Yo' Momma

Had a blast with Mom this week. We partied like rock stars: which means, in essence, we went to movies, visited Kohl's more times than I'd like to admit, talked 'til the wee mornin' hours, ate out, ate in, and played games.

Gotta say, I'm not sure if it was luck, but my hubby has been amazing. He'd urge me to go out for hours at a time and never made one little complaint about spending so much time with his Ma-in-law. In fact, I'm pretty sure I can say they have a great relationship. Trav has let her into his 'circle of trust'! He's not an untrusting fellow, but it's more than I could ask for!

Thanks for all the good times, sweater dresses, and endless generosity. Love you, Moodums!

Hope Yule Like It

We had such a great Christmas. During the week we went to Temple Square to see the lights, which was so fun. We listened to the story of Jesus while admiring the nativity. Boston is very inquisitive, and it's a great opportunity to share my feelings about my Savior. I'm surprised at how much he knows (though after a primary lesson, he brought home a picture of Jesus and told me it was Santa. Beards can be confusing for li'l tykes!).

Trav waaay overdid the gifts. It was pretty fun to watch him the first night pulling out presents from his little hiding spot, but by late night wrapping party #3, I was starting to feel guilty. I know there are many kids who probably didn't have a Christmas. We are so fortunate.

We always have a sort of revolving door around the holidays. We cooked (by we I mean mainly Trav) 3 delicious meals for Christmas.
Christmas Eve: tri-tip steak on the grill, fresh grilled green beans, sweet potato casserole, cheesy potatoes (also known as 'funeral' potatoes)
Christmas morn: sausage and egg breakfast casserole, blueberry muffins, fruit
Christmas dinner: soup buffet- loaded baked potato and creamy Italian sausage delight, rolls and an amazing salad with cashews, pears, and a yummy lemon poppyseed dressing (thanks Dad and Renita)
Oh, and there were some yummy desserts. Am I always talking about food? Hello!

One thing I absolutely love about my family is that we rarely talk about the weather. I always learn so much from my parents and enjoy thought-provoking conversation. Sometimes we're serious and sometimes we're silly, but it's never boring.

Here are a few quotes overheard during the various festivities:

1. "I'm not judging! I got major freakin' problems!"
2. "How many ppppeople did I kiss?"
3. "Tell Baby Jason to watch out for the dog's naughty bits."
4. "One movie I'm not going to see is that one with Emma Thomson and Dustin Hoffman! Why do they keep giving that guy movies? He's disgusting."
5. "Sara, why don't you try on your new slippers?"
"She's afraid everyone will see her knobby toes."

Hey, I didn't say our conversation was always high class!







One of our family traditions: new Christmas pjs.


Sarajane's new pjs are a delight: footed!

Thanksgiving

We had an amazing Thanksgiving meal and a great day with friends and family. We had 10 guests, including my sibs, Trav's dad, Sarajane, and Eleanor. We've been keeping some old traditions and adding in a few of our own. Chef Trav did some fun new things, including homemade cranberry sauce and potatoes that had simmered for hours in cream and other deliciousness before later getting mashed to perfection. Bridget provided 6 fabuolous desserts. After dinner, the 4 a.m. Black Friday planning was underway. (Needless to say, this morning's shopping excursions were lengthy and exciting. T loves the thrill of the hunt.)

It really wasn't until the quiet of the evening today that I got to thinking about everything I have to be thankful for. I feel pretty undeserving sometimes of all that I've been given. . .

Merry CassMouse and a BosMan New Year

This has been my favorite Halloween since my childhood! The weather the week of Halloween was so gorgeous. We spent hours at the park each day. When Halloween finally arrived, I figured we'd get the season's first snowfall. Instead we got warm temps and a light drizzle. It really felt like Halloween and I reflected fondly on my many years of trick-or-treatin' in good ol' Glendale.

We of course hit Bridget's church trunk-or-treat (now a family tradition!). We then walked the neighborhood collecting mad stashes of loot and even enjoyed hot dogs and chili at a neighbor's driveway party.


Cassidy picked up quickly on the whole concept of trick-or-treating. She politely told neighbors "Gracias!" and hoarded her favorite candies in her li'l mousey paws. I loved that her costume was round and tumbly, like the Cinderella mouse, Gus. Beyond precious.

Boston has energy that won't quit. He's such a big boy now and could have gone until midnight. He's very sneaky when trying to get his hands on more candy. My little Batman will not soon be retiring this cape!