Moving soon (I hope)

I admit, it was hard putting this little sign out in front of the house, but now I think we'll be replacing our FSBO sign soon with an official broker sign because the sooner we sell and get into a home closer to the kids' schools and activities, the better.  This is why . . . a glimpse into a typical day of insanity (i.e. my day today):

7:20am - drive Jr. High kids over to the school and back home again, total time in car = 30 min.

10:30am - drive myself over to the tennis club for my match,  run a PTA errand while in Sugarhouse, then back home again.  Total time in car = 55 min.

3 pm - pick up Caroline at school, take her to the tennis club for academy, run another errand, fill car with gas, drive back home again.  Total time in car = 60 min.

5:30 pm - drive to Skyline to pick up Ryan after lax practice, drive over to club to pick up Caroline, come back home, then drive kids to YW/YM.  Total time in car = 55 min.

That's 200 minutes of my life spent in the car!!!  Almost 3 1/2 HOURS - are you kidding me??  And the sad part is that this happens almost every day, every week of my life . . . . all told, I probably average about 12-14 hours in the car every week.  I am driving to Southern California every seven days - freak.

Therefore, we are moving to this house . . .

A comparison:  to accomplish all I did today from the new home would only take me a total of 45 minutes.  Yep, that's it, 45 minutes, which translates into 2 hours and 35 minutes of time that could be spent much more productively.  No wonder I can't get anything done around the house!

However, if I didn't do all that driving today I would have missed the spectacular sunrise in Little Cottonwood from the vantage point of Wasatch Blvd., some great discussions on NPR, singing along to my favorite music in the car, a conversation with Caroline about her day, and of course watching the sky turn my favorite color blue as the stars started to appear above the canyon on my drive home this evening . . . ahhhh.

But we're still moving and hopefully will get our home sold soon, and then conversations will take place around the dinner table like they should, the stars and sunrise will make their appearance over Mt. Olympus rather than Little Cottonwood, and my music and NPR will still keep me entertained and informed as always :-).

On a brighter note

U2 releases their new album, Songs of Ascent, the first week in March.  Here's a peek from the album cover photo shoot - LOVE it.  This album is supposed to have a more "reflective and meditative" feel than their previous recordings according to a Rolling Stone magazine preview.  Also, about four of the songs were originally recorded for "Atomic Bomb," so I'm sure it will be good.

Can't Wait!

Chris saves the day . . .

again.  Let's just say that Ryan would be chained to his bed and not allowed out of the house for the next four years if it weren't for the insight, logic, calm, understanding, and inspiration that my husband possesses when it comes to dealing with our teenage son.  I am too emotional and much too easily manipulated when it comes to my children, but Chris handles things beautifully - seriously, I think he could write a book on parenting teenagers.

This cartoon perfectly illustrates what we are dealing with here . . . aaahhh, enjoy the ride, right?!

However, the ride would definitely be a miserable one if it weren't for my better half.  I am forever grateful to have this wonderful partner, soul-mate, companion, and love in my life . . . couldn't live without you Chris!

How single mothers do it, I'll never know.

Memory Lane

Today was a perfect Saturday.  Family Day.  It's a pretty rare occurance to spend the entire day together as a family actually OUT doing something, all six of us, unless we're on vacation, so today was unique.  We started with Ryan's hockey game (the girls enjoy about the first 10 minutes, then are occupy themselves by wandering around the ice rink), then lunch at Hires, then a drive around neighborhoods and a visit to a home we're considering purchasing.  Just the excitement surrounding this home and the possiblities of our future move were enough to keep everyone smiling for the rest of the day!

After spending time at the property and talking with the owners we made it home to get everyone ready to head down to Provo for the wedding reception of a dear, wonderful family friend ours.  The reception was beautiful, the bride was radiant, and the time spent with old friends and neighbors was priceless.  We absolutely adore this family, they were our nextdoor neighbors for the eleven years we lived in Provo and we admire everything about them - hardworking, humble, genuine, brilliant people.  I would have to say that one of the greatest blessings of our years in Provo was having the Skabelunds as our dearest friends and neighbors.  When we moved into that home the summer of 1994, Analyn was 11 years old; today she married the man of her dreams.  It has been a pleasure watching her and her siblings grow up and become the remarkable people they have become, and I know they all have such bright futures ahead.

After the reception, we decided to take the kids on a trip down memory lane.  This is what really made our day one to remember -  reminscing and visiting different places that meant so much to Chris and me during our college years.  First stop, the house where I was living when Chris and I first met.  We pulled up in front, and Chris spontaneously turned off the car, looked at me and said, "will you kiss me again on the doorstep?"  OK, so sweet - we jumped out of the car, went up to the front door and kissed and hugged like it was 18 years ago just after a date.  The kids were giggling in the car, I was choked up, and then as we were walking back to the car, Chris pointed at a spot on the driveway and announced, "hey, I think this is where you spit on our first date before you got in my car!"  Alright, uncontrollable laughter right there and a reminder of how he must have been so enamored, that he wasn't turned off by my spitting phelgm on our first date . . . apparently I didn't think I needed to impress anyone that night :-).

Then it was a drive past the house where we climbed on the roof and had that first magical kiss, driving past Chris' apartment building, and then around the student housing near lower campus before making our way over to BYU.  We showed the kids the athletic complex, tennis courts, and lax field where hopefully Ryan and Caroline will spend some time when they come to school here; then we drove past the business school where Chris recieved his MBA, past the Humantities building where I spent so much of my time, the testing center where I my heart still races by just the thought of taking another test in that dreaded building.  We expressed our love for this campus, our desire for them to have the opportunity to come here, and especially what a wonderful experience it is to be part of such an amazing institution.

We ended our night with a visit to the Wilkinson Center for tacos and Creamery ice cream.  We sat in the CougarEat with our four children and continued to talk about such zoobie entities as International Cinema, the Varisty Theater, the library, dances, and class schedules.  I think the kids had a fabulous time.  There was a dance going on in the ballroom, so Chris took Caroline inside to show her what good, clean, college fun looks like . . . they even danced part of a song.  Now that's a memory I won't forget!

S U N D A N C E

It seems that every so often there are defining moments that for one reason or another help put everything in perpective and add such clarity that it's almost impossible to explain.  Today happened to be one of those days.  After an emotionally long week dealing with teenage son issues (to be posted at a later time - stay tuned for the drama) and a stressed-out husband, I was struggling to stay positive.

Sometimes you don't realize how much you need something until you experience it and find yourself brimming with renewed personal energy, as well as enthusiasum for the human spirit.  Today I experienced a bit of an epiphany - I realized that when were depleted and even if we think we can continue creating positive energy completely on our own without vital resources, we are sadly mistaken.  It really IS so important to leave life behind for a moment and completely immerse ourselves in the things we love.  A very difficult thing for most mothers to do!

So, this morning I headed up to Park City for my first day at this year's film festival.  Let me clarify, my first day at the festival in YEARS.  I bought tickets to films I researched and thought looked wonderful (and they were), I went completely on my own, ended up meeting some amazing and creative people, and drove home so energized I could hardly contain it.

I've always loved independent films, and after today I have a newfound respect, almost reverence for these writers and filmmakers.  The creative energy that was present during the screenings and question/answer sessions after the films was contagious.  The people I listened to and even personally met (writers, editors, musicians, directors, cinematographers, and actors) were simply brilliant, and listening to the directors whose vision finally has become a reality was truly inspiring.

W I N T E R ' S  B O N E



I can't stop thinking about this film - the acting was incredible, the atmosphere the director created was palpable, the story was heartwrenching, but it was the inner strength of the main character that was so remarkable.  I was deeply moved, and felt it a privilege to sit right behind the author of the book, Daniel Woodrell, as he watched his novel take shape on the big screen.  It was a wonderful thing to see his reaction to the film and talk with him after about his feelings after he watched this movie for the first time.  It must be such a beautiful experience for an author when their work of art is transformed perfectly into another medium.

O B S E L E D I A



Absolutely charming and delightful.  I really loved this film and am looking forward to more work by Diane Bell.  She both wrote and directed "Obselidia" and I was very impressed, especially since it was her first film.  She created a unique character that was honest, humble, and vulnerable without seeming pathetic.  She also infused such beautiful ideals and philosophies into her work that really made you think and evaluate your own opinions on these topics.  The film deftly explores themes such as perfection, love, beauty, and how we view the future.  Bell was such a lovely person and it was a pleasure to hear her talk and answer questions, as well as the entire cast - what talent - can't wait to see these actors in more films in the future.

I wish I had all week to live in Park City and soak it all in, but alas, I have a family and children who need me.  Thursday, I'm headed up for another film (if anyone wants to join me, let me know - early morning), then Friday night Chris and I are going to waitlist a documentary, then Saturday afternoon I have my last film - another documentary that looks so inspiring I can hardly wait.  My energy sources will truly be overflowing by the end of the week!

Christmas memories - 2009

I'm finally getting around to our Christmas post.  December was crazy wonderful, we had a great mix of family togetherness with the Howick and Cantera clans, fun outings and activities, as well as our own family traditions.  Our home was "party central," which ended up being a lot of fun - we hosted Christmas Eve brunch and sledding with Jenna's family, Christmas Eve dinner and party with the rest of my family, enjoyed having my parents and brother over Christmas morning, then Cantera cousin fun and skiing with David the next day.  That was just the first three days.  Then it was helping host the big Howick family party at our church with my mom and aunt, then having the cousins over for New Year's eve, and finally the New Year's Eve party with grandpa Ron and the Cantera fam.  Here are a million pics of some of the festivities . . .

Sophie and friends at Annabelle's annual tea party.

At the "living nativity" - wow, very beautiful - next year the whole family is going!

Decorating gingerbread cookies - just one of our many fun projects in the kitchen.

First round of treats to give to friends . . . sugar cookies and pounds of toffee to follow!

Howick family tradition, now Cantera tradition (thanks Mom!) - the "Love Pillow" - we take turns expressing love and appreciation for one another. 

The kids love finding it on their beds!

Our annual family Christmas outing 2009 - This year we choose to go see the Joseph Smith movie, then lights at Temple Square, then dinner at Himalayan Kitchen.  It was so nice having Grandma Pat join us.

CHRISTMAS EVE with the Howicks

Family pics in our living room - My  mom and dad with the grandkids

Our photographer set up the studio right in our house - pretty slick . . .

And yes, Chris needed a haircut - hadn't had it cut since AUGUST -

oh well, I love my rockstar husband!

Christmas Eve dinner

Uncle Travis gave all his neices/nephews new beanies - how SWEET.

It's not Christmas Eve without traditional Norwegian Krumkake filled w/fresh raspberries and whip cream - yummy!

My favorite women - Mom, sister Jenna, and my sweet Caroline

Thanks Grandma!

Christmas Eve pjs - the kids had to forego the treasure hunt and settle for "hot and cold" this year - just got too late . . .

But they didn't seem to mind!

Liza with cousins Miriam and Avery

Singing "The Nativity Song" together before reading Luke 2 . . .

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Sophie and Liza's surprises from Santa

Always exciting!

Chris' gift from the kids - a nice, new blender for his protein shakes - they were SO excited to give it to him!

oh, and Wii Fit and snowshoes for me . . . fun!

Skiing and sledding with cousins . . .

Caroline and Shelby

Cousins Becca and Rachel with Liza and Soph before sledding.

On the sledding hill

NEW YEAR'S EVE with the Canteras

Party with the Cantera clan and Grandpa Ron - Ryan was awesome at celebrity charades - until he had to ask, "Who's Rosa Parks??"

Ryan can't wait to leave and go with his friends to a "real" party!

We  made it - the year is over - time to open up our 2009 box . . .

Inside our "2009" box - all the mementos from our year - always fun to open and remember the things we did together and individually, as well as the milestones that were reached during the year.

Friends

"A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where

you've been, accepts who you've become, and still,

gently invites you to grow . . ."

 Anonymous

I found this quote today, something I saved from "Academy For Girls" almost twenty-five years ago.  I was just thirteen years old when I spent a week down at BYU for this program.  I still remember my counselor, Kathleen Kennedy (we actually connected on facebook of all places just recently), some of the talks that were given, and especially how I felt and grew spiritually during that time.  So, today while organizing some boxes I found this handwritten quote on a little piece of pink paper, given to me from one of the counselors and thought I would share.

It must have meant enough to me back then to keep all these years and I understand why.  After my family, it's truly my friends that keep my tank filled and bring so much happiness into my life.  Thanks to you all!

Quote for the day . . .

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

Resolutions?

Yep, New Year's resolutions - made some that I thought were pretty great.  Thought I would tackle some of my inner weaknesses, well guess what?  ALL bets are off when that perfect storm has been brewing for a week and is finally unleashed . . . ok, yes, you got it, that optimistic, cheerful, happy thing that rarely lets anything bother . . . um, ya, today I turned into "don't get close to me or I'll bite your head off" psycho lady.

It was purely self loathing.  Self pity for the squishy belly that suddenly appeared, for the lovely cellulite that's multiplying and replenishing on my thighs from all the junk I've put into my body the past few weeks, and for not having the drive get my sorry self out for an intense workout.  Today was going to be "the day" - the day to get out and do something active . . . well, I forgot about a PTA meeting I had to go to (only to face the principal's disappointment that I messed up on a project), then it was finishing the Christmas clean-up, then it was laundry, then it was kids . . .

SO, after barely squeezing into my favorite jeans yesterday + not working out seriously for over a MONTH + gorging myself with every holiday treat in sight (dang my aunt's homemade chocolates) + drinking coke (which i never do) + the inversion + "that time of month" + my sassy kids + feeling like I have no "me" time to actually get out and exercise = the version of Julie that probably has offended everyone within earshot - my kids, my friends, the neighbors, strangers, the neighbor's dog . . . you get the picture.

SIGH . . . the good news is that when i finally connected with Chris on the phone today at 6pm and he asked "how's your day been?" I didn't hesitate to say, "honestly, it stunk - ugh, lousy day, I think it's because I haven't had a good workout in ages."  Thank goodness I said what I felt, thank goodness I didn't say "fine, it's been fine," which normally I would do and just deal with it, because he said, "GO - tonight - take as much time as you need, I'll take care of the kids."

And I did - even if it was just running at a lousy 10 minute pace for 3.5 miles on a treadmill - I was sweating, my heart was racing, my face was red, and it felt OH, SO GOOD.  Tomorrow morning I have a tennis workout which I haven't been to since before Thanksgiving, and I'm going running afterward, Friday I'm skiing with Sophie, and if I'm not skiing with the big kids on Saturday, I'll be on my new snowshoes up the Quarry Trail in Little Cottonwood . . .

Life is good again.  My sincerest apologies if any of you experienced my wrath first hand today, I'm still not perfect, even if at times I think I am :-).

Date Night

Cozy dinner and cinnamon tea at our favorite Lebonese restaurant:  Simply amazing.

Watching Chris take 15 minutes to parellel park:
"Laugh so hard you cry" funny.

Masterpiece of a movie at our favorite downtown theater: 
Compelling.

Chris admitting that he really is a movie snob, just like me:
Oh, so satisfying.

Finally finding some time alone to talk, laugh, and connect with each other after more than a week of holiday company and craziness: 
Priceless.

Reflection

I want to share the most eloquent words I've read all year.  They came as a Christmas card greeting from a dear friend of mine, the last will and testament from her grandmother.  So, as we contemplate "new year's resolutions" and the fresh start 2010 offers, I am reminded that it's the simple, everyday moments that I want to place my focus this year . . . living each moment filled with gratitude and joy:

"My love of learning is yours for the seeking.

My excitement over Earth's beauty

Is to be snatched in the fleeting moments

By the observant.

My deep well of contentment will be found

In quiet moments of thankfulness.

The riches I have found in life

are for each of you.

Find them in a baby's smile,

In a friend's warm touch,

In the understanding smile of a stranger,

In the security of family love.

The peace I have

That God is a good and forgiving father

I give to all of you with my love and blessings."

Maurine Conover Jensen (1913-2007)

So, if I die anytime soon, just copy and paste these words into my own "last will and testament." I couldn't express how I feel any better.  Here's to a beautiful 2010.

Good-bye 2009

Wow, that went fast.  Too fast.  This month flew by, and here it is New Year's Eve and in twenty minutes it will be 2010.  I have a good feeling about 2010, it just sounds promising.

2009 was a fun year, and I'm hoping to capture a few more memories here on the blog in the next day or two.  The Christmas break has been bliss, especially now that the final party hosted at our house is over and peace has been restored ;-).  So, here I sit, alone by the fire trying to keep my eyes open while I wait for my teenager to come home from a New Year's party.  Chris was wiped out by 10pm, Caroline went to a friend's for a sleepover, and after the cousins left tonight, the little girls couldn't keep their eyes open one minute longer.

In the past I would have thought I needed to be somewhere celebrating, but not anymore.  I can't remember the last time Chris stayed up until midnight, so it's just me here enjoying the Christmas tree lights one last time before we take it out tomorrow and contemplating the new year ahead and its endless possibilities.  Not too shabby.

Happy New Year my friends.

Memory Lapse?

Today Liza brought home a little something from school, and I thought you all might find it as funny as we did:

Don't worry, Ryan's feelings were only mildly hurt.  The rest of us were laughing so hard that Liza referred to him as "Brudr" instead of his name . . . too much!

Tea Party

No, not that kind of a "tea party" . . . a Julie specific "tea" party, meaning drinking my absolute favorite peppermint herbal tea before bed.  Soothing and wonderful and just one of those things that makes me, me.

Just thought I'd share, because if you don't drink herbal tea, you're missing out on one of life's most relaxing little pleasures :-).

Feels Like Christmas

SNOW!  Yes, snow, the wonderful Christmas kind of snow that falls softly overnight and blankets the neighborhood the next morning . . . just what we need to really feel the warmth of the season.  After decorating gingerbread cookies last night and watching the classic "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" the little girls were skipping around the house this morning after we had hot chocolate with whipped cream, and then while Christmas tunes played in their bedroom as they got ready for school.

Ahhhh, I love it.  It's mornings like these when the excitement from Elizabeth is just electric and is truly what makes Christmas so special . . . those feelings you remember from your childhood.  It's those memories of  family, warmth, and heightened anticipation, combined with the smells, sounds, and tastes of the season that one never forgets.

Hopefully we'll have more mornings like today this season . . . even if the girls did get to school 30 minutes late!!

Oh, and I'm putting the thought that I haven't STARTED Christmas shopping yet, completely out of my mind . . . I think today I'll enjoy more hot cocoa and turn on the fire :-).