word of the year

I read a book last year where the women in a book club picked a word to set the tone of their year. This is the word I pick for 2009. Yours...?

so, this is Christmas...

So many firsts this Christmas. I need more time to post pictures and write bits about them. But tonight my puppy bit my finger that she mistook for a biscuit and I cannot not type properly. So I will have to wait til the swelling goes down. But til then , enjoy this photo of my new favorite ornament.

and to all a good night.

We were lucky to have seen this tree which is totally decorated by the artwork of school children. It was really something. And what was an added extra was they were building the stage for the inauguration right behind the tree. Not very Christmassy, but amazing none the less.
As Tiny Tim would say, "God bless us everyone."

Fun in DC

Emma and I are in DC this weekend and while driving to church this morning we noticed all the flags at half mast. We were all making guesses about who may have died (I know, a bit morbid) the rest of the way to church. Someone there mentioned it was the 67th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, duh, Dec. 7th (dates have a way of becoming lost when you are on holiday).
The Navy Memorial is right around the corner from Grant and Brit's condo and we walked over in time to watch an old bent sailor, a Pearl Harbor survivor, lay a wreath at the memorial. Complete with band and color guards, it was a wonderful place to be and of course I cried.

Over heard while standing by the statue: Two old sailors, probably in their late 60's or early 70's; one speaking to his friend, "No, you were never that good looking!"

A Special Kind of Gratitude

I can truly say that in all my years that this is a new sensation of gratitude and wonder. I am so blessed to be included in the anticipation and preparation for my first grandson. What a beautiful time to be alive.

Oh, remember, remember

3 things I forgot I knew.
First, never get involved in a land war in Asia.
Second, never buy sheets at a street fair.
And, third, it does rain in California.

DC or Bust

So, did you know that in the 5th grade you study about the United States of America? How many 5th graders have a sister living in Washington DC? In two weeks Emma gets to go to Washington and see things first hand and of course she needs her mommy to tag along. Which is really a sacrifice on my part when you consider the weather here is still in the low 80's and the weather there is, well, its not!
But we can't wait to see Grant and Brit and the Pencil!!

...another one bites the dust

Well, its official. I have a new daughter-in-law. Stefan and Ashton tied the knot this weekend in a lovely intimate ceremony in Phoenix. I couldn't be happier for them. Ashton (as you can see) is beautiful, and clever and sweet and smart and we are lucky to have her in our family. Well done, Stefan. (More photos to follow.)

Emma and I walked the Susan G. Komen 5K through Balboa Park yesterday with about a dozen of our friends from Avocado School. One of the teachers was diagnosed a few months ago and is out right now recovering from surgery. Emma helped me organize a school team and Stefan designed our logo. Fraser is scheduled to do the 3-Day/60 mile walk in two weeks. It appears the Cathie's have gone PINK! You are in our prayers Mrs. Thomas.

Happy Halloweenie

So let me explain. Emma asked if we could dress the same for the school carnival. How many time do you get that offer? So I had to say yes. She got to pick the outfits and she is a very cute Wednesday Adams. I, on the other hand, ended up looking like a very pathetic Mrs. Adams, just out of rehab and probably on her 6th marriage. Pretty scarey!

Finnley Kate

Here is an update for all of my friends and family who prayed so hard for this sweet little girl. Remember she was given only 3 days to live? Well, guess who is 8 months old and has 3 teeth!!! You can follow her amazing life and the courage of her family here.
And always remember that miracles DO happen!

Goodby my friend...

Merrill E. Swenson died last week. He is the grandfather of my children from my first marriage.
Something you never think about during a divorce, as you divide up the tupperware, is that you have to divide up the friends and family as well. Some go with him and some you get to keep. Some of the best people I know went with the ex. Merrill is one of them. I will miss him.

Happiest Place on Earth

Auntie Lorna is visiting from England and when we realized she had never been to Disneyland we organized a visit and the other half of the Cathie clan met us there. After a wonderful day in the magic kingdom I realized something: Emma doesn't love Disneyland like Brit and Stefan do.
Most of Emma's life I have had to hear comments from the older two like "You would never have let me do that" or You would have never bought me that" or "I would never have gotten away with that". Anyone with a large gap in kid's ages will know what I'm talking about.
But after seeing Disneyland through the eyes of 'adult' Brit, I found an example of some way I've failed Emma but not Stefan and Brit. Emma doesn't really get the importance of the park on the corner of Ball and Katella.
She doesn't realize that you HAVE to have a mint julep and a churro when you get there (giant pickle is optional). That you HAVE to try and pull out the Sword in the Stone. Or that The Small World ride is irratating in a good way. And that no matter how cool your iphone, if you've never seen the Electric Light Parade, or Tinkerbell Fly, you got 'nuthin!
There aren't very many times in a parent's life when they know they've gotten it right. But seeing my 25 year old daughter become 5 again I knew. And I think Walt himself is proud of me.

Over to the darkside...

Well its official. I've been talked into having my own blog. I swore I wouldn't be one of THOSE people but then I woke up one morning and I was. My kids convinced me that my days were interesting enough, the people in my life were crazy enough, and my memory was still sharp enough that my friends would take the time to read my blog if I had one. So, thanks to my creative kids for setting me up and for encouraging this type of behavior.