Our Journey through LIFE!

Good-Bye 2011, Hello 2012!

2012-01-10T11:11:00.001-07:00

Around this house, we were happy 2011 to be over!

Just more then a month ago, I vowed to myself to get back to my blog. As it happens, good intentions can be interrupted with life's unexpected, yet welcomed in this case, distractions.

First up was Christmas programs…

At Church.

Christmas shopping (though gifts were done, there was still items like flour, tape, and many other pre-event items) , decorating, baking and making filled many of my days.

Then came school programs.

And a Little Man’s 1st Birthday

After the party we headed home to pick up a little girl and her daddy from the airport. Our Christmas was officially in full swing now!

Christmas Day was just plain memorable. With 2 - 1 year olds and a 6 month old, it made it extra special.

The day after Christmas is just as much fun. Santa left them some great outside games. Gramps and Unc began to with the tether ball. One old tire, a 10’ pole, some grinding, and a few welds….

After the concrete was poured and I got an idea…

Each penny is the birth year of the grand’s initial. I think I will paint the tire as well.

Next up was the basketball hoop. First they had to heat the asphalt to chip it out for the hole…

Fill the hole with cement…

While it settled before the pole could go in, Unc had to make an adjustment on the tetherball…

And away they go….

Once the pole was in place, they added their hand prints.

By the time they got home from their dads it was ready to go. All we have left to do is paint the rebound lines, boundary lines for the tetherball, and a hopscotch, along with a start and finish line for races to complete this outside play area. Then work will begin on the swing set area that has plans for a fort/hideout high up and if it works out a zip line, a playhouse made out of an old trailer, horse shoes pit, that will also work for ring toss. We have their great grandpa’s old boat that will become a play structure for them to let their imaginations take off and create hours of fun! I am excited that the plan is for this to be well underway by spring. I can’t wait to sit outside and watch them play!

We spent a quit night at home for the New Year commenting on how 2011 ending was no different then the way it began. For Auld Lang Syne 2011. New Year, new journey’s, new improvements, new people, new doctor’s, new decision’s. It will be filled with new memories and honestly can’t wait to see the direction God has planned for us. I will sugarcoat it by saying, God’s plan is awesome! To feel Him walk this path with us has been a joyous blessing.

One change we weren’t prepared for was the loss of Jake (black flat coat retriever). Though he was 13 yrs. old, blind and deaf, and we knew our time was coming to an end, when the end comes, it is still heart wrenching. Plus he died on my birthday. Not a gift I was happy to receive, except his death brought him peace and relief from his pains. While we held him as he fell asleep for the last time, we told him to have fun playing ball with Maybell. It has been years since he has been able to play and now he is free to play for eternity. He also knew his sister Abby (the blonde one) will be following not far behind. In fact we were more prepared for her then him, so it was shocking it went as it did. Even our vet was surprised. She said he probably had a ruptured blood vessel or a clot that made him seize and we could try some drugs to see if they worked, but honestly, I didn’t need to do that to him for just a few more days or weeks but not much longer then a few months. It was his time, so now we just wait till Abby will be joining him and enjoy what time we have left her. On a happy note, at least one for my hubby, I do not have the urge to replace him or even her when she goes. Besides our son’s Nikki (4 yr old American Bull), Bella (2 yr choc. lab) and Tucker our 9 yr Chihuahua, they will continue to fulfill our lives.

So 2012, we are ready for you. Bring it on!

Catching Up!

2011-12-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

I had promised myself to get back to blogging regularly, well life sometimes doesn't let us do what we want, but what we have to...

It's been crazy!

Crazy in a good way though.

Everyone is finally settling in after one world wind of a year. Put offed repairs are being tackled. Stored boxes sorted and restored. New sheds and shelves are filling up...I thought the idea was to thin it out? Seems I still can't part with all those momentoes with the hope that some day they will end up in a memory shadow box, or as quilts and pillows. I do see it happening sooner then before. All this moving around, thinning out, organizing, will eventually bring a designated sewing area. Before that can happen we must finish areas of the guest house and repair others. We need to add more beds! Creatively to boot. And did I mention, it has a very low budget right now, so we must make what we have work until after the new year. Nothing wrong with painting old furntiure until I can afford the new. Who knows, I might like the old stuff when it's done and won't need the new stuff. The biggest budget buster is the flooring. The painted concrete worked great in the beginning but after 10 years, it needs a new look. However, Christmas time is not the time to be spending money on that but at the same time, we need the space for visitors. It might not be a perfect space right now, but it will function for the time.

There you have my month in a nut shell. I didn't even touch on Thanksgiving that was absolutely wonderful! I am working on that post, plus I am working on a daily posting. I decided to do the Jesse Tree this year. More on that too. I promise!

Our 3rd Annual Boo Bash!

2011-11-04T16:54:00.001-07:00

Once home from our extraordinary vacation, we immediately got to work putting together our biggest bash ever.

Last year we had 20 something kids.

This year we had 20 something families. (Not everyone had their picture taken)

Last year it was held on the deck.

This year we had to move it out to the yard.

The Grand’s had to test out the cakewalk. This year we didn’t use the wheel. We drew numbers out of the witches cauldron. We had 29 squares, and more kids then squares, so we held a walk about every 15 minutes. We also had each family bring a small cake or jumbo cupcake. We were so busy since it began, neither I or my daughter took a picture of all the wonderful cakes brought.

In between and even during the cakewalks they played other carnival games. We kind of lost control here. It was our fault for not manning the games. Other then the dart game, which had an adult, we thought the trust and honor system would work. For the younger kids it worked great. They played more with Hoop the Pumpkins, Giddy Ghost Bowling and You’ll Putt Your Eye Out, not just for a prize but for fun. We had hung more witches cauldrons full of treats from shepherds hooks at each game. Most kids would take their turn and take a treat. Unfortunately we had some kids who took more then what we would point out as their fare share. There was enough for everyone and no child would leave empty handed.

As the evening went on, the older kids would man a couple of the games, even without prizes the kids had fun playing. Once all the balloons were popped, that game was done. We learned some lessons for next year and hopefully it will make it run even smoother.

As they continued to play and walk, we managed to get the food out. Since our numbers weren’t known what there to be until that morning, we hadn’t fixed enough. Don’t you just love lessons! Granted it was only 3 new RSVP’s but they just so happened to be LARGE families. Well, fortunately we had a few parents ask if they needed to bring anything…FOOD! Blessing to Albertsons and our dear friend Tina for the fried chicken…you helped feed an army!

We made some new food items this year…

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Turkey Chili

Meat Ball Sandwiches and Buffalo Chicken Wings

New treats this year…

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

And of course our favorite Oreo mummies and pumpkins,along with Nutter Butter ghost. Since cakes and cupcakes were coming, we didn’t go overboard with our usual treats. We did plan to do pretzel rods, but couldn’t find any other then the $1 store ones, which we don’t care for. Not sure if someone in town bought them all up, but after searching at half a dozen stores, I gave up. We tried the small stick webs but they fell apart. Failing once was all it took.

After food there was more gaming while others created frames for the pictures at the Witch Craft area…

The Cakewalk was full each time..

All our guest had such a good time.

One snag that caused us, more like me to let some things go that weren’t working out or coming together was my arm, which is beginning to turn into arms. Back when we learned of the IBM, then the neurosurgeon finding all the tumors, and with the biopsies that were done, they saw more of what they were looking for on one leg then they did from both my arms. We always thought my legs would be what went first. Since they don’t know where, when, or what area will weaken first or even how, we just figured it would be my legs. After all, they are what tire and spasm the most and were what started the doctor coaster. Well, right now, it appears as my arms, more my right has acquired limits.

Back in July, while playing with a grandbaby, I felt the pull. After treating it as a pulled upper tendon, kept it immobilized for 3 weeks, it got better, the pain that is, but I was left with extreme weakness. Before the arms, I had been concerned with the constant pain around my ribs, talked with the doctor, and he agreed that we probably have growth on some tumors, to maybe even some new ones. He did order a scan but knowing the cost, we decided the cost doesn’t justify the knowledge. We discussed our lack of options with the knowledge and agreed, we don’t need to know how big they are or how many more I have grown. Since that appointment we have been focusing on our son and his needs. When the arm thing happened, I really was hoping it would just be a normal injury. Guess not!

For the last couple months I have learned new limits while fulfilling desires and obligations. Our Boo Bash was both. So I sucked it up. And yes, God allows me to be blunt. And I curse with the pain also, and God forgives me for He knows all to well my challenges.

You Capture~Halloween + Harvest

2011-11-03T16:45:00.001-07:00

It’s been awhile since I did a You Capture.

Pop on over to I Should be Folding Laundry to see more….

One More Leg

2011-11-03T10:20:00.001-07:00

Once back on the road, after those awesome balloons, our sights were set for Flagstaff or beyond.

If you have ever been on the 40 across New Mexico and Arizona, there really isn’t a lot out there but some beautiful, wide open landscape.

We did stop for some New Year sparklers, he, he, he!

We detoured through Gallup, food, gas, but not much more. We were making great time,so much so we thought maybe we could make it all the way to Phoenix .

I missed the Arizona sign. Shoot, I can get it any time…I live by the border,only south.

As we were approaching Flagstaff, we also were driving into a storm. Finally something to snap 100 pictures of (only they were blurry with window glare) and settle my boredom. Mainly I was trying to catch lightening. I love a challenge!

Quick stop in Flagstaff and back on the road. Our sights are set for the KOA in Black Canyon, deciding it was best so to have showers. Our final destination is Phoenix International Raceway to watch testing on the newly paved track. If we went all the way in, we would have power since we have a generator, and I could have managed a shower in our tiny bathroom. We have had great luck with KOA’s, well except 1. As always it was very clean, easy off and on the highway, and Bella thought the bunnies and quails we fun to chase.

Our last stop, our last night, and as we enjoy being at the track,we both agreed, it was the best way to end this fabulous vacation.

Even during testing fan have enthusiasm for their drivers.

We didn’t stay for the whole session but did enjoy the time we did. Back on the road to HOME! Only 2 hours away!

Until we hit more storms.

Twice we had to stop because it was raining so hard we couldn’t see out. I now understand why there are pile ups during these. Some drivers don’t slow down or even pull over. A third time, was pure luck. Hubby had to go potty, deciding to pull off and use the trailer, we got hit by that wall of sand had that been south of us. Stopping allowed it to catch us. Praise God we were not on the highway. This stormed caused a number of pile ups. God’s direction has been awesome during this trip. He always had us in the right place at the right time and this was no exception.

Needless to say, because the trailer door was open when it hit, there was a nice layer of sand everywhere. No problem, we’re almost home!

I hope you all enjoyed our vacation as much as we did. Now to upload it to Shutterfly.

God’s Plan All Along!

2011-11-02T11:57:00.001-07:00

As we traveled along…the skies ahead began to change…resembled what looked like lots of birds.

It’s not birds, nor planes, and surely wasn’t Superman….WE HAVE BALLOONS!

The closer we got, the more there were, and more were launching. Hubby was needing gas but didn’t want me missing it. Just as God had planned, an exit with gas, though blocked off so others couldn’t park and watch, we were allowed through since we were getting gas. It happened to be right above the launching area. No wonder signage was what it was. Once again, God has put us in the right place at the right time.

Hubby was awesome. With a trailer in tow he drove down to the festival.

We checked out the RV area. Actually we felt it was the best way to turn, knowing there would be room to turn around. The people who run it, or work there, were awesome. We got information on reservations, and were given direction to the museum, where there would be lots of available parking for us. Wondering why there would be with all this going on, well the launch was actually over. Most people leave right after which worked great for us.

I will never forget this! I will always be thankful for my hubby stopping. Mostly, we praise God for preparing our path, and putting such an awesome experience along its way.

Time to Head Home

2011-11-02T11:23:00.001-07:00

A week at the sons went by fast.

It was a wonderful time, filled with many memories, but when it comes time to leave, we always want not too! We settle our hearts with plans of returning and hit the road.

After we said our goodbyes, the Grand's were still asleep, but our neighbors came to see us off, we were on the road.

While hubby drives, I review the route ahead.

Looks like we might drive into some weather.

This trip was planned to leisurely make our way up via back roads, taking 2-3 days to get there, taking in the sights. The return was in similar time but by way of highways. The way home will become the route we’ll most likely travel on return visits. Our son takes this route when he comes down and does it without stopping, 16 hours straight. I doubt we will ever do that marathon, but figure we can do it with 1 layover.

Time to stop for gas…

Check out what came in behind us….

There must have been 50 of them…

Next stop…

Trinidad, Colorado…I saw a sign (didn’t snap it fast enough) that said, “We saved the best for last.” I don’t think so! This was, in no way, better then anything we had already seen in Colorado. Not knowing, we decide to take the business route to see.

Well, that was a waste of time! Did manage to eat lunch so it wasn’t a total bust.

Wasn’t long before we crossed into New Mexico. Unfortunately there are still signs of the fire.

Our plan at this point was to stop in Santa Fe for the night.

Well, that didn’t work out. Seems we arrived at the beginning of the Balloon Festival and were are NO RV spots available. Since we weren’t really doing any sight seeing on the way home, we never checked into what was available. We thought, since this was going to be a regular route, we would pick up information for future trips along the way. I assured hubby things would be fine, that I was cool with a parking lot for the night. There was no way I was going to let him drive past Albuquerque!

You see hot air balloons thrill me. When we lived in the Napa Valley they flew over almost every morning. When we moved to Yuma and saw our first Balloon Festival here, I was like a kid at Christmas. Our dream had always been to see the festival in Albuquerque. My MIL always loved them too. A cousin lived close and one year she got to see them. She knew how much we wanted to, too. And now the opportunity has landed right in our path. BLESSINGS!

First we need to find a place to stay the night.

We didn’t want to wait to long to find one, so when we saw a camping sign on an exit we took it. Had no idea where it was taking us or if they would have any vacancy but we held on to FAITH. When we saw RV leaving from the direction we were traveling, we saw it as a sign.

Sure enough, they had spots, and lots of them. Guess this place was just to far out for everyone else. Not knowing just how far out we were we wondered if we would see balloons in the sky the next morning.

I woke at the crack of dawn, anxious to see something, but for not. We got back on the road wondering just what will be ahead. We already agreed we would stop, just didn’t know what we would find.

Let’s Celebrate!

2011-11-01T22:30:00.001-07:00

Today will be all about “Punky”!

I can’t believe how fast the year flew by. Because of her, rough times were bearable. Her smile could turn a frown upside down.

Unfortunately daddy wasn’t feeling to good. Either he had to much fun the night before or he caught what “The Boy” had. The verdict was food poisoning.

While we waited for them to come, I did what I like to do for birthday,even if camping. Before we left, I packed some of her baby shower decorations in the trailer. I had also done birthday shopping for both of them, so it was packed away with the decorations.

I went to Safeway and bought a small individual size cake and decorated it.

Bella had such a good time with the kids and never tired of playing ball.

“The Boy” had a birthday a few weeks earlier so instead of mailing his gifts he got to open his along with sister

While we cleaned up dinner in preparation of birthday cake, more ball playing took place.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you….

We are so blessed to have had the opportunity and means to celebrate her 1st birthday with them. So much so that as long as they live where they are we will be making more trips up.

I couldn’t believe it was time to head back home already. Part of me really would have liked more time. Next time…3 weeks!

Yet Another Day of Sights

2011-11-01T20:42:00.001-07:00

I forgot to tell what we did with Bella when the places we were going don’t allow dogs. She went to her very first doggy day care. A first for us too and couldn’t have been more pleased. At first she didn’t know what to think, tail between her legs kind of timid. Once they threw a ball she was cool with them and them her. If you are in the Denver area, check out Tenaker.

Once she was dropped off we headed to the Capitol. We also wanted to do the U.S. Mint but that requires reservations. Oh well, next time.

The Capitol is absolutely beautiful. When we learned we could go up to the dome, I was determined to do it. Problem, it was 99 steps up! Hubby chose to stay with “Punky” and we headed up the first 38 steps.

Once in the attic there was a lot of history to see. One thing caught our eye so we asked some questions and learned that the dome in the senate hearing room caused echoing so they boarded over it. The reason they have an opening to inside the boarded dome and boards on the floor is to lower the chandelier for cleaning.

Yep, I made it up the last 61 steps…

The view down the dome to the first floor…

The view up and from the first floor.

There is even another staircase to another level but it will never be opened.

In there stair well you can see how thick the original building was. Once down we met up with grandpa and “Punky” and headed around to the side where the Mile High medallion is ….

Lunch was at the Bass Pro Shops awesome Outdoor World. Since we needed lunch and we needed a tent why not!

We watched the guy clean the tank…

“Punky” is so her fathers child. They love lemons! I love the pucker they produce.

After lunch we wandered through the store. Grandpa and “Punky” enjoyed the big fish tank while dad played at the shooting arcade.

We never did find a tent, and they had a lot to chose from, just not on sale and nothing in the clearance. But “Punky” got a bird that chirps. She loves it!

After we picked up Bella from daycare, we dropped them off at their house and headed back to camp. Of course we had our visitors when we got back.

Once rested from our wonderful day,we headed over to babysit so the parents could go out on a date. Punky really liked Chinese food. “The Boy” wasn’t feeling to good. He had come home from school sick.

Next up, a little girls 1st Birthday!

Exploring Some More

2011-11-01T17:45:00.002-07:00

This time with our son and “Punky”.
Once our son found direction to the go-carts we were off.

Divers Meeting is important

Punky enjoyed her freedom to check things out.

Dad and Grandpa are ready for the green flag!

Just after a few laps the caution flag was thrown. Not for an accident though. Hubby was having a hard time breathing.
Son looking back to see if dad was ok…
“Punky”was curious too!

It only looks like he dad was winning…actually he only made a few more laps before it happened again. That pretty much ended the race.

Next was Golden to tour the Coors Brewery.

It was bound to happen, my batteries died in my camera just as we arrived at Coors. In order to get the pictures I did I had to turn the camera on and off, but eventually that stopped working too. We meant to stop on the way back to camp, but then our sons Lovie offered to stop to get the hamburgers and hotdogs to BBQ, but forgot to request batteries also. No problem. After dinner the evening was spent playing in the meadow with Bella, watching the dear, enjoying the campfire before calling it a day.

Another Day of Sights

2011-11-01T14:28:00.001-07:00

And by no means for sore eyes.

We will never grow tired of our regular visitors…

Today we are heading towards Boulder. Not sure where we were going to stop.

Once in Boulder…we never saw any signs for points of interest. Not that they didn’t have any, just we never saw them. So we stopped at a Ranger’s Station and they recommended a awesome drive that would provide lots of fall color. We needed gas for this drive so instead of going the way they directed, we reversed it. Later will would learn why they recommended the other way.

Just out side Pinewood Springs and before Estes Park we come upon…

So we had to check it out. The program available during the summer was perfect for our Grand's. Hubby talked with the Ranger and acquired all the information we will need for such an adventure.

We had lunch at Estes Park which is right outside the Rocky Mountain National Park.We chose not to enter the park and save some wonders for when the family is all with us.

As we continued on our drive, just past it’s intersection, right on the corner,these guys or gals, were just taking a rest…checking out the people…not a care in the world.

We hadn’t gone much further when I just yelp, YOU NEED TO STOP! Ok, one doesn’t say something so urgent without a reaction. Thankfully he was just as excited to see what I saw.

Finally we get to see that fall color. We also realized why we were to come up the other way. Climbing up the mountain of color is better then going down. Thankfully hubby would stop so I could capture it.

In case of flooding…isn’t it common sense! I guess someone didn’t know what to do, sued because there wasn’t a warning, LOL, so signs were made. Honestly that didn’t happen, at least not to my knowledge. We just thought they were kind of funny.

This section was the most vibrant. Can you imagine what it must have looked like a week later. Living in the desert, fall color, like this is not seen. With the open range we would even wonder how it felt for the settlers. How did they ever decided on a certain claim.”But honey, what’s over that mountain?’

Some left behind remnants of why they came to these parts…

Traveling on…

We seem to find some interesting things back roading it…

The lake at the dam was beautiful.

It appears as if entering this tunnel, Denver was on the other side. No, I just didn’t see anything else to capture while going 65 miles an hour once out of the canyon. We were on the back side of our round trip, traffic, city life really doesn’t please me. But in order to experience the great stuff we must weigh through some not so good stuff.

Wonder, Wonder, Who!

2011-11-01T11:37:00.001-07:00

Oouu, Who wrote the book on love?

Ok, so it was a song by the Monotones, but on this trip, songs like this kept popping up, or more like playing on the radio.

I guess I could claim we are writing A book on love! And for this couple, this trip was full of many moments to write about.

Just like the morning before, our day started with visitors…

With map in hand we set out for a 3 hour tour…a three hour tour! Actually, if we weren’t going to stop anywhere that’s how long the round trip drive would be. Add in sight seeing and it becomes a full day trip.

I won’t bore you with the drive from Aurora to Morrison…let’s just say we had lessons in road signs. Like always, we just laughed it off, and would be thankful we didn’t have a 30ft RV behind us this time.

The little town was cute but we came here to see the Red Rock Amphitheater.

Even though we were way up at the top we could hear each child or adult on the stage with any amplifying. Amazing!

We stopped at their gift shop and were told about Dinosaur Ridge. However,when we got there, the tour would take 45 min. – an hour. It was a rather warm day, in the upper 80’s and leaving Bella in the car was not an option. We agreed to do it another time. Like when we come back with more family.

Yep, the wheels kept spinning on getting the whole family up this way. We totally understand that if it is Gods plan, it will happen, someday, somehow.

To get to Dinosaur Ridge, you pass….

Since we had to backtrack to our tour route, hubby just had to check it out.

At first he stopped way up the staging lanes.

I encouraged him to get closer. I really wanted him to drive up and stage the truck but he wasn’t sure it was ok.

I know I try following the rules, but I also see this as an opportunity. The gate was open, no signs stopping us, no people stopping us. It was like God had us at the right place at the right time. If He had opened doors for us up till now, whose to say we couldn’t fully experience it.

Ok, the guy who owns the track or maybe who ever is driving that other car, but come on…when will we ever be in that moment again. In the end, respect won. We agreed not to push the door open any further.

Back on the road to where we detoured…the scenery, the ROCKS, I love rocks! And I am in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE with the Rocky Mountains.

We stopped and had lunch in Evergreen….

As we headed toward Buffalo Bill’s Museum, we came upon some moose. We had pulled over to view the map as there was a fork in the road and we had to make sure we were going the right way. While there another car pulled in and asked if we could them. See what? Moose! Right over there, beyond the brush. Saying we hadn’t and deciding to go look for them, we pulled across the street, and just like other cars, we crept along gazing and clicking away.

Well that was exciting. So much so that when we saw a sign for a Buffalo overlook we took it. Darn signage. Kicked our butts again. We never did find the overlook (later we learned we didn’t go far enough). When we stopped seeing signs we thought we missed a turn. Back tracked to the point we thought we made a wrong turn and hadn’t but decided not to waste any more time and continued back to the main road.

When we made a turn around a curve, this is what we saw…

Right in someone's backyard! This is the MAN of the herd…

…and we watched him shoo him away another guy with a load yeya sound, and lunging toward him.

Our final stop for the day is Buffalo Bill’s

The view from up there…

The only buffalo I would see, at least for this trip…

We found the museum interesting but Bella needed our attention. So while I shopped the gift shop, she managed to draw a crowd round her.

She just has to suck up the last attention before we head down a very windy road. Back on the highway to camp the only snag now was traffic. Something we NEVER have and really don’t know how people who do can deal with it EVERY day.

It was nice to get back to camp and to our very friendly neighbors…

Check Out Our Campgrounds

2011-11-01T09:04:00.001-07:00

First we slept in.

Took long hot showers that cost $1.25 for 7 1/2 minutes. So it cost us. They were NEW bahrooms,very clean and once hubby worked his plumbing magic, we had decent pressure. The site we picked was just above it so the walk was pleasant.

Then we walked Bella.

Hubby cooked us breakfast.

Walked Bella again.

Did some grocery shopping. Made a run to Home Depot to repair, well actually not repair but solve a problem of Bella’s nails getting caught in the little holes on the RV step. Solution, buy some stair tread pads and Gorilla tape and walla, problem solved.

Walked Bella again, and again.

Basically, we decided to just hang out and give driving a rest. We did explore our surroundings though…

There is a big lake at the park…

We drove all the way around it….ok, so did do some driving today.

Found one of the beaches. On another day we did find even a bigger one.

There is even a marina. As we pulled back out, there is a road on top the dam, so we took it..

It brought us right back to our campsite. All the spaces in the park are like this, big, open sites. We have a big meadow in front of our site which gave Bella lots of freedom. Well as much as a 50ft rope would allow.

When we got back we had visitors…

Bella wasn’t to happy with them…they ate her food. Ok, we should have known better then to put her food outside and forget to grab the garbage bag. Call it a senior moment or out of practice. Hubby didn’t forget how to build a fire though. Even Bella had to get in on the action.

As the sun set, dinner grilling, Bella comfortable by the fire...we wonder, what wonders will we see next.

Back To Our Regular Scheduled Program

2011-10-31T23:23:00.001-07:00

I forgot to mention why we were heading to Colorado.

This little one…

…will be turning ONE! Can you believe it?

With that said we got on the road to our destination for the next week.

We got settled in and were out walking about…

When we looked up and it was our son and his family.

“The Boy” wanted to walk back with us.

“Punky” loved her new backpack and brother decided he needed to help her smile. Like this little girl needs any help with that. In fact, she thinks she doesn’t need any help at all and wants to do many things herself.

Even walking, she doesn’t really like holding your hand. But we kept at it.

And brother…well he was trying really hard to jump, I know it looks more like flying across the benches. In case you wonder, he never smacked the other bench with his face. Believe me we were worried he would.

So dad jumped in to help with proper take off and landing and off he went…

Sister is such a monkey see monkey do! Yes, she wanted to do exactly what brother was doing.

And brother would do what sister was doing. They were just to darn cute!

No sooner had we gotten back to our campsite when we saw someone else who wanted to play, or eat rather, right where the kids were playing.

We instantly went back down, ever so quietly as to not spook them. We were able to get within 10 feet of them. If we had offered them food, they might have come closer but there are rules.

It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

That is until we went out to dinner. It was terrible service, not much better on the food, but the company made up for it. We’re to be on our own for a couple days while they work and go to school.

And boy did we see some great stuff. Stay tuned!

No Rest For The Rested

2011-10-31T21:48:00.001-07:00

The minute we pulled into the driveway, my plan was to unpack slowly, hang out with the dogs that had to stay home, and watch some of our recorded programs. I also was only going to start getting ready for our 3rd Annual Boo Bash.

Boy were we surprised when we found out we were going to have visitors that very weekend.

It was a perfect weekend to dedicate Grand Buddy.

These 5 just have the best time together.

Though my house was not ready, as always we welcomed the surprise.

Oh, And We Spent Time…

2011-10-31T21:33:00.001-07:00

Cleaning up after some powerful storms.

At one point was raining or hard and the wind made rain going where we really don’t want it. Thankfully it passed by without causing much damage, just a few limbs in the yard.

Of course Bella enjoys all the branches.

We Interrupt The Scheduled Program

2011-10-31T21:08:00.001-07:00

I took a break from our vacation to catch up on other things we have been up too.

Before we even left the trailer needed some TLC. First I took all the NASCAR stuff out since we won’t need it till…well, like next week. At the time, which was mid Sept, it would be November. Traveling for 2 weeks, we needed the space. With cupboards cleaned out, it was time to properly arrange them. The closet in the hallway really needed a make over. Before I had a shoe rack hanging to house hubbies, ok and my, hats. I decided it would be better used in the bathroom as a hand towel, wash cloth, hair accessory, storage.

It hung perfectly on the shower curtain rod. Bath towels hang out the bench next to it. Most the time I will use the shower facilities at our location. It is a small bathroom with a small and I mean small tub. Visualize a laundry basket fitting in it perfectly, which is what I do with our dirty clothes. If do need to use it, lifting the laundry basket out is a minor thing.

With the closet empty we went shopping for new storage things and found these hanging shelves. With one on each side it leave the middle open for item that must be hung up.

It hangs close to the front which leaves storage space behind for the vacuum, umbrellas and other items. There is still spots for the hats, and I even left some shelves for hubby. Though while traveling, he never did use them so they worked great for souvenirs.

The Road to Durango

2011-10-31T19:12:00.001-07:00

It was a blessing to have tire trouble, that is if you can see things like we do. Sure it was inconvenient but from the changing, to the repair, the people we met, and Bella seemed to draw them in, we would have never had the pleasure we did. God seems to put people, even places in your path when we least expect it. We got to be a part of other’s journeys, just as much as they became a part of ours. As I reflect on our journey to write this post, God’s plan was for it to be just what it was.

As we drove out of Cortez our view was changing rapidly.

The high desert was changing colors and terrain. It made me anxious to see what was ahead. With each turn, the view changed.

Durango was a cute little town. It reminded us of Nevada City, a place we visited often with the parents as we had property not far away in North San Juan. Antiquing in a place like this had been a thing of the past. I couldn’t enjoy it because they weren’t here anymore. It just didn’t ever feel right until now. I think, when you lose your parents, and they had been a big part of your life, it takes time to heal. Since it was not the only thing we had to deal with, it did take longer for some things to find their proper place. Slowly but steadily we have healed, grown, overcame, and made it through so much these last 10 years. Even the last 7 months wasn’t a picnic, but to now be, or again be, enjoying the life that God has planned for us, it is right where it was all suppose to get us.

However, as we walked down main street, hubby, out of the blue, said…”Mom would love…” to a variety of places or things. Honestly, we felt them with us throughout much of the trip. RVing was something we did together. Our kids remember many trips with them. Now it’s our turn and this trip was just the beginning. It was just what we needed, to do something we always enjoyed. RVing with a destination but no reservations. Free to stop and go, stay or leave. Next time, we already decided, we will go for 3 weeks. Before you know it I will have him on the road for 3 months, the hottest in Yuma and the best time to get away. The times they are a changing around here, and ALL for the best. How can I not feelso blessed.

The road out of Durango was awesome…

Though we never saw any along this stretch…

We drove right past this point of interest only because there was no place for a truck and RV. But we could see the falls from the road…

The road just kept winding up and up…

We found a place to pull over for the Great Divide and some great people we met took our picture. We then returned the favor for them. That’s how RV’ers roll!

I have never seen a snow shed, never knew they existed. I wonder if I will ever see snow on it…very doubtful. However, never say never!

Del Norte liked metal art…it was everywhere…

Between Del Norte and Alamosa we had to decide which fork to take.

The 285 would provide some awesome scenery, lots of mountain to go up and down. The 160 was more mountain but would take us to the 25, and honestly, we were ready for some highway travel. We were ahead of schedule, even with the tire delay, so we made way to Pueblo, CO for the night.

Off the mountain coming into Walsenburg…

As we pulled into Pueblo we learned there was an Air Show in Fort Carson and most places were booked. This KOA was no different then the one in Cortez and Flagstaff, it even had a miniature golf course.

I am beginning to like these KOA’s. They called ahead to another one on the other side of town and they had room. Though not as nice, ok, we had to see a bad one sooner or later, right. By now we didn’t care, we just wanted to call it a night. In the morning, it was as desolate as it had appeared in the dark. The only neat thing was this giant trampoline…

Next up, we head into Aurora…are surprised by some guest just after we checked in…check back later as I continue with this vacation journal.

We Had a REAL Vacation!

2011-10-30T21:54:00.001-07:00

It had been a year since hubby and I got away for an extended period of time. Last years vacation was nice but it was planned around meetings, some work and a graduation. We did manage a few vacation type days, but this year we had 13 days of REAL vacation. Some work calls were expected, but other then that, we just took off, hitting the back roads to Colorado….

No navigation system…

Just a road atlas, and we were off…

We had the Magellan with us but never used it. We had to take some highways…

I must say I am getting pretty good at taking pictures while traveling 65 mile per hour.

Our first site seeing stop was Montezuma's Castle…

Bella had a great time as well.

Back on the highway to…

I have driven by, but never really through. What a beautiful little town. We decided we need to come up here more often. Not that far from home that we couldn’t do a weekend trip. Now that I am getting the hubby on the road again, I see more get-away’s ahead.

We had never stayed at a KOA before. Years ago they were known as the worst campgrounds in the not so great places. The one in Flagstaff was beyond our expectations…

We were back on the road the next morning, heading north, destination 4 Corners for our site seeing and onto Durango, CO for our nights rest.

The Painted Desert is ahead…

We made an unexpected detour and just awed at the scenery

I only wish my camera picked up the actual color. Just like how the Grand Canyons view can amaze you, the Painted Desert is just that, a living, 360 degree painting and it’s all around you.

Things were going great. We were just going to make a quick stop for a snack and let Bella do her business …

Yep, there really is a town way out in nowhere called Mexican Water…

when we spotted…

A BIG gash out of the tire.

We have no idea when, but what we can figure we hit more of the wheel barrel on the highway the day before then we thought. Did I forget to mention that? That’s how much we thought about it then too. We had been on the 10 for sometime when ahead of us, a wheel barrel flies out of a truck and as cars are swerving to miss it, just like us, it’s bouncing and breaking in all directions. Unfortunately the guy behind us, couldn’t see it coming once our trailer cleared his view. Not all of us stopped on the highway. Hubby felt he had missed it. I thought I had seen a piece come out from under the trailer as I looked back so he checked things over and we saw no damage. He was always good about checking the tires every time we stopped. I’m sure I have mentioned other tire problems lately, so we have learned how to roll with this one too…

Even Bella had to see if she could be of help

Plus the view was awesome!

We knew4 Corners wasn’t to far ahead but figured we would go into Cortez, get a tire and back track in the morning.

When we came upon our turn, hubby pulled over, checked the spare and decided we could continue on our original plan and stop, then head into Cortez for the night instead of Durango.

Unfortunately they don’t allow dogs on the monument.

We even tried doing the self snapshot thing…we were just in the moment…many more moments ahead.

As they lowered Arizona’s flag we headed into…

The next morning we took care of the tire situation…

And Bella got to see her first ground squirrels…

Tires, gas, food, ice, Bella feed, and walked, we’re ready to hit the road to Durango!

What Faith Can Do!

2011-10-27T09:25:00.004-07:00

I love this song! But for some reason it was dropped from my playlist. I wish you could hear it, but hopefully I can figure it out.

We have been on some windy, steep roads throughout out journey. What always gets us through, and what always will is FAITH!

Even when we are being tested or taunted by the worlds ways or an individual, we rely on our faith to rise above it.

Everybody falls sometimes…

Gotta find the strength to rise from the ashes…

and make a new beginning…

Anyone can feel the ache….

You think its more then you can take….

But your stronger, stronger then you know…

Don’t you give up now…

The sun will soon be shinning…

Gotta face the clouds…

…to find the silver lining.

I've seen dreams that move the mountains…

Hope that doesn't ever end….

Even when the sky is falling…

I’ve seen miracles just happen…

Silent prayers get answered…

Broken hearts become brand new…

That’s what FAITH can do…

It doesn't matter what you've heard…

Impossible is not a word…

It’s just a reason for someone not to try….

Everybody's scared to death…

When they decide to take that step…

Out on the water,

It’ll be alright…

Life is so much more…

Than what your eyes are seeing,

You will find your way…

If you keep believing.

I've seen dreams that move the mountains…

Hope that doesn't ever end…

Even when the sky is falling,

And I've seen miracles just happen…

Silent prayers get answered…

Broken hearts become brand new…

That's what faith can do…

Overcome the odds…

You don't have a chance…

When the world says you can't…

It'll tell you that you can!

I've seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn't ever end…

Even when the sky is falling…

And I've seen miracles just happen…

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That's what faith can do…

That's what faith can do!

Even if you fall sometimes….

You will have the strength to rise….

Random Moments

2011-08-23T18:33:00.001-07:00

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2011-08-19T11:25:00.001-07:00

After our 2 night 3 day staycation, I only had a few days before our house would be full of little people running around. Busy was I putting together the last touches on what was to be a...

Birthday Party!

Celebrating a birthday around here is a big deal. My daughter and I love creating some awesome themed events. This one was put together for the whole family to just have some down right, much need fun! Grandpa made a car wash for the "Grands" to drive through...

we gathered together sponges, buckets, squirt bottles, water guns and lots and lots of water balloons.

The house was ready. The yard was ready. Presents were bought and wrapped. All we had left was for them to arrive.

Busy was my daughter with these "Grands", getting them ready for the first day of school...

...which means "Grandma Wednesday's" begin again! Which meant they got to test run the car wash and it washed her windshield perfectly!

After they left I got busy again making beds and preparing for the middle of the night arrival of this "Grand"...

And of course she came with her dad and brother...

For 2 days we just kind a hung out, played, and enjoyed watching these "Grands", playing with these "Grands"...

All waiting for yet the other "Grands" to come, just doing what kids do best, being kids! I could just melt!

I was busy Friday morning finishing the last list, for the last trip to the store, when the call came that the Guest of Honor and his siblings were not going to make it. For now, I will just "Sugarcoat" it and will explain at a later time and in FULL the details of just what a certain ex pulled, AGAIN! I couldn't believe it, that as busy as I felt just minutes before, a sudden halt came over me and I was just numb. I will say it took me for a spin! Quickly we had to pull it together for the other many small children questioning why they weren't coming. Unfortunately, 2 of them have been hurt by her doing this very thing many times before. Sad to say it but they are beginning to understand more then we would like.

With a few prayers, I mean a lot of prayers, asking for direction, strength and courage, we all decided that it wasn't fair to the other kids. We had already told the church friends the party was off, but we could still enjoy the time together as a family. The 4 year old didn't really understand and kept asking when the birthday boy was going to get here. "I came from Colorado for his birthday party!", "I know", "When will he get here", Remember, we told you there was a problem and he won't make it", "So we won't have cake?" That did it! We were just going to have to celebrate in his honor! We didn't sing Happy Birthday, there was no opening of presents, but they played with all the water fight supplies, we BBQ'ed some ribs, swam, slid, splashed, and made the best of a bad situation.

Even "Buddy" hung to out by the pool in his Kidco PeaPod...

And just as "The Boy" had wondered, we did have cupcakes after dinner.

Though we missed having the one the celebration was planned for, we were able to see the blessings right in front of us, and we will continue to believe in the work God is doing to bring a resolution to all this.

Blessings, always blessings along Our Journey Through LIFE! No matter how busy we get, no matter what road blocks pop up along the way, we will always look at and see the blessings!

Another "Grand" Staycation

2011-08-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we spent a few days having a mini "Grand" Staycation at

The Arizona Grand Resort!

With it being close, well 3 hours away that is, as a family, we have decided to continue making it our yearly Before School Begins Spalsh weekend. Last year we took these smiling faces...

This year we went with our daughter and her family. (Hubby came too, he was changing into his swimsuit but couldn't pass up taking a picture since Buddy was awake.)

Arizona Grand Resort is a "Grand" place for the family!

A trip to the Arizona Grand wouldn't be complete without a trip to Build A Bear...

Then back to the resort for more fun in the sun...

Bug was the only one tall enough to go down the slides. Even this grandma went down a few times. However, this little Button was an inch short. Every day she wanted remeasured to see if she grew.

While dad and brother rode the slides, she hung out being one goofy girl.

After an afternoon of sliding, lazy river floating, wave pool splashing it was time to get dress for dinner.

We voted on eatingr at the...

The Kids got to slide down a slide to get to the dining room.

Of course us old foggies took the stairs.

(sorry about these picture, they came from my cell since my batteries died in my camera shortly after arriving)

Other then our dinner taking an hour to get, the evening wasn't all bad. The kids had fun and by the time we left they were bone tired and ready for bed.

Our last day brought a visit by our son. He didn't have his kids with him but it is always great to spend time with him, his love and Little "D".

Once everyone was ready we all went down the lazy river. However, with all of us in the water, no one took any pictures. After we just hung out in the wave pool, play pool and ordered lunch. Bug and I took a few rides down the slide and Little "D" had fun in the kiddie pool area.

It never fails, even though you plan out everything, everyone is in agreement about it, when the times comes, they don't want to leave. Trying to get one last picture, with 3 very tired, but won't admit it kids, and a Buddy not really sure what is happening, this was the best I got.

Driving the 3 hour trip home, well for us that is, Little Buddy was not happy being in his carseat causing them to stop a number of times, we arrived home just as the sun was setting, bringing an end to our Mini "Grand" Staycataion.

As if...

2011-07-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

...we haven't had our fare share of life around here lately.

Though we continue to embrace all the positive things that have risen far and above any of the negative, but really, can we just for a while not wake up to a day where we have to navigate around it.

As if...

Orders being messed up, for a rather LARGE commerical job for our business, from a vendor who dropped the ball, which caused delays, which could result in penalties for not finishing on time....wasn't enough!

As if...

Your service trucks drive line breaking while in service, causing the frame to break, requiring it to be towed, resulting in an emergency repairs so to baby it along, while researching options to replace it....was needed right now!

As if...

The huge pump truck, that was coming in for the above job, knew it would break down in route, delaying it a day...was what they needed also. Blessings in disguised...it gave time to fix the the drive line in the service truck though.

As if...

We planned for the toilet in the master bath to break. Thankfully it was a quick and cheap fix, but still required the added trip to the hardware store that he had already been to, how many times already that day?

As if...

We should have known the toilet breaking was just the beginning of other things to follow suit. More light bulbs burning out, shower heads needing replaced, dish washer having issues, ice machine leaking, and to add to all it, now the septic problems of today. Great thing to find out while in the shower!

As if...

One would think a week of that would be enough, but no! Right in the middle of all that, it seems something else just had to happen that needed to be dealt with. Just one more thing...really...why not...I mean...bring it on, I can deal with it!

My computer crashed, burned, and is offically dead!

Praise God my hubby took me out that very evening and bought me a new one, but...

As if...

I don't know it is just a material item. After all it was just a laptop. Sure it had some of my journeling on it and all my pictures for the year, (thankfully I moved years of pictures to an external hard drive and only kept current ones on it) but I have learned from past experiences, these can be recovered.

However for 6 years that laptop traveled this journey with me. It went everywhere with me. It held some of my most deepest thoughts and secrets (shh, don't tell). Not just the ones I kept in a file, or thoughts shared here, but ones that I would write while traveling, while waiting, while going through this or that, to him or her, ones to get the junk out of my trunk so my load was a bit lighter. During these times I would write, and write, and write even more, like therapy writing. Words no one would ever read. Words I hope I would never have to say. (ok,so I have put my foot in my mouth a few times, hence why I write and delete it!) They would only be saved until they were no longer needed. Discarded like a bad book. But though deleted or what will be recovered, the keys that were pressed, the top that was shut when I had had enough, that laptop will no longer be a part of it.

As if...

My fingers don't already miss how they danced across that key pad with ease. It didn't have a backspace tab anymore, but it still worked. It didn't have a camera, but was going to get one so to skype. It didn't have GB's of space, thus the external. But it was my BF!

I am now forced, pushed, thrown into learning a new laptop with new functions, different keys, and those keys, when pressed, even feel differently. Kind of like life, right.

As if...

Lately we all haven't had some new things, things to get through other things, things that take us to more new things happening around us.

It's Our Journey Through LIFE and

As If...

this little guy just doesn't make the journey blessed...

How We Spent Our 4th of July!

2011-07-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

I had not prepared or planned any type of celebration until the 30th when our son and "K" texted that they were coming for the weekend.

REALLY! I mean, of course, we'd love to have you!

This would be his first trip from home that didn't include going to doctor's. We were honored for his first outing to be to here. After all, for the last 3 months we have been traveling over to him every weekend, sometimes longer depending on his needs, and this was going to be our first weekend home in a while. What we had planned on was catching up on housework and yard work. So with the news of house guest, we quickly got our butt's in gear.

The guest house hadn't seen guest in months except for a few spiders that thought they had found a nice new home. Armed with all the supplies I decided to tackle it first. All went well until time to clean the bath and no light. Went up to the main house, grabbed a new bulb (light requires 3 of those round type bulbs but I only had one), folded the laundry, put everything in the basket and headed back out. Put the bulb in...and nothing. That little thingy dingy that is suppose to connect between the other thingies was just dangling there. GREAT! Another trip to the store!

In the meantime I went about pulling out some of my 4th decorations. I had to at least make it feel like the 4th. Since working outside was going to be difficult because of the HIGH temperatures, I cleaned the patio and furniture well into the night.

Up early Friday morning to first check on this little one who was having surgery at 8 AM.

Nothing serious, Praise God! At first our fears were there until the doctors at Children's Hospital in Denver assured our son it wasn't a hemangioma but an inflamed gland. She snagged all the nurses heart with her precious little face. I mean how can you not just love that face!

With nothing but good news, I got back to the work at hand.

The wind during the night didn't think my plates looked good, so I agreed with it and removed them...

I also changed out the chairs. Simple, dimple! I have to add that the table cloth here is actually 2 - 60 x 102 Walmart $3 vinyl cloths I cut to make a round. I love this 72 inch table but linens can get expensive for it. I have learned a trick on how to reduce cost, to reduce adding more linen to my already over stuffed linen cabinet, and I get the look I want. I bought a few basic main clothes that go to the floor and in a few neutral colors. Then I add table toppers using this same technique. Since these are used for a number of occasion's they fold up great and are stored in their respective containers, thus eliminating any more over crowding in the linen cabinet.

Back to our 4th of July...

With the HEAT I decided to set the inside table as well. Not that we were having a lot of guest this year, but I just had to add some cheer!

The kids arrived on Saturday and we were ready...well as ready as can be that is.

They swam...

More like he sat in the pool while we all floated around. That little guy is "D", and is "K's" son. In case I haven't introduced him before. He has made his way into all our hearts. With him and his mom, these last 3 months would have been so different. Someday I might share their extraordinary story. God sent her into our sons life at the right moment. Another, PRAISE GOD moment!

My daughter baked...

We experienced many moments with these guys...

Sunday night we went up to town for the Indian casino's fireworks. We were surprised by a brief down pour shortly after taking this picture...

It only lasted a few minutes and stopped in time for the show. We turned up the radio, opened the windows, and made our way back out to watch the firework extravaganza! We are so lucky that our local radio station plays some real cool music set with the fireworks.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Come Monday our son was tired and basically relaxed all day. We went out shopping for some fireworks...

Our son and "K" finally got to out on a date while we watched "D". We were honored to make it happen for them. When they got home we all went out in the yard to set off the fireworks we bought earlier.

It might not have been a planned 4th of July or even like any we have had in past years, but it was a very special Independence Day...we saw our son gain more of his Independence this weekend. PRAISE God for all he has done and continues to do.