Snowy Village

"What's this?" you ask.

It's the memory of April 23, 2010 when I awakened to find snow on the ground and a delay start scheduled by dear D20. No problemo. Let's send it out with a bang...some cakelets and hot chocolate for what is likely our last "late start" of the year.

That is until D20 decided to update with a full blown snow day. My celebratory disposition changed and I had to try hard to keep from crying. Why, oh why, a canceled day?!

The snow was completely melted by 11am. That's springtime in the Rockies for you...June 2nd here we come. Ready or not.

911 Fail

So, 17 More Years?

Dave had to be at seminary today at 5:30am to cook breakfast. The school year is finally winding up (though only the seniors will be done May 14th and everyone else will go until June 2nd, including Dave and his remaining seminary students) and so they are doing some celebrating. Too bad it had to be on our anniversary...but we've been married long enough to realize that life just marches on regardless of the milestones that come along the way.

I got up to talk to Dave before he left (about mundane "housekeeping" stuff that has to be discussed to keep everything running smoothly) and as he was leaving he said, "So, 17 more years?" What a guy! We're supposed to be in this for eternity but I think another 17 year commitment will do for now.

He also reminded me that in 13 years all the kids will be out of the house. That wasn't such a nice thing to tell me. It's freaking me out a little how fast things go. But that's a post for another day...

For now, let me celebrate the fact that I married the perfect guy for me. He's not my perfect match on paper. Or maybe the professionals take into account that opposites do attract, I don't know for sure. All I know is that we are like opposite sides of the same coin. Completely different is so many ways--like heads and tails--and yet perfect together because we hold the same value.

How else could we manage the good cop/bad cop gig all the time or family vacations (and life for that matter) filled with spontaneity and a schedule? There are so many ways we compliment each other that it thrills me that we both committed to the LONG haul with three terrific kids and nothing but eternity ahead (and a LOT of negotiations).

Love you, David. Looking forward to the next 17 years... ;)

A Trendsetter?

Ben likes to think of himself as a trendsetter. What better way to make that true than to cut your hair really short just as spring is coming into its own? Now everyone who is getting a long overdue haircut can be considered "following" the leader. Funny guy.



The funniest thing is that he has been contemplating and planning this change for quite some time, with only the prospect of a super-white forehead holding him back. He found the sunless tanner and decided there was nothing stopping him. He applied it for a few days before the hair appointment and is quite happy with the results.

Like I said, funny guy.

Ben's Big Day

Last Friday Ben finally bought his iPod Touch. He's been saving and earning the privilege for nearly eight months!

He saved up ALL the money for it and then had to read to Rachel, read by himself, and keep his room clean for 50 days. That's a lot to ask of one excruciatingly active 10 year old, but he did it.

We're so happy and proud.

To add to our pleasure is the fact that Jake walked home from school one day in March as the proud owner of one (he won the grand prize from his school) and Ben was thrilled for him. No temper tantrum or sulking about that life is not fair (which clearly it is not) but simply JOY for Jake's good fortune. What a guy.

We love you, Ben.

(Now if he can just love it and appreciate it as much as he hoped to...it could be tough to live up to the expectations...)

This House Has Soul

"A home without books is a body without soul." --Cicero

I have a 2010 calendar book by Mary Engelbreit that includes a quote each week, mostly about homes and family life. I really like this quote because I love books so much and imagine I will always collect children's books.

Here are some pictures of our new library (which is only six months or so in the making and more than four years in the planning)...



If I were choosing everything myself, we would have the smaller iMac. But alas it's all about compromises. And apparently feeling like I could run the world from my very own desk.



This is the wall that used to have Rachel's bed against it.



This is the nook where Rachel's makeshift closet lived. We're waiting for a giant chalkboard to arrive for the wall.



After the quartz countertop was installed in the corner we decided we needed the same for our inexpensive (aka: ugly) desk from AFW. It's perfect for the desk and really ties everything together. Jake's handy work in woods class brings us this beautiful pen holder. Thanks, Jake!

It's thrilling to have it done and to feel like this house really reflects some of me now.


We had wood floors put in here too and the rest of the wood refinished to match. I love them. Much less shiny and yellow. Did I mention that it's great to be done?!

It's obvious we have books! Come on over and borrow one.

P.S. -- The "cabinet lady" coined it the "library" instead of office. I like it even though it's a bit pretentious. I don't think I'm very pretentious otherwise so I'm going to chance it and call it my library. So there.

P.P.S. -- Don't comment if you disagree and think I am pretentious. I don't want to hear it.

Rachel's Exciting Week

Rachel has had more than her fair share of excitement this past week.



On Tuesday, she took her first dance class. I've been considering putting her in a class for a long time now but I had trouble justifying another activity for me when she's so happy to put on music and dance around the house...


In any case, it was a huge hit and as you can see they don't simply spin around to music here. I love how intense her face is in this shot. The second half of class is tap and she has the most adorable tap shoes in the world. So little and shiny!

On Thursday, we headed to the district headquarters and registered for KINDERGARTEN. Can you imagine? My BABY is five and going to school in the fall. She is so cute and sweet. Shortly before we went to register she asked me very seriously in her little voice, "What if I'm not prepared for Kindergarten?"

Oh, sweet girl. So serious. So concerned. So ready. A better question would be regarding Mom's readiness. Can I be a "stay-at-home mom" when there's no one at home with me?!

And then today Rachel was able to wear her new outfit from Jane and Ruby (homemade by Annee) that was sent to celebrate turning 5. Oh, how she loves it and the matching bag. I may have created a monster as far as her fashion needs go. As long as she still gets down and dirty to play I think she can hate jeans as much as she wants...

Here she is at preschool showing everyone how a mom looks to hit the town. Well done.

There's nothing like a fabulous new frock from the other side of the world to throw you back into blogging! Thanks, Annee. It's perfect for Rachel!

One Unforgettable Event from 2009

On Thursday night, October 29th, we headed out to swim team in spite of the snow. School had been cancelled for two days but the roads did not seem that terrible to me. On Dublin Blvd, another car lost control and flew over the median and head-on into our van. The Nissan SUV then spun around and forced us into a tree. The kids and I were thankfully kept safe inside the faithful Toyota Sienna with the airbags deployed. We feel so blessed.



This is what the other guy looked like. He happened to walk away safely also.



Now it is on to dealing with insurance companies and picking out a new car!




The following day I saved the van from being crushed mistakenly because I showed up to empty out some of my things. It was not at the lot where they'd towed it because it was being transported to a wrecking yard, instead of another van that insurance had already "totalled out."



Can you imagine that nightmare? The car gets crushed before insurance can see it! That was close. Just another thing to be thankful for this year.

I'll never forget how I spent my 39th birthday feeling a bit older perhaps (with soreness in my neck and shoulder) and quite a bit more humble. Life can indeed change in an instant.

P.S.- Just to reiterate--no one was hurt in the accident. Jake and I had minor scrapes and bruises and a few sore muscles. Ben had one bruise from his seat belt and Rachel was completely unharmed. Amazing, really.

My New Favorite Ten-Year-Old

I'd like to share 10 facts about Ben:

1. Favorite color: GREEN

2. He LOVES cars, especially fast, expensive sports cars. Go figure.

3. When he grows up he wants to be a professional keeper (soccer goalie, for those of you not in the know) or an NFL running back. Either one.

4. Favorite vegetable: CELERY

5. Favorite meal: Hot wings with steak and fries.

6. His best friends this year are: Matthew, Evan, Max, Cutter, JonJon, Joseph, Jacob, Brandon, ect. ect.

7. Favorite sport: Soccer (or lacrosse, although I argue he has so little experience watching or playing lacrosse it can't be a favorite.)

8. Favorite subjects in school: PE and Math

9. Favorite hobby (besides sports): building models

10. He's an absolutely amazing brother, friend and son. His teacher adores him this year because he is so kind and genuinely nice with everyone.

Ben is one-of-a-kind and we are so happy he is in our family.

Love you, Ben!

Guess What Jake Brought Home from School...

The swine flu.

That's right. My eighth grader, who is not the most social person, brought home the swine flu.

He's on tamiflu and we're prepared in case the rest of us get symptoms but we're hoping Ben's birthday plans aren't affected by the illness.

My guess is that A LOT of people are going to get it. Let's hope it's not too severe.

That's my excitement for today. Plus a soccer tournament for Ben in Denver. He's becoming a really great goalie. Way to go, Ben!

Get well soon, Jake.