Winter 4th Grade Concert

My daughter started orchestra this year at her school and just loves it.  She decided to play the violin and has been playing since September.  Here is a clip of their winter concert.  It's amazing what these kids have learned in such a short period of time.  The concert was enjoyed by all!  What a wonderful blessing.

Birthday Bash

Ok, so I'm finally posting!  I celebrated a birthday at the beginning of December (let's just say I'm 29 and holding)!  My son says I look 29 anyway (I paid him to say that:))!  Anyway, we got together with family for a fun dinner out.  My nieces and Kaylee and Joshua enjoyed making their own pizza and even had fixings to make their own dessert.  My sister got me a lovely handbag (she just knows me!) and my wonderful husband got me a new IPOD Touch, which I just love!  I have been enjoying my new toy thoroughly!  We had such a wonderful evening and from the pics, you can see I have a big laugh, which my kids love to tease me about.  You see, I am actually a pretty shy and quiet person, but I do come with a boisterous laugh!  The other thing to note was that my Mom and Husband usually get me pretty mushy, sweet cards for my birthday and they both got me funny cards this year.  As you can see from the photos, I was "cracking" up!

Only in Colorado!

It just amazes me every time I look out our window and see the deer wandering around the yard.  I never seem to get tired of seeing them grazing around our neighborhood.  I guess the little child in me comes to the surface and I get all excited, even calling everyone who's home to come see the deer!  

Denver Mini Vacation

A couple of weeks ago, my husband had a conference in Denver.  We decided to make it a mini vacation and enjoy downtown Denver.  Troy had ventured up a day early to begin the conference.  We didn't want two cars downtown, so the kids and I parked on the south end of Denver and took the light rail into downtown.  The kids just loved it and were amazed that the "train" went right to our hotel!  We got to the hotel and slipped on  our swimming suits right away and dove right in until Daddy got out of his meeting.  We spend the rest of the weekend enjoying dinners out and walking around downtown.  16th street in downtown Denver is just great.  They even have a free bus shuttle up and down to save on walking.  One night we went to the Cheese Factory and enjoyed a wonderful dinner outside.  As you can see, the kids enjoyed their meals.  It wouldn't have been complete without a piece of cheesecake.  We all had their white chocolate raspberry cheesecake!  Yum, Yum!  What a wonderful little get away with the family!

Costume Mania!

My kids had their harvest party last week and they were very excited about dressing up.  Joshua decided to be Indiana Jones and Kaylee was Sharpay from High School Musical.  My Mom had gotten her the blonde wig at Claires, so it was perfect for her costume!  They both had wonderful classroom parties with all kinds of goodies and treats.  I had made Jello Jigglers which were a hit!  Both of their classes had an apple bob with apples hanging from a wooden stick.  It was quite the site to see.  What a wonderful time had by all. 

Jello Jiggler Recipe

2 family-size (8 serving size) pkgs. or 4 sm. pkgs. Jello Brand Gelatin

2 1/2 cups boiling water

Completely dissolve gelatin in boiling water.  Pour into 13 x 9 inch pan.  Chill until firm, about 3 hours.  To unmold: dip pan in warm water about 15 seconds.  Use various cookie cutter shapes to create unique Jigglers (can be any holiday or season).  Lift from pan.

My Kind of Morning!

Ok, so I found this picture on another site and thought it just nicely illustrates my perfect morning!  It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, well so do my slippers and sitting next to a fire with a good book.  What does your favorite morning look like?

We've Got Snow!

The snow is here!  Yes, this is what we woke up to this morning.  We got a couple of inches and the kids wore their winter coats to school today. Yesterday happened to be a beautiful day until the wind kicked up in the afternoon.  It just happened to be my daughter's last cross country meet and it was bitter cold!  We all headed home and bundled up.  We have been trying to save our outdoor plants from frost the last couple of weeks, but finally gave in last night and as you can see they are looking pretty sad.  I do enjoy the fall colors, but my favorite season is the Spring when the buds come out, it begins to warm up, and the sun stays out longer!  How about you?  What's your favorite season?

Leadership Conference

My husband just got back from a Leadership Conference in Michigan.  They stayed on Gull Lake and it was just beautiful.  Check out these great photos.  He had a wonderful conference and great weather.  We are so glad to have him back home.  We are considering a family trip here to just enjoy the lake and beauty of this serene place.  The kids would just love swimming in this lake and taking out the paddle boats!

Sock Hop Day at School

Today is the annual Sock Hop at my kid's school.  They just love dressing up in their 50's attire!  I had made my daughter's poodle skirt a few years ago and it still fits!  My son thinks he is pretty cool in his jean jacket, slicked hair, and rolled up jeans.  Too fun!  There will be a dance tonight, with a cake walk, games, cotton candy, and good pics!

Gaining Endurance

My daughter is participating in cross country at her school this fall and she has been gaining endurance throughout the season.  Every meet she sees improvement in her running time.  I am so proud of her and the strength and determination she exhibits at only 9 years old.  I think we could all learn from a child's determination and a spirit to keep on going!  Even last night she came home and really wants to run for student council.  After homework, she made little buttons out of construction paper she is going to hand out at school today.  They say, Got Kaylee?  She is supposed to give a speech to her class today about why they should choose her.  She didn't have much time to prepare, but came up with a little speech.  I understand many students in her class are running, so I am not sure what her chances are, but know this is a great experience for her and she is so excited about participating.  There are so many times in life we seem to not stick our heads out there or go for what we want in fear we are not good enough.  How about you?  Is there something you have always wanted to try, but just too afraid of failure?

We're Having an Indian Summer!

What a beautiful day in the Rockies!  It's going to be in the 80's today and just clear blue Colorado skies.  I love this weather and the "Indian summer" we are having.  I went with a couple of friends this morning and did the vertical challenge stairs at the Airforce Academy.  It was a nice way to start the day!  I am feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of the day.  

This past weekend, after the Women of Faith conference, my husband joined me in Denver for a great Saturday night escape at the hotel!  We are so blessed to have Granny in town to have the kids overnight.  We enjoyed a spectacular meal with a bottle of wine and dessert too.  It was a wonderful weekend to just relax and enjoy our alone time!  Life is good! 

Women of Faith Weekend!

Click here to Learn More!

What a wonderful weekend spent with a great group of women from around our state and beyond.  I had the opportunity to attend the Women of Faith Conference in Denver this last weekend.  It was filled with uplifting music and pertinent messages.  I loved that the speakers had the ability to share their most deep and personal experiences.  The ability of these women to open their hearts and be so vulnerable was a humbling experience.  I am sure their life stories will help many women and bring them closer to a personal relationship with their Father.  I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share in such a wonderful arena of women and realize many of us have the same thoughts, feelings, and issues.  May we all grow from our experience and be able to be an example and share with others the loving hand of God.  One of the speakers made a profound statement that really hit home for me.  She said "He's not looking for perfection, He's looking for progress!"   

Reaching New "Heights"

Over Labor Day weekend, our family had the opportunity to go to the annual balloon festival.   Dear friends of ours from Texas venuture here every year to enjoy the balloons.  It's always a wonderful weekend with family and friends and of course a good breakfast afterwards.  I was told I seem at peace with myself and more of a changed person.  I attribute this to the wonderful workings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  I feel blessed to know I can depend on Him for all my strength and have peace in my heart!

Weekend Retreat in the Rockies

My family shared a wonderful Church retreat in the Colorado mountains this weekend.  Unfortunately I had to work, so I had a quiet relaxing weekend at home.  The kids really enjoyed the great outdoors and hiking with Daddy.  What a great time had by all!  Maybe I can be there next time! :)

Soccer Mom!

Let the games begin!  My son, Joshua has just started his fall season of soccer.  I love fall soccer because the weather is still beautiful and the kids enjoy being outside.  It was a great game and Joshua did great going after the ball.  The coach from the other team was a little over the top.  It's amazing how obnoxious parents can get over a 5-7 year-olds soccer game!  I know it is sometimes difficult to contain oneself, but come on now, it's not the end of the world if your 7 year old doesn't get that goal.  Aren't we supposed to be teaching our kids to do their best and to have good sportsmanship?  It is my desire to be a good example to my children and those around me.  Way to go Joshua!