The little pond grows into a lake!

What a weekend! As of last night, we had a huge mountain of mud, one lumpy island, a broken sump pump pipe, and a severed electrical line. Today, things are looking up and the island has taken shape. There is a canal running behind it, a big mountain of mud which will eventually be a sledding hill for the kids, and a "V" shaped hill for an eventual water feature. Tom and the kids are on the island as I type deciding on where the picnic and fishing areas will be. Our project grew much bigger than we anticipated due to the grand plans of our landscape designer, and we were feeling unsure about the grandness of the scale it grew to. At this point though, we see how awesome it will be, and he has assured us he will remain on budget. I told him I didn't want any financial surprises,(life itself gives us enough of those) so we'll see how it all turns out once it is finished. You know I will keep you updated on the progress...the pond/lake is good blogger conversation!

Happy Birthday Papa Ron!

Happy Birthday Papa Ron! We wish you a wonderful day filled with happiness! We love you! Ü

Big changes to the little pond...

Work started this morning on digging out our little pond, clearing cattails, and enlarging the entire area. What a fun surprise when Tom came in and said that he asked to have an island formed! Of course the kids are excited to have a bridge to cross over for a picnic or fishing! There is a large berm area being formed where we will install a water feature...until then...here are some photos of the muddy work in progress!

Happiness is...

Happiness is being a little dog on a big pillow, in front of a warm fireplace. What a life!! Ü

May 2nd???

Here it is...May 2nd and 43 degrees, with 40 mph winds! Yesterday it snowed all morning, and certainly doesn't feel like spring. Tennis lessons went on as scheduled today. Five of us brave souls battled tennis balls, wind, and each other in a sprited lesson. Would you play tennis in this weather? You all know I am a big wimp, so it felt good to "tough it out" and play! Here was the view of Long's Peak today, and I feel tough! hee hee

Happy Birthday Cousin David!

Happy Birthday David! Thanks for always being like a brother to me...I miss you! Have a wonderful day celebrating your special day! Love, Denise Ü

Back to school with spring snow!

The snow is falling...
Spring snow covered blossoms
Happy to be well again!
Yesterday it was 83 degrees and beautiful! Today the "cornflake" snow is back and it too is beautiful! Ashlyn is feeling better and was happy to be back to school for their big class party today. You know, we Kofford ladies can never miss a good party!

Just like mom always said, "Eat your fruits and vegetables"

Thanks Lorri for sharing this local site...for our Colorado readers, check out this organic fruit and veggie delivery company. www.denver.doortodoororganics.com. Just like Longmont Dairy with fresh milk and NO added growth hormones, this site delivers fresh fruit and veggies grown by local farmers to your doorstep. I used to always think that an apple was an apple. BUT, knowing now that my body knows how to make a cancer cell from my melanoma a few years ago, and my new cholestrol issue, I don't want to add any chemicals or pecticides that can add to my risk. Eating organically grown foods eliminates pesticides, preservatives, and other cancer causing additives from our diets. We can all benefit from that! Stay healthy!

Sick and Tired...

Poor Ashlyn had a fever of 102.4 today, and felt lousy, as you can see by the photo! The funny thing with kids though, is that as soon as the Tylenol kicks in, they are up and running! Ashlyn was hot and miserable until the medicine started to work, then she was literally running and dancing! I thought the DVD I got her would be relaxing, but the latest "Strawberry Shortcake" video is a dance number. (Yes, you mom's of girls who know all too well the Strawberry songs, will come to love the new, "Strawberry Shake" dance!) After all the dancing and running, (and a nap here or there) it will be a wonder if her fever breaks by morning. I will keep you posted.

While we were homebound today, I took the opportunity to exercise on our recently aquired treadmill,(and boy am I out of shape...or as Kyle said during his track meet, maybe it is just the altitude! HA HA) In addition to exercise, laundry, and caring for our sick one, I also "decoupaged" the afternoon away while Ashlyn slept. I embellished a fun little wooden tray and decoupaged a clay pot and saucer with Modge Podge. Who knew sickness and crafting could go so well together!

Wishing you April showers and May flowers!

Today was a busy day filled with school, work, riding lessons, Brownies, and all the other fun things a busy household accomplishes each day! Busy days though, often lead me to not be as observant as I should be. During Ashlyn's riding lesson, the wind was just howling, and the dust flying around her eyes made it difficult to work on balance, etc...She was a good sport though, and didn't complain. We rushed home for dinner, (Yes, it was healthy,and low fat, I'm trying! :-) Ashlyn kept putting her head down during dinner, but I still didn't suspect anything brewing. Next we were off to Ashlyn's Brownie meeting, where she was teary eyed and extra sensitive. I thought she was just being dramatic, as is often the case when one is 7 years old! :-)

Afterwards, when we got home, the wind stopped and the weather was so nice outside. I insisted the kids go ride their bikes around the court to get some fresh air and steer away from the TV. When I called them in, poor Ashlyn had a 101.7 fever. She said, "I just wanted to do as you said Mom, and stay outside!" Oh, did I ever feel terrible. I had one of those "bad mommy moments" as I call them! We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Please keep us updated on YOU, and stay healthy! Happy Spring!

Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle

Remembering my dad today...although this is not him in the video, I loved the lyrics and message just the same. Appreciate your dad today!

April 27th...I remember...

Today would have been my Dad's 69th birthday. I miss him very much. I often wonder if he would have been happy that we moved to Colorado. Knowing that he loved the mountains and snow, I hope the answer would be, "yes." I often wonder if he would be pleased with how his grandchildren are turning out, and if he would be happy with the way they are being raised. I hope the answer would be, "yes." I often wonder if he waits for my mom in Heaven, knowing his time to see her, will be sooner than I want to say, "goodbye." I wonder if he hadn't died, if I would have been as proactive in seeking out that I have the same heart condition he did. I wonder if he knew the impact he had on so many students that he taught, lives he saved being in law enforcement, and the impact he had in my life. I hope he knows he is thought of, and loved, today.
Happy Birthday Dad

Roadrunners Club

Ashlyn has been attending a 6 week long training for children in the district who want to join the running club. Today was the big race and she did a great job! We were apprehensive about it when we arrived, as it was cold, lightly snowing, and windy. Ashlyn decided to just compete in the 400 meter race for her first year. I was secretly glad as that was the only event held indoors! :-) They encouraged parents to run too, and Ashlyn passed me up right from the beginning. She tied for 2nd place out of about 20 1st graders. Great job Ashlyn!

First mow of the season...

You'd never know it snowed earlier in the day based on this picture, but it did! The grass is finally long enough for a first mow, so Ashlyn rode with Tom to tell him all about her race today. We're ready for spring and some good weather!

Tree Planting

Tree planting has begun...our landscape designer has started planting trees along the driveway. We will have trees lining either side of the drive, so that in years to come, they will create a canopy effect as you drive down the middle. We are just happy to have a little bit of shade this summer. Our flat property feels like the vast plains sometimes, so trees will be a nice addition. :-) Tom also finished the raised garden beds. Gee, between farm fresh eggs from our neighbor, our dairy deliveries, and home grown veggies; we'll be living "organic" in no time!

Gorillas, Gorillas, Amazing Gorillas!

Ashlyn has been steadily working on her upcoming Gorilla Report. Her class is doing a unit on Africa, and the kids have been assigned an African animal report. Installment 4 is due on Monday, and as of tonight she has 5 chapters complete. Tomorrow Ashlyn will finish the glossary and bibliography. As you can see from her title above, even just titling the report had to have some pizazz! Ashlyn is working on a special letter to the readers of her report detailing how everyone should help preserve the rain forests and gorilla habitats. She is determined to change the fate of the endangered gorilla, one report at a time! hee hee The author above requested a blog post, so here she is hard at work! Ü

Cactus Pear Martini

While eating my low fat, no salt, no taste diet dinner this evening, I glanced over at the refrigerator where an awesome recipe awaits. My new friend Kathy served "Cactus Pear Martinis" a few weeks ago and shared the recipe. I thought you might enjoy it too. It is so light and refreshing, and perfect for spring and summer entertaining! Enjoy!

"Cactus Pear Martini Recipe"

1 1/2 oz. Pear Liqueur
3/4 oz. Sour Apple Pucker
3/4 oz. Peach Schnapps
1 1/2 oz. Pear Nectar
Pear slice
Sugar for garnish

1. Chill martini glass.
2. Add liquors to tin of ice and shake at least 15 seconds.
3. Strain into chilled martini glass.
4. Rim martini glass with sugar.
5. Garnish with pear and serve. Yum!

Hmmm... What are the chances that a martini is low in cholestrol?

Happy Earth Day!

Ashlyn was excited to wake up this morning and announce that today was Earth Day! We are making small changes where we can. I no longer use the plastic grocery store bags, and invested in the fabric totes instead. (For you moms out there that do the grocery shopping, they are so much easier to carry...with the long handles you can put all your groceries over your shoulder and carry it all in one load! Huge!) One of my favorite hip boutique stores even has a neat recylcing program. The store owner told me that instead of buying bags, she has customers bring in their handled Nordstrom, Macy's, gift bags, etc...and for every bag you bring in, she credits you .20$ a bag. I walked away with $7.20 in credit at her store. See, it's fashionable to be 'green!'

Finally, a new car!

My old 1996 Explorer has found a good home, and we purchased a 2007 Ford Expedition with only 15,000 miles in it's place. We've been looking for a newer used SUV, and were swayed by the flashy Escalade and Navigator. They are all so expensive though, even at 3-5 years old. We were lucky to find this Expedition with few miles, leather seats, a 3rd row, and the DVD player the kids were hoping for. For the first time we bought a car the way our parents always did, and paid cash! Not having to worry about a car payment is such a good thing! Now we'll be all set for ski trips in the winter, and our summer journey to South Dakota. Best of all, the whole family can go to the airport to pick up visitors! Now we just have to hope that gas doesn't reach the $4.00 a gallon price! Yikes! As of today, here in Colorado gas prices are at $3.45 a gallon. Time for us to start biking!

John Denver - Rocky Mountain High