Christmas Eve

We headed back to my mom and dad's for Christmas Eve. We, of course, ate and then hung out for a little. Grandpa entertained the two little ones for a while, and then Lyric was ready to do the gingerbread house. My mom and I helped her with that. We decided that we probably wouldn't win first place in a gingerbread house contest!
Kristy is visiting for a few days, so that was fun to be able to see her. Lyric was SO excited to see her. Paxton tried to pretend like he was shy for about three seconds, and then totally warmed up!
We came home and put the kids to bed right away! Santa and his helper had to get things all ready. There was a kitchen to be put together! Note to self: Never wait until the night before to do something like this. When the electronic portion of the kitchen won't work, Christmas Eve is not a possible time to take it back to the store! I was so sad. Oh well, they won't know the difference. I'll just have to figure out what to do next week.
Earlier in the day, Lyric helped me make Santa's favorite cookies, no bake cookies. So we made sure to leave those for him, along with a glass of milk. Now it is off to bed until Lyric wakes us up, I'm hoping for 7am!

Christmas Sunday

This past Sunday started our official celebrating of Christmas. After church, we gathered at my mom and dad's. This is Jamie and Tucker's year to be in Utah, so we had a little celebration before they left. We ate yummy steaks and then my mom did a really neat presentation using the manger scene. The kids really enjoyed it and got to help. I think it is so important to keep this aspect, by far the most important, a part of the celebrating.
Afterwards, presents were opened. It is amazing how in a whirlwind presents go from neatly wrapped to torn open! The evidence left is the mountains of trash waiting to be cleaned up. The evening was quite fun.

This picture cracked me up. There was a spill, so my mom pulled out her Spot Bot. Paxton had to lay on the floor and watch every move it made! He thought it was the coolest thing ever.

My Cup of Tea

One thing I love about this time of year is that lots of stores stay open later than usual. There is some sort of gratification I get from being able to mosey along from store to store and know that I don't have to rush. Tonight I was able to shop from 6:30pm-12:00am, totally uninterrupted. I didn't have any kids, or a husband for that matter, nagging or whining. Shopping is my therapy. Although it physically exhausts me, it mentally rejuvenates me. I always say I would love to be paid to shop!

Also, how crazy is it that everywhere has all of their Christmas stuff 50-70% off! I mean, I guess there will be no after Christmas deals this year, they're happening now!

Paxton's Latest

Paxton's latest liking has been vinegar salad. A few days ago, he wanted to try some of mine, and since then he wants it every time I make it. It cracks me up, because he won't eat meat Mike barbeques, but he'll chow down on some vinegar salad!

Cute Cousins

What do get when you combine Frosty the Snowman and a large bowl of popcorn?

Five cute kids ready for the show!

Half Way There

Last night, Mike completed his last final for the semester. That means that he is officially half way done with his MBA! I feel so happy for him. I, myself, also feel glad that there are only two semesters left. He has enjoyed going back to school, but I can tell he can't wait till it's done with! Trying to juggle it all can be a little tricky at times, but I think he does an excellent job. Next year at this time he will graduate!

New Do

Last week I worked up a lot of courage and chopped my hair off. I have been wanting to do it for a while, I was just too afraid of the outcome! I have really thick, and naturally curly hair. I was worried that I would look like a huge mushroom head!
Jamie scheduled my appointment and watched my kids. Mike was at school and had no clue what I was doing! When he got home, I was standing there recording his reaction. Thank goodness, he really liked it.
My straightner is the only reason why I am able to have my hair cut this short! It is my life saver. I wanted a style that was going to force me to get ready. I was tired of feeling so frumpy all the time. I did not want to start heading down the path of a chunky, frumpy mom! Not that there is anything wrong with that! I figured since I have no motivation to take care of the weight department, I could take care of the frumpy department!

Before

*My hair is not done, I had taken it out of a wet bun.

After

Lyric took these pictures for me, so not the best quality!

Table Talk

Last night at dinner, Lyric caught us a little off guard by her question,
"Mom, do butterflies poop?" Oh, the innocence of children!

Tubes It Is

On November 7th, Lyric got tubes put in both ears. After months of doctors visits and testings, it was decided that that was the best route to take. Initially I felt a little hesitant, but decided that it was worth it. I was totally fine, except the fact that she had to be put under. That was the only thing that caused me some anxiety. Luckily, the whole procedure only took ten minutes! She was a little trooper.

All ready to check in!
Mike has loaded some shows for Lyric on his Ipod

A nurse took Lyric to pick out some toys to play with while waiting

Mom and Lys

She was a little out of it when we first saw her. When she woke up the nurse asked her what her mommy looked like so she could come and get me. Lyric said, "She is pretty." Cute girl :)

Yummy grape popsicle to help Lyric feel better!
Ready to take the wagon ride down to the car

Birthday Girl!

Today Lyric turns 4! I cannot believe it. She has been looking forward to her birthday for some time now. She was so excited that they sang to her during Primary at church today. After we came home, she was able to open some presents.

Lyric is such an important part of our family. We love everything about her! She has a little brother that looks up to her and follows her example.

We love you Lyric :)

Santa Claus

This morning we had our ward Christmas breakfast. It is a new tradition they started last year, instead of a dinner. At first I wasn't too fond of the idea, but I actually really like it. They go all out with every breakfast food imaginable. They did a little program, and then brought out the man in red!

Chunky Cheese

Yesterday we went to Chunky Cheese, as Lyric calls it, to celebrate her fourth birthday. Her actual birthday is tomorrow. She had never been there, and I hadn't been there in at least a decade! It was actually quite fun. Jamie and her girls and grandma joined us. The kids had lots of tokens to keep them distracted for a while. Peyton and Paxton were just fine wandering around staring, or going back into their kitchen! To keep up with tradition, Jamie made the cake. Lyric chose Snow White, and that's just what she got! Thanks Grandma, Jamie, and cousins, for coming to celebrate Lyric's Birthday!

Confession

I eat McDonalds while watching The Biggest Loser, sundae and all!