BrOwN EyEd fOx

come say hi...

2009-03-16T16:35:00.001-07:00

over at my new spot!

oh yes... i have a new blog home...
and i am as happy as a clam... on the best beach... on a warm sunny day!

guest room is ready

2009-03-12T09:05:00.001-07:00

my mama is on a plane right now... heading straight for our home!
happiness!
i'm telling ya... no matter how old we get... we are STILL their babies!

being around family... spending time... even if it's just sitting & chatting...
is hands down... the best thing in life... the bEsT!

i am looking forward to lots of chatting... lots of good stuff! :)

and speaking of happiness...
i have fun changes coming to my blog soon... !
i wish you could see the smile on my face... it's BiG!

cheers to a hAppY tHuRsdAy...
may it be jam packed full of happy things!

oh the options

2009-03-10T07:28:00.001-07:00

having fun with light & shadows!
isn't it nuts all the adjustments you can make in photography these days!
there are SO many fun "looks"... "feels"... you can give to a pic by just tweaking a tidge!
and then it's always interesting to see how OTHERS see the same pic!
i find that when i focus on just ONE at ONCE... each one is fun... just in it's own unique way!
curious... do you favor for one over the other... just the feel of it...
btw... there is one that has been left "un-tweaked" too... any guesses which one?

here's to a terrific Tuesday...
and embracing all of it's unique opportunities!

copy cat

2009-03-09T07:45:00.001-07:00

you reach... she'll REACH!
you run ... she'll RUN!
you dance... she'll DANCE!
you stretch... she'll STRETCH!
you stand tall... she'll STAND TALL!
you go for it... SO WILL SHE!

she may be your SHADOW but... she lives within you...
and is always there to show how FUN you ARE... how MIGHTY... how BIG... how STRONG!

as she follows you... you'll see...
she'll show you just how wonderful you ARE!

we are SO enjoying the GORGEOUS weather!
believe it or not... on Saturday we woke up to SNOW... then bright bold sunshine on Sunday!

all i know... i want to grab Spring by the horns & RIDE!
with flip flops ON...
oh WAIT... i need a pedi BAD!

is Spring peeking out where you are too?

eleven...

2009-03-07T12:11:00.001-07:00

years of pure bliss!
ha ha ha ha...
okay... SERIOUSLY... can we be honest here!

marriage is one of hardest thing we have ever done!
i guess that is to be expected when you are COMPLETE opposites from one another!
if you were to write out on a piece of paper our traits...
it would look "mathematically"... not EVEN possible... no way... no how!
those of you that know us... can attest to that! :)

a choice... commitment... to stick together through thick & thin!
we have had a lot of thin... very thin... thin ICE!
and there have been times as though i thought we would fall right through that ice!

i think when you bring two people together... AND their histories...
a new foundation sometimes has to be built.
at least for us... this has shown to be true...
because somewhere along the way our personal foundations formed a few cracks.

the really GREAT thing... as we rebuild our foundations...
we are not only becoming stronger within ourselves but... stronger as a TEAM!

we know our team needs more coaching... but we are both IN IT... to WIN it!

i am SO thankful that i have a man that lOVES me...
and is WILLING to do what ever it takes to make our lives beautiful TOGETHER!
he is a hard-working... smart as ALL get out...
always striving for the next level... well respected... funny... awesome MAN and FATHER!

so to him i say...
hAppY AnniVeRsAry!
i love you
&
look forward to what the NEXT eleven years bring!

he always gives me tulips on this day...
they are what i carried on our wedding day... my FAVORITE flower for sure!

the girlies dressed "us" special for the day... don't we look lovely! :)

they even made us cards!



so tonight... we'll be toasting with a REALLY nice bottle of red wine...
and reminiscing about the last eleven years... like when he had hair & i had a waist!

come on in...

2009-03-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

we're expecting much lower temps... even snow... oh yes...
so while the sun is showing her face & spreading her warmth...
we're saying "come on in"...

SHINE

show us all your goodness!

wishing you a hAppY FrIdAy...
and hoping there is LOTS of goodness in your day too!

it's a doozy

2009-03-05T08:37:00.001-07:00

holding on... hanging in there... DECIDING to make the most of the the day!

like Gretel... our dog... she just goes with the flow & stays a happy camper always!

looking for... counting on a doozy of a day!
and of course wishing you the same!

"shucks"

2009-03-03T19:37:00.001-07:00

so... my dilemma was to either DO IT or act like i didn't SEE it!
when i clicked over to see what the ever creative gals were up to...
"shucks"...
a "tag you're it"... with a CATCH!
no primping... just sit down RIGHT NOW & take your picture!

SO...
even though i wanted to tweak the heck out of his picture...
add blush... take away the blemishes... the wrinkles...
change out of my gross workout clothes from THIS MORNING... do SOMETHING...
i reminded myself that i am embracing my authenticity...
and well... this is ME!

and GUESS WHAT...
now it's your turn!

1. sit down.
2. take a picture of yourself right now. don't primp, just snap one!
3. upload it.
4. tag 3 people to do the same.
"cheese"

come on... don't act like you didn't see it... just DO IT!
embrace the FUN & YOU!

the hue in you

2009-03-02T10:00:00.001-07:00

“ Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is YOUER than YOU. ”
the colorful & simply wonderful DR. SEUSS... who would be 105 today!

awe... to embrace all the silly... sometimes nutty... certainly unique characteristics...
that make us all our own unique shade of color!
ALL the BEAUTIFUL color in the world... we all have such a SPECIAL part in making up the rainbow!

i'd like to think if i could be a shade of color i'd want to be RED...
bold... bright... clear... sometimes a little too loud... but good in small doses! :)
what shade of color would you want to be?

soft... creamy... butter

2009-02-27T07:15:00.001-07:00

it was like... butter!
don't you like butter on your toast!

the day was truly beautiful yesterday!

we were able to throw OFF our jackets... little bit even threw ON her flip flops...
and we headed outside to kick up our heals & play!

flip flops... is it THAT time already... somebody get me to SPA... my feet scream winter!

oh happy day... it is here... FRIDAY... ready & raring to bring us some FUN!

i'll be sharpening my blackjack skills... doing addition with my fingers...
oh yes i still do that... we're going to Casino night! ding ding ding
what kind of weekend plans to you have?

offshoot

2009-02-26T08:28:00.001-07:00

i have been digging deep lately... pondering... wondering... praying!
i know that this time of year moves in with an instant NEED to purge...
start ANEW... look at things with a FRESH eye!
well... i have been looking at things with a fresh HEART too.

i want to make room for my dreams to GROW!
widen the fork in the road to a MERGE!

sometimes it is scary to take the leap!
to cut the dry away & allow the NEW to sprout!

how to KNOW whether the new sprouts will be as sweet... as savory... as gratifying!

that's just the thing i suppose... if your feet never leave the ground... you never take the leap!
you just have to jump!

is there anything you too would like to pull up... to make room for new?
do you have a pocket full of seeds that just needs to be tossed?

wearing my juggler hat

2009-02-25T11:40:00.001-07:00

trying to get this & that where this & that BELONGS...





lots to ACCOMPLISH...
just juggling ALL the balls that are currently up in the air!

from paperwork... to laundry... to being mommy... there is mess ALL around me!

hAppY wednesday...
here's to conquering LOTS of this & that!

drips...

2009-02-24T07:24:00.001-07:00

it SO rarely rains here... SO rarely!
we actually get a bit excited to see those crystal clear drops fall from the sky!

what IS that?
when we lived in Houston... where it rains ALL the time... it was like...
oh... no don't go out there... as if we would MELT!
well now... come to think of it... the rain AND humidity in Houston...
you CAN melt from it! :)

on the western slope here in Colorado it is SO dry...
chapped lips... dry brittle hair... cracked skin... cacti all over the place... kind of DRY!
so i suppose when it rains here... it's kind of welcome!

i have grown to love rainy days!
feels sort of like being wrapped in a cocoon.
like being given permission to retreat.
a special time to reflect.
a pass to just simply absorb it and just BE!

hmmm... come to think of it... i think i could use another rainy day... what about you ! :)

whether the sun is shining or the clouds are hanging about...
today is sure to be splendid!

rise & shine

2009-02-23T08:17:00.001-07:00

wanting to scootch her over a bit & snuggle up this morning.
pull up the covers... shield out the cold... curl up all cozy... and drift into a dream!
awe... now that's a dream! :D

getting the girlies rousted up this morning...
ready to face a new morning... a new day... a new week!
monday...
hello...
not quite sure if we're ready for you yet but you've rolled in... so here we go!

sure hoping your start to the week is JUST what you need it to be!
right now... JUST what i need is MORE coffee!

cheers to another cup of joe & a morning filled with get up and GO!

a BAT & "how cool is that"...

2009-02-20T12:50:00.001-07:00

little bit & i were SO in the mood for some bacon ooh la la for lunch!
do you love these too or what?
we do a tiny thing differently... instead of mayo we use miracle whip... tangy YUM!

after i uploaded this pic i noticed the bite out of the bacon... just COULDN'T wait could i... ha!

i changed my profile pic over at facebook... and everybody was SO nice!
"HOW COOL IS THAT"
all i know... they sure put a skip in my step today!
for a gal to hear ONCE that "she looks good"... it is gut level "FEEL GOOD"!
thank you SO much... really!

now... for something funny...
look at the front of my hair where the part is... see that hair sticking out kind of funny...
that would be one of MANY grays i have on my head!
why is it that they grow so wacky woo anyway?

i am one happy... gray haired growing mama that it's fRidAy...
whoop!
sure hope your weekend is filled with a BIG bowl of goodness... grab a BIG spoon & ENJOY!
xo

poodle in a smock

2009-02-19T08:14:00.001-07:00

little miss flying kitty and i are getting our manes tamed today!
SO excited... i can hardly stand it... my hair will actually have some shape again!

the only thing... i am going straight from the gym... antiperspirant... deodorant... don't fail me now!
it was the ONLY appt. i could get... and a desperate woman who needs a hair cut
will do ANYTHING to get in... am i right or what!

what is it though about once they have washed your hair... they take you over...
as water drips down your back... sit you down right in front of the mirror...
"AAGHHHH"... i get a glimpse of myself IN THE MIRROR!
hair sticking out everywhere ... garish shiny smock... water dripping all over the place...
something about that little head sticking out of there... NOT attractive!

so you better believe it... i put on makeup today!
a dab here... a dab there...
i might be going to the gym but i'll be darned
if i have to see ALL THAT in the mirror AND no makeup... no way!
i'll at least look like a wet poodle... that has pretty lashes!

so... here's to thursday... woo hoo...
we're over the hump & rolling down the other side... the weekend is oh so close!
gotta really focus on that extra "umph" today!

am i the only one...

2009-02-18T16:09:00.001-07:00

having trouble making comments on "blogger" blogs that use "embedded comments" !!!!!!!!?

when i tell you i am a complete freak over this...
i have learned on these blogs to "copy" my comment...
because when you try to post your comment... it NEVER takes!
i will copy & paste & post... copy & paste & post... over & over again...
a gazillion times... well... okay... AT LEAST 35 times...
to try to get my comment to post!
does not POST!
i'll be darned if i leave that friend's blog without them knowing i tried to comment!
it may take me ten flipping minutes... NO... not kidding!
i am stubborn as all get out & refuse to leave without it accepting that comment!
carpal tunnel is settling in...
this has got to stop!

come on... tell me... has this been happening to you too?

wait a sec... talk about freak... i arranged my scrap scrabble pieces just for this post... FREAK!

friends. . .

2009-02-18T07:11:00.001-07:00

we are free to stand TALL... because they are right there... to lean on AND to catch us if we fall

we are ACCEPTED... in spite of our weathered & sometimes thorny surface

we are BETTER... because once they have rooted within us we are never the same

we are STRONGER... because we sure don't bend easily when someone's right there supporting us

we are SATISFIED... because when our hearts are thirsty they are the rain that pours from the sky

we are BLESSED...
because with them... we run faster... laugh harder... and there is no tree we cannot climb!

blankets + popcorn + dancing hippo =

2009-02-16T15:09:00.001-07:00

laughing out loud!

madagascar 2... was the perfect sunday night treat!
who would have thought a hippo could have so many moves... ha!
my silly two cents... i definitely recommend it!

for some reason it is SO hard for me to SIT DOWN though & watch a movie!
i tend to read a magazine... play an iphone game... check on laundry... check email...
yadda yadda... AND watch the movie... what is THAT... why do we do that!

last night... i stayed still like a good little girl... AFTER snapping these shots :D...
and really enjoyed the movie!
plus... i couldn't pass up an opportunity to sit next to those toesies!

today... it sure is nice having a "no school" day!
WHAT a monday... PERFECT start to the week!
a week i am counting on being filled with "good stuff"!

for me personally... i am looking for it to be filled with a little extra "umph"...
a little more "come on girl... step it up a notch"!
pushing past the expected and just adding a bit extra!
more effort into dinner... more time listening... more time on the treadmill (ugh)...
more time being creative... more time being happy BEing in the moment!

anything special... a little something... you'd like push past this week?
we can step it up a notch together! :D

14 clues...

2009-02-15T12:51:00.001-07:00

to get to their valentine surprise... our silly way of just trying stretch out the fun!

the fourteen hearts were hidden here & there...

the trail of clues ended in the dryer... which OF COURSE had clothes in it still needing attention...
btw... they're STILL there... wet clothes in the washer too :D !

it is the simple things isn't it though... that bring big smiles...

and silly faces!




we even got to out to dinner without the kiddos... and when i say that rarely happens...
i mean Rarely... with a capital R!

we had a great day... definitely simple... but in a good way!
focusing on the little things... AND doing my darndest to not eat too many heart shaped reeses...
good gOsH... i flipping love those things... my weakness for sure!

sure hope your weekend has been great too... do tell... what treat was your weakness...
come on please tell me i wasn't the ONLY one digging into the chocolate! :D

hAppY VaLeNtInES dAy...

2009-02-14T09:17:00.001-07:00

open that jar filled with love... and let it fly!

click on the picture...
that too fun... awesome piece... was made by the super creative Jennifer... of Colorfly Studio!

13 on friday the 13th...

2009-02-13T10:44:00.001-07:00

thirteen things this morning that have already made me say "awe... what a great day"...

1. waking up rEsTed... YES
2. cinnamon bun creamer in my cOffee
3. cOffee... PERIOD

4. fresh snow falling from the sky
5. little bit & her heart footprints

6. getting soupy (campbell) to school EARLY
7. riley telling campbell... "i wuv you" this morning over their cheerios breakfast

8. a handmade valentine card sitting pretty on my keyboard


9. getting the chance to wear my Merrell snow boots

10. valentine goodies wrapped & out the door

11. an email in my inbox that brought tears of joy from a long lost friend

12. babysitter confirmed for tomorrow night
13. the simple fact that's it's fRidAy... AND a three day weekend to boot

so... here's to fRidAy...
and finding more things to add to our "awe... what a great day" list!
xo

paper sack face

2009-02-12T08:38:00.001-07:00

cheeeeeeeeese...
campbell's box is ready...
ready for all those lOvE notes and all that pink heart goodness!

do i ever remember making my box when i was i school... don't you!
getting home and getting to swoon over all the cute characters & sparkly wishes!
and them of course there was the chocolate!
truth be told...
i am one of those nibble a bit on this one... put it back in the box... nibble a bit on that one...
too much good variety!
and that dark chocolate... it stays in the box untouched!

but thanks to those GIRL SCOUT COOKIES that just arrived... ugh...
i better stay FAR away from heart shaped candy boxes this year!

you and your honey have any special plans for lOvE day?

blushing bra...

2009-02-10T16:30:00.001-07:00

" when i get bigger... do i get to buy these AND push my own shopping cart? "

studio mela...

2009-02-10T10:04:00.001-07:00

today... i am a bird stuck in her nest... watching after her babies... one little chirp has a fever!
hellOOOO... disinfectant spray... hot sanitary laundry loads... electrolytes!

all i know...
french fries sure DO sound good about right now AND...
this print sure makes me happy!

i have several of shelli's too cute prints... treasure them ALL!
i'm telling ya... her creations make my hair stand on end...
her shop studio mela is FULL of fun... the kind you'll do flips over!

deepening our roots

2009-02-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

yesterday... some good mama & me... real one on one time... was exactly what was needed!
campbell wanted to go "scouting"... so she grabbed her camera... i grabbed mine...
and we headed out to frolic on a nearby trail!

looking high... looking low

looking for the beavers on the bank... we spotted their den
happiness

well... hello there... we see you

over the bridge... and through the woods... la la la la

we were convinced there were little woodland fairies living in there

speaking of woodland fairies

you & me

then we heard these flying in...

down they landed... to walk on thin ice

that's my girl

just for my love of branches
side by side...

we had a hopping good time!

looking forward to a new week... a new opportunity... to intertwine our roots a little more!

cheers...

2009-02-06T09:01:00.001-07:00

to an AwEsOmE friday!

"the goodest kind"...

2009-02-04T10:04:00.001-07:00

yesterday morning ...after working out with my trainer...
little bit & i felt like doing some hunting!
hunting for some thrifty... fun... vintage... treasures!

lOvEd this orange metal basket

marbles galore in a gReAt jar

little bit ran for this...

i think she ReAlly likes it... watching cartoons this morning WITH her find

salvaged window sashes... i love these for picture ledges

more jello molds... to hold bits & baubles

speaking of baubles... she found these pretties too!

we had SO much fun...
we genuinely enjoy shopping together...
stooping & peering looking for something that strikes our fancy!
we were two perfect peas in a pod...
until... she lied herself down in the middle of the shop & said she was tired of WALKING!
OkAAAAAY... i took that as a hint she was ready to head home... dArN!

hard to believe it is already hump day...
i am ready to jump to the other side of the week... aren't you!

here's to jumping uP & oVeR...
jumping HiGh... reaching fAr... making the MoSt of the hump under our feet!

big hugs!

an extra critter at home today

2009-02-02T19:33:00.001-07:00

wow... where DID that weekend go?
yikes!
it was certainly one of those... uh... excuse me... wait a sec...
sure could use some more of you!

so when i found out yesterday it was ARIZONA... i was SO rooting for them!
sooooo close!
those Steelers just played too good of a game!

and there really was not a commercial that sticks out from during the bowl!
hmmmm
all i know... i LOVE this one!
laugh EVERY single time i see it!

and while the blond girly was in bed...

the brunette girly played house

good thing... the blond critter is feeling better... she WILL be going to school tomorrow!
:)

btw... the SUPER cute dollies... are from the EVER talented... awesome...
SO fun... SO clever... love ALL her stuff to teeny tiny pieces...
Little Bit Funky's... Crystal!

NOW... let's root for a gReAt week... count on it being FULL of wins!

sunday in the shop...

2009-02-01T13:36:00.001-07:00

now WHO is playing in the super bowl?
i REALLY did just ask the hubby... had NO idea!
i am kind of a multi-tasking... commercial watching...
not really into the score... kind of gal!
i would rather be in the kitchen eating the snacks! :)

besides... i will be working on a small update in the shop today...
here's a peek at some of the items that will be listed.

are you rooting for somebody in particular?
who SHOULD win?
fill me in!

hAppY SuNdAy...
here's to a fun super bowl... snick snacking... relaxing... kind of day!

hoot... hoot...

2009-01-30T08:43:00.001-07:00

here's to a fabulous FRidAy!
hoooooot!

sitting pretty

2009-01-28T18:58:00.001-07:00

glanced over from across the room and saw these little feet...
they caught my eye as they dangled there...
just fresh & free as can be...
so tiny... so young... my goodness... the places these feet will go...
the things they will do!

what a GIFT... what a BLESSING... those little feet!

and yes... those ARE cheerios still on the floor from this morning!
oh well... :)

we're ready

2009-01-27T19:07:00.001-07:00

to watch a little American Idol... oh yes we are!

you better get out of her view!

oh the family fun!

i put my boots on for this...

2009-01-26T13:05:00.001-07:00

i have no right to SULK!
WORRY is the devil trying take control!
when i DOUBT... i let the INSECURITY in!
facing my FEAR will allow me to grow!

i am stomping... trampling... squashing...
it ALL out!
my GOODNESS...
i may not KNOW the path my boots should be walking down...
but that's OKAY...
it's the GOING DOWN THAT PATH that is the important thing!

no... i did not wake up miraculously this morning with all the answers...
ewwww... wouldn't that be fun...
i am simply not going to let all of that junk IN!
if i let it in... there will be no room for all the good stuff!

yeah!

so... with all that junk under foot... i am stepping it up & shaking it off!

what do ya say...
shall we all throw on some boots... kick up our heels and dance our way to the party!

the party of life is rocking...
and i think i'd rather dance than sit this one out!

donuts...

2009-01-25T16:12:00.001-07:00

for the girlies... pancakes for mommy... eggs for daddy!
we all had different cravings this morning!
after eating the pancakes... i thought to myself... "ugh i should've had eggs"!

i am curious today about something...
something that tends to roll around every so often for me.
usually tends to be when i feel overwhelmed... weary... or just plain confused.

do you ever wonder if you are on the RIGHT path?
doing what you SHOULD be doing?
there are times when i feel like i am flying by the seat of my pants.

i kind of get FROZEN!

there are SO many things... DIFFERENT things that need attention.
i get to where i don't even know WHERE in the world to start...
"JUST STARTING"... can seem too much...
between it all... sometimes it feels like something's got to give...
WHAT is that something?
being a freak of an A TYPE person... i don't want to let ANYTHING go!

when things get this way... off kilter... i feel like maybe there is a REASON...
maybe there IS too much on my plate.

so much passion INSIDE... wanting to get out... but it gets SQUASHED...
squashed by important AND unimportant things.

is this a sign... is HE trying to tell me something?
or is this normal hubbub?

you wonder...
do other people feel this way too?

do you EVER feel like you have too much enchilada on your plate?
do you find your head spins ALL THE WAY AROUND sometimes?
do you think you are on the RIGHT... meandering it can be... path?

the butte...

2009-01-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

What a time we had in Crested Butte!
As i sit here this morning... i find myself shaking my head...
in awe...
this was the GOOD STUFF...
sorta like a cream filled donut...
sure it was GREAT to be in a beautiful mountain home... oh how it was...
but the STUFF in the middle...
the FRIENDS... the LAUGHS... the TIME...
made it taste SO great!

out of the vehicles... straight to the snow

up up up and away...

wheeeeee

all geared up & ready to hit the slopes...

this would be us... the gals

taking a bit of a rest... after a tough day in ski school

brown eyed blessing

big sis after her day in ski school...

shopping anyone...

giggly little girlies

bench of blades

all the girls made a really neat ice castle

we played lots of cards

watch me mommy... watch my mommy

did you see ME?

oh yeah... i skied a bunch mommy... all by MYSELF

i just love this pic of queenie and her braids

yippee... time to loosen those bindings

smore kits from the outdoor bar

getting her marshmallow all nice & toasty

perfect... mmmmm

i better warm my toes while hubby fetches my boots

the guys...

the snow was like fluffy cotton candy

ready... set... go...

whooooooa

right before we got going too fast and went right of the edge... a BIG drop off

do we have to go?

The last morning of our trip had arrived... yuck...
i wanted to throw myself around their ankles... and throw a good old fashion FIT...
screaming at all... make them stay... stretch out the fun as long as i could!

Like Campbell said on the way to school this morning...
"that was such a fun trip"...
"sure wish we didn't have to go on a trip just to see them"...
"i miss them"!
I wish that too!
Thanks Floyds for such a "GOOD STUFF" time!

Now... i've got tweaks all around to tend to...
tweaks to the shop... the blog... the house... oh my!
orders to send...
bags to unpack...
laundry to tackle...
treats to create!

And it's FRIDAY... don't ya just love that!
Here's to a fancy one... the FANCY FREE kind... :)!

absolute...

2009-01-17T11:29:00.001-07:00

randomness!

since this fox gal will be out for a few days
i thought i'd leave you with a little this & that from around our den!

big hugs to you all... be back really soon!
xo... carissa

bubbles too

2009-01-16T08:12:00.001-07:00

How much longer will they bathe TOGETHER?
How much longer will they let ME wash their hair?
How much longer will they want to stay in and play with RUBBER DUCKIES?
How much longer will my little one squeal "yippee... it's bath night"?
How much longer will they WANT to take their bath in MY bathroom?
How much longer will they run about bare butt & FANCY FREE before jumping in?

How much longer do i have to SAVOR these moments?

There is SOMETHING about seeing their miniature clothes and tiny wet foot prints on the floor!
uh... excuse me girlies... "get back here & pick up your clothes"!

do your kiddos use your bath too?

Sort of makes ME feel like running around all wild & fancy free... WITH my clothes ON!
yippee!
Here's to a truly fab day... YES... it's FRIDAY!

ruby + stella

2009-01-14T15:22:00.001-07:00

My love for Etsy... goes DEEP & WIDE!
Oh the obsession... but oh the FUN!
It's like a treasure trove FULL of talent & seriously goo goo gah gah GOODNESS!
Is Etsy not GENIUS?
oh my!

Since I find SO many gifts & treasures there i thought it might be fun to share & tell!
So this time... this week...
ruby + stella
Jennifer... the talented shop owner... makes the most yummy pillows!
I'm telling ya... i find them so fun & think they add a great pop of personality!
I just adore mine!

blueberry pomegranate...

2009-01-13T08:28:00.001-07:00

shakes for breakfast... their favorite!

i will say... they are pretty darn good!

We have had our fill... now we're out the door!
Thank you Lord for TODAY... this day is a GIFT... we will face it with our best foot forward!

Cheers for a berry special day!
xo

tinkertoy garage band

2009-01-12T08:42:00.001-07:00

Sunday at our home is generally a slow paced day...
we spend time reflecting... relaxing... rejuvenating... and thanking God for his grace!

after making dinner...

we sat down for a show...

even kicked up our "dogs"...

oh the band was full of characters!

Today being Monday... i think many of us are waking up "with ants in our pants"...
or at least the FACT that we HAVE to get up and get going AND get the kiddos going too!
Getting up on Monday always FEELS different to me...
sort of like a day to set the pace for the week... MANY times it is a day i HAVE to do all the things i DIDN'T do over the weekend because i did a little too much relaxing or PROCRASTINATING!
i am SO good at that!
I can put things off... i admit...
i can even WEAR a "princess of procrastination" CROWN and do it in style!
I think i have figured out why we sometimes procrastinate...
seriously...
if we NEVER procrastinated... we would never get to REST!
We would always be doing SOMETHING!
right?
makes sense to me!
There is ALWAYS so much to get done so with a tidge of procrastination
thrown in here and there... we get a tidge of "whew" here and there!

Okay... enough putting things off...
there ARE things that MUST get done today!

Here's to a truly MARVELOUS Monday...
i just KNOW it's going to be a good one... AND a good week to boot... don't you think?

CAT twenty two...

2009-01-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

if we SCARE it out... it will FREEZE to death...
if we LEAVE in alone... it will POOP all over our garage!

we JUST found this young cat in our garage!
uh... excuse me kitty... you sure are cute BUT... where do you belong?

thank goodness a neighbor had cat food... we left it alone... it devoured the food in minutes!
HOW do you get a cat out?
WHAT do you do... really?

i suppose we will have to call "someone" in the morning!
anyone interested in a cat?
Can't seem to find who it belongs to... hmmmmm

sitting here perplexed this evening!

UPDATE
Well... we were finally able to catch this little gal!
Called ALL OVER the place... humane society... animal control... a cat sanctuary...
my hubby even went to the shelter...
we learned something new...
"there is no leash law for cats... they are free to roam"!
I can't imagine a cat on a leash for one thing and the other thing...
no wonder we keep finding bird feathers amongst the trees next to our house...
all those free roaming cats!
They urged me to let her go... told me cats are very adaptable &
that she would either find her way back home or would come back to us.
If she came back to us... and we fed her... kept her for 10 days... making us the rightful owner...
THEN they would take her!
So... we did what the "officials" told us to do!
I feel confident that she is in her warm & cozy home right now!

s t r e t c h

2009-01-08T17:45:00.001-07:00

so... what do you do when you have pulled muscles in your back...
find yourself trapped... frustrated... in pain...
why... you go to the gym ANYWAY!
And not only GO to the gym... you do something you didn't EXPECT...
you make a decision to PUSH... put yourself OUT THERE even more!

I think i lost MY MIND on the way there because i agreed to do their
"Know Your Own Strength" 12 week challenge with my trainer!

I thought i was going in for some stretching...
you can say that again...
s t r e t c h i n g...
i have stretched out my foot and tapped it on the OTHER side of the line!

I am ACTUALLY thinking this was a good slip of the tongue though...
"sure... let's do it"
I was JUST thinking about my goals for this year...
getting ready to get SPECIFIC...
put pen to paper...
WELL...
i have my first thing!

I have been working out with a personal trainer for four months now...
what a perfect time to kick it up a notch!
did i just say that?
i HAVE lost my mind!

This is MORE than the scale... SO NOT THE NUMBERS...
this is for ME...
for my INNER stretch...
as CORNY as this sounds...
for my inner WOMAN!

i think we can lose touch with our own "power"... our own "strength"... what lies WITHIN us...
at least i know I can!
I can become "weak"... i mean in an INNER sense!

This is not just physical for me... i PLAN...no... i EXPECT...
my mind... my heart... my confidence... to expand!

i am taking my FIRST leap of the year!
i will be...
going for it...
striving...
pushing...
growing...
preparing my wings for the flight i WANT to be on this year!

I am curious... have you set a goal yet?
Would love to know... that way i can root for both of us!

"ugh" in my uggs

2009-01-07T09:43:00.001-07:00

i am feeling ugh...

about a month ago i had pulled a muscle in my back... i am guessing that is what it is.
still able to get around... do MOST everything... even continue with my trainer...
at night though the pain would kick in and radiate like NUTS keeping me up night after night...
not able to even sleep on that side.
well... as if THAT wasn't enough... yesterday something else...
another muscle... this time smack dab in the middle of my back!
all i know it hurts to BREATHE!

i know i should probably be trying to stretch it out BUT
that is what i have been doing with the other part of my back and that has NOT worked!

i am seeing a doctor later today... THANK GOODNESS...
i sure hope he can shed some light as to what the heck is going on!

So... today even though there are SO many things calling my name...
SO MANY...
good golly...
i am here in my uggs... "ugh-ing" around the house like a crumpled up piece of paper!

Come on back... i need you... i count on you!
pleeeeease bounce back!

Wishing YOU a happy Wednesday...
jump & dance around a bit for me too! :)

we did the strip

2009-01-06T13:27:00.001-07:00

and i was a BIG winner!
surrounded by the best of FRIENDS...
ate the most awesome FOOD...
LAUGHED so hard my abs are SORE...
stayed up WAY past my bedtime (3am felt like 10pm)
was treated to a manicure AND massage...
got to have girl talk ALL DAY LONG...
did absolutely EXACTLY what i wanted to do the whole trip!
awwwwe...
my heart is FULL!

It was SO great picking up right where we left off...
good friends...
they make the world go round don't they!

Winnie & Buck... we go way back... notice her classy gold stirrup pants... cauuute

Holley... the birthday girl... who does NOT look 40!

we just loved these... tons of them... glass balls suspended from the ceiling at Fin in the Mirage

the gals

i think this was at Planet Hollywood... maybe... oh... i have no idea

what a way to start the day...
she got a Royal Flush at 10am at O'Shea's (our favorite old school hang-out)... woo hoo... SO fun

on the way to the Venetian... eye candy everywhere

dinner at Enoteca San Marco... Venetian... this was a really neat place too

Yesterday was bitter sweet...
didn't want to leave Vegas...
didn't want to say goodbye...
though...
what GREAT memories... oh my... and...
it sure was GREAT to see the little girlies when I got off the plane!
Their faces... oh... what a welcome!

Back home...
now... i better get things in gear...
lots to do in this NEW YEAR!

The first full week of 2009...
oh... i think she's going to be good... don't you!

day one...

2009-01-02T08:55:00.001-07:00

The bowling alley was CLOSED... can you believe... so ice skating was the ticket!
Daddy... granma... and the girlies donned their blades and set to the ice.
I had to sit it out... fear of making my back injury WORSE... I learned sitting ring side...
not moving... your toes & fingers FREEZE... like a box FULL of peach popsicles!
As cold as it was... NO WAY i was going to miss their faces!

"little bit" got in free... i guess when you're that little

she's GOOD... athletic just like her daddy

she loved watching them zoom by

"look... there's daddy"

she loved looking at HER feet in the SKATES... wanted to keep them

ooooh... how i love her

waiting for the zamboni to clean the ice...

waiting...

so they could get back out there

So... today is day two... and i am hopping on a plane BY MYSELF!
Even though i couldn't sleep AT ALL... and am filled with huge amounts of anxiety...
happens EVERY TIME i leave the girls... it's hard to explain but i am SURE you know what i mean!
I get so worked up INSIDE!
WHAT is it?
Scares me to leave them...
i KNOW they are in good hands... the BEST...
i still just find it hard to shake the feeling.
Reminding myself HE will protect them... me... HIS hand is in it... ALL of it!
phew...
lots of anxiety!
The important thing... FUN thing... i am headed for a seriously good... GREAT time!
Meeting up with four fabulous girls...
FURTHER west... cha ching!

Wish me luck...
with my nutty anxiety AND on the tables!

Hope your FIRST weekend of the new year is positively perfect... JUST what you need!
xo

our night was perfect...

2009-01-01T16:55:00.001-07:00

New Year's eve at home with the girlies looked like this...
calm & quiet AND silly wild!

Riley said... "we're gonna party in this room"!
And they did!
The wildlife in the area want their hearing back!

Wishing you THE best year!
One rich in LOVE... PEACE... HAPPINESS!

This year is bursting with POSSIBILITIES... ALL kinds...
i really want to GROW this year... truly DEVELOP...
look back and say... "wow... i DID something"!

Here's to a rooting tooting... horn blowing... deep down inside ourselves... kind of year!

2008-12-31T09:36:00.001-07:00

hAppY New YeaR!

the last piece...

2008-12-30T20:05:00.001-07:00

of chocolate cake... SOMEBODY had to do it!

hELP... I feel like the girl that turned into a big blueberry on Willy Wonka...
except a big chunk-a-monk of chocolate!

ice... strikes... slices... lights

2008-12-30T15:00:00.001-07:00

ICE... all the snow is MELTING! At least where we are!
I have nearly busted my butt a few times slipping around on it... really!
ohhhh... that wouldn't be pretty!

I do like the way it makes the mountains look though... speckled with snow!

Lots of this in our home this week! thanks Santa... the Wii has been too fun...
and i was able to get enough STRIKES to WIN the other night in bowling... against hubby!
Oh yes i did!
He DID kick my butt in tennis though!

Lots of this too!
cranberry mulling spices... apple SLICES... red wine... simmered to perfection!

AND
on a side note...
i just know my house is somewhere underneath all this mess!
Between the pine needles... dust bunnies... laundry piles... new toy parts...
I don't even know where to begin!
Tackling it one thing at a time i suppose!
Thank goodness for my MIL... she has been like a magical fairy & friend all in one!
We can sip on mulled wine & sort laundry like champs!

and LIGHTS... here i come!
Any guesses where i am headed two days from now?

bits & tidbits

2008-12-29T11:29:00.001-07:00

of our Christmas.
Thank goodness EVERYONE made it!
It was seriously a planes... trains... and automobiles... kind of show!

getting a TRUE taste of what it's like to LIVE where it SNOWS!

we had birthdays to celebrate... Todd & Toby on Christmas Eve!

the FIRST year that WE were the ones being woken up...
Campbell was up every hour from 3am on... asking grandma... "is it time yet?"
then we waited on the men to get up

the breakfast was "nibble on... finger tip" kind

the sun wasn't even up yet... but were eager & began our day at quarter of six

the dark outside made the tree's glow even more special

it was JUST right...

all their SMILES...

even THOSE faces

ALL their gifts... every single one of them... were a big HIT

the dinner table was set...

the candles were lit...

grandma & i were quite the team in the kitchen... EVERYTHING was put out HOT & YUMMY

after a long day... THIS was enjoyed with THE best company EVER

we had to say goodbye to Toby... the French Alps are calling his name for New Years! Poor guy!

This Christmas has been VERY special!
Sure... the gifts have been GREAT...
the snow SO pretty...
the food... OH MY REAR...
BUT having family near is what makes it all so REAL... all so DEAR!
Like Todd said before our Christmas meal...
"Thank you Lord for your SON... the ultimate GIFT... the REASON for it ALL"...
because of HIM... and only HIM... we are truly BLESSED!

I hope your Christmas was deep down good for you too!

2008-12-24T20:37:00.001-07:00

2008-12-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

wishing you a ChRisTmAs eVe FULL of JOY!

cancelled...

2008-12-23T11:10:00.001-07:00

granma's (MIL) flight was CANCELLED!
The words no body wants to hear!
stuck!
WEATHER... you NEVER know what you'll get!
I suppose that's what happens when LOADS of snow fall!
She stayed the night in Denver & is currently playing the stand-by game...
things do not look good!
oh... i pray she gets an early flight... well... that she GETS a flight!
she WILL! she WILL!
i pray for ALL the people that are STUCK... there are SO many!

All i know... tweedle dee & dum are having a TIME...
over two feet of new snow fell last night in Aspen... and MORE is expected!
Like two kids in a candy store... eating it up BIG time!
They better not see TOO much new snow though... then THEY will be STUCK too!
oh gosh...

Here "in the valley" we don't see a lot of snow... but we got four new inches!

gleeeeeeee

and speaking of candy store... eating it up

the good kind... dry... fancy... fluffy... flakes

she could stay out there ALL day

do your kids eat it too?

i am SO going to do this

this one here... NOT properly dressed... YA THINK... but SO cute & SO happy!

Looks like we will be having a WHITE Christmas too... more snow is coming!

I STILL have to battle the grocery store & Sams!
Good golly... please tell me one of you out there STILL has to go too!
That would make me feel so much better! :)
Thinking of you ALL today... hoping your day is bright & "fluffy" too!
I am just starting to hope I have my family HERE!

like in the movie dumb & dumber

2008-12-22T14:43:00.001-07:00

While the boys... tweedle dee & tweedle dum... my hubby & his brother... are here...
SOMEBODY had to stay behind...
take care of business and to get their mother from the airport...
and that somebody would be ME!
YES... i am feeling a tidge like... HELLOOOOOO... what is wrong with this picture?
MEN!
They do not GET all that has to get done!
Do santa's elves also do
all the grocery shopping...
all the laundry...
all the cleaning...
all the wrapping...
all the dinner planning...
all the cooking...
all the child care...
oh wait... i AM the elf!

SURE... i would've loved to have gone...
and yes... he DID ask me to go... HOW that would have happened... i don't know!
don't get me wrong...
i feel lucky to be here with my little girlies... i AM
and am SO super happy my mother-in-law is arriving... she is THE BEST... SO fun to have here...
i am in a safe... warm... home...
i just wonder sometimes just WHAT in the WORLD!
You enjoy yourself in Aspen while i stay behind & take care of EVERYTHING else!
See you Christmas eve!
hmmmmmm...
Okay...
let me get off my pity-party soap box!
WOW... that was a BIG Borax soap... kind of box!

We ARE enjoying a slow paced day here at home!
One of those simple kind of days!
One of those days... to be honest... i SO needed!

Has your day been a relaxed one too?

I may not be on a fluffy freshly fallen snow covered mountain right now...
but i get to get loads of sugar from two cute little angels!

Now... i'm off to go find those little snow angels!

do i cry or scream...

2008-12-19T08:19:00.001-07:00

that's how i felt yesterday!
SO excited about baking those darn molasses... i mean gingersnap cookies!
When my sister makes them... you (meaning i) just can't eat enough!
WELL... i guess living at 4700 feet does have it's kinks!
The cookies were a COMPLETE disaster!
not even sort of... really BAD!
I tried over & over again trying to get the mix... oven temp... time... right...
no such luck for this "NOT BAKER"!
I had already made enough batter for about 20 dozen cookies!
DOWN THE SINK!
my lid was about to flip AGAIN!
the house sure smelled good BUT i needed those cookies!

After breathing... calling my mama... i decide to head out... see what i could find!
Funny how you can get SO into something... it SEEMS more important than it really IS!

So instead of cookies... it's Hershey's Hugs cocoa to accompany gifts!

Last night after all the cookie chaos...
i lit some of our smokers...
addressed Christmas cards...
and did some more wrapping!

Here we are...
it's the last Friday before Christmas!
There are still many things (okay... a ton) that need get done...
but as the day gets closer...
and it CAN seem to get even MORE chaotic...
i decided to add mini marshmallows to my coffee this morning...
OH YES I DID...
it will help me remember...
HAVE SOME FUN...
ENJOY...
this is a VERY special time of year!

oh... the LITTLE things... may we be able to SEE them...
and stop for a second to really FEEL their goodness too!

molasses...

2008-12-18T09:49:00.001-07:00

i was missing molasses!
uh... i don't think you can make GOOD gingerbread cookies without it!
So... i switched from making cookies to doing a bit of wrapping!

All i know... it is CRUNCH time...
BIG... organic... coconut... granola kind!
No going back now!

I've dropped off one girly...
the other girly & i went to get the MOLASSES
and grab a latte & hot cocoa to go... of course...
the roads were BRIGHT WHITE... fresh snow is FALLING from the sky!

WE will be hunkered down INSIDE today... baking those cookies...
and tackling the gazillion other things that are wanting attention too!

Here's to a hairy wild day... YES... you know it WILL be...
i will admit... i have already flipped my lid once...
BREATHE...
focus on the REASON... everything else is just FLUFF!

book thong things & a hint!

2008-12-17T07:18:00.001-07:00

First & foremost... i am wondering if i can get coffee by funnel this morning!
a BIG... direct... funnel straight to my mouth!
sheesh...
are we tired or what!

Today... lil bit (my trusty sidekick) & i will be baking... i MUST have lost my mind...
i am NOT a "baker"... cook... anything of that sort!
But yummy... soft... gingersnap cookies MUST be made!
My sister's recipe... they knock my socks off!

This year teachers will be getting those knock your socks off cookies...
those neat (i think) book thing things i made... and Barnes & Noble gift cards!
All i know... i LOVE book stores... could bathe there... hoping they do too!

I got a really "funny" email this morning!
My husband does not read my blog so i can spill the beans here...
Sophia... shhhh... it will be fun!
I got a message from AT&T about my NEW cell phone number...
i DO NOT currently have AT&T...
but if it is what i think it is...
my hubby did VERY well...
he must want SOMETHING...
:)
any guesses on what i think he got me?
it was on my list!

Here's to Wednesday... that glorious hump day!
Can i get a whoop whoop!

is it really nine days away?

2008-12-16T07:56:00.001-07:00

okay... so i said the other day that i felt relaxed... "it would all get done"... "was not worried"...
TODAY... i am feeling a bit of the pinch!
a BIG... HARD... pinch!
There are only nine days left...
but when you have to throw the postal service & shipping in the mix...
it's a whole nother KIT & KABOODLE!
I am still waiting on shipments to COME IN... with gifts i need to get wrapped & OUT!
And to make matters worse...
our Christmas cards...
were guaranteed to be here by the 12th...
today would be the 16th...
they are NOT here!
The company HAS been wonderful about the whole thing but... ugh...
had i known this i would have made it a HAPPY NEW YEAR card too! :)

i am just like you today... trying to balance it all...
still being mommy...
making patches for NEW JEANS that had holey knees...
and facing the fact that the clock is TICKING...
like it or not...
those hands are MOVING!

Thinking of you ALL today...
SERIOUSLY...
because when i am standing in line...
in a crazy kind of way...
it makes me feel good knowing that you are probably doing the exact same thing! :)

Here's to standing in line
while WEARING a smile... FEELING the Christmas cheer & SIPPING on a latte!

big 'ol xo!

the numbers 1 and 10...

2008-12-15T10:25:00.001-07:00

We were inside... bundled up watching Christmas movies...
when Gretel (our dog) rang the bell to go outside...
she needed to go potty...
Campbell turned on the patio light to let her out AND...
SNOW...
it was SNOWING!

It was like candy... THE GOOD KIND... falling from the sky...
the girlies screamed so loudly i think the area wildlife CRINGED!
It was EXCITEMENT at it's PUREST form!
Nuts... cuckoo... crazy... wild... bonkers... they were BEAMING!

"look mama... a snowflake"... that sure is one BIG flake :)

she stood there FOREVER... could not believe SHE made a snow angel... in total awe

back at it the next morning...

she would gather up arm loads of snow and come throw them at me...

while i was right INSIDE... WARM... and sipping on this goodness... WITH whip cream

meet "Tom Harry"... oh the names they come up with!

It was a simple weekend here at the fox den...
we DID have a couple shopping adventures...
good golly... ADVENTURES for sure...
i have learned i cannot "concentrate"... focus on what i need to do...
with the hubby & kiddos in tow...
dare i say... they were "in the way"!
i like to move FAST... get 'er done... not a lot was getting done...
oh well... today's a new day!

oh and the numbers 1 and 10...
It was 1 DEGREES here this morning... flipping COLD
AND
there are ONLY 10 more days... TEN DAYS... until Christmas!
yowzers!

hAppY MoNdAy...
BIG move 'em & shake week here... RIGHT HERE at our feet!
Wishing you loads of successful shaking!
:)

go ahead...

2008-12-12T07:17:00.001-07:00

after all. . . it's F R I D A Y. . . !

the polar bear...

2008-12-11T17:13:00.001-07:00

she wants the POLAR BEAR...
it's on her LIST!
Have YOU seen the polar bear... !

i drove around town like a mad woman looking for a wii...
NO ONE in town had it... and i mean NO ONE!
i felt like the BIGGEST loser... everyone in the stores looked at me like...
"lady... you waited WAY too long"...
okay... but i THOUGHT (silly me thinking) that since it has been such a HIT...
and it's been out for YEARS... they would be better prepared for the demand!
right?
am i crazy?
no... don't answer that!
Are you having "a time" finding what's on their lists?

btw... i did found the wii... as much time as i spend online...
HELLO... crazy lady... look there FIRST!

I am actually (at the moment) feeling relaxed about everything... you know ALL there is to do...
i know it will get done... sooner or later... it has to right (?)...
i think i do better under pressure anyway! :)

And... LPS polar bear... i WILL find you!

bits & baubles

2008-12-10T08:15:00.001-07:00

How many times can i walk by our Christmas tree and SHAKE that strand of lights that's OUT!
come on lights... work with me!
I might have to break down & pull out that NAUGHTY strand... replace it with some GOOD lights!

I'm actually STILL getting this n that out... call me tardy... i have had festive tardiness!
Our home is getting there... and we are all ready for some serious cheer!

mr. snowman is up & ready... now bring on that snow

the cocoa has started to flow

welcome

fa la la la la... la la la la

our fallow... Fifi... she loves her baubles

on the door... always fun to HEAR sleigh bells

So... today... staying calm... that's my goal... ! :)
i STILL have presents to buy!
Oh yes... you're done aren't you!

Reminding myself all the while the REASON for this... ALL of this...
we are REALLY preparing to celebrate a BIRTHDAY!

good morning...

2008-12-09T11:14:00.001-07:00

wait... is it still morning?

one of those mornings... everyone woke up chipper & raring to go...
and believe me that is NOT always the case... we can ALL be little bears!

Some how these little girlies manage to merge their way toward our room during the night...
nothing like four people AND a dog ALL in one king size bed...
good golly... do they make anything bigger... i think I'd buy it!
Do your kiddos find their way to your bed too?

Today... i am up to my eyeballs in the shop... orders and such!
Feeling really good... feeling really fresh... feeling truly blessed!

Here's to a bright & successful day...
Tuesday's here & she's ready to kick us into high gear!

Jordan & a snuggly blanket

2008-12-08T08:11:00.001-07:00

sitting here this morning...
sipping on the brew...
wrapped in my two dollar thrift blanket...
isn't she cute... just LOVE her fun color!
Found her over Thanksgiving while in Texas!
Awe... it is a simple thing... but it sure makes me happy!

So... my brother-in-law posted new pics of his trip to Jordan...
my husband REALLY wanted to go... i wanted him to go...
but with EVERYTHING there is to consider... it just didn't work out this time.
Anyway... it makes me think again of just HOW different these two brother's lives are...
the adventures HE faces... the adventures WE face
my word... it is an amazing thing... the path life leads you down!
There are times i see his pics... and can't help but wonder if my husband ever
wishes he were in his shoes! Is that normal?
I mean come on... who wouldn't want to float in the Dead Sea...
climb Mount Fuji... run with the bulls... have lunch in a Paris cafe...
get close & personal with the wild in Africa... to name a few!
My husband got to put up Christmas lights on our house this weekend! :)

We look forward to seeing Toby over Christmas... he's coming to Colorado!
Where he gets a quick dose of KIDDOS!
I know we may not be his USUAL adventure...
but the girlies sure will give him a BIG dose of silly FUN!

Here's to an AwEsOmE Monday...
no matter what the day holds... i suppose it's what you make of it!
Here's to making TODAY the best it can be!
I'm off to wake up two little monkeys & start our WILD adventure!
xo

nag... nag... nag

2008-12-05T08:05:00.001-07:00

now listen here...
you WILL smile...
you will have a hAppY Friday!

here's to a FEISTY... FULL of GUSTO... be BOLD... kind of day!

beans & a true buddy...

2008-12-03T07:57:00.001-07:00

we found them just like this...
fast asleep (well one of them) in between the back cushion of a chair!

i think as much as Gretel likes to ACT like she "needs her space" away from Riley...
COME ON... look at them! she loves it too!

and speaking of sleep... okay i see the correlation...
i NEED coffee to wake up from the SLEEP i didn't get... I need Ambien! :)
curiosity...
do you take the time to grind in the morning?
actually scoop AND grind BEFORE you brew!

It's hAppY go lucky hump day!
YES!
Here's to a FULL brewed... FULL of goodness... kind of day!

we made it to TEXAS without busting

2008-12-01T22:39:00.001-07:00

it was a long 19 hours of driving to GET there
BUT the girls were GREAT & the drive was GORGEOUS!
i am always amazed by West Texas... the Lone Star state actually has MOUNTAINS!

The drive back was... UGH... i just keep reminding myself that we MADE it...
took us FOREVER... but we MADE it...
there were travelers that had to stay in Red Cross shelters due to the storm we passed through!
The Vail pass can be HAIRRRRY...
long hairy hair...
white knuckle...
hold your breathe...
please Lord get us through this...
hairy...
no matter how you slice it...
no matter HOW great of a snow driver you are...
snow is ICE...
and ice is HAIRY!
:)
Thank you Lord for your protection!

we were off... early enough to just stay in jammies

seen on our drive among all the energy windmills in New Mexico

we knew we had made it when there were more ANIMALS in the room than people... LOVE YOU dad

straight to the trampoline...
mind you... this is a trampoline WE had as kids... REALLY...
new springs & pads every so often... good as new

my sister had us over for dinner one night to her precious home in New Braunfels...
this is a peek of her new OUTDOOR shower... she's fun like that

just a cute llama i love... in my sister's home

doors to her barn... workshop... awesome space

just what you FEEL in her home... LOVE & PEACE

my dad... laughing his head off... soooo funny

nonny (my step-mom) with the grandkids

sweet & silly cousins

we didn't want to say goodbye

next... Kerrville... granmama & granpapa's home (my mama & step-dad)

cheers

oh YES... Flying Saucer Pie Company... THANK YOU Billy for waiting in the LONG line
the cherry was THE BEST EVER

thank you Lord for cooks who know what they're doing...
ALL the food was INCREDIBLE... i should have had a SECOND helping... oh wait i DID :)

some of the colorful goodness

my VERY neat cousin Pam

i don't know WHO they are... :)
my cute aunt Suzi... my ultra-talented uncle Hut... my flipping awesome cousin Libbye

40 people in all... FAMILY... loved ones... gathered at my mom's home

the chairs were set...

oh YES... some turkeys played musical chairs... hokey pokey too
THANK YOU Tio for ALL the fun... you're THE best...

Melinda & her sassy fishnets

true HAPPINESS

she got a chair

LOADS of hugs for granmama's pockets...
she "stores" them up to pull them out later when we're gone

aunt Julie (my sister) & Riley

the day was BEAUTIFUL...

take off your shoes kind & REALLY enjoy...

football on the GOLF course

could he be ANY cuter...
my cousin's little boy... ALWAYS has a smile on his face... ALWAYS

i'll race you...

gotta love it... no dress by this point

my FAVORITE uncle again... HUT

LOVED this... i think he was watching the Dog Whisperer... gotta love that Cesar

Gretel even got sugar... my sis again... is she not SO pretty

we ALL had moments of plain silliness

campbell's art AND my thoughts EXACTLY...
we miss you ALL already!

It went by in a FLASH... just too fast!

Once on the road & heading back my heart always seems to sink a bit...
i can FEEL us leaving all the LOVE...
FAMILY behind!
I am SO thankful for the time we share...
i just don't want it to end!

i stored up some of the goodness in my pockets though...
plan on pulling it out here & there...
to remind me of ALL we have to be thankful!

I sure hope YOUR week was special too...
we was SO close to SO many of you on our trip...
sure thought about you ALL a ton & and am so VERY thankful for your friendship!

moo's...

2008-12-01T08:07:00.001-07:00

& boo hoo's!
we left TEXAS again!
every time we leave... i wonder... WHY the heck are we leaving!
It is truly like leaving PART of YOU behind (a bit more on our trip later)...

so... we're back in Colorado & still recovering from our NUTTY drive...
our SECOND day on the road... that should have been 6 1/2 hours turned into 11 1/2 hours!
I think my behind is STILL asleep... I kid you not!
The GREAT thing... we MADE IT back safely & soundly!

So... moo to you... missed you ALL... and REALLY looking forward to hearing about YOUR week!

oh... and this cowgirl (me)... i have 46 pair of shoes in my closet!
flip flops... clogs... boots & all!
THAT was SO neat hearing ALL of your guesses... WAY fun!
THANK YOU so much for joining in... yall are THE best!
I believe there was a guess of 47...
quite a few of you were RIGHT THERE...
i believe... Edie... would be the winner... yahoo (i'll get with you a bit later)!

BIG hugs... oodles & oodles to ALL of you!

an old lady...

2008-11-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

and a pair of REALLY cute shoes!

okay... SO... the shoes have no REAL relevance other than
i bought them for MYSELF for MY birthday!
gotta lOvE my new Dansko clogs!
yes... today IS my birthday and YES i'm OLD! :)

Since i am not at home right now...
today...
while this is being posted...
i still wanted to say hi...
"HI"
and
i thought it would be FUN to do a GIVE AWAY for my birthday!
what do you think?

so DROP A COMMENT on THIS post...
hmmm... okay...
tell me how many pair of SHOES are in my closet right now...

the person with the closest answer wins...
and if there happens to be a tie... i will draw!

the winner will get a "certificate" to use for something in the shop

AND I will be adding NEW treats on December 1st...
big hearts...
big flying hearts...
big fabulous stars...
and of course new buckles... cuffs & necklaces!

make sure to include my new birthday clogs! :)

my command post...

2008-11-21T18:18:00.001-07:00

at least that's how my sister refers to it...
where i access the world wide web... and oh it's WIDE!

behind these doors is my www la-la land!

it is KNOWN for being piled HIGH with stacks...
but being that we're heading oot... everything HAS to be clean...
why that is... i have no idea... so our home is happy while were away i guess!

Amy from the Mommy Chronicles tagged me with this idea...
i think it is SO fun... after all our "desks" are where we "talk" to each other...
oh WAIT... unless your one of THOSE cool gals with a LAPTOP...
and you can blog in bed... oh that sounds SO fun... JUST what i need!

So... THIS is where i talk to you!

Now... I'm tagging...

YOU...
because...
i can't seem to pick only five girlies...
AND
there are sooooo many of YOU i want to see...
PLEASE join in if you see this...
come on...
i think it is NEAT... to see where we all chat with each other!

hAppY turkey

2008-11-21T08:11:00.001-07:00

okay so...
i've donned the contraptions (una-boob maker)
and we're ready to head to the gym!

This is one of those mornings... honestly... that i am going JUST because
my CUTE little trainer is WAITING for me... TERRIBLE i know... but
there are so many OTHER things that need to get done!
After i shake my tail feather (love that song) there...
lil bit & i will make our way through the day!
She is such a GREAT little partner... she tags along happy & with a SMILE!

Still feeling a bit like that TURKEY...
but a turkey that was SAVED & is oh SO happy!
I'm feeling gReAt!

I'll stand tall today... una-boob and all... ready to face the day!

SO... here's to...
someone inventing a better contraption (that REALLY does what it says it does)
AND
a truly fAbUlOuS Friday...
hIp hIp hooray...
today is FrIdAy !!!
:)

flustered...

2008-11-20T08:15:00.001-07:00

like a TURKEY... before the BIG day!

and all the while trying to hang onto a happy heart!

it can get a bit overwhelming...
all the to do!
all there is TO DO!

If i don't lose all my hair today from my... cute little matchy jammie... girls
FIGHTING like dogs... i'll be happy!
Boy they sure can be sweet... but oh they can be STNKY too!
hmmmm... i guess sorta like ME...
hmmmm funny how that works! :)

So... here's to a busy day... YES... but those MASHED POTATOES are within sight! :)

i think i might have a little screw loose today!
:)
xo

home

2008-11-18T17:54:00.001-07:00

When Thanksgiving starts peeking about the corner...
my heart KNOWS it... i can FEEL it!
This is by far... my FAVORITE time of the year!
Thanksgiving means SO much to me!

family
tradition
memories
hugs
laughing
card playing
corks popping
mashed potatoes & gravy
comfort
total silliness

it is FEELING...
of core deep BELONGING...
a feeling of KNOWING just where you FIT IN!



I am SO very thankful to belong...

to have parents i KNOW love me to pieces...
no matter WHAT...

to have a sister & a brother...
that HAVE to love me no matter what :)...

to have the BEST cousins ANYONE could EVER imagine...

to have THE COOLEST aunts & uncles in the world...

to be the grand-daughter of the BEST dancer in town...

to have the most ADORABLE nephew...

to have DEAR friends... that no matter the miles... we are always THERE...

to have two DARLING girls that make me a MOMMY...

to have a supportive husband that loves me... even though i drive him NUTS :)...

to have a loving GOD... that accepts me with OPEN arms!

I am SO VERY thankful!

we're up...

2008-11-17T07:59:00.001-07:00

and getting geared up for the day!
breakfast...
coffee...
shower...
clothes...
backpack...
car...
let's go!

mucho Monday...
oodles & oodles and gobs & gobs of things to do today!

so... here's to a REALLY productive...
gotta grab a mid day cup a joe...
gotta make it happen... kind of day!

ox... gobs & gobs!

brown fuzzy ugg slippers too...

2008-11-15T13:33:00.001-07:00

you wanna know something funny...
i am STILL in my jammies...
um hmmm...
and it is 1pm!
i got started playing in the studio...
and time FLEW!
fun!

We've got the girl's hair cut appointments today... a few errands...
& then they are already asking for shakes... something we tend to do on special outings!
Chick-fi-A shakes to be exact!
Have you had one.... good golly they're good... BIG... but good!

I am loving the "spontaneous" feel of our day...
we can do WHATEVER comes to mind...
WHATEVER jumps in our head...
sometimes it is JUST what we NEED!

One thing i know for sure... I've gotta get out of my robe! :)

Hope your Saturday is just what you need too!

waking up with stars in my eyes...

2008-11-14T08:04:00.001-07:00

you know those mornings...
your feet are WOBBLY...
your head is FULL of "stars"...
your eyes can barely open...
that FOGGY feeling!
just a TIDGE tired!

BUT...
it's FRIDAY!
That's enough to knock that fog right OUT of my head!
Friday... that famous day at the end of the week that SO many look forward to!
She's heeeeere!

Here's to a feisty & fun filled day...
loaded to the brim with SPUNK!

oh... and before i forget... speaking of stars...
we're rooting for you & you & you... ALL of you Rock n Roll-ers !
Rockin the 13.1!
XO

nine dollars and eighty cents

2008-11-13T17:16:00.001-07:00

before... good GOLLY gold after... green apple girly green

and she LOVES it!
i'm so glad!
our little book worm didn't have enough light by her bed to read at night...
so... lil bit & i went shopping today for BIG SIS!
i love when you can find such treats at Goodwill!
One person's "trash"... another person's perfect TREAT!
i like that it is big & bold... and full of sass! :)
Don't ya just love a fun find!

two lumps in my tea please...

2008-11-13T08:15:00.001-07:00

the simple moments in the day are what make it sweet!
besides... she makes the BEST tea! :)

those little fingers... setting everything JUST SO

"delightful"... yes she said that... little turkey

through the peeper of her toy camera

hAppY tHuRsDaY!
Here's to grabbing onto those little moments... and having a sip or two!
:)

way back... wednesday

2008-11-12T08:09:00.001-07:00

and a screw loose!
a WOOD screw to be exact!
3/4 of an INCH!
IN our nine month old child!

we were the TYPICAL "first child" parents...
crazy NUTS about anything & everything...
never let her out of our SIGHT...
washed EVERYTHING that fell on the ground...
outlet covers... cupboards locked... furniture bolted to the wall...
the whole nine yards...
the whole enchilada...
for pete's sake... she was still sleeping right next to me...
you get the picture...
you know what i mean...

oh and this little turkey was walking!

so... we were headed to my cousin's home one night...
they had just moving into a dreamy home in the inner loop... Houston...
as we walked out the back door to leave... we LOCKED it...
with NO keys in our hands...
we were locked OUT of our home... NO way to get back in.
we could SEE them on the table... ugh
well... what does any hubby do when in this predicament?
why...
he lops the door handle right off!
since we were running late... we put the knob & parts right inside & we headed out!

fast forward to the next morning...
by this time i had forgotten ALL about the door thing...
i am sitting at the kitchen table (don't recall what the heck i was doing)...
when all of a SUDDEN a sheer panic over-comes me...
i jump up...
look over...
Campbell is right by the knob & parts putting something in her MOUTH...
i run like never before...
reach my finger in her little mouth...
can NOT get it...
SHEER TERROR...
i am SO afraid she is going to try & swallow it... don't want it to go sideways...
she swallows it!
i grab her... run like never before to my neighbor across the street who is a nurse...
SHEER TERROR...
thinking of it now... i'm not to certain why i ran over there...
i think was in total SHOCK...
run back home...
jump in the car and drive straight to the ER.

Daddy meets me there...
we wait...
x-rays are taken...
i will never forget the tech lady looking at us and saying as she finished...
"good luck to you"... with this LOOK on her face!
the ten minutes we probably waited felt like ten hours...

the doctor walks out WITH x-ray in hand...
LAUGHING...
and says...
she'll be just FINE...
it's all ready in her small intestine!

fast forward...
SURE enough within hours it was in her DIAPER!
thank you JESUS...
ya think it coulda been WAY worse!

we are VERY blessed!
we can NOW look back at this...
it STILL gives me chills...
BUT
we can look back & remember the doctor's smile
when the SHEER TERROR turned to SHEER THANKFULNESS!

thankful...

2008-11-11T10:07:00.001-07:00

SO thankful... for our VETERANS!
the BRAVE men & women!
our FREEDOM!
God bless these AMAZING servants!

our thankful tree...
some things that we have added SO FAR...

i am loved
my house
have so much to share
having a family
friends
flowers
birds
coffee
God
possibilities & dreams
school
our health
the sun
we live in America
clean running water
hugs
Gretel
my good job
mama & daddy
flowers
books

SO neat to see what the girlies come up with!
we have SO much for which to be THANKFUL...
the list grows more each & EVERY day!

bubble gum lashes...

2008-11-10T17:26:00.001-07:00

"again mama. . . AGAIN"
my girlies think i am some official bubble blower or something...

and oh yes...
you should try...
didn't you know that pink gum in your lashes...
is the new "thing"! :)

sticky... YES...
but... SURE to make you LAUGH!

godwink

2008-11-10T07:58:00.001-07:00

WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU
"How God Speaks directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence."
"When God winks, He is reaffirming that there is absolutely nothing
about us that He does not know... every hurt... our every desire."

. . .from a book i finished reading a couple weeks back!

Yesterday... i was having one of THOSE mornings!
I woke up tired... i did not WANT to go to church...
the house was in COMPLETE disarray... we were running late...
over-whelmed... i was angry & bitter...

as i was getting dressed i decided to wear one of my granmama's necklaces...
it was perfect for my outfit & besides i love it!

We arrived at church LATE... checked in the kiddos... and headed in...
they were still in worship!
I am normally a singer... love to shout it out... clap my hands... the whole bit...
i was spent... felt empty...
ALL of a sudden... third song in...
one they have NEVER played...
the music starts... "HOW GREAT THOU ART"...
i was being hit on the head with a godwink!
The IMMENSE power of that moment was almost too much to bear...
the tears flowed... and i felt completely wrapped in LOVE!

why...
in my granmama's last few days with us...
we were planning her celebration of her life service...
my cousin & i were making keepsake bookmarks for guests...
we were having difficulty deciding what song... quote to put on it...
"why not try & ask her" we thought...
we wanted this to be HER... what SHE wanted!
When asked... "granmama... what is your favorite song...
your favorite hymn?"
she TOLD us... "HOW GREAT THOU ART"...

i HAD a godwink... there is NO DOUBT in my mind that i was being
touched by the love & grace of God...
he was speaking to me through what i knew... what i hold MOST dear...
WHO i hold most dear...
i am humbled by His power again...
and comforted by knowing He KNOWS... He is right HERE!
He is with us EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!

i feel like flying...

2008-11-07T07:46:00.001-07:00

it's Friday!
my heart feels LIGHT...
my feet feel READY...
my eyes are wide OPEN...
i am EAGER & ready to jump right in!

funny how a day of the week can bring such JOY...
i guess it is the "whimsy" of it all...
the WEEKEND is upon us...
here to bring a REFRESHING rain!

here's to running out & taking on the day WITHOUT a rain coat...
feel the GOODNESS on your face!
xo

this OR that...

2008-11-05T19:53:00.001-07:00

wine OR beer
wine

coffee OR tea
coffee WITH cream and sugar

night gown OR pajamas
night gown

bath OR shower
shower!!!!!

lefty OR righty
righty

cake OR pie
hmmmm... will usually pick moist cake over pie

pumpkin pie OR pecan pie
pumpkin with a bit 'o whip cream

one story OR two story
one

dog OR cat
dog

early bird OR night owl
thanks to coffee... early

sport utility OR car
suv

vanilla OR chocolate
vanilla... with chocolate syrup

scrabbled OR over-easy
over-easy WITH toast... gotta sop up that goodness

dress OR pants
pant gal most of the time

mustard OR ketchup
mustard

red OR green
pleeeease... BOTH

laptop OR desktop
desktop

coke OR pepsi
i'm not too picky on this as long as it's NOT diet

flats OR high heels
LOVE flats but heels help my pants not drag... shorty

fiction OR non-fiction
non-fiction... i daydream enough by myself

pulp OR no pulp
love me some pulp

hugs OR kisses
HUGS

will YOU play along OR won't you?
i really want YOU to!
yes YOU!
:)

today... in our neck of the woods...

2008-11-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

okay... so the game...

2008-11-03T20:41:00.001-07:00

was fun! Did i just SAY that!
Yep... the hubby & I went to the Broncos game... and it WAS fun!
I can't believe it!
I tried to get out of going...
like i always do...
ANY sports event...
he'd have a much better time with a guy who can "whoop it up" right along side of him...
SO glad i went!
It was a much needed weekend away and since it was a company outing i got to hang out with some really fun wives... GIRLS... i wasn't the only one!
Yeah for girl talk & just plain silliness!
And BIG thanks to grandma for watching the chickadees while we were away!

we're headed to the city

coco mojito at the Samba Room... YUMMO... go there and get it... NOW :)

a true BOYS weekend... ugh

the Brown Palace hotel

Mile High Station... Halliburton tailgate

November in Denver & the sun was SHINING

the boys... i was actually BUMMED they lost

serious fans... those Broncos!

Lanny... that would be my hubby & me :)

sixteenth street was my favorite!

Do YOU try to pass on the sporting event thing...
or are you right there on the side lines whooping it up?
I will add that i DID jump up & yell a few times... the atmosphere gets to you!

a hopping candy freak...

2008-11-01T07:45:00.009-07:00

was what we had on our hands...
lil bit was a jaw chopping candy eating MACHINE
and she is already into the candy this MORNING!
Like i always say... get your fill... cause all that candy...
and we have a TON... what happened to ALL those kids
we were supposed to have... is going OUT the door!

It was a special night... i think JUST right...
just the RIGHT amount of hoopla & candy high HAPPINESS!

good morning...

2008-10-31T06:15:00.005-07:00

all you perfectly pretty pumpkins!

i'm sitting here...
sipping on some goodness
and thinking about the day ahead...

the girlies are SO excited to get all dressed up
and pretend that they are something else even if just for a bit.

i think i am looking forward to... hmmm...
let's see... Reeses... Kit Kat... Snickers...

ewe that doesn't sound too good right now BUT later...
"come to mama"!
i AM looking forward to seeing the "glee" in the girls...
just their raw... genuine excitement!

Wait... exactly how much cardio does it take to work off
a binge of Halloween candy?

Here's to a boooootiful day...
filled with all sorts of Hershey goodness!

can you hear the giggles...

2008-10-30T06:17:00.010-07:00

hAppY ThUrSdAy!

Here's to a day full of leaps & bounds...
and lots of giggles too!

in walks lil bit...

2008-10-28T19:08:00.003-07:00

lil bit "mama... i want a baby"

me "you mean you want a little brother or sister...
a new baby in our family"

lil bit "YES"

me "oh honey... mama & daddy can't have another baby"

lil bit "but I want one"

me "oh hon..."

lil bit "can one just hatch from an egg"

count...

2008-10-28T07:22:00.007-07:00

my vote!

i do not know what it is...
this happens every time...
when i am standing in the booth about to touch the screen
"cast your vote" i get this horrible feeling like OMG
what if the computer selects the WRONG person...
did i select the RIGHT box!

review...

review...
okay... yes...

the right person...

CAST my vote!
maybe a tidge of OCD... ya think!

one tiny voice... but... EVERY vote counts!

i am settling in the the studio this afternoon...

YES...
HaPPiNeSS...
creating fun new pieces for the shop

and a SuPeR fun new customer!

Update to come later in week!

nothing better than...

2008-10-27T06:05:00.004-07:00

a new pair of boots...

they make you stand TALL...
walk PROUD...
they put a little HOP in your step...
they look REALLY cute with dresses :)...
they make your heart SMILE when you peek down & spy on them...
they are just plain FUN...

and ANOTHER little reminder
to thank GOD for life's little pleasures!

Here's to a high stepping...
boldly walking... go-getting... kind of day!