Christmas Eve...

Somehow, a Sunday morning picture in front of the tree has become our tradition. This year was quick and unfortunately out of focus! The girls looked great in their christmas plaid. Em's was special because it came from Scotland, Cody's mom bought it when she was there a couple years ago. Not sure who she bought it for, cuz little E wasn't even a thought then! But it fit great, and was an exact match for dad's tie!

Another Christmas tradition is Christmas Eve at my parents. This year was no different. We all gather and play and eat and read stories and eat some more. There are nineteen grandkids now, so you can imagine how crazy it can get! But it was a good time as usual. My mom makes the best bread sticks and clam chowder, my sister in law Ruth made some smokin hot chili that was so yummy! And of course...

it wouldn't be Christmas (or any day for that matter) without my dad sharing his soda with the babies!!

Em and Uncle LaRen playing bells

This year, Cody's parents rented a house in Pine Top for Christmas. So, we loaded up from my parents and headed straight up there. The kids were all in their new Christmas PJ's. We were singing Christmas songs and talking about having a white Christmas for the very first time. We actually got out of my moms at a reasonable time, so it wouldn't be too late when we arrived. Emrie had fallen asleep, and all was going well....

Of course, it didn't stay that way. Remember all the yummy food and drink I described? Well, my sweet baby had partaken in all of it. We made it to Globe (aka: middle of nowhere) before sweet baby started heaving and puking in the back seat.... Merry Christmas to us!

We've never had a car puking baby, thank goodness. So this is new to us. She's puking away and there is nowhere to stop. We had already decided to stop at McDonald's on the way so we decided to keep going til we got there. I thought she was going to choke a few times, it was sooo gross. Well, McDonald's was the farthest 2.2 miles in history!!! Then when we got there, it was closed of course. 8pm on Christmas Eve, there was nothing open. Thank goodness for clean clothes and an industrial box of baby wipes. We got the poor kid cleaned up. I'll spare the details of the cottage cheese, bean, and potato mixture that I cleaned up. We did the best we could and got back on the road.

Unfortunately, it's a windy canyon and she wasn't done. She started again as we pulled into Show Low. We got to the cabin about 10:30. The kids were sooo excited. Gammy had the place decked out like a Christmas Wonderland. With a lighted tree, garland, and a nativity. It was a cute house and looked amazing. Em got a bath in the kitchen sink, mom got a shower, and we finally got the kids to bed.

Then Cody, and I and his parents watched Christmas Vacation waiting for Santa to come, and for Em to fall asleep.

Avery left the cutest note for Santa along with her treats for him and the reindeer.

Translation:

Dear Santa, thank you for bringing presents. I love Christmas. My favorite color is red. Here is a snack for you and the reindeer. Love, Avery

New Family Pictures

Finally, some new family pictures. We haven't had any good ones since Cody was all hairy!! Why does he get to look younger and better, and I just get older? Maybe I'm feeling old cuz I just had a birthday. Not as much fun as they used to be!!! Anyway, I love the pictures. Thanks to Miss. E of Yellowpear. She can make anyone look good!

I can't stand how old she looks!!!

Never had a serious picture of myself I liked. I usually look mad, but this turned out great. I think Cody looks really good. No forced smile works for him.

typical Emrie face

LoVe, lOvE, this boys eyes!!

Hope everyone has a very, Merry Christmas!!

Count Down

I've come to the conclusion that the count down to Christmas has begun. Whether or not I choose to admit it, or am ready for it. I know this sounds awful! I really do love Christmas. I love that it's getting cold. I love reading stories to my kids. I love hot chocolate. I love teaching them what is really important and what Christmas really means. What I don't love is all the work that leads up to it. Taking everything out of the garage, putting all my other stuff away to make room for it. And I absolutely dread putting it all away when it's over. But, it really doesn't seem like Christmas until we get it out. Cody stayed home from work today. We've both been fighting colds, so he slept in which he needed. But then, we actually decided what we are buying and got some shopping done. Then, he got the tree down and we got it all done!! I am happy. It was a nice night with the kids. I forget how much they truly love it! They remember which ornaments are theirs, and where they came from. They are sweet...sometimes! Now, I feel like I can get excited and ready! Hope you are all getting excited too!

Christmas Already???

Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had a fun, busy weekend as always. We had Thanksgiving dinner in Buckeye with Cody's family. His uncle is a farmer out there, and it's a fun place to visit with the kids.

Friday, we went to Casa Grande and had another fun day outside with a bunch of families that Cody grew up with. It was fun to hang out and see everyone's families and hear crazy stories of what they did growing up. There were millions of kids to play with and lots of food and conversation. What could be better?

Friday night we went to Cody cousins sealing to her husband. It was sweet and beautiful. There is nothing like a sealing to help you feel the spirit, and remind you of your own wedding. I remembered ours and all of the councel we were given, it was a great reminder of what our priorities are and how lucky and blessed we are to have each other and our families.

Saturday we hung out and played games with Cody's aunt and her family. Another late night.

Then, on Sunday we had Thanksgiving dinner with my family at my sisters new house. She worked all weekend, and my parents were out of town for Thanksgiving. It was weird to not see them all weekend, and fun to hang out on Sunday.

So now it's December and I am sooooo not ready for Christmas. We've already been to Avery's winter performance at school. It was cute, and fun, and crazy as always. And being the organized, good mother I am..I forgot the camera at home. So, I have no pictures!! We have exactly one Christmas decoration up, and thats only because Cody's mom brought it to me. The kids are itching to decorate, but...this is all I feel like doing!! I hope the Christmas spirit finds me soon!