Holiday This & That

A few weeks ago we (a.k.a. my husband) turned off my computer, and it decided not to turn back on.  After that I sort of lost the will to do anything computer-y.  But...I recently had so many design projects come up that I've been forced to get back in the game using Carlos's foreign-to-me computer.  A new blog post was among my list of things I could no longer procrastinate.  So without further ado, here's some highlights (and some just plain old randomness) that's been going on here over the holidays.


-Fiona had me convinced that my life would be diaper-free for the first time in almost 7 years, for a couple of months at least.  Unfortunately her potty training is only successful when she is completely bare on her bottom half, and I'm pretty sure that's illegal in most places.

-Ellia loved her tiny nativity set, literally to death.

Whoops

-I was oh so pleasantly surprised that despite failing my one hour glucose test, I miraculously passed the 3 hour one.  My sweet tooth and I have gratefully enjoyed our share (and then some) of holiday goodies.  Side note: I will never again desire orange soda.

-Fiona has started referring to herself in the third person, using phrases such as, "Yay, Ona!" when she uses the potty, and "Ona's _______" (fill in the blank) to claim just about anything that is rightfully hers.  I promise you it's to die for.

-At  35 weeks pregnant, I feel like a 25 pound basketball has been strapped to my front.

Self-portrait via cell phone and bathroom mirror...
obviously not a skill I have mastered.

  On top of that, this baby is by far the most active, wiggly baby I have ever carried, making me kind of nervous that I'm totally in for it when he actually comes out.  In the meantime, I'm having a hard time comprehending a little brother joining our ranks.  But I'm super excited for something new.

-We enjoyed holiday traditions:

The Decorating of the Christmas Tree (and the first batch of Christmas cookies)

I used my super psychic mom powers to predict this

hot cocoa accident just minutes prior...lo and behold...

Mom is right again.

(Please ignore all the crud on the floor.

Pregnancy does not put me in the mood to bend down.)

Writing Letters to Santa

"Dear Santa, I have been very good this year.  Well, except
for the time I got in a time out.  I would really like to find a
bean bag chair under the tree!  From, Ava"

"Dear Santa, I have been very good this year.  Well,
except for the time I didn't empty the dishwasher.  I
would really like to find a dolly under the tree!  From, Ellia"

Fiona re-purposed her Santa letter.

Decorating Christmas Cookies

Playing in the Snow

I wish I could be this thrilled while out in the freezing cold.

Baby + Snowsuit...LOVE!!

Sitting with Santa Claus

Classic.  Just as I predicted.

Christmas Eve Nativity

...and Christmas Eve jammies

Presents!

-My testimony of the Gospel has increased as we have received numerous blessings this holiday season.

-Carlos has decided to grow a beard, (thank you, Duck Dynasty) but promises to shave it off once his long-awaited son is born. (or will he? hehehehe) Hopefully Hayley doesn't catch this I just stumbled on to this and couldn't resist. But I am considering extending this shave date for a date TBA.

-I turned 30.  I can't say that I feel flirty and thriving at the moment...more like fertile and surviving.

-I have been getting a little sentimental when I realize that Fiona could possibly be my last baby girl.  I discovered a trend in the photos on my phone...

Apparently I can't resist a sleeping baby,
especially my sweet Fiona.

At our house, after the holiday season comes the equally anticipated tax season.  As a "single parent" for these upcoming months I thrive on my routine.  And, let's face it, with Carlos gone most of the day my house has never been cleaner.  (No offense, dear.)  

Here's to an organized, family-size-increasing, no-laundry-piled-up, goal-reaching, project-finishing, stress-free new year....A girl can dream.

                             

Fall

I love Fall!  I love the smell of the air and the excitement of upcoming holidays.  I love saying goodbye to the threat of sunburn and getting to wear jackets.  I love candy, which they hand out for free on a certain night this time of year.   

As awesome as last year's Halloween was, I am just as happy spending it at home with all of our traditions, and making some new ones while we were at it.

Pumpkin Carving Night
Stuff Our Faces with S'mores & Hot Chocolate Night

Our super impressive pumpkin!
(I told you our priorities were elsewhere.)

I remember my mom making these pumpkin-shaped cereal treats with us when we were younger and this year I decided to make them with my own girls. My craving for Rice Krispy treats may have been a small motivator.

Completely amazed by Dad's ability to make a bow out of candy corn.

Not sure what this face is, but it's so Ellia.

Normally I am all about making my kids' Halloween costumes.  This year we did something a little different by wearing some vintage costumes from the collection of my Grandma Payne, who recently passed away.  She was the only grandparent I have ever known and she was extraordinary.  Ask anyone.   She sewed most of the costumes herself, and I thought it would be a fun tribute to her (who, by the way, was also a huge fan of candy--namely chocolate.)

Ava the gypsy

A slightly bigger gap in her smile,
thanks to lost tooth #2. 

Ellia had decided on her costume long ago so she didn't wear one of Grandma's.  But holy cow, have you ever seen a cuter Peter Pan?  

Feel free to never grow up.

Earlier this week Ellia's preschool put on a Halloween program.  Can you find her among the princesses and fairies?  I'm so glad she's not afraid to be herself and stand out in a crowd.

Fiona as Little Red Riding Hood

What a cute face you have!
The better to manipulate you with.

After collecting a sufficient amount of candy, we finished off our Halloween traditions with my mom's homemade chili, and a bedtime showing of "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." I insist on watching it every Halloween. Apparently I keep forgetting how boring it is. But I can guarantee that come next year I will be searching TiVo for it once again.

Speaking of Charlie Brown...

My nephew, Callen, who did not receive
any rocks while trick-or-treating.

Since he was a baby, I had been telling my sister that he would make a perfect Charlie Brown.  She finally humored me.  And I was totally right.  As always. ;)

Happy Fall!