Christmas Cry, Cousins, A Compliment & some Complaining

It's funny what things can bring about that Christmas feeling. Although my house is all decorated, ( I even have some lovely cinnamon scents and treats set out) ,the place that feels most like Christmas to me is Jason's parents house. Pulling up and seeing these stars....



seeing their freshly cut, characteristically spars evergreen....


and all of the familiar ornaments brings that giddy-bump feeling in my stomach.




I guess I love knowing that things don't change too much there. My house is in constant flux as I search for my style and try to settle on some traditions. But at the Grandma and Papa's, it feels just right!

Christmas Card Cry


Last night, I felt a bit of Christmas sadness, as I looked over our collection of cards. I just love these people!!! I love seeing their faces and knowing that they are well. I am constantly amazed and honored that they consider me a friend. Last night, I teared up realizing how long it has been since I have seen so many. I love you and miss you all.

Cousins







There is another "C" word swirling in my head. My sister was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and just had surgery on thursday. I will write more on that soon, but the surgery went well and she is recovering quickly. Still, I took this opportunity to steal her kids away for a few days. In this case, more really is merrier, as the cousins entertain each other and I bask in the glory of having to teenage girls at my disposal.

A Compliment

A much deserved compliment to JRO. The man is busy beyond reason and I have noticed that when he sees that I am feeling a bit ignored, he has been trying to complete some of the tasks I have so kindly "mentioned"( and mentioned and mentioned---I believe some of you may call it nagging).





Most recently, it was my long-awaited pantry. My days of running to the basement for cans and paper plates are over. He stacked my washer and dryer, spent one long evening after work, measuring and sawing to make his wife smile. I love watching him build things..... it's one of the reasons I married him. Who knew a tape measure and circular saw could be so attractive.

And lastly, I apologize, but some complaining

We have at last decided to start finishing our basement. The trouble is that we had just piled tons of STUFF down there that now has to be moved during construction. The first plan was to put it in the garage, but in a Colorado winter, I didn't want to give up my nice parking spot. So, in a moment of insanity I decided I could deal with having it in the "homework room" for a few months.



It has been two weeks, and due to some changes we made and Christmas, they haven't so much as swung a hammer. My chest is tightening and all of my anal-obsessive tendancies are coming to a boil. I don't know how long I can hold out. I have already rearranged it twice, but it makes no difference. My hope now is that by venting, I can endure.

Merry Christmas EVE

New Soul

In just one year......

I start with a Sigh........My little Autumn is one and I am feeling her babyhood slipping through my fingers. At this time a year ago, she was a tiny, bald, cross-eyed little angel. Now she seems so big, so capable......so determined to grow up too fast.


I do not want more children,(or should I say, I don't think I could handle any more) but I will miss this stage of life when I have been able to bring babies to the world. There is nothing more magical than being there to experience a baby's first moments. The anticipation, the struggle and the pure love at first sight is a rush that cannot be topped. I am sad to never have that moment again. I have really tried to savor this last babies first year, but I feel like it has gone way too fast.




When I think of the past 365 days (and nights) with her, a blur of images just passes through my mind. I can't quite grab onto one and remember it fully. Being the fourth, she has had to wait her turn, had to withstand a lot of sibling "love" and attention and been the recipient of an almost constant stream of kisses and hugs.. She has weathered us well, and to quote Elijah "Autumn is just the best baby ever----uh mom?" She is a pleasant baby; social, smart, spunky, strong, silly, sassy, a smushy-thighed, snuggler ,and as you can see.....

She can shake her sassafrass!!!! Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!! Slow down....take your time....no need to keep up this current pace. I love you.

Goodnight Home

Goodnight home

Goodnight broken lu of which I bemoaned

Goodnight stairs,


Goodnight flares

Goodnight little shower, oh, I cleaned you for hours

Goodnight floors,

Goodnight Doors


Goodnight Nobody, Goodnight Chores

Goodnight living room, Goodnight Fire

And Goodnight to the mean neighbor who tried to scare off the buyer

Goodnight stove

Goodnight ugly curtain

Goodnight stresses, that is for certain
Goodnight Nile Court, you are sold, all papers now signed
I am free from your weight, no longer intwined.

(After 8 months of cleaning, moving and worry, my mom's house is sold and we are free to move on to brighter days! Give me an audible WU-WHO!!!!!)

Spreading "GOOD NEWS!"

How do you make your second time seeing Wicked just as exciting as the first?



Bring along some first timers and share in their joy and astonishment. It was a night to remember and Jax and Madeline's first major theatre experience. Jaxen played it cool, clapping quietly and saying things like "Yeah, it's pretty cool", while Madeline sat with eyes wide, ready to jump out of her seat with delight! This was also our, long awaited, mother's and father's day gifts to our parents. They too were Wicked virgins. Watching their faces was so much fun.

I am now experiencing my post Wicked let down. I feel a little sad now that the anticipation is over, but the night lived up to all of my expectations. Farewell Galinda (remember, the "Ga" is silent) and Elphaba----until next time. SIGH!!!!!!

All it takes it faith and trust.......

oh yes and something I forgot......DUST.

Halloween became Autumn's big day to take her first, and surprisingly stable, steps. She made it up to 5 by that night and now is starting to cruise with grace throughout the house. I guess, those wings really did inspire her.





As for the rest of Halloween, we were able to have the Lundbergs here from Utah. It was low key, full of bounty and just a great night. (Notice the snow on the ground....gotta love Halloween in Colorado!)

Oh to be a man!

As I continued my nightly cleaning rituals, over the roar of football on the TV, I heard Jason clanking in the kitchen. I was waiting for the rustle of a bag of chips or the beep from the microwave as he heats the ice cream for an easier scoop, but no. I heard the the distinct slicing of an apple. Could it be? Was my husband going to eat an o-so healthy apple during monday night football? I had a little pitter of pride in the impact all of my nagging and preaching had had. I actually had to check.



I should have guessed. To Jason and to men everywhere, this snack is totally and 100% counted as health food. To take a fork and dip right into the jar of Nutella----now that is bold---and, I might add, totally unfair!