now thaaaat's attractive

I am looking "hot" this morning! oh yeah... oh yeah. All I know... I am comfy & warm!

You know I was so frazzled yesterday... wore myself out... literally. I was exhausted. Late last night I realized... it hit me... I am right where I should be. Right in the middle of it all. There is so much to embrace. It may be hectic... chaotic at times... but... this is my life! It is a gift... all of it. The dried up cheerios I find on the kitchen floor... the endless dress-up clothes that don't make it back to their bin... the basket full of laundry that never ends... the temper tantrums on the floor... the muddy-snow boots that just ran through the door... the spilled cocoa... the screaming... THE HUGS... THE KISSES... THE "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH mommy"... it's all mine! I am right where I should be! Right in the middle of it all!

Mini me came walking in...

on a tight rope

Welcome Monday! This is one of those days where I am waking up thinking "where in the world do I begin"! So much to do... my head is spinning!

Wearing many hats and always wearing a hat! You know what I mean... that 24/7 of being mommy... wife... woman! My word... my girls are a precious gift... the loves of my life... I just need time to breathe by myself! Only me. Trying to balance it all is my current challenge. Sometimes it feels like I spend all my time just "keeping up" that there is no time to do what I enjoy most. I know... whoa is me... little miss pity-party... I need to suck it up and get over it! Really!

If you have found the answer to keeping all the balls in the air... please share!

I will continue to march forward... onward & upward!

Some pics from our duck pond visit yesterday... I think this guy wanted to come home with us to sit by the fire.

Okay... so here's to a "look on the bright side" Monday! I'm off to divide & conquer!

it's here

Yippee... yippee... yeah... yeah... it's friday! Here's to having a fabulous weekend! To doing what makes you happy!

What do you have going? Do you have a big plans or just a relaxing time at home?

I hope to do a bit of both! It's a winter wonderland outside so I am sure we will be building a snowman and making a few snow angels. As long as I can have hot cider once inside... I'm good. I'm a chicken in the cold... I am so Texan! As I sit here... it is 16 degrees outside! Brrrrrr!

And here's to my mama! She had shoulder surgery this morning... and I pray for a speedy recovery! It's done... you will get better each and every day!

I love you so much... wish I were there. I know you're in good hands... the best!

celery... onion... check... check!

dinner... check

I've got the beans on for dinner... except for a couple major ingredients that I need to run and get (onion & celery)! Who runs out of onion? I am usually pretty good about having onions... I love onion! I love it when dinner begins in the morning. It takes a bit of stress out of the witching hour... you know that time. Well... at my house around five the kids start going bonkers. So woo hoo... I've got dinner... check!
The only thing I was missing while slaving over the stove (ha) was one of these pretty aprons! I came across these the other day and it made me WANT to cook or have a party. You know... just to show it off! How great are they? I favor the full apron so when I sneak a taste test... I don't get all a mess! Run over and see these aprons at PresentPast Collection. Who doesn't need a fun apron!

I have another full plate today. Of course. Who doesn't. I guess the key is to take it all on with a smile and cheer! So here I go... hip hip hooray!

way back... wednesday

I can not believe I am actually sharing this picture! But it is snowing like CRAZY outside so... what better than a... ridiculous... what was I thinking with my hair... thought I was so cool... 80's... picture! It pains me to look at it! But on the other hand... it reminds me of great times! This picture was taken in Crested Butte... obviously in 1980 something. Kind of funny how we live just a hop, skip and jump from there now! We have many fun memories made in Crested Butte on ski trips... my gosh... silly fun!

In case you really want to know which one is me... I am the dorky one on the left! Holley is next to me and then Beth. I have known then since first grade! I am happy to say... we are still the best of friends! They're family!


I think it is time for a ski reunion really soon! Who do you think will be the first to pee in their pants from laughing too hard?

baby steps

We're in potty training mode over here! Just waiting for that little light bulb to go ON above her head. She is very stubborn and is on a time table all her own!

She will be doing GREAT and then we have big steps backwards. She'll get it... one baby step at a time! May be taking a bit longer than it did for big sis... but oh how they are their own person! Wow! Two very unique chickadees!

I am eager as can be to get my hands busy again for the shop. I am facing a server issue on my site right now. It is a big pain in the 'ol rear! I hope to have it resolved very soon... it's making me nuts! I am unable to access my site at all!!!

School was back in session today. Big sis was super excited to get back! I will say... I am so proud of her. She LOVES school... loves being around her friends... and thinks her teachers are the best! She is one smart cookie... always ready to take on the day! What a blessing!

Okay... potty training emergency... gotta run! FAST......

If you see a crazy lady running down the street... pulling out her hair... screaming at the top of her lungs... it"s ME!

loads of it

laundry... laundry... laundry.


So this was my view today (a glimpse into the laundry room)! Do you see the poster... I so love. How perfect could it be? I got it a while back from the awesome Victoria of bohemian modern style from a san francisco girl. She now has an Etsy shop (LOVE Etsy) where you can get one too. She has many colors from which to choose... see! I think we can all use the reminder to "keep calm & carry on"... I know I can!

We have a really exciting night scheduled... it's popcorn & Ratatouille! :)

Hope you are having a super weekend too!

well shoot...

i've got a great view right now...

i've got a great glass of wine...

but i don't have anyone to share. where is a girlfriend when you need one! i think i was spoiled last week... so many fun women in the house! what a joy! now... could you come back please!

it's Friday! yeah! enjoy!

i am going to go dial up some dinner... kiss on my girls... and kick up my feet!

someone stop me

Step away from the cherry cordial kisses sista! I have a real problem... if it's there... I will eat it until it's gone! Have you had them? My goodness! They're divine! Simply divine!

I have soooo many things to tackle! I bet you do too!

I need a little kick in the rear. Need some focus. I keep jumping from thing to thing to thing! Do you know what I mean? I just want to complete one thing! My head is spinning with a to do list ten miles long. My struggle today... as silly as it is... is to just check a few tasks OFF my list.

Just wanted to send a quick "cherry" kiss & smile... I'm off to jump in a dirty laundry basket!

long underwear required

A day full of fun! Powder was up to our ears at Powderhorn! I thought I might not even make it up the hill! Can we say... "time to ring in the New Year with a new rear"! I've got to get in better shape to keep up with the little chickadees! My goodness!

Big sis had a ball... even went down all by herself. She is ready to go back immediately! Little bit's first comment was... "that was so cool"! She really said that! Soooo funny! Little tough cookie!We bundled up as best we could and really had a blast. It was a brisk 7 degrees! If you ask me... it felt more like 7 below zero... I'm a chicken!

After sledding some of our group went skiing and some of us hung out... had refreshments... and laughed our butts off! I did alot of deep belly... good for the soul... laughing! It was great! I couldn't have asked for better company or a better time!

happy new yeeeeeaaaaarrrrr...

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!