What I should have been doing

Instead of being a busy body wife, I should have just stayed down here in the craft room. As you can see, I had a very productive morning. So much fun to use some bright colors. Got my mind off the snow. Happy New Year...now go do something crafty!

The Last Day of 2006

Here we sit, with less than 8 hours left in this year. Reflecting back, it has been a good year. Maybe one of the best in that nothing terrible happened, we found some new hobbies, made some new friends, strengthened some old friendships and enjoyed good health and enough fortune to pay the bills. Yep, on all accounts, looks like it has been a good year for us.

I try to avoid making any resolutions. I do OK with the short term aspect of any resolution. It is the long term follow through that gets me down every time. So, I'll stick with my usual plan to do better and try harder. And when I get off track for whatever lame excuse, then I just need to pick myself back up and get back on track.

One area that I seem to overachieve in and thus needs little of my resolution energies to "do better" has got to be in the role of supportive spouse. Much as I don't care for motorcycles, I've set my fears aside and have not only encouraged Hubby to get a bike, I pushed him over the edge when he was debating whether to buy a bigger/better bike ( I likened his first bike to a vespa in comparison to those that his pals were riding. That apparently sealed the deal: he bought a new bike the next day). I readily approve all day bike excursions because it does so much to help boost his overall attitude towards life. A Happy Hubby makes for a happy home is my motto.

But I think today I crossed the line. I suggested he try to take the bike out. He has been wanting to, but up until today he has listened to that wise inner voice to wait a bit. And then along comes happy wife: You know, if you can just get out of the neighborhood then the roads are dry I said when I got back from shopping. His usual voice of reason (me) was contradicting what his gut was telling him.

Well, the good news is no serious injury occurred. The bad news: well, we're stuck with a sad Hubby/dad for a little bit longer.

Oh well, at least he tried...and maybe now he's got it out of his system? Time will tell...as long as I keep my mouth shut next time.

This time around...

I mentioned that I was caught up on chores, and this time around I was going to scrapbook. Well, I am no longer caught up on chores (in order to stay ahead of any storm, indoor or outdoor, preventive maintenance is required. Nothing chore related has been done in the past 24 hrs). However, I am all finished with my latest Make Her Cry project.

It's a gift album for my BIL and his wife. OK, mostly his wife because guys, well, they just don't get this whole scrapbooking thing. Anyways, it was so much fun to put together and FINALLY I managed to cry while working on such a project.

I don't know the details about their journey to becoming parents (as nosey as I can be, I also know when someone doesn't feel like discussing personal matters). But I have always sensed this was a long time in the making. So when I was working on this page, well, I just lost it. I mean come on: who wouldn't cry after reading this poem and seeing this photo:

The poem reads:

She is his blanket to warm him on a cold winter night. She is the food that satisfies his hungry spirit. She is his shelter from the storm, his comofrt in times of pain, his nursemaid to heal all his hurts. She is the wind that lifts him up when he has fallen. She is encouragement that guides him forward. She is the love that brought him here. She is his mother.

OK, so if that doesn't make you tear up, maybe this one will?

Can you believe next week at this time, I'll get to snuggle and cuddle with this little fella? Never, Never, Never have I looked so forward to a trip to California as I have this trip...leaving snow behind to cuddle with a little guy? What's not to like???? Shamu and Legoland will just be the icing on top of a very delicious dessert!

There is Light at the end of the storm...

In the form of the trash guys coming to pick up my trash! Two weeks worth (at least). I just went outside to tell them Thanks and slip them their holiday tip. (yes, I'm one of those types, I tip the trashmen and I give a gift card to the mailman...because he can't accept cash, can he? Go ahead, you already hate me for doing the right thing, just add this to your list)

I'm oh so happy not to have to look at those trash cans full of stuff any longer. And worry about the critters coming out at night and feasting on the contents...leaving a mess for us to pick up.

How does he do it?

This morning, hubby and I were awakened by Thing Two. Calmly announcing "I've got a bloody nose". What amazes me is how does he manage to get out of his cave of a bed, down the hallway, into our room without dropping even a spec of blood. Remaining quiet and calm the entire time. But, once he gets to the bathroom and we get in there to help him, he starts shrieking and spraying blood all over the place?

Now, I"m not really complaining as cleaning a bathroom is way easier than carpet, bed linens and all that in between. I'm just wondering...how does he do it?

PS: He's fine now. Yep, he'd eased up on his saline nose sprays and voila...he gets a nosebleed. Even he made that connection so maybe we won't have an early morning wake up calls again now that he realizes the stuff really does help.

I feel a nap coming on...

Them forecasters are right. It is snowing. Right on schedule with their timeline. And, snowing so hard that I'm guessing chances of trash getting picked up this week are pretty slim. And, since they missed us last week because of that storm, we're now looking at a mountain of rubbish. Joy Joy Joy...

But, the chores are pretty much caught up and I'm hoping to ride this storm out in the craft room. Got me another Operation Make Her Cry underway. Just maybe I'll get it finished before we head out to California next week.

Yet just like last week, the storm moves in and my motivation disappears and all that seems worth doing involves the couch, a pillow and a cozy blanket...maybe after my nap...

It should read S.O.S

Last week, Thing Two needed to apologize to mom. So, with the help of Hubby, he wrote his sorry in the snow. Only, he ran out of room after stomping out MOM. Now as I look at this photo, I think it should read SOS!

Apparently, there is another storm system starting to build. The weather folks are playing it cautious, but if you read between the lines and listen to what they aren't telling us, then one can only assume it means more snow in "measurable" amounts.

Aw, gee, we've never looked so forward to a trip to see Hubby's people as we are to our upcoming California adventure. For as frustrating as my MIL can be, at least they don't have snow! I'm encouraging Hubby to look into renting a motorcycle for while we are in San Diego. I just don't think either one of us can cope with his full withdrawl of not getting a riding fix. It'll be sometime between now and this side of "who knows when" before the roads will be dry enough here to ride. It would give new meaning to "fun was had by all" if he can arrange for a day of riding in SoCal.

Christmas Morning Magic...

Then and Now, the true gifts of Christmas are Peace, Joy and Love..

Christmas Eve with Friends...

My mom was very into cross stitch. One of the last projects she made for me before her illness took over was a stitched quote that I still have hanging on my wall. It reads "Friends are the family you find along the way!" That was certainly Audrey's motto and without a doubt it is part of my personal creed as well.

This evening, our good friends were kind enough to include us in their family celebration. This rather simple invitation on their part, just validated to me the important role that friends play in our lives. And yes indeed, they do become like family. Thank you Zimmers for including us. Your kindness was most appreciated...

Now off I go, because we know that Santa won't come as long as we're all awake...

"Twas the Day before Christmas

And all through the House, creatures were stirring, (perhaps even stir crazy).

The presents are wrapped and ready to go.

The menu is planned, although not as elaborate as I'd originally contemplated.

The House...well, I guess I should sign off and give it a quick 1-2 clean up..

Yep, I'd say we're ready for the big day... Bring it on!!!!

Post Blizzard Smiles...

Forced to stay home, Thing One has been one very happy camper. He's very much like his parents in his homebody nature. Finally this afternoon he ventured out to explore this winter wonderland. And of course, I was there to capture the fun on film.

Hey Mr. Sun, Welcome Back...

We missed you! I know, we're nothing but a bunch of whining, sniveling, unable to please folks. You share with us your warmth some 300 plus days a year. You take a little break for not even 48hrs and we're pleading for your return.

Now, that you are back, can you please get back to work? We got us a whole heap of white stuff that needs to be relocated and with your help, we might just get dug out faster.

But, now don't work too hard. We do after all long for that White Christmas that others around the country are begging for..

Thanks,

Chang Gang

Helping Hands

Well, the men in the cul de sac spent the afternoon helping dig each other out. Again, I never made that connection that life at the end of the cul de sac means you've got more shoveling to do then just the driveway. But, they seemed to have a system down so I just stayed away from it all. Our new neighbor was leading the way to getting out. Is he just a neighborly kind of guy? I mean, he's got a 4wd pickup and was determined to get a path made. Mighty nice of him don't you think? Or perhaps being stuck inside a 3 bedroom house with a wife, 3 kids under age 4 and a great dane you're perhaps a bit more motivated to break the sense of isolation that we are enjoying here in our spacious 5 bedroom, all potty trained home? Hmmmm...the jury is still out on the reason for his kindness but I can happily report, should we need to get out, we now have an exit strategy.

PS: a shout of thanks to Ms. Nancy for the authorized Harley Shades. Thing Two has decided they are his.

Snowed In

Day 2 of the storm and we are indeed snowed in. Although there are countless advantages to living in a cul de sac, I fear we've finally discovered a disadvantage. It won't be enough to shovel out the driveway now will it? And from the looks of things, it appears as if 2 of the neighbors with 4wd drive vehicles (that could help create a path) aren't around.

Oh well, spirits remain high (and spirits also remain well stocked in the liquor cabinet). In all honesty, I am enjoying this forced house arrest. Now, had my Blockbuster home delivery arrived with the first 3 discs of Season Two for House I'd really be enjoying my "HOUSE" arrest.

But, for now, I'm having a good time spending time with my guys.

More to follow (once I recharge the batteries for the good camera. I took these with the spare).

Waiting out the storm

If you are Thing One, you whine because friends can't come over and other plans got cancelled. And then, you find the one that loves you no matter what and drift off to dream about a snow-free day.
If you are Thing Two, you find ways to entertain yourself. So far today, you've helped your dad shovel (help being a term up for debate if you ask Hubby). You also finished your very detailed drawing and started work on your own go-cart, pausing for a quick round of Mario Double Dash for "inspiration".

If you are Hubby, after a delicious and hearty breakfast, you make the difficult trip in to the office. (that would be up one flight of stairs, being self employed and a telecommuter, sometimes has its perks). You take your coffee break and shovel at least 6 inches, with 3 more falling before you are done. Your loving wife announces lunch is ready: beef lo mein and a fresh pot of coffee. You ponder whether you can sleep through the next teleconference and would Raj and the guys over there in Mumbai even notice your snoring?

And if you are me, well, a little baking followed by an attempt to deal with the indoor blizzard that is the craft zone. And you say a little word of Thanks because it looks like we will indeed enjoy ourselves a white Christmas!

The closest thing to heaven on this planet anywhere

Is a quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado snow!

We interupt this blog to bring you

A Blizzard Report!

Or so the weather guys are predicting. We'll see if they are right. They missed their prediction of the start of the storm by a day. Are they making up for it by calling for 14-20 inches of snow to fall between now and tomorrow? Time will tell.

But, you just can't help but smile when you realize how fickle our Rocky Mountain weather is. Yesterday we enjoyed this

Today...who knows what fun we will all experience. We're ready! I really did need milk yesterday afternoon and while there, I stocked up on fun and favorite foods. (Hubby and I will be enjoying us some yummy beef stir fry later on today! Come on over, but don't delay. Hubby can eat the entire contents if I let him!) Thing 2 begged for some eggnog. And Thing 1 has a fully stocked stash of popsicles (yeah, just what most people crave during a snowstorm, eh? I did tell you he's our quirky one, right?)

Such a wise boy

During our evening "talk about the day" time, I asked Thing Two "where do you think you'll live when you grow up?"

With just a momentary pause, he quickly said "well, not Jericho Court, because you live here".
A little longer pause and he says "I guess wherever my wife tells me"

Such a smart little 7yr old we're raising!

On the second day of Track off...

My true love came home from work early and suggested I go out. Well, I should have taken him up on such an offer, but NO, I'm a fool and decided I was in the mood for chores, I'd better just keep plugging away.

So, as of 4pm, I've finished 3 loads of laundry (folded and put away!), wiped down two bathrooms and mopped one kitchen floor....all while the boys have played happily with their friend.

Their mysterious good behavior can only mean...they know that HE'S watching and we're getting down to those final days of Santa double checking his list.

Yep, it is the most wonderful time of year!

Next time, I'm paying for shipping!

Bear with me as I share today's grumble. I ordered some pics of my beautiful nephew from Costco. When doing so, I thought "Ah, I"ll pick them up. Save on the shipping cost. After all, there is always something I need from Costco".

OMFSM! Doesn't anyone in/around Lone Tree work? Come on folks, this is Monday. The only people that should be out shopping are us moms and the retired folks. Nooooooooooooooo, it seemed like everyone was there to include me and the Things.

They of course did great. Once again, with that keen sense kids have of knowing "today AIN"T the day to mess with Momma", they were delightful little boys, entertaining each other as we got stuck in traffic getting into the parking lot, inside the store and again, just trying to get out of the parking lot.

Their patience was rewarded with an extra box of Gummi Bear treats.
But next time, I'm paying for those photos to be shipped to the house.

On the First day of track off..

The Things said to me: "We're..." And then they caught themselves before they said THAT B word that mothers everywhere despise.

They are indeed learning....this close to Christmas there shall be no proclamations of Boredom.

Now, I'm all for unmotivated, uninspired, stuck in a rut. But nope, boredom not allowed here.