Merry Christmas

This picture pretty much sums up our year. I'm feeling super blessed right about now... A few weeks ago I was asked to speak at a young woman's fireside about Mary and what qualities she would have had in order to raise the Savior. I thought a lot about it and in the end decided that she would have been a lot like me or any of you other mothers out there.  She would have been patient, loving, humble, frustrated, doubtful, and happy among many others. She might have been the chosen one who found favor with God but I sit here with 5 other children of His and so I think I might have found favor as well and so have all of you who live this crazy but miraculous life of motherhood. Merry Christmas!

Sophie turns 5

To add to the already crazy holiday season, we have Sophie's birthday to add to the mix. She turned the big 5! This was her first friend party and she wanted all things Rapunzel. So I turned on my mommy, creative juices and came up with what turned out to be a fun party!  Thanks to my sis who saved my bacon by helping out with all the sprinkles, Chloe, picture snapping and kiddos!

I can't take credit for this invitation..totally stole the idea from Pinterest..but cute right?

Her Rapunzel cake that obviously Maggie got to before we did..hence the smooshed corner

cookie decorating

Of course we couldn't leave out little sis

They made crowns with long, braided Rapunzel hair down the back..these were a hit

Christmas Tree Lane 2011

Christmas Tree Lane proved to be both exhausting and successful. Here is a brief overview.

Hurry and eat an early dinner

Get girls' hair done, costumes on and make-up done

Get all kids dressed and in car..pack still camera, video camera, dace shoes, diaper bag and purse with snacks, etc.

Drive to recital..Maggie falls asleep on the way (crap) and I literally have to park as far away as you can due to so many cars (more crap)

Get girls out of car and hurry into the auditorium (yes Maggie is still asleep in the car..remember I only have two arms and am packing all that crap plus a baby in a car seat)

Try to find my in-laws or any seat for 10 minutes..thankfully the program is running behind.

Find a few seats sort of close together by a friend I know..ask her to watch all my stuff while I huff it back to the car to get the other child

Walk clear across town (well it felt like it) get sleeping Mags and back we go to the recital.

Get back to our seats..get the girls back stage

Find my in-laws and move two kids and all our crap again.

Sit down and take off coat because I'm hot and sweating..Phew

Enjoy these two amazing daughters of mine who absolutely love to dance!

And all this by myself mind you as Nate is out delivering all your Christmas goodies!

Fact!

Fact- I am 31, I have 5 kids and I drive a suburban..not sure if this is how I pictured my life to be but wouldn't trade it for anything. The other day Nate and I escaped with just Chloe..and you have no idea how many people said, "ohhh she's so cute..is this your first?" When I responded that it was number 5 they told me that surely I was too young to have 5. And they're right I am ..happy to know I'm so young looking ..hahaa

Fact- Connor does not believe in much anymore..if you get my drift....He's 11 which I totally know is pushing it. We got the elf on the shelf and I asked him what he thought about the elf..his response,"well he's made in China" such a scrooge!

Fact- After 9 months of being pregnant and able to eat gluten (for some odd reason it didn't bother me while I was preggers) it is now back in all it's raging glory..So no more wheat, flour, etc for me. What's that you say? Now I might lose some weight? don't count on it..i can still eat chocolate! Praise the heavens. And don't even say I should just get pregnant again..NOT gonna happen. Ah well life could always be worse for sure.

Fact- Nate and I set up an actual budget for ourselves. Fact- it will not begin until January of course.

Fact- My life is insane and crazy and busy with this added bundle 'o joy we call Chloe and although I have my days, I would never trade it for anything. And what's so sad is that I know this time in my life will be gone before I blink and that my friends is sad.

Fact- As I type I say the words in my head and as I typed "friends" I say it like "fry-ends" you know for spelling purposes..you are trying it right now aren't you?..I also do it with Connor's teacher last name which is "Chynoweth"..I say it "chin o with" Our English language is straight up weird.

 Fact- I super love Christmas, Christmas music, treats, Christmas cards (which you should all send me because you know we all love getting them in the mail) I wish the season lasted longer..but don't ask Nate about it because he's a total scrooge..because he has to work forever, in the snow, in the dark and forever every day..but doesn't his job make your life totally easy..love ordering stuff and having it brought to my door. Pure genius!

Fact- I kind of like these factoids..maybe they will replace my "little letters" since I have basically scrapped that one as of late. Enjoy!

Name & a Blessing

Yesterday we blessed this sweet girl and her daddy did an amazing job..he never ceases to amaze me..you would never know he is nervous as all get out. It was a perfect day filled with family and food of course and as a bonus, we were able to host the dinner at our own home for the first time ever! We have never lived anywhere big enough to accommodate both of our families..so I got to play hostess and it gave us a good excuse to have the house finally put together and decorated..for the most part. Here are some pics of the happy day...

Here are the 3 cousins..just one month later..at least Chloe isn't crying

Nice blue undies Soph!