Halloween

My pictures are weak at best. I wasn't all in for Halloween this year. The kids had an absolute blast and knew no different.

Eyre Family Halloween Party - always a hit!
Little Pumpkin, Belle, Cowgirl, Ninja

 The cutest!

 He hated his costume!

 BYU fan and a Witch Doctor

 Grace- Monster Hi-doll and Hannah - Belle

 Our carved pumpkin

 Scary Halloween Masks they painted

 Halloween bingo

 Multiply and Replenish with Aaron's awesome tie.

Family Leadership Academy Halloween Party - I love this group!

 Candy Melt Down

 Candy Crash

PaR-TaY

I wasn't sure if I would be up for throwing a party for Hannah this year. I really wanted to since this is a big birthday, but I knew I'd have a newborn baby and wasn't sure if I'd be up for it. So when I decided I could have a party for her, Hannah was thrilled!!! Then, the anxiety began. I asked Hannah to make a list of friends she wanted to invite. I saw her write down a couple of names. Then my heart just broke. She was struggling to think of "friends". This little girl had so many cute little friends in the first grade, with no problem whatsoever. Now that we home school, she no longer keeps in touch with those girls and there aren't too many girls in the neighborhood her age either. We decided to ask some of the girls at the school we go to on Mondays, Family Leadership Academy. Her list of 8 or 9 quickly turned into 19 or 20. She even found the house of one of her friends from 1st grade and was able to invite her. It was the cutest little reunion of all. So, in the middle of the week I called Aaron at work crying pretty good telling him that Hannah's party just went from 9 girls (manageable for me) to 19 (totally and completely insane for me). Aaron assured me he could help me and quickly I felt a lot better. Then a couple of moms offered to stay and help as well. It was going to be okay. In the end, only 14 girls came and Hannah was in complete and total heaven! It was all worth it.

The girls making fancy dresses out of toilet paper.

Aaron blowing up a balloon until it pops. 14 screaming girls is very loud!

Balloon game on the trampoline

All the girls

Hannah and Grace

Hannah got hurt on the trampoline. Daddy to the rescue!

Hannah and Alaya, her friend from first grade.

I'm so glad Hannah got a party. I'm SOOO glad Aaron was here. He made the party fun. I'm so glad the party is over! :o)

The Day I Became a Mom

8 years ago today I became a mom. It kind of scares me to think how fast these past 8 years have flown by. Maybe sad is a better word. In 10 more years Hannah could leave our home and that is truly something to make me sad if I think about it. But she will someday leave our home and make this world a better place. As parents, we are all biased. We think our kid is the very best! I am no exception. Hannah is exceptional. I marvel at the young lady she is turning into. She is choice! I remember my mom telling me long before I was married or had my first baby, that I would never be able to understand just how much she and my dad love me until I have a child of my own. I understand that perfectly now.

8 is a pretty important age in our faith. Hannah gets to be baptized a member of our church at the end of the month. She's been talking about it for months. She's attended several of her friends baptisms. It's finally her turn and she is so excited! She's prepared. She loves the Lord. She truly does always aim to choose the right. She's quick to forgive and quick to say "I'm sorry". She loves me and her daddy fiercely. If she disappoints me, the tears are quick to follow; she feels so bad. She is well loved by her many friends. She is bright and determined to learn. She's somewhat of a perfectionist, which I hope will bless her all of her life. She is a phenomenal older sister. She has incredible faith and knows God hears and answers her prayers. She is obedient. She is super fun! She has a contagious laugh. She is her Grandma Lombardo's sweet pea, and her daddy's little sweetheart. She is all girl. She is beautiful inside and out. She is a blessing in our lives. She is deeply loved!

 Hannah with her namesake

Happy Birthday sweet Hannah! At 8 years old you wanted to go shopping for new clothes and have some "alone time" with just me. Dad surprised you with a date when he got home from work. You got all dressed up and asked me to curl your hair and put lipstick on you...all for ice cream with your daddy. Too cute!

Hollands 1st week

A week old. A WEEK OLD! I can't stand that it's been a week already. She is sweet, as all newborn babies are. She is calm, which my other newborns were not. She is alert. She is a good pooper and burper. (That's probably why she's usually pretty happy). She sleeps pretty decent at night. She is tiny. Her little hands and feet just kill me! She's as sweet as they come.