Snack time on the deck with Daddy
Ellie, Rachel, Hannah at Red Robin in Temecula, CA
Uncle Troy, Annika, Ian
Annika enjoying ice cream with her buddy Gage
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Cock-a-doodle-do
I love that my husband knows how to post to YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYEPnr3siJc
Isn't she the cutest thing ever?!?!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYEPnr3siJc
Isn't she the cutest thing ever?!?!?
Woof!
On Sunday, the Olson Trio headed to my brother's house for a big family dinner. As soon as we got settled, Annika made a bee line for their dog's crate. She LOVES that thing.
She's quite intrigued with opening and closing the door, not to mention putting her fingers through the holes and having someone tickle her fingers. Why we bothet buying toys for her, I'll never know!
Backing in!
Fun with the door
Hey! The door still works ... even after 1 million attempts!
No CPS, we didn't put her in there; she did this to herself!
She's quite intrigued with opening and closing the door, not to mention putting her fingers through the holes and having someone tickle her fingers. Why we bothet buying toys for her, I'll never know!
Backing in!
Fun with the door
Hey! The door still works ... even after 1 million attempts!
No CPS, we didn't put her in there; she did this to herself!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I'm OK with being boring
Last night, Eric and I were chatting about what it would be like to be on a reality show. The conversation sparked after a reference to a very large reality TV family dealing with marital problems that shall remain nameless. Eric said the family makes about $75,000 per episode - WOW!! That's a lot of money, but at what cost? They've lost just about any sense of privacy and normalcy that the vast majority of us enjoy. Eric and I realized that we're far too boring to have our own show (unless people wanted to use the show as a sleep aid) and we're perfectly OK with that.
We started giggling at the idea of what an episode of The Olson Trio would be like:
Meredith: "So, what do you want to have for dinner?"
Eric: "I'm easy. Anything is fine."
Meredith: "Mac and cheese?"
Eric: "Sure. Sounds good."
(Here's the drama of the episode. Ready?)
Meredith: "We also have some chicken in the freezer. We could have that instead."
Eric: "I'm fine with whatever is easy."
Annika: "CEREO!!" (translation: "cereal")
Yup, that's about as exciting as we get. Not a bad thing in our book!
I had a ever-so-small taste of the fishbowl life must become once a person is on a reality show. For me, it was called being the residence hall manager for a local college. I couldn't take a step or sneeze without one of the students knowing about it. I had to keep my on-campus apartment's drapes closed 24/7 because I'd have peeping students if I didn't. Good times....
We started giggling at the idea of what an episode of The Olson Trio would be like:
Meredith: "So, what do you want to have for dinner?"
Eric: "I'm easy. Anything is fine."
Meredith: "Mac and cheese?"
Eric: "Sure. Sounds good."
(Here's the drama of the episode. Ready?)
Meredith: "We also have some chicken in the freezer. We could have that instead."
Eric: "I'm fine with whatever is easy."
Annika: "CEREO!!" (translation: "cereal")
Yup, that's about as exciting as we get. Not a bad thing in our book!
I had a ever-so-small taste of the fishbowl life must become once a person is on a reality show. For me, it was called being the residence hall manager for a local college. I couldn't take a step or sneeze without one of the students knowing about it. I had to keep my on-campus apartment's drapes closed 24/7 because I'd have peeping students if I didn't. Good times....
Monday, June 22, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Yesterday, we celebrated Eric's 2nd Father's Day as a parent. I have to say that he is one of the best father's around (and I don't mean to slight the other fathers in our lives!!). He's caring beyond belief, worries when it is the right time, lets Annika take risks when it is the right time, and remembers the importance of humor. He's loving, thoughtful, and insightful. What better personality traits are there for a parent? Annika adores him and I know the feeling is mutual. They are two peas in a pod and it is such a joy to see them together.
To my dear husband, thank you for all that you are and all that you do. You are an amazing man with countless gifts to share with the world. I feel so blessed to have you as my partner through life's journey. I love you!
To my dear husband, thank you for all that you are and all that you do. You are an amazing man with countless gifts to share with the world. I feel so blessed to have you as my partner through life's journey. I love you!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Card Carrying Member
I am now an official member of the food handlers permit section of life's population. Yesterday, I sat through a 15-minute lecture, 30-minute video (the acting was stellar .... please note sarcasm), and took the 32-question test in about 7 minutes. The best part (aside from the acting in the video) was the gal who graded my test was genuinely surprised that I got 100% on the test. Seriously??? My thought while taking the test was "people actually fail this thing?"
On an up note, I am now one step closer to being able to charge people for my cakes and cookies .... assuming I can find a commercial kitchen to use. That's step 2.
On an up note, I am now one step closer to being able to charge people for my cakes and cookies .... assuming I can find a commercial kitchen to use. That's step 2.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Back from San Diego
Last Wednesday, Annika and I hopped a plane down to San Diego to attend my niece's high school graduation. (Way to go, Emily!) We had a fantastic time in California. Annika spent each day playing with her cousins and, I'm quite sure, will be missing them greatly once she catches up on her sleep and regains some of her energy.
One bonus of our trip was the fact we got to see my college roommate Rachel and her girls while we were in California. We met in Temecula, CA and had lunch together and then let the girls play at the mall's kids' area while we caught up and chatted. (Note: The Temecula has a really good children's play area if you're ever in the area!) I got the wondeful opportunity to meet Rachel's newest family member - Ellie, who is a precious baby. I couldn't get over how much her other daughter, Hannah, had grown since our last visit; she even has her first loose tooth!
Everyone is very proud of Emily for successfully completing high school. The ceremony was very nice (and not too long) and "Mimi" had a great time at her all-night grad party after the festivities. She returned home with a variety of prizes and a head full of colorful ribbons ... she reminded me of a ticker tape parade! (A side note for the jerky people who brought air horns to the Poway High School graduation: you people are beyond rude and annoying... especially the guy in front of us with the knit hat!!!)
While in San Diego, we got a chance to tour the San Diego Zoo with my cousin Sally. It was such fun to have some one on one time with her, not to mention see an amazing zoo! Annika loved the fish that were in the hippo exhibits, the monkeys, and the birds. Come to think of it, I don't think there was much that didn't impress her!
We got the Frisch clan set up with a webcam, which makes me beyond happy. Now we can have face-to-face chats just about any time we want. Yippee!!
I cherished the time with my sister and her family. We don't get to see each other nearly enough! We did everything from exciting and monumental things (Emily's graduation, visiting the San Diego Zoo) to mundain things (a trip to Costco, making dinner together, and folding laundry), but that's what life is all about. I'm already counting down to seeing them on Sunday when they'll be in town en route to their cabin. Hurray!
Pictures from our trip
Waiting at the airport for our flight (the pilot showed up to work late, so we had a bit of a delay to work with)
Proud parents of the high school graduate (2 down, 2 to go!)
One bonus of our trip was the fact we got to see my college roommate Rachel and her girls while we were in California. We met in Temecula, CA and had lunch together and then let the girls play at the mall's kids' area while we caught up and chatted. (Note: The Temecula has a really good children's play area if you're ever in the area!) I got the wondeful opportunity to meet Rachel's newest family member - Ellie, who is a precious baby. I couldn't get over how much her other daughter, Hannah, had grown since our last visit; she even has her first loose tooth!
Everyone is very proud of Emily for successfully completing high school. The ceremony was very nice (and not too long) and "Mimi" had a great time at her all-night grad party after the festivities. She returned home with a variety of prizes and a head full of colorful ribbons ... she reminded me of a ticker tape parade! (A side note for the jerky people who brought air horns to the Poway High School graduation: you people are beyond rude and annoying... especially the guy in front of us with the knit hat!!!)
While in San Diego, we got a chance to tour the San Diego Zoo with my cousin Sally. It was such fun to have some one on one time with her, not to mention see an amazing zoo! Annika loved the fish that were in the hippo exhibits, the monkeys, and the birds. Come to think of it, I don't think there was much that didn't impress her!
We got the Frisch clan set up with a webcam, which makes me beyond happy. Now we can have face-to-face chats just about any time we want. Yippee!!
I cherished the time with my sister and her family. We don't get to see each other nearly enough! We did everything from exciting and monumental things (Emily's graduation, visiting the San Diego Zoo) to mundain things (a trip to Costco, making dinner together, and folding laundry), but that's what life is all about. I'm already counting down to seeing them on Sunday when they'll be in town en route to their cabin. Hurray!
Pictures from our trip
Waiting at the airport for our flight (the pilot showed up to work late, so we had a bit of a delay to work with)
Proud parents of the high school graduate (2 down, 2 to go!)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The life of a freelancer
Yesterday, I found out that the contract I've been working will end at the end of June. Poop! I've been ramping up my marketing efforts, but no bites as of yet. Now I REALLY need to ramp up my efforts. I posted my editing business on Craigslist yesterday and put out feelers to a few marketing firms in town. I also applied for 4-5 full time jobs, just to make sure I explore all possible options.
I knew I was a bit stressed when I realized I forgot to eat lunch yesterday. I love food. I love food too much. Forgetting to eat just isn't me. I also slept poorly last night because my goofy brain wouldn't turn off. I'm a problem solver. If there is a problem, I don't wait for an answer to knock on my door; I put on my pith hat and start tromping through the jungles until I find a solution. (Apparently pith hats are hard to sleep in!)
Tomorrow, Annika and I head out to San Diego to spend some time with my sister and her family. I'm glad that I have the distration of our visit ahead of us; it keeps me from falling into the trap of doom and gloom.
Ultimately, I'd love to edit cookbooks and write books for children. I finished the first draft of my book about a little guy named Carter Beau who has an amazingly powerful imagination. He's fun. Maybe you'll meet him one day!
I knew I was a bit stressed when I realized I forgot to eat lunch yesterday. I love food. I love food too much. Forgetting to eat just isn't me. I also slept poorly last night because my goofy brain wouldn't turn off. I'm a problem solver. If there is a problem, I don't wait for an answer to knock on my door; I put on my pith hat and start tromping through the jungles until I find a solution. (Apparently pith hats are hard to sleep in!)
Tomorrow, Annika and I head out to San Diego to spend some time with my sister and her family. I'm glad that I have the distration of our visit ahead of us; it keeps me from falling into the trap of doom and gloom.
Ultimately, I'd love to edit cookbooks and write books for children. I finished the first draft of my book about a little guy named Carter Beau who has an amazingly powerful imagination. He's fun. Maybe you'll meet him one day!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Holy switcharoo, Batman!
A few weeks ago, our friends took a home blood test to determine the gender of the baby they're expecting in November. The results came back "boy". They were hoping for a girl, but it was out of their hands. Today, they had an ultrasound and found out that the blood test was a big fat liar. They're really having a girl. Congratulations to the Russells! Welcome to "Team Pink". :)
Kate Tagged Me
So, my best friend, Kate, was tagged by her friend Shelley to do a few lists. Kate then tagged me to do my version of the lists. Here goes!
8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1. Going to California on Wednesday to visit my sister and her family
2. Watching Emily graduate from high school on Thursday
3. Annika's 2nd birthday
4. My morning coffee
5. The box cushion class I'm going to take at th end of the month
6. The charity collection truck coming to our house on the 17th
7. Doing something special for Eric on Father's Day
8. Giving myself a pedicure tonight
8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Went to 8:30 mass
2. Baked M&M cookies
3. Watched the Tony awards
4. Finished sewing my messenger bag
5. Played outside with Annika and Eric and Annika's new bubble machine
6. Packed for our trip to CA
7. Watered my plants
8. Talked with my sister on the phone
8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Figure out a way to make being a stay at home mom financially profitable
2. Travel more often
3. Pack lightly (I have a serious case of over-packer-itis!)
4. Find a sundress that doesn't look like a maternity dress on my
5. Invent a nail polish that doesn't chip
6. Find a recipe for pizza crust that rivals professional pizza crust
7. Live in the country or next to the water
8. Eat carbs without gaining weight
8 Shows I Watch
1. "Lost"
2. "Ace of Cakes"
3. "Ugly Betty"
4. "Grey's Anatomy"
5. "Little Einsteins" (with Annika... not for my own entertainment!)
6. "The Wiggles" (see note above)
7. "Say Yes to the Dress" (I'm embarrassed to admit this one, but those crazy brides are a hoot!) 8. "Deliver Me"
8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1. Going to California on Wednesday to visit my sister and her family
2. Watching Emily graduate from high school on Thursday
3. Annika's 2nd birthday
4. My morning coffee
5. The box cushion class I'm going to take at th end of the month
6. The charity collection truck coming to our house on the 17th
7. Doing something special for Eric on Father's Day
8. Giving myself a pedicure tonight
8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Went to 8:30 mass
2. Baked M&M cookies
3. Watched the Tony awards
4. Finished sewing my messenger bag
5. Played outside with Annika and Eric and Annika's new bubble machine
6. Packed for our trip to CA
7. Watered my plants
8. Talked with my sister on the phone
8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Figure out a way to make being a stay at home mom financially profitable
2. Travel more often
3. Pack lightly (I have a serious case of over-packer-itis!)
4. Find a sundress that doesn't look like a maternity dress on my
5. Invent a nail polish that doesn't chip
6. Find a recipe for pizza crust that rivals professional pizza crust
7. Live in the country or next to the water
8. Eat carbs without gaining weight
8 Shows I Watch
1. "Lost"
2. "Ace of Cakes"
3. "Ugly Betty"
4. "Grey's Anatomy"
5. "Little Einsteins" (with Annika... not for my own entertainment!)
6. "The Wiggles" (see note above)
7. "Say Yes to the Dress" (I'm embarrassed to admit this one, but those crazy brides are a hoot!) 8. "Deliver Me"
Friday, June 5, 2009
Playing Dress Up
Quite some time ago, Annika's older cousin Katherine handed down her dress up clothes. It seemed like it would be an eternity before Annika would be ready to play with them. Last week, I pulled out the box o' goodies just to see what she did with the clothes. Much to my entertainment, Annika took to playing dress up like a fish takes to water. She LOVES dragging out the random items and putting them on. Here are a few pictures of her various dress up sessions as of late....
She loves those shoes!
It is critical to wear one's tiara and pearls while riding one's rocking horse in one's jammies
Showing off her fairy wings
(notice how the wings moved to the front ... she got annoyed that she couldn't see them the other way!)
She loves those shoes!
It is critical to wear one's tiara and pearls while riding one's rocking horse in one's jammies
Showing off her fairy wings
(notice how the wings moved to the front ... she got annoyed that she couldn't see them the other way!)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I feel like a new woman
Yesterday, I got my hair cut and colored for the first time since January. I feel SO much better! With our niece's upcoming high school graduation next week, I figured that I'd better look presentable.... not to mention, my bangs were so long that I wouldn't have been able to actually see the graduation ceremony.
During my hair appt., I got a call from my dear friend Caroline. She was having a bad day and wasn't feeling well. I offered to pick up her little boy, Gage, who is a year older than Annika and have him play at our house so she could rest. When he first arrived, he was a bit shy, but he quickly warmed up to us and had a grand time playing. He and Annika ate push-up frozen yogurt (quite the hit) and had a marvelous time splashing in our wading pool. Gage also was highly intrigued by the number magnets we have on our fridge. When Annika plays with them, they go everywhere and are completely void of order. Gage, on the other hand, organized them by number and color and had them in a straigh line. What a hoot! We had a great time with Gage and can't wait for our next visit together!
During my hair appt., I got a call from my dear friend Caroline. She was having a bad day and wasn't feeling well. I offered to pick up her little boy, Gage, who is a year older than Annika and have him play at our house so she could rest. When he first arrived, he was a bit shy, but he quickly warmed up to us and had a grand time playing. He and Annika ate push-up frozen yogurt (quite the hit) and had a marvelous time splashing in our wading pool. Gage also was highly intrigued by the number magnets we have on our fridge. When Annika plays with them, they go everywhere and are completely void of order. Gage, on the other hand, organized them by number and color and had them in a straigh line. What a hoot! We had a great time with Gage and can't wait for our next visit together!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Our pretty girl
I recently took Annika to one of those mall photo studios. Here are some of the pictures we wound up taking home. Enjoy!
Recap of the past few days
How is it possible that June is here? This year seems to be gaining momentum at record-breaking speed!
This weekend, we enjoyed (ok, I enjoyed, Eric melted because of) the warm weather. We BBQ'd with some of my family members on Sunday, which was a lot of fun. Annika received an hand-me-down plastic picnic table from her cousin Ian. It was an instant hit and received a "WHOA" from Annika as soon as she sat down at it. (A big thank you to Troy, Staci, Kat, and Ian for the table.... she's loving it!)
Yesterday, Annika and I took a trip to Joann Fabrics so I could get the supplies to make myself a messenger bag for our upcoming trip to San Diego (8 days and counting!!) and then we got Annika a wading pool to combat our recent heat wave. As soon as we got home, I got her pool inflated and poured in some luke warm water. Annika was in splashing Heaven. She was in the pool before I had her shoes, dress, and diaper off! The dogs were also happy that the pool doubled as a water bowl ... I hope they don't mind Annika was in there without a diaper! ;)
This weekend, we enjoyed (ok, I enjoyed, Eric melted because of) the warm weather. We BBQ'd with some of my family members on Sunday, which was a lot of fun. Annika received an hand-me-down plastic picnic table from her cousin Ian. It was an instant hit and received a "WHOA" from Annika as soon as she sat down at it. (A big thank you to Troy, Staci, Kat, and Ian for the table.... she's loving it!)
Yesterday, Annika and I took a trip to Joann Fabrics so I could get the supplies to make myself a messenger bag for our upcoming trip to San Diego (8 days and counting!!) and then we got Annika a wading pool to combat our recent heat wave. As soon as we got home, I got her pool inflated and poured in some luke warm water. Annika was in splashing Heaven. She was in the pool before I had her shoes, dress, and diaper off! The dogs were also happy that the pool doubled as a water bowl ... I hope they don't mind Annika was in there without a diaper! ;)
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