Koffords in Colorado

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-30T23:00:00.013-07:00

Hello friends!

My goodness, I can't believe it has been almost a year since I last made a blog entry! Time presses forward, and I have feared that our mundane lives just weren't of interest any longer, so my posts had stopped for some time. Just in case you still stop in and "visit" from time to time, I wanted to update you on the latest! We are all alive and well despite my silence for so many months!

Kyle is now 15 years old and a freshman in high school. He loves playing guitar, violin, and playing on the boys JV tennis team. Ashlyn is 9 years old and a 4th grader. She is very active in Girl Scouts, and loves serving on the Student Council at her school.

Tom was hired with "Ball Corporation" last spring and is enjoying his new position in Finance. I am currently working on obtaining my Colorado Teaching License so that I can start substitute teaching in our local elementary schools. In the meantime, I am busy as C0-Leader of Ashlyn's Girl Scout troop, working in the classroom, serving on our school PTO board, etc...life is full and we have been happy!

After my parents passed away, we started "The Appletree Scholarship Fund" in their memory. To date, we have awarded 6 $500 scholarships to worthy educators in Tehama County who are committed to enriching their students academic experiences through innovative teaching methods. We plan to continue to awarding the scholarships yearly in the fall. I think my parents would have been pleased to see these smiling students! BIG thanks to all of you who have contributed to our fund! Your generosity has made so much possible!

I look forward to catching up on your blogs and hearing the latest in your lives! I have missed you all, and hope that the new year is off to a wonderful start! Here's to good health, happiness, and much love in 2011!

Love,

Denise and the entire Kofford Family in Colorado! :-)

"Before and After"

2010-04-23T18:50:00.007-06:00

"Before" my weight loss...these photos were taken in Aug/Sept. when I was 40 lbs. heavier. I was feeling good when these were taken as I got some new pants that fit well. I took the time to have them altered so they were a perfect fit.
There's nothing like a pair of crisp white pants! A fine pair of white pants have been my favorite article of clothing to own since I was in college. Then I lost 40 lbs. and discovered it was time for new white pants!
"After!" Now I have lost 40 lbs. and feel really good! I didn't realize how much energy it drained in me carrying around the equivalent of four 10lb. sacks of potatoes!

Those are the Rocky Mountains behind me and the snow capped peak is one of our "fourteeners" called "Longs Peak."

For 4 months I walked/jogged/ran(shuffled) on this 3 mile loop around McIntosh Lake with these pretty views.
It was always inspirational and I spent a lot of time thinking about my parents and my goals in life.
My friend Lorri is a wonderful photographer and she graciously offered to take these 'after' photos for me! She is so talented making even a 43 year old gal like me look youthful! (And these are originals before "Photoshop!" Can't wait to see what magic she can work next on my many wrinkles!)

So remember my love of white pants?

Well, I may need to rethink how I feel about them. After Tom carefully looked over the photos and complimented my weight loss and Lorri's fine skills, he said, "You know what these photos on the swing remind me of?" A commercial for Tampax!" Gee, if only I'd have known that with a little planning all these years of wearing white pants could have lead to a fruitful tampon career! :-)

Good News!

2010-04-12T09:53:00.009-06:00

Good news to report from the Kofford Household!

We are excited to announce that Tom started a new job today, in his field of Financial Planning and Analysis! The position is with a good company that is over 120 years old, and is located about a half hour away. Great benefits and health insurance, an easy drive, and an exciting new opportunity!

Inspired by my mother's influence of growing up in Hawaii, and all the skills she and my grandmother taught me from dancing the hula, making beautiful floral leis, and teaching our elementary school students about our 50th state Hawaii, I will be taking on a new part time job!

I am sending in proposals to local schools and am going to be teaching our "Hawaii Unit" to Ashlyn's Girl Scout troop and a local elementary school as part of their enrichment program. It will be a four week class after school, and the children will learn how to speak simple Hawaiian phrases, perform 2 hula dances, a bamboo stick dance, they will make leis and grass skirts, and host a luau for the parents on the last day! I'm excited to get started and share this special love of the Hawaiian islands with local students. Here is the cat involved in my sorting and organizing...

We had an enjoyable Easter complete with an uplifting church service, a jelly bean trail that the Easter Bunny left,

Easter baskets....

dying eggs....

hunting eggs...
a lovely Easter brunch at a local restaurant owned by Charles Dicken's family... isn't that Easter bunny ice sculpture interesting?

(Mmmmm...the chocolate fountain was a favorite for me!)

and a casual tastey ham dinner to complete the day.

This owl visitor has been lounging on our roof top, we can only hope he catches the woodpecker that is knocking on our exterior bedroom wall every morning!
Tonight Kyle will be playing in a district wide Orchestra Concert, Ashlyn and I will be bowling with the Girl Scouts, and Tom will be at work! He was singing the "Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work I go" Seven Drawfs song this morning! Today I am busy cutting pineapples, making sample erupting volcanoes, and dancing the hula in preparation for my class.

We look forward to hearing the latest in your family's life! Happy Spring!

P.S. Our friend Lorri has generously offered to take some "after" photos of me next week. Will share as soon as we get together...I'm down to 120 lbs. and am feeling great! :-)

It's a miracle...spring has sprung!

2010-03-29T21:12:00.004-06:00

What a blessing! The sun has come out, the snow has all melted, and we are enjoying a little bit of spring...until the next snow storm arrives! :-) We won't talk about that though, what a sore subject when there is a little bit of green coming up in that brown frost bitten earth! Until that next snow storm, we are getting outdoors to enjoy the good weather. We were finally able to use the new kayak Tom got for Christmas. Our pond has thawed, so we were all able to try the kayak in a safe place before we take it to our local lake.

You can see the snow capped view of Long's Peak in the background. It felt like such a luxury to have near 70 degree weather, we just sat in the kayak at sunset and enjoyed the warmth on our legs! What you don't see is that Tom has a nice cold beer to enjoy on the water!

We grilled some yummy shrimp and veggie skewers, burgers for the kids, and enjoyed being able to use the BBQ for the first time in 7 months! :-)

I am anxious to show you some before and after photos of me, but need to get someone to take some new photos with me standing up, then you can see what 40 lbs. less of me really looks like!

Our kiddo's are on their spring break this week, so tomorrow we are going to take the kids to tour the Denver Mint and see how money is made. I will try and get some photos at that time. Show and tell is always fun!

In closing, I wanted to share a favorite quote when it comes to accomplishing our goals...weight loss or otherwise...

"The secret of success is constancy of purpose." ~Dioradi

What did you eat today?

2010-03-25T21:34:00.002-06:00

I have been thinking about food a lot. I love food. I love junk food as well as healthy food. I love food that has once had eyes, and food that grows in dirt. I love processed food, sugar, juices, and sodas. I love butter and popcorn, and chocolate cake. I just love food! Food gives me comfort, and is a reward late a night.

All of the above make for a pretty unhealthy relationship with food. Just as some people have a glass of wine after a long day, my reward has been a nice big slice of chocolate cake. For so many years I ate what I wanted, because it felt good, and tasted good. Although nutrition mattered, it didn’t matter as much as how good, bad foods tasted.

I have lost close to 40 lbs. recently. I have had to rethink my relationship with food. I am very mindful of what I eat and what I am fueling my body with. Amazingly, there is a big difference in a body fueled with junk, and a body fueled with healthy choices. I will show you my transformation in an upcoming post.

I thought I would show you tonight’s dinner. Now, a fresh salad with berries, nuts, goat cheese, sliced chicken, and crisp greens takes the place of what once would have been a meat dish with potatoes and sour cream and butter. Do I still cheat? Yes. Do I still make poor choices? Yes. Now though, I try and make good decisions 90% of the time, and it has paid off.

I am still a long way from being a poster child for clean eating, but I am trying one day at a time to make sure I eat more quality food vs. junk food. And I just wanted you to know.

How do you eat? Are you a junk food junkie, a strict vegan, or somewhere in the middle? I’d love to know what you think about food.

Welcome Spring...Or maybe not!

2010-03-24T08:50:00.005-06:00

Hello Friends!

We thought spring had arrived in Colorado, but then we got 6 inches of snow! No school for our kids today, so it will be a day filled with snow boots and hot cocoa.

It has been several months since I last blogged and I have missed you. We have had holidays come and go... Valentines Day at the Kofford Household.... California friends have come and gone....

St. Patrick's Day arrived with sunshine and bag pipe players at a local restaurant...

Ashlyn turned 9 years old on March 22nd...

And it has snowed,

and snowed some more!

Despite almost every picture above with sweet treats, Tom and I have been losing weight. I'm down 39lbs. and Tom over 20 lbs.

There has been job hunting, (Tom's most recent prospect is very promising!) and I have been sending out proposals to teach several summer classes in our community.

There have been field trips with school, Girl Scout events, Band and Orchestra concerts, horseback riding, kids growing, and trips away. We are well and we have missed following your stories...

Now that you are all caught up in our lives, it is time to get back to regular blogging! Time for funny stories, sharing recipes, pictures, and weight loss tips! And if you have any spring weather, please send some our way! :-)

Happy New Year...27 days late!

2010-01-27T20:27:00.005-07:00

Happy New Year friends and family! It has been a busy month filled with many wonderful memories. Here's a little sampling of all the activities!

New Year's Eve at our friends the Johnson's. We enjoyed a delicious 3 course fondue meal with so many sauces and tastey treats it took us over 3 hours to eat everything! Yummy!

Christmas was filled with special memories, although it was a sad time as well, since it was the one year anniversary of my mom's passing on Dec. 26th. We were able to make it a happy one for the kids though and enjoyed reminiscing of Christmas' past. Here are a few photos of Christmas morning...

Tom and Kyle enjoying the new mini ping pong table... and I model the beautiful diamond tennis bracelet Tom gave me! It is gorgeous, and I felt quite glamorous with diamonds and a bathrobe on Christmas morning! hee hee :-)

The oil painting I had commissioned for Tom. A wonderful local artist created this beautiful painting of the kids on our bridge. It took 3 months for her to complete it and was such a wonderful Christmas surprise!

Santa left a nice note for the kids along with a new computer for Kyle and a Barbie Glamour Camper for Ashlyn!

After Christmas we got our new curtains hung...and enjoyed a wonderful trip to Breckenridge with our friends and neighbors who have a cabin there.

January also included a fun weekend trip to Las Vegas with my girlfriend Charlene! We hadn't seen each other since my mom's funeral, so it was nice to have a positive reason to get together and reconnect.

The pretty botanical gardens in the Bellagio...

The beautiful Bellagio where we stayed for the weekend!

I came home with $200.00 from the slot machines!

Charlene before the "O Show" that Cirque Du Soleil performed. It was fantastic!

It has been a whirlwind month which has been a good diversion as it had been one year since my mom passed away on Dec. 26th. Her birthday was on Jan. 15th so there have been many reminders of my parents and that sense of loss that they are not here with us. What a blessing though to create so many special memories over the past few months...living fully and appreciating friends and family is what life is all about! May the new year be filled with good health and special memories for you!

With love from Colorado,

The Kofford Family :-)

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T23:59:00.011-07:00

Merry Christmas Friends! We wish you and your family wonderful memories to share together today! It is after midnight as I write on Christmas Eve...everyone is dreaming of sugar plums, and I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your friendship during this entire year! It has been a year of changes and challenges, but your kind words and encouragement have been such a blessing to us! Thank you! Enjoy this special day, and know that we send lots of love and all our wishes for a healthy, happy, and joyous Christmas Day!

Today was Christmas Eve Day and we are anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival! It was a busy day for the Koffords and full of fun! Here's what we were up to...
We awoke to a beautiful winter wonderland, and had a fair amount of snow in the past few days!
Today we delivered cookies to the neighbors...
Enjoyed the beauty on our pond...
Delivered ham for 45 local police officers who are keeping our community safe on Christmas Eve...
Got dressed up to attend Christmas Eve services at church...
And fed Santa's reindeer before leaving cookies and letters for his arrival. We celebrate Jesus' birth in the morning, as well as Santa'a arrival, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with joy! With love from Colorado, The Kofford Family :-)

The wedding dress experiment...

2009-12-22T07:50:00.004-07:00

Just for 'fun' I thought I would try on my wedding dress the other day. It had been 21 years since it last saw daylight, and now that I am back down to my wedding day weight, what better treat than to see if it would zip up once again.

The dress has been vacuum sealed, taped shut, double boxed, and hidden from air, bugs, and yellowing. Seeing it displayed inside the dress mold with only a clear plastic window made it look like it had been cryogenically frozen all these years!
Kyle grabbed the camera to capture the moment when it would zip up...Tom was on hand to help me get it over my head, and Ashlyn was ready with the veil. The moment came and I was so proud to know it would fit just as it did on Sept. 3, 1988! But that didn't happen, at all. Sure I could get it on, but Tom said there was no way it would even come close to zipping. It was about 7 inches too short around the ribcage! Oh the devastation! Everyone was right...after children your weight is redistributed and things expand that don't return again!
So, I guess it wasn't meant for me to be a 'bride' again. We captured little Ashlyn trying it on, hoping one day, perhaps she will wear the gown on her wedding day. Until then, back into the box the dress goes. So much for my post weight loss treat. Now, I think it's time to go shopping!

12 Days Until Christmas!

2009-12-13T18:56:00.011-07:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Colorado! We've been on a whirlwind month of activities, and here is a sneak peek into the past few weeks...

Since we were on our own for Thanksgiving this year, I decorated early and had the entire house ready for Christmas by the end of Nov. I've never decorated that early before, but with lots of activities this month, I am glad I did!

Welcome to our home, please come in!

The ice skates you see were my mothers, and I found a fun vintage sled to display them on. We're ready for winter!

The staircase full of garland...

The table all set for our ladies Bible Study Potluck.

A great chance to show off my mom's pretty pointsettia dishes, was at the Christmas Tea where I hosted a table.

On Friday I hosted a Christmas cookie exchange and craft night! We had fun tasting each other's delicious Christmas cookies and working around 5 stations of crafts where each guest was able to make ornaments, a "Fireside Coffee Mix", candy Santa Sleighs, etc...
Tom and I experimented with a new "signature drink" which I called a, "Christmas Cranberry and Sour Apple Martini! It was so tastey! Aren't the garnishes pretty?

Here is our bartender for the evening,

...and friends Kimberley and Joie!
The ladies busy crafting...
Here we are tubing in "Fraser" near Winter Park this weekend.
A pretty in pink snow bunny waiting her turn to head down the hill!
Tom headed down the hill...
How nice to have a rope tow to get back to the top of the hill...it was lazy man's tubing today!

It really wasn't as cold as it looks. It was around 28 degrees today, but compared to the -11 degree temps last week...anything above 20 degrees feels downright warm!
More December adventures to come! I have fallen so behind on blogging, but will be by to visit you soon! Leave us a comment if you have time, we'd love to know you were here! Merry Christmas! :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T16:58:00.003-07:00

Happy Turkey Day friends and family! We hope you have enjoyed a delicious day filled with wonderful memories!

We were able to visit a replica of the Mayflower when we were in Massachusetts this fall. It was wonderful to see the location of our country's first "Thanksgiving" and appreciate all that the pilgrims endured. This particular ship actually took the same voyage that the Mayflower travelled. Character actors were on board to tell us of the many hardships endured during the 2 month journey. There was no fresh water on board so everyone, including children, drank beer due to the nutritional properties of the barley. Hearing of their adventures made us appreciate our 21st century lifestyles!

This is "Plymouth Rock", a small rock showing the location of where the Mayflower landed in 1620. What a neat experience to walk where the first pilgrims did close to 400 years ago.

Centuries later we too celebrate the meeting of pilgrims and indians and the foundations our country is built on. Here Ashlyn awaits the turkey that took an hour longer than expected to cook!

Tom carves the bird, and our tiny 13 lb. turkey gave us plenty of leftovers for a week! It was just the four of us this year, so it has been a quiet and relaxing day. I jogged around the lake this morning and the rest of the day was all about cooking, eating, celebrating, and cleaning up. Now we wait until we're hungry, or can make room for, pumpkin pie and pumpkin ice cream!

We hope you have had a wonderful day, and that there is much to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving!

With love from Colorado, Denise :-)

"The family that exercises together, stays together!"

2009-11-17T20:13:00.004-07:00

Last weekend we all ran in our city's "35 Annual 10K Turkey Trot!" Kyle and I participated in the 10K run, (6.4 miles) and Tom stayed back with Ashlyn so she could complete the 2 mile run. It snowed the day after, so we were fortunate that we didn't have any weather to contend with except for a cool morning start time. Kyle finished in just over an hour, and my time was 1 hr. 11 min. We were both pretty slow, but still felt a good sense of accomplishment when we were done!

The 2 mile runners and our cheer section at the finish line!

The shirts were were an eco-friendly bamboo organic material...too bad they couldn't have found eco-friendly pretty colors! :-)

We've been on the go the past few weeks. Lots of kid's activities, concerts, lessons, job hunting, volunteering, church activities, etc...fill our days and nights. My biggest news is that for the past 12 weeks I have been working on dieting and exercising and have now lost 26 lbs! It feels great to be lighter on my feet, and now I am only 6 lbs. away from my wedding day weight 21 years ago! I'm going to try and get there again...the real challenge will be if I can maintain it. I have found that over the years, losing weight is much more motivating than holding steady. I will keep you posted!

Tom is still job hunting and following leads, but jobs are few and far between. In the meantime he is working around the house, organzing finances, and helping me with all my duties. I don't know what I will do when he returns to work! It is so nice to have help with the cooking, chauferring, and all the simple things like having him home during the day to carry in groceries! I will manage once again though, and we are keeping our fingers crossed he finds work before Jan. when the severance salary ends. Keep your fingers crossed!

Quick post tonight as I want to stop by your blogs and visit! Happy Fall!

Bearded man shaves for symphony!

2009-11-01T19:42:00.006-07:00

At last, the time has come...the beard is gone! Whoo hooo! :-)

Tom has enjoyed growing a beard since Aug. when he was laid off from his position at work. As much as he enjoyed the beard, he promised to shave it when a special occasion or job interview was lined up. Well, the special occasion came first, so Friday he shaved his wooly face for a night out with friends to attend the symphony!

Our friends Kevin and Robin graciously invited us to attend the opening night of the "Boulder Philharmonic". We started the evening out with a romantic dinner at a local Boulder hot spot called, "Black Cat." The chef grows many of the ingredients used in the restaurant's organic menu. We then enjoyed a musical treat with a full orchestra playing spooky selections to usher in Halloween night the following day!

Halloween was full of fun for our 8 year old fancy leopard, and our 14 year old crazy 70's guy! Kyle's shirt was actually one that Tom purchased at a "Grateful Dead" concert years ago, making the outfit especially authentic! :-)

Look at all that loot!

Sadly, Halloween was also the 3rd anniversary of my dad's passing in 2006. The day is always full of meloncholy emotions for me, but I find peace in knowing that my parents spirit and legacy lives on in us, and in how we live our lives to honor them.

Have a wonderful week filled with memories to last!

Smiles to you,
Denise :-)

Halloween is coming!

2009-10-29T21:44:00.005-06:00

Halloween will be here in a few short days! Before then we have a few fun parties and a school parade. Ashlyn will be a fancy leopard for the big day and she was glad she got to try out her costume earlier when we went, "Boo Bowling" with Girl Scouts! Here is our kitty, posing with the real cat!

We've been on the go since my last post...we had a wonderful trip to Boston to visit my cousin David and his family. I'm so excited to show you the photos since I know you will recognize so many sites from Plymouth Rock to Bunker Hill. Here we all are near the Old North Church where Paul Revere hung his lanterns on the night the Revolutionary War begun. More pics to come!

Today the kids had their first snow day of the season and they were thrilled! What fun weather we have here in Colorado...literally, one day it is sunny and 65 degrees, and the next we have 10 inches of snow on the ground! It's wild but we love it!

The dogs get in on the sledding action...

Kyle and Ashlyn with our Chihuahuas, all dressed for the weather!

Pure bliss!

Tom was able to enjoy a weeek out in CA to visit friends and his family. He had a wonderful time and flew back to CO with his parents. They all drove out to Oaklahoma to visit our niece Holly and her husband Will, then back to CO where we were able to enjoy Tom's parents for a few days. Tom's sweet mother taught me how to crochet after seeing my struggles with knitting, (although I am going to master BOTH skills!) and it was a perfect activity to enjoy by the warm fire when the snow was falling.

Here is Ashlyn with her "Papa Ron." Sorry Grandma Billie we didn't get a photo of you this trip!

We hope you have all been well, and I look forward to posting more frequently...the only good thing that has come of my lack of blogging, is that I have replaced that time with exercise! I happily share with you that I have lost 20 lbs. in 9 weeks! Pictures to come tomorrow when Tom and I get all dressed up to attend the Boulder Symphony!

Happy Friday! Happy Fall!

Travel, Family, and Seizing the Day!

2009-10-04T07:41:00.006-06:00

Home in Colorado, Kyle and Ashlyn enjoy the pond and waterfall...it was a cool 44 degrees this morning!

Busyness abounds in the Kofford Household...

Life is full of so many opportunities, and we are seizing every one that comes our way! I am trying to embrace the words I know my mother lived by during that final year of her life. She wanted to enjoy life fully every day and not miss a single opportunity. We are trying to do the same!

I have a very small family and few extended family members that are still alive. It seems the last times I have seen most of them have been at my parents funerals. Determined to have current memories that make up happy moments, rather than mourning, I decided to fly to southern California to visit my aunts, uncle, and cousins for my birthday. It was a wonderful time to reminisce of my parents, yet spend time together with family making new memories!
Family! My cousin Michael, Aunt Beth, Aunt Sylvia, Uncle Jerry, and cousins Andrew and Abby...Mike's wife is behind the camera! (We enjoyed a delicious dinner and swimming in Mike and Paula's pool...while it was 102 degrees in CA it was in the 50's back home in Colorado!) It was great to hear everyone sing not only the "Happy Birthday" song we all know in English, but to also have them sing the Swedish version which is a tradition in our family! I hadn't heard it or had it sung to me since before my dad passed away...
My Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Jerry at the Arboreteum where there are trees with memorial markers for my grandparents behind us. They also drove me by the first house I lived in, and where my dad went to college, etc...It was a great birthday weekend!

My only other cousin, David, lives with his family in Massachusetts. I have missed him too and and wasn't sure when we would see one another again. We have decided to take a family trip to the east coast to visit David, and see the fall colors as well as all the historic sites of the area next week! We hesitated to pull the kids from school, but for a few days, the opportunity to learn more about the Revolutionary War and see the area where battles were fought, will be an educational experience for us all! I will post photos when we return!
Back home in CO, I went horseback riding this week with my friend Kate. We went for a leisurely trail ride around, "Pella Crossing" on a beautiful crisp fall morning. You can see why I haven't been blogging much...there is just too much outdoor living to do right now! :-)

Tom is still busy job hunting, but until a position is found, we are using this time together to travel and spend time with family whenever we can. Tom will be flying to CA to visit with his family later in the month, and then he and his parents will fly back to CO for a road trip out to Oaklahoma so his folks can see their granddaughter, and Tom's niece Holly. We are sure making the most of our time together while Tom is home!

I hope you too are seizing the day and enjoying time with friends and family whenever you get the chance! Life is short, let's make it count!

Fall is in the air!

2009-09-24T21:59:00.004-06:00

Hello again! Boy, I have really become a "Backseat Blogger" and I have sure missed reading your blogs and staying in touch! Life is going well on this end, but busy and full, which explains my absence!

Fall has arrived in Colorado! The past few days have been overcast, cool, and once again there is snow on the mountains. We have enjoyed our fireplace for the first time this season, and hot cocoa is already becoming a morning staple for the kids!

Tom and I are trying to make some positive life changes, so for the past month, we have been dieting and exercising almost everyday. It's a lot harder in our forties, and it takes a lot more work to get those pesky pounds off! We've been jogging, biking, and staying active! I joined Weight Watchers and have lost 11 lbs. so far!

I'm involved with two Women's Bible Studies, volunteering at school, co-leader in Girl Scouts, etc...etc...Luckily I have had Tom home to help with driving the kids to all their activities. He's enjoying his time away from work, but has several recruiters who are also searching for possible job openings. We shall see what the future holds!

Tom's sister Cindy spent a few days with us this past weekend to help celebrate Tom's birthday. We had a great time with her, showing her the local sights, and having her all to ourselves! Tom couldn't have asked for a better gift...Cindy was the perfect birthday present!

My birthday is this weekend, and I will be flying to Los Angeles to spend it with my uncle, aunts, and cousins! I'm really excited to see them all again, although the trip will be bittersweet, as this is the first time my parents won't be there too. My aunts both live in the same houses I remember as a little girl. There are so many memories of holidays, delicious meals, and times spent together that I excpect some tears and laughter as we reminisce together!

I leave in the morning for my trip, but when I return I look forward to catching up with you! You have been missed!

With love until next time,
Denise :-)

A month of celebrating!

2009-09-03T15:32:00.004-06:00

The birthday boy with one week old braces!

Enjoying birthday smoothies before school!

The new "Lolita" birthday glass that all birthday members can use...no wine today, just a berry smoothie! :-)

September is a big month in our family! We have 3 birthdays and an anniversary to celebrate this month, starting today! Today is Kyle's 14th birthday and our 21st wedding anniversary! We started off the day with an early-bird-birthday-breakfast for the birthday boy, and then the kids were off to school.

Tom and I biked 7 miles, enjoyed a leisurely lunch in Boulder, and now Kyle is off to the airport! He is flying to California tonight to spend Labor Day weekend with his buddy Tom and celebrate in our old hometown of Dublin. What a lucky duck getting to celebrate his birthday in two states! I don't think I will rest easy though until he safely arrives in CA. He has flown alone before and feels confident, but you know, it's my job to worry!

We sent him off with a passport, (What if someone thinks he is a runaway?) money, (What if he gets thirsty, or cold, and what if?) You get the picture, moms worry. Period. Just wait until he goes to Washington D.C. with the 8th grade later this year...I will be a nervous wreck all week! I can't believe I am saying it, but thank goodness for cell phones and the ability to text! :-)

The Bearded Accountant...

2009-09-02T16:58:00.003-06:00

Here is my hubby Tom sporting a wooly new beard!

After years of working and having to shave daily, he is thoroughly enjoying the chance to grow a beard and be hairy! Having time away from work is agreeing with him...not only is he growing a beard, but he golfs a few times a week, exercises daily, has lunch with friends, is taking the kids to school, helping with dinner and errands, etc... Being laid off is great chance for him to enjoy all the fine things in life!

But back to the beard...I have a different opinion of this wild thing growing on my husband's face. He assures me he will shave it once he starts the interview process. Hmmm...maybe I will stop shaving my legs until then too!

The face behind the blog...

2009-08-31T20:08:00.004-06:00

This is me. As the author of this blog, I should show you the "real me" a little more than I do, but over the past few years I realize I don't like to show you myself very often. All I tend to see are my droopy eyelids and uneven smile. The rest of me has plenty of flaws too. As each year passes, age has sure made me dislike more and more superficial things about myself.

When I start to see all those wrinkles and flaws, and ponder my own mortality, I think of my mom. I remember her great attitude and how she lived her life, not just at the end but throughout her 40's, 50's and 60's. Wrinkles and flaws were especially of no concern to her once she learned she had only a year to live. What truly becomes important in life isn't the outside part of us, but who we have in our lives and those we hold dear. I am so glad I was able to be a part of my mom living that concept first hand.

Since my parents both passed at age 67, I spend a lot of time thinking about the time I have left on this earth. How am I spending it and with whom? Do I invest in the relationships that mean the most to me? Is the way I live my life, true to how I want to be remembered? Maybe I'm having a mid-life crisis, or maybe I'm still trying to find my way. Either way, I'm trying to live more fully and embrace life more, just like my mom taught me to do during her lifetime. In doing so, I've picked up a new hobby. There are still so many things I want to accomplish in this lifetime...including learning how to knit! Although I haven't learned how to knit yet, I did learn a "lazy" version!

See this loom and yarn in the photo? I learned a new skill with Ashlyn at Girl Scout camp using the "Kniffty Knitter." I am now officially hooked on creating treasures with the Kniffty Knitter...This is what I have been busy doing in my free time!

Don't laugh, but I have made 6 matching sets of mother/daughter hats! Now if I could just learn how to knit for real and make matching scarves! I have no idea who will want to wear these works of art...Luckily we live in a state that sees snow, so I'm hoping friends will oblige me this winter! Doesn't everyone need a warm hat when they walk to their mailbox? :-)

Tom and I have also started excersing together! We have one of the most perfect settings to make exercise as pleasurable as possible. We have been jog/walking around our neighborhood lake on a 3.5 mile loop. There are prairie dogs, cottontail rabbits, egrets, wildflowers, fisherman, canoes, and wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains to enjoy as we get outside and get moving! Since Tom is home during his job search, we have been enjoying getting active and making positive life changes. I joined Weight Watchers last week and am hoping these positive changes will help me not only lose weight, but lower my cholestrol, etc...

Tom has also been growing quite a mountain-man beard since being home almost a month. When it is daylight tomorrow I will take a photo to share. He loves it and not having to shave like he did daily the past 20 years! I have a differing opinion about the beard, but will show you a photo so you can see for yourself!

I will say, "Goodnight" for now, and wish you all a good week! I hope you spend every day living fully!

Back to School in Colorado...

2009-08-19T17:16:00.006-06:00

Summer has officially ended for the kids, and today was back to school for the elementary school! Is this child excited to start 3rd grade? I think the pose says it all! She couldn't wait to start the day! A new backpack and fresh school supplies are just the way to start the new school year!

Ashlyn asked me a few day ago, "Mom, is it OK if I want to reinvent myself?" She said she wanted to be more "tom-boyish" and maybe it was time for all the fancy hair bows to go. Oh no, not the hair bows! I was hoping we could get one more year out of wearing all those darling hair bows I love so much! So, today she wore a headband and no bows, (bummer) and high top sneakers...definitely a new look for this new 3rd grader!

Paint-splattered pants...the "new" look! Gee, maybe we could make a fortune marketing our own version...wouldn't that be fun to make! :-)

Ashlyn waiting for the bus to arrive on our little bridge. Today was also a first as Tom was able to come to school on the first day, and take pictures! It sure is nice having Daddy home for all these special milestones!

Now that school is back in session, (Kyle starts tomorrow) I will hopefully have time to get back to visiting all my blogger friends, and real life friends too! I have missed you! We have sure been busy the last few weeks. Ashlyn and I went camping with Girl Scouts where we got to try archery, hike, put on skits, eat smores and sleep under the stars! There was "Groovy Goat Camp" this week where Ashlyn learned how to show goats, milk the goats, and make lots of groovy goat crafts! Kyle had a visit to the oral surgeon where he had 5 teeth removed and braces go on next week! Tom got his resume completed, played a few rounds of golf, and we accepted an offer on my parents home in Red Bluff! All in all, much is getting accomplished...but blogging!

I look forward to catching up on all of your lives, and hearing what the new school year has in store for you and your children! Happy End of Summer and Beginning of School!

The Grapes of Wrath

2009-08-12T15:43:00.006-06:00

Whew...want to read a real tear-jerker? I didn't think so, but reading this book sure puts our current luxuries into perspective.

Tom has been hounding me for years to read one of his favorite books, "The Grapes of Wrath." I wasn't very interested, not because I didn't feel the story would be compelling, it was more for the reason that I haven't been interested in any sad stories, movies, or books describing human suffering. I guess I saw more than I ever wanted to experience first hand watching my mother's slow death from brain cancer. I didn't want to experience more, even if reading about it is easier than seeing it and living it with a loved one. After our last trip to the library and Tom's reading of the book again, I decided to plow forth and read.

Dust storms in the 1930's destroying towns and homesteads.

In the 1930's a devasting drought brought about a series of events that lead to terrible human suffering and death. John Steinbeck wrote, "The Grapes of Wrath" depicting what life was like during that time in history. The book follows the Joad Family as they leave their farm in Oaklahoma after the bank reposses it. Thousands of families were no longer able to grow crops after the drought which brought on horrible dust storms. The bank took over theses farms for lack of payment on the loans and the people had no choice but to leave their homeland in search of greener pastures and work in California.

Thousands of families sold all of their belongings, some getting only $18 for everything, and packing what they could on old jalopies purchased for $50-75.00. Setting out to cross the country with around $100 to their names, they experienced great heartache on their journey.

Once arriving in California they were told there would be work picking oranges and peaches. Unfortuantely, there were more families looking for work than there were jobs. Without water, shelter, and food, the migrant people starved to death. When work was found, often picking cotton, the land owners paid minimum wages knowing that someone would always work for less. If one man was willing to work for .35 cents a day, another would do it for .25 cents for any chance to feed his family. The hope of owning land, or a small farm to start fresh would never come for these people. They no longer worked for wages, but for a cup of flour and a spoonful of lard.

A typical cotton picker...some of the only work available...families would pick cotton in exchange for food for their starving families. The book ends with an example of true giving, but we are left wondering what happened to these people. I have been curious about how many generations it took until they were they able to sustain themselves. During one poignant scene a family couldn't afford a loaf of bread, but asked if the shop owner could cut off .10 cents worth so they would have something. I cannot even imagine what suffering these people experienced, but reading the book did make me appreciate every meal we are lucky enough to eat.

Tonight we are going to watch the movie made in 1940 starring Henry Fonda. Tom would like Kyle to read the book, hoping it will enable him to see how much we have as we live in a society that covets "more."

Have you read any great books this summer? We'd love your suggestions!

Last stop...Telluride, Colorado

2009-08-08T16:39:00.002-06:00

We drove onto Telluride after our Mesa Verde visit and what a beautiful little mountain town this was! We stayed in Mountain Village, and took the gondola into Telluride which is an old mining town. We enjoyed all the history of this quaint town, and saw the bank Butch Cassidy robbed of $24,000 back in the 1800's. At this high altitude of 9,500 ft. flowers are gorgeous and mountain wildflowers are in abundance!

"Mountain Village" complete with an ice skating rink in the winter, (the empty space in the middle of the picture) rock climbing wall for the kids, trampolines, shopping, restaurants, and no cars necessary. The free gondola system takes visitors to shopping, restaurants, golf, and some of the worlds best skiing!
We had fun making S'More Memories! After a lovely dinner at "Onyx" the restaurant had all the makings for s'mores that the kids could roast over their open fire pits in the village. Once the sun went down, it was cool and brisk so even in Aug. s'mores were perfect!
Riding the gondola into the little town of Telluride. The town is situated right in the valley between the gorgeous San Juan Mountains.
We had a relaxing family road trip and it was wonderful to see so many points of interest in our state. Now we are home and moving forward with the last few weeks of summer...Girl Scout camping, sewing class for Ashlyn, a Green Day Concert for Kyle, job hunting for Tom, and as much fun as we can squeeze in before Aug. 19th and 20th....when school begins once again, and fall will be on the horizon.

Enjoy your last few weeks of summetime!

Sending lots of love from Colorado,
Denise :-)

Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings...

2009-08-05T17:10:00.006-06:00

Hello again!

We drove home last night from our family road trip and had a few more sights to show you in case you ever want to come to Colorado for your own road trip! Of course we hope you will come see us, but then you won't want to miss these incredible sites! Besides the fascinating Royal Gorge and the Great Sand Dunes, we also stopped at Mesa Verde near the Four Corners area.

Aren't these cliff dwellings amazing? The Hopi and Puebloan Indians lived here over 1200 years ago! There are kivas, tunnels, "doors and rooms", fire temples, and these communities were home to over a hundred people at a time. They lived here for around a thousand years and then all vanished. Many speculate that once they learned how to farm they moved on to the Arizona area, or a catastrophic drought could have forced them to leave their home. Many things are a mystery as to how these people lived so archeologists are still digging and studying the grounds today.

We were able to walk into some of the dwellings and the kids enjoyed exploring how life might have been like a thousand years ago! Tom and the kids climbed into a "kiva" to experience how tight these ceremonial areas were. Just fascinating!
Ashlyn climbing into a reconstructed kiva. Life in AD 750 was not easy!

An area used to grind corn and grain...now this was hard work! And, I thought I didn't like to cook!
Ceremonies to cure the sick, pray for rain, and to stay warm were all held in these areas.
The remains of an ancient people....discovered in 1880 by cowboys traveling west. The blackened areas are smoke damaged from all the burning fire pits and cooking that the people did daily.
Hiking amongst poison oak...I sure hope we didn't bring any home with us! We visited the museum where there were baskets and pottery, and our kids were amazed at how hard the people worked to make the most basic of kitchen supplies! This was also a great opportunity for Kyle to see the ruins in person as he learned about Mesa Verde in school this year. (The teacher in me always likes it when a trip can be educational too!)
Beautiful canyons and cliffs as we drove down the mountains from 8,000 ft. These views were just stunning!

Now lets travel forward a thousand years to our next stop....Telluride!

Family Road Trip...

2009-08-02T23:51:00.010-06:00

Greetings from the banks of the Animas River!

Never heard of it? Neither had we, but that's the fun of a road trip...adventures and sites unknown!

I am writing to you tonight from a hotel room in Durango, CO with the sound of the river rushing by outside our room. In the last 24 hours we have viewed the Arkansas River, the Rio Grande, the Piedre River and tonight the Animas River. I am typing away while the family sleeps, and it is such a peaceful time of night...a quiet hotel, the river waters raging over rapids, and the sound of my keyboard!

Since Tom is free from any work obligations, (for now a least!) we decided to enjoy some time together! We are on an impromptu family road trip through our state which we have yet to really explore after 2 years of living here!

Here are some highlights!

Waterfalls and beautiful green valleys in the San Juan Mountains...

Tom and the kids overlooking a gorgeous valley of wildflowers and water at 10,000 ft.

The Royal Gorge over the Arkansas River. This is the world's largest suspension bridge...and it shakes when the wind blows!

The Great Sand Dunes National Park...lots of sandy dunes right next to the mountains...what an interesting phenomenon! Tom and Kyle made it to the middle of the dunes while Ashlyn and I huddled together as sand blew and whipped through our hair. What a fascinating natural marvel; only lacking the use of camels to make the trek!

Next adventure? The Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings, Four Corners, and Telluride!

Change is in the air....

2009-07-31T16:03:00.004-06:00

Longmont in the summer...with all the rain we have had, our town is just as green as can be! I love all the sunflowers we see popping up along the roadside!

Hello friends and family! It has been a week since I last updated due to a busy schedule and a few goodbye's as well. It was an eventful week filled with mixed emotions, beginning with a sad goodbye to our dear friends, "The Nulls" who left on Tuesday. Once again, Ashlyn cried her eyes out standing in the driveway as they drove away. Saying, "Goodbye" is hard to do. We just say that it isn't really, "Goodbye" only "Until we meet again!"

Tuesday started off rocky before our guests even left as Tom went into work that morning expecting a usual work day. You can imagine our surprise when he came home an hour later announcing he had been laid off. After a corporate restructuring, his position was eliminated, and now he finds himself with some much needed time to regroup and figure out what the future holds for him career wise. After 20 plus years in finance and accounting, he will have some big decisions to make, but the lay off was truly a blessing in disguise. The last 12 years of a high stress job, has been tiring, so he is looking forward to having some time with the family before jumping in to a job search.

We are enjoying having him home for a family dinner nightly, and the kids love seeing him before 8 p.m! This economy isn't the best time for a job search, but for a hard working accountant, we are keeping our fingers crossed he will find a position that can utilize all his skills, and allow for some flexible family time too! It was a mixed emotions event as Tom loved the people he worked with, and we made the big move out to Colorado with the company. They have treated us well, and we will always be appreciative for the opportunity his company provided us to experience living in this great state. We plan to stay, and Tom will look for work locally as we have so enjoyed living in our new community!

On a different note, this week I worked the mornings at our friends farm, "Briar Gate" for a week long "Horse Camp." As my friend Kate led the children in horseback riding skills and games, I worked with children on crafts and activities during the week. We got to milk goats, bottle feed the babies, make goats milk ice cream and more! Today was the final "Horse Show and Demonstration" and the kids were thrilled to each receive a ribbon.

This is Skittles, the patient goat that let 8 children milk her! :-)

Ashlyn riding, "Chummie" her favorite horse at the farm!

Now that Tom has some time off, we are going on a mini road trip to see the Royal Gorge, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Telluride. We'll take a few days to see these sites before school starts back up and the job search begins. The fall may find me substitute teaching, and we'll see if a full time teaching position will be in my future. Life is never dull, and we will be adapting to the new changes and challenges we will face in the coming months. I look forward to checking in with all of you, and hope your summer has been full of wonderful memories with those you love!

With Love from Colorado,
Denise :-)

Our 13 year old rock star!

2009-07-25T23:52:00.011-06:00

Kyle with his electric guitar on our front porch before the "Rock Camp" concert...Our friends the Nulls came and cheered Kyle on...for the first time in 2 years we had our own "groupies!"

Dinner with our "groupies!" (Look at those rain clouds in the background. It poured on our way into the concert!)

Last night was the concert that Kyle's "Rock Camp" hosted after a week of practice. There were two student bands and it was fun to know several of the kids, aka "rockers", and see them perform. Here's Kyle on vocals and guitar!

All the kids ready for a final bow...this event is a rock-star-wanna-be experience!

Kyle and his instructor Jason...

Look at that...fans requesting autographs! A star is born! :-)

Banjo Billy's Bus Tour of Boulder...

2009-07-25T10:04:00.003-06:00

Yes, if you come visit, you too can ride on Banjo Billy's Bus Tour! Our friends, the Nulls, are visiting and we decided to try something new and take the tour of Boulder as told on a converted school bus with a tin roof! The seats in the bus are lounge chairs, sofas, and horse saddles...we heard ghost stories of those who lived in historic homes and hotels from 1877, and saw college student frat houses filled with great folklore! The CU campus is in Boulder and what history the school holds. Luckily our guests are good sports and are up for any adventure!

Ashlyn sat in a saddle for the open air tour....

Spooky stories about the 3rd floor of this campus building...

We stopped at the Hotel Boulderado afterwards and rode a hand cranked elevator!

We have a photo of all of our summer guests in this exact spot in downtown Pearl Street...I need to start an album of everyone who has visited in the past two years and who has stood in this historic location! :-)

Today Tom and the Nulls are off to Rocky Mountain Park, and the kids and I are staying back so Kyle can keep rehearsing for his big concert tonight. He has been attending "Rock Camp" and there are two student bands playing. Kyle will be singing and playing electric guitar...we'll have live entertainment for our guests tonight!

(Remember my mom's best friend Annette who did so much for us while my mom battled cancer this past year? Annette and her husband Fred are pictured above as well as their son Fred, Jr. and his lovely wife Crystal. It's been so nice reminiscing with them, as they had known my parents for over 30 years!

I wish you all a wonderful weekend filled with wonderful memories!

With love from Colorado, Denise :-)

Estate Sale Update...

2009-07-24T10:45:00.000-06:00

Remember the estate sale happening at my parents home?

Well, even with the 10 ft. U-Haul trailer of belongings I brought home to Colorado, there were still over 2,000 items that were sold at the estate sale.

The final numbers are in...the total sales from 4 preview sales and one big public sale day, amounted to $6,766.30!

After the estate sale gal's commission, that brought us a little over $4,000 for the "Apple Tree Scholarship Fund!" We were pleased with these numbers as this allows us to keep the scholarship fund alive for a few more years, thus keeping my parents memories alive in the community as well. I know the children who will benefit from the scholarship recipients are exactly what would have pleased my parents most!

The house is now up for sale, and it does feel strange to think that soon everything will be gone...my parents are gone, their things are gone, and soon their house will be gone...although I know they will never be gone from my heart, selling everything does bring a sense of finality that is difficult. But more on that later as we have company arriving today and sadness will have to wait.

Just an upate as you were all so kind to inquire and follow our story from beginning to end. Remember to live today fully, and appreciate all the people you love!

Lazy Moms Tote and Website...

2009-07-23T16:12:00.000-06:00

I've been a reader of a fun blog called, "Lazy Moms." Don't let the name fool you, these ladies are not lazy by any means! They do lots of great articles on how we can save time on household tasks so that we can enjoy more time with family and friends! I was fortunate enough to win one of their darling tote bags that says, "Lazy Moms Guide to Life...How to get more done so you can have more fun!" Check out the link above for great recipes, housekeeping tips, beauty ideas, grocery shopping money saving , and more! Thanks Amanda and Leslie for this fun tote bag and all your wonderful ideas!!!! :-)

The "Gate" finds a home!

2009-07-22T23:51:00.001-06:00

Remember the gate that was going on the big wall up the staircase? Well we found a new home for it where it didn't have to be hung. We were worried that each 50 lb. piece wouldn't be safe up the staircase so we found a high ledge where it could just be propped up. We like easy solutions!

I found another picture that could work on the stairway so Tami and I put the guys to work hanging artwork. Here is a picture of the final look...Decorating is such fun, especially for those who don't have to climb the ladder, like me! :-)
What have you hung, propped, painted, or nailed up? My latest favorite find was this cute plaque that says, "Wishes Won't Do Wishes!"

Now if only husbands and kids did! :-)

Summertime Sightseeing...

2009-07-21T14:43:00.007-06:00

Tom's brother Mitch and his wife Tami were here from California visiting with us this week. They are both a lot of fun and we so enjoyed our visit with them. Here are a few highlights of our time together...

Pearl Street in Boulder...this bronze statue is real!

Dancing Native Americans with elaborate headresses...
Tami and I overlooking beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park...

The 100 year old Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. It is a beautiful historic hotel that was the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining." Theodore Roosevelt, Molly Brown, and other historical figures have stayed at the hotel. Now ghost tours and a spa are also a part of the hotel, so we look forward to returning and staying a night!

The back of the hotel and the pretty wood lobby...

While the ladies shopped the men sat by the pretty geraniums...

Tami and I had fun browsing all the quaint shops in Estes...

Tom, Mitch and Tami also attended the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in Wyoming. They had a good time, but had to wait an hour to park! Yikes! I stayed back with the kids and we saw the latest Harry Potter movie.

The kids loved having their aunt and uncle all to themselves and it was hard to say, "Goodbye." Ashlyn stood at the driveway and cried for 10 min. as they drove away!

Ashlyn also attended "Cheer Camp" where she learned several routines and dance moves. Here she is in action and with the instructors.

Our friends the Beattie's also stopped by on their way driving from Ohio to California. Kyle and Spencer hadn't seen each other in 2 years, so we had fun reaquainting with them as well. What a fun and busy summer! :-)

Just Clownin' Around...

2009-07-10T12:46:00.005-06:00

Today was Ashlyn's last day of, "Circus Camp" that was held for a few hours each day this week. It was taught by two "little people" who happened to be sisters that performed with Ringling Bros. They did a great job with the kids and put on a fine Circus act today! Complete with plate spinners, circus music, skits, and clowns; it was good fun! :-)
Today's circus had lots of acts like balancing a bowling pin with a ball on top...this was harder than it looked!
Juggling and spinning plates...
Clown acts...this little skit was called, "Bus Stop" and oh how the kids laughed at the sitting- against-wet-paint premise!
Walking on stilts...
Flying on the "trapeze"...
Jumping through hoops...
And of course, what is a clowning grand finale without pie in the face!?!
A fun time was had by all! Don't you wish you were a kid again? :-)

6 more weeks until school starts!

2009-07-06T16:54:00.006-06:00

We looked on the calendar and counted 6 more weeks until school officially starts! Like the kids said though, "Let's not talk about it for another month Mom!" So, here are a few photos of the past few days in the Kofford Family; and no, Mom will not be counting the days until school starts again!

Tom caught a few photos of this hawk who perched himself on our archway. Watching wildlife is good fun; except for the poor cat who misses bird hunting in the worst way!

We are enjoying some veggies from our 2nd annual vegetable garden...isn't this a fine head of lettuce?

We had fun celebrating the 4th of July with our friends the Risdons. Unfortuantely, I did not have my camera with me and was not able to capture some fun moments; like watching us all teeter across a little bridge to cross over to the golf course where we watched the fireworks, or the BIG swing that you sit on to swing over the creek, or the largest "Left, Right, Center" game you have ever seen! But, I did capture this moment where we joined our neighbors for some home fireworks over our pond! :-)

We are tennis fanatics this summer...

And there is nothing like a summer picnic with friends...

As I type though, the rain and hail are coming down in buckets...I do believe these daily rain showers will help our water bill tremendously!

Hoping you all had a wonderful 4th of July with your family and friends! Just another quicky post...until school starts again and Mom has more time! Missing you all!

Happy July,
Denise :-)

Summer Reading and Baking...

2009-07-03T22:49:00.003-06:00

Thank you to Beth from "Shut Up and Run" for suggesting the great book, "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See! I stayed up until 2 a.m. two nights in a row as I was captivated by the story! If you are looking for a good summer read, this one is it! The story is set in 19th century China, told by a woman in her 80's. It chronicles the life of two girls and the painful ritual they both endured called, "foot binding." Although you may think you have little in common with anyone from that time period, the book touches on all the real emotions of being a woman, friendships, and marriage. It is also made me feel so fortunate to live in the 21st century that I appreciated every modern convenience I enjoyed today!

Just for fun, I tried one of my mom's old recipes for "Potato Chip Cookies" this evening. I also made her delicious "Teriyaki Skewers" and "Chinese Chicken Salad" tonight so it has been neat to remember her by preparing the foods she once did! The kids had fun crushing potato chips and although the cookies are a little plain for me, they are still moist and tastey, so I will share the recipe if you are interested! These are such easy cookies to make and a novel idea with crunchy chips!

Potato Chip Cookies

Cream: 1 cup sugar and 1 cup Crisco
Beat in: 1 egg
Add: 1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 cup nuts
3/4 cup crushed potato chips
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix well and drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven for 10-12 min. Makes 3 dozen. Enjoy!
Two kids playing golf and tennis equals lots of time outdoors with little computer access...please know I am thinking of you all and will be stopping by to "visit" soon!

P.S. The estate sale has done very well...so far there have been over $3,000 in sales! Even after the estate sale gal's commission, the scholarship fund will still see a few thousand dollars! Two more sale days to go, so I will keep you posted on how it all turns out!

Estate Sale and Scholarship Fund...

2009-07-01T23:53:00.005-06:00

The first day of the estate sale is tomorrow, and fortunately for the scholarship fund, there are over 70 appointments scheduled! The big public sale day is July 11th, and we are hoping to fund the scholarship for several more years with the proceeds from the sale.

Here is a snap shot of some of the many items available...

The estate sale gal, "Sharon" sent me some pictures of all my parents things that are up for sale. Of course for me it is more than just 'stuff.' Every item holds some memory or story for me, that will sadly be gone when the items are gone. I told a friend earlier today that although time is passing, I think time makes my grief harder to accept. The realism of my parents being gone is hard to swallow and harder to "let go" in the selling of all their belongings. Fortunately, I was able to save the most important momentoes, but even the little insignificant things take on more meaning when you know the people who loved them are gone.

Christmas decor, linens, cookie jars, etc...
I found two items in this picture I decided to keep, so they are setting them aside for me...I am so afraid I have overlooked something important!
Dishes, glassware, and even Longaberger baskets for those of you in the know!

Easter decor and lots of bunnies...there were 5 more pictures of rooms loaded with items...crafts, scrapbooking, stamping, quilting, etc...etc...

The article I wrote for the local paper in my parents community ran yesterday and will hopefully generate interest for the fund by those who shop the sale. If you would like to read it, you can find it here..."Scholarships carry on teachers' legacy."

Stay cool this week, and I will keep you posted on how the sale goes...feel free to stop by on July 11th if you are in the area!

Summer Fun...

2009-06-29T11:50:00.005-06:00

Summer fun is dinner with friends...
Beth and Kyle with the Chihuahuas...

Simple joys...Sam enjoys a lawn mower ride....we've now come to take our guests on tractor rides and for the kids it is always an activity full of smiles!
Emma and Ashlyn enjoy playing outside...it seems like just yesterday this entire area was surrounded by snow! Oh how we are enjoying green grass, and not having to wear a coat!

Decorating help needed....
So I bought this "gate" thinking I could hang it on this blank staircase wall....any impressions? Could it be a cool architectural element, or just plain dorky? Needing another woman's opinion I polled Beth during last night's dinner. She said she liked it, but she is also a really nice person, and I know doesn't want to hurt my feelings! hee hee If you agree with Beth and think the gate could look neat, let me know...do let me know if you think it is absolutely ridiculous too. I need some opinions! :-)

More weekend activities...
Ashlyn singing with the Worship Team at church...

We're off to tennis lessons today and sadly for Kyle, a consultation with the oral surgeon to have 4 teeth removed! Poor guy...I remember having to do the same before getting braces...oh the pains and suffering of childhood!

For any Red Bluff readers, the estate sale will be held this week at my parents home. Please contact me for specifics...there are over 70 people scheduled for the first preview day! As hard as it is to watch everything I left behind be sold, I know the scholarship fund will benefit from all the proceeds, so if you are a local reader, feel free to stop at the sale and "shop" for a great cause!

I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful summer with your family and friends!

With love from Colorado,
Denise :-)

Jonas Brothers World Tour

2009-06-25T08:32:00.005-06:00

Spontaneity

Last minute tickets

Driving through pouring rain

Waiting two hours

Three excited children sitting next to me

American Idol's Jordin Sparks Live

3 Jonas Brothers arise from ground level

Thousands of screaming girls

Singing and dancing in the stands

Afterwards

Crowds and traffic

One bruised knee and a skinned elbow

Late night drive home

Three tired but happy children in my car

The memories summers are made of!

What a show! Thank you Tom!

Public pools and other summer joys...

2009-06-24T11:55:00.002-06:00

Boy do I sure miss blogging and reading your blogs! I feel out of the loop on all of your lives and am anxious to catch up. Keeping two children occupied this summer without plopping them in front of the TV, requires A LOT of going, doing, planning, activities, etc...thus my computer time is really down to an hour at most, and this rare blog post finds me thinking of ways to get out of the public pool experience, (and blog instead!)

"Ready position!" Ashlyn and Kyle are both playing tennis this summer and we have a fantastic local instructor who teaches out of her backyard court. Tennis is a great summer activity, but the pool is another story!

I love to swim, always have. I have no fears of water, and never had a bad water experience. Since I have positive swimming memories, it always surprises me that my kids don't like the water or getting their faces wet,etc...swimming in the summer is as "All American" as apple pie.

Although I like to swim, I sure liked sunning by the pool better when I was 20 years younger and 20 lbs. lighter! With age and packing around more weight than I would like, I invested in a "Mircale Suit" which sucks in any fat rolls in a girdle like fashion. Not comfortable, but it enables me to enter a busy pool with a shred of self decency amidst hoards of kids and fit teens! I also don't want any excuses not to get in a pool...by gosh my kids will learn to love the water this summer!

Kyle doesn't like getting his face wet, so although he has learned to swim, he looks strange doing the pretend-to-swim-face-above-water-faking-it-method. I have paid for group and private lessons for Ashlyn but we were disappointed in Florida this spring to realize Ashlyn couldn't keep herself above water without dog paddling. So, since standard lessons don't seem to be cutting it, I am determined to teach Ashlyn how to swim myself.

We had our first lesson yesterday. "Lesson" may be too strong of a word, it evokes a picure of a calm instructor, a willing student, and plenty of space to practice needed skills.

We set out to swim at the local outdoor pool. How hard could that be? Turns out it was harder than it should have been. When we arrived there were wall to wall people. Really, like people in every inch of that pool and on every inch of land outside of it. It was just like a picture of Waikiki Beach where you really don't see sand, but zillions of people packed in like sardines.

I was ready to rough it, and set our beach towels down in the remaining dirt seating section since the small grass patch was filled with towels and sweaty people. There was no parking to be had though, so we set out to find another pool. There are two baby activity pools in town, and the only other option with some depth was the local indoor pool.

Off we went to try and have our swim lesson there. Fortunately, there was plenty of parking, but once inside we realized why that was. At least 3 day care centers were there with 25-50 kids each in matching t-shirts. (Busses drop off so it is deceiving to know how many kids are really inside! :-)

I was determined that we would swim though and have our lesson, so we marched in that pool and I found a small 3 ft. by 5 ft. area for Ashlyn and I to practice. Ergh...what a fiasco. I forgot to mention that the 3 by 5 ft. section was in the baby area with a depth of 2ft! So there we were, practicing arms and kicking skills trying to not scrape our knees on the bottom. While I hollered out "blow, legs straight, arms tight to your sides" the other children swam into Ashlyn, accidently kicked her, etc... It wasn't much fun, and I have to admit that even this water lover was ready to give up. My poor kids didn't even want to be in the water at this pool after a floating turd incident last year.

Apparently a baby was not wearing a swim diaper and once the floating surprise was noticed, the whole pool was emptied of people. Workers with santizing suits went in to retrieve the smelly floater. (Nancy you were visiting at the time...sorry for the bad first impression of our Longmont pools!)

It wasn't much fun; last year's incident as well as this years, so I am thinking a little backyard dough-boy pool may be the way to go! Tom doesn't want the hassle of it, not that I can blame him, but I would rather take the hassle of a plastic pool vs. the crowds and fears of floating poops. And the best reason of all to get a private backyard pool...I wouldn't even have to wear the "Miracle Suit"! :-)

Happy Father's Day and saying "Goodbye to the DeClecqs"

2009-06-21T15:56:00.007-06:00

Happy Father's Day to our special daddy, "Tom" and to all the fathers out there who make a difference daily in the lives of their children...whether small or grown, we never forget the influence our fathers have had in our lives. Tom was able to see his dad when we were in CA a few weeks ago, but we sure missed him today. We are both so appreciative of all that our fathers have done for us individually and as a family! Tom enjoyed playing golf this morning with Kyle and he is looking forward to redeeming one of Ashlyn' special coupons for free back rubs! :-) It's been a fun day and we tried not to put him to work, except for setting up the 3-D Shark Bite Slip and Slide! We were able to enjoy some early Father's Day celebrations with our dear friends the De Clercq's who came to visit this week!

Here we are...Tom, Denise, Laura, and Paul on "Pearl Street" in Boulder...
Now that all the kids are older, we adults were actually able to head out and enjoy a fun night on our own enjoying a sunset dinner of fine Mexican food on a roof top restuarant!

What a wonderful time we had with our friends this week visiting, cooking, sightseeing, shopping, golfing, the kids painting pottery, enjoying meals, playing games, staying up late talking, watching movies,enjoying margaritas over dinner, etc...etc...our kids couldn't have been happier having a 3 day sleep over with their friends Parker and Patrick, and we adults enjoyed it even more!

The 4 amigos swinging...they had lots of fun on the island and pond too...catching bugs and skipping rocks is truly hours of entertainment for kids; and it makes for some great memories too!

My friend Laura...oh how I have missed her! It was so nice to spend a few days together and get all caught up on each other's lives! You know how nice it is to have lunch with a friend; think how much more fun it is to have your friend stay with you for a few days and to have her all to yourself! 2 years is a long time since we have moved away, but with Laura it is so easy to pick up right where we left off!

Even "Happy Meals" taste better when shared with a friend! :-) Goodbye for now DeClercq Family, and please come visit again soon!

The Sharky slip and slide moments before the clouds opened up and buckets of rain fell!

Happy Father's Day Tom! We love you Daddy! :-)

Enjoy your Father's Day, and I hope you are able to spend it making memories with those you love!

Sunsets, Rainbows, and Family Memories...

2009-06-17T07:56:00.006-06:00

With all the rain we've had recently, it makes me appreciate when the sun does come out, and the wonderful reward rain leaves behind. Last night we ate dinner outside and watched the sun set behind the clouds...I thought of my mom and the many sunsets she enjoyed growing up in Hawaii, and of my dad and his joyful years growing up in sunny southern California.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of my parents, or of things I want to tell them. I've been corresponding with one of my mom's high school friends, and have so enjoyed having her tell me stories that match pictures I have been finding of my mom's high school days in Maui. What happy times those were, and from anyone who has lived through the 1950's has said, it was one of the best of times in history.

Tom finished hanging all of our family history photos on the wall going down toward the basement. How wonderful it was to explain to the kids who all these important people were that have impacted our lives and will continue to do so. It was neat to tell them, "You are related to every person on that wall, and because of them, you are who you are today!"

Every picture tells a story...

Where our parents came from and the experiences that made them who they are...

Beautiful wedding photos...displaying these photos brings such a sense of pride for us...our parents were both married for decades...my parents were married over 40 years when my dad passed, and Tom's parents have celebrated over 50 years of marriage! What a commitment we are both very proud of!

Life is not always easy, not every day is full of sunsets and rainbows...but we are a family, and that will see us through both the rainy and sunny days to come!

The pond, the unpacking, the memories!

2009-06-12T16:38:00.006-06:00

Our natural underground pond is growing...the sump pump empties into the pond as well, so as the water table rises, so does the pond water. The big filters and pumps that were added will slowly clear the water, which will make fishing so much more successful! :-)

As the months and years go on, we'll plant a big Cottonwood tree with a rope swing, a litle boat and fish will be added, lighting, more plants, trees down the driveway, etc...but all in due time...if only money grew on trees! :-)

Our friend Warren drove for almost 4 days from CA and safely arrived yesterday! He and Tom are out sightseeing in Boulder otherwise I would show a photo of the two buddies...now that the U-Haul has arrived, so does the unpacking! See this pile? It is full of memories from the past, and I need to find a new home for each item. Our house is already full, so this will prove to be a challenge!

What did I save? Well, lots of funny things that don't go together, except that just like a puzzle, they form a total picture of my past that I don't want to forget. Amidst those boxes are an accordian, a clarinet, oodles of photo albums, magic tricks, and stamp collections...there is a set of china, silver, an old roll top desk, and a neat shelving unit from 1951. There are awards, certificates, and old letters from my parents former students, fellow teachers, and administrators. There are practical things like unopened boxes of soap, Saran Wrap,and aluminum foil...there are brand new sets of paper and pens, and then there is a Lionel Train Set and an old Erector set from my dad's childhood. There is a rocking chair that my Portueguese grandmother rocked on, and then so did my mother, and me, and now our kids.

I also brought home the sundial I gave my dad for Father's Day, and a nice cement bench for the pond that my parents enjoyed on their property. Does it all sound like just a pile of junk? Perhaps it is, but then again, that pile of junk, is all I have left of my childhood memories, so each item is priceless only to me.

It makes you think about your own possessions...what things do you want your children to save, what things should they know were important to you? Although it is all just "things", what things are the best reminders of you?

Home Is Where Your Heart Is

2009-06-10T21:16:00.013-06:00

It sure doesn't matter where you are, if the people you love are there, it's "Home." My trip "home" to California went well and despite the circumstances, we enjoyed spending time with many friends and family each day. Here is my friend Sofia who drove 3 hours to help, and my sister in law Cindy. Both ladies were a big help to this only child, and they even made it fun making decisions...like what to do with 4 sets of sombreros and maracas!

Kyle's best buddy Tom came to visit with his mom Nancy...what a huge help to Kyle having his friend there and Nancy did a great job entertaining all the kids so I could work. If only I had a picture of one of their favorite past times...walker races! It's just like wheelchair races but with the big walkers with seats attached!

This is just a sampling of the many organized bins my mom kept of everything from holiday decor to my dad's old trains and Ham Radios. I needed to decide if I was keeping or selling every item in those bins. I thought I did well keeping only enough treasures to fill one bin. I found the most important things and saved only those items that were irreplacable to me.

I took photos of things I didn't keep...and said goodbye to many reminders of the past, like the Santa that graced the hearth of the fireplace in every home we lived in.

It was difficult leaving the house, and knowing that the items I left behind would all be sold by the estate sale woman.

Although I know all the proceeds are going toward a worthy cause of replenishing the scholarship fund, it is still difficult to leave all my parents remaning belongings to strangers. Any memories I wanted to have a tangible reminder of, are safely loaded in this 10 ft. U-Haul being driven here as I type by our friend Warren.

I also had the privilege of meeting the scholarship recipients and taking a photo for the local paper at the school my mother taught at for over 30 years.

What wonderful teachers who will honor my parents by how they use the funds in their classrooms. I am certain my parents would have been so pleased to see the generous contributions of friends and family used in this way.

Upon returning home...the pond had sure progressed, and there was such joy in watching the kids run over the bridge, and gaze at their reflections.

The life I knew has been left behind, and I am welcomed home with new opportunities for making memories...

Life ends and begins over again. Time marches forward even when I sometimes want to stay in the past and "live there" until I feel good and ready to return to the present. It would have been easy to get stuck in the past in my parents home, to let the tears return upon opening every box filled with some trinket or treasure from my past.

I am bringing what is left of that past home with me, but remembering that life goes on; and that home is really in many different places...it was at my parents home, where their memories linger...home is at our grandparents home where holidays were celebrated..."Home" is at a friends house where we are welcomed with open arms...home is at the kitchen table of Tom's parents where they played hours of "Gin" with Kyle...where Tom's mother prepared meals for us...where we were loved.

Home is anywhere people we love are, and I am grateful for so many places to call home! How good life is to be "home" once again!

Home again...

2009-06-01T20:52:00.006-06:00

We made it safely to California yesterday! It was a long day with a lot of waiting, not to mention grumpy children, so it felt great to arrive and be welcomed home with a wonderful home cooked meal with Tom's parents! Today they took Kyle up to Redding to golf, so as I type Ashlyn and I are sitting in, "Shari's Restaurant" for dinner and to use the free wireless service!

All has been going well...Today Ashlyn and I tackled boxes, and "stuff." Ah the stuff...once the "stuff" is gone, I feel like my parents really will be too, so this trip I notice I am stalling, being indecisive, and wanting to hold onto to everything. Here was our day today...a little reminiscing and a little fun too!

Let the sorting begin...St. Patrick's Day in June! Keep or sell? That is the question of the day!

Ashlyn found some old books, Easter animals, flags and wagons to play with while I sorted...

A full shed of stuff...Christmas? Keep or sell?

Old kitchen tools, cameras, and stuff I don't know what to do with...I'm going to be dreaming about "stuff" tonight!

Afterwards, running through the sprinklers was good fun!

Piano and Packing

2009-05-30T12:54:00.004-06:00

Today Ashlyn had her, "National Piano Guild Auditions" where she memorized 6 pieces to play for a judge. All went well and her piano teacher was pleased with how she did. Ashlyn loves a good challenge so the piano teacher would like for her to enter some "composition competitions" where you write your own music and perform with others. It sounds like a fun goal to work toward, and Ashlyn was excited to have a new challenge. Here she is today with music in hand...look at those fancy pianos in the store where the auditions were...those grand pianos cost $38,000 plus! Whew...in our dreams!

It was a beautiful morning with the sun shining, but the clouds have rolled in and it looks like rain now. Colorado weather changes within minutes and hours so we always have a lot of variety.
Poor Roscoe is exhuasted after chasing the landscaper's dog around the pond...he ran circles around the big golden lab and would roll down the hill, and climb back up over and over again. He can barely walk today!

The kids and I are also packing up for our 10 day trip to California. We're leaving tomorrow morning bright and early out of Denver to fly to Sacramento. Tom will be home in Colorado, but will join us for a few days.

We've got our work cut out for us with packing up my parents home, boxing items to keep, preparing items to sell, donate, give away, etc..etc.. I'll be awarding the scholarship recipients their monies while we are there and submitting an article for the local paper about the fund. All proceeds from the estate sale at my parents house will also go toward the scholarship fund, so that is a positive thing.

I'll be sure and let you know how it goes, and if you are in northern CA feel free to stop by...I've got a car to sell, furniture, dishes, tools, you name it. Anything I can't keep I hope friends, family, and those who need it can benefit. I am sure I will cry as every box and momento leaves the house, but I am planning on taking lots of pictures so I can at least hold onto picture memories.

There is no internet service at my parents house, so my blogging will be limited to trips to Starbucks to use the free Wi-Fi. I will look forward to checking in with all of you when I can. Enjoy the last few days of May, and remember to make every day count!

With love from Colorado,
Denise :-)

P.S. The pond project won't be done before we leave, so when we return home I will have several follow up blog posts to share...the pond renovation, the spray paint furniture, the wall of photo frames, the "fashion show" etc....etc...Happy Summer to you all!

Summertime=More Pond Improvements :-)

2009-05-27T21:37:00.010-06:00

Bobcats at work moving dirt; boy have we got a lot of dirt!

Hello All! It feels like eons since I last posted and now I know why. I guess I was spending a lot more time on the computer than I ever admitted during the school year! Since the kids have been home for summer vacation, my computer time is limited to about 15 min. a day! Between the kids e-mailing their friends, playing "Toon Town", "Webkinz"and various learning games, our computer is in use for hours at a time. When it is not in use, I'm keeping the kids busy and enjoying outdoor time.

Tonight Tom had to work late so the kids and I ate our dinner outside on a picnic blanket. Hmmm, why didn't I discover this trick years ago...no table to clear, no crumbs to sweep, and juicy watermelon falls right on the grass and not down our shirts! One of the many joys of summer! :-)

Last night our nephew Kevin stopped by as he was driving from California back to college in Missouri. He and a friend stayed over and we had a nice visit with them. College kids are so sweet. They eat everything you put in front of them, they rave about home decor and genuinely appreciate hospitality. They both left thank you notes for us when we got up, their beds were made, towels folded, and I think they were just about the nicest college kids I have ever had the pleasure to know!

We've got another home improvement project in the works this week. Last year we had our natural pond dug out deeper, and the extra soil from the pond was used to create an island and a big hill that the kids enjoyed sledding down this winter. Now we are changing the sledding hill to include a waterfall with big boulders. This will enable the water to start moving and hopefully clear it up as it is pretty murky and muddy. Fortunately, 3 turtles have survived the yucky water, but if we can clear it up then fish could be added. They would keep mosquitoes at bay and we would enjoy having our own catch and release fishing pond. I've already got plans to start looking for a little dingy boat with a few oars so we can 'tootle' around the pond this summer!

Here are a few photos of the pond action...

Spillways for the water to flow into the pond...

The island full of weeds...soon to be landscaped with a picnic area.

The top of the hill with a crater in the middle...interesting how they dug little pools in the middle of it.

You know kids, dirt hills are an instant magnet! :-)

Tom enjoying one of his favorite pasttimes...his ride on lawn mower! What man doesn't love to sit down when he mows his lawn!

I've also been busy arranging details for our upcoming trip to CA to empty my parents house. I have found a woman who does estate sales, and she and her team will be helping me with the big project of emptying everything so that I can prepare the house to sell. I also have a car to sell while we are there. We have rented a U-Haul to get everything that we can keep back to CO. Thankfully our friend Warren has graciously agreed to make the thousand mile trek and drive the U-Haul for us since Tom's work schedule will not allow for that much time off.

We're also going to meet the special teachers who are our scholarship recipients, and submit an article and photo for the local paper. I hope it will generate more interest in the coming years so I can keep the scholarship fund as an annual event!

Lastly, I wanted to apologize for completely neglecting our 3 week challenge. I lost all momentum on my trip out to CA a few weeks ago. Cleaning and sorting through my parents belongings was a lot more emotional than I anticipated and my grief was so raw for weeks after that I have fallen off the exercise wagon and I am not proud of it! So, until I can get my own act together, I promise not to start challenges I cannot follow through on. I hope you are all making positive life changes though, and hopefully your changes will help inspire me to start back up again!

Until next time, Happy Summer!

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T10:47:00.006-06:00

Today is Memorial Day... a day which commemorates all those of the United States armed forces who were killed in war. Memorial Day is an annual holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as "Decoration Day", it is a reminder of U.S. men and women who died while in military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

My dad served as an officer in the US Army in the 1960's...although he never fought in a war, we always knew the sacrifices that men and women have made for our country.
Today we remember those who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom, their families who have suffered such great losses, and those who continue to keep our country safe by serving in all branches of the armed forces. Thank you...we remember you today.

Last day of school!

2009-05-23T21:56:00.008-06:00

Whew...it's a been a whirlwind few days! The kids had their last day of school on Friday. Both the elementary school and middle school had picnics. Ashlyn's school has a long standing tradition of doing a picnic in the front lawn of the school on the last day. It was super crowded, and I thought doing it out on the back field would have been better, but a tradition is a tradition, so we jammed in with all the others. I was just glad that Tom went to school at 7:30 a.m. to put a blanket out to save a spot for us. (We were given that tip last year!) :-)
I thought this was a neat tradition...they ring a big school bell that has hung over the entrance to the school since the 1940's to symbolize the end of the year! All the kids cheered as the bell chimed!

Remember a few weeks ago when Kyle didn't make jazz band? Well, today Ashlyn had her first "Horse Show" and once again we got to experience the 'agony of defeat.' (I do have a happy ending to Kyle's story though!) She placed last in her class, (3 out of 3) in the beginner level. It was one of those life lessons where we talked about "Having pride in doing your best" and "It's not about winning but the experience", etc... Luckily she quickly overcame her disappointment which was good since I was the amateur photographer for the event and didn't have much time for condolences. I felt for her though since we actually thought she did well, but such is life...you win some and you lose some.

As the photographer, it was fun to see all the riders and horses performing. Here are a few hightlights...

Ashlyn and Chummie...2nd place in Horsemanship and 3rd place in riding... Demonstrating a sitting trot on the lunge line...
Cutie Megan from Level 4 with her 1st and 2nd place ribbons!
I don't know this little girl's name but don't her blue eyes just light up the picture?! She got a 1st and 3rd place in Level 3.
This girl is showing the "jumping position."
Little Jesse in 1st grade earns a 1st and 2nd place ribbon in the Level 2 class. It was a fun day for all the girls!

Afterwards Ashlyn and her friend Caitlyn are getting to have a sleepover tonight! We took them to "Build-A-Bear" after the show and then out to dinner!

Stuffing the bears...

Fluffing the bears...

Oops...Ashlyn's animal is actually a kitty...I'm not being very observant today!

Caitlyn's final bride bear!

Ashlyn's final kitty all dolled up with outfits and accessories!

The rest of the sleepover is still unfolding as I type. The girls are in the basement watching a movie and munching on popcorn! What a pefect ending to a fun day!

Lastly, one bit of good news...remember my comment above on how Kyle didn't make jazz band a few weeks ago? Well, a funny thing happened the other day! The orchestra and band kids all joined up for a party in the band room. During the party kids could play instruments just for fun. Kyle picked up a guitar and started playing not realizing anyone was listening to him. A few moments later out of the corner of his eye he saw the band director watching. A day later she approached him and said if he was still interested there would be a space for him in jazz band next year! How neat that once she heard him play outside a 30 sec. audition she saw some of his strengths! If only the judge in the horse arena could watch again! hee hee :-)

The finished paint job!

2009-05-21T17:02:00.011-06:00

Whew, after 9 days, there are no men peering in my windows, and the exterior paint job is finished! The painter said that the paint will last years longer when it is hand rolled vs. sprayed. This process took 4-5 men over a week to complete. What a big job, but worth the wait as the house needed a color makeover!

Before...

After...The back view of the house...

Before...
After... Remember my spray paint project to change the look of our light fixtures without buying new ones? Here is one of the finished fixtures lining the driveway...

More spray painted light fixtures on the garage...

Before...The table and chairs with green paint and faded chair pads...
After...
We spray painted the chairs black and I put new chair pads on, but the table is still waiting for a facelift. It's a wonder what a can of spray paint can do! :-)

Before...

After...I thought that some decorative shutters would add to the front of the house so those were added on. It's been fun watching the transformation!

Lastly a little product plug... I made an impulse buy at Costco today and what a find for $9.99! It's a frozen Yoplait smoothie mix with three kinds of berries and only 70 calories! Oh my goodness, the kids and I absolutely loved them! There are 5 frozen packets for a total of 10 servings. There are only 70 calories per packet, 3 kinds of fruit, and you mix it all in the blender with a cup of milk. It was so delicious that I wanted to share this great find...

Tomorrow is the last day of school for our kiddo's, so the countdown is on! I'll be stopping by your blogs soon; I've got lots to catch up on in your lives! Thanks for sharing your tooth stories too! I smiled reading about Anita's kids using them for the science project; what a good use of old teeth! :-)

Do you know where your teeth are? :-)

2009-05-19T15:27:00.005-06:00

No, not the ones in your head silly...I'm talking about your baby teeth. :-) Where is your first tooth that isn't much bigger than a few grains of rice? How about your molars and eye teeth? Are they hidden in your mother's drawer? Maybe we were an odd family, but my mother saved all my teeth in her dresser! I too have now saved every tooth our children have lost, and as each child learns the 'truth' about the tooth fairy, he and she will get to see all those long lost teeth! Some came out easily and some were trauma-filled, especially those the dentist had to pull! My mom saved all my teeth in an vitamin bottle. I remember once I learned about the Tooth Fairy, I was given access to the mystery bottle which held years of secrets and surely at least $20 worth of teeth! (Today's child must receive $50 plus for 13 years worth of lost teeth! :-)

Check out the wisdom teeth my mom saved...now that is a whopper of a chomper! hee hee

Kyle has seen his secret stash of teeth, but as far as Ashlyn is concerned, the "Tooth Fairy" has used all her donations for castles and tooth filled sidewalks like the book we have explains!
Do you know where your teeth are, and have you saved your children's? Or, perhaps I'm just a little weird saving these little treasures! :-)

Are you a "Blogger?" If not, please join us in cyberspace! :-)

2009-05-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you Anita from, "A Wife, a woman, a Mom" for the fun "Fancy Pants Award!" Once awarded the "Fancy Pants" honor, we are to tell about why we enjoy blogging. About a year ago I posted all the reasons why I thought friends and family who weren't bloggers should start one! So my take on the award is below, with hope that you too will consider starting a blog today!

I'd like to give this award to any reader who would like to use it and pass it on! Have fun and thank you Anita! :-)

From Oct. 2008...."Maybe you have thought about it, maybe you have tried checking out blogger to see how it's done, maybe you have entertained the thought of starting your own blog... If so, I am here to encourage you to do so!

Here are some reasons I think you too should start a blog!

...because your friends and relatives would love to see how you are doing, and view photos of the people and sights around you that are important.

...because you have a story to tell.

...because it's fun!

...because it's easy!

...because it's FREE!

...because I would read it daily!

...because I would leave you a comment and let you know I visited!

...because you would like to share some of your favorite music on the "playlist" feature.

...because you love maps and can follow where your readers are located.

...because you have a hidden creative side and would enjoy playing with free lay outs to express yourself.

...because you may not feel creative, but blogger will give you the format so you don't have to be creative!

...because when the holidays come you will have lots of photos to share.

...because you can earn extra $$$ with bloggers ad option.

...because you are busy, and blogging is an easy way to keep up with multiple people when you may not have time to phone or write letters.

...because you have something to say; and I want to read it, see it, and follow YOUR story!"

Won't you consider a blog today? :-)

Congratulations Scholarship Recipients!

2009-05-18T22:07:00.003-06:00

You may remember that in honor of my parents and their love of teaching, Tom and I developed "The Apple Tree Scholarship Fund" that would assist teachers and student teachers in my parents community. Several of you have contributed and I have so greatly appreciated it!

After reviewing many worthy applications we have narrowed down our scholarship recipients to 2 existing teachers and 2 student teachers in Tehama County, CA! You can read about the winners and how they will use their scholarship funds to assist students at our Apple Tree Scholarship blog. We are excited to hear the stories of how their students will benefit from the funds in the coming months. All funds will be used to directly benefit students in elementary through high school classrooms. We are excited to announce 4 wonderful teachers that will be entrusted with your contributions!

Please take a moment to visit the scholarship blog site and read about these special teachers. My parents loved to teach, they loved to share ideas and materials, they loved to watch their students thrive, and I am certain that the scholarship funds will honor their memories in so many ways! Thank you!

Weekend Happenings...

2009-05-16T19:13:00.008-06:00

Horseback riding lessons in preparation for next weekend's Horse Show at Briar Gate Farm.

Ashlyn warming up on the lead line riding, "Chummie." Grooming is fun!

Another spray painting project...lawn chairs and exterior light fixtures...we are adding black accents to the exterior paint so I thought the old lawn furniture needed a face lift!

I'll show you the after photos tomorrow when everything is dry and back in place... I found some new chair pads that I will put on when everything is dry...we've had these for years!

Whew, these are in desperate need of a face lift!

The Girl Scout Tea...mmmm....cucumber sandwiches and cookies! A furry friend gets to join the fun! :-)

Picture framing...old photos, memories, and memorabilia will adorn this wall heading down to the basement. I'm doing simple black frames with cream mattes for an elegant look. I just love the look of black against tan and I think if the frames are uniform it will tie both old and new photos together!
I'm going to put our wedding photo in the center of the wall and have my parents and Tom's parents wedding photos branching off. Then we'll add grandparents, great grandparents, and family members from both sides of our families!
Inexpensive Wal-Mart frames that when filled with photos, will come to life! "After" photos to come...we're waiting on some special pictures that still need to be developed.
We've got our work cut out for us the rest of the weekend....

What are your plans? I like to hear what you are doing; not to be nosy, but just because it's just fun to know what everyone is up to!

With love from Colorado, Denise :-)

Bargain Flip Flops!

2009-05-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

Summer is almost here and it's time for pedicures and cute sandals! Just to help ring in soon-to-be-summer-vacation...I found this cute pair of flip flops at Wal-Mart for a fine price! They came in 4 different colors and were only $10! Just as cute as can be at a "recessionista fashionista" price!

For $10 you could get a pair in every color! Happy Saturday flip flop lovers! :-)

Painting in Progress...

2009-05-14T22:40:00.010-06:00

The exterior of our house is being painted, and these are some photos of the work in progress. It has been an eventful week...5 men, 4 peeks through the window, 3 ladders I must walk under just to leave each day, 2 cases of beer to show appreciation, and 1 fall with no injuries!
Before the work begun...at last..the aspens have leaves and spring is here!
The back view...you can't see the basement window wells below the ground but this last level makes me paranoid someone is going to fall in!
The mess...

I told Ashlyn to clean her room as workers are peering in throughout the day...the thought of a peeping tom painter seeing her messy room is mortifying to her! (If only the thought of mom seeing a messy room could get the kids working!) :-)

I cleaned closets today while the workers were here...now if only the games would stay neatly stacked. My guess is by next weekend, half of those boxes will be scattered! :-) (Ashlyn likes to play games with her stuffed animals, so I often see full board games with animals "holding" game pieces!)

The pantry neat and tidy once again...it's always amazing what treasures lurk in the back of the shelves...broken crackers and chips, Halloween candy, Christmas sprinkles, and more toothpicks than we can use in a lifetime! The holidays all passed before my eyes in one trip to the trash can!

A beautiful day looking west toward the mountains...the mountains are hidden behind the clouds, but will reappear just as quickly as the clouds came in! Wishing you all a wonderful Friday and a spring filled weekend! :-)

Mother's Day, home improvements, and soon-to-be-summer vacation in one week!

2009-05-13T17:42:00.010-06:00

It's been a busy week since Mother's Day, and we've been on the go. I have found the saying, "If I am a stay at home mom, why do I spend all my time in the car?" to be true. We've had a busy week of riding lessons, a Guitar Showcase, Girl Scout field trips and end of the year picnic, an Orchestra Concert, tennis lessons, piano lessons, etc...etc...amazingly, our kiddo's start their summer vacation next Friday, (isn't it a month early for summer?) and once again we have a whirlwind week until the end. We enjoyed a lovely Mother's Day beginning with church, a delicious brunch lovingly made by Tom, gifts, gardening, dinner out, and more! Tom and the kids surprised with me a new Canon Rebel camera which was a huge surprise, and much appreciated since someone walked off with my first Canon when we were robbed at an Open House before moving to Colorado. But that's a story for another time! I had fun trying out the new camera while Ashlyn made wishes with dandelions...
Tom and the kids planting vegetables while mother gets to relax!
Soon to be zuccinni squash...
Beautiful hydrangeas... Roscoe dog poses for a picture too...
Trying out the new camera and capturing blossoms...see the orange flicker in the background? That would be a fire in our fireplace...isn't it supposed to be warm on Mother's Day? :-)
Even weeds look pretty through the lens of a new camera!

Oh it's fun to zoom in...notice all the little hairs on Tara Belle's head... Kyle showing off his stuff...he had a Guitar Showcase the night before and had fun "jamming" for me on Mother's Day.

This week we are having our house painted, and I have been worried all week that one of the painters may fall from the giant ladders they use to reach the top story of the house...sure enough, today one of the painters fell as he lost his balance with the wind! Fortunately, he was not injured! Luckily the only damage was a huge bucket of paint that spilled all over the patio...I don't think I will relax until this project is complete!

I have not been to many of your blogs in over a week, so I look forward to stopping by very soon, I have missed you! I apologize for being absent for so long, and for letting our 'life changes for 3 weeks' fall by the wayside. There is much to catch up on...like an old friend, I know we will have lots to talk about in the coming days and weeks! See you again soon!

Mother's Day Love

2009-05-10T07:35:00.003-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers we know and love!

Special Mother's Day wishes to Tom's wonderful mother, "Billie!" I so wish we could be with you today and give you a BIG hug in person! Thank you for loving us all, and being like a mother to me too! We love you!

May all of you enjoy a beautiful day filled with happiness and joy!

I will be remembering my own mother today, and the words of Abraham Lincoln..."All that I am and hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

Enjoy your day all! Happy Mother's Day!

With love from Colorado,

Denise and Family :-)

Thank you for your kindness!

2009-05-08T09:06:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much for all your kind words of encouragement! Reading your stories about your loved ones, and the supportive comments you left, sure gave me the boost I needed! Thank you readers for the comment-love! I can only hope to one day repay that same kindness back to you.

I have been living in that strange place...a place that is trying to hold onto the past, while embracing the present. When my mother's mother died, I remember going to the store with my mom where she bought a few bars of, "Dove" soap. My mom said she wanted to start using it again because it reminded her of her mother. My mom also started to use the same laundry detergent my grandmother used because, "It just smells like her."

I now understand why my mom did those things. I too have started doing some of my own recreating of the past. I noticed how cute my mom's hair looked when she was a little girl and I asked Ashlyn if I could style her hair the same way today. She happily agreed, and I said afterwards, "Oh look, you look just like Grandma did in 2nd grade!"

I took out some recipes that are written in my mom's beautiful cursive, and have been recreating them. Just cooking the same things she did, recreating the meals she used to make for my dad and me, made me feel closer to her. She had a depression era recipe that was made to use up what was on hand during a time when ingredients would be scarce...a time when Pearl Harbor was bombed and she and her family had to "black out" their windows and use no light. What a history in that recipe!

I've been listening to the last message she left me on our voice mail. She left it on Fri. Oct. 24th, and I haven't been able to erase it. I keep savoring her sweet voice and the inflection in her, "Hi Denise, it's Mom!" Knowing I will never hear that voice again makes me linger over and over on the message.

I've been looking at my parents wedding album and comparing who I look the most like at that age...I found my moms wedding notes...the measurements of the bridesmaids, what food would be served, etc...lingering over these details brings me back to what life was like during their early years together.

Now I finally "get it" with the soap, the detergent, and what it feels like to savor every smell and memory of a loved one. I wonder what things our children will savor in the decades to come? What perfume or soap will make a lasting impression in their minds? Most of all, I hope they will take with them to their adulthood fond memories and kind words.

Today, speak only kindness; and savor every nuance of your loved ones!

Home~ Past and Present

2009-05-05T12:03:00.007-06:00

This morning I woke up in our home that we have lived in less than 2 years. The last 4 days I woke up in a home I never lived in, but where two people I loved did. They brought over 40 years of memories with them to this home, and I begun the search to uncover my childhood, my parents early marriage years, and their parents lives. As I started the process of opening up boxes, cleaning drawers, and finding treasures at every turn, I realized that the things of value to me, are things that have no value to anyone else. An old mirror I remember holding while my mom did my hair...the collander we used to hold boysenberries...things now old, but still new in my mind.

Here is the table we ate meals at since the 1970's...even dated avocado green looks great in this modern kitchen. I would love to keep the table that holds such fond memories, but I don't think I can, so I am afraid this picture and those photos in albums of us sitting around it at birthdays, etc...will be all that is left of those memories.

My dad has been gone since 2006 and my mom since Christmas, but their presence is still all around that house in so many ways. The refrigerator is still full of pictures my mom put on it...

This avocado green Tupperware container is one of a set of three. My mom would bake cookies and store them here. Silly it seems, but things like this, are the only "things" I have left to remind me of the years when I grew up.

This is the "Prayer Plant" that my mother had for over 40 years. She started many off shoots over the years, (I brought one home) but this is the original plant. My mom had an amazing green thumb and it is a wonder a simple houseplant could live so long!

The dishes and glassware my mom brought from her mother's home in Hawaii. So many things...so many memories.

The luggage on the left is the same suitcase my mom took when she left Maui in 1959 to attend college in Missouri. The blue piece was mine and carried my clothes and belongings on summer trips to her childhood home on Maui, and lots of family outings.

The sun dial I gave my dad for a special occasion...there it sits, still telling time...time marches on, even when I wish it would just stop, or return to how things once were.

The closet my sister in law helped me empty so I could refill it with the things I would like to keep.

These are the roses that my parents enjoyed every day outside their kitchen windows. I pruned a few bushes and took some of the roses to the cemetery. They should be enjoying the roses, but since they no longer can in this life, I thought I could at least take them to where they rest.

My mom's side of the headstone is all complete...her birth and death dates, as well as a palm tree for her Hawaiian roots, and an apple with school books for her 40 plus years of service in education.

I have a lot of work ahead of me to empty my parents home...it is filled with reminders and treasures from my past, and now that my folks are gone, the "things" are all I have left of my childhood. Those memories have no meaning to anyone else, and I mourn the loss of my parents, our times spent together, and I mourn the future. They will no longer be able to attend birthday get togethers, or holidays. They won't be at any recitals, and will not be able to see my chidren graduate, or marry.

Wasn't it just yesterday that my dad sat with me at the kitchen table and helped me with my 8th grade speech? I saw the dress in the back of the closet that my mom wore to our wedding. Wasn't it just yesterday that she wore it, in good health..with cancer and death unthought of? Wasn't it just yesterday that I was a little girl? Life has changed so dramatically for me in two years, and the losses of the above or far greater than any loneliness I felt as an only child. But as an only child, there are many memories that only I remember now...memories of no interest to anyone else. I found them all in photo albums, in closets, slide shows and momentoes.

I think the saying below says it best...

"One form of loneliness is to have a memory and no one to share it with."

We'll get back to our 3 week challenge tomorrow...but for today I need some time...time to reflect, time to feel sorry, time to just 'be.' Let's catch up tomorrow, and I promise to be back ready to talk "life changes" and living fully everyday! Thanks for reading...I missed you while I was away!

Day 2...life changes and a trip home

2009-05-01T05:26:00.001-06:00

DAY 2: Maintain a small calendar for keeping track of exercise, healthy living, etc...there is nothing like seeing a calendar with blank pages filling up with record of your positive healthy changes! Keep track of your daily exercise or goal and what you have accomplished!

Sleepily I spiraled down theses stairs to the basement...it was tough this morning...but I did it, and I did it willingly!

Thank you friends for taking the time to comment yesterday...I didn't want you to feel obligated, but I am so glad you found something useful in committing to 3 weeks of positive change! Lou Ann your snail mail is stamped and going out today! If anyone else desires some "love mail," just send me your address and I will send some motivation your way! :-)

A few of you said it was tough to get motivated to even start. I hear you. I will be featuring a motivated goal oriented athlete that I know soon. She says it best and I will introduce you to her. Until then, if you aren't motivated to begin today, here's the best advice I can give you. Just do it! If you feel you can't...Take a nap! No guilt, no to-do- list pressure, just a good dose of sleep to rejeuvenate your body and soul. I think often times we are exhausted, and not realize that our lack of "get up and go" is lack of sleep. Try getting a good night's sleep and take a nap...tomorrow is another day!

I got up at 5 a.m. on Thurs. and "just did it!" I walked/jogged 2.5 miles and did some crunches, push ups, and lunges. It was early and I was dragging myself to the basement, but for me if I don't do it early, the rest of the day just takes over and I don't make exercising a priority. What did you do today that was one step closer to your goal? Oh do tell! You will motivate us in the process! :-)

I am leaving in about a half hour to catch an early flight out to California. I begin the process of cleaning out my parents beautiful home. It will feel odd going through their personal things...reading old letters and looking at all their cherished memories. They won't ever be coming home again, and that thought still takes a lot of getting used to. Amidst the sadness of packing up a lifetime of their memories, my exercise clothes are packed and my faithful running shoes are ready, because life goes on...one step at a time.

What will you do today, that takes you one step closer to your goal? :-)

Can you give yourself 3 weeks? Just 3 weeks...

2009-04-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

Did you exercise today?

It's almost the first day of May. It's time for a new beginning, or a new start, or a new motivation. Whether you are a regular exerciser, a weekend warrior, a fair weather exerciser, or a non-exerciser...we can all use a new beginning. Let's face it...we're not getting any younger. Unless you are already aware of your diet and exercise needs, we're also not getting any healthier. Many of you may be like me and have high cholestrol, or are pre-diabetic. What are we doing about it?

I have gained and lost weight a handful of times in the past. I put the weight on, and then I take it off, and then I regain it once again. Has this happened to you? Yes, diet plans do work...Weight Watchers is effective as are several other plans. The problem for me, is that once the weight is off, I am ready to eat again! I'm hungry by the time I've completed the plan!

So, my new plan is not to worry about weight and food right now. Right now, I need to focus on establishing a new habit. One new habit...just one...because long term good health isn't about losing weight quickly, or exercising madly for a few months, just to end up hungry, tired, and uninspired. If we want to prolong our lives, we need to make proactive choices, and stick with it! Do you want to make any changes in your lifestyle?

Would you like to join me in making a change? I'd love to encourage you in your journey. I won't ask you to tell us how much you weigh, or ask you to comment every day, or to do anything at all. Just think about a change you may want to make and let me know if you would like to commit to it for 3 weeks. It could be to exercise daily, or cut down on sweets or alcohol, or to eat two more servings of vegetables each day. It could be anything that you feel is a need in your life that would lead to a healthier lifestyle.

I am going to commit to exercising daily for 3 weeks. I'd like to move 2 miles a day. Period. It doesn't matter if I walk it, jog it, bike it, run it, skip it, or crawl it...it doesn't matter if it is at 5 a.m. or 10 p.m. BUT I will commit to moving my body 2 miles a day!

At the end of 3 weeks, let's touch base...was a gradual change easy? How do we feel physically after 3 weeks? Is it a change worth continuing? If so, can we commit to adding one more positive change to our lifestyle? I'm not going to promise you I will nix chocolate from my diet, or stop eating cookies...but I will commit to moving 2 miles a day,for 3 weeks...no matter what.

What happens if you skip a day? Am I going to say something? Am I going to tell on you? No! There is no diet police here...no 20 lashings with a wet noodle...no ridicule...just keep track. Does this sound too loose, or too lacking in accountability? Perhaps. Here's my rationale. For a change to stick...we need to do it for ourselves...not for our families, not for the doctor that says we need to change, or to fit into a new bathing suit. We need to make a change for ourselves, and for ourselves only. Because if it is for any other reason...for any other intention, we will fail. Maybe not right away, maybe not for weeks or months, but ultimately, making changes for someone else is not going to lead to lifelong success.

I love to send "snail mail!" There is nothing like a handwritten note and a few stickers to brighten the day. May I send you some snail mail along the way during our 3 week commitment? If so, e-mail me your address to apple926@q.com.

I started exercising last week, but will start a new chapter today...today is Day 1. You don't have to do a thing, but if you choose to, "Hooray!" Let's get started!

Thank you!

2009-04-29T23:22:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much for your encouraging words on my "Dad" post!

I so appreciated your kind words! I also enjoyed reading your stories about your fathers, and how they impacted your lives. You all have such amazing dads, that have raised remarkable children.

Whether your father is still living or has passed, you inspired me with their stories...thank you for sharing a glimpse into your lives, and into what makes you, uniquely YOU!

Computer Friends...

2009-04-28T10:31:00.003-06:00

Just because it made me smile and appreciate my readers, friends, and family! Thank you for your encouragement, your stories, and for making me smile every day! I heart you! :-)

My Dad

2009-04-27T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today my dad would have celebrated his 70th birthday. He passed away on Oct. 31, 2006, and I miss him greatly. There is so much that I want to tell him, and so in his memory, I am going to post a tribute that I wrote several months ago on the anniversary of his passing.

If your dad is alive, give him a big hug today if you are able. Tell me something about him, I'd love to hear your special thoughts and memories. If he lives far away, call him today, even if there doesn't seem like much to say. Call him...for me, since I can no longer speak with my dad. I promise you won't regret the time invested in connecting with him...

If your dad has passed, please tell me something about him, and how long he has been gone. Do you have any special traditions that you do on your loved ones birthday or other special occasions? I am still coming to terms with my parents both being gone now, and what I can do to honor them on special days throughout the years.

Whether your dad is living or gone...remember him today, and I will too.

This was my Dad. (Written Oct. 31, 2008)

He died two years ago today.
He lived life fully on the day he died.
He flew his airplane, exercised, and talked on his ham radios.
He called a day that included all of the above a perfect day.

The last time I saw my Dad alive was two weeks before he passed.
He and my mom had just returned from a fantastic trip to Japan.
They went on the trip with his sisters and brother in law.
They made many memories, and were all grateful for that time with him.
He was in a great mood the last time I saw him.
He watched his grand kids head off to school.
He sat in our big comfy chair and visited with me, in no hurry to leave.
He gave me a big hug and told me he loved me.
He and my mom drove home, and I never saw him alive again.

My Dad was 67 years old the day he died so unexpectedly.
Life can change in an instant.
We had just come home from taking the kids trick-or-treating.
I got a call from my mom I'll never forget.
He didn't come home for dinner that night.
She worried.
She called the airport hangar where he had been that day, having flown earlier.
He didn't answer.
She drove out to the hangar.
She found him in his office.
He was on the sofa, as if he had just fallen asleep.

My Dad was a tall man standing at 6' 6" tall.
He was happily married to my mom for 41 years.

He was a talented man.
He accomplished everything below in 67 years.
My Dad was a magician.
He was on a ski patrol.
He brought injured skiers down from Mt. Lassen.
My Dad was also a pilot.
He was a business owner.
He was a police officer.
He was a special ed teacher.
He was a middle school and high school teacher.
He was a teaching principal.
He was a basketball coach.
He was an elected airport commissioner.
He was elected as a school board member.
He was an officer in the US Army.

He wanted to make a difference in people's lives.
He did.

He held my hand when I needed stitches.
He taught me how to jump rope.
He walked me down the aisle at my wedding.
He held our children when they were babies.
He came to their birthday parties, and performed magic tricks.
I admired him.
I still do.

He was always concerned for my happiness.
He was one of those people who asked meaningful questions,
and truly listened to my answers.
He used to ask me as a little girl, "Oh by the way, did I ever tell you I love you?"
He would ask this question several times in a day, and each time,
it confirmed that love to me.

As I got older, we didn't always see eye to eye.
We argued.
We disagreed.
Even if we had words with one another, I never doubted his love for me.

He was so happy to have a son-in-law, a grandson, and nephews.
He loved having 'boys' in the family.
He loved my mother, me, and his granddaughter.
He loved his sisters.
He was so happy to have Steffi, our German exchange student, become a part of the family.
He believed in surprising us all with generous deeds.

He loved animals and always had a soft spot for them.

He loved the snow and would have loved Colorado.
He would have appreciated that we have big tall doorways.
Being so tall, he always had to duck underneath standard ones.
He would have been happy looking out our windows at the mountains, as he called the mountains "Gods Country."

He would have been so proud that his grandchildren can play musical instruments.
He would have been pleased to see us happy.

My Dad was a wonderful man.

I would give anything to see him one more time, and tell him so.

Just a few old time photos...My Dad and me (on the right) during a dinner party.

Dad with his new puppy "Sargent."

Four generations of Johnsons. I am the only one still living. I remember my Dad, Grandma and Great Grandmother vividly. Each one of them had a fascinating story to tell.

My dad and I during my junior year in high school...

Our little family of three on the day Tom and I married.

So very many memories, so little space to journal a life well lived...
Remembering my Dad today

Cheap chairs and the fine art of making "inexpensive" look elegant! :-)

2009-04-26T22:45:00.012-06:00

I decorate on a dime...well not literally...it's more like decorating on a few bucks! Either way, in this economy and time of uncertainty, there is no need to spend a fortune, so I am always on the look out for a good find. The JCPenney clearance catalog was no exception last week. I am in need of a few chairs and a small decorative table, so I used my coupons, and got a set of two arm chairs and a table for a great price.

My friend Sofia is a decorator and I need her input on the chairs...so this post is for Sofia as we do long distance decorating! Excuse us, while we discuss ad nauseum the finer points of cheap chairs. We're doing it via blogging, because it is so much faster to post photos on Blogger, than wait the 2-3 min. per photo to download a photo on e-mail! This little trick will save us a lot of time but will also be (And if you should have an opinion, feel free to share it! :-)

I'm waiting to showcase Sofia until we get our draperies done, and then you can see her full range of skills! :-)

Until then...Sofia, here are some photos of the things we discussed earlier...this is my chair and table from the clearance catalog at JCPenney. I know it is more formal and traditional than the couch, but do you think it works? The price was right so if I can make it work with a throw or pillows, etc...that would be great. I think a chair in that corner would be good. (Readers if you have an opinion on any of these photos, feel free to share! ;-)

These are the two brown lamps I got from Real Deals! Sofia, do you remember Erica? She will close the store down for private parties and then the hostess brings in appetizers, etc...and receives $1 for every $10 spent...maybe we need a decorating party there next time you are in CO! The lamps were only $22 each! Whoo hooo!
Here's the swatch that could be used for the draperies...it's one of the silks from Half Priced Draperies. See what you think if I were to move the leather chair...if the tapestry arm chair goes in it's place is it really clashing? I am trying to not be too matchy matchy, but it is hard to pull it all together!
The chair and the fabric...I know, it doesn't match, but does it blend in the room?
The other matching chair is the office...
So I could bring both in and exchange the leather chair...the lamp is from the set that was on the sofa table..too tall? Maybe some books and a little decoration on top to go on the table...or how about a neat picture frame?
I think the draperies will make a world of difference in that dining area...Do you think we should hang them close to the ceiling? I will need to measure 22 in. for the valance and see where it falls.
Remember how you suggested putting an old bike on the built ins? Well, I couldn't find a cool old bike...so I got a cute wrought iron one...the fleur de lis pic is from Hobby Lobby...I am thinking about putting the antique child's roll top desk from my parents place up there on the left ...where the plant is...is that too much?
Let me know when you see this Sofia...I may just delete the post then so I don't bore everyone to tears...thanks so much for your input! Talk to you soon...readers, if you have ideas, don't be shy!

It's late and my alarm is set for 5 a.m. Good night all! :-)

Kofford Kids...and a few grateful moments

2009-04-25T21:06:00.008-06:00

Ashlyn's piano teacher hosts several recitals a year, and today was the spring recital where students of all ages performed. Here is Ashlyn posing with her fist trophy and award certificates from the recent auditions.

Happiness is a trophy well earned! :-)

Kyle finished his 10 day job of feeding a neighbors horse and taking care of barn chores while they were away. They paid him generously and he used his earnings to purchase a new skateboard!

13 year old boys love to skateboard, and this boy is no exception! :-)

Happiness is in the little things...

What makes your heart sing? Is it a job well done? A new skateboard? Hee hee Do you know what makes me grateful? (No, not a new skateboard, or chocolate, but the latter is very close!)

~Having everyone I love under one roof, and appreciating those who aren't...

~Having two people tonight walking with "Relay for Life" in memory of my mom...

~A soft bed to lay down in, and the strength to get out of it earlier than I would like.

~Seeing someone in a wheelchair, and appreciating that although I don't want to exercise, I am blessed to have two working legs to do so.

~Gratefulness is watching a good teacher teach, and appreciating that my parents were two of them.

~Being grateful is knowing that friends will put flowers on my parents gravesite when I live too far away to do so myself. Happiness is appreciating friendships, both near and far.

~Gratefulness is reading scholarship applications, and knowing that my parents memories will live on in those who receive funding to assist their students.

~Happiness is so many things, the list could go on and on...please share some of your grateful moments! I'd love to read what makes your heart sing! :-)

Titanic Exhibit

2009-04-25T09:29:00.003-06:00

Yesterday we drove to Broomfield, CO to see the Titanic Exhibit. Years ago it came to Redding, CA and my mom went and saw it with Steffi, their German exchange student. They really enjoyed it, and at the time I wasn't able to come. I regretted it ever since as I am a big Titanic buff. It all started when I taught 3rd grade and the Titanic was one of the reading themes in the curriculum. The kids always loved the subject matter, and so did I! (I am also one of those goofy people that went and saw the movie 11 times after it first came out!)

When we arrived yesterday, we were each given tickets with a name of a passenger that was on board the Titanic in April, 1912. There were artifacts from the ship, stories and photos, etc...We enjoyed reading and learning more about those on board that fatal night on April 14, 1912. Each room had a theme, so when we were in the boiler room area, the lights were red, to simulate a hot working area, and then when the ship hit the iceberg the room was a cool blue with a huge mural of an iceberg, etc...

Unfortunately, at the end of the tour you found out if your passenger was "saved or lost." Tom and Kyle were both "saved" but Ashlyn and I had passengers that perished. This upset Ashlyn greatly and she was concerned that it meant she too would die. This of course brought on a discussion of how we all will die one day, and how any tears she shed should be for the poor people that didn't survive on the ship. We are all alive today, and we need to not take that for granted, not for one moment I told her. Then she was worried about pets on board, and "What about the cats and dogs? Who would save them?" The innocence of children is so refreshing, as I know I would have been worried about the animals too!

We went out to dinner afterwards at a restaurant called, "Bagli's" a New Orleans inspired Italian

restaurant. Besides crawfish on the menu, I am not sure what else made it New Orleans inspired, but it was a nice evening out and I didn't have to cook, so that is always a treat! :-)

Today Ashlyn has her piano recital, so we'll be in the company of musicians this afternoon! :-)

Have a great Saturday, and just a little FYI...I exercised again this morning...Did you? I have a few ideas on how we can motivate one another...check back soon! Ladies, we need to get moving...no excuses! :-)

Meet my $400 dust catcher...

2009-04-24T08:56:00.007-06:00

About a year ago, I announced to Tom it was time we got in shape. We had the space for a treadmill, and my reasoning was that if we had it easily accessible, there would be no excuses. So, with this mentality, I convinced him we did indeed need to buy a treadmill. We searched Craigs List and found a nice quality treadmill for $400. It was a lot of money, but as I told Tom, "There is no price you can put on good health."

We brought the treadmill home and put it to good use for about 6 weeks. We were on a roll! Then, one day no one got on the treadmill. One day passed into a week, which morphed into months, until now it is one year later. There were a few sporadic jogs and walks here and there, but we quickly fell out of a good routine. I kept saying that I would get right back 'in the saddle again', or on the treadmill as the case would be.

As I tend to do though, I found more excuses not to get on the treadmill...it was too cold in the basement...the beds needed to be made... I think I need to go to the grocery store...I'll excercise as soon as I am done taking the kids to this or that...I better make that phone call first. You get the idea. After awhile I stopped with the excuses and just didn't exercise, period.

The shoes sat, and so did I.

Fast forward an entire year...the treadmill is collecting dust, no one is using it, and I have been regretting the $400 purchase. Here she sits...lonely, empty, and ready to run...

The other day, I realized that I could keep making excuses, or adopt Nike's slogan and "Just Do It!" Excuses surely aren't going to get me moving. So a few days ago I told myself that I would get up at 5 a.m. and exercise for an hour. There are no excuses at 5 a.m. No phones ringing, no activities to drive children to, no beds to make because everyone is still in them, no meals to prepare, etc...

So for the past 3 days, I have been on the treadmill at 5 a.m. and it wasn't pretty...I was slow, and tired, and broke a sweat with a fast walk. Today though, I felt good. I jogged more than I walked, and felt energized when I was done. Early in the morning, there is time for squats and lunges, sit ups, and push ups, and lots of stretching. There is no rushing that early, only a dark sky and lots of time.

Finally, the old dust collecting treadmill is coming back to life, and so am I.

Hot flashes and mystery rashes...

2009-04-20T14:15:00.006-06:00

Yesterday we took a drive into the mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park is only 45 min. from our home and what a difference in climate! Much of the state had 2-3 feet of snow with a recent storm, but in our area it was mostly rain. It was warm on Sunday though, so we decided to see some of the snow for the last time before it all melts away in the coming months.

We stopped at one of the visitors centers in the park and looked around...

Remember being a teenager and not wanting to go places? Why is it that family outings become more difficult as the kids age? I think that once the oldest figures out there are more exciting things going on his universe than taking a Sunday drive with the family, it all changes. Well, Kyle didn't want to get out of the car, and so he sat right here until he was good and ready to come inside. He was glad he did though as the park ranger did a presentation on, "Skins and Skulls" where we got to learn about "migrators, tolerators, and hibernators." Skulls and skins of different indigineous animals were passed around with lots of fun facts.

This 'rack' is from an elk...we would soon meet a few on our travels...

Eeek...look at that skull!

Estes Park with snow covered roofs...
Driving through town we ran into these fellows enjoying a Sunday walk...

See all that snow? Well it was a welcome reprieve for us ladies in the family. My recent hot flashes made the cool air such a relief! No need to say more. :-) Poor Ashlyn needed her own cool down. She has developed a strange case of hives/rash.

I took her to the doctor today and there are two possibilities of what this mystery rash could be caused from. She could have a childhood virus called, "5th's Disease" which goes away on it's own, or it could be a "profound reaction" to shaving cream! In her 2nd grade class they got to demonstrate fractions using shaving cream. Fun! Unfortunately, with her pale skin and red hair, her skin is extra sensitive. The hives/rash could be a product of that. Either way, she got the go ahead that it was OK to return to school, to she is back in the saddle, just a little hot and itchy in the process.

Tonight Kyle had an Orchestra Concert that was a big success, but he also had a disappointing day. He auditioned to play guitar in the Jazz band next year, and didn't make it. He's been waiting for days for the results and kept checking the bulletin board for the results. He has become quite a good guitarist and after 5 years of lessons, I really did think this would be a 'sure thing.' Well, life doesn't always go as we plan, so this was a good lesson in resiliency.

Off for now to plan my next flight out to California. I will be going sooner than I thought to start the big process of cleaning out my parents home. As an only child, this will be a BIG task, and a sad one too. I was lucky enought to win Anita's blog giveaway, and this weekend I finished the book I won called, "The Middle Place". It sure helped to put life in perspective, so I will take those lessons with me when I start the first phase of going through their house.

Until next time, have a good week! :-)

Blogging Awards...

2009-04-17T10:06:00.000-06:00

We're under a spring storm warning today...lots of wind, blowing rain/snow, etc...it's the perfect day to get caught up on a little blogging housekeeping.

Share the love...I was fortunate enough to receive two special awards recently and wanted to "share the love" with you!

Thank you Jemm in the Flint Hills for the "Lemonade Award!"

The lemonade award is for showing great attitude and/or gratitude. Each award has a pay it forward concept...
The Rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog, nominate at least 10 blogs, which show great attitude and/or gratitude.
2. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
3. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
4. Share the love and link to this post, and/or to the person from whom you received your award.

Secondly, the Kreativ Blogger Award was given to me by the very kind Jemm and Paris Pink!

Thank you ladies for this kindness!
The Rules:

1. List 7 things that you love.
2. Link to the person who has tagged you
3. Choose 7 more bloggers to give the Kreativ Award to.

Just to make it a little more interesting, instead of 7 things I love, how about 10 things about me you never knew? The truth revealed! hee hee

1. I used to polish my dad's shoes, and give him pedicures. I'd soak his feet in warm water and trim his nails, buff his rough heels, etc...from the time I was 8 years old. He never asked me to do this, I just did it for years because I wanted to and he was a good sport!

2. I like to do annoynomous good deeds....regularly...secretly...more often than you know. Watch out...you may be a recipient soon!

3. I used to dance ballet...not very well...and I was told I was too heavy to go further with it, but it brought me much joy.

4. I don't like to talk on the phone. Not that I don't like to talk with you, I would just rather have lunch with you, or have you over for a cup of tea, and see your face.

5. I don't hear very well. Which is one reason, I don't like the phone...I have to squeeze it to my ear and ask everyone to repeat what they said over and over and over again!

6. I don't like games...probably because I don't like math...I'd rather sit and do a project or a craft anyday!

7. I eat chocolate. I eat a lot of chocolate. I eat more chocolate than you would ever believe. I have been known to eat chocolate for lunch.

8. I ran a half marathon a few years ago and count it as a great accomplishment. I would like to run a marathon one day, and climb Long's Peak. First I need to lose 20 lbs. and my friend/enemy chocolate is interfering in my goal!

9. I am probably the only woman in America that strongly disliked the movie, "Mama Mia." I know, hate me.

10. I am a southern-girl-wanna-be. One day I want to visit the south, and see a plantation home, and catch fire flies, and sip sweet tea on a wrap around porch, and say things like, "Y'all." One day before I die, I am going to do this, and will be in perfectly happy bliss! :-)

Now for the 10 blogs I would like to receive the award as well! Yippee, it's your lucky day! These blogs are listed in no particular order.

Who's Your Mama

Terrible and Beautiful

A Wife, a woman, a mom

Risdon News from Colorado/Run With Me

Lucy's Life

Saddlepotatoes

Walk With me by Faith

Nini's World

Life As I Know It

Walk A Mile

Have fun ladies!

Top Ten House Loves

2009-04-15T11:26:00.012-06:00

One of my favorite readers, the talented cook, wife and student, Lucy Marie, from "Lucy's Life" is hosting a fun Lucy's House A Home Giveaway. She asked her readers to list the Top Ten things that make their house a home, and to blog about them. She has some cute prizes for her readers that participate, and I couldn't miss out on the fun! So here, are a few things that come to mind when I think about what aspects of our house make it feel like "home" to me!
The canine companions who wait on the sofa for passing rabbits, cats, and grazing cows.
The Daddy who after a long day at work, patiently hangs things too high for me, and stands watch as little ones want to climb the ladder too!
The little girl who sits with the canine friends...
The faithful crock pot that has survived 20 years and 4 moves, continues to cook dinners and warm drinks at holidays.
The boy who suns himself while doing homework...
And the feline companion who waits outside his room for him to finish.
Beloved tea cups from my grandmothers that have seen parties and tea's galore.
The hooked rug lovingly made for our wedding by my grandmother. She insisted it be used and walked on! So for 20 years, we have done just that, displaying and using it daily to welcome guests in our front entry!
New things make a house a home, like a brand new chair...
Or a peaceful view out the window... or the tassels that show my love of roosters.

Memories of those who are no longer with me. And memories of those who are...

Lastly, the #1 feature of our house that makes it a home, are the people that live in it! ~FAMILY~ From our first apartment, to our first starter home, to the home we live in now; family is what makes any dwelling a "home!"

Be sure and join in Lucy's fun, and you too can enter to win a great giveaway!

What makes your house a home? Do tell! :-)

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T18:46:00.005-06:00

It was a brown day...even the ground is brown with not much green to be found near the pond, or near the house. The sky was gloomy, the weather cold, and the anticipation of spring has yet to make an appearance in Colorado. This is my first Easter without both of my parents in my life, and I felt the gloominess in the air, as well as in my heart.

Fortunately, we are blessed with children who breathe life into such a day...with eggs to dye, eggs to hunt, church to attend, dinner to be made, and baskets of chocolate to enjoy, hope is here today. And, just like Mr. and Mrs. Goose, whose presence signals that spring will be right around the corner, I too can be filled with Hope. May you each have a blessed Easter surrounded by those you love, and Hope in the spring to come. Happy Easter to you!

Hippidity Hoppidity Easter is coming! Show and Tell Friday!

2009-04-10T10:03:00.006-06:00

Easter is almost here...come on in!
It will be a quiet Easter at the Koffords this year, and we wish you all a blessed day hunting for Easter eggs, enjoying Easter dinner, and remembering our risen Lord.

My talented mother in law Billie made these adorable bunnies many years ago, and we are reminded of her each year we display them!
Chicks and bunnies usher in spring...
Aren't these Easter egg candles fun? I remember the words of Erma Bombeck and burn all my candles; even the good ones! :-)
Cute bunny tassel from the talented, "Nester" at Nesting Place.
On a side note while we are doing 'show and tell', I wanted to share with you a fun project I had done with the kids last week. I have wanted to have silhouettes made of the children for years, but never had an opportunity to do so. When we were in Disney World, there was a little stand where a man sat and used only scissors and black paper to cut out uncany likenesses of people. (No tracing is used, only cutting!) I knew that in a year or so, Kyle could have a beard, ha ha so I needed to "seize the day" and have the silhouettes done while the kids still had baby faces! Remarkabley, the cost for this service was only $8! Didn't they turn out neat?

Miss Ashlyn's profile...

13 year old Kyle...
If you are interested in doing silhouettes of your children, there are websites where you mail in a photo of your child, and the sihouette is returned to you based on the photographs you send in. Our kids liked the family silhouettes where all the family members are lined up together, but Tom and I did not want our double chins portrayed, so we just stuck with the children! :-)

Have a great day, and a special weekend celebrating Easter with your family and friends!

P.S. Thank you for your concern with the outcome of my melanoma appointment...I have several atypical things that need to be removed, so I will keep you posted. Until then, "Seize the Day" and live fully! :-)

A repeat hopefully worthy of another visit...

2009-04-09T14:42:00.003-06:00

At the risk of being a "Debbie Downer", (or would that be a "Denise Downer" in my case?) I decided to run this post that I wrote a few weeks ago for "Project Create a Home." I like to keep things cheerful and upbeat usually, but my friend Kate encouraged me to be 'authentic' and true. So just in case these words may be helpful to you one day, here are a few thoughts on:

"How to Comfort a Grieving Friend"

A short course in being supportive, when it is difficult to know how...

Life is full of so many wonderful experiences! We are so privileged to be able to experience and celebrate birth, marriage, new jobs, moves, and everyday joys in abundance! The part of life that can send us into a sense of panic and loss on how to cope, is the inevitable death of a loved one, or wishing to be of support to a friend who has suffered loss. Having recently experienced the loss of both of my parents, I wanted to share a few "Do's and Don't s" that may help you in supporting a friend experiencing the same.

Do call and offer your sincere sympathy for their loss. If the phone is not answered, be sure and end your message with, "No need to call back, I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you." After someone dies, there is an overwhelming amount of things to do...from contacting relatives, to planning a funeral, housing out of town guests, cancelling accounts, filing death certificates, etc...When a dozen well meaning calls end with, "Please call me right away", it feels overwhelming to have one more "to do" item on the list. A grieving person is overwhelmed with details; your "permission" to not have to call back will be a relief and a comfort to your friend.
Do send a card with a special story or memory. Cards can be saved and be reread many times. Don't underestimate this simple gesture.

Do bring food. It is difficult to eat when sad and burdened. It is even more overwhelming to try and decide what to serve the children, and visiting guests. What a huge help it was to see a smiling face at the door with a warm casserole and a big hug. Bring food...it will never be turned away and will be most appreciated! If possible, bring something easily frozen for use later on.

Don't exclude your friend from gatherings and outings with others. It feels good to have a diversion from sadness, and even a simple glass of wine and loving company, can boost a mood more than you can imagine.

Don't begin lenthy conversations about how the loved one is in a better place, how time will heal the wounds, etc....just simple thoughts of, "I am so sorry for your loss", or "I'm here to support you in anyway" is much more helpful than a "lecture".

Do bring up the name of your friend's loved one often. Sometimes I felt as though people didn't want to talk about my parents for fear it would upset me. It was worse to feel as though everyone was avoiding the subject, so if you have a story or memory to share, don't be afraid to share it. It brings back the loved one's memory in such a positive way.

Do offer to help in non traditional ways. Can I tell you how helpful it was to have a friend offer to take the children for ice cream during the funeral visitation? Or, the friend who offered to sit with the children during the funeral. They were comforted and cared for while my husband I were listening to eulogies, or when I was consumed with my own grief. One friend carried a water bottle for me, kleenex, a sweater, and stayed close in case I needed something during the funeral and reception afterwards. Or, the friend who offered to spend a day with me to help pack up belongings from my parents home, and then stay the night to watch a movie. These gestures of kindness mean so much, and are such practical ways to show support. Do stop by and call weeks and months after the funeral to check on how your friend is doing. Everything is easier to cope with when there are two sets of footprints rather one. Often as time passes, we forget to inquire how our friend is coping...keep asking, keep offering to help, and keep up your friendship and support. The time you invest will not go unnoticed, and will make such a difference in your friend's outlook on the future! Most importantly, live your life fully and appreciate every moment...all any of us have is TODAY...savor it! :-)

The ABC's of Melanoma...

2009-04-08T08:48:00.004-06:00

Did you enjoy sunning yourself as a teen? Were you like me and laid outside during the heat of the day for hours trying to achieve that golden tan? Do you remember getting sunburned and peeling? Are you fair skinned? I match the profile above to a letter, and if you do too, read on...

On Monday I took at trip to the Melanoma Clinic at my dermatologist's urging. I really didn't want to go. It was a long drive, through high traffic in Denver, I was afraid I would get lost, and I didn't want to talk about cancer. That topic makes me sad, and I didn't feel like revisiting it.

After seeing how fast cancer can take a life with my mom's year long battle, I didn't want to talk about my own risk factors, or even open the discussion with it. Fear won't make a situation go away though, and so I "bucked up" and went.

In 2005, I was diagnosed with melanoma, a fatal form of skin cancer if left untreated and unnoticed. Fortunately, since my dad had a melanoma area removed at that time, I knew what to look for. When an ordinary looking freckle, appeared black compared to my other brown freckles, I knew it was worth a trip to see the dermotologist. We caught it early, and that one little innocent freckle that turned out not to be so innocent, was removed along with a 4 inch section a half inch deep from the back of my calf. Luckily early detection meant it had not traveled, and they were able to cut it out and send me on my way.

Due to melanoma's aggressive nature though, I must see the dermotolgist every 4-5 months now for a full body check...and I mean a thorough body check, including all the places, "the sun don't shine" if you know what I mean! It's a small price to pay though if catching another spot could mean saving my life.

The oncologist told me the other day that 1 in 70 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime. Now that I have had melanoma, and my body knows how to make a cancer cell, my odds are now 1 in 25 that it will return in another area. (Those odds didn't sound so good until he said that 1 in 10 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.) Either way, cancer is not worth taking chances with, and so I wanted to share a quick reminder of how to check yourself and any suspicious moles with a simple ABC acronym.

If you have any changing moles that match the symptoms below, take the time to have them checked out by a dermologist. Colorado has the highest incidence of melanoma in women, most likely due to the altitude, so Colorado readers, take extra caution and watch those freckles closely!

A: assymetrical... if a freckle is different on one half than the other, have it checked out.

B: borders...if the borders are irregular it's worth a visit...

C: color...just like my freckle that looked black, any color variance is cause to have it checked.

D: diameter...any freckle larger than the size of a pencil eraser is also a potential risk.

Take the time today to look at your skin...and it's never too late to wear sunscreen...melanoma is a preventable disease.

Enjoy your day, and check your skin...even where the sun don't shine! :-)

We love you Mickey Mouse, but there's no place like home...

2009-04-05T09:18:00.010-06:00

We're home after a fun filled week at Disney World! So much to share...here are a few highlights of the week!
Meeting Cinderella...after a mix up at the castle for a meet-the-princesses-dinner, we were given a pass to meet all the princesses without having to wait in line...unfortunately my camera shutter wouldn't open when they all gathered around. Luckily Disney photographers captured it all; I just need to purchase the photos! Thankfully my shutter opened for a glimpse of Cinderella and Ashlyn! What trip could be complete without an autograph from a favorite princess? :-)
Alice in Wonderland at Epcot...Mary Poppins was there too and said cute things like, "Spit Spot, come on over!"
Beautiful wildlife...

Impressive T-Rex model while waiting for the fun roller coaster...we got stuck on this ride for a few minutes, but after standing in line, it felt good to have some extra sitting time! hee hee

Parades and fireworks were always a lot of fun!

The rides...this Nemo ride was just my speed...S-L-O-W! hee hee

Dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe...the alligators, elephants, gorillas, etc...all move and "perform" during timed rain showers!

Here we are at Epcot...it started out rainy, but quickly the sunshine returned!

Dinner at the castle...Kyle and Tom were good sports as Cinderella's fairy Godmother and the mice danced and sung around us!

Relaxing at the resort...

Hooray...a special treat...getting to meet Anita from, "A wife, a woman, and a mom." Anita and I enjoyed a lovely lunch and walk around the beautiful, "Grand Floridian." Anita was just as warm, welcoming, and wonderful as she is on her blog! What a highlight to meet her! :-)

The whole family at Disney's Animal Kingdom...it was a great week, but of course, "There's no place like home!" It was a humid 86 degrees when we left Orlando, and a dry 32 degrees when we returned! Although we miss the beautiful weather in Florida and having the magic of Disney all around, it's good to be home! :-)

The blog is going on vacation...

2009-03-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

The editor and her family will be away in a magical place spending time together...in one of the "happiest places on earth"...that is warm...where there is no assigned homework for it's guests...to a place that does the dishes for you...where hubby will have a week off...where there will be no laundry to do...no bills to pay...and a break from the recent sadness of grieving...just 5 parks in 5 days...it will be a busy time, but joyful! See you all in a few days! Until then, enjoy your week and live fully today!
Mickey and friends will hopefully make an appearance!
And we hope to see our smiling faces here soon. We've never been to Disney in Florida, so we are prepared with maps, friends' recommendations, comfortable shoes and sunscreen! See you soon! I've been singing this song for a month now! M-I-C-K-E-Y... M..O..U..S..E :-)

P.S. The kids had another snow day today..we had a foot of snow at our place and enjoyed the day making snow angels and sledding!

(Thank you Comeau Family for a great dinner tonight! We had a wonderful time with you!)
Sledding is fun, even for mom who gets tired after a few runs!
The pond..not looking very inviting, but two mallard ducks have taken up residence!
I love the look of pine trees weighted down with snow!
Snow covered roof line...
Sunny and deceivingly cold (for us!) at 28 degrees...
Snow angels are great fun!
Lots and lots of snow after the blizzard yesterday!
The allure and novelty of shoveling snow has worn off...when there is this much snow, it is heavy, and I found it to be really hard work to shovel even a little patch like this!
The swing set is snowed in!

One day snow, the next day sun in Florida.

See you soon! :-)

It snowed in my kitchen today...

2009-03-26T16:00:00.004-06:00

It really did snow in my kitchen today, and it got worse before it got better! :-) I walked in and saw all this on the floor...

As I started to clean up, the blizzard that had been predicted hit, and snow was swirling all around the floor! I called the kids in and we had 3 beach towels lining the floor and still at one point the snow lined up from the floor above the towels! I think I need to speak to my husband about weather stripping! hee hee
This is what a blizzard looks like from the window. The shadow in the background is our neighbor's house! The weather forecast calls for 12-24 in. of snow by morning. It sure doesn't look like spring here!

Snow drifts outside the front door...and a grey cold day...we Californians are loving it!
And lastly...what good is a snow day without a little sledding down the hill? Mom was too cold to venture further out, but I hear the slopes were fast today! :-)
These are the happy children that had their first snow day! What a thrill to find out first thing this morning that school was cancelled! Tom got to come home early from work and the guitar teacher called saying the shop was closing for the rest of the day...no lessons, no homework, no leaving the house, no more hubby's work, just blissful time spent in front of a fire...

Happiness is...SNOW! :-)

P.S. Anita over at "A wife, a woman, a mom" is giving away several great books called, "The Middle Place" written by Kelly Corrigan. A friend had e-mailed me a neat You Tube segment on this woman, and today I learned from Anita that she has written a book about her diagnosis with breast cancer, caring for aging parents, raising children, and how girlfriends support one another through these experiences. Link here to read Anita's inspirational post and enter yourself in the drawing. She's a great gal, and I am lucky enough to get to meet her next week...all the way in Florida! Story to come!

"The Apple Tree"

2009-03-26T00:05:00.001-06:00

In memory of Harry and Lorraine Johnson...dedicated educators in Tehama County, CA.

The ad is out in the paper, the applicants are writing in, and we are excited to award 4 $500 scholarships to existing and student teachers in Tehama County, CA this May! Click on the link to visit "The Apple Tree Scholarship Blog" and learn how you can donate to this perpetual fund, or request an application. I know my parents would have been pleased that your generosity of giving in their name will benefit many students in the community they loved! Thank you!

Pepper Potatoes...

2009-03-26T00:00:00.002-06:00

You've heard me say it before, I am NOT in any way shape or form, a chef or cook; nor do I contain any culinary skill whatsoever. So, when I find a recipe that I can actually execute, I feel compelled to share with you these successes, even the small ones. If it is not a store bought meal, if I make it with my own ingredients, AND people actually eat it, I consider it a success! :-)

Here's an easy side dish for spring grilling!

Potato-Stuffed Grilled Bell Peppers from Southern Living

"Think twice baked potatoes, except the potatoe mixture is stuffed into a bell pepper half. The peppers roast and char on the bottom, imparting a wonderful sweet flavor, while the upper edges stay crisp-tender. Don't forget to bake the potatoes before the guests arrive."

4 large baking potatoes (about 3 1/2 -4 lbs.)
4 large red bell peppers
1 (16 ounce) countainer sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Gouda cheese
1/4 cupsliced green onions
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Bake potatoes ahead of time and allow to cool until easily handled. Cut peppers in half lengthwise cutting through stems and keeping intact. Remove and discard seeds and membranes; rinse and pat dry. Set aside.

Cut baked potaotes in half. Scoop out pulp into a large bowl, discarding shells. Add sour cream and next 6 ingredients to pulp, blending well with a fork or potatoe masher. Spoon potatoe mixture evenly into pepper halves. Sprinkle with paprika.

Grill peppers, covered with grill lid over mediim high heat for 18 minutes or until peppers are blistered and potatoe mixture bubbles around edges. Serve immediately.

Yummy, easy, and shows well with colored peppers! Enjoy! :-)

Puppy Mums...

2009-03-25T00:05:00.002-06:00

My friend Toni sent these photos...aren't they adorable!?! I wonder how hard this could be to recreate? (Surely floral arranging must be easier than cooking! At least for me! hee hee )

So cute...ah, the talent these ladies have!

If time allows, you may wish to read a post I wrote on comforting a grieving friend over at "Project Create a Home." It will run tomorrow, and provides some simple practical advise when a friend suffers from a loss on how to help.

Happiness is...

2009-03-25T00:00:00.001-06:00

Dropping a child off at a friends, and leaving with a dozen farm fresh eggs in brown, blue, and green! It is true, happy hens really do lay
more flavorful eggs! :-)

The Birthday Bash...

2009-03-23T20:44:00.009-06:00

Long time, no blog! ha ha :-) It's been a busy weekend, but we lived to tell the tale, and our birthday girl is blissfully, officially 8 years old now! Here are a few highlights from all the events ringing in Ashlyn's 8th year! (If only birthdays could be this exciting when we grow up! :-)

It all started with a sunny Saturday morning horseback riding lesson. Ashlyn rides with Caitlyn below. Caitlyn is Ashlyn's "very best Colorado friend" in Ashlyn's words! :-)
Saturday night started with a sleepover, and a breakfast of strawberries and donuts. What birthday girl doesn't deserve to sip her orange juice in a fancy glass?
The balloons...the treat bags...pink of course!
The flowers...pink roses and purple tulips.
Two best buddies getting ready for the party.
Mom with Ashlyn and Caitlyn. Ashlyn wanted to wear her tulle dress from the Father/Daughter dance...if it's your birthday, you can wear whatever you fancy! Can one ever be overdressed for her own party? I think not! :-)

Daddy with the birthday girl...
The party...at Justice For Girls...the theme...Webkinz! (What is a Webkinz you ask? It's an overpriced stuffed animal, but who am I to judge?!)
Party prep...combing out hair for the hair do makeovers...
The birthday girl smiles for the camera...
Playing Webkinz Bingo, the Wheel of Wow, and other fun games!

The table back home...Webkinz, Littlest Pet Shops, and princesses...because who said a cake can't have 3 themes?
Blowing out the candles...
Enjoying the cake, pink lemonade, cake flavored ice cream, and the company!

The gifts... Did you hear that "8 is great!?"
Dinner at Red Robin...the birthday girl's choice since she liked that the waiters sing to you after they announce it is your birthday... to the whole restaurant. Ashlyn said as she sat down, "Oh good, there are a lot of people in here tonight too!" We're not shy.
The guests and one appreciative birthday hostess!
Today I brought cupcakes to the classroom and a book for the class library in honor of Ashlyn's birthday...I think we can say the celebration has officially come to a close...Did I mention that mom and dad are tired? hee hee Happy 8th Birthday Ashlyn! :-)