Christmas Time!!

Wow!! What a wonderful Christmas we had. We spent the holidays with Damon's Family this year, but we were able to visit with some of my family as they were down for Christmas.(thats kind of how it goes when all of the family lives in a 3 mile radious). My kids loved it this year and were so happy with what Santa brought. Casia got an Ipod and Carter got what he calls a DS but is really a leapster learning system and Cavry got a Baby doll. We had so many things to attend such as programs and family parties and dinners this year. We really felt the Christmas spirit, and how grateful I am for that.

Casia and Rylee at their Christmas Clogging performance at the Care Center in Panguitch Santa Made It!!! We decided that Santa must have been really hungry. The cookies were for him and the carrots were for the reindeer. Cavry and her Baby Doll. She loves it. My wonderful Husband got me this for Christmas and some perfume. This Clock reminds me of my Grandma Oleson and both of my sisters have the exact same clock. It chimes so pretty and everytime it does I think of my Grandma. When our house is finished it will fit nicely on my mantel. Beautiful!! The kids enjoyed building a fun ginger bread house. It was very tasty as we all dug in. We had so much fun and just loved being together.

The Polar Express. All Aboard!!!

Our Trip to the North Pole

We took a trip to the North Pole. We drove to Heber City and loaded up on the Polar Express and went to see Santa Clause. We had so much fun!! While on board we sang Christmas songs, had hot chocolate and Mrs. Clauses chocolate chip cookies. My kids were so excited to see where Santa lived. It was so cold outside but on the train it was just right. A big storm was to hit the Salt Lake Valley and we were not even sure we would make it. We made it to Nephi and got caught in the storm and from Nephi to Heber it took us about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to get their. We made it just in time. Nick and Hayley also went and all of the kids loved it.

While on Board we got to follow along with the book

The Polar Express The kids Looking out the window as we past Santa Clause waving to us and got to see the North Pole and Where Santa lives. Santa Clause outside waving to all of us And He made it on board and rode the train back to the station with us. He gave each of the kids a bell and they learned the story of the jingle bell. if you shake it next to your ear and you hear it that means you believe in Santa. If you shake the bell and hear nothing then that means you don't believe. After shaking the bell often and hearing it every time my kids are true believers. Then Mrs Clause came on and shared her recipe for her chocolate chip cookies. Their was 1 special ingredient, we had to tickle Santa's elves and capture their laughs and throw them into the recipe when we made the cookies. Casia got to go up and tickle the elves and I caught the laughs and put them into my pocket. I will get them out when we make her cookies. We all had an enjoyable time bad weather and all. The kids got to ride the Polar Express and they got to go to the North Pole it doesn't get any better then that.

A Winter Wonder Land!!

We woke up early this morning to a winter wonder land. We received 15 inches of snow last night and it is still snowing. I love it when it snows but I hate the bitter cold that comes with it. We live a block away from the School so I had Casia all bundled up to walk but when she saw how deep it was she was frightened. Dad was outside shoveling sidewalks and said I don't think your car will go in this, I agreed and I had 2 other children warm in bed. So he offered to walk her to school until our neighbor pulled up in her 4 wheel drive truck with her kids and asked Casia if she wanted a ride. Oh, Yes that would be great!! She made it to school alright, thank goodness and as for the rest of us it seems like we are not going any where until Damon comes home in our 4 wheel drive truck that he drove to work this morning for safety. Looks like were going to have a white Christmas. Yea!!

Here Comes Santa Clause!!

My kids finally got to visit Santa. This was much awaited for. They each got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas and were so excited to tell him. Casia made Santa Clause a very neat picture that she drew at school. He was very happy that she drew it for him and she was glad that she got to give it straight to him. I wish I would have gotten a picture of it. (I actually wanted to tell Santa that I was going to need it back, but decided he could keep it. It will just have to be a memory for me). It was all very fun and my kids loved him. Cavry didn't even cry.

Mr. and Mrs. Clause, Casia, Carter, and Cavry

Oh My, did you ever think that we could fit one more thing in our little living space. For those of you who don't know we are living at my dad's house until we can get our house built. We have a small space to fit five people in but are so greatfull for a place to stay. We sold our house and moved in with dad so we could get going on a new house. I really wanted to put up a tree down stairs for us to enjoy and I will still decorate one for dad. My kids helped and loved it very much.

While in Montana My sister inlaw gave me a really fun Idea for my kids to enjoy minding better. Not that they didn't mind we are just working on the little wine that goes with it like, oh mom or can I do it later type of stuff and I'm sure all of you know what I am talking about. Well here is how it works for everything you ask them to do they get a ticket but it has to be with out complaint. If they do this they can collect 15 tickets and then they get a prize out of the Treasure Box!! Last night they helped me put the tree up and they each had one more ticket to go and I asked them to hand me things and they did and were rewarded one ticket and then drew out of the treasure box. It was so fun. My treasure box was not expensive I went to the dollar store and got some really fun little toys and some candy. I showed them everything that was in it so they could dream about what they want. Carter of course picked out a gun set and Casia picked out a High School Musical cloth that was signed my the leading cast members. The cloth was packed really small and it said to put it in warm water and watch it grow so she did that and watched it grow and when she pulled it out she was a little confused but very excited about what it was. She grabbed it out and said, "my very own rag." I don't think that I have ever witnessed someone so excited over a Rag, but this is working and they are having a ball!!

We had a wonderful thanksgiving this year as we enjoyed LOTS of family in Montana. We gathered at my brothers house and all nine siblings and dad were together. We are lucky that we can all still get together like that and enjoy each other and of course all the inlaws and nieces and nephews. It was great!!

Steven and Clint hard at work finding enough seating for everyone

Carter and Javyn were ready to eat the day before. Just waiting!!

Sam organized some really fun games for the kids while waiting to eat so the women could get some of the last minute things put together before the big feast. It was a hit and everyone got a prize. He had the kids play Duck Duck Goose and Red Rover Red Rover he became one of those favorite uncles instantly:) The kids in the picture above were making name cards for seating. It was a very fun craft project for them.

Kate and Cavry became good friends and we can't wait for them to start running around next year for the holidays. Too Cute!!

Amy hard at work. Everything was just wonderful and it was truly a Pollock/Oleson Thanksgiving as I remember it growing up. I was in charge of the relish tray this year (yes I lucked out) and it was delicious I must say, but a thought came to my mind as everyone came by and sampled as I was still preparing it. I can remember aunt Francie and Mom shewing us away as little children to stay out of the relish tray we couldn't figure out why, now I know!!

Just some fun pictures as we were enjoying our day!!

Thanksgiving was Wonderful we just needed Mom in our presence. When we get together I always reflect on her and I think she is pleased with her postarity. We are 1 BIG happy family!!

Want some Kool-aid?

Carter decided that he really wanted some Kool-aid. I don't make it a lot but we have some and so I told him that I didn't want him to have any and that he could have some juice instead. He really did not want juice, so I told him no Kool-aid. He said, can I make it and I told him if you want to. So I let him and he decided to add a few things one of which was Taco seasoning. Yum!!

I looked at his finished product that he worked on for about fifteen minutes and asked him if he wanted a drink. The Kool-aid was clear and it turned out red with some very interesting things in it. He said no I don't think I want a drink. I asked him if he was sure and then asked if it was alright that I dumped it down the drain. I think he knew that it wasn't going to taste very good and decided that getting rid of it would be okay with him, even without a taste test:) Little boys with such a great imaginations!!

In the olden days!

This is Damon in 1976!! This picture reminds me of a picture of his Dad

We year booked ourselves and this is me in 1966. It is a really fun site and doing it brought Damon and I a lot of laugh's.

Halloween Fun!!

My cute Tricker Treaters. Featuring Hannah Montanna, Batman, and A Darling Princess.

Nick and I had the kids get together this year and carve pumpkins the night before Halloween. It was so much fun and brought back great memories of when Nick and I would carve pumpkins at home together, although Nick did most of the carving. The kids were so excited to start until they looked inside of the pumpkin and didn't dare touch the insides. Casia and Rylee were brave enough to at least touch it followed by screams and a trip to the sink to wash it off as fast as they could. The kids had so much fun!! Nick hard at work!

The end result we have a bat, cat faces, and scary skulls! And Cavry's is the Little smiley face.

Casia's Piano Recital

Her Tacher Deanne in the back ground. She is Wonderful

Casia had her Piano recital tonight and she did great. She has been practicing her music for the Halloween Monster Concert since spring and she did wonderful. She loves playing the Piano and I love that she loves it. Good Job Casia!! She got to dress up for this and she dressed up as Hannah Montanna without the wig that she wil be wearing for Halloween. We were just afraid it would get in her way as she played.

The long 5 day buck hunt for me is a complete success!!

I'm so sorry that this has got to be one of the worst sites to see from these poor helpless animals, but we are going to have some great deer steaks and jerky this winter. Damon and his father and his 2 brothers were all successful as they enjoyed their deer hunt very much. Damon had just one day left before he had to go back to work, actually one afternoon before I headed to work that evening so time was running out. He had his mom watch the kids as I left and he went back out that evening. It was almost dark and he spotted some bucks on the hill and he shot his. He had to get to his buck before he could not see any more and so he loaded up the buck on his 4 wheeler and headed to the truck. And well it was a successful hunt. No injury's or horror stories, thats all we could ask for. Damons buck is the second one from the right. Yeah for him!

Happy Anniversary!!

Happy anniversary to us!! October 19, Wow how time flies. I actually had a long weekend with the kids, hoping I would get to spend time off with Damon. All he could look forward to was the opening day of the deer hunt. Go Figure, no wonder why he fits in with my family so well:) At least it's only a 5 day hunt so I won't have to be a single mother for to long. He enjoys hunting so that's perfect with me, I hope he gets a big one! Also I wanted to shout out to my niece Paige Today is her birthday. Happy Birthday Paige we sure love you a lot!!

Turning 26!

Well I am blogging a day later from my Birthday. I am 26 now and don't really feel any different just when you put into perspective that I am 26, 3 kids well that makes you quite accomplished. Anyways It was a pretty eventful day as I ventured to St. George and took Carter and Cavry with me and then my mother-in-law came with me, which was great. I needed her help and was so greatful for it. Casia and her grandma made me this wonderful cake!! Yum Yum, it's angel food. Thanks for a great birthday Everyone!

While in St George I got Cavry's 6 month pictures taken. She is usually full of smiles, but she must have known that it was picture day and decided to strike against it. Oh well I think they turned out really cute anyway.

I've been Tagged!!

I've been Tagged! By two different tags so I will combine them and this is what you get. 4 things I love about my life:

1. I am a mother
2. I have such a wonderful family/extended family
3. I have three healthy kids
4. I love being needed, by my kids and my husband. It makes me feel important.

4 things I love about my husband:

1. His willingness to work sooo hard, and is such a great provider.
2. He can fix anything, he has become my personal can opener, and height reacher. (sp:))
3. I love that he makes me sleep on the side of the bed closest to the door, so when the boogie man comes he can get me first. That is the part I love when I talk about being needed, because we all know that I can take the boogie man. (biggest chicken ever, but you wouldn't think so).
4. I love that I know I am loved by him, and that he loves are children, and that they know they are loved by him. SO Important.

4 T.V. shows that I watch more than once:

1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Discovery Health, anything on that channel
3. Dancing with the Stars
4. Private Practice

4 movies that I would watch more than once:

1. The Notebook (favorite)
2. Cinderella
3. August Rush
4. The Guardian

4 books that I would read more than once:

1. The Scriptures
2. I really don't read that much, I attempted the Twilight series but could never find time to open it.

4 of my favorite foods:

1. Tacos
2. Chili
3. Chicken Salad and Croissants
4. Anything that I can bake as a casserole, or put in my crock pot.

4 jobs that I have had:

1. YCC
2. Dental Assistant
3. Server/Restaurant
4. Full time mother

4 things that I was doing ten years ago:

1. Getting ready to turn 16
2. Just moved to Tropic
3. I was a Sophmore in High School
4. I got my Drivers license, and I still have a clean record. Way to go Meg!!

4 things I hope to be doing in ten years:

1. Raising a wonderful Family
2. Being a stay home mom
3. Will have been in our home for some years now
4. Trying to make it through teenagers

4 places I have been:

1. Disney Land
2. Disney World
3. Sea World and San Diego Zoo
4. Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, N and S Dakota, and Idaho.

4 places I would love to visit:

1. Nauvoo
2. Hawaii
3. Bahamas
4. New York/Washington D.C.

4 things I am looking forward to in the next year:

1. Thanksgiving with my family in Montana
2. Christmas ( I'm with ya Hayley)
3. Nascar trip to Vegas in March ( ok not really my thing but Damon sure loves it, and we can do it together. So mostly just being able to spend time with him)
4. Watching my kids grow 1 more year older and watching them grow

New Milestones!!

Cavry's Milestone this week is that the middle roll on the upper part of the arm is starting to droop. Yea!!! She is very healthy! No not just that, she is starting to sit up and rolls front over back from one end of the room to the other. I think that babies are smarter these days, and they have to be. She is now 5 1/2 months old. She didn't stay little for to long.

We have reached a milestone this week of having our kids learn how to ride their bikes without training wheels. Yea for them! Casia rides her bike to school every day and Carter rides all day. Carter has had his bike since August so we think that he's done great, Casia on the other hand has had her bike for two years. Girls just are not as brave, but once she figured it out she got it.

Getting ready For winter

Damon and I went to Cedar City on Saturday and loaded 3 ton of pellets on a trailer so that we will be ready for winter. We also got them for dad as well so that he won't have to make special trips to Cedar City in the winter to only fill up his trunk with 5 bags at a time to get through just 1 week of warmth. His basement is full of pellets to the ceiling, but it sure smells nice from the wood. The picture does not do justice of how many pellet bags we have they go beyond the door into the next room, take a right into stevens entrance of his room and oh yes behind the picture to the right at the base of the stairs leaving a walk space through it all. You have got to love winter, but at least we will all be warm and don't have to travel in the snow to go get some pellets.

All the canning that happened because of our backyard. I am so thankful for all of this as we prepare for the winter. I still have to do pears, their not ready yet but soon! These shelves contain, salsa, tomato juice, peaches, cherries, and dear meet. I feel like I am doing okay with my skills of learning how to can food. It is just so easy to have on hand, and it also tastes better.

This Years Harvest

The orchard in the back yard

The Apples that fell form the Apple Tree

The Pear Tree

The Apricot Tree

The plum Tree