20th Anniversary Cruise!

Kevin surprised me with a cruise for our 20th anniversary!  He arranged for everything, including the care of our children and our pets. It was our first time away from the kids, for more than an evening, since before Anna was born (do you think we were overdue?!!) We flew to Miami to board the ship.We went from Miami to Key West then on to Cozumel, and back to Key West.  We had a fun and relaxing time, even if we didn't have the sunshine we'd been dreaming of.  It was the first cruise either of us had ever been on and we had some pretty yucky weather.  At one point the entire ship was rocking back and forth on very rough seas.  We decided that one of the benefits of that is that if we go on another cruise the weather can probably only be better! :-)  We enjoyed our time away, but were definitely happy to see our kids when we returned (having to readjust to the world of shopping, cooking & washing dishes was a decidedly RUDE awakening after several days of having virtually no responsibilities!)

Operation "Helping Ham" 2013

Operation Helping Ham 2013 was a success.  We were blessed to share the experience with some wonderful friends too.  Ice skating (at the cute little downtown Denver rink) was a fun (albeit FREEZING way to end the adventure!

Anna's half birthday!

We enjoyed a special time celebrating our Anna girl's half birthday today.  Steak n' Shake, Chuck E Cheese and the movie "Frozen" with an awesome 7 1/2 year old!

The Great Food Race!

This weeks collision of parenting and homeschool:  Our mini unit study on plants (and plant based nutrition) resulted in the crazy idea of the "great food race" . . . with each family member moving forward or backward based on their food choices.  I assigned things like sprouts, raw foods, fresh juices, probiotic smooties & alkaline rich foods the highest point values and processed food / sweets really, really low values (with a continuum in between the two extremes).  Dad had a few too many cups of coffee and chocolate chip cookies today - so, he's still behind the starting line!  We'll have to start him out with some carrot/apple juice tomorrow to help him out!

Brrrr!

Do you SEE that temperature??!!!  So thankful this isn't "normal" for Colorado!

"Oh Christmas Tree . . . Oh Christmas Tree!"

Christie Lodge

We have greatly enjoyed our "annual Thanksgiving getaway" with my sister and her family.  We've spent lots of time relaxing, playing games, playing at the park, enjoying the pool and hot tub, playing foosball and ping pong and eating way too much!

We even happened upon the cookie judging competition on opening day at Beaver Creek (ski area)!  We didn't mind helping with that!!  Kevin and the kids surprised me with the itinerary for a cruise he's arranged (in Jan) to celebrate our 20th anniversary!

Thankful :-)

For better, for worse . . . I'd still choose you!

Thankful today for two decades of "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness & in health" and God's great faithfulness throughout every season . . . five years of infertility, sharing a home with 200+ different people over the years, bringing home five babies (in 6 1/2 years!), moving seven times, homeschooling for almost half of our marriage . . . and countless everyday joys, struggles and answered prayers.  Happy 20th anniversary, Kevin . . . I'd still choose you! :-)

Aaaahhhh!!

Toasty warm fire, a book in my hands, kids frolicking in the (heated) outdoor pool and a light snow falling . . . aaaaahhhhh!  Enjoying a LONG overdue break in the mtns this week as a family.  God is good.  Excited for my sister & family to join us later tonight.

Happy Birthday Taylor!

Happy Birthday Taylor!  How can you possibly be 28 years old already?!  You are awesome and we love you!

Little Elves!

There are many things about the approaching holidays that bring me a sense of overwhelm & dread . . . BUT one of the things I LOVE is seeing my kids scheming, plotting, planning & searching for 'just the right gift' for their siblings.  Little elves they are! . . . big dose of joy this morning :-)

Thankful for my sister!

I'm thankful for my big sister today!  She turns another year better today!  She enriches my life in countless ways and continues to inspire, comfort, and challenge me, even from a distance.  Happy Birthday! I hope your family spoils you rotten and celebrates you well today!, You are a great gift to more people than you know :-)

Fall fun!

We've been enjoying the CO Pumpkin Patch operating at the south end of the campground for the past month and a half:  hay maze, slides, corn box, rubber ducky races, petting zoo, face painting, pony rides, gourd launching, golf cart races, tire swings and more! ( . . . and pumpkins of course!).  It's been a fun job for Emily and Levi (and even for me on a few occasions) to help them out.

We enjoyed making silly jack-o-lantern foods, carving pumpkins . . . and eating toasted pumpkin seeds (the BEST part!!).  Emily and her friend, Drew, even tried a highly complicated and messy "melted crayon" pumpkin - which actually turned out quite cool!  A Halloween highlight for us is returning to our old neighborhood and spending the evening with our favorite former neighbors & friends (the Ulloms).