Christmas Birthdays and Christmas Eve Eve Eve

Stones Christmas Birthdays (Dec 9)

We have three Stones Birthday's right in a row at the beginning of December- Erica, Mat and Dad. Together we have about 132 years of life (if I am remembering their ages correctly) so it was definitely something so celebrate.  We all got together for a dinner of Soup and Salads- I thought it was delicious (and I think the men folk even found it filling).  Andi made two amazing cakes and we had three candles (at different distances- which was funny).  It is always so fun to see family and to make memories together. 

 

CHRISTMAS EVE EVE EVE 

 This year no one could make it to Mom and Dad's for Christmas Eve or Christmas (other families, sickness, surgery, church obligations, excuses, excuses).  So we decided to have our Christmas Party on Christmas Eve Eve Eve (aka December 22).  We had a great traditional Christmas Eve dinner (Ham and Cheesy Potatoes- YUM) and so much yummy Christmas goodies.  We did not open presents; except for Mom and Grandma who got our traditional family scrapbooks (this year we decided to do them online and have them printed- although I am sad that I didn't get to cut and paste- this worked well and allowed us to have more pages).  

I am sad I do not get to see everyone on Christmas but I loved seeing everyone again.  I love my family and I think family togetherness is one of my favorite parts of this holiday season!

 

Baby Classes

I convinced Ben that, because this is our first, we needed to attend some Birthing Classes.  We were a little skeptical at first but are so glad that we went to these classes.  The people in our class were great and we had a really fun and energetic teacher.  After the first class I was freaking out a little bit, not sure I was ready for everything.  We did take the classes a little early because I did not want to take them during the holidays so a lot of the stuff, that was so close for the other women, was still WEEKS out for me.  Ben did not freak out till the third class, when they actually showed a video of a live birth.

We learned a lot about what actually happens to the mom, baby and dad before, during and after labor.  We also learned some relaxation stuff, which I thought was going to be stupid, but ended up being really helpful.  We are really glad that we went and that we are a little more prepared for this new phase in our lives. 

(A couple weeks before this class we took a shorter coarse on general and infant first aide.  Although a lot of it was review for us, it was nice to know/remember.)

The Hobbit

I am proud to admit that Ben and I are nerds.  We are not even closet nerds- we out in the open proclaim it to the world nerds.  Our last public display of nerdome was last Friday (December 14) when we went to see "The Hobbit." We had pre-ordered tickets, went early and stood in line and even dressed as hobbits (just kidding that would have been really weird).  It was SOOO GOOD.  

Ben grew up reading and listening to (book on tape- it helps him sleep) the Hobbit.  I grew up having Dad tell us the stories to keep up occupied on hikes and I even read it.  We both loved the Lord of the Rings Trilogy movies and were very excited for this prequel.  The book was split into three movies, which many un-enthusiasts did not understand, but the back story and history (found in the Silmarilion) were also added to the story (Ben actually spent two hours describing and clarifying the back story to me).  It was very good and fun to get so excited about something with Ben. 

Scary Toilet Paper

In October we had a Youth Halloween party.  Our ward was in charge of a booth and we did Pumpkin Bowling.  We had toilet paper rolls (decorated as ghosts) stacked and the kids had to bowl a pumpkin to knock down the ghosts.  This did not really turn out to well, instead of softly bowling we had young men throwing pumpkins and, well that is messy.  

I took the toilet paper all home and for the past two months we have been using ghost toilet paper.  Every time I put in a new roll it makes me smile and think of our youth.  So although it is really weird and doesn't really go with the Christmas Season it is fun to be reminded of our great youth...when I go to the bathroom?

Book Club Exchange

Well, we made it through another year of book club although we might be a little worse for ware.  This year was harder for me to read (once I started to get morning sick reading was out the window).  I love book club and love the conversations and thoughts of everyone about the books we read (although this year turned into a 'girls night' club).  I am excited for a new year and the hope of new books.  

On December 6 we all met at the Huckleberry, on Main Street in Louisville, for dessert and a White Elephant Book Exchange.  We have many new members and it is fun to get to know them.  There were a lot of new books brought and it made me excited for the prospect of book club with these new ladies.

Crocs Christmas Party 2012

This year Ben was a little less than excited for his work Christmas Party (Dec 7).  Work has been frustrating and a little stressful as Crocs, as well as all retail, are struggling to make their numbers (because the economy is ending and the world is about to end).  But the night turned out better than he expected.  The food was good and the dancing was good (better than the past two years).  It is fun to see his co-workers outside of work and be able to talk to them and create friendships.