Springtime in Utah

The good news - I'm finally BETTER (clap, cheer, hooray) . . . even made it on the treadmill for a few miles today. Yes, the treadmill in APRIL because is was snowing nonstop the entire day. Here's more good news: today may have been the last of it, so in celebration of hopefully the final WEEK long winter storm, here are some pics to celebrate spring in Utah - enjoy!

We love our Easter Bunny!

Miffy enjoying some winter fun

My flower pots - um, no planting going on this week!

SICK

Apparently my March calendar has run me into the ground. Doubt it, but whatever it is that I've got is nasty and the house is a mess, and the snow just won't stop (even if it IS freaking March 30th), but I'm grateful for Chris who stayed home today so I could get my sorry self into the doctor for needed drugs and watch Elizabeth so I could rest. Me, rest? Yes, almost a full week of doing nothing and I'm miserable . . . cooped up and no energy to do anything inside the house, and no energy to get outside - bleah with a capital "B!"

MARCH - a summary . . .

Just glancing at our family calendar can set a migraine in motion (just click on the picture to feel the full scope of the insanity). And to think that one of my New Year's resolutions was to "simplify" - good luck with that one Julie!

"For my next birthday party . . .

we're going to BODYWORLDS!" You got it, the day after her little birthday party to the zoo (a perfectly respectable venue for a child's birthday) a couple of weeks ago, Liza announced that when she turns six, she's taking the party to "Bodyworlds." She has it all planned - we're meeting at the house to first read her Bodyworlds book so all her friends know how the body works (really, she's fascinated by anatomy), then we'll open presents and have cake and ice-cream because according to Liza, "the kids might not want to eat after seeing all the bodies."

Too much - where on earth did she come from?!

Happy 5th Birthday Elizabeth (March 13th)

Our Liza Jane

Smiles, laughter

giggles galore

crazy stories

lover of animals

kindest of hearts

keenest of minds

sweetest sister

blessed daughter

our comedian, our ham

our baby.

Family Dinner Time

At the beginning of this week I decided that I am making dinner TOGETHER a priority. Really, we have fallen into the horrible habit of eating together (at the same table at the same time) only once or twice a week, not counting Sunday dinner. I was finding myself fixing something for the little girls b/c the big kids were still gone, while Chris grabbed whatever to eat with MSNBC as company, then I would eat with the older kids later - insane. Our schedule can't be that crazy that I am unable to work around it and make family time around the table happen, even if it means dinner isn't served until 7:30pm.

And guess what? It worked! Now for two nights each week we don't eat until 7:30 (we ate later Monday night too), and with a little foresight, planning, and the crock-pot, we made it happen. What a difference it made to have dinner simmering, leave to take Caroline at to tennis at 5:15 while Ryan stays home to set the table and get things ready for our late dinner. I even got a relaxing 6-mile run in while she had her lesson and Chris still gets to catch up on the news. THEN (this is the best part), because we all eat together, everyone is there to help clean up . . . it is actually easier doing it this way - I don't feel like I'm running a cafe and feeding everyone as they walk up to the counter!

I thought I would share tonight's recipe - one of our favorite (and easiest) meals:


Cranberry Chicken
4 Chicken Breasts, cut in half lengthwise
1 can whole berry cranberries
1/2 c. Russian dressing
1 pkg. onion soup mix
salt/pepper to taste

- Arrange chicken at the bottom of crock-pot, sprinkle w/S&P, mix remaining ing. and pour on top, cook 3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low. Serve over rice.

Like I said, EASY - your kids can do it! Tonight we just had it w/rice and some fresh fruit - perfect :-).

It's only been a month

For anyone who is remotely interested, here is an overload of pictures from our family vacation - enjoy at your own time wasting risk ;-). Phew, I am such a procrastinator, but it feels great having that out of the way so I can move on to other important blog worthy events like Elizabeth's birthday last week and general thoughts and ramblings. It's been awhile, but I've got to write, otherwise I have all these thoughts jumbled up in my head with escape and it's driving me crazy!

KAUA'I

I'm working on a slide show of our trip, as well as all the fun pics from the weekend before we left with Laura's wedding (Chris' sister) and family in town. Just had to put up one of my favorite pics from the trip for now :-).

The bright side of washing dishes

This is what my kitchen counter looks like at this very minute - what fun. Actually, I don't mind doing dishes - it's really quite relaxing and the repetition helps me think and clear my head. I just don't know why in one day I baked cinnamon rolls, then Caroline and friend get home from school and want to make cookies, then we cook a 3-course dinner . . . . sigh.

Maybe that's an indication that I need more time to think and clear my head tonight ;-). OK, now I've psyched myself up to begin the task - nothing like a little positive thinking to get me moving!

A conversation with Liza Jane

I'm driving Elizabeth home from pre-school this afternoon and ask her to tell me about her day at school. Here's a recap of our convo:

Liza: "Mom, guess what? We learned all about that, um . . . hmmm, that great big monster that is in the ocean."

Me: "Ok, great, tell me more." I actually have NO idea what in the world she's talking about (the Loch Ness?).

Liza: "You know, the big giant green monster - you know what I'm talking about, you've seen it before."

Me: "The Jolly Green Giant??" That's my best guess.

Liza: Getting more frustrated that her dumb mom doesn't have a clue what she's talking about. "NO!" she tells me with exasperation and a loud sigh - "the giant green person in the water holding fire!!"

Me: She's got me here and I don't dare venture another guess - maybe it's the Incredible Hulk? "Liza, is this from a movie we all went to see? Anyway, I thought you said it was a monster? Are you talking about giant sea turtles, like the ones in Hawaii?"

Liza: "Rrrr, NO, NO - not from a movie and not from Hawaii!! It's like a monster it's HUGE, so big, so it's like a monster . . . (now she's practically yelling at me as she gives her last piece of information) . . . it's got that spiky thing on it's head, it's all green, and it's holding a stick with fire . . . and you've seen it, I've seen the picture, even Ryan and Caroline have seen it - they're on a boat - you have to take a boat to see it - ugh, you know what I'm talking about!"

Me: I take a long pause to really think here before offering my next guess - some obscure giant sea creature. "Aaahhh, are you talking about the Statue of Liberty?"

Liza: So excited she can hardly contain herself. "YES, you got it, that's what we talked about in school today!"

Go figure :-).

"The Curious Case of Forrest Gump"

I must give credit where credit it due. It was Chris who, in the middle of one of the tugboat scenes (see previous posting) leans over and whispers, "doesn't this movie remind you of Forrest Gump?" Of course, he was dead on accurate. Then a few days ago my friend sent me a link to this video and we've been cracking up about it ever since. Enjoy the clip . . . then ask yourself WHY oh WHY is this movie nominated for 13 Oscars?? I don't get it and I'm on a crusade to figure it out!

The Curious Case of Forrest Gump - watch more funny videos

Breaking my Blog silence . . .

Who am I kidding - not blog? I think too much and I just can't NOT write when something takes place that absolutely demands my attention . . . when an evening out turns into the perfect blog posting - or maybe my evening just feels like it an episode of Seinfeld rather than a date with my husband. I'll take that back, the majority of our dates could be possible Seinfeld episodes :-).

So, our time was short for a date tonight after a day of tennis lessons, birthday parties, and a hockey game - but I was determined to make it happen because it's been three weeks since our last outing and Chris and I could use some time AWAY from the noise and chaos of the house. As much as we avoid such places with names such as "Megaplex," we took the plunge figuring that Jordan Commons was fairly close and the movie we wanted to see was there. First of all, it's been over two years, and the last time it was a really late movie with a girlfriend who was in town visiting - we walked in late, found our seats in the dark and watched a delightful movie. The time before that was with the kids for a summer matinee of "Curious George." Frankly, I avoid the place as much as possible.

Tonight it felt like entering an entirely different dimension. Um, do people really bring their dinner (let me clarify - I'm talking huge portions of french fries carried in on massive trays) in with them to watch a movie? How much are these people eating? Do these theaters always smell like fried food? Holy crap - are we the only people in the theater without a giant, 5-gallon sized bucket of popcorn - for TWO? Does anyone come to watch a movie anymore without stuffing their faces full of food? Seriously, we look a little out of place showing up with our contraband box of Dots and a water bottle. Maybe I was just in shock and couldn't experience the true depth of the movie we had chosen.

Which brings me to something I am SO passionate about - movies. If I'm going to sit in a theater with large people eating even larger portions of fried food for over 3 hours, the movie better be good. The movie was supposed to be amazing, the critics raved about it, my friends and family loved it, it was supposed to tug at your heart strings, it would make you think . . . it was supposed to be "epic!" Um, ok, great, I'll go to the "Megaplex" for epic.

Lights dim, previews begin - love the previews - that new movie with Sandra Bullock looks cute . . . movie starting . . . I'm watching . . . pretty interesting . . . ok, old dying lady is um, old . . . great, I think I'm getting something out of this, or maybe not . . . I'm still waiting . . . ok, hmmm, there was a little tidbit of wisdom . . . Is this movie Hollywood's version of "depth and feeling?" . . . . oops, I don't think I was supposed to laugh at that part . . . . um, it's starting to feel a little like Titanic and Forrest Gump rolled into one movie, . . . . oooh, Brad Pitt on a sailboat with the sunset - that was NICE . . . ok, nothing happening here - no depth, flat characters, no emotion, contrived, a little lame . . . ok, I'm REALLY getting tired of the dying old lady . . . now Chris and I are whispering lines to each other that the characters should say . . . DO NOT start laughing because the lady next to you is wiping her tears . . . suppress your laughter Julie . . . "Chris stop whispering silly lines - I'm going to burst any minute!" . . . old dying lady is on again . . . . YAWN, when is this saga going to end?? . . . sore butt, shifting my positioning for the hundredth time . . . . Do NOT laugh, it's not over yet . . . . FINALLY, the credits!. . . exit the theater (while the theme from Titanic is now playing in my mind - "near, far, wherever you are . . . ") as quick as possible, try not to laugh too loud . . . ok, can't help it, I'm CRYING, Chris is cracking up, we finally make it out the door and tears are literally rolling down my face and I seriously can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.

The movie was The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons. From now on I'm sticking to my tried and true films at the Broadway. Those movies that are filled with powerful, intelligent writing and directing. Movies that make me laugh because they are quirky and beg for laughter. Love stories that are meaningful and filled with simple, yet profound longing. Dramas that truly touch your heart and soul . . . the ones that the tears flow spontaneously because they move us so powerfully.

I don't regret going to see that movie tonight. It was fun to just be out together, view humanity, and reconnect in a way only Chris and I can . . . plus, laughing that long and hard is oh, so good for the soul :-).

Over and Out

I think I'm going to take a little break from the blogging world. Thanks everyone for your inspiration and daily anecdotes. I'll be back soon!

"I Got You Babe . . . "

So, it's Groundhog Day today and you cannot properly celebrate without watching one of the Cantera family's favorite laugh together movies, Groundhog Day. Bill Murray is absolutely hilarious and the film goes beyond slapstick humor, there is a lot of truth about each one of our own personal "groundhog days" . . . living the same routine over and over and over again. Really, didn't I just clean up dinner, wipe down the counters, start the dishwasher and turn off the lights in the kitchen yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that?? . . . . SIGH.

It was great tonight when Chris and Ryan arrived home and were so excited to see we had just started watching the movie. Chris exclaimed, "You remembered!! This has got to be one of the funniest movies ever!" So, in celebration of that silly February 2nd holiday, here is one of our favorite parts and of course, the best line in the film - "this is a MAN we're talking about, right??"



Oh, and not to be outdone by a comedy - it's my little sister's birthday today . . . HAPPY 32nd JENNA - love ya!! We'll celebrate both our birthdays when I go visit her in Oregon this spring and attempt my first half-marathon . . . yikes!

Transcendent beauty

January. I love this month. I love the color of blue in the evenings, I refer to it as a "winter blue" you can only see during this time of year just before darkness sets in. I love watching Orion twinkling each night above the mountain ridge out our south windows. I love the ice crystals that sparkle on top of the snow in the sunlight. The newness of the year, the clean, crisp air, and especially the silence of the snow. What's not to love?

Thursday morning after I packed up my ski gear and dropped the kids off for school, I began my weekly ascent up Big Cottonwood canyon for what I knew would be one of the most beautiful days this year. Not only was it going to be an amazing day, but the drive up the canyon that early was truly a moving experience. I don't think I've ever seen the mountains, the snow laden pine trees, meandering streams, and rising sun more lovely. It felt like a winter wonderland, and when I drove the famous "S" curve and faced west for just a moment to glance at the canyon walls illuminated by the morning sun, it literally brought tears to my eyes. I checked the time and realized this unparalleled beauty is only 15 minutes away and wondered why in the world don't I drive up here more often!? I almost wished I were snowshoeing or cross-country skiing rather than downhill - just to take it all in . . . the complete stillness of the canyon on such a day.

I mentioned my drive to a fellow skier and she told me she had the same experience - we described it as almost spiritual. There is something to be said about noticing the beauty around us, truly drinking it in, and feeling deeply touched. What a place, what a morning . . . so I choose to write about it because it moved me, and reminded me of the respect and reverence we feel when we turn ourselves over the transcendent beauty that is all around us.

Properly embarrassing my 8th grader . . .

The following are a few things I have learned through experience that are completely and utterly off limits when you are around your 13-year old boy and his friends or classmates:

1. NEVER sing along to songs in the car . . . it's bad enough when it's show tunes, but don't even try to stay synchronized to Coldplay.

2. NEVER show up to your child's Jr. High school unannounced - you always need a legitimate reason for crossing the threshold into the valley of hormones.

3. Don't attempt ANY semblance of a conversation with the other kids in the carpool, especially if they are 9th graders. "Hi, how are you?" is all that is allowed, don't you dare try to talk "powder" with the cool skier in the backseat. Your job is strictly a taxi service - stay invisible!

4. Don't use the word "jam session" when asking his friends if they are going to get together and play electric guitar.

5. Please don't yell, "HEY FRIEND!" down the Jr. High hallway if you happen to see a good friend whose son also attends the school . . . oh, and after yelling, you're apparently not allowed to run up and give the said friend a big hug.

6. Don't mess up and use the word "play-date" when inviting your teenage son's friends to come "hang out." Oh, and don't ask, "would you like a treat?" when they are rummaging through the pantry looking for some grub.

7. Absolutely under ANY circumstance try and run your fingers through your son's hair with the lame attempt to discreetly push it out of their eyes in front of his peers . . . major points lost for that one.

8. DON'T attempt giving your kid a giant hug in front of all their friends, and don't take it personally if they turn into a steel beam if you try :-).

OK, that said, yesterday was the pinnacle of embarrassment for Ryan since I broke at least four of the rules within a 15 minute period. First of all, I did have a good reason to go to the school - 9th grade registration and information session about high school credits for next year. That's it - I was to show up, keep my mouth shut, fill out the paper work, and leave as discreetly as I came. Are you kidding?? This is my opportunity, one of the rare moments when I can watch Ryan in action . . . see all his cute friends he hangs out and watch with interested the interaction between my son and the other 8th graders.

Well, first off, I arrive just in time to give him a hug and offer a cheery "hello" and "what's everyone been up to lately?" to all his friends. Now Ryan starts rolling his eyes and shooting me the "please mom, don't embarrass me" look. This is a delicate rule - I can ask these things when it's just the "guys," but you throw some cute girls in the picture, then you're not allowed to speak. So, we get seated at a table by the entrance and I just can't keep my hands off my son's hair - really, I just need to see his face, he's overdue for a trim! I quickly realize I'm breaking another rule by the look he gives me "the look" accompanied by the, "Mom, don't touch my hair" under his breath. I'm really trying here, but apparently losing some points. So, we begin and the counselor begins asking questions, which I didn't realize were intended for the kids, and accidentally blurt out one of the answers. . . "MOM - shhhh, don't answer the questions!"

OK, I figure I've done about as much harm as could be done and tell myself not to say or do anything else to embarrass Ryan. Well, it just happens that the next minute my Costco soul-mate and friend, Jodelle, frantically enters the room late. Ryan and I are at the first table by the door, her son Bowen is across the room on another table (dang those counselors and pre-determined seating, or we would have all been together). I offer an excited wave and try to discreetly point to where her table is while the counselor is talking.

You have to know Jodelle, she's not what most people would consider "discreet" when excited about something. She waves to us, offers a whispered "hello friend," then suddenly stops (in the front of the classroom), takes off her coat to reveal that we are wearing the EXACT same sweater from Coscto - same color, everything. Then she points to her sweater, points back at mine and blurts out: "COSTCO BABY!!" That did it . . . all the kids (and their parents) are looking at me (and Ryan) and back at Jodelle while she scurries to her table. I have NEVER seen Ryan's face so red and really, he was beyond embarrassment. He literally couldn't speak - the look on his face said it all . . . "are you kidding me? . . . that DID NOT just happen . . . you and Jodelle are NEVER showing up at my school together ever AGAIN!"

That, my friends is the only way to fully and properly embarrass your teenager :-). The good news is that we all shared a good laugh about it at dinner last night . . . Ryan bounces back quick - what a kid.

I am . . .

I know, I've been a horrible blogger this month. I have pictures from Christmas to post, New Year's resolutions to discuss, and of course the daily happenings of our changing lives. For now, it's just overwhelming and I'll get around to the pictures, but for tonight I just felt the need to write something, so I figured I'll do a tag. I've been tagged three times and haven't followed through, so I'll just do this one and call it good.

I am

I am... a mother, wife, friend, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin . . . .
I think... too much, always planning.
I want... my children to stay young forever.
I have... an opinion about everything - just ask.
I miss... my close friends.
I fear... losing those that are dearest to me.
I feel... too deeply - I'm passionate about many things.
I hear... nothing - the peace of evening when I'm alone.
I smell... the chocolate chip cookies Caroline baked tonight.
I crave... fresh air, blue skies, and the sound of rushing water.
I cry... when I feel someone's pain.
I search... everyday for something I've misplaced!
I wonder... what my childrens' futures hold.
I regret... the things I've said or done on impulse, without really thinking before acting.
I wish... for simplicity.
I love... to stay active, busy, and on the run.
I care... about my relationships, my health, and my spirituality.
I always... smile and laugh.
I worry... that I don't worry enough!
I am not... a great time manager or organizer.
I remember... EVERYTHING - dang this memory of mine.
I believe... in my husband.
I sing... ALL the time - I love music.
I don't always... have patience.
I argue... when I feel misunderstood.
I lose... myself sometimes.
I listen... and try my darnest not to interrupt - major flaw of mine.
I can usually be found... in the car, on the court, in the mountains, or with the kids.
I need... more hours during the day.
I forget... pain and heartache - almost too quickly.
I am happy... when I can make those around me happy :-).

A Lovely Christmas

I think after posting every day or two in November, I've come down with some serious writer's block . . . all that thinking and pondering about did me in! So, December has been bleak when it comes to posting and I'll recap the Christmas festivities with some pictures when we get back from our vacation, but for now I wanted to wish everyone a late "Merry Christmas," and an early "Happy New Year," as well as write a few thoughts.

Last Sunday was one of the highlights of this season. It was so nice to have my parents attend church with us on the Sunday before Christmas. I was touched by the talks and music; such beautiful reminders in the midst of all the holiday craziness, of the true and simple meaning of Christmas. After scurrying about getting everyone ready and just having "one of those mornings" on Sunday, I definitely wasn't the pinnacle of Christlike love getting out the door - ugh. But once I was seated (late), took a deep breath, and listened to the choir sing I was feeling much better.

One talk has stayed with me. The speaker reminded us to remember the Savior daily give those gifts that mean the most each day of our lives: a smile, a kind word, a hug, a portion of our time, extra patience, a note of gratitude, etc. I was really touched by her words and hope to remember that those are the gifts that matter most in life and can make such a difference in our families. Sunday's sacrament meeting program as well as the wonderful program in Relief Society (thanks to Chris for filling in for me on the piano so I could attend) was just what I needed to feel refreshed and focused during this week.

Christmas memories 2008:

• Liza's pre-school program - being together in our pjs, singing, cuddling, and listening to stories together with her class on a snowy morning.
• Time with just Sophie delivering gifts and visiting friends and relatives.
• Making candy with Liza and Caroline.
• Ryan's gift: "Doing whatever needs to be done without complaining" (it's been heavenly!)
• Watching Caroline perform as a "party girl" in The Nutcracker.
• Preparing some Christmas gifts and delivering together to a sweet refugee family from Burma.
• Having my parents here.
• Sophie telling us: "I know why we give presents at Christmas. It's because Heavenly Father gave us Jesus, and he's a gift" (out of the blue - she's our sensitive soul).
• Opening Travis' gift to our family - box in a box in a box in a box . . . the kids LOVED it!
• Watching Christmas specials under blankets with the fire going.
• Reading Caroline's sweet note to us on Christmas morning (really, the only "gift" I ever ask for . . . a little note :-).
• Our family Christmas outing (a play, the bookstore, and dinner together).
• Listening to Sophie play her Christmas songs on the piano over and over - I didn't even need to turn on the Christmas music.
• Chris' thoughtful gifts this year - way to go Love!

The Christmas Spirit

Tonight we took the kids to Hale Centre Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol." It was beautiful, touching, and inspiring. I LOVED it . . . the perfect family activity as we head into Christmas Eve tomorrow and try to keep the childrens' focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Ward Nativity

Saturday evening was the annual ward Christmas party at the church. The primary acted out the Nativity and Elizabeth was asked to be Mary. I just had to put up some pictures because she was so excited . . . the look on her face when all the shepherds and wise men came over and knelt to see the baby was just precious. I wish I had captured it on video, but unfortunately I was playing the piano (thus, the pics taken in the primary room) and Chris missed it. Here are a few that I thought were sweet:

Joseph and Mary

Silas, the "head shepherd" Liza with shepherds, Daniel and Kai, after the performance

The holidays have officially begun . . .

OK, 48 hours. It was two days of non-stop action this past weekend and I'm finally composed to write about it. CRAZY is the word that comes to mind . . . think two different overnight guests, a dance performance, two parties you are helping host, a mother/daughter tea party, Festival of Trees, oh, and maybe a gift for one of your kids that unexpectedly is READY to go and it's not even CHRISTMAS! Did I mention trying to keep the house in order and clean? By Saturday night after the final event, I seriously had to pinch myself to believe that we actually pulled it off, and everything went even better than planned. Really folks, after last weekend I consider the Christmas season about wrapped up, wouldn't you think?

The details in a nutshell: My mom comes to spend time with the kids and visit with some friends while she's here - thank goodness, because if she didn't come on Wednesday I wouldn't have had my house cleaned EARLY. She leaves Friday morning and Chris' dad comes Friday afternoon to spend a couple nights and be here for the Cantera Family party.

Guests aside, we are notified Thursday evening that Caroline's Christmas present came a little early and has weaned itself from it's mother and is in need of it's new home immediately. You mean I've got to be ready for a baby bunny and have some explanation for the kids of WHY it showed up three weeks early?? Think quick: get the cage ready, have Chris drive to Provo Friday after work and pick it up, and hurry and write a letter to put in the mail from Santa that looks legitimate so the little girls will really think an elf brought the bunny. OK, we can do that. First I just need to get my table I'm hosting ready for the big neighborhood party Friday evening, find something to wear, and pick up a ski rack.

Friday comes - oh, it's the tea party right after school, which is right after I make a Costco run for the party Saturday night, give Chris final instructions for the bunny pick-up, and help in Sophie's class room. OK - I'm running at lightning speed now . . . type the letter, sneak it into the mailbox, take Sophie to the tea-party, run home, change sheets and pick up disorderly house for the next guest, tell Sophie and friend to go get the mail, iron something to wear for the party tonight (oh this is good, a piece of CHOCOLATE is on the ironing board and melts right into my silk blouse - NO time for that - thank goodness it's on the back b/c I'm still wearing this shirt!), share in the excitement of the Santa letter, run out the door to get to the party early to help, pass Chris as he's coming in, make sure he's got the bunny, tell him to get over to the party on time! Phew, now I can enjoy myself . . . dinner, dancing, good friends and neighbors . . . . then up until after midnight helping clean up :-).

Saturday - girls giddy with excitement at the surprise Santa left overnight, putting the bunny in a box with a big ribbon for Caroline, tears of happiness from a girl who's had her heart set on this bunny for a year, pancake breakfast, costumes, hair and make-up for Sophie and Caroline, guys out the door for Ryan's hockey game, girls head down to fest. of trees for a performance and some tree viewing time, race back home to get ready for big Cantera family party at our house beginning at 4:30pm - oh, don't forget to stop at the grocery store for last minute items. BREATHE JULIE . . . put kids and husband to work, get tables set up, vacuum/dust, food in oven, candles lit, house ready . . . time for company!

After it's all said and done I absolutely love getting the family and cousins all together - lots of food, laughter, and fun with everyone. It's worth every minute of the work and stress. Which reminds me, I failed to mention the two Nutcracker rehearsals we had to get Caroline to during this same weekend. Really, what would life be like without non-stop action every once in a while?? It's no wonder we all crashed and fell asleep Sunday evening while watching the 1st Presidency Christmas message at 6pm :-).

Sophie and little friends at Anabelle's Tea Party

What fun . . . Sophie with Emily, Rebecca, Isabel, Anabelle, and Kate.

BEST FRIENDS

My table at the neighborhood Christmas Party (thanks to my friends who helped with the center piece - like I would know how to do that?!)

With my friend Beckie at the party . . . yes, it's a ballroom, and yes, it's inside someone's home.

Spectacular!

Caroline's early Christmas surprise . . .

Pure excitement!

Caroline finally got her baby bunny . . .

It's the cutest animal alive . . . you'll want one once you get a look at this little guy :-)

Sophie and Carlie before they perform as dolls at the Festival of Trees.

We love looking at all the trees together

Kids table at the Cantera Christmas party

Family Talent Show - Laura and Jon performing "The Polar Express" for the kids - delightful!

Kevin and family's improv/skit - absolutely hilarious . . .

We ARE the Red Sox Nation

White Elephant exchange - always lots of laughs . . .

Looks like Chris gets the sweater this year

After the party . . . we did it!

The Christmas Season

Just a few thoughts now that it's December and my favorite holiday season . . .

• Keep it simple and meaningful. Your kids will never remember the fancy seasonal decor you spent hours arranging, but they will remember the feeling you created. The one thing my little girls can't WAIT for me to dig out of the basement is the Nativity. That's why I love this picture so much - they will play with it for hours . . . rearranging the sheep, the shepherds, and taking the baby Jesus in and out of the manger countless times. Try to find a nativity set they can play with. We began collecting the 5" Fontanini pieces a few years ago and they are perfect for little hands. (You can find them at Modern Display).
• Spend more time reading, baking, and singing with your children and less time dragging them through the mall.
• Create traditions, but be spontaneous at the same time. If you don't do the exact same thing every year, it's ok, your kids will survive and they might even like doing something different.
• Watch all the fun holiday specials that are on television right now - it's the only time during the year when the entire family can really watch a show together, so pull out the blankets, turn on the fire, and snuggle!
• Keep gifts to a minimum. Ever since our children were tiny we've told them Santa will fill their stockings with some treats and bring ONE special gift, and Mom and Dad will have something for them under the tree as well. Besides books and clothes and a family gift (usually a game or something we can all do together) each year, that's all they are given. They are very careful in selecting that one item that means more to them than anything and it keeps those "lists" kids put together to a minimum :-).
• Serve together - visit and sing for grandparents, put together gifts and food for a needy family or neighbor and deliver secretly as a family, or participate in a food or clothing drive together.
• Set a deadline to have all the gifts wrapped, cards mailed, projects finished . . . so when the kids get out of school for Christmas vacation and the snow starts to fall you can get out and PLAY!

Relish the season, enjoy every minute, and take time to see the magic of Christmas through the eyes of your children.