"You can't stop the beat.."

So I've decided that my official running music is the soundtrack to the broadway musical "Hairspray" I love it, it gets me so pumped up. Today we had a "fabulous" 16 mile run. We started about 3 and 1/2 miles above "Vivian Park," off of Provo Canyon and ran all the way to 200 North and 600 East in Provo. Well, I was feeling great until we hit about 2230 North, (just coming down the stretch of University Ave) then I started to get a little tired. So I turned my ipod to Hairspray, and it was instant energy....seriously! By the time I got to about 800 North, I had to put the finale song "You can't stop the beat" on repeat because it is the most energizing song. People around me probably thought I was nuts, I was totally dancing to the beat, doing the "swimming step" (without the plug your nose and go under water part of course) and boppin' my head to the beat. It was totally awesome. It was hard, but I finished feeling better than our 15 miler last week (which I think is a total accomplishment)!

Anyway...I just thought I would share our marathon progress...less than 2 months to go, but only 2 more ridiculously long runs left: 18 and 20 miles. Oh, kill me now! Whitney keeps promising me that I will be ready for the marathon, so I just keep trudging along. Whit and Jill are definately schooling me as far as speed goes, but I am totally ok with that! I hope you enjoy the pics of us lookin' hot after the run today. You'll notice from the second picture that we are looking totally svelt ( I don't know if that is really a word, but you get what I mean!) I must say that Whitney looks amazing. Hopefully I will look good again one day, that darn Asher...just kidding, I wouldn't trade that little mufflin for any bodice!

100 things about little old me...

Since I know you are all dying to know more about me, and since I love to talk about myself, I thought I would follow Jackie and Janaya's example and make my own list. And here it is....

1. When I was a kid, I hated my middle name cuz it's not really a name, but now I love it. It's Pryde.
2. I am 24. Sometimes I literally can't remember how old I am.
3. I am the third of seven children and one of 6 girls in my family
4. I have one brother who died when he was 16, I was 14. He was awesome, and anyone who knew him would agree!! His name is Joel
5. I love that there are so many girls in my family, it is something I am very proud of! I love my sisters, they all ROCK!
6. I hate my arms
7. I love my brown eyes
8. In fourth grade, my teacher nick-named me "massive Morgan", and no I was not fat! But I was the class clown...weird huh?!
9. I have never finished a book that I was supposed to read in school for a report or for class, except for ONE. It was called Number the Stars and it was in the 5th grade. It was for a book report. It is to this day still one of my favorite books, despite the fact that it is only a 5th grade reading level!
10. I hardly ever did homework in high school unless it was absolutely necessary, and can't really think how I managed to pass my classes.
11. I am lazy, but I don't like to be lazy
12. I could never write a paper until it was due in 24-48 hours. I would seriously try, but my inspiration would always come in the time frame mentioned before.
13. I was a cheerleader my Freshman and Sophomore years of highschool. My freshman year, I was the head cheerleader, so I got to yell things like, Ready? OK! and Last time! It was pretty sweet!
14. I got hit by a car when I was like 8, and when I got back in the car, my brother called me an idiot! Rude, I know!
15. I have never broken a bone or had to have stiches, or been admitted to the hospital (not counting having a baby!)
16. I have had one baby, and still don't really know what labor or contractions feel like!
17. My labor with Asher was exactly one hour and 39 minutes from start to finish. I was fully dilated when I got to the hospital. The nurse later told me that they had bets when I walked in that they would be sending me home because I was so calm. We walked in and Nate said: "Um...I think my wife might be in labor."
18. My freshman year of high school, one of my guy friends swore that he would get me drunk by senior year. Apparently, I would be a hilarious drunk.
19. I've never had a drop of alchohol in my life
20. When I run my face gets bright red
21. I had 3 "missionaries" and didn't marry any of them...although I really thought I would marry one of them.
22. I am ashamed to say that I have kissed two different guys in one day...on more than one occassion!
23. I had to wear a neck gear when I had braces, from 8th grade to my sophomore year of HS, but I could never bring myself to wear it to school depsite my mom's constant nagging. You know you wouldn't either!
25. I was in Galena from ages 7 to 18. It was my life and I loved it!!
26. I don't like going to dance technique classes, but I LOVED folk dance and galena rehearsals. It's always been where my best friends are
27. I love to perform
28. I love to dance (except in technique classes!)
29. I hate doing my hair
30. I hate putting on mascara, but love what it does for my lashes!
31. I love to sleep
32. Waking up in the morning is possibly the worst thing in the world!! (unless it's Christmas morning!)
33. In HS, I woke up at 4am every morning and did a paper route, then went to seminary, then to cheer practice, then to school at 8am. I went to bed at 9pm every night.
34. I hate stupid drivers, so therefore, I hate driving in Provo.
35. I love to camp
36. I love the beach and I love to swim, but I hate wearing a swimsuit. I think it is safe to say that I have NEVER felt comfortable in a swimsuit. But that is a goal of mine.
37. I have a sweets problem. I can (and have) eat a whole cake or a whole pan of brownies by myself...seriously, it's that bad!
38. I have a bright red birth mark on my tummy
39. My mom said that I was homely when I was born...sad but true.
40. I hate my nose, and am very self conscious of my profile because of it. My sisters say it looks like a witch's nose
41. I am (or was I should say) a certified Lifegaurd but have never had a job as a lifeguard
42. I am a certified Medical Assistant, and am certified to start IVs
43. I am totally afraid of getting in a car accident. Because of this fear, I am a very good driver. I am constantly aware of everyone and everything around me.
44. I am a nag when Nate drives. I am always saying "Nate!" and grabbing onto that bar on the ceiling. I swear, I don't know how he doesn't get in car accidents when I am not in the car with him
45. My favorite foods are baked popcorn and chips and salsa
46. I love to bake. I love trying Martha's fancy recipes and I get so proud of myself everytime I make something delicious...which is always!! :)
47. I hate spending money, which you would think would be a good thing, but in my case, it means I never buy anything for myself, which means my clothes are never in fashion
48. I am not a fashion expert by any means, but I think wearing stretch pants under a skirt or long shirt is so ugly...sorry to anyone out there who wears that. But seriously, who said that looked good? I just don't get it.
49. I hate to go shopping because I feel like I can't buy anything I want, but then when I am actually looking for something specific that I really will buy, I can never find it!
50. I love giving gifts
51. My nicer nicknames are: Morg, Morgs, Morga-porg, Morgie-pie, Morgie-poo, Morga, Morgy. Some of Nate's for me are: Mor-ganswer-to my prayers, Morgaliscious
52. I am usually quiet upon first meeting someone, but can really be quite obnoxious
53. I have never voted, I know, how unpatriotic and irresponsible am I?!
54. My favorite class at BYU was Human Physiology
55. The very last test I took at BYU was at the testing center, and it was the only time that there was ever a "congratulations" flashing across the screen next to my id number and man did it feel good! It was my Stats final by the way!
56. I have always had a hard time getting jobs, but when I do get the job, my employers always love me. So I guess all those other people are missing out!
57. I love to daydream. I had plenty of time to do it too, during every class period for 4 years at BYU. (and you wonder why I only had the "congratulations" once?!)
58. I was swimming in the deep end of the bagozzi's pool when I was 2 years old
59. I used to always run around naked as a child (over to the bagozzi's house)
60. Pretty much everytime I tried to cheat on a test in elementary or high school, I got caught! I guess that means I'm a lousy cheat!
61. All I have ever wanted is to be a mom!
62. My husband is my best friend. We talk on the phone ALL THE TIME! Even when he is in town...all the time, every day. My family can attest to this.
63. I always have dreams where my teeth are falling out and where I am being chased but can't run fast....I'm sure there is some deep meaning behind these dreams, perhaps someone could enlighten me
64. I want to learn to play the mandolin
65. Nate and I are going to have a family band one day... and we will be so cool! (and so will our kids! :) )
66. I am 7 years younger than my husband
67. I love cheesy love story movies, like the prince and me and 13 going on 30. Seriously LOVE them, and I'm not even ashamed...ok, maybe I am a little!
68. I think Tom Hanks is my favorite actor
69. Jake Gyllenhaal and Christian Bale are two of Hollywood's finest, and by finest I mean hottest!
70. I was always the first one to fall asleep at sleepovers
71. I love to travel. I have been to England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Turkey, Hawaii, Mexico and some places in the US
72. If I could live anywhere it would be in Lexington Kentucky...so beautiful!
73. I love Broadway musicals and have a secret dream of singing and dancing on broadway
74. I had my first kiss my Junior year of HS, I know, I was a late bloomer
75. The last person I dated before Nate was his best friend...when I started to date Nate (ha, a rhyme!) it was not a good situation, but it all worked out in the end
76. I lived for show week (both galena and folk dance)
77. I was in the opening ceremonies of the 2002 winter olympics...I was the one dancing like a train! :)
78. Things that give me the heeby jeebies are spiders, the thought of bones breaking and poking out through the skin, and nails on the chalkboard, aaghh!!
79. My favorite TV shows are Grey's Anatomy, The Office, A.Idol, and So you think you can dance, although I have been very disapointed with Idol this season, don't know why.
80. I love to plan and make lists...whether or not I actually do the things on my list is another story
81. I don't read very often, but when I do it consumes me. I don't do anything for the few days it takes me to read a book. I think it is impossible for me to read a book over a period of time. If it is worth reading at all, it must be read in a few days time!
82. I like cardmaking, but hate scrapbooking
83. I love Disneyland...it truly is the happiest place on earth!
84. I love music...it is amazing how music can change a lame activity such as cleaning the house, into a fun time. I also love the ability music has to take me back to a very specific moment years ago.
85. I don't think there is anything better than a newly vaccumed floor, it makes it feel like a whole new room. That together with rays of sunshine from an open window makes for a very happy me
86. I love Christmas...wrapping presents, music, etc. It is my job each year to put the presents out under the tree (or should I say across the family room floor...we have a lot of people, ok?!) in an aesthetically pleasing manner. I love it!
87. I like to do puzzles...dorky, I know.
88. I have been in 2 car accidents (neither of them was me driving, cause I'm a good driver, remember?!) The first with my dad on the way to Galena. The second with my mom...she ran into a lesbian couple on their motorcycle in SanFran. The one started beating on my moms window saying, and I quote: "you almost killed my F****n' girlfriend!" Needless to say, Whit and I went around locking all the doors!
89. I love to play games and am very competitive
90. I have about 6 best girlfriends who I don't see very often, but when I do see them, it's like we were never apart. I know I will be friends with all of them forever!
91. I love being a mother
92. I love to go into Asher's room after he is asleep and look at him...he is so precious!
93. I used to swim competitively with the Arden Hills Otters
94. Our family has a tradition of camping at New Brighton Beach in Santa Cruz, CA each year over Memorial Day Weekend, and I love it
95. I have a very sensitive nose, if you squeeze it too hard, it will start to bleed
96. My favorite movie is probably Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version of course, although the new one is equally good in a different way)
97. Family and the Gospel are the most important things to me
98. My favorite book (besides number the stars) is the Kite Runner, which is surprisingly not a love story!
99. I have my degree from BYU in Recreation Therapy, and am thinking about going back to school to become a nurse
100. I love to be with old friends and laugh and reminise (sp?) about the old days. So fun!

Whew..I did it. At about number 65 I started to run out of things and got a little panicked, but then I picked up my second wind and was on a role!

P.S. Upon looking at the picture of Asher in the bath in my last post, I can't help but think that it looks like the sponge he is holding is a microphone and he is charismatically singing into it. Wouldn't you agree!!

Bathtime fun!

Asher LOVES bathtime! I just love this picture him, he is just so happy! He looks so chubby, even though he really is not that chubby. He likes it even more now that he has a different view. Instead of always laying down, now he can sit up. Plus, it kind of scared me to have him laying down cause he would try to roll over to his tummy, that would not be good!

And of course, he are some cute pictures just cause...


This picture is so classic, he's got the Busath stare goin' on and the Olson cheeks! He always does that with his mouth and it makes his cheeks really big like that, I love it!

A little road trip

Nate had a gig in Jackson this last Tuesday, so we thought that would be a nice excuse to go visit our friends from Sac, Josh and Michelle Stewart in Driggs. We drove Monday night and dropped Jillian off in Rexburg to visit Nicole Bagozzi, then drove on to Driggs (which is just 40 minutes or so from Jackson). It was so fun to visit with old friends and see eachothers kids. Other than passing through, this was my first trip to Idaho, pathetic, I know. But it was quite beautiful. Here are some pics from the trip.

This is Asher with Callie (4) and Bailey (2)







Me and Michelle with the girls










This picture is kind of blurry, but I thought it was a cute one of the fam








Asher was anything but a trooper. He would wake up each morning at around 5 am and never go back to sleep. This is him the morning we left to go home. He was such a basket case because he was so tired, so we just put him in our bed while we packed. Thankfully, he was content to just lie there watching us.


Despite our basket case of a child, the trip was very fun and well worth it. After all, Nate was able to purchase a sweet cowboy hat for his future cowboy gigs!!

Asher Babino

Well, Asher is getting cuter and cuter every day. He is also getting more mobile everyday. I realized yesterday that we are going to have to start childproofing our house soon. Asher doesn't even crawl yet, only roles around all over the place, but he already gets into stuff that he shouldn't. It is so different to leave him for a second and come back and have him be in a completely different place. I think he has figured out how to get to where he wants to go by roling strategically, allowing himself to turn this way and that. It is so funny. For example...




He sees the toy that he wants...














He roles and obtains the toy...














Then he grabs the toy and is off, taking it to an unknown destination! Probably towards the cords under the bench, that is a favorite place of his to go.

He is such a funny little kid. He is at this age where everything is so exciting and new. It's like he is soaking everything in. The last couple of days I have noticed that when I have him in his high chair, and I go to turn on the water in the sink, he starts to laugh. It is the funniest thing. I don't know what he thinks when he hears the water running, but he loves it. He will be whining, and I turn the water on, and he just laughs. So cute!

We went to Borders last weekend for a family outing, (Nate and I used to always go there for dates before we had Asher) and I have to say, it was a little annoying to have Asher with us. Not because he was in the way or a burden or anything like that. Just like his daddy, Asher LOVES books. I don't know what he is trying to do with them when he gets his hands on one, but he never seems to be satisfied with what he is doing with the book. So being in a bookstore where there are endless rows of books, he was going crazy. Everytime I picked something up, he would whine because he wanted it. Then I would give it to him and he would whine...why? I don't know, probably because it wasn't doing what he wanted it to do!

Like Father, like Son...











The last couple of days in Provo have been absolutely beautiful. So I decided to take Asher outside so that he could discover the great outdoors from a different perspective other than from his stroller. So we went and sat on our dead front lawn on a blanket. He LOVED it! He would just laugh and get so excited, and he loves grass. I think he is probably more intrigued by it than in love with it. But it occured to me that he has never felt grass. This summer is going to be so exciting, he will be experiencing so many new things, things that we see and take for granted every day. Having a kid is so cool that way. You get to watch them learn and experience everything. They are so curious about this strange world we live in. So I've been thinking about all these things I want to do with him now. I can't wait to see how reacts to things like, going on a swing for the first time, swimming, going down a slide, the sand at the beach, animals, etc, etc. Such an exciting time, I just thought I would share!

Dee-lish!

If you like the Bombay House, or any kind of Indian food, you will love this recipe. I sitll haven't perfected it yet, but it is delish, so I thought I would share. It is from the Sonoma Diet cookbook, which if you are wanting to lose a few pounds, it is a great way to. (Not that I would know, I am not disciplined enough right now to do that, but Whit has, she looks fabulous!) But the food is so tasty, even if you don't want to lose a few pounds!

Indian-style Curried Chicken

1 lb chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tbs lemon juice
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 medium tomatoes, cored and quartered
3 tbs chopped garlic
1 tbs fresh ginger
2 tbs olive oil
2 cups finely chopped onion
2 tsp ground coriander (you can substitute curry if don't have)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp garam masala (opt)
2 C rice

1. Place chicken is a bowl, add lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, toss to coat, set aside
2. In a blender or food processor combine tomatoes, garlic, and ginger. Cover and blend or process until smooth
3. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, cook and stir about 8 minutes or until golden brown. Add tomato mixture, coriander(curry), cumin, cayenne pepper and turmeric. Bring to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add chicken to the skillet, stir to coat with tomato mixture, return to boiling, reduce heat, cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and garam masala (opt)
5. Serve over rice
Makes 4 servings

This is actually a really easy recipe. Some tips: make sure you use enough tomatoes so that there is enough sauce. If you use canned tomatoes, make sure to drain them first, or else it will be too watery. These are things I did, so you can learn from my mistakes. But even with mistakes, it is still nummy nummy!!

Oh that blessed day!

So I was going through one of my scrapbook drawers and found the disc of mine and Nate's wedding pictures. I was looking through them and thought they were so fun, so I thought I would share a couple amusing ones. First of all, here is me and my hubby overlooking SanFran...



This picture describes my husband's personality. I know he has a hot bodice, sorry ladies, taken!!


This is me with all of my bridesmaids. I like it because it is clear from the picture those of us who are "performers" and those of us who love the spotlight!! What can I say, we were born for the stage!

I had to make this one large so that you could see our faces better!


Now this one I love...this is me and my sister Jillian. We were supposed to turn around on the count of three and strike a pose, and this is the one I chose. Sorry Jill, I didn't mean to grab your boob!


I am showing you this picture because Whitney's face is priceless! It also shows my dress quite nicely and I loved my dress. I know, I am so vein, what can I say?! But just look at that double french bussle, and also, would you believe that my dress was originally strapless? They did an amazing job on the sleeves!

Googley Pants

Nate calls Asher "googley pants" as I believe I mentioned before. Well, he just happens to have a pair of pants that are quite "googley", and I finally got a picture of him wearing them, so I thought I would share. I actually love these pants, I think they are so cute, he looks like a little golfer (courtesy of Grandma Lenie). It's not a very good picture, but you can see the pants just fine. Then I just had to throw in another picture of him being his adorable, crazy little self!!:)

Let the good times roll...

This past week, we had the great pleasure of being host to both the Olson and the Busath fams. The Olsons came in on Thursday evening and stayed until Saturday afternoon. Heidi made her mandatory visits to "the Dillard", her favorite store. I have to say, I have the cutest mother-in-law in the world. Every time she comes to Utah, she hits every Dillard in the valley, to make sure that she is not missing out on any amazing deals. We had fun with them, dining at the Training Table and Goodwood BBQ, and staying up and talking about many a random topic. My sisters had a random week off of school, so they came to play. They got in last Friday night, the 17th I believe, and then we went for our ten mile run on Saturday, all five of us. Very fun! Also very hard! On Monday, the girls went to see "Because I said so" which was very fun. Maybe we all liked it so much because it reminds us of our own mother, hehe!:) Just kidding mom, you know we love you!!! The evenings were filled with delicious food and rousing games of catch phrase, oodles, guesstures, and rigamorole (or something like that). We found that we are all very easily entertained, and well, crazy! Here are a few pictures that capture the good times as well as the weirdness!



























On Wednesday morning, I left with my family for a little trip to Sactown. Asher has not been a very good traveller so far. He hardly slept at all in the car, which made for a very rough week. But he had fun with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Lexi and Aunt Hailey. He is quite the little charmer. He loves to give his biggest, best smile for anyone who will dote on him. We went to Red Lobster with Grammy B and he sat in his little high chair and just looked around at everyone in the restaurant, smiling and squealing. I really think that he has already figured out how to "work it"! On Thursday I taught and Irish soft shoe dance that I choreographed for my sisters' dance group. I thought it was quite a fun little dance, if I do say so myself. Thursday was also a very big night on Grey's Anatomy. So in order to not to delay the suspense longer than necessary, I had Grandma B record it for me and picked it up after the Galena rehearsal. Don't worry everyone, Merideth is alive and well. Although I don't know how realistic the whole thing was, I am glad that her and McDreamy are reunited once again! On Saturday, I taught a clogging dance to Galena, came home and ran 7 miles with dad (Hailey, sadley was unable to join us due to an infected blister. She hobbled around quite pathetically all week:). JK Hailey, I know it was really painful!), then lounged about for the rest of the evening. I watched Jane Austen's "In Persuasion" for the first time. I have to say, I'm a fan. That Jane Austen sure knew what she was doing!!
I found myself feeling very nostalgic this weekend as I drove around Sacramento. It brought back so many memories of High School and other important areas of my life. For example, I passed the Lyons resaurant down the street from El Camino where I would go for breakfast on the occasion that I would excuse myself (not ditch!) first period AP Econ. Also in that area, Country Club Plaza, where a few caring friends and I "borrowed" a fake tree (just a little one) to present to one of our best friends in the Hospital. Oh, it makes me smile! I drove past Arden Hills, where I worked for a few years, El Camino, Arcade and Cowan, my Alma maters. Everytime I make the drive downtown to the Studio, (which I think I could make in my sleep), I remember the good old Galena days. And when Dad and I ran through the old paper routes, it reminded me of the not so good days! Oh..."I never had a care, in Sacramento...joy was everywhere in Sacramento..." Come on people, let's let the good times roll. Anyone who wishes to leave a comment about the "good old days", please feel free! If you've been feeling nostalgic about something, please do share. Mom, dad, Galena, Mission Oak Ward, El Camino, thanks for the memories!!

My Valentine...

Well, Valentines Day is here, and I realized that I have not thought once about what I would be giving to Nate. How sad and un-romantic is that. But on the other hand, I think it is great. Because what I have been thinking about is how much I love my husband and how great he is. And that, I think is the true spirit of Valentine's Day.

Why I love being married to Nate....

1. He always makes me laugh. During our first year of marriage, the thing that I realized that I loved the most about marriage was lying in bed and talking and laughing.

2. I can be my true dork-self with him, and I know that he loves me anyway!

3. Nate is the most unconfrontational person in the world. I know that I can tell him anything and he will not judge me or get angry.

4. Nate is always thinking about something, and I am so privilaged to be the one that gets to hear about his views on life, love, the gospel, etc.

5. Because Nate is always thinking, he inspires me to do the same.

6. He is always encouraging me to grow and try new things. I know that Nate honestly believes that I can do and achieve whatever I put my mind to.

7. Nate thinks that being a mother is the most important thing a woman can do. One of the biggest compliments that Nate has ever given me was when we were dating, and he said that he was thinking about me and what came to his mind was that I was a mother, and that he would trust me to raise his children.

8. He is such a cute dad, and it might surprise you to learn that he is a very protective dad. He worries all the time about Asher getting sick or hurt, and he DOES NOT like for me to give him formula. Most dads don't really care about that. But he has been my biggest cheerleader for breast-feeding. He also loves making up little nick-names for Asher, like googley pants.

9. He thinks I'm hot!!

10. Even though being married to a musician is very different, I do love it. Not really the hours or the inconsistency, but I love that he is so talented and really knows what he is doing when it comes to music. Everytime I hear him play, I am amazed that I am married to such a talented man. The one thing that would make being married to a musician better would be if he would write songs about me and seranade me. But Nate will rarely plays for me on a whim because, well, it's his job, and I can understand that!!

11. Perhaps the best thing about being married to Nate is that I know he would much rather receive appreciation like this than some random gift that I THINK he will like, but ends up not. ( I am horrible at buying gifts for Nate, I should just stick with gift cards and electronic gadgets instead of trying to be creative!)

Happy Valentines Day to my sweet husband. I love you!

Six Months

Today Asher is six months. It is so crazy how fast the time flies. We have loved being parents, and have had so much fun with Asher. It is amazing how quickly their little personalities emerge, as well as how fast they grow and develop.

Now that Asher is six months, he is a very busy boy...


Spending time with daddy (I think he is going to be a daddy's boy. Sometimes he will be grumpy, then dad will come in, and oh look, he's all smiles). He loves to learn things from him, like how to put his binky in his mouth. He also loves to just hang out with dad.












Studying toys and other items around the house, trying to discover their purpose.








Doing his daily push-ups.









Stretching with mommy after she goes running in the morning.









Working out very hard playing on his play mat.









Concentrating very hard on playing with his toys.










Practicing giving cheesy smiles for the camera!












Pondering mischieviously about what he is going to do today in order to meet his "stinker" quota.











And he spends the majority of his days sitting and looking absolutely adorable (he is very good at that!)






We look forward to the next six months and the joy that they will bring.

Our Blog

Hello Friends and Family!

Welcome to the Olson Family Blog. Thanks to Katie Rynearson for the idea. I have loved going to their site and being able to read up on all that they have been up to, so I thought that this would be such a fun idea for our growing little family.

We had a fabulous Christmas in Spokane, WA with the Olson fam. It was so relaxing. Nate's dad decided to buy an xbox, I told Nate that he should cherish this time to play video games because there is no way that he will EVER be getting one of those things. I absolutely refuse, and thankfully, Nate respects that. I on the other hand, discovered that I love puzzles, Who knew? We did a beautiful James Christensen puzzle and then another fun beach scene. As soon as I got home, I got on ebay and won 2 puzzles so that I could continue my new obsession.




Little Asher is getting to be not so little any more. He is getting so big. Nate and I were just saying how crazy it is that one day you look at your baby, and they are big. It's amazing how it happens right before your eyes. He is such a little cutie. He is a very big talker, he loves to babble and laugh. He does this new thing where he likes to scream. Sometimes he is just doing it so he can hear and enjoy his own melodious voice, but other times, I can tell that he is just being a little stinker, screaming because he is mad about who knows what. I have to admit though, it is still pretty cute. He is starting to sit up pretty well. He rolls over really well from his tummy, and from his back he will go onto his side, but he still has yet to complete the whole roll to his tummy. I think he just doesn't want to. It's so cute though when he cranes his little neck and head to see everything around him. It is also quite amazing how he will do whatever he has to to get his little eyeballs on the TV. So we are either forced to turn it off (which is not a bad thing) or we put the ottoman in his way so that he can't see. Pretty ingenious I think! He has started to eat solids, and so far he doesn't really like the cereal plain, so we put either bananas or applesauce in with it. But I think he only likes the bananas. But even still, he is doing a great job and looks so precious.


It's amazing how fast they learn what they are supposed to do with the food once it's in their mouth. Asher is also a GREAT sleeper. He is now officially sleeping through the night. He goes to bed around 6 or 6:30pm and usually wakes up around 5am to eat and then goes back to sleep until atleast 7am. Although recently has been sleeping until 8:15am. What an angel he is to his mommy! I tell you, it makes such a difference when I don't have to get up because he makes me. It's nice to get up first. It's a psychological thing that I'm sure all moms understand! He sleeps great during the day as well. He takes between 2 and 3 naps. It is so nice for me. I have to admit, that Asher is possibly the easiest baby in the world. Most days I have a very easy life thanks to him. I have no complaints!

Nate is still teaching at BYU and has about 30 private fiddle students, he has also just finished applying to his PhD programs. We will find out if he got in on March 15th. That will be fun to find out what we will be up to next fall. Nate is also working hard to finish his book on contest fiddling as well as teaching himself the guitar. And although Nate made fun of me at first for liking puzzles, he has now started to do them with me, and I must say that he seems to enjoy it just as much as I do.

My fun news of the month is that I am training for a marathon with my sisters and my dad. Whitney, Jillian and I are training here in Provo, while my dad and other sister Hailey are training back in Sac. So far we are all doing great. I try to take it one day at a time and try not to think about the fact that I will be running 26.2 miles straight. I tell you what though, there is no way I could do this by myself. It is so nice to have a support system as well as people to run with that are expecting you to show up. Whit, Jill: I couldn't do it without you guys!!! :) I have also started taking Irish Dance classes at the Tina Shelley school of Irish dance (it was Nate's Christmas gift to me, which he was VERY proud of). It has been so fun to dance again, and I am discovering muscles again that I forgot that I had.

So that's what's going on with the Olson Family right now. Kind of fun, huh?! I'll try to be good at keeping it updated. Until next time.....