Happy Holidays from the Olson's

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I've thought a lot about blogging and with family and friends at far distances and trying to call each and everyone of you and keep you on top of all the new and changing events that are happening I think this would be the easiest way. It was going to be a new years thing but my christmas letter didn't get written so I'm starting today!

The year 2008 has brought our family many many many (that's an understatement) blessing. To start off the year Laura graduated from Clarkson College Nursing School with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and was off to North Dakota to start her "big" girl job at Altru Health Systems on the Family Birthing Center. She started taking care of post partum (mom and babies after delivery) in December and then in August started labor training and was officially off orientation in October. She loves her job and the people she works with.

March was a busy month for us. We were blessed with Abigail Ann on the 15th by emergency c-section. Not shortly after on the 17th, While still in the hospital, we signed papers for our house. It's such a great feeling owning a home but a lot of work also. Laura has been busy painting almost every room and adding her own personal touches while Mike occupies the basement with the "Man Cave". This will put an end to all those "New address emails" that you received every year!!! :)

Abby has been a great addition to the family, she has provided us with many smiles and babbles. She is currently (12/22/08) starting to crawl around so nothing is safe now. She is a little chatter box and loves to play with her dishes, blocks, and dolly. Her favorite time is bath time, which sometimes she gets more than one of depending on if she is crabby throughout the day.

New vehicles have been a item of 2008. Laura traded in her old "Betsy" for a 2006 Kia Sorento. Mike just didn't trust the beast with Abby and the snow of NOrth Dakota!! Mike just recently purchased a 2008 Duramax Chevy pickup, which will be great to have in the spring with his business, GreenWorks.

Mike and his brother have had great success with their business and have been keeping busy during the spring and fall months. They put in long hours and get rewarded during the winter when they don't have to work as hard. Mike participated in slow pitch softball this summer with some friends and made some great memories doing so. This winter he is harvesting corn for a farmer back in Ada and helping his uncle out in the saw mill. When he is not working, he's busy fishing and hunting with friends and family.

In May, we were joined in holy matrimony in O'Neill at Laura's childhood church. We were blessed to have so many friends and family join us on this very special day. Many of them traveled great distances to be with us on our special day! We had a blast and have many pictures to show for it. At that time, we also baptized my nephew Nathan and Abigail prior to wedding rehearsal. It's very special to have Abigail baptized in the same church that her mother was!!!

Throughout the summer we were fortunate to have friends and family come and visit us. We spent many weekends at the lake fishing, boating and camping. There are so many memories that are made, we are patiently waiting for next summer!!

This past October, I became a demonstrator for Uppercase Living, which are expressions that can be applied quickly and easily to walls, tiles, wood blocks, and other meaningful places, without enlisting the help of a professional decorator. They can easily transform a house to a home! You can check out my website at http://lmolson.uppercaseliving.net/. I would love to host a party for you. If you are interested, email me or call me and I would love to answer any questions that you have.

Well 2008 has left us very busy and thanking the good lord above for all our wonderful blessings. I hope this blog(letter) finds you in good holiday spirits and remember why we celebrate this awesome season!!!

God Bless!
The Olson's
Michael, Laura and Abigail (9months)