https://drive.google.
Thursday, May 7, 2020
A little follow up to our amazing day at Mountain Point Medical center with Hoka One One
Check this out. Our videographer was fantastic!
https://drive.google.
https://drive.google.
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Mad Moose and the Triple Crown
Since my car accident a little over 9 weeks ago, subsequent broken foot, I haven't
been able to run. When the doctor told me it would be at least 4 months
before I'd be able to, I was devastated. Telling me that there would be
no running is like telling me I can't breathe anymore. It's every part of
me. It's my happy thing. It helps keep my anxiety under control.
It's like water, necessity for my human sustainment. I informed her that
I had a 50k in four weeks so her answer wasn't acceptable. She laughed.
This particular race was one I was looking forward to SO much! My running tribe of besties had signed up for the Triple Crown an event hosted by Mad Moose events and held in Moab. We had done one of their races the year before and were so impressed with their race event that this made total sense. We did the first in the trio in November of 2019 - a 50 miler - Dead Horse Ultra. Our first 50 miler! It was beautiful, the aid stations were awesome, the volunteers stellar, it was perfect!
We went back in January to do Arches Ultra. This time was just the 50k. It was a awful. Not because of anything the race directors had control over, it was just mucky, muddy, slushy and cold. The last 5 miles were a death march for me but I kept telling myself that it would be worth it because once I was done, I would only have one more race in March (when it would be warmer) and I'd have that Triple Crown!
We went back in January to do Arches Ultra. This time was just the 50k. It was a awful. Not because of anything the race directors had control over, it was just mucky, muddy, slushy and cold. The last 5 miles were a death march for me but I kept telling myself that it would be worth it because once I was done, I would only have one more race in March (when it would be warmer) and I'd have that Triple Crown!
Early Februrary, I booked our hotel rooms and I was excited for March, Moab and running in the red dirt. Bam. Accident. Broken foot. Covid. Sadly, the race directors had to cancel the race and Moab literally closed. If you did not live there, you could not go there. That was very disheartening since Mad Moose offered their runners to run it virtually, they could even do the race route, they just couldn't support it nor endorse it. We had still planned on going down, I'd just hang out in the hotel, while they ran. Nope. Moab essentially shut their doors.
So doing the race virtually
was still an option and my friends planned a day to go out to Antelope Island
and get the 31 miles done. I was having the most horrific and long, drawn
out pity party you could think of. I couldn't even walk let alone
run. I had a knee scooter and would for the next foreseeable
future. I felt so crushed. On a whim, I reached out the race
directors and told them my situation. I had paid for the Triple Crown and
really, really wanted a way to earn it. I proposed getting the 50k done
on my knee scooter. I wouldn't be able to do it all in one day, but would
that be an acceptable deal?
They were SO kind! I could get as little as 10 miles in a certain time frame and I would qualify. So off I went! I wasn't just going to do 10 miles by the deadline, but I was going to get the whole 31 miles. Every day I went out on my knee scooter. Sometimes with my little Maggie along, sometimes with Splenda Daddy, but mostly by myself. I would do as many miles in a a single outing as my knee could take. I forced myself up hills, and then fought the challenge to keep control going back down. I have to say, doing in on the knee scooter was harder than if I could have just run it out on my own two legs.
I emailed the RD's to let them know I was done. I also inquired about buying more sticker since when my car was totaled, I lost all the cool stickers I had on the windows. I offered to buy them and they directed to their on-line store, I just hadn't taken the time to do it. Today, my happy mail arrived!! Not just the swag for the Triple Crown, but stickers too!
I can't thank Justin and Denise enough for being so gracious to me. They truly do know how to put on a race event. They've become my favorite for the trail races that I love! Mad Moose events is stellar and I can't say enough good about them!
This Covid crap is really putting the sting into the racing community. Not just the disappointment of the runners when events have to be canceled, but the race directors and event planners as well. They lose thousands of dollars when races have to be canceled. Sure big ones like Boston can reschedule, but for local events it's impossible. My heart goes out to them. They are a business just like others. and they are getting hit just like the rest. The problem is, I don't think there is stimulus money or small business loans for them. They have to eat it and pray that this ends soon and that next season is successful.
One thing I do know is that with gyms being closed and people in self isolation, I've seen a lot of new folks getting into running. That has to bode well right?
And I'll be back. I don't know when, but I will. And I'll be back with a vengeance.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Spreading some goodness at Mountain Point Medical Center with UtahRUN and Hoka One One
With life drastically changed right now and let's face it, sucking it big time, I'm glad when I get to have a day filled with happiness.
Some context and background. I have been running in Hoka shoes for years. I won't run in anything else. I have so many pairs that it's laughable. Unless you're Splenda Daddy and then maybe it's cry-able. Just kidding he's as much a believer as I am. You see, after my two neck surgeries I was told to stop running. I didn't. I stuck with my Hoka's. After a couple of injections in my knees for arthritis, I was told to stop running. I didn't. I stuck with my Hoka's. I have found that as long as I run in my Hoka's, train on my treadmill and the trails and only race on the trails, I have been able to run injury free now for over 5 years. I really limit my road miles to no more than a 5k but the mountain trails have my love. Jeez, I'm a freaking walking spokesperson for Hoka and the benefit they are to runners, walkers, anyone who needs deluxe cushion under them.
As manager and buyer at UtahRUN, I get to interact with our vendors and sales rep's. My Hoka rep's have been outstanding and some of my favorite people to work with. They, along with many other brands have been extending offers to reward our health care workers on the front lines during this Covid pandemic. My Hoka rep reached out first with the easiest way to accomplish this as a combined effort. With UtahRUN's owner's blessing, I jumped on it. I reached out to a hospital right in the same town but after no timely response, I thought of the hospital just a few miles away that had taken such good care of me after my car accident. They are a little smaller and not part of the big fish of Healthcare systems in the state of Utah, but they still have ER staff that are exposed and dealing with the Corona Virus just the same as others.
I reached out via email and within minutes had a reply excited about the opportunity we were offering them. We had some back and forth figuring out logistics and then we were set.
Yesterday, three of us from UtahRUN and a videographer Travis (there to capture it all) met at the hospital with over 70 pairs of Hoka One One shoes.
We got set up in a board room and in two different shifts were able to fit 24 ER nurses with brand new, comfortable shoes. They could choose which model was most comfortable, and sometimes we even had the perfect color.
Words cannot express how heartwarming it was to hear and see the gratitude they expressed to us. I watched as some nurses who had just finished their shifts put on a pair and then audibly sigh as they walked around on the marshmellow-like feeling of their Hoka's with smiles on their faces.What an incredible feeling it was to be able to express OUR gratitude to them for all their hard work and sacrifice with a simple gesture of new shoes and then they in turn expressed their gratitude for the new shoes. I only wish our Hoka One One rep could have been there. It truly was a amazing experience.
I wish there was more of this in this world.
Mutual respect.
Mutual gratitude for the actions of others.
Love reciprocated.
I am so grateful to work for UtahRUN and the amazing owner who wants to serve the community in any way he can.
I am so thankful to Tres, my Hoka One One rep, and their amazing program of giving back to our heroes on the front lines, in the trenches, doing the dirty work. Those nurses run around for 12 hours tending to the sick all the while hoping they don't contract it themselves. Not to mention the injured that come in as well. I've watched them. I've seen them in their element and they are amazing. Thank a nurse the next time you see one!
And yeah..... mutual respect, love reciprocated. Give it a try.
Some context and background. I have been running in Hoka shoes for years. I won't run in anything else. I have so many pairs that it's laughable. Unless you're Splenda Daddy and then maybe it's cry-able. Just kidding he's as much a believer as I am. You see, after my two neck surgeries I was told to stop running. I didn't. I stuck with my Hoka's. After a couple of injections in my knees for arthritis, I was told to stop running. I didn't. I stuck with my Hoka's. I have found that as long as I run in my Hoka's, train on my treadmill and the trails and only race on the trails, I have been able to run injury free now for over 5 years. I really limit my road miles to no more than a 5k but the mountain trails have my love. Jeez, I'm a freaking walking spokesperson for Hoka and the benefit they are to runners, walkers, anyone who needs deluxe cushion under them.
As manager and buyer at UtahRUN, I get to interact with our vendors and sales rep's. My Hoka rep's have been outstanding and some of my favorite people to work with. They, along with many other brands have been extending offers to reward our health care workers on the front lines during this Covid pandemic. My Hoka rep reached out first with the easiest way to accomplish this as a combined effort. With UtahRUN's owner's blessing, I jumped on it. I reached out to a hospital right in the same town but after no timely response, I thought of the hospital just a few miles away that had taken such good care of me after my car accident. They are a little smaller and not part of the big fish of Healthcare systems in the state of Utah, but they still have ER staff that are exposed and dealing with the Corona Virus just the same as others.
I reached out via email and within minutes had a reply excited about the opportunity we were offering them. We had some back and forth figuring out logistics and then we were set.
Mountain Point Medical Center in Lehi, UT
Yesterday, three of us from UtahRUN and a videographer Travis (there to capture it all) met at the hospital with over 70 pairs of Hoka One One shoes.
Jess, Mindi, me, Travis
We got set up in a board room and in two different shifts were able to fit 24 ER nurses with brand new, comfortable shoes. They could choose which model was most comfortable, and sometimes we even had the perfect color.
Nurses with their new Hoka's
They look awesome on their feet!
Words cannot express how heartwarming it was to hear and see the gratitude they expressed to us. I watched as some nurses who had just finished their shifts put on a pair and then audibly sigh as they walked around on the marshmellow-like feeling of their Hoka's with smiles on their faces.What an incredible feeling it was to be able to express OUR gratitude to them for all their hard work and sacrifice with a simple gesture of new shoes and then they in turn expressed their gratitude for the new shoes. I only wish our Hoka One One rep could have been there. It truly was a amazing experience.
I wish there was more of this in this world.
Mutual respect.
Mutual gratitude for the actions of others.
Love reciprocated.
I am so grateful to work for UtahRUN and the amazing owner who wants to serve the community in any way he can.
I am so thankful to Tres, my Hoka One One rep, and their amazing program of giving back to our heroes on the front lines, in the trenches, doing the dirty work. Those nurses run around for 12 hours tending to the sick all the while hoping they don't contract it themselves. Not to mention the injured that come in as well. I've watched them. I've seen them in their element and they are amazing. Thank a nurse the next time you see one!
And yeah..... mutual respect, love reciprocated. Give it a try.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Hope on a Sunday despite the stupid Covid
It's been a hard week.
Like really hard.
Like the darkest abyss, lowest point hard.
I went through the motions, but I felt nothing. I couldn't be nice. I hated everyone and everything. Beyond the constant state of irritation, I felt nothing. No happiness, no sadness. Nothing. My poor husband could offer no help. No music, no podcast, no TV show, no movie, none of my usual sources of distraction were working.
I prayed. I read my scriptures. I did the things I've been taught to do that usually bring happiness and peace in my life. Nothing.
I finally broke down Friday and asked my husband for a priesthood blessing. For those that might be reading and are new around these parts, I'm a Latter Day Saint. We believe that Christ's church he established in the New Testament and was lost with the death of the disciples has been restored including His priesthood. My husband, among millions on male members of my church hold that priesthood and he can give me blessings of health, healing and comfort. All outcomes depending on my faith and the will of the Lord.
His blessing Friday night was very nice, and I felt the Spirit of my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ providing his words. I cried. I went to bed pleading in my heart that I would wake up feeling better. Feeling different. Feeling something.
And I did. I woke up for the first time in a long time not wishing I was dead. I woke up and was actually happy that I woke up instead of disappointed I hadn't peacefully passed in my sleep. It wasn't all butterflies and unicorns but it has been a start.
I know I can't be alone in these feelings. Covid-19 has wreaked such havoc on our lives that it is way too easy to become hopeless and despondent. I was there. Now, don't get me wrong, I wasn't truly suicidal, but I was certainly more than happy to be done. I know others feel that way, but *gasp* we don't talk about it. People then get worried, they get protective and unbearingly hoverish. I just made up that word, but think hovering in a negative way.
Saturday, I got on my bike trainer, bot an hour in and then some light weights. I made my bed, opened all the blinds, cleaned my kitchen and put on some new clothes I had purchased previously.
We got in the car, complete with my pup Maggie and headed out for a drive. No real plan in place other than a custard from Nielsen's. We just wanted to be out in the sunshine and the only way to safely do that is in our car. We ended up driving to Park City, and tried to go over Guardman's Pass but it's still too early in the year, so instead we went through Heber, and Provo Canyon to basically travel a large circle back home. It did wonders for me. We listened to a book we both enjoyed, with Maggie in my lap I constantly was stroking her, petting her and kissing her. All soothing things. Topping things off were my ministering sisters dropping off flowers and a treat (to add to some my daughter-in-love dropped off earlier in the week), we got some take out and watched a movie. It was a day that wasn't steeped in routine.
Today, Sunday is another day of sunshine and warmth. Some gospel studying, a zoom call hearing about my dear friend's mission to Panama, a walk with the dogs and an evening finishing up laundry, some work stuff and getting ready for the week.
Will this week be better than last? I feel hopeful that it will. Does anything change with Covid -19? In my world no. Still isolating as much as possible. Still missing all the things that this miserable virus has taken away from me. Maybe I'll slump back into the dark abyss. I don't know. I just know that I feel more hopeful.
That will be enough for now.
Like really hard.
Like the darkest abyss, lowest point hard.
I went through the motions, but I felt nothing. I couldn't be nice. I hated everyone and everything. Beyond the constant state of irritation, I felt nothing. No happiness, no sadness. Nothing. My poor husband could offer no help. No music, no podcast, no TV show, no movie, none of my usual sources of distraction were working.
I prayed. I read my scriptures. I did the things I've been taught to do that usually bring happiness and peace in my life. Nothing.
I finally broke down Friday and asked my husband for a priesthood blessing. For those that might be reading and are new around these parts, I'm a Latter Day Saint. We believe that Christ's church he established in the New Testament and was lost with the death of the disciples has been restored including His priesthood. My husband, among millions on male members of my church hold that priesthood and he can give me blessings of health, healing and comfort. All outcomes depending on my faith and the will of the Lord.
His blessing Friday night was very nice, and I felt the Spirit of my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ providing his words. I cried. I went to bed pleading in my heart that I would wake up feeling better. Feeling different. Feeling something.
And I did. I woke up for the first time in a long time not wishing I was dead. I woke up and was actually happy that I woke up instead of disappointed I hadn't peacefully passed in my sleep. It wasn't all butterflies and unicorns but it has been a start.
I know I can't be alone in these feelings. Covid-19 has wreaked such havoc on our lives that it is way too easy to become hopeless and despondent. I was there. Now, don't get me wrong, I wasn't truly suicidal, but I was certainly more than happy to be done. I know others feel that way, but *gasp* we don't talk about it. People then get worried, they get protective and unbearingly hoverish. I just made up that word, but think hovering in a negative way.
Saturday, I got on my bike trainer, bot an hour in and then some light weights. I made my bed, opened all the blinds, cleaned my kitchen and put on some new clothes I had purchased previously.
We got in the car, complete with my pup Maggie and headed out for a drive. No real plan in place other than a custard from Nielsen's. We just wanted to be out in the sunshine and the only way to safely do that is in our car. We ended up driving to Park City, and tried to go over Guardman's Pass but it's still too early in the year, so instead we went through Heber, and Provo Canyon to basically travel a large circle back home. It did wonders for me. We listened to a book we both enjoyed, with Maggie in my lap I constantly was stroking her, petting her and kissing her. All soothing things. Topping things off were my ministering sisters dropping off flowers and a treat (to add to some my daughter-in-love dropped off earlier in the week), we got some take out and watched a movie. It was a day that wasn't steeped in routine.
(Mt Timpanogos in the background)
Today, Sunday is another day of sunshine and warmth. Some gospel studying, a zoom call hearing about my dear friend's mission to Panama, a walk with the dogs and an evening finishing up laundry, some work stuff and getting ready for the week.
Will this week be better than last? I feel hopeful that it will. Does anything change with Covid -19? In my world no. Still isolating as much as possible. Still missing all the things that this miserable virus has taken away from me. Maybe I'll slump back into the dark abyss. I don't know. I just know that I feel more hopeful.
That will be enough for now.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Life amid Covid-19 and other random thoughts
*blows dust off blog*
OMG - I almost didn't even remember how to long in and create a post. My last post was in 2018, a year after the previous ones. It's clear that with the emergence of social media, blogging went the way of the dinosaur.
Facebook. Facebook is what killed blogging. It came on the scene, knocked over MySpace and took off like a rocket. Soon, myself and all the connections I made through blogging deserted our own little pieces of the interwebz and began building followers and racking up our friend numbers. I loved it! I could connect with family members clear across the country, my blogging friends, friends in real life and friends of friends. I found myself posting multiple times a day and commenting on every post I could. I posted funny situations, serious thoughts and shared pictures. I began journaling my life on social media. Soon, I would have "memories" show up of the things I had posted a year previous and I became content with that form of connection. Years I have spent on Facebook, and then Instagram came and it was another form to connect, Now we have Twitter, Reddit, Tik Tok, Marco Polo, Snapshat and I'm sure more that I don't even know about. Each have their pro's and con's, and I use most of them on some level. What I enjoy the most is the connection I have to family members. These platforms are great for seeing pictures and video's of my kids and grandkids.
So why am I so restless about it all? Well, currently life is in a state of unease and unknown. We are dealing with a global pandemic - Covid-19 a Corona virus that originated in China and has since spread all over the world with millions infected and dying. My home state of Utah is doing fairly well with it at the current time, but we are behind others in the onset of infection, so our numbers will likely get worse before we get better. We are practicing CDC guidelines of washing hands frequently, not leaving our home except for essential needs, wearing masks when in public and practicing "social distancing" which is no closer than 6 feet to another person not of your household. To say that this is a disruption in our lives is an understatement. Restaurants can no longer host people inside, grocery stores have limited hours, essentials have been cleaned out of the shelves as people anticipate the worst, many businesses have suspended their services and sadly many have had to simply close - costing millions their jobs. The unemployment rate is astounding. Spending even 15 minutes googling around about this virus and the effects on lives and our economy is enough to cause even the calmest of persons some serious anxiety.
You would think at a time like this, social media would be my place to turn to. I could use it as an escape, chat with friends, check in on family, find some humor among this daily bleakness. And I think for many people, this is exactly the purpose it serves. For me? It's not. Facebook and Instagram's algorithms have made it a barren wasteland of nothing but meme's either funny or intended to be inspirational (I'm just as guilty) but all miss the mark for me. I love seeing pictures of my family and friends, but it seems that those particular social media platforms would rather I not. I almost have to go searching for them and that's just too time consuming. And before anyone starts to tell me about unfollowing or muting... I know all of this. It doesn't help.
So, I'm stepping away and going back to a forum that I enjoy. I like writing out my thoughts and feelings. Sometimes they are coherent, most times they are random. But if I'm going to journal my life, I think I prefer this platform. It's here on my piece of the internet that doesn't belong to Facebook or other social media, only to Google (which is likely just another devil to beholden to). I no longer have to feel my self-imposed pressure to "like posts" or comment just to let someone know I am validating them. I'll use text and messenger to stay in contact with friends during this time of isolation. And while I can't even go to church right now, I can share my spiritual thoughts here. For myself. For anyone who stumbles upon it. For my family to see after I'm long gone.
If they want to.
OMG - I almost didn't even remember how to long in and create a post. My last post was in 2018, a year after the previous ones. It's clear that with the emergence of social media, blogging went the way of the dinosaur.
Facebook. Facebook is what killed blogging. It came on the scene, knocked over MySpace and took off like a rocket. Soon, myself and all the connections I made through blogging deserted our own little pieces of the interwebz and began building followers and racking up our friend numbers. I loved it! I could connect with family members clear across the country, my blogging friends, friends in real life and friends of friends. I found myself posting multiple times a day and commenting on every post I could. I posted funny situations, serious thoughts and shared pictures. I began journaling my life on social media. Soon, I would have "memories" show up of the things I had posted a year previous and I became content with that form of connection. Years I have spent on Facebook, and then Instagram came and it was another form to connect, Now we have Twitter, Reddit, Tik Tok, Marco Polo, Snapshat and I'm sure more that I don't even know about. Each have their pro's and con's, and I use most of them on some level. What I enjoy the most is the connection I have to family members. These platforms are great for seeing pictures and video's of my kids and grandkids.
So why am I so restless about it all? Well, currently life is in a state of unease and unknown. We are dealing with a global pandemic - Covid-19 a Corona virus that originated in China and has since spread all over the world with millions infected and dying. My home state of Utah is doing fairly well with it at the current time, but we are behind others in the onset of infection, so our numbers will likely get worse before we get better. We are practicing CDC guidelines of washing hands frequently, not leaving our home except for essential needs, wearing masks when in public and practicing "social distancing" which is no closer than 6 feet to another person not of your household. To say that this is a disruption in our lives is an understatement. Restaurants can no longer host people inside, grocery stores have limited hours, essentials have been cleaned out of the shelves as people anticipate the worst, many businesses have suspended their services and sadly many have had to simply close - costing millions their jobs. The unemployment rate is astounding. Spending even 15 minutes googling around about this virus and the effects on lives and our economy is enough to cause even the calmest of persons some serious anxiety.
You would think at a time like this, social media would be my place to turn to. I could use it as an escape, chat with friends, check in on family, find some humor among this daily bleakness. And I think for many people, this is exactly the purpose it serves. For me? It's not. Facebook and Instagram's algorithms have made it a barren wasteland of nothing but meme's either funny or intended to be inspirational (I'm just as guilty) but all miss the mark for me. I love seeing pictures of my family and friends, but it seems that those particular social media platforms would rather I not. I almost have to go searching for them and that's just too time consuming. And before anyone starts to tell me about unfollowing or muting... I know all of this. It doesn't help.
So, I'm stepping away and going back to a forum that I enjoy. I like writing out my thoughts and feelings. Sometimes they are coherent, most times they are random. But if I'm going to journal my life, I think I prefer this platform. It's here on my piece of the internet that doesn't belong to Facebook or other social media, only to Google (which is likely just another devil to beholden to). I no longer have to feel my self-imposed pressure to "like posts" or comment just to let someone know I am validating them. I'll use text and messenger to stay in contact with friends during this time of isolation. And while I can't even go to church right now, I can share my spiritual thoughts here. For myself. For anyone who stumbles upon it. For my family to see after I'm long gone.
If they want to.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Merry Christmas from the Catmull's 2018 edition
Well jeez! I come to post our annual Christmas update only to discover that the last time I actually posted on my blog was a year ago and the last update! I should get back to this, really I should. Especially since it's supposed to be my journal.
Anyway.....
We've had another outstanding year with our family! Miracles and blessings all around!
Splenda Daddy is still with Nature's Sunshine. He's been there for 23 years and one thing is certain, there is always change! He stays busy with his departments and enjoys what he does. mCat is still hanging with Wasatch Running part time. She stopped with Uber when gas prices went up because it was no longer cost effective, but when some friends purchased a Chinese restaurant in February and needed help, she started serving the lunch crowd. Both part time jobs are enjoyable and keep her out of trouble. Mostly. We moved in January to Saratoga Springs and love being here! We have a great neighborhood and a great ward (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints congregation). Splenda is serving as the 1st Counselor in the Elder's Quorum and mCat is serving as the 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society. The callings keep us busy but we love the people we serve with and our ward family. Splenda's commute is much better and we have more time to do other things. No big trips this year but we are planning a cruise for late February/early March of 2019. mCat is still running, but doing more trail races than road. It's rare you'll find her running the streets, but during the summer months, she'll likely be found in the mountains, on a trail, with her running tribe. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Jordan. At 13 years of age, she was suffering with kidney failure and crossed the rainbow bridge in September. Jack became very depressed and moped around so in late October, we brought Maggie, another mini schnauzer, home. She is now 4 months old and is all puppy! Instead of bringing happiness to Jack, he is nothing but ticked at her. It's going to take time for him to adjust to her, but she sure brings happiness and laughs to us and that's totally worth it.
Corbin and Karalee are doing fantastic! Karalee started a new job as an oral surgery assistant with Utah Facial and Oral Surgery but later left to stay home full time when Corbin got a job with Valley Mental Health. He is the Operations Director for Outpatient Services. He has quite a few responsibilities that keep him busy. He loves what he does though. He is finishing up his Masters Degree at John Hopkins University. He has one semester left and part of his studies will take him to Belize next month. Chloee is doing fantastic in 6th grade and has definitely entered the pre-teen phase of life. It's very fun to see her grow up. But the best news of all for these guys is the long awaited pregnancy of Karalee!! YAY! They are expecting a new baby girl in April of 2019. Her pregnancy has gone well. After getting through the first trimester of morning sickness and fatigue, she is now feeling great and we are all excited for the new addition to our family. It's a blessing that she is now able to be at home for Chloee and the new baby.
Luke and Mindy have also had a banner year! They welcomed baby Carson in August and while he's been a hard baby (colic, reflux), he is getting so cute and smiley and cooing and all sorts of happy. Luke started a new job at Bonneville International as the Digital Ad Operations Manager. He loves the new challenge and enjoys his work. They also sold their home in Saratoga Springs and moved into my mom's home in South Jordan while she is away serving a mission for our church. It's helping her by keeping the house occupied and helps them to be able to save for a new home in the near future. Carter turned two in August and is a funny and charming little miniature Luke. Mindy has enjoyed good health and as always we are grateful for the new medications that are available for her. I think we are now on about 3 years with no hospitalization for her which is outstanding! She continues to be able to stay at home with the boys and enjoy motherhood.
Preston and Montana have also had an amazing year! Preston is still employed at Learning Systems as a 1 on 1 coach and Montana has still been able to stay at home with the girls. In January, they purchased a condo in Herriman and love living there! It's got a long hallway that the girls spend all day running up and down. Addy turned 5 in September and is loving her second year of pre-school. She is so smart, and fun loving! Emma will turn two in January and is a spunky ball of fire. She loves playing with her sister and being outside. Unfortunately, Preston was in another car accident (someone hit him) so they just purchased a a new-to-them van which will be nice to have all the extra space. They are such a cute little family and I love when the girls facetime me!
So as you can see, we are an overwhelmingly blessed family. Sure, we've had trials and struggles along the way, but they pale in comparison. Splenda Daddy and I are so proud of our children and all their accomplishments. For our young parent friends out there, hang in there because it's all worth it.
To all our friends and family:
A very merry Christmas and wishes for all the best in the new year!
xoxo
mCat
PS - Some pics of my pride and joy's
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Merry Christmas 2017 from the Catmull's!
Another successful year is in the books! We've added another little and thus expanding our circle of love a little bigger.
Splenda and mCat:
Splenda is still working at Nature's Sunshine and doing well. The commute is getting to him though, so a few weeks ago, we found a new home in Saratoga Springs (closer to his work) and we'll be moving sometime the end of January! Very exciting indeed! We'll have more room for family and friend gathering's but most important, Splenda won't have to deal with that horrid commute! We also had a chance to sneak away together in September in Hawaii! We toured Pearl Harbor, and spent most of the time on the island of Maui. Driving the road to Hana was a white knuckle experience, but we are so grateful for all the beautiful things to see. mCat had the once in a lifetime opportunity to tour the Holy Land with her mom. It was an experience beyond words and if you are interested, it's all here on the blog. She is still working part time at her beloved Wasatch Running Center and lately has picked up driving Uber part time. Mostly, we love having all our children and grandchildren so close and enjoying them immensely.
Corbin and Karalee:
They've had a busy year as well. Corbin completed his undergraduate bachelor's degree at Westminster earning high honors and recognition from his professors. He then was awarded the Presidential Scholarship for his Master's program at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. Luckily, it's a mostly an on line program. He traveled out there every week for the first semester which was very hard on his family, but now he'll do the rest on line and we are looking forward to going out there to celebrate when he is done and graduates. He's also working at the University of Utah. Karalee is still working at the dentist office which allows her a lot of flexibility which is great and she's still running in her spare time. Chloee is outstanding in the 5th grade! She's grown so much! She's a tall girl with a beautiful spirit and soft heart!
Luke and Mindy:
Luke is still working in Orem as Director of Fulfillment at Learning Systems and doing very well. Mindy has been able to be at home with Carter this last year and has a very good year with her health! We are grateful for breakthroughs and new medications! Carter is a hoot! He started walking and keeps Mindy on her toes with his mobility. He looks a lot like Luke, but then there is definite Mindy in there as well so he's the perfect blend of them both. He's a darling with a wonderful personality that is the perfect fit for their goofy selves. They are a fun family! They had an opportunity to go to Disneyland in September and they are doing so well as a family and we are so happy for them!
Preston and Montana:
They have had a full year in that Emma was born in January, and Preston was involved in an accident in September. He was rear ended on the freeway and then struck by another car. We feel very blessed in that he walked away with a few bumps, and scrapes and three broken ribs. By all accounts he should have been more injured but we are so thankful that he was watched over. Montana has had some health challenges in that she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, but she is such a trooper. You wouldn't even know she was hurting and she has been able to be at home with the girls, so they are very blessed. They also went to Disneyland in the fall for the girl;s first time! Addy started preschool in the fall and loves it. Emma is a happy girl that is always eager to play!
It's been a year full of accomplishments that have far outplayed our trials. In fact, as we close another year - it's evident that our family is so blessed and we are so grateful for all that we have been given and afforded!
Here's to wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year full of love and prosperity!
And to my dirtbags - ILYPI
xoxo
mCat
Splenda and mCat:
Splenda is still working at Nature's Sunshine and doing well. The commute is getting to him though, so a few weeks ago, we found a new home in Saratoga Springs (closer to his work) and we'll be moving sometime the end of January! Very exciting indeed! We'll have more room for family and friend gathering's but most important, Splenda won't have to deal with that horrid commute! We also had a chance to sneak away together in September in Hawaii! We toured Pearl Harbor, and spent most of the time on the island of Maui. Driving the road to Hana was a white knuckle experience, but we are so grateful for all the beautiful things to see. mCat had the once in a lifetime opportunity to tour the Holy Land with her mom. It was an experience beyond words and if you are interested, it's all here on the blog. She is still working part time at her beloved Wasatch Running Center and lately has picked up driving Uber part time. Mostly, we love having all our children and grandchildren so close and enjoying them immensely.
Corbin and Karalee:
They've had a busy year as well. Corbin completed his undergraduate bachelor's degree at Westminster earning high honors and recognition from his professors. He then was awarded the Presidential Scholarship for his Master's program at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. Luckily, it's a mostly an on line program. He traveled out there every week for the first semester which was very hard on his family, but now he'll do the rest on line and we are looking forward to going out there to celebrate when he is done and graduates. He's also working at the University of Utah. Karalee is still working at the dentist office which allows her a lot of flexibility which is great and she's still running in her spare time. Chloee is outstanding in the 5th grade! She's grown so much! She's a tall girl with a beautiful spirit and soft heart!
Luke and Mindy:
Luke is still working in Orem as Director of Fulfillment at Learning Systems and doing very well. Mindy has been able to be at home with Carter this last year and has a very good year with her health! We are grateful for breakthroughs and new medications! Carter is a hoot! He started walking and keeps Mindy on her toes with his mobility. He looks a lot like Luke, but then there is definite Mindy in there as well so he's the perfect blend of them both. He's a darling with a wonderful personality that is the perfect fit for their goofy selves. They are a fun family! They had an opportunity to go to Disneyland in September and they are doing so well as a family and we are so happy for them!
Preston and Montana:
They have had a full year in that Emma was born in January, and Preston was involved in an accident in September. He was rear ended on the freeway and then struck by another car. We feel very blessed in that he walked away with a few bumps, and scrapes and three broken ribs. By all accounts he should have been more injured but we are so thankful that he was watched over. Montana has had some health challenges in that she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, but she is such a trooper. You wouldn't even know she was hurting and she has been able to be at home with the girls, so they are very blessed. They also went to Disneyland in the fall for the girl;s first time! Addy started preschool in the fall and loves it. Emma is a happy girl that is always eager to play!
It's been a year full of accomplishments that have far outplayed our trials. In fact, as we close another year - it's evident that our family is so blessed and we are so grateful for all that we have been given and afforded!
Here's to wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year full of love and prosperity!
And to my dirtbags - ILYPI
xoxo
mCat
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