Barbilyn 08

For Christmas this year we had a family reunion with my mom, all her children and their families; and my aunt and all her children and their families. My aunt's name is Barbara and my mom's is Marilyn - hence - the Barbilyn family reunion. It was wonderful from the early planning stages to the actual events. Some of my fondest Christmas memories are with these cousins and it was so fun to be together again and watch our kids make memories together. We had a talent show, nightly devotionals, crafts, swimming, volleyball, hiking, slide shows, poem exchange, dirt bike riding, air hockey games, and lots of good food and long conversations. I can't wait for the next Barbilyn reunion!

Christmas Morning

My mom made these fantastic pj's for all of the kids.

Merry Christmas

Then . . .



and now . . .

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care

The first of these 35 stockings was made by my great grandmother, "Granny" for my mother and aunt when they were little girls.



As they got married and had children, Granny made stockings for their families.



After she died, my mom and aunt continued to make them.



We now have three generations of these beautiful red felt sequined masterpieces. To me, these stockings are more than holding bags for Santa's gifts. They represent my family and the times I want to always remember. Though similar, each stocking is different and unique, just like it's owner. The first time it hit me that we had a "large" family was when I saw all of our stockings hung on the stairs in our Lexington house. I remember thinking, "Are all of those stockings ours?" I imagine my mom and aunt must have thought the same thing as they looked at all of our stockings this Christmas.

We Share Everything

Ruby and Aaron share clothes, toys, a room AND eye patches. (Ruby fell off a chair and put a chip in her cornea.) Seriously, what is WRONG with us!!

A Lovely Thanksgiving

We had a lovely Thanksgiving. We hosted Adam's family and Christy for a total of of 22 people. I was able to use my China and had a great time decorating the tables. I wanted the kids to enjoy a "fancy" Thanksgiving too, so I went to DI and purchased some China to use for their table. I was so pleased with how it turned out. Everyone pitched in so the cooking wasn't overwhelming and yet extremely tasty. Our beloved company stayed late into the night. We played games (including the name game) and talked. To me, it was a perfect Thanksgiving. Among many things, I am thankful to have in-laws I love and look forward to spending time with.

Turkey Trot

On Thanksgiving morning Caleb and I ran the Utah Human Race. It is a 5k fund raiser for the local food bank and the church's Humanitarian Center. The race was started by some good friends and has grown every year. This year, they had a several thousand runners and raised over 30,000 dollars. It was a great way to start a day of feasting. Caleb did an amazing job and really pushed himself. I was so proud of him. The raise was fulfilling on a lot of levels, but the best part was being able to experience this with Caleb. I hope Isaac joins us next year.

Oh, Happy Day!

Even though Benjamin is 3 months old, I am still wearing maternity pants or "stretchy pants." Today I decided to just try a pair of jeans . . .and they fit! Good bye panel front, hello Levis!

Princess Party

I have thrown Star Wars parties, super hero parties, train parties, camping parties, bug parties, and lego parties, but never a princess party . . .until today.

Motivation.

Today I cooked and pureed 8 pumpkins. It took MUCH longer than I expected (I will never do that many again without a food processor). As the hours ticked on, I kept reminding myself of the FHE treat we would soon be nibbling. It didn't come out of the oven until 9:30pm, but it was worth it! Here is the recipe if you're interested.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Topping:
1 C yellow cake mix
1/2 C sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 Tbs margarine

Mix first 3 ingredients then cut in margerine. Should be crumbly.

Bottom Crust:
remaining cake mix
1 egg
1/2 C melted butter

Cream all together until thick. Spread on the bottom of a 9x13 pan

Middle layer:
1 large can pumpkin (29oz)
4 eggs slightly beaten
1 1/2 C sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
2 12oz cans evaporated milk

Mix together and pour over crust. Cook at 350 for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle topping over. Bake an additional 60 minutes. Done when knife comes out clean. Best served chilled with whip cream.

( If using fresh pumpkin, measure out 29oz of pumpkin and use only 1 can of evaporated milk)

The End of a Season

This weekend was the last BYU home game and the last of Caleb's football season. (No, Caleb can't play. He has had to miss more than half the season because of his back. But he still has gone to practices and dressed for games). One the other hand, it was Aaron's first trip to Lavell Stadium.

Home Away From Home

This is a picture of our home away from home. In the last two months we have made 15 trips to Primary Children's Hospital or the adjacent Moran Eye Center, 5 trips to the local hospital, and had numerous doctor appointments. Why? . .

Caleb fractured his back, Isaac's Guttate Psoriasis came back, Aaron hurt his eye, Benjamin's birth and the newest injury . . . Ruby decided to set a trap for Caleb and whacked him in the head with a polo mallet. Caleb received 7 stitches in his forehead.

After Aaron was born, a doctor said to us, "You have 3 boys?! Your going to spend your life in the ER." I guess he was right.