Car time

I think everyone out there is aware of the many hours I spend in the car each day driving the kids to school and activities.  The time in the car when I have my teenagers captive has actually been a real blessing.  It's sometimes the only time we get to "talk" to each other and they usually are very gregarious as they share the ups and downs of their day.

However, I also spend a lot of time alone in the car, so I got smart and finally started began listening to audiobooks.  I got hooked during the drive to California earlier this month when Caroline and I listened to one of my favorite books, The Good Earth, as well as some thoughtful and entertaining talks given by Jon Bytheway (we drove home on a Sunday and figured listening to some youth firesides would suffice as church :-).

The past week I have been enjoying Truman Madsen's lectures entitled The Life and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  I can't believe how much my testimony has been strengthened just by listening to one of the most intelligent and humble LDS scholars present these lectures on Joseph Smith.  It made our drive up to Snowbasin this weekend for our family ski trip (post to come) very pleasant since Chris esteems Madsen as much as I do and we both listened intently while the kids basically tuned out and plugged into their i-pods ;-).

Today while I was driving to pick up Caroline, a statement he made in one of the lectures struck me and I had to listen again and then write it down, mainly because it has been on my mind lately and explains so perfectly the greatest principle of the gospel - love . . .

"How can you love the unlovable?  How can you love what has been a cause of great suffering and pain to you in your life?  That is the deepest secret . . .

That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ." - Truman Madsen

House update

Something I failed to mention in my "as of late" post was the latest news on the sale of our home.  Well, the good news is that we are showing it quite often and Saturday my realtor held an open house which attracted a few more potential buyers, furthermore, we have some people coming through tomorrow morning for a second look!  The bad news is, NO offer yet, but that's alright since it's only been officially on the market for a few weeks.

Our family is really crossing our fingers we get an offer in the next month.  The home we would love to move into will go on the market at the end of April, so if we don't have a buyer by then, we just have to hope no one else will put in an offer before our home sells.

Last Sunday Ryan and Caroline were invited to a youth fireside at the home of some good friends of ours who live in the ward we are moving.  I took the kids while Chris stayed home with the little girls.  It was a wonderful evening - the speaker was fabulous, the spirit was strong, and we were lovingly welcomed and embraced by the ward members.  You would have thought we had already purchased the home and moving in next week, they were that excited to have us in the ward!

As difficult it was at first to put our home up for sale and leave this spectacular canyon, I now know it was the right decision.  I feel much more at home in the new area.  I feel like we just belong there, that we are meant to be there.  I've never felt completely comfortable here, never felt like this was "home," and always had a feeling that the future of our family would be somewhere else, hopefully a place where each one of us could continue to progress and truly thrive in an atmosphere that best suits our personalities.  Now I know that we found that "somewhere else" and I feel so blessed.

One of my favorite quotes . . .

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet.

Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped.

Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us.

Charity is expecting the best of each other.

~ Marvin J. Ashton ~

For the entire talk - well worth reading, click here.

As of late . . .

OK, not many pics in this post, but just need to WRITE and get caught up on the latest Cantera news, so here you go - the latest:

Liza turned SIX years old (March 13th), I wasn't around on her actual birthday because it was during my trip with Caroline, but we celebrated early before we left.  Yes, I also missed her first day of Kindergarten.  In typical Julie fashion, she still hasn't had her birthday party I promised, but it IS still going to happen - not sure when, but hopefully before the summer!

Sophie continues to burn through the "Little House" series - now on book six and reading every spare minute she can find!  She is counting down the days until soccer season begins again and has become an amazing little math student as well as wonderful little helper around the house.

Caroline had the time of her life at the 2010 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells a couple weeks ago - click here for all the pictures.  The highlight was meeting Melanie Oudin and watching Caroline Wozinacki, her two favorite players.  She continues to navigate her way through the social nightmare that is 7th grade and keeps smiling despite it all. 

Ryan is the captain of the JV lacrosse team for his high school, and is either at practices or games every night of the week.  We are so proud of his athleticism and leadership . . . he continues to impress not just us, but the young ladies as well.  It wasn't a surprise the other day at one of his games when the girls' lax team showed up and began cheering how much better he played ;-).  Hockey season ended with an intense game and Ryan was thrilled when his team finished in first place in their division.

Julie and Chris trying to keep it all together, despite occasional setbacks, but always getting back on track through communication, humor, and love :-).  Chris was wonderful to stay with the kids while I went on our trip, and it looks like we're beginning a "Cantera girls' trip" tradition . . . Sophie gets to come next year, and they're already talking NYC - fun times.

Can we just go rest??

Yep, that would be Caroline's midday question today when I enthusiastically asked her, "so friend, what do you want to do now?"  Apparently it's been awhile since Caroline last took a vacation with her mom.  A "vacation" for me means I finally get to do all the things I wish I could do everyday but don't because "mom duties" come first, OR,  everything I wish I could do when the sun is shining!  SO, when I get to leave Utah during it's least appealing (i.e. downright ugly brown, melting snow, dead tree branches, muddy, bleah, etc.) then my vacation consists of waking at the crack of dawn, not missing out on any opportunity to be active, and then staying outside until you need a headlamp to continue :-).

Our day today:  rise and shine early for a brisk walk around the resort, visit the tennis club to reserve courts (YES, outdoor), go see the flamingos (that were still sleeping), and stroll along the golf course with the morning's first golfers.  Then it was back to the condo for breakfast and a quick run to the store for sunscreen (that I forgot) and treats, then back to change and head over to the courts for 1 1/2 hours of tennis with my girl, then back for lunch and off to the pool to relax (now Caroline, this is rest time!).

So, it was after a few hours of swimming and reading at the pool when I asked my question and Caroline wanted to go "rest" - which I think means "can we just go do 'nothing'?" - i.e. relax in the condo and maybe watch tv??  I'm thinking: "hmmm, that's not part of the plan . . . we MUST sqeeze every last activity into this beautiful 80 degree day!"  But, alas, it is her vacation too, so we came in from the sun, made nachos, and watched part of "Spiderman" on tv . . . before it was time to get back in tennis clothes for our 5:30pm court time :-).

We're loving it and we couldn't have hit better weather and it feels oh, so good to have the sun shining down on our pale winter skin.  Tomorrow we head over to the tournament and after checking the schedule I don't think Caroline will have any desire to come back and hang out.

The view from our patio - the distant mountains are always my favorite.

But then again, she may want to come back and take a nap since I've scheduled a 7am court for us in the morning . . .

Life is Wonderful

I really should be packing and cleaning and doing the 100 things that need to be done before we leave this afternoon, but I had to share my new favorite song because it relates a beautiful truth that's been on my mind as of late.  Plus, it just makes me smile :-) . . .



"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.  If not so, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad.  Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one . . .  And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin.  If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness.  And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness.  And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery.  And if these things are not, there is no God.  And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon . . .

And now, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon  . . .

And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden.  And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end . . . wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.  But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things . . .

Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

2 Nephi, chapter 2, vs: 11-25

The Book of Mormon

Girls' Trip!

Tomorrow Caroline and I embark on our first ever "girls' trip" together - a road trip to Palm Desert to attend this year's professional tennis tournament in Indian Wells.  It's the warm sun, palm trees, and GREEN that will be so refreshing.  We have two days to swim, play tennis, shop, hang-out, and take long walks along the golf course ourselves . . . ahhhh, then two full days of incredible tennis action.  Federer, Nadal, Henin, Sharapova, Ivanovich, Oudin, Cljisters . . . the list goes on and we're really getting excited for our little adventure together!

We figured since the guys had their male bonding week on the lake in Michigan last summer, it's our turn.  Hmmm, I sense a yearly tradition :-).  I only made mention of their trip in this post at the end of the summer, and never put up any pictures of their adventures.  It was such a memorable trip for both Chris and Ryan (so memorable that they're going to try and go again this summer) that I feel I should post some pics, so here you go:

At the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto

Niagra Falls

The Sacred Grove - Palmyra, NY

On Ess Lake in Northern Michigan - where Chris spent his childhood summers

Ryan experiencing the magic of Ess Lake

Chris' grandparents' home on the lake - so many Cantera memories were made here.  We wish it was still in the family.

Ryan met some friends pretty quick . . . friends with motorcycles!

Last evening on the lake - hosts Jim and Missy grilled fresh fish for my guys!

M A R C H

Ah, it's March and even though it's hard to let winter go, I'm ready for spring and some green!  We have some more skiing to fit in this month which will be nice - I took Liza up to Alta yesterday for an afternoon lesson and just sat out on the deck overlooking the resort, soaked in the rays, and read my book while taking in the breathtaking views of the canyon on a beautiful day (wish I had remembered my camera).

So, even if I'm ready for blossoms, green grass, and warmer temperatures, I'm sure going to miss amazing days like yesterday when the bright blue sky is the perfect canvas for the towering snow covered granite walls of Little Cottonwood!

How blessed we are to live in one of the few spots on earth where we enjoy all four seasons - I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything.  Life is good . . . everyday, everywhere we can tap into the amazing blessings offered if we just open our eyes a little wider, take a little deeper breath, and realize the potential this incredible life experience brings to each individual.

A favorite quote in anticipation of the new season . . .

Cultivate an attitude of happiness.

Cultivate a spirit of optimism.

Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature,

in the goodness of those you love,

in the testimony which you carry in your heart

concerning things divine.

~ President Gordon B. Hinkley ~

Our little pioneer

Sophie can't get enough of the "Little House" books, Laura Ingalls, or the television series that airs every evening at 6pm.  This summer she got hooked when I was looking through Caroline's book shelves for some summer reading Sophie would enjoy.  Well, she devoured the first two books in the series, then Santa surprised her with more books for Christmas and she can't put them down!  I don't think a day goes by that she wistfully mentions her wish to be a pioneer at least once.

Well, today she got her wish.  For one day, she got to be Laura Ingalls and could hardly sleep last night she was so giddy with excitement to put on her cute calico dress and bonnet, along with pantaloons and lace-up boots (thanks to friend Jodelle whose family volunteered a few summers ago at "This is the Place").  Here are some pics from the 3rd grade "wax museum" today . . .

Before school

Still as a statue :-)

Just one glance for a picture - cute!

LOVE this!

The office secretary at my daughters' elementary school had this quote posted on her desk this morning and I just smiled because it's SO true!  Hope it brings a smile to your face too:

"Women are angels,

And when someone breaks our wings,

We continue to fly . . .

on a broomstick,

we're flexible that way."

Our new favorite comedy

OK, seriously?  Seriously??  I don't think I've had more fun at a movie since "Meet the Parents" (which was supposed to be funny).  Last night after Caroline's tennis match we decided to go to the dollar theater for a girls' night with Caroline and Sophie's friends to see the latest romantic vampire episode.  What the hay, it's a buck, and to spend some time with my girls, it's worth it, no matter the movie.

I think Caroline is now one of my favorite movie buddies.  It was shear pleasure sitting next to her and cracking up together outloud every time something corny escaped the lips of the characters . . . not just the script, but the silly music tracks, the contrived plot line, and the downright lousy acting.  Caroline's favorite line to mock is, "It's not a lifestyle choice . . . I was born this way, it's a gene, I can't help it."  Really, by the end of the movie the entire theater was laughing - hard - because once you have a twelve-year old girl not buying this type of movie, the people around you see the light pretty quick!

After it was over, the group behind us commented that it was the funniest movie they've seen in months, and Caroline replied, "ya, and I feel really bad for the people who thought it was serious!" We concurred that it definitely deserves a new title . . .

A Girl and her Dog: A Love Story (it's complicated)

Happy Valentine's Day

It's Valentine's today and my love showed up in St. George to surprise us!!  Of course, I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day than with my sweetheart, especially when I thought we would be spending the day apart.  It's even better that it's in sunny St. George away from the dreary cold up north.  The girls and I left Thursday afternoon for Caroline's tennis tournament (her first match was Friday morning) and Chris was just too busy to join us, so he and Ryan stayed home (for Ryan, it was the fresh snow that kept him home).  Then Chris woke up this morning missing us and the SUN, so the guys left the house at 7am and found us in t-shirts and tennis skirts on the court.  We were all SO excited!!

So, In celebration of this "day of love," I'd like to share a favorite quote of mine.  It's from the movie, Captain Corelli's Mandolin (which I haven't seen, but must be fairly decent if it includes this quote :-).  I think it's a beautiful metaphor of the true meaning of deep, satisfying, and enduring love . . .

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."

~St. Augustine~

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.  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!

SUNDANCE ~ 2010

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.