holiday 2011

Before January comes to an end, I've just got to wrap up the end of last year.  The holidays were definitely simple and low key, which was partly nice and relaxing, but on the other hand, a little dull to be honest.  It was the first year since we moved into our home that we didn't host a party or gathering of sorts, so things were pretty quiet around here.

It seemed the holidays really crept up on us this year with the end of the year trips we had planned, so I was just lucky to finish the Christmas shopping and fortunate that all but one gift arrived before Christmas eve (poor Sophie just got a "picture" of her new i-pod since Mr. Claus was even less on the ball than Mrs. Claus ;-).  I've learned that taking off a week before Thanksgiving, and then for a long weekend the first week in December really does a number on how much time is left to prepare for the holidays, hence, no Christmas cards sent out before Christmas!

All in all it was a nice holiday season in which we continued our favorite family traditions: baking rolls and apples/yams for Thanksgiving, picking out the Christmas tree together (we even took Lucy to the lot this year), feeling more kindness and appreciation for each other as we passed the "love pillow" along, baking cookies and decorating a gingerbread house, school programs, making grandma Janice's cheese ball, listening to our favorite Christmas music, the girls' holiday piano recital, attending a musical (this year it was Annie), visiting Temple Square, going to movies (Hugo on Christmas Eve, and War Horse on New Year's Eve), our Christmas Eve treasure hunt, enjoying a lovely Christmas Day sacrament program, New Year's Krumkake and toast, and of course, skiing and sledding on what little snow was to be found during that oh, so dry December.

Cantera Christmas pics:

 Liza's rendering of the Nativity

After "Annie" (my littles and Sophie's friend Anna)

After the Christmas piano recital

 Sugar Cookie fun

 Visiting downtown after our matinee on Christmas Eve

 Having fun in the new Deseret Book store

 Temple Square before we headed to Himalayan Kitchen for dinner

 I just love my crew!

  . . . and we're back for the lights

LOVE Temple Square on Christmas Eve!

 Time for our Christmas eve treasure hunt - the kids don't just have their new pjs handed to them,

they must HUNT for them!

 Settling down in our new pjs

 Cookies for Santa . . . and a cucumber for the reindeer (we didn't have any carrots,

 figured the reindeer might enjoy something different ;-).

 Christmas morning excitement . . . yep, line up at the top of the stairs

 Liza's wish was granted - and her new doll even came with a ski outfit just like Liza!

 Chris opening his "manly man" gift from the kids

New tennis outfits for the girls

 New hiking shoes from the kids - oh ya!

The littles enjoying krumkake a they watch the New Year's celebration from Times Square

greetings for a bright new year

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men."  
 - 2 Nephi 31:20, The Book of Mormon 

Another year has come to a close and for the first time as long as I can remember, we didn't get Christmas cards out in December, so we sent "happy new year's" greetings to our dear friends and family.  Also, the tradition of enclosing one of our family letters with the card didn't happen, so this post will be our official 2011 Cantera update.

As I was addressing our cards the other night, I couldn't help but feel the connection and ease that accompanies friendship and family closeness.  Although it was so nice not stressing over the cards in December, while sitting at the table, pen in hand in the solitude of late evening, I remembered why I do love sending holiday greetings - it gives me a moment to recall all who have touched our lives in one way or another, and through the act of simply writing a name, I am blessed by those memories.

In true Cantera fashion, it was another busy year filled with activities, school, vacations, church callings, projects, celebrations, sports, and plenty of time on the sidelines and in the car.  A quick perusal of this blog will bring anyone up to date on our noteworthy 2011 events and happenings. But this year, I would like to bring you up to speed on how we are doing, rather than just the what we are doing . . .

Ryan (16) is navigating his way through his junior year of high school - juggling school work, social life, sports, family life, young men's, and increasing responsibilities at every turn.  Ryan can be gregarious and playful one minute, and a typical teenager needing his space the next.  He is surrounded by good friends and takes the minimal leisure time he has quite seriously (namely 'Sports' Center' and weekends out).  One of my favorite traits about Ryan is his awareness of what everyone is up to . . . he never forgets where family members have been and always asks us how things went.

We are holding tight to these final years with Ryan in the home, and know deep down, despite his longing to be out on his own and away from bothersome little sisters, he will miss the family and the good times we share together.

Caroline (14) has definitely come into her own this year and is not just Ryan's "little sister," but one of his closest friends and confidants.  I consider this one of my greatest blessings, that these two teenagers have formed such a strong bond.  Caroline has emerged into her 9th grade year filled with confidence and an inner strength that continues to flourish.  She is a true friend to everyone she meets and has a smile that lights up the room.  Her days are filled with friends, homework, babysitting, piano, young women's, and her passion - tennis.

She will admit that the first couple years of junior high put her optimism and trust in others to the test, but she made it through and has become a shining example to all who know her, especially her sisters who adore her.  Caroline is a happy soul and we couldn't imagine life without her quick wit and sweet laugh.

Sophie (10) wishes every single day that she could have her own room.  Liza has a way of pushing her patience to the limit and there are days when all I can do is throw my hands up and hope that one day these girls will love each other dearly.  When Sophie isn't frustrated with a sister or brother, she can be found in the basement pounding the tennis ball on our concrete backboard, kicking a soccer ball in the yard, running races, reading, practicing piano, or surrounded by her giggly 5th grade friends.

Sophie works hard at everything she does, and like Ryan, enjoys her space and solitude at times.  Her competitive spirit has served her well in her various sports, and is thrilled when Caroline will hit with her and give her tips on the court.  She is an absolute beauty and there are days when I wonder what happened to my little girl, knowing soon I'll have another teenager in the home.

Liza (7) has somehow morphed into what the older kids refer to as "the awkward child."  She still continues to keep us laughing practically every day and I hope she feels confident with herself and her abilities.  The poor girl has to deal with three extra parents who think they all know what she should be doing an every given moment . . . sigh. Liza handles her bossy siblings quite well and is always happy when someone will play a game or color with her.

She is still the delight of the family and filled with such random thoughts and expressions we can't help but anticipate great things from this girl as she grows older. She works so hard in school, on the piano, and in ski team.  She loves to read and just devoured her first abridged copy of "Little Women."  Liza is so patient at home, in church, and in school.  She also knows how much her mom still loves to hold her, and is always willing to crawl into my lap for a snuggle.  How grateful we are for our Elizabeth Jane.

Chris & Julie are so blessed, especially for the Gospel of Jesus Christ which give us the inspiration and additional light we need to guide and direct our children. We continue to "press forward" each day experiencing the highs and lows of marriage and parenthood.  Where else would we learn to be more patient, kind, gentle, and loving than in the crucible of family life?

2011 has been a year to remember.  We have seen personal miracles and the Lord's hand working in our lives, and we have drawn closer to one another and our children through memorable experiences and vacations, as well as the ordinary every day events that lead to meaningful conversations and discussions when least expected.

We know that as we hold fast to the truths we hold dear, we can look forward with a perfect brightness of hope and be filled with the love of God as we bring that love into our hearts, home, and community.

Wishing you all a peaceful and bright 2012.

this christmas . . .

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. 

Speak your love and then speak it again.

President Howard W. Hunter

The Christmas Spirit

Another Christmas day has come and gone, and I have to admit that it's been wonderful today to just bask in the lights of the tree with the fire going, and have absolutely no "Christmas duties" or expectations required of me.  As wonderful as the holiday season is and as much as we want to keep the true spirit of Christmas in our homes and hearts, I would be completely off my rocker to say that during the month of December all is calm and peaceful, and everyone goes about their business cheerfully humming Christmas carols while the smells of gingerbread and wassail waft through our perfectly decorated and clean home . . .

I honestly don't know how my mother did it all, every year, but my memories of Christmas growing up were pretty much picture perfect . . . amazing Christmas eve candlelit meals, beautifully decorated (and spotless) home, memorable family shopping trips, plenty of baking, fun traditions, neighbor gifts . . . and I have absolutely no recollection of her ever being stressed, only taking a LONG nap on Christmas day.

My hope is that our children will remember the calm, peaceful moments of Christmas, such as holiday music playing while we bake cookies or make cinnamon rolls . . . not the crazy minutes before we leave while frantically wrapping treats and I'm barking orders to write labels, stick them on the gifts, and load the car!  I hope they will remember our nicely lit Christmas tree and not the fact that they had to decorate it all on their own because I was just too busy to help them this year; that their memories of our traditional family outing to Temple Square, dinner, and a concert was enjoyable (never mind the stress of finding a parking spot downtown, or the insanity of taking our crew to an eating establishment where they forget their manners); and they won't mind the fact that our Christmas eve dinner by candlelight was just pizza because I was too worn out to cook another meal.

It was a memorable Christmas, the kids are content and happy, our home cozy, and I'm well rested (after going to bed last night at 8:30pm :-).  For me, I was touched by the Christmas spirit most profoundly during my morning scripture reading Christmas eve.  I picked up the Book of Mormon and began reading where I had left off the day before, which happened to be some of Isaiah's most beautiful and inspiring words, and ever so fitting as we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior . . .

"Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.  But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me--but he will show that he hath not. . . . 
Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.   
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." 
     

 ~ 1 Nephi 21:12-26 (Compare Isaiah 49) ~

Merry Christmas

Let there be JOY

even if it's in a mall food court . . .

Holiday cards and matching sweaters!

I happened upon these pictures taken on Thanksgiving day in 1999.

 

 

 

Ryan was 4 1/2, Caroline 2 1/2, and Chris and I looking much younger . . . um, ya, we haven't aged at all ;-).

It appears to be a photo shoot in my parents' Bountiful yard for Christmas cards that year - which would be back in the day when I planned for such events (i.e we all had a certain "Christmas/holiday" look), well, since about 2007, we're just happy to get a decent pic of all of us together - this year hopefully from deep within the 2010 archives. 

Since I'm on the subject of Christmas cards, look what I found in the same pile of pics . . .

2000

2001

2003

2004

2006

2007

It seems I used to take such great efforts to make sure everyone coordinated . . . I'm afraid those days are offically a thing of the past, but it was fun while it lasted :-).

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 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.