So this is Christmas...

All I want for Christmas...
Ah, Santa put this paper up so we can't go downstairs without mom and dad knowing...
Twas the Eve of the Eve of Christmas eve when the entire second grade unit (Clay) recited Twas the Night Before Christmas
Snuggle time with daddy under the Christmas tree...Daddy's boy Luke.
Wesley turned 10 in March, a rite of passage in the Olley family is on the Christmas after each sons 10th birthday they are given their own house key to be responsible for.
Zach's big gift was his first gun. He loves to hunt, fish and camp.
Luke handcuffed grammy and broke the key off in the hole. I thought it was so funny I nearly peed my pants trying to take the picture.

Another Christmas come and almost gone. A quiet holiday. Just the way I like them. I've included a few photos of our holiday season. The photo of Wesley his him being presented his own house key. Chuck does a nice job with the presentation by reminding the boys of their new responsiblity to the family by keeping us safe through keeping up with their key. Luke locked my mom up with his handcuffs and broke the key. I laughed so hard I cried. Zach is the proud new owner of a double barrel shot gun.

The boys recieved the Apples to Apples game from Santa. If you don't have this game it is a must have for all ages. It comes in three levels, kids, junior, and adult. Friends introduced us to it on Thanksgiving day. We had a great time laughing and trying to connive the judge into choosing our card. What a hoot!

The boys enjoyed their gifts. Dad laboriously worked putting all the pieces and parts together to make all the toys work. Each boy wanted their items first, but they waited their turn.

Our meal is always simple and delicious: Spiral sliced ham, magic cinnamon rolls, cheesy hash browns, a green salad with fresh fruit and walnuts, homemade hot chocolate (with real whipped cream), and orange juice. mmmm....good!

The christmas cards are coming. This past fall was a tough one. The usual went on school and work, but I also had a 40 hour field work and the boys played football. If you have never subjected your family to football, DON'T! It's brutal. The commitment is grueling, much like the practice. We were at the field 6-7 days most weeks. I had to let some things go, like the christmas cards. Also,my house is a mess and so are my nerves. I'll get a bit of break before I start back into classes.

I'm wondering if I'll ever enjoy the thrill and excitement, of Christmas, like I did when I was a child. Now December seems like three times the amount of work of an already overloaded schedule. Ah...so this is Christmas...another year over!