Sunday, December 14, 2008

What We've been up to....

I feel like my blogging has been put on the back burner the last couple of weeks. As much as I try to prepare myself to get all of my Christmas stuff done early....it never seems to turn out that way...except for this year. I am happy to say that my Christmas shopping is DONE, Christmas cards will be sent out tomorrow and the Primary kids did an awesome job singing in Sacrament meeting today (I'm the primary chorister and I having been stressing out about it for weeks).
We have been enjoying this holiday season. Here are a few highlights (aka...entertainment on a budget) of our Holidays....
  • Doing "drive-by's." Def: Going to Maverick and getting frozen yogurt, cranking up the heat in our car as we drive by and look at Christmas lights.
  • Holiday People Watching: Def: Going to the mall and watching all the crazy holiday shoppers. If we are feeling a little wild and crazy, we'll go to Wal-Mart (it can be very interesting, yet entertaining).

Merry Christmas and we hope you are all enjoying your Holidays as much as we are.

Mia and I were able to spend a few days down in Fillmore last week. I find a lot of comfort in decorating Kate's headstone. I feel it's very therapeutic for me, even though I don't find much comfort at the cemetery. It's such a bittersweet thing, though, especially during the holidays. Last year, Kate was released from the hospital on the 23rd of December after being there for 3 weeks. We were so excited to have her home for Christmas, but she was still so sick that it was hard enjoying our time with her at home. On Christmas night, she ended up back in the hospital. Since losing Kate, holidays have been especially difficult for me. However, I try to reflect on the great times we had with Kate and look forward to creating new memories. Last Christmas our families, instead of exchanging gifts, decided to donate money to Primary Children's. It was such a special experience for our family. We are in the process of setting up the "Kate Rosenvall Foundation" and look forward to carrying on this tradition to raising money to help other sick children in need.

Since the weather has been, somewhat, decent, I've soaked up every minute of being able to run outside. Mia has especially enjoyed getting bundled up layer upon layer (you'd think she would absolutely HATE it, but I don't see her complaining).
For our date night, we went and saw the movie Four Christmases. It was okay, but probably wouldn't see it again.

Bryan showing Mia how cool his iPhone is.....totally uninterested.



Watching Finding Nemo with future BF, Shawn.



Mia is a girl after her mommy's heart....she loves her bubble baths.

21 comments:

Shane & Laina said...

Great pictures Marcae!!! I also love to people watch only lately it seems I may be being the one being watched as I try to juggle kids and shopping...very SCARY!!!

Charles, Kellie, Gabe and Khale said...

Mia is such a doll. I can't decide who she looks more like, you or Bryan?

Treo Sanders said...

She changes more and more everytime I see her. She is such a little doll. I want to squeeze her little cheeks. Kates gravesite looks amazing as usual. You are such an amazing mom.
I can't wait to see you over the holidays.
LOVITY LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU

Holli Slack said...

Congrats on getting all of your Christmas shopping done!!! I started a little late this year, but I think that I am done, with just the wrapping and a few finishing touches.
I think that Kate's gravesite looks amazing! You did a great job on the decorating. What a GREAT mom you are!

Em said...

She is such a cutie! I hope my future kids look half as cute! I love how happy she is at the cemetery.

Jen said...

Love the pictures! Mia is growing so much I can't believe it!

Meladie said...

Looks like you've been having fun. Kate's gravesite looks so cute and Mia...oh my heck can she get any cuter!?! She's a doll Marcae. Hope your holidays go great.

Nelson said...

Kate's gravesite looks so beautiful.
Glad to hear that Mia has figured out layers is a good thing. I absolutely agree with her.
Look forward to seeing you soon!

Lindsay said...

I have been thinking about you guys so much over the past few months. We miss Kate for you too. We also decided to do donations to PCMC instead of gifts this year. It's so nice to feel like we can contribute in some way to the wonderful institution that gave us more time with our children. We love you!

Micah and Melinda said...

I'm Kellie Clingers' sister inlaw, I have been following your blog for over a year (I love your story, you are such an inspiration)... I just wanted to wish you a wonderful holiday season! (sorry I don't mean to be a stalker)

Unknown said...

Mia is growing so fast and she is such a doll. We hope you guys have a Merry Christmas!

Chrispy Critter said...

Did you see the walmart bingo game I posted on my blog a few weeks ago? Next time you go, you may want to print it off! Merry Christmas!

McKinlay Family said...

She is adorable. I want to hang out with you. Soon, probably after Christmas. I am getting out more. We have much to catch up on. I think of you often, you are an amazing, strong mom. I love you guys.

ryanfam said...

Cutest pictures ever(as usual). Thank you for always posting your pictures of Kates gravesite and your thoughts. I hope you will always know that you are looked up to in so many ways.
BTW you are lookin freakin skinny! How many night o spin you doin hottie?

Nicole said...

Marcae, you are such a neat lady. Oh my heck...did I just say lady? I meant girl. That doesn't fit either. What are we? Stuck between Lady(that sounds way too old) and girl(way too mature for that)! Being serous though, it is amazing the person you have become. Happy Holidays.

Fritzsche's said...

Wow Mia has changed so much. She is such a doll and growing up so fast. I love Kate's grave. It always looks so good. You do a wonderful job. I hope you know that I love you and it looks like you've had some good times recently and I can't wait to see you Friday and have my turn with you too!

Marie Holmes said...

Man, baby Mia is so cute. I love looking at photos of her! Are you going to the Roper party? I'm sad that we won't make it this year. Tell everyone hi from us if you go!

Debra said...

Kate's headstone looks beautiful. Marcae, you are absolutely amazing to me. I've been thinking of you a ton lately, wondering how you're doing over the holidays. And there you are, being such an example of love and strength. Amazing.

Ha, and I love the entertainment on a budget! You are so much fun. :)

Nelson said...

I just ran into a wonderful picture of you on the Nordfelt's blog.
You look fabulous in that sweater!

Nick Scott Family said...

Mia is too cute! Hope you all have a Merry Christmas this week!

The Hawaiian Howells said...

happy holidays to you guys I am glad all is going well. we love you guys and miss you lots. love meg