Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. It started with a quiet Christmas Eve at my parents' house. We were all able to fit around my parents' dining room table - a much smaller group than usual. We ate the traditional meal, read the Christmas story from the Bible, sang Christmas carols, had hot chocolate and cookies, and the bubs and their cousins opened up some new pajamas to wear. Then, of course, we played Santa Claus (see last post). I did manage to get some sleep and the bubs slept better than usual. They went right to sleep and didn't get up until 8:45. They weren't quite as crazy excited as we thought they'd be at first, but they got the hang of things after a while. Afton started bouncing around the room at one point, too excited to sit still, and singing over and over, "We are kids!" I'm not sure why she chose that particular phrase to express her excitement, but it was funny anyway. After we opened gifts and had some breakfast, we got ready and headed back over to my parents' house. We enjoyed visiting with family (a bigger group than the previous day), exchanged presents with my parents, ate a nice Christmas dinner, and headed home that night very exhausted from the events of the previous 48 hours! The day after Christmas we enjoyed a nice get together with Cody's family. Brandon and Amy and their kids were in town, which was fun. I didn't manage to get any pictures from that event, but we really had a nice time. All in all I'd say Christmas was a success.

Here's an adorable picture of our brood taken on Christmas Eve.

I CAN'T SLEEP

Seriously, it's WAY more fun and WAY harder to sleep now that I'm Santa Claus. I fully admit that I have had difficulty sleeping on Christmas Eve since before I can remember. That's right, folks. I'm still like a kid when it comes to Christmas. But seriously?!! My kids really get it this year, I went a little crazy, and now that everything is set out, I turned to Cody just now and said, "I HAVE TO WAIT ALL THE WAY UNTIL THE MORNING?!!" Yep, there's my three-year-old mentality coming out. That's why the bubs and I get along so well, because I'm really just like them. I whine when I'm tired, I think we should eat treats for breakfast every other day, and I can't sleep on Christmas Eve. There you have it - a full confessional. So, here I am, the minutes ticking by until that much-anticipated moment when they first see the spoils. CAN'T HANDLE IT! And yes, this does mean you have full license to laugh at me. Though pointing and laughing is taking it a bit too far. Really.

Peanut Rolls

This is the peanut.
Behold the rolls.
Yummiest thing ON THE PLANET.

Bub Moments

When the bubs were about a year old my sister Hillary and I took them with us on a trip to Ikea. On the way out they were pretty fussy and I stopped for a moment. This very nice couple stopped and smiled and then came over and said, "It gets easier!" They told me they had twins. I asked the big question, "WHEN?!" They said, "Around 3 years old, or after they are potty trained." So, I've kept that in the back of my head. Well, we're still working on the potty training (NIGHTMARE OF MY LIFE, to be blunt) but they seem to finally be using the potty most of the time and (our greatest obstacle) have even attempted #2 this past week (perhaps that's too much info, but this is a big deal!)

But I really have felt lately that they are getting much easier. They play together so well. They fight sometimes, but it seems they can be arguing one moment and hugging the next, so they move on quickly. They are constantly laughing with each other or carrying on adorable little conversations. Sometimes I feel like I really do get to be the fly on the wall, catching a glimpse into their little twin world. It's fascinating and hilarious and sometimes so tender it makes me want to cry. There really is something so special about what they have.

The other day I was looking at pictures of the two of them and Maeryn came into my office. She sat down and looked at the pictures. I said, "You love each other so much, don't you?" And she said, "Yeah, she (Afton) is my friend." And then she said, "Eliza doesn't have a friend." (Pause) "You can be her friend, Mama." And the other day Afton was crying about something and she said, "I need my friend, Maeryn!" I'm glad they see each other that way. And I thought it was sweet that Maeryn was concerned that Eliza doesn't have a twin.

On that note, here are some pictures of the bubs together from the past few months.

Halloween

Since Thanksgiving is just days away, I figured I'd better post about Halloween! We had a very fun Halloween. When I started talking to the bubs about Halloween they both immediately cried, "And we'll be pumpkins!" I guess they thought that since they dressed up as pumpkins last year, that they will be pumpkins on Halloween ever after. I was very happy that they jumped to this conclusion since the costumes still fit, so we didn't spend a dime on Halloween this year. Fantastic! Eliza didn't dress up and neither did Cody or I. I guess we're kind of boring that way. I think the last time I dressed up was my freshman year in college. Maybe one of these years we'll be more creative.

Anyway . . . we started the day off by going to Macey's to buy pumpkins (we were a little late in the game, but thankfully they still had some decent ones left). The bubs didn't enjoy the pumpkin carving very much. They thought the pumpkin guts were disgusting (see Maeryn's expression above!) and lost interest after about 10 minutes. They did enjoy seeing them lit up at Grandma and Grandpa's later on though. We enjoyed a yummy chili dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and then headed out to do a little trick or treating in the neighborhood. You should have seen us! It was pouring rain but the bubs were ready to go, so we whipped out their princess umbrellas (picture included is from our trip to the zoo and not Halloween, but you get the idea) and Cody and I each had an umbrella, and off we went. We were soaked through and the downpour stopped about 15 minutes after we started, so we could have saved ourselves if we'd waited, but that wouldn't have been as much fun! The bubs made a game of jumping over the river that had formed in the street gutters. They didn't mind getting wet at all and I think they loved having our undivided attention since usually we're distracted by our little peanut (Eliza).

We're looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love this time of year!

New Job

Most of you probably already know this, but Cody got a new job! He started on October 5th. Why did it take me until October 25th to write about it? Well, to be honest, I think a part of me has felt it's too good to be true. I've been afraid that something would happen, that it wouldn't actually work out. And I suppose I've been this way because there have been a number of other jobs that seemed like the perfect fit, that he interviewed well for, had second interviews for, etc. that just didn't work out. So, I've decided that it's time I start believing that this is really happening. We aren't going to have to worry about how we are going to make it, because we're making it now. I went and bought a few Christmas presents for my girls this past week. I haven't been able to do that for the past couple of years. It was a great feeling. But more than anything, I don't want to forget. I don't want to forget what it feels like to worry about money, to not have enough to make it, to not be able to provide Christmas, because there are still so many people that are worrying. And I hope I can be the one to leave the Christmas gifts on someone else's doorstep because I have been the recipient of that generosity from others and it meant more than I can ever adequately express. So, GREAT NEWS, Cody has a new job! He is working for City Deals as a web developer, he enjoys what he is doing and the people he works with, and the company is growing so it's a good place to be.

Chubba

Eliza is a little chubby dumpling that I cannot help kissing on and squeezing all day long. Sometimes I feel like my head is going to explode, she's so darn cute!

Eliza loves to suck her thumb, she loves to be held and cuddled, and she loves to eat. She loves her swing and her bouncy seat. She is now rolling over as of a week ago (The picture included in this post is her very first attempt. I'm grateful I had my camera for one important moment, though not another, as you shall see), and she likes to sleep on her tummy for naps during the day. She has an iron grip, so she quite often has the blanket she was laying on secured firmly in one hand when I pick her up off the floor. And, Eliza LOVES to talk/sing/squawk. I'm not sure what to call it, but it's hilarious! She can be quite LOUD, especially when she's really happy.

She was blessed on 10/10/10 and I, as usual, forgot my camera. That's right, folks. I didn't get a single picture of her or our family on her blessing day! The blessing was beautiful and Cody did exceptionally well considering the fact that Eliza cried through the entire thing. I did manage to get her dressed up in her blessing attire (it was quite snug on her blessing day, and at the rate she's growing, it's a miracle I squeezed her into it yesterday) to take a few pictures. Isn't she just adorable?!

Temple Grandin

If you haven't seen this movie yet, you should.

Ode to Lemi Shine

It's a MIRACLE! I can place dirty dishes in my dishwasher and they come out clean! And it's all thanks to Lemi Shine. Seriously, if they needed someone to do a commercial for them, I would do it. I am converted! And the best part is that, after 5 months of hand washing my dishes, I DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ANYMORE!!!!! HOORAY! HOORAY! HOORAY! Can you tell I am unable to adequately express the joy this brings me?!!!!!!! Seriously, I don't think a new car could make me this happy! Well . . . maybe . . . but anyway, I'm OVERJOYED!!!!!

Summer Highlights

My Three
Maeryn(L),Afton(R), and Eliza
Bridal Veil Falls (An absolutely gorgeous day!)
Cascade Springs
Nephew Howie waiting while the bubs rode the ponies
Afton
Maeryn
Maeryn being silly with Great Grandpa Jack

Now that autumn is in full swing, I suppose I had better just do one big post about our summer adventures. The first part of the summer I was, of course, very big and pregnant, but I wanted to make sure the bubs were able to get out and do some things before Eliza was born since I knew that after that they'd be stuck inside with their sleep-deprived mother until she became un-sleep-deprived (still working toward that, so we've been inside A LOT).

We spent a lot of time at the pool at my parents' house in Orem. Thankfully I have a wonderful family who was willing to get in the pool with the bubs since I didn't feel comfortable doing so in my whale-esque, stretch-marked state. I think I have stretch marks from my neck down to my toes. Someone should invent maternity wet suits! Anyhoo, the bubs had a lot of fun at the pool and just generally hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We enjoyed visits from my brother, Chris, and his kids, my sister, Jessica, and her family, and my sister, Summer, and her family. I would definitely say these visits were the major highlights of my summer. The bubs love playing with their cousins and I relish the opportunity to spend time with my wonderful siblings and their families. Jessica and Chris are the two siblings just older than me, and Summer falls right behind me in line. This has caused me to wonder what I did to drive away my closest siblings?! Just kidding. I just miss you all SO much! And of course we are so grateful for all of the family we have close by too.

The bubs and I were able to go to Bridal Veil Falls, Cascade Springs, and Thanksgiving Point, and we enjoyed each outing. Though, I have to say that I think it might not have been the best idea to hike up to Bridal Veil Falls when I was 8 months pregnant and had a stress fracture in my foot, but I survived! Looking back, I just have to laugh at the expressions of the other travelers on the path to the falls. There I was, SO big, with my little twins, hefting a big bag and limping. Nuts, that's what. Anyway . . .

We went to the little farm at Thanksgiving Point and the bubs thoroughly enjoyed riding the ponies, especially Maeryn. She DID NOT want to get off! She used up all of the spare tickets we had amongst us and some nice people gave us their extra tickets because they were leaving. I think she rode the ponies about 10 times! We had to drag her away, kicking and screaming. Afton liked going around the first time, but she insisted on riding the biggest horse, and I think it scared her a little, so she didn't want to ride again. The funny thing is that I got a picture of Afton smiling on a horse, but Maeryn is either not paying attention or not smiling in every picture I have of her!

We also enjoyed some nice visits with my grandparents, Jack and Ruby Fitzwater. It has been much more difficult to visit since Eliza joined us, so seeing the cute picture of Maeryn with Grandpa Jack is a good reminder that I need to visit them again, and soon!

Of course, it goes without saying that the greatest adventure we experienced this summer was the birth of little Eliza. And the adventure continues . . .

*Note: I did not include a list of who accompanied us on each of these adventures as that would be a very long list, so let's just say we spent a lot of time with my siblings and their kids. So much family - we are so blessed!

*And another note: I am certain I have not included all of our summer adventures here as I cannot recollect much of anything before Eliza arrived, and I am horrible about taking pictures. No picture equals, at this point, no recollection. So, if I have failed to mention some important events that included you, the reader, please forgive me!

*And yet another note: Apparently I like to dress my girls in their striped shirts as none of these pictures were taken on the same day! I promise they own more than one shirt!

And I Thought My Dishwasher Was Broken

Back in May we started noticing a yucky white film on all of our dishes after we ran them through the dishwasher. We ran the dishwasher using vinegar and bleach a couple of times to get the film off, and after a few weeks of hand washing decided to give the dishwasher repairman a call. He came and replaced our dishwasher arm. We ran some Dishwasher Magic through our dishwasher and then began washing dishes as usual. The first time through our dishwasher seemed to be fixed, but then the next load the white film was back, and we called our repairman up once again. We had the dishwasher valve replaced, and same thing . . . the film remained. We switched to Cascade Complete thinking this would help and it seemed to just make things worse! This all happened over the course of three months. The repairman kindly gave us a refund because he wasn't able to fix the problem and we've been hand washing ever since, waiting for the day we could afford a new dishwasher. And then my sister forwarded this article to me today, and I'm wondering, how many of you have been struggling with the same problem?

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=172&sid=12598586

Eliza's Photo Shoot

At about four weeks old, Eliza had her first photo shoot. My friend, Angela Liddle, happens to be an incredible photographer, and she conveniently lives just two buildings away! It was a wonderful experience - Angela had the fire going and some white noise in the background. It was so calm and peaceful. And I think the pictures speak for themselves - thanks again, Angela!

Eliza Kate

Three Days Old

Seven Weeks Old

As most of you probably already know, Eliza Kate Lloyd joined our family on July 10th. She was 6 lbs. 13 oz. at birth, grew to 8 lbs. 5 oz. by her two week appointment, and has continued to fill out. Needless to say, I've been a bit busy keeping up with three little girls, and thus have neglected this blog. Now that I've had a chance to finally upload pictures from my camera to my computer I realize that one simple post is not going to suffice. So, expect a few updates from me over the next little while. But before I get to said task, here are a couple pictures of our adorable, squishy, utterly yummy baby Eliza!

Afton

Afton is one independent little bub. This translates into her desire to do things herself, and do things her way. It's great when she wants to put together a puzzle without assistance, but not so great when she folds her arms and says, "NO" to any number of reasonable requests made by her mother.

A recent moment that made Cody and I laugh rather heartily was the other night when Cody was tickling the bubs, and then things suddenly turned on him and they were tickling him. He pretended to scream and try to get away, to which Afton said,

"Oh, crybaby!"

Who knows where she picked that up! :)

Both bubs really love to sing songs, but I finally got Afton on camera. Here's her rendition of "Snowman."

Maeryn

Maeryn is little girl, through and through. She is constantly dressing up. Her headbands double as belts and accessory holders. Her socks double as fashionable gloves. I have included a picture to illustrate what I'm talking about. :)

One of the cutest things Maeryn says is "makkin" for napkin. She likes to clean up messes. So most mornings, while eating her cereal, she drips a bit of milk on the table and says, "Can I have a makkin please?" Such a little lady!

Last night Cody and I had the supreme pleasure of going on a date. While we were gone, Afton had a meltdown, and apparently Maeryn did her best to console Afton. When Afton started crying for Mama, Maeryn said, "No, Mommy and Daddy went to date."

Happy Easter!

Maeryn and Afton Easter Morning
Afton Strikes a Pose
Maeryn ready for the hunt
Afton ready for the hunt


Growing up we always did Easter baskets on the Saturday before Easter, so we have continued that tradition with the bubs. They were pretty excited about their baskets, most especially their new little purses, sunglasses, and jewelry. Pardon the nudity, the bubs go in to bed with pajamas and usually walk out in the morning without them. Apparently they think this is funny. :)

After they checked out their Easter baskets, we were off to the annual Easter egg hunt held in my parents' neighborhood. They had a lot of fun gathering the eggs, and were excited about their spoils.

On Easter Sunday we had a nice dinner with family at my parents' house. And of course we enjoyed conference throughout the weekend - what we were able to hear, that is. The bubs kept saying, "we got to watch conference!" They were pretty good sports.