The Polar Express

Here we are again with Mrs. Clause.

We tried unsuccessfully to get a picture with all of us looking, but Jenna and Hannah were both fighting over who could get the farthest away from Santa. Neither one of them were too keen on talking with him, but Santa still came through and gave them their magical "Christmas Bell."

The elves onboard served the hot cocoa that tasted like "melted chocolate bars" and cookies.

Jenna and Grandma looking out the window.

Hannah had a hard time sitting still so we assigned her to Grandpa for a while.

Jenna, Mom, and Grandma

Here is Grandpa and Hannah, his sidekick. I'm not sure who was more excited.

Here is Jenna with Mrs. Clause. Jenna really liked Mrs. Clause and was not even a little afraid of her.

December 4th was an exciting day for me and Jenna because we were able to ride the Polar Express train to the North Pole. When I first told Jenna that we would be riding this train, she was a bit nervous and told me she didn't want to ride. When I asked her further why she was afraid, she mentioned that she didn't want to go down the big mountain and slide on the ice. Confused I asked her why she thought that would happen and she explained that is exactly what happened on the Polar Express Movie. When I told her there was nothing to worry about, she was ready to go with Grandma and Grandpa Arnold.

The Month of December

What a month!! I feel as if Thanksgiving has just ended and Christmas can't possibly be over. Between Polar Express, Christmas shopping, Jenna's Christmas program, decorating the house, various neighbor gifts, cookies, popcorn, more cookies and yes, more popcorn, this month has flown by. Due to the amount of activities and such for this time of year, needless to say my blog has suffered greatly. I will now repent and update some much needed pictures.

Before I do, I would just like to say how much I am thankful for. Considering the state of the economy and employment right now, I am very greatful that Brent and I have jobs that won't be downsized or cut back. Thank-goodness the USA still needs defending and children still need to be taught. I am also amazed at the blessings we have been given with our family, extended family and our neighbors and friends. I am truly blessed to be among so many spiritual giants in this world. I know that I am blessed because of the righteousness of others. Heavenly Father has blessed us with so much and I feel it necessary to thank Him, for I cannot imagine my life without any of my "blessings."

More Thanksgiving Fun

Brent and Joe attempted to teach the younger generation how to play "rook". I'm not so sure that there was a lot of patience.
Joe had the time to tie up Tyler, Evan and Clint.


Kara and Carolyn with "bed head". We had the yummiest breakfasts to match our yummy dinners.

Mark it with a "J"

Dad and Jenna made a "J" out of beads.

Snow at the Cabin

Jenna and Dad down by the lake.

Isn't he cute?

Jenna and Dad made a snow man.

This is how Jenna made the perfect snow angel

Jenna making the perfect snow angel.

Jenna had a lot of fun hanging out with Dad.

Tyler was a real Dare-Devil!!!

Kara-ripping it up in the snow!!

Mommy and Jenna were real roadsters. Don't worry we did have helmets on.

Carolyn, Evan and Kara--best cousins.

The kids would tell you that the most fun they had was outside of the cabin fourwheeling in what little snow was there.

Thanksgiving 08

Tyler had so much fun working on math and other homework over the holidays and Dad loved helping him.
Hannah and her "pet" Grandpa.

Hannah fell in love with this great white tiger. She tried unsuccessfully to drag it all over the place.

Jenna fancied the orange tiger.

Aunt Earlene taught the kids the meaning of Thanksgiving by having them create a yummy snack with ingredients that represented the Thanksgiving story.

Thanksgiving--Here we go to the Cabin again!!!

Kara is always the character, taking her own shots. Now that is talent

THis is Tyler and his "longer" hair. We tried (unsuccessfully) to convince him to get a haircut. Oh well. In 10 years he may look back on these pictures and think: What was I thinking?

Thanksgiving is always a time of joy and reunion for the Arnold clan as we travel "over the river and through the woods to Aunt Earlene and Uncle Doug's Cabin we go." We always enjoy a lot of good food, card games, movies, snow, and so much fun. We always have a great time with the whole gang. This year in attendance were Amy and Craig and all 5 boys, Ally and Rob and their 5, Brent and I with our 4, Grandma and Grandpa Arnold, Aunt Earlene and Uncle Doug, Joe and Danielle. All 27 of us made the Cabin our home for the week.

"Sock" fight

This is Hanna cheering Dad on

Notice the small sock on the pillow


"Jenna--Quick and hide"

"Missed me Missed me now you have to kiss me"

Brent has recently started "sock fights" with Jenna. My favorite, especially for those who know of my feet aversion. Jenna and Brent chase each other through the house throwing "used" socks at each others heads and Hanna just follows along laughing all the way.

Learning our ABC's

"Mom look!!! I put "H" for Hannah so her high chair doesn't get lost!!"
Beautiful lips

And look at those fingernails.

Jenna really loves school and as such has been concentrating really hard on learning letters and understanding their sounds. Unfortunately I became too busy one day to paint her fingernails. After much patience, Jenna realized I probably was not going to get to it Yet again. So, she took matters into her own hands. This is what happens when you leave a three year old coloring alone for three minutes.

Snow Day

Jenna attempting to build a snowman

"Brain Freeze"

"Hannah Banana"

Just after Halloween, we had a wonderful snow day. Just enough to make Jenna happy.

The After-Effects

Actually, these are the funny glasses Mrs. Shaneen gave Jenna at her spooky Halloween party.

This is what happens when you eat too much candy for Halloween!!

Funny Story

Ashlee Tanner and I decided to brave Halloween Trick-or-Treating together. After several pictures and little bit of rain, we made our way to about 4 or 5 houses. Jenna was really getting the hang of saying "trick or treat" and even singing between houses. But Libby had decided that she was done. She had enough candy and no longer needed to trick-or-treat and promptly began walking home. After about 15 minutes of coaxing and finally when she was allowed to bring her umbrella, she finally consented to go to a few more houses. Jenna was charged and would have gone a lot farther had her tired feet permitted her to go. What a fun night!

More Pics

Hannah guarding the entry way.

There is no way to possibly get 2 three year olds to smile at the same time.

She made it to about 4 or 5 houses before the rain came, so I sent her back to guard the real candy.

Hannah so excited!!!

Now both girls were ready to go and patiently (NOT) waiting for me to take enough pictures.

Halloween Day!!!!

And off came the hat. You know that wouldn't last long.

Here are my two Pirate Princesses. Aren't they cute?

Even Hannah loved it!!!

My second attempt at a Halloween meal produced better results. Mummy hotdogs are a treat for everyone. Jenna ate two.

Halloween day, I had all kinds of plans for family fun, but like all best laid plans..... Ashley Tanner and began our festivities with making a special lunch for Jenna and Libby. We made grilled cheese jack-o-lanterns and a witchy brew for them to drink. They didn't like the drink and they didn't each much of the sandwiches. And no we did not get pictures.