2008 will be GREAT!

I ate so many mashed potatoes I couldn't even get up! All of my better judgment and eating habits flew right on out the window! woo hoo! fun... fun week!

What a super time we all had. I have lots of pictures to share... stay tuned for coming posts.

Our final guests left this morning... time sure seemed to fly by. I felted so bad... they were supposed to fly out yesterday... but delays led to cancellation... they had to start all over early (4 am) this morning. Would you believe... this morning they didn't have a crew for the flight! Awe... kind of need a pilot don't ya think! Crazy! I am happy to say... they are on their way now. With all the chaos... I sure hope they will come back!

(some of my smokers I adore)

I always have a hard time putting away all the fun Christmas bits and pieces. All the fun pops of color! The smell of fresh pine (which reminds me... Melissa... how did you do with the tree this year?)! I guess putting away we can look forward to next Christmas. And then take a leap into the New Year! 2008... it's here and ready to be made great!

I hope you all got just what you wanted for Christmas and took some time to really relax!

time to don your santa hat

Santa's on his way! Ho ho ho! I need ten cups of joe......... just to get me through the next couple 'o days 'o! :)

How is everyone? Are you wearing reindeer antlers yet? I'll be going to a school Christmas party today... I just might be caught in some kind of festive head gear. Why not... I guess I could look dorky for a bit for my daughter!

I am going to a new hair studio today for my haircut... yikes! I wish when you moved everyone near & dear to you could go along too! Wouldn't that be great! I bet it will turn out just great... my legs ARE crossed!

I'll be heading back to Target today... along with about five other stops. I can just imagine the hustle & bustle! Last minute picks ups! It should be fun! :)

Zippity do da zippity da... my oh my it's FRIDAY! Hope your day is just fabulous!

what if...

one of Nicole Nordeman's awesome songs... I just love it!

so much to do... so little time

When what to my wondering eyes should appear... but... reversible polka dot wrapping paper! What a pleasant surprise! Now I like even more!

Okay... so I have been trying to balance everything! Making the house somewhat livable... shopping for last-minute gifts... being mom... being house-keeper... etc... etc... etc! There is NOT enough time in the day!

I have not even been able to check up on all my daily blog obsessions... now that's making me crazy. I feel out of the loop... you know. Are yall nuts busy too?

Today... more errands! The most fantastic thing of all... my mom is here! It's the best! Our first official guest in Colorado! It has been sooooo great having her here! She has been a tremendous help and a real blessing!

So my mom and I will load up in the auto today... play a little Clay Aiken Christmas music... laugh alot... and shop shop til we drop drop drop!

Love to all of you... and have a happy... hop... skip & jump of a day!

happy boots & a happy heart

I put on my happy boots today! Why you ask? I have soooooo much to smile about!

A really great gal named Kim featured me... little 'ol me on her blog... Today's Creative Blog! I am confident my heart grew after seeing that! Thank you so much! I love to share... sometimes known to share a little too much. It is just super to meet so many great people through blogging!

First of all let me say... Shawn rocks! She is so dad gum creative... blows me away each and every time she presents a new design in her portfolio! They are ALL so special! I just adore my design! We love you Shawn!

Kim... I can not wait to sit my big bootie down & check out all the fun you have on your blog! Wowsers! You have some seriously great... FUN... blogs to see! Thanks for sharing! And a really BIG thank you for sharing my blog! The extra hop in my step today... is there because of you!

And for all you fabulous gals who left such nice comments... I'm all aglow! All aglow... you tickled me happy! Thank you! Looking forward to visiting your blogs too!

Have a zippity do da day................

walking in my sister's shoes

I couldn't resist sharing this pic. Little bit jumped out of bed this morning and began her marathon of changing clothes! First off... bouncing ballerina!

She changes outfits with each of her moods... and she has many moods! Being three is tough! ha

Today being the 14th... wow! The short coutdown is on! Are you ready? I'm getting there! I need to get my fingers busy wrapping so I can get to the post office. I LOVE my wrapping paper for this year... red with white polka dots. I got it last year for nothing after Christmas... gotta love that.

We woke up this morning to more fresh fallen snow... I don't think I will ever grow tired of it. It is soooooo pretty! It is going to be down to single digits tonight... really cold. Hot cocoa will be in high demand! Personally... I favor cider & wassail. Yum!

Cheers to a happy happy Friday! Big smiles... warm hugs and lots of laughs!

all in a row

Okay... we now have our stockings hung by the chimney with care! We are ready for all the fun & fabulous Christmas flair!

Oh... to keep in the front of my mind the TRUE... REAL... reason for this awesome time of year!

The snow is falling from the sky again today! It is soooooo pretty! As I drove Campbell to school I couldn't help but smile in shear delight... like a giddy little girl! I think it is fun! Now... I think I need to get serious about getting some winter boots!

Is there any one out there DONE with your Christmas shopping... ALL the way done? I was just telling my friend Sophi that I thought I only had about 10% left... that 10% is quickly growing into MORE... oh yes and then... MORE! The good thing... I love to pick out gifts! It is that fine line I am standing on... between almost done & DONE! You know what I mean?

Cheers to another day! Jingle bells! Jingle bells!

You know your from Texas when...

there is no one else out in the snow but you! The neighbors must think we're nuts!

The snowflakes falling from the sky were huge! Even Todd (Indiana boy) thought so!
We made our first snowman... lady... thing! The girls named him Snowflake!

Our lovely view this morning... still WOW!

This is a keeper... stick me in a frame! How cute is that!

We're off to try a new church this morning. Maybe even finally get our tree later tonight! Finally!

LOVE!

tag... I'm it

The lovely Melissa over at Just Sweet Bean has tagged me. Fun! She has a really fresh... down to earth... gotta love... blog. She is as cute as ever too!

1.WHAT DID YOU DO IN 2007 THAT YOU’D NEVER DONE BEFORE? I moved to Colorado... never lived here before!

2. DID YOU KEEP YOUR NEW YEARS’ RESOLUTIONS, AND WILL YOU MAKE MORE FOR NEXT YEAR? I would say I stuck to it about 50%

3. DID ANYONE CLOSE TO YOU GIVE BIRTH? Not in 2007.

4. DID ANYONE CLOSE TO YOU DIE? my Uncle Dick is now in Heaven

5. WHAT COUNTRIES DID YOU VISIT? just the good ol' USA

6. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE IN 2008 THAT YOU LACKED IN 2007? To have learned to forgive! This will be my goal in 2008!

7. WHAT DATES FROM 2007 WILL REMAIN ETCHED UPON YOUR MEMORY AND WHY? 1-14-07 Community of Faith was complete. Such a blessing to be a part of building something so special.

8. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR? being mom to my girls

9. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST FAILURE? holding onto grudges... not forgiving

10. DID YOU SUFFER ILLNESS OR INJURY? I got a tooth filled

11. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING YOU BOUGHT? our new home

12. WHOSE BEHAVIOUR MERITED CELEBRATION? my husband... for his hard work & determination

13. WHOSE BEHAVIOUR MADE YOU APPALLED AND DEPRESSED? at times my own

14. WHERE DID MOST OF YOUR MONEY GO? our move

15. WHAT DID YOU GET REALLY, REALLY, REALLY EXCITED ABOUT? Antoinette moving back to TX... but wait... now we moved away... shoot

16. WHAT SONG WILL ALWAYS REMIND YOU OF 2007? You Move Me

17. COMPARED TO THIS TIME LAST YEAR ARE YOU:
a) happier or sadder? the same
b) thinner or fatter? the same
c) richer or poorer? richer in many ways

18. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU’D DONE MORE OF? spending more time just hanging out with friends & family

19. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU’D DONE LESS OF? complaining

20. HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING CHRISTMAS? in Colorado with family visiting from Indiana & Belgium... it's going to be great

21. DID YOU FALL IN LOVE IN 2007? I have my love right by my side

22. HOW MANY ONE-NIGHT STANDS? we have two night stands... one on either side of our bed... :)

23. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TV PROGRAM? Lost & Dancing with the Stars

24. DO YOU HATE ANYONE NOW THAT YOU DIDN’T HATE LAST YEAR? I don't hate at all

25. WHAT WAS THE BEST BOOK YOU READ? Sex God By Rob Bell (not quick done yet)

26. WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST MUSICAL DISCOVERY? Jeremy Riddle

27. WHAT DID YOU WANT AND GOT? love

28. WHAT DID YOU WANT AND NOT GET? sure would like some new running shoes

29. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM OF THE YEAR? hmmm... I have not been to the theatre this year... Happy Feet... was that this year?

30. WHAT DID YOU DO ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, AND HOW OLD WERE YOU? I unpacked boxes & I am a whopping 37... I know I don't look a day over 25 :) Right!

31.WHAT ONE THING WOULD HAVE MADE YOUR YEAR IMMEASURABLY MORE SATISFYING? my letting GO

32. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL FASHION CONCEPT IN 2007? layer it!

33. WHAT KEPT YOU SANE? my prescription

34. WHICH CELEBRITY/PUBLIC FIGURE DID YOU FANCY THE MOST? my sister was awesome in Steel Magnolias... I think she's famous

35. WHAT POLITICAL ISSUE STIRRED YOU THE MOST? all I can say... there are some people with some BIG screws loose!

36. WHO DID YOU MISS? my Uncle Dick

37. WHO WAS THE BEST NEW PERSON YOU MET? I've met some really great "blogging" friends & some super new neighbors

38. TELL US A VALUABLE LIFE LESSON YOU LEARNED IN 2007? always there... there is no guarantee of tomorrow

39. QUOTE A SONG LYRIC THAT SUMS UP YOUR YEAR? "you move my hands... you move my feet... when I have no words you give them to me... you let me taste what you make so sweet... when you start a word you make it complete... you move me..."

If your reading this... tag you're it! Come on... why not!

quack, quack, waddle, waddle

There is a great place in the neighborhood to go feed ducks. Riley was squealing with delight. She wanted to hold one sooooo badly! Hard to explain that away to her determined little mind.

I know... I know... I still do not have any pictures to share of the house. I promise I will! Right now we are in the middle of a big mud puddle! A winter storm is blowing through this weekend and we got RAIN! Cold rain... but rain! There IS a chance we could get snow on Sunday... wouldn't that be cool!

I just wanted to touch base with a quick post. Make it a fantabulous Friday... soak in some fun!

popsicle toes

I was like a delicate Texas rose OUT OF WATER! It was COLD at the parade! My goodness!

When we were walking to Main Street it was rather nice... not that cold... we had dodged the storm! HA HA Right at the stroke of 5pm... the winds kicked up & the rain began... the kind of freezing rain that "pokes" right through you! The storm kicked & screamed for about 20 minutes & then tapered off! Yippee! The parade WILL go on as planned!

The highlight of the parade were the flame-throwers! A man on stilts too! I was unable to get any pics of them... dad gum it! They were amazing... just great! I want to find out more about them... maybe they have a show to go see!

After watching the parade for a good thirty minutes we wondered how long it would go. This really sweet couple next to us said... "the parade last for AT LEAST two hours"... WHAT! I ALREADY couldn't feel my feet!

All in all it was FUN! The girls LOVED it! After the parade we went to Dolce Vita & had some warm comfort food!

The girls were coo-coo... I think the cold went straight to the heads! Campbell got into a really good laughing-spell at the restaurant... she could not stop! It was really funny! As you can see she was in rare form!

After dinner we headed home... have to admit... it was kind of strange pulling up last night to our home... in Colorado!

bye bye baby teeth

Another baby tooth for the tooth fairy! Becoming such a BiG girl!


We are going to the Christmas parade tonight in town. More than 100 lighted floats are usually present. There will be music, food & fun too! I think the girls will get a kick out of it! I hope to get lots of pics. This will be our first experience of really needing to "bundle up". Blizzard conditions are expected tonight! Really! Since we are in the valley... we should miss the bulk of it... I have learned that we are in an area called the "banana belt". They are forecasting FEET of snow tonight throughout Colorado! I bet there will be snow on the mountains in the morning! I'll share pics of that!


I hope this finds you having a great weekend! Smiles & cheers!

what a man!

I just had to post about this young man... sadly I did not even get his name.

On our flight to Denver last week he was sitting a couple rows up & to the left of us. At one point he turned to ask how old Riley was. I told him... he said he was just curious... wondering if she might be the same age as his daughter. His daughter is two years old. He was heading back home from Iraq AND the "shake my head in awe" moment... he has never seen his daughter in person... he had been serving in Iraq. What an incredible meeting that will be. Precious!

As I sat there with my two girls... I felt such a feeling of "secure"! Wow! This young man made me so proud. Thank GOD for him and the others that sacrifice SO MUCH. I am truly thankful!

we're heeeeeere!

We made it! The plane rides were great... only a couple of three year old squeals!

You know you have been at a hotel a long time WHEN the staff
brings the wife & kids a welcome gift! Yep!
They gave each of the girls a stuffed animal & me some body cream & candy! How nice is THAT! The girls LOVED it! After some yummy room service the girls had a ball jumping from bed to bed! They were FULL of excitement!

This is the view from our master bedroom! Pictures can not grasp just how beautiful it is! Remember... I had not seen the house in person!
Todd made a great choice! I am happy to say... I really love the house.
I'll share more pics soon!

We are currently in the move-in stage of "utter mess & chaos"!
SO much to do! SO much to unpack... put away... donate... CLEAN!

All I know... I do feel truly blessed! We're safe... together...
and I am happy to see what I can accomplish tomorrow!

Now... who is going to come help me unpack!?!? Oh how I wish! :)

mountains... here we come

The ladybug... the witch... the yorkie... and the mom are off to fly above the clouds! We're finally on our way to our new home! We will arrive in Colorado after dark... which is a bit of a disappointment... I really wanted the girls to see the mountains from the airplane. Shoot! It will just have to remain a surprise for their morning eyes.

They are super excited! Daddy will be getting loads of hugs & kisses!

I just wanted to say... THANKS SOOOOO MUCH for all your sweet comments! You brought a BIG smile to my face! Really! I am looking forward to talking with all of yall really soon! I have found a bunch of really fun blogs to add to my daily obsession! woo hoo!

I hope to have some pics tomorrow evening after our closing! It will be a busy... hairy day.... but... oh soooooo FUN!

fresh & fabulous

Go ahead... you can tell me how FUN my new blog is!

Shawn over at eclectic Whimsy designs put it together! Talk about creative! Talk about cute! She has the prettiest eyes ever! You must check out one of her blogs here... she not only creates truly great blogs but these really fabulous bags! I am a big fan of her entertaining & truly hip blog!

I am thrilled Shawn... thank you sooooooo much!

we're still in Texas

Update...

Well... the girls and I are still kicking back in Texas... Kerrville to be exact. Our closing in Colorado was pushed back a bit. Just means I get to store up some warmth in my bones before hitting the mountains.

The four of us gals (Gretel in tote) will be loading a plane on Wednesday... it should be interesting! I can just see it now... backpacks (full of bribery), doggie carrier, two car seats, two very excited youngsters, one very over-loaded mama. We'll be "that" group nobody wants to sit next to. Actually I just bet they will be GREAT... I'm counting on it... you get what you believe right! :)

I must admit... I feel a bit out of touch. Sort of like a fish out of water. That feeling of home. We have been on such a ride the last four months. It has been interesting I can say that. I have learned that we really do have people we can count on... people who really love us! Thank God for these great gifts in life... friends & family! Thank you for being there!

Thanksgiving will be different this year... for many reasons. I do know that I am truly thankful that we will be in our new home... finally all together again!

no whining

I am signing off for a few days... the computer is being ripped from my fingers! It must be packed! I think I might just throw myself on the ground and have a temper tantrum! Really! Ha!

I leave you with a pic of some of our yard "junk" waiting patiently to be boxed.

it has begun

I guess it's really happening! We're really moving!

It was the packer's first day... they got a ton done... really awesome! Their stamina... wow... my body is TIRED... and I was just taking things off the walls! Does that mean I'm out of shape? Yuck!

There are boxes & bare walls everywhere! I have found myself many times going to a drawer to grab something and....... oh....... nothing there. Such habits!

Campbell came home from school and was shocked to see her room already all packed. The really good thing about our things being packed... Riley can not change clothes a million times today! That girl... she is something else!

Since our coffee pot is now packed away... I guess I'll HAVE to go get a latte in the morning to help me face the day! Shucks!

I am feeling excited... sad... apprehensive and truly blessed all at the same time!

purr...

Awe... Campbell drew a picture of mommy & daddy. All I have to say... atleast I am the cute kitten!

way back... wednesday

Little bit is three today!

When you came into the world you were as sweet as can be... a simple, really easy going baby. Great sleeper but a hungry little beaver. You have become a real firecracker... a fun, bright, determined & bold delight! Still sweet as can be just with a twist! A twist of lime. Actually... lime was your first real taste of food (does that count as food)... your Aunt Sophi gave you that first joy... you LOVED it!

You are a true blessing & a real gift from God! How I got this gift... amazes me! Happy Birthday little bee!

bedtime at our house

Toasty toes & horsey go goes...

My view last night. While the kids attended the Daddy Buckaroo Rodeo I curled up with my current read. Didn't get many pages read... but that's okay... I had little cowgirls to watch!

I am feeling so FULL! Full of the LOVE of my friends & family. Full of hope & promise! Full of excitement for tomorrow!

We will be making the big ol' move to Colorado really soon! The kids are already having their last few days of school here in Texas. Yikes! I CAN NOT believe he actually talked me into leaving Texas again! What was I thinking. I just keep reminding myself that there will be no geckos there (I hate geckos - those disgusting, slimy, good for nothing creatures). No really... I know this will be a fun place for the kids. They'll get to learn to ski and we'll have lots of fun outings & picnics (oh how they love picnics)! It will be a whole new adventure! A whole new place to discover! The good thing is... it is so pretty we should have lots of visitors! Yippee!

Okay so... I am off... off to tackle a couple of my "to do" things on my list of 2,987,234 things I need to get done! Really! All I know... I'll be doing them with a big ol' smile! Zippity do da! It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood!

things to do

Life is not as complicated as some may say...
here are a few simple things to do to guide you along the way.

Embrace the world with your own genuine style...
and think with your heart instead of your head for awhile.

Strive to grow and challenge yourself each day...
and count the blessings that come your way.

Don't listen to people who say no...
follow your dreams with passion wherever they go.

Some days will bring problems and turn your smile upside down...
be flexible when finding solutions;

the best answers are often creatively found.

Believe in something worthwhile and with vision see it through...
and give people credit where credit is due.

Make time to laugh with family and friends
and celebrate each other and the support every person lends.

Life is a journey that twists and turns...
a winding road of experiences offering much to learn.

Use your heart as a compass and set out on your way...

there's no better time to start than today.

Sandra Magsamen

stepping out

Stepping out in polka dots... and in faith today! We made an offer on a house this morning!!! Todd really loves it! That's is big for him since he is usually the non-expressive... non-verbal one between the two of us. He told me he knew it was perfect for us. I trust he chose the right home. Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I just say that? I have not seen the home in person... I really stepped out on a limb here! Big limb!

God has been so faithful. He provided us with a buyer for our house!!!!!!! Yes! Our home is so special to us... we will miss it dearly. But when God opens a door and leads you to it... you go! I'm looking forward to seeing what's inside this door!

I hope to have more fun news to share soon!

say cheese

Capturing a moment of you capturing a moment. Your smile... you could light up a city.

We wish you many smiles today.

back when... wednesday

Back when... yellow vinyl chairs & play days at the beach were IN.

Actually, I think my mom was pretty hip. Looking at the kitchen decor now I think it is pretty fun. Call me crazy but I like the table! See... I was good... doing my homework! Wish I would have retained a bit more.

That's me in the middle (with the buck teeth), my best friend Beth on the left and my sister on the right standing in front of Uncle Wil's jeep at the beach. Of course... eating! Food and the beach go together like peas go with the pod. You've got to be loaded up with lots of snacks. I love this picture... not a care in the world... just jumping waves & finding sea shells!