Kitty Puzzle Complete!

We've been working on this puzzle for a few days and finally finished it today!  When the weather is crappy, puzzles are the best! 

Snowshoeing Fun ~

What a fabulous day it was for some snowshoeing!  Preschool ROCKS!!!

Rogue One...Loved it!

We've enjoyed lounging around for the last few weeks, for winter break but school starts tomorrow, so we thought it would be fun to go to town today and see Rogue One before it leaves the 3D theaters.  I am so glad we saw it on the big screen...what a ride!  I loved how it had a more old school style to it, since it paralleled the original Star Wars movies.  The characters were wonderful and I really enjoyed the movie!  If you are one of the few folks that haven't seen this yet, and you are a Star Wars fan, go see this movie!

Texans in Snow ~

 So cousin Vicente had a bunch of friends up from Texas this week to go skiing and party, like young kids can...and this is how they killed the time one afternoon when it was 10 degrees outside...

 They built this table of snow outside, and decided to play beer pong!  They were out there for hours!  Ahhhh, to be young again :)

Snowy Range Fun ~

 Justin, Jordyn and Uncle Damian went skiing/snowboarding today at Snowy Range and they had a blast!

 Uncle Damian was able to give Jordyn some snowboarding tips, so I think she had a lot of fun trying out some new techniques.  She did smash into a tree on her last run though....doh!

 They got there when the slopes opened at 9am and then closed the place down....so needless to say they are both a bit sore tonight.

Aunt LeAnn and cousin Deni were there too with Vicente and a bunch of his friends, but they hardly saw each other all day, so sadly no photos of the whole crew this year.  Im glad they hit the slopes today though, because we're supposed to have a storm roll in tomorrow.  They pulled in here around 6:30pm where I had a big bowl of homemade green chili waiting for them! What a great day on the slopes!

Thoughts for the New Year ~

I started doing this in 2008 and now its my New Years Eve tradition, so here goes...

I'm feeling...happy to see 2016 come to a close!  Our family lost some wonderful souls this year and it has been very difficult for all of us.  I always look upon the new year with great excitement and enthusiasm for what it can bring, and this year is no exception.  I am a bit concerned with Trump becoming our new president though, but I am keeping a positive attitude and hope he will make good choices for our country in the next four years.  Choices that include all the people!  Above is a photo of me after dropping off my ballot...I was thrilled to be voting for Hillary Clinton, a person I thought strongly suited for the job, and also thrilled to be voting for a woman.  Alas, this time around it was not meant to be.

I'm seeing...our daughter grow up to be a beautiful young lady.  She is funny, smart, strong and kind.  I really enjoy conversations with her and the laughter we share together.  She has blossomed into a wonderful companion, and I enjoy our adventures together.  I love that she is comfortable in our relationship to ask me anything and always shares her thoughts and ideas with me.  I hope this strong communication between us lasts forever.  Why, just a few months ago, we had the birds and the bees talk...all initiated by her, and it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.  I love you kiddo!

I'm thinking...of all the things I'd like to accomplish next year, and I hope to tenaciously achieve each one of them!

I'm appreciating...the simple things in life, and as always, I'm grateful for a roof over our head, a warm fire, food in the kitchen, and a happy healthy family.  Justin and I have been working hard this last year, and its my hope that we remember to stop and smell the roses once in a while.  In fact, we all got new passports this year, and also purchased an RV, so here's hoping we get to use one of them soon!

I'm cooking...nothing at the moment, and if I don't get off this computer soon we'll be dining on snacks!  :)   I have plans to make the famous Sattler cheese soup though, so maybe it will still happen.

I'm planning...some exciting things for 2017!  One of my goals is to persue a photography business.  Over the last two years, friends have hired me to take their family portraits and senior pictures, and though I dont advertise, I keep getting requests to do more.  This has inspired me to create a business, and I hope to get the ball rolling with advertising and a website next year!  This week I ordered a new mac computer to help kick things off with a fresh design platform.  I'm also considering seeking new employment with full time options and hopefully some retirement. I love working with the kids at school, but right now I'm only working 26 hours a week, and though the hours and jobs have been convenient for our situation up here, with Jordyn going into middle school next year, I'm looking to expand my options and I'm excited (albeit a bit nervous) at the prospect of it . Justin has been very encouraging and supportive though, so that helps!
Wish me luck!

I'm reading...Nothing at the moment!  I just finished Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children two days ago, and haven't started anything else yet, though I have several choices sitting on my nightstand and on my kindle.  I completed 14 books out of 30 in my Goodreads.com Challenge this year.  Not as many as I would have liked, but its all in good fun, so I don't mind.

I'm wearing...Sweats and wool socks for cozy comfort.  I am happy to report that Jordyn and I are staying home this new years eve, so we can hang out at the house in our pajamas!  Justin is playing up at the Pot Belly tonight, so he headed out of here about 2 hours ago!  Have fun Justin and stay safe!

I'm creating...but not as much as I would like to be!  :)   I sold some earrings this summer to Archers, and several pairs sold, so I would like to work on some more designs this winter.  I'm hoping to sell some to some of the stores in Red Feather too...and maybe even build up enough of an inventory for some craft shows soon.

I'm hearing...Jordyn tick away on her computer while singing her own random made up songs...she is cracking me up down here!  Meanwhile, Kato and Stitch are chasing each other around the house...I'm so glad Kato has a friend.  They seem to get along really well!

I'm enjoying...the growing relationship between my sisters and I over the last few years.  We've always gotten along and love each other, but with our own families, and living in separate states, we have not had a lot of time to spend together and get to know one another as adults.  These last few years though, we have stayed more connected, and after our New Orleans trip last year, we have decided to try to make that a recurring thing.  With the kids getting older, there is more time for us to enjoy with each other, and that has been a delight.

I'm sharing...some photos of our ice skating adventures this afternoon....The shot of Jordyn and I is hilarious, because I had to set the timer on the camera and then try not to bust my ass as i raced onto the pond to get in the shot!  Good times!

May 2017 be filled with joy and laughter, good health and prosperity to all!

Moms Night Out ~

 Our good friend, Robin, is moving to New York with her family, and we are all sad to see her go, so we decided to have a moms night out/going away party for her at the Basil in Red Feather.

 The turn out was amazing, and other than the two or three strangers at the bar, we took over the entire place!  Amber filled the jukebox with coins and let us all pick out a bunch of tunes...naturally it was an 80's heavy playlist!

 We started the party at Sharons house with cocktails and munchies (a sleepover was planned at her place for later), and then we all loaded into the car and headed to the bar.

 Its incredibly rare for all of us to leave the kids at home to get together, so we were all in rare form!

 There was a LOT of dancing, laughter and fun... 

 and of course....shots!

 The drive home was the best though...our designated driver, Eva, whos never driven an automatic, kept trying to put her foot on the clutch...hahahhhahah   Then of course, Tabby did the starfish at the gate when she got out of the car...Good Times!  Safe and exciting travels to you and the family Robin...we are really gonna miss all of you!  hugs!