Identity Crisis

Fridays are my cleaning day. The whole house gets an overhaul, including new sheets on the beds. Generally I stay in my pajamas on those days because, really, what's the point in getting dressed to scrub toilets? Last Friday I took a break from cleaning to take Ashlyn to school. I was wearing my gray fleece bottoms, a gray t-shirt, and tennis shoes. Just before we headed out the door, Ashlyn looked at me at said, "Mom, maybe you should wear something a little more pretty. It kind of looks like you are just wearing pajamas." Apparently I have started embarrassing my kindergartener.

You know, when you're 7 1/2 months pregnant, it's easy to feel 'blah' about your appearance. Swollen ankles, 30+ pound weight gain, stretch marks, break-outs, etc. Half the time I don't feel like getting ready for the day, and the other half I'm too busy to put much effort into my appearance. Needless to say, it doesn't really help when a five-year-old tells you to put on "something a little more pretty." In all seriousness, I took no offense to her comment. It made me laugh.

But then today Trent very casually asked, "Mom are you a woman or a man?"

Now I'm starting to get a complex...

Maybe I should start putting make-up on more than once or twice a week.

School Shmool

My cousin Jen called me early this afternoon to see if I wanted to join her for free zoo day. I declined, because well, I was still in my pajamas, I was about to feed the kids their lunch, and Ashlyn needed to be to school in less than and hour. But, maybe next time.

The kids were eating their lunch and I was cooking up some pork chops to put in the crock pot for dinner when I suddenly had a change of heart. I asked Ashlyn if she would mind missing school today. With a skeptical look on her face she asked me why and when I answered that I thought maybe we would go to the zoo instead, her facial expression changed to sheer excitement! Then she told me that, "I don't even like school that much anyway!" Okay then.

So off to the zoo we went! I felt a little guilty as we drove right passed her school. But, once we got to the zoo, I ran into our bishop's wife who, incidentally, had taken her kids out of school to also take advantage of free zoo day and then I felt great about the decision to skip school.

We met up with Jen and her sister-in-law and had a wonderful afternoon. The weather was perfect and the animals were all pretty active.

I even forked out $4.00 to get Ashlyn and Trent tickets to ride the carousel- something I am normally too cheap to splurge on.

It's nice to be a little spontaneous once in awhile. If it wasn't for Jen, I'd probably still be in my pajamas :o)

I Love My Kids

And I'll say it again, I love my kids. They are the best. Here's proof...

Ash Belle. This girl continues to make me laugh. Unfortunately, I'm not as good anymore about writing down and recording the funny things she says. And right now I am drawing a blank. But, she is definitely a light in our home. She has been reminding me lately that I really need to teach her how to do all the important things, like cooking, cleaning, and laundry so that she will know how to do those things when she is a mom someday.

Trenters. Oh this boy melts my heart. He is such a good boy. When it comes to his mama, this boy gives the best hugs and kisses. He is super sweet and loves to cuddle. When it comes to his dad, it is all rough and tumble, wrestling matches, and teasing. In case you didn't know, Brian likes to tease. He likes to push buttons and stir the pot. And his kids are not exempt from this. However, Trent has come up with a way to retaliate. He calls him names. Not just any names, but names that he has personally made up to be like a knife through the heart - "toot hog" and "baby biddle butt."

Baby Luke. Yes, that is what we call him. And he will hold that title and will be still my baby for roughly eight more weeks, give or take. He is at an awesome age. Everything he does is cute. Well, almost everything. Screaming in the middle of sacrament meeting - I could do without that one. Anyway, he is just adorable. Especially when he folds his arms to say prayers:

Kid Smiley #4. We have held to our resolve and have not told a soul what we are having. Well, I take that back. I have told two people - my eye doctor and the phlebotomist who last took my blood to test my glucose levels. Anyhow, I am thoroughly enjoying feeling my baby move. It is truly a miracle and like nothing else in this world. It is at this point in my pregnancies that I tend to forget how awful that first trimester was. Feeling and seeing the movements in my belly is one of the great joys of motherhood.

Life is good. Scratch that. Life is great.

18 Months

Luke turned 18 months right smack dab in the middle of the holidays and therefore, I missed my opportunity to write up a post about this milestone. Technically he is now 19 months, but, better late than never!

Luke did have his 18 month check-up and all seemed well and normal, he just continues to be on the small side. He measured in at 23 lbs (15%) and 31.5 inches (6%). Good things come in small packages, right?

He is definitely in the "stranger danger" phase and wanted nothing to do with our pediatrician. He also wants nothing to do with, well, just about anyone, except his Mom and Dad. Nursery has not gone well thus far. And the last two sitters we got both said that he cried, a lot, while we were gone. I am hoping he passes through this phase quickly. Although, some would argue that he has been in this phase since the day he was born.

He is a fit thrower. The worst kind. The whole arching of the back, lying on the ground, limbs flailing about. It's fun (heavy sarcasm). No calming him down either. You just have to let him ride that train until he decides it's time to get off.

But, when Luke is happy, he is very happy. He has an adorable smile and a contagious laugh.

He still falls a lot, but there is no longer a constant bruise on his head. Those are becoming fewer and farther between. But, there have been a few doozies.

He has been completely weaned from his beloved binki. I think we did that back in November. We decided it would be best to get that taken care of before the new baby arrives. Speaking of new babies, I really think he will handle the whole 'big brother' thing really well. He absolutely loves his new baby cousin Megan and has showered her with hugs. But not kisses. He continues to be quite selfish with his kisses.

He has become completely obsessed with Cars, specifically Lightning McQueen and Mater. He is holding either one or the other, or both, about 80% of his waking hours. I am already planning on having a Cars theme for his 2nd birthday. He also wants to watch Cars every day. He will point to the tv and shout "Nining an Mayer!" over and over. He would watch it all day if I let him, but I don't. Once is enough. It is actually rare that I let him watch the whole thing. I usually will turn it on for 20 minutes or so, just to satisfy his craving. Luke has also started using Mater's coined phrase, "Dag-gum!"

One more thing. Luke bears and an uncanny resemblance to his father...

Mega Holiday Recap

HA! So much for trying to stay updated during the holidays. Here we are on the 29th of December (I did actually start this post clear back then) and I have a whole months worth of events to write about. I always think I'll have things 100% under control, accomplish everything on my to-do list without a hitch, and even be able to spend a few nights with my feet kicked up, drinking a nice cup of hot cocoa. HA! But, projects have been completed, the to-do list is done (well, almost), the countdown chain is gone, the presents that took hours to wrap are all unwrapped (wait...I still have a few gifts to deliver - ugh!), and now I am itching to take down all the decorations. The only reason why the decorations are still up is because I have been too utterly exhausted to undertake that task.

It really was a wonderful month with a few very special highlights. So, let's get started!

Our countdown chain began on December 1st and on each link I wrote down one fun thing that we would do that day. Ashlyn and Trent loved this. The first thing they wanted to do each day was take off a link to see what we would be doing. Most things were very simple and didn't cost any money, but having something too look forward to each day added to the excitement of Christmas.

1st - Start candy countdown and scripture story countdown
2nd - Decorate the Christmas tree and sleep under the tree
3rd - Ward Party
4th - First Presidency Christmas Devotional
5th - Make Christmas cookies and take them to Daddy's work
6th - Make edible Christmas trees
7th - Write letters to Santa
8th - Wagon ride and lights at Thanksgiving Point
9th - Start Christmas books by the fire
10th - Go to the movies
11th - Play board games
12th - Deliver neighbor gifts
13th - Homemade marshmallows and hot cocoa
14th - Make an ornament for the Christmas tree
15th - Go see the elves at Gardner Village
16th - Christmas movie night at home
17th - Go shopping
18th - Gifts to the Savior
19th - Grandkid party
20th - Drive around and look at Christmas lights
21st - Snowman craft
22nd - Donuts and hot cocoa
23rd - Make reindeer food
24th - Bake cookies for Santa
25th - Open presents!

On top of all that, there were the projects, shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, young women activities, meetings, wrapping presents, doctor appointments, Brian's company party, our annual adults-only party, Ashlyn's dance rehearsal and recital, planning and carrying out Ashlyn's classroom party, and a few trips to the temple (four, actually). Whew!

With all that happened, I actually didn't pull my camera out very much. I seem to be slacking in that area a lot lately. But, when I did actually get my camera out, I took a lot of pictures. Here is what got documented:

Edible Christmas Trees

It was actually Brian who saw this idea somewhere and told me to add it to our list of festivities. The trees are made from sugar cones, turned upside down, frosted, and decorated with mini M&Ms. Simple and fun.

Ashlyn's Dance Recital

I haven't figured out how to take decent pictures of Ashlyn on stage.

Adult's Only Christmas Party

This is one of my favorite nights of the year! No kids = no chaos, no crying, no diapers, no fighting, no messes, no screaming. It really is a pleasant evening. We always get take out, so there is very little prep and no clean-up. This year my parents got us all matching pajamas, either Utah or BYU. The ratio was 9 to 3. My poor parents are a little out numbered, and possibly a little disappointed that they produced so many Ute fans. Mindy and Marty brought a game, Minute to Win It, which proved to be quite entertaining.

The Grandkid Party

The chaos returned two nights later with the annual Grandkid party. This night is especially for the kids and they love it. Grandmom and Grandpa always provide the kids with new Christmas pjs and make it a pajama party. I think this is actually my favorite part since it means I never have to worry about buying my kids new pajamas for Christmas. Thanks Mom!

After a kid-friendly pizza dinner, we made gingerbread houses. By the look on my face, you can tell that I took this job very seriously.

After the houses were finished, we held our 2nd annual talent show. Landon showed off his newly acquired recorder skills.
Ben thrilled us with his magic tricks.
Emma received "oohs" and "aahs" after showing off her art work.

Madison impressed us by reading a book.
Ashlyn flawlessly played "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the xylophone. Maggie wowed everyone with her snapping and rhyming skills. Reagan demonstrated a perfect twirl.
Maya recited a poem that she memorized.
Trent amazed us with a somersault and a rainbow bridge.
Payson acted like nothing we had ever seen before.
Luke showed everyone how he can move and groove as soon as the music is turned on.
And Abigail sat.
They are an impressive bunch of kids. The night ended with root beer floats and cookies.

I was not able to take any pictures of a few of the most remarkable and noteworthy events of this Christmas season. One week before Christmas, Marty was ordained an Elder by my Dad. Then on Wednesday, we went to the temple with Marty as he went through for the first time. Finally, on Friday, the 23rd, the Eyre family was sealed in the Jordan River temple. Those three events added an amazing spirit to the holidays this year and I feel blessed to have witnessed each of them.

Christmas Eve

After our traditional fondue dinner, the kids acted out the birth of Christ as my Dad read from Luke chapter 2.

Ashlyn got to play Mary, Ben was Joseph, Emma was the donkey, Maggie, Madi, and Reagan were angels, and Trent and Landon were wisemen.

Christmas!!

I was really quite happy about Christmas falling on a Sunday this year. It just seems so appropriate to go to church on Christmas morning. Getting ready for church and attending sacrament meeting did add to the already very busy and chaotic day, but it was nice to take an hour out of the day to really celebrate the birth of Christ. Since our ward met at 9:00, we simply let the kids open their stockings and take a look at the presents under the tree. Then we ate our traditional breakfast casserole and monkey bread and got ready for church. Once we got back home, the madness began. First at our own home, then with the Smiley clan, and finally with the Lifferths. We literally opened presents all. day. long.

Back when we had our adults only party, we somehow got on the subject of what Mindy could do with all of Marty's old undies. A quilt, aprons, tool belts, etc. It was a silly conversation and we laughed and laughed as we thought of all the possibilities. Well, Mindy followed through with that unofficial challenge and made all us ladies a new handbag! (FYI - she did use NEW underwear)

The pocket in front is perfect for holding a pack of gum. Hilarious. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I don't think anyone had. Brian even discovered a second purpose - a baby sling!

Every year I have a favorite gift. Not a gift that I receive, but one that I give. This year Mindy and I gave my parents a gift that will be hard to top. I may not ever be as excited to give another gift. And we couldn't have done it without the huge help we received from my cousin Jen, Aunt Paula, and Aunt Carole. It is nice to be related to such talented people! Back in October when we found out about my Dad's cancer, I decided that I wanted to give my parents a special gift for Christmas, something that was centered around family, specifically our family. I wanted it to be something that would show them just how much they are loved. After talking to Brian and Mindy, we came up with the idea of making a quilt featuring the initials of everyone in our family. The initials part was actually Brian's idea. Brilliant. With the aid of Paula embroidery machine and Carole's quilting machine, the final product was beautiful:

The very center piece features the Salt Lake Temple and says, "A forever family", which is what my parents told us we were on the night of October 10th. The addition of the temple was Paula's idea. Brilliant. It turned out better than I even imagined and I am so grateful for the time, effort, and generosity of everyone involved.

It really was a wonderful holiday season. So many fun events and memorable occasions made it a Christmas to remember.