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.