First, a word about the picture we used for our Christmas card. Traditionally we have featured our two boys as models and even one year recruited the cats when I couldn't get the boys joyfully in the same room for a photo session. However, the boys really haven't changed much in the last year, so I thought it was time to debut the senior Maloneys on the cover. Many of you know we just completed the trip of a lifetime (for that blog see http://www.rtwn21d.blogspot.com/) on which we took literally thousands of pictures. It seemed a natural to find a picture from this collection (mainly because it was already there and didn't require finding someone to snap our pic). The best I can say about this photo is that the Pyramids look great. David and I look pretty much like we looked the entire trip, a little touristy (notice the name tags prominently displayed around our necks), a little tired, and definitely not at our photographic best. Suffice it to say, next year I'll try a little harder to supply the standard beautiful family photo most seem to manage for their holiday mailings.
A note about the above mentioned boys. As you may recall, the summer of 2010 found Brandon building a engine for a yet to be named car. After heavy negotiations, a '65 Cobra replica car (Backdraft model for those car buffs that care) was procured to help complete the project. Unlike many Maloney projects, this one actually was completed in a reasonable period of time. It's loud, it has 425+ horsepower, and it really attracts attention. Like many of our vehicles, it's also totally impractical but definitely scores high on the fun meter.
Our other son, Jason, is graduating this December from Trinity University in San Antonio. I don't know if you've been following the news on the world economy, but this really is not the optimum time to start a new career. So, like many of his fellow graduates, Jason is planning to further his education at an institute of higher learning yet to be named. Hopefully this blank will be filled in by this time next year.
In addition to the above mentioned trip of a lifetime, we also took a trip to France in June. I mention this not to brag (although I'm sure not everyone is believing that) but as a way to mention how much my husband is willing to sacrifice so I can pursue my passions. This trip involved 30 plus middle ages (and many middle aged) obsessed women (and two men plus our tour guide) traipsing through France to pay homage to our favorite queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Our leader was one of my favorite authors, Sharon Kay Penman, who added an extraordinary historical dimension to our travels. David was an incredibly good sport about it enjoying the company of our merry band of Eleanor geeks. I owe him a big one!
In conclusion, I would ask any of you that find themselves questioning the commercial nature of Christmas to consider a gift to the charity of your choice as a way to celebrate this holiday season. There are many in need and many worthy projects searching for funding that would welcome your gifts.
Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012.
