10.11.2013

Sept 18-24 Mom and Dad Visit!

What an example of Christ to us!  We were so blessed by Mom and Dad's heart not to be served, but to serve!  While they were here, we spent a few days in beautiful Grand Lake Colorado thanks to their generosity.  Dad spent much time researching log cabin rentals.  His efforts were rewarded.  It was a wonderful place complete with a loft that the boys just loved!  The peaceful location provided needed rest and allowed us to spend low-key quality time together.  Thanks Mom and Dad for coming and for loving us so well!  It is a privilege to be your children!


See the loft up top?  Caution: Not responsible for persons over 150lbs climbing ladder!

 the loft

 view from loft into living area



 view from master bedroom

 our cabin

 hiking to Adam's Falls

 It was difficult to capture the beauty of this fall.  The water was roaring because of all the heavy rain Colorado has recently received.  It dropped in several locations and meandered through towering boulders.  It was neat to see new perspectives of the fall as we walked and climbed our way around it.  


 Best Friends!  You'd never know they were 6 years apart!  Grateful!



 My heart!



 on our way down the trail - I believe that is Grand Lake in the distance.

 our picnic spot at Grand Lake

The lake behind our cabin!  We spent about 4 hours just sitting on the dock, canoeing, attempting to fish, and discovering Justin's ability to draw!


 Dad and his boys

 That's them out there!

 Ryder's turn!  Take note of his attire!  He must wear PJ's all the time.  If in public, clothes go on over the PJ's!



 They made it back without tipping over.  Darn!  Secretly I was hoping they'd tip!   Shhhh!  Don't tell them that!   Wouldn't that have been so hilarious?  Always funnier when it happens to someone else!




 Our haven for half the day!

 Exciting!  First moose since living in CO.  Too bad he didn't have antlers.  Maybe he was a she?



 Mom was hoping to see "Color splashed through the woods as if it had been thrown about by some madcap wastrel who spilled out, during the weeks of one brief autumn, beauty enough to last for years."  But, this was about all we saw - about a week too early.



quote from: Across Five Aprils
our current family read-aloud


 On Monday, Mom and I had a chance to getaway.  A little retreat I guess you could say.   We stayed at a quaint, little inn nestled in the foothills of Pike's Peak.  We wandered through the woods to the top of the property and sat in 2 chairs overlooking the peak.  There we prayed for everyone in our extended and immediate family.  We were also able to share a few meals together and this is all I can say about our dining experience...  

Our souls were more filled with laughter than our tummies were with food.  

I am grateful for this time of fellowship and refreshment.



And, what could be better than hanging out with Grandpa!  "Poppy" and the boys enjoyed the zoo together and when Justin got home they ordered wings and watched the best team in the nation during Monday Night Football!  It is fun being a Bronco people!  


Mom and Ryder playing a game in the front yard right before we left to take them to the airport.  I really miss having ALL my family close by, but it makes the times spent together all the more sweeter!  So, who's coming next?




9.17.2013

Up, Up, and Away!

The Sunday of Labor Day weekend, we went to Colorado Springs for The Hot Air Balloon Classic.  Justin got us a hotel so we could stay Monday as well.  The weather cancelled the Balloon Glo scheduled for Sunday night, which was really disappointing, but the Monday morning launch made up for it.  So cool!  Too bad my camera died half way through.  Fail!



















9.08.2013

MY Pop

My Pop turned 80 yesterday! I am not sure it is possible for me to share words that would appropriately convey what is in my heart. In fact, I've kept putting off this post because I knew it would require time and thought and, let's be honest, I am plain ole lazy! But, I know this is something I need to do. It is good for me to reflect upon just how blessed I am not only to have a grandpa, but to have MY grandpa! He is a gift from God and I will forever be indebted to his unconditional love and kindness towards me. It's days like today, celebrations like these, that I really miss home. My Pop's life is worth celebrating and I so wish I could squeeze his neck right now.

I ran across 2 quotes the other day -

"The best things in life aren't things!"

This is so true people. I immediately think about how my greatest need has been met on the cross and no THING I could ever want or need could compare to that! It is great to be able to enjoy God and glorify Him forever. But, second best in my life is family, and since I am attempting to honor my Pop, I will focus on him! My Pop is a man that will sacrifice his own desires in order to provide for the people he loves. If he sees a need he will do his best to meet it. Much of what I have and what I have been able to accomplish has been a direct result of his generosity and labor. He still works a part time job and I know it's because he wants to be able to give selflessly to his family for as long as he can. He is the definition of a hard worker and, a picture of a person who cares deeply.


The next quote is -

"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate!"

Pop has without question given me something to imitate. I can only hope and pray that I can be the kind of grandparent that he is someday. I have learned so much from observing his life.


  • I want to be able to work in my yard and around my house when I am 80 and then do it at my grandkids house too.
  • I too want to be able to buy them new shoes so they can run a race and not get injured.
  • I too want to be able to pay for their handyman when an appliance breaks unexpectedly and payday is 2 weeks away.
  • I too want to be able to be a built in babysitter, so my kids can have a much needed date night.
  • I too want my home to be a place of refuge, so no matter what life brings to my grandkids, they know rest for their soul and food for their belly isn't far away.
  • I too want such a close relationship with them that frequent phone calls are a must.
  • I too want to attend every event their apart of.
  • I too want to surprise them with oil changes, vacuum cleaners, and all that other stuff that isn't fun to pay for.
  • I too want them to think home is wherever their grandparents are!
  • And, I too want them to think that there is no way any other 80-year-old looks as good!  It must be all that gym time!  


This list could go on, but it gives you a good idea of how great my Pop is! Not many can compare. He is a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is a wonderful man worthy of highest praise.  I am a rich granddaughter indeed!  I can't end this post without giving credit to my Pop's helpmate!  My Nan is equally deserving of every single thing I have said and Pop would be the first to admit he wouldn't be half the man he is today without her!  The two of them are simply amazing and I cannot imagine life without them.  Lord, please give them many more years on this earth I do selfishly pray.

LOVE YOU FOREVER!

9.02.2013

Ty's First Middle School Game 8/30/13

Tyler is playing football for Cornerstone Christian Academy this year. We are excited for the opportunity he has to play for a school. His first game was in Estes Park.


Here he is getting on the bus.


#32 warming up


Game time


Nice win for the Bulldogs!