Amy Finds the Joy

Christmas has arrived, and along with it my annual debate over Christmas cards. Do I send cards? Do I write a standard Christmas letter? Or just scribble a note on each one before sticking in the mail? Should photos be included? If so, which of the 600 photos on my phone will be deemed "Christmas card appropriate" by my children?

It's been a hot minute (years...) since I've written a real Christmas letter, so I decided to jump back on the bandwagon. Here is the Cavalleri highlight reel for 2023...

Halloween!

Clara turned 15 this year, graduated 8th grade, and has taken on high school like a boss. (Which is no small feat, considering she moved from a school with 225-ish students where everyone knew her name, to one where she is mingling in a sea of anonymity with 1,400 other kids) She played baseball this year and tried out some backstage theater work, which she loved. I'm not exactly sure where the time went but we're eagerly anticipating the acquisition of her driver's permit early in 2024. Converse are her preferred (only) footwear, her AirPods appear to be surgically attached, and her current career aspiration is to be a Child Psychologist. She's sometimes too cool to be seen with mom, but didn't seem to mind hanging out with me at the Lizzo concert this summer. 💃

Baseball and food 💟

At 12, Thomas (or maybe just his mom...) is clinging to the last shred of his youth before the teen years arrive in February. He's into all things sports, has been working on his snowboarding skillz, and played baseball and soccer this year. His wardrobe is 100% athletic gear, he owns zero pants and his current career aspiration is to be a Fire Fighter. I appreciate that he's not yet too cool to be seen with mom, and we enjoyed some great mom/son adventures this year including paddle boarding, some time on the slopes, and a quick camping trip. ⛺

RIP Mittens 😕

Our kitty population decreased this year, with the mysterious disappearance of our sweet Mittens this fall. I'm guessing he has gone over the rainbow bridge, or perhaps been adopted by a family that offers better treats. While we are all a little heartbroken over his absence, I believe the lizard population in our backyard is breathing a collective sigh of relief. His sister, Nia, hasn't let this disrupt her regular schedule of napping all day, making cameos during my zoom calls, and head-butting me while I'm trying to do yoga. 🐱

My pilgrimage to Portland Leather 💗

I had a milestone birthday this year (hint: rhymes with "nifty") and am convinced that mid-life is one of the sweeter seasons of life. I'm continuing my work as a nonprofit consultant, currently working with Reach Higher Shasta (cradle-to-career collaboration for student success), the Health Alliance of Northern CA (healthcare collaborative focused on improving systems of care for the underserved), and Ascend Wilderness Experience (educational and stewardship experiences for youth and adults in the Trinity Alps). I'm also facilitating suicide intervention trainings, and mind body skills groups. This work is meaningful, often messy, never boring, and allows me the flexibility to be present for my favorite job, which is being a mom of these two fantastic humans. Converse are my preferred footwear, I do own pants, and I actively try to avoid being attached to my phone for extended periods of time. 📱

Fern Canyon adventures.

The kids and I put in some miles this year, road tripping to San Diego and through Oregon, camping on the coast, and cheering on the Giants in SF. I stretched my wings a little further with trips to Denver, Charlotte, NC, northern Washington/Vancouver, BC and Las Vegas. Concerts and travel are, by far, my favorite way to burn through my children's inheritance. This year I rubbed elbows with Lizzo, U2, Brad Paisley, and Toad the Wet Sprocket. On deck for next year: Madonna and Def Leppard! 🎸

I hope this letter finds each of you well. The news of the world weighs heavy each day, but we continue to find peace in the promises of the Holy, immigrant child that we celebrate this season. 🌟

Merry Christmas! 🎄
Amy, Clara & Thomas Cavalleri