Closet Redo

I've been getting a bit restless with our home lately. I guess I'm just ready for some changes so today on a whim I organized and revamped the boys' closet. I used what I had on hand and it worked out pretty well.

Here is how it started out. The double sliding doors have not been handy at all since we've had the both of the boys' clothes in the closet together.

After I removed the doors. It's not terribly messy, but I also don't want to see it this way all the time. And the "after" shot, with red gingham curtains hung from a spare shower curtain rod. Thanks for the fabric, Mom! I only spent about an hour sewing the curtains so that was a pretty quick fix. I also moved the changing table into the closet from another room. This arrangement will work better with clothes right by the changing station. Now I'm on the lookout for some stylish and/or functional tie-backs for when the curtains are open. The space for clothing has been reduced, but this will force us to keep their wardrobes a bit simpler and rotate clothes in and out for the seasons.

Retreat and Renewal

The weekend before last I had the opportunity to join women from our church on a women's retreat. I haven't really been involved in the women's ministry at our church, but my dear husband saw fit to sign me up. He thought I needed a break. And what a good break it was! It was the first time since 2003 that I've spent a night away from my children (except for being in the hospital to have another baby) so it was time. This is also the first time since about that time that I haven't been pregnant or had a baby so this was my chance to finally go. I had been telling my husband for months now that I have needed a break but when the time came to leave my kiddos I was the one crying like a baby. After I got over the trauma of leaving them, I really enjoyed the weekend of solid teaching, sweet fellowship, delicious meals served to me that I did not prepare or clean up after and a little downtime to rest, too. I came away really refreshed from the break from normal responsibilities and renewed in my passion for the Word of God.

Here are some photos from a hike I took with a friend on Saturday. When was the last time I've had a chance for a hike without pushing a jogger stroller or wearing a front carrier?! We thought this was a cool rock and reminded us of Jonah and the whale.

All in all, a great weekend! And a million thanks to my wonderful husband for caring for our children so I could go!

Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Sportster would know this is what Bob the Builder would say. He really enjoyed helping Grandpa and Daddy work on building the patio in our backyard. We are so thankful to my father-in-law for his know-how and hard work. We can't wait to get out there and use this new space as the weather permits.

Hooray, no more big yard projects!

Special Visitors

September and October have been busy months with visitors coming out to spend time with us. We are so thankful since time with our families is the best gift we all can receive from them. It is just wonderful for the kiddos to have time to be with their grandparents and enjoy the story times, the jokes and the fun outings we take together, to experience little bits of life together. Here are a few photo highlights of those visits.

A shot with Grandpa and Grandma.

Bundled up after swimming lessons, which Grandma and Grandpa and Great Grandma were able to watch.

Enjoying Smiley on the move.

Playing at Flying W Ranch.

Grandma found some friendly budgies at the zoo.

Grandpa making popcorn for the kiddos, complete with the Popcorn Song.

Storytime with Grandpa.

The kiddos with Great Grandma.

A piano lesson with Nana.

More fun with Nana.

If you are reading this and know us in real life, consider yourself invited! We'd love to have you here with us to share some days with you!

Time Flies!

We celebrated the birthday of our firstborn in September. Sportster turned 5. I think back to a little over 5 years ago when the thought and act of parenting was still so foreign and filled with so many questions. We are still filled with questions and seeking God for His wisdom, but the questions have changed. Nothing can really completely prepare you for the joy, the responsibility, the emotional challenge and the work of parenting. In the early days it is all you can do to just keep up with diaper changes and feedings and trying to fit in sleep whenever possible. Time has flown by since that time in our lives when Sportster was a newborn. Now he is on to writing his letters, learning to read, riding his bike, talking on the phone to his grandparents, and learning about the Lord. We are so blessed to have him in our lives! He brings our home so much laughter.

Here are few shots from his birthday. Grandma, Grandpa and Great Grandma were able to visit during that time, which made it extra special. On his birthday we went to the zoo and to his favorite restaurant and a few days later he had a special outing on the Royal Gorge Train with Grandma and Grandpa.

Blowing out the candles on the special cake made and decorated by Grandma.


Climbing the spider web at the zoo.


A fun meal out to celebrate.

Talking to Nana and Papa , with the assistance of Smiley.

Enjoying the train ride with Grandma and Grandpa.

Our little boy is indeed growing up!

Middle-O-Nowhere Adventures

Or, Reason #162 Why We Need A Cell Phone, or It Could Have Been Worse, or Sure Glad We Have AAA!

Our trip back home from FarmMed proved to be far longer and more interesting than the usual 6 hour drive back to the Springs. More than two hours into the journey we heard an awful banging noise coming from the front of our van. Within a mile or two we were on the side of the road where we spent about the next three hours on a 90 degree day with three young children. Actually, this really could have been worse as the place we pulled off had huge shade trees and one functioning swing for the kids. It was one of those small-town pull-offs that are intended for tourists that have a few picnic tables but still no bathrooms. This is when our cell phone, which we got just two weeks earlier, came in very handy. We've been holding out on getting one for years, but this van with over 190,000 miles is one of the biggest reasons we finally caved. The AAA membership that offers 100 miles of towing was also a big plus in this somewhat remote location. We ended up calling my mom to come and get us (somehow tow trucks can't accommodate 5 people, 3 of whom have car seats), towing the van back to the town nearest FarmMed (using 94 of our towing miles) and spending another night there before having the car fixed by a trusted shop the next day. Thankfully we were able to get home the next day without event, but somehow it seems this type of adventure may become more frequent until that fine day when we have saved enough for a van without so many miles on the odometer. Ah, the memories!

Still smiling!

Thanks Mom and Dad for another night of lodging and for coming to help us. We really hope we won't need you to do this again.

Labor Day Fun

The end of the summer was marked with a trip out to FarmMed. We always enjoy the quietness of the country, the room to let the kids run and the familiar comfort of being with family. This trip was no exception.

Back to Blogging

The last month and a half has been pretty busy for us, but I'm going to do my best to catch up with blogging, just like I am trying to catch up in the rest of my life. Learning to walk, swimming lessons, two rounds of guests, the building of a patio, a trip to FarmMed and a birthday have occupied our time and we are thankful for all the great memories made! Stay tuned for more details.