Colorado Carricks

School Days

2010-09-15T14:23:00.001-07:00

The next week after Grace's ballet class started, Zane started first grade homeschool! I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive at first, seeing as my mom was such a great teacher, but we are settling in nicely. And I have discovered that I LOVE to teach! Zane is already doing wonderfully, and he looks forward to school every morning :)

This morning was our first library adventure day. I packed a surprise picnic lunch for us and off we went! We ate at the library park and the kids played for awhile on the playground there. Then we used our tree identification fanbook and walked all over the library grounds looking at and comparing the different types of trees, studying the leaves, and reading about each one and it's purpose. Way fun! Then it was time to start teaching Zane how to find books in the library. We had so much fun that Grace is sawing some serious logs, and Zane is now having some lego down time.

The squirrels were gathering all the acorns from the oak trees, and they looked so cute with their mouths stuffed full of nuts! Too bad they don't pose well...

These are all Ranger Rick Nature Science books I bought used from the library. They have a section now where they put books that are too old or that have newer versions, and you can take whatever you want and just leave a donation in a jar! Rock on! Couple bucks for fun nature books? I'll take it ;)

Ballet

2010-08-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Grace loves all things ballet and princess, and dances around the house pretending to be a ballerina. So, when our church announced that professional ballet teachers wanted to offer classes at no cost for church members, we couldn't pass it up! Grace will now be attending weekly classes for the entire school year :) Yay God!!!

Tonight was her first class, which she was a little nervous for. Thankfully, some of her friends from wee church are in the same class! Too bad they kicked all the parents out once class started, I didn't get any pictures of her actually dancing. Apparently, at this age having mommy and daddy oooh and ahhh over every cute thing their child does, is a huge distraction. I'm not convinced. sigh. Ok, pictures!

Checking in and ready to go!

She was a little nervous that we had to leave her.

Getting started.

She was radiant when we picked her up, she had such a wonderful time!

She gave us a little demonstration for what she learned in class.

When we picked her up, Teacher Hannah absolutely raved about Gracie's dancing skills, and told us that she is very much looking forward to working with her this year. I'm a very proud Mama right now :)

Casa Bonita

2010-08-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

Since Dad has been here we haven't taken too many pics. Either the camera is dead or we think about it too late! But meeting the Barrientezes at Casa Bonita last night was a good opportunity :) Here's what I got!

PS. Mom, I'm hoping to get a really good one of Dad, Zane, and Grace together before he leaves Friday. We will send pics home with Dad too!

Thank you Nana and Papa Miller!

2010-06-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

The last few months.

2010-06-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

So, the last few months have been pretty busy for us. After our kitty, Alex, passed away, I went with Aunt Kellie to Florida for a mini vacay. It was so much fun to visit the Ringling Art Museum sans children, and actually remember what I looked at :) We were able to go fishing in the gulf several times, which is my all time fav thing to do in Florida! We also went to Myakka State Park and got to see wild gators! Ok, so maybe I have several favorite things to do in the Sunshine State. I also turned 27 on this particular trip, and was able to celebrate it with my dear Grandma and Grandpa; something I haven't been able to do in longer than I can remember. What a fun vacation, but I definitely missed my hubby and kiddos!

Then, after life started returning to normal, we decided to go to South Dakota for an extended weekend, just us and the kids. Talk about an adventure! We took a 1 1/2 hour tour in one of the longest cave systems in the world, visited the Mammoth fossil site, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore, Bear Country, and got chased by tornadoes!

Right when we got back from SD, it was time to start planning for Zman and Gracie's birthday party. Not to mention also planning around our cousin's wedding (Congrats Andy and Jess!) that happened to fall on Grace's birthday!

And just this last weekend we went camping with Ty's parents and bro, up the Big Thompson Canyon. It was a very nice and easy camping trip, except every one of us also got burnt! But we had great camp neighbors, fun fishing, and one beautiful, yet exhausting 3 - 4 mile hike :) Not to mention those yummy, kosher 'smores!

So it has been a fun last few months, just a little exhausting :) We have lots and lots of pics to upload too, so look for those in the coming days!

My little cuties!

2010-06-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

Just a few recent pictures of the kiddos! Hopefully I can give ya'll an update in the next day or so :)

Zane with his new Buzz Lightyear Lego creation! He got tons of legos for his birthday.

Dressed up at Ty's cousins wedding last Friday.

Gracie in her new Twinkle Tiara we crafted together!

Such a princess :)

Is everyone sick of tutorial posts?

2010-06-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

Last one, LOL!

Skirt Tutorial 2

2010-06-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some videos for you mom, to help you figure out the steps. Please call me if you have questions! Even if I might be at work or whatever, you can leave me a message and I'll call you back ASAP to help :)

I'm having trouble posting the second video here, so I'm gonna try it in a new post ;)

Skirt Tutorial

2010-05-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

This post is for Mom. Everyone is welcome to read it, however, the probability that you would still be awake by the end, is very minimal.

Obviously I deep sixed the tutorial idea for facebook. Even though it would be easier to upload the pictures there, It would be harder to navigate and get all the steps in the order they should be. I will add the instructions later tonight or tomorrow, but at least mom, maybe you can get the general idea!

...Ok, the first pic is corrupted, I'm gonna have to fix that.

This Blog

2010-05-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

I see that the last time I posted was over a month ago, and that is just not acceptable. So, I have made a few decisions regarding this blog:

1. I will stop making myself feel guilty every time I go weeks in between posts. I do, after all, have two young children, a job outside the home, homeschool Zane, keep house, and with any free time sew, crochet, make jewelry, bake, garden, and read...

2. As per the above paragraph, if I do sit down to post, I am not always in the right frame of mind to write coherent sentences, so I give up.

3. Number two on the list above is not even a decision about blogging, it is just an observation.

4. I rest my case.

PS. Mom, I am putting the skirt tutorial on facebook in it's own folder. It's easier on my computer that way :)

Mr. Alex, our beloved kitty.

2010-04-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

We have had Alex for nearly 8 years, since he was just 6 weeks old. He has been overweight for the better part of those years, we just never really understood why. A few days ago he stopped eating and I noticed he wasn't quite acting like himself. On Thursday he wouldn't move and he was breathing very heavily, so we decided to take him to the emergency animal hospital. They were able to figure out that he had an advanced stage of diabetes and was crashing from a lack of insulin. It seemed so simple to fix, until they were able to explain to us what exactly that meant. It meant that he would need to be hospitalized overnight, and needing several thousands of dollars of treatment just to get it under control. That didn't include all the vet visits he would need and twice daily shots, and blood sugar tests and such. In short, we couldn't afford it and we had to make the very hard decision to put him to sleep.

He used to be kind of a jerk to everyone. He used to make it hard to grow attached or truly love him (like we do our other kitty, Momo). But about 6 months ago, he changed. He began to crave our company and not be so mean. We learned to love him! So our decision was especially hard, having developed such a new attachment to him. Nevertheless, I am grateful that we had that time together! We love and miss our dear friend.

Saying Goodbye

Lunch at East Moon last Thursday

2010-03-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

I've been having such a great time with my Mom and sis visiting! I posted pics from lunch 2 days ago, on facebook. Here are a few of the ones I posted:

Grateful

2010-03-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Praising God for a beautiful day today and a wonderful husband who is my best friend!

That's all :)

Denver Museum

2010-03-04T23:13:00.000-08:00

Aunt Kellie graciously took us (the kids and I) to the museum last Thursday, and we had such a good time! Zane is starting to really get into dinosaurs and science, so this was especially fun for him :) It was fun for Grace too, but I think it was more of a "wow, I'm with Zach and Katie in this huge new place that I reallyreallyreally wish I could just run around in and touch everything in reach" kind of fun.

Aside from that, Zane read his very first book all by himself the other day! I wasn't actually home to witness it, but as soon as I got home, he was more than happy to demonstrate. I am loving teaching him at home; you can turn any mundane detail into a science, math, or reading lesson! In fact we went on a science/nature walk today in this beautiful 60 degree sunshine we've been recently blessed with.

Anyway, I have just finished posting pictures from our museum excursion, on facebook. I know that not everyone has a facebook account so I will post a few pics here too, for your viewing pleasure! Have a great weekend :)

Maybe we need a new pet?

2010-02-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

I had a good 2 hour convo with my twin yesterday, and Grace found a way to entertain herself...

Me: "Gracie, what are you doing and why are you naked?"
Grace: "I'm walking my new puppy!"
Me: "..."
Grace: "heeheehee :)"

A close-up of Gracie's new...ahem, pet.

Settling In

2010-02-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

A week after moving and we are nearly unpacked and have most everything here! There are still a few boxes, the big bouncy horse (from Mom and Dad M.), the grill, and a some more kitchen appliances at the old house, but we are not worried about it. We have until the 17th, so we are not trying to kill ourselves getting everything done at once. As soon as I find the camera and camera cords, I will take pictures!

To answer Rachel's question, yes our application was approved for the apartment we wanted! We've been able to fit everything very nicely here, which I'll admit, I was a little worried about, since it is an apartment after all. But there are many big closets and a nice storage shed right outside that is all ours :)

Grace is loving her "pink room" and the way cool pink lamp that Aunt Kellie took her shopping for. Zane also got to pick out a super cool sports lamp, that he and his daddy adore! Aunt Kellie, you think you could come over again and help me arrange my china cabinet? I'm pretty good at arranging furniture and things, but when it comes to china and knick knacks, I'm useless!

I really like the kitchen, even though it is a quarter the size of our old one. There is still much counter space, lots of cupboards, and a good sized pantry closet. We can't hear our neighbors at all, and the little old lady downstairs says all she hears are the kids running around, which she assures me is refreshing as she raised 5 of her own, and now has 14 grandchildren and another due any day!

It is very nice to live in a family centered community :)

2010-01-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

Ah, the joys of moving! Packing, cleaning, re-packing (thanks to the kiddos :), using plastic utensils. I hate moving. Oh well, a necessary evil I suppose.

At least our new apartment manager has been awesomely helpful and understanding. We were in a bit of a quandry as Ty could not get Monday (moving day) off from work, so we would have had to wait until next weekend to move in. Shawna (the nice manager) said we could come in today to sign the lease and get the keys, so that we could start this weekend! And our lease will still show the 1st as being our move-in date. Amen to that!

So, we are trying to finish up all the packing today to start bright and early tomorrow morning :) Please Lord, grant us nice weather and your favor!

Estrogen

2010-01-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

So we know that Grace already has all the female tendencies, i.e. obsessed with princesses, needs to be re-assured every 5 minutes that shes beautiful, loves chocolate...

Well, I discovered her secret stash this morning. Yeah, I said stash. We have a tupperware with homemade marshmallows that "disappeared" recently. I found it tucked away in a corner of the fridge with the lid just sitting on top. I secretly watched Grace look over her shoulder, dash into the kitchen, open the fridge door and sneak out a marshmallow in less than five seconds. She stuffed it into her mouth and then walked back into the living room very nonchalantly with a very satisfied look on her face.

I guess I didn't realize that having a girl meant that estrogen would fully manifest before she was 3 years old!

At least I still have a little time with Zane before testosterone takes him over too. Oh wait, his favorite store is Best buy and he's playing a video game right now...

A New Baby in the Fam!

2010-01-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

Ty's cousin gave birth to a baby girl this morning! Eek, I love new babies! I have a beautiful flannel pink and green sling all ready to go, and now we just gotta get down to Denver to welcome this little one to the world :)

Congratulations Jen and Zack, and welcome baby Teagan!

By the way...

2010-01-20T09:07:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Sarah, Mom, Becca, Kyle, and soon Uncle Kerwyn too!

Our New Place

2010-01-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, we have picked where we want to live! Now we are just waiting for our applications to be approved. We decided on the 3 bedroom apartment in the Country Ranch community; it is nearly 1200 sq. ft., 2 bathrooms, lots of storage, a neighbor on only one side, and a playground right outside the building! Not to mention the brand new library is right across the street, along with a Super Target, Sprouts Natural Marketplace, and Urgent Care is a block away. Can you tell that I'm excited about being in civilization again!?

Not much else going on here, just packing and cleaning like mad. We've already packed up the kids room (except the fav toys), so we have been having a sleepover on the couch-bed in the living room for the last week. This is great fun when you're 5 and 2 years old! I think there will be a little disappointment when its time to have their own rooms again ;) Though the cool thing is that the kids rooms in the new place are already painted pink and blue, which our little Princess and Bakugan master are very excited about!

A Few Pictures

2010-01-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, this is the only picture we got of Zach during Christmas, that involved his face :)

2010-01-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers! We had a very stressful day yesterday, and ended up not getting much figured out. I am happy to say though, that we have set up a showing for Friday morning to look at the Country Ranch Townhomes! I will keep you up-to-date!

PS. Gracie is wearing Ariel undies these days, thank God for life's simple pleasures (like successful potty training)!

Bye Bye House!

2010-01-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

Well, as many of you know we are in the process of foreclosing on our house :( There were many things wrong with the deal that we were not aware of, being first time buyers. We've been struggling in this house for the last three years, trying to sell it, trying to get help from the bank, and just trying to make due. We just learned that the bank is putting our house up for auction on February 17th, so now we are looking for a new place. We are actually a bit relieved to have this all done and over with soon. We have many good memories in this house, but it will be nice to be closer to civilization and grocery stores!

Ty has the day off tomorrow so we are planning on looking at a few places. So no skype either, we have 1 month to find a place before we are kicked out! Please pray for us!

Update!

2010-01-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

It is hard to start posting again after a long hiatus. I'll just start from the top.

When we got back from Florida I got a nasty cold that didn't seem to go away. Every time I started to feel better I got another cold! This went on for about 2 months, and between working, taking care of the kids, making Christmas gifts and getting everything ready for the Holidays, I just didn't have any leftover energy to think - let alone write a post! But now as things are returning to some semblance of order, I can resume a semi-normal blogging schedule :) And, I am happy to report, I am 100% better now!

Uncle Kerwyn installed Photoshop Elements on my laptop, so that also means that I am getting picture albums uploaded finally. WOOT WOOT! Unfortunately though, since "My Photo Album" has recently canceled my free account, because I cannot afford to upgrade to a paying membership status, I now have to have my pictures on facebook. So anybody out there who has not joined FB yet, feel free to accept this guilt trip I am trying to lay on you! Hee hee, just kidding... sort of.

We had a great Christmas, in spite of not being with my Florida fam, boo hoo! We at least were able to talk on skype on Christmas morning and that was awesome. We had my in-laws over and it was mine and Ty's first time hosting our own Christmas dinner. We ate about 4 hours later than we were expecting, but it ended up being a wonderful dinner and wonderful family time!

More to come later!

PS. We miss you too Barrientezs, California Millers, and Colorado Millers/Hendersons!

Nobody's Dreaming!

2010-01-06T23:51:00.000-08:00

Updates are underway!

Pirates, Seashells, and Lizards!

2009-09-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

We arrived safe and sound, trying to recover from the verrrrrry looooooong and tedious drive. The drive was actually pretty decent, it was just tough to drive from 9 am one morning until 7 am the next morning! Poor Gracie, when we were getting into the car yesterday she started crying and said "noooo, I wanna walk!"

We didn't do much the first day, just slept and went to Siesta Key Beach and had dinner with the whole family. Yesterday we went to the Ringling Art Museum since it was the free day. It is bigger and more beautiful than I imagined! I would love to go back someday (without the kids) so we can look through the whole museum and take our time.

Zane and Grace have been so fascinated with all the lizards and gecko's running around the place. They are not inside the house but they live outside and keep the bugs in check. Zane really wants to catch one, but the little buggers run fast!

Yesterday was also our 8th anniversary, and Mom and Dad watched the kiddo's so we could go out. We went to Anna Maria Island and ate at a restaurant that was RIGHT on the beach. We were outside on the patio and were able to watch the sunset! It was so romantic!!!! Then we went to Coquina Beach and took a walk in the surf. I found a little, perfect seashell to top it all off; it was the most wonderful anniversary we've had yet ;)

We are enjoying the warm weather and beaches for everyone we left behind in Colorado! Well, we are getting ready to go to Pirate's Cove to play putt putt with pirates and baby alligators!

Pit Stop!

2009-09-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we made through the first part of our trip alive and still somewhat sane! We (Ty) drove until about 1 am, just outside of St. Louis, when we really couldn't go any longer. So, we stopped at a Budget Inn and got a room :)

The kids are doing surprisingly well on the trip so far, and since we were able to recharge our batteries somewhat, I suspect they can make it the rest of the way without melting into puddles and killing eachother! All I can say is, I've never been so happy to have nintendo and portable DVD players :)

Fear not Florida Fam, we are about halfway! I will try to update again today if we stop somewhere with free wifi (Starbuck's anyone?).

LOVE YOU ALL, keep praying for our safety!

Leaving for Florida

2009-09-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

I won't be surprised if no one sees this post for weeks, as I'm sure everyone has given up on me! I'm blaming it all on summer... Anyone buying it? :)

It's 10 pm and I am getting the last of everything packed for our road trip to Florida tomorrow. We are driving, so we won't get there until sometime Saturday night or Sunday morning; but I really am gonna try and post picture updates along the way. We have a cooler packed with food and drinks, and backpacks packed to the brim with fun things for the kids. Of course we also have the DVD player for the car, two Nintendo DS's, a stack of fun books from the library... and sshhh, don't tell the kids that I have surprise goodie bags ready for those desperate "are we there yeeet?" moments! We'll see how it goes...

I can't wait to see you Florida family!!! BTW Dad, got your shorts ;)

New car! Well, for us at least...

2009-07-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

We traded our "money sucking, gas guzzling, let's see how often we can break down and inconvenience Steph and Ty" Olds Alero for a 2006 Toyota Prius! It's a pretty car :) and now we won't be scared to take a road trip to Florida! It gets an average of 60 miles to the gallon, and did I mention that it is pretty? Ignore the garage sale sign on the back, obviously the car didn't come like that :)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Epic Battle of the Chosen Ones

2009-06-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm being a dork with a title like that, but this is seriously a cute video!

Update

2009-06-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Whew! Have we been keeping busy! Between work, seeing family, and still trying to keep some semblance of order at home, I needed to force myself to update this thing :)

Mike has already come and gone, but it was so nice just to hang out, even if we didn't do anything elaborate. The boys had a Guy's night, and though slightly rushed, I understand it was a good time. Grace leeched onto you Uncle Mike, and still looks for you! We should set up a skype time this weekend ;)

We went to the Butterfly Pavilion yesterday, with Ballingers, Mom and Sarah, and Rachel and Jacob. What a fun time that was! The kids got to touch starfish, a horseshoe crab, and a hermit crab; and Zach and Katie were totally brave and held a tarantula! Zane wasn't going anywhere near that action. After the awesome butterflies we had a picnic lunch outside. Thank you Rachel for awesome krautburgers!

Last night we went to Mimi's Cafe for dinner with the whole crew (including Dean!). It was very good, and Gracie was the star of the show. Papa asked her if she was a ham and she gave a very enthusiastic "Yeah!" And thank you Uncle Dean for the origami cranes; I hardly knew there were other kids there, they had so much fun with those cranes!

After dinner we went shopping for Zane's new bike, and another little boy with a birthday coming (ahem, Jacob!). Zane found the bike he wanted on the first try and pedaled it along with us through the rest of the store. I was so wishing the battery in our camera hadn't died earlier! He even rode it out to the car, it was so totally cute.

I am working on pictures, so here is a slideshow of our night at Casa Bonita.

Hanging out the Laundry

2009-06-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

I found this print of a photo on Etsy.com, and I immediately thought of you Mom! I know how much you love to hang your laundry out to dry, these days. I would love to do that too someday :) If you follow the link and look at the description, you will find that the picture was taken in Sarasota...

Sparrows and Dumplings

2009-05-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Aunt Kellie, I wanted to show you some examples of how Sparrows/Swallows are all the rage right now. I wonder if it has anything to do with the Jack Sparrow/Johnny Depp craze (remember his trademark tattoo?)... I actually like most of the trend :)

I love that skirt! Too cute!

Anyway, I also wanted to let Zach know (if he is up for it) that Hunan now has the chicken dumplings on the menu! I think Mom and Dad want to come to Hunan while they're here, so maybe we can make it a family affair. We want you to come too, Grandpa Don!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! (Less than a week until I can hug my Mom and Dad again, woohoo!)

When I Grow Up...

2009-05-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Zane just told me that "When I'm all grown up, Katie is going to marry Cody, and I'm going to marry a pretty girl that looks like you Mom!"

Totally made my afternoon!

BTW, Cody is a boy in Katie's class, who Katie has a "crush" on ;)

Chilly and cloudy.

2009-05-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

It's supposed to storm all afternoon, but I'm excited. I love a good summer storm! Debbie is leaving today to meet Trapper in New York, so hopefully her plane will miss the crappy weather!

Oh, and in case anyone couldn't tell, those vids in my previous post were just poking silly, good natured fun at Star Trek. I can't wait to see the movie, I hear that it is really good (not to mention seeing "Sylar" as Spock...Sarah, you know what I'm talkin' bout!).

I have been working hard on getting more things listed on Etsy too. I've gotten La Sorella updated and am working on getting it established. Ty has been taking pictures of me wearing the slings, and he has done a wonderful job! Thanks Babe!

www.kozykanga.etsy.com
www.lasorellaboutique.etsy.com

I have tons of pictures of the kids too, I will work on getting those up over the weekend :)

Some fun, in honor of Star Trek

2009-05-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

From the Onion (a gag news channel):

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As 'Fun, Watchable'

From the ThreadBanger website:

Dear Diary...

2009-05-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

That's about as far as I ever got with the many journals and diaries I started, as a kid growing up. I thought it would be the same way with blogging, as I am just not a dedicated writer. I have pleasantly surprised myself, however, even if it is just one or two posts a week! It does help to motivate one, knowing that there is expectant family in another state waiting and checking patiently for posts. The only motivation I had with my diaries was, ummm...well, nothing :) So family, consider yourselves lucky... LOL!

Still just the same 'ol, same 'ol here. Ty and Lee are in the middle of rebuilding our deck, thank goodness. Turns out all the wood holding everything up was completely rotted! When they were pulling the wood up, it was literally crumbling in their hands. The kids and I have spent many afternoons on that deck this spring, so we are here in one piece by the Grace of God!

The lilacs out front are in full bloom, and boy, does it smell heavenly! The grass in the backyard is also starting to come up, but the weeds here sure are persistant. I am afraid weed-pulling will be a never ending job while we are in this house!

We are getting so excited for the coming month! There is a lot planned so far, but I just can't wait to be close to ya'll again. Trap will be getting back sometime around that same weekend as Mom, Dad, and Mike. It almost feels like Christmas!

Well, laundry and dishes are beckoning, and I must heed their call (or else we will be eating off the table in our underwear...)

Have a great afternoon everyone!

Spring has sprung!

2009-05-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

I took some pictures of everything green and in bloom around our house!

My Peonies

Sweet William coming up next to the driveway

Grape Hyacinths...and Dandelions

Lilacs

My early Mother's Day gift, a tomato plant!

I already have tomatoes!

Zane planted a Sunflower :)

2009-05-05T12:33:00.001-07:00

Found it!

2009-04-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yay! I found the camera! Of course it was in an obvious place that I had looked over a billion times. I'm glad I found it because I took some really cute pictures of Zane this afternoon. Zane and I baked a loaf of Banana Orange Chip Bread...complete with flour fingerprints on his face!

Zane and Gracie are begging me for some, the aroma is torture...I cannot...resist!

First Kiss...

2009-04-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Grace's first kiss that is. Apparently she is a huge flirt at the nursery in church, and hugs and kisses the little boys (two in particular)! She is just used to giving Zane hugs and kisses, but I still feel a small sense of panic. I guess it just scares me a little to know that she is not shy around the boys! But maybe its just a phase :)

On another note, we cannot find the camera! I didn't realize how much I use it and rely on it until it went missing. I need it in order to list new items on my Etsy site, and of course for those spur of the moment cutesy things the kids do. Zane wants to get a buzz cut, but I don't want to do it unless we can take pictures! So, until we find it, no more pictures of the kids for the time being... Please pray that we do! I am!

I'll take what I can get!

2009-04-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Here I am, sitting in the bathroom, typing on the computer while the kids are in the bath. I've been needing to post an update but I'm always busy doing something, so why not kill two birds with one stone!? Just nevermind the typos or incoherent babble that might sneak in while I try to keep Grace from drinking gallons of soapy bathwater...

Last night was supposed to be my teaching debut, to teach anyone who wanted to learn, how to turn an old pair of jeans into a skirt. Tuesday afternoon, however, I got a phone call. Boo hoo! The class was cancelled due to not enough people signing up. Apparently there was much interest, but having to bring your sewing machine was the dealbreaker for most. Oh well, that class just wasn't meant to be.

On a more positive (absolutely giddy with excitement for me) note, the serger sewing machine that Mom and Dad gave me before moving, is in the shop getting a complete makeover right now! It did not have the presser foot cord or instruction manual, so I took it in to J&M Vac and Sew to see what they could do for me. They found me a power cord (yay!!!) and looked over the whole thing to make sure it worked and had all the parts (I did not ask, they are just awesome people). It was missing a few springs and needing oiling in the worst way. They offered to service it and clean it out for me for $100. The regular price is $150! So, It will be just like new when I get it back today or tomorrow. Dad, you did a good job to get this one; everyone (customers included) was so impressed with this hunk of a machine! They said I will be able to do some heavy duty, professional sewing on it, and it will last a looooong time :)

In case anyone is wondering, a serger is what you use to make a professional, finished, and re-inforced seam. The seams inside pretty much all your clothing are all serged seams.

Oh, and I found a pdf instruction manual online for only $8! Everyone gave me cash for my birthday last week, and I am so grateful! That is how I have been able to afford all these things :) I will take pics when I get the machine back.

Ok, the kiddos are bored and ready to get out now. I hope everyone is having a great week!

2009-04-16T13:19:00.001-07:00

Let the Potty Training Begin!

2009-04-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Grace is ready. Most definitely. On Sunday at the Ballingers' she asked, very insistently to be changed, and that had been a first up until now! Now she always wants her diaper off, and this morning when I changed her, she did not want another diaper on. She was hysterical about it! Ty, we have to get a potty chair this week :)
We were blessed with Zane being easy as pie to potty train...I'm hoping Grace will be just as effortless ;)

I will have Easter pictures up later today or tomorrow. I am just waiting for the camera battery to charge, so I can get the pics off. My laptop doesn't have an SD slot and the one on the PC downstairs doesn't work! So we have to do this the hard way. We just need to get one of those thumb drives that has an SD drive, all in one.

Not much going on.

2009-04-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

We have not been up to much lately. Mostly spring cleaning (Ty has gotten HUGE boxes ready for donation!), trying to stay on top of laundry, and all the sewing projects I have going. Speaking of laundry, I once heard this quote "Behind every good man is a good woman, and behind every good woman is a mountain of laundry!"

Here are some recent pictures of the kiddos, some of which show off new clothes. Thanks Papa and Nana Miller!

Edited to add: The picture below is a link to a slideshow at my photo album ;)

I give up

2009-04-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Even though I added everyone to my friends list, I finally figured out that you have to be a member of youtube to view a private video. So, rather than ask everyone to join, I just made the video public.

I really hate sites that make you have to join to view stuff like this. I can't look at Mom, Sarah, or anyone else's facebook because I'm not a member. I won't join because I already have accounts to so many websites that I can't keep track of it all! Not to mention I barely have enough time to blog, let alone start facebooking too :) Sorry guys, I'm just not jumping on that wagon!

Take Two

2009-04-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm trying to figure out how to keep the video private and let everyone I want see it too. I added everyone's email address to my friends list, so try watching it again and if your prompted just enter it in.

I hope it works!

Hi Grandma and Grandpa!

2009-04-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

I took some video of the kiddos this morning for Grandma and Grandpa Miller. I have never posted video before so hopefully this will work and it won't take forever to load!

Zane begged me to type a "message":

uuggjuguiyuiotyuruifjuiyhy8uiuyrujjurueukgmmjhvfjjxswayqnvzxyhf

Crafting and beyond

2009-03-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well we all survived the blizzard; in fact, most of the snow was melted the next day! That's the Front Range for you :) I bet there is still quite a bit of snow in Summit County though, I don't think its really stopped much since last week. How are you all doing up there Rachel?

So now my crafts and home projects are going beyond my sewing desk. The Boutique in Longmont sent out a mass email to all the artisans that sell items in the store, asking for some of us to teach "how to classes" to anyone interested. I emailed them to offer a class for "how to turn your old jeans into your favorite skirt." They loved the idea and set it up! So I will be teaching my own class on April 22 from 6-8pm. They are also going to pay me for my time plus the cost of materials! Not to mention I also get the chance to showcase my products. Here is a link to the site advertising the classes:

Handmade Classes

I sent her a picture of the type of skirt we will be making, but she hasn't gotten it up yet. So here are a few pics of the skirt and other projects, and of course the kids! You have to click on the picture to see it without the opacity. I might change my template (again) because of that...

I am really happy with the way this headband turned out. I added some decorative zig zag stitching which I think added character to an already "beyond cute" fabric!

Zane knows how to have fun!

Grace discovered dirt.

And one that Trap snapped of Ty and I.

Blizzard

2009-03-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got two phone calls. One from Aunt Kellie and one from Debi (my Mother-in-law). Both were to check on us, because unbeknownst to me, we are in a blizzard! I knew we were having a pretty heavy storm, but I didn't realize it was so bad. We are supposed to get up to two feet of snow by tomorrow morning! Ty and Zane have been bummed all winter because we have not gotten a significant snowfall for sledding. Well Ty, I don't think you have to worry about that anymore! The first thing Zane said when he saw the snow was "Mom, we can go sledding now, woohoo!"

Here are a few pictures I took from earlier. Click on the picture to see a larger version on a solid background.

Our front yard and neighbors' houses

Our backyard

It has really calmed down since I took those, but the snow isn't supposed to be stopping any time soon. If our power goes out, Ty will get his parents truck and we would probably stay at their house tonight. Please pray for everyone's safety!

At least we are getting much needed moisture!

March weather

2009-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last week was beautiful here in Colorado! Everyday we had temps ranging from the low 60's to the mid 70's. But today we woke up to cold and windy with a chance of rain or snow. I'm not complaining (too much) since we need the moisture, but I sure am ready for flip flop weather! Not to mention the kids have been curbing their cabin fever with excursions in the dirt and trips to the playground. We went for a bike ride on Saturday, and that was lovely!

I really don't have a point to this post, just wishing for some sunshine again!

Just had to share...

2009-03-20T12:18:00.001-07:00

I am getting ready for a pedicure with the girls from work and then waitressing tonight, but Zane said something I had to share!

Zane: "Mom can we enter this contest?!" (from an insert in the Little Mermaid DVD case)

Me: "Hmmmm, sorry but no, its expired."

Zane: (goes over to Grace) "Mom says we can't enter, it's inspired!"

About our Gracie

2009-03-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's post had a lot about Zane, so I will share some about Grace today :)

If any of you know Grace at all, you know that she knows what she wants and won't stop until she gets it! She is not hesitant about anything and is very persistent. She always wants what the "adults" have. Every now and then Ty and I will have a beer with our pizza or whatever. This is a treat for us, so this doesn't happen often, but when we do Grace wants it in the worst way! So a little while ago I decided to try some reverse psycology. After I was done I let her try the last drop that was in the bottle...thinking she would hate it. Yeah, that backfired. She loved it and still won't leave us alone. You'd think that I would've learned my lesson. This morning she wanted my cold coffee that I was about to clear. I let her have a taste and the rest is history! What have I done!?

On the cuter side of things - She was dragging her baby around with her (as usual) and wanted to give it to me. I told her "This is Grace's baby, and Gracie is my baby!" What did she learn from that? Perfect toddler logic. Now she is going around the house pointing to herself and saying "my baby, my baby." So now she thinks she has a new name, sigh.

But I'm not kidding anyone I'm sure, I live for this! Here are some more pictures from the last few weeks. Have a great weekend everyone!

Update on us

2009-03-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well, everyone is over their cold, except for me. Blah. I still have a little cough that just doesn't want to give up! But life is still going on so I guess I'll resume blogging now :)

I've been mulling over where to pick up again with my update, and I'm still not sure. I think I'll just do a few separate posts so everything doesn't seem jumbled together. Thank me for that because I have a LOT to update on!

I'll start with the most important update...the kids!

When we started feeling better and the weather was nice, we went on a walk to do a few errands. We went to the bank and grocery store and then to lunch! Click on the picture to go to my photo album and watch the slideshow. For some reason the first few pictures turned out a little pixel-y.

Some other fun things happening are that Zane has figured out how to do somersaults. Any time he wants to impress someone, he just starts busting them out! He is also starting to say some really adult-type phrases that he means very seriously but are hilarious coming out of a 4 year olds mouth. (I know that is a run on sentence Mom, but at least I'm updating!)

a few examples...

Zane is trying really hard to squeeze some lemon into his water (we were playing a game with Ty's parents and brother so we weren't really paying attention). All of a sudden we hear a loud CRASH and SPLASH and he was sitting there soaked with his water spilled all over his lap, the chair, and floor. This is what he says after a pause of about 5 seconds "...Well...THAT wasn't supposed to happen!" We were all laughing so hard and the poor boy couldn't figure out why no one was helping him get his wet pants off!

This happened last night: Zane and Ty were playing a putt putt golf game on the Wii. Some of these shots are pretty hard, where you have to do some creative lining up. Like in pool, when you have to bounce the ball off the side to avoid other balls and hit your intended target. Zane was doing this in a way that I was SURE he wasn't going to make it, so I said "Zane, I don't think that is going to (right here he hits the ball, not listening to me, so I pause)..." The ball goes around everything perfectly and he makes a hole in one! He looks at me and finishes my sentence "...Work?!"

Ok, I hope that brightened your day! Zane and I want lunch now so I will come back to updating later. Have a wonderful day everyone!

2009-02-25T09:46:00.001-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a week. We are all sick with a particularly nasty little cold; except for Ty of course! He never gets sick when we are. Even last winter when all of us had colds and pinkeye that lasted a week, He didn't so much as sneeze the entire time. I remember when growing up that when the family got sick, Dad was still healthy as a horse too. I've got two theories as to why this is:

1. The head of the house doesn't get sick because they subconciously don't let it happen. After all, someone has to keep it together when everyone else is so out of it they can't finish a coherent sentence...

2. They really are sick, but are such good actors that no one is the wiser. In that case, where are the Oscars for these men!?

Another thing this cold means is that Grace's finger is permanently attached to her nose. I keep telling her it's not ladylike to pick one's nose, but she doesn't really listen. At least she looks for a tissue to put the boogers in...

ZANE!!!!

2009-02-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

This is totally a brag post about my genius son! That statement is a tad biased but I couldn't call myself his mother if I wasn't ;)

This morning Aunt Kellie came and picked us up for a woman's group meeting at church. She brought with her all the books that taught Zachary to read at Zane's age; you know Mom, the "Bob Books." So we get home, eat lunch, Grace goes down for her nap, and now Zane and I can check out the books. So we sit down together and look at the very first book, which teaches you to read 3 letter words. The letters are M, T, A, and S. Zane starts by telling me what sounds all the letters make (NOT prompted by me), and about 15 minutes later he had read the entire first book. ALL BY HIMSELF!

I am beside myself with pride (bad mommy), joy, satisfaction, and sadness all at the same time. Zane is not my baby or toddler, and is even barely a preschooler anymore. This brings somewhat of a satisfaction in knowing that we are raising a smart and polite little boy who is gaining more independence every day. But it also brings a heaviness in knowing that my baby is growing up, and his world is moving beyond just Mom, Dad, and home.

Anyway, three cheers for the start of a long and satisfying journey of books and knowledge for my dear son!

In Honor of Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

A cute story with Zane (who else!?) as the star, at church last weekend.

(Driving on the Interstate to church - 5:45pm.)

Me: "Zane, I really want you to be good at church tonight. No interupting, or being selfish with toys, and especially NO BURPING!"

Zane: "OK, Mom. I'll be good tonight!"

(Driving on the Interstate to home - 8:40pm.)

Zane: "Mom, I know you told me to be good tonight and not to burp, but... I burped on accident and a girl laughed and smiled, so I HAD to make myself burp because she liked it!"

Me: "..."

Zane: "hee hee hee!"

Happy Valentine's Day everyone, I hope you have a great weekend!

Introducing

2009-02-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

My new blog look! After 3 days of agonizing and coming to grips with settling for something less than what I wanted, the answer popped out in front of me. I just had to delete an extra space in the HTML code... Of course it was something so simple and unassuming. It wouldn't be modern technology if it wasn't!

The flowers in the background are lotuses, which are my all time favorite. Many thanks to my sister for the link on her blog to the site that had this layout!

Another thing I added is the lolcat gadget on my sidebar. Lolcats are silly pictures of silly kitties with silly captions :) Some are lame, some make me smile, and some are absolutely hilarious. I tried to change the size but to no avail, so I'm afraid you must scroll to side to see the whole thing. Sorry 'bout that.

What does everyone think?

Please be patient!

2009-02-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

This is not my new Blog look! I have a template that I love and really want to put up, but am having sooooo much trouble doing so.

So please be patient as I try to remodel!

Change

2009-02-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

I added a new link to our Photo Album on my sidebar. I also added more pictures. We took a walk yesterday and had a great time! I didn't take any pictures while eating lunch or at the park (wish I did). Oh well. I am going to try adding more and more until caught up (really)!

Success!

2009-02-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

At designing and making my own headbands! There were a few trial and error pieces, but as they say "practice makes perfect." I will start selling them on Etsy here in a few weeks as well as the Longmont Boutique. I am thinking about $7 for the 2" wide ones, $6 for the 1 1/2" wide, and $5 for the skinny 1". Do those sound like fair prices to you? Here are pics of some finished ones and some of the fabrics I have to make more.

If anyone wants one, just let me know ;)

This post is for Zachary!

2009-01-27T09:12:00.000-08:00

Zack, all I could think about was you at work the other day. Guess what is being added to the menu at Hunan Chinese Restaurant? Chicken Dumplings! And boy are they delicious :) They aren't available to order just yet, but I will let your Mom know when they are. Then you can come in to visit me and eat a whole pile of delicious chicken dumplings!

I can't wait to see you buddy :)

Mommy's little helper

2009-01-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

Grace and I just got done unloading the clean dishes from the dishwasher! She loved helping me...Mommy loved it too. When we were done with the bottom rack she closed everything up, said "all duh" and walked away. Hey, when your only two feet tall the full top rack is just a minor detail that can be ignored ;)

Have a great weekend everyone!

My first take on couture

2009-01-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have been totally bogged down lately...with ideas. I just can't keep my brain from coming up with new designs and ideas for altering. Add a generous side helping of passion for all things beautiful and my sewing machine, and I can't be stopped!

Sarah took me shopping last year after my birthday, and I found a great pair of jeans that I loved. Well, after washing them twice, the length in the legs shrank! ...or I grew, but I'm inclined to think the former. So now I have these jeans that I don't wear because they sit above my ankles, and last I checked the eighties have come and gone. So what to do?

My solution and first try at patchwork:

The results

I am pleased.

Progress

2008-12-31T12:20:00.000-08:00

Progress as in getting pictures uploaded! I think I have been subconciously putting off the pictures because it is such a pain in the patootie to edit and resize pics on my laptop. I don't have a decent program on here for such things. I have paint, but just to resize takes forever, not to mention I can't figure out an easy way to crop.

But good news, in cleaning out the bottomless pit (a.k.a. purse) I found my thumb drive! As I am posting this, all the pictures from our camera are being transferred to that. I can resize and crop pics on Ty's computer! You know, his has all the latest animating programs, so that means I can actually edit pics in under 5 hours. Ok, the 5 hour part is a bit sarcastic...but not by much ;)

So, Floridian family, not much longer!

As I noticed...

2008-12-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

that my Floridian family is enjoying warm and sunny 74 degree weather, I decided to check how warm it is here today.

It is a balmy 3 degrees with a wind chill of -6. At least it is warming up, last night it was -20! Oh well, at least we only have 3 1/2 months of winter left. Oh wait! Winter doesn't officially begin until the 21st...so it's not even winter yet.

I think we need to plan our trips to Florida during the winter, so we can migrate for awhile!

I am counting my blessings though. At least we do not live anywhere where they get ice storms that do this.

2008-12-10T10:09:00.001-08:00

Last night I worked the closing waitressing shift, and this is what I came home to.

Poor Gracie has started teething again (does it ever stop?), now she is getting her canines. She has been really tired and clingy lately. This was last night, not sure what time, its just too cute not to add!

bo bo bo!

2008-12-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

In Grace's language, bo = no. So when she trips over her own feet, orrrr runs into a wall because shes not looking where shes going, she picks herself up and says "bo bo bo!" All while pointing her finger at it too. It's hilarious! She tells whatever she ran into or fell on, no! I wonder if I can catch a video of it...

Favorite Boots

2008-12-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Grandma Carrick for Grace's new favorite item, snow boots! Grace cannot spend one waking moment without them on. She puts them on herself and actually gets the right foot in the right boot about 85% of the time! They are so cute and of course by Carters!

She fell asleep during dinner last night...

Update on us

2008-12-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a week; I'm kinda surprised that this is the first time its happened! I was never much of a journal or diary keeper growing up...

We had a good Thanksgiving, lots and lots of food and hanging out with family. It was definitely bittersweet with my immediate family not there. But we were glad to spend it at the Ballinger's and are definitely grateful that my family is safe and sound in Florida! ...except for the car accident part!

I have been working as much as possible at Hunan, which is part of why I haven't posted in a week. My job is going well, I am one of Danielle's favorites right now (that can always change at the drop of a hat!), so I have been getting the good shifts. Oh, she and George are leaving me in charge on Sunday so they can have an afternoon off together! They used to do that before when I worked there, but apparently have not done so since Sally, Chris,(other responsible girls I used to work with) and I have left. The only days off they ever have together are Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the restaurant is closed. So, I am happy to help them have some time to just be with eachother and not have to worry about work :)

Even though we forgot our camera on Thanksgiving (sorry!), here are a few recent pics of the cutie pies!

Zane getting tickled!

Daddy's little princess watching the Little Mermaid while sitting in her princess couch!

Grace asleep on Ty's shoulder at Noah's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese.

Apparently Zane and Noah were inseparable...go figure!

Zane sacked in the car

Not sacked!

Lunch

2008-11-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

I just had to share an awesome twist to my usual turkey sandwich! I put sweet red pepper jelly on it instead of mayo and it was mmm, mmm, good!

ok, back to work :)

To Do List

2008-11-26T09:34:00.000-08:00

Isn't there always a to-do list the day before Thanksgiving?

1. Do laundry (wait, don't I do that everyday!?).
2. Make potato roll dough.
3. Bake 2 pumpkin pies.
4. Take a shower and get ready for work.
5. Go to work.
6. Love on my kiddos and husband as much as possible in-between.

I better get off the computer and get to work!

Early Happy Thanksgiving!

Baby Snazz contest!

2008-11-25T10:47:00.000-08:00

Whats Baby Snazz you ask? It is a neat online store that sells some pretty nifty baby and toddler leg warmers, among other things. They are having a contest right now to win 20 free pairs of baby leg warmers. If your interested enter here:

Win 20 Pairs of Baby Leg Warmers from babySNAZZ!

Gracie would look sooooo cute running around in these! You can also put them on baby's arms while they wear a t-shirt. Maybe I don't have to put all those summer clothes away that she still fits! Not to mention how handy they will be while potty training her...

Anyway, I am excited and hope I win some of these. Even if I don't, I will probably order some if Grace gets any Christmas moolah ^_-

Forgot to mention

2008-11-21T09:52:00.000-08:00

That Zane is fine now. He had just a fever for about a day with no other symptoms. So he is back to his goofy, hyper, fun lovin' self!

Is it just coincidence...

2008-11-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

that when Grace wants to nurse she says "moo?" 0_0

Many of my online friends are teaching their baby to say "num nums" or "nummies." Since I believe that babies are much smarter than people give them credit for, I feel that it is a small injustice to dumb nursing down that much. I am trying to teach Grace to say "nurse please," ...it comes out "moooo." I guess she figures that I have earned the nickname "moo mom!" (inside joke thanks to Uncle K! -_^ )

And to some, a toddler that can ask to nurse is bizarre, sick, and wrong. I don't nurse in public anymore, since we only nurse 1-3 times a day now, but I still can't figure out a proper response to this. Children this young cannot remember it and it is the best, most healthy snack a growing body needs! I personally believe it is due to how idolized the female body has become, so some cannot see it for the beautiful thing God created it to be. You know, in the "old days" before refrigeration and formula, most children were nursed until about 3, since that is how long children NEED whole milk nutrition... *getting off soapbox.*

Sorry about that tangent! Now the good part, pictures!

A rare sucker allowance!

After I got home from work the other night

Grace likes to pretend she's playing the game too!

What are you doing Zane?

I better do it too!

And an older one, just cause it's so darn cute!

Zane...

2008-11-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

is fighting some sort of infection. He has a mid grade fever and wants to do nothing but sleep and lie on the couch watching movies. He was up 3 times last night too... We are tired today!

I have been working a lot at Hunan since I started and am working a waitressing shift tonight. It is going well, and it is something that I enjoy so it has been ok for me :) I am making pretty good money too. I made $65 in tips last Friday, an average of $20 an hour!

Well I must go take a shower before Grace wakes up. I know this was a wimpy update but an update nonetheless!

TTFN!

Out of the mouths of babes.

2008-11-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

Zane: "Mom, do you remember in Batman when the shark bit his foot on the helicopter?"

Me: "Yes, that was so silly."

Zane: "Yeah, but I think we should get some shark repellent just in case we are ever on a ladder on a helicopter and a shark wants to bite our feet."

Me: "..." (at this point I am rolling on the floor laughing!)

Promised Pictures!

2008-11-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

We went to the Carrick's last weekend for breakfast and hanging out, and it turned out to be a nice 65 degree day! I took some fun pics of the kids at home and in town and they turned out great :) Oh, and we have our appointment for Christmas pictures at the JC Penney Portrait Studio next weekend. I wisely scheduled it for morning rather than evening (like last year), in hoping the children will be a bit more cooperative!

Maybe its just me, but Zane is a bit reminiscent of John Shepherd on Stargate Atlantis in this one.

Grace's pig tails!

I AM STRONG!!!!

Gracie's famous silly face...a bit mischievious and up to no good!

Zane likes to stick his tongue out at the camera now...

Grace didn't like being held in one place

He climbed this tree by himself!

A future Calvin Kline model? Lets hope not.

Grace had a blast "mowing the lawn!"

I added a gadget!

2008-11-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

Just to let everyone know, I added a sudoku puzzle at the bottom of my main blog page. Just scroll to the bottom to play! I am seriously addicted to sudoku... ;)

New Job

2008-11-10T11:27:00.001-08:00

I have been looking for a new job lately, but have not found anything. A few weeks ago I had applied and interviewed for a job with PVH's ER as a Patient Service Representative. I met all the requirements having just finished taking (and acing) a medical terminology course, and having worked in a hospital setting in the past. They told me I would find out about a week later whether I got the job or not. It is now two weeks later with not a peep from them, even after I had left two messages!

So, Danielle from Hunan Chinese Restaurant, my old boss, called me and offered me a job. I accepted! I am excited because the shifts start between 4:30 and 5:30 and are only about 4 hours long, so I can still see my family and make decent money! It is very important to Ty and I that one of us is always taking care of the kids, so I am only working evening shifts. And the best part? I can still work on Kozy Kanga and homeschool the kiddos!

I start tonight as a hostess, so pray that everything comes back to me quickly and goes smoothly!

Pictures from the weekend to come...

Getting back to normal

2008-11-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted much because I have been trying to get the house back in order, laundry done, and certain surfaces sanitized after a very eventful week last week! We all had the flu...the whole nine yards of it. We weren't even home for a few of those days, while helping Mom and Dad get packed and on their way.

So this week is catch-up week :) ...fun! And some recent pictures of the kiddos:

A rare smile for the camera...usually it's a goofy face!

Awwww, isn't this a sweet face?

Grace hardly ever looks at the camera. Like her hair-do? I've putting her hair in pony and pig tails more often now, I love having a girl!

And this one is trying to show off Zane's goose egg and cut on his head. The night after Mom and Dad left, Ty was drying Zanes hair from his bath, and Zane started crying that Ty was hurting him. We felt on his head and he had a huuuuuge bump accompanied by a nice cut! When asked what happened he said that he hit his head on the headboard of his bed when Gramma and Papa were here. The drawback to having such a tough kid is that we didn't know about it until almost a day later! Yikes!

D-Day

2008-11-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

Well, Mom and Dad pulled away a few hours ago. It was emotional. I can't remember ever seeing my Dad cry, but we all did today. Ty felt like crying too, except he had to be my rock so he forced himself not to. Zane and Grace didn't really understand what all the fuss was about, Zane kept saying "It's ok mom, we'll visit Papa and Nana in Florida, so please don't cry!" My little sweetheart, just like his dad, doesn't like when people cry! They just want everyone to be happy :) I couldn't figure out how to get all the pictures in a nice order, but you get the picture (no pun intended)! The last pic is me trying to distract myself after they left.

Sicko...

2008-10-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

So, I have been meaning to post, however, every time I plan on it something happens. All of us are getting over a nasty flu bug right now, though Zane and I were the only ones puking our guts out. And this morning I actually passed out...while changing Grace. Luckily I was only out for a few seconds, but it was enough to get Ty home from work! Whew, so glad this is behind us now. I want to update the photo album tomorrow so check back! Now I'm off to bed...

Busy, busy, busy

2008-10-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

I won't be posting this week as I am trying to prepare for MCR's craft fair on Friday. I just found out that it has been widely advertised, so I am trying to get as much product as possible ready! Have a good week everyone!

Jobs...

2008-10-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I have a job interview today at Medical Center of the Rockies for a nutrition assistant position. I am hopeful to get this one as I will only work four 5 hour shifts a week. I can handle that! I also have another interview coming up on the 27th for a Patient Services Representative in the ER at PVH. I would work 4 evenings again with this one, but a regular 8 hour shift instead of 5. Either one will work for us so I have just been praying that the one the Lord wants me to have is the one I receive. You can't go wrong with God's will!

I have also been working like crazy on slings and bows since I am participating in MCR's annual craft fair. Thanks Debi for reserving my place! Hopefully I will be able sell everything I bring with me :)

Moments that make all the stress worth it...

2008-10-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am sitting on my bed with my laptop. Zane and Grace are with me and are being wonderful, cute, obedient children. This morning we had breakfast together at the table and I was telling them how much I love them. Zane chimes in with an "I love Mommy and Daddy" song and Grace starts copying him with the same inflection and sing song in her voice. And last night as Ty and Zane were playing and I was clearing the dinner table, Grace started singing "mama, mama, mama..." I definitely know that that was her own "I love Mommy song!"

Ahhhh, I revel in it now because by 4pm I will have forgotten I wrote this post and will be asking myself how soon I can get away with putting them to bed ;)

Pictures of the Kiddos

2008-10-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

Click on the Photos to see captions too!

Jury Duty

2008-10-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

I got a few requests for more elaboration on jury duty, so here goes!

The defendant was a convicted sex offender charged with failure to register as a sex offender. The prosecution was the State of Colorado represented by a young lawyer (might I add dark, and handsome as well?), who had a strong and convincing case. However, the defense had a few more facts that were a bit more persuasive.

The facts: All sex offenders are required to re-register with the state on their own birthday. The defendant had registered as usual on October 3rd 2007. A few weeks later he was evicted from his apartment. When a change of address occurs they are required to deregister and reregister within 3 days. There was no paperwork proving that the defendant had done so and was arrested and charged in February 2008.

The defense argued that he had gone in and filled out the necessary paperwork, however his caseworker was not in on the day he claimed he was there, October 17 2007. He said the receptionist set the form down on her desk and told him she would get it to the right person. The defense called the caseworker to the stand as a witness and had her read a copy of her pay schedule, and she was indeed not there on the day he said he went in. He also had his record going for him. 11 years of not failing to register once, including times he had a change of address. He also has a young child now.

The prosecution did not offer much except for the fact that there was no paperwork. We have all been the victims of paperwork slipping through the cracks at one point or another, so we gave him the benefit of a doubt. We found the defendant not guilty.

It was a very interesting process and now I have more respect for our legal system. I don't believe it is perfect in any sense and there is much wrong with it, I just have a bit more respect now :)

So there it is.

Welcome!

2008-10-08T11:36:00.001-07:00

Well, we (or rather, I) have officially entered the world of blogging! I don’t think there will be very much profound wisdom here, as I have seen on certain other blogs; rather you will find pictures and random updates about what is going on with us.

For example, I served two days jury duty last week and found it absolutely fascinating. Ty is starting orientation for school and can hardly contain himself Zane is a budding artist, he started adding fingers and toes to his drawings of people. And last week he created a few of his own Pokemon! Gracie is, well… Gracie! She climbs anything and everything and falls. But she gets right back up and does it again! I’m telling you, she will be begging for skydiving lessons by the time she’s 10. Oh, and she has her own “silly face” now, just like Z-man used to! See, I need to post a video of that along with some comparison pics from when Zane was a baby and doing it.

So, let me know what you think, TTFN-Ta Ta For Now!