"My Crazy Kids"

Challenges in Life: Raising Children By Allan Olson Life is full of challenges. That is one of the many things we are guaranteed – we will all face challenges. In my house, the challenge is finding a dull moment. No easy feat while raising four young children. Life was simpler when it was just my wife and I. Not nearly as entertaining, but simpler. A few years of just “us,” and then we were joined by my oldest (and soon-to-be-eight) Nikolai. We clung on every gurgle, coo, and smile. Then he started talking and becoming more like a little kid. Now he is a young boy turning into a little man. Of course, this isn’t without its pitfalls, either, as we argue about doing chores or homework – things most children avoid. I know I certainly did! It’s amazing how time flies so fast. He went from a baby to a second grader in a small space of time. Now, I just shake my head at his fascination with all things non-fiction. He fills his head with factoids that at one point I ha...

  Home Invasion By Allan Olson  My home has a problem. It’s been invaded.  I’m not sure where the invaders came from, but I think I can narrow down the time frame to nearly eight years ago, with the birth of my first son, Nikolai.  The invaders come in all sizes, colors and shapes, and some make all kinds of different noises.        These invaders don’t have the capability of moving on their own, but they always seem to be in the way.     The invaders I’m talking about are the toys belonging to my four children.    I know that my kids have toys, and a lot of them. I never really knew how many until I started going through them. I’m not sure how they got so many toys. I’m sure we bought them a few for birthdays, Christmas, etc.     In the last week, my wife and I have sorted through all of our kids’ toys. That was a job. Of course, we were smart enough to do this without any assistance from the four always hel...

A Fishing Adventure By Allan Olson We knew from the onset it was going to be a challenge. We also knew it had the potential to be fun and exasperating at the same time. We were proved right in all areas. Last weekend was a first for us. We prepared to take all four children to our family’s ice house on Lake of the Woods near Morris Point Resort. It was a trip nearly a month in the planning – a getaway and an adventure. The ice house, while not large, is comfortable with four or five adults in the shelter. It was no match for four kids and three adults. Preparation Four kids in hats, gloves, snowpants, boots and extra layers in between. That alone was a task; at the same time we were trying to get ourselves ready, while not forgetting anything. Arrival When we drove out onto the ice, my oldest daughter Abigail said, "I guess the waves won't be a problem today." That was the first of many times I broke out laughing. She, of course, was serious, as at least twice last summer...

Reflections of 2010-Published 1.5.11 Cass Lake Times.    By Allan Olson       By anyone’s account, 2010 did not start out well for our family. A few days into the new year, we learned that my father in-law passed away, which shocked the entire family. It was a difficult time to cope with all the things that go with a loss of a loved one. We continue to remember the many things we did with him, and the family feels the impact he made on each individual.        As with all things, time helps heal the wounds, and we progressed through the year only to be rocked with another death – my grandma – at the end of June. That, too, was difficult to get through but, we coped, and continue to remember her legacy of love for her family.      Thankfully, the year wasn’t entirely filled with sadness. We had many things to be thankful for.  As I’ve written about for the last several months, I am the father of four active ...