CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS!

This year has gone by so quickly and has been filled with joyous memories for me. Two new grandchildren born, a 1/2 marathon, Matthew returning home from his mission, Trevor and Megan's wedding, Wow, that is just some of the awesome stuff we have enjoyed this year! I first would like to thank my loving family for all their support. All of you are so giving and thoughtful. I have been able to hang out with almost all of you at least once this year! Thanks, I love to be around family. I have lived many miles away most of my married life, but I have never felt very far away from your love and support.

Thanks Mom for asking us to write a few thoughts down of our Christmas Memories. There are so many to choose from. Christmas Eve was always an exciting day. I loved helping and being at Grandma Olsen's house. It was fun helping her prepare for the big night. We always took home a huge load. Her Christmas tree was definitely a statement. I wish it were still around today. The colored light that lit up the silver tree was so cool and modern. I remember waiting, and waiting and waiting for Uncle Lew and Aunt Susan. I would look out of Grandma's big picture window thinking that every car that went by would be Uncle Lew!!! It seemed to take forever! Grab and Trade is also a tradition that was loved by all. We would laugh and laugh all night long. I learned on those Christmas Eve nights how much my Grandma loved us. She planned all year thinking and buying something for each one of us. She made the night as festive and fun as she could. I never could sleep on Christmas Eve. I had so much fun being around the family. Walking home from Grandma's house was like walking in a happy dream! I couldn't imagine life getting any better than that!

On Christmas morning we would all wait in the hallway so we could all enter into the Living Room together! I usually was one of the first cuz I was almost the littlest. We would enter into a room filled with good stuff! Except for the year I saw my Christmas in Grandma Olsen's closet. Ya, I did see it. A barbie doll. My heart sank on that Christmas morning. I tried to like that doll, but I just never did. I know Santa got it just for me, but seeing it ruined my Santa dreams, I was very confused. All of my Christmas's were so wonderful and filled with surprises! There was great toys and dolls and mini bikes and fooseball tables, race car sets and new pajama's, but most of all we would hang out together and I liked that a lot. There was always good food and Dad and Mom would work so hard for us to have a wonderful day. I never knew that the second job my Dad took on was for us to have a great Christmas. Thanks Dad, and Thanks Mom for all the extra time you had to put in while Dad was away! Now, I understand the sacrifices you went through preparing and making Christmas a magical time of year! Christmas is about the Savior, his birth and his life. He gave of Himself that we might live! I love this season and am grateful for the blessings of an awesome family, Thanks Mom and Dad you have taught us children well. Owesome Olsen and I shall never forget it!!!