2011 Recap

Each December, you are hard pressed not to be bombarded with many different evaluations, both highs and lows of the year. We seem to like to look back and sort out what did and didn't occur during the previous twelve months.
For me, I look at it as "roses" and "thorns", or the good and the bad. It really is a good idea to recall life's events and catagorize them in one of the two groups. This year did not have any major events, but some things do stick out.
Here's my list:

ROSES
1. Having the grand kids for sleep overs & watching them curled up on the air mattress
2. Trips to Texas, San Diego, San Francisco and Las Vegas. When compiling this list, I realized that every trip was running related.
3. Being injury free all year and able to run 5 half marathons while achieving a new PR (personal record) 2:30:16
4. Trip to the desert with the Riley 5 that was nothing short of amazing. Kids are getting older and taking them places is easier and so much fun!
5. "Watching Wednesdays" when I took care of the Riley kids. They are loud, messy and more fun than you can imagine. Their intellect and humor keep me on my toes.
6. Callie, the dog I didn't know I wanted or needed, is the perfect addition to our family. She is sweet and easy and the kids adore her. I now have an excuse for talking to myself. I just say, "Hey, I'm talking to the dog!"
7. Saving the best for last, Mark (Papa) is the silent strength behind us all. He continues to fix everything for us, take care of us, work hard, and love us more than we deserve. We would be lost without him.

THORNS
1. Work was slow and that means money was sometimes in short supply. Amazing what you can live without. Much of it is not even noticed.
2. Jack topped the charts for broken bones this year and it was a difficult time. No one wants to see their loved ones hurt and you can't do anything to fix it.
3. #2 caused us to miss the annual family camping trip (except Pa, Maddy & Uncle Kevin). Who knew how sad I would feel when I couldn't go camping?! Did I just say that?!?!?!
4. Too much time passes between visits with friends and it makes me sad. People should be a priority for each other. We won't be here forever.
5. More wrinkles and gray hair. Only so much can be done to stop the aging process and acceptance of the inevitable seems the only answer.

After reading over these lists, I see the roses are not big things, but the thorns are even smaller! Sometimes, when I am living the day to day of ordinary time, it can get the best of me and I feel let down, disappointed, discouraged and depressed. Reading these lists brings to the forefront, once again, how very blessed and full my life is. I am not rich and famous. I did not travel to exotic lands. I did not accomplish anything great in 2011. I accomplished many, little things that feel great.
Good bye, 2011. Hello, 2012.

Post Christmas Letdown

OK, I promise not to be one of those people that always talk about their dog, but I had to comment about Christmas. It was, once again, a really lovely day filled with happy children, loads of wrapping paper, good food and laughs. Generally, hard as I try not to, I always seem to get a dark cloud over my head mid afternoon of Christmas Day that I just can't shake. I think it is all the build up for months and then, poof, it's over! The letdown is palatable. Well, I am happy to report, it didn't happen this year!! I think it is all due to Callie's arrival. She's the gift that keeps on giving. So far, she has been nothing but a perfectly sweet dog. She has slept in her crate since the first night without so much as a whimper. She loves to follow me through the house and just hang out with me. I find myself laughing more than usual watching her antics. My husband calls her "the hound", but I notice it is with more affection in his voice than annoyance. The kids, especially Maddy, are completely in love with her.
It's amazing that something so small can have such a big impact on so many people!

Are You My Mommy?

It's been a very long time since there was a dog in this house. The ones that were here, were inherited by default from my son and son-in-law. They were BIG dogs and and not my choice.
I have no idea where the thought came from, but I have been contemplating getting a dog for several months. It would just pop up in my consciousness from nowhere. Now my husband, on the other hand, really doesn't care for dogs at all!!! At night, while watching TV, I would ask him questions like, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you feel about getting a dog?" His reply? "-1!!!" of "What are you nuts??"
I made the mistake of mentioning this to my daughter. She would not let it go and kept asking me if I really wanted a dog and if I did, I should rescue one. She started combing the local shelters online and sending me photos. None interested me that much, until I saw this scruffy mess above. She just seemed to be looking right at me and calling my name. OK, I said, we will go LOOK at her. Knowing how opposed my husband was, made me do all this half heartedly. I know everyone thinks I just do what I want, when I want, with no regard for others, but the truth is, I need and want my husband's approval on most things ~ especially BIG things. A dog (however small) is a BIG thing in this house!
We saw her in the first row and she was as cute in person as in her picture. We got to take her out for a "test drive" in the yard and she was so sweet and docile. They have a policy that states that everyone in the house must meet the dog before they will let you adopt, so Amber and I decided to go and bring Mark down to see her. First we stopped off for a bite to eat. We were actually standing in the line a Panera Bread and she looked at me and asked, "Are you even hungry? I'm too nervous to want to eat!" I agreed completely and off we went to ambush poor Mark.
He initially said NO...No...no....but, here's the thing ~ my husband loves me and he wants me to be happy. As much as he doesn't really want a dog, he could see this was a big deal for me and he relented. Off we went and we adopted her! I named her Callie. She is 8 pounds of sweetness. I am happy to report she slept in her crate all night without a whimper! As I write this, she is asleep behind me on my chair, all cozy and warm.
Truth is, she may have rescued me!

Camp Grammie

Last year, I started what I call "Camp Grammie". It's a morning of crafts, cooking and games. Yesterday, I had 14 campers ~ 6 boys and 8 girls!! Yes, it was a little hectic at times, but, overall, they were GREAT!! I made red and green pancakes in the morning and they ate them as fast as I could cook them! Some chose cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top, some had syrup and some chose both!! We made wooden Christmas trees, candy cane banners and more. The absolute favorite, however, was a Rudolph version of the hot potato game.

When you start him, his nose lights up and music plays. The kids pass it fast and try not to get stuck with it when the music stops. One by one they were eliminated until only two were left.
What was so beautiful to watch was how they each were cheering for those left. No one got upset when they were out. They still got to watch the action and laugh and clap. In an age of technology and electronics, it was a joy to see them enjoy a game that has been around since I was a kid!! Sometimes old is best!
Receiving emails and messages from moms letting me know how much fun their child had makes me feel so happy.
And I call this work...

Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays

At this time of year, I am often reminded of the fact that we seem to be moving away from the greeting of "Merry Christmas" in favor of the vanilla flavored, politically correct, less offensive, all encompassing "Happy Holidays". Recently, I was shopping and when the clerk ended our transaction with Happy Holidays and I replied Merry Christmas. He stopped, looked at me and thanked me for wishing him Merry Christmas. He told me he was relieved for me to say it so then he felt comfortable in saying it as well.
I realize Christmas is a religious holiday, not celebrated by everyone, but are we really offending each other when we offer Merry Christmas as a greeting? Are we forcing our beliefs on others? Are we excluding or diminishing what they believe over what we believe? I don't think so. In a recent study, most Americans, whatever their preferences for holiday celebrations and public displays thereof, are not highly concerned about the matter. When given the option of hearing "Merry Christmas" or a less religious greeting—like "Happy Holidays"—in stores and businesses, Americans do choose Merry Christmas by a 60 percent-to-23 percent margin. In our over caution to include all, offend none and tread lightly around religious and political views, we have given up small pieces of what makes us who we are. I celebrate Christmas. I wish you a Merry Christmas! That is how I share some of the happiness of the holiday season. No offense intended!

Santa Hat Party Mix

When I saw this idea, I KNEW I had to make some of this darling Santa Party Mix. It starts with the traditional mix of items, but the addition of the Santa hats makes it extra special.

Start with a package of Bugles. You can use original, but I found caramel and thought that would make a tasty addition.


Melt red chocolate. I used the Wilton melting chips that I use when I teach a chocolate class. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to make it creamy and easy to use. Coat each bugle with chocolate and place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Chill to harden.
When they are set, dip just the bottom back into the melted chocolate and then dip in tiny white nonpareils. Dip the other end (the tip) in the chocolate and push a mini marshmallow on it. Place back on cookie sheet and chill again.
Meanwhile, mix this up:

Feel free to play around with the additions and make it your own!

3 cups mini pretzels

1/2 cup craisins

1 cup salted dry roasted peanuts (I omitted these as we have allergies in the family)

2 cups Rice Chex

2 cups holiday colored M&M’s

8 oz. white chocolate for melting

Spread all your ingredients, EXCEPT M&M’s, out on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.

Melt your white chocolate according to package directions and drizzle over the pretzel mix.

After chilling, I carefully broke it apart into bite size pieces. Add the M &M's and the Santa hats and you have a darling, tasty hostess gift.
Presentation is everything so put the mix in a cute container. Make sure that some of the Santa hats show up so everyone can oooh and ahhhh when you give it to them. Then, all you have to do is bask in the compliments!!!

Dear Cynics:

Dear Cynics: If you say...I'm too tired. I don't want to decorate this year. I'm sick of it. It's too much trouble. Blah...blah...blah...
Well, what I have to say to you is, quick, run, don't walk and find yourself some grand kids. If you have to beg, borrow or steal them ~ get some!!!

Their smiles can light up the night!

Their unending enthusiasm is pure joy!

Their willingness to play & be in the moment is a sight to witness!

Their ability to believe in the magic can rub off on you!

One look and you will never be the same!!

Legacy

And in the end, what I know to be true is that I will not be defined by the size of my house, the work I did, the places I traveled.
I will be defined by the memories of these three beautiful soles of the person I was at the smallest moments. I looked at them when they talked to me. I listened to the silliest, long story they wanted to tell.
I bought them each their own shake!!! Any flavor they wanted. I let them have Diet Coke too!! These are the memories that will make a lasting impression that, hopefully, will live on, long after I am gone.

Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon

On December 4, 2011 Mark & I went to Las Vegas so I could run in the Rock n Roll Half Marathon. My dear friend from Austin, Carol, flew in to run it with me. 44,000 people signed up to make it the largest night race IN THE WORLD!!! Here we are, pre-race. I always feel so nervous before a race, asking myself, what am I doing here?! I am not an athlete, let alone a real runner! This race was extra tricky because I had never run 13.1 miles at night. Most people, including the man who came in first overall in the full marathon, had never run a night race. What to eat? When to eat? Rest or go about your day? They were all factors that would catch up to us after 5:30pm race night.

They closed down the strip and we ran from Mandalay Bay all the way to Fremont Street and back. All the overhead walkways along the strip were filled with people cheering for us. The lights along the strip were fantastic. We ran in front of million dollar hotels and shabby pawn shops downtown. Local news carried the race live, so Mark & Carol's husband, Pat, were able to watch most of it while sitting in the bar at our hotel!
After the race, there was much criticism about what a mess it was. For the people way in the back, they almost never got a chance to really run as there were so many people. I read online that they ran out of medals. I would have been heart broken if that had happened to me and can see their disappointment. The promoters were interviewed and said they wanted the race to go from 44,000 people this year to 60,000 next year!!! With all the bad press, it will be interesting to see what they decide.
For me, personally, it was a great race. I had a really good finish time (2:36:34) and, yes, that's two and half hours of running!! I am not fast! I felt strong and great through mile 9. I made sure to look up and enjoy the sights of the strip ~ the lights, the people, the energy all around me.

Here's the finishers medal. I just discovered the coolest thing ~ it glows in the dark so the moon and stars shine!!! What an exciting, challenging experience and one I will never forget!

In Training

We teach our children many things, mostly by example rather than words. Be nice, play fair, tell the truth...all important. However, teaching our girls the importance of carrying a large, beautiful handbag is high on the list as well! You're never too young to learn this!

Turkey?! Again?!?!

By now, your family may be protesting, "NO MORE turkey leftovers!" I have a wonderful recipe for that last little bit that is nothing like Thanksgiving dinner and I promise they will be clamoring for more. Even better, it contains only five ingredients!

WHITE SAUCE ENCHILADAS
8-10 taco size flour tortillas
2 cups chopped leftover turkey (any other time of year, chicken is fine)
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups shredded Jack cheese
1 can diced Ortega chilies (optional)

HOW TO:
1. In a bowl, mix together the turkey, cheese and, if using them, the green chilies.
2. Slightly heat the heavy cream in a large skillet.
3. Dip each flour tortilla in the cream & fill with meat & cheese mixture.
4. Roll up and place filled tortilla in a 13 x 9 pan.
5. When all the tortillas are filled, pour the remaining cream over them in the pan.
6. Sprinkle with additional Jack cheese.
7. Bake, uncovered at 325 degrees for about 20 - 30 minutes. They should be slightly browned.
Guaranteed YUM!!

Black Friday

For seven years now, my daughter and I have been avid Black Friday shoppers. Some call us crazy, but we don't care. We sit down with the ads. We plot, we plan, we discuss the best way to navigate the county in the dark of the night. In response to this limping economy, many stores opened up much earlier than before. It was a little trickier, but I am happy to report ~ SUCCESS!!
For the first time ever, we enlisted a driver (thanks, Pa!) and it really helped. In the past, he has shaken his head and thought we were crazy to do this, but after last night, he knows we are crazy!! He and Amber left me off at 5pm in front of Toys R Us as they sped off to Old Navy. I was second in line behind a charming man with two little girls. (Yes, I could tell you most of his life story and will be friend requesting him on Facebook today!!) Did I mention that the store did not open until 9pm?!?! That means I waited for four hours in line. Amber had a very long list for this store. We decided to "divide and conquer", so we each had an assignment of what to go after first. Pa, elevated from driver to semi-willing participant, was told to head straight to bikes in the back of the store. Amber headed to electronics for buy one-get one free games. I had four games on my list and, of course, they were spread throughout the store. Cell phones come in handy when you are part of a mob scene.
We entered the store at 9:02pm and were walking to the car at 9:28pm with EVERYTHING that was on the list! The savings tally was in the hundreds of dollar range. The prices are only part of why we do this. We have made some fantastic memories together over the last seven years, and that would be the case if we were asleep in our beds. Many sentences start with, "Remember that time in Target..." = PRICELESS!!
P.S. the photo above was taken by an OC Register reporter last night because we were at the front of line. The caption in the paper reads:
Second in line, Susan Svoboda of North Tustin, waits with line with her daughter, Amber Riley, for the doors to open Thursday night at 9 p.m. at the Toys-R-Us at The Market Place in Tustin as the toy store gets a jump on Black Friday. "Good deals, good prices, been here since 5 o'clock," said Susan when asked why she was in line, "three grand children, wanting to make them happy."
Enough said!!

Turkey Trot

I have always wanted to do a Turkey trot on Thanksgiving, but have not made it to one yet. Last night I said I was going to run my own Turkey Trot and the girls said they wanted to run with me. In true Jack style, he proclaimed, "I don't like turkey!!" I figured they'd forget about it, but, no they asked right away this morning about when we were running.
So, first we stretched a bit in the driveway.
Then, off we were!! Running the mean streets of North Tustin!

Abbey walked/ran, but held her own. She is determined not to be outdone by her older sister!

We even "ran" from their house to my house and they made it the whole way, with Pa following us in the car in case someone got tired. It was the best Turkey Trot EVER!! Here I am with my beautiful "medals". Love Maddy's headband!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

My Videits

They only a know a world where everything is a finger touch away!
Good or bad (or a little of each), it's here to stay.
They're quick, they're smart & they just want to play!
So, move over grammie & get out of their way!!

Life

I can't tell you how many times I have told my daughter, "Life is messy." It's not my line, but one borrowed from the movie "Parenthood" (circa 1989). The movie is one of my favorites because it is so real. Things happen. People are disappointed. It's not how you planned it. It all seems more "Plan B" than "Plan A". But, guess what? It's okay! In fact, it's more than okay, it's grand! This wonderful sign reminds us that, not only is life messy, but that messiness is what gives it it's color, it's fun, it's adventure. We wouldn't have it any other way!

Two Ingredients

I would not have believed this if I didn't try it myself. Yes, just TWO ingredients, a boxed spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin turned into these delicious pumpkin muffins! No eggs, no oil, no water!! Just mix the two things together and bake!!
I made them in the Babycakes machine because the kids love the small size.

Kid tested. Kid approved! I couldn't get a photo of Maddy's because she ate it so fast!!