Lori's Life

Jim and Lori Reunited

2011-10-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since my last post - and I'm not going to catch you up on my boring life. But Jim and I did remarry this past week, on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

It was a quiet ceremony with a few friends. We love each other and we love being together. Our focus is on the future and we will take it one day at a time.
Focus on Love - note the reading glasses

Scott & Barbara Burnett, Larry Bendall, Lori & Jim, Diane Thurmond, Randy Kellor

We love all of our friends and family and hope you will be supportive as we let the Lord work in our lives. We are truly blessed and we are determined to live worthy of our temple sealing.

1st kiss after being pronounced husband and wife - again

July 2011

2011-07-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Just an update. I have moved to Sandy and a great neighborhood. I live in the basement of the home of a single women (just a little older than me - Nancy K---e). It is comforting for both of us to have someone else around. We have so much in common (life experience and likes/dislikes) that it is spooky. I've settled in comfortably. I feel peace here. I mowed the backyard this weekend - it has been about 7 years since I had that opportunity. I also have flower pots and a small garden to play in. I planted the garden so late (Father's Day weekend) that I may get nothing for my investment, but it is fun to putter around and get my hands dirty.

Church - The ward is friendly and I'm the new assistant choir director - which I think means the recruiter and the person who calls choir members with reminders. I'm very happy with the calling. The ward is large and I'm just glad to have an opportunity to serve. When I was set apart by the bishop, you would have thought it was the most important calling in the ward. He also added to the setting apart, a very personal blessing to help me adjust to the changes in my life over the past few years. It was awesome and very insightful.

Work - I'm into the second session of summer financial training for principals. With help from our division, our three person review team is able to pull it off. It takes months of preparation. We are exhausted each day of the week long session. I don't know how teachers do it everyday. To be "On" for 6 plus hours. Although we love doing the training and we learn much from those in the field, we are always glad to return to the Church Office Building the first week of August and get back into our regular schedule.

Family - I'm still very lonely. I long for every opportunity I get with family (kids, grand kids, extended family). I enjoy attending some of Parker and Aiden's t-ball games. While I watch, I get to visit with Kim and play with Laney. It is often the highlight of my week. I had a 30+ minute Skype conversation with Arti on Sunday. She would love to visit with Grandma & pa and cousins when we gather for the Snow reunion. There is a 7 hour difference (London is ahead of us) if you want to give her a Skype call. I am excited to see all the Snows at the upcoming reunion.

Girlfriend - I must tell you - my girlfriend group has been a huge support to me. We get together often. And we all have someone to call when we want to do something. Thank gals!!!

Projects- I've been working on a life timeline in preparation for writing my life history. I can never remember when things happened, so I'm reviewing old calendars, journals, and photo albums for an outline. I'm still making earrings, and a few wind chimes. I will soon be starting a heritage quilt. I have old linens, dollies, and embroidery work from grandmothers - I'm piecing together for a quilt top. I hope to have the top ready and be able to start quilting it about Halloween.

I never was the one in the family to take pictures, so I don't have any photos. I depend on the kids to take them and share with me. I need to make photo taking a priority (maybe in 2012) - it would be a good New Year's Resolution.

Thanks for reading - I hope to see you soon.

2011-04-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

I really need to put up a new photo and post. So here I am~

I spent Conference weekend in Loveland Colorado with my friend. She has a home, her horses, and many friends there. She met with tax return clients and I relaxed, read, and even sat in the sun a little on Saturday. It was beautiful. We took a drive up to Estes Park and saw mountain sheep and huge elk. The trip home on Sunday was snowy and nail biting at times, but we made it okay.

I made some taco soup, and put a frozen berry pie in the oven for the family gathering at my home Sunday night. C & K and family and Holland attended. It was good to see Holland for a bit even though he was in SLC to see friends and missionary companions. He was happy to see his mission president, Elder Ian S. Ardern, called to be in the First Quorum of the Seventy.

My life is quiet and work is going well. I can’t wait for spring to come and STAY. I am still making earrings, chunk of charms, and junk wind chimes. I’m always looking for simple outlets to sell my stuff (let me know if you have ideas). Batty the cat is getting old but is still healthy and a comfort to me.

I am working on a life time line since I can’t remember when I did what – When did we move? When did B graduate? When did we get Bella? How old is Batty? - You get the idea. I’m sorting through photo albums, old calendars, journals, and planner books. This summer I’m going do a ancestor quilt of linen, embroidery, tatting, and crocheting from my grandma and great grandma.

My friend Diane and me at the Opera of Little Women - March 2011

Looking forward:

I hope to see a few SL Bee’s games this spring and summer. I have plans to spend the July 4^th weekend in PV and I’m looking forward to the Snow Family Reunion in July. Labor Day weekend I’m headed to TF for the TF County Fair and Rodeo. Other than that, I’m staying close to home.

Girlfriend weekend

2010-11-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Diane, Lisa, Barbara, and I hung out with Arti on her birthday. We went to the Mistletoe Mall and the Boutique held this last weekend in Gunnison. It was a hoot! We spent money, talked, laughed and bonded. We need to do it again soon.

Random update

2010-10-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

I went to St. George last weekend (to get my car back from Holland) and had a wonderful time with Holland (what a hoot), Bret and family, my Mom and Dad, and my former dog - Bella.The weather was beautiful. The homecoming parade (Dixie's Centennial) was great and it was so fun to watch Holland reconnect with all of his friends and college associates.

Faye at the great cupcake place for lunch

I went with my folks to the alumni banquet, where my cousin was the speaker. It was fun to hang with my folks and I even knew a couple of people. Plus a spirited group of alums did a somewhat spontaneous rendition of Dixie and Program Bureau songs. I enjoyed --- lunch with Bret, Faye, and Marley; games with Lori and Bret, church with Mom and Dad and then church with Bret, Lori, Faye, and Holland; and tasty stuffed peppers from the Olsen garden and kitchen. - Thanks to the St George bunch for a great weekend. Note: Holland and I switched cars because he drives a stick and had surgery on his left foot in August. So I got to enjoy his zippy stick shift and he drove my smooth Acura.

I've been sick with a cold - Sitting around, blowing my nose, watching mindless TV, napping - are lonely activities. I didn't dare go out and share the love and my germs. Thank goodness for a needy cat who doesn't care if I'm sick and wants to be in my lap, on my chest, or in my face.

I went to lunch with work friends yesterday. The guys squished into the back seat of Benita's car. I had to get a pic. It was hilarious - and I'm sure uncomfortable for the guys. Two of them walked and took Trax back to the office. I don't think they cared for my laughter and picture taking - while I enjoyed the spacious passenger seat.

My little book

2010-09-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

I lost my little book - with my WHOLE LIFE in it! I've looked everywhere. I looked in Lost and Found at Smith's and the ballpark. I looked in my car, Cody's car, in and under the couch and chairs, behind the dresser, and under the bed. I was frantic. This book contains:
- all the phone numbers and address of my loved ones
- loved ones birthdays and anniversaries
- important numbers like divorce file #, U or Phx student #, FASB certification system #
- my month to month budget
- the car mileage and mpg
- a running grocery and "Want" list
- my Christmas list
- notes I take for self-encouragement and words to live by
- a list of people to pray for
- a list of books to read and movies to see

Yep- my WHOLE LIFE. I decided to fast yesterday to find my little book and also to show my gratitude for all the recent blessings in my life.
This morning I was discouraged after taking a double look everywhere I could think of. When I got to work this morning, I looked around my desk and in my cupboards, bookcases - and then - THERE IT WAS! It was tucked behind my big book of policies and memos. What a relief -- And just another thing to be thankful for. My blessing and gratitude grow.~

Laney

2010-09-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

My new grandaughter born Friday, September 3rd, 2010 about 2 in the afternoon. 7 lbs 13 oz and 20 inches long. She has the same initials as me LSO. She is adorable!

I got to hold her when she was just a couple of hours old.

I got to babysit the boys all day Friday and stayed with them Friday night. They are sooo sweet. We watched their new movie Monster's Inc., played at the park, had ice cream cones, and played Legos.

Cody's family, their friends the Bucanans, Jim, and I went to the Bee's game the night before.

The baby is home and the boys are camping with G & G Jensen for the holiday weekend, which gives Kim and Cody time to settle in with the baby.

Here is Laney trying to open her eyes after those nasty drops they put in newborn's eyes.

PV pics

2010-08-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

My dad in the PV band

My mom with the Hellsrom twins

AF at the July 24th Celebration in PV

More Travel Log

2010-06-12T10:56:00.001-07:00

I still have a hard time figuring out how to make something post the way I invision it.

I also drove to Cayucos, about five miles north of Morro Bay. I visited some great antique stores. I love doing that. I walked along the beach and watch a wedding being set up and the bride getting pics with her bridesmaids. I walked the pier and was asked to take photos of several young-happy couples. It was awesome, and beautiful. I'll take more pics today.

Elfin Forest

2010-06-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

I visited the Elfin Forest. The trees in the forest are about as high as big scrub oak (10 ft at the most). The trees are really old (some 1000 years old). This is the site where Pygmies around the area came in the spring to camp and catch shell fish. So, I guess, for a Pgymy, the growth was good cover. I took a good walk and didn't see anyone for over an hour. Then towards the end of my hike I saw to girls in full hiking gear and an older man that lived near by and was walking his dog.

2010-06-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

California trip

2010-06-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Travel log - date Saturday June 12, 2010

I arrived at San Luis Obispo on Thursday afternoon and headed to Morro Bay (12 miles) to Ginie's beach house. It is adorable. I got settled in and then took a drive around to re-familiarize myself with the town. I headed back to SLO for the weekly Farmer's Market. I listened to good entertainment, did some people watching, and had a bowl of clam chowder. I also visited the Frontier Natural Market that Jim and I loved last time we visited SLO. The store was packed and I walked out and didn't buy anything. I need to visit again during the day when it should be less crowded. I went back to Morro Bay and watched the sun go down at Morro Rock while I ate a piece of Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble pie from the Farmer's Market.

Friday I went adventuring since it was cool weather. I bought a couple of jackets at the fun Morro Bay thrift store because I didn't pack warm enough. I traveled about 5 miles south of Morro Bay to Los Osos (Osos = bear). A long time ago, the people of Monterey were starving, so the men came to the Los Osos valley and kille a bunch or bears and took the meat back to the people in Monterey and they survived. Anyway - cute town. I ate at the grill in the liquor store that was highly recommended by the Rite-Aid clerk. Great food at inexpensive price. I drove to see the natural history museum, accross from a beautiful state golf course. Ivisited a bird preseve - thus Rite-Aid to buy binoculars. Beautiful - the birds, not Rite-Aid.

June 5th with family

2010-06-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

The family all traveled to Manti to be with Arti when she went through the temple for the first time. I loved having the whole family (minus 3 grankids) in the temple together. We took pics on temple hill. Jessica Despain did a great job. We had dinner at the Brown's afterwards. We all handled our first family outing since I filed for divorce very well.

Graduation Day

2010-05-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Update

2010-04-23T08:11:00.001-07:00

Now that I have filed the divorce papers and Jim has moved all of his stuff out, I am doing much better. Side benefit - I've lost a little weight. My mom and dad are taking Bella, with the agreement I can have her back when I am ready. I'm looking forward a Saturday full of home organization - and I wish you all a productive and warm weekend. :)

Please follow me

2010-04-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

I had to get rid of my Comcast bill so no more internet at home - and no facebook. I want all my friends and family to know Jim moved out and I am filing for a divorce. I am not in great shape, but taking it day by day. I need to find a home for my dog- Bella - if anyone is interested, please let me know. She comes with some strings attached -

Please email me and keep in touch - loriolsen5@gmail.com

Pocket and Purse in Aruba

2010-02-06T18:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the little 10 year old boy in Aruba who adopted Pocket and Purse - Bella's smallest male and female pups. Pocket loves to dig in the sand. They will make great little pets.

Jewelry by me

2010-01-25T21:25:00.000-08:00

I'm not a flashy girl. These pieces are conservative & it was fun~

Fun Saturday

2010-01-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

I have been making some jewelry - without any instruction- over the past couple of months. Saturday, I went to a jewelry making class at Robert's Crafts - I learned about how to tie those tiny knots and was inspired to play some more with beads. Jim was in a meeting all day, so I relaxed and watched a couple of movies while I made some bracelet.
I signed up for NetFlix and love it. I would highly recommend the series "North & South" and a little film named "Arranged".I even liked the Hannah Montana Movie. I like the "watch instantly" girl movies that I don't want to make Jim watch. Have a great week.

2010-01-17T20:15:00.001-08:00

Our family gathered in PV for the Christmas holiday. We had a delightful time with the kids, grandkids, and my parents. Grandson P wanted a violin for Christmas and so I got mine out and we had some fun.

Puppies are all gone :(

2010-01-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

The puppies have all gone to their new homes dotted all over the country. They will make great little pets. The littlest girl went to Aruba!

Bella is getting back to normal. Her tummy and her appetite have shrunk back to pre-pregnat status. She is rough-housing again with Jim and our cat, Batty. She is even playing with her toys again.

Bella's FIVE Puppies - @ 2 weeks

2009-11-28T21:41:00.001-08:00

Aren't they adorable! I can't believe our 7.5 lb dog had 5 big puppies. Born Sunday, November 15th and all are healthy and happy. 3 girls and 2 boys. Two are small like their 3.5 lb dad and the other three will probably be between 5 - 7 lbs full grown. Bella is a good mom and is worried about one of the small pups. She has brought this small pup to me in the middle of the night and once when we were at the movie, she took the pup and put her on the bed. We are trying to ensure the little one gets her share of nursing.

The two grandboys love the babies. The boys lay down and I put a pup on their tummies. They love to feel them squirming around and they have to keep the pup from rolling off. Call me if you are interested in a smart, easy to train, obedient, non-shedding little dog.

1st Annual Jim Olsen Family Reunion

2009-08-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Summer Pics

2009-08-27T21:06:00.001-07:00

2009-08-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Summer family reunion at Outer Banks, North Carolina in June.

2009-07-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

In May, our family celebrated Holland's graduation from college - and he now has a real job. YEAH! All four of our kids are now college grads and have great jobs!!

We celebrated my 50th birthday in June. All the kids and grandkids gathered for a baseball game. It was a treat! I sure love you guys - xoxoxoooxooxxo

Cozumel Fun

2009-07-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

Cruise to Cozumel MX

2009-04-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

Jim and I had a great time last week on a cruise he won in a contest for his company, Send Out Cards. We flew to New Orleans on Wednesday afternoon and stayed in the "W" Hotel that night. We boarded the ship at noon on Thursday.

Cruise highlights - We took a tour of the ship Thursday afternoon so we knew our way around. We attended the show each night, and of course we loved the food. We slept in each day and had room service for breakfast. We attended a health class, played Bingo, love watching Karaoke, attended a cocktail party with Send Out Cards, sat in a massage bed for 30 minutes, enjoyed the sauna and steam room, sat in the sun, and we both read a novel. We went into Cozumel for a few hours and enjoyed lunch at a Mexican restaurant on the beach, but most of that day we took advantage of the quiet ship while almost everyone was on shore. Sunday, we sat in the shade, since we were both sunburned, and it ended on Monday and flew back home.

We are well and love the hope of spring. Enjoy the weekend.

Fun in DC

2009-01-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

Here I am with my brother Doug, his wife Sara, and my daughter Arti after the inauguration. It was so cold, but worth it. As a liberal republican, I'm proud to have 2 children that are Democrats. Tuesday - inauguration day - was a very "Democrat" day for me and I loved it. Obama's speech was inspiring and brings me hope. The benediction and the musical numbers were also highlights.

Arti and I didn't mind the crowds too much. It was hilarious to be soooo close to soooo many people - but we had to hang on to each other. A man in front of me in the throng yelled, "Stop pushing!" That is like asking the rain to not fall on you in a down pour. A mother right behind me lost her daughter (about 10 yrs old). She was only 6 or so people behind her mom, and the crowd got them back together - both were teary. Scary! We did get separated trying to get in the Silver Gate, but Doug got us all back together just before Obama took the oath of office.

Arti and I waited for the new President and his wife to leave the capitol and head down Constitution Avenue for the parade. Arti actually saw them waving out of the limo. We had a great time walking around after the inauguration - but our feet did hurt by the time we got back to Doug's home. I watched the whole event again that evening when it was replayed on TV.

It was great to see Doug and Sara - thanks for your hospitality - and to get to know Cameron. I got to read her a book and taught her how to play music on my cell. She would listen for a minute and then say, "Not that one," and we would change the song.

I'm now back to work and need to be healthy and not take any time off work -- because I'm using my time off as fast as a earn it. I just finished Acct 363 and start Finance 320 tomorrow - I got an A- in the accounting class even though I missed 6 out of 25 on the final (I took it at 6 p.m. and had been up since 2 a.m. - except for a nap on the airplane). Good thing I had a decent grade up until I went to the inauguration.

By for now~

Obama's inauguration -Wonderful

2009-01-20T16:47:00.000-08:00

2008-12-28T20:16:00.001-08:00

I hate moving! We even had movers help with the heavy, bulky stuff. I only moved 3 buildings over- but it might as well have been across the state. I head back to work tomorrow, and I probably have about 10 big boxes left to unpack. I haven't found my 3 quart sauce pan but other than that I should just chuck everything else. I thought I gave a lot to the goodwill store before I moved. Now, since I can't fit things in - too little space - I've decided I have many things I don't need. The two younger kids are getting some good stuff -- the rest goes to charity.

I had a busy Christmas with my family. Arti and Holland came for Christmas Eve. We watched "It is a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Story" while Jim and I unpacked boxes from my move last weekend. I was able to get the kitchen functioning and the living room cleared of the clutter of boxes.
We spent Christmas morning at Kim and Cody's. We took all of our presents over there to open and to watch the boys excitement of opening presents.
I took my folks, Jim, Arti, and Holland to "Good Things Utah" and then to lunch on Friday. We also got upgrade phones for Mom and Dad before we took them back to Sharon's. Saturday, we all attended a baby party for Camille and Bryce- celebrating their pending baby arrival. Sunday, Kim, Cody and the boys came to church with Jim, Arti, Holland, and I. then we met with the Snow's and Dalley's for dinner that evening.
Jim and I did attend a movie and I made seven sets of "Junk Wind Chimes".

Welcome to my blog~

2008-11-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a pic of my family on Thanksgiving Day. We spent the weekend in Pine Valley. We had a great time with the three little grandkids and Bella, my chocolate toy poodle. Front row: Arti, Jim, me and Bella; Back row: Parker, Cody, Aidan, Kimberly, Holland, Arvilla Faye, Lori Michelle, and Bret.