A Sweet & Bright Beginning

Reflecting on 2009, it was certainly a year of changes, starts and stops and of sheer generosity. Our children hit milestones: I-Dude, 7 and found his inner artist; J-Pony, hit the double-digit age and learned "why and how" kids her age grow up; L-Infinity, 17 and college bound. We have seen some of the most amazing examples of kindness, patience and friendship while simultaneously tried to stretch our own. I learned to bake and took on three different disciplines in Sociology. Mr. Man found himself in Chicago and Houston for work and enjoying some weekend time which has been denied us for at least six years.

Despite how it ended, 2009 has been one of our best years to reflect on. Our family's stronger for it. So how do you top that? You start it off right, of course!

I decided to make some FUDGE for the very first time- 1/2 with nuts (almond and walnuts) and 1/2 plain. (It's still cooling and solidifying in the fridge, so I had to borrow this picture).
"LaurelVChocolates dot com"
As I was quietly contemplating how 2010 would unfold for our "recovering" family, we saw this beautiful and bright moon-- illuminating the wispy clouds underneath it. It made me wonder if our future adventures will be as "reflective" of who we are.

The future is unknown... But one thing we are sure about, we believe in each other and in a loving God who knows what we need to strengthen the bond that have kept us together and strong. We believe in our friends and the impact of even one good deed.

I like those odds... This year promises to be another great one. :-D

"Banking" on the New Year's Best...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
2010 IS HERE!

Theme: "By the Snowbank, New Year came..."

With all the drama of 2009, we as a family thoroughly welcomed the New Year. First, we hit Target and Kohl's for some of their great deals (70-80% off).

I turned my mantle into a colorful snowbank... (you can imagine it's a snowbank)

Captured a kissing couple on the tube at exactly midnight...
Enjoyed some more bling and sparkle with our hands... (finger foods) (See the other snowbank on the table?)
Created our own loud noises....
And our own mess of course...
While we kept our mouths happy and quiet...
We couldn't end the celebration without a grateful toast- to family and future memories; to the wonderful and unbelievable ride that was 2009. In with the good, out with the bad...
Yes, I had to get my 3-second spotlight. ;-)
And another look of the stars of our lives, I-Dude...
J-Pony...
and the newly arrived "from a Stake Dance" L-Infinity. (I chose that dress)

May the New Year treat you in the best ways and fill your lives with gratitude and faith in the Almighty. Thank you all for the wonderful memories-with this blog, they will be cherised always.

Happy New Year!!!

"Ring in the New Year!"
Alright, these are the very first Mathews pictures of the year. We hope you all had a wonderful New Year!

Just before midnight... We watched "Horton Hears a Who" and "Space Chimps". They were both awesome and hilarious! Perfect "distraction" movies. :D
"Ian, Jas & Lisa."
Dinner tablescape
"Winter Flurry Swirls" place setting.
"Sierra Grape Fizzy".
"Nana Mac Bread".

At midnight and beyond (ok, a few minutes into it)...
"The Ladies of the apartment..."
"The Men of the apartment..."
"Here come the poppers!"
"...And of course, Confetti Boy!"

I just have to add that my "tablescape" were all 50% off finds at Kroger (Smith's or Fry's) yesterday afternoon. This year's theme is "Winter Flurry Swirls".
Yes, I finally gave in to BLUE, but as you notice, it wasn't just any blue, it was subdued by the white snowflakes and the navy blue bowls and blue glass chargers. I used my red/white "Snowflake Holiday" plates to break up the blue and brighten up the look. I thought it was perfect for the New Year since it is still Winter, we just enjoyed some Snow and we are in The US of A; red, white & blue! Pretty cool, thinking, huh?

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without my Asian heritage kicking in- we ate Angel Hair pasta with Shrimp for wishes of long life and cookies and fruits for another year of sweet life.

See you all next post!

Happy Birthday, Michelle Branch!!!