Mr. Lucky Cat

 It's President's day weekend. It's slightly drizzly; I have a cat sitting next to me while I write this near the fireplace.

Yes, I said Cat. 

Meet Mr. Lucky. 

One beautiful day in January as John was clearing out our garage, this incredibly cute tuxedo cat came walking up from our backyard, mewing in desperation. John stopped what he was doing, gave him a pet and watched as he walked up to Lucy, neither one of them being unfriendly. 

Mr. Lucky really likes to watch the guiena pig

The cat then walked towards our open door and entered our house, quickly making himself at home, eating Lucy's food and sprawling out on the couch. 

Whose cat is this? Surely this is a neighborhood cat that has just lost its way. He didn't have a collar. We posted his picture on our Facebook pages and other "Lost pet" websites but no one came forward claiming this cat.  John and Caleb decided to take him to the local vet to scan a chip. However, there was no chip. And, as the vet informed us, he wasn't neutered. "Probably a stray," he stated matter of factly and handed him back to us. Well, days turned into a week with no one coming forward to claim him. 

Meanwhile, we named his Lucky and he hasn't missed a meal. He plants himself comfortably on my lap in the morning. It's been two weeks since he moved in...and I have a feeling he's not going anywhere anytime soon. 

Besides adding a cat to our family, January and February have been relatively smooth sailing. The weather this winter has been exceptional, with very little rain, blue skies and temperatures in the upper 50s, even 60s. The flowers are already blooming and spring is in the air. 

This is good, because for the first time all of our kids are playing year 'round soccer outside. Rain or shine, they play, and it's a lot more enjoyable for everyone if it's not pouring.

In addition to soccer, Evelyn is finishing up her 8th grade school basketball team. Overall, they played a great season and Evelyn would definitely be considered an MVP.  After a home game the other night, she announced to me in the car that that was her last game playing in the West Hills gym. ☹️

This was also her last Daddy-Daughter Dance. 9 years (minus 2 covid years) 

She borrowed this dress fro her best friend. She looked stunning...and all grown up. 

 This year there are a lot of "lasts" as she finished out her time at West Hills and will move on to high school next year. 

The boys turned 12 on Feb. 7! 

We started the day with breakfast pancakes at IHOP. They even got ice cream. Luckily, their day was full of sports games, so they burned it all off. 

It was finally Caleb's turn to have his special one on one trip to Disneyland with John. He's been waiting and counting down the days for months. They made some really special memories and like the other boys, he was pretty depressed coming home, knowing that his long awaited trip was over. 

And so, the Patton family carries on through the winter months. So much life here in this home...(yes, even these animals contribute to the life, although they sleep through much of it....)

The final months of 2025

 Things I've learned this fall:

1. It's really really fun to win the state championship in soccer. 

2. When dogs get sprayed by a skunk, the entire house gets sprayed by a skunk, and it lasts for months.

3. The best part of my year is watching my children get more excited about giving each other the perfect gift than getting one themselves. 

4. Every month goes by faster and faster, so I need to enjoy every day, even when it gets dark at 4 pm. 

The winning Christmas tree pick!

What a past few months it has been! 

We've had a lot of adventures, victories and challenges. 

I started off November with my special one on one trip with Levi to Disneyland. This year we've been taking our boys one on one Disney adventures. John got to go with James in October; so when November rolled around, it was my turn! 

I got special shirts for Levi and me

I have to admit I was a little apprehensive with being the sole navigator; but John got me a portable phone charger and an uber account (and I only made one mistake the entire trip)....(we went to the wrong hotel initially) 

We had the best time going on all the rides. We rode the Incredacoaster 4 times. I loved every minute of my time with Levi. 

A few weeks later, Thanksgiving break had us jetting off for a few days to San Antonio, Texas with our whole family. We celebrated Thanksgiving early because of family availability; so on the actual day of Thanksgiving, we had a wonderful day at Sea World. We rode the most extreme roller coasters and enjoyed the magic of the season (without being freezing cold!)

Starting Texas off right with some great BBQ. 

Even the truck stops were bigger in Texas! We love Buc-ee's!

 

Caleb just had to have an authentic cowboy hat. 

The Zoo!

The San Antonio zoo lights was a fun experience to kick off the holiday season 

And of course, the Alamo.

I am not opposed to a sunny Christmas. 

mini golf!!! A MUST on our vacations!

We enjoyed soaking up the sun, walking around town and swimming in the pool. 

Evelyn's highlight was visiting the Kendra Scott headquarters in Austin

She got to design her own necklace as an early birthday gift. She also spent her own money and bought one for her best friend. 

Nothing beats going to Sea World and screaming our heads off on roller coasters on Thanksgiving!

These were some of the most intense roller coasters I've ever been on!

After we got back from Texas, we launched right into the Christmas season. The boys had their school Christmas show. 

Caleb had a lead part. He was such a natural on stage.

James played the xylophone and Levi played bongo drum.

Ready for action! 

  This was closing of a chapter for me with school performances. I have so many memories of all those sweet years of shows. 

However, I still get to watch my boys dominate on the sports arenas. The boys' soccer team continued to advance all fall, finally playing and winning the state championship in Eugene on Dec. 6! 

The Christmas season proved to be a busy couple of weeks. Evelyn once again decorated our whole house and the outside lights in one afternoon. 

I took Evelyn to the Christmas "women night of worship."

We decorated the perfect tree.

It was James' turn to put the star on top. 

I hosted my annual Christmas cookie exchange...lots of yummy sugar.  

The kids had their parties at school (complete with their friend dressing as Santa)

And we walked the lights again with our neighbors...

and our fur babies...

Evelyn and I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald house to cook a meal.

 This year for Christmas, my parents came to us. We spent the week going places but also just staying tucked away at home. 

Evelyn turned 14 on December 27. I now have a full fledged teenager in the house. She celebrated by having a swim party with her friends a week earlier and also celebrating with her family by going to Hopscotch and sharing an evening with family. 

She made her own "Jelly Cat" cake. 

These girls are such an answer to prayer.

Evelyn and her besties

Hopscotch downtown Portland, is such a fun experience!

Who knew light, music and art could be so much fun!

 

Have to get that free Starbucks drink!

We later celebrated with family. Our sweet neighbor Elly brought by a cake and John got two fruit tarts, Evelyn's favorite. 

My beautiful 14 year old. 

I felt the weight of needing to get all this recorded! The months keep going by and I don't want to pass over any of this. Now as we head into the new year of 2026, I look forward to what lies ahead!!!