tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41237858644744492822024-03-13T06:39:02.812-04:00The Olbricht House -- It's All About the KidsKeith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-50666741620476356262010-09-18T18:43:00.002-04:002010-09-18T19:28:05.847-04:00Catching up....Yeah, so I'm still not back in the groove of blogging yet, but I'm working on it.<div><br /></div><div>Six weeks of school knocked out already. Benjamin is off on yet another ridiculously far away soccer trip today. Kaitlyn has auditioned for and thinks she will be on the LMS media team (they do a morning news report over the closed circuit tv system at the school). Shelby had a field trip to the Agrirama on Friday. Emma is trying her best to convince us she needs to stay at K-4 all day long. I asked her what they did in the afternoons and all she said was that they took <i>great</i> naps.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's see...GIGS is history for this year. Glad that Jared and Nicole got to come down for that weekend. Benjamin and I met Jared and Nicole for a ball game last Saturday. It may have been at Turner Field, but we went to a Cardinals game. That was the first time I had seen the Cards play since when? 86? 85? Somewhere in there? Thanks, Jared and Nicole, for that wonderful birthday present.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am finally over my cold. I didn't realize how sick I was until I started getting well. Maybe that will be it for this year (lol). At least no one else has come down with it yet, anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Supper is ready. Got to go for now.</div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-26228204443525419012010-07-21T14:54:00.002-04:002010-07-21T15:22:34.716-04:00Yeah, yeah. So it's been a year since I last blogged. Well, I'm back.<div><br /></div><div>We just returned from our annual summer pilgrimage to Missouri. It would not be fair to call it a vacation, for that might imply we rested and were relieved of stress, etc. Going back home is always a whirlwind trip, but this one especially so because of its shortness. We left last Wednesday after making the decision to go on Monday evening. Let me just give some miscellaneous notes regarding the trip. That might be simpler.</div><div><ul><li>My cousin Jason was in the hospital in West Plains. He is doing a little better, but he is still up there as of right now.</li><li>Brianne and Brendan were there. Kaitlyn spent the whole time with Brianne, Emma spent the whole time with Brendan. They had a blast.</li><li>Grandma LoLo whacked herself in the head with a 1x6.</li><li>Ear drops in eyes? FYI to all, Poison Control Hotline # is 1-800-222-1222.</li><li>Seed ticks. And bigger mosquitoes.</li><li>Cardinals baseball.</li><li>The second hardest rainstorm I have ever been in on the way up, 2 hours of pre-dawn lightning on the way back.</li><li>Benjamin driving 142. Need I say more? (Well, probably for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about.)</li><li>Emma finally went potty, ending a string of non-travel bathroom breaks which lasted nearly a year. Last October when the girls and I went up for the Dellhalf meeting, we stopped in the McDonald's in Opelika, which had an auto-flushing toilet. Emma is terrified of auto-flushing toilets, and therefore refused to go the rest of the way up there (another 10 hours or so). On the way home, she didn't go at all. Up there and back in November, she held it. Up there last Wednesday, same story. We were getting ready to stop for lunch (in Opelika, coincidentally) on the way home on Monday, and Emma "offered" to go potty. "I'll go potty if we stop at a restaurant." OK. Who can blame her for not wanting to go in a gas station? I pulled into Chic-fil-a and she said, "No, a restaurant that doesn't have fries." She associates the auto-flushing toilets with fast food restaurants. So, we went TO Longhorn and she went AT Longhorn.</li><li>Speaking of which, the McDonald's in Alexander City, AL. Don't go there.</li><li>I left the power cord for my computer at home. Not fun.</li></ul><div>Well, you get the general idea. A typical trip. Thanks to Ron for teaching for me last Wednesday, Jim Gore, Jr. for teaching for me Sunday morning, and to Jim Lee for taking care of the preaching on Sunday. And thanks to Brandsville for letting me preach up there on Sunday morning.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>On tap for the rest of this week: VBS at Lake Park and painting the bathroom(s). Next week: cleaning up paint.</div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-66903951709459123972009-08-05T13:51:00.002-04:002009-08-05T13:53:51.266-04:00An Ode to SilenceFor the briefest of moments this afternoon I panicked. There was no sound of running or playing, laughter or fighting, television or radio. As a matter of fact, there was no sound at all, save the soft humming of the refrigerator, the rhythmic tick-tock of Grandmother's clock on the wall, and a faint rumble of thunder in the distance. I quickly regained my senses, however, and had the sudden, strong urge to cry out, "GOD BLESS THIS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!"Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-32229367634322130302009-05-19T15:39:00.001-04:002009-05-19T15:39:48.667-04:00Benjamin UpdateBenjamin in the news again....<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://lowndescounty.ga.schoolwebpages.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=1499&id=1602&viewType=detail&PHPSESSID=c9bfbd620996c1752722e4527e7fd83a">http://lowndescounty.ga.schoolwebpages.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=1499&id=1602&viewType=detail&PHPSESSID=c9bfbd620996c1752722e4527e7fd83a</a><br /></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-27362935428411227712009-05-17T15:19:00.007-04:002009-05-17T16:33:32.751-04:00Monthly Update (or so it feels)A friend asked this week why I hadn't blogged in a while, and I replied that I had nothing to say. (Aren't you proud of me, Lindsay? See <a href="http://lindsayandwillis.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-need-less-of-that.html">http://lindsayandwillis.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-need-less-of-that.html</a>)<div><br /></div><div>Let's just start the rundown with Stacy. She finished finals about a week ago, and has another couple of weeks until her summer class starts. However, any free time she might have had is been rapidly eaten up with the end-of-school rigamorale, and plus, she's been working ridiculously long hours trying to get through the end of the school year at GCS.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, Benjamin. He went to the Georgia FFA Convention a couple of weeks ago, where he won 5th in the junior woodworking project in state (1st in area). That, of course, has him all pumped up about FFA. We attended the chapter banquet with him last week, where he received his Discovery Degree, then went to the LMS awards night this past Thursday, where he received the "Outstanding Agriscience Student of the Year" for the eighth grade. He also finally managed to destroy the phone he got for Christmas, but is too busy playing on his iPod Touch to really notice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, there is Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn won the DARE speech/essay competition for her class, and so she got to read it for the DARE graduation. She did a wonderful job, not that I expected anything less. You can tell that school is almost over for the year because all of them (but especially Kaitlyn) have turned into very grumpy wild animals in the mornings. Thankfully, only 5 days left for me to have to rouse them from their slumber. Some mornings, I fear for my life. She did very well on her CRCT scores, missing the elusive "E" in math by a mere 5 points.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shelby. Shelby also got her CRCT scores back. She got an "E" in everything but one subject (can't remember which), which she only missed by 4 points. Her math score, wow, it was impressive. She got to go on a field trip to the Okefenokee week before last, where she said she has never seen so many gators in her life. She was sick last Monday and missed getting to see Mrs. Norris, who dropped in for a visit. Understandably, she was very upset. Incidentally, she and Kaitlyn are both running fevers today, which I'm just pretty tired of.</div><div><br /></div><div>Emma. Emma's third birthday is less than a month away now, and like all 3 of her older siblings, she shows no interest at all in learning to use the potty. (LOL. That makes it sound like they still don't use the potty. They do, but none of them started until after they turned 3.) She's just too busy for such trivialities. I've been trying to bribe her with M&M's, but no luck. Stacy said she would give her a puppy, then I think she realized what she had said and has since been silent. Emma has been pretty rough on the puppy she has here lately. Poor Bindy. Yesterday, when Shelby's fever was approaching freakishly high levels once again, she was seen to put her hand on Bindy's forehead and say, "Oh, no. She has a fever. We need to go to Doc's." Yeah, that's just what Doc needs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Dr. McNeal. Before we went to Orlando last month, I was heard to say that I dreaded boarding Bindy because I would have to listen to Doc complain about how fat she is. Well, thank you, Shelby, for running to her and telling her that at church the very next Sunday. And yes, I had to listen to that and much, much more. (She was only 7 pounds overweight this time...what's the big deal? That's only 1/5 her body weight.) Anyway, Emma and I had to stop back in a couple of weeks later, and the girls at the office just had to take her back to show her all of the various animals that were there for a visit. Doc offers Emma a sucker, then tells her to get some for her brother and sisters. Emma reaches into the drawer and grabs a big handful, and I tell her to put them all back but four. Doc insists she needs much more than that. "Oh, take more than that, it won't hurt them." Poor Doc. I lit into her. She's got my dog on a diet of one little teeny tiny cup of food per day trying to take some weight off of her, and then she's trying to fatten my kids up! Go figure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I guess I'm last. It's spring project time at our house. I finished up my quarter teaching at GSOP, so finally had a little slack time. The bed situation at our house was untenable, so we decided to move the girls' trundle bed into Emma's room and put a bunk bed in their room. This story really has three facets, so let me handle them in order.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, the removal of Emma's crib. It was all I could do not to cry. That crib has been in almost constant use since 1995. First Benjamin, then he moved into a "big kid" bed so we could put Kaitlyn in it. Shelby remained in the bassonet for a while, then she moved into it. It was in constant use from 95-03, and I'm pretty sure someone borrowed it between 03 and 06, but I can't remember whom. It was sad to take it down for the final time, but Lord willing, it will have some grandkids in it one of these days.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, dad isn't here. Seems like nearly every spring we have a project going on, and nearly every spring dad shows up in time to help with it. But their schedule has prevented them this year. That's OK, dad, I'm sure we can find something for you to do when you do make it down.</div><div><br /></div><div>Third, the actual bunk bed. We looked at a bunch of different ones and decided exactly what we wanted. We also decided that we did not really want to pay what they wanted for them. So, you guessed it, I'm building a set. The lumber has been purchased and we've begun working it (thanks, Mr. Ron, for the use of the planer, joiner, and table saw), but not very quickly. Lots of sanding to be done, and too many evening activities going on right now. I will post a picture of the finished product, but not one of what it is supposed to look like, because odds are, they're not going to match (please don't tell Stacy I said that). Meanwhile, the girls are relegated to sleeping on an air mattress in their floor. We did get their room painted, etc., etc. (If you knew just how much I hate painting, it would begin to give you an idea of just how much I love my wife.) So their room is ready, I just need a couple of days where I can get out there and finish prepping the lumber.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, for someone who didn't have anything to say, I think I've probably said too much already.</div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-76805422048035160982009-04-21T07:39:00.002-04:002009-04-21T10:03:50.268-04:00Another Wild WeekendGrandma Lolo, would you believe we carried the camera all the way to South Florida and back and never took it out of the bag? (She's wanting pictures.)<div><br /></div><div>This was an Emma weekend. The rest of them stayed with James and Lori. I understand there were some toothbrush issues, but other than that, everything went well with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>We went with the GCS chorus to Stuart, FL so they could sing. We were "invited" to go along several months ago because they knew that Terry and I were good friends. Deland asked us if we wanted to ride the bus with the kids. Umm, let me think about that...no. We ended up driving Jim Lee's truck down there with the risers in the back. That was great for Emma. Her carseat went in the back seat in the middle. She could see everything and was so excited. All the way down there she kept exclaiming: "There's the bus! Follow the bus!" She also thought it was great when Stacy would recline her seat. She kept pinching Stacy on the shoulder with her toes, then emitting the most evil little laugh. And, come to think about it, she spent a lot of time in conversation with her toes on the way. Hmmm. Perhaps the evil little laugh came from the toes?</div><div><br /></div><div>We got to Stuart and even though she (probably; with kids, who knows?) did not remember Britt Hunter, they took off together, and the two of them had a wonderful time. We spent the night with Terry and Teri. Emma loved their dog Chloe. After church she kept asking if we could go back to Teri's house. Teri knows how to spoil two-year olds.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the way home, after the bus broke down, Jim decided he wanted to drive his own truck home from Lake City (can you believe the nerve of that guy?). Emma thought that was great, too. I'm pretty sure Jim knows how to spoil two-year olds, as well. Anyway, we did have some issues with that, because for some reason, she insisted on calling him "Jim" as opposed to "Mr. Jim." I don't know what was up with that.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a great trip, but we were all a little bit tuckered yesterday. Hopefully, today we can begin to bounce back.</div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-9178775376989915992009-04-17T08:11:00.002-04:002009-04-17T09:29:16.607-04:00Spring Break Recap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqjtdkXFZIfbVf07YRwWelpX6GpgF4MmlU9WMHb59920fjod4FApOr2xUB0IROi_H9gQU1sug8S-da3I4tBqcGmOrIKBTYxvltwo2No6_dxb6cNARn6Zvu6BqahBnbAU91Y1UZ90xfRio/s1600-h/090417+151.JPG"></a>Kids always think Spring Break is such fun, especially when an extra day is tacked on. Yes, the elusive "100 Year Flood" struck Lowndes County, providing a bonus day to their break. Never mind what that extra day does to a parent's nerves.... Actually, it wasn't too bad. Everyone was well (yay) and well behaved. We never reached the point of running them all out of the house just for a moment of silence.<div><br /></div><div>On Thursday, we loaded up for Orlando and Lads to Leaders. It was a good convention, much better than last year, at least for us. Last year was just utter chaos. We literally pulled up in time for Friday night's big gathering last year. Going down on Thursday made a huge difference. The kids all did their speeches and song leading, and they all did very well. Congrats to Benjamin on his second place speech. As far as good times go, though, the high points of the trip was also the simplest. On Thursday night we loaded up and went to Olive Garden with Ryan, Nikki, and Carla (and all the kids). Olive Garden was horrible, but the 2 1/2 hour ordeal was worth getting to spend some quality time with our good friends. Then, in the mornings, several of us guys met and drank coffee. I can't remember who all participated in that, but I know that at one point or another, Clark, Mark, Jubie, Ryan, Charlie Copeland, and Mike Johnson showed up. Throw in a couple of quick trips to Sea World on Thursday and Saturday afternoons, and all in all, not a bad little trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>That is not to say, however, that it was not without its difficulties. Emma ran a fever all night Thursday, then had quite the upset little tummy. And it stayed upset until this past Wednesday morning. I had a touch of the bug on Friday, Stacy on Saturday and Sunday, Shelby on Sunday night, and now Benjamin. Of all of us though, Benjamin has been by far the most affected. It is no fun to be sick, but especially on your birthday! He did, however, get what he wanted for his birthday.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week has been filled with the usual craziness. We just started getting Emma better, then Benjamin gets it. I've been doing (or at least trying to do) a lot of catch-up work. Last night was week 5 of this quarter at Georgia School of Preaching, and on that subject, let me a quick shout out to Paul Copeland for teaching for me last week. And getting ready to head back to Florida. This ought to be an interesting trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>One more note to add. We now have a refrigerator raider. Four kids, and we finally got a refrigerator raider. I haven't managed to get a picture of her yet, but she just opens that door up and gets whatever she wants. I will keep working to capture that.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqjtdkXFZIfbVf07YRwWelpX6GpgF4MmlU9WMHb59920fjod4FApOr2xUB0IROi_H9gQU1sug8S-da3I4tBqcGmOrIKBTYxvltwo2No6_dxb6cNARn6Zvu6BqahBnbAU91Y1UZ90xfRio/s320/090417+151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325651631505324114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-28781956620651864942009-03-30T09:57:00.003-04:002009-03-30T10:12:44.815-04:00Quick UpdateWOW. Nearly a month since I last blogged. In that time, we did our annual battle with the flu. Shelby ran what can only be described as a "freakishly high fever," then Kaitlyn got it, then I had an extremely mild touch of it, then Benjamin had an even milder touch of it, but somehow, the remainder of came through unscathed. I have no idea how Emma did not get it.<div><br /></div><div>Stacy had her spring break from college. No beaches for her this year. She still had to work, of course, because the colleges and the other schools cannot get together on a schedule. The kids' spring break is next week. Anyway, back to Stacy. She came home from work last Monday (at a decent time, actually), walked in, put on her PJ's, sat on the couch, and read a book. That was her excitement. I can't wait until she gets old and settles down some.</div><div><br /></div><div>Emma can and will say anything now. You can even understand 60-70% of it. She now loves to talk on the phone. I think her favorite people to talk to must be her Uncle Steve and Aunt Renee. She has been going to GCS and hanging out with the 3 y/o's some lately. She loves going to school, mostly because Lori will let her do anything she wants (haha).</div><div><br /></div><div>On a sad note, our next door neighbor, Mr. Dick Carter, passed away Saturday. The kids never really got to know him, as he has been pretty sick since we moved here, but oh, how they know and love Mrs. Becky. There is no telling how many flowers Kaitlyn and Shelby have carried her over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shelby tried to skip school today, but is obviously feeling fine. Emma and I are now off to take her there, whether she likes it or not!</div><div><br /></div><div>Be back soon (maybe).</div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-89025952269920021742009-03-06T13:48:00.003-05:002009-03-06T13:53:33.633-05:00"Dare's Bugs in It"<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp-SR6cAYRqbVrwamkcWQEwWyEl3Qm0HcK1TEXNvy2co8dvJ3ry_HrZohArEoAc6aZox1K7pz0_mTBo9NDVPxw0i7Nktmbebkm0XtL0yvgXd78Xn98m4T36GJUiAroUoq1Z7Cmp7yABJO/s1600-h/0305092000.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp-SR6cAYRqbVrwamkcWQEwWyEl3Qm0HcK1TEXNvy2co8dvJ3ry_HrZohArEoAc6aZox1K7pz0_mTBo9NDVPxw0i7Nktmbebkm0XtL0yvgXd78Xn98m4T36GJUiAroUoq1Z7Cmp7yABJO/s320/0305092000.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310148750710409442" /></a>Last night while eating at a restaurant (which shall remain unnamed to protect the innocent), Emma refused to drink from her cup of Sprite. Her Sprite was in a clear cup, and everyone knows that Sprite is somewhat fizzy. Well, she looked at the bubbles on the side of cup and declared: "Dare's bugs in it!" Yes, a few heads turned. Fortunately, a riot did not ensue.Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-51978904848768761492009-03-02T09:39:00.002-05:002009-03-02T10:07:34.537-05:00Flags and Rumples<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnicgsPS_n_cAR0c9pE85SsBt7wMBNJIIfezJXoocPjfWkwtBCX8laa6IUyl7ECxP_QV7aZyBGjgA8q4W-56YD_eLExX14gQk09MnckHaAIRCRG8sjrMGcODBLjBRqHluLEsSqJockroW/s1600-h/090302+018.JPG"></a>Poor Emma. So deprived. I think this past Saturday night was only the third stormy night of her life. We had a very windy day. The dogwood tree laying atop Mrs. Becky's garage was about the most impressive part of it. We were in the yard when it fell. Well, actually, it just sort of laid down, but it scared the girls. Then after dark, the storms finally began to arrive. The kids sat in the dark (by choice) in the living room watching the lightning flash (Emma: "flag") and listening to the thunder rumble (Emma: "rumple"). It was a pleasant evening.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnicgsPS_n_cAR0c9pE85SsBt7wMBNJIIfezJXoocPjfWkwtBCX8laa6IUyl7ECxP_QV7aZyBGjgA8q4W-56YD_eLExX14gQk09MnckHaAIRCRG8sjrMGcODBLjBRqHluLEsSqJockroW/s320/090302+018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308607029647637506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><br /></div><div>I believe that we are all finally well. After the girls' flu episode, I experienced the condensed version. I had the same signs and symptoms as the girls (minus any fever), but I did it all in four days as opposed to the girls' eight days.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just want to stop for a moment and say that I try and try to appreciate how blessed I am. I have the world's most wonderful wife and the world's most wonderful kids. I love them all so much and am so proud of them. And I also want to add how much we all love this congregation and the wonderful years we have had here. God truly is good.</div></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-6365019839881271242009-02-02T19:47:00.003-05:002009-02-02T19:58:49.527-05:00Ice Storm Pics<div>Thanks to Renee for these pics.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2Feal3xCCv6OsvLMllIroumvnNC3KNZtouobl85qGUPEliy5t9ONj3ftM5Wd33jiRK0UNXVMIPQWXwsFFOdySeHi4bAbO3-JmhXdIeLA2DqjPA7NdAa9sPB3U85fanfrWfNJ7oBHnnMA/s1600-h/100_1402.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2Feal3xCCv6OsvLMllIroumvnNC3KNZtouobl85qGUPEliy5t9ONj3ftM5Wd33jiRK0UNXVMIPQWXwsFFOdySeHi4bAbO3-JmhXdIeLA2DqjPA7NdAa9sPB3U85fanfrWfNJ7oBHnnMA/s320/100_1402.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298367268472810178" /></a>This is the top of the driveway at Mom and Dad's<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-3Az9NWigUdf9UhqMmXelZjH1DgJzo0oSeNTXy7uP4dB6UigiHZBiUQ9IhtQqC9Qm-qUwLjMlhDDa9C16J-g7slttUMrfikxHgRkvuimECoKQzmAFzJlc8HDf3V9v1_lIBQLcSqniY2x/s1600-h/100_1381.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-3Az9NWigUdf9UhqMmXelZjH1DgJzo0oSeNTXy7uP4dB6UigiHZBiUQ9IhtQqC9Qm-qUwLjMlhDDa9C16J-g7slttUMrfikxHgRkvuimECoKQzmAFzJlc8HDf3V9v1_lIBQLcSqniY2x/s320/100_1381.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298367260157210994" /></a>Relaxing at Aunt Barb's. Yeah, they're suffering<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGRtmDeN85eqnPZ177vfJZVlUPf5j9p00Zrsa6HxMhr8Cw2J7DsCxEkBdiNBQ38yruSLRWEvfHdACj8rsEcbhH3zeoKYXk0ci1xJGPm6R4eruxQxScfdcXNklieKIxspED1qLq-iT3xhh/s1600-h/100_1362.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGRtmDeN85eqnPZ177vfJZVlUPf5j9p00Zrsa6HxMhr8Cw2J7DsCxEkBdiNBQ38yruSLRWEvfHdACj8rsEcbhH3zeoKYXk0ci1xJGPm6R4eruxQxScfdcXNklieKIxspED1qLq-iT3xhh/s320/100_1362.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298367254361474114" /></a>There's a house back there somewhere<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEFteww7TwPbqUl6lOgRlGneT-l2S_MDP91enKHIDBnXP5cmcuYuWm43nSP9pMLHKcKTAb31Jy6hOeiNdMftEpBibRPg0Es4YvhpUGL_AGLdYPvqC3FgMuh-mEIw0OgbbI__WxSxh-zm9/s1600-h/100_1359.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEFteww7TwPbqUl6lOgRlGneT-l2S_MDP91enKHIDBnXP5cmcuYuWm43nSP9pMLHKcKTAb31Jy6hOeiNdMftEpBibRPg0Es4YvhpUGL_AGLdYPvqC3FgMuh-mEIw0OgbbI__WxSxh-zm9/s320/100_1359.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298367257418461234" /></a>What is left of the black walnut, mulberry, and box elders trees in the back yard<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBF1jEpbEjUCW9ZfI4KEo1lCe6oserm_lSn4wGuJfVem8TsKigBvLr81UAP5l9vMbzkc21ee1QgR8R5WEJLyFSWBwyeBagsnkhjguz3ViuiMED_QSy9M40sf6EfQ3qZhTvnWMYjzhxr3Q/s1600-h/100_1351.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBF1jEpbEjUCW9ZfI4KEo1lCe6oserm_lSn4wGuJfVem8TsKigBvLr81UAP5l9vMbzkc21ee1QgR8R5WEJLyFSWBwyeBagsnkhjguz3ViuiMED_QSy9M40sf6EfQ3qZhTvnWMYjzhxr3Q/s320/100_1351.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298366871070885634" /></a>A picture of trees<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj6KtJDsxWt7X3ycjh8BDzstlKlh1IM8I1EYGn08LVz9FLAA7hpgJtLxyX5IyUb67CakBACsa2rwWHIhCa3zveFA5eGDuj080LliXgOh5bfBKHlpc1H5yMT4r_cQBLIPgG7OBszuQPOaf/s1600-h/100_1345.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj6KtJDsxWt7X3ycjh8BDzstlKlh1IM8I1EYGn08LVz9FLAA7hpgJtLxyX5IyUb67CakBACsa2rwWHIhCa3zveFA5eGDuj080LliXgOh5bfBKHlpc1H5yMT4r_cQBLIPgG7OBszuQPOaf/s320/100_1345.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298366866488989138" /></a>Looking at the southern edge of the farm from the highwayKeith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-81636451876586936882009-01-31T09:41:00.003-05:002009-01-31T09:46:45.987-05:00Emma Goes to School<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIocf7VUeHRnrnOWWdB_VZayiOwjy_Zh_7x6CfKY4lZUPUUWUlmGTvqBYbx8-3wwYqCf2tnqcGm0DwFujx_RDi7o_h1jBf6bUNQSlZz3wAl8gRqzbO-6VX2axn5425i8j7NzIIYPkTVdG/s1600-h/090129+Emma+and+Lori.jpg"></a>Emma spent the morning at K3 with "Aunt Lori" yesterday. She was one tired girl after that new bit of excitement. When I got there to pick her up she stood up and screamed, "My daddy's here, my daddy's here! I go home now." She ran to me and gave me the biggest hug ever. We went home where she ate Goldfish, chips, and a "butter jelly" sandwich. Then she announced she was ready to take a nap. I don't know what Aunt Lori did to her, but I like it!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIocf7VUeHRnrnOWWdB_VZayiOwjy_Zh_7x6CfKY4lZUPUUWUlmGTvqBYbx8-3wwYqCf2tnqcGm0DwFujx_RDi7o_h1jBf6bUNQSlZz3wAl8gRqzbO-6VX2axn5425i8j7NzIIYPkTVdG/s320/090129+Emma+and+Lori.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297469179717073426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-57354220393664687332009-01-31T09:01:00.003-05:002009-01-31T09:17:46.986-05:00Update on the FolksI talked to Mom yesterday evening and things were much improved. Renee, Steve, Sanford, and Sanford's brother arrived yesterday afternoon and began clearing the road. They were able to get all of the trees out of the road while Dad worked on grading the road. For some reason, the road is rutted very badly. And, thanks to the generator Sanford took them, they are able to run the blower on the wood furnace, so they have heat! Which is a really good thing, because they are forecasting lows in the teens again soon.<div><br /></div><div>Mom said that the damage is very widespread, but it looks like right there at the farm took an especially hard hit. This person says that, and that person says this, but in all honesty, they have no idea when they will get power restored.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stacy's mom and dad are fairing a little bit better. They were able to go to West Plains yesterday and get water. They have purchased small propane heaters for their house and Stacy's grandparents' (at an exorbitant price, I might add), so they have been able to keep the temp in the houses in the upper 50's to lower 60's. They live right on the edge of Thayer, so without doubt they're on a much higher priority list than my folks are.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, Sis remembered to clear her memory card on her camera before she went over and I'll have some pics to post when she gets back to Nashville on Monday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all for your prayers and concerns. We have had numerous offers of help (and they may still need some before this is over), and you cannot imagine how deeply touched we have been by everyone's concern and generosities.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and let me add a little good news out of the midst of the mayhem. Cousin Nichole's baby was born yesterday, so McKenzie has a new playmate! Moriah Kate was born yesterday morning, January 30 (Pappy's birthday). She weighed in at 6 lbs, 9 oz and is 19 inches long. Proud Grandmother Jan reports that she looks a lot like McKenzie did when she was born. Congrats Chad and Nichole! I think I will nickname her the "Ice Princess."</div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-75071449596814194802009-01-30T13:00:00.003-05:002009-01-30T13:09:44.558-05:00Not the Promised PostI'm actually still working on our Christmas post. I know, it's almost February, but what can I say....<div><br /><div>Mom and Dad were OK at last report following the worst ice storm to hit Southern Missouri in 80 years. Renee, Steve, Sanford, and Sanford's brother pulled into Thayer a little bit ago loaded with food, water, and a generator. I just got word that the highway out to the farm is now open again, at least to local traffic. I'm pretty sure they will at least be able to get to Ted and Barb's, but their road was still utterly, completely impassible at last report.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stacy's mom and dad and grandparents are in a little better shape. They managed to get water in West Plains this morning and were trying to get their tractor going (broken hydraulic cylinder). If they can get the tractor running and keep supplied with water, they should be OK.</div><div><br /></div><div>The reports are saying that it will be at least two weeks before power is begun to be restored, possibly a month before mom and dad have service returned. And the phone company can't do much out there until they get the power poles reset.</div><div><br /></div><div>The universal description is "war zone." Tornado-like damage to everything except structures, and now roofs are starting to collapse from the weight of 3-4" of ice on them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please keep them all in your prayers.</div></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-19243961602613237872009-01-24T20:09:00.005-05:002009-02-23T08:34:44.215-05:00Belated Christmas postOK. I have been rebuked by many for not having posted anything since before Christmas, but it's not my fault. Stacy insisted she wanted to do the Christmas/post-Christmas blogging, and, well, here we are.<div><br /><div>So let me begin with that. Christmas morning, Stacy woke up sick. She ran a fever for nearly a week after that. Seems like someone is always going to get sick, and this year I guess it was her turn.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Christmas, to me, was somewhat of a disappointment. It was almost like we just never had to time to fully get into the spirit. The tree went up when it was supposed to, the decorations were all out, the music was on at our house, etc., but all of the sudden, there it was, and there it went.</div><div><br /></div><div>We loaded up on a bitterly cold day and went to Missouri. Had a wonderful time while we were there. Got to go to Aunt Barb's on Christmas Eve--I think the whole family was there except for Uncle Paul (who was sick) and Renee and Steve (who were on their way). Shelby and McKenzie were hilarious. McKenzie kept hiding from her, as in, hide and go seek, and McKenzie is a very good hider. The only problem was, Shelby didn't <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">know</span> that McKenzie was hiding from her. I asked McKenzie what she was doing and she told me she was hiding from "that girl." Well, that was easily fixed. A small word in the ear of Shelby, and it was "Game on!"</div><div><br /></div><div>And I will admit that I was jealous of Jared and Nicole and Josh and Gayla. After the party was over, they got to sit around and talk for hours while we had to rush kids off to bed. The sad thing is, by the time our kids get grown enough to put themselves to bed and let us talk, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">they</span> will probably be having to deal with kids of their own. Get with the program, guys!</div><div><br /></div><div>We had opened gifts with the kids before we went up, but Santa knows the way to Grandma's house, so that all worked out OK. (Some other time I'll have to tell you about Grandma Lolo hogging the Nintendo DS for herself.) Then we had to do the annual lunch shuffle, which everyone despises.</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, not a bad Christmas, just not really sure where it went.</div></div></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-64098812199567022332008-12-23T08:30:00.004-05:002008-12-23T09:41:42.032-05:00"Christmas Always Comes This Time of the Year"It seems like this month has just been out of control. I looked back to seem when I had last posted, it was over 2 weeks ago, and I didn't even comment on that! Shame on me!<br /><br /><div><div>Were you ever traveling down the road as a child watching billboards? "See Rock City" and such like? Well, maybe not Rock City. Let's say an historical marker of some kind. You're watching and waiting and waiting and watching, and then you get there (in my case as a kid, drive on by it, cause we never stopped for anything) and you were like, "That was IT? All that hype for THAT?" So much anticipation, so little realization. Welcome to Christmas '08. </div><div><br /> </div><div>It's not supposed to be here already. There were so many things we wanted to do, so many places we wanted to go. We always go out looking for Christmas lights (or try to). Didn't happen. There were Christmas games to play with the kids. Didn't happen. We wanted to take the kids caroling. Didn't happen. Etc., etc., etc. So we are now in the position of making the most of what we have left. </div><div><br /> </div><div>We made our final trip of '08 to Sea World on Saturday. Crazy traffic going down, but nice at the park. Then Sunday was filled with church, nursing home, Stacy having to run to town for more presents, wrapping and assembling presents, more church, then letting the kids open presents after church, and finally, packing! The trip up yesterday was nice--good weather, light traffic--but man, was it cold. It was 39 when we left Valdosta and 22 when we got to Columbus. We never got above freezing the rest of the day. Somewhere in the day we called Grandma Lolo, and she informed Benjamin that his cousin Brendan just couldn't wait for him to get here. Wow, what a wild man. And wild is the only word to describe being in this house with Grandpa and Grandma, me and Stacy, Benjamin, Kaitlyn, Shelby, Emma, Brianne, and Brendan. Mom, dad, Jared and Nicole came over for a few minutes last night. No surprise, but Benjamin went back with them. </div><div><br /> </div><div>The only pics I have to add right now (not on my computer) won't mean anything to anyone who has never made the trip we made, but they are sights that we are definitely looking for on the way. I'll get more pics up when I manage to get my computer connected. Have a good day, everyone, and watch out for all that ice! Brrrrrrr!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282995123232829794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgy9nBOQOANd98xmKiSEdPW81FJipn-gepAKPpn-MMk4J9Ll0mMzMbzOQrZl7UJIryRJTS8ddTdWyRsvh9gbBaePBuske4R0lJWEPy5IEP2mIYQCf_btAVSqVy4-eSfC5VWhkjgSLzuBc/s200/1222081336.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282994472853990242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiAGWmGnvZ3jMmUTc8SRJHW7KtdqG65wsiQ_eGAx97zDf7BSQwsZ24k4sNK1WnAvwUhK4GjZezqF4I8EWeCg1Y4izAdaNdnj7y18k1XZkJAcpVWEhy3paOvACfJNkm1Vz_5734lY1pc7_/s200/1222081558.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-78700615785165552452008-12-08T11:24:00.004-05:002008-12-08T11:34:55.541-05:00No Explanation Needed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP5-bvtNP1TaHbJ-UbatGuEL6ns0i1Dfjshy3kORkcP7Ht7DeQJI2KHDDPxWTPuXHbCTwhIAtvQvDV6BF6lJ7he8kz-Q-e5Gcu0US1pQtWzWBaxtjtWi8OB3Zo-yM9Nrq7rLzZqMoOQPg/s1600-h/166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDP5-bvtNP1TaHbJ-UbatGuEL6ns0i1Dfjshy3kORkcP7Ht7DeQJI2KHDDPxWTPuXHbCTwhIAtvQvDV6BF6lJ7he8kz-Q-e5Gcu0US1pQtWzWBaxtjtWi8OB3Zo-yM9Nrq7rLzZqMoOQPg/s320/166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277458192142705730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWkr8Dqo7NdYD6MtzT8KkNzSMXnxr-YK-raTAVvU1SMyGy5aK7swq-vvhdXzlfW3_LsGN4NCj2sVpYmnNLai1ouDLK9kNetoeyayxxzwSrWqQeFrxhbcqJiO2_9n_DnR1rHekioNduJ_y/s1600-h/159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWkr8Dqo7NdYD6MtzT8KkNzSMXnxr-YK-raTAVvU1SMyGy5aK7swq-vvhdXzlfW3_LsGN4NCj2sVpYmnNLai1ouDLK9kNetoeyayxxzwSrWqQeFrxhbcqJiO2_9n_DnR1rHekioNduJ_y/s320/159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277458181873593954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QYX9FE80Kol0hx6bdzViXiA4EHF4J8tY43RaFE9dkn1U61DcallgIVZD7JzdMZBsN74FkuOTC7V9YiuZv-b_7_G6CBM2XHKaxaEPK-hgEQw-_PKRrWf0I6mrg9HjJoHe1TQym3ACTLrH/s1600-h/177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QYX9FE80Kol0hx6bdzViXiA4EHF4J8tY43RaFE9dkn1U61DcallgIVZD7JzdMZBsN74FkuOTC7V9YiuZv-b_7_G6CBM2XHKaxaEPK-hgEQw-_PKRrWf0I6mrg9HjJoHe1TQym3ACTLrH/s320/177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277458172564431378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_beNSkPpNyzLm2FcyIeWazfBjDL6-TGbbUy498wgoCthD34C_9Wfi-8L7gyWxPZ4BESuKM2MW6pVlD9Oq_FVP5H23rzLZzbeKtx-GuMfivmMk_WZ_gkdsPFi7sHagUZcgbhojR0bP6Din/s1600-h/149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_beNSkPpNyzLm2FcyIeWazfBjDL6-TGbbUy498wgoCthD34C_9Wfi-8L7gyWxPZ4BESuKM2MW6pVlD9Oq_FVP5H23rzLZzbeKtx-GuMfivmMk_WZ_gkdsPFi7sHagUZcgbhojR0bP6Din/s320/149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277456867270346370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrZG7VAuvau3eH2EzQqfvcJV_8hIbnojGN0i2iJkk_z4_5KXcwn_frQEH4h4Rn3R5Thi4Xvp1UABDF3eJ4IrnTtBdFQLQhZkMZ65OCKpdS4E6Q6zCARSPOKaOMaCGjLuhW1jKPZT426q9/s1600-h/142.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrZG7VAuvau3eH2EzQqfvcJV_8hIbnojGN0i2iJkk_z4_5KXcwn_frQEH4h4Rn3R5Thi4Xvp1UABDF3eJ4IrnTtBdFQLQhZkMZ65OCKpdS4E6Q6zCARSPOKaOMaCGjLuhW1jKPZT426q9/s320/142.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277456541091486338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZV5URkPYlSIwTSbPhNzTODtEU70k37sKc3tWq1nIMMv973DbdhabcPi9Y9EXJnTGh89ehFI4CaOgQU8exWdNm8xSWbS8nHN6jpzqmDFQUApzJ7I4YBN-ndOjypeCrYOXQc9xvRN3nBi7/s1600-h/138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZV5URkPYlSIwTSbPhNzTODtEU70k37sKc3tWq1nIMMv973DbdhabcPi9Y9EXJnTGh89ehFI4CaOgQU8exWdNm8xSWbS8nHN6jpzqmDFQUApzJ7I4YBN-ndOjypeCrYOXQc9xvRN3nBi7/s320/138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277456259391761234" /></a>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-3860872231725798242008-12-01T10:54:00.001-05:002008-12-01T10:54:31.492-05:00What a Wonderful Thanksgiving<span xmlns=''><p>No, our holiday didn't include anything major this year. No trips, no (major) illnesses, nothing special. And it was wonderful. I cannot remember a holiday that we have enjoyed more. We did get a lot accomplished, even though we didn't do much. We managed to get all of our trees up without any of them falling over (yes, Patience, I'm rubbing that in). And while we did end up in the doctor's office with Kaitlyn on Tuesday and on the phone with them about Emma on Wednesday, no one was really incapacitated. Regarding our recent holidays, I'd call it a success.</p></span>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-26180832456809953432008-11-22T16:51:00.001-05:002008-11-22T16:53:22.429-05:00A Little “Us” Update<span xmlns=''><p>Nothing unusual happening around here, which is why there hasn't been an update lately. Kaitlyn now has the cold/cough, but she is fortunate to now have a week to recuperate. She made it through her field trip yesterday, although I ended up picking her up from school at about 2:00 because she couldn't stop coughing. Shelby went with Stacy shopping this morning, and I think she about shopped her mommy into the ground. Go, Shelby! Shelby has also come out with more "Shelbyisms," but we may still be a couple of years away from being able to publish some of them. Benjamin is hoping to get to go hunting this week. He has been enjoying his FFA stuff at LMS. He did very well in the competition a couple a weeks ago. He had the sixth best individual score out of 50 represented middle and high schools.<br /></p><p>Then, there is Emma. We may have to coin the term "Emmaisms" before it is over. She just keeps coming out with stuff, and we're all like, "Where did she come up with this?" But this morning was priceless. She was in her high chair eating breakfast and we hear her say, "MOM, TELL BENJAMIN LEAVE ME 'LONE!" I think we know where she got that.<br /></p><p>We are right here for this holiday. We're doing a Christmas tree blitz this week, probably going to string some lights on the clubhouse, and just planning to enjoy a slower pace. Be thankful, everybody!</p></span>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-37871056866396972972008-11-14T07:11:00.007-05:002008-11-14T07:23:20.295-05:00Head for the basement, Honey!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr3p47_PjF_mBVOrOsItvQmCjC1nKhGb6PQZ5sEA1autFi-i6khwq3gt8xG2tk9xxnHN9Y1eKZfSz0VRi1GB4mk4uOtFGqM9dA4Rikq5UF4WOrL14pv9kbjHkCOk1DcDOf81l-jtYruTo/s1600-h/IMG_0776.JPG"></a><div>"Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning." I just had to attempt these pics early this morning. The sky was the most peculiar color of orange. When Stacy woke up and asked what the temperature was, I simply told her warm. She asked how warm, and I said it was make-sure-there's-nothing-on-the-basement-steps warm. Anyway, that's what we would have done if we still lived in Tornado Land.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02MpnrJzs2Yte7ZVkC0rbLpX389OB9kSPwkrxFYZHmbALZfKxny4v7z-jcDswvUUiP-GjB9_nnpwoHGpjvw4TePTTsk_4GxmXquiuiarFvUU1TGxwkUnOqjORZJBv7fO6G-lbL4UdrWxW/s1600-h/IMG_0780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02MpnrJzs2Yte7ZVkC0rbLpX389OB9kSPwkrxFYZHmbALZfKxny4v7z-jcDswvUUiP-GjB9_nnpwoHGpjvw4TePTTsk_4GxmXquiuiarFvUU1TGxwkUnOqjORZJBv7fO6G-lbL4UdrWxW/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268486706776853106" /></a>This is the orange glow coming through the girls' bedroom window. No, those aren't orange ribbons.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmetKt1w-Oe_RGQRnxuZRAovqehr0caTivT74_muFsicKr1TB9OWgV6nA-3upvcYuYmBwHj8d1V6fF5htL8BWyH6xmAYCbyCj5rusCZnf_F_TjSSwWsnOl3T72rel8uXsmus9Zev7_JPK/s1600-h/IMG_0779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmetKt1w-Oe_RGQRnxuZRAovqehr0caTivT74_muFsicKr1TB9OWgV6nA-3upvcYuYmBwHj8d1V6fF5htL8BWyH6xmAYCbyCj5rusCZnf_F_TjSSwWsnOl3T72rel8uXsmus9Zev7_JPK/s320/IMG_0779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268486706345791202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqG1tgHDEoj0pTwCr8sk53Rvyu3Q363uzo3ndTRSdCGGP7tIgNAbpM8ArikxtQQZ6S3k63cHAO6qRZdv2zupKVjgB6CS7j2QkiY1f9SfkiS6Yf7psqjMGdpsdMgTmyHB4aLDP0bM3tDot/s1600-h/IMG_0778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqG1tgHDEoj0pTwCr8sk53Rvyu3Q363uzo3ndTRSdCGGP7tIgNAbpM8ArikxtQQZ6S3k63cHAO6qRZdv2zupKVjgB6CS7j2QkiY1f9SfkiS6Yf7psqjMGdpsdMgTmyHB4aLDP0bM3tDot/s320/IMG_0778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268486701268259474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv4xsH3N2kSSVlCw03tLPEj0ZD_c1msuPg70S-gXO4DDUcuAEAWzzc4uJGVQ6hL-C88Q_xSU3pi7oqxJHbbrFGWPASW56AReZ1QdCl-Mj7EiS8C0j8KbgnaIqv6SxmP2WqkelBUmprWF4/s1600-h/IMG_0777.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRv4xsH3N2kSSVlCw03tLPEj0ZD_c1msuPg70S-gXO4DDUcuAEAWzzc4uJGVQ6hL-C88Q_xSU3pi7oqxJHbbrFGWPASW56AReZ1QdCl-Mj7EiS8C0j8KbgnaIqv6SxmP2WqkelBUmprWF4/s320/IMG_0777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268486692646543570" /></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr3p47_PjF_mBVOrOsItvQmCjC1nKhGb6PQZ5sEA1autFi-i6khwq3gt8xG2tk9xxnHN9Y1eKZfSz0VRi1GB4mk4uOtFGqM9dA4Rikq5UF4WOrL14pv9kbjHkCOk1DcDOf81l-jtYruTo/s320/IMG_0776.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268487377510905778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like....</div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-85197119022317572122008-11-10T07:25:00.002-05:002008-11-10T07:46:59.160-05:00After-chuch ShinanigansSo Stacy keeps asking me why every pic on the blog is of Emma. Yeah, kind of noticed that myself, and I'll try to do better. But here's one more + Lindsey of them hiding under a pew. Reagan had been under there, too, but he ran away before I could get the phone out and up.<div>Also, Happy Birthday to Kayden today!!!!!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7DLWe9WtX6sZbBn578DB7UlSUmSDG4yf7JxOx8Sv5PknwqqFGFjuTlwJmGYKtZEX6kuVR1dCwtUh903sGZ4hlNl5huqj5ST-PimbJEcCCHpkzF-Rr1bDaNr6zVO6Ytg4Cuy_er6G7vI-/s320/1109081912.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267009304639137890" /></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-28976606626808526222008-11-07T10:00:00.001-05:002008-11-07T10:00:51.360-05:00Another Blog<span xmlns=''><p>Great. All we need is another blog. But there are some things I just didn't really want to post on the family blogsite and clutter it up. Maybe this will help keep all the junk separated from the junk. Anyway, you can go to Keith's Soapbox at <a href='http://www.keithssoapbox.blogspot.com'>www.keithssoapbox.blogspot.com</a> if you want to listen to me rant and rave about stuff.</p></span>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-55301694840352533322008-11-02T21:07:00.003-05:002008-11-02T21:10:35.497-05:00Super Sunday NightI didn't take any pics tonight, but we had an absolutely wonderful outdoor service this evening. The weather was perfect, the crowd was large, and the food was hot. Thanks to Keith S. for all the planning, to Ryan and Mark for all the cooking, to Burt and John for running to the store for more burgers (we had more folks than we had anticipated), to all the ladies for the extras, and to all the kiddies for being excited and exuberant! What a wonderful evening!Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-3705799361145183722008-11-02T20:57:00.001-05:002008-11-02T20:57:11.967-05:00On the Road to Valdosta—Chapter 6—The Journey II<span xmlns=''><p>I had forgotten to mention earlier, but sort of at the last minute, my dad decided to go with us. First, he thought we might could use an extra driver, and second, he has never been known to miss a road trip unnecessarily. He was going to drive his truck and leave it at Memphis, then fly back from Jacksonville to Memphis. Now the stage is truly set for this chapter.<br /></p><p>So early on Wednesday, October 24, 2001, Stacy, Kaitlyn and Shelby take off in the van for Jonesboro. (I said Thursday in the last chapter, but I missed a day somewhere.) Dad and I are going to follow a little bit later. Remember the mums? Well, we had mums everywhere. There were mums in the cab of my truck which was on the trailer being pulled behind the U-Haul, and there were mums in the cab of the U-Haul. We had loaded them up the night before so they would be ready to go bright and early. It had gotten a little cool on Wednesday night, but Thursday dawned bright and clear. About 10:00 that morning, we took off. I was in the lead with the U-Haul, and Dad and Benjamin were following in his truck. A fortunate sequence of events then unfolded.<br /></p><p>That truck was loaded, and there were several significant hills between Thayer and the Black River. I made the decision to take the back roads. Yes, they are hillier and curvier, but the traffic is a lot lighter, and I really didn't want to compete with the 18-wheelers on US 63 loaded as we were. Besides, it's a bright, beautiful morning and we're not in any hurry. Well, we made it through Myrtle, MO and turned south into Arkansas. (I challenge you to find Myrtle on your maps.) Just past Elm Store, AR (OK, so you found Myrtle, but I'll bet you can't find Elm Store), coming down the big hill towards Woody's* I began feeling a funny vibration. And it wasn't in the truck, it was in my left pant leg.<br /></p><p>That's right. My pant leg.<br /></p><p>Remember those mums?<br /></p><p>Yup, a bee had found its way up my pant leg. I slammed on the brakes and stopped that big ole U-Haul right where it was with Dad screeching to a halt right behind me. I set the brakes (still on the big hill right before Woody's, you know; it's a really long hill), opened the door, jumped out, and proceeded to de-pants myself right there in the middle of the road. Dad, thinking I'm on fire or something, is now running up to me screaming, "What's wrong!? What's wrong!?" Me? I'm ignoring him and looking for that bee. The little bugger finally made it out the top of the pants (which are now down around my ankles) and just flew away. I calmly pulled my pants up, looked around at dad and said, "Bee." Then I climbed back in the truck, drove off, and left him standing there in the middle of the road laughing. Fortunately, there were no cars or houses anywhere around, but just in case anyone had witnessed it, I wasn't planning to stick around to discuss it. If we had taken US 63 instead of the back roads, there's no telling what would have happened.<br /></p><p>After we left the mums at Israel and Christa's in Jonesboro, we sort of split up. Stacy and Dad took off for Memphis to drop off his truck. I didn't want to get off the main road, so I went on without them. Of course, by the time I got to Oxford, they had almost caught me and it was almost dark. Uncle Charlie and Aunt Judy live a couple of miles to the east of Oxford, and we were all wiped out by the time we got there. Uncle Charlie and Aunt Judy have lived in Oxford for as long as I can remember, and likewise, we have been visiting them and going to church with them there as long as I can remember, the point of which is that there were a lot more people at church that night who knew who I was than I knew who were. But, now there were 400 miles down, 400 to go.<br /></p><p>On Thursday morning, Uncle Charlie felt the need to entertain. He kept his horses busy giving rides to the kids for quite a while. I'm not even sure what time it was that we finally pulled out, but it was fairly late. And then, of course, we hit Birmingham at rush hour. We had drawn a line on the map from Southern MO to South GA and were accordingly headed down the straightest/shortest route possible. I think we ended up topping the hill there by Chelsea, AL doing all of 25 M.P.H. Not fun. Then, I remember getting to Alexander City, AL at about dark and eating at Captain D's, then hitting the road again. Opelika was as far as we could go. We got a couple of rooms at a motel there, a Ramada Inn if I recall correctly, and slept like logs. 750 miles down, 150 to go.<br /></p><p>As I had mentioned earlier, this was before cell phones were so common. It was also after CB radios were popular (thankfully). That left us using a pair of walkie-talkies to communicate while traveling. And they worked most of the time. Benjamin sure did love those walkie-talkies. We still have them around somewhere. They're probably in his room.<br /></p><p>Meanwhile, there were other communications going on. Every moment that Stacy and I managed alone (both of them, I think), we would find ourselves asking each other, "WHAT ON EARTH ARE WE DOING?" Were we out of our minds? What were we thinking, going that far off into a town we had only visited once officially (remember, we snuck into town that week later), and moving into the midst of people we did not know at all? It was different when we moved to Berryville. Not only were we only about 3 hours from familiar friends and family, we were completely familiar and comfortable with Ozarkians. I'll tell you, I now have a lot greater appreciation for Abraham.<br /></p><p>But we pressed on. On Friday morning, I was ready to leave at sunrise, but I was alone. Everyone else wanted to dilly-dally around. We ended up going to Waffle House and eating a big breakfast, then we had to find gas, etc., etc., etc. I think it was lunchtime before we got to Albany. It was just one of those days where we weren't going anywhere in a hurry. I mean, seriously, Opelika to Valdosta? A hop, skip, and a jump, but we took all day. Of course, there were diversionary stops along the way. The truck stop in Richland, GA: do NOT go there. Nastiest place I think I've ever been in. Then, something dad had eaten for lunch didn't really agree with him, and we ended up looking for a bathroom in Doerun. Have you ever looked for a bathroom in Doerun? No, didn't think so. You already knew there was no point.<br /></p><p>What, you might ask, were we doing in Doerun? Well, we had made it that far without getting on an interstate, and I was not ready to begin at that point. However, when we finally rolled into Lowndes County late that afternoon, we did get onto I-75 and go south to exit 11, then up Madison Hwy. to the church building. Why, you will surely ask, did we go that way? Elementary, my dear Watson. I knew I could find the church building that way, and it was no time to be experimenting.<br /></p><p>When we pulled up, I was ready to begin unloading. I think, you know, there was always that thought in the back of my mind that as long as the stuff was still on the truck, we could turn around and go west** again. But, no, that's not the way things work. We were taken home with Pansy and Wendell Spearman. And we were quite tired. I never even heard the train.<br /></p><p>On Saturday morning, my wish was granted: we got to unload. I'm really sorry, but I don't remember who all was here helping. I know there were a lot of ladies cleaning, and I do remember Tom and Randy doing a lot of heavy lifting. Then, about mid-morning, Dad took off with Bill Newcomb for Jacksonville to catch his flight. I remember not even really getting to say goodbye to him, everything was so hectic. Then it was like, "He's gone and we're stuck here now."<br /></p><p>There is much more I could write. I could tell of the kitten fiasco, the U-Haul re-turn u-turn, or any of many other unexpected problems which crept up along the way, but it is time to wrap this up. On Saturday, October 27, 2001, we slept in our own beds in the house here and haven't looked back. That was the beginning.<br /></p><p>Thanks for seven wonderful years.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><em>*<strong>Woody's Canoe Rental</strong> is a local landmark establishment in Dalton, AR and probably worthy of its own chapter. Little piece of advice: DON'T RIDE WITH WOODY!!!! Having said that, Woody's looked closed when we last drove past it back in June. Sad. The world is probably safer, but sad.<br /></em></p><p><em>**It became my opinion while in school at Memphis that there are a whole lot more differences between the folks from the east and west of the Mississippi River than there are differences between the folks from the North and South. All of this talk about the Yankees and everything…go spend a few days in Colorado or Oklahoma and try to compare those folks to somebody from Indiana or Ohio or even New York (outside of NYC). You will find you have more in common with these "Yankees" than you do the Westerners. But please don't misunderstand me. I firmly believe that there may someday soon again be a need for all those discarded "The South Will Rise Again" bumper stickers. That, however, will have to be saved for another blog entry.</em></p></span>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123785864474449282.post-28274081290563977492008-11-02T15:02:00.003-05:002008-11-02T21:03:58.523-05:00Only on Halloween....Thankfully!!!!Here are some pics from Friday night. If you have to ask about some of these...well, please don't.<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><embed src="http://widget-c3.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2449958197305555395&site=widget-c3.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2449958197305555395&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c3.slide.com/p1/2449958197305555395/bb_t040_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2449958197305555395&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c3.slide.com/p2/2449958197305555395/bb_t040_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&amp;at=un&amp;id=2449958197305555395&amp;map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c3.slide.com/m/2449958197305555395/bb_t040_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide9_1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2449958197305555395&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c3.slide.com/p4/2449958197305555395/bb_t040_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>Keith Olbrichthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04996040569091153538noreply@blogger.com0