Jonny The Firefighter

Officially, Jonny graduated from the Fire Academy in Maui. 
Yes, I'd be the proud, older sister....

Kyle Came Home!!

Kyle came home!

It’s kinda a big deal…

He just got engaged…

 And he works a lot…

 And goes to school…

 And I never, ever see him…

 And I love him so much…

 And I miss him so much…

But he took off some days right before finals to go see my parents in Pagosa Springs, so I did too. 

We stopped by Fargo’s on the way down, caught up with a bunch of the fam, and then headed down.

We went to church and watched plenty of football…

We paid a visit to Wolf Creek where we were reminded we are not so much in snowboarding shape…yet. 

Can’t believe the next time I see him, it will probably be at his wedding!!!!  Where did the time go???

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love Grandpa Sams, Uncle Larry, Aunt Yvonne, Mom, Dad, and Annie….

Yes, we spent all day preparing this meal.  Correction:  Mom and Yvonne spent all day preparing this meal.  I slept in Castle Rock after dinner out, got up, drank my coffee, then headed down to Pagosa-town. 

But, I wouldn’t have changed it for a moment like this…

I’m thankful for my family.  (and a few other things)

A New Thanksgiving Tradition?

In the spirit of holiday traditions, we may have to start a new one.  Or several. 

Jim and Tammy, lifelong friends of Jeremy and Kim, and newly adopted lifelong friends of mine, decided get in the au-to-mobile and come out for Thanksgiving.  They live in Dallas.  Upon arriving, a trip to Elways was in order. 

Hmmmm, I wonder if Elways is open on Thanksgiving Day?

Kyle and Haley -- Engaged!

We’re adding one more to our goof troop...

our freak parade, our….

I won’t go on….

I’m so excited for Kyle and Haley, who got engaged last Monday, November 21.  I got the “Kyle” version, which went something like this:

Well she had this bracelet that I knew she was going to wear for family pictures.  We were going over to her parents house that night for pictures, so I broke the bracelet.  I knew she’d ask me to fix it.  She did; and when she gave it to me, I slipped the ring on the bracelet and then gave it back to her.  When she saw it, I didn’t even have time to ask her—she just tackled me. 

dorable.  And I also can’t wait for the Haley version (but Kyle, that’s fine for now). 
A

Haley has been a part of our family already for five years,

but I’m excited to officially welcome her.  I’m sad they live so far away, but gives me a chance to go see them in Dallas.  I love Dallas! 

Congratulations, Kyle and Haley—I love you so much and am so excited to see what God does in your life!

What I'm Thankful For....

I’ve never done this.  I’ve never made a list of all the things I’m thankful for….but I’ve decided this would be the year to start.  I’m pretty sure I’ve never done this because I will then spend the next four weeks thinking of other things I’m thankful for, and hating that I hadn’t added it to the list.  So please, keep in mind that this list is not exclusive and I did not spend more than one day compiling it.  If you’re name isn’t on the list, I’m thankful for you, I promise.  So, in no particular order (except that, in which, it came to mind):

 I’m thankful for:

 My relationship with Jesus Christ and that he’s given me a desire to get to know Him more intimately every day

My parents, who love me unconditionally, and pray for me (I know they do) every day

My brothers, who teased me relentlessly, every day of my childhood. And still can make me laugh until my sides hurt.

My sister-in-law and future sister-in-law; bless you.  That is all J

My niece.  Resolution #1 for 2012 (still in the works) is to meet you. 

Jeremy, Kim & Family.  I’m trying to keep this short and simple so I will not expound.  That’s a novel in and of itself.

Family—near and far!

Friends—you know who you are—listening, laughing, and keeping me on my toes.

The best place to live.  Ever.

Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery.  I’m so glad I have a job I love—makes the sound of my alarm in the dark, somewhat okay.

Valor Christian High School – would have never thought I’d love coaching a bunch of high school girls and never imagined I’d have the opportunity to do so at such an amazing school.

Tim Tebow and our Denver Broncos – football is fun again.

My bicycle—sanity during the summer and a way to wage war on that winter pelt!

iPhone – nobody needs an explanation.  Mostly thankful for the Maps app. 

Dave Ramsey—I know this sounds funny, but I’m so thankful I took the Financial Peace University Class last year.

A reliable vehicle

Snow.  And specifically snow in the mountains.

Centerpoint Church in Pagosa Springs, CO

Country music, country music, country music

Shellac nail polish.  Single-handedly changed my life, I tell you.

Grandpa.  And the legacy he is leaving…

Country music.  Oh yeah, I already said that…

My health; I know it’s cliché, but no matter how much I complain, I’m thankful I’m able to enjoy the outdoors, and exercise and travel and enjoy life

And that brings me to:  Imitrex.  Abort the migraine. 

College sports.

Chocolate.

Twitter. The ability to have information (mainly NFL and NCAA related-topics) texted straight to my phone; priceless.

Lip gloss.  It’s just a must.

Don’t judge me on the shallowness of this list, please….

Operation Winter Wonderland 2011

Deck the halls…

Well, we SO did not feel like decking anything this year.  But, in an effort to save my fingers from frostbite, I suggested on Saturday morning that we start Operation Winter Wonderland 2011.  This was said while laying on the couch, with a full pot of coffee brewing, and football on the tv.  I’m surprised I lived to tell you this story, actually…

In joking manner, I asked Jeremy to please wear his Elf Costume as then at least we’d laugh while hating our lives.  Without hesitation, Kim reminded me she had purchased the matching Elf costume, Jovie, last Halloween. 

Live a little, right?

Yes, we absolutely decked the halls in these outfits. 

Yes, it was during the day.  Yes, people stopped, braked, backed up, cheered, whistled, you name it…. I’m not entirely sure what the neighbors thought, but let’s just say the high school boys across the street probably begged their dad to move…

It was a little chilly in the tights…

But I haven’t laughed that hard….repeatedly….for such a ridiculous reason….in quite some time.