Music

My family and I were able to go to a rap concert at a local church a few weeks ago. I was very intrigued with a certain group that was there from Ohio. They were a family of 3 boys, mom, and dad. This group Tri-Blessed was awesome. Such beautiful young men grounded in Faith, a mom and dad who totally support the gifts that the Lord had given them. It was a true blessing. I purchased a CD from them for my oldest daughter. I was listening to the CD today and there is a song on there called Tho 'EM Out. It is a song about throwing out all the horrible songs that is out there these days. Songs that corrupt the mind. In the song it states that a lot of the songs out there is like audio pornography. I know you know what these songs are. We have all heard them. I was so glad that I listened to the CD again, just another way the Lord is out there telling me not to conform to the world. I want Good for my Daughters, and not for them to listen to music that is going to define what a relationship is or what sexy is or what a good time looks like just by the words and the power of imagination. I want to challenge each and every person who reads this blog to really think about the music that you fill your mind with and be very cautious that this isn't corrupting what the Lord says. I know a lot of you instantly will say that there isn't a problem, or a need because you know where it is you come from and what you believe, but I challenge you to ponder on what it is you hear......

Happy...........

Anniversary

Nikki and Mike

Congratulations on 6 years of marriage

Love, the Olson's

First Hurdle

YIPPEE, We just got a phone call from the contractor who checked with the building commission's office. They said that we could build back 20 feet. This is good news as we desperately want more room! He is supposed to be sitting down at the computer some time this week to make floor plans and an estimated cost. If all goes the way we want, we will have a total of 5 bedrooms!!!! I am so excited. The next hurdle will be the cost factor and if the bank will allow us to add the amount we are expecting to the cost of the home. I will continue to pray and hope you will too. As soon as we hear something else, I will let all you know. Pray for low cost, (we plan to do all the painting ourselves) and for bank approval. If necessary, we will ask to see if there is anything else we can do to lower cost, for example finishing dry wall, any volunteers????

The Builder

Well, we had a very nice man from Robinson construction come to look at the house today. I guess what he said was good. He is confident that he can help with the remodeling process. He said that the first obstacle would be the building commission office. They have to approve the addition. Then he said he would put together an estimate, probably around 50,000 dollars. Then it is up to the lender. Rather we will be over building for where we are. I hope this all works. I am nervous that it wont work out the way we want. When I think about that kind of money, it sort of makes me sick to my stomach. I will keep you all posted on the updates of this process. Later............

TV,TV,and less TV

Yep you heard it. We are cutting back on the amount of TV our children watch. The big girls are getting virtually no TV on school nights, and the babies are getting about 1/2 as much during the day. On FRI or SAT TV will be allowed a bit more. What has brought us to this decision you ask? Well we are noticing that the Big girls are getting a little on the lazy side as well as arguing more frequently. The babies just need to be just that, babies and not couch potatoes. This will be difficult for a while, but we are sure well worth it in the long run. The girls can now do homework, read, keep their rooms picked up and interact with one another with what we hope will be more respect for each other. This rule has been in effect for about a day now and already I have noticed a difference. They aren't having to be told as much to do something that was asked of them and they are showing more respect to each other. I LOVE THIS RULE!!!!!!! As for Tim and I we pretty much don't watch a lot of TV, by the time I get home from work or he leaves for work this leaves time for dinner and helping the girls with homework. Brittany has been working hard with her dance routine and is doing a fabulous job. We are very proud of her. Kaylee continues to do well in school, getting straight A's on spelling and language arts. Emily continues to work on her speech as we can now get her to say on occasion Mama, Dada, Bye-Bye, No and More. This is huge progress considering a month ago we were getting nothing. Audrey is so sweet. She does have her own set ways, but all in all is a wonderful girl. I love listening to her giggle. It is the sweetest sound. She is a wonderful big sister to Emily. She cares for her a lot. The Lord has truly Blessed me!!!!!

Rebel

You know I couldn't really decide what to blog about next, I really want to go on and on of how I want to start the adoption process but, I don't want anyone to get sick and tires of hearing me because, when it does happen I want to talk non stop:)

I do however want to share with you that I was pulled over yesterday. Yes, Me Pulled Over! I cannot imagine a cop even thinking to pull over a mini van mom, but he did. When he walked up to the window, he asked me if I knew why he pulled me over. I knew I was going over the limit, but no much, I was following a semi truck. I told him I didn't know why:) He said "you were just on your cell phone were you not?" I replied yes with a puzzled look on my face and he said "you need to keep your eyes on he road." Then he proceeded to tell me I was going over the limit. I stated that I was only following the truck. He said "no you were going 20 faster than the truck." He ended up giving me a warning ticket. I still am puzzled as to how if I was following a truck, I could be going that much faster, I mean wouldn't I be eating the bumper, Literally??? Any way if you are ever talking to me and I am driving and suddenly I stop, you know it is because I see a cop and don't want them to see me on the phone. Don't be alarmed, I will pick it back up as soon as I pass:) I am sure this is just what you all wanted to do is spend a minute reading about my run in with the Law:):):):) I suddenly feel as though I am a rebel. LOL

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!!

Love, the Olson's

Friends near or far.......

I just want to say how very blessed I am to have found friends I have never met. People who care enough to send an encouraging email. You see, I just found out this morning that the little boy Morelson I wanted to adopt was just taken by another family. This morning I was really upset but have since learned that a) the Lord is in control and b) I have found that not only the people I have close and know very well are praying for me and my family but people I have never even seen face to face are too praying. I really feel as if I have found the Orphanage we are supposed to adopt from. I have looked at a dozen O on-line and had never found anything to really spark interest. It was this O that made me feel good and realize that I was where I needed to be. I have come across people I have never met who really care. I want to publicly thank each and every person who has looked out for me and my feelings during this. I hope I don't sound to dramatic. I am very blessed to have so many people that care about what is going on in my life. Thank you again!!!!!!

Praise GOD!

<GREAT NEWS> In my previous post, I spoke of a friend who just found out that she has breast cancer. I just found out awesome news!!!! Her Dr. said he thought he could get it with a lumpectomy, radiation, and chemo. She as elected to go with a mastectomy and reconstruction all at once and then Chemotherapy. I am so happy that the news isn't what we all thought in the beginning. The fact is she still has cancer, but the Dr. is very confident!! God answered our prayers that this wouldn't be worst case scenario. I am so thankful that she has the wonderful family she has and that so many has prayed for healing. Our God is awesome and deserves all the glory!

My Wife

As goofy as this picture may seem it is a good way of showing the kind of person my wife is. You can often see her with this smile on her face. She is the most loving, caring, and forgiving woman I've ever known. I personally have put my wife through a lot. It is buy her love and forgivness (and the grace of God) that she has continued to be my loving wife. She has a love for me and our children that know own can ever compare to. It is once in a life time that you come across a person that you care so much for. I'm just lucky enough to be able to spend the rest of my life with that person. To know that I almost gave that up for some stupid inmature reason is crazy. Thank God for forgiveness and understanding.

One thing that a lot of couples don't understand is that not everything is peachy in a relationship all the time. I really screwed up just this morning as a matter of fact. I was very rude towards my wife. It is those people who can work through those times that can last for ever. We as people naturally let selfishness take over sometimes. When you can put yourself second and your spouse first, that is when you have a great relatinoship. Sarah is very good at putting herself first, but I on the other hand don't do so well at this. That is why my wife is such a great person and friend.

This blog site alone is enough to show how caring of a person my wife is. The majority of the things that Sarah puts in her blogs is about other family or friends. This is why I want to talk about her and give her the spotlight for a while. Sometimes Sarah's love for others sometimes seems as though she is hurting them. I know that sounds confusing, but it is true. She wants to ensure that everyone is where they should be in all of there life. Even though I sometimes think Sarah is coming down on me, she is only looking out for my best interest. It took me a long time to realize that. Some people don't understand that at all. If you are wrong Sarah will ensure that you know it, in a loving sort of way. Again I can't stress to you the kind of love that Sarah has for others and there lives. Some people would say that there life is none of her concern. If you are a friend or family member than she is part of your life. How she loves my children is something beyond compare. That would be the reason for the crazy idea for wanting to get more children.

I hope that this blog gives you a little more insight on the woman who sends out these blogs. This should also explain why such a great and beautiful woman like Sarah is married to such a goof ball like myself.

Sleepless in Newburgh

Ever feel like you just cant go to sleep even though your tired??? I am feeling this way now. I cleaned house earlier, put the girls to bed, held Audrey till she drifted and tried to drift with her but no luck. I have so much on my mind. I want a certain little boy named Morelson from Haiti. All I can think about is, Is this Gods will for our life, Is this his plan, If it is, when to pursue such a big step. It seems silly for me to sleepless over this, but with the girls, I had little to no waiting, little to no paperwork, and virtually no travel. I know that the typical adoption from Haiti takes about a year or so. I thought well, do we approach this on Faith or wait until we know our house is sold or added on to? Do we trust the Lord will provide after we start the process or wait for him to move mountains now? I think I think to much!!!!!!!!! Anyway thanks for listening, its late and I really need to try and sleep. I have to work in the morning, go to the dentist after work and then take Britt and Kaylee to gymnastics and dance. By the way Britt is doing a wonderful job in dance. She has expressed and interest to the instructor that she would like to be on a team and the instructor told her she will!!! She has even been moved up to the next level class. I am so proud of her. She has worked really hard and practices almost every night after she battles her homework. Well, as I said, I really need a little rest so I will once again try and get to sleep. Talk to you all later. Love, Sarah

Good Night

A Child

OK, So now we are thinking possibly add on to our home???? Crazy, I know. We have found a child in Haiti that we would like to adopt. This is a time consuming ordeal, not to mention expensive. I say expensive in the fact that it would cost around the same as each Audrey and Emily. With spending 20,000 in 2 1/2 years, we aren't sure how to fund another 10-12,000. We for now will continue to pray for God to send us the solution as we already think we have the answer and that is to adopt. It is something we talk about frequently and want. I know for a lot of people the fact that we already have 4 children it seems insane to want more, but we can't help what God lays on our hearts to do. We just need space and money for the adoption part. We wanted to adopt from Haiti right before we got Emily so this isn't just a quick pick of the country event. We truly want this and most importantly want Gods Blessing in this matter. I am a very organized person who generally has a plan, so for me this is hard not knowing or having a game plan. I hope I haven't rattled on and on to the point of confusion. Until later, have a wonder Blessed day. Sarah Olson

A Friend in NEED

We have some friends who are around our age and just found out she has Breast Cancer. Please pray that they will continue to seek the Lord's face through all of this. They are a great family with great values. Pray for healing. Pray the Dr's do all they can to win this battle. Pray that spiritual growth to take place. Just Pray Pray Pray!!!!!!!!!!

New Link

I want everyone to take note of the new link west coast family. This is one of Tim's closest friends. I also consider John to be the God father of my children. Check out their link. They are a Christian rap group and are doing very wonderful things for our Savior. Please send them your prayers upward and support them in what they are doing for Christ.

PRAYER

OK, I have to be honest, I am really struggling with the fact that I/we want to adopt another child. There is nothing I want more right now than to adopt a boy (or two). We originally wanted to adopt from Haiti. I have found an orphanage that I am in love with. Their cost is reasonable and children are beautiful. Before we can adopt, there are a few things that have to happen first... First we have to sell our house. This has been difficult for us due to the fact if we list with a realtor, we will be upside down in our loan. We simply cannot and do not feel this would be honoring to God. We have had a sign up in our front yard, a couple of showings and a few calls, but as of yet, nothing. Second, we have to come up with approximately $7,000 to start the process, Home Study Update, Filing Paperwork, and finally sending in the money when we commit to adopting our child. Here is a pic of our house, if anyone knows of anybody interested in buying a 3 bedroom home with 2 baths, please let them know. Also, pray, pray, pray, we want God's perfect person to purchase our home. We know he has someone out there he wants to live here.

The List

Things in Life I am most thankful for and find blessings in...


Christ dying on the cross
Family
Friends
Jobs
Home
Pastors
The Sunshine
My Children
The gift of Love
Adoption
Freedom
Medical Miracles
Vision

This list is just to name a few. I sit and think at times how good I really have it and how thankful I am to just be here to share our story. I often pray for those who don't have freedom, health, a church family, or even just a hot meal. I pray that some day I may be able to make the difference in someones life. I ask the Lord to bless my family so that we may be a blessing to someone else. I thank everyone who has ever reached out to us in our days of desperation, we sincerely appreciate it! Our Love is based on the Love of each and every person we surround ourselves with.