhile and my last post was about funerals, so I decided I would just talk about January. January has been a good month. We have had quite a bit of snow and it hasn't been too cold. Nothing we can't handle. We have a few birthdays in January and the first few days of February. So, that keeps us busy and eating alot of cake. We don't need that I know! Courtney and Bryce share the same b-day-January 12th. Then, we just had Tyce's on Jan.23rd. Next is Bridger's on Jan. 30th, John's on Feb.6th and Conner's on Feb. 9th. That is 6 within a month. Then we top it off with Valentines Day. And, boy oh boy am I looking forward to that. It is a wild time of year. I am a bit worried because I don't feel like my help is totally up to par yet. I guess we will get there in 2 weeks. Anyway Here's to another January. Hope you enjoyed it.

More Funerals

I know this isn't the most wonderful post, but the only thing going on right now.Yesterday, Sunday we had 2 people in our community die within 8 hours of each other. Marie Orgill, my next door neighbor growing up, died at the hospital early in the morning and then Jim Dunn, who just lives around the block, died on his way to the hospital from an apparent heart attack. They are both older people but is still sad. Since I have been in the Relief Society Presidency, about 2 1/2 years, we have had 14 funerals. It has been unreal. So, tonight after work I get to meet with the other ladies and plan 2 luncheons for this week. I hope we don't have anymore for a long time.

I'm getting better!!!!

I am practicing learning how to put a picture on my blog, so here is my first try. It is beautiful and very springy. But, we will have to deal with winter for a few more months. sorry. Have a great day!

A NEW YEAR

Well, our New Year didn't start off very good. John and I were both sick. We had the worst sore throats and congestion. It was yucky! New years eve I went to bed at 9:30 in tears. My throat hurt so bad. John rang in the New Year all by himself. Before the night was over I had taken a ton of stuff trying to feel better and the next morning John took me to Community Care. My blood pressure was sky high because I had taken so much cold stuff. They gave me an antibiotic and put me on some steroids because they were afraid I would develop pneumonia. I felt pretty rotten for a few days. In fact, it is the 5th and I am barely starting to feel half way decent. I still have a lot of congestion and cough up a lot of stuff, but no sore throat. Yeah!!! I should be feeling great soon. John feels really good and didn't need any antibiotics. What a pair we are. Now, we can concentrate on our New Years Resolutions before the month is over! HAHA! I hope all of you have a healthy, prosperous, happy New Year.