Merry Christmas

. . . and best wishes for a great 2011!

(2+3) x (2+1) - (8/2)

Sometimes things just appear to be a lot less complicated and lot less problematic than they really are. To others things might seem smooth and placid, or even fortunate, when in fact waters of frustration and despair swirl beneath. What I find remarkable about this is that despite the fact that we all realise that most of the time our lives, so logically the lives of those around us, appear more glossy on the surface than the real chaos that often lies beneath would reveal, we continue to put forth a more positive reporting that is often grossly incongruent with our reality. Whether it's by replying with an insincere fine to the how-do-you-do? Or with a blog, like mine, that seems always to showcase a seamless existence. Or the perpetually clever or "amazing" Facebook posts. And then there's the family Christmas card photos, everyone perfectly coifed.

In thinking on this topic recently I've often thought of closing up shop on the blog, because I don't think it necessarily reflects me or my family on the whole. It's rather the highlights of our corner of the world. As with the photos I post, I weed out those that are out of focus, badly exposed or just plain less attractive, so are the posts on my blog. Like life, there are easily a hundred bad shots on the cutting room floor for each good shot posted on the blog.

I don't know if it's habit, human nature or some sort of coping mechanism to effectually distort our realities for the benefit of others. And I suppose there are some good reasons for it. It would be a bummer if we were all walking around sporting the downtrodden, dark circles look. Sometimes things are too personal to air out to the masses. And likewise this kind of sharing can be painful, putting a finer point on hard things you'd like to forget. And sometimes we're trying to put forth a positive projection of ourselves, not for others, but for ourselves.

So here's my attempt to add a little tarnished ying to the often perceived polished yang. I'm not going to itemise my troubles here, but suffice it to say we have a great many out of focus and unattractive shots pilling up on the cutting room floor. Life is rough. But I am trying, albeit feebly, to stay positive. I'm especially proud of Dallin for his persistence and positive push forward amidst such opposition. He is such a great kid. And he's 11!

Here are some highlights from our celebrations of Dallin's 11th birthday . . .




The birthday boy enjoying his birthday outing to Six Flags




Sledding down the manmade snow hill at Six Flags








Go carts, Dallin has mad driving skillz!


A birthday hug

'Tis the Season

Merry Christmas!


















We spent Thanksgiving this year in Oklahoma with Scott's mom and step-dad. While the trip reminded me why I really hate connecting flights, it was a great opportunity to reconnect with family. The kids were in grandparent heaven the whole time, and we had a fun and lively Thanksgiving day joined by many other extended family members. We even managed to fit in a family photo shoot/self-portrait . . .