SatterWrites

Long's Peak Hike - Sunday, July 24th

2011-07-27T21:05:00.001-07:00

After a nearly sleepless night, I picked up my friend Chad (happy 30th birthday!) at 4 a.m.. We headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park, taking in two falling stars on the drive, and signed in at the Long's Peak trailhead at 5:30 a.m.. Temps in the 50's had me pulling on my running jacket, but before the first mile we were both sweating and back to our t-shirts. Chad set a brisk pace (being a youngster and all), and I felt so out-of-breath initially that I feared being unable to keep up! Finally I confessed that I needed to stop to eat and drink and we set off again. By the time we reached the first waterfall, the sun was out and my lungs were working properly again.

The first 2 miles traverse a wooded area, rich with the scent of evergreens and the sound of streams and waterfalls.

The next few miles wind through rock-studded hillsides, adorned with an array of wildflowers.

As we gained elevation, marmots and picas made frequent appearances along the trail. The marmots antics caused us to laugh aloud several times - one was even occupying a privy I needed to use!

An elk herd rested in the early morning sunshine; these two spotted calves stood just begging to be photographed.

Around 8 a.m. we reached the edge of Boulder Field. The name says all you need to know. I was thankful for snowmelt-streams and scattered, persistent wildflowers that lent a sense of life to this desolate stretch.

At the far end of Boulder Field, the climb to the Keyhole began. (See those specks along the ridge of the Keyhole? Those are people.)

Lovely, wind-blown self-portrait in the Keyhole, 13,150 ft. Thankful for my jacket again!

Looking east from the Keyhole, back across Boulder Field.

View looking west from the Keyhole. Truly spectacular.

Chad standing on "the ledges" that lead to the final stretch to the summit of Long's Peak. (See the bulls-eye near his head? Those mark the route.) My fear of heights kept me from proceeding; the Keyhole was my personal summit on this trip, and was well worth it!

Elevation at trailhead: 9390 ft.

Elevation at Keyhole: 13,150 ft.

Elevation gain: 3,760 ft.

Distance (round-trip): 15 miles

Daycation

2011-07-16T20:25:00.001-07:00

Balanced Rock

High places...

and small spaces.

A beautiful day...

away from it all.

Nymph Lake Hike

2011-07-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Darin and I have finally figured it out. (We are slow learners.) For happily-hiking-children, bring along more snacks than you possibly think your children will want to eat. Do not ration said snacks. (You brought plenty, remember?) Hand them out with unsurpassed liberality.

Of Summer and School (but not together!)

2011-07-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

I. Am. Loving. Summer.

For quite possibly the first time ever.

In years past, summer has boded oppressive heat and bored children. This year, summer means NO STUDYING! (Living in Colorado has helped in the oppressive heat category, no doubt, but I "sweated" my first year of nursing school way more than those hot Texas summers.)

Each morning finds Keeper at my bedside offering me a choice: "What is it today? An early morning walk? Or you and me on the back deck? Shoes or coffee?"

I am savoring running, bike-riding, dog-walking, fiction-book-reading, hiking, Wii-gaming, pool-lounging, popsicle-eating... even car-and-dog-washing days.

This has also been a much-needed time of reflection. School (ok, life!) threw alot of stress my way last fall, and anxiety was quick to follow. It may not ever be possible to achieve perfect balance, but...

perhaps a little less time here:

and more time here:

perhaps recognizing my running-addiction:

has to be balanced with a wee bit-o' Keeper-wisdom:

You get the picture.

It's been a long time...

2011-06-10T15:50:00.001-07:00

(more on that later...)

and it's also been a long time since the kids and I headed to the zoo.

Zoos make me misty-eyed. Not the plight of the polar bears, although if I spent enough time obsessing about it that might draw a tear or two. But - hey! - we walk and bike often, we planted a small garden again this year, we turn off our lights...

I digress.

Rather, mental images of these two little ones pull at my momma-heart.

In their toddler years, the kids and I frequented the Fort Worth Zoo often enough that "zero-sense-of-direction-me" had it mentally mapped out. Chubby little toddler fingers pointed out squirrels in preference of giraffes... little legs always wore out before we reached the exit gate... Sweet times.

We have lived in Colorado for almost three years now, without visiting the Denver Zoo, a mere 45 minutes away. Yesterday the kids and I headed out to make some new memories in our (still new?) place, although images from the old have been calling me lately.

Observations: Then and There vs. Here and Now

1. We wore jackets. Until 1 pm. In June.

(We have been having a "major heat wave" recently. [Low 90s; sorry TX friends] Overcast and 58 degrees yesterday felt relatively nippy but oh-so-nice.)

2. Bears get frisky in cooler weather.

Very frisky.

Yes, THAT kind of frisky.

Some bears are quite uninhibited in captivity.

3. Seven-year-olds are no longer satisfied with the answer "they're mating." Or "they're making cubs." (Eleven-year-olds have already had The Class at school.)

4. The kids pointed out the animals that we were actually paying to observe. And the squirrels.

5. There were no sippy cups. Both kids walked the entire 6 hours without tiring. No diaper changes.

*I did have my hands free to aid a fellow mom who exited the bathroom stall with toilet paper trailing from her shoe and a screaming, naked-from-waist-down, toddler. Ah, empathy. And NO, I did NOT hand her the classic syrupy line, "This season will pass so quickly; cherish it!" I handed her paper towels and a plastic baggie instead.

6. There are roses to smell in every time and place.

Spring BREAK

2011-04-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Family ski trip to Sol Vista.

Note my SMILE on the GREENS.

"Green means go, this slope's for me!

Blues and Blacks may never be."

(If nursing school doesn't work out, I will write Seuss-like literatue.

Back-up plan #216A.)

Darin tried out boarding this time. After a few bumps and bruises the first day, he wound up really enjoying it!

We spent one AWESOME day in Leadville, skiing with TEXAS friends.

Kids

making

MEMORIES.

Milestones

2011-04-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Caleb "crossed the bridge" from Cub Scouts...

... to Boy Scouts!

A Tradition is Born! (and without injury!)

2011-01-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

Ah... the family ski trip.

We spent Friday through Sunday in Sol Vista, CO, learning (or for Darin that would be "remembering") how to ski. The chair lifts were terrifying (for those of us who are afraid of heights), and the learning process was a bit frustrating (for those of us "old dogs?" who dissolved into tears at one point) but by the end of our last day there, smiles were on every face!

~the lifts -- just off our back porch!~

~awesome views~

Happy Day

2010-12-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

Snow.

So simple.

So happy.

Glimpses of Christmas

2010-12-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

I hope your Christmas was very merry! Our 10 days in Texas included:

Time with family...

Time with friends...

And remembering it really is all about

little Baby Jesus.

(Although Meghan's new Tangled dolls were quite a hit.)

Why my coffeepot is perfectly positioned

2010-11-30T11:20:00.001-08:00

Happy 7th Birthday (25 days late!)

2010-11-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

Meghan~

How did you shoot past the soft-little-kindergarten-numbers 5 and 6 so quickly?

You are growing up, sweet girl. Age six has held so much for you:

reading chapter books on your own

~and sometimes, thankfully, still reading them aloud to me~

reading your "big-girl" Bible at night

~you just decided to start in Genesis and took off!~

loving soccer, specifically loving to play defense

(though you scored several goals this season, too!)

losing teeth -- three in three months!

~but keeping your "dragonfly freckles," thankyouverymuch!~

You are a girl who

cannot

rushed.

Ever.

Sometimes that makes me crazy, but maybe God knows you are just what we need around here.

You love to laugh, especially when others join in.

You make a decision and stick with it. From homemade brownies and ice cream for your birthday dessert, to saving (determinedly) for a horse over the past year. And Little Meg, knowing you, I'd better start looking for saddles on sale, now.

The upside

2010-11-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

The upside to coming down with the flu (or some flu-mimicking 48 hr virus) on Sunday:

1. SLEEPING.

12 hours Saturday night, 8 hours during the day on Sunday, and about 10 hours Sunday night.

2. Learning that if I just sit and relax and do absolutely nothing around the house (occasionally), the world does not stop turning, nor does the house fall around about our ears.

*OK. So Darin picked up a little slack for me...

3. Realizing that I love to snuggle our children so much that it is painful to tell them to "stay away from mom because she's sick right now."

4. Missing classes as I recouped Monday, and reading 148 pages of this awesome book in one sitting, on my couch with a cozy blanket around my shoulders, and hot coffee in hand.

5. Not being the throwing-up type of sick person.

Unless it's that poltergeist in my GI system kind of urge...

So perhaps just not having that poltergeist in my GI system urge with this particular illness.

6. Time to think about all of the blogging I need to catch up on!

7. NOT coming down sick on Saturday, when we

went ice-skating

then came home and had a popcorn-and-cranberry-stringing race.

*which the boys won, incidentally, in case you couldn't tell.

And guess who else is hitting the books...

2010-09-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

~yours truly, making pharmacology notecards~

Hello Teachers, Hello Books!

2010-09-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Out with a Bang...

2010-08-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Two days until Thing 1 and Thing 2 walk through the doors of their new school, into grade 5 and grade 1, respectively.

Summer. Has. Flown.

Lest we end it on a boring note, our family escaped to San Diego, CA for one last run of fun before hitting the old blackboard again. (Or dry erase board, I suppose. And what, pray tell, is a smart board...?)

~Legoland!~

~nuttin' but legos~

~one sand crab; one sand piper~

~ La Jolla Cove: crashing waves and sunning sea lions~

~Tall Things in Balboa Park~

~Seaport Village and the Navy Pier~

So it begins...

2010-07-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Riding home from the pool with Meghan (6) and Caleb (10) in the backseat.

Meghan: "Caleb, I think that boy at the pool likes me."

Caleb: "Why, did he say so?"

Meghan: "No... but I could read his mind."

Girls' weekend in Breckenridge

2010-07-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

~the view from our lodge above town~

~have pedi's... will travel!~

~until, that is, it turns out the trail from your lodge is one leg of a mountain bike race!~

~ice-cold river water to soak our walking feet; perfect coffee-sipping spot~

~I only pick on her because I love her...~

(my sister-in-love's reaction to the heights of the gondola)

~and we did! Three, in fact.~

What's Missing from this Picture?

2010-07-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

In this case the "mice are away..."

2010-06-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

~ at Gem Lake on Father's Day~

For 10 days now, Caleb and Meghan have been with grandparents in Texas. Almost every evening, Darin and I have gone for a walk with Keeper, or taken off on our bikes. I have cooked alot of recipes involving mushrooms (despised by both children!), and we have started our Netflix episodes of 24 at around 7 p.m. instead of the usual 9 p.m. Last weekend we hiked so much that our legs were cramping, then went out for margaritas two nights in a row. We have talked without interruptions and laughed and held hands and well... you get the idea.

~on top of Horsetooth Rock~

I am thankful for these times. It comforts me that years from now when the kids venture out on their own, Darin and I will still "know" each other, that we still remember how to have fun as a couple. And yes, whether you believe it or not, the time away has made me miss Caleb and Meghan -- the way they fill our home with so much life and energy. When Meghan called homesick one day, my heart ached for her far more than it rejoiced over being missed. I hope she doesn't lose her first tooth while she's away, and wish I could see Caleb tubing on the lake. And while some days I do savor the quiet, at other times it drives me from the house!

So thanks to our parents, not only for time to bond as a couple, but also for letting us "miss" our children for awhile... for the perspective to see that the grass truly is green on both sides.

Faith-Building Yoga

2010-06-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

For the longest time, I was under the impression that practicing yoga would conflict with my Christian faith. Apart from Christ, yoga does indeed embrace "other" spiritual connotations -- an exaltation of oneself and of the "energies of the earth", as opposed to an exaltation of the Creator. As a child of God, however, when I have remained mindful of Him during practice, He has used yoga to strengthen not only my body and my self-discipline, but also my faith. For example...

Sleeping pigeon pose: As one instructor explained that this pose offers a sense of belonging, the Lord reminded me that "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." ~ Psalm 91:4

Warrior I pose: "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power."

~ Ephesians 6:10

Standing bow pose: "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."

~ 2 Samuel 22:35

Savasana pose (corpse pose): "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." ~ Colossians 3:2-3

When I [frequently] fall out of balancing postures, I remember that "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." ~Isaiah 40: 30-31

And as the instructors frequently encourage us to "shake off" our mistakes, to face the upcoming challenges as a clean slate, a fresh start, I am increasingly thankful that "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." ~Lamentations 3:22-23

Where can you look for Him in your day? And where have you already found Him?

Swimming Lessons

2010-06-10T13:54:00.001-07:00

The kids LOVED their swimming lessons this year! The instructors were so encouraging, and the HEATED pool was a definite plus!

Love from Texas

2010-06-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

~ PaPa Bill's zany bedtime stories (Hunting for Froot Loops?) ~

~ a hike in RMNP to a still-frozen lake, along a still-snow-covered trail ~

~ and smiles x 3 ~

Prima Ballerina

2010-06-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

In spite of tummy-butterflies and hundreds of onlooking strangers, Meghan's dance recital was wonderful! Her class looked just like little music-box dancers as their song started up: Dancin' in the Moonlight.

*In spite of raving reviews by her family and instructor, Miss Meghan has opted to focus her energies on soccer next fall. Somehow those butterflies don't find her stomach on the soccer field.

Of nearsightedness and shortcuts...

2010-06-08T18:22:00.001-07:00

A couple of new "accessories" around our house...

... and make sure you note those summer-time freckles!

Blew their cover!

2010-06-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

My family is in big trouble!

I just learned that if we all work together, we can clean our entire (small) house in one hour.

They grow up so fast...

2010-06-03T22:04:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day Hike

2010-06-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

It was a steeper-than-we-thought day

a picnic-in-the-breeze day

a "butterfly-rock" day

a hummingbird-hover day

a scent-of-earth-and-pine day

a wildflowers-in-bloom day

a kids-are-getting-tired day

a meeting-in-the-middle day

we-didn't-make-it-all-the-way-legs-cramping-in-the-car day

a fire-up-the-grill day

a happy-to-be-home day

a couldn't-have-been-better day

Headline: Justice is Served

2010-05-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the last day of fourth grade for Thing 1, who was not at all amused that Thing 2 was out a full day earlier (one of many half-day-kindergarten perks). This injustice was righted by heading directly to Subway and the skatepark with buddy Brandon, and there was much rejoicing.

~ Caleb's buddy Brandon ~

~ watching some stunts in "the bowl;" hopefully they won't pick up the language too ~

~ note the older girls watching...?!? ~

Mile-Marker

2010-05-26T08:23:00.001-07:00

~with friend Leila on field trip to the farm~

The morning of Meghan's last day of kindergarten. An undeniable mile-marker in the relentless march of time: my baby... so big! It makes my heart ache, but I've learned that if I allow the melancholy-me to follow that emotion, time just marches on without me. Better to remember Flor's wise words in Spanglish: "One tear -- just one! -- so make it a good one."

What has this year of kindergarten taught Meghan?

She is a highly motivated learner -- eager and bright, with little patience for mere busy-work. She reads astoundingly well for her age. She is a fast-friend-maker and more often a leader than a follower (standing out from the rest of our family in both regards). Sometimes big transitions cause her anxiety, but with patience and time she adapts, and then thrives.

What has it taught me?

She is a treasure not to be hoarded unto myself.

Time passes quickly,

and little moments become some of the greatest memories.

Imperfections

2010-05-17T20:35:00.001-07:00

"There is nothing new under the sun."

Yet round and round and deep within I've looked...

wrestling and resolving to make myself new.

Oh, but "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation!"

Moment by moment and eternally,

Receiving renewal.

Righteousness for sinfulness.

Peace for anxiety.

Beauty for ashes.

And so I am learning to view it all,

including myself,

through God's graceful lens.

Imperfections...

in perspective.

~Ecclesiastes 1:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

And how could it be anything but happy with a delicious brunch, the kids' one-mile-fun-run in Old Town, a trip to the local nursery, some perennial plantings, and a backyard picnic?

Meg's Piano Practice

2010-05-17T20:19:00.001-07:00

Caleb's Tenth - April 22, 2010

2010-05-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Where has a decade gone? Not lost, but sealed away in memories of baby-snuggles, play-pool-splashes, train-tracks, library trips, games of UNO, zoo days, hot-wheel-strewn-floors, swimming lessons, reading on your own, bikes, boards, homework, friends, and family. Tears are tempting, but instead I'll recognize with joy how the past year has seen you grow...

out of Calvin and Hobbes,

and into The Chronicles of Narnia and Percy Jackson

bolder in trying new things (from lacrosse to rock-climbing!)

enthusiastic about piano

into getting your own band-aids

and "brusing off" scrapes and bruises

out of hugs in front of friends,

and grow up to the point that I can rest my chin on your head

(do you know how often I used to stoop to sniff that sweet-baby-smelling head?)

I can't explain how much of a comfort it is to sometimes stumble upon you pulling out your "old" hotwheels, or sitting in the floor building legos... still my little boy but don't worry, I won't tell....

You're growing up. That alone makes every sleepyheaded snuggle, every shared laugh, every opportunity of every kind... precious.

Sometimes I wonder...

2010-04-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look at the daffodils blooming cheerfully across the street,

and wonder if you have to be a special kind of person to grow bulbs.

Sometimes I ignore our mound of laundry,

and wonder if nudists aren't onto something after all.

Sometimes I hear my children's questions --sometimes their pure laughter--

and wonder if I'm really qualified for this thing called parenthood.

Sometimes I remember a sweet friend suffering...

dying... not wanting to tell her family goodbye...

way. too. early.

and wonder if I can really trust God at all.

And sometimes He stops me and tilts my chin so that I look

-- really look --

at the cross and the empty tomb,

and I wonder how I could do anything else.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T15:59:00.001-07:00

the kids may not agree, but pose #14 was totally worth it!

my kitchen buddy preparing rosemary focaccia

color me happy!

Are you smarter than your swiffer?

2010-03-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

Do you own a swiffer wet jet?

I've had one for about 3 years now, and they beat toting around a bucket of nasty mop water, hands down. This morning I was determined to mop our floors before heading to class. Slapped the swiffer pad into place, pushed the button...

Nothing.

The normal quiet buzz, accompanied by a stream of cleaner, absent.

I removed the bottle of fluid. Reloaded it.

Attempt two.

Nothing.

Another removal and reload.

Nothing.

I prayed --yes, prayed-- over my swiffer.

God was probably, at this point, quite glad I couldn't see Him laughing at me. Deep belly-laughs... maybe even tears.

When Darin got home he pulled 4 completely corroded batteries from my quite-functional swiffer.

Rebellious me

2010-03-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

An I'd-rather-ride-my-bike-in-the-sunshine-until-lecture-resumes-than-re-check-my-exam-day

A sit-and-cuddle-with-little-Meg-and-leave-the-clutter-day

A laugh-with-Caleb-over-a-game-of-cards-before-tackling-homework-day

A go-snuggle-up-with-my-man-instead-of-keeping-blogging-day

In the interest of full disclosure...

2010-02-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

This morning went smoothly enough for the most part.

Even walked the kids to school with Keeper.

When the bell rang, Meg and her friend Leila were standing right by the door, so they started the line. All of a sudden, Meg screams, "Keep-y!" and jumps out of line to go hug on Keeper.

My first very mature adult thought was, "She just lost her place at the front of the line!"

My very mature adult response was to grab her by the jacket and yell, "When the bell rings, YOU STAY IN LINE!" and jam her back into place beside Leila.

Will I ever be a gracious mom/wife/human being? the one that would have said, "Awww. Keeper loved that hug. Now you'll need to get in the back of the line because you moved, sweetie."

Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be.

A little perspective...

2010-02-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

Major blowup at the family last night. Sometimes it feels like no one takes me seriously around here; sometimes, like no one appreciates my efforts.

You may be thinking: Now wait a minute. What about that incredible date-night at home?

But could you just excuse me for a minute while I wallow in my own humanity?

Depleted frozen waffles were involved.

Along with one child's comment, "You treat me like crap!"

As I made muffins for said child.

Instead of reading the novel to which I am currently addicted, with a hot beverage in hand.

Both of our children are now in school, and we are all still adapting to the altered dynamics and increased responsibilities. But this comment pushed me over the edge.

Have they already forgotten all of the park and library trips? the bandaged boo-boos? the food and snacks prepared? hotwheels and train-tracks? hide-and-seek? polly pockets and puppy pretend? Really?

And so, indignant and seething, I lashed out, words and kitchen pans clashing.

If I, in all my sinfulness and failures, could react so strongly over feeling forgotten and unappreciated... imagine Holy, Perfect Abba's true entitlement:

"...in the desert....you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God.... He was angry...." ~Deuteronomy 1:31-32

Entitlement?

I am a sinner, married to a sinner, raising two little sinners in a sinful world. The same judgment rests on each of us. And, thank God, the same grace covers each of us through the blood of Christ Jesus.

Unholy temper tantrums?

I can't bank on others remembering my past acts of kindness. Nor am I guaranteed an opportunity tomorrow to compensate for indulging my anger today.

Each of us has right now, this moment, to love those around us.

I need to remember all the ways the Lord my God has carried me, through both deserts and lush pasturelands, to this place.

I need to trust in the Lord my God.

Stuck a feather in his hat and called it...

2010-02-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Macaroni!

Penguins, that is.

Meghan did a fantastic job on her first school report!

On Valentine's Day, with love...

2010-02-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

Love is

watching your nine-year-old nap after his first sleepover...

love is pausing to listen to him breathe.

walking your dog in the biting wind...

love is furry ears perked with pleasure.

teaching your daughter how to make pizza dough...

love is little hands dusted with flour.

you and your husband locking yourselves in your room

to exchange Valentines in [relative] quiet...

love is not assuming 12 years has said it all...

love is making the time to write.

Life-glimpses of His love

--the One Who pauses over us --

each breath precious to His heart;

Who longs that we walk beside Him,

though the cold winds may bite.

He desires so much to teach us,

and for us to steal away

and soak in His Words of love.

Date Night

2010-02-12T22:28:00.000-08:00

How does an insomnia-primed, over-scheduled day turn sweet? When your husband suggests you go get your nails done and relax. And the sweetness lies not at all in some simple manicure, but in the labors of love this window of time allows to transpire.

When you walk in to flowers and candles -- your own home, much of the time your workplace -- graced with beauty and soft light.

When your children-cum-hostess-and-waiter

greet you with eager and shy smiles by turn,

happy to be part of a special date night for

mom and dad.

When your husband sits across fom you over a meal he has thoughtfully prepared and arranged on the good china.

When you can hear your children's laughter trickle down from the kitchen, but the only one hovering near enough your private table to overhear conversation is your ever-faithful dog.

When you realize that life is stressful and you've both changed over the years but you've still got a good thing going...

Now that's a date.

Red and Green... and pink?

2009-12-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday started out great. Went Christmas shopping at The Cupboard downtown.

Saw beautiful decorative reindeer. Bought impulsively for self along with gifts for others.

Convicted at car of frivolous spending. Marched right back in and returned said reindeer.

Started driving toward home. Thought through numerous lists in head. Reminisced about family and friends in Texas.

Ran right through stop sign.

Right next to police officer.

Pulled over in Safeway parking lot. Had major estrogen rush. Bawled like an idiot in front of said officer.

Got really mad that he observed me bawling like an idiot and so bawled some more.

Received ticket that cost 4 times as much as reindeer.

Do not --as of yet-- plan to frame ticket to include in Christmas decor. (It's pink.)

Backyard Camping

2009-11-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

The kids have been begging Daddy for a backyard camp-out for weeks! (THANK YOU, PaPa Bill and Grandma Judy, for the AWESOME new tent!) Let's see. It's 10:52 pm here, and let me check... 34 degrees with a predicted low of 24. I enjoyed a cuddly night of Kate and Leopold with some Ben and Jerry's FroYo (by the way... YUCK! Just go straight for the real stuff.) Now here I am all cuddly under my blanket at the computer while they freeze their little toesies off outside...

Or not! Darin may be totally converted from national parks. I spy a tell-tale extension cord...

*Please note that my husband will deny the above contraband fire-pit.

But the kids will tell you all about it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2009-11-28T21:18:00.001-08:00

For the first time this year, we had Thanksgiving dinner alone at our house. I was torn between the prospects --relaxing versus feeling depressed-- but relaxing won out all the way! This has been one of those rare long weekends where time seems to pause at all the right moments. The kids and I loved getting our Christmas decorations out and preparing some dishes ahead of time on Wednesday, and we were all quite pleased with the results at Thursday's meal: a very juicy turkey, sweet potatoes, homemade rolls with cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and corn (the kids had to have something they could recognize!). That evening we enjoyed dessert and laughter with our friends Josh, Monika, and Anna.

Time together in the kitchen

Time to gather at the table

Our new Black Friday tradition? A family hike.

(you get to sleep in, AND burn off some pie!)

Here we are standing on Nymph Lake.

Memories in the making

2009-11-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

Meghan loves having her friend Leila over to play. Of course, neither of them love it when it's time to go! When Leila's grandmother arrived, she and I visited in the kitchen, fully aware that our little charges were hiding in my bedroom. After a while, we noticed that the girls had grown "too" quiet. Evidently they grew bored hiding, and decided to raid my laundry basket for dress-up clothes! Sorry, girls, no sequined dresses here!

Happy Belated Birthday, Meghan!

2009-11-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

~since this is so late, I'm just transcribing my journal entry here!

Nov. 4, 2009

Tonight I tucked you in as a five-year-old for the last time. I love the sweet smell of your hair, the feeling of your arms tight around my neck, the smile in those blue eyes.... Tonight you wanted me to sing "All Things Bright and Beautiful" before bed -- funny that you've always liked such grown-up songs....

These days you are so happy to be at home! Even for your birthday dinner you've chosen homemade spaghetti over going out, and homemade pumpkin cake for your party. You are my fun-homebody-child, when I slow down enough to BE here with you.

Age 5 has held so much for you -- you love hiking around Sprague Lake, eating ice cream, and going out to Chipotles. You've learned how to sound out many words, and how to play the piano. You've made your own group of friends from soccer and school. You love to recite school songs and poems with hand motions for us. Several times a week you give me a sweet picture with a note: "Mommy and Daddy I love you XOXOXO Love Meghan."

We love you too, little Meg.

XOXOXO ~ Mommy

Saturday Fun in the Snow and Sun!

2009-11-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

Unstructured?

2009-10-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have to get past yourself to enjoy something you want to enjoy anyway?

Today, for instance, school was canceled! We have well over 10 inches of snow and it's still steadily falling. Absolutely nothing just had to get done around here -- no groceries to buy, no laundry to do, no dust-bunnies screaming my name (they are bound and gagged under the couches where they belong)...

A day free to just be. The hardest kind of day for me.

Honestly, it doesn't take me long to fill such days with plans. Even making lists of the fun we should have since we don't have to do anything.

Do you still love me?

(Do any of you perhaps see a little of yourselves here? I can always hope...)

So here's to playing Memory, Meg's mini- mani-and-pedi, legos.com, tomato soup and grilled cheese, snow angels, and a very furry dog that hates the cold as much as I hate the heat.

So many possibilities... one reality to enjoy...

High hopes...

2009-10-09T18:58:00.001-07:00

Snowing again!

Honestly, I'm hoping to wake up to a blanket of snow tomorrow, so that Meghan's soccer game will be canceled (the predicted temperature: 26 degrees!).

This mentality may not win any "mother of the year" awards, but I'd rather snuggle together on the couch with hot cocoa than shiver under blankets outside that early in the morning!

First snowfall...

2009-10-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Watching snowflakes fall always brings Robert Frost's poem to my mind. Today, God used Frost's poem as a framework to write His own on my heart. I hope these truths stick even if today's snowfall doesn't...

Whose woods these are I surely know.

His throne is in the heavens though;

Smiling, He sees me stopping here

to watch His world fill up with snow.

My temperament does think it odd

this sudden, stolen time with God

and tries to shake this reverie

But God has spoken here to me.

He bids me come embrace His rest

and seek His face, and so be blessed.

Snow softly falling, coverings makes;

thoughts lifted upward, new forms take.

Earth silently transformed to white,

Peace within rebukes dark night,

And all creation hears a hush

When chooses it to halt the rush.

SAFE!

2009-10-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Whew. I just BARELY slid into home plate on that one.

Fellow moms:

How is it that now-too-small dress-up shoes, Happy Meal toys that have not seen the light of day for months, and that obscure stuffed animal now-overridden-by-under-the-bed-dust-bunnies can suddenly evoke a Smeagol-complex from our sweet little ones?

"MY PRECIOUS," they shriek, at even the slightest suggestion that something has been worn out or outgrown.

So what's a mom to do? Ahhhhh... Stealth mode.

A few hours at school... a few milliseconds distracted by a friend or a cartoon, and I'm pocketing Happy Meal toys, clutching broken nerf guns against my chest as I race up the stairs, to...

The Bin.

A purgatory of toys and various asundry items, awaiting their final destination: mission or trash bin.

Meghan has a playdate today. On the car ride home, sweet Leila said, "Look! I brought the toy I have like Meghan's!" One glance in the rearview mirror and I had a heart palpitation.

The Littlest Pet Shop stuffed pony. That I had put in The Bin.

Just last week.

The Bin which must remain secret. At all costs.

Distraction. "Awwww, girls, Keeper (our REAL pet) sure looks lonely. Why don't you love on her a minute before you go play?"

(I owe Keeper big time.)

Race to my room. Plunge through The Bin. Retrieve said pony. Race back to living room. Fake having climbed stairs from Meg's room. Extend thus redeemed pony to my eager daughter with a big smile: "Is THIS what you were wanting?"

And I kid you not, as I have sat typing these words, in walked Meghan.

"Mom, what happened to all that stuff that was on the top shelf of my closet?"

Fun at the Farm

2009-10-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

A new tradition was born Saturday, as our family soaked up the fun at Miller Farms. This family-owned local farm offers tractor-pulled hayrides out into the fields to pick... well, basically as much produce as you can carry! Back near the farmhouse, Caleb and Meghan LOVED all of the fun activities for kids. I was thankful for the kids' opportunity to see all of the hard work that goes into farming and harvesting, and for a day of shared smiles and sunshine.

PART of the plunder!

Where do they get it?

2009-09-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

So much catching up to do...

2009-09-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

The past month has revealed that I need a crash course in time-management! (Not to mention modern technology, as I'm learning how computer-oriented college courses have become!) Anyway, just a few glimpses of our world...

Caleb broke his foot on August 5th, jumping off a rock-structure barefoot from about 7 feet up. 2 sets of x-rays and 15 days later, he finally got a cast. Today he got the cast removed.

Did I mention that I've been behind in blogging?

Meghan is enjoying her ballet/tap class

Time with Grammie and PaPa!

Still my LITTLE girl

2009-09-09T14:46:00.001-07:00

This was a reassuring sight after Meghan's first day of kindergarten (August 24th):

running to me with a smile on her face.

Back to School

2009-08-20T19:24:00.001-07:00

Ready for 4th grade!

(too old to pose with the teacher, but loves to pose with the dog!)

~Walkin' to school~

~'Lil miss kindergarten~

~Meg with Miss Bishop~

A new season...

2009-08-20T08:25:00.001-07:00

Wow. I just dropped Meghan off at her kindergarten orientation. She is so ready for school -- intellectually, socially -- but I could tell she was fighting a little to hold it all together. As am I.

She has these little mannerisms of nervousness, of tear-fighting, that others may not even see, but I love being able to recognize these gestures. A flick of her hair... a tapping together of little fingertips... my girl.

I can no sooner fight my children growing up than I can tell the grass to stop growing... the seasons to stop changing. And just as each season of nature holds its special gifts, so too will each new age and stage hold its own joys.

The "at home with kids" years have been very challenging to me, but there have been lots of precious memories, funny moments, and lessons learned along the way. Can any mom ask for more?

Good Medicine

2009-08-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just need to get away as a family. We discovered a favorite spot last weekend in Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming. The kids loved roasting food over the campfire, "sleeping" (?) in the tent, playing in a snowdrift, reading together... all against the backdrop of some spectacular scenery.

Sheltered by the Snowy Range, we found a green tundra marshy with moose tracks in the valleys, sprinkled with white granite boulders, sheltered by firs, and adorned with so many wildflowers. Tiny chipmunks punctuated the stillness with their little chirps (always just beyond Keeper's reach!), and Clark's nutcrackers appeared at each mealtime.

Hope to revisit in more than just memory.

and then...

2009-07-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

So. Why the long absence?

Well, in June our niece and nephew came to visit

and then Caleb, Meghan, and I flew to Texas

and then I came back for a week alone with Darin

and then we went hiking, biking, and remodeled a bathroom together

and then the kids came back with Grandma Judy in tow

and then our friends from Texas came up to visit

and then we celebrated Darin turning 40

and then Meghan had her first Fun Run

and then we went school-supply shopping so they wouldn't be out of everything like last year

and then we picked the first cucumber and zucchini out of our backyard garden

and then I finally chased the dust bunnies out of the corners...

and now we have only 3.5 weeks left of summer for me to hear the kids complain that they're bored.

EVERYTHING is more FUN...

2009-06-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

...when you're with your COUSINS!

At least Caleb and Meghan think so! Even the airport was fun. We loved "showing them off" at church Sunday morning, and snuggling up to watch a movie together last night. But today's hike was definitely the highlight so far. We hiked to Nymph Lake and Dream lake, enjoying perfect weather and laughter all along the way.

Nymph Lake: Caleb can't escape Merishia's hugs!

Merishia took this great shot of a waterfall

spilling over the edge of a cliff.

The view of Dream Lake from our picnic spot.

What ARE they thinking?

It's rare that these four are so quiet and still...

Paintin' the Town

2009-06-09T14:51:00.001-07:00

My mom, sister and I enjoyed a [kid-free!] weekend in the Windy City. I actually navigated my way from the airport to "the L" to our hotel near the river without any hitches! In the middle of all those tall buildings, we all lost our sense of direction on more than one occasion... but never our sense of adventure!

Near our hotel on the river

Legally Blond was HILARIOUS!

Double Dating

2009-06-08T19:24:00.001-07:00

Caleb and Meghan had one of their semi-annual deep conversations today. After being flat-out rejected by Caleb in matters of her future marital potential, Meghan confidently announced she would marry her daddy instead.

I reminded her that Darin is already taken.

She reassured me that a man is allowed to have more than one wife. [???]

Thankfully, Caleb stepping in at this point, to clarify: "NO, Meghan. That's not right. It's called double-dating."

We have Webelos!

2009-06-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Caleb! After sticking with scouts for the past 4 years, he graduated into Webelos last weekend! (For those of you who don't know, that is an intermediate step between the younger "cub scouts" and the older "boy scouts") The ceremony was cut short by some pretty threatening lighting!

Caleb and buddy John Mark

New Do

2009-05-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Every two years or so, I'll see a really attractive actress on TV with long, shimmering, wavy locks (such as Navi Rawat from Numb3rs) and decide to grow out my hair. Only to discover that I am not, indeed, Navi Rawat.

But I think my new do suits the real me quite well!

*photo courtesy of Meghan

Field Day Fun!

2009-05-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Caleb's school had Field Day this Wednesday! The events for grades 1-3 are all about fun, such as the 2-headed race and frisbee-goal-toss pictured below. I love that the 6th-graders run all of the events for the younger students -- the school really has an amazing group of kids. Caleb was in his element as an "otter" personality type: ALL fun, ALL day!

Sensational Soccer Star!

2009-05-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

Meg-o really wowed us at her last game of the season on Saturday! She played with a lot of heart, and even scored two goals! It is such a gift to watch your child doing something he or she enjoys. Meg especially enjoyed that her coaches this season were two fun high school girls!

Nice block!

End-of-season donut party at the park

Caleb's Rainforest

2009-05-18T15:06:00.001-07:00

Caleb's class worked so hard on their hallway rainforest! Caleb and a friend made this rubber tree and the spider monkey dangling above his head. Hard to believe we're staring summer square in the face! Two weeks and counting...

Mommy-and-Me, mountain-style!

2009-05-13T11:36:00.001-07:00

Meghan and I took a day-cation to Estes Park yesterday. She loved every minute of her first trail ride, and reveled in the fact that her horse was TALLER than MOMMY'S! We had a picnic and just relaxed. I love being able to spend time with either kiddo one-on-one, and know I'll be missing these days when Little Meg starts kindergarten in just a few months!

Why I LOVE Sunflower Market!

2009-05-13T11:32:00.001-07:00

3 pounds of chicken, a seedless watermelon, strawberries, blackberries, grapefruit, and some yogurt pretzels as a treat for the kids... $11.

*This post is dedicated to the ever-thrifty Michelle. You inspire me to look for those bargains!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

I loved this Mother's Day.

My plans for today included an early morning jog, a picnic at the park after church, and some long-awaited-never-had-to-consider-the-last-frost-date-until-moving-here gardening this afternoon. Only to wake up to temps in the 40s, gray skies, and drizzle.

Still, I pulled on my running gear and found that the drizzle hadn't stopped the rabbits or robins from making their rounds this morning, either.

Loved having a "floor-nic" with the family after church.

Discovered a new favorite nursery here in town together, and let the kiddos pick out salsa garden plants (Caleb) [*did say no to the habanero peppers], and strawberry and cucumber plants (Meghan). And now we have planting to look forward to tomorrow, if the predicted good weather arrives!

Love it when God surprises me by showing me that happiness doesn't hinge on my plans.

And I think He loves it when I unclench my fists and receive His surprises.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

2009-04-22T20:17:00.001-07:00

At 8:54 am Texas time, our "little boy" turned 9! Happy Birthday, Caleb!

Your eighth year has held a big move, your first stitches, lots of laughter, and plenty of sibling rivalry. You love reading (sometimes even to a fault!) Calvin and Hobbes, Star Wars, and anything about World War II. You continue to enjoy legos, and now build intricate airplane models, too. You love pizza, tacos, sherbet, smoothies, and -- to my dismay -- Taco Bell. You dream of the day you and your dad will own dirt bikes, but for now the town BMX bike park will do (thank God). You are still 100% otter, longing for life to be all fun, all of the time: surprise snowball attacks, nerf gun ambushes, paper airplanes whizzing through the kitchen, and that deep, hilarious laugh. Sometimes you provide the exact comic relief that God knows your overly-serious mom needs. And sometimes -- even now that you're up to my chin -- you deliver the hugs He knows I need as well. I love you, Caleb.

Clowning

New Bike!

Grammie and PaPa Visit!

2009-04-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed having my parents here last week! They got a taste of all the weather Colorado has to offer, from rain to snow to beautiful sunshine. The kids loved playing chicken-foot (dominoes) each night, and a whole lot of ice-cream! Dad took Caleb and Meghan to see Monsters vs. Aliens, affording mom and I a whole day of shopping.We headed up to the mountains one day, and were blessed with sightings of elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer, not to mention snow-capped peaks! But the best part: just being with family.

Estes Park Lake

Bighorn sheep

Just the girls...

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Snow Day

2009-03-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

It snowed all day yesterday. Caleb's school closed at noon on Thursday, and remained closed today for our first official snow day of this school year! It took all my self-discipline to quit my "busyness" and get out there and play with the kids (why is playing so hard for some of us?), but I am so glad that I did!

Caleb's snow tunnel...

which ran underneath his impromptu "sledding hill" in our backyard!

At age 31 I built my first snowman...

only to have the carrot nose repeatedly stolen by the hound below.

Spring Break Brokenness

2009-03-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Anyone I talked to last week knows that it was a very rough mommy-week. I could tell you about endless bouts of sibling rivalry, screaming, kicking, flat bike tires, hitting, name-calling, ungratefulness, and grumpiness.

But then last night before bed, Caleb put his arms around me and said, "Thanks mom. This has been the best spring break ever." I was more than a little surprised as he recounted several highlights.

So instead, I'll tell you that the Lord framed and filled our days with BEAUTIFUL weather -- sunny and in the 70s. Caleb loved riding at the BMX bike park with his friend Brandon one day. We had the opportunity to take a day trip to Breckenridge and visit our good friends from Texas, the Vanns. The drive there was gorgeous, and we went sledding, rode the gondola around the mountainside, and went out to dinner. It was GREAT to be with our friends for the day. The kids and I met Darin for lunch one afternoon -- a rare treat to see daddy in the middle of the day! We watched Hotel for Dogs at the $2 theater here in town. Saturday we went for a family hike to Horsetooth Falls and back, and enjoyed dinner on our back porch together. I'll tell you that my kids and husband and I are healthy, that I am thankful to be married to my closest friend, and that God is good.

All of which reminds me of a worthwhile quote from Calm My Anxious Heart:

"Two women looked through prison bars.

One saw mud,

the other, stars."

Hope your eyes are uplifted.

Milestone for Meghan

2009-03-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

After numerous "encouraging" conversations with Darin and I (translation: we are ready to go on long family bike rides unhindered by training wheels), Meghan tentatively agreed to give it a try yesterday. She did AWESOME! We started out in Caleb's school parking lot -- a big, traffic-free and obstacle-free area. After about 15 minutes, she asked for Darin and Caleb to take the car back so she could pedal all the way home (which meant a nice mini-jog for me!). Our Little Meg is growing up so fast.

Blowing all the Stereotypes

2009-03-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today it was sunny and in the 60s, so Darin, the kids, and I hiked in a nearby natural area. It was both beautiful and challenging (quite a climb -- at times literally! and the kids did GREAT!)...

but never mind all that.

Along the trail we met a chihuahua named Stewart.

Not Chile... not Jorge... not Tamale....

Stewart.

Sleepless but not in Seattle...

2009-03-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Meghan, after being in bed 6.3 seconds: "For some reason I'm more hyper when I'm lying down."

me: "It's called Murphy's Law."

Meghan: "What does that mean?"

Darin: "It means you go lie down, or Murphy's gonna getcha."

(he has a separate therapy account set up for the children...)

Inspired

2009-03-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you with two or more children who are less-than-blissful-bosom-buddies, try this.

The next time Thing 1 slugs Thing 2, have Thing 1 give Thing 2 a 3-minute foot massage*.

*the foot massage should take place under full supervision, without the use of pumice stones or other hard or abrasive objects.

The Little Stuff

2009-03-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

(...and then, after a month of silence, she blogged every little thing...)

This morning, 4 Texan-born individuals (and 1 Texan dog) awoke to around 3 inches of snow.

In March.

Which of course led to a mad scramble to locate coats, snow boots, gloves, etc. in time for school, and to one grumpy mommy yelling (yes, YELLING) at her son, who was calmly perusing his Lego catalog throughout the said ordeal.

And yet when I dropped him off at school, it was CALEB who reached over from the backseat to ME, gave me a hug and said, "Love you, Mom."

* * * * *

Yesterday, I was getting things ready for a picnic lunch at the park, when Meghan exclaimed "Gross!" from her room. (*This is a girl who loves roly-polies and earthworms.) She had found our MIA lunch thermos and assorted little snack-holders in her lunchbox, in her backpack, in her closet. Items mysteriously absent for well over a month.

It is impressive what can grow on stainless steel if you leave a little corn chowder behind.

TRAPPED!

2009-03-09T18:39:00.001-07:00

OK. So that's not really my excuse.

(hee hee: just had to correct "that' snot" above.)

Since the last post, I've failed to report Darin's AWESOME completion of our downstairs family room, giving our guest room a face-lift, battling the blues, a wonderful visit from Judy (Grandma), and carpet installation. Sprinkled with lots of Star Wars sound effects (Thing 1) and requests to "play puppy" (Thing 2).

But at one point in the mish-mash, Meghan and Darin were trapped. Really and truly. And I stopped to grab the camera before grabbing the screwdriver and hammer my sweet husband requested. WithOUT profanity. Gotta love him.

Above: Meghan's sweet visage (?huh?) framed by the top of a newly installed and perfectly aligned double door, and ceiling sheetrock.

Note: Always remove the double-door-swing-preventing-stabilizer-ma-bobs BEFORE installation.

Also note: Meg evidently suffers from mild claustrophobia.

Rationalization?

2009-02-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

I've developed this somewhat horrible addiction...

My Top 10 Reasons to Eat Ice-Cream:

10. Cold-stone Creamery coupons.

9. A treat "for the kids" on a rare day in the middle of winter: sunshiny, warm... ice-creamy.

8. PMS.

7. To relieve stomach-burn resulting from any -- even slightly!-- spicy or acidic food.

6. It's Friday night and the kids are FINALLY in bed.

5. It's Saturday night (Blockbuster night at our house!).

4. It's Sunday night, and you're planning on being really disciplined the rest of the week.

3. Monday was rough.

2. Your favorite weeknight sitcom just isn't complete without it.

1. You're bummed because you weren't as disciplined as you had planned (see #3).

The girl's got problems

2009-02-07T09:04:00.001-08:00

Ah, to be five again.

At snack time Meg called out, "Mom, Dad, I have a problem!"

The neck of her mini-coca-cola glass would not accommodate the size of her cookie, leaving the remaining milk piteously out of reach.

Real-life construction

2009-02-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to all of my friends (OK, so I know of at least one friend) who, like me, find those Martha Stewart blogger types rather intimidating. You know...

Here are my perfect kids, who blissfully played with each other while I completed the following impeccable craft project.

[cute photo]

Well, that is definitely not us. Let's just say if we were talking about "cooking" Darin is not the clean-as-you-go type. But let me add that although the kitchen would be a WRECK, the meal would be WONDERFUL!

Da Man -- with the new wall and soon-to-be built-in bookshelf

Caleb and Meg getting in on the action

(note: yes, they are currently being baby-sat by Saturday morning cartoons)

mess

mess!

So the question remains: Will you love us because of our methods?

or, in spite of our methods?

I may not be smarter than [your] 5th-grader, but...

2009-02-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

At school, Caleb's class has started a social studies unit, and he brought home a folder about Europe this weekend. Hence the following conversation at dinner last night:

me: "Can you name 3 countries in Europe?"

Caleb: "France, England, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa."

me: "OK, but where do you find the Leaning Tower of Pisa? What country is shaped like a boot?"

[pause]

Caleb: "Michigan?"

Aside from being just plain funny, this conversation should particularly endear Caleb to a certain ex-college-roommate of mine (you know who you are!).

Friends

2009-01-22T17:41:00.000-08:00

World-record pillow fort in progress!

Can you find Caleb in this collapsed picture? hint: look for an arm

(photographer-mom failed to capture the fort in it's complete splendor)

Princesses Meghan and Phoebe enjoying high tea.

Handyman Husband and Apprentice Son

2009-01-22T17:27:00.001-08:00

In our near-twelve years of marriage, Darin and I have learned that do-it-yourself home construction projects can either strengthen your marriage, or drive a wedge between you (sometimes literally!). At our first house in Bryan, Texas, our ONLY toilet literally sat on our front porch for DAYS (out of service, of course; thank you McDonalds for your hospitality). So I figure we're bonded for life.

This most recent endeavor involves building a wall to create a storage closet/ laundry room area.

Yes, that is a power-tool-saw-thing-a-ma-jig in 8-year-old Caleb's hands.

One day, I will apologize to his wife.

Moms are only human...

2009-01-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

On our way out the door to Meghan's soccer practice.

Water bottles: check.

Shin-guards: check.

Jackets: check.

Everyone has gone to the restroom?: check.

Caleb has homework to work on during practice?: check.

Change for the mini-bag of chex-mix Caleb has begged for at the last two practices: check.

Car keys, purse, sunglasses, cell phone: check.

Ah, so prepared. Even punctual. Almost downright proud.

Until I look across the sports complex lobby and notice Meghan in her SNOWBOOTS.

S'more?

2009-01-16T19:30:00.001-08:00

Grammie: Does this answer your inquiries as to whether or not the kids are enjoying the new s'mores-maker? THANKS for the sugar rushes!

Return from AWOL

2009-01-16T19:05:00.001-08:00

This post has been put off by everything from unpacking to pretty weather to dust bunny patrol to watching The Eleventh Hour and eating ice cream. If you are faithful enough to still be checking in on the Satterwhites after 2 weeks of us being AWOL from cyberspace, bless you!

On New Year's Eve with dear Texas friends Kim and Jaynie

Meghan enjoying a snuggle from cousin Merishia

Boys and their toys... Blake and Caleb

Beauty Shop with Grandma Judy and cousin Ashton

Yes, this was posed. But we got a kiss out of the deal!

It was AWESOME to spend time with precious friends and family back "home" in Texas. We soaked up plenty of Texas heat while we were there -- it was a shock going from the 20's to the 80's! We also felt a blessing in the sense of coming "home" on our return trip to Colorado. If "home is where the heart is," then -- between the people and places I've grown to love -- I'll always have more than one home.

Merry CHRISTmas!

2008-12-24T20:34:00.001-08:00

Let the Sugar Rush Begin!

2008-12-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed our annual "PJ Cookie Day" on Monday. This tradition started the year that Caleb was 2, and at around noon we were still pajama-clad and "half-baked." Why change a good thing?

Bad Mama?

2008-12-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Is this a sign of bad parenting? When my 5 year old daughter said she didn't know what to wear this morning, I answered, "Just go look on your floor."

Saturday Funnies

2008-12-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Around day 8 of a snow-covered yard (and yes, it's STILL there!), Caleb commented at breakfast: "Man. Snow sure does get boring fast." This is the boy that PRAYED for snow in Texas, and couldn't wait for it to arrive in Colorado. Human nature, right?

This morning Meghan prayed at breakfast: "....and Jesus, please make the days go faster so we get to Christmas sooner. Amen."

What DOES a camel say?

2008-12-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

As we unloaded our Christmas paraphenalia this year, I thought about giving our Little People manger scene to a friend down the street with a younger daughter. Glad I didn't follow through too hastily on that idea! Meg has played with that set EVERY day since. We love reenacting the Christmas story with our own special embellishments: the three kings arrive caroling and wake the just-settled baby Jesus; Mary sends Joseph for take-out; Mary asks the three kings if they brought any diapers... God has a sense of humor, right?

Well, we have a little hitch. The cow goes "moo," the sheep goes "baa," the donkey "hee-haws"...

What DOES a camel say?

For now, ours says, "camel-camel-camel."

Sledding!

2008-12-06T20:38:00.001-08:00

Our town gained about 6-7 inches of snow over the last few days. Today dawned clear and sunny, and our friends invited us SLEDDING! They were even gracious enough to share their sleds with us, as Caleb and Meghan are still waiting on their own sleds from Santa this year. By the time we reached the park, warm sunshine already had grass peaking through the snow here and there, and had us shedding our coats soon after!

Caleb = DETERMINATION

Part of the fun of living in a smaller town:

running into school friends at the park!

Meghan = COZY free-loader!

Poor thing; she got pretty whiny and clingy late in the morning.

After an afternoon nap, she woke with a fever of about 103o!

The kids can't have ALL the fun.

Do we stop playing because we get older?

Or, do we get older because we stop playing?

SNOW!

2008-12-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

Meg and I met our friend Amy for coffee and some shopping this morning. When we walked out... well let's just say thankfully we had our emergency blanket and engine heater.

OK. So it's really one of Caleb's hot-wheels on the handrail of our back deck. But we did THOROUGHLY enjoy our first Colorado snow day, complete with temperatures in the 20's!

Caleb's long awaited moment: SNOW!

Clowning around with next-door friends Trinity and Paul. The kids tried (unsuccessfully) making snow bricks using a shoebox, and "sledding" on Caleb's skateboard ramp in a trash can lid (the plastic variety). They were quite successful, however, in pelting me with multiple snowballs in the face! (Thank God for soft powder!)

"What is this white stuff?" Keeper was mystified, then quite frisky!

Nap Time Celebration... and subsequent deep thoughts

2008-12-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

Yes. We'd like to take a moment to thank our sponsor,

"Meghan-Who-Is-Currently-Napping-For-The-First-Time-In-Weeks,"

for making this blog session possible.

Ahhh. Naptime. My ?th cup of coffee for the day (at least it's decaf), washing down a single, savored square of Dove dark chocolate. This beats watching Oprah and eating bon-bons any day in my book.

Something struck me earlier today. It's so ironic all of the stress we create getting "ready" for Christmas. Don't get me wrong -- I love the sights, sounds, smells, and traditions of the season. Many of these hold special symbolism as well. Sometimes, however, there's an added

pressure -- a sense of needing to get everything "right" for the season. But when baby Jesus came, there was none of the song and dance we have created today. There was not even "room in the inn," much less a room decked in boughs of holly.

I am so thankful that rather than me having to get everything in order for Him, He came to put everything in order for me. He brought the Light of His innocent Presence into the darkness of my life, illuminating the Way to the Father. Thank You, Jesus.