columbus christmas!

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we left to head east across the united states at 5:30am on christmas eve (after we’d packed up and finished reading a christmas carol well past midnight – eek!). i was a little melancholy leaving our cozy, decorated space knowing that when we come back all the christmas-ness will be over. i think i’ll leave all <-- these cards up on the fridge/freezer for a while, though…i love having the faces of so many loved ones right there in the kitchen with me!

we flew to las vegas and then to columbus, ohio, where we met the boy’s brother on the airport curb. i drove through a corner of ohio a while ago, but other than that i’ve never been here (and haven’t spent much time at all in the midwest generally). we went straight to the boy’s brother’s wife’s parents’ house (christmas with the in-law’s in-laws!) and were so excited to see our nephews and niece! we did a little nativity play, ate delicious mexican food, had a talent show,  and hurried home to get to bed before santa came. the boy and i gave each other one present before going to sleep – new pajamas!
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we woke up to our nephew josh flipping on the lights and exclaiming “it’s time!” it was pretty exciting to see what santa had brought for us all! after delighting in treats and toys and breakfast, the kids chose their very best present to give away (they had decided as a family beforehand that they’d like to give their favourite presents to some kids in another family that needed them a bit more). we delivered those gifts and brought some christmas cheer to a home in a different neighborhood, and then came back to open presents from each other, feeling abundantly blessed.

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the boy and i stayed in our pajamas until late afternoon. yes, his fleece batman onesie has a cape <—and was quite the hit with the nephews. we ate treats and built with legos and then went back to the in-law in-laws for christmas dinner, pie, puzzle making, and more present opening. the boy and i facetimed with our parents and with my siblings and his other siblings, and it was so fun to share in christmas joy. after we came home and the kids went to bed, the boy and i stayed up late playing games with his brother and his wife.

and the 26th has been the best just hanging out, playing games and with new toys. in the morning we head to our next stop – pittsburgh, then on to new york city on the 29th and boston on the 31st. five sibling visits in one trip – not too shabby!

merry christmas everyone! i hope your holiday was full of joy and love and excitement and magic, like ours was.

Comments

  1. cute pj's! enjoy the rest of your christmas adventure.

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  2. I am speechless at the Batman PJs with the cape. And not in a good way.

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  3. Check out this blog, Charity. http://seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/

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    1. I have read this blog in the past (before she stopped writing) and find it hilarious!

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  4. Love the PJ's. And Batman PJ's are perfect, especially when it makes it even more fun for the nephews!
    So sweet about the kids taking their favorite present to kids in another family who needed them more.

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  5. I hope (or fear :-) ) I have commented often enough for you to know that I don't mean to insult. It's just an observation: While I have no doubt that you know and appreciate the real meaning of Christmas, it strikes me as odd that you don't go to church and don't wear your Sunday's best to honour such an important holiday as Christmas.

    Also, I miss Tamn, love the cards and think it's wonderful that you get to spend so much time with family that seems to be all over the country!

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  6. Annonymous, don't you and your family wear pajamas? It is hard to find a blog that doesn't have a pj picture at Christmas image.

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    1. Yes. Yes we do. Charity's footie pajamas are cute. My son, up to when he was about 12 wore superhero pajamas. My husband and I, as grown men and women, do not wear superhero pajamas with a cape. And if we did, even as a joke, I would not publicize that fact on the internet. Especially if I was a recent PhD looking for a job in the financial industry. No, that would not be cool.

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    2. Having a PhD doesn't mean a person has to be a stiff. That's what I like about Ian and Charity- they are not haughty people.
      All kinds of adults wear Super Hero stuff in this area. Super Hero socks with capes, Super Hero shirts with capes, Super Hero hats with capes, and they are all sold in the ADULT section at any store.
      One of the reasons I love following Charity's blog is because she knows how to ENJOY life to the fullest...and she isn't a phony. She can be herself and publicize it (knowing full well some people will criticize her) but she is confident enough in herself and who she is that she doesn't have to worry about other people and their opinions.


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    3. Agreed about being stiff. The only people who's opinion Ian needs to worry about are potential employers'.

      Since Charity is probably going to get pregnant very soon and have at least 4 or 5 kids like her sisters, Ian is going to have to bring home some big bucks, unless the Eyre's plan to subsidize.

      As someone who hires for my company - I don't think I'd take a second look at someone who popped up on a google search in Batman PJs. And we do google applicants. Always.

      So, no, Charity does not have to worry about other people's opinions - since someone will always be supporting her and she will never have to pay her own way. But Ian better worry. Big time.

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  7. You live in a bizarre world that a man wearing a gift of pajamas that cover is body on Christmas would harm an application for employment if pictured on a blog. Good gosh they live near San fran and Silicon Valley. Can you imagine what people wear to work and out and about in that part of the country? If he wore them for a job interview, maybe a problem?

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    1. It just makes him appear comical. That is not a bad thing, believe me, but in the financial industry, image is everything, like it or not. Maybe CA is it's own universe and that would be considered normal. But in most other places it would be a detriment.

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  8. What's your company Anon? That way we can let those with personality know they should avoid it

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    1. Yes, please. Tell any grown man who wears batman pjs and allows it to be posted on his wife's blog.... avoid my company. And any other company. They are crazy.

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  9. For the record Batman isn't a superhero on a purist level. He has no superpowers. He is an ordinary man selflessly doing extraordinary acts instead of waiting for someone else to save the day. He is a crime fighter. He is a symbol. He is also a disguised billionaire. :-) Screams moneh to me. What sort of pjs should the boy be wearing instead? If you can answer you have thought on this a little to much.

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  10. kms/kris - Ok, sorry for the misrepresentation of Batman. Seriously? OK. I don't see why you continue to defend these weird people on this site and "others".

    If I am made to be the weird one by questioning a 30-something man wearing Batman pjs and allowing it to be publicized... ok, I'll take it. But really, people.... is it normal?

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    1. Normal is relative. It depends on the person you are asking. For you it may not be, but who cares? It's their life, don't offer your negative opinions. It isn't affecting you in anyway. You don't know these people, I don't know these people. Keep your negative comments to yourself. It's obvious by the way you comment on this blog as well as other members of Charity's family that you don't like what they do, how they do it and really much about them. You are not all wise and knowing and you don't offer anything productive except to try to humiliate, degrade and knockdown. There isn't anything wrong with a productive discussion, but by the looks of your comments, that isn't what you are out for.

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  11. I am not hiding behind annonymous. I can't always pick the same login name. Sometimes it's already taken. I scratch my head and defend. These are real people and worthy of encouragement and questions. I don't understand how you can only scratch your head. I hope to not appear attacking. For me to defend, as you call you it, are you thinking they are being attacked. You are obviously not really the mother of a son or wife of a man to not know the ins and outs of batman. And I really hope they have wee ones coming soon. If she wants them and feels ready I hope there is a baby batman pj needed for the Christmas tree picture next year.

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    1. Yeah, show that smug smile. Your son-in-law is Batman... why not. Wow, you Eyre people are weird!

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    2. So go somewhere else to read? You don't have to read this blog

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  13. Anonymous, you said (to kms), " I don't see why you continue to defend these weird people on this site and 'others'." One could ask you a similar question- why do you continue to read this blog, and comment IF you truly feel these people are so weird? That's the better question. Because it is actually quite normal for people to defend those they respect when someone is being rude.
    It does appear that the green monster of jealousy seems to be the driving factor behind your posts, as you are quick to criticize the family, their financial success, and support, and even the fact that Charity may want to have children and a family.
    I grew up with very little financially (to the point that yes, I searched a dumpster a time or two...or four) but I have never been angry at others for having financial success and being able to do things I may never experience. I am so happy for people who get to travel, have beautiful weddings, fun Christmas experiences in pajamas with family they don't get to see often...I am happy for them. And I hope if they want 5 or 6 children- they are able to have that blessing too. Because they would make wonderful parents.
    I love Charity's blog because she is so full of appreciation and joy for life.
    And I love how the Eyre's can smile :) at all these crazy comments.
    They are good hearted, kind, people-- who have learned better than I have about dealing with unkind people.
    Hopefully someday, I can be more like them.

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  14. I have an idea.... if you can't enjoy this wonderful blog without picking it apart move on. Why do we always as a human race have to criticize and judge? Let's all doubt the worst, assume the best, and start lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down.

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  15. Lisa, the fact that I find Batman PJs on a grown man doesn't make me jealous. And if Charity wants 4 or 5 kids then I hope she gets her wish. But if and when they have a big family it would be nice if Ian had a really good job since Charity will most likely be bringing in zero income. And the way to secure that great job, especially in a conservative industry like finance or economics is to act, well, a little conservative. That's all. No big green monster.

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  16. I feel the need to comment here. As a HR & Talent Acquisition Director at a large finance company, these comments about not being hired somewhere because of a blog picture in pajamas are laughable. I can tell you 1) We do not have time to Google applicants to check for goofy pictures and incriminating photos and information on the Internet 2) A hiring decision is based on their resume, qualifications, interviews, etc. 3) We check references and conduct a background checks.

    Nobody cares that Ian is wearing batman pj's in a blog picture. Nobody. Except for Anonymous who needs to get a life.

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  17. Finance Executive: "Ian, your interviews went well, your education and background are impressive and we would love to hire you but I'm afraid you did not get the job. You see, our HR department was Googling your name to try and pry into your personal life and came across a picture of you in a blog in batman pj's... and well, we just don't stand for that at "XYZ" company. We are a bunch of a conservative people here, every single one of us. We were suits here Ian and we were them to bed too. I should also mention that our HR Manager read your wife's entire blog because that's what we pay her to do and we see she uses a lot of passionate language and frankly, that scares us. As conservative people in a finance company, we speak like robots. I hope you understand our decision. Best of luck."

    I mean, seriously?

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  18. *wear, not were :)

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  19. Dear Charity, Dear All,

    The point about reading blogs IMHO is to get a peek into someone's life.

    Let's not forget that there is a person behind the blog, in this case you Charity, who chooses to share her life with her blog readers. It should be a matter of courtesy to treat the blogger with respect, especially when voicing different opinions and constructive(!) criticism.

    I find the debate on batman quite amusing. Different people = different lifestyles, different beliefs and different opinions. Someone might like to pose in batman PJs publicly and might think it appropriate, while someone else may prefer a grey suit. So what? Is that not the beauty of blogging? Being exposed to something different from the security of one's living room?

    I think it is fair and probably a good idea to warn a fellow blogger of grave concerns one might have. However, once the concern has been voiced, it is time to move on. No need for lengthy debates on the person's blog and elsewhere.

    I wish you, Charity, and all my fellow readers of Charity's blog a Happy and Healthy 2015. May all your wishes come true.

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  20. Thanks for the laughs this morning as I read the comments. Wow.

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    1. So true. I wondered if it was for real the conversation that some of the readers were having. It made me laugh as well, seriously people.

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  21. As I just commented to "eyrealm"... you Eyre people are weird! Batman... wow... crazy...

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    1. The word some Eyres have used themselves was eccentric. It's just PJs.

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  22. Wearing Batman pajamas are way more concerning for an employer then maybe someone holding a bottle of beer showing themselves getting drunk at a bar. Hmm ;) I love it shows his confidence and fun personality.

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  23. I think schweigenistsilber made a good point. Enough with this discussion!

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