Hide N Seek...

Time For Shiny Things!

Living in the mountains we decorate a live tree outside of our home, and use an artificial tree for inside. Though chilly outside, Jordyn and i bundled up and headed out to decorate our tree. She didnt quite get the part about "hanging" the ornaments, and instead tossed them into the tree...but she had fun just the same. Our tree has grown significantly since i moved up here 5 years ago, so the decorations seem too small for the tree now. Looks like ill have to buy the jumbo bulbs next year. Anyways, heres a peek into our afternoon!

How did i spend my free day?

Well, first i took a super long hot shower, and then i curled up on the couch with some coffee and a good book. After that i sat down at my dusty Wacom tablet and worked on this piece in Corel Painter. I took this photo in Mexico a few years ago. The sunrise was spectacular, so to emphasize the colors, i added atmospheric space. I think it works pretty well. I stayed up well into the wee hours noodling on that program, learning, creating, and having fun! (Now i better get to sleep...i have to get up in 4 hours and go to work....doh!) Oh, did i mention i had to go on a call...one of the neighbors even. All is well though! :)

Heartwarming Frog

This dancing frog was delivered by a friend today, in hopes of cheering me up...and it worked...isnt she cute! :)

I was feeling rather frustrated, exhausted, overwhelmed, and drained! For those of you moms out there, you will know what i am talking about. The never ending pile of laundry, dishes, and toys...what am i, everyones personal slave! The need for a little solitude...not a lot just a little, say perhaps...a few minutes for a shower? Maybe a quiet chat with a friend on the phone...or even just a potty break...alone! You know those days...when you feel like getting in your car and leaving in search of some peace (of course you cant leave...she's only two).

I can remember a statement my mom always used to make (and probably still does)..."you kids are gonna drive me to drink"! Hmmmmm....a beer does sound rather good right now. Then guilt kicks in, "i must be a terrible mother because i cant handle this...i need a break...is it your nap time yet?" Anyways, these were the thoughts brewing in my mind yesterday while i sat on the couch crying. Justin walked in the room and asked me what was wrong...all i could say was, "im frustrated". He rubbed my back for a few minutes, then went in the kitchen and did the dishes. (okay...ill keep him :)

Today, however, was just what i needed! Grandma and Grandpa picked up Jordyn this morning and she is spending the night...woooohoooo! Connie dropped off this cute little plant...Thanks Connie! And my mom and i had a nice laugh on the phone about what a pain in the ass we were as kids, and how she was looking forward to coming out for Thanksgiving anyway! :)
Just when you feel like you cant handle any more...family and friends come around and save the day! Thank you guys...i needed this!

An Evening in the SCA

This photo was entered in a contest on the Lions Road Podcast by Paul of Abbotsford from the Kingdom of Lochac.
It reminds me of one of those enchanting evenings in the SCA...a full moon, good friends, good food and beautiful music...a perfect evening! Its all captured in this one beautiful photograph, and with his permission i wanted to post and share it here.
I entered a photo, representing the Kingdom of the Outlands, and it should be fun to follow along and see who wins. Take a look when you have some time, and see what all the Kingdoms are posting! Enjoy!

THANK YOU!

Other Side of the Mountain ~

Well, im back from the other side of the mountain. Thats where Justin told Jordyn i was..."just on the other side of that mountain". The house was cleaner than i thought it would be, and there wasnt too much laundry...things must have gone well while i was gone :) Its great to be home, and Jordyn is watching my every move to make sure i dont leave again. The conference was great...13 classes, 12 beers and no hangovers...a success all around! We stayed in every night, hangin at the condo this year...and why not...look at the view from our balcony.

We didnt get much snow, but it was rather chilly! (somewhere in the teens) Afterwards, Connie and i decided to do some site seeing, and souvenir shopping. We drove through Dillon and went over to Frisco. What a cute little town that is...id love to go back there in the summer. Wish i had taken more photos, but here is one of the cute little shop we discovered.

The drive home was fun, we went a different way, so that we could see some new roads (and avoid Loveland and Berthoud pass).

I havent posted anything quilty in a while, so here is some fabric i purchased for an ABC swap on about.com...washed and ready to be cut up. I got the letter "H". I know i said i wasnt going to do any swaps for a while, but this one is just for fabric, so i figured i could manage that :) Besides, ive been waiting for this one!
On another note, i want to thank everyone for all of the comments ive received lately. Its encouraging to know folks stop by and read my blog. I also apologize for not always responding to those wonderful comments. Sometimes i get behind on things and forget to reply...and some of you have no email address to respond back to...but i do appreciate it and hope you will continue to visit!
Cheers~

Off to Keystone ~

I'm heading off to Keystone for the weekend for this conference. I'll be gone for three nights, and Jordyn has only ever spent one night away, so here's hoping her and daddy do just fine while I'm gone :) She's a bit of a mommys girl, so i hope she doesnt give daddy too much trouble. I haven't attended this conference in a few years, so it should be a fun. If any of you have ever been to a conference, then you know the definition of conference is "party all night and act crazy" :) At least that's what i learned the last time i went. Folks get out of control...but i was highly entertained by it all...and had my camera to document the chaos! (Im sure several guys were teased by their department after receiving my incriminating photos).
I guess sitting in a classroom for an entire day does that to some people :)

Personally, i enjoy hanging out with my fellow EMS friends...folks who are usually together under much more stressful and scary circumstances... so its nice to get together in a much more relaxed atmosphere, where we can share our EMS stories, while also learning new techniques for saving lives. We can also tell grotesque stories without disturbing the folks next to us, as they are also telling similar tales.

Anyways, i will be off the grid for a few days, but i promise to check in on Sunday to see what everyone has been up to! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Here is the Lodge we will be staying at...isnt it pretty!

Have a laugh!

This link was sent to me and i thought it was hilarious!!! Have a laugh on me :)

Yes!!! on Mill Levy Increase

This was a tough one, and i have to admit... i didnt think it would pass, but it did and i am thrilled! As an EMT in the canyon, i look forward to a new station house, which in turn will lead to a new ambulance, equipment, and many other much needed items for EMS. Hurrah! Here is a photo of some of our hard-working fire fighters this last summer...all volunteers. New fire stations are something the canyon folks have been working on for over 10 years...change is in the air! :)

VOTE VOTE VOTE........

I hope everyone plans to vote today, regardless of the candidate you choose, its an American right and privilege! As for this household, we will keep our fingers crossed for Obama. However, whoever wins, they have their work cut out for them, as we all want to see a change! Here's to a dream of Peace! :)

Trick or Treat!

The Halloween festivities started around 5:30 at our place. Connie came over with goodies for all of us...a new bag for me, some cocktails for Justin, and balloons for Jordyn.

Jordyn didnt have her trick or treating partner this year...sadly, Blaine moved to Steamboat, so Connie brought Pee Wee over to trick or treat with her.

We had a lot of houses to go to, and since there are no other kids up here, the folks really look forward to Jordyn stopping by. In fact, we are still getting phone calls regarding some houses we missed. Looks like we will have to make a formal announcement next year to make sure we include everyone :)

As difficult as it was to get her to keep her hat on during her photoshoot, it was amazing how she refused to go anywhere without her hat while on "official" trick or treat business. She even insisted on carrying her very heavy (full) cat bag all the way up a hill. I thought she was going to tip over...in fact, on the way down she did.

It was a fabulous evening, the first time in years we've had perfect Halloween weather, and we all had a blast! I even shot some hilarious video footage of her that i hope to post soon...so stay tuned!
In the meantime, we hope you all had a safe and Happy Halloween!!!

Corn Maze Fun ~

Last year Jordyn's grandma and i took Jordyn to her first corn maze, and we had such a great time we decided to make it an annual event. This year we went to Bartels Farm and it was loaded with fun!

There were pumpkins everywhere, a dozen or so inflated lawn decorations, scarecrows, wind spinners, a pumpkin launcher, petting zoo, and of course...a corn maze!

It was an absolutely gorgeous day, perfect corn maze weather :)

Jordyn had a great time running all around, gathering corn, and pulling grandma thru the maze!

We started to wonder if we were going to make it out of the maze without cheating...it was very hot...and we kept taking wrong turns...but im happy to report that we did indeed find our way out.

We found this pumpkin at the exit, which was helpful...its amazing how an orange round pumpkin shape will stand out among the corn husks, to help lead the way.
After the maze, we headed over to the petting zoo...

The pot belly pig had a bit of an attitude, but can you blame it. :)

This little goat was sweet.

But the chickens really fascinated Jordyn, and she kept running back over to them to see what they were up to.

And finally...the pumpkin launcher...i cant believe i actually caught the pumpkin in flight, but since the cannon was rather loud, it scared me when it went off and i pushed the button as i jumped :)
Hope you enjoyed our little adventure at Bartels Farm!