mCat's Family Annual Christmas Card - 2011 version

Because I don't send out Christmas cards or letters, well, I used to when I was young and it all seemed romantic to me, and I had time, and I cared, the blog is going to serve as our Family Christmas Card and yearly update.

I know what you're thinking and I totally agree.  Lame.  Lazy.  And very scrooge-ish.

I'm okay with all of those adjectives right now, really.

All throughout blog land, and even in my very own mailbox, everyone has these beautiful professional pictures done and I can't even get my entire family in one spot.  Well, we did at Tuffy's wedding, but I was thinking wedding and not Christmas cards, on account I don't send them.  And since it will be 2012 before I get them all in the same room again, I had to improvise.

Behold - our beautiful Family 2011 Christmas picture!

back row - Splenda, mCat, Jordan, Jack, Corbin, Karalee, Chloee

front row - Luke, Tuffy, Montana and Jace

Aren't we a good looking bunch?!  And LOOK at our tree!  Gosh, you will be hard pressed to find anything else out there even comparable.  Really.  Isn't the touch of camo on Corb pretty cool?  And the pink skirts on all of us girls matching just so?  And we even got the all the dogs to sit still and smile.  A Christmas Miracle!!

Okay, if you can just peel your eyes away from the stunning photo, I will now commence with our family update for the year 2011

We began it all with a very rocky start by losing Jillian on Christmas eve.  2011 was going to be tough.  January was spent with Corb finished up his USMC training.  Luke enrolled in school in Orem.  Tuffy and Montana kept dating and working and finishing school. 

Jordan got fat

Jack got crazy.

Spring came,  Corbin finished up his combat training in CA, his specialty training back east and was getting ready to get established back in Camp Pendelton.

Karalee became a huge part of our lives.

Luke still doing school and working and dating

Tuffy and Montana still dating and working

Jordan got fatter

Jack got crazier

Summer showed up for a minute.

Corbin and Karalee got married on the beach in California.

Luke was working, schooling and dating.

Tuffy and Montana were working, dating and planning a wedding.

Jordan kept getting fat

Jack kept getting crazy

Fall struck too early.

   Corb working in the armory as a small arms tech stationed at Camp Pendleton. 

Karalee doing school part time and jewelry on the side. 

Luke still schooling, working, dating.

Tuffy and Montana got married and moved into a cute little apartment not from from here.

Jordan still packin on the ellbees

Jack still whirling around in his own craziness

Now it's winter and the end of the year fast approaching.

Corb's fam is doing fantastic in SoCal.  USMC is good to them.  They are good for the USMC.  Win-Win relationship

Luke is still working, schooling and dating.  I think he likes the dating part the most.

Tuffy and Montana got a new puppy and both working and loving the newlywed life.

Jordan is helplessly tubby.

Jack is hopelessly nuts

and Jace the new puppy is adorably cute.

And Chloee?  Well she spent the year being the cute, adorable, litte punkin that she is.  She justs get cuter every day!

 

So what have Splenda and mCat been doing all year?

*blink*   *blink*

*blank stare*

Surviving. 

We are just along for the ride with our kids.  For us, that's what our world is all about.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

PS - if you are interested in the amazing pictorial art above, send me an email and I could prolly make one happen for you family.  Unless you have a bazillion kids and then most likely not.

PSS - if you need one for your fridge to hang up with all the other cute ones you get, just click the print button and make sure you have paper in your printer.

PSSS - This won't be the last post on Christmas so don't get your socks spinning yet, just needed to get the cards out you know!

Christmas Traditions - Installament Six

Every year, the Monday before Christmas, I actually break down, put myself in the kitchen and *cough* bake.

Okay, I said BAKE!  I can only do a few things culinary wise and Pumpkin Dessert is one of them.  Even I have to admit, it's pretty good.  It's become a family tradition that we take in a batch to share with our co-workers for Christmas.

Well since there are 4 of us working now, I was up this morning at 5am baking 4 different Pumpkin Desserts.

This picture totally doesn't do it justice.  I should have checked my camera settings, and done a better job but trust me - it's GOOOOOOOD!

Without fail, I am always asked for the recipe, and since I not "one of those" people who won't share, here you go:

1 yellow cake mix

1 can Libby's Pumpkin Pie mix (not the regular canned pumpkin - but the pumpkin pie mix)

3/4 cup milk

3 eggs

3/4 cup butter or margarine (needs a soft consistency to mix)

and additional 1/4 butter or margarine (same mixable consistency)

1/4 up sugar

cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Take one cup of the cake mix and set aside in a separate bowl.

Spray or grease a 9/13 cake pan

To the remaining cake mix, add 3/4 cup margarine or butter and 1 egg.

Mix until moist/crumbly but not sticky.  Press into the bottom of the cake pan

Combine the pumpkin pie mix, 3/4 cup milk and 2 eggs.  Pour over the layer in the pan

To the remaining 1 cup of cake mix, add 1/4 cup sugar and generous sprinkling of cinnamon.  Sift together and then add 1/4 butter/margarine.

Mix to a crumbly consistency (not sticky) and crumble over the pumpkin layer.

Bake for 1 hour.

I love to serve it warm with cool whip, but it's also just as good chilled.

Let me know how you like it!

Christmas Traditions - Installation Four

A visit with Santa Claus!

I always took the boys when they were young enough to love it and look forward to it.

Two years ago, I took Sissy, but for some reason last year it just didn't happen.  I think she was so shy that it didn't seem worth it to have her just cry and be afraid.

This year, we talked about it and after a nice Saturday afternoon nap we headed to the mall.

The line was INSANE!  But, she seemed willing to wait, willing to sit on his lap and get a picture so I settled in for the long torture of standing with other parents and their tired, rambunctious children.

At least the ones directly in front of me and behind me were friendly and would even hold my place while I chased Sissy or just sat for a rest.

After a little over an hour and a half - it was FINALLY our turn.  She had been watchng the kids ahead of her so she knew what was expected.

I have to say, this Santa was the best I have ever encountered.  He was so sweet, soft and loving.  So kind and tender.  I absolutley loved him. 

While Sissy's face might express otherwise, she really was okay, just a little timid and shy.  She did talk to him and tell him what she wanted for Christmas (toys)

After the Santa vist - we had to go find the train. The whole time we had been stawending in line a small train had been going by giving rides to children. She was fascinated and so off went.

What a fun afternoon with my bestie and me!

And for reals, if you are looking for a good Santa - South Towne Mall in Sandy, UT

He was by far the best I have ever met!

Christmas Traditions - Installment Three

Festival of Trees

Or we could call this "How M-Cat found her Christmas Spirit of 2010"

In Salt Lake City, we have a yearly benefit called Festival of Tree's.  The money it raises goes to Primary Children's Medical Center.  This was it's 40th year anniversary.

My friend the Gypsy Grandma has been involved for as long as I have known her (22 years?).  Some years I have had time to serve on her committee and some years I have missed it altogether, but we have made a real point the last several to make sure and be a part of it, if all we can do is attend one night.

Families or business's create trees that are then auctioned off to the highest bidder.  Every single thing is donated.  From the trees, decorations, wreaths, gingerbread houses, gift shop items, Santa's corner.......EVERYTHING.

The trees usually have a theme surrounding them and often involve more than just a tree.  Most of them are decorated in honor of a child who has passed away, or is sick and spending time at PCMC.  Many are done in honor of adults who has passed or are fighting enormous battles of some kind.  Whatever reason, most of the trees have significant meaning behind them and some very touching stories.  It's hard to not come away feeling blessed and full of good feelings for others. 

In fact, every year I have been involved in some way, I hear a story or meet someone that deeply touches me and I always remember the Spirit that I feel when I remember that while this is a joyous time of season - it is also a very hard one for so many others.

One year, I was working the gift shop and it was early, so not too busy.  A lady working was with me and we started some small talk.  Before I knew it, she was tearing up and sharing why she was working.  Within the previous 3 months she had lost her young daughter to a freak bicycle accident.  She was devastated and her friend that was on the FOT board suggested she get involved as a way to heal.  We were perfect strangers, but all of a sudden sharing a very special moment as she talked about her daughter, the accident and how she was coping.  I have never forgotten her.  I remember distinctly having the thought: "There, for but the grace of God, go I.  Life can change in an instant and can never be taken for granted.  She inspired me with her story of dragging herself out of her bed, putting on a skirt and coming to the expo to volunteer.  I vowed I would be a more grateful mother.

Another year, our bonco group was there at the end of the last night breaking everything down and boxing them to get the trees delivered to the people or business's that bought them.  It was about midnight and there was so much work to be done.  I was tired.  You know how midnight and I are so rarely acquainted.
As I helped, I watched everyone else around me work.  Some of the ladies had been there from open to close the ENTIRE 4 days of the festival. They work non-stop.  And many of them would get just a few hours of sleep before they were up and driving a truck finding the addresses of where each tree belonged.  I was in pure awe of their efforts and energy.  Our group had shown up at about 10:30 and we had strong men and boys lifting and carrying, while these women were right alongside them.  Why do they do this?
The children.  The babies, the kids, the small, precious souls that need medical help.  That through no fault of their own end up in the hospital and need care.  I came away grateful for my own children's relatively good health and figured I would need to continue to support this great cause if for no other reason than to build up some good karma!  I vowed I would work harder to help others.

One year, I was there on decoration day.  I was sitting at a table selling pins and Festival vests.  Right in front of me was a family putting together their tree.  Now, keep in mind, you can't just put up an artificial tree.  It has to be mounted on a pole and every decoration wired down.  It's a lot of work.  It was clear that the people involved were a family doing it on behalf of someone special as I sometimes caught tears as they worked.  I watched for several hours and marked their progress, knowing that they had a lot more to do to make their tree just the way they had pictured it.  Just the way, they had dreamed it would be in honor of whom they were doing it for.  I vowed I would appreciate the hard work of the trees and decorations much more.

This year there were several trees that had been done by friends and family that I wanted to be sure and see.  Splenda met Sissy and I and off we went. 

Santa's corner

where they have all things fun for kids.  Crafts, balloons, snacks, Santa, dancing shows.  A kid's delight.  Even a small gift shop that the kids can buy their own teachers and friends gifts.

Then aisle Q to find three that I knew were there.

Our friends John and Donna had their business do this one for  Sweet Brinley

My friend and her sisters did this one for their mother who is battling breast cancer

And of course Debbie's

You can read about the buyers here - it's a cool story

Then aisle O to find my cousin's.

both she and her husband are firefighters with the United Fire Agency - it was a tribute to a Captain they had lost.

The Fireman's prayer had me blubbering

Then the wreaths to find two wreaths that I was told were there for some kids (never found them)

and then after getting some food and checking out the gift shop we wandered the aisles and I stumbled on another for a friends grandbaby.

Casi had twins last year.  Ava and Aiden.  Sadly Ava passed away shortly after she was born.  This tree was called  Angel Babies.  So sweet!

Others that caught my eye:

This giant mushroom made out of gingerbread!  It was amazing

This was in tribute of the sweet baby you see in the drawing there.  All things little girl.

This was called No Place like Grandma's  (you see her there in the picture).  Every fun thing that could be at a Grandma's house!  I loved it

And who wouldn't love THIS one?  This might have been one of Sissy's favorites!

They are all so beautiful!  So much work, effort and love into each step of the process!  And what I love most?  You can tear up and cry as you walk the aisles and no one even bats an eyelash - they are too busy choking back their own tears!

After a couple of hours, Sissy had had enough and we headed home.  She was pleased with her balloon and bubble experience.  Splenda was inspired by the craftsmanship.  I was humbled.  Feeling grateful, and having a full heart for all things Christmas!

Christmas Traditions - Installment One

Our family, like most of you, have Christmas traditions.  We are so full of different traditions that I almost need to make NO PLANS whatsoever for the season.  It's all outlined nicely for us.

Our first installment involves Temple Square and it's legendary lights.  'dawg wanted to go with his daughter before he went back to SD, so last night, despite the freezing temp's, we went.

The minute we walked out on to the main street plaza, Sissy looked up and said, "Oh - look at that CASTLE!"

It really does look like a magical castle, especially with the lights and the *gasp-choke* snow.

I was glad we had the stroller, it made it much easier.  She rode, she walked, she ran, she rode some more.  We froze our butts off.  Good times had by all.

Where is Luka you ask? He works all day in the cold, we couldn't PAY him to willingly go out in it again.

Where is Tuffy you ask?  Work.  Besides he already saw them with his lovely little 'tana last weekend.  Traditions have a way of altering a little sometimes as people grow up.  And that's okay.  We roll with the flow.  Especially when Mommy has her happy pills.  But I digress.....

I will forever remember the one year we met up with my brother and his family to make this a family home evening affair.  Splenda and Hoser dropped us off and then they went to find parking.  Me, BFF-SIL, and six kids were huddled in the doorway of the visitor's center waiting for them.  It was crowded as usual, and then OUT LOUD, in his LOUDEST voice, 'dawg spots the menfolk headed towards us and SHOUTS OUT LOUD:

"THERE THEY ARE!  AT LEAST THEY'RE NOT DRUNK THIS TIME!"

Yep. That's my boy!  I'm sure, if I had not been so embarrassed and actually lifted my head up, I would have laughed at how many of the missionaries were now circling ready to swoop upon our heathen clan.
(for the record - NO ONE had ever been drunk.  At temple square.  Ever.)

This year, thankfully, it was a quick loop around and everyone was satisfied.

"See the Temple Christmas lights" checked off our list!

(not sure why the raspberry - but there you have it)

When a Hurricane and the Trailer Park collide

*because I have had a few requests for pictures*

Okay, we all know I don't REALLY live in a trailer park, just my decorating skills do.  I have the same decor year after year and the same items go in the same spots every time.  I have no imagination, nor creativity.
And really, I'm okay with it.  Usually getting all the Christmas decorations out is a chore that I do strictly out of tradition.  This year though, we had Sissy for a little while.  That certainly added a new twist.

And so I present - M'Cat's Christmas-y decorated home with the help of her Hurricane Sissy

Start with the wreath on the front door, but forget to take the picture the day you put it up and wait until it's snowing to leave the door wide open so you can get a shot.

Put something on the inside of the door, but nothing that is going to clang and make noise when the door opens and shuts - it just irritates everyone.

Put down the floor mat that Luka made in grade school.  And for sure don't fix the picture to be facing the right direction.  That would be too classy.

There is crap now strewn about the living room and Splenda has gone to Target for lights so move into the kitchen

Hang one of many Christmas-y themed dishtowels that will hang cleanly for about 30 mnutes  Afterwhich some dumbbutt will grab it to dry his hands and thus ruin the whole thing.

I do have a lovely banister, so let's wrap some garland and string some lights.  The best touch is leaving the cord dangling. 

Speaking of garland's, the mantle in the living room should have one as well, with lights and stockings hung with great care.

Don't spend the time to actually center the hanging socks.  By now, you're getting bored so just hurry up and get done.

And lookie - there is space at the bottom of the fireplace, because heaven knows we won't ACTUALLY be building a real fire there - it makes too much of a mess so, might as well throw some of the decor down there

The little wooden manger has some straw in it (from a gazillion years ago).  The Hurricane thought it would be great to dump it all out and place baby Jesus upside down.  No worries - sitch rectified and all is well in the manger.

Now, you've got two end tables - better do something with them

Exhibit A - my favorite is the new Marine Corp ornament.

Exhibit B - my favorite is the Candlebreeze that blows lovely Christmas smells through my home!

And of course the coffee table to display our incredible Nativity scenes

Now try not to be too jealous over my nativity scenes.

On your left is the cute little one I got with a purchase at Deseret Book either last year or the year before.

The one on the right came as a gift the first time TNT went to Cancun.  Straight from the flea market it is!

I love them both oddly, especially the one from the flea market.  Maybe because it's a reminder of a place that I love so much.  But my favorite thing is the ceramic in the middle.  Santa kneeling with his cap removed in front of the baby Jesus.  Love this one!

Now it's on to the center of the room and the main event.  The tree!  But before we reveal it, there are two side chairs that need a little somethng as well.

Throw a Santa pillow in the west chair

Some other sort of Christmas-y pillow in the east chair

and then turn your attention to the piece de resistance!

Once Splenda and I got the lights on, the Hurricane blew right in and began her work.  Of course, one must always decorate the tree in your undies.  Clothes add too much class

I love her intensity.  Hurricanes are NOT to be messed with - they have serious work to do

The final product?

(the skirt?  An old sheet - NO LIE!)

My favorite parts?

The special touches that only my Sis can leave behind

mulitple ornament stacked together.  She liked grouping things.

And really, where else can you find Mr Lizard placed in the tree with the other ornaments.

It was a long tough morning, putting this all together  Such decor.  Such fnesse.  Such detail!

Think I'll grab a mason jar and drink me some hot cocoa.