Family Christmas letter

The Christmas season is in full swing at the Olson house. The boys are so excited about our tree and decorations. While we were setting things up they said over and over, "I remember this!" or "I just love this thing." They are big enough to help with some supervision and a few adjustments when they turn their backs!

We have had a blessedly uneventful year. By that I mean that no one has gone to the hospital. We haven’t sold any cars. We haven’t undertaken any huge projects. But, that doesn’t mean we have been sitting around doing nothing! Daily life keeps us busy.

Steven started first grade this year. I love his teacher! She seems to be the perfect mix of persistence and patience. Just perfect for Steven, who has a hard time paying attention to anything but Pirates. He got a pirate computer game from the library that he loves. We have had it checked out constantly since early summer! He has the introduction story memorized and will share it with anyone. He had a hard time grasping the spelling test concept until I took his game away and told him he had to have 8/8 to get it back. Guess what? The next week he got 8 and has done well ever since. We have been helping Steven to stop wetting the bed. We bought an alarm, and it has taken several months, but he only rarely has accidents now. Steven still likes having friends and is a real sweet boy at home.

Isaac is going to pre-school. He loves Miss Bev and I love her too. They are doing so many fun things. At least once a week he comes out dressed up. The best was the dog ears and the Indian and Pilgrim outfits! We have gone on great field trips with her. Isaac really misses Steven while he is at school. For many months we started out the day with him asking, "Is it time to get Steven yet? How about after lunch?" Isaac is exercising his independence. He has an opinion about everything and lets you know it. He hates eating potatoes unless they are french fries or chips! Isaac’s defective heart valve seems to be keeping up with his growth, and we are all relieved with this happy news! My favorite thing Isaac says is, "Mommy, me love you."
Chris is working in the Engine Shop at Skywest. It is nice to be on a regular schedule and have a few holidays off. He often gets to travel, but it is unpredictable and usually all at the same time. His co-workers nominated him for an award. He was one of the only mechanics who got to go to Quebec to pick up a new jet. He says he was uncomfortable with the wining and dining, but he got to tour the CRJ plant and got a lot of cool gifts. Chris found a junker car to buy when gas prices got so high and has had to fix it many times. His church calling also keeps him very busy.

I am enjoying being a mom to my 2 great boys. We are so lucky to have them! They are fun and hard and exciting and exasperating all at the same time. My herniated disc (of 3 years ago) is healing slowly, but surely. I can go for longer stretches without back pain and chiropractor visits. I do have to take care of myself and had to stop playing church sports. I am having a lot of fun in Young Women’s. I probably spend too much time on the computer. I’m slightly hooked to facebook and I have started this blog.

We really love all of our family and friends and we are thinking of you at this special time of year. Please take time to read the real Christmas story this year and enjoy the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas,
Love Chris, Dixie, Steven, and Isaac