And All The Jones Men

Images of Times Passed

2011-03-04T22:59:00.001-07:00

I recently pulled a bunch of pictures that I have taken over the last few years off of my cell phone in anticipation of a new phone.

Which is coming soon.
Anyways, I thought I'd share some of my favorites.

Trying to fill the space here people, work with me.

Get By With a Little Help

2011-02-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

SO. We meet again.

After I went away for a little bit.

Again.

I can't write here daily like I want to.

Why I pressure myself with the thoughts about it these days, I don't know - I mean other than I like to write. And I like to connect with those that still read here. Whether it's visible or not.

Seriously, I put 'blog' on my To-Do List almost every single time I re-write my To-Do List, right there next to 'diet and exercise' which....Yeah. I don't even want to talk about that.

Time is moving along quickly. The kids are damn near out of school already! Okay fine, they don't get out until mid-May and February isn't quite over yet, but really. Isaac's taking spelling tests and Keven Jr's taking talented and gifted tests and ....

They aren't babies anymore.

And while I didn't think I had a problem with that.

I think I have a problem with that!

I have a lot of things bottled up inside of me that as each day goes by is bursting to get out. Sometimes I wonder if I'm suffering from a mid-life crisis but again....I'm only 35.

And yes, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT TOO.

I don't even know what I'm trying to say, or why I started to write this (other than to update), but here you go.

HI!

I'm alive.

My family is alive.

The pets are alive.

The sun is shining and it appears to be nice-ish outside. I have stuff to do and so with that:

I'll catch ya on the flip side.

Her Birthday Is On Sunday

2011-02-03T11:00:00.003-07:00

She passed away on June 18, 2010.

:: :: ::

Without question, 2009 didn't end on a very good note with both of our beloved dogs passing away within a week of each other. Yes, it's still hard to believe it's been a little over a year already.

But what we didn't realize was that we were in for a rough 2010 as well. For a number of reasons - this being one of them.

Keven's grandmother passed away in June of 2010, she was 90+ years old. We had celebrated her birthday with her just months prior when family from all over gathered in Wyoming to share it with her. It was a complete surprise to her and to say that it didn't hurt to see her so confused as to what was going on, I'd be lying.

She lost her husband in 1996 I believe but that never slowed her down. She lived alone. Her neighbors were always checking in on her and taking care of her, they even had a porch light system - if she was out and about, she turned her porch light on. If she was home, it was off. She lived in the same house for 60+ years. The same house that my father in law lived in growing up. Her daughter lived a few streets over in the same neighborhood.

In small town Cheyenne, Wyoming.

We went to visit her as much as we could. I wanted Keven Jr. and Isaac to know her. To spend time with her. And without fail, we always enjoyed our visits with her. We'd go out to eat at the local mall buffet and would even sometimes take her to see her husband in the very same cemetery that she was buried in. Right beside him.

I feel very fortunate that my kids knew their great-grandmother. Especially since my grand parents haven't been with us since I was in college. I had reservations about taking them to her open casket, family only private viewing and then to her funeral services the next day, considering how young they were, but I'm glad that I did.

They had a lot of questions. They grieved the best way they knew how. But we handled it - death is real, and I wanted them to be conscience of the circle of life, and understand it, not be afraid.

They still talk about her. Isaac often times will say something about how she's up in heaven with Fargo and Dakota playing fetch or something. They'll ask me to look at photos that I've taken of her over the years, and every time I stop what I'm doing and show them.

I started this post many, many months ago and came across it over the weekend. All it contained were some photos of our last day with her. I never published it because I didn't have the words to really say much. It was just easier for me to slip away quietly and not say anything at all. Which is what I did.

2010 was a rough year, remember?

And then just a little while ago when I glanced at my day planner to see what events and appointments and birthday's were coming up, I saw that I had written her birthday down.

It will be her first birthday since her passing.

Maybe in her own sort of way she was trying to tell me something.....

Mentally I know that she's gone. But as time passes and our lives remain jammed packed with this and that, you tend to not remember. Maybe it's on purpose, maybe it's by choice, but that's not really how things should be, should it? I want to remember. I want my kids to remember. I want her family and friends to remember.

She lived a long fulfilling life and it was her time.

I remember how peaceful she looked at the private family viewing. I remember how Isaac just stood next to her and looked at her. And asked me if he could touch her. They had a bond those two, and it was pretty obvious to everyone there that they did. I can still hear him saying good-bye to her over and over again in heartbreaking sobs. I still remember thinking that maybe we did the wrong thing by letting him experience death at such a young age. But now I know that I was doing him a favor, teaching him about life and death.

We haven't been back to Wyoming since her death, but I know we will as soon as we can. We want to see her in her final resting place, next to her husband again after all these years.

Heads Up!

2011-01-31T09:29:00.001-07:00

I'm looking at YOU, mid-west people. And those on the East Coast too! You guys have had one hell of a winter so far, more so then us here in Colorado but let me tell you something.

GET READY for more.

This is the predicted seven day forecast for Colorado Springs and holy wow - it's freezing outside.

Photo courtesy of KKTV

Especially since I was in a tank top on Saturday.

Yes, just two days ago.

Snow is fore-casted for us today and tomorrow so you know it's heading your way. They are saying that this is the coldest temperatures we've seen in FOURTEEN YEARS.

Crazy, I know.
Since I live in Colorado, right?

Alright, time to bundle up, heck I might even get the fireplace going.

What did the mommy tomato say to the baby tomato?

2011-01-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

Ketchup.

Learned that little joke from Pulp Fiction I believe. It's funny.

This week has been jammed packed with a whole lot of nothing, but busy. I'm working on a new account for work and my days are filled to the brim with emails that I can't keep up with and conference calls that overlap in most cases or start as soon as another finishes. Seriously folks, I think I squeezed in a shower maybe 2 times during the week.

Keven said it was like I was re-living my college days all over again.
And he's sort of right.

I don't think I showered much while I was in college. I was too busy sleeping. And eating. And you know, studying.

Or something like that.

Both Keven Jr. and Isaac lost a tooth this past week. While at school no less! And when the tooth fairy came for Isaac and gave him five dollars for his very first lost tooth, Keven Jr. was upset. He was even more upset a few days later when he lost his sixth tooth, because he found only three dollars under his pillow. It just wasn't fair you guys!

Parenting.

Both boys got significant hair cuts too last weekend. I finally succumbed to Isaac's wishes and let him cut his curls off. And that was only because he told me that 1.) he wasn't a baby anymore 2.) and that it was time to cut his hair.

Like seriously, who does he think he's talking to? It's like he's five years old or something.

We got to the place and he boasted that he was going to shave his head. I damn near had a heart attack at the thought of going that extreme and pulled out one of those hairstyle books and found something that was a little less drastic but still short. We agreed and off came the hair. He was so happy about it, that almost made it all worth it.

Although....

I think I might have cried a little.
Inside of course.

On the outside I kept my shit together because really. "Really Mom?" he says to me, "I'm five years old." Oh but son that doesn't help me at all because you look so much older now. Too much older.

*sigh*

During school this past week the kids were studying about the Post Office and all the kids in the school learned how to properly write letters and how to mail them. The school had mailboxes through out the school and each day the letters they had written got delivered.

Can I just say how adorable this whole thing was? Keven Jr. sent Isaac letters. Isaac sent Keven Jr. letters. They came home with letters from their teachers and from their friends. It was just really fun.

Oh! And last Friday night the PTA put on a BINGO fund raiser so we went. It's usually pretty fun and they give away good jackpots if you win and in between games they give away beanie babies to the kids in a raffle. Anyways, it's always total chaos, loud and crowded, but totally not the typical BINGO at the local BINGO hall that's filled with smoke and a bunch of old ladies that sneer at you when you accidentally call BINGO or make too much noise while the game is underway. This kind of BINGO is kid friendly and well, I won. I was so nervous walking up to confirm my BINGO that I said to the lady 'Don't make me look like an idiot' but alas, I had a valid BINGO and walked away with $29 in my pocket. I should have won $55 but I had to split it with a fourth grader.

Keven Jr. won a beanie baby.
Which made Isaac cry because it so wasn't fair.

I hiked the incline over the weekend, well half of it and I'm sore today.
Just in case you cared.
I'm tired too.

So with that said; it's time for bed yo.

The Mystery of the Missing Soap

2011-01-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

I'll give you a clue.

The dog, yes Truman, about scared me to death last night.

The boys were winding down, our nightly routine of showers, brushing teeth, and getting tucked snuggly into bed was in full effect. I paused for a minute in between the kids bedrooms to tidy up their bathroom. I walked in, wiped up the counter (Isaac spilled mouthwash), put the toilet lid down (BOYS!) and started to straighten up the shower curtain when I heard a noise.

Without really being able to identify the weird noise, and exactly where it was coming from, I didn't hesitate at all in adjusting the shower curtain to my liking. Then all of a sudden the curtain moved and Truman was jumping out, right at me, nearly leveling me to my knees. Why on earth was the dog, in the bathtub?

He was thirsty you see.

Oh Truman.
My love for him runs deep.

Ever since I discovered William Wegman many, many years ago, I've loved the Weimaraner breed. I always wanted one, and dreamed about being one's person. I too always imagined that his name would be Truman.

And well, that obviously came true.

The breed is interesting to say the least. They are strong. And stubborn. And smart. Very athletic and quirky. He reacts in silly ways to funny noises and barks at himself in response to his reflection - be it a mirror or the glass in the back door. He'll bark his fool head off at something outside while he's inside but the slightest bark from a neighboring dog or an unfamiliar noise while he's out in the backyard? Makes him retreat to the back porch in complete fear - as fast as a lightening strike. It's quite hysterical. He loves to run off leash and is in his element when we take him hiking. We play hide and seek with him and without fail, every single time, he sniffs us out. His nose is by far the coldest dog nose I've ever felt. Oh and did I mention he snores and likes to perch himself in, odd places?

Without a doubt I'm smitten with this dog. And as many times as I'm cursing him under my breath, I love it when he tries to prove to me that he's indeed going to be a lap dog whether I like it or not.

He's my companion and I am his.

Today while I was slogging away at work, in my home office, I noticed that Truman wasn't laying in the patch of sun on the living room floor like usual. He wasn't at my feet either.

I called for him and he eventually came, but I really never gave it much thought as to where he could have been. Or what he was up to for that matter. He's like a kid, that dog.

This evening shortly before dinner was ready, Isaac brought it to my attention that the dogs water dish in the laundry room had run dry. I refilled it and they happily drank.

Later on when the kids went to shower, their soap was missing. I told them where to find more soap so they could shower and then?

The light bulb went off:

Earlier today when Truman was MIA, he must have been in the bathtub again. He must have been trying to find water because his water dish was empty.

SEE! Smart dog.

And also?
He apparently indulged himself by eating a bar of soap.
Okay, maybe not so smart, but cute? Yes?
Damn dog.

I sure hope he doesn't fart bubbles.

Oops. I did it again

2011-01-15T11:17:00.002-07:00

I disappeared.

But hey, give me credit! At least I wasn't gone for months this time. Just a few short weeks.

I guess I've been watching too much iCarly. Or spending too much time on Facebook. Or you know, working or something. Truth is? Heck, I don't know what the truth is, bottom line? I haven't posted.

There's laundry to be done and laundry that needs to be put away.
Carpets to be vacuumed.
Bathrooms to clean.
My kitchen counters need to be wiped down.
Floors need to be swept and mopped.

Even though I just did all of that stuff mid-way through the week.
It needs to be done. Again. My work is never done.

There's lots of organizing that needs to happen in my basement. I've been slowly selling things that we don't need anymore. Mostly baby stuff, but still.

That stuff sells like hotcakes.

My nephew from California was out to visit right after Christmas. He stayed with us through the new year. He and the kids had a really fun time together, considering the difference in age. Keven Jr. and Isaac pleaded with me on a daily basis to let them wake him up, and on the days that the kids were at school, my nephew missed them. Keven and I enjoyed his company too.

He's a good kid.
I hope he does magical things with his life.

I miss my family.

Earlier this week I received a phone call from on old co-worker about someone we used to work with. He had been diagnosed with cancer about 2 years ago and was given 3 months at the time of diagnosis to live. The cancer started in his lungs but over time had spread to his kidneys and to his liver. It was now invading his bone.

He was a fighter.

He passed away on Wednesday evening quietly in his hospital room.

With no family around.

His brother was on his way from the East Coast but didn't make it in time. The rest of their family was in their native country of Senegal Africa. He's going to missed by a lot of people because he touched their lives in some way or another. Don't take time for granted.

The year 2011 didn't start off as I had envisioned it.

The other night two of my girlfriends came over. It was a very impromptu visit, but it was nice. We sat around the kitchen table and talked. Keven even joined us. We consumed adult beverages. It was well into the night before I got to bed they stayed so late.

But I was perfectly happy with that.

I have good friends.
They take care of me.
And I take care of them.

We had lunch, all of us girls, on Friday. And then after I picked up the kids from school I took them to get milkshakes and then to the bookstore to buy books with Christmas money. We had fun.

I've been working on putting together a site for my photography. It's something that I really want to do, but I'm afraid. I haven't been eating well or exercising much since the new year. So much for those resolutions. Since the time change and since the cold weather settled in, if that's what you want to call it, I've been struggling.

I think I suffer from SADD.
But then again, maybe I'm just being hard on myself.
Why am I so hard on myself I'll never know.

Truman, the dog, has dug holes in our backyard.
I need to take care of those here soon before he digs a hole to China.
Damn dog.

Oh but I love him.

Speaking of that darn dog, he's at it again.

Time to go refill my cup of coffee and get the muffins out of the oven. The timer's going off.
Oh and get the dog before he does anything else.

So tell me, what are you doing this weekend?

Settling in to 2011

2011-01-03T15:24:00.002-07:00

I made the decision earlier today while emptying out my kitchen cabinets of unnecessary and unused items that I was going to start drinking my beverages, whether they be adult or not, out of my wine glasses.

I mean, why not?

Heck, maybe I'll start drinking wine more often. More seriously.

Hmm. That doesn't sound very good in theory, but didn't I say I was going to live life to the fullest, and enjoy the moment? I might as well start by using my 'special occasion' wares for every day.

Right?

It's amazing how fancier you feel when you are drinking - water - in a wine glass. And I like it.

:: :: :: ::

I decided to add some things to my sidebar, and no, they aren't ads. Or reviews. I'm done with all that jazz. I've actually added a bookshelf so to speak that displays the book that I'm reading at the moment, and a random 3-6-5 section in which I will post a random photo daily, that I've taken. Who knows, maybe at the end of the year I'll put them together in a slide show, or maybe a book, I haven't yet decided. I'm trying to keep myself accountable for the things I listed on my 'succeed list for 2011' in case you were wondering. You might have noticed too that I eliminated a lot of things that were cluttering up my sidebar when I did the redesign (you like?). Seems to be a theme recently as I've been de-cluttering my house as well over the last few weeks. Might as well de-clutter other things in my life too.

Anyways....

This blog is my blog, my personal blog, and that's all I'm worried about. I'm not here to make money or to create my brand. I just want a community of family and friends, ones that I may have met before in person, or not, to be able to come here and read what I have to say. Maybe relate even. Maybe even share some things themselves.

What a better way to stay connected with family and friends, right?

The Slate is Clean; Starting from Scratch

2011-01-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

Well well well, look who's finally emerged from her silence!

It's been a while my friends. A very long while. And while I'd like to apologize for my absence, I can't because I have no reason to really. At some point several months ago I decided to take a break. I needed to take a break. Things just seemed to be getting out of control and I was crazy busy.

Or so it seemed. 2010 wasn't a very nice year.

But who knows, maybe it was all in my head.

BUT!

It's now 2011.

My slate has been wiped clean.

I'm starting from scratch.

Things that I want to succeed at in 2011?

Being on time.

Getting healthy.

Challenging myself more.

Not giving up, no quitting.

My photography.

Staying connected with family and friends.

Organization.

Being a better person.

Reading.

Enjoying the moments.

Finishing what I started.

Keeping things simple.

Living life to the fullest, one day at a time.

Here's to a wonderful 2011 my friends and family. I've missed you all, and am glad to be back.

To cut, or not to cut. That is the question.

2010-08-23T15:44:00.004-06:00

Or actually it's more like: to shave or not to shave? Keven wants to shave both of the kids heads, and frankly? I'm fighting the idea and will until the end of time.

Why you ask?

I have my reasons.

Keven Jr. and Isaac have completely different hair. Keven Jr's is straight and Isaac's is curly. Keven Jr has had long-ish hair, short hair, a buzzed head and I have to say, I like his hair long-ish to be honest. And that's how it is right now. However, if he said that he wanted to shave his head tomorrow, I'd let him. And that's only because we've done it before. I've seen how it looks.

Isaac on the other hand has pretty much never had a haircut that's made that much of an impact because of his curls. We've always just had his hair trimmed whenever it started to get a little to out of control, I like his curls! The problem however is that he told me just recently that he wanted to shave his head and well.

I won't let that happen.

I just can't.

I'm attached to his curls, I won't lie.

Keven wants to shave their heads and thinks I'm being silly that I refuse to let that happen.

It's only hair.

So tell me, what do you think?

Photo Hunter: Numerical

2010-08-21T20:22:00.003-06:00

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The year 2010; First Day of School

2010-08-20T10:47:00.007-06:00

What excited me most, from what I can remember, about the time of the year otherwise known as 'back to school' was the new school supplies, the new shoes, the new additions to my wardrobe. Not to mention finding out who my teacher(s) were and seeing friends again! I always wore one of my newest outfits on the first day, hair was prim and proper and chances are I had new shoes on to boot.

I wish I could say the same for my kiddos.

We returned from vacation on the last weekend before school started. We picked up all of the necessary school supplies as soon as we could while we were out on a grocery run. And then we pulled out their backpacks from last year and dusted them off so we could divide up what belonged to who. There were a few supplies that we had to shop elsewhere for so once they were picked up they went into the book bag along with everything else. And then we waited with anticipation for their first day to arrive.

Well, I waited with anticipation. The kids didn't seem to be phased at all that summer was coming to an end. They didn't seem to care at all either that no new clothes and shoes were purchased. I mean goodness, they didn't even get hair cuts!

I'm happy to say that even with all the worrying I did and the wondering I did while they were away attending their first day of school, that the first day went off without a hitch. Isaac had a great day and was so happy to tell me when he found me waiting for him outside his classroom after the bell ran. Keven Jr. had a good day too, even though he said it was 'pretty much like first grade' and trust me, his statement was not filled with half as much enthusiasm as his brothers. Both kids seem to like their teachers and they both had familiar faces in their classes that I'm almost certain made the day go much smoother. We are now three days in and well, here's to a wonderful school year.

Keven Jr. - 2nd grade Isaac - kindergarten

Double trouble if I do say so myself.

Prolonging the Summer

2010-08-19T09:43:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we said hello to a new school year.

Today here I sit wishing that summer hadn't flown by so quickly.

While it was quick, it was fun while it lasted. The kids enjoyed themselves and we did too.

The first day of school proved to be a huge success for both boys. More to come on that soon.

But for now I'm prolonging the summer.

Trying to get my groove back

2010-08-18T12:42:00.000-06:00

It's painfully obvious that I've been pretty quiet lately. I mean, it's so bad that because it's been weeks since I last updated, my ads were pulled. Sort of the norm though these days, yes?

It's not my intention by any means. I just haven't found the desire lately to write.

Or to photograph anything.

Or.

Or to do anything at all.

I try though.

The thought is always on my mind. Do this. Complete that. Don't forget this, this and this.

But I just can't seem to do it.

SO.

In short, I'm trying to get my groove back. You know, like Stella?

Earlier this year my job that I had been employed in since 2002 ended. I'm sure I mentioned it before, or maybe I didn't, but there was quite a bit of scrambling going on on my part to find a new job. The day I was expecting my walking papers, I was notified that I was being re-assigned to a new manager, to a new role at the same company...a role that was strictly work from home.

I cheered lots, I sure did. I was still employed AND I got to work from home.

But oh boy.

Let me tell you.

While the thought is ideal, and I have enjoyed it, without a doubt, it's tough.

But - I am grateful that I have a job. Don't mistake that fact one bit.

My problem?

Is that;

I miss people.

I miss the office.

I miss my routine and schedule.

I was thrown for a loop and have been quite off balance ever since. And too, being that it was smack dab right in the middle of summer, it was even more difficult. A few good days here and there mixed in with a few bad days I've barely been holding my head above water.

But I need to jump over this hurdle and get moving. So much to do! So much going on! So much has happened! Some good. Some bad.

And besides, I enjoy writing. I enjoy photography. I enjoy so many things....

I want to do so many things.

Keven's grandmother passed away a few months ago.

We went on our first road trip!

Keven Jr. started 2nd grade today.

Isaac started kindergarten.

The boys are both playing soccer now!

We've been moving along steadily but I can't help but feel like I'm stuck in concrete. And it's time that I break free. And get my groove back.

Camping at 11 Mile

2010-07-22T07:20:00.000-06:00

It's no surprise that this post has been in my drafts now for over a week. I already went over how I start things, and then never get around to finishing what I started or putting whatever it is that I had intentions of doing, off for weeks and weeks and .... months even. Procrastination should have been my middle name even though I always have good intentions to do things right away. It's a fact of life that I have to just accept, it's the way I am, although I don't want to be.

Anyways, I guess it's high time that I just move on, right? Besides, I have no idea where I was going with that notion.

We went camping recently with some friends of ours. It was sort of a thrown together, let's go camping on a whim type decision but you know what? It was fantastic. The weather was perfect. The kids all got along! And the dogs, they did too. We squeezed in some hiking, some geocaching and even some fishing. We had eggs, sausage and bacon for breakfast every morning complete with fresh brewed coffee and roasted marshmallows over the fire at night to make s'mores. We even had a 'restroom' close by, which was something I was not expecting. Our campsite was huge, surrounded by rocks and was shaded just perfectly with tall evergreens. And there was a damn nearby so the sound of rushing water at night was just.....relaxing. The sky was filled to the brim with stars at the darkest of night, we even manage to see some satellites go skimming by. And the wildlife? We heard some noises in the wee hours of the morning but had no encounters. I was most concerned with bears.

So, without further ado, the photos. Because YOU KNOW I took tons....

Our campsite

The river, which was filled on a consistent basis with fly fishermen

TRUMAN

We hiked this rock formation, notably called 'Baboon Rock'

Here. Have a closer look

You see it?

Bonus points if you can identify the rock climbers in the above photos.

Okay fine, here's a clue. Can you see them?

The spectacular view from the top

That's the damn we could hear from our campsite at night. And while you can't spot our actual campsite in the photo, just imagine it being somewhere in the trees to the right of the red roofed structure in that photo. Also? That's Eleven Mile Reservoir.

Yes, we were as high as the birds!

We had such a good time, I can't wait to do it again.

NEWSFLASH

2010-07-13T19:16:00.005-06:00

Today while I was on a work conference call, a call beeped in but didn't show up on the caller id. I didn't think too much of it, figured it was a telemarketer or something. I went about my business.

Not too long after Keven caught up to me online to ask if I had gotten a call from day-camp. I started to get worried thinking maybe one of the kids had gotten hurt, or maybe sick and felt bad that I had missed the call. Obviously Keven had received a call as well.

But it was a good call!

Isaac called both of us to very proudly tell us that he learned how to ride his bike today! As soon as the boys got home, we headed straight down to the park so that he could show us that yes indeed....

He could ride his bike!

We are so proud of him. So, so very proud!

For the Love of Baseball

2010-07-09T13:03:00.001-06:00

It's not ironic that I started this post about mid-way through baseball season and here we are several weeks later at the end of the season. That's how I roll you guys, I start something and it takes me (insert random time frame here) to finish what I started.

WELCOME TO MY LIFE. See also: This blog.

So. Last night would have marked the last and final game however it was cancelled; due to weather. The end of the season party was still a go though, and let me just say this: It was fun.

At the start of the season we weren't really sure what we were getting ourselves into. Keven and I had visions of early Saturday morning practices and early morning games. We were totally convinced that once we took the plunge and signed our kid up for an organized sport, that our weekends were OVER. Never again would we be able to do anything we wanted because the sport - it was going to take up all of our time. And on top of that we weren't even sure that Keven Jr. would enjoy playing baseball. There are a lot of rules and stuff. It's confusing!

But that's where we were wrong! We were wrong in assuming all of that stuff because it was....nothing like that at all. The season started off with two practices a week, only for an hour and a half and those practices? Were so much fun that they flew by in what seemed like 10 minutes. The coach was wonderful. The assistant coaches were wonderful. The kids were wonderful! The parents were wonderful! And Keven Jr. did wonderful! I mean, not to brag or anything.......

Okay FINE - excuse me while I gloat:

I really do think that he was one of the stronger kids on the team. And yes he did sort of start out shy and nonchalant and unsure about things but once he realized he could do it? His confidence shined through and seriously - the kid has a knack for baseball.

Once we had four practices under our belt, the games started and those too flew by in a blink of an eye. The kids learned so much, and improved so much - it was just a really awesome thing to see unfold right before our eyes, complete with those warm and fuzzy feelings and all.

The boy brought home a trophy last night. He asked if he could wear his jersey to school next week. And well, I think we'll see you again at the field next year.

After we finish up a season of soccer.

Photo Hunter: Purple

2010-06-26T11:08:00.009-06:00

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Next weeks theme: OPEN

10 Things that Truman is Afraid Of

2010-06-10T14:14:00.000-06:00

1. His shadow

2. Loud noises

3. Other dogs

4. Other dogs that are big

5. The vacuum

6. The doorbell

7. Air

8. His tail

9. His own farts

10. Real live BEARS....

Totally not kidding!

Truman is the most skittish dog I've ever seen. And this morning? Truman took his little phobia to a new level.

You see Truman was banished to the backyard this morning because he tried to take a poo in the house. I got busy with email and work stuff and forgot that he was even outside and then ....

I heard him jumping up on the glass door wanting to come in. He was really trying to get inside too, I could tell by the way he was pouncing on the glass. I got up from the office and headed to the door to let him in and as soon as the door opened he bolted past me for the inside. I caught a glimpse of both the neighbors to my left out in their own yards and then noticed a bunch of cars along the curb on the street just past their fences. For a minute I thought school was in session and parents were waiting with their kids for the bus to arrive.

I yelled over and asked "What in the world is going on?" and they surprisingly replied:

"A bear just went through your backyard and up that way."

A BEAR.

And poor Truman was OUTSIDE. (If only I could have seen Truman's reaction to the bear jumping the fence. Without a doubt it probably would have been priceless)

He went through three backyards and SEVEN DOGS were outside at the time.

Luckily not a one got munched on.

I'm still upset that I never got to see the bear. I missed him by mere nanoseconds.

But I'm glad that no dogs were injured (and no people) during the bears early morning stroll.

Later on in the morning I let the dogs out and Truman would not leave our deck. He nervously kept looking off to the left where the bear entered our yard. I finally went outside with the dogs and was able to coax him into the grass. Both dogs eventually caught the scent of the bear and they went on a sniffing frenzy. But Truman acted with caution. The wind picked up and rustled a leaf on a bush poking through our fence and Truman took off for the deck. It scared him. The dogs next door were outside barking another time and it caught Truman off guard and again he bailed as fast as he could for the deck. It scared him.

The poor dog is traumatized.

And I'm still upset that I never got to see the damn bear.

Happiness......

2010-06-07T10:08:00.003-06:00

....is nature.

Terrorism Threat Level: RED

2010-06-06T12:57:00.001-06:00

My family is being terrorized by a family of magpies.

Well wait a second, let me rephrase that: my dogs are being terrorized by a family of magpies.

Hold up, let me try this again. My dog McKinnley is being terrorized by a family of magpies, because Truman? He's a chicken shit and takes cover on our back porch.

As soon as the back door opens, and the dogs run out, the mama and papa magpie fly in from their location and take cover on the back fence. They squawk, and squawk and squawk at the dogs walking up and down the fence line. Which is rather annoying to be honest. And as I said before, Truman usually retreats to the back porch while Mickey goes about her business.

On occasion Mickey will take notice of the annoying squawking magpie and give them a glance.

But that's about the extent of it. She doesn't care - after all she's twelve. And probably bitter and angry at us for welcoming Truman into the family. He beats her up because he's a puppy and just wants to play. All.The.Time.

The neighbors and I for days now have been trying to figure out where the magpie nest is, because we know they are acting the way they are because they are being protective of their young, but we haven't been lucky enough to locate it.

The other night I walked past the back door and noticed a magpie on our rock wall out back. They had been squawking constantly that evening and so I had the bright idea of letting the dogs out (thinking they'd scare the damn birds away or maybe even catch one) but as soon as Mickey went running out, I realized that the magpie I thought was an adult? Was a baby. And then I frantically grabbed for Truman as he tried to make a mad dash past me for....you guessed it...the baby bird (if you recall he got a mama robin not that long ago...he's a true and true bird dog you guys!) I went to reach for Truman's collar all the while letting go of the metal screen door and like a scene out of The Three Stooges, the metal door smacked me upside the head and ....

Yeah, I think I said a few choice words.

BUT HEY!

Truman did not get the baby bird and the magpie family is still as happy as can be.

My head however? Not so much.

And to You All, I Say Thank You

2010-05-31T13:37:00.005-06:00

But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye.

Thomas Dunn English

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

THUNDER

2010-05-29T10:36:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to kick off Memorial Day Weekend the right way by honoring the military. I was born into a military family and I live in a military town; particularly close to the Air Force Academy.

Fly overs are just routine here folks. And they never get old.

We see a lot of military aircraft in the sky, from fighter jets to bombers, to cargo planes - you name it. But during this time of the year?

It's the Thunderbirds.

The Air Force Academy cadets graduated earlier this week and so I packed up my camera gear and headed up north to a spot close to the stadium to watch the Thunderbirds practice for the ceremony the following day. It's quite the spectacle, meaning that I wasn't the only one. The message "NO STOPPING ON SHOULDER - KEEP TRAFFIC MOVING" in bright orange letters was broadcasted on the automated 'alert' highway signs. State Patrol cars were scattered here and there. The scenic overlook that's right off the highway near the Academy was filled with cars. It's hard not to notice them buzzing around in the sky, you almost can't stop yourself from taking it all in.

As soon as they made their initial appearance on the horizon, I got the chills. My eyes even started to well up with tears. The sheer emotion, the thrill, the rush I felt when I saw them was just overwhelming. It's pride you guys, I'm proud to have the opportunity. And I'm honored to be able to photograph them. And really, they are absolutely amazing.

Sit back and take it all in, and try to image the sound and the speed that went along with it.

Aim high.

For the love of Summer. And baseball.

2010-05-28T19:15:00.005-06:00

So we've survived the first week of summer. The weather has been great, the kids have been maintaining a decent routine, and everything else has been business as usual. I can't help but daydream about how nice it would be if us full-time working parents could just take the summer off too, but only if the income that went along with that full-time paying job kept flowing in at it's normal pace. I mean, it's a dream right? So yes then, my dream - my rules. Bright and early Monday morning the doorbell rang and when I answered there stood the little girl from up the street. Naturally being that it was the first official day of summer and all, she wanted to know if Keven Jr. and Isaac could come out to play. When I told her that they couldn't because they weren't home; they were at school, she looked at me with a puzzled expression then backed away slowly as if I was a crazy lady with snakes coming out of my head. Yes, I work from home these days but every day like normal we drop the boys off at school for summer day camp. Or Adventure Club as it's really called. See above: full time working parents here. Yes I feel guilty about not having a crammed packed fun filled summer at home planned out for the boys, but they enjoy their day camp. Our pocket book however whimpers. Each day with their water bottle and sack lunch in hand, covered from head to toe in sunscreen they happily join their schoolmates to do fun stuff. Each day promises a field trip of sorts for Keven Jr's group; putt putt golf, the movies, visiting museums and art galleries. Isaac's not old enough to leave on any sort of organized field trip so they stay close to school, but rest assured they have tons of fun just the same. They really do look forward to attending each day, which really makes it easy, although I'd be willing to bet that I'd hear a lot of "I'm bored" if they stayed home. And well, that gets old really quick. :: :: :: Keven and I took the plunge this year and finally signed Keven Jr. up for T-Ball. His first real organized sport complete with practices, and games and uniforms and trophies. He had his first practice on Tuesday evening and another practice last night, and I have to say: I think the boy has a knack for baseball. No, no - this proud Mom didn't just say that about her son. NOPE. Not at all. He's one of the older kids on the team, a team of mixed boys and girls. A lot of them have played before, a lot of them have played before on the same team. Keven Jr. didn't have any trouble fitting in, and he didn't have any issues taking direction from the coach. I had no worries about that however, I was mostly worried about whether or not he was going to like playing and whether or not he was going to enjoy it and want to stick with it long enough to excel at it. And okay, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I might be slightly worried too about the injuries that could potentially happen. But that's neither here nor there. I'm just happy that he seems to be enjoying it so far. And yes, I'm excited for him because I played softball when I was younger and I loved it. I'm hoping that maybe it'll rub off on him. We'll see what the season brings... More to come soon my friends. But for now, have a wonderful and safe weekend.

I Heart Faces - Yellow

2010-05-24T21:27:00.004-06:00

I'm always up for a good challenge, or contest, or whatever you want to call it. Maybe I should just sell myself out now though and admit that I just enjoy sharing my photos.

And entering them into contests.

My friend Wendy told me about a site called I Heart Faces a while ago. I've checked out the site from time to time to see what kind of things were going on, but tonight I'm taking it a step further and entering their weekly challenge.

The theme is: yellow

And here is my submission

Head on over to I Heart Faces if you'd too like to submit something into their weekly challenge. The winning photo will be featured on their home page. Wish me luck!

Summer, Summer, Summer, SummerTime

2010-05-23T09:05:00.000-06:00

On Thursday evening we watched as Isaac 'graduated' from pre-school into Kindergarten. On Friday morning we enjoyed a potluck style 'end of the year' breakfast with Keven Jr. and his classmates. It was officially the last day of school.

Isaac will be in kindergarten in the fall.

Keven Jr. will be in second grade.

I can't even let myself think about that now (my boys are getting so big!) because I might just break down and cry. The time, it's flying right on by.

On Saturday morning I was up at 5AM and at our zoo by 6:30AM to meet up with some friends to participate in the Run to the Shrine. It was a 5k, straight up-hill, with an 8.5% average grade. Needless to say it kicked my butt, but I did it. And I'll probably be signing up to do it again next year. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment? And yes, completely out of shape.

On Sunday we met up with some friends at a local park to celebrate a birthday. A friend of ours son was turning 5 years old. We spent the day flying kites, eating good barbecue, playing on the playground, enjoying the sunshine and just hanging out amidst good company. The kids took turns swinging at a pinata, stuffed themselves silly with cupcakes and candy, and even sat still for a few minutes to watch the birthday boy open his gifts.

The weather was perfect. We all have sunburns to prove it.

Summer is officially here.

And it better stick around for a while.

Life in the Fast Lane

2010-05-17T16:40:00.002-06:00

Alright so here I am, sitting at my computer in my office stealing away a few minutes to write something. Anything here for those that still check in (and I thank you if you still do. But if you don't? I can't blame you one bit.)

Things have gotten a little boring around here lately.....

Or have they?

So. The boys are outside playing in the decent weather we had today; you know we had snow on May 12th - less than a week ago? I should be making dinner. But whatever; I'm writing. Because it's been too long. And my ads aren't running anymore (oopsie).

For anyone that knows me, it's a fact that I cannot ever tell a short version of anything. True story. I'm known for it, so much in fact that my middle brother always asks before I say anything that could potentially be long and drawn out to give him the 'short version'. I try. But damn if it isn't hard.

And for my other brother - YES YOU - I'm updating finally - SEE?

(It's pretty bad when your oldest brother gives you shit on the phone on Mother's Day no less to update your blog already. He must have been getting tired of looking at my photo of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.)

So. That puppy we got a while ago? His name is Truman and well, he's not really a cute little puppy anymore. He's a cute five month old puppy now. I never really did post about Truman, and really he deserves a post all of his own but who knows when I'll get around to it. If you want to know anything about him - leave me a comment or something. But for now, look at this guy:

He's a chair thief!

If you follow me on Facebook that's totally OLD NEWS but it'll have to do for now.

Moving on to other things that have been going on in the Jones' Casa.

This is the last and final week of school before summer starts and that younger boy of mine, Isaac? He's all registered for kindergarten in the fall. Yep, Keven Jr. will be a second grader and Isaac will be in Kindergarten.

Hold on a second. I need to give myself a few moments to wrap my head around that thought.

My baby. In Kindergarten. HOLD ME.

Oh and that whole job situation I spoke about the last time I did a real post? Well July was the end of our contract but in March? They told us that the end of April was our demise.

Fast forward to freaking out because really? And also? I hadn't even started to look for a new job really. But wait a second, don't worry - I was fortunate enough to be one of the lucky ones and was assigned to a new contract. With a new manager and new job duties and everything. And the best part about this new gig? I get to work from home. Daily. And yes, I totally love it.

But I'm still trying to adjust. And it's a little weird. But see above: I love it.

We started geocaching again and get out to hike whenever we can (READ: When it's not snowing) and I had a wonderful Mother's Day surrounded by family and friends. We can't wait to go camping this summer and maybe even do a road trip or something. Because oh yes, we purchased a new vehicle a few weeks ago.

Oh and I have to mention a little situation I found myself in last week before I go. And yes, it'll be the short version - promise.

I had just left yoga class and was headed to the library to drop off some books when I found myself passing in the gutter of the roadway a Mama and Daddy Goose with about 5 babies. On a busy five lane road. I made my turn and was headed to the library but I had to stop and turn around. I just couldn't let the Goose Family cross the road without help. They'd for sure get squashed in the process because NO ONE was paying attention. They were just whizzing right on by, talking on their cell phones or something.

(short story, short story)

So I turned around and went back. By the time I got back the Goose Family was in the middle of the five lane road and a car had stopped traffic on the east bound lane to aid in them getting across. The west bound lane though was wide open so I did what I had to do - I stopped traffic. And I waited for them to get safely across the roadway and up on the sidewalk.

HOWEVER.

The baby geese were too small to jump the curb so they were stuck in the gutter. Cars continued to whiz right on by, swooshing the little babies this way and that way with the wind of their passing car. Another motorist came to my aid and stopped in the lane closest to the gutter forcing cars to pass by in the other open lane. And we waited and waited and waited for the little guys to jump the curb to safety.

I swear I've never cheered so hard in my life.

Ask my sister.

Later on that afternoon, right before the family came home I let the dogs out. Here's where I should mention that we had been fighting off the same Mama Robin from last year from building a nest on the fence between us and the neighbors. Every time she'd get started on her lower level, I'd go out there and take it down because Mama Robins? ARE ANGRY when you get anywhere near their home when the babies arrive.

So the dogs. I let them out.

Only a few short minutes went by and I went to let them back in when I noticed Truman, in the yard with something.

Orange and grey.

Oh my god you guys, he caught Mama Robin. And needless to say, she didn't make it. Which means neither did her babies.

*sniff*

I mourn them every time I go to the laundry room to do laundry because I can see the fence where she was trying to build her nest to lay her eggs. I piled up a bunch of rocks to try and keep her away, but .......

Truman took care of it for me I guess.

Wednesday of last week was for the birds.

So there you have it. Just a little something to keep you hanging till next time because I know I left a ton of things out. Let's just hope I get back around to posting before another month goes by.

Cheers.

Garden of the Gods: At sunrise

2010-04-14T05:10:00.000-06:00

Sometimes it's hard to believe that I live only mere minutes away from this view. I can see it every single day if I really wanted to - and get this; I wouldn't have to drive out of the way to do so.

I got up early this particular winter morning a few months ago with my father in law in order to photograph Garden of the Gods at sunrise. He had never experienced the gardens in that way before. And he was in awe.

Getting up early on purpose to go photograph my surroundings isn't something that I typically do, but I'm thinking maybe I should.

The view is just too good to let go to waste.

RED

2010-03-27T18:52:00.003-06:00

I love the color red. And I also love taking photographs. And did I mention that I love contests?

Well I do.

I found a new blog today, Beyond Snapshots. And I think I'm in love. And you want to know what else I'm in love with? Epiphanie camera bags.

I'd love to have one, therefore I'd love to win this contest.

In the theme of the color red, I've posted this here photo. I just so happen to love San Fransisco too.

If you want to enter, make sure you do so by April 2nd. Head over to Beyond Snapshots for more details.

Photo Hunt #206: Fresh

2010-03-27T09:09:00.002-06:00

It's spring-time in the Rockies!

This last week has brought us warm temperatures and cold temperatures and yes, even snow. This *fresh* snow blanketed our yard and deck this morning when we woke up; and it's still coming down as I write this. And to think it was warm enough just last weekend to wear shorts and even get sunburned a little.

This is my take on TNChick's PhotoHunt for this week. Jump over to her site to check out how she and others interpreted it, and make sure you join her Facebook Fan Page for more details.

"Éirinn go Brách" - Ireland Forever

2010-03-17T08:37:00.002-06:00

May luck be our companion

May friends stand by our side

May history remind us all

Of Ireland's faith and pride.

May God bless us with happiness

May love and faith abide.

~Irish Blessing~

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my friends and family!

Where the Wild Things Are

2010-03-07T15:24:00.005-07:00

We took advantage of some beautiful spring-like weather yesterday and took the boys to the zoo. While it's always a fun time, it also gave me the opportunity to pull my camera out and take some photos. You guys all know how much I enjoy doing that....

A Mexican Grey Wolf

This bird was in the Budgie Buddies exhibit, some sort of finch perhaps?

The tiger, in Asian Highlands.

A male silverback gorilla, in Primate World

Colorado's 'top' predator: A mountain lion. Found in the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit.

A funky bird in the African Rift Valley exhibit

Giraffe's!

Watch them here.

Meerkats!

Watch them here.

the Budgie Buddy exhibit

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. We love it there. And I just can't say enough about it. If you are ever in the Colorado Springs area, visit it - you'll be impressed.

Oh, and later this year? I'm participating in the Run to the Shrine.

It's only sits at an elevation of 8,136 feet.

1.4 miles STRAIGHT UP from the zoo's main entrance.

Ahhh. Wish me luck!

And in this corner

2010-03-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

My kids have spent a lot of time recently in time-out, or even better yet, on restriction. Not listening, back talking, getting into mischief at school, for fighting with one another. We've even sent them to their rooms a few times for not eating all of their dinner, and being mean to the puppy. Mind you most of the time they are only sent to their rooms for the time frame of their respective ages (KJ = 7and Isaac = 4) and when they are on restriction 'fun things' are taken away (video games, outdoor play, the TV, etc) And yes, while it seems to work right then, they forget so quickly. Can I put a puppy in time out? He's tugging at my jacket sleeve that's hanging on the back of my chair as I type this. Let's be happy that's it's not my bare foot, or my inner thigh as those two areas have gotten chomped on before too. Basically what I'm saying is this: having a puppy is like adding another kid to the household. Anyways, the other day I sent the boys to their rooms for fighting. It was later in the afternoon and while my kids don't nap hardly at all anymore during the day, I knew they were tired (waking up at 6AM will do that to you. ON A WEEKEND) and I was secretly hoping that they'd fall asleep. Their rooms are on each end of a hallway and so usually they sit in their doorway and giggle and what not with each other, all the while they are still in their rooms. After just a few short minutes of them giggling and stuff it got quiet so I went upstairs to check on them. This is what I found Isaac, sound asleep in the doorway of his bedroom while waiting for his time out to be over. Or you know, maybe he was just worn out from defending his galaxy.

Blog Interrupted

2010-03-03T08:26:00.001-07:00

So obviously I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping up with things in a way to keep you all (who probably by now have totally lost interest anyways) informed with happenings in my life. Or my kids life for that matter, but I will tell you this.

The year 2009 didn't end very well and the year 2010 didn't start out on the right note.

I lost two of my dogs around the end of the year all the while trying to celebrate birthdays and holidays with a smile on my face. Then the new year started and things seemed to be on the up and up until mid-January rolled around and I found out that the workplace was going to be laying off myself, along with 60+ other employees between then (it was January 15th to be exact) and the end of July. Just a short time later I was offered a supervisor position to fill a gap 'in the meantime' as someone jumped ship almost immediately when they too found out about our jobs. Talk about being disappointed one day and on cloud nine the next - it's sort of stressful if you ask me.

I feel like I've been on a roller coaster I tell you and while I've been trying to stay on the top of the steep hill by finding the positive in things and what not, I'm not quite sure it's working. I really feel like it's just been one bad thing after another. Rinse/Lather/Repeat.

With a few skips in between.

And did I really want to bore all of you with the intimate details of my moods? Yeah, probably not. Trust me, I've spared you all by not blogging over the last few months. But I'm going to try, starting today. Call it free therapy if you will...

In other news, we welcomed a puppy into our home on February 7th and we had some visitors in town a few weeks ago. I suppose I do need to fill in the gaps at some point.

But hey! In the meantime if you feel like it, 'Formspring Me'. It might actually make things fun! I mean after all I really don't want to weigh anyone down with the heavy stuff. That's my problem, not yours.

We'll meet again soon - promise.

Do-Over

2010-01-20T14:40:00.003-07:00

So far 2010 hasn't gone the way I had envisioned it. Evidence apparent by the fact that this is my first blog post of the year. It's almost February folks! At any rate, I'm still alive. I'll be updating soon.

Hello (2010) Goodbye (2009)

2009-12-31T21:16:00.004-07:00

Tonight as we were driving back home from the dinner we just enjoyed with some friends, I couldn't help but think to myself that it was about that time in the evening where everyone else was probably getting ready to leave their homes to head out to a party, or to a bar downtown.

You know, to celebrate the New Year; inebriated style.

Oh the joys of parenthood. And getting old. And you know, not actually having any plans because you weren't invited to a party or planned to do something sans kids.

But that's okay! Instead I'll pull the blinds in Isaac's room at midnight and watch the fireworks atop Pikes Peak; if I can stay awake!

At any rate, I'd like to wish all my family and friends; near and far a very Happy New Year. I hope 2010 shines bright on you and yours and brings you much happiness and prosperity.

Catch ya on the flip side.....

To all my friends and family...

2009-12-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.

W.C. Jones

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.

Harlan Miller

Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.

Dale Evans

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.

Agnes M. Pharo

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

Norman Vincent Peale

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

W.T. Ellis

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!

Author Unknown

Merry Christmas Eve to All!

2009-12-23T13:15:00.003-07:00

I saw this fun little Christmas related meme over here earlier this week and thought that it would be fun to fill out and share.

Merry Christmas Eve to All!

:: :: :: ::

Eggnog or hot chocolate? Definitely hot chocolate

Does Santa wrap the presents or leave them open under the tree? Most are wrapped, some of the larger ones (think gifts for the kids that need assembling) are left unwrapped with a big bow on them.

Colored lights on a tree or white? We usually did all white, but I actually thought about doing colored lights this year. Maybe next .....

Do you hang mistletoe? No. But I should!

When do you put your decorations up? Typically the first weekend after Thanksgiving.

What is your favorite holiday dish? I don't have a particular favorite, I love it all!

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No we don't.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Our tree has a hodge-podge of various ornaments on it. Mostly ornaments we've collected over the years as gifts, some that the kids have made, some from our childhood. My favorite ornaments though are our collection of White House ornaments. One year we'll have an entire tree of nothing but White House ornaments, at least that's my goal. Oh! And we put red bows on our tree too with an angel on top.

Snow: love it or hate it? LOVE.

Can you ice skate? I've attempted ice skating only once in my life. I've never had any desire to try again...

What is your favorite holiday dessert? All the cookies!

What is your favorite holiday tradition? Driving around town looking at Christmas lights, baking Santa his chocolate chip cookies with the kids on Christmas Eve.

Candy canes: yum or yuck? Yum.

Favorite Christmas show? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Together Again

2009-12-22T23:34:00.004-07:00

A week ago today before I stepped foot outside with the kids to shuttle them off to school, we told them that Dakota would not be home when they returned that afternoon. We made sure they said their good-bye's and then later that afternoon, while they were safely distracted at school, we took Dakota to the vet and let him go.

It's hard to believe that a week has passed already. It's hard to believe that just a short week later, we did it all over again.

But this time with Fargo.

With the kids in tow.

As the days passed since the second tumor surfaced, it was hard not to notice that it was getting larger. There were times when it seemed to be of a discomfort to him, but most of the time he just carried it around, with no concern at all except for what scraps you were going to feed him next.

Early Sunday afternoon he vomited up his breakfast. He then refused dinner. This behavior was something foreign to us because the dog loved to eat. On Monday he ate his breakfast but by mid-afternoon he had thrown it up. Monday evening brought more of the same, he didn't want to eat his dinner and surprised us again with two more piles of where he had gotten sick. We told ourselves that he had eaten something that made his stomach upset.

But I think we knew better.

This morning we made up some rice and soaked it in beef broth to give him for breakfast. We noticed that he was having a hard time expelling waste when he went out with Mickey. He was active and alert, his attitude never dimmed, so for sure he just had an upset stomach.

Deep down inside, I knew better.

By mid-morning he had thrown up the rice. On three different occasions. He was starting to look thin, and the tumor was turning purple from the inside where the skin was stretched to its limits.

We scheduled a vet appointment and took him in.

With the kids in tow.

The vet did an x-ray and discovered that he had a suspicious looking mass, most likely another tumor near the spleen. He also noticed that Fargo had another mass of some sort pushing down on his colon. The vet also suspected that the tumor bulging out from his back was going to ulcerate at any time. His findings weren't completely shocking to us, considering we knew just about two months ago that he had a very aggressive and fast paced type of cancer. It was then that we started to prepare to say our good-byes.

I just wasn't expecting it to be within a week of his brother.

But I think we knew better.

We're all going to miss you too buddy.

Well, except for Dakota.

I imagine that he was waiting for him with his tail wagging, happy to see his brother again.

Fargo 8/3/97 - 12/22/09

Out with the crazy

2009-12-19T20:03:00.003-07:00

My house is quiet right now other than the constant hum of my laptop and the clock that's ticking nearby. Occasionally I hear the pitter patter of one of the dogs paws making their way across the hardwood floor. But for the most part it's quiet.

Although in my head things are different. I hear sounds of jets buzzing by, jackhammers tearing up pavement and maybe some fireworks going off in increments. My shoulders are tense, my chest burns when I breathe, my neck has a weird pull to it and my back. It's aching.

The last several months and weeks have been undoubtedly intense. And apparently quite stressful according to my body. What topped it all off though was the raging idiot who thought I cut him off then proceeded to scare the living poop out of me at about 85mph for about 5 miles of highway. Never in my life have I been a victim of road rage but on Wednesday afternoon? It was enough to send my heart into my throat and my fingers to dialing 9-1-1. All because this man thought I had done some injustice to him and his over-sized SUV.

Anyways.

We celebrated two birthday's yesterday; Keven Jr. turned seven and my father turned 74. We had a nice dinner together and then shared an ice cream cake and opened presents. Earlier in the day there was lots of running around like crazed fools trying to tie up loose ends for Keven Jr's birthday, with a little bit of Christmas shopping thrown in and an hour of 'fun-time' at Keven Jr's school holiday celebration. We made a stop by the vet to pick up Dakota's ashes. On Thursday night Isaac and his pre-school class put on a program for their parents and today I took six kids to the movie's in honor of the birthday boy.

The kids are now out of school until after the New Year.

I can't believe Christmas is next week.

I can't believe that 2009 is coming to a close.

I can't believe that my friends and family on the East Coast are buried in over a foot of snow!

I have plenty more to talk about but it'll have to wait until next time. My bed is calling me.

And Then There Were Two

2009-12-15T20:36:00.004-07:00

I'm having a hard time sorting through all the emotions I'm feeling right now. Mostly I'm just in shock. And I'd be lying if I didn't say I was heartbroken. I can't even believe I'm pounding these thoughts out on my keyboard right now. I have no idea why things happen the way they do other than for reasons I cannot explain and right now? That's all I got to go off of. At some point I'll be able to put it all into words, words that make sense but right now I just can't. The thoughts, the memories....it's all just too fresh.

I've blogged several times over the last few weeks about Fargo and the tumors and the cancer and about how we've begun to prepare for his passing. We've talked to the kids. We've talked about what we are going to do when he does go and how long we are going to wait if it's taking a long time and physically taking a toll on him. We were as prepared as we ever could have been and literally just waiting. Waiting for the day to finally come.

I never in a million years imagined that Dakota (his brother) would go first; none of us did. And while I know we did the right thing by saying good-bye to him this afternoon, we will never forget him. He'll forever be in our hearts. He will forever be a part of our family.

Dakota 8/3/97 - 12/15/09

We're all going to miss you buddy.

Eight Months

2009-12-10T21:15:00.004-07:00

Meet Kenzi. She's my great-niece.

Isn't she a doll? Like 'get this girl an agent quick!' kind of doll? She's not standing here posing for a photo shoot. Oh no she's not. She's standing here waiting for her daddy.

You see, her daddy has been overseas, on a ship for a eight months and the day had finally come for him to arrive back on US soil.

*Sigh*

When I saw my niece's updated photo album on Facebook earlier today it made me cry. I've been watching from behind my computer screen as she counted down the days for this very moment. The big day, the day that her husband was finally due home. The day that Kenzi's daddy was finally coming home. The day when they'd be a family of three again. I was so excited for her. For them.

A lot happens in eight months. A lot changes in eight months.

And then it just hit me. My niece has been a single parent for eight months. This precious little girl has been away from her daddy for eight months. To know that he was finally coming home safely? I just couldn't stop the flood of emotion.

And just in time for Christmas to boot.

I couldn't help but think though about all the families out there right now that are sending their loved ones overseas where they will spend the holiday away from their families. Or about those that are already overseas and have been away from their families for months, or maybe even for years, who too will spend the holiday on foreign soil. I just can't imagine. I hope they stay safe.

My niece is so lucky. And for that I'm grateful.

And to think that my family did this. To think that my mother and my siblings had to live day to day life without my dad around. Probably more often than not on a holiday or a special event. It's something I'll never experience but it makes me proud just the same.

The first thing she asked her daddy when she saw him was "can we get a puppy?" For being a month shy of two and a half I think she's already figured out how to win daddy over, don't you think?

How could she not win anybody over with that face!

Welcome home Scotty. We are glad to have you back.

Now get your butt to Colorado as soon as possible....

It's the most wonderful time of the year

2009-12-09T22:11:00.003-07:00

The day after a snow storm rolls through is always the prettiest.

Well, I think so anyways.

The way the sky always seems to be the brightest shade of blue possible. The way the sunshine glimmers off the blanket of snow and sparkles like diamonds. I love the pine trees and how they look with globs of snow clinging to their needles the best. And it's always a mystery to see what Pikes Peak looks like after being under a cover of clouds for days. Sometimes it looks nothing like you expect it to, and other days it's absolutely breathtaking.

But again on most days, with or without snow, it's stunning.

I wanted to get out and take some photos of the snow when it started to fall a few days ago but the wind picked up and it was almost impossible to keep my camera and lens dry. And then the cold temperatures set in and really? I think my fingers probably would have froze to my equipment if I even gave it a go. Or fell off all together because they were so cold.

(It's -2 degrees out right now with a windchill of -14)

Crazy right?

In all my years of living in Colorado I don't recall it being this cold, for this long. It actually hurts to breathe when you go outside from inside. And I'm totally not kidding.

Luckily the cold temperatures aren't supposed to stick around for much longer and I can tell you now it's going to feel like a heatwave when we finally do get above freezing temperatures. Bring on the weekend temperature of 35 degrees! I'll pull out my swimsuit.

Oh. Well ........

Pardon my tangent there, I was talking about photos.

I did mange to take a few photos after all and well, here have a look:

PS: That vague white outline you see just above the trees starting on the left side of the photo going towards the center of the frame is Pikes Peak.

How many of you thought it was just clouds?

Let it SnowLet it SnowLet it Snow

2009-12-07T19:03:00.003-07:00

It's been snowing now for a few days, at least I think anyways. The last four days or so have all blurred together but yes! We have snow! And as I write this right now it's still snowing. Another 4-8 inches expected overnight. And my word it is bone chilling cold.

Brrrrrrrrrrrr.

I got into a minor fender bender on my way to work this morning. Luckily I had already dropped the kids off at school and was alone, but even so - it wasn't bad. I was stopped at an intersection and a car coming down the hill behind me was going to fast and was having a hard time slowing down. I watched them through my rear view mirror zig zag back and forth until they finally came to a stop, sideways, up against the curb. In the process they tapped my rear passenger side bumper and lurched me forward just a slight bit. We got out, assessed the damage and went about our business. Thankfully there was absolutely no damage to my car, therefore no need to exchange important information.

I got lucky, don't you think?

In other news, Keven Jr. has bounced back quite nicely from his surgery last Thursday. We gave him a few rounds of pain medication (Tylenol w/codeine) but decided to stop giving it to him all together because he kept having weird reactions shortly after we gave it to him. Oh, which reminds me. I never continued on with the story.

DUH.

Let me do that now. Flashback to Thursday for a minute if you would.

After about an hour and a half or so of waiting and watching Dora, the doctor (did I mention that he was from New Zealand and had a really cool accent?) came in to tell us that the surgery went well and that they encountered everything they expected. He gave us instructions on what to do (and what not to do) over the course of the next several days and weeks and then he left. He told us that a nurse would be in shortly to take us back to where Keven Jr. was recovering. And sure enough that's what happened.

I walked back to recovery with the nurse and Keven Jr. was still sleeping. The nurse and I chit-chatted for about 25 minutes or so waiting for him to wake up and of course when he did finally wake up he was in pain. And confused and disorientated. Not too long afterwards he seemed to be handling everything okay so the nurse gave him a popsicle and some apple juice and took him off oxygen. And even though Keven Jr. had gotten quite a nice does of a pain medicine before coming out of surgery he was still complaining about being in pain so we contemplated giving him more pain medicine in his IV.

We opted to give him a dose of Tylenol w/codeine instead and that's when he scared the ever living poop out of me.

He got really pale. And then sort of became dazed, and I watched as his head tilted backwards onto his pillow and he closed his eyes. The nurse started calling his name to see if he'd respond and he wouldn't. It was almost as if he was trying to go back to sleep but then I watched the respiratory rate monitor go from a nice 98-100 to a 25-30.

His breathing was labored. So as you could imagine I sort of got a little concerned. The nurse did what she was supposed to do and turned the oxygen back on. Keven Jr. finally came around but because of this little stunt he had pulled, he was going to have to stay a little while longer to be monitored. And really?

I was okay with that.

I looked at the clock and noticed that it had been almost 2 hours since I left Keven and Isaac back in the hospital room. I asked the nurse if I could switch with him as I figured he was probably getting agitated that it was taking us so long to return. We did the switch (Keven Jr. had been asking about him and Isaac so I thought it would make him feel better) and eventually, once Keven Jr. was considered stable, they came to the hospital room to hang out.

We waited another 45 minutes and then they let us go home.

So. Back to the Tylenol w/codeine. He had another reaction at home similar to the one he had in the hospital the first time we gave it to him and then the second time? He had abdominal pain. We pulled out the Motrin and gave that to him instead, which really was fine because the boy hasn't been in pain AT ALL.

Which is wonderful if you ask me.

He went back to school today and I think is well on his way to being completely healed. Just in time for his seventh birthday, which is right around the corner I might add....

Now if only we could cure our dog.

More about that next time.

Winter Solitude

2009-12-06T10:30:00.006-07:00

We've had quite a bit of snow already this winter. Actually it snowed as early as what would be considered our Fall so by now? We are pretty immune to it. And maybe a slight bit over it too if I'm being honest. But I enjoy it. To me there is just something about wool sweaters, big heavy coats, hats and mittens that make me fond of this time of year. Even the thought of a warm fire to sit next to is delightful.

When I woke up early this morning to let Fargo out, the snow was steadily coming down. The air was crisp and cold, the morning was still and silent as most people weren't even considering getting up at that hour. Even those early risers that head to church wouldn't have been up at that hour. Every single house had a billow of warm air coming from their chimneys as their thermostats were probably turned up to a comfortable temperature inside the house.

It was quiet.

And while I usually grumble about having to get up out of my warm bed to tend to the dogs at that time of day, I always enjoy the moment while I'm in it as much as I can. I think about how I heard an owl the other morning on a nearby roof-top, or back to a few nights ago when I heard a pack of coyotes catch their breakfast within close proximity to my house, then happened to see four or five of them run happily past at the intersecting street. If I was still asleep at that hour I would have missed it.

But most importantly, it was quiet.

I secretly look forward to each and every day.

Tying up Loose Ends

2009-12-04T13:31:00.003-07:00

Okay so I know I owe everyone an explanation for this line of questioning, and I owe an update to this post, but I have to pause for a minute and ask yet another question.

Holiday cards! Who wants one? Better yet, who does them?

I try to do them every single year, the key word being 'try'. Usually I do manage to get them done however there for a few years you were lucky if you had received one by, oh, let's say February. I think I managed to get them all done and out in the mail last year before Christmas itself, which was huge, so you know: there is hope for me yet.

This year though I was thinking about tossing the idea to the curb all together. With all the stuff I've had going on with dogs and kids and work and you know LIFE, I'm just not sure I can get them completed in time.

But my inner self keeps screaming at me to come on! Where is the holiday spirit?

Okay, well I asked myself that, who cares to know?

So tell me, do you do holiday cards? Do you purchase them and then slave over writing something in each and everyone, and then address them and stamp them to mail them out? Or do you put together those cute little photo holiday cards on those nifty photo websites and mail those? Do you write a yearly holiday letter to go inside your cards? Or do you include an updated family photo? And I can't even fathom this idea (although I used to do it myself - you know my crafty-before-I-had-kids-and-tons-of-time-self) but do you hand make your holiday cards to send?

I'm dying to know people. I really am.

Leave me a comment and let me know if you'd like a holiday card from us here at And All The Jones Men. Your answer just might light that fire under my butt and push me to get them done and over with and mark them happily off my To-Do list.

With only 12 billion more 'to-do' things on my list to go....

First up? BUY HOLIDAY CARDS.

Surgery & Laughing Gas & Nurse Call-Buttons Oh My

2009-12-03T20:28:00.004-07:00

I've been up since 3:45AM so needless to say I'm tired. I was going to post about Keven Jr's surgery and about how he laughed his butt silly while on the way to the operating room where he continued to laugh and laugh and laugh. Seriously, he had the whole room giggling and even though I knew what was about to happen, I was calm about it all. I couldn't get over how comical he was being. Laughing so hard he had tears streaming down his face.

And then he said that the bubble gum flavored laughing gas smelled like....carrots.

It took a little longer for him to fall asleep, compared to Isaac when he had his ear tube surgery. Once he was out, I kissed him on the cheek and headed back to our room where Keven and Isaac were patiently waiting.

The hardest part of it all?

Was watching Isaac bust out into tears because they were wheeling his big brother away to the operating room and his mother was going with him and he couldn't go.

It was so unfair he said.

Isaac got over it quickly and was happy to see me return only minutes later. He then happily accompanied me to the hospital cafeteria where we grabbed a small breakfast (and some M&M's) and then headed back to our room to eat. And wait.

And this is where the tale ends for now folks. My brain is mush. My eyes are heavy.

To be continued.

At a Loss

2009-12-02T21:32:00.003-07:00

Question:

If your 4 year old child came home from school and told you that another kid asked them to show them your butt, what would you do?

To take it a step further, if it was actually your child that asked the other child to show them your butt, what would you do?

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on how you'd handle each of the scenario's above.

That's all.

December 1

2009-12-01T18:05:00.004-07:00

And just like that December is here. Christmas is literally weeks away, and so is Keven Jr's SEVENTH birthday. Oh and another important event, Keven Jr's having surgery. On Thursday.

It's going to be a busy month.

We started our Christmas shopping on Black Friday at 4:15AM in the morning. And yes, we took the kids with us. While we did manage to get a few things that we really were hoping to get, we didn't get everything. Which was fine, there was no way in the world that I was going to camp out overnight, in the cold, on the pavement out in front of Best Buy just to get the best deal of the day.

I might be a tad bit crazy but I know where to draw the line.

We shopped until we dropped knocking off quite a few things from our lists and then we headed home to nap. The kids were absolute troopers and for the most part behaved like they should have. And they didn't even protest when we told them to go straight to their rooms as soon as we got home to lay down. About two hours in to our naps, we were rustled awake by the serenade of doorbell dings. Shortly after that the kids were outside playing and the evening had begun.

On Saturday evening the Christmas tree went up, the lights were strung and the ornaments were placed meticulously on various branches. We left most of the tree trimming to the boys, hence why we found several groupings of ornaments on the same branch all around the tree. I didn't have the heart to switch things up so I left the ornaments how they placed them. They were so proud of their hard work.

As the evening went on more Christmas decorations went up and now? It's really beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Snapshots and Time

2009-11-30T21:55:00.003-07:00

While looking through some photo frames over the weekend on one of our many shopping trips, Keven Jr. zeroed in on a black frame that had 'WOOF' written across the top of it in silver lettering. Ever since we talked to the kids about Fargo and what's to come he's been very focused on 'remembering him when he dies'. Talk about breaking your heart.

But hey, he's got a point. He also got me thinking.

We don't have many photos of our dogs from their later years. Most of the ones we have tucked away in photo albums or stored on our computer hard drives are from when they were puppies or young adults. Which in theory totally makes sense since the last seven years my subjects in most of my photographs have been my children.

And that's completely unfair; our dogs are part of our family too.

So I pulled out my camera tonight after dinner was done and took some snapshots. Snapshots that will forever remind us of this time in our life, with our pets.

Here's my favorite one from the bunch I took tonight:

He's still going strong.

And for now that's how I want to remember him.

Five weeks was all it took

2009-11-29T12:54:00.001-07:00

The night before our 3rd check-up vet appointment, Keven Jr. was sitting on the floor with Fargo and we noticed a new lump at the base of Fargo's tail. A lump that wasn't there earlier that day, a lump that showed up out of nowhere. It's about the size of a golf ball.

If you have no clue what I'm talking about, go here for the back story. It might make more sense.

At our vet appointment the next day, the vet removed Fargo's stitches and put in staples, just to put stitches back in again. While we were finishing up our appointment, talking about where we go from here, the staples started to come out, one by one. We left the vet office without Fargo and returned later to pick him up with new stitches. A few more weeks I think is all it will take for the surgery site to be completely healed.......just a few more weeks.

Unfortunately though that's just the good news.

The lump at the base of Fargo's tail is another mast cell tumor. When the vet told us that the original tumor was a mast cell, aggressive and fast moving - he wasn't joking. I think we finally realized that when this new tumor developed and our vet told us that he wouldn't do another surgery to remove it. It would be pointless he advised as another tumor was likely to pop up. And besides, the new tumor is so close to the original one, and so close to his tail that the vet would have to amputate the tail as well. We just can't put Fargo (and our family) through another aggressive surgery to make him well. No matter what we do at this point, it is what it is. CANCER.

So the reality of it all is this; Fargo's days are numbered yet we have no idea how long, or how short his time left with us will be. We've talked and talked and talked about what to do and when and ultimately decided that we are just going to let nature take its course and enjoy our time left with him to the fullest. We cannot afford chemotherapy and radiation treatments - bottom line. We don't want to see him sick from the treatments, and we don't want to put the kids through that either. If his quality of life starts to deteriorate, or if the new tumor ulcerates like the other one did, we'll make the decision at that time whether or not to continue on or put him to sleep. We don't want to see him suffer in any way shape or form, period. And as of right now he's still the same dog as he ever was; energetic, alert, and neurotic. He doesn't appear sick at all but we know it's coming. And I think we've prepared ourselves for it the best way we can.

In other news:

Keven Jr. lost his second tooth a week or so ago. He actually pulled this one out all by himself!

The kids had a great time on Halloween; the weather was beautiful and pleasant and the kids made out like bandits in the candy department as they always do. Keven Jr. was Bumblebee by day and Mario by night. Isaac decided that he wanted to be Buzz Lightyear, Luigi AND Batman. All in one day. And I did what any other mother would do - I let him.

I enjoyed a quiet birthday this year at the end of October with my family. Our Thanksgiving was just as quiet, celebrated with some friends.

It's been so long since I've posted here, I'm sure I'm missing a ton of things, but at any rate things have been fine. The kids have been busy with school, me and Keven have been busy with work, we've been hanging out as a family and well, as most of you probably can imagine; life barrels on like a runaway train. I'd be lying if I didn't say that a lot of our time and thoughts have been occupied with Fargo these days. It's kind of hard not to think about.

More to come soon, I'll try not to stay away for so long this time.

On the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

2009-11-11T18:22:00.001-07:00

Back in July while I was sitting in the airport terminal waiting to board my plane for BlogHer I noticed a nicely dressed woman at the next terminal over pacing the floor. Every so often she'd walk towards the window and look out onto the tarmac, then she'd sit down for a few minutes only to get back up and pace some more. It was obvious that she wasn't boarding the plane for some unknown destination, she had no luggage. She was clearly waiting for someone to arrive on the incoming flight. When the plane finally taxied to it's resting spot, and the doors swung open to let passengers de-plane, I couldn't help but watch as this woman strained her neck to see who was coming towards her. She was looking for someone. She was riddled with anxiety. And then I saw why. A man, dressed in military fatigues made his way through the doorway and in an instant the two were tightly embraced right there in the middle of all these strangers. I sat and looked on, totally overtaken with emotion. It made me feel proud. And humble. And so happy and excited that the soldier in this woman's life made it back onto US soil safely. We all know that not everyone is that lucky. Today is Veterans Day. The 11th day of the 11th month. The day in which we take the time to openly pay tribute to all American veterans, living or deceased, for their patriotism, love of their country and their willingness to serve and sacrifice. "We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." -Cynthia Ozick To all the veterans in my life, and to all the veterans in yours, I Thank You.

Weekly Winners: 11/1 through 11/7

2009-11-08T16:34:00.009-07:00

If you'd like to see more Weekly Winners, head on over to Sarcastic Mom and check them out!

The Beginning of the End

2009-11-05T21:03:00.006-07:00

A week ago yesterday I walked into our veterinarian office by myself with our dog Fargo to drop him off for emergency surgery. The day prior a growth that had sprouted up on the top of his right hip; practically out of nowhere several weeks earlier, ruptured. I was working from home the day it happened. The morning I dropped him off it was snowing. As soon as I got back into my vehicle to head to work, I broke down crying. Something in my gut told me that things from that day forward were going to be tough. I never made it into work that day. I tried but I just couldn't pull myself together. After I placed a phone call to my workplace, I turned around and headed home so that I could work remotely. It was a long day to say the least. It's been an even longer week. The vet removed the growth and in the process took some tissue samples from around the growth to have tested. He was certain that it was a mass cell tumor which basically translated to cancer. The surgery left Fargo with a 12 inch incision in his hip area. An incision that required aftercare that we weren't prepared for. But we managed the best we could and tried to make things as comfortable for him as possible. We were overwhelmed. On Sunday afternoon the incision started to separate, the stitches were so tight because of the skin that was removed the day of the surgery, that any sort of movement made it worse. We took him into an emergency veterinarian office for peace of mind, the wound looked horrible and we were worried. The vet that saw Fargo that afternoon advised us to go back to our vet the following day and sent us home with additional medication and something to keep him calm. We made a trip to the vet the following morning and it was decided that we'd just leave the wound alone and treat it the best we could, hoping it would start to heal. The vet wanted to check back in with us later on in the week so we scheduled the appointment and headed home. The vet did call us later that night with the results from the biopsy of the tumor. The tumor was indeed cancer, a stage 3 mass cell tumor - the most aggressive and fast moving type there is. We really weren't hoping for that news but something inside me knew. I just knew. We had another appointment today with the vet. The decision was made to stitch Fargo's wound back together again, but this time using tubing to reinforce the stitches. The vet felt confident that the skin in and around the wound area was soft enough that it would hold together. We also gave the go ahead to have a few lumps that Fargo has had for a while now biopsied just to confirm (but hopefully deny) the thought that the cancer has already started to move. We will find out the results early next week. Fargo is home with us now and is doing well. He's a little groggy from a tranquilizer we gave him but that's okay. At this point we are going to do anything and everything in our power to keep his stitches from splitting open again; which has proven to be difficult considering the level of spunk and activity Fargo has in him. He's always been the most active, the most nosey, the most neurotic of the three dogs. You'd never know he was twelve years old, let alone sick. And I must add that the prognosis isn't good. Two months the vet said worst case scenario. But we are hoping for something better than that, and keeping our fingers crossed in the meantime.

Timing is Everything

2009-10-16T18:26:00.005-06:00

You'll never guess what happened As soon as I hit 'publish post' on this post, my phone rang. It was pre-school. Apparently Isaac coughed and coughed and coughed during his afternoon nap and when he woke up he continued to cough. He wasn't playing. He wasn't talking. He was just blah and keeping to himself. They took his temperature and it was 99.5 degrees. I think it was due to him coughing so much but that's neither here nor there. School policy is to call the parents and send the kid home. And I can't blame them with all the sickness going around right now. I finished up what I was doing at work and left. After I picked both of the boys up I headed to the drug store to talk to the pharmacist to get his opinion on what I should try to help relieve his cough. Especially since the medicine we have been giving him doesn't seem to be working. I purchased a vaporizer (which I should have done a long time ago) and some Gatorade to help keep him hydrated and a bag of lollipops and headed home. Once we were inside the house he promptly climbed up onto the couch, asked me to turn on cartoons and then before I knew it - he was asleep. And guess what? I haven't heard him cough once since we've been home. GO FIGURE So, so far this evening things have been quiet. We'll see though how the rest of the evening plays out. I'm hoping by morning he'll be feeling better; we have a fun day planned with Grandma and Grandpa Have a good weekend everyone!

This. And That.

2009-10-16T14:30:00.000-06:00

An hour and a half past the time I tucked him into his bed for the night, he was still awake. Coughing; and coughing. That hour and a half turned into two hours, then three. He was petrified that he was going to throw up. Every single time he started his coughing fits; he’d lurch up from his resting position in a panic and start to cry. He wanted to sleep in my bed so I obliged and moved him. I covered him up, and at his request I put the full sized garbage can next to the side of the bed. The medicine finally seemed to have kicked in. I watched the minutes tick by; he was resting peacefully, holding my finger. And then it would start all over again. He eventually did throw up, but it wasn’t because he had a stomach virus or even the flu, he could not stop coughing. I was finally able to rest some when he drifted off into a deep sleep. Only to be jolted awake by our in house alarm at roughly 4:30AM. The dogs were awake and restless and ready to go outside. Isaac stayed home from school on Monday and Tuesday because he had a temperature. A mild temperature but enough of one that would get him sent home without a doubt. On Wednesday he was better. His fever was long gone and he was chipper. I took the day off and went with him on his pre-school field trip to a farm out east. We had a good time but got beat to death by strong winds. And then Thursday arrived. When I showed up at his school at 11:45AM to volunteer in his classroom, I noticed right off the bat that he was coughing. A LOT. Two kids were sent home in the few hours that I was present. Isaac seemed okay but just exhausted from all the coughing. And as you’ve read, it continued on through the evening until this morning. He was so pitiful. He was tired for sure due to the course of events through the night. He had no fever so it was decided that he’d go to school today anyway. But we made sure to give him some cough medicine before taking off. I fully expected to get a call from his school asking for him to be picked up. But so far that hasn’t happened. The afternoon is still early, so my fingers are crossed. Anything at this point is possible.

Photo of the Day

2009-10-16T06:55:00.002-06:00

Photo of the Day

2009-10-14T07:57:00.000-06:00

Photo of the Day

2009-10-12T21:46:00.001-06:00

Photo of the Day

2009-10-12T06:46:00.000-06:00

Photo of the Day

2009-10-09T07:59:00.000-06:00

Photo of the Day

2009-10-08T10:40:00.000-06:00

Photo of the Day

2009-10-07T11:19:00.000-06:00

Photo of the Day

2009-10-06T06:44:00.000-06:00

Audience Participation

2009-10-05T21:01:00.002-06:00

One of our dogs puked all over the living room rug last week, and then puked some more in the kitchen. We had no warning, we had no time to scoot him out the door so he could throw up outside. In the grass. Where it eventually disappears and doesn't have to be cleaned up. Hmmmm, maybe I should replace my carpet with grass? Anyways, I jokingly said to Keven while we were cleaning up the carpet that I was fed up with cleaning the house. Completely fed up. I was done. Absolutely done. FINISHED. And then he said in response that he wasn't going to maintain the yard anymore, because grass kept on growing and needed to be cut and the dogs kept on pooping day in and day out.... I think I put my brain on pause at that point cause frankly? I don't think maintaining a yard and cleaning the house are even in the same hemisphere. I just don't. Correct me if I'm wrong. PLEASE. After our conversation I went and flushed 3 of the 4 toilets in my house that had pee in them. They were just left un-flushed. Thank you kids, THANK YOU SO MUCH. If you looked closely at that point? I probably had steam coming out of my ears. So let me explain. Yard maintenance (cutting the grass) and picking up dog poop is a weekly thing. And when the winter months come along? GUESS WHAT? The grass dies and doesn't need to be cut until spring rolls around again. Which is what, five to six months later? The picking up poop part of it still has to take place (hello! we have three dogs) but again - that's a weekly thing. 'Time off' is what comes to mind when I think of yard work and winter. Cleaning the house is totally a different story in my opinion. Cleaning is a daily thing. There is always a counter to be wiped up, toys to be put away, floors to be swept, carpets to be vacuumed, laundry to be done and put away, dishes to be washed, and the list goes on and on and on. No matter how clean the house is at any given moment, doesn't mean that five seconds later there isn't a mess to be cleaned up. It's exhausting. Now granted, we have two kids, three dogs and a parrot. The messes; they happen. The cleaning and the laundry is always there whether I like it or not - twelve months out of the year. Am I wrong in thinking that the two scenarios don't even compare? Seriously, I want to hear your thoughts. So have at it. Leave me a comment. I'd really like to know...

Photo of the Day

2009-10-05T12:15:00.001-06:00

October 2, 1999

2009-10-02T08:02:00.002-06:00

Today we celebrate the ten year mark.....

Happy Anniversary.

IndieInk.org

2009-10-01T15:51:00.003-06:00

I always tell people when talking about my photographs that one day, one day, I will be doing this for a living. I will have a business of some sort, a business of my own where I can be creative and free and inspiring. Snippets in time. Memories. Emotions and feelings. Photographs capture all of those things and in an instant can take you back in time to that exact moment that the shutter clicked. I recently was introduced to IndieInk.org. Or II. A website that exists for people like me, for people who are passionate about what they do. For people that are immersed in their creativity, in their photos, which capture the world as you see it. There are two sections to IndieInk.org - a section for writers and a section for those who are artistic. I submitted this photo and today it was featured. And while this may seem trivial to most, to me it means something. I have yet to make a name for myself in this business but I'm starting to scratch the surface. The creative mind behind IndieInk.org is a photographer herself. She writes a lot too. Her work is amazing. I encourage you to check out IndieInk.org and submit an essay or a photo. Make your talent meaningful. And be proud while you are at it.

Photo of the Day

2009-10-01T07:29:00.001-06:00

PS: I promise this blog isn't turning into just a photo blog. I have plenty of things to blog about, I've just been busy. Till then....

Photo of the Day

2009-09-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Photo of the Day

2009-09-29T08:34:00.001-06:00

Funny Faces of Fredericksburg

2009-09-28T09:51:00.003-06:00

I'm on a mission, and I need your help. My niece has entered her precious little daughter (my great-niece?) into a 'funny faces' photo contest and she needs more votes. She's currently ranked 21st (last time I checked) and it would be most awesome if she won. Could you do me, and most importantly her a favor and vote for her daughter? If you would like to do so, go here. Oh, and I should note, the little girl that shows up when you click on that link above is her....just in case you were wondering. She's got a single pig-tail on top of her head, brown hair, squished up cheeks and is wearing a pink shirt. And well, she's just cute! Now I'm off to find out what the winner receives. I'll update when I know more details.

Photo of the Day

2009-09-28T07:15:00.000-06:00

It's Greeblepix Photo Contest Time

2009-09-22T09:21:00.006-06:00

Hi there. Yes, I know. You don't have to say anything, I KNOW. But first..... It's September and it's time again to enter a photo into the Greeblepix Photo Contest over at Greeblemonkey. Of course I looked through all of the other entries that are up so far and wow.

WOW.

I have some tough competition this month. But that's okay, I'm doing it just the same. And I'll do it again next month. Unless I win this time. So. Here goes, here's my entry:

And so I'm #26 on the list of entries. My favorite number!

Wish me luck!

Eight Miles of Heaven

2009-09-08T13:08:00.004-06:00

Keven and I made an attempt to visit Eleven Mile Canyon earlier in the summer per the recommendation of our neighbor, but we missed our turn and ended up driving a long dirt road that eventually joined up to Eleven Mile Reservoir. And for the life of us we just couldn't figure out why our neighbor said the drive was 'so pretty' because really? It wasn't. AT ALL. When my brother and his wife were in town about a month ago, I suggested that we check out Eleven Mile Canyon since it's fairly close to home and easy to get to, and well that time our trip was a success. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. So beautiful that I could have stayed there all day. And all night. I love nature, I can't help it. The sound of flowing water, tumbling over rocks. The sounds of birds flying overhead. The warm sun beating down on my face and the top of my head. Me and nature, we have a bond. This past Sunday Keven, the kids and I packed into the car and headed west again to drive through Eleven Mile Canyon. You know, since I knew where it was this time and because Keven didn't get to go when my brother was in town. And it probably didn't help at all that I've continually talked about how pretty it was since that day, and well, he wanted to see it for himself. We've also been contemplating a camping trip before the fall / winter sets in and we wanted to scout out possible campsites. So. Here are some photos that I took the original day I visited, and then some from Sunday. It's a photographers dream, so you just KNOW I was in heaven. FOR REAL. ENJOY!

So now do you understand why I've dubbed Eleven Mile Canyon as 'eight miles of heaven'?

Snippets of Time

2009-09-07T16:41:00.000-06:00

When we last met up here we were about to head to the zoo to celebrate Isaac's FOURTH birthday. Yes, I've allowed that much time to zip right on by but guess what? I don't mind. Hopefully you don't either. The trip to the zoo while chaotic (10 kids + a baby) was a total blast. The kids all started off in high gear, running to and fro, hollering and screaming leaving all of the adults looking for that magic taser hidden in a back pocket somewhere. Okay fine, I'll admit: I was the one looking for the taser. And if I could spell out the word 'I' any differently to show you possibly how much I really wanted that magic taser, I would. But you know 'I' is just that I, and well....what was I talking about again? I started to second guess the whole idea of a birthday party at the zoo (which started out with a picnic lunch in the parking lot, then cupcakes, then presents) but not too long after we fed the giraffes and saw the elephants, and the tigers and then the grizzly bears, the kids started to settle down. It was then that all of us adults started taking bets as to when the meltdowns would start. We rode the carousel, we visited with the goats in the petting zoo, and before we knew it we were one exhibit away from the gorilla house, which is usually our last stop in the zoo. It was right around that time that I casually said to a lady (while counting heads of kids) as we were coming out of the hippo house to NEVER have 10 kids. And wouldn't you know the lady looked at me wide eyed and I swear to the heavens above she said these four words that shook me to the core: I HAVE TEN KIDS. I kid you not. Then she proceeded to name them all, in order from oldest to youngest. I was so overwhelmed with shock that I gave the lady a hug right then and there in the stinky atmosphere of what was the hippo pool. And you guys! Usually I don't invade other peoples personal space but I was so exhausted from keeping track of TEN kids that I just couldn't imagine a life with ten kids, and well - my arms. I could not control them at that point from reaching out and giving that nice, sweet lady a hug. BY GOD SHE DESERVED ONE. Good thing she was cool with it because afterwards I was sort of embarrassed with myself. We marched on to the gorilla house and visited for a while, then headed for the parking lot and sure enough, one by one the kids started to melt like rubber on the hot asphalt. I think some of the adults that were present melted a little bit too. Let's just say this: it was good that we ended the day when we did - I mean enough is enough right? That evening we had a small 'family' birthday celebration at our house with my Mom & Dad where more presents were involved and pizza and quite possibly more cupcakes. It was the perfect way to end the day - a fun filled day at that. And then before we knew it the weekend was over and Monday had arrived and we did what we do best; we motored on through the week like a well oiled machine. But not without a few minor hiccups. Evenings were full of crocodile tears when homework was being done, and bedtimes were fought like World War III. I even got my first 'talking to' by Isaac's pre-school teacher because his attitude had all of a sudden taken a turn for the worst. And then the neighbors had to go and paint their house*. On Saturday we invited some friends over for a barbecue in celebration of a friends 31st birthday, and on Sunday we took a drive through Eleven Mile Canyon; otherwise known as: eight miles of heaven. Sunday evening Isaac and I headed to a local park to enjoy the Balloon Glo only to find out once we got there (and after we had walked 12 hundred miles) that it had been cancelled. But right before that? A neighborhood boy took a spill on his bike and was rushed off to the ER to get five stitches in his chin. And as a sidenote: It totally could have been one of my kids because five minutes prior to the accident happening? I was outside warning all the kids to BE CAREFUL because they were making me nervous. I woke up this morning before the sun even came up to head down to the very same park for the hot air balloon liftoff - which was a success - so now my holiday weekend is complete. Labor Day weekend just isn't the same without checking out the Colorado Balloon Classic. I've eaten more food this weekend than I care to acknowledge and I seem to have misplaced my motivation somewhere. Instead I just sit here just thinking about all that needs to be done before the reality of the week sets in. How is it that the holiday weekend flew by like a skein of geese heading south for the winter? So there you have it. Snippets of time if you will. *Our HOA was in an uproar over the color of my neighbors house. A color that they got approved beforehand. But that's a totally different story. Oh and also? Photos to come.

FOUR

2009-08-29T08:30:00.004-06:00

Today is Isaac's fourth birthday and in just a few hours we'll be hanging out with some friends at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to celebrate. Later on tonight we'll be celebrating with my parents at our house with pizza and cupcakes.

There is never too much celebrating when you are four years old.

In the back of my mind though I'll also be thinking about all those that perished or were affected by Hurricane Katrina four years ago. The say dame I brought a precious new life into the world. Bittersweet no? I reflected on some things about Isaac a few weeks ago, feel free to re-read every single word because you better believe I still have those feelings today. I cannot believe he's four years old already.

Happy Birthday Isaac, Mama loves you!

Yes, I'm that Mom

2009-08-25T14:17:00.001-06:00

When the boys went to sleep last night they were hungry. You see, earlier in the evening at dinner, neither boy wanted to finish eating. There they were both sitting in front of pretty full plates, each claiming they were stuffed. Tired of fighting with them about eating I made a deal with them and sent them outside to play. They were very well aware that they'd get nothing else to eat until breakfast. And I meant it - NOTHING. Well you can guess where this is going.... When they came in a little while later to get showered and ready for bed, they were hungry. They wanted something to eat. So I did what I said I was going to do, I stood my ground and refused to give them anything to eat. As I was giving Isaac his hugs and kisses and tucking him into bed he was still crying about being hungry and I reminded him again about the deal we had made. And then I heard his stomach growl. I felt so horrible for putting him to bed hungry but I didn't cave and get him anything. I think they now know that I was serious about what I said. I'm mean yes, but man, I'm so tired of wasted food. :: :: Isaac had his first day of 'pre-school' on Monday and guess what? I didn't even take a photo of him. Because our daily routine hasn't changed at all, it seems just like any other day. I take him and drop him off at his current pre-school, and during the day someone from the district pre-school (which is in the same building) comes and gets him and takes him to his class for a few hours. When class is over, they bring him back and then he gets picked up in the afternoon once we get off work. While I do feel bad about this, I suppose I will have to wait and save the fanfare until he starts kindergarten next fall. :: :: Keven Jr. finished his first week of FIRST GRADE without any issues. His teacher did note in his planner though that he was 'chatty' but chalked it up to just being excited. He seems to enjoy it although you'd never be able to guess because he won't talk about it! When I ask him what he did during the day he gives me candid, short answers with no detail at all. Which is fine. Considering we haven't had any meltdowns or refusals to get up (on time!) and go to school at all is great. But then again we are only in week two.... By the end of the week Keven Jr. was obviously super tired and a tad bit cranky, which I expected to happen. Something though that I did not expect? Homework every single night with the exception of the weekend. Tell me, is that normal? :: :: Isaac's birthday snuck up on me this year. As in just today Keven and I threw together some ideas which quickly resulted in official plans for his birthday. Which is SATURDAY. Yes, this Saturday. Good thing our friends are flexible and spontaneous like we are and so far, I think it's going to be a great time. I just hope Isaac isn't too mad, he wanted to go 'ice skating' for his birthday and well, the zoo just isn't the place to do that. At least not in August. :: :: This morning after the kids were dressed, somewhere in between watching Scooby Doo and brushing their teeth, I was trying to track down Isaac's pajama's. I located the top of the set but for the life of me could not find the shorts. I asked Isaac several times what he did with them, but he kept saying he didn't know. I checked the hamper. Under the bed. In the bed. On the chair where he usually puts them...NOTHING. After some more poking and prodding Isaac finally spoke up and admitted that he still had them on. Underneath his shorts he was wearing to school. The silly boy put his shorts on over top of his pajama shorts. You see what I have to put up with?! More to come.....

And so with that, the summer ends

2009-08-18T21:22:00.003-06:00

Today was Keven Jr's first day of first grade. Hard to believe that the summer is over, and that I am a parent to a first grader now. It's all going to fly by (even quicker) from here on out, isn't it? We went to Back to School Night last night to drop off his school supplies and meet his teacher. He very timidly introduced himself before he took off to wander around the classroom. He found his desk and put all of his supplies away and discovered that a few of his classmates were friends of his from Kindergarten. He seemed eager to start school again. He seemed excited. We then headed off to the cafeteria to have some ice cream before heading home. It was an early night. Because we were pretty relaxed during the summer with bedtime we've slowly tried to re-introduce early bedtimes again over the last week or so in anticipation of school. Both kids were sound asleep almost as quick as they laid their head on their pillow and getting up this morning was no issue either. I was shocked. We headed to school, parked and made our way to the meeting area to find his teacher. We hung out for a few minutes and soon the other kids started to arrive. And then the warning bell rang. I tried to give him a kiss good-bye as I was leaving to take Isaac to his pre-school class but he turned his head to avoid me. I embarrassed him he said tonight at dinner. He had homework to do tonight. A simple 'about me' type worksheet where he had to write three things about himself, and include a photo. Since when was homework assigned out on the first day of school? When I asked him about his day and what he did in class he replied with "we talked a lot and did stuff". His answer was typical and totally expected. I'm excited for the year that's ahead of us and curious about what he'll learn and excel at. When I peered into his classroom to see what they were doing after I dropped Isaac off he was sitting on his assigned number attentive and ready to go. I cannot tell you enough how excited I am for him.

Holy crap you guys, I am a Mom to a first grader!

Giving it ANOTHER shot

2009-08-17T19:07:00.007-06:00

Hey everyone! It's a new month and another chance to enter the Greeblepix Contest over at Greeblemonkey so I'm going to give it yet another shot. I entered and made it into the finalist round last month but unfortunately didn't win (but thank you all who voted!). So who knows, maybe this month is my month? Here goes nothing! This is my submission for this month:

Wish me luck!

TIDBITS

2009-08-14T15:03:00.000-06:00

Isaac has slept in his bed, in his own room, by himself now for five consecutive days. This also means that for five consecutive days? He's had candy for breakfast. With chocolate milk. I think we have finally taken care of the sleep situation, he seems completely comfortable in his own room now, and is even super proud of himself in the morning when he does make his way into my room. Now if we could only keep him and his brother from falling out of bed..... Keven Jr. lost a tooth last night. It's been loose for a while now, maybe a month or two, but the other day when he was talking to me, the tooth was jutted out further than the rest of his baby teeth. I took a peek into his mouth and noticed that his adult tooth was coming through already so I told him it needed to come out soon. He has a dentist appointment on Monday, I told him that the dentist would probably yank it out (which would HURT) if he didn't do so beforehand. Last night at dinner he was whining and crying about how his tooth hurt. He didn't want to eat his dinner because his tooth was hurting so I offered to pull it out for him. And he totally let me! About an hour later when it finally did come out, he giggled his fool head off and then raced outside with his tooth in a Ziploc to show all of his friends. At bedtime he put the baggie under his pillow and checked it first thing this morning when he woke up. He was happy to see that the tooth fairy did come, and couldn't wait to show his mouth off to his friends when he got to school. What's the going rate for the Tooth Fairy these days anyway? Speaking of school, we start Tuesday. I can't believe the summer is over. But I can't complain, we had a fun-filled summer. I'm excited for Keven Jr. and for what's to come now that he'll be in 1st grade and I'm as equally excited for Isaac to start speech therapy later on this month. It's hard for me at times to wrap my head around the fact that they are growing up so quickly. And I can't do anything about it.

To the 5 Boroughs

2009-08-11T21:24:00.010-06:00

I mentioned in my last post that we had another run in with the wild donkeys (burros rather) but don't worry, no burros managed to stick there heads into our car this time. But boy was it a close call.

If you look closely at that photo, it's blurry. It's blurry because as I was snapping the photo and laughing my butt off, my brother slammed the car into drive and pulled away from the shoulder of the road as quickly as he could. My mother was frantically trying to roll up the car window to avoid a very close up and personal encounter with the creature.

Automatic windows only go UP so fast. Those silly burros. They have yet to disappoint me with the silly antics. I'm still laughing my tush off at the expression of the burro on the left. Part of the reason why we headed west into the mountains on Sunday was to track down these stubborn but sort of cute wild animals. My brother and his wife have a wild horse, and while they really wanted to see wild horses in Colorado on their visit, I told them about the burros (because I have NO CLUE about wild horses in Colorado) and they wanted me to take them to see them. Animal lovers you don't say?

I was really nervous that we weren't going to find them.

But we did.

They were way off in a field but that didn't stop us.

We parked the car and took off into the field towards the donkeys. Excuse me, I mean burros. It didn't take a few of them too long to get curious enough and before we knew it a few of them were heading towards us. They kept coming and coming and then there they were. Standing right in front of us. Rather close for that matter.

They were curious about us. We were curious about them. And I have to say for being wild animals, they were as gentle as could be. Both my brother and sister-in-law petted them. And when they started to get too close, my brother would nudge them in the head and they'd back off. Some paid us no mind while others, well they'd just stand there with this look on their face. One even got bored and fell asleep.

We slowly worked our way back to the car where my mother and father were waiting and the burros followed us the entire way. Probably didn't help any that my sister-in-law offered them some Ritz crackers that she brought with her from the car.

They sure do like Ritz crackers.

They ate the whole roll. We made a mad dash for the car when the cracker roll was empty and then took off leaving the poor burros left on the side of the road to graze on prairie grass.

Oh those silly wild burros.

You make me laugh.

I heard my sister-in-law tell my brother today that she wanted one.

And since she mentioned it, I think I want one too.

Yesterday and Today

2009-08-10T22:03:00.007-06:00

I don't think I mentioned this before but my brother and his wife are in town visiting. Unfortunately they leave tomorrow, which seems too soon, but we've had a nice time with them. I think they have enjoyed themselves as well. Why is it that time always flies when you have company in town? Keven Jr. went to his first sleep-over this past weekend. We dropped him off on Saturday afternoon at his friends house then headed over to my parents house for dinner. Isaac surprised us that night by sleeping through the night in his room - ALONE - and to reward him I let him have candy for breakfast. Yesterday we (me, my parents, my brother and his wife) headed west into the mountains to Eleven Mile Canyon. Keven stayed back in the Springs and hung out with Isaac, and headed over to pick up Keven Jr. from his friends house later that afternoon. The weather for our trip was perfect. The start to my day however? Not so much. We stopped at one point to get some gas. I headed into the convenience mart to get coffee and then we hit the road for our final destination. Shortly after we got back on the road, I got a phone call and for some reason I put my scalding hot coffee in between my legs to free up my hands. And yes, I know you are shaking you head at me, wondering why in the world I'd do such a thing because I'm sure you know what I'm about to tell you. I spilled hot coffee all over my lap. And let me just say this: IT WAS HOT. And I burned myself in my nether regions. It stung. I muttered bad things. I writhed and wiggled in my seat. I even unbuttoned my pants at one point to try and ease the sting. And man did I laugh. And my sister in law laughed. And my MOTHER even laughed. As a matter of fact she laughed her fool head off. And I can't blame her because it was funny. The stupidity was funny. The burn part, yeah not really. But I'm okay. I think I'm going to live. And as an extra added bonus? I didn't get any on the car seat at all. GO ME. To make matters worse, later on that afternoon while I was getting out of the car, my pinkie toe reached out to cling on to the door for some reason and let's just say this - I think I broke my pinkie toe. But I'm okay. And yes, I think I'm going to live. I totally know where Isaac gets it from. SERIOUSLY. Oh, and you remember the wild donkeys? Actually they are burrows. I (we) had another run in with them and made friends with them. They like Ritz crackers. Our day trip was followed up by a nice dinner out with everyone (Keven and the boys met up with us to eat) and then we all went our separate ways and called it a night. The boys were completely wiped out by the time we got home and Isaac was so proud of himself because he slept alone in his room the night before that he asked Keven to put his brothers bed back in his own room. For the first time EVER both boys slept in their own beds, in their own rooms FOR THE ENTIRE NIGHT. I however? Slept like crap. GO FIGURE. Today hasn't been much better. I had a particularly crappy day at work however things started to look up at 5PM when I started to head home. All the sunshine and rainbows quickly turned to sour however shortly after we had dinner. The kids were outside riding their bikes and out of nowhere a huge clap of thunder struck and I went outside to round up the kids. Not even five minutes after I got them into the house it started to hail. It started off small (pea sized) and gradually got larger and you guys, I was amazed. It was the biggest hail I've ever seen in my life. All four of us stood outside on the back deck under the overhang to watch it come down. And I laughed my head off at how the hail was bouncing like those 5 cent bouncy balls all over the grass, off the roof....off my finger for like 10 minutes straight. Once it stopped we collected some up and put it in a Ziploc bag. Oh yes we did - it's in my freezer as we speak. And of course I took photos of it. SEE: Pretty big I'd say? And just so you can see actually HOW BIG these little balls of ice were, here is one of those pieces compared to a quarter: Uh huh - TOLD YOU. Then Isaac got stung by a bee THREE TIMES. The end. Oh I won't leave you hanging like that. Isaac was out in the back yard playing with the hail, and throwing it at things and gathering up more by the handfuls when he suddenly started screaming bloody murder. I thought Keven Jr. pelted him with a piece of hail (SORRY KID for blaming you) but as Isaac's screaming didn't subside, I knew something else was wrong. I spotted a yellow jacket on his shirt right near his armpit and immediately sort of freaked. I swatted at the yellow jacket to get it off of him (my attempts were successful and then the bee got squashed to death) and tried to calm Isaac down as best I could and rushed him inside to ice down the sting and give him some Benedryl. He's never been stung before and with all of my crazy allergies I was worried that he'd go into anaphylactic shock so I got him to calm down (when he cries he gets all splotchy and puffy - LIKE ME) and started to look for symptoms of an allergic reaction. It wasn't until we pulled his shirt off that we realized the bee got him three times. We looked for the stinger (never found it) and put some calamine lotion on the three welts and then gave him some M&M's to make him feel better. And then we met up with my Mom and Dad, and my brother and his wife for ice cream. The end. For real this time.

Weekly Winners 8/2 through 8/8

2009-08-09T21:59:00.003-06:00

If you'd like to see more Weekly Winners, head on over to Sarcastic Mom and check them out!

Photo Hunter: Low

2009-08-08T08:58:00.000-06:00

To learn more about Photo Hunters, and or sign up - go HERE If you are curious about other Photo Hunters - go HERE If you would like to see the 2009 Theme List - go HERE

May 25, 2009

2009-08-07T21:09:00.001-06:00

When my siblings were young? My father was serving in the United States Army. He was doing his job serving time performing duties that I imagine kept him away for long periods of time. Doing tours that had him off on foreign soil fighting wars for our country. For our freedom. The family that I would join many years later moved around from place to place to place during that time. They went where the military took them, and they knew nothing different because that's just how things were. :: :: :: :: I remember talking to my brother one time shortly after I moved to Colorado, I can't even remember now what we were talking about but I do vividly remember him telling me how weird it was to hear me talk about our father. Because life for my siblings growing up was very different then my life growing up. My father was present. By the time I was born, my father had retired from the military and was working outside the home full time. The only difference was that he'd come home every night. We'd eat dinner together. He would come to my school events and would take me and the neighborhood kids to Carvel's for ice cream in the back of his pick up truck. He was a part of my childhood. He was a part of my youth. I'm sure my siblings have memories of my father being around as they were growing up too, but it was different for them. And since I came along a lot later then they all did, there are a lot of things that I wasn't even a part of. I've just heard stories. I've seen the photographs that document those moments. But I wasn't a part of it. :: :: :: :: On Memorial Day this year we were in California visiting my brother and his family. On that particular day we drove into Sacramento and went to the State Capitol. Out on the lawn of the backside of the capitol building is a monument dedicated in memory of the Californians who died, or remain missing, that fought in the Vietnam War. We spent some time paying tribute that day along with others, wandering in and out of the circular memorial, looking at the flowers and the letters that people who visited before us left in honor of those hero's. I spent some time reading the multitude of names etched into the stone that went on for miles and miles it seemed. I wondered what each and every person that was there that day; what their stories were. Was it a family member that they lost? A friend, grandfather, uncle, brother, nephew, father? My Dad doesn't talk about his time spent in the military very often, but when he does? YOU LISTEN. It's those rare snippets in time that you so desperately want to know about, but feel guilty even being interested in because you know how painful it still is for him to talk about. Even after all these years. At least that's how I imagine it is for him. But for some reason that day he did talk about it. And we listened, clinging on to each and every word that he had to say about what he did in Vietnam. Where he spent his time, what roads he helped build, and so on. Tam Quan. Ho Chi Mihn Trail. :: :: :: :: I was born in October of 1975. And while the time frame that my father spent over in Vietnam escapes me at the moment, the war was declared over in April of that very year I was born. After we returned home from our trip I went back through the set of photos that I took that day in California and a wave of emotion hit me like it never had before. The realization that I am even here on this earth at all shook me to the core. My father is here still with us unlike so many others that simply are not. I'm so lucky. So damn lucky. :: :: :: :: I have so much respect for anyone and everyone that's either served or is serving in the United States military. Words could never express just how so. It makes me proud to know that my father fought hard for everything I have today and even though I wonder sometimes about his experience in the military, if he were to never mutter another word about it ever again? That would totally be okay. He's still here. And that's good enough.

Me, myself and Mr. I

2009-08-06T16:50:00.007-06:00

In just a few short weeks you'll be four years old. FOUR. Already. How does that happen anyway? And dare I even think about how next year around this time you'll be starting kindergarten? I think I need a moment to let that sink in. Actually? Let's pretend I didn't even mention it. I can't stand to even think about it yet. You are simply growing up way to fast. You are tall for your age. Most people that see you are shocked to learn that you are still only three. That is if they even notice your height since most can't seem to get past your gorgeous, long, curly hair. I've lost count, the number of times a stranger has commented on how lovely your hair is. And to think you are going to eventually hate it.

Granted, I'm more attached to it then you are but still. I can't bring myself to cut it short. You keep saying you want a mohawk of all things. But in my mind that's just you trying to be like your big brother. And now that I think about it, I think you enjoy having longer hair. I've caught you several times over the last few weeks brushing your hair. You've even asked me to brush it for you. And when I stop? You ask me to brush it just a little bit more. It's moments like those that make me cling to the idea that you are still in fact, my baby. YOU? Growing up? NO WAY. Your knees are skinned all to hell, covered in band-aids that are days (maybe even weeks) old that you refuse to let me take off. I attribute your clumsiness to the fact that you can't keep up with your fast growing body. You are all legs and arms. But you still love it when I scoop you up and hold you just the same. You love to be tickled and have the most infectious laugh I've heard in a long time. You are always by my side stepping on my toes, wanting something to eat (GUM is your favorite foodstuff at the moment) or protesting what's cooking for dinner because you'd rather 'go out to eat'. You are always on the go. You love loud music, dancing and singing really loud. You are so much like me it's not even funny. People tell me all the time that you look a lot like me, but if you look closely you have your dad's features.

Well, except for the nose, the lips, the eyes and your fresh new freckles.

You have no fear and are always testing the limits on how high you can jump, how fast you can peddle your tiny little bike or how much food you can cram in your mouth so you can just outside and play already. You can't sit still long enough to watch TV, but you love to be outside. You love to play in dirt. You love being mischievous because you know how to get away it. That sweet little innocent face. How could anyone resist? You are doing remarkably well at 'school' and absolutely enjoy 'bring your bike to school day' and 'swimming day'. Your teachers love you and tell me all the time how well behaved you are. Except for that one day last week when you lifted up that little girl's dress. I am excited for you to start speech therapy once school is back in session, even though at this point I don't think you really need it anymore. I love how naive and honest you are, even if it stings a little to hear your realizations. Yes, you told me that I was fat. But then made me feel all better because you reassured me that 'you loved me anyway'. You talk in your sleep and still manage to sneak your way into my bed at night. It's not as often as it used to be but still, I would have thought by now you'd be okay with sleeping in your own room. But I guess not. And honestly? I haven't done much to keep you from doing it.

You are so sweet when you cuddle up to me and hug my neck tight. You are something else kid. And I wouldn't change anything for the world.

Ready. Set. GO!

2009-08-05T08:07:00.001-06:00

It was just a few days ago that you even considered giving it a try. And that was only because we had the opportunity and some time to pass. And when I tried to help, you'd push my hand away and scoff at me. You were determined to do it on your own. Patience. Perseverance. Dedication. You had a goal in mind and you were bound and determined to accomplish it. And that's exactly what you did. You tried and tried and tried. Never once did you give up. He spent the greater part of Saturday afternoon and a bit of that evening practicing. And not to mention most of the day Sunday giving it a try as well. Monday evening he came inside the house extremely excited. He wanted me to come outside so he could show me something. Something he promised to be impressive. He was beaming with pride. And lo and behold, he had done it. He jumped on his bike, gave me a smile and pushed himself forward with his feet and took off. Just like that. He was riding his bike!

I'm still in shock that Keven Jr. is riding his bike around with all the neighborhood kids like a pro, especially considering he took that spill on his bike not but a month ago and broke his wrist.

He's so proud of himself. And he's heard 10 times over how proud I am of him.

So, so very proud.

Where the Crawfish come from nobody knows....

2009-08-04T16:38:00.001-06:00

On Saturday we headed up to Denver for the day to hang out with some friends of ours. Keven went golfing for the afternoon with my girlfriends husband, and we headed out to a bird sanctuary with the kids to do some fishing. For craw fish. Now I wasn't really sure what to expect, I've never fished for craw fish before. So when my friend pulled hot dogs out of a plastic bag, I was confused. Are we grilling for lunch? We tied some fishing line around a little chunk of hot dog, and tossed the line over into the shallow water from the floating bridge we had stopped on . And we waited. And while we waited I kept a close eye on Isaac because I was convinced that at some point during the day, he was going to fall into the water.

And I didn't want that to happen because I didn't bring a spare set of clothes.

It only took a few minutes. We could see them coming from all directions, making their way to the hot dogs. The craw fish could smell the hot dogs! We even got a few nibbles by some decent sized fish.

The kids got all excited, watching and waiting anxiously for the craw fish to grab on tight so they could slowly pull it to the surface just in the knick of time to scoop it up in the net before it let go and dropped into the water with a splash. It takes skill to catch craw fish. Even more importantly, it took team work. We kept them captive in a bucket for a bit and eventually released them back into the murky waters when we decided to call it quits for the day. All in all I think we caught about 30 craw fish. And one tadpole. It was nice to see the boys having fun. It was nice enjoying the afternoon in such good company.

It's days like that that make me realize what summer is all about.

And it makes me realize that I don't want it to ever end.

Click Click Click Click

2009-08-03T21:22:00.001-06:00

If you've been reading me for any length of time you probably already know this but photography? It's my hobby. Actually, it's my dream. When I'm taking photographs, I'm in my own little world taking in anything and everything that I can, in my own way. Through my lens. Through my photos. It's the best way to experience the world. It really is. Quite a few months ago I found my next door neighbor (who's a professional photographer) on Facebook. Shortly after we became Facebook friends, he invited me to join a 'Photo of the Day' group that he had started. All of a sudden I became a part of this group of experienced photographers and was feeling pretty timid about sharing my work with them. But then they started complimenting my photos. And giving me tips and suggestions on how to improve. And sometimes they had nothing to say at all. The support from this group of people has been quite overwhelming. I've been working on my portfolio and then I plan on visiting local merchants to see if they'd be interested in showcasing my work - just for visibility. Then hopefully I'll participate in a few gallery shows / craft fairs and eventually? I want to start my own business. I have no intentions of turning this blog into a photo blog, but I've decided that I'm going to post a photo a day. If you follow me on Facebook, well just enjoy the photo again.

Room 2450

2009-07-29T20:07:00.000-06:00

I think my head has finally deflated enough to write a post about my weekend. It might not make much sense, but I'm doing the best I can. You see I went to Chicago to attend BlogHer09. It was my first conference ever. It was a slight bit overwhelming as I expected, but it was also amazing. I had a fantastic time. I met a bunch of bloggers, bloggers that I read every single day, bloggers that I relate to in more ways than I can count. I even met bloggers that I had never even heard of. I managed to collect a stack of business cards, and eventually I'll sit down and sort through them all and add them to my reader and to twitter, but for now, the faces of those people behind those cards will be etched in my memory instead. And here is where I tell you that Chicago is an amazing city. I vowed to myself before I left to come home that I will return someday to vacation; only because there is so much to see and so much to do. But for the time being I'm satisfied. Oh the memories, Chicago. They will be with me forever. I was blessed with wonderful roommates. I seriously could not have asked for a better group of ladies to share a room with. Five women you guys in one room! And not a single fight broke out over the bathroom. Or the hair dryer even. As things progressed and the plans were being made, and changed, and talked over some more I had my doubts about rooming with four ladies that I had never even met before, but it was wonderful. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat - I've made new friendships that will last a lifetime. I'm sure by now you've heard the stories, the good and the bad, about things that happened while BlogHer09 took Chicago by storm, but I'm not going to get into any details about them here because they didn't happen to me. Well okay, I did see a couple of women upset and downright angry over a situation in which party promoters ran out of swag bags, but that's neither here nor there. I was shocked yes, but it didn't spoil my time. With all that said I'd like to include a few things worth mentioning. I met Amalah. And Sundry. And Sweetney. Back to Me, Pocklock and Pseudostoops. Cagey. Mommy Always Wins, Friday Playdate, Notes from the Trenches, Boobs, Injuries & Dr. Pepper, Rick from TinyPrints, The Blurb Blog, Mommy Bits, Caitlin from Mabels Labels Inc. and Wine Please! to just name a few. And not to mention for the first time ever I met my wonderful roommates MrsCPA, Mrs. Ca, and Jenny. And it gets even better! Amy and I reunited in Chicago! The last time we physically saw each other was in like 1994. Maybe 1995. Thanks to the Internet we found each other again after losing touch for several years, and seeing her and hanging out with her in Chicago was just excellent. It was like old times again. And also? I MISS HER. Some other things that I will always remember? Getting tattooed with MrsCPA, dinner with Lost a Sock, the photo booth at BowlHer09 with Mrs. Ca and spending time with Amy while taking in the sights at the Navy Pier. The CheeseburgHER party, and I can't forget Jenny. Oh Jenny, I will forever think of you when I see glitter. *snort*. I'm sure there is so much more I'm leaving out (I'm positive actually) but the bottom line is this: I had a wonderful time. I met some wonderful people. It was an experience that I will never forget, an experience I hope to have again another time. Thank you to everyone, most especially my roommates. Ya'll made it that much more fabulous. So ladies, see you in New York City?

GO! Hurry, hurry!

2009-07-23T15:30:00.002-06:00

Remember this post? Well I was selected as a finalist! If you ever feel so incline, please head on over to Greeblemonkey now and vote. Before it's too late. Voting ends tonight! SO GO!

Try, try again

2009-07-21T18:02:00.006-06:00

Quite a while ago I entered a photo contest at Greeblemonkey. My photo wasn't selected that time around but I'm hoping maybe this time it will. Or maybe it won't. Either way, I'm putting myself out there and giving it a shot. I mean really, what do I have to lose?

Here is my submission: The winner will receive a $250 camera equipment rental from Pro Photo Rental, which would be really cool to use. I could you know, try out new lenses and stuff.

Once the submission time frame has closed, 10 finalists will be selected and then that's when you come into play. Well at least I hope so anyway, because I'd love to have your vote if I make it that far.

Keep your fingers crossed and I'll keep you posted.

Photo Hunter: Rocks

2009-07-18T06:48:00.000-06:00

To learn more about Photo Hunters, and or sign up - go HERE If you are curious about other Photo Hunters - go HERE If you would like to see the 2009 Theme List - go HERE

Priorities

2009-07-17T16:20:00.004-06:00

It's not uncommon for me to snooze my alarm multiple times in the morning before I actually get up to start my day. It's also not uncommon to find a certain little three year old snuggled up to me when I wake up. Yes, I'm talking about Isaac. He's STILL sneaking his way into my bed on a nightly basis. The other morning as I was going through my routine of getting out of bed, snoozing my alarm, and getting back into bed more times than I probably should have, Isaac was laying quietly next to me wide awake. I managed to doze off a few times but the very last time I tried to, I got the eerie feeling that someone was watching me. I opened my eyes and sure enough Isaac's staring me down. "Mom." he said in a stern voice. "Is it done yet?" When I asked him what he was talking about he said "You know, sleeping? Is it done yet?" I chuckled to myself and took that as my queue to just get up already and so I did. He cheered loudly and then I heard him say "Good. Can you get me some chocolate milk now?" He's got his priorities straight, doesn't he?

Sporadic at best

2009-07-14T13:05:00.005-06:00

So yes, I went and disappeared again. I've been making a habit out of that lately and honestly? It drives me crazy. But for some reason, whenever I sit down in front of the computer to get caught up on email, or write a few entries around the blogosphere, other things distract me (Facebook and Twitter I'm looking at you!) and then I'm left with nothing. NOTHING I said. Things have been crazy pretty much ever since we returned from our trip to California (that I have yet to even tell you about). We arrived home from our trip and immediately the next day I was back to work as if I never left in the first place. We came home with one extra person though (my nephew) and enjoyed his company for a few weeks until he jumped on a plane and flew to another part of the United States to continue his summer vacation. We enjoyed a little downtime and then welcomed another round of visitors (my brother and his family of 5) a mere week after my nephew left. We did some sight-seeing, ate good food, slept in on some mornings and woke up early on others, and just hung out and had a good time. It's always nice to see family isn't it? After my brother’s family left we again had about a week of downtime and then next round of visitors showed up. Wendy and her family came to Colorado for their family vacation and they stayed with us! We had a fantastic time with them and if I do say so myself, I think they enjoyed every single minute of it! As you can see a lot has been consuming our time. The summer is just flying by but we are having a really good time. But now things are quiet.

Keven Jr. is dealing with his broken wrist just fine. He hasn’t complained of it itching, being bothersome or anything. The novelty of having a cast has sort of worn off, but otherwise he’s still doing everything he did before; to include riding his bike. He’s becoming more and more independent as he gets older (no more kisses allowed when I drop him off at ‘school’ these days) and he’s been waiting patiently for his first loose tooth to fall out. Note to Self: he requested a boy ‘tooth fairy’. He absolutely loves the game Risk and can do math in his head better than I can. I’d say he’s ready for first grade in the fall (holy wow a little part of me just died typing that – 1st grade?) and really, where’d my baby go? Oh and I must add that he’s only smacked his brother upside the head with his cast once, which is a lot less than what I was expecting. Those boys sure can fight – A LOT.

Isaac is just being Isaac, and is doing a good job of it. He’s in that stage right now where everything he says and does is cute and funny (well MOST everything) and he’s just a fun, fun, fun kid. He’s lovable and sweet and says the darnedest things sometimes (none of which I can think of right this moment of course). Second Note to Self: BLOG MORE. When my nephew was out visiting us he labeled Isaac with a nickname ‘Spills’ and I have to say, it fits perfectly. That boy falls down more than I trip up the stairs and has the band-aids to prove it! He’s tall and is often mistaken as being older than he really is, and at times I even have to remind myself too that he’s only three. He was accepted into our school district speech therapy program and will be starting in the fall when school is back in session. We’ve noticed great improvement in his speech over the last few months, but I think he’ll benefit from the program just the same.

So there you have it. Have no fear though I have lots more to share with you and all but that’s it’s for now. I’ll try not to stay away for too long this time. Pinky swear.

A boy and his cast

2009-06-26T06:25:00.003-06:00

Oh the popularity. Keven Jr. has been loving the attention of having a blue cast on his arm. When I got home from work last night he bugged me and bugged me for a Sharpie so that the neighborhood girls could sign it. Today he's bringing two markers into school for his classmates. "A boy color and a girl color" he said. I think he's loving all the attention - what do you think?

I still can't believe he broke his wrist!

broken homes and broken bones - nihilism!

2009-06-25T16:39:00.001-06:00

Never in a million years would I have expected to have a son with a broken wrist. And here I am with a son with a broken wrist. And it's not even Isaac*! Keven Jr. took off on his bike yesterday evening and went zooming down our steep as a mountain driveway and tipped over at the bottom. He was going too fast. He did what any normal person would do to soften the fall - he stuck out his hand to brace himself. When I got home from work he was crying. About an hour later he was still sort of fumbling around complaining that his wrist hurt. He wouldn't let me touch it. It wasn't really that swollen, but my gut told me that something was wrong. We decided to ice it and wait it out. He didn't sleep well through the night and the first thing out of his mouth this morning was how bad his wrist hurt. It was slightly swollen, bruised and still hurting and he still wouldn't let me touch it. So off to the doctor he went. The doctor took xrays and sure enough he's broken. Diagnosis: a buckle fracture in his right wrist. I swear there's never a dull moment in my house. *Isaac is so clumsy and falls down all the time to the point that his cousin nicknamed him 'spills'. I thought for sure Isaac was going to be the first inducted into the Jones Broken Bone Hall of Fame, but I guess I was wrong. Good thing I didn't bet on it.

BEWARE: Bombs ahead

2009-06-03T20:37:00.007-06:00

Not that long ago I posted about the birds nest in the tree in our front yard. I was anxious and excited and couldn't wait for the eggs to hatch and for baby birds to emerge and grew worried that we'd miss all the action because of a vacation we were going on. I have no idea how long it takes for bird eggs to hatch. When we came home the first thing I did was look for Mama Robin. I was happy to see that she was still sitting in the nest, exactly as she was when we left early that morning for California. It was almost as if we never left. And it seemed as if the eggs hadn't hatched. Then Keven and my nephew cut the grass one day and told me later that night about how out of nowhere Daddy Robin emerged and started dive bombing them whenever they got remotely close to the tree. The eggs had hatched and there were babies.... Tonight I caught glimpse of Mama Robin feeding a baby bird from a distance and I went and grabbed my camera to try and get some photos. I managed to snap a few (cautiously and from a distance) but oh boy what a mistake that was.

Mama Robin wasn't too sure of me and my camera so she left the nest and perched on a branch higher up in the tree. Then she started chirping out an S.O.S. and before I knew it Daddy Robin appeared. I retreated back some (I wasn't even that close to begin with) and the next thing I knew Daddy Robin was swooping down trying to dive bomb me. So I went inside and got my big zoom lens thinking that I could get up close shots from an even greater distance and well, that was even a bigger mistake. Daddy Robin was even angrier at me. That's one pissed of Daddy Robin if I've ever seen one! He let me know for sure that he meant business and wanted me to stay away, so I did. I gave up and went inside. After all I didn't want to stress the poor new parents out any more than I already had. And quite frankly he scared the crap out of me!

Maybe next time I'll have better luck. That is if I attempt a next time.

June 1

2009-06-01T22:29:00.001-06:00

This evening I left the office and headed for my car in the east parking lot . It was lightening and thundering and raining pretty good but I sloshed through the puddles in my flip-flops just the same only to remember as I was standing nearly in the middle of the parking lot that my car? Was parked in the west parking lot. My efforts to change things up a bit this morning when I arrived to work - late - didn't do me any good. In an attempt to leave work in a hurry because I was leaving later than usual didn't do me any good either. I had forgotten where I parked and just ended up being irritated and frustrated with myself. I need to slow down. On a day trip we took to Lake Tahoe while in California just last week I was in a hurry to make it to the bottom of a set of sketchy stairs (in flip flops) so I could hurry up and snap a few photos of this spectacular waterfall we had stopped to look at. My family was waiting on me to take my photos so that we could start a two mile hike to Eagle Lake, but because I was rushing and not completely focused I slipped and fell with my camera in hand and my heavy backpack on my back. As soon as I hit the ground I knew I was hurt, my knee was throbbing and I could feel a pulsating knot in my lower back on the right hand side. I walked it off as best as I could and continued on trying not to think to much about it when really all I wanted to do was cry; I was in so much pain. On top of that I felt so stupid because I had fallen. Not even five minutes before this happened I had a fleeting thought in my head that I needed to change into tennis shoes but nope, I was in a hurry. And look where that got me. I need to slow down and pay attention. I've been thinking a lot lately about how jumbled my life seems to be. My email is piled up, I've rarely made the time to blog, I've lost my motivation to eat healthy and exercise regularly, laundry is behind, I have yet to unpack my suitcase from my vacation, my house needs some attention, I have notes scribbled on papers thrown into a pile that have no rhyme or reason, and the list goes on. All of that stuff probably seems trivial to most but to me, everything these days seems so overwhelming and unmanageable. And I'll be the first to tell you that I don't like it. It makes me twitchy, and uncomfortable and out of control. And dare I say it - it makes me feel: lazy. Yet I work full time and have two small children and indeed my plate is full and my cup is overflowing. I am my worst enemy indeed. I was thinking earlier this evening that I needed to sit down and write a list of things that needed my focus; what's a priority and what can wait. Of course my job and my family come first and foremost, but there is no reason why I can't mix in everything else. I need to find a balance. And then I read my horoscope:

Have you been indulging in too many goodies, dear Scorpio? You might feel somewhat under the weather today because of all this abundance. Therefore you probably should take it easy. Take advantage of your mood to think about re-organizing your priorities. Is a second piece of chocolate cake more important than your energy and health? Indulging can be important to your psychological sense of self-care, but don't forget about moderation, and don't forget that there are many other ways in which you can indulge yourself....

I'm taking that as a sign. Things do happen for a reason, don't they? My horoscope today could not have been more fitting. It seems to me as if my mind is right on track. Now if only I could get the rest of me to catch up.

And All The Jones Men

Images of Times Passed

Get By With a Little Help

Her Birthday Is On Sunday

Heads Up!

What did the mommy tomato say to the baby tomato?

The Mystery of the Missing Soap

Oops. I did it again

Settling in to 2011

The Slate is Clean; Starting from Scratch

To cut, or not to cut. That is the question.

Photo Hunter: Numerical

The year 2010; First Day of School

Prolonging the Summer

Trying to get my groove back

Camping at 11 Mile

NEWSFLASH

For the Love of Baseball

Photo Hunter: Purple

10 Things that Truman is Afraid Of

Happiness......

Terrorism Threat Level: RED

And to You All, I Say Thank You

THUNDER

For the love of Summer. And baseball.

I Heart Faces - Yellow

Summer, Summer, Summer, SummerTime

Life in the Fast Lane

Garden of the Gods: At sunrise

RED

Photo Hunt #206: Fresh

"Éirinn go Brách" - Ireland Forever

Where the Wild Things Are

And in this corner

Blog Interrupted

Do-Over

Hello (2010) Goodbye (2009)

To all my friends and family...

Merry Christmas Eve to All!

Together Again

Out with the crazy

And Then There Were Two

Eight Months

It's the most wonderful time of the year

*Let it Snow*Let it Snow*Let it Snow*

Winter Solitude

Tying up Loose Ends

Surgery & Laughing Gas & Nurse Call-Buttons Oh My

At a Loss

December 1

Snapshots and Time

Five weeks was all it took

On the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

Weekly Winners: 11/1 through 11/7

The Beginning of the End

Timing is Everything

This. And That.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Audience Participation

Photo of the Day

October 2, 1999

IndieInk.org

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

Funny Faces of Fredericksburg

Photo of the Day

It's Greeblepix Photo Contest Time

Eight Miles of Heaven

Snippets of Time

FOUR

Yes, I'm that Mom

And so with that, the summer ends

Let it SnowLet it SnowLet it Snow