Ayden ( 7 years old - 3rd grade)
Ryleigh (5 years old - kindergarten)
Masyn (3 years old - preschool)
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
First day of school 2012-2013
This is a year to remember. All three of my kids are in some form of school for a period of time. Ayden is in 3rd grade this year at Loveland Classical Schools, Ryleigh started Kindergarten. She goes to school on Tuesday/ Thursday all day and then Friday afternoon. The schedule is a little wonky and was hard to get used to at first. Masyn is in his first full year of preschool. He goes to school Monday through Thursday in the afternoons. It is wonderful because while I LOVE my children I get five whole hours a week without any kids, two of those hours are mine completely because Doug works. It might be a while to get used to the fact that I go do what I wanted or needed during those times and it would be uninterrupted.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Backyard FINALLY!
Remember when we bought a house? Scroll to the bottom and you can see what the backyard looked like before everything started. Then we put in the fence. This was the start of the backyard. Here are some of the pictures of the process to get the backyard to what it is now. First my awesome brother in law helped us put in sprinklers for the grass. It was a big process but got done, I just wish I had some pictures to show you. After the sprinklers one of my brothers came and helped up extend our patio with paver brick.
The extension was 6x10
The finished patio is now 16x10
Next came putting in our borders. We installed a bendy board to give the division between the grass and the mulch. The nice thing is if a kid trips on it they are less likely to get hut than if they are tripped on a galvanized edging.
This is our 5 yards of mulch! The nice thing was it was light to carry and didn't take long to put in
Then came the path for the mower to get through
That was a lot of sod, but it only took about one and a half hours to install.
The final shot.
We now have a backyard to enjoy and let the kids run around in! Thank goodness, the house was getting loud!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Specfics are important!
How does a 5 year old clean her room??
I have learned that I need to check the completion of a task. I was too late this day.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Ryleigh's hair crisis #2
Remember Ryleigh's first hair crisis? I knew that was the first of many. So here we are about six weeks later and on another hair crisis.
I babysit a little boy (Cole) and a little girl (Kaylee) three days a week. Last week during quiet time the girls were playing hair. This has happened several times before so I though nothing of it. After maybe 20 minutes Ryleigh comes into the kitchen and asks for help to get a comb out her hair. When I turned to see it I was shocked! This is what I saw. . . .
I was speechless! I asked what Kaylee was trying to do and was told that Ryleigh wanted her hair curled. I put Ryleigh up on a stool and started to see what I could do. While I was working I thought I should probably prep her in case I can't get it out and we have to get it cut. She was not happy (can't say that I was either). I tried and tried for 45 minutes and couldn't get it out. So I told Ryleigh we were going to go to a haircutting place and it would probably end up getting cut out.
When we got to the salon the hair stylist were confident they could get it out. The hair stylist put Ryleigh into a chair and got to work. She at first used a rat tail comb and wasn't very successful. The second attempt was to use a hair product to give the hair some slip. After she tried for about 20 minutes the hair stylist was successful. Ryleigh's hair was definitely curly.
I babysit a little boy (Cole) and a little girl (Kaylee) three days a week. Last week during quiet time the girls were playing hair. This has happened several times before so I though nothing of it. After maybe 20 minutes Ryleigh comes into the kitchen and asks for help to get a comb out her hair. When I turned to see it I was shocked! This is what I saw. . . .
I was speechless! I asked what Kaylee was trying to do and was told that Ryleigh wanted her hair curled. I put Ryleigh up on a stool and started to see what I could do. While I was working I thought I should probably prep her in case I can't get it out and we have to get it cut. She was not happy (can't say that I was either). I tried and tried for 45 minutes and couldn't get it out. So I told Ryleigh we were going to go to a haircutting place and it would probably end up getting cut out.
When we got to the salon the hair stylist were confident they could get it out. The hair stylist put Ryleigh into a chair and got to work. She at first used a rat tail comb and wasn't very successful. The second attempt was to use a hair product to give the hair some slip. After she tried for about 20 minutes the hair stylist was successful. Ryleigh's hair was definitely curly.
We had to do a small trim to get rid of the damaged hair but we were able to save her already short hair!
Needless to say I bought some of the product they used and will keep it on hand for the next episode because I am sure we are far from being done with hair traumas.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Silly kids
While Doug was gone on his AT (annual training) for the military I bought the kids goggles. They were so excited they wore them most of the day. The kids CRACK me up, you can't help but love them!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
High Park Fire update
According to the Larimer County Emergency web page the High Park Fire was 100% contained on July 1st. The fire burned a total of 87,284 acres and 259 homes. The fire is estimated to cost of $38.4 millions.
There has been much devastation to the area. Shortly after the containment there have been fierce rains and now flash flooding is a big concern. The Poudre Canyon has been closed at least once because of mudslides. My parents were able to take a drive up into some of the area where the fire was sent me a couple of pictures.
Below are some pictures that a friend of mine took (Thanks Deedee) of the thank you signs that were around north Fort Collins, Laporte and Bellvue area. This is only a few of her pictures and she saw several that she didn't capture in picture.
I am truly grateful for all of those that worked on and continue to work on the High Park Fire. Those mountains have many memories for me from growing up.
 |
| This is a picture taken by the Coloradoan, a local newspaper. |
According to the Larimer County Emergency web page the High Park Fire was 100% contained on July 1st. The fire burned a total of 87,284 acres and 259 homes. The fire is estimated to cost of $38.4 millions.
There has been much devastation to the area. Shortly after the containment there have been fierce rains and now flash flooding is a big concern. The Poudre Canyon has been closed at least once because of mudslides. My parents were able to take a drive up into some of the area where the fire was sent me a couple of pictures.
This is Pingree Park area
This is Highway 14 (Poudre Canyon)
Below are some pictures that a friend of mine took (Thanks Deedee) of the thank you signs that were around north Fort Collins, Laporte and Bellvue area. This is only a few of her pictures and she saw several that she didn't capture in picture.
I am truly grateful for all of those that worked on and continue to work on the High Park Fire. Those mountains have many memories for me from growing up.
Thank you to all of our first responders!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Demolition
Recently my parents decided to take out their concrete steps to the house and build a deck. The kids were too excited to help.
Believe it or not Ayden took out most of the step they are hammering on by himself
Eventually we realized that sledge hammers were not going to be enough. The kids were excited to watch Grandpa use the jackhammer!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Swimming Lesson Challenge
Usually with summer comes swimming lessons. All of the kids have been super excited for them. When school let out I was asked daily when swimming lessons would start.
Finally the time came and Ayden and Ryleigh did amazing! Masyn did amazing. . . once he decided it was okay to get in the water. Swimming lessons happened daily Monday through Friday for two weeks. Masyn refused to get in the water the first two days. The second day he was told that if he chose not to go to swimming lessons he would have a bummer day. His bummer day would be just that, nothing fun. Masyn was just fine with that, so we left. Later in the day he was disappointed because we attended a kids day activity at the local outdoor mall here and he was unable to participate in activities. Needless to say we didn't have any issues after that bummer day.
On the last day he was rockin' it in the pool and was trying to swim on his own.
Finally the time came and Ayden and Ryleigh did amazing! Masyn did amazing. . . once he decided it was okay to get in the water. Swimming lessons happened daily Monday through Friday for two weeks. Masyn refused to get in the water the first two days. The second day he was told that if he chose not to go to swimming lessons he would have a bummer day. His bummer day would be just that, nothing fun. Masyn was just fine with that, so we left. Later in the day he was disappointed because we attended a kids day activity at the local outdoor mall here and he was unable to participate in activities. Needless to say we didn't have any issues after that bummer day.
On the last day he was rockin' it in the pool and was trying to swim on his own.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Teddy Bear Hospital
Every year Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) puts on a teddy bear hospital. This is a fun event where kids bring their stuffed animals to the hospital to have them taken care of. You start by going to the registration table, here they ask for the child's name, the animals name, birth date, and what is wrong with the animal. Next they head into the triage room where they meet with the doctor and have their animal treated. Ayden, Ryleigh and Masyn's animals all experienced broken legs (hmmm why would that be. . . ). After being treated the kids go to the discharge table to get final instructions and a bag of goodies. My kids had a blast!
After having their animals treated you have the opportunity to look around a various booths that are there. MCR brings in two ambulances,a fire truck, and a flight for life helicopter for the kids to climb in and look at and see what the insides look like.
Here are some pictures of the event, I apologize I only had my phone for pictures.
After having their animals treated you have the opportunity to look around a various booths that are there. MCR brings in two ambulances,a fire truck, and a flight for life helicopter for the kids to climb in and look at and see what the insides look like.
Here are some pictures of the event, I apologize I only had my phone for pictures.
Chilling on the stretcher in the ambulance
The fireman tried to convince the boys that a fire truck was cooler than a police car. The boys still think a police car is the best.
The boys climbed into the helicopter and then the flight nurse put their animal on the stretcher so they could see what it would be like.
As you probably noticed Ryleigh isn't in any pictures. I couldn't get her in any of the vehicles. Next year. . . next year!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Best Friends!
When I was working full time we had a FANTASTIC daycare provider that has become a great friend. Shortly after I quit and came home to stay with the kids Kim and her family moved to Montana for a job opportunity for Tyson (her husband). Since Kim's family is in Colorado and Tyson's is in Wyoming they come and visit every so often and we try to get the kids together.
Kim's son Spencer is close to Ryleigh's age (he turns 5 in August and Ry turns 6 in October). Spencer and Ryleigh are like peas in a pod! Ryleigh was in Kim's care for at least two years, so it is no wonder why these two get a long so well.
Kim and her cute boys were in town for a short visit and it was like the two hadn't been separated at all!
Kim's son Spencer is close to Ryleigh's age (he turns 5 in August and Ry turns 6 in October). Spencer and Ryleigh are like peas in a pod! Ryleigh was in Kim's care for at least two years, so it is no wonder why these two get a long so well.
Kim and her cute boys were in town for a short visit and it was like the two hadn't been separated at all!
The kids had a blast getting together!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Memories
As a child our family vacations were always camping. We went ALL the time! All of us kids would pack our clothes and help mom pack up the kitchen stuff and food. When dad would get home from work we would load the truck and the trailer with the tents, sleeping bags and whatever else we would need for the weekend getaway.
We would fight about who got to sit on top of all of the clothes bags, sleeping pads and blankets and sleeping bags. That was the best spot because you squished yourself in between the roof of the truck and all of the gear. Then we would head for the hills.
While up camping we would always explore. The trucks we had were always four wheel drive so my dad would find a a jeep trail and off we went. We went of several trails the few that made an impression in my memory are Green Ridge trail (up be Lost Lake), Kelly Flats, and Old Flowers Road.
On several occasions when the time came to load up and head back to reality we would take the scenic route down and cut over to Stove Prairie and come down Rist Canyon or sometimes we would follow Stove Prairie Road to Buckhorn Road and come into town.
We would take picnics and go and visit Lory State Park. I remember specifically in seventh grade I had a science project that I got points for the type of animals and plants I saw. I would document the kind of animal/plant and where I saw it. I was short on points and my dad took me to Lory State Park to see what we could find. Now - the park is on fire as well.
The childhood memories of camping and four wheeling and visiting Lory State Park have been on my mind since this last Saturday morning. On Saturday morning at approximately 5:54 am a fire started by a lightening strike and has grown out of control. Today is day three of this fire and currently it is at 36,930 acres and a growth potential set at high. I have been following the live blog set up by the sheriff's office and every time I see a change it breaks my heart.
You can get current information from the incident web page - another web page I have been following for this fire.
Here are some pictures that I have taken of the fire and some from my parents.
This is a picture that my dad took they were about 1/2 mile away
Another picture from my dad. This fire has crossed over the crown of
**update 06/11/12- as of tonight the fire has exceeded 41,000 acres. **
**update 06/14/12 - as of today the fire is at 49,763 acres (this is larger than the town of Fort Collins)**
**update 06/24/12- the fire is currently at 81,190 acres. This is currently the second largest fire in the history of Colorado; while being the most destructive and costly.**
We would fight about who got to sit on top of all of the clothes bags, sleeping pads and blankets and sleeping bags. That was the best spot because you squished yourself in between the roof of the truck and all of the gear. Then we would head for the hills.
While up camping we would always explore. The trucks we had were always four wheel drive so my dad would find a a jeep trail and off we went. We went of several trails the few that made an impression in my memory are Green Ridge trail (up be Lost Lake), Kelly Flats, and Old Flowers Road.
On several occasions when the time came to load up and head back to reality we would take the scenic route down and cut over to Stove Prairie and come down Rist Canyon or sometimes we would follow Stove Prairie Road to Buckhorn Road and come into town.
We would take picnics and go and visit Lory State Park. I remember specifically in seventh grade I had a science project that I got points for the type of animals and plants I saw. I would document the kind of animal/plant and where I saw it. I was short on points and my dad took me to Lory State Park to see what we could find. Now - the park is on fire as well.
The childhood memories of camping and four wheeling and visiting Lory State Park have been on my mind since this last Saturday morning. On Saturday morning at approximately 5:54 am a fire started by a lightening strike and has grown out of control. Today is day three of this fire and currently it is at 36,930 acres and a growth potential set at high. I have been following the live blog set up by the sheriff's office and every time I see a change it breaks my heart.
You can get current information from the incident web page - another web page I have been following for this fire.
Here are some pictures that I have taken of the fire and some from my parents.
This is Saturday at about 11:45 am on the way to my parents house
This is at the north end of my parents street on Saturday about 3:30 pm
This is Sunday night from my house at about 8:20 pm
This is in Fort Collins at the intersection of CR 38E (Harmony Rd) and Taft Hill.
It is my understanding that CR38E was close going west shortly after we went north through the intersection. This was also Sunday night.
These are at Inspiration Park in Fort Collins off of Horsetooth Rd.
This is a picture that my dad took they were about 1/2 mile away
Hughes Stadium on the way up to Horsetooth Reservoir.
Another picture from my dad. This fire has crossed over the crown of
the mountain and is on the east side now.
My prayers go to all those fighting the fire and all of those who have been affected by the fire. It is an intense fire. I am glad my parents helped us create memories and taught us an appreciation of nature and all of Gods creations.
**update 06/11/12- as of tonight the fire has exceeded 41,000 acres. **
**update 06/14/12 - as of today the fire is at 49,763 acres (this is larger than the town of Fort Collins)**
**update 06/24/12- the fire is currently at 81,190 acres. This is currently the second largest fire in the history of Colorado; while being the most destructive and costly.**
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Helping the big boys!
One piece of advice for all those buying a house - when looking to buy a new house be sure to remember you may not get things done in the time table you originally thought. When we bought our house we knew we would need to buy blinds and put in a fence and landscape the backyard. We thought for sure we would have it done in time for school to be out and the kids being home all the time. Boy were we WRONG!
It took us almost six weeks to get blinds purchased and installed and that fence and backyard we wanted. This is what it looked like through all of May (school let out May 24th) only it was covered in weeds.
After four days we now have a fenced yard!
Now. . . who wants to come help with the sprinklers, sod and rock???
It took us almost six weeks to get blinds purchased and installed and that fence and backyard we wanted. This is what it looked like through all of May (school let out May 24th) only it was covered in weeds.
We had purchased the materials for the fence before our trip to Doug's parents house over Memorial weekend. Once we returned it was time to get started. I called to have the yard sprayed for lines. Doug and I started weeding the bag yard - six 33-gallon bags later it was weeded (and just in time for the people to spray the yard).
My Dad came down and took some time off to help as well as all of our neighbors. The process was fun to watch. Ayden got out and helped where he could. He helped with the big auger that we used to dig all 30+ post holes (we did three yards). When it came time to put the pickets up he was right there with the big boys and taking it serious as well.
He even took breaks with the big boys!
Now. . . who wants to come help with the sprinklers, sod and rock???
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