Thoughts From a Frazzled Mind

 Fun date for Kim and I!  On the day after Christmas we hopped the Frontrunner train and rode to Salt Lake.  Riding the Frontrunner was so nice!  On the train we could just relax, no worrying about traffic or the weather.  Since it was snowing, I especially enjoyed the ride, since I normally panic anytime I am driving in snow!  We caught Trax and headed to the new City Creek Mall, we did a little sightseeing and grabbed some treats at Kneaders.  The view of the Salt Lake Temple from the mall was incredible!  From the mall we walked across the street and spent some time at Temple Square to see the lights.  We haven't been to Temple Square for several years, so it was very nice to wander around and take in the beautiful lights, listen to the recorded Christmas Story message, and see and hear all of the wonderful displays and messages in the visitor's center. Later that evening, Jodi and Dave Wilding met us and we headed to a wonderful sandwich shop called Nauvoo in the

I was just a little nervous about Christmas this year because it was the first Christmas without my mom and Kim's dad.  I wasn't sure if our traditions would be altered in big ways, or if we could still do things the same without them.  I really didn't need to worry!  Celebrations and traditions continued this year - yes we felt the absence of mom and Ross, but it felt natural to go on celebrating Christ's birth knowing that they were there with us, in spirit only. The Christmas celebrations began for me with Sacrament Meeting on December 23rd.  That was the day that our ward choir shared their talents in celebrating the birth of Christ.  "My" choir was absolutely wonderful!  And the day was even better because Shandra, Tasha, and Zane were all there to hear it! Kim's sisters and nieces provided great amounts of service to ensure that the traditional Christmas decorations were in place, especially Joan's Christmas village under her tree.  Hours

One day after school Shandra and I took Bubba and my nephew Corbin to lunch at Burger King.  We all had a great time, sitting on the tall chairs, sharing our french fries, and learning all about sheep and goats (of which the boys were experts thanks to their school project). About midway through lunch we noticed that several policemen were meeting at Burger King for lunch. Since the opportunity rarely becomes available, and since I wanted the boys to understand what policemen do as well as to learn to respect and not fear them, I got brave and asked if one of them would be willing to come to our table and talk to the boys.  Of course both Bubba and Corbin got extremely shy when the officer came over, but he was very kind and told them all about his duties and how it is his job to ensure that people are safe.  Then he invited another officer over to talk with us.  The second officer is a K-9 officer and he told us all about his dog and how he is a master at sniffing out drugs.

Saturday was the annual Olsen Family Christmas party.  The Rasmussens were in charge this year, and a good time was had by all!. Dinner was a baked potato bar and salads - one of my favs! The kids ran and ran and ran - they had so much fun!  After dinner we had a game of Christmas Bingo.  Kalel got the very first Bingo - he was so excited!  He also got the third bingo.  Obviously he had a terrific card! After bingo we had a snowball fight!  It was just crazy! Kalel was a great help at putting the chairs away After the party, since the weather was still nice, Kim, Kalel, and I drove over to the Brigham City temple to see the nativity scene.  It was very simple and beautiful.  It is so wonderful to have a temple so close!

I am truly grateful for all of the many, many blessings in my life.  I am so grateful for my Savior who made it possible that I may have the opportunity to be with my son (as well as my mom and father-in-law) after this life.  I thank God every single day for my fantastic family and for my wonderful friends.  I am so thankful that I live in a country where freedoms abound - and the list goes on and on.  I try each and every day to have an "attitude of gratitude".  It is awesome that each year we have a day set aside to spend with our family and friends, giving thanks and remembering the blessings that we have - not to mention the FOOD!  I LOVE the Thanksgiving feast, and look forward to it for weeks before. That said - my Thanksgiving this year did not necessarily reflect my gratitude attitude I am afraid.  Yes, it was fantastic that we could gather together with the Olsen clan.  Tasha and Zane joined us and Zanes parents and sister came also.  The food was terrific!