Chef Boyare-Eden

My baby girls LOVES to cook.  She love to grab her apron and grab a chair. If I'm in the kitchen...give it maybe 5 minutes and you'll hear the sound of chair legs being pushed across the kitchen.  Baby girl loves to get messy. She can pour and mix and handle a whisk.  She is the egg cracker extraordinaire.  No eggs get cracked in this house unless it's done by little hands...

Today it was cookies... here's how our conversation/cooking lesson went..
Me: Did you just put your finger in our batter?!
Eden: It good!

Me: Don't you put your finger back in bowl...
Eden: (please see picture)

Me: Okay, no more tastes...we need it for cookies.
Eden: (please see picture)

Les: Eden, don't you eat my cookies!
Eden: I NOT DAD!  WHAT...EVER!! (she always so kind to him)

Me: Should we maybe bake some cookies now?
Eden: UM...HUM!!! (I think she might be bit bipolar...Les definitely thinks so!)

Love Sunday baking with my girl!

Snuggle Fest

I woke up this morning sticky, sweaty and bed head that could give Bigfoot a run for his money.  Last night after countless lullabies, drinks of water and endless trips to the bathroom..come 10:30pm, baby girl was still awake in her bed. I had more than my fair share of studying that needed to be done but for this night I set my papers down, took her into my arms and headed for that big soft chair in the corner of my room.  I settled in and held my baby tight and sang her every primary song I could think of until she drifted off to dreamland...but unlike every other night, I did not quietly carry my baby back to her big girl bed to tuck her in.  Instead, I gently laid her next to me in my and drifted off to sleep myself.  I wouldn't say it was a sound night sleep (because it wasn't) but as I laid next to my little girl breathing in her strawberry scented hair that insistently tickled my nose, I was content.

I have so many friends out there whose hearts are aching and arms are empty. Some that would give a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. to have little arms and legs hitting/kicking them all night long.  As I laid watching her little chest rise and fall, an over-whelming sense of gratitude washed over me.  How grateful I am that I am blessed enough to have a health little girl to call my own.  How privileged I am for the responsibility to raise her the best I know how...to teach her everything I know.  I get to get be her mom...and for that, I thank my Father in heaven each and every day.

Even though I didn't get much sleep last night, I held my little furnace as close to me as I could.  I wrapped my arms around her and loved her with every thing my body possessed.  I did this because I want my baby to know that I love her, more than I could every put into words.  I did it because even though she's sound asleep I want her to feel her mama's love.  I want her to know that no.matter.what I will always, always love her. I also did it for you, my friend.  To let you know I'm thinking of you... I'm always thinking of you, especially this night.

I want you to know that I don't take these sleepless nights for granted. I want to you know that because of you, instead of getting frustrated or over-whelmed I take a deep breath and let it all soak in.  When baby girl is screaming her guts out or throwing a fit, I find myself trying to ingrain in my memory the look of her face as mad as can be. You make me a better mama. I want you to know that your sacrifice isn't forgotten on me.  I hug my little girl a little harder and love on her a little longer because I know that it's only for a brief moment that I get her like this.  All to quickly she'll be off to school then driving a car and then starting a family of her own.  I want to make sure that I take the time to enjoy all the moments...good and bad, big and small, because I know you can't...Oh, but someday you will (someday REAL soon) and I can't wait for that day!  I can not wait to share in your joy and utter/complete happiness when that day comes!  I am so grateful for your strength, for your courage to carry this burden in this life.  I don't think I could be as strong.  You are AH-MAZ-ING! You are a rock star. My heart is always with you.

xoxo
Marie

Sister Love

During the Christmas break while Natalie was still in town, we sisters got together and threw ourselves a Sister Party.  Basically we just wanted to have a dedicated night to spend with each other and so why not theme it out and have ourselves a party...it's just what we do!  I thank my mom every single day for being brave enough to have 6 (SIX!) children all a year and a half apart.   Now, there were times in high school when I would have given anything to be as far away from those five other people as I could, but now I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.  I love that my sisters and I are so close.  I love that our kids are all the same age and we get to show our kids just how awesome our family really is!

Natalie started the night by whipping us up some delicious egg plant dinner.  I was skeptical at first but I've learned my lesson.  Never doubt the health expert who loves food.  It even looked pretty too!

We all brought our favorite things to exchange with one another.  I merged a few of my favorite things into one.  My favorite thing is my sisters and so I gave them all a picture of us on a block 'o wood (insert crafting here!).  I also made them this nifty book mark since we all love us a good book!

Tracy went conventional route...she rummaged through my mom's linen closet and got us all some lotion... isn't she so thoughtful?

We all share a love of crafty (thanks to my madre) but I would have to say (as much as it pains me) that Marcia is the mother of crafts at this stage in the game.  So she conjured up some "Did It Myself" decoupage for all our future crafting needs.

Christy gave us all some Martha Stewart Glitter.  You can add glitter to just about anything and WA-LA!  you've got yourself something fancy.  I neglected to take a picture of the glitter... I apologize!  Natalie gave us the thing she loves the most, which I think, is the only reason she left this wonderful state of Utah.  She gave us a piece of her very own beach...

We filled our time with some games as well.  Natalie and Christy have a "speed" rivalry that can't be put into words.  They play it the normal way and then the play it the California way and one can't seem to ever come out on top and so the rivalry continues....

As the night wound down, we sat among ourselves chatting and reminiscing. We had a wonderful evening together.  Sisters are the best and I am an avid supporter that all little girls need a sister or two! I'm lucky enough to have FOUR of them and I can't wait until Eden has a sister to love then hate and then eventually love again like me. Here's to hoping that happens soon! (now I just have to get my husband on board!)

Fra -la-la-la...la-la-la!

I have been avoiding this post going on two weeks now.  With this post means an end to my life as I know enjoy it.  No more sleeping in, no more staying in my pj's all day long, no more spending my days playing mom and loving every minute of it.  With this post means my Christmas break is O-V-E-R and it's back to the world of stressful tests, hours of studying and splitting my time between my little girl and all the other things that need my attention.  With a big sigh comes this post, for I have no desire to let it end, but end it must and so here is goes...

Oh were to start... how 'bout Christmas Eve.  It was wonderful spending the day surrounded by my favorite people.

My mom's house was chaotic and loud...just the way I like it. And what better way to spend your Christmas Eve than in the Hutchison Winter Wonderland?  My mom never disappoints and so the house was dressed to the nines and Christmas just oozed from every corner...

Kids were excited as ever to get the party started.  They knew Santa was coming and they could hardly contain themselves.

I was the crazy person taking pictures at every turn and setting up my tripod to capture these moments on my video camera.  I wanted to remember every moment of it and take it all in. I have every intention of make a little Christmas movie for all to see...(we'll see how long that takes but I am determined!)

We had a DELICIOUS Christmas dinner of enchiladas with all the toppings. And it just wouldn't be Christmas if it didn't involve some egg nog...am I right?

It was tough wrangling the kids to come and eat because all they wanted to do was play, play, PLAY!

Grandma and Pa gave the kids their presents before all our guests arrived so they would have something to play with while the adults played some games of their own.  Two little princesses received their very own castles to hide from the "bad guys" and shoot them down! (good luck trying to get those two to come out)

Whenever I went to check on them, Eden tried to convince me to MAKE myself fit in her castle with her, but there was only enough room for one queen and her throne!  Eden and Ever played princesses all night long.  Ever got a whole batch of princesses and she insisted on carrying them ALL wherever she went.  Brennen and Bennett were happy to be the "bad guys" while Eden and Ever squealed in delight chasing after them.

While havoc was reeking downstairs, all us big kids played some games.  We played dirty bingo and the infamous Left, Right, Center Game.  Some would call this gambling but other would call it "A WHOLE LOTTA CASH!"

As the night wore down the kids began to get restless and cranky (might I add) and so we took some time to decorate some cookies for the jolly old man himself.

and don't think we forgot about Rudolph and all this buddies...we would never!

reindeer feed station...CHECK!  Oats, carrots, raisins, potato chips, cocoa, flying powder...don't forget the glitter (to attract the reindeer to your house, of course!) All the essential ingredients that are needed to keep the reindeer busy and happy while Santa fills the house with toys!

 (don't forget to shake it!)

After a "20's" picture with all the girls (all us kids are in our 20's....my poor mother)

we opened our jammies in preparation for the big night!

Then it was OFF to bed so Santa would come...
Early in the morning (early for those of you without children...or dad's in general for that manner) it looked as though Santa had indeed come.

I snuck upstairs to take a peak at the transformation that occurred.  Before we went to bed only a few presents laid beneath the tree, but after Santa had come the room was filled with all sorts of surprises. Staring at the room with the Christmas tree lights a glow, you could just feel the magic of Christmas morning all around.  I felt the familiar feeling I had long forgot.  The excitement and anticipation was stirring up inside me.  I.could.not.wait. to see my little girls face when she walked up those stairs!

Then, as Christmas music played softly in the background and while my video camera was again rolling, I watched as everyone made their way up stairs while rubbing the sleep out of their eyes.

Christmas Day was here and Santa did not disappoint! 

Once wrapping paper covered the floor and toys were being ripped from boxes, we got dressed and headed out to start our day... This little girl made out like a bandit and there was still more in store!

We left my parents and headed to Les' brother's house for some Christmas breakfast...come to find out, Santa dropped a present there for Eden as well.  

At first she wasn't sure what to do or say, she just shyly hid behind Les' leg.  When she finally realized that it was actually for her, the first thing she did was buckle Buzz into the passenger seat and then she was off!

After breakfast we made a stop at Grandma Rosy's and then a pit stop at our house to empty the loot. Then headed straight to Les' OTHER brother's house for some lunch.  We were exhausted but happy to spend the day visiting with family.  Finally, when I could take no more I insisted we go home and baby girl was OUT.  

I feel ya sister... it was a LONG day!  

Christmas was so much fun this year watching my little girl take in the magic of it all.  Her little eyes wide with wonder and shouts of "this is my favorite day ever!  I SOOOO happy!"  It makes these days even harder to let go because it means I have to work extra hard to make these moments while so many things require my attention, but my heart is happy. With that said, I take it with me as I set my alarm for 6am tomorrow to start the grueling task of finishing this school year!  

2011 was great and if I can survive 2012 then the rest is cake! 

'Tis the Season

What do you get when you pack your whole extended family into a cabin to celebrate Christmas?  Utter chaos!

but in between the chaos, if you pay close enough attention...there's gold!  Like watching your little girl shyly ask her favorite cousin to play beauty pallor...

Or watching your sister-in-law go in for the kiss only to recieve this...

And if you aren't on your game you'll miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these bad boys...

And what's a family party that doesn't involve a volume level that is so pronounce that it all blends together to create a constant hum that could lull a little baby to sleep? (and it did...I just don't have a picture of said baby, but trust you me...he's to die for!)

You know it's a family party when all the couches are maxed out. I don't think anymore people could fit on that couch and they MUST be family to stand sitting that close together! 

This family party reaches it's apex when the jolly man himself shows up!  There are squeals of delight balanced by cries for help.  There are secret conversations held just out of reach of a parent's ear between old saint nick and eager children promising to be nice.

Family parties are 50/50 for miss Eden.  She is either a social little butterfly making friends and having a ball or stuck to my leg like a little koala bear.  This year I was happy to find her somewhere in between.  She was timid at first to play and made sure to come get some reassuring hugs from mom but then was off just as quickly chasing kids.

When Santa came she avoided eye contact the whole time but she wasn't about to miss the opportunity to tell him that a BIG buzz was on her docket for Christmas morn.

As soon as her request was made she demanded to get down and put out her hands to receive her gift.  Santa tried to explain that she needed to be nice and he would bring it on Christmas day, but little girl just didn't understand.  She came to me and said "He NOT give me my BIG buzz!" ( guess we have a little more explaining to do).

Ah! Family parties...it just wouldn't be the holiday seasons without them!