Brinks Bit

It's getting complicated

2011-01-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's just crazy how difficult some things can be when it's just not necessary! We replaced our theater projector and screen downstairs last month. The projector is great but it took forever for our installer Troy to get time to put it up and together and then they got to the screen and it's been a nightmare!!

Kurt thought this screen would be nice. It's basically a frame with some type of special reflective fabric stretched over it...not so good! The frame was made of plastic and by the time they got the fabric stretched over it, it twisted and warped the frame, rendering it impossible to lay flat against the wall!

Now we're working with the online company Projector People to get an RMA# to return the screen and hoping they won't charge us a 15% restocking fee...which is ridiculous after having to pay for the shipping to return it. Either way, it will get done....soon I hope!

Ten Years...ago

2011-01-06T10:31:00.113-07:00

Here we are into another year...now what were we all doing ten years ago?? Oh yes, worrying about the Millenium and if our computers will just all shut down! It's hard to believe that we're all ten years older as well; I don't feel it, hope you don't either. I'm not vowing nor am I resolving to do anything different this year as far as making empty resolutions and promises. Just a personal promise to do more of the good stuff and less of the bad!!

Last year started out pretty brutal; what with the robbery right off the bat (keep in mind that that's never happened in the 20+ years we've been in business!!) Then ending with Kurt's truck being broken into and his stereo ripped right out of the dash...disheartening!! It was definitely the year of theft..., I'm trying really hard to keep an optimistic outlook in all of humanity but..it's getting tougher and tougher!

However, without dwelling on all the bad, we also ended the year with a lot of good things and happenings. Most important, the kids are happy and healthy, we love each other, a roof over our heads and our bellies full (maybe too full!). You just can't ask for more sometimes, nor should you...but as usual I do!

Jared & Evan have enrolled in Karate again at the Parker Academy of Martial Arts. We just started and they're really enjoying it. Hopefully, it will give them a sense of discipline, responsibility and respect within themselves. We're on a trial period right now; so hopefully we can keep it up! Jared had some previous experience as you all know so they moved him up from a white belt to a purple after evaluation. Evan's a newbie so he'll start on white but he's loving it, which is the important part!

We recently opened up a booth in a store called "The Parker Shoppes" out here in Parker. This store has about 50 different vendors selling everything from clothing, home decor, foods and with us in there as "Diamond Mine"; we've incorporated jewelry into their selection. It has low overhead and a lot of opportunity for big profit; another one of Kurt's brilliant ideas!

Christmas came and went, all the hoopla and build up...! It was a great day and the kid's as usual got what they wanted from Santa!! I'm grateful we were able to provide it...but can't help and wonder if we're setting up for failure but it's so hard not to spoil them! Jared got his coveted "PS3" finally and there were tears of joy!! We couldn't believe it...!

Tears of Sheer Happiness!!

Making Cookies for Santa

Gunny had the most fun opening his presents!! So Cute!

Evan's must have - Criss Cross Crash!

I was equally blessed and surprised...! Kurt went and bought all new cooktop, microwave and oven for our kitchen. I was so sick of the ugly, nasty, old appliances but I knew it was going to be a pretty penny to replace all of it. He somehow made it happen...it is beautiful!! The wall oven on the bottom is also a convection oven; just like the microwave! We have been floored by the amazing technology in these appliances. The oven can also dehydrate...!!?? Jerky anyone? What can it NOT do right?! It was completed with a ceiling pots/pan rack and all new cookware!! What a great present!! Couldn't have asked for more!!


Before - Cooktop...! Ewwwww!!

After - Beautiful!!

Before - Microwave / Oven

After - WOW!!!


Touch Screens - Love it...fingerprints are a little challenging though!!

Coming Soon ...!

2010-07-06T20:45:00.000-06:00

My sister Cindy and her family will be visiting us this Friday weekend! I'm really excited to see them all; it's been a while since we've gotten together. I'm glad they were able to carve out a little bit of time for us this summer. Everyone is growing up and older so fast I didn't want our next visit to be at each others funerals or something!

Unfortunately Alexa will not be joining them as she is quite busy with school and life at BYU of Idaho in Rexburg. She's doing so well and I dare say she may even been having a bit of fun!

We decided that we would take them on an ATV excursion for the day while they're here. I talked to her tonight on the phone and they're gamed; which is great! I wasn't sure if they would be interested.

These guys have managed to raise some decent kids in this crazy world of ours. They're smart, courteous and loving children. I wonder what their secret is?...

I still remember holding Alexa and Zane when they were itty bitty babes; now they're pretty much adults.

Time sure does fly... ♥♥♥

Happy Birthday America!

2010-07-03T14:05:00.001-06:00

Here we are at another birthday for this great country of ours! This year has been an especially trying one to maintain or regain our optimism for what's left of our great nation.

As we continue to hear about the declination of jobs, the economy and the overall pulse of society's disapproval of our country; we must not wane and give into what may seem like a hopeless battle.

This may seems like a relentless fight against a lingering storm and we all wish we could reach land or just some calmer waters. For the most part, we're all just hanging on by our fingertips but some out here are hanging on by their fingerNAILS!

I am truly grateful to have a husband that believes in the fundamentals of hard work and every day gets up, puts on that rain gear and fights that hurricane force winds. It would be so much easier to just give up and say "Oh well..." and let things happen to you. At least I know if we go down; we'll always go down fighting. I'm hoping things will look up and get better soon but without the bad we'll never know what good is...

Here's to a wonderful, safe and enjoyable 4th of July! Remember to fly your flags high and remember all our military personnel and veterans that have served or are serving out there. They keep us safe and free so we can wake up another day and do whatever, be whoever we want to be in this wonderful country...

What's happened to marriage?

2010-06-29T09:41:00.000-06:00

It's been a really tough and strange year around here. We've been hearing a lot about people divorcing and lots of infidelity within marriages. I believe the economy has done in a few of those marriages but the latest is a couple we know through some friends and the story goes, she found out that he's been cheating on her and not just recently but pretty much throughout their whole marriage which I believe spans at least 15 years.

Not to mention the damage it does to the relationship itself but just the sheer health risks involved when you mess around outside your marriage. We're not talking about just one woman but multiple women and ones you pay money for as well. It's so sad and disgusting the lack of respect we as a society seem to have for the sanctity of marriage anymore. We all I think, hide what's really going on behind those closed doors every day and night. What seems to be a perfect union is anything but; however you should finish one chapter before beginning another. What would you do if you knew about one party cheating; do you tell the other? Are you obligated in some ways to notify the other? It's not a huge surprise apparently that this particular husband was cheating and has cheated but no one said anything to her... I would hope that someone would give me a bit of a heads up; but then the argument goes that she probably had a clue about it. I am aware of one other situation for another couple that has occurred but I didn't say anything either...it's a hard decision to make. To stir the pot or not... or is ignorance bliss?...

I have no reason to not trust my spouse but am I just fooling myself too? I'm a consummate believer that just when things seem to be going so perfect; the rug gets pulled right out from under you! That's my pessimistic side coming out. It seems to not be that big of a deal around here to go outside your marriage to take care of what's lacking. I think my views are pretty old fashion some would say but I don't think I could live with the shame or look at my children in the eyes if I did anything like that but that's just my thinking.

The stakes are too high and is it really worth it? It makes you reevaluate your own marriage and ask is it strong enough?

50, it's just a number....right?

2010-06-19T19:02:00.001-06:00

We celebrated our neighbor and friend, Jim Hormberg's 50th Birthday this Friday. It was a surprise his wife Mary put together with a couple months of planning.

I have to say I thought for sure he knew what was going on and wouldn't be too surprised but he swore up and down that he was totally clueless!

All in all, it was a nice 60 peeps or so guests in our cul-de-sac; complete with a roasted pig and of course, lots of booze and music!

It seems so strange that I can relate more to someone that's 50 or older than I can with a 20 or 30 something. That number is not that far off for me...about 8 years, which goes by pretty fast these days. I'm not afraid other than the fact that I will actually look and feel older than 50 when I'm there! So far, I don't even feel 42 and have been told I don't look it either...so there may be hope but I am seeing some wrinkles on my forehead creeping in! Ughhhhh!!

What a milestone and one where you might do a little reflection I would think. Such thoughts as ; have I done everything I wanted to do so far? You know how popular bucket lists are these days! However, more importantly I think, what have I done or put out into this world, during my time here so far and has it been positive and beneficial to anyone or anything? I think we all want to feel a sense of purpose while we're here for what really is a moment in time, a glimpse...

Perhaps that's my real fear...not so much the age of 50 or older but that I had no effect on anyone. I have good intentions and try to help when I can but sometimes it just doesn't seem to matter or change the universal theory of karma or an action equal a reaction. What if I don't find what my purpose is...? Is this something everyone knows eventually? I may be the oddball here...What is your purpose?

Just let us choose how we want to go

2010-06-17T23:41:00.001-06:00

In less than an hour, death row inmate, Ronnie Lee Gardner will be executed by a firing squad in the State of Utah for a crime he committed in 1985 and has spent the last 25 years on death row. The controversy isn't the crime he committed anymore but the method he has chosen to die by.

It's bad enough most of our rights are slowly being taken away but even at our "death bed" we still can't do what we want and have our wishes granted.

Most inmates make their peace with their God and have their come Jesus moment while serving time. I'm sure Ronnie has done his share and then some in the 25 years that he's been locked up. What and who in society keeps feeling the need to stick their noses into everything we do, want or say?

We have a Catholic priest in Utah quoted saying idiotic things like, "Guns are bad and it's the cause of this execution and how inhumane it is." It's actually an end to the means. What are we keeping these "people" around for? So they can live better than our homeless at our expense?

"What is so bad about an eye for an eye...?

A Day with Little Man

2010-06-17T22:31:00.000-06:00

Evan and I had the wonderful opportunity of hanging out together, just the two of us. I really enjoy the one on one with my boys! He helped me with some shopping at Costco just to get a few things...yea right! Who goes into Costco with just a few things!

I don't think it's humanly possible to buy just a thing or two there. For us, a family of four we can't and do not use half of what these guys have to offer.

We did check out their book selection and their prices were very reasonable as always but it's always going to have to be the non perishable items we go for.

Then there's the occasional don't really need but want item that tempts you into coming out of there $300 poorer. We went in for two or three things and ended up with at least 15-20 I think...oops!!

Evan wanted to go to Arby's for lunch; ahhh, the memories of my first job! This is one of the crappiest looking Arby's and it would be the only one we have in our town. It must be nice to have a monopoly on the roast beef franchise in one city. I still love the taste of that roast beef though...!

Didn't matter though we had a great time and he ate all his lunch! It was still fun just to be with him.

My Karate Kid! ♥

What are young girls thinking these days?...

2010-06-17T08:15:00.005-06:00

I just saw this story on CBS this morning and can't help wonder what our young girls in society are thinking these days.

Apparently the famous celebrity blogger Perez Hilton posted a picture of an underage 17 year old Miley Cyrus getting into a car in a skirt without any underwear (remember the infamous picture s of Queen Britney?). He then proceeded to blast it on his website and claims it was to teach her a lesson on how to get into a car more "lady like".

I think it's completely tasteless to capture anyone without their knowledge in such a fashion; whether you're famous or not. However, as a celebrity of Miley's caliber you have to hold them somewhat accountable as well. I understand that a lot of people out there feel that it's more comfortable to go commando, male or female, but let's be a little more discreet about it!

These days it seems like anything goes anymore and as shocking as this may be to some; is it really that out of the norm for today's society? Should Miley be allowed any recourse? She did send out the invitation herself, right?

Keep in mind that Miley is also desperately trying to shed her "little girl" image. Whether it's through her music or pictures she's taken of herself. We are almost numb to how lax our society has gotten but should we openly allow bloggers or anyone to photograph us in such a way for just any reason?....or maybe we should be teaching our young ladies a bit about discretion.

One Down, One to Go!

2010-06-16T19:32:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe but another school year has come and gone! Evan graduated Wednesday from Kindergarten...yes, just kindergarten. It's like starting all over again cause...we are! It's been a really great year for him and myself cause I had the chance to work in his classroom quite a bit this year and he had an awesome teacher! It was such a cute program she put together, I know the kids enjoyed it. On top of that, she burned discs for all the parents with a slide show to music and pictures of all the kids throughout the school year. It took a lot to not cry but luckily there were a lot of funny pictures to keep us laughing more than anything!

A few of the moms put together refreshments and eats for the graduation. It was very well done. The group of moms we've had were fantastic, everyone was just so nice and friendly...unlike the typical "Parker" ladies. Just down to earth and fun to work with!

Evan made a lot of friends in his class and all the kids were so sweet and a joy to work with. Yes, even the girls were tolerable. It's a long road for these little ones but as long as they have a lot fun along the way then it'll be OK!

Here it is again...Monday

2010-01-11T08:11:00.009-07:00

It's a sure thing...Mondays! As we sit here and have breakfasts together with our boys so they can get ready for school I know we all long for one more "weekend" day. Just as fast as the past week had gone by the weekend went by even faster.

I decided to make the boys some french toasts for breakfast. They're old enough to make their own cereal nowadays but I thought it would be nice to have something different! It's a great time to connect with them before they leave for the "institution"!

I on the other hand enjoy just a hot cup of tea. I've never been a huge breakfast person but with this new year we're going to try and eat more healthy and perhaps a little less too!

It seems like it will never happen but I'm also trying to get more exercise in and realized how out of shape I really was!! It's hard to believe that I use to spring around like it was nothing. Kurt got us the Wii Fit for Christmas and it's been a lot of fun to do and play with; which keeps your interest a bit. I just hope I can keep up the routine!

Welcome Monday!!

It's 2010...Can you believe it?

2010-01-10T22:34:00.015-07:00

As we approach the middle of January it is still hard to believe that it's the year 2010 and I've made it another year! The kids are getting older and we're definitely getting older that's a given. 2009 has been filled with many wonderful times and events that we're so grateful for and not soon forget.

I can't help but realize that we are also here for such a short time; really just a glimpse. I love my family and still can't believe how blessed I have been. What are your resolutions as we approach a new decade? It is still in question how we would address this decade...strange, never thought we'd get here!

In a couple of months we will join Steve and Kristal in Puerto Vallarta for a few days in the sun. Kurt and Steve will actually be there a week before Kristal and I for the boys portion of the trip. The Bays own a timeshare and traded them for two units in PV and decided it would be fun if the girls joined them for the last portion of it. It was a great surprise and I'm excited to go.

Steve's mom Judy has offered to watch our boys while we're away - couldn't ask for more generosity than that! She is such a sweet lady and the boys will be in good hands I know!

Jared is getting ready to turn 12 next month! I still can't believe it. He's made a good friend this year in his class. His name is Colton with a little brother Garrett who is 9. Colton and Jared have a shared interest in airsoft guns and his family also enjoys camping and hunting. They seem like a really nice couple. It's hard enough finding kids that comes from a good family with manners and are courteous let alone a family of boys! So it's been a win and win situation.

Jared is still active in his school band program playing the trumpet and looks forward to practice every Tuesday and Friday. Starting next Wednesday he will be taking a Jazz appreciation class; which will be exciting to introduce him to the world of jazz through instruments.

Mrs. O'Connor, his band teacher has been very motivational for him and seem to appreciate his presence in class; which is more than I can say for his room teacher. I think certain people just shouldn't teach if you like playing favorites...

Evan has enjoyed being in Mrs. Pierces kindergarten class even though we worried he would be bored academically. However he has really embraced being around his friends in class and out of class and the activities given. We invited a few of his friends to his birthday party back in October and really enjoyed having them there. We found he could also use a little brushing up on some handwriting, math skills and reading comprehension; so kindergarten is not a total waste of
time as I thought it might have been.

We will however be taking a welcome break from Northeast for a while and hope by the time Evan goes there it will be better and we'll have a new outlook on it.

As I close this entry I ask what will you do differently this year? There are the obvious personal physical and health goals but as a person of humanity I will be a more pleasant person, not talk about people so much especially in mixed company and try harder to go with the flow...!

Lastly, my main goal is to talk to and find people that are REAL. No hidden agendas, no lying but to speak with tact, how one really sees things and/or feels. I'm at a point right now where it somehow seems important to live this way.

Happy New Year !

It's as good as new!

2009-08-18T19:09:00.015-06:00

After many years of torment and procrastination we finally repainted the house and better yet, had the front door refinished!

If I could I would have put a sledgehammer through that door or set it on fire or something to get rid of it. It was in such bad shape that we even looked at replacing it but of course it would have been a chunk o' change to do it!! Doesn't everything cost a chunk o' change anymore?

The guys we hired, Don and Chris had done some work for us at our stores and we used them one other time back at the Fairplay house. I hated them! They never showed up on time and worked very little! I warned Kurt that if he wanted to hire them he will be the recipient of my complaints every day. He assured me that they have changed and they will show up and be professional throughout the whole job.

Once it was stripped of its old paint and sanded down, the original beauty came back...amazing!!

Initially we were just having the door and entry way refinished and repainted. They gave us a good deal and took care of us. To my surprise, the door turned out beautifully and I couldn't believe that it was the same door. As you can see, the previous owners had put this nasty red paint all over it but didn't protect the finish or anything so with the morning sun beating on it; it just about ruined it - worst of all, he did it AFTER we closed on the house!! I don't know what possessed him to do it, the house is sold Mr. - move on!! Right?!!

We were going to be done with that but asked them for a bid anyways to see if we can strike up another deal if they were to paint the whole house. Luckily, we were able to so off we went!! Here is the BEFORE...

I definitely do not have an eye for colors so we went through several different paint samples and as usual Kurt ended up choosing the colors because I was just all confused by then! According to the guys, it took a little over a week to complete and near the end of the project we were all ready to wrap it up. There was an enormous amount of trim work to be hand painted along with all the gutters and downspouts!! Oy vay!! But they did it and in the end after all my scrutinizing and knit picking every day; our house is beautiful!!

Heavenly Camp Trip

2009-08-12T19:14:00.015-06:00

We just came back from a camping trip to Grand County, up Hwy 40 near Granby. It was such a beautiful place, we couldn't believe it!

It didn't start out that way, we had never been there and decided to take a look because others have said it's a great place to camp and ATV. We drove into our first spot down a road marked 106 and found nothing but trees all cut down and logging trucks everywhere. They were there taking down all the trees destroyed by the pine beetles. It was ugly and sad. Luckily Kurt looked a bit further on the map before we left home and saw another location called Homestead. After much discussion, we decided to try that out; it's gotta be better than seeing all these dead trees!

We drove in and it looked promising but we were not sure which way to go from there. We stopped a couple that happen to be out "moose watching" and asked if they knew of any other camp spots but they were unable to help us. We ended up in a great big meadow with no trees around and wind whipping through us.

It was looking like that that was going to home for a few days so we unloaded and went for a short exploration ride and it was a good thing we did!

Through our ride we came upon this site that was next to a creek about 8 ft. across but shallow enough to wade through and just man made waterfalls everywhere and surrounded by lodgepole pines and lush green vegetations. It was questionable whether or not we could level there but I knew we had to try so we ended up dropping the trailer at the beginning of the trail and just taking the RV and ATVs with us.

We were able to get some shooting in and Evan especially wanted to shoot; so Daddy let him have a go at it. The trails were rough but not tough; although there were a few spots that I had to have Kurt take over. More so because I let my fears get the better of me but I just didn't want to chance it!!

We stopped at some old cabins here and there; hard to believe that a family of 5 or 6 or even more lived in these tiny cabins, talk about claustrophobia!!

On our last day we were able to finally spot a moose; no bullwinkle but maybe next time!

The weather was perfect; couldn't of asked for any better!

The best part was that it had a built in ramp for the boys to jump their ATVs! Needless to say, this is now our favorite camp spot!!

Lost tooth, New tooth

2009-08-12T19:08:00.003-06:00

Evan finally lost his first tooth! It hung in there for quite some time but it eventually came out as he was brushing his teeth.

He couldn't wait to tell everyone at school the next day and by george that's exactly what he did when he stepped out of the car and into the hands of the ladies that receive the kids in the drop off at school!

Another milestone and many more to come as we re-ride this roller coaster again but this time with Evan!

Journey / Heart Concert

2009-07-23T09:41:00.002-06:00

We just came back from a great concert at Red Rocks this past weekend. It featured Heart and Journey!

I am just floored at Journey's new lead singer, Arnel Pineda! It's amazing that someone else has a voice that can closely duplicate Steve Perrys. I had heard that he was Asian and possibly Japanese but it turns out that he is Phillipino, in his early 40's, sang in a band called The Zoo who did covers of such legendary bands as Aerosmith, Police and of course Journey, in the Phillipines, lived on the streets for a while due to an illness and eventual death of his mother which drained them financially and was found on YouTube by Neil Schon of Journey.

An excellent rags to riches story!!

First Day of Kindergarten

2009-07-23T09:24:00.006-06:00

Our second one officially started Kindergarten! It seem so crazy considering that most of our friends kids are deciding on college or just graduated high school and we have very small children still...but sometimes you can't control when these kiddies will come along in your lives; you're just glad that they are here!

I think I was more nervous about him going to school and riding the bus at the end of the day. I asked Evan if he was scared and his cute response is always, "Mom, I'm not afraid of anything!" I hope that stays with him forever! I had Jared ride the bus with him for these first couple of weeks just so he knows what it feels like and gets off at the right stop. Even though Jared is only within 5 minutes from home he readily volunteers to ride with Evan for as long as he wants him to. There are moments of sibling kindness...though rare at times...they exist!

After much anticipation, his new teacher is Mrs. Holly Pierce. She seems like a very sweet and nice teacher. I helped out a lot during the first week and the kids all seem to like her very much. Our track was teacher-less forever, probably because it was a position that only required an afternoon for a few hours.

This is now his second week and I just pull up to the school and drop him off to line up in front of the school. He's such a big boy (in his mind) conquering all the little milestones that we hold dear to our hearts.

Life is strange and I can't seem to remember what life was like before the boys...!

It's what brings us together...

2009-07-15T08:21:00.000-06:00

As I sit here and recount another fabulous weekend camping and atving with my boys; I'm just so grateful at this point in our lives to be able to do these weekend trips with them all! Mostly, looking forward to next weekend!

We had another place in mind to try out but given the time we were able to leave by because the kids had school we opted for good ol' Tarryall. The weather couldn't have been better! We had a bit of weather but overall it was gorgeous and perfect for camping and riding.

Jared was extra excited to go because he got a new ATV courtesy of Daddy (the spoiler- just kidding) We had been searching for one for quite a while through dealers and craigslist but no one had a decent one to buy and if they did it was never what was advertised! I always thought excellent condition meant it didn't have any part of the body cracked and they just took the picture from the other side!

Kurt finally found an 07' Honda TRX 250cc at our friend Jake's motorsports place. Never ridden, they just didn't sell it so we got a good deal on it. He was quite excited needless to say! It's a manual shift (which I know nothing about since I can't drive one!) but Jared got on it and learned it right away, I'm so jealous!! I just don't understand the whole concept of shifting!! Too much for my little pea brain I suppose!

Evan is now the proud owner of Jared's old ATV the Eton 90cc which is just about right for his size! He was having fun riding around camp with it; which is just fine with Mom!!

These are the times that will hopefully stick in our boys memories forever and maybe when they grow up and have their own families they'll do the same with their kids.

A Little Get Together

2009-07-14T20:30:00.000-06:00

(NOTE: THIS WAS STARTED BACK AT THE END OF JUNE!)

So here I sit around 6am in Little America in downtown Salt Lake this weekend. We made the long trek to Utah again by car to see Kurt's side of the family. It was really nice to see his Mom Sue, his sister Kim and her family, Aunt Margie and Uncle Jack and all the other cousins and uncles.

Sue is looking great, she just lost about 30 lbs and is ecstatic about how great she looked in a swimsuit and she did look fantastic! I think I could go for 30-50 lbs myself!

Kim, we hadn't seen for years and has barely kept in touch over the years. She and the family looked great though; their oldest is Cole who is 15 now out of four children.

Their kids were so sweet and their oldest girl Jade swam with Evan and had the best time. I will remember that forever! Evan made a friend in their youngest girl, Ruby!

Margie was knitting away at her latest project (I'm so envious that she's able to do that) but she is still troubled by her feet after numerous surgeries and has been unable to take up any of her normal activities. We wish her some relief and recovery soon!! Poor lady!

Kurt's Aunt Kinney was kind enough to put together some games to play at Liberty Park during our picnic and she even brought prizes for the winners. We had a great time there!

The boys got re-aquainted with their cousins and played well together.

Even though it was a short trip it was terrific seeing everyone and we ended our visit with a big get together for breakfast, then everyone left for home and went their own way...

A Bit of Funny...

2009-07-09T08:56:00.004-06:00

Obama to Tax Aspirin!

Breaking News: Obama to impose 40% tax on aspirin

because

it's white and it works!!

Goodbye Michael Jackson

2009-07-07T19:45:00.001-06:00

As you all know by now the legendary Michael Jackson has passed away. Think what you may about him and what his life has meant to you or not meant to you. The bottom line is that he was a true talent and musical genius. I still can here the songs from his "Off the Wall" album in my head and sing to them or "Thriller" - choreographing cheerleading dance routines to his music! Brings back a lot of great memories and like all music it ties you to a certain time or events that were going on in your life.

What a shock it's been due to his untimely death but I guess the verdict is still out as to how he arrived at the state of a cardiac arrest. Now there are speculations that it may have been caused by prescription drugs he was taking. Just like the other "King" - Elvis Presley, I'm sure he was on several meds.

It would have been so wonderful I've thought in the past to become a superstar like the Michael Jackson or Britney Spears - mega superstardom. All the fame, fortune and untold adulations that came with it. However, as the story unfolds like so many, it appears that Michael led a very lonely and sad life. Everything from the beatings he received from his father which may have led to his ever changing appearance and the need to recapture his youth that was taken away from him.

I didn't follow him much in the recent years because like many I just didn't understand his moods and changes he placed upon himself. All the media focused on were his extravagant spending habits and the never ending accusations of situations involving children - none of which fascinated me.

As I watched his memorial on tv today; I couldn't help but be somewhat cynical as to why so many strangers were vying for a last look or encounter with the King of Pop. I can understand how someone in the entertainment world could have an effect on you because you love what they do, but a great deal of these people probably never even seen him live or know him personally yet they were so affected by his death.

I loved his music and I think with everyone and all music; it transports you back to a time in your life or an event that brings joy, happiness and sometimes sadness. That's what Michael's music did for me and countless others. I think his Off the Wall album was one of my first albums I bought that I could call my own!

It wasn't a shame that the world lost a true talent but what seemed to be the saddest thing is that he may have died a very lonely person...

Happy 4th to our great country!

2009-07-05T11:42:00.003-06:00

Tis another 4th of July and with the sweltering heat during the day and torrential rain storms in the afternoon - all were great!

Our cul-de-sac was a quiet one this year; all our neighbors packed up and left town to visit families or just enjoy a weekend out of town for some R&R. Luckily gas prices didn't soar to $3.00 or more as previously predicted just because of the holiday. We miss seeing everyone around like years past but enjoyed the calmness and quiet time.

Kurt and I took the boys to pick up some fireworks and we decided to get them the day of; more sales and better deals. Evan wanted sparklers, gold and neon ones this year and Jared just wanted smoke balls - I don't know but we got him a whole box and he was pleased!

We got together with our long time friends Jerry & Angel and their three boys for what was suppose to be a fireworks display in Castle Rock but the rain came and it was not just a little sprinkle, it flooded the streets and overflowed the gutters! It was questionable whether or not we would be able to see the fireworks. So we waited it out with time to spare luckily and visited and caught up with what's happening with them lately. When it was nearly dark, the rain stopped and skies cleared so off we went.

Fireworks are so traditional and it just isn't the same without them which is symbolic to celebrate the joys of our wonderful country.

The boys had a great time visiting their buddies and the grown up got a chance to chat. Perfect 4th!! Hope you had a great one as well and God Bless our Country...!

What makes a Father, a Father?

2009-06-21T21:09:00.006-06:00

Today as I regroup and recount the wonderful day we had on this Father's Day of 2009 I continually count my blessings each and every day for the wonderful man I married and the father of our children.

This thought has been running through my mind for a couple of weeks now leading up to Father's Day, as to what makes someone a father? Is it just the ability to recreate life or ones ability to provide for that child financially?

We all know a lot of fathers out there but only a few that I would consider actual fathers to their children. By that I mean an individual that gives of themselves unselfishly in time, patience and attention. Yes, a child needs the necessities; such as food, shelter and clothing to survive but to thrive and grow to be great individuals you need to invest some meaningful time with them.

We don't always get in the "quality time" and question a lot about whether we're raising our boys "right" or not. Does anyone really know though? All we can do is give them a solid foundation filled with love to start; which includes morals, standards and beliefs that we hold true ourselves.

However, my husband is one of those few who makes a conscious effort to read them bedtime stories, take them to the latest kids movie, help them with their math problems or just simply comfort when one has a nightmare late at night.

I'm sad sometimes for the few I know whose father isn't around as much or spends very little time with them; but should I really feel sad? They appear to be okay on the exterior. I don't know what's going on on the inside though... One can assume that they're perfectly happy with the situation and don't feel anything is missing from their lives.

Perhaps we're compensating for something we didn't have when we were both growing up. Our dads were always at work and didn't really show a great deal of interest in what was going on in our lives or what we were doing. I think that type of behavior was very generational. Men just were not that involved in their childrens' lives. I would like to think we turned out okay but could we have been more if some more interest and attention was shown?

I love my Dad and Kurt surely loved his father when he was still with us. What we now see as lacking may have been okay after all. Is more really more?...

Thank you Kurt for all that you give of yourself and I love you forever...!

Hope you all had a great Father's Day!

Too Much to Do...Too Little Time...

2009-06-14T16:19:00.011-06:00

It's getting harder and harder to find time to update this blog but I'm determined to keep it going! It may be a little behind schedule but at least it gets updated!

We had a great time camping last weekend at Tarryall again. Managed to get everyone together, the Bays and the Rodriguez family. Naturally we took the ATVs up with us and rode a little here and there. Vic and Kelly's girls, Makenna and Aniston just love riding on them and Kurt, bless his heart, took the girls for rides and so did Jared! The last time the girls were on the ATVs was when Kelly had her accident and broke bones and stuff... it was a painful and expensive trip!! I know she'll get on another one someday though cause she's a tough cookie but she's content just hanging out for now and that's cool.

Steve and Krystals kids; Tyler and Kayla are growing up right before our eyes. What great kids they are though. I hope ours turn out as pleasant and nice as they are! These may be their last few camping trips as Tyler gets ready to seek out colleges and Kayla going into high school. Where does the time go?

We did some target shooting and in the evenings the boys were being the gatherers and found firewood to keep us all warm. Jared is growing up so fast but having so much fun being"manly" with the Dads helping with the firewood! The look of sheer determination on his face was priceless.

The weather was windy most of the time and I mean hurricane force winds but it did bless us with one great evening of calmness.
We were able to actually sit out by the fire and have a conversation or two. The guys were also able to squeeze in a pre-dusk game of horseshoe. Later on when all the kids were in bed we were given a mini concert by Steve who is an awesome guitar player and all around musician. We sang all the oldies but goodies as they say!

These are the days that make the day to day grind worthwhile and the Summers fantastic!

New Blog

2009-06-04T07:07:00.004-06:00

I have been wanting to start a new blog that is completely politically incorrect but hopefully truthful and honest and allow me to speak what is on my mind without mixing into the family happenings.

So I started my first blog with the first thing that popped into my mind at the time. The blogs may be politically related, it may be about celebrities at times or just something right outside my backyard. This is definitely something that can be like a journal or at least an electronic version of one,which I may have more tolerance for!

Please feel free to comment, question or voice your opinion. I am opened to your point of view and it may even enlighten mine... Click and see what you think....

Are You Kidding Me?

Round and round we go

2009-06-03T20:18:00.007-06:00

Another year has gone by since Evan graduated from his preschool class affectionately call Corduroy Court at Imagination Plus (I.P.). He now has graduated from their private kindergarten program and will start public school kindergarten at Mtn. View.

We have mixed feelings but will refrain from any changes until we see how he does when he starts in July. Douglas County requires that all eligible school aged children must attend their kindergarten program regardless of whether they have had previous schooling or not. So hopefully he won't too bored. To date, we don't even have a teacher hired for his track!! Oy Vay!!

Evan has learned so much at I.P. and reads to us now and has been since last year. It's amazing what a school full of dedicated teachers and limited number of students can do for a single child. However, he will now enter into a system so bankrupt that we're lucky they even have kindergarten!

As we move to another chapter of little Evan's life - we will fondly remember all the wonderful and sweet people at I.P. and thank them for all that they've done for Evan.

Finally....Graduation...

2009-05-21T16:53:00.006-06:00

It was finally near May 18th and off we went to New Mexico to help Alexa celebrate 18 years of primary schooling and off to college this fall. It had been a while since we had driven there and thought it was going to be along trip but only about 6 hours; so we were there lickety split!

We decided that it would be fun to bring along the Wii as no one else there had played one before and it was a hit!! Even Mom & Dad got into it; it was great fun to watch them have some laughs! Cindy & family had enjoyed it so much they asked Kurt to hold the next one that comes out for sale aside for them and sure enough shortly after we came home a Wii came out for sale! We gave them a great deal cause we normally sell them for about $200 and they bought it for $140 with one remote but two nunchucks. They have since received it and has been playing it; which I'm sure they're playing it right now as we speak!! It's addictive!

We also met Steve's Mom Janette Christensen and his sister Sheri Miller. These ladies were just the nicest people ever! It was great they were able to make the trip. Janette came all the way from Florida and Sheri, like Mom & Dad, from Utah. Very sweet people!

Before leaving for the trip, Amy and I had discussed ideas of what to get Alexa for graduation. I guess I misunderstood her on the phone but I thought I had told her to go ahead and get what she had planned but that we were still shopping around ideas. She thought I said something to the effect of we'll buy her something once we all get to New Mexico!! So I already had my basket all made up and she ended up having to go to the store and put something together!! Sorry Amy!! Alexa said she could use some dishes up at the dorm so that's what I purchased for her; some cute plastic plates, bowls and drinking cups (low maintenance) and some eating utensils from where else but my fav store - TARGET!! Love that store!!

The ceremony was a bit hectic as we had the guys leave early to save seats. Well, little did we know that it would be a mob scene there and that people didn't care much that you were holding seats for family and friends. You were only allowed so many tickets per senior so I would assume that if you had a ticket, you have a seat??!! The people there didn't care and by the time the rest of us left for the ceremony, Amy's husband Lee was texting her every 2 seconds I swear and saying things like "The natives are restless" and "We're about to lose them" it was hilarious but unbelievable at the same time. They were not kidding because when we got there and sat down, any empty seats were asked about and when you said they were taken; ooooo, if looks could kill and I believe some people did get killed for their seats!! LOL!!! I could not believe it! There were over 800 students to get through and luckily Alexa's class was second so when she received her diploma, a majority of us left to avoid the traffic jam and waited for them at the house.

The graduation party was set up as an open house between 6-9pm and it was a great success! It was very nice meeting all of their acquaintances most from their church. Very funny and nice people; we had a great time.

Shortly after, dark clouds came brewing in and next thing you know we had a huge downpour and moved every thing inside. Luckily it happened near the end of the open house and there were only a few stragglers left.

I asked Cindy how she felt about Alexa going away to college. She got a bit choked up and said that it was going to be strange not having her around every day. I can only imagine what that would be like...you nuture, love and support this little being for years and now it's time for her to spread her wings and see what the rest of the world has in store for her!!

We're truly excited for her next adventure and somehow wish we could all go back to that time...of course, only knowing what we know now!!

How time flies...

2009-04-18T12:39:00.025-06:00

Here we are nearing the graduation of the first "Wong" grandchild, Alexa! She will be leaving high school this May and entering BYU of Idaho this fall with the ambition of being a doctor. Where did the time go as we all ask ourselves whenever we reach these milestones. Wasn't it just yesterday when my little sister Cindy, Alexa's Mom, was herself graduating from Murray High? I swear it was and we're all definitely not 17 years older since Alexa came into this world!!

Mom & Dad received her invitation to the graduation and was so moved by it that they are actually going to fly out to New Mexico to attend...yes, I said FLY! How special is that? Either way, we're all making and/or rearranging plans to make it out there this May to help her celebrate this great achievement and might I add, with honors.

Through the years as I talked with Cindy on occasion she always mentioned all her kids excellent school grades and work. Especially with Alexa with all her advanced classes she took not only because she is intelligent but for the challenge of wanting to learn more and not be complacent with regular classes. That has passed on to Zane and no doubt will be passed onto Julia. It is always with amazement at how Cindy and Steve have managed to raise such sweet, courteous and smart kids. Kudos to you both!

I dedicate this blog today at a small glimpse of yesteryear and a look back at how our little Alexa went from a little girl to a lovely young lady...!

What a good sister to Zane and Julia!!

Remember when Alexa was going to marry Chewy!

Me and Little Alexa - What a cutie!

Let's Check Out the Latest

2009-04-04T12:38:00.000-06:00

The Denver Auto Show was in town again and surprisingly a lot of people were there despite the economy. We had been talking about getting a new car since my Sienna is all paid off and I'm so over a minivan!! As you all recall, I purchased the van mainly for Chewy because it was the only vehicle with a backseat window that actually goes down and I wanted a walkway from back to front so Chewy can get to me. Unfortunately he died shortly after that purchase and here I am with a minivan to transport what? the kids! Just kidding!!

Kurt had secretly checked out a new four door sedan VW came out with called the "CC" - it was a more luxurious version of a Passat. However, the body was sleeker and more like a coupe, he drove it and really liked it. The price was hard to beat too - fully loaded at around $42,000.00. Then he thought he would check out the new Audi Q5, a smaller version of the Q7 which was my initial choice a couple of years ago. Like the VW, Audi has all the bells, whistles and gadgets that has become their trademarks and also competitively priced. As I found out later, he almost came home with one of these but wasn't sure which color or if I would even like it without ever driving it. Which I'm glad he didn't...!!!

So we checked them all out at the auto show and in addition, looked into the BMWs, Infinitis and revisted the VW Touareg. It was great to be able to see all the cars in one place. This is the best time to be buying a car because of the dealers willingness to "deal" but it's also the worst time because of the unstable economy!! It's a no win situation. Well, I suppose I could just rack up all my credit cards, overbuy a home that I couldn't afford and then use Obama's plan and have everyone else bail me out! There's a solid plan to save the economy and our country!

We saw a lot of concept cars and of course the "dream cars" - like Lambourghini's, Astin Martins. Jared loved them and Evan loved the Monster Trucks!

Just a Quick Visit with Some Huge Returns

2009-03-17T15:00:00.000-06:00

We just returned from a visit to Mom & Dad's out in Utah for a weekend. It was strange seeing how much Utah has changed and continues to change. However, the best part was how easy it was to get around in Utah. You're downtown in 15 minutes flat!! I sure miss that!!

We booked a room at the La Quinta in Midvale; it looked nice in the picture but as they always say; looks are deceiving! We figured it was mainly a place to sleep because we would be out or over at Mom & Dad's and for the price guess you can't beat it!

Amy was fortunate enough to meet us out there so it was a real treat to see her as well!! She suggested while we were out there that we check out the Cabela's out in Lehi, I'm thinking that sounds far and I thought how long of a drive is that?!! We were there in lickety split which I totally loved!! We have one out here similar but its called The Bass Pro Shop and it's huge too with all the taxidermy you can handle and great big aquariums as well.

A great thing happened while we were in Cabela's. Kurt had been shopping for buyers on a huge collection of antique guns that had come out for sale at our stores. I believe it was a total of 65 guns and have met with several people about purchasing them but no one with the funds or willing to part with their funds!! As we strolled through Cabela's and of course checked out their "Gun Library" we saw a sign that said, "We buy guns!" So I told him why don't you call them and see if they would be interested since they carried a lot of antique and collectible guns in their showcases at the stores. Being Kurt, he didn't hesitate and when he returned to work he called their corporate in Nebraska and their gun buyer was extremely interested and drove out to Colorado to meet with Kurt and see the guns and promptly purchased the bulk of them with the remaining sold to a private individual!! All in all, they all got sold and it's one of those things where you really felt it was meant to be that we were at Cabela's that day!!

So, this was also Evan's first airplane ride and we thought we would just keep it a short trip to see how he does. Well, he did beautifully and loved every minute of it. As we arrived at the airport, everything went as planned and scheduled. We proceeded to the security checkpoints and put our luggage on the long counter and like cattle scooted everything along the line for x-raying. Everyone's bag went through and then my carry on shoulder bag went through and was flagged.

The TSA agent asked if this was my bag and I said yes and he said we have to do a search and if I would mind. Of course, no problem I said and at this time I'm racking my brain as to what could possibly be in there.

A female agent took us aside and opened up my bag. She knew exactly where to look & pulled out my purse and a little knick knack bag I had inside (hand sanitizer, coupons, etc... Mom stuff!) and pulled out a little fold up 5 tools in one Eddie Bauer tool set that Kurt gave me a few years ago - I loved that thing but apparently that was the "threat"! She told us we could go and mail it back to our house as an option. Kurt being Kurt, asked if she could just hold it for us and we'll pick it back up from her when we come back through. Of course, she said she couldn't do it and Kurt told her, "Sure you can just put it in your pocket!" She said she couldn't again and that there are cameras everywhere so Kurt turned around to find the camera and proceeded to put his arms up in the air as to obstruct the view and told her "Ok, go ahead put it in your pocket!" It's a good thing she had a sense of humor otherwise we probably would not have been allowed to board the plane! So all I have left is my little pouch with the flashlight that came with it!! Boo Hoo Hoo!!

We were fortunate enough to meet up with some long lost friends. First one being Darin Gardner; as you all know or may not know he set Kurt and I up on our blind date 25 years ago and we've been on this roller coaster ride ever since! He was able to bring along with him his wife Mendy, who was really nice and very personable. Darin is doing well and has been quite prosperous in doing what we consider his natural calling, taxidermy. It surprisingly had taken him quite some time to find this out and actually turn it into a successful business. I'll put a link on my blog page so you can see his work. It's amazing!! We all met, including Mom & Dad, at a mexican restaurant on State Street near Fashion Place Mall and had a great time chatting a bit; Mom & Dad then took the kids back home with them so the rest of us could go and catch up some more. Darin hadn't changed much and still lives, breathes and sleeps hunting and fishing; which was about all we talked about with him!! Glad to see he's doing what he loves!

The next day I met up with my best friend from years ago, Dianne! Finally we were able to see each other and catch up after 15 years had gone by! We met through work and became instant friends and inseparable for the next few years. Unfortunately after I moved we seemed to have lost touch... Dianne appeared to be the same as I remembered her, beautiful as always and dressed so stylish and cutting edge and the undefeated Queen of Estee Lauder; which was one of our weaknesses growing up, who can say no to those free gifts with purchases!! She is now manager at Macy's in Orem overseeing several departments one of which is the cosmetics, right up her alley! After lunch she mentioned that she had to catch the Account Exec. of Estee Lauder at the new Nordstroms as they had promised her tons of free goodies during their grand opening. I scored a whole bunch of creams, lotions, anti-age this and anti-age that, perfume, handbags and umbrellas (which I left with Mom!)

After our stint at Nordy's we headed over to Applebee's and got a drink to chat some more. As I sat and listened to 15 years of what's happened I couldn't help but think how different she was and how we seem to have very little in common anymore. Next thing you know, 4 hours had gone by and I knew I had to get going and so did she. She drove me home and we said our goodbyes and gave promises of keeping in touch. After she left, I sat and smiled and thought about all that we had discussed and realized that Dianne wasn't the one that had changed; I was... Things that were important or of interest to us back then still were for her but not for me. I hope we can find a common ground somewhere and really keep in touch as I would love to hear about all her joys and sorrows for years to come.

Of course no visit would be complete without a trip to some authentic Dim Sum at Ho Ho Gourmet!! It was so incredibly delicious!! I thought the dim sum we had out here were good but the flavor was nowhere even close!! As always, we end up eating a lot every time we visit Mom & Dad; it's one of those sinful things that's just so hard to give up!!

It was very nice to see the folks but kind of sad to see how some things never change while others are changing too fast.

How far do you have to go to find some snow?

2009-03-01T13:27:00.014-07:00

It's been an incredibly dry winter so far and we're nearing the end of this season; so time is crucial. So we set off in search of a sledding hill last weekend. We decided to drive up to Guanella Pass off Hwy 285 & I -70, about a two hour drive and a spot we've been to and we knew would have snow. All the way there; not a bit of snow but just a few little teeny tiny remnant patches of snow until we hit the Pass. Everyone was excited at this point as we had traveled far just to go sledding!

We started into the Pass and saw tons of snow and little tracks made by others who had ventured in earlier in the day or months. As we approached further we came upon a little red car that was pulled over on the side of the road. The sides of the road mind you were at least a few feet high with snow so we stopped and asked if they were ok. They just got stuck. If you venture off the tracks you're pretty much going to be stuck. So we pulled out the tow rope and pulled them out. After many thanks, we proceeded to our sledding hill.

Not long thereafter we came to where we would call our sledding hill that day and also another vehicle and again they were stuck so we pulled them out. All this time I'm thinking, we really should start charging $50 a tow; we could make some good money here!! Unfortunately or fortunately, I'm married to a good samaritan. We were probably about another 5-10 minutes away from our sledding hill but decided we better not chance it since no one else has been able to make it through and the tracks were no longer in existence from this point on. If we got stuck who would pull us out, right? So we made this our sledding hill; short as it may be it was as good as it got that day.

Shortly thereafter; a little Toyota truck pulled up and Kurt approached them and proceeded to let them know that it was pretty treacherous up ahead. As with a lot of men; this guy had something to prove and answered with a hearty "Yes, I'd like to try!" after Kurt asked him if he was still thinking of going - so I'm thinking - ok, someone in an F250 is telling you I wouldn't go in there myself and I still drive through it!! I told Kurt to NOT pull this guy out and so we watched as he got about 5 feet and got stuck. He did the reverse, forward, reverse, forward thing.... get out of the car and use his little portable shovel to dig....get back in. All the while, we sat and watched and drank our hot chocolate and mocha thinking this entertainment shouldn't be missed! He finally backed himself into a ditch, about flipped on its side and as cold hearted as I am, I continually told Kurt to NOT pull this guy out. I knew however, that he would eventually help him out but we did let him do some digging for a while longer!! I actually didn't want to be on the news as the people that let someone else freeze to death up in the mountains as deserving as it may have been. So we pulled him out.

I can't help but say "Thin the herd!"...

It was a matter of time...

2009-02-13T13:51:00.018-07:00

Well, it took almost 3 weeks for them to be made but we finally got them. Evan is officially one of us - visually challenged! His teacher Ms. Donna noticed he was squinting and rubbing his eyes a lot and more obvious - holding his books too close to his eyes.

We took him to an Opthamologist and after two hours and several tests he was diagnosed with a Amblyopia - a form of "lazy eye" in his right eye.

Kurt wanted to take him to an eye surgeon instead of just an optician because he knew more likely than not, Evan had inherited his own vision issues.

We will be returning at the end of next month for a follow up to see whether or not they need to do some other form of therapy or make any corrections to the glasses. For now, he is very excited to have his new "attachment" to his face and trying to remember to use both hands to take the glasses off and to not touch the lenses with his fingers. The latter being harder to remember being five years old and all!!

A Night for Proud Parents

2009-01-29T14:23:00.013-07:00

We were recently entertained by the 5th Grade Band & Orchestra - their first concert ever! Let me just say how proud we are of Jared and all the kids in his Band class. He was so excited all week long in preparation for this night. He only started learning the trumpet about 5 months ago (my next Chris Botti!) I was thoroughly impressed at how much he had learned and how well he played!! We were beside ourselves at the concert as you will see and hear in these videos. There were no solos performed by him but as a whole, the group did very well.

The required attire was black pants, white shirt and tie. Jared got dressed the night before to make sure everything was in order and when he came out I could hardly believe my eyes! It was as if he just grew up overnight; no longer my little baby...that's when I realized how old I'm actually getting! Just kidding! He looked so good I had to have him do some poses and I thought it would be fun to have him pose as "Bond, James Bond"(Another one of my favorites; those who know me!) with his airsoft gun. By the way, I tied his tie!! Yes, Me!!! I was so shocked that I remembered how! Kurt taught me years and years ago and by trial and error I figured it out again! I was quite proud of that!

Jared unfortunately was seated in the back row - where all the trumpet players were so we couldn't get his face in the videos but we did get some pictures before and after the concert. This is one of their favorite songs played called Hard Rock Blues!

This is one of those programs that will be first in line to be cut as we face millions of dollars in budget cuts this year and subsequent years. I can personally think of a few other subjects that our kids can do without and music has been proven to be an asset in a child's growth and conducive to their learning! Why are the arts always seen as "unnecessary" in a school curriculum?

Summer, Camping, RV Show!!!

2009-01-13T10:38:00.014-07:00

We've got the bug again cause Spring and Summer is rolling around! Time to check out the annual RV show at the Convention Center in Denver. This year we dragged along Vic & Kelly in hopes of talking mainly Kelly into getting a camper of some kind. She won't tent it so it will have to be something with sink, potty, etc... comforts of home! There were a lot of deals to be had that's for sure and prices were actually pretty good! What with the struggling economy RV dealers were ready to wheel and deal. Kurt saw a 37 ft. RV that he seriously considered but as usual we just couldn't justify buying a new one for the places we go camping. One scratch or ding and we would just be sick to our stomach. The price was awesome though; it started at around $219,000 and show price was $129,000!! Maybe...no, can't do it! The kids had a lot of fun going in one and out the other and loved all of the campers, RVs and pop ups!!

We found this one and Kelly seemed to like it a lot!! We've truly enjoyed our RV and the trips we've been able to take with it and the memories spent with the kids.

Wishing You a Great New Year!

2009-01-03T15:16:00.024-07:00

Here we are, another year has come and gone. It's always hopeful to have another new year come around; it kind of gives you a sense of making things better or doing things better than you did last year! A fresh start...

We rang in our New Year with some great friends and family! Our next door neighbors , Steve and Kristal and old friends Vic, Kelly and their two cute girls, Makenna and Aniston! It was small and quaint but loads of fun as you can see. Kurt made his awesome burritos and he also ordered some tamales from our favorite mexican restaurant owned by our friends Isidro and his wife Cecelia. We ordered a dozen and ended up with two dozen; what sweet people! Vic and his family brought beans, rice and FLAN (my all time favorite!) Bless his little heart! Steve and Kristal brought some pico and guac dip, yum!!! What more could you ask for these days right? but a nice full tummy!! Believe you me, mine is definitely too round and full!!

Since Kurt and I were all time undefeated champs of Pictionary we knew we had to test everyone else's skills. It was a lot of fun but we all agreed that we should rename the game "Divortionary" because when you pit couples on the same team trying to draw to each other it's bound to be explosive!! Those of you that have played with us know what we mean!! It can be down right hazardous to your health! Fortunately, Kurt and I still hold the title! Vic and Kelly then mentioned a game they had played called "Catch Phrase" - kind of like password but you can use as many words to describe the word or phrase to your partner; sounds easy but some were so hard and you're timed with this annoying beeping timer that beeps faster and faster!! No pressure, right?

As we bid farewell to 2008 and give it a swift kick in the butt; this year has definitely been hard and it doesn't seem to be letting up just yet. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Meyer family as they struggle with Amy's recent layoff and so many others that are feeling the pinch and squeeze thanks to our fabulous leaders!! I'm still waiting for my bailout package but I think I better not hold my breath for it...

Kurt and I are extremely thankful that, at this time, we still have our basic necessities available to us - a roof over our heads, food on our table, clothing on our backs and the blessed health of our children!! I can't help but be nervous as to when the rug will be pulled right out from under us though??!! That also is the "worry-wartness" in me. We're hoping and praying that 2009 will take away a lot of pain, anguish and suffering so many faced last year...

Hope to see a lot of you this upcoming year but like everything else, the economy will dictate some of those decisions! We wish you all the joy and happiness in the New Year!!

Miss you Mom & Dad!! Hope we can make it out there this year!!

Love Kurt, Becky, Jared, Evan and Gunner

Christmas 2008 - Came and Went...!!

2008-12-27T19:41:00.029-07:00

Merry Christmas Everybody!! We hope you all had a wonderful day!! As usual the kids made out pretty well but it sure is getting harder and harder top the year before! I think Jared is getting a new car next year; just kidding!!! It was nice seeing friends and family this holiday and now looking forward to the New Year.

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Wong, Grandma Sue and Grandma Chris for all the wonderful gifts and cards! These kids are very lucky and blessed to have such caring Grandparents. We opted for some simpler gifts this year such as board games which the kids received a few of; but of course it still is dominated by what's the latest out there. We've been really enjoying the Wii we got for the kids and it's great fun for the whole family. Luckily, Jared and Evan are still into Legos as well and those are always great gifts to receive! Although unless you're Mom and Dad and had to put them together. These were all around 500-700 pieces!!! Oy vay!! I've lost all dexterity in my hands and fingers!

Evan is growing up everyday and wanting to be just like older brother so he got his own PSP from Santa and is getting almost as good as Jared already!

We had the Rodriguez family out for Christmas dinner and then the Bay Clan - Steve, Kristal, Trisha and Doug for drinks and fun afterwards. Naturally a poker game broke out, then pool and finally a "mock" poker game where it's been a while since we've laughed so hard. All in all great fun and company!

Hope you all had a great Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!

Christmas Parties Galore

2008-12-20T10:36:00.009-07:00

Yesterday was the last day for Jared before he goes on Winter Break for the next two weeks. They had a Christmas party to celebrate the holiday and it was a lot of fun! The best part I think was the fact his teacher mentioned to me through email and in person that he was doing a lot better concentrating and working hard in school! Music to our ears!! He's still struggling a bit in Math but it'll all work out with continuing efforts on both our ends.

Evan also had a party and did a little musical skit to some traditional favorites. He got to be Frosty the Snowman this year and got to dance around as you will see in the video! It was just precious and Kurt was able to see it in person. I try really hard to make sure he doesn't miss these few and short glimpses of the kids; they are growing fast and will soon be gone...

I took Evan with me to Jared's party and they were all just so gracious in letting him participate in the crafts, foods and games. Even he was overwhelmed by the generosity! I prepped him in telling him that this was Jared's class party so don't expect to be getting "presents" or "treats", etc... just in case they didn't have enough. The kids and parents were so giving, it melted my heart!

Merry Christmas to All!

2008-12-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hope this entry finds all of you in the spirit of Christmas and holding on through these tough times! I think everyone is feeling the stretch across the board!

We're all hanging in there with Jared in the 5th grade now and Evan in private Kindergarten it's hard to believe how fast they're growing up!

Hopefully you all have received our Christmas wishes and New Year hopes! Read on for more information about what's happening and please drop us a line, email, snail mail or however you'd like to communicate; we'd love to hear from everyone!!

Love Kurt, Becky, Jared, Evan and Gunner!

Christmas is Up!!

2008-12-18T11:26:00.001-07:00

We finally were able to get the Christmas lights hung outside after some unfavorably cold weather! The weather has been crazy here; just the other day it was almost 70 and then the following weekends were cold and snowy! Anyhow, we're getting ready and now comes the shopping for presents!!

It sure is nice having the artificial tree; it's heavy but not too bad to set up and decorate! Although you miss the smell of a real pine tree, but that can be bought at the stores! Is anything or anyone real anymore?! Just kidding!

I don't know about everywhere else but apparently there are a lot of leftover trees this year because a lot of families simply can't afford one. We saw on the news that a whole bunch were being thrown away for recycling because they just can't sell them; so a local news station in conjunction with the Swingle Lawn Maintenance company gathered a whole bunch and told people on the air that if you need a tree this year, come and get one! What a generous and great idea - why didn't the tree owners do that in the first place?

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-12-18T11:02:00.001-07:00

Spent Thanksgiving over at Jerry & Angel's along with her folks; we had a lot of fun and of course the kids loved playing with their friends! We made a deep fried turkey and Cindy's awesome recipe for Sweet Potato Souffle'. It's always a hit! As usual, we all ate too much but had a great time catching up with everyone.

Kurt had a wonderful idea of making a Thanksgiving feast for all our employees. So he slaved all day Sunday and made two turkeys, oodles of green bean casserole, souffle, real mashed potatoes and rolls. We both took it to all the stores that following Monday and Kurt's phone just kept ringing with "Thanks" and "how good it tasted!" It was definitely worth it because sometimes we all need to know our efforts are appreciated and honestly we wouldn't be where we are without these guys...

Evan's school held a Thanksgiving feast as well and fortunately Kurt was able to attend!

Let it Snow... Let it Snow... Let it Snow!

2008-12-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

We've been able to enjoy some of the snow fall we've had; but obviously it's still not enough! The kids had a great time sledding and Evan is getting daring going down the hill backwards, forwards, face down, up and all around!!

Jared went on a school sponsored ski trip last year and tried a little snowboarding. He had so much fun that he went back up with Kurt to Keystone the following week! Kurt said his butt hurt so bad after falling so many times; apparently it takes a little getting use to on snowboards!

BMX Park

2008-12-18T11:00:00.001-07:00

We had an unusually warm day and headed out to the BMX dirt track in Aurora! The kids love it here and Evan is starting to ride it but he's still grasping the concept of "keep peddling so you don't fall over!" He had a few spills but nothing major and Jared ended up doing a race with some of the kids that were there! All in all, lots of fun!