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!!