The Day After Christmas

Since, I have not been so good about blogging, I figured I would just post twice tonight to make sure I got my blogging in. So, Sunday morning, came and Lindsey had called the night before stating that Dad and Kel were going up to Papa Lynn's (my grandpa) house and wanted us to join if possible. Bri cleaned as I made soup for another family gathering in the afternoon. When it looked like we were going to make it, we told them to count on us. We arrived in Pleasant View about 11, where we were able to sit, talk, and see my grandfather. It was a fun time, my dad and Kel surprised us girls with a few of my grandmother's belongings. We each got some dish clothes and hot pads she had knitted. Lindsey got a sunglasses case she had made, Jocelyn got a necklace that has a bell, and I got a basket and a pair of her knitting needles. It was a very special gift to me, now I just need to learn to knit. We had a fun pizza lunch (cheese less for Coly) and then took a 4 generations photo. Since it had begun to snow, we had to take off to get to our next party in time.
At 3, we arrived at GG's house (clubhouse) to get set up for the Adamson and Kienke (sounds like Kinky) family Christmas party. We got all set up and enjoyed some good soup, sandwiches, salads and desserts. It was a lot of fun to see people we have not seen in a long time. Lindsey decided that she wanted a 4 generations photo here too, however, it was a much larger undertaking. Now this picture is just Grandma DeLone's (GG) kids, grand kids, and great grand kids, no spouses, plus we are missing a few. Insane I know.

After the picture, we had the gift exchange, white elephant and the kids got more presents. We gave loves and left before the craziness of cleaning, since we had set up we were exempt from cleaning (YES!). After, 3 fun filled, crazy busy days, I was exhausted. I think Bri and the kids were too. Bri and I both had to work on Monday, so we were in bed early and tried to get some much needed rest.

Christmas Day

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was for Christmas. I know, you would think that after 29 years I would not act like a little kid, but I do. I started waking up at 2 AM to see if it was time for Christmas, then I would wake up at least every hour after that if not more often. Seriously, you would think that Santa was coming for me. Any way, the eyes flew open at 6:15 AM, good enough for me. I got up and started getting ready for everyone to be here at 7 AM. Colin woke up at 6:30, and we had to wake up Audra at 6:45. Unfortunately, all the grandparents were late so the kids had to wait until 7:10ish. They were so excited. Colin received a Buzz Lightyear bike and Audra a pink Radio Flyer Scooter. They booth got a Bug House (inside tent), which I have to say has been more popular then the bike and scooter. Each child had several more gifts from Santa and then the gifts from Mom and Dad, which are not as fun as they were clothes and other necessities. After both sets of my parents and Jocelyn and Chris left (they were going to Lindsey's), I gave Bri his Christmas present...IPad, which was from both me and his parents. That was all he would tell me he really wanted. He was surprised I think and so very happy, in the days that have followed he has not really left the IPad from his side, excluding work. Bri's folks left and Bri and I finished our Christmas, Bri also received a Blu-Ray player, a movie, and some clothes. I got some clothes, a pair of shoes I have really wanted, Eclipse, and surprise the Flip camera, which I already love. It was a very nice Christmas and I feel very blessed to have my family and health this year.

Later, we went over to Bri's folks house for Christmas Dinner, Andy, Jamie and Kash joined us here. The kids got to ride there new toys and it was fun to watch. We then had a lovely dinner of Prime Rib, Lentil soup, rolls, fancy broccoli, and cheesecake. We then opened Christmas there, I was given a beautiful new bed set in guess what color...purple and a new sweat suit. Bri had already received his big gift, but then got a massage too. The kids were just spoiled rotten again, and it has left their parents feeling like our house is now where big enough for everything. By the time we left the kids crashed hard. By 6: 30 they were out not to be heard from again until 6:40 the next morning. Bri and I relaxed and were in bed earlier as well, ready for a nice peaceful night.

Christmas Eve

Since, this holiday has been spread out over the entire weekend, I thought I would break it into days so I am not over whelmed to blog and hopefully I remember everything I want to get down. Friday, we were suppose to be going to my sister Lindsey's house in the morning to see Jocelyn and Chris, who were coming straight from the airport. However, at 7 AM we received a call that they had missed their plane and would not be in until 2:55 PM. So, this gave me time to relax a little, get in a run and help Lindsey finish her last minute Christmas shopping. We arrived at my Mom and Gar's at 3 PM and waited until the others arrived. Once they got there, it was game on for Christmas. The kids were spoiled beyond belief they each got toys, clothes, snacks and I could go on and on. Us older kids were spoiled too, Mom and Gar gave Bri and I a nice tent that we will be using in the warmer months. Plus, some running clothes and stocking stuffers. Colin also gave us a hand made picture cube that I love so much, you can actually see part of it in the bottom of this picture.

After that, we had a very nice Prime Rib dinner and shared some laughs at the dinner table. By this time, we were getting tired and the kids were so excited for Santa. Before we left, however, my family has a little game we play that is quite fun. Every year us older kids hide a tiny green pickle ornament (a German tradition). The person that finds this pickle gets an extra gift, the person that supplies the extra gift is the person who won the previous year. Also, the person who previously won, is the person to hide the pickle. So, Chris won last year, so he hide the pickle. Since last year the men did the pickle hunting, us women were up this year, well we were not successful at all. The men kept telling us "get in there", "look around." We could not find the dang pickle. So after some time, we switched to the men, who did not find it very easily either, which was quite refreshing. Normally, this ornamant is found within 1-2 minutes. I think it seriously took 7-9 minutes this year, just as we were about to give up and have Chris re hide the pickle, Bri very calmly says "I actually just found it." So, Bri got a very cool heated blanket for the car. Something, that I know will come into use. When we got home the kids got to open their Christmas Eve PJ's and I got matching ones this year. They looked so cute. They were so excited for Santa to come, I think it took them an hour to fall asleep. Santa came to the house after that, but he mumbled a few swear words and threw the bike pedal because it was not going together as planned, DARN elves didn't do their job well. But once the bike was put together he was able to get everything up in a jiffy, it amazes me how quick he can be.

Castle Dale - Family Christmas Party

For the past 3 years, my dad and Kel's side of the family have been getting together the weekend before Christmas down at my sister Shannon's house. She and her husband have a nice home with 7 bedrooms, so we all can actually fit in one house. It is also very nice, to get away from the city and just spend some time together.

We left on Friday afternoon and were the first to arrive. We got set up and Shan made dinner, Kel arrived shortly after that. We then found out the Lindsey's Family would not be down that night, neither would Shane's family, Dad also would be down on Saturday and we were unsure about Kate and Art, (we missed our 2 out of town families Jocelyn and Chris and Chad's family). So, after getting the little ones down for the night, Kel, Shan and I went to town wrapping gifts and trying to get everything ready for the next day. We had just finished and Kate and Art showed up. We chatted into the night and had a great time.

Saturday, was a fun day. We started with Apple French toast followed by chatting, getting ready for the day and old family videos. The kids played, enjoying one another's company. Around noon the others started to make it, as the weather had not been as nice as we had hoped for traveling. Art and Kate made an awesome taco lunch (Art is Hispanic), which was followed by mounds of dishes as both breakfast and lunch had not been done. After that, Bri took Colin and Merrial took Addison, the four of them went out on four wheelers in the back yard/pasture and rode around in the snow. I think the kids had a great time. Not too long after that, all the men except Art, as he was sick, went out in the middle of no where and shot some guns and had male bonding. Then came the fun part, the Christmas presents. We had a great time opening presents and joking with one another. The kids were spoiled rotten, as were we. We enjoyed a family Christmas dinner with everyone making an item or two for the meal. After the kids went down, some of us enjoyed a good game of Hand and Foot, while others enjoyed the movie Grown Ups. Again we were up late into the night.

Sunday morning came early, as my kids woke up and were ready to go at 6:45 AM. No one else was awake so, we hung out in the basement by the fire for an hour and then it was time to get up and get breakfast going. We had muffins, orange rolls, and sausage and enjoyed the last meal that we would be having together this trip. Then it was time to clean up and get home. It was a great get away. I want to thank everyone for all they did to make it a success and a HUGE thanks to The Johansen Family to opening their home to us once again.

SO Tired!

Friday, the kids awakened a little earlier then usual. This was no big deal, but we had decided the day before not to put the kids down for a nap before we left for Castle Dale, so they would sleep in the car. By noon, Lynnie was fussy, but I was a mean mom and just kept trying to keep her awake. I left for a minute and came back to find one tired little girl. YEP, this picture is 100% real.

Harry Potter

Some of you may or may not know, I LOVE Harry Potter. I started reading the series back in 2004, and have had to wait for books and movies to come out. I own all of the books and all the movies that have been released. I know it is sort of crazy for an adult to love it so much, but I can't help it. I have taught Coly some of the spells and sometimes when we are playing, he will yell out "Stupify!", it makes me so happy. Coly and I even look forward to visiting Harry Potter's World one day.

With the release of the newest movie, I decided I was going to reread the series again, and started rereading months ago. I want to remember what exactly happens in Harry's life, as it has been so long since I finished the series. I am pleased to say I finished the last book last night, so tonight I am head to go see the movie and I can't wait. I am such a silly girl! Oh well, we have to stay young some how right?!?!?

Learning the Alphabet

The week of Thanksgiving, I went to my first Parent Teacher Conference as a parent. Colin has been doing very well in school and is were he needs to be by the end of the year, except in 2 areas. Not too bad. One area I am not concerned about as he is close to being were he should in 5 months, the other he is behind. That area is his alphabet knowledge, he needs to be able to pick out the letters in his name, recognize a C, and read his name. WoW! I can't believe he is suppose to know how to spell his name at 3. Ever since, Bri and I have made a point to practice the alphabet with Colin at night. Last night, Colin was struggling with the difference between L and N. Bri was patient but getting frustrated, so I took over and we started working on writing L's so he can tell the difference. He was so excited to start writing, he did such a great job making little l's that we started working on big L's. Audra Lynn was a cheerleader and would clap when brother got it right. So fun to have the kids helping each other.

Maw & Paw Jackson's Christmas Party

Last night was Bri's family Christmas party. It was a themed party this year, Redneck Christmas. We were asked to dress up as Rednecks. The kids had gone with Grandma Debby and Grandpa Steve in the morning, so we met them back at their house. Bri had been working on his outfit for a couple days, I knew what I was going to wear, but Debby and Steve just weren't quite sure. However, Steve figured it out quickly and then after a couple recommendations we had a outfit for Debby. We went to the party, and to our disappointment Diane and Rupe (Maw & Paw Jackson) were the only other ones dressed up. It was their loss, it was fun. For dinner we had chicken wings, hot dogs, beans, pork rinds, slim jim's, moon pies, and cheese ball. For dessert we had pumpkin roll. It was a true redneck meal, with good times and good company.

Maw & Paw Thomas

Maw & Paw Jackson

Bubba Bri

Festival of Trees

Bri works with a couple of gals that have been volunteering with the Festival of Trees for years. These ladies sell tickets at Allstate to their coworkers and get them at a discount. Well, Bri surprised me a week ago with tickets to the festival. Bri had Friday off, due to working the past Saturday, so we decided it would be a great time to take the kids down to the event. I have to say there are some very cool trees, and some people are WAY creative. Others, the trees were only okay. But the kids had a great time, Coly says his favorite tree was Toy Story, Carter's favorite was Elmo, and Lou's I think was a very pink tree. Brian wanted to bring home the surfing Santa. It was a fun way to start the holidays.

An Unexpected Visit

Some of you may or may not know, that my baby sister (yes that is her above) is currently living in Del Rio, Texas, as her husband Chris is going through pilot school for the United States Air Force. They moved there about 6 months ago, and she called crying stating it was not a place she thought she could live. As we have talked about visiting, she has discouraged it, because she wants us to come out to other locations when they move.

So, Sunday afternoon, mom called and stated that Jocelyn was coming home on Monday night and would be here through the week. It was such a happy surprise. Monday, for FHE (family home evening) we met J at the airport and then went for Mexican food. It was so very good to see her.

Last night, Gar called and invited us over for dinner at the house with J. We went over and had a nice meal, I think Lynnie Lou enjoyed it the most, don't you think? But the boys had a good time too. It has been nice to have her home and the good news, she will be back in 2 weeks for the holidays, YAY!!!