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My Holiday Poem!

The halls are decked and the ornaments hung.
With four little boys, "Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer"
is being constantly sung. (complete with add-ins)
Some presents are wrapped and carefully placed.
Our bank account is actually nearly erased.
Ornaments are placed in clumps on our tree -
thats what happens with your helper is nearly three.
It snowed today, so we ventured out,
careful how we act - we don't want to pout.
Santa's elves are always watching to see,
Mom always reminding us to be the best we can be.
A camel sits atop our nativity
for the angel is missing - where can she be?
Oh! The angel is found though currently working,
as the "princess" - oh a mario & luigi video is lurking.
An unmade gingerbread house sits staring at us,
make time, make time - there's no need to fuss!
We talk a lot about the real reason,
that we even celebrate this holiday season.
We talk about Jesus and what he did,
the gifts he gave to each adult and kid.
We are trying our best to love one another,
but often can't help but smacking our brother.
Reality is that we love this time of year,
time with family & friends - we just want to cheer.
So, wherever you go or wherever you roam . . .
we wish you "merry christmas" from the O'Dell home!

O'Dell Family Hits The Town!

After some discussion about leaving AJ in the loving hands of our dear friend, we decided to brave a social outing with all SIX of us. We ALL attended a Christmas concert together. We had a very nice time. I know I am prejudice, but I think this is a pretty good looking family!!!

Yep, It's Official - I am adorable!

AJ - 6 1/2 months old!

RYAN'S 9th BIRTHDAY PARTY!

It was a bit more work than I thought it would be, but Ryan finally got to have a birthday party where he could invite many friends from school. It turned out great and I think all the kids had a lot of fun.

The Turkey Trot Relay Race

The Relay Team

Starting Off

Keeping Up A Good Pace

The Strong Finish

The Proud (yet tired) Runner

Ryan ran in an 8-mile relay race on Saturday. He did awesome! Each team had four members. Each member ran 2 miles. Ryan ran the race with a few of his friends. Grandpa & Grandma were there to cheer him on. (If you look really close, you can see them in the crowd when he is first taking off). Great job Ryan!

Can you believe how fast I am growing up?

AJ Six Months Old

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!

Ryan is 9 years old today! Can't believe it. He is a great kid and we love him so much. There are a few pictures below of the last 9 years. What a happy, responsible, kind kid he is growing up to be. WE LOVE YOU RYAN!!!

Just Love My Little AJ!

Just could not have asked for a better, happy baby!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2009!

More importantly - also known as "Ashley's Birthday!". We had a great Halloween this year. Ashley and Kallee continued their tradition and flew in from Las Vegas for the occassion. Grandpa & Grandma also came on Saturday to celebrate Ashley's birthday and to go trick-or-treating with us. Ashley, Shawn, and I went to the Boise State Fball game in the afternoon. GO BRONCOS! Kallee, Grandpa, Ryan, and Alex went to a movie. Grandma was kind enough to stay home with AJ and Nick. Later, we ate a birthday dinner that I cooked (yep, cooked - not a typo!). Then, off for some trick-or-treating with Tom, Carter, Megan, and Jack. It was fun!


Ready for Trick-or-Treating


Nick and Carter


Kallee, Ryan, & Alex


Scary Masks?


Mario & Luigi show
their feminine side


Yoshi & Luigi


Love Aunt Ashley!

TOUCHDOWN!

Ryan caught a pass and ran for a touchdown. I happen to be recording it . . . but got caught up in the moment and forgot that I was recording! The recording is indicative of my excitement. It was awesome!!!

Last Flag FBall Game

Today was Ryan's last flag football game. He did awesome!

11 Years!!!!

We just celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary! Tom (Shawn's brother) came over and stayed with our kids. We went out on the town!!! We had a lot of fun. Sometimes I can't believe that it has already been 11 years.

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Exactly How Old Do My Kids Think I Am?

Remember when you were a kid and you thought your parents seemed so . . . . old?

I am reading a book to Nick. Alex comes downstairs.

Alex: "I am going to get a book that is from the 1900s!"

I am thinking to myself - oh, maybe he got an old book at the library or perhaps he found a book upstairs that is really old.

A moment later, Alex returns . . . . with my photo album from high school!

Our Resident Football Star

Ryan is playing his second season of flag football (thank goodness! he wasn't old enough to tackle yet!) He is doing awesome! He plays a lot of different positions and totally rocks on defense!!!

Conversation Corner

Grandpa just spent a whole week at our house while Shawn was gone for work in North Carolina. Nick got to spend lots of time with his Grandpa. I think he made some logical conclusions about his "pop-pop". . .

Mom: "Did you have fun with Grandpa?"
Nick: "Sure, Pop-Pop is Cool."
(cool - word he recently started using a lot!)
(sure - word he uses insted of "yes" now everytime!)
Mom: "Yep, Pop-Pop is very cool!"

Nick . . . . pondering what to say next because (if you know him well enough) there can never be moment of silence!

Nick: "Pop-Pop's hair is cool."
Mom: "Oh, you mean because he doesn't have any hair on top?"
Nick: "Pop-Pop has hair!"
Mom: "On top?"
Nick: "Sure, Pop-Pop has hair. His hair is a hat."

So logical!!!

I Love My Boys!

The boys and I went to the park the other afternoon and took a few photos. I just love my kids so much. They are the best part of my life.

Who's Who?

As most moms probably think, I believe I have the most fantastic kids! I love my boys and can't believe how fast time is going by as they are growing up. I can remember each of them exactly the way that they are pictured below. Thank goodness for pictures that allow us to freeze time!

August 2009

Where did the month of August go?
Here is a few pictures of the boys from the last month.





We were lucky enough to have Kallee come and visit us for a few days during August. We love having her spend time with us.

1st Day of School 2009

Whoa! Family Time!

I will post many more pics soon, but we had our "Andrew Family Reunion 2009" last weekend and it was awesome! Loved it!