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
