The Crawford Journey

Painting

2010-05-19T07:33:00.001-07:00

Griffin and Goliath

2010-02-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in your life you have to face giants.

Griffin's assignment was clear: guard number 4.

It wasn't until they lined up across from each other that we realized that number 4 was big, REALLY BIG. I'll even say gigantic.

And, well - Griffin is not. Check out the picture - Grif barely made it to his shoulder.

Did that stop Griffin? Not for a minute. He stuck to that kid like white on rice. He seemed to be the only one in the room that did not notice how "big" the task was before him.

I looked up some "basketball tips" online and am proud to say he embodied each one.

1. Defense is a state of mind, an attitude. Your desire, hustle and level of energy are as important, if not more, than your skill.

2. The attitude, concentration and teamwork you bring to the game are key elements to success. The skills of defense can be taught; only you can develop the desire to win.

3. It is essential to defend with a purpose.

5. Be a proactive player, not a reactive player.

The life lesson seemed clear: it is not how big the problem is, but how you react to it.

And on Saturday morning, a six year old boy knocked Goliath down.

The $50 Birthday Party - and it was fabulous!

2010-01-20T21:58:00.000-08:00

In the midst of planning Fletcher's birthday party, I also had to get ready for Piper's party the following week.

Fletch turned 3 the week Piper was born. I asked the doctor if there was anyway Piper could come a few weeks earlier or later - since it would be more convenient for our family and he said they have a word for that. It is called "malpractice".

So - the first part of January, we are up to our elbows with party planning. We have tried it a variety of ways, one year we even threw the parties back to back on the same day. In case you were wondering - this was NOT a good idea. It was also the year Fletch picked a space theme and I decided that we should cover one whole room in black garbage bags to create a space room complete with

glow in the dark planets and space ships and we also built our own baking soda rockets (they fly about 10 feet in the air). I seem to take the "At Home Party" a little seriously.

This year I was feeling overwhelmed since Fletcher's party grew so quickly (both in number of kids and cost). Piper wanted an American Girl party to celebrate her new doll, Julie.

As I started to plan, I mentioned to a friend - I think I could possibly do this party for under $50. She didn't out right laugh at me, but she did smile and pat me on the shoulder and say, "I always think that, too. And then when I check out I can't figure out how the bill is for $100.

Well, that got me determined... you just don't tell me I can't do something! I was determined I was going to pull off an AMAZING party for $50. And here it is...

Decorations: I have always wanted to make these darling Pom-Poms that hang from the ceiling. Loved them!!! And all girly colors - pink, hot pink and red. They are so cute - I STILL haven't taken them down!

Table: Being a southern girl, whose mom worried a

bout the table setting weeks before a party... this is important. We made these darling flowers from an American Girl Flower kit.

And then, because American Girls are crafty and recycle - we used tin cans to create vases. The girls at the party would also make their own flowers as a craft and would use the vases from the center piece to take their flowers home. I placed the flowers on top of a mirror to add a little more sparkle (five year olds can never have enough sparkle) and used a pink table cloth.

Food: I walked into Michael's and saw the cutest Mary Engelbreit cupcake holder boxes on clearance. That got me thinking... I had a friend that did a cupcake party and it went well - why

don't we make cupcakes and each girl could bring home 4 cupcakes as her goody bag. I made the take home cupcakes before the party (partially because I knew it only takes one good sneeze from a preschool girl to ruin a whole batch of cupcakes - and it was more fun to decorate them without the help of lots of little hands).

We all made one batch together at the party - taking turns adding ingredients and stirring (lots of volunteers to crack eggs!). We put the

batter in zip lock bags and cut off a corner for the girls to squeeze the batter into their personalized cupcake liner (so there are no mix ups - it is flu season, you know!). Very fun and believe it or not - not very messy! Afterwards they decorated their cupcakes to look like cats with Oreo faces, M&M eye and whiskers. Also on hand we had carrot sticks, pretzels and strawberries to try and reduce the sugar buzz.

Last but not least, I made some darling sugar cookies. I think I had enjoyed making the Lego cookies so much - I wanted to do it again.

Over the past 2 weeks I have used over 5 POUNDS of powdered sugar!!! Piper picked all of her favorite princess cookie cutters - and a heart and stocking (??whatever???). We made some big cookies for the girls and tiny ones for the dolls and stuffed animals that would be attending.

Happy birthday little 5 year old!

Fletcher turns 8

2010-01-20T21:25:00.000-08:00

Every year instead of things calming down after the holidays, our house turns goes into hyper mode. We usually return from Texas and are immediately faced with the double whammy birthdays for Fletch and Piper.

This year Fletch took a very mature approach - he wanted to take 3 friends to the zoo in Colorado Springs and eat out. Easy! No problem! Sounds great!

And then he decided maybe he wanted to have a party at home. Maybe a Lego party - and then the dream began to grow. The guest list expanded. The wanted a homemade cake that looked like a Star Wars Lego Man. His eyes would get bigger and bigger and he came up with games and plans. And before I knew what had happened, we had a guest list of 18 boys (yes - all in my house, in the middle of winter) and a full fledged party on our hands.

Fletch made a nameplate for the door to greet people. We bought a zillion Bionicles for everyone to build. We made Lego man sugar cookies to hand out and a Lego Sharkman pinata.

His birthday began with a big family birthday breakfast and a menu of his favorite foods (let's hear it for bacon!).

That night the boys (and one girl) began to arrive. Here is the difference between boys and girls. Since many of the kids go to different schools, I had them all sit down and tell everyone their names. A room full of 8 year old boys is well... loud and smelly.

This is how an 8 year old boy introduces himself,

"My name

is" (burp)... ha, ha, ha - exCUUUUUUSe me... hit the guy next to you, "uh, my name is" (laugh, other bodily noises)... ha, ha, ha "SORRY! My name is JOE - Zoinks"!!!!

Then we get around to the only girls represented... Piper and our neighbor, Emma. They are sitting quietly on the couch holding their American Girl dolls. This is how girls introduce themselves, "Hi. My name is Emma. And I think it would be nice if we could also tell how old we are and what our favorite color is". Piper chimes in, "And can we also tell the names of our dolls."

Chris and I looked at each other - seriously! If anyone wondered about the differences of the sexes - here it is!

The girls lived (barely) through the night. The boys had a fabulous and very "boyish" time. And Fletcher went to sleep dreaming of Legos.

My favorite Christmas memories number 2

2010-01-03T22:55:00.001-08:00

A friend sent me a quick email. Would I mind finding some things for a baby girl that was born and the parents did not have anything for her. ANYTHING... not even a crib. She left the hospital with a couple of blankets and outfits.

Oh my goodness - I LOVE to do things like this! This is ME from head to toe. I love to ask people to help. I love to explain things like this to my kids. I love to see what is provided and I am always, ALWAYS surprised!

A short posting on Facebook asked if anyone wanted to be a Christmas angel to this little girl. First reply from a generous friend with a huge heart. Second reply from a woman whose very nature is nurturing. Third reply from the single mom whom we were going to adopt her baby (see all the adoption postings - it is a long story), but she decided to keep it.

Yep, the mom and I are friends on Facebook. And here is this single mom who is up to her ears taking care of darling 6 month old Bethany and she wants me to know she has clothes to donate. Seriously - see what I mean by pleasant surprises? I am so proud of that mom! Chris, never a big Facebook fan, told me he wa

s a Facebook believer - with a one day posting we were able to get all the baby essentials.

As people brought things over, I had them drop the bags in the living room - which just happens to be where we put the Christmas tree. There was a stash of baby things: a stroller, clothes, blankets, a diaper bag, the most darling bedding EVER, towels - and with 2 cash donations we even got a crib and mattress. All things baby!!

And that is when it hit me... to me these "gifts" which found their way into our living room were the most meaningful things under the tree this year. Random people giving gifts and expecting n

othing in return - they were just doing it because a part of them loves to help others.

Could anything be more appropriate? A crib for a little baby that did not have a bed, in honor of another baby that was placed in a manger.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,

The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

My favorite Christmas memories number 1

2010-01-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Can't believe Christmas is over and tomorrow it is back to school! Really missing "year-round" school when we get a full month off at Christmas!

Went to Texas to see family, played with cousins, took Piper on a right of passage trip to the American Girl doll store, spent a HORRIBLE night at Toy's R Us trying to get some sort of deal on Legos, wrapped a zillion gifts, made cookies, visited with far away friends, saw the craziest Christmas lights, read the Christmas story from a new fabulous Children's Bible.

But hear are the standout memories...

Memory number 1

A friend (and since she occasionally reads this blog - hope it is OK to tell this story) came from out of town and we took a short trip to the mountains. She felt horrible most of the time and wanted to lay in bed eating soup, watching TV and trying to forget her misery (I was downstairs at the spa - the way I enjoy forgetting misery!), but one night she felt well enough to go to dinner. While talking about Christmas she said, "What is the whole thing about the wise men... in fact - what is the whole Christmas story about?"

"Seriously?" I asked.

"Seriously."

"No, really - are you serious?"

"Serious."

So a story that I have heard my whole entire life, I was able to share with someone that was not very familiar with it. She asked such great questions and it was fun to see the story from her eyes. I know that she has heard bits and pieces of it over her life, but the majority of this story that has been ingrained in me and I tell it over and over to my kids - was new to her.

She listened very carefully to the details - that we have a broken relationship with a God that loves us and Jesus was born so that he could fix it.

When I told her about Jesus being born in a stable, she asked if there were any type of supernatural sign for his birth. (Yep, that is why there is the Star of Bethlehem). Did Jesus know that he was going to have to die? If Jesus was a jew, then why would he want to start a new religion? Why was everyone mad at him? Didn't he get beaten by someone? He really promised the man on the cross next to him he would be with him in paradise? You mean the story goes on after he died on the cross? He rises? People actually see him?

And on a very cold and snowy night in Beaver Creek... sitting in a hip, cool restaurant and drinking a glass of wine - I was able to tell the story of Christmas and it suddenly it seemed as new to me as it did to her.

Been a long time...

2009-12-18T23:31:00.000-08:00

I realized it had been a while since I blogged when my computer's memory found Craig's List before it found Crawford Journey. There are lots of reasons - but instead of having "Blogger Guilt" I just realize that there is a season for everything.

Some times I go through periods where I just want to write about everything and I can process and think through my life as I type. Some things are to personal (even for me) to blog about - I only allow myself to have "real: conversations about them, and sometimes I even keep them to myself. And some times, I just don't want to. And that is OK.

I laughed when a women recently told me she read my blog and enjoyed it! Ha! She must have not read the dates and have an abnormal interest in improving literacy skills in youth. I can not imagine that the last few entries give anyone a true idea of who I am.

Anyways, it is good to be back.

Piper's first day of school

2009-09-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

She did her own hair, picked out her favorite fancy dress and helped me make her lunch. We went to Mrs. Kelley's class, the same teacher that had Fletcher and Griffin. It is our 6th year at Little Blessings and our last.

I love pre-school.

Life should be like preschool, filled with snacks, songs, friends and learning.

Adventure with Auntie Jane

2009-09-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

How often do you go on a playdate and have to bring your own gun? That was the order from Auntie Jane... she told me she would provide 3 swords and 2 play rifles, but could we possible bring a rifle to - in case we wanted to go on a bear hunt.

God knew that with our grandparents far away, that I would need an Auntie Jane close by. Auntie Jane and I share a love for Germany, Europe and third-culture kids (she and Sam were missionaries in Germany the same time I worked there for Young Life). My kids think of her as a cowgirl Mary Poppins - the great aunt with the Magic Cabin and lots a creative ideas.

Last week she took us to Garden of the Gods where we picnicked, searched for Indians and hiked. After the little ones were entertained, she made me tea and we talked.

An adventurous afternoon that left my heart filled with her wonderful Texas hospitality.

Hanging out with Fletch

2009-09-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

An extra long summer has meant extra time spent with kids. Since Piper started pre-school, the boys and I have enjoy our "boy time" each Tuesday and Thursday. We have become regulars at the skate board park - and if you go around 10am - you will be amazed! Instead of the usual "scary teenage" crowd, the parking lot is filled withe minivans. And "Watch this Mom" is a common saying.

This morning Chris had taken Piper and Griffin to early church and Fletcher and I were going to meet them for a later service. Fletch looked at me and said, "What I really wish we could do is go on a bike ride - just you and me." So I proposed that we ride our bikes to church. He thought this was quite the adventure! On our way up the big hill he looked at me and said, "This is the best day of my life. Thanks, mom."

We arrived at church a little hot and not the best dressed - but very thankful for our wonderful morning.

Struggling Reader 2

2009-09-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

Attention all parents of struggling readers or anyone that just wants a great reading program, check out www.bookadventure.com.

I wish I had found this web site earlier - but it is by far the BEST reading incentive program that we have tried.

Log on to the FREE web site and you can enter your child's age, reading level and interests and presto - they give you a list of 25-100 books - complete with title, author, reading level, a brief description of the book and ISBN number. The majority of these books can be found in the local library and I bet some are on your own bookshelves (1st grade reading level includes Cat in the Hat, Biscuit, Give a Mouse a Cookie and Madeline).

I have found the easiest way to get the books is by going to your local library website (if they allow you to hold books online). I use the ISBN codes from the book list to quickly hold books that look interesting. Then the library calls me and I go pick up my pile of books. Seriously - today I picked up 17! Griffin was so excited about the Eric Carle book, From Head to Toe, he read it while I was checking out.

After you read a book, there is a short 5 question comprehensive test they take on the computer. The web site then tracks how many books they have read and they get 100 points a book.

The web site actually rewards the kids with small prizes like a free candy bar at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. We also have created our own incentives - exciting things like $1 and a trip to the Dollar Store or ice cream or a play date.

It is easy to fall in love with Book Adventure because:

It is easy to use
It is easy to track their progress individually
They can read on their own
You get lists of new books to discover and can say good-bye to reading the same thing over and over
The kids love the incentives and are really encouraged to read just a couple more books to get to the next level

LOVE IT!

The Struggling Reader

2009-09-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

If your child is doing great in school, at the top of the class and wakes up every morning ready to jump out of bed and see what they can learn next... please skip this posting. This is NOT for you. And even though I am thrilled for YOU and your family - everyone in my family does not fit into that category. Some do - some don't. But this posting is for the parent whose child says they do not like school and they complain when they have to read a book. If they complain that reading is hard and struggle to sound out words - keep reading. We are in this together!

Here is the lie that we hear as moms... if you want to create a child that loves reading, all you have to do is read to them. Let them see you reading regularly. Make a big deal out of the library. Surround them with books. Did you know that the statistical book (and fascinating read) Freakonomics states that the child that grows up around a lot of books in the home, will do better than the child that goes to the library and checks out books.

So, as a true lover of books, I remember reading to my kids when all they could do was gnaw on the pages. We went to story time weekly. The children's librarians know us by name. Besides the books we have at home, each child has their own library card. Our library does reading programs throughout the year - and we are always signed up. We have read more then 30 Magic Treehouse Book. For a while, we were going through a Magic Treehouse Book every 2 nights. I check out anything with a topic like: how to create a reader, best books for boys or teaching your child to fall in love with books. We do worksheets. We do websites like Starfall - a great site that emphasizes reading and phonics.

However, the "Book Magic" is not working. One of my kids struggles with every single word. We work and work and it is very frustrating when you know that even with the extra time and work, your child is still not getting it. When they get to a small word that they have just read 3 times before and they are stumped, you just want to bonk them on the head (however tempting, this is not a recommended technique).

So, while checking out at the library, I glanced over and saw the book, Parenting A Struggling Reader, and added it to my stack. This book took a very proactive approach and discussed diagnosing reading issues in depth. I actually cried when I got to the line, "One approach to teaching reading is based on a belief that children learn to read by surrounding them with good literature and emphasizing the meaning and purpose of reading. One of the fundamental principles of this approach is that children learn to read as naturally as they learn to talk." Even though that has not been my whole thought process, I did believe that if I did the things I was suppose to do as a "Mommy" that my kid would embrace reading and take to it like a duck to water.

The parent of a struggling reader faces a range of emotions. You pray that something will click. You just KNOW the teachers secretly think you are a lazy parent that sat your kid in front of the TV all day with a Coca Cola filled bottle and a candy bar.

So, as we start down this long road of improving reading skills, I thought I would share resources and thoughts for other people that are going through the same thing.

Here is to our future success!

Where have I been

2009-09-08T22:09:00.001-07:00

Thank goodness I am not making a living being a blogger! My family would be starving now and living on the streets. We have been very busy and I have been almost overwhelmed by life.

How do I know? Was it because I wept through, "Meet Molly, The American Girl" (Chris looked at me and said, "Are you really crying?") Was it because I cried through the Time Traveler's Wife? Was it because I cried through the music at church on Sunday (you know when you have to quickly wipe away the tears so no one sees you doing the ugly cry). Or when I went for a walk on Sunday I ended up walking for miles and crying as I watched the sunset. Hmmm - you don't have to be very intuitive to realize that all this crying is not normal. But it is not wrong - it is just where I am right now.

Recently, a neighbor I barely know asked me how I was doing. I discussed the things going on and she said... "So that is it, I mean I know that is a lot, but your husband hasn't lost his job and your house is not in foreclosure and everyone is pretty healthy." As a worship leader at our church she hears many stories. And even though I know that everything is relative and everyone deals with things differently - of course there are so many people out there that have much bigger things going on in their lives. But this is my life - and what is God trying to teach me right now?

I have always had this thought during difficult times - I know that taking a bigger perspective on things is key in growing from them. But I recently read a web posting that gave a wonderful step by step guide on how to do that... so here it is, borrowed from my friend Keitha's web site. I LOVE this way of approaching spiritual growth!

{SPIRITUAL GROWTH PLAN}::

Spiritual Growth Plans are part of our school day (life) as well. The purpose of the SPG is to teach my children how to identify places for growth or elimination in their lives and systematically take them before the Lord and "work their fields." It is a way to teach them to battle sin. Again, I have one as well.

Funny inside joke: we also refer to them as fire escapes.

Ok...heres how we make them....

The SGP binders are separated by tabs.

Tab 1::

Identify an issue in your life that you believe the Lord is trying to grow or eliminate (can be a good area that I need to grow or a sin I need to get rid of). If it is a behavior, be sure to be looking for the heart issue and to work on that. Its usually based in unbelief.

Tab 2::

Find key passages in Scripture to study related to the issue. If there is a book of the Bible that hits the issue, I shoot for the entire book. For the girls...just a verse. Sometimes it is multiple passages in different books. I try to focus my quiet time on the study of these passages.

Tab 3::

Choose memory verses related to the issue. The number depends on how long I think I'll be working on the issue.

Tab 4::

Select a good Christian book to read on the area of growth. Or, good teaching CD's, articles, etc. For the girls I ask them to think of p&w songs or hymns that teach the truths needed in their struggles. They become more personal when they think of them.

Tab 5::

Determine how I can look at this issue in the context of church service and ministry to the Body of Christ - if I am working on selfishness, make sure I am giving of myself in service, etc. For the girls...just writing out a battle plan is the norm. Ultimately we will be to service, not quite there yet.

Tab 6::

Make a plan to note change and growth. If you aren't looking for it, you may not see it. If we don't see it, we are less inclined to keep up such projects. This often requires help from people who know us well. Accountability from a spouse or friend could fit in here, but you want to be sure there are some specific changes that you want to see in your life that are measurable in some way. That way you are more sure to hit the target or to see when you are not.

FUTURE LIST::

In light of the above, I now keep a list at the back of my binder of areas that I know need growth. I also keep lists (yes, I am definitely a list person!) of books I want to read, books of the Bible or passages I want to study and verses I would like to have memorized. I try to look at these lists as very long term goals that I can pick from when I am ready to move on to a new area of growth.

I wish I had been taught this years ago. It seems so practical, but no one ever laid it out clearly to me. It can be daunting to see all the areas of growth that I need, but it is encouraging to work on one at a time. No doubt they will not all fall off the list forever, as something like pride will be ongoing. But hopefully there is victory and growth each time it is worked on. Also, victory in one area tends to overflow into other areas!

So... the brief rundown for KIDS. Its abbreviated in scale as is appropriate for the age of child. This is what ours looks like. I will use the example of FEAR to help you get a better picture:

Tab 1: Identify spiritual area for growth or elimination (FEAR)

Tab 2: Identify what to battle it with: verses, passages, etc. (JOSHUA - he had to stand alone, he had to do what was impossible)

Tab 3: Verse to memorize (Joshua 1:9)

Tab 4: Identify a song to sing in times of fear (Voice of Truth, Great is Thy Faithfulness)

Tab 5: Identify ways to face fear and battle it differently than before and have them write out or role play (depending on age) those battle plans. Little ones role play better, obviously. Writing out prayers is VERY helpful here.

Tab 6: (FUTURE LIST) : They keep a running list as they think of new ones to attack in the future.

After a period of time, they feel equipped in one area and we move on to the next that they chose; again, they have them listed in Tab 6. Thus they have the tools to work through any problem/ stumbling block or to tend any new leaf of Grace in their lives.

End of day 1

2009-08-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

How am I doing? Not bad... but now the hard part - bed time. Dishes are done. Kids are fed, bathed and upstairs. I have made a fatal flaw by deciding to check email - I promised myself 10 minutes - and have now been here 28 - opps 29. I know that this momentary pleasure of facebook and email will not compare to the pain caused by a long bedtime - so I am forcing myself to stay on task, stay focused and go in with gusto! I will not yell, melt down or bribe - I am strong (keep saying that)!

Overall day was very fun, Piper went to preschool, the boys and I went to the park and biked a new trail. Busy afternoon - and now here we are... hoping to finish strong.

Gray Hair

2009-08-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

No way! I just finished reading Proverbs 16: 31, "Gray hair is a mark of distinction, the award for a God-loyal life"... ha! Won't my hair dresser be impressed! I had no idea I was so distinguished! :)

23 Days - 5 minutes at a time

2009-08-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the bottom line. Chris is leaving. Well, not the life changing, divorce leaving... but the "go out and support the family" leaving. He told me that over the next month he will be gone a total of 23 days. During this time he will be gone over 2 weekends and get to take clients golfing and to Cirque du Soleil and eat at restaurants. I KNOW that even though those are fun things, that he feels totally guilty for being gone so long and would trade them to be home. But I rely on him so much for support and help - that 23 days seems like an eternity to me!

Realistically, I know 23 days is not so bad. My recently widowed friend across the street is doing it all on her own and I am amazed at her strength. I would be laying in bed with a blanket over my head, but she is up every day - working out, learning to mow the yard, figuring out how to get the sprinklers fixed, ferrying her kids to sports - I am in awe of how she gets things done and stays strong - she has told me she is moving on with her life. What a healthy thing do. A friend from my Bible Study has 3 boys - and her husband travels EVERY week from Sunday night to Friday night... seriously??? She is another woman who does what she needs to do without complaint. I know friends whose husbands lived in another state for almost a year and military wives whose husbands are gone for months. 23 days - that should be nothing.

But, I find myself dreading it. So hear it is - Day One. I am choosing to pick myself up and face this challenge head on. I refuse to wallow in self pity and whine (well, except for the first paragraph of this posting that was a little whiny). I always do good when there is a goal that needs to be accomplished - and so here it is. 23 days - I will not whine. I will look for every good thing in the next 23 days and focus on those things and be thankful. I will use the next 23 days to grow and hopefully be transformed. I accept the next 23 days as a blessing that will allow me to become a better wife, mom and friend.

I recently read a quote by Charles Spurgeon. Someone asked him how long he prayed for.

He answered, "I never pray more than five minutes at a time, but I never go five minutes without praying."

Love this. In my life right now, with the boys still out of school for 4 1/2 more weeks, time is a commodity. I know that I can be a whiner - but by looking for some type of spiritual growth through this, I can see the bigger picture. I am at a bit of a low right now in my life - not a serious depression - but it has been a long, emotional and draining 7 months. Usually a "get it done" kind of gal, I am feeling a little bankrupt in my life. By continuously turning over small parts of my day to prayer, I remember one of the truths I learned growing up, " that God loves me and has a plan for my life." Ok God - feel free to show this plan to me!

I have started to read the boys Proverbs most morning. Reading it out of "The Message" brings a whole new perspective in a language that is relevant to my life. This morning in Proverbs 16:2 it said, "Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good, God probes for what IS good." I don't want things in my life to just have the appearance of good - I want it to be a deeply instilled part of my life.

Proverbs 16:9, "We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it." And there it is - how I will get through the next 23 days. 5 minutes at a time.

Family Pictures

2009-08-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

Last year my friend, Juli, had her family pictures done by a photographer inKansas City. I fell in love with the way she used color and light and emailed to see if she would be back in Denver this year. We had to wait - but I love the result! Lots of the pictures turned out cute - there are some sibling pictures that are precious! And Piper in that red dress... well, I am trying to not buy every picture of her - but I just love them! I thought I was a black and white girl - but when you see what an L series lens and a little photoshop can do to a picture - it can make you convert!

We made Jamie's blog...
http://jamiemillerimages.com/blog/colorado-family-life

http://www.jamiemillerimages.com/slideshows/family/

The Magic Cabin

2009-07-28T14:56:00.001-07:00

We just got back from Auntie Jane's Magic Cabin in Buena Vista. The kids were the perfect age and spent time playing Indians in the forest, shooting BB guns and bows and arrows, playing in the treehouse and swimming in, their favorite, the HOT TUB. More pictures to come soon.

Cable Canceled

2009-07-28T14:48:00.001-07:00

No cable means more blocks. We canceled cable for the summer, a bold move since we don't go back until the end of September. But seriously, no one has missed it. As long as it is back on for basketball and Lost, we should be fine.

A Spot of Tea

2009-07-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Gracie and Piper share a spot of tea!

The history of flowers - what is in the garden, mid-summer

2009-07-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was little, flowers have meant stories to me. My mom has nurtured not only a love for flowers, but the stories behind each one. Gardening is very, very personal to me. Like many of the items we love inside our home, the flowers outside of our house have memories connected to them.

Chris and I have a little joke between us... it has to do with his Dad and Hollyhocks. The first time I remember seeing a hollyhock was visiting Chris's grandfather's house in Ouray, Colorado. Ocie was known for his beautiful yard and he and his wife were lovingly called the "flower people" in Ouray. I'm a sucker for tall flowers and here were hundreds of tall and bright hollyhocks - it was love at first sight!

A couple of months later, Chris's dad told us how much he hated hollyhocks. He had been up to Ouray to try to do a little upkeep and he found the hollyhocks aggravating. He said no matter what he tried, digging them up or mowing them down, they always grew back. He said they were ridiculous flowers.

Well, always one for the underdog, my affection for the flower grew after this story. I promised to avenge these poor flowers and grow them in honor of Ocie.

I tried, to no avail, to grow them at our old house. Now, I obviously have gotten the knack and they are EVERYWHERE! In fact, I can almost understand my father-in-laws frustration when I see them sprouting in unusual places throughout the yard. They do spread - but I would still rather have a place filled with tall flowers over dead space anytime.

We have told our kids that the hollyhocks are Pa-Pa's favorite flowers and each time we mention this to him, we can see his puzzled face and it just makes us smile.

Here's to you, Ocie the flower man!

Daisies are my mother-in-laws favorite flower and Ocie use to grow them by the hundreds. And who can say anything bad about a happy little daisy except they just don't stay around long enough!

Found by accident, this is a Calendula. The first one I grew came from a random mix of wildflowers from Wal-Mart. An annual that spreads and grows easily, I just harvest my seeds each year and plant these lovely flowers again. They arrive mid-summer and last until the first frost.

This is the first year the clematis has thrived - my mother loves them!

And anything that you can eat!!! New grapes on an old fence.

Just Married!

2009-07-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful friend and babysitter, Trixie, got married! It was one of the most sweetest weddings I have ever been to! I loved the way it was simple, elegant and very personal. From the mason jars filled with flowers to the colorful table cloths her mom had brought from her home in Indonesia - it was all Trixie!

My favorite touch was the desserts. Instead of having one, lavish wedding cake, Trixie asked several people that are close to her to make their favorite desserts. And then in front of each dessert there was a handwritten card that told who made it and what it was. People went crazy over Aunt so-and-so's famous Key Lime Pie and Close Friends Peanut Butter chocolate cake. There was something for every one's taste! And it was fun to know who had made what. LOVE THIS idea!!!!

Alyssa joined our family for the wedding we are in the process of trying to decide what exactly to call her... I always call her our Nanny, but honestly - she has not really babysat for us in years. I am much more likely to go to coffee with her than have her babysit. She is a friend, but that does not seem quite right. We are leaning towards Little Sister, but of course you can see I am the little one in the pic! Whatever she is, we are so excited for her to go to college and experience college life in TN, but so sad to have her leave!

Her is Alyssa cutting the rug with Piper and another little girl, Sacha. Trixie also had a ping pong table out and a fire pit for roasting s'mores. Fun, fun ideas!

We are thrilled for the new Mr. and Mrs. Tedford!

Bike Parade

2009-07-28T13:22:00.001-07:00

I LOVE the fact that each 4th of July we can walk across the street and be a part of the Community Bike Parade. This year who was at the front of the line? Fletcher, Griffin and neighbors Nathan and Hayden. Bikes decked out with streamers and stars, this is the 4th of July at is purest!

Piper also loved petting the mini horses and playing games in the park.

During a brief rain storm we watched The Princess Pride, one of my favorite movies that I had been waiting to share with the kids. After spinklers and little fireworks, we headed to a neighbors for homemade ice cream and BIG fireworks. That is where things got a little interesting.

A neighbor, whom I will call Firework Guy, always buys a TON of BIG fireworks. It is so much fun to sit around and cheer him on as the fireworks light up the sky. Since they are technically illegal in Colorado, the mischevious spirit just adds to the fun.

In the middle of delighting us with a great light show, the police show up. They roll down the window and ask for all adults living on this street to approach the car. Well, it felt like a high school party bust - everyone just looked at each other and no one moved. Finally, several adults went over and were told to make sure fireworks are only on the ground. Then the police left.

Everyone began packing up. Then out of no where the two BIGGEST fireworks came out. These cost over $100 a piece and were for the grand finale. Many people (myself included) began to chant the name of firework guy. Then he lit them. Fireworks lit up the sky in one last hurrah. Everyone clapped and left.

As we were getting in the car, Fletch - who is not a rule follower at heart - looked at me and asked, "Mom, why did all the adults cheer that guy on when the police told us not light the fireworks."

Hmmm, how do you answer that question? Talk about peer pressure or that sometimes in a group people will do something they know is wrong just because it is fun. Say that sometimes, if no one is hurt, it is OK to disobey the police. Ignore the question and act like I didn't hear it.

There are no good answers. I was wrong. We broke the rules. This is not how I have raised my kids. Bad example.

What a reminder that little eyes, or in this case big brown eyes, are always watching.

Good fences make good neighbors

2009-06-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words - Piper, Fletch and Emma from next door

Baby Zoe Update

2009-06-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

Some people are going to read this post and think I am crazy... but here it is. Baby Zoe was born last Tuesday night. On Wednesday, I talked to the birth mom and asked her if I could come visit. I mean seriously - who goes to visit the baby that they are not adopting? But I felt like I really wanted to say good-bye to this little girl we have invested so much thought and prayed in. And while we have been disappointed and hurt, I have never felt anything but understanding and compassion for the birth mom.

Anyway, she agreed. I didn't think it would be a good idea to show up unannounced - can't you see them locking down the hospital because they thought I was some deranged woman coming to steal the baby! Now that would have been a story!

To make things even more bizarre, the kids overheard me talking to the birth mom and asked if they could come see the baby, too.

So there we were, a brand new single mom trying to learn to feed. Three kids fresh from swimming and mesmerized by the new born's belly button. The rejected adopted mom (that would be me). And a darling little baby with more hair then my kids have ever had.

No one cried. Well, except for baby Zoe, who now goes by the name Bethany. The mom asked me if I wanted to hold her. When I took her from her mom, she started to cry. Now I know logically that she cried because she was just yanked away from dinner. But at the same time it felt like it was verifying that Bethany wanted her mommy... her birth mommy. I had heard of baby grief - they long for the person they had heard and smelled for 9 months and I felt like this was God's way of showing me that Bethany would have felt that grief. And that even though life will not be easy for them - it is the best thing for her.

In case you are wondering - what exactly do you talk about to the birth mom who changed her mind? Well, not much. We talked about normal baby stuff. How much did she weigh? How long were you in labor? How is she eating?

And most of all I told her that Bethany was just beautiful, congratulations and I am sure you will be a great mommy.

What is in the garden? early summer edition

2009-06-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Seriously, we are having an invasion of ladybugs!!! I have NEVER seen so many in my life!

Love it!

Jupiter's beard

Honeysuckle

Chives!

Rain, Sleet and Snow

2009-06-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Last day of school also meant the last walk to school. I know it seems trivial, but walking to school has been a true joy. I love meeting the other neighbors to walk down the hill. I love just having to pick up the phone 10 minutes before we leave and calling my neighbor to see who is walking the boys down.

This year we have gone to school by bike, sled, scooter, stroller and of course feet. We have walked through rain (which seemed like a really great idea - but wasn't!), snow and of course many Colorado sunny days. We have seen the seasons change. One day we saw 52 ladybugs! Another day we saw over 15 worms and the biggest slug that ever lived. We found a Robin's egg. We have looked at Indian Paintbrush, gathered leaves and picked dandelions. We have zoomed at neck breaking speeds down "Dead Man's Hill" (I nicknamed it!).

Next year we will be going to a brand new school in a brand new building. We will have a wonderful and challenging curriculum. We won a place in the school by lottery with 100's of kids still on the waiting list. For several reasons I think it will be a good choice for our family, but on the last day of school I could not help feeling I was trading a wonderful quality of life for a 15 minute carpool.

Father's Day

2009-06-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ball game! For Father's Day we treated Chris to a Rockies game. Very fun - and very hot! All was going well until Griffin had an allergic reaction to the peanuts the guy behind us was eating. Let this be a warning to you - kids with peanut allergies and pro baseball games might not be a good mix. But still - except for the little medical emergency, it was a great day.

Kindie Fieldtrip

2009-06-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

I love Kindergarten! This year I joined Griffin for the annual Kindie field trip to the butterfly pavillion where the brave and bold get to hold Rosie the Tarantula. Of course Griffin was in the ranks of those brave few.

Baby Bunnies

2009-06-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

As anyone with the heart of a gardener, I have little need for rabbits. In fact, I have declared war on them and offered the kids $1 for each rabbit they bring me.

I woke up one morning to see a giant bunny sitting in the middle of my flower bed. I yelled at her. She didn't budge. I threw a ball at her - she did not flinch. Then (sorry animal activist) I picked up a rock and threw it at her. She still would not leave. What is up with that? What kind of rabbit does not get scared by a rock?

The kind that is a mommy.

We left for the day and when we returned, Chris opened the door saying, "Welcome to the Crawford Zoo!" Inside he showed us 4 baby bunnies that he had rescued from the window well. Then I realized, their mommy had refused to leave them. Scary giant people that throw rocks were not enough to keep her away from her babies.

Not much bigger than the baby carrots we offered them, they spent the night with us and then released them to hopefully find their mommy. Releasing 4 bunnies in our flower filled yard goes against everything Chris and I believe in - but how could we not? We have seen the babies around a couple of times - and just hope that when they get big and have a family, they will move to the neighbors yard.

Here is Peter hiding under the holleyhocks and trying to decide which flower to eat first.

It Takes a Village - The End of Year Bash

2009-06-25T19:30:00.001-07:00

Meadow View Mountain Lions - so glad my art degree is being used!

This year I thought I had a bright idea... our school needed a new event! Since I am such a cheerleader for "building community", I presented the PTO with the idea of doing an End of School Bash. They said, "It is hard to get volunteers" - "No problem," I exclaimed. "Trust me - I'll get them." "There are to many budget cuts," they said. "Don't worry - I bet we can even make a little money." Bottom line - I sold them on it. And lucky for me, my friend (or at least she has become my friend through this), Brenda - the PTO President - caught the vision and really encouraged me. And then with the organizational help of Val and Joni, we started planning.

Let's do a movie on a giant inflatable screen outside! Let's give away glow in the dark necklaces! How about free popcorn? Maybe a silent auction where the teachers donate their time. Let's build games! Let's have the principal play Wii against a student. And you have to have cool T-shirt! The ideas kept on flowing. Our goals were to build school spirit, have families interact, welcome the new kindies into the school and of course have fun.

But the closer we got to the date, the more I realized I picked the worst date in the whole year. At least 30 people I knew that I could usually count on to attend events were not going to attend. I stood outside the school to sell tickets and only sold one or two a day. 11 volunteers backed out the week before the event. Not that numbers are EVERYTHING - but come on, I come from a youth ministry background and numbers were important to me! In fact it reminded me of one of the reasons I burned out from ministry - I couldn't stand it if an event wasn't successful.

I started to fear that my kids would be the only ones that showed up. Imagine that - 50 volunteers, 2 bouncy houses, plenty of games and only my kids! The principal had much more faith than I did and she was SO excited, I thought I might break out in hives! All my big talk and it was going to be a flop.

Well - it was a SUCCESS! Volunteers showed up and were WONDERFUL, over 500 people attended, the principal just kept walking around and saying, "This is perfect!" And the interaction - people were meeting each other and talking. Parents were getting their hair spray painted green and dancing with their kids. It was nothing fancy, kids made spirit bracelets, played games and watched Space Buddies, but it felt safe, it felt fun and it felt like a real community. A friend that was telling me she felt disconnected from the school had so much fun she volunteered to chair the event for next year. Mrs. Magby - the principal

Happy Thoughts

2009-05-25T23:22:00.001-07:00

The last couple of months have been intense. I am sick of sad things and am going on a rampage - posting only happy things for the next several postings! Happy thought #1. The boys going to the Nugget's play-off game where they beat the Mavs! Chris said it was the most fun he has ever had with the boys. And yes, he is sporting a Bird Man t-shirt!

Happy thought #2. Fletcher dressed up in Chris's old cowboy outfit (complete with chaps) for the 1st grade Wild West Show.

Happy thought #3. Fletcher bragging to his class that he rode a really fast horse named Blind Bob. Yes, he really rode him. Yes, he is really blind. You can make up your own mind how fast he was.

I adore first grade! Here is Fletch and a few of his rootin-tootin buddies.

Griffin's Birthday Party

2009-05-25T23:20:00.001-07:00

What could be better? Lasers, friends and cupcakes. Griffin had a great birthday party! Here he is helping make the Cookie Dough Cupcakes!

Roller Hockey

2009-05-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

A mother of 4 boys told me, "It is all about the gear". So true! It takes Griffin forever to put on his roller hockey gear! But it is so fun - and funny.

Here is Grif showing off his smooth moves!

The best part is the wipeouts. At any moment, there could be anywhere from 2 to 6 six kids on the ground. And when one starts to go - watch out. It is a chain reaction. Kids down everywhere.

Camping

2009-05-25T23:04:00.001-07:00

This is the tent that I put up 90% by myself. Chris was going to take Fletch on the boy scout campout and I was looking forward to staying home and watching movies with Piper. Chris got sick. Before I knew what happened, I found myself surrounded by little boys and putting up a tent.

Here we are after surviving the night in the "wilderness".

Here is my friend, Julie. We were the "single moms" - her husband is currently in Korea. We found out a secret about men - they are great cooks, all they need is an open fire. I had brought granola bars for breakfast, but when I opened the tent in the morning I smelled bacon! There was fresh coffee brewing, sausage, pancakes, eggs - and since the Dads seemed to take pity on us "women folk", Julie and I enjoyed a great breakfast while one of the Dads took our kids fishing. Not a bad morning at all! The boys scouts took "Always be prepared" seriously and it tasted great.

Walking to School

2009-05-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

I LOVE walking to school! And at the end of spring, when we have a last minute snow storm, it is pure JOY to be able to sled one last time down the hill to school.

We leave a little early so that we have extra time to sled on the hill right above the school. This will be one of my favorite memories about Elementary School. What a fun way to start the day!

Girl Road Trip

2009-05-25T22:20:00.001-07:00

What do you need for a road trip? A willing partner, a lot of coffee and the miracle of Redbox - where you can rent a movie for a dollar in one state and return it in another.

We made a wrong turn and saw the Cadillacs buried on Route 66.

Piper thought they were kind of creepy - and well, I have to agree! But why miss a photo-op?

Piper and I made an impromptu trip to Texas, arriving Mother's Day. I was just talking to my mom on the phone, who had no idea we were coming, and I told her Piper and I were running a few "errands".

We spent one day shopping and Piper reveled in being the only (spoiled) child around.

The "Grandmothers" took Piper to tea.

Piper loved seeing all the flowers and I found myself naming them to her, just like my mom has done to me for years. "This is a hollyhock and it will spread everywhere. This is the crazy rose bush that will attack you when you walk to the door. Look at the echinacia - we won't see that in Colorado for a couple of months". She preferred to just smell them and pick them and did not really seem to care about the names.

Cracker Barrel was our regular destination on the trip. We would stop and play checkers. I would trade in my book on tape and get a new one. We ate chicken fried steak. Piper would pick a piece of candy and try to talk me into buying something really tacky. Yep, we went to Cracker Barrel 5 times!!!
We were able to stay a week and it was a wonderful first girl's trip. I hope we will have more in the future!

But we want her to...

2009-05-24T10:38:00.001-07:00

Well - it has been a crazy week. We met with the agency on Tuesday to discuss options. I appreciated the director's frankness when she said that we had about 0% chance of adopting a healthy baby. Since we already have 3 children with no history of pregnancy issues, we would be good candidates to adopt a hard to place child. Hard to place would mean a child from a different race (and for us that is not a problem at all - we are always surprised when people think that is a big issue), the mom has alcohol or drug issues, children with extreme behavioral or emotional issues, older children, sick children. She mentioned 3 children that are looking for placement - 2 boy siblings with severe behavior issues or a baby who has a disease that is so rare she is the only case in Colorado. How heartbreaking is that? Are we feeling led this way - no. We both feel that is not a good option for our family - but how sad. These sweet, innocent children that do not have a home.

International adoption is an option, but there are several countries we do not qualify for. For Nepal, if you have both boy and girl biological children you can not adopt. Some countries we are too old. Some countries you have to go and stay for several MONTHS (not sure how that happens with 3 kids at home!). And there are some countries we do meet the requirements for - we would need to work with another agency who focuses on international adoption, as well as our current agency who would complete the homestudy.

We could terminate the contract and if Zoe's mom changes her mind after the baby is born - we could do everything on the other end. A messy, chaotic option, but still an option.

We asked the director for a few days to process our options. Yesterday I was suppose to meet with the birthmom and she called me at the last minute to back out. She has dropped out of her GED classes. There are just not a lot of happy solutions.

We told the kids this weekend. Fletcher had asked originally if the baby's mom was going to be sad to let her go. We told them that she was sad, in fact she was so sad she decided she might want to keep baby Zoe for herself (note to self - if we go through this again - don't name the baby until the last minute!). Piper, who is the one who talks about baby Zoe the most was the one that accepted it the best (the blessing of being 4). Fletcher was also sad, but Grif was the most upset. He cried for over 30 minutes and said, "But tell the mommy we want her, too. We want to keep her, too."

Chris leaves town on Tuesday, so I will meet with the director again next week with our final decision.

This adoption is probably not going to happen

2009-05-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

It looks very likely that the adoption has fallen through.

The birth mom has arranged for childcare. She has a new job. They have asked that the case stay open in case she changes her mind after the birth, but no one is optimistic. It is obvious now that we did not understand how cultural differences might play into this decision. I just got off the phone with Chris - yes, we knew the risk when we started the process and we totally understand her decision and know that God has a plan and it all works out in the long run and are glad that this little girl will never have to deal with feeling abandoned by her mother and trust that this is the best decision for all. But still I am very disappointed. Yesterday I ran into another mom I know vaguely - she not only has a little adopted daughter, she works for an adoption agency. We talked through all of this and I even amazed myself about how I have had a total sense of peace and calmness ever since the warning signs started to appear - but that has evaporated today.

I know that I can not even put myself in the same category as someone that had a miscarriage, but we do feel a great loss. We have been preparing for this new member of the family - we are all excited, but it is what it is. This is a situation that I can not control in any way. I am sad, disappointed and heart broken. I am mad - not at the birth mom - but at the situation. Wondering what we will tell the kids (even though we will probably not say anything until after the birth mom has taken the baby home from the hospital and everything in final).

Plans from here - well, ironically we have 9 hours of adoption interviews scheduled for the next 2 weeks! I have to get my fingerprints done for the THIRD time for FBI and CBI checks. We are scheduling an appointment with the Adoption Agency director to see what are options are. We are planning on completing the home study process in case she changes her mind. We could look at domestic adoption, international adoption or nothing at all. I really have no idea...

Posh Tot

2009-04-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Don't let this sophisticated painting that my Mom made for me when I was a baby fool you - this painting hangs on my door, but it does not give you a clue to the sickening sweet, purple, pink and green girly room that you are about to encounter! My name is Piper and I love my new room. If you are older than 5, you might get a little nauseous feeling when you look at my room - as I told my Mom, there is so much to look at I almost don't know where to look first! For a 4 year old girl, it is just right!

Here are my beautiful baby shoes my Mom's friend Dina gave me when I was born. They hang on my great-grandmother's 4 poster bed.

I helped my Mom glue this flower to the bed skirt she and my Dad had when they got married.

Here are a few of the zillion of flowers that decorate my window shades.

Here is my pink Christmas tree. We thought it made a great nightlight for my new room. Why should Christmas trees only be for Christmas when they are so much fun all year long! I added the fairy my Grammers gave me for Christmas.

This is what I painted on the wall when Mom was out of the room. I painted two butterflies - one for me and one for my future baby sister - Zoe. Mom was really surprised when she saw my artwork, but loved it so much she couldn't paint over it! I also wrote my name backwards - pretty impressive for a preschooler.

Here is what my Mom painted - she painted a P for Piper above my windows.

I also have stripes, dots, dragonflies and butterflies painted on my wall. And just when the walls got a little boring - we glued on some rhinestones! I told Mom I wanted more and more and more rhinestones - but she seemed to think we had enough.

On the left side, you can also see a poster my parents tore off a pole they saw in Salamanca, Spain - before I was born. Over my bed there is a picture of a girl reading a book that looks just like me. I am so happy with my new room, it just makes me want to dance!

If you give a mom a paintbrush

2009-04-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

Work has begun on the new big girl room for Piper. With the hope of the new baby, everyone is being moved around. The playroom has become the office, the office is now the boys room, the boys room will be Piper's room and the baby will be in Piper's old room.

Piper wanted a girly room. I did not want to repaint the green walls. We compromised. Check back to see the results for the most girly room around.

Adoption update

2009-04-25T00:23:00.001-07:00

We are praying for the baby's birth mom who is going through a very difficult time. We realized in the beginning that there are no easy answers here and even if we have the privilege to raise this baby in our family - there is loss and grief all around. We are moving forward, but realize that we have no idea what the outcome will be.

All of our paperwork is in except for our FBI checks. We hope that the home study will start within the next 2 weeks.

Baby count down... 52 days!

Hey, Nice Boobs

2009-04-25T00:09:00.001-07:00

Today, Piper and I met a friend at Starbucks. As we were leaving, a man was entering at the same time. I held the door open for him and he looked at me and said, "Hey, you have really nice boobs." Well - believe it or not - I do not hear boob compliments very often! I didn't know if I should be offended or exactly what one is suppose to say in those situations. So I muttered, "Well, uh, thank you, I guess..."

When we walked out I said, "Michelle, did you hear what that guy said? I think he just told me I had nice boobs. Who says things like that?"

She had heard him say the same thing, and then she looked down and started laughing. She said, "Cameron, I think he meant nice BOOTS."

Easter

2009-04-24T23:54:00.001-07:00

Oh happy day, oh happy day

When Jesus washed

Oh when he washed my sins away!

We happily shared Easter with some neighbors and friends and are so glad that each of our kids has a heart that loves Jesus!

Griffin's Dream Come True

2009-04-24T23:52:00.000-07:00

Griffin has been waiting over a year for this moment. He had his first day of Roller Hockey practice. Doesn't he look tough!?

Fabulous, Fabulous Vacation!

2009-04-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

We took a ski trip to a little, remote ski resort called Sol Vista. It is about 20 minutes away from Winter Park and a million miles away from big crowded resorts! I may not go back to one of the "name brand" resorts for a few years.

No crowds - check

New and cute condo with plenty of room - check

Special member passes to the "club" that served us hot chocolate and coffee and muffins every morning - check

Special passes that would had allowed us to cut in line - if there had been any - check

Night sledding - check

S'mores by the fire pit at the base of the resort - check

Family friendly - all we saw were families with young children - check

Reservations for next year... need to get on that!

The Cross

2009-04-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

This was my birthday present from my kids (along with a High School Musical Keychain, a princess pad of paper and some mouse traps - seriously). Anyway - guess which present was my favorite?

It is a big cross - nothing that a Texas girl would be afraid of, but women from many other states might shy away from it.

But that is probably exactly what I need - a big old cross out there to remind me that it is all about Jesus. And that He should increase in my life and I should decrease.

Thanks kids!

The Doll

2009-04-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, Chris's parents brought Piper a darling handmade rag doll from Africa. This made me start wondering if I could find a doll made in Burma for the new baby.

Does God think of everything or what? On a web site that had baskets and purses made from around the world, guess what I found? The ONLY doll in the catalog just happens to be made by Karen women living in refugee camps in Thailand (the exact story of our birth mom before she arrived in the states 1 1/2 years ago). The doll is dressed in traditional clothing.

And for every doll purchased, a child in the refugee camp will receive a doll, too. Two different little girls, half way around the world from each other, will be given a wonderful gift. For our daughter it will be a piece of where she came from and for the other little girl it may be just what she needs until she gets to where she is going.

LOVE IT!

The doll can be found on the Amber Chand Web Site and is from the non profit organization WEAVE (Women's Education for Advancement and Empowerment) that has set out to support marginalized women and their children with health, education and training programs. They have established 39 nursery schools with over 3,500 children in three refugee camps in Thailand.

Talking to Telemarketers

2009-04-06T16:55:00.001-07:00

Just while I was posting my snappy adoption comeback list, a telemarketer called. I was feeling a little sassy and when she asked the first question, "How many children under the age of 12 live in your household" I answered 12. She said, " No, how many under the age of 12" I said, "I heard you - we have 12 kids - we are a big family, is that a problem?"

Well, she obviously did not think she was going to get real answers from me and said, "Thank you, I have no more questions". And she hung up.

Maybe I should rethink being open and honest - snappy one liners seems to be more effective!

Adoption Sayings for the Future

2009-04-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

I am not naive. I know that adopting a child from another race will be a strange idea to some people. I know that well meaning, kind people will say stupid and offensive things because they are curious. I know that at some point, I will need to have difficult conversations with my future daughter because someone said something mean to her.

This was confirmed at the two day adoption training Chris and I attended this weekend. Out of the 30 families there, I would say at least 80% were adopting cross culturally. Sweet Chris, who always has a kind heart, was shocked when he heard some of the things that people say to adopted kids.

I am a very open person and not easily offended. The majority of the time I plan to be open and honest. Even though there are some ignorant and racist people, I know that the majority of people asking questions are sincere and just not thinking about how they are asking questions or how it might sound to an adopted child. The best example I can give for my children would be to give honest, level minded answers that can help educate other people. However, it is fun to think of those snappy comebacks - you know the ones you always think of an hour after you needed it.

So I have decided to be prepared and start compiling a list of one line comebacks. Would love ideas from anyone else that has had this experience. I will keep adding on to the list as time goes by - so send me ideas!

How much did she cost? --Not enough, because to us she is priceless.

What is she? --A girl.

Are you her "real" mom? --What do I look like, a hologram?

Are her real parents dead? --Do I look dead to you? --Last time I checked I was still breathing.

Why didn't you adopt a white baby? --Because I fell in love with this one.

Do you have to feed her a lot of rice? -- Oh my goodness, you mean I am suppose to feed her?

What do you know about her real parents? --I know that her real mom took one look at her and knew it was a match made in Heaven.

Does she know she is adopted? -- She knows she is loved.

Wasn't she lucky to be adopted into your family? --No, we are the lucky ones.

Is she your real daughter? --More real than you can ever imagine.

Below are some not as nice answers I found on the Internet, but they sure are funny:

How much did she cost? --Obviously more than your education. --We had a coupon. --if you have to ask, you can't afford it. --A lot more than your trashy kids.

Why didn't you adopt white babies? -- well, I'm actually Korean but my face was disfigured in a rice picking accident. --Why didn't you? --We really wanted a blue one, but they were taken --we wanted to match our couch ----What, and deprive some nice neo-Nazi couple of a white baby? That would be selfish!

The Asian babies are really cheap, aren't they? -- you tell me, you seem to be the cheap expert here. --Not as cheap as your handbag. --Not according to our grocery bill. --They are cheaper if you go through Geico.

Do you have to feed her a lot of rice? -- are you feeding yours a lot of baloney? --Yes, I tried to wean her off rice, but she started speaking Spanish. --Do you eat a lot of spaghetti?

Does she know she is adopted?-- No, we took down all the mirrors in the house so she wouldn't guess. --No, she didn't know, thanks a lot for telling her. --oops, well she knows now. --No, we told her she was dropped off from a spaceship.

What do you know about her REAL parents? -- I know they are sick of stupid questions.

Is she your real daughter? --No, she is my imaginary friend.

Ha - it makes me laugh just to think about these! Seriously, I know that I was one of those "adoption question askers" before this all started. I HOPE I asked in non offensive ways, but of course I asked, mainly because we were interested in adopting and I wanted more information. I can barely see an adopted child without wanting to ask more about their story. I thought it was such a wonderful thing and we were thinking of adoption and I wanted to know more. I would say 98% of the people who ask questions fall into this category. We have had plenty of people ask about the cost of adoption and it does not offend me at all - many people have adoption in the back of their minds and this may just be a step in the process and it is a normal question and very practical. I am more than happy to talk to anyone about it.

But woe to the person that encounters me on a bad day... because I will be prepared.

Tea Time

2009-04-02T23:33:00.000-07:00

When things get rough - what is a girl to do? Have a tea party. When my friend, Keri, was suddenly rushed to the hospital, her kids came over here. Piper, never one to miss a chance to be the hostess, realized that Chace (in his vulnerable state) would not be able to escape. She lured him over to the table and served up a tea party that would make the queen proud. One lump or two?

Guinea Pig

2009-04-02T23:29:00.001-07:00

We have a recent addition to the family - Indiana Jones (or Dr. Jones as Chris likes to call him). And here is why you don't leave 3 year olds alone with guinea pigs! Notice, the top of the cage has disapeared and I promise there were newspapers in the cage...

Paperwork

2009-04-02T23:21:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is our first of two 8 hour trainings we have to complete for the adoption. I always heard there was a lot of paperwork - but I had no idea! We are completing our paperwork and then the home study will begin.

I just completed my autobiography questions - it took over 7 hours and 13 pages. The questions range from family origin (describe your family's adaptability to change or how are you like/unlike other members of your family), growing up, courtship and marriage (what attracted you to your husband/wife - I asked Chris if he wanted me to fill out that section for him and if he needed any help spelling beautiful), in-law questions, children questions, general parenting questions and on and on.

We have to get HIV test and fingerprinted and check-ups and interviewed and financial reports and so on. Call me naive - but I had no idea it was so indepth. But I am thankful that they put so much time and effort into making sure the children go to secure homes.

Now off to bed, since we have to have the kids at the sitters at 8:30. Thank goodness for helpful friends we can trust.

And it is all worth it!

Road Trip

2009-04-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

No visit from Hollie is complete without a roadtrip. We packed up the car and took off for Estes Park. First on the to do list is finding magnets. We found a great dime store that carried everything from tighty whitey undies to magnets to sewing kits.

We met old ladies that were on a road trip (they had been college roommates - isn't that cute! Road trips never have to end!)

We went to the super spooky Stanley Hotel where most of the pictures I took turned out blurry... Hmmm.....

How fun to Road Trip with no agenda and no place you have to be - just a lot of laughing and silly pictures and so much fun!

A Long Break

2009-04-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have sat down to blog. So many things happening at once, it is hard to catch my breath and hard to even find time to slow down and process. We recently experienced the unexpected death of a neighbor. His son is a constant playmate to Griffin and Fletcher and while nothing that we have experienced can even start to compare to the grief that the family is going through - it was an event that broke our hearts.

Looking for the silver lining, it made me thankful for our neighborhood. I was so proud and amazed at how people helped out and were so generous. Our neighborhood really acted like a caring and loving community should and it blessed me to see the outpouring and kindness towards this special family.

And it reminded me to be grateful for our family and hug Chris and the kids. Live each moment being thankful and kind and appreciative of the beautiful family God has given me.

School is out and skiing is in!

2009-03-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

The beauty of year round school - great opportunities for skiing! Our friend Hollie came to visit and we convinced her that skiing would be a really fun experience! Well... the kids had fun. Hollie had a touch of altitude sickness when she first arrived and after about 15 minutes on the slopes, it was full blown and the next place I found her was laying in a stinky locker room begging to go to sleep. Not a good sign. So Piper and Hollie spent a couple of hours riding the ski shuttle around and Hollie spoiling her by buying her stuffed animals and giving her fruit snacks.

Griffin has no fear and his legs are so far apart when he skies I am afraid he might do the splits. But there is no stopping him - he could ski all day. I keep reminding him that the "more you turn, the more you learn" - but he prefers to go straight downhill as fast as he can.

Fletch traded his skis in for a snowboard and can ride on his heels - only problem is when he has to turn the other direction on his toes...

Besides getting to load up on stuffed animals and junk food with Hollie, Piper had a big day. We met her preschool friend, Marcus, and his mom (Rika - who Hollie described as a Swedish super model) at the slopes. Piper skied between my legs most of the day and did really well. However, on the last run she wanted to go through the trees. Since we had successfully skied through them several times, I was up for it. There are cute little wooden cut out animals cut through out the trail. Well, we hit a bump and our skies crossed. The next thing I know, I heard a cracking noise from my knees and I was laying face down in the snow. My skies were buried under me, we had knocked down the wooden bear and Piper was crying.

All I could think was, I just broke my leg and I am stuck on a mountain with a 4 year old that does not know how to ski - what a dumb idea to bring the kids skiing without Chris and with only sick Hollie who would probably hurl if she had to drive home from the mountains! Thankfully, my leg was not broken. Piper announced that she was no longer skiing and going to walk down the mountain. I called on my superhuman mommy strength and carried her down. Time to call it a day. Bring on the coffee!

Welcome to the family - the Baby Vote

2009-02-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a very big night for the Crawford family. At dinner, Chris explained that we had been asked to adopt a baby and we wanted to take a family vote to see if this was the right decision. I had ice cream in the freezer in case I needed to buy any votes, but when Fletcher stood up and cheered, I felt confidant enough to put the ice cream scooper away.

Everyone wrote out their "secret heart shaped ballot". Piper gave her answer away when she asked how to spell "Yes". Griffin gave his answer away when he showed her his paper to copy. Then everyone had a chance to share their vote. 5 votes - it was unanimous. Baby girl is welcomed with open arms! We celebrated with pink cake and sparkling pink juice.

Some updates and cute stories:

Yesterday the birth mom was approved for Medicaid - we are so thrilled, it takes so much stress out of the unknown. We are constantly amazed at how God seems to be taking care of every little detail in this adoption!

The dad is moving away, so the agency called to say they wanted to expedite the paperwork. The birth mom has now signed all papers (even though she still has 4 days after the birth to change her mind) and the dad is going in next week to sign everything.

Two days ago while walking to school I said, "I love three kids - can anyone guess who they are?" Fletcher said, "You don't love three kids, you love four kids. You are forgetting about the adopted one." This was before our talk tonight!

Today I took Piper with me to buy the cake. I said I wanted something so we could celebrate our family. When we were picking out the juice, we were also on the baby aisle. Piper said, "I want to buy a pacifier." Strange request since she gave it up a couple of years ago. I asked why. She said for the baby we are going to have someday - and since she was hoping for a girl she picked out pink and purple.

After dinner tonight I was helping Fletch with his homework. He had to write 5 sentences about a family member. He wrote about the Baby and that he was so haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaapy. I made him rewrite happy - but he wanted to make sure his teacher knew he was really happy.

All the kids want to share rooms with the baby and promise to help and change diapers and hold her and feed her a bottle. Hmmm, Maybe I should have video taped that so they won't forget! They have all forgotten what it is like to have a baby in the house. Of course, last time we had a baby - they were really all just babies themselves!

Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope." I could not have planned things to go this well - yes, I understand anything can happen and people back out and things can change - but admit it - this has to be more then coincidence. God seems to have made a puzzle of the Crawford family and is taking great strides to put this little baby's puzzle piece in it!

Bedroom Makeover

2009-02-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I fell in love with a display at Anthropologie (the all time greatest and most inspiring store). Behind a bed they had done a wall of mirrors and old prints. Loved it!

I started collecting mirrors and this weekend Chris and I did a bedroom makeover. I am really pleased with how it turned out.

And - a little explanation. The small print on the far wall is where we got engaged in Germany. In the big frame is an antique map of Germany I bought for Chris several years ago. My wedding picture is next and the last mirror we purchased on our honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta.

Other sidenotes: The headboard I picked up off the side of the local thrift store after they rejected it (it has been repainted). Several of the fabulous pillows are from the heart gifts from my friend, Keitha. And of course Piper (who couldn't stay out of the picture) is the result of all this love!

Love is in the air!

Daddy Daughter Ball

2009-02-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

What four year old girl does not want special one on one time with her Daddy? For the second year, Piper and Chris have attended the Daddy Daughter Ball. When Chris got home last year I asked how many people attended (I was guessing about 100). Chris laughed and said there must have been over 600 people!

The evening started with Piper getting curled and primped. She wore a heart necklace that had belonged to her Grandmother. At 4:30 they left for a romantic dinner at Red Robin with her good friend Ellie and Ellie's dad. A short drive to the high school for cake, punch, the hokey pokey and Piper's favorite - the chicken dance. Top it off with ice cream - a perfect evening!

Pinewood Derby

2009-02-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

This year was our first experience with the Pinewood Derby. I must say when we saw all the work some of the kids were putting into their cars - I got a little nervous. Fletcher's was put together quickly - stickers were bought and added on the way to the derby.

But no reason to fret... Fletcher got 2nd place and only lost by 1/100th of a second. He was thrilled with his trophy.

Date with Griffin

2009-02-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

Griffin and I have a special bond. We call it the middle kid bond. He loves the fact that we are both middle kids. And he reminds me so much of Chris, that I just love hanging out with him! Sweet, sweet boy (most of the time). Also - competitive, sports crazed boy.

Last year he went to a hockey birthday party for a boy where most of the kids invited were on a hockey team. Griffin has loved hockey ever since. For Christmas he received roller blades, a puck and hockey stick and he starts Tiny Pucks roller hockey in a month.

Griffin use to go to all day kindergarten 2 days a week (the same days Piper is in preschool). A couple of months ago I decided to change that to once a week so that Grif and I could have one afternoon alone - perfect for us to hang out or for him to have playdates without any brothers or sisters to interfere.

Thursday afternoon was picture perfect - blue skies, warm and ripe for hockey. I dug my roller blades out of the basement. They had been packed away for 9 years. The last time I used them I tumbled down a hill and bonked my head on the concrete. I am not a natural. But - anything for your kids, huh?

You know how sometimes you don't play really hard so your kid can beat you? Not this time. I did not score once. Griffin scored, well - lets just say he won easily.

Piper's heart and the Guinea Pig

2009-02-17T11:13:00.001-08:00

I love this picture of Piper (taken by neighbor Nikkie Roberts) so much that I had to reuse it.

I came home the other night and Chris said Piper had some news for me. I had been at a PTO meeting and Chris had read the kids a Bible story. Then they looked at a picture cube their Grandfather had given them that explains what a Christian is. Fletcher looked at Piper and said, "Pipe, do you want to become a Christian?" Piper said yes and they all prayed together.

She also prayed that Jesus would be in our new Guinea Pig's (Indiana Jones) heart. For a 4 year old, her understanding of what this decision means seems totally appropriate - sharing her love for Jesus with those she loves... even if it is just a guinea pig.

At preschool she has been learning about how the heart pumps blood through her body. She then talked about how Jesus is in her heart pumping blood to her fingers and toes. Isn't that a cute picture - Jesus sitting in there making everything works just right.

Her theology probably won't stand up to much scrutiny, but I love the thought. I have a clear picture of becoming a Christian around 5 at a children's church event. So I have no doubt that God can claim the heart of a little one. As she grows up - and works out her faith - I know that there will be times she questions, struggles and searches. Anyone that becomes a Christian as a little child, must grow up in their faith. Thank goodness you don't stay a baby forever, but that means growing pains. Isn't it great that faith is not stagnant, but matures when we do!?

And as she matures, I pray that her decisions will bring her back to this point... where she loves Jesus with all her heart.

Adoption News

2009-02-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Well - this will be short, no news. What has happened, since I went public with the news, is that i have been overwhelmed by the support and excitement of all our friends. It has TRULY been an encouragement and blessing to hear from others.
Friends that have adopted and know more about the process.
Friends that have been adopted and have shared with me their feelings.
Friends that pray for us.
Friends that are excited and ask how things are going.
Wise friends with wise words.
My mom that calls and asks if we have any new information on our baby girl.

This has really touched us and encouraged us. Some people have been surprised that I have been so public when so much is still unknown (including Chris who commented that someone mentioned something to him about us adopting on Facebook! Word flies on the Internet.). And even if this all blows up in our faces, I am so thankful that I have been able to share this and hear the hearts and thoughts of so many friends.

Status... on Valentine's day we began filling out our application. It seemed like the appropriate day to begin sharing our hearts with our possible new family member. The birthmom went to Medicaide on Friday, but was not able to get an appointment with the "Wizard of Medicaide" until the 24th. We have also heard from people who did not have insurance when they had a baby and it has been very informative. So, we are still crossing our fingers for the medical - but we are moving forward. Things have just moved so smoothly, we feel God is in the whole process.

And today I stopped by the preschool office and put our name on the waiting list for a baby girl in 2011.

Roller Coaster

2009-02-11T21:47:00.001-08:00

I am having a difficult time focusing on things and am somewhere between exhausted and hyper (is that possible). Things are moving quickly with the possible adoption and I just want to press stop on the remote and take a breath. We met with the adoption agency. The birthmom met with the agency. It is a girl. The birth date is June 12. God seems to be carefully putting all the little pieces together. Last night Chris and talked about baby names. I can feel myself starting to get attached. I spent Bible study this morning trying out name combinations instead of listening to the lecture. I talked to our mutual friend and reassured him that this is going to be a roller coaster of emotions for both us and the birth mom.

But at the time I said this so self assuredly, I was on the top of the roller coaster. Then bad news... yes the birth mom has insurance, but no it does not cover anything. Zero. Nada. We would be responsible for all medical expenses out of pocket. I know people do this - but it just scares me to death. What if there are complications. One friend shared that complications in her pregnancy cost $400,000. That make me dizzy. Is that possible?

Doctor visits, hospital costs, how much is an epidural? Nothing like bills to suck the fun out of this. No wonder people adopt internationally - at least there is a limit.

I find myself praying for Medicaid. Time is running out. What is the next step? How does this work? I know that this is not a new problem - how do normal people adopt? I have never felt time ticking so quickly before! Suddenly I am craving socialized medicine!

Please keep praying for us. I hope to find solutions and I hope that we will be on top of that roller coaster really soon.

It seems that if God can randomly drop a baby from a culture half a world away into my backyard with a sign that says, "please take me" He should be able to take care of this little side issue. :)

Dates

2009-02-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

Over the past week I have been blessed with dates. Dates with each of my kids that were so simple, but very precious and reminded me of what I adore about each one of them. Monday didn't start out as a date. I did not announce to Piper to get dressed because this was our special day. It happened organically - the way most great things do!

We walked the boys to school - with a blue sky and warm weather. Actually walked is not accurate - they ran and Piper and I followed. Then she asked if we could go to the park. A dish full of sinks was waiting for us at home, but I overruled the dishes and instead listened to her urge "underdog" while I pushed her on the swing. We went and got her hair cut, headed to Target to return something, bought her Valentines for preschool and shared some popcorn and lemonade.

I love my life...

Changes in our lives

2009-02-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

I am not even sure if I will post this. Nothing is certain and Chris and I are still in the processing and praying stage. But here goes - and we will see if (and when) this actually appears on my blog.

Wednesday night everything was going along very smoothly. Chris had taken the kids to a basketball game with the cub scouts. I was getting ready to host about 5 women at our house for a PTO meeting to plan the End of Year Party for Meadowview Elementary. I received a call from a friend. Long story short... there is a girl that is pregnant and they wanted to know if we would be interested in adopting a baby that is due in June.

Well - that is a bit of a surprise on an ordinary Wednesday night.

Chris and I have always talked about adopting internationally. But we have never attended an adoption conference, met with an agency or done any of the practical steps to make it happen. We just never felt an urgency. I did realize that with the ages of our kids (not to mention MY ripe old age), that if we were going to adopt, it would need to be in the near future.

But here it is - out of the blue - someone almost handing this to us and asking if we wanted to move forward... quickly.

My first impulse was to say yes, but since I had not even talked to Chris I figured that was pretty rash. I told Chris, his first impulse was to say yes. But of course this can not be something that is taken lightly or a decision that should be spur of the moment.

My way to handle big issues is to research them. While Chris works well off instinct, I like to have facts and practical information. Since I know very little about the adoption process, especially domestic adoptions - I delved into an Internet search. Well, that is enough to scare anyone away! Holy cow - I was quickly overwhelmed by the amount of information and opinions.
We both talked to a few people. We both have prayed about it. I called a few adoption agencies to ask questions. I talked to almost everyone I know that either has 4 kids or have adopted - and if they have 4 kids with one adopted, well they were on the top of my list (those are rare - but they exist).

The selfish part of me remembers how I have gushed this year about how easy and enjoyable life is. I have encouraged my friends with small kids, "There is a light at the end of the tunnel! Just wait - it gets SO much better". I have loved not buying diapers, not having to buckle someone into their car seat, and being able to go to the park without anxiously watching in 3 different directions. It is fun to do big kid things with our children and not have to stop for naps.

No doubt about it, that first year when everyone was three or younger was very difficult - I call it "the dark year" since I remember very little. It is all lost in a fog. This year I have felt like the old me! I enjoy my one on one time with the kids. I read more books, I actually complete my Bible study (well, most of the time), I go out on girls nights, Chris and I went to Costa Rica without the kids - not only have I seen the light - the light is bright and shiny and fabulous!

This morning Chris left on a trip, so I took the kids to church. Not able to concentrate on the sermon, I started a Pros and Cons list. After completing it, it was actually comical to review. While some of the Cons are valid, like honestly thinking about how I will feel with 4 more years of a little one at home, most of the Cons are items that I am almost embarrassed to admit.

Vacations will be more expensive
I thought I might get a part time job
Life is so easy right now, why would I mess that up?
We won't be able to go skiing as easily

The Pro side was totally different

This is the type of person that I want to be
The Bible talks about how real faith is taking care of widows and orphans - do I really have that type of faith? Or do I just like to talk about it
This is the type of person I hope my kids grow up to be
This would teach all of us to be less selfish
This would be another person we could share our lives with
What will be more significant years from now, that I took a vacation or that we added a person to our family
This will allow our kids to grow
The kids are bigger now and can actually help
This is more than I could have hoped for - an Asian (yep, international adoption without going international) baby that will be born in Denver to two people that do not come from a drug or abusive background.
I have always been scared about bonding issues that sometimes occur with foreign adoptions, we would be at the birth of this baby and bring him/her home from the hospital
Fletcher and Griffin will both be in school all day next year so that will free up some time
We could offer this child an instant family

When you compare them side by side - there is no comparison. We will see where God leads...

Imagine Spot 1 - Super Bowl Ad NBC Rejected

2009-01-30T20:11:00.001-08:00

Chris and I saw this ad the other night and really loved it...

Birthday Extravaganza!!!

2009-01-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

We have finally finished the round of January birthday parties! With so many celebrations closely following Christmas, I must admit I get a little pooped by the end of January. And since we stayed in Texas for so long this year, we were running a little behind on the parties. But mission accomplished, kids thrilled and we can relax until May!

First up - Fletcher's Lego Birthday Party. Everyone brought their favorite Lego creation with them. Then we made Lego Racers and raced them down a track. This was followed by exciting, action packed Lego games, reminding kids to please not climb up the outside of the staircase, Lego cakes, reminding kids again to please not climb up the staircase, building Legos, reminding kids that they really should not climb up the staircase, especially if they are wearing a costume or carrying a light saber, Lego Pinata... and of course reminding kids one more time to at least not be climbing on the staircase when their parents arrive or what will they think? You know the stereotype about boys having a lot of energy? So true... On the flip side... we celebrated Piper's birthday with a Tinkerbell Tea Party. I learned last year that kids can say all year long they want to be Tinkerbell for their party, only to decide on the day of that they really want to be Batman. So I left the dress code open, "Come as you want". There were several princesses, 1 Clone Trooper, 2 Anakin Skywalkers, Batman, a little girl that forgot to wear her outfit so I dubbed her Pinkalicious... and the star (who was happy to remind you that she was the star in case you forgot), Piper as Tinkerbell.

We made treasure boxes, had a treasure hunt, hit the Pinata and had tea. I bought sweet candy canes for the kids to stir their tea and the majority of the kids actually drank all their tea. I also bought thrift store tea cups and painted each child's name on it. We had chocolate pretzel wands, cream cheese and jelly sandwiches (not a big hit with the preschool crowd who seemed to prefer candy) and each child got a miniature chocolate flower cake. Yummmm!!!! Guess who planned this chocolate filled menu? ME! The kids were SO good and easy... Chris leaned over half way through the party and said, "Girl parties are cake (no pun intended)". Before the party, Piper was in her own little dream world either running around yelling, 'I'm Tinkerbell" - in a voice that reminded me of a superhero more than a fairy or she was singing. She sang to the plants, the pretzels, her dolls, her shoes. I think she is planning on making a musical of her life.

And a note about the Pinata (see left). Our kids always have a Pinata. Last year Chris remarked that he had no idea they were so expensive and I figured out between a Pinata and store bought cake I was spending almost $40! As a child, my parents always MADE my Pinata from a paper bag that they drew our picture on. I thought it was wonderful as a child and didn't realize it might not be such a great honor to have your picture on something that people enjoy smashing with large sticks. Anyway... after college, while I lived in Oklahoma, I shared this story with my friends. We all thought it was very funny and started the tradition of Pinata Parties. Whoever we were celebrating or whatever type of party we were having - I made a Paperbag Pinata. That year we had LOTS of parties and LOTS of Pinatas.

So this year, I resurrected the tradition. Piper was so excited and loved coloring her picture (she gave Tinkerbell purple and brown eyes which I had to fix after she left the room. And Tink ended up with a very unfortunate tan line).

Paperbag pinata: $0

Memory: Priceless

Where is Griffin

2009-01-16T01:13:00.001-08:00

With so much attention going to Piper and Fletcher, I thought Griffin needed a little recognition! He has been busy with his new inline skates and hockey stick. He really wants to play hockey, but I thought it might be prudent for him to learn how to skate first. So here he is, yes - skating in the foyer. Piper... watch your toes!

Happy Birthday Piper

2009-01-16T01:03:00.001-08:00

The boys and I woke up a sleepy Piper. Since Chris is in California, he joined the festivities by telephone.

And like any stylish 4 year old, she loved her new pair of Ugg boots as well as the zillion of other gifts her brothers lavished on her!

Happy Birthday, Fletch

2009-01-16T00:57:00.001-08:00

Family tradition is that we wake up early on Birthday mornings and open presents on Mom and Dad's bed. Fletch was ecstatic to be 7 and no longer a little kid.

We spent the day at the Aquarium where he fed a Stingray.

Handing Down the Dollhouse

2009-01-16T00:21:00.000-08:00

My all time favorite gift as a child was my dollhouse. My parents bought it at Canton and decorated it with the wallpaper from my childhood bedroom, added working lights, a few coats of paint - and presto - hours of fun. My best friend, Carolyn, and I spent many days playing house.

The dollhouse has been in my parents attic for years. A couple of years ago, my Father actually risked his life (seriously) to climb into the "spooky" attic to retrieve the doll house. Two broken wrists and a concussion later - it remained in the attic. Chris brought it down last year and we realized that it looked more like a foreclosed home than the darling doll house from my memories. So after a thorough cleaning and throwing out the old carpets - the doll house, minus furniture, was ready to go.

The furniture was a whole other story. Everyone that had recently been in the attic promised me there were no boxes of doll furniture up there. They had all searched high and low to no avail. When we were back at Christmas, I just knew it HAD to be up there. So I decided to brave the attic. I was seriously scared of what I might find up there - mice and squirrels and raccoons came to mind. But instead what I found was a box marked Doll House Furniture.

It was so fun to pull each piece out! I very clearly remembered each one - from the stone fireplace to the little book called, "How to Knit". There were even pillows I had made as a little girl.

As a backup, in case we did not find any furniture, my Mom had LOVINGLY braved the lines at Walmart to buy several rooms of Dora plastic doll house furniture - it would have worked fine and BOY WAS IT BRIGHT... but as I inspected the little wooden sewing machine, bunk beds and dining room table complete with a candy dish and sliced bread, I whispered a Thank You prayer. Each piece of this doll house has been truly loved, something that I doubt the plastic orange Dora furniture could have lived up to.

Piper spied the doll house in the garage and told Chris, "I think that doll house is for me." Chris asked her why she thought that and she replied, "Because I am 3 and 3 year old girls really love doll houses." Well, she was right! She enjoyed setting up the house. And I have to admit I did a little remodeling when she left the room. She had WAY to much furniture in the children's bedroom. And not that I am a control freak or anything - but the kitchen was just not right. Piper did add a nice touch by putting the stone fireplace in the Master bedroom (wish I had that in my real house!). And Chris and my Mom had to remind me that it was Piper's house now.

Now the only hurdle is getting it to Colorado. Lindsay is working on it, but if you happen to be driving in this direction from Texas, let me know. :)

Oh Happy Day!

2009-01-16T00:13:00.000-08:00

A standing ovation to my father-in-law who called to tell me that there was software that I could use to possibly recover my deleted pictures.

I called a photo shop and was planning on taking the memory card to them tomorrow, but after searching the web and finding intimidating (but hopeful) software, I decided to try it myself and guess what - it worked! I can't wait to tell Griffin in the morning that we were able to get the pictures back.

Spilled Milk

2009-01-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

This is how I feel... I know that there is no reason to cry over spilled milk, but let me just take a few minutes to shed some tears.

Today was the day I was going to catch up on my blog. Gently encouraged by a few, I was going to take the morning and load the pictures (all 249 of them) on my camera from the past month and do some writing.

We had the camera out early this morning. Today was Piper's 4th Birthday and since Chris is out of town I wanted to capture everything for Chris on the camera. The boys stayed up late and helped me wrap presents. We woke up the birthday girl singing Happy Birthday - click, click, click went the camera. We had Chris on the phone and I got the cutest pictures of her in bed talking to him. You artsy types will understand that I felt a little pride at how great the colors looked - the gold walls in Piper's room are so warm they always look good in pictures. She was snuggled in under the red and white quilt and black and white toille sheets. Cute, Cute.

Downstairs for breakfast... I took a picture of Piper in her new dress and Faux Ugg boots. Then Griffin wanted to take a picture. And then he wanted to delete a picture. And then he was amazed that he could take so many pictures. And then, knowing that my memory was almost full - I became alarmed. How could he take so many pictures? I asked for the camera and that is when we realized the very sad truth. Griffin did not delete one picture - he deleted ALL of the pictures. Yep - the whole month on December went bye-bye.

Griffin cried. Fletcher cried. I did not cry since I am a Mommy and am suppose to set a good example. But here is what you will not be seeing on the blog:

Taking pictures with the Grumpy, BAD Santa!!!
Christmas with the cousins in Texas
Picture of my Dad with his 9 grandchildren
Piper getting to play with my old wooden doll house that my Dad found in the attic
Box of beautiful, old wooden doll furniture
Visiting the park with my dear, old Young Life "kid" Kathy Hays and her 2 kids
My Mom putting the kids and cousin Kelsey to bed
Cousin bubble bath time (probably the last year for that one!)
Our 11th Anniversary
Really great pictures of Chris and I at the Nasher Sculpture Center - we asked a guy that was carrying around a zillion cameras to take the shot and he did wonders with a little point and click camera
Fletcher's birthday
Taking Fletch to the Aquarium for his birthday
and of course Piper's birthday

I am trying to look at the positives that this really eases catching up on my blogging... but still very, very sad!

Hope you are having a better day and remember to lock those photos on your camera!

A Perfect Morning

2008-12-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those magical moments? The ones that you just know are special. They are the ones that just show up unexpectedly and are not planned or forced. They are rare and very valuable.

I had one of those mornings. Piper and I went to a friend's house to make cookies. This is another mom that I really enjoy and we always have great conversations - but the time that we have spent together could honestly be counted on both hands. The girls played great and Piper was so excited about cooking - one of her passions. The icing was globbed very artistically (if I was going to name the artistic style I would call it post toddler) all over cookies and fingers - which some how ended up in their mouths.

Randomly we got into a conversation about our faith and how to become the women that Christ made us and desires us to be. The best way that I can describe it was that it was one of the most real, authentic and raw conversations that I have ever had. No agenda, no format - just a connection that I really can not even describe. This conversations was very, very special.

And it boils down to this... that we need to have friends that are constantly pointing us towards Christ. With so much going on every day and so many little things to do and remember and follow up on - that we need someone that reminds us of our foundation and that it is through Christ that we grow into the wives, moms, daughters, sisters and friends that He has created us to be. That He is in control. That our compass is set on Him. That it all comes back to Jesus.

These are all things that I write down weekly in Bible study and hear constantly in church and know in my mind - but we all (or at least I) need a friend to keep pointing us in that direction.

And with my coffee fix met, Piper buzzing from sugar and a plate full of cookies, I left a new person than the one that had arrived that morning - truly magical.

The Thankful Jar

2008-11-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

Griffin and Piper helped me decorate The Thankful Jar (it actually says that taped on the jar, but I must admit with all the decorating it is a little difficult to read). The plan is for people to fill the jar with notes of things that they are thankful for and then we will read them together at Thanksgiving. Griffin's first note said he was thankful for all his stuffed animals and Piper followed suit by saying she was thankful for her blankie and pillow. I guess this is better than the paper I found in Griffin's backpack where he had written, "I am thankful for my dead fish."

Can't wait to see what other entries end up in the jar! And most of all, I hope that God will give ME a heart of gratitude and thankfulness every day - not just on Thanksgiving!

Kid's Night In

2008-11-23T16:49:00.000-08:00

Chris headed off to a boy's night with Matt Honeycutt to watch the Mavericks and the Nuggets - so what is a tired mom to do? Throw a movie night! We invited a couple of neighborhood kids over, made homemade pizza and watched Kit Kittredge, an American Girl. I had to convince the boys it was not a "GIRL MOVIE" (understandable misconception from the title) and Fletch later admitted to me that he loved it. And I had to admit that it was a very enjoyable evening.

New Family Favorite

2008-11-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

All I know is this breakfast bread will make you stand on your toes and sing Hallelujah! Easy to make and known to make grown men cry - recipe below.

24 Rhodes™ White Dinner Rolls
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter or margarine
melted1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Thaw rolls until soft (about 1 hour at room temperature). Cut each roll in half. In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts together. Dip roll halves in butter then roll in cinnamon/sugar mixture until thoroughly coated. Arrange in sprayed bundt pan. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise until double in size (2-3 hours). Remove wrap. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Cover with foil the last 15 minutes of baking. Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully release edges and center tube with a knife. Invert onto a serving plate

Catching up from Halloween

2008-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was action packed. Didn't this use to be a low key holiday? Well, it isn't at our house! Lots and lots of things to do... so get those costumes on and get going!

Note to reader: Notice how Piper and Fletcher's costumes "evolve".

Note to self: next year do not buy their costumes until the week before. They had worn them so many times by Halloween that they decided they wanted something else. First off - go to the preschool and Trick or Trunk with Piper (all the parents line up their cars and open the trunks and hand out candy). I sported an elegant witches hat that could have been straight from Anthropologie (but it was actually from WalMart) and Piper wore a big smile since she was loading up on candy.

Next, drive quickly to Kindergarten where I helped Griffin's class celebrate with Turkey Bingo and other exciting games. Run home for lunch and back for Fletcher's class party where I oversaw the One Eyeball Pass game and my favorite the Freeze Dance game. Let's get this party started...

We have a couple of hours to kill, so we head to downtown Castle Rock for MORE trick or treating - good practice for the big event that night.

The downtown merchants didn't know what hit them after having a zillion candy-rabid kids invade their stores! Above, Fletcher whispers into a pig's ear to come over tonight and share in his candy spoils - there should be plenty to go around.

Chris made the trees look "spooky" and I added a photo op place in front of the house. We forced the kids to eat SOMETHING with protein in it before their sugar levels went to new highs.

Here are Piper and Griffin in the Photo Op - I made this for their school carnival, but had it at our house so added it to the decor. The neighborhood kids loved getting their pictures taken behind it.
Next up - wake up early for the Fall Festival. Piper has now ditched the witch costume, is finished with the pirates outfit and has decided to become a princess - you can see a part of her puffy sleeves.

Here is our neighbor, Keaton, playing games at the festival.

This year I volunteered to help with the Fall Festival (remember - I am trying to invest in our school and community). The chairman and I sat down and decided that our main goal was to help build a community feeling in our school. Last year they had 2 volunteers. So, never afraid to ask people for help - I volunteered to organize volunteers - and we had over 60 helpers!! The principal said at the PTO meeting that it was the best event they have had at the school since she has been there and overheard one kid saying, "this is the best day of my life." I thought that might be a little exaggerated, but am happy to take the compliment.

The final stage of Fletcher's costume. Originally he was a FBI agent, then after reading Stellaluna at school (a book about a bat) he became a bat, next up - cowboy, final outfit - FBI cowboy agent (his own invention). Chris and I called him the Chippendale's Cowboy, since he wore his outfit backwards with no shirt underneath. Yes ladies, that is Fletcher's chest flashing you!

Happy Late Halloween!

A Visit from Hollie

2008-11-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

So what if you haven't seen someone in 11 years... should it really make that much of a difference? If two people connect on an emotional level, the friendship should feel the same whether it has been 11 days or 11 years - right? Hopefully? So I was thrilled to reconnect with Hollie (through the Facebook connection) and hear that she wanted to visit. Hollie was one of my "kids" in Wiesbaden, Germany many years ago. I was her "Young Life/Club Beyond/youth leader" and we spent many days traveling around Europe - Romanian orphanages, Italian beaches, the Birkenstock factory, downtown Wiesbaden, camping, encouraging her that she will be just fine rappelling down a mountain during a rainstorm and brushing off SMALL scapes after she said she was hit by a car on a bike ride (she might have been brushed by it, but I still think the word HIT is a little extreme).

Now Hollie is no longer a 14 year old like when I met her, she is a card carrying GROWN UP - with a real job and a real grown up life. She lives in Knoxville and was considering moving to Colorado. It was great to have her come visit and spend some time catching up for the past decade. I went with her to Boudler where I introduced her to a Colorado addiction - the Warren Miller Ski Film. It just happened to be showing to sold out crowds in the historic Boulder Theater. And at one point I felt a little like her leader again - we were driving from Nederland (home of the Frozed Dead Guy Festival) on the Peak to Peak Highway and she got a little stressed by the 80 mph winds and ice... "Don't worry about it - you'll be fine..." I said. A total flashback to the many times I told her that when she was a teenager.I also tried to impress upon her that proper foot attire is required in Colorado. Here I am in snow boots - here she is in sandals.

She tried to impress upon me the importance of coffee in the morning. And after graciously drinking my very poor espresso that takes me 30 minutes to make on the stove every morning, she bought me a coffee pot. Seriously - this was a big time hit for the kids! Everyone had to help and two weeks later Piper is still begging to help make coffee.

What a fun time it was to see Hollie. I forgot that NO ONE can laugh like Hollie (that is my biggest memory of her from High School - Hollie laughing hysterically). We looked through a box of old pictures and it reminded me of this very special group of kids that were so important in my life. And I am thankful to have such a loving and generous person come back into my life.

And now there will always be a fresh pot of coffee waiting for Hollie's next visit.

Proud moments for Piper and Fletch

2008-10-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Fletcher is officially a Tiger Cub - he has the salute down and everything. He is very excited about his new club!
And Piper joined the Lose a Tooth Club - very exclusive for 3 year olds. She bit a bracelet with her bottom tooth - and just in case you are wondering, that is not a good idea. We had to go today to get it pulled since it was dangling out of her mouth. She is thrilled to have a visit from the tooth fairy and could care less that she will probably be toothless for 3 more years.

Getting ready for Halloween!

2008-10-27T20:30:00.001-07:00

Fletch, always creative, decided to be a bat (no, not batman, just a bat thank you very much!)

Griffin has been working out to get his big muscles ready!

Piper and her friend Ellie - the peacock. Piper's skirt lights up!

Catching up is hard to do

2008-10-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

Some days you just have to let them dress themselves - Piper is really into patterns!

OK - another blog... I have fallen behind!

We had a wonderful Indian Summer day hiking the Castle Rock. The kids took paper so they could collect leaves and make drawings by rubbing them with crayons.

What does this say about society?

2008-10-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to find out that our community was having an electronic recycling day. Anyone that has tried to get rid of an old computer knows how difficult it is - so they tend to stack up in some dark corner of the basement. I took an old computer, a printer and 2 old TV's (they were about 20 years old and they were our only TVs until last year. And we even had the bunny ears to go with them! When we got our new ones our babysitter exclaimed, "Oh my gosh - you have moved into the modern world!).

Imagine my surprise when we arrived to find the line of cars around the corner and down the street - it was a very long wait! And then when we finally arrived at one of the 8 drop off points (this thing was very organized!) - we were met by a MOUNTAIN of TVs and computers!!! How can we possibly just throw away this stuff that costs THOUSANDS of dollars a few years ago?

Fall and Friends

2008-10-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Quick, take a picture before anyone moves!

Piper and Sammy

Brothers

Ah, the joy of year round school. The boys seem to be off all the time! The advantage to this is that we get to celebrate each season. Here we went with our neighbors to the Littleton Historical Museum. It is a working historical farm. The kid's favorite thing by far was the Hay Maze and old wagon. My favorite thing was the old school house, where I brought along "homework" for them - the kids had fun spelling names of farm animal and coloring - but I realized that real pioneer teachers must have been made of tough stuff - a one room school house could get clausterphobic quickly! Beautiful day, fun friends and a wonderful way to enjoy fall!

2008-10-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

With a State Park only 20 minutes from our house, I have to wonder why we don't use it more. And when we go to visit we are amazed at how beautiful it is right by our house. What do the kids need to be entertained? Not much - a few big rocks, a walking stick and throw in some water as a bonus. Piper and Fletcher immediately took off their shirts (and we had to explain why taking off their pants might be inappropriate) - while Griffin, the conservative one, kept it all on.

A Testosterone Kind of Day

2008-10-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

The boys have been off track and Piper had preschool today - so today was the last Boy's Day before they go back to school. So to make the most of it, we had all boy stuff all day. I thought we might need some Y chromosome backup, so we picked up some friends and headed out to play Lazer Tag. Luckily everyone passed the height test (barely) and had a great time. As one of the boys told his mom, "Today I feel like a real man".

Desperately Seeking Bed

2008-10-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

My friend the scammer emailed again today. Why exactly would anyone urgently need a full size iron bed?

Hello cameron..This item is urgently needed..i will be so glad if you> can purchase it from the store as soon as you got the check cleared> and cashed..Please bear with me..you can deduct $100 for the> assistance during the process of purchasing..hope to read back from> you>>

Rule number 1: Grammar counts!

Rule number 2: When in doubt, throw it out

Scammed on Craig's List

2008-10-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Chris told me to trust my gut. He said, "You have pretty good instincts - trust them." And he was right.

I recently purchased an iron bed for Piper's room. It is adorable and was very reasonably priced. It would have looked perfect in her eclectic Parisian room. Unfortunately, I thought it was a twin only to discover it is a full. There was no way that it would work. So what is a modern girl to do? Post it on Craig's list and make a little profit.

I had three very positive responses. One man seemed quite urgent about the whole matter. He would send a check and not come to pick up the bed until the check had cleared. He had a mover that would pick up the bed (warning). For whatever reason, his emails made me feel uneasy. But he wanted the bed right away and the other person interested could not come until this weekend. I thought it through - if he did not pick up the item until the check had cleared the bank - what was the harm?

So I agreed, if he could get me the check by this weekend. Below is the email I received tonight...

Dear Cameron,

This deal is on and the secretary has prepared the check as promiseBut there seems to be a little problem which i think we can handlewith care.......When i contact the secretary to confirm if the paymenthas been prepared,I was made to understand that she made out a checkof $1950 instead of $95 claiming that's what i told her ...... Thepayment was already posted before i was informed about this but iwould not want to delay the sale because of this as we have rectifythis with the Bank.All you have to do once you receive this check isto take it to the Bank and have it cleared and cashed and you willdeducted your money (for the item ) and plus an additional $50 for allthe assistance.The excess fund on the payment will then be wired to mymover via Western Union that same day so that he can come for the pickup as i have already planed on using the excess on the payment tooffset the cost of the various shipments he as undertaken on mybehalf. Do let me know if i can trust you to have the excess sent tomy mover as soon as you have check cleared...Please reply me as soonas possible....Regards.

OK - bad English aside - hello... can you smell a SCAM? I immediately wrote back and said I had found another buyer and the deal was off. But I felt creepy and violated. While I know that this is probably some guy in Nigeria that is cousins with the guy that sends you emails telling you that you have inherited big bucks from an African general and his widow only trusts you to cash the checks, it still makes me feel uncomfortable.

Gives new meaning to Buyer (and seller) Beware! And trust that gut instinct.

Blog, Blog, Blog - blah, blah, blah

2008-10-13T22:30:00.001-07:00

Cabin, sweet Cabin...

Do you ever get writer's block? I have started about 5 different blog drafts and have not been able to finish them. I want to write about the economy, budgeting, mom stuff, finishing my James Bible study, simplicity, coffee, helpful husbands and on and on - but for some reason my thoughts are not connecting with my writing.

So instead of trying to go deep - I will just go easy and fun and show you what a great week we had in Buena Vista with my Mom. The aspens were gold, the cabin was cozy, the fish were very smart (too smart!), we ate s'mores every night and got to feed chipmunks and DEER out of our hands. We are always thankful to be able to spend time in the Magic Cabin!

We left right after dance class - where my Mom was awed by Piper's "amazing talent" - and her stripped tights.

Job #1 - put food out for deer and chipmunks - but hopefully the only bear we will see is the wooden one on the front porch.

Griffin feeds a chipmunk from his hand at the ghost town, St. Elmo's. Piper wanted Elmo to show up, so we had to explain it was a different Elmo.

Boys are ready for adventure

Since the fish aren't biting, we might as well go explore!

Still trying to catch fish... Chris told me fish in Colorado have a higher IQ then most fish.

The deluxe tree house.

Every tree house needs a hammock... and a couple of cute kids.

McCain's Town Hall for Women in Denver - and look who is there!

2008-10-02T21:31:00.001-07:00

My mom arrived in Denver today. I picked Suepie up and we met my old college roomie and Tammy P. and Juli S. to attend McCain's Town Hall for women.

Here we are with the protesters - can you read the sign?

It said, "No more oil sucking, Bible thumping, lobby loving war mongers."

How could you possibly resist getting your picture taken with guys like that?

After the picture I thumped him on the head really hard with my Bible and Kristin kicked him in the knee with her high heeled sassy boots.

We are all ready for our first political event. Somehow we got selected to sit in the "rafters" - which I guess is a big privilege. We were three rows from the small stage. Julie and baby Madi were picked to ask a question...

Tammy brought Henry, who looked like he was ready to run for senate in his tie.

And can you believe this picture???? Madi Smolen checking out McCain. This picture made the newspaper - click here to read the article.

And click on the video below to see us on Channel 4 news... me giving McCain the thumbs up (with my mom and Kristin) and Tammy being interviewed.

Who knew politics were so much fun?

http://cbs4denver.com/local/mccain.denver.economy.2.830749.html

The Perfect Dinner

2008-09-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Grilled pizza with tomatoes and rosemary from the garden... perfect!

Otter Pops and the end of summer

2008-09-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

A wise mom once gave this advice, if you want to be the house all the neighborhood kids hang out at - buy a ton of junk food. This summer we invested in Otter Pops. For $3.00 you can buy 100 Otter Pops. I left them in the garage freezer and kids could help themselves. And boy did they! We went through over 500 Otter Pops this summer. This is what my freezer looks like at the end of summer.

Enjoying the end of summer with Milan. Notice how Fletcher is in perpetual motion! There is Fletch, rolling with his Popsicle in the front of the picture!

Still rolling...Griffin joins in...

Girl's Getaway

2008-09-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

Just 30 minutes away in downtown Denver, but light years away from a house with 3 kids and a pile of laundry. For a last minute get away, six of us met at the Hotel Monaco for wine, cake, shopping (and let this be a warning to you - NEVER shop after having wine!) more wine, more cake and lots of laughing.
And how were things when I returned home? Children were HAPPY, LAUNDRY WAS DONE (thanks to Chris, Mr. Wonderful, who gets that name by being wonderful) and I was relaxed and ready to tackle the week as a single mom (Chris left for CA on Monday). So much fun!!!

Bloom where you are planted!

2008-09-15T22:42:00.001-07:00

There is no doubt that I experience what one might call, "school envy". In Douglas County school district - we have options. Most people say you can not go wrong with any school in Douglas County. However, when I hear about a school with a creative or innovative program, I get jealous. When I hear one of "the others" had the 3rd highest test scores in the state - I get jealous. When "the others" have a fun event that the parents are excited about - I get jealous.

But we have chosen the neighborhood school for our kids. I enjoy the 6 minute walk each morning (all down hill). It almost feels like a parade with all the neighborhood kids joining in. We wait for friends and my kids ride their scooters down the hill at lightening speeds. It is... fun.

I have been thrilled with the teachers that we have. They have all been long term teachers that are kind and caring and interested in my kids (and so far all have been Christians).

But there is no doubt, I think about those other schools. Would they be better? Would my kids become brilliant scholars because they knew all the major oceans in the world by 1st grade? Are we not tapping into their potential because they are not being challenged by a new computer literacy program? And how come they don't get to go on two camp outs a year to work on leadership and problem solving skills? Not to mention why do we have our events in the gym when other schools rent out the Renaissance Festival.

But we have decided to bloom where we are planted. I support the idea of school choice - but the result is that with so many attractive options, a lot of the passion, community feel and excitement over the neighborhood school has faded. It has become Vanilla in a sea of Cold Stone Creameries.

So last year I observed - and was pea green with envy about other schools. This year, I have decided to invest. And in partnership with a couple of very talented women - we hope to work with our school to make it a better. That is what a neighborhood school should be all about.

Palin Frenzy

2008-09-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

Chris took the kids to the McCain headquarters in Denver on Saturday and they made signs. They were also interviewed by Channel 2 News. Gives a whole new meaning to Young Republicans.

See the Saturday Night Live skit with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx/?news=330748. So funny!

Talk about being a flip-flopper! I started out the year very interested in Obama. After the Saddleback forum I was enamored by McCain. Then I was upset about the Palin nomination and thought it was a bad move... but now I am on board! oh my gosh - what an unlikely VP, but I can't help it - I like her!

Thoughts on politics and family values...

2008-09-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

As an avid Newsweek reader, I usually read my weekly magazine cover to cover (ok - sometimes I do skip boring policy articles...). However, this week I did not get past an article called, What Happened to Family Values. Jacob Weisberg viciously attacks Sarah Palin's pro-life view point (a more warm & fuzzy view of Sarah Palin is on the opposite page).

Ironically, the arguments that Jacob Weisberg made in the article to discredit pro-life policies of the Republican Party are similar to the ones I make from the other side of the fence. I can easily take his words - change a few to a pro-life view - and voila - it works.

So here goes... I have long expected the Democratic Party to resolve the conflict of its compassionate vision for caring for the weak, disadvantaged and vulnerable by moderating its stance on abortion. Politically, pro-choice absolution has never made much sense. It rejects common sense limitations to abortion and instead wants to reverse the ban on partial-birth abortions and the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which prevents the killing of infants mistakenly left alive by abortion. Procedures that the majority of the country (including an unapologetic Joe Biden - whose voting record shows he supports these limits) agrees are cruel and unusual. Obama stated at a Planned Parenthood fundraiser that his first act as President would be signing the FOCA bill that will overturn the above restrictions – and over 300 other local, state and federal abortion restriction laws. I had hoped that Obama would take a more moderate stance on abortion, but his voting record does not give me any hope of finding a middle ground. Instead his pro-choice “purism” (he is only the 2nd presidential nominee to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood and they give him a 100% rate) is ethically flawed.

I recently received a call from the Democratic Party asking if I had any questions. I asked how a pro-lifer would fit into the party. I was honestly hoping that she would give me SOMETHING. In the past, the Democratic platform has stated that abortions should be safe, legal and rare (even though they were not consistent on voting to make abortions rare - at least the word rare reflected an unease with the procedure). Or maybe she could have tried to sell me on the new Democratic platform has eliminated the word rare (hmmm - not a good sign), but does state that they desire to reduce the number of abortions through adoption programs, education and health care. I wanted this woman to give me ANYTHING that would help me to view Obama as anything but a pro-choice extremist on this issue! Or maybe she could have even given me contact information for Democrats for Life. Instead, the caller was stumped and quickly hung up.
Her lack of an answer and Obama’s record gave me my answer. Under Obama, there is no place for a pro-lifer in the Democratic Party.

Now I have never been a one issue voter - I passionately believe that poverty and other "liberal" social issues need to be addressed and have more goverment involvement, but this year, the fact that Obama rejects ANY restrictions on abortions and instead has pledged to Planned Parenthood that he will sign the Freedom of Choice Act, a Congressional bill that would overturn every abortion limit nationwide - from a ban on partial-birth abortions to parental notification laws... well, lets just say I am looking for a McCain/Palin sign for the front yard.

And who doesn't like a pit bull with a little lipstick on?

Endless Summer

2008-09-02T09:11:00.001-07:00

We are usually out of town for Lador Day weekends - but this year we vacationed at home.

First on Agenda... camping out in the backyard. Fletcher helped Chris put up the tent. After we took the tent down - we realized the stake went right through the sprinkler.
Next on the agenda - fix the sprinkler that was broken on previous agenda item.
Go to park and Launch rocket
Spend hours looking for the rocket to no avail.
Console crying children who are sad about losing the rocket
Eat ice cream by our favorite fountain (part of the rocket grieving process)
Get a babysitter and have grown up night's out
Ride bikes
Plan a backyard beach party
Play with friends

Wednesday Night Knitting Club

2008-09-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the New York Times Best Seller, The Friday Night Knitting Club,
I have decided to learn to knit. I have also been influenced by next door neighbor, Crystal, who owns a new Knit Store, with fabulous fall colored yarns that you just want to wrap around you. So even thought my grandmother taught me how to knit when I was about 6, I forgot everything and am very much a beginner.

I amazed Crystal (when she took me to the store to help pick out what I needed) when I asked why the knitting needles did not have a hole in them for the yarn to go through (think about it - sewing needles have a hole, why wouldn't knitting needles?). I have promised Piper a scarf - so there is no going back. So I have proudly taken up the needles (the ones without holes) and am learning this age old skill.

Crystal came over for my first lesson - and I must admit there was a connection on a level that I am sure women use to feel when they canned, quilted and worked together. Was I a natural? Well you can decide!

Here is my first attempt - see the holes. In case you were not sure - the holes are not a part of a pattern. Also, notice that it is in the shape of a triangle - Crystal tells me that I keep adding stitches. I started with 25 and now have about 38. Opps - hopefully I will improve! So a natural - NO, but an eager learner - yep!

I practice at night, while we are watching TV. I can see how this could become relaxing - but have not reached that point. Chris pointed out, when I snapped at him for talking to me while I was counting, "You sure don't seem to be enjoying this." Most of this was done while watching the Democratic Convention at night (maybe the holes are symbolic of holes in their policies!). Maybe things will go better with the Republican Convention this week... hmmm, perhaps which ever one comes out the best will win my vote! I could keep knitting all the way through the debates - this could change politics as we know it - one scarf at a time!

The Garden

2008-09-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Considering that 3 years ago our yard was basically a gravel pit - except for a small area of grass used for a dog to pee in - we are very proud of how far it has come. Through lots of work by Chris and lots of planning by me - we have had our first year of what the magazines call "year round color". This is what is blooming right now...

Bee Balm growing a plenty!

Tomato plant

Coneflower

Grapes!!

Hollyhock