~some foster fun~

blizzard weekend 101

2012-02-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

1. Have your big brother call you and tell you that 24-33 inches of snow will be coming on Friday. (!!)
2. Have your big bro tell you to get to the store like everyone else to get bread, milk. Maybe chicken. Beer?
3. Wake up at 4 am to check if your kiddos have school, then hop back in bed to sleep in!
4. Wake up to a bright, wintery snow-falling wonderland.

5. Find everything warm you own to put on.

6. Grab sleds and waddle over to a big hill to wipe out big time and exhaust yourself.

7. Get out of breath and realize you can't feel your toes or hands anymore.

8. Make real rich hot cocoa with milk, eat soup, do crafts.

9. Cozy up. Have big brother and family over to eat frozen pizzas.

10. The man of the house: Shovel. Shovel. Shovel.

11. Shovel too much and hurt your back.

12. Bond with all your neighbors with tee-shirts on outside shoveling and playing.

13. On day two: Say hello Mr. Sunshine and dig holes in the big snow mounds (with the help of the man of the house).

Then....start thinking how you can afford a snow blower, then shovel more.

14. Eat the snow.

15. Throw the snow.

16. Lay in the snow with sunglasses.

17. Get constantly frustrated with your stinky dog covered in the snow when she's outside.

18. Be kinda happy/sad when the sun is still out: more melting.

19. Stay warm and marvel at the beauty and fun of mother nature.

20. Go to a friends dinner party and have Grandma watch your kiddos.

our balloon deflated

2012-01-31T17:20:00.000-08:00

Our "House Hunters on Vacation" opportunity went... POP!

boo hoo. (we will hold back the spitting and booing at the T.V.! LOL)

It was a crazy fun Foster experience for sure, kept our hearts pumpin'... and something neat to talk about! I'm sure they picked a delightful and well-deserving family. There's always hope for perhaps another episode I suppose!

Almost famous,

josh-stacey-hannah-lauren-polly

Hi Stacey,

We JUST heard back from the network and your family, unfortunately, was not chosen for this episode. I will keep your audition video and application on file in the event that we get a pick up for more episodes. If we get a pick up, can I call you about the possibility of being on another episode of House Hunters on Vacation?

Thank you so much for the time and effort you and your family put into your audition. Your family is lovely and I look forward to possibly working with you in the future.

Warmest Regards,
Carrie

Carrie Jensen
Producer | Pie Town Productions
7655 Haskell Ave. | Van Nuys, CA 91406

House Hunters on Vacation

2012-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

My heart is still pittering and pattering.

We were randomly watching "House Hunters on Vacation" about 12 weeks ago or so. It's a show on HGTV that takes families to a lovely destination, they go through 3 rental properties and choose which one they want to stay at for the week. Hannah decided she wanted to apply to the show. I was like "hmmm-aaahh, reeaally?" She insisted on pulling up the application online and started filling it out. I jumped in last minute and finished it. Thinking nothing of it, really. They requested a family picture, so we quickly found one. Thousands of others were doing the same application, right?

No chance.

So yesterday I was checking my voicemail. A call from Northern California area? Huh? Well...it was a producer for the show and they were interested in us for casting/filming and telling me all about the show. (!!!!!!!)

At this point I (really all of us) freaked a bit.

We had to make an audition tape last night to have the executives of the show review it along with some other families. I was like..."uh, how many other families...a hundred?" Apparently not. The producer said that it looked pretty good for us. S-e-r-i-o-u-s-l-y?

Freaking again.

What was it that they saw in our application that the others didn't have? It was this fun picture above that made us stand apart the producer said. (We took that a couple years ago for the holiday's.)

So with the help of my brother and Mom, we frantically and nervously made a 10 minute creative video and answered the ten questions they wanted us to. Uploaded it to the producer this morning.

Now we wait until Monday to hear and keeping our fingers and toes crossed!

If we get chosen then the show will come to our place on Feb.18th to interview us with the crew. The location in not known but it is being promoted by Pixar/Disney and will be out of the country. If we are the family they have been looking for, then the show will tape us for 3 days going through properties and then get to have a dreamy vacation on them from February 26th to March 14th.

uuuh,....CANNOT believe it!

We are keeping our hopes up and will keep all posted!

!!!

felted fun

2012-01-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

We went to the coolest art/craft/hobby store near Denver for Art Gypsies this month. Then to chow on yummy soup, salad and rosemary lemon shortbread cookies. To top off all that goodness we made felt flowers. I've seen them at posh gift shops around (and they aren't cheap) but never knew how to make them.

Thanks, Nancy...you rock!

We took old sweaters (wool) and felt you can buy any craft store. You create a circle base for this one. You then cut out some crescent shapes, bend them a bit and poke the fibers together with a unique felting pin. That is it! You pokey-pokey up and down 50-100 times each petal and the wool fibers bind to attach to eachother. It's amazing how the layers hold on.

Then you embellish (sew or glue) with buttons, beads... whatever you want in the center.

This one was done by curling up the edges of the felt/sweater and attaching them to the base with a hot glue gun. I thought it turned out lovely, Connie!

Attach a pin on the back and voila! you have a cutie accent to add to a purse, hat, scarf, sweater.

cookin' divas

2012-01-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I was telling some that I had a serious "comfort food" cooking problem. I mean, I had been so sickie for a week...it's been cold, snowy...letting down from the holidays...the cravings had to be satisfied! The girls and I did homemade granola (yummo recipe compliments of sweet friend Mimi).

We made three loaves of whole wheat honey bread. (Had to include the "whole wheat" there.) I did my well-known chicken pot pie and ooey goey banana cream bread pudding. Then topped it off with the most scrumptious macaroni and cheese from a favorite place here. I told Josh when eating the mac-n-cheese that this is what heaven must taste like. (Whatever we eat there, THIS is what it might be!)

In one of creative groups I'm in we made CHEESE last month. So cool, ladies. I never knew how to make cheese. I told the girls that I thought my head was going to explode with such awesome information that day. Skills and instruction is a good thing to have in your life, eh?

We made ricotta cheese. Then we made mozzarella. Yes, mozzarella.

It was so easy.

Who knew?

We then took those two cheeses and made/baked manicotti for lunch.

It was delicious I must say myself.

Let me know if you want any of these recipes!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

I feel like it has been a whirlwind of a time with the holidays. Been wiped out, really. I'm just now catching my breath a bit. I let myself have a day this last Friday after all the company left...and took a loooong nap, laid around and watched a couple hours of "Say Yes to the Dress" show (omygoodness, that show can be addicting to watch! What is up with that??) It certainly felt awesome to have a guilt free NOTHING day. I am still 3 big holiday orders behind with my shop but I know I'll get to 'em....thank you Etsy for being patient with me!

Anyway, I just posted some pictures from Christmas and we all said goodbye to 2011. Can you believe it? I don't know where it went. Don't we all say that every year?

I wanted to reflect on it. Refuel a bit. Redefine what the New Year will hopefully be.

Thank you, 2011. You were filled with big change.
You delighted me with big blessings. Big strength.
I was reminded of some big things and learned from you:
~to be really patient
~to listen to the delicate small voices that are endlessly directing/surrounding me
~to trust big and surrender bigger
~to pray more
~that time will always give you the answers to the questions
~that love can take you anywhere and is always changing
~yes, fresh air and sunshine is good for your soul
~families ARE forever
~contentment and gratitude is always available if you let it be
~there is an amount of pressure with an online biz
~sisters can love/giggle one moment, and can't stand each other the next
~I am not a good homeschooling Mom
~life does slow down if you make it
~others will judge you but you press on
~we all should never take our health and wellness for granted

Christmas with the Foster crew

2012-01-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Here's the whole gang.

All Josh's brothers and his folks came in from OH and FL to stay with us!

It was a special time all being together and here's a glimpse at what we did:

The first day we got about 9 inches of snow. Here is Joel trying the hill next to our place with his snowboard. The snow here sparkles like diamonds, it looked like a powdered sugar winter wonderland.

Did some hiking and the girls did some shopping...

Went to Red Rocks, Cave of the Winds, Broadmore...

Manitou Springs

Played the Wii (dance 3!), laid around...

Headed to Golden (Coors Brewery)

Then to downtown Boulder for a bit.

The sunshine here is always intense...keeping us toasty. Which is a good thing:)

Celebrated a birthday, went to Christmas Eve service, ate and ate..

(the stomach bug also hit a few...my sweet Mom missed out on Christmas)

Hiked a bit more here in our hometown...

Christmas morning!

Up to Copper to hit the slopes...what a beautiful day the guys had.

A delightful visit for sure!

okay, just a few more...

Since the icky stomach bugger came and bit some, we ended up waiting to celebrate Christmas with my Mom, then with my bro's family on New Year's Eve Day. Here are some pics from then:

third Christmas for us at Mom's house for brunch and presents

Every year I get a present for everyone with a butterfly on it to remember Dad. It's become tradition and represents many special things in his life and mine. (these are stepping garden stones- past 4 years have been a windcharm, bookmark, ornament and pottery with a butterfly on them)

just getting Christmas silly

That same night-- it was New Years Eve to celebrate! Dinner at Steve's and "fancy drinks" for the girls. yes, that is the movie "Elf" behind them...we only see it a dozen times every year!

Last but not least...our long time traditional family Santa hat picture.

That's finally all, folks. Yay!

pre-holiday stuff

2011-12-30T19:10:00.000-08:00

baking with Uncle Steve/Auntie Heather's

meeting up with our dear TX friends at a popular Denver restaurant

Lauren wanted her ears pierced for her "big" Christmas gift this year- so cute!

school parties, Christmas play at Cherry Creek, lovely Christmas Eve service

snow!

sledding on the huge hill right next to our house

Merriest to you!

2011-12-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

Through HOPE and prayers, God’s GRACE led us to a PEACE and we are finding great JOY and so in LOVE with our new life here in Colorado. Merry Christmas!

Who likes stressful family picture time?

Not us. We aren't raising our hand on that one.

For the past 4 years or so we tickle our creative bones and think of a few things to do and

grab the camera.

This year we headed to one of our favorite places to hike here.

A great memory and some sweet shots to remember 2011.

Christmas creative

2011-12-26T21:27:00.000-08:00

How fun it is for me to be around two groups of women

who desire to get creative once a month! Joy. Joy!

This month we:

glittered up

twirled up

stamped up

toasted up

hot glued up

twisted up

stacked up

wrapped up

Hannah's dinner party

2011-12-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

She's growing up. She's texting. She's got an email account. She's getting more independent. She's got a mind of her own. Speaking her own. She's lovely. Smart. Easy going (most of the time). A peace maker. Fun.

Oozes kindness.

Makes me smile.

She typed this paper below for a Language Arts class this week. (!)

She's totally Daddy's girl.

(Judist Priest? yep. All other 80's heavy metal bands deleted on her Ipod.... yikes!)

I am having a dinner party. Why I am having it is I want to meet

the people I am inviting.I came up with the idea when Mrs. Taylor

first told me about it.It will be fun and everyone will be friends with

eachother.

The people I am inviting are:Myself, Ellie, A Beatle, Chris(from

Coldplay), Judist Preist, Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Karlovetz, C.S. Lewis,

Eric Carle, and Will Ferrell.I invited Ellie and I because we are best

friends.A Beatle, Chris,and Judist Priest because they are all good

artists.I love their music too. I invited Mrs. Parsons and my mom because they both love art. Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Karlovetz because they are my favorite teachers. And I invited C.S. Lewis, Eric Carle and Will Ferrell because they would have a funny conversation together.

I had my dinner party at a mountain resort because it is a very scenic place. It might be a little chilly though. This place is special because I love the mountains (because I came from Texas). Then after we would go skiing.

I carefully chose their seating places too. Myself and Ellie are BFF’s and we would talk a lot. Judas Priest, a Beatle and Chris Martin would talk about music and probably play some too. Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Karlovetz would talk about teaching and kids. My mom and Mrs. Parsons are great artist and will talk about art. C.S. Lewis, Eric Carell and Will Ferrell will talk about their books and acting/theater.

My dinner party went really well and we all had fun. Also wish them luck on the rest of their lives. It was very pretty and we all were full and happy.

all pics taken by her from her ipod:)

giving thanks

2011-12-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

we thought about, talked about and wrote about what we are thankful for

we hugged and loved

we gave thanks for being together

we prayed

we ate

we enjoyed awesome food from Wes/Dawn's home and ended the night with giggles from game time

Breckenridge

2011-12-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Our new awesome friends here invited us to a huge beautiful lodge home for the weekend in Breckenridge. It was a perfect get-away that was a "thank you gift" to their family from a business deal...aaand they graciously invited us to join in the fun. The home had 30 ft ceilings, heated floors...the works. Yea, we didn't hesitate one bit!

Went tubing at Keystone- so much fun...my heart dropped into my belly a bit from the ride(s)!

The sweet kiddos had a blast along with the big kiddos.

It. was. coooold. But so beautiful.

hot cocoa on the gondola just topped off the day

That night us adults went downtown to a small and trendy restaurant; listened to the jazz band, tried escargot, saw a famous snowboarder (Louis Vito, on the Bachelor/Dancing with the Stars).

we laughed a ton- ate incredible food- we danced like college kids at an old tavern bar...

we had snowflakes on our faces... a delight

the two big hot tubs outside the home porches that everyone enjoyed for two nights...especially the ladies!!

silly. silly... and I can't say that the guys made us do this

things I've come to know- part 3

2011-11-22T09:15:00.000-08:00

~prayers are powerful and are answered (already really knew that, just confirmed again:)
~kids are like sponges, especially (and more important to know) when they grow older
~there's always a rainbow behind the clouds of life
~there's enough time in each day to remember to be grateful, joyful and seek grace
~all women carry their our own loads of hurt, stress, pain, loneliness and feelings of inadequacy
~if you have enough smiles and laughter in your marriage, it thrives
~babies steal your whole heart when they smile
~decorating takes t-i-m-e and money and energy- and you lose it all quickly
~a warm, stinky dog by your feet ALL day long IS ok
~it can snow over a foot and in 2 days melt away
~Incredible deals on groupon.com and livingsocial.com- sign up!
~Proverbs 3:5-6
~playing the guitar for hours soothes my husbands soul
~so thankful and thrilled over the 20+ orders on Etsy in 8 weeks
~ladies can get to know eachother quickly over a hot cup of coffee
~I don't have near enough sweaters coming from TX to here
~I get excited to watch Nate Berkus Show, Storage Wars, House Hunters (eek!)
~Hannah has seen every episode of the Three Stooges 3x over (n giggles every time)
~disorder and busyness can eat me alive
~been cherishing the spontaneous, grab-a-bite to eat times with my mom
~if you give yourself enough time being strong and brave, everything gets easier
~most all of us go through the same stuff in the world of parenthood at one time or another
~a daughter in Girl Scouts is a full circle moment for me
~my sweet neighbor friend Kim, Alexe and Imogen= blessings.
~hot electric blankets are the way to go tucked underneath the sheet on your bed
~every day does have the possibility to be FABULOUS. right, Josh?

In case you wanna know...
here's: part one and part two.

Hey Alison-- you won the $30 GIFT CARD to spend on my shop- yay!
Love ya sweet friend! I'll get with you about it.

our ART CLUB Barbie creations

2011-11-17T21:12:00.000-08:00

I texted a sweet friend and asked her if she just doesn't wish she could take a long, gulit-free, relaxing NAP (or a long, relaxing, guilt-free ANYTHING) and not have a gazillion things to get done in one day all the time?! She whole-heartedly agreed! I mean, really- I know we are in the holiday season but Thanksgiving hasn't even come yet. I need to let go and let myself just be in chaos-mode for the rest of the year (not that the ENTIRE year hasn't been a bit bonkers).
Among all the crazy, I have loved to take some time with awesome girls and create something. It's that feel good and excited place I like to go to spoil myself a tad. Here is our Art Gypsie project (compliments of wonderful Reba) we did for this month. Oh, I was so pumped for it. I know I'm nearing my forties...but I still have a special place in my heart for Barbie. I played with them until I was in like, 8th grade or something (no kidding) and my girls have a dozen or so all piled up in a naked mess downstairs. They are still dressin' them up and playing house and I'm not stoppin' them anytime soon.

Ok, let me get to it.
I will tell you all the process of these altered Barbie creations. pssst, you can make these with your daughters old dolls!

spray paint her, add some gel medium (we used Golden brand) to kink up her hair wild-n-crazy, let dry

have a "theme" that you want to go with...winter fairy, birds, travel, crazy art girl, etc

wrap her bod, limbs etc. with maps, newspaper, magazine pages, tissue paper...using the gel medium- dry

with spray Tacky glue and hot glue: add stickers, glitter, gems, embellishments, more glitter...

wings! butterfly or angel wings

paintbrushes, ribbons, beads in the hair, beads glued to the hair...crazier hair the better

so cool. just go for it.

there you have it- cool, crazy Barbie creations

(if you want to see more- go to Becky's post too:)

PS: LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE POST BELOW

TO ENTER

TO WIN the $30 gift certificate!

comment= gift certificate!

2011-11-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

I'm up and running on my E tsy site. Keep looking- I add several new designs each week.

THANK YOU to those who have purchased these past 6 weeks!

For the past year or so, among so much change, I have been wanting to be brave and really feel organized and good enough to start up online. It's kind of like deciding on any somewhat big decision- often you are never really ready. You just gotta go for it. My personalized art is what I have had randomly consistent work within the past 5 years or so. Why not put it online? I have gotten a couple comments that I don't showcase the ability of my studio fine art talents in these lil' personalized design goodies. Probably true, but it is where I am right now and I am having fun with it.

I get inspiration through so many areas in my life. Mainly my daughters, fabric, illustration...words and songs, etc. I am inspired by many artists every single day and recently the group of wonderfully creative women of whom have just landed into my life lately. There is also a particular very, very successful artsy girl of whom I have followed this last year or so. I took her awesome online class after I got her book randomly on Amazon. I certainly was not only sucked into the beauty of how she uses her art and her words, but how she has built a business and inspires so many creative souls.

I know I'm not alone in the insecure art world of trying to get a grip on a successful artistic business.

Just like everything in life, it's a journey- always changing and growing in winding and different ways.

I need to be confident... brave...

and enjoy the ride.

I AM PUTTING THE COMMENTS BACK ON HERE! finally, right?

SHARE A SIMPLE COMMENT on this post: on what INSPIRES YOU in your day to day.

I will announce the winner on Monday, November 21th for a $30 gift certificate to use on my shop.

Halloween

2011-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

This year the girls coordinated once again.

A Texas girl and a Colorado girl, indeed. Hannah wore my old Indian costume from when I was her age. Yes, my Mom keeps everything. It had a wig to go with it, but she decided NO on that. We had the same traditions. Go here if you want to know more about that. Or here.

thought this was a cool pic

here's the rest of the gang- two pirates, and a bee included

oh, and two farmers and the cutiest piggy...

hit a whole bunch of houses...got a ton of candy...

....SUGAR!!!...

Foster house pumpkin carving 101

2011-11-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

1. Procrastinate until the night before Halloween and confidently draw out a plan.

2. Just dig in and try to salvage the seeds among the goop- to season and cook in the oven.

3. Get Daddy diggin' in (and Mommy; I will spare the picture of frustration.)

4. Get dazed and confused on the amount of strength it takes to carve.

5. Get Daddy into the carving and have him do all of it.

6. Search all over the house for votive candles. Find none. Then call Nana.

7. Finally light 'em up. Look at them, and say "aaaawww".

8. Then the next day have them frozen solid in the 12-14 inches of snow that falls.

Fall break

2011-10-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

The girls were on Fall break from Oct. 5th through 24th. It was crazy long, but a great break for them because the past months have been a whirlwind of buuusy starting school and adjusting to the newness of everything. It's no wonder that they started school so soon- a big break fer sure!

The first weeekend off and we woke up to over 4 inches of snow,

we all looked out the window and were like... "whuuuuut??"

Melted the next day.

Picture of the girls later in the week at the river.

Uh huh.

The Foster's came to visit on Tuesday. We went to beautiful Broadmoore Hotel/Golden Bee Tavern for Sylvia's birthday and Josh had another something up his sleeve- a surprise for his Mom.

Went to Garden of the Gods...to....go... horseback riding!

Sylvia was like...."whut??"...."whuuuuuutt??"

She said a zillion prayers, was crazy scared...but Bob tried to ease her tense bones.

Bob, the horse she got- was the laziest, slowest horse ever.

Yea, I didn't think that helped though.

It was a perfect clear day.... most of us had fun.

Ok. Here's Warren. He has been talking about going to a "dude ranch" for awhile now. He was pleasantly surprised to get on a horse. His horse was "Hercules" and was HUGE. It was quite a sight to see an almost 80-year old on enormous Hercules. My in-laws were such troopers!!

I had "Winnie"and Josh had fast "Indian" and was the caboose- trying to stay behind pathetic Bob and take video, pictures and make sure everyone was keepin' it together:)

We visited, talked, ate, ate, ate, shopped...all the things you do with family/guests.

It ended up being a delightful Co. visit for the girlies break.

creative juices

2011-10-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

Finished these sweet owls for Lauren's room this past week. They go with her bedding in the picture below. The girls rooms are slowly coming together. The lofts that Josh built are awesome- Lauren's is complete with a fireman pole. (pics of Hannah's pad later) I feel like I'm saying goodbye (sniff sniff) to pink, princess and shabby chic frill for the girls spaces. It's now bright, bold and on the retro-mod side.

Here are the kiddos: Tristan's first painting (he was so neat and tidy!) and the girls and I did some salt dough Fall figures. You know, salt, water and dough?

Classic.

They turned out cutie. We painted and sealed them to last forever.

Ya know cuz I am gonna look at these years from now and be like all teary eyed...goin'...aaawwww.

The next few pictures are from this months ART CLUB. We decided to call ourselves "Art Gypsies". Sweet friend, Kim facilitated this time and these turned out adorable.

We had 10" unfinished wooden doors, painted them, added some vintage cutouts, added bling, wire, holiday goodies. Great for hanging over a door knob...

...or as a Christmas ornament.

Thanks, Kim- so fun!

Still chuggin' along with these name signs on my shop- always a hit!

Komen "Race for a Cure"

2011-10-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Denver has the world's largest "Race for a Cure" 5K walk/run. It raises a ton of money and Heather's Mom is honored during the walk each and every year in celebration of her breast cancer fight- 31 years ago! Dawn is a perfect example of the hope, strength, success and LIFE within the battle of breast cancer. I was excited to be a part of it this year.

We all loved being a part of the thousands and thousands of participants. There were so many running/walking with celebration and with memory. All the woman (and men) flashing so much pink, costumes of all sorts and most of all: doing this in love and remembrance. It was delightful and heart-warming along with bits of sadness in knowing the millions of women who are fighting or have lost the fight with breast cancer.

A fun and beautiful day (an early one!) in a cool city with lovely ladies.

The 23rd.

2011-10-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

You have my whole heart for my whole life, babe.

Josh and I have always celebrated September 23. It was our first date 23 years ago and our wedding date 16 years ago. It's just always been our special day. So, we decided to head out for a little 3 day get-away last week to celebrate. J had some business stuff to do down in Santa Fe, so I tagged along.

We pooled it at a very Southwest and charming, authentic hotel.

I had a day on Wednesday to myself while J worked, so I hit the plaza area for art galleries, architecture (this was the most amazing church), shopping... and later we chowed at 2 of our favorite restaurants.

We headed an hour south to Albuquerque and stayed at the modern Hard Rock hotel with music memorabilia and casino (where I was on a winning streak on the penny slots(ha!)...went from $4 to $100...then lost $70 again, but a couple hours of pure entertainment/excitement).

The picture below is in "Old Town" Albuquerque. A quaint, old section with tons of Mexican restaurants (yea, that is ALL we ate the whole trip) and old architecture. This restaurant was built in 1706 and it had a huge tree growing through one of the ceilings...

aRt FuN: 2

2011-09-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Us girls had a smiley time in our basement playing with canvas and brushes yesterday. Lauren finished her sweet little owl....(she's got this cutie owl theme going on in her new room:)

Hannah painted her "happy"...and it turned out super sweet (no pun intended!). I'm so cheesy.

All sizes painted today...big, tall, tiny and square....

I painted a quick-n-silly owl for Lauren (she wanted boots on him).

I says on the sides "owl always love you"

Did I mention that I'm cheesy?

ArT FuN: 1

2011-09-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Already month #2 with some of my new creative sistas! I signed up to "facilitate" the meeting this month...and so what did we do? Uuuuuhhh, we painted canvas of course.

Painted all sorts of fun. These little houses brought some HAPPY.

This, oh so CHARMING.

This full of LOVE.

Painting out of a "comfort zone" and going for it.

This one: totally inspired by NATURE.

This one: let's add some BLING!

Texture, fun, a tad of embellishment....mixed media....whatever floated our fancy.

Whatever tickled a creative bone.

So, I think we all left with an afternoon of painting

a rainbow of things, with a

a soul full of inspiration and smiles.

designs, colors and ART

2011-09-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

"Whatever you think or DREAM to do- begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."-Goethe

We've had a full schedule with the biggest changes in our lives lately. I haven't had a bit of time to sit and create much at all, but since our house is still "a work in progress" I decided to play around with some creativity for the girls rooms. I painted a chunky, retro flower mural in Hannah's room under the loft Josh made them (I promise to put before and after pics of this house on here!) and wanted to do something else too.

So I took a canvas and on a whim, thought about 50 things I adore about Hannah. I wrote them on, and personalized with her name and colors. It was so special for me to do and for her to receive. A meaningful (and quite different) piece!

So, I did one for sweet little Tyler too! I thought, what a great gift... for a newborn. To have his little story on a canvas.

Then the girls bathroom. I love the bright and playful colors that the girls have in their rooms and bathroom. This one below is a huge canvas. I thought of what I wanted them to see/read every morning when they get ready. So I wrote many sayings the are positive, beautiful and what I believe you should carry around in your heart all day long. Another meaningful piece of artwork that is fun and funky.

This one I was just playing. Again, the bold and trendy shapes and colors. I wrote on here what I most have been praying for the girls as they start in a new school. For them to be confident, courageous and a lovely and beautiful light to all they meet.

This one was for me. I really have been desiring to "loosen up" my style and my art. Too be free to dream big. So I had fun with colors and wanted to be okay with a bit messy and rough.

All of these samples/originals and the personalized name signs that I have been doing for years are all going on Etsy! I have this brand new market here and wanted to begin something bigger, dream bigger and get going. My Etsy shop is now open, so take a quick peek (still a work in progress, like so much lately).

Stay tuned for more later!

xo.

CraZy campers: Part 2

2011-09-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

We decided to head down more south near Co. Springs this past weekend. Labor Day weekend, ending of summer, beginning of chilly temps. We headed off to meet all the family and a couple friends- 14 of us. We took Josh's car this time around- yeah, left a few centimeters for kids and a dog to breathe. We took only what we needed...........but came to the conclusion that what we need is a bigger vehicle.

Got a bit lost on the way (limited cell phone service, arrrggh!) and finally found the first 2 outdoor boys.

Set up camp and dug out our coats 'cuz the temps were dropping. Oh yea, us whimpy Texans were in for a cooold night. I had 4 layers on, a hat, gloves. FOUR layers, people.

Had serious envy of the two incredible campers in our big campsite with potty, heat, water, comfy sleeping, fridge conveniences...(they did share!:)

while we FROZE our toes and noses and other body parts off in the 29 degree night!

(Mother nature doesn't mess around here, Bam!... September= COLD.)

Josh attempted cooking our chicken, potatoes (they never really got baked) and corn on the cob OVER THE FIRE again. (Oh, help us.) The attempt somewhat failed.

BUT experienced Co. camper, Steveo, filled up our bellies by whipping out his new cast iron stove and cooked up the most delicious fresh apple cobbler. Over the fire AND....a'la mode.

We defrosted the next morning and enjoyed all Steve/Heathers "toys". We love that they share their toys!! Here is Mom shooting paint guns...and she even went 4-wheeling- You GO, woman!

And T with his bubbles gun- You GO, boy!

cutest camper EVER I must say

two more cutie campers EVER too :)

All in all, a great couple days! (Minus the freezing our butts off part.)

So much beauty. So many memories.

Soakin' it all up for the year.

See ya next Spring, Mr. Tent.

Art group (no name yet!)

2011-08-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to be surrounded, inspired by, supported etc. by a community of creative women for awhile now. So when we decided to make the move here, that was a priority of "wants" for me. I can't tell you how I have been blessed right away with a lovely group of talented women! A couple of us that were itchin' for the same thing, decided to start up this group to nourish our creative bones. New friends, new experiences, new artsy challenges, new fun! We jumped in.

Here are the first shots of our first meeting at a totally cool clubhouse that one of the girls Mom's belongs to. We get to use it every month! Becky (one of the many incredible scrapbookers in the group) decided to do the first project. Look at all the supplies she had to share... and we all chip in $10 a month for other supplies.

We had Altoid mint tins to design with a Halloween theme. We could give it our own spin with the zillion cool supplies before us. For us non-scrapbookers, it was overwhelming what to choose to do BUT certainly exciting to learn how to do it and get our fingers and minds going.

Some went spooky Halloween"vintage villian".

Got 'em all dolled up on the outside with whatever tickled your fancy.

...ribbon, beads, glitter, stamps, ink, buttons, stickers, paper...embellishments!

...then to jazz up the inside.

Could go crazy Halloween wild or go simple kid cutie. Whatever!

Just a creative time to sit, stir up conversation, create... and be ourselves.

Can't wait 'til next month...

cRaZy campers.

2011-08-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

We decided to go to the foothills again this weekend and tent solo at the near Platte River before it gets too cold here.

Here is a camping trip with the us Foster's.

Along with some things that you shouldn't do.

We packed up. Everything from a portable potty to blow up mattresses.

Gotta be comfortable, right?

(Really it's just cuz we have kiddos in tow now.)

We decided to leave a few inches in the car for them.

We eventually found a spot to pitch the tent. It was perfect. It took my Boy Scout of a man no time at all to set up camp. (Conquering the sweat, flies, red ants...)

Water-n-two girls. Never a dull moment.

When we lived in Olympic National Park when J was a park ranger, we backpacked a lot and tented in the most beautiful places. This spot was totally at the top of the list.

Started a fire for our "foil packets". A wonderful pile of potatoes, chicken, bacon, mushrooms, onion and garlic.

Alright, not so wonderful.

Cooked wAaaaY too long on the coals. We chowed on burnt eeeeww for dinner.

Not cool.

Okay, let's try "banana boats" (the Girl Scout in me).

Slice open a banana, put marshmallows and chocolate chips inside. Roll it up in foil, toss it in the fire...

FOR. A. COUPLE. MINUTES.

It made up for the pathetic dinner.

This spot was lovely, until it started ...raining! All snuggled up, our ears were filled with raindrops and river water rolling all night.

The next morning, after some not all burnt blueberry pancakes we had to PACK UP.

Yes, less than a 18 hour camping trip!

A sheriff approached us and apparently we were camped illegally.

There was no camping allowed along the river and no fires allowed either.

We played the "duh, we are new here and from Texas card" and luckily didn't get ticketed/fined.

There you go. Camping with the Foster clan.

School.

2011-08-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

School started here over 2 weeks ago on August 1st.

I know--- really?

Yes, so soon because they have 2 week breaks throughout the year. I think it's pretty cool, actually. After 8 weeks of summer, kiddos and Momma's are ready for school to start anyway. Their elementary school goes up to 6th grade. Okay by me- I wasn't ready to send Hannah to Jr. High quite yet!

So I think my girlies were brave.

They were coming from the school that Josh taught at and all the teachers there remembering when they were born, etc. It was a loving, supportive, awesome atmosphere for them for lots of years. Now everything is a big, fat adjustment. I mean- new everything all at once is tough not only for kiddos but for big kiddos like Josh and I too.

Every year when the new school year starts I get kinda weepy. Alright, it's certainly not as bad as when they started kindergarten (that was really weepy) but it's still weepy on some levels. It is just another year of letting go as a Mom. For them letting go of me. For them making their own decisions and ways. I miss them like crazy. I think about them all day. Worry a bit too (hey, it's a Mommy thing).

There have been tears in the morning with a certain 4th grader. It rips my heart into shreds. I know everything takes time- and I will keep saying that to her and myself too. The school is up the street and so great. The teachers are super, it's a laid back cool flip flop atmosphere, friendly, and just all good. We are excited for the "new kids from Texas".... a sweet-n-sassy-strut-your-stuff 6th grader and a on-the-shy-side-full-of-love 4th grader. I'm hopeful that it's gonna be a great year.

"Parents teach in the toughest school in the world-- the School for Making People. You are the board of education, the principal, the classroom teacher, and the janitor. -Virginia Satir

Ohio.

2011-07-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

It was a whirlwind of a trip- but good. Nonetheless, we got home fully and completely exhausted.

(Ha, not that we have been busy or anything lately!)

In four days Josh and I not only did the reunion festivities but we also had meals and connected with family and old friends. We saw all J's brothers (and beautiful niece) for a short time. Josh connected with his two childhood buddies and me and my dear friend/college roomie/one of my favorite girls got to spend some cherished time together.

We drove by our old houses we grew up in.

We had some nice time with Josh's folks and brothers.

Of course we went to Josh's favorite restaurant... we chowed a couple times at "Bob's".

During our move I came across some of my old diaries. It was kind of a full circle moment when Hannah/Lauren and I read some of them together. This one was from about the 4th grade. I cracked up and sent it to Keri- who I was going to see this weekend....

Class of '91

2011-07-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

From Barbies to Huffy bikes and Girl Scouts.

To first kisses, braces, school dances.

To college grads, husbands and motherhood.

We've grown, we've learned, we loved and we've stuck together through the years.

A sisterhood of forever friendship.

A cherished gift that can never be replaced.

All 5 of us came from across the nation from Cali to Virginia again. A tradition we have kept every couple years for awhile now. This year we celebrated 20 years since High School graduation in Hudson, Ohio. We got all gussied up with our husbands. Had a night out in Cleveland at a swanky, trendy restaurant. Then off to the big 20th reunion the next night.

It was such a blast.

We c e r t a i n l y haven't forgotten how to have fun, be ridiculous, laugh and have goofy

sillyness.

Yep, even our hubbies joined in the silly.

We all didn't know what to expect for the High School reunion. It seemed like everyone was the same but different at the same time. All the old classmates are the same age. All have gone through love, loss, triumph, joy, failure, success... in the past couple decades. There were no barriers it seemed. Just hugs, huge smiles, small talk and good 'ole class of '91 fun. It was all about catchin' up, 80's tunes, old photos and just good memories to be shared.

Another awesome girls (husbands too:) get-away weekend.

Totally never to be forgotten.

Birthday Bonnie.

2011-07-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Birthday girl.

Bonnie. Mom. Nana.

Dear friend to many. Thoughtful. Bubbly. Beautiful.

Always there to lend a hand or ear.

Strong. Brave. Full of love to share.

Healthy. Sincere. Devoted. Fun.

Creative. Brightest smile.

A hair twirler.

HGTV lover.

Scrapbooker.

Has a sweet tooth or two.

Loves all things raspberry.

Lover of her grandchildren.

Her family.

Her friends.

My best friend.

How could we not celebrate all these qualities in this incredible woman?

These are the years that are shiny ones for you, Mom.

They are bright, beautiful and full of goodness.

Just like you.

xo.

Big birthday.

2011-07-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

We have been in total celebration mode here these past 12 weeks. I'm not just talking about celebrating our big brand new lives here. I am talking SEVEN birthday celebrations this summer.

Eeek! Along with holidays. Whoooweee.

So, it was Josh's turn.

To celebrate him.

We wanted to celebrate big.

So we did. Why not?

His b-day kinda started with a big burger. At a side-of-the-road-trailer-type-restaurant, should-we-really-eat-here!? We did, 'cuz Google said it was awesome. Like, a ton of 5-star comments. We ate THE biggest burgers of our lives at "Big Burger World" in Colorado Springs. Fresh-n-gooood. Thanks big time Google.

Then we were off with other big news. White-water rafting down the Royal Gorge. Super fun. The girls totally put their big girl panties on and joined us. They fitted up us all and stuck Big Daddy in tiny wet-suit, shoes, helmet, spf 250!, and paddle we headed out in safety with a great guide to the big currents. The water was 43 degrees and the girls got soaked in the front. Lauren was pumped about it until half-way through (holdin' on white knuckled) she turned and looked at me with some big fear in her eyes. We all had a blast and want to make it a Josh birthday tradition.

Big beauty. Big rocks down the river.

(I'm sad, I didn't have a waterproof camera)

We wanted to grab a bite to eat and went to one of J's favorite stores-- and look at the big shoe Lauren found. Like, size 22 or something! (never seen one so big!)

Big thoughts.

Big wishes.

Big love.

We love you big time, Daddy.

randomness- Part 2

2011-07-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Some things I have come to know these past weeks. In total random order.
Here is Part 1 if you wonder.
- Moving and getting settled IS totally one of the top three most stressful things you do in life.
- My husband is a work-horse. And still brings me flowers on a day when I needed flowers.
- Boxes will sit around if you let them.
- Boxes will drive you a tad crazy.
- You can't trust a paint color by a tiny card.
- You can paint close to an entire house in about 3 weeks.
- This blog is the only creative expression I've had in the past 4 months.
- My inside's are screaming to do any sort of art.
- You can have sleepless nights even when completely exhausted.
- Merlot. Ice cream. Guilty pleasures.
- My new favorite place to be is swaying on our front porch swing with breezes/butterlies/mountains.
- For under a $100 you can get an enormous amount of awesome stuff at garage sales here.
- You can have more recyclables than garbage.
- Texting a BFF your frustrations during the day is a good thing.
- You can totally negotiate super terrific prices between Lowe's, Sears, Home Depot.
- You don't know sunburn until you get a Colorado sunburn.
- Churches/religion that are open and expressive are not just in the South.
- I miss my TX friends like something crazy.
- It's possible to wear a jacket/sweater in July.
- You can connect w/ a brand new friend when shopping -n- laugh like silly's on day 2.
- When you get overwhelmed etc, close the door and cry- it makes it better.
- Sisters rock. Babies rock. Daddy's rock.
- Families are forever.

the 4th

2011-07-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

:) pool party-n-bbq

bike decorating

bike parade

adorable neighborhood festival; Hannah jumping

b'day-girl present trampoline finally put up. super sunburnt skin. flag cake making.

awesome neighbor dinner party.

cul-de-sac block par-tey. fireworks.

another full weekend.

oh, the wildflowers.

2011-06-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

I must confess.

I am a wee bit taken over by the amount of wildflowers around our neighborhood.

I know we are new here and everybody must be used to these... but seriously- have you really ever stopped to SEE those little gems in your yard or neighborhood? They are particularly marvelous here, indeed. Almost fake looking. I have always loved wildflowers. The way they are free, uninhibited, unorganized, incredibly detailed and full of color. These little miracles pop up anywhere they feel like it. I have often mentioned to H and L after picking one from the grass in our old yard and marveling at their style,etc..."How is there NOT a God, girls?"

So were were off on some strolls with my camera. I couldn't help not posting these in this "journal".

One more- the Columbine...state flower. that's all folks :)

making stories.

2011-06-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Daddy Day Weekend

2011-06-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

The girls discovered that they have ginormous camping marshmallows here. Crazy big!

Josh wanted to go to the river again for Daddy's Day. Just a 20 min drive? let's go.

we hung out with "the gang" and hopped/jumped/skipped on rocks

tubed. kayaked.

tried out fly-fishing. And we got hooked. L-o-v-e-d it.

cherished the views and eAcH oThER

aww.

grilled out and had s'more time.

It was a lovely-fresh air-take-in-all-the-senses kind of day with family. Josh is the most fun-filled, devoted, one of a kind Daddy. He shares his big teddy bear heart with all that know him and especially with two very special little girls. They couldn't be more blessed.

This weekend and every day,

We remember all Dad's.

With deep and never-ending love.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

2011-06-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

About six weeks ago I found out that "Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra" was coming to the high up unforgettable outside-all-weather concert hall here. Peter G. has been one of Josh's all time favorite artists ever. Soooo, certainly I booked tickets. A kind of early Happy Father's Day/Happy Birthday thing for him. We went with my bro and Heather and chowed at a famous restaurant, then headed over.

Well, we started climbing to the concert and boom- lightning and rain. Luckily, my Boy-Scout-of-a-hubby packed a couple jackets in his backpack. We stayed dry a bit and the pour down stopped. It ended up being the neatest evening. The rain and thunder just added to the mystery and coolness of Gabriel.

Really a night not to forget.

Golden and Boulder...and The Pinery

2011-06-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

Golden: Coors Brewery...cool tour and free beer taste testing. Yes, even the girls had fun!

Boulder: The coolest city. Some one-of-a-kind shops and one-of-a-kind street performers.

Can we fit any more in a two week period after we move in? Bring it.

Golf. I've loved it since I started playing when I was 12. It's always been a part of our family in one way or another. It's relaxing, fun and I have the most precious memories when my Dad and I would play. We went to my brothers totally incredible 27-hole golf course he runs here and played last week. It was delightful and I can always seem to keep up with "the boys". Amazing views and who doesn't love breathing in fresh air?

Denver: Sidewalk Chalk Arts Festival

2011-06-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

We went to this awesome festival last weekend. It was in a historical part of downtown Denver and tons and tons of artists just having fun with pastels (artsy chalk) on concrete. I so enjoyed it. Should I dare try next year?!

more happenings

2011-06-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

Josh's folks drove down for a visit several days after we moved in for Lauren's birthday. They were thrilled to see the girls after waaay too long not. The girls were surprised and equally thrilled to see Grandma/Grandpa! They survived along with us and all the mess around here. We tried to balance some fun in the middle of it all.

Platte River+picnic+ kayaking+sunshine= relaxation.

The girls+bathing suits+any kind of water= instant total bliss all day.

Planting in our garden= really sore muscles+really sunburned.

Heather's birthday celebration!

Lauren's birthday.... celebration?

Let me explain Lauren's 9th birthday celebration. It didn't start off as a celebration. She was so looking forward and talking about going to one of the state parks here to hike, eat lunch and play in the river/rock climbing.
We packed up and headed out.
We didn't get very far.
She fell hard on a rock and busted her arm up. Josh glanced at me and softly said "it looks like it's broken". Oh no. She was teary, pale, faint, cold sweating. Not good. For a birthday girl or not. We headed to spend 3 hours at the nearest hospital ER and prayed.
Her arm/elbow ended being fine! Just a contusion (internal bruising). The day ended up being much better. She was shaken up and sore but Nana made her traditional cake and we finally celebrated sweetie Lauren.
An unfortunate and unforgettable 9th birthday for sure.
She's a tough cookie. Always has been. Always will be.
I'm so in love with this little blondie.

we moved (again)

2011-06-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

I know I have been MIBW (Missing In Blog World) lately. We moved a couple weeks ago and amongst the busyness (as if we could sit and watch television lately) we needed to decide on cable vs. satellite. Cable won yesterday. Several of you have said you've looked for some pictures on here lately. So here goes. These pictures are just a few for now, more to come.

The girls and Polly have done great with all the big changes. Kiddos transition so well and can have fun anywhere.

Did I mention exhausted? Josh has been working a ton. Work and home.

We had all 12,000 lbs of our stuff that was crammed into our apartment transferred into our new-to-us-place. We have cleaned, painted, painted more and more and more to come, gardened-n-gussied up the yard, unpacked, cleaned more, moved more, shuffled, shifted...you get the idea here. It has been chaotic and exhausting. Although fully worn out on every level, we are crazy excited about our butterscotch house and this sweet neighborhood. The girls can walk/bike/scooter to their school, my Mom's house, church and the pool. Seriously cool. I am loving sidewalks (never had sidewalks at our previous 2 homes) and there are miles and miles of trails and mountain views around the neighborhood. I must add that the weather is perfect too. We don't even have air conditioning in this house! A big jump from Texas heat for sure. Our deck and front porch swing have been the breath and relaxation between the yawns. We are finding our way around and looking forward to the roads ahead.

the monkeys.

2011-05-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

So we were almost done at the zoo.
But, alas...we can't forget about seeing the gorillas and chimpanzees, etc.
Oh please tell me- who doesn't just love monkeys?! Well, apparently we do. There were lots of them and we so enjoyed them. Like, I am talking about belly-rolling-laughter enjoying them. I couldn't resist putting some of these pictures on here. They are even quite the artists. No really, look at them! Talk about A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E.
Beware: the last picture is R-rated. Seriously.

the zoo

2011-05-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

we got to feed birds, giraffes, pet joeys (baby kangaroos)...

the girls were just walkin' along next to a peacock...then pow, it decided to show off-

too cool.

really Josh? alright, I'll try...and NO I didn't get licked. eew!

Ya know when you have one of those days and it's just a plain-ole-good one? It certainly wasn't today- I woke up with a case of the grumpy's. Good days filled with sunny skies, relaxation, being with the best people ever, laughing, good food, breathing in the moments? Last Friday was one of those. We went to gorgeous "Garden of the God's" park in Co Springs and then to Cheyenne Mountain zoo. A zoo totally on a mountain. These were some pictures of the day.... a bit of a birthday thing with the fam.

my...dag, how old am I now?...birthday wish...with help from some cutie's

"In spite of illness, in spite even of sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways." -Edith Wharton

sPriNg? wiNteR? crazy?

2011-05-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a glance at the weather here this spring so far:
May 11: go to Lowe's and get veggies/fruits to be planted in our garden; almost 80, sweating a bit.
May 12: Five to six inches of snow overnight.

May 13: Snow melted. Perfect.

May 14: More snow. Massive flakes.

May 15: 40 degrees; winter
Today: the girls put bathing suits on tonight, jumped in the pool; spring
Yep.

Mom's Day

2011-05-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

some of my favorite's:
family (especially two lil' ladies-n-a man who rocks my world)
sleepin' in (that doesn't surprise anyone)
breakfast in bed
homemade goodies to eat with 3 other amazing Mom's
bright blue skies, sunshine, spring breezes, perfect temp
parks
naps-n-snuggles
cheesiest pizza (bonus: chowin' on it outside w/ mnt view)
c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e
Monopoly (workin on it on our kitchen table for THREE nights now)
Modern Family show (yea, recorded: watched 2x)
All this = a lovely Mother's Day

Apartmentschooling.

2011-05-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

I applause (standing ovation really), take my hat off, and seriously bow down to all the home school mother's out there. It's a special and grand thing you are doing.

I certainly can somewhat handle the home/Mommy part of the homeschooling thing but not-too-sure about the school part of my role right now these past 4-5 weeks. It. Is. Tough. I don't mind having the girls home all day-for the most part-but instruction and books and lessons? THAT's another story.

Let me explain the homeschooling thing. We (meaning Mommy/Daddy and Lauren's teacher) figured that since the girls only had about 8 weeks or so of school left and we had not found a home yet, finishing the school year in our place would be the best option for our tender, sweet one's. Being that this is such a huge transition for us, we wouldn't have wanted them to be stressed out about starting at a strange school, summer starting, and then starting them at a completely different one in August. So their incredible teachers gave me some of the material I need to finish the school year off. Aaaaand....they like it...for the most part. As for me: a big adjustment along with too many other adjustments and to-do's right now. Having a very traveling hubby, adjusting to our new life, trying to find a house, car...AND instruct (let alone keep a handle on) two kiddos= losing my mind at times.

I'm truly hoping to get the hang of this just a little. Perhaps the days may slow down a tad for me to focus on just a couple things. Who knows if it will be school stuff. Josh thinks I am super at teaching essential "life skills" like cooking/baking, opening and keeping a bank account, letter writing, creativity.....
Alrighty. Sounds good to me.

So we have this incredible-huge-modern library 5 minutes from here. This is an example of our ginormous pile when we go EVERY week. The girls work on chapter books, poetry, Where's Waldo, crafts.... I, myself, have flipped through everything from gardening, to cooking, to decorating and read a couple great non-fiction books. The girls love it too. Hey, at least they are reading alot right?

a journey.

2011-05-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

What I've come to know these past weeks:
(in no particular order; just as they come to me)
- always dress in layers in Colorado
- dry air= dry skin= Aveeno heavy moisture cream
- miracles happen every day
- you can meet a new forever friend in a day
- teeny tiny babies are only teeny once
- parks are good for your soul and for homeschooled kiddos daily built up energy
- homeschooling?? see the next blog post :)
- it's good + so hard at times to be patient
- some days are incredibly exhausting and difficult at times: pray through them
- we are all connected; every one of us
- Grandma's rock (and family in general I must say)
- it's a fab-u-lous thing in Stacey-world to have Target, Michaels, Chickfila in walking distance
- second floor apartments and dogs don't gel
- little boys named Tristan are full of sugar and sweetness
- creative artsy dreams are always in reach
- there's nothing like the smell of a newborn baby
- you can trust your inner, delicate instincts
- true friends are never far and always true
- appreciate your hubby that works so hard every day; and tell him often
- a bank lender these days dissects every penny of yours when buying a home
- you can sell a car on Craigslist in less than 12 hours
- you can buy a car on Craiglist in less than 12 hours
- it takes about 5x to become used to/comfortable with new things
- you can live with far less than what you have
- every detail of every day works out according to God's delightful timing

Easter.

2011-05-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

1- Community neighborhood egg hunt/activities/food (like, thooousands of filled eggs).
2- Lunch and egg coloring tradition at Uncle Steve/Aunt Heather's.
3- Lovely church service.
4- Feast @Nana's.
5- Baskets.
6- Naptime.
7- About a day later: a new angel in the family born.
8- ...feelin' the love.

Every time I get a snuggle, I want to put adorable Tyler in my pocket and take him home with me. Got some baby fever!!

Pure love. Pure joy.

2011-04-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

"There's a place in every heart just waiting for someone special to fill it with love."

Tyler Steven Whiting

April 26, 2011

7lbs 6oz- 20 1/2inches

5:51pm

Proud Daddy and the beautiful unending circle of life.

blue or yellow?

2011-04-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

It took us about a year to sell our home in Texas. In that time, we have been searching for one here. We knew that Colorado lifestyle was 35% higher and completely different from Texas lifestyle. We were totally up for the it. Challenge and all. When Josh was working here I even trusted him (and Mom, brother, sis-in-law...) in February to actually put an offer on a home that seemed "perfect" for us at the time. With me only seeing it through the eyes of the internet and Josh's camera- that's a pretty big fat TRUST if I must say myself. Well, low and behold it wasn't the one. Another offer was accepted not an hour before we wanted to put one in. We stopped looking then. While getting ready to move- we were getting too exhausted, desperate and way too vulnerable. Time was ticking. Apartment it is.

So here we are. And I will try to make this a bit short. We found a new house (a darling blueish one) this past week in a neighborhood that we started looking at a year ago. With family opinions and all- in two days we put a contract on it. To be honest the whole time I/we had a bit of this "oh, we are settling, rushing, there might be something else out there, kinda great but not quite sure feeling". Totally a heart thing because it really was a nice home. On the way to look at the elementary school that the girls were going to go to, I stopped and noticed another house in a different location. A yellowish one. I couldn't get it out of my mind and heart. Josh had his eyes on it before and we called realtor friend and went through. It was older, needing a tad updating and oddly the exact plan as the blue home. It offered so much more and felt just right (see: instincts, heart stuff, Holy Spirit always comes out on the top). We quickly decided to terminate the contract on the blueish one. Yellow house was it. Well, not-so-easy. This is where the short part of this blog post is coming in. I will spare the details.

A heart-racing but blessed week.
Offer on the yellow house. Blue house finally terminated. Yellow house contract signed. Loan stuff starting (so we aren't celebrating quite yet:) and that heart thing? Much better. Confused now?

For the most part we are continually being convicted, tested and ultimately surrendering to listening to the magic of life and love. Every detail of it. Every moment. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Those soft spoken heart voices.
They most always are right on.

among other things working out; to mention later...this was on the master bedroom wall

Santa Fe

2011-04-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

"Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest." Georgia O'Keeffe

My hard-workin-honey had some work down in Santa Fe this past week and he insisted that I would go with him. Insisted. Ooookaaay. ha. The drive down from here was about 5 hours and it was a spectacular mountain drive. We got down to our old, beautiful downtown El Dorado hotel and IT was spectacular. The architecture everywhere is so native and over 400 years old. Santa Fe is America's oldest capital city. We chowed at a local Mexican restaurant with way-too-ohmygoodness-good-margaritas. Gettin' away like this was just what was needed. My Mom kept the girls, so no worries there, she was happy to be around them because it had been too long not.

Well, the next day- Josh had to work so....he ordered a hot stone massage and a day of shopping for me. What. a. guy. I. have. It was delightful being on my own in such an artistic and eclectic place. I only touched upon the over 200 galleries, old buildings, sculptures, turquoise jewelry, sites and world class food. All are one of a kind.

There is a strip of local Native Americans selling handmade jewelry. They just lay blankets out and sell their beautiful sterling silver/turquoise/beaded things. Most of them had symbols hand stamped on them. I got a sterling guitar pic for Josh that had a bear, arrows, sunrise on it (for strength/protection/direction) and I got a tiny bracelet with a small turquoise on it with sunrise symbols (meaning new beginnings). It was neat talking to some of the natives, of whom still belonged to tribes.

Here's the old hotel we stayed at and their restaurant had THE best steaks. The pool/hot tub on top of the roof and wood burning fireplace in our room topped off our 2 night stay. It was really special for me to wear some of the beautiful Indian handmade jewelry that was Grandma Foster's from the 1920's when we had our fancy dinner there.

I didn't want to leave!

After the best french toast breakfast of my life in another popular local place we headed to the Georgia O'Keeffe museum. I must say, I have always loved her but now I adore her even more. Her life. The way she looked and enjoyed her surroundings. Her ways of abstract freedom in her art... an inspiration I tell ya. I actually got teary eyed when I watched the little documentary film of her life and some of the things she said about art. It would have been touching for any creative spirit.

There is so much more to do and see there. It will be saved for next time. I now know why everybody that has gone to Santa Fe has told me to go. The southwest organic style and art/design is unmatched.

okay- one more picture...

jumpin' in.

2011-04-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

We hopped into the whole Colorado thing this weekend. Here's the thing:

Saturday was a perfect, clear sky 84 degrees. Kids were even swimming in the pool here. Being that we are living in a high altitude this temperature means no humidity, no stickiness, no bugs, no condensation on cold drinks, different cooking, good hair, etc. Yay!
We climbed up (huffin' and puffin' a bit) what our little town is named after in the afternoon. Josh and Lauren rock climbed to the tippy top of it. Yes, fearless Lauren will more than likely be our mountain girl.

Then we woke up on Sunday and around 10am it dropped to 34 degrees and there was a couple inches of snow accumulating. We couldn't believe it. That's a 50 degree difference in less than 24 hours! Apparently this is a pretty normal thing heading into springtime here.

Never mind the freezing cold, wet, muddy stuff that snuck up on everybody....Josh and the girls hit one of many nearby state parks for a 2 hour hike. The girls loved it. It's the experience of it all I guess.

apartment living.

2011-04-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

All week we didn't know where the rest of our stuff was. The mover called and had it all on another semi ready to be unpacked again. I have no idea how the movers/we (mainly Josh, really) crammed, shoved and piled a 3000 square foot home into a 1000 square foot second floor apartment. I mean, stacked 10 feet high in our single garage. And best of all....we get to move this stuff AGAIN when we find a house here. Yippee. Phahaha. When ya look at this place it looks like we should be aired on the show "Hoarders: Buried Alive" on TLC.

Josh and I had flashbacks. Flashback on when we were first married. We couldn't find (among many other things too) the screws to our bed frame. So we are sleeping just on a boxspring/mattress too. Boxes everywhere. Everything is everywhere. We only have maybe 10% of our house up in this apartment and we're making do. It's like the good ole' days. Minus the two extra little people that occupy our hearts now too. Speaking of the girls- they are loving just sleeping with their mattresses plopped on the floor and making a bit of a monkey mess. They are relishing in the fact (me too) that they can clutter up their space a bit. There won't be spotless house showings or much entertaining here for awhile.

This first week has had it's challenges and joy's.
The key word right now is: adventure.

The family times/celebrating a new baby Whiting coming soon: awesome.
The newness and missing the comforts of everything and everyone: rough.
The girls adjusting: fabulous.
The work that Josh has missed and has to catch up on: bummer.
The weather and views: totally rocks.
The homeschooling: tough, but I'm acting as if I know what I'm doing.
Leaning into God's plans...
being all together and having everything in one place at this point: priceless.

Hello!

2011-03-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Life is an opportunity- benefit from it.

Life is a game- play it.

Life is a dream- realize it.

Life is a challenge- meet it.

Life is duty- complete it.

Life is reality- admire it.

Life is a promise- fulfill it.

Life is sorrow- overcome it.

Life is a song- sing it.

Life is a struggle- accept it.

Life is a tradegy- confront it.

Life is luck- wish it.

Life is adventure- dare it.

Life is life- live it.

Life is Love.

Love it!

So here we are.

One week we are in shorts/tanks, sunshine, large house, forever friends...the next week we are in scarves/jackets, tiny apartment, snow, no friends. It was a very emotional and exhausting week last week and more work than we had expected. Everything has changed. Everything. We are feeling like this awesome Colorado environment with family is just the right fit for us. But it has also been challenging, real...and totally faith building. Our 14 years of Texas roots have been lifted, misplaced, planted again. ALL is so new. The mountain air is so different from the southern air. Our hearts are wide open, raw and totally vulnerable right now. We are being brave and hopeful, strong.

It's been about being sad and super excited and always looking to the beautiful light from the Lord that shines every minute of the day.

No matter where you are planted- it is what you can count on.

Move day(s).

2011-03-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

Up and at 'em early. The four guys that moved us worked like dogs. We felt like we weeded through, sold, donated so much stuff (even my car)...where was all this coming from? We were sharing the truck with 2 other families also heading to Colorado areas. We filled up half of it, and the guys couldn't fit in the garage stuff. Another truck coming in the morning.

Really? We were beyond exhausted. At one point (as my feet were tingling and it hurt to move facial muscles) I told Josh that I was so tired...I felt nauseous. Time for bed at a good friends house for the night.

The next morning, they packed up the rest as we cleaned a bit. During this time our buyers were scheduled to move in. Soooo, they had delivery trucks dropping off their brand new furniture and moving in as we were still moving in! Moving is supposed to be crazy....but seriously? (Just one of the many bumps in the road with our house-selling process I tell ya.) Luckily the sweet family was working with us and we are so very blessed to have them living in our custom home. We both helped eachother and they prayed over us a few times. How cool is that?

Polly was packed in with us in the way-too-shoved-in-car. She had more room in her crate than anyone else in the car. Ha. Lauren must have known that Mommy and Daddy were spent one week (look at the bloodshot eyes in this drawing!). It was left on the fridge as we left because it was such a reminder every day.

Farewell's

2011-03-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

For the past 4 weeks or so it's been packing, calls, more calls, searching, crying, laughing, frustration and saying goodbye in more way than one. I can't say that everything has been easy. It's been hard.

"Colorado-bound-Texas-style" party with some of my favorite girls ever (guys too!). Also a huge thanks to all the sweet "just poppin' by to say bye/hug" and meals from dear friends during our moving week too. xox.

The girls school was really hard to say goodbye to. Owens Elementary has been a part of our family since we moved to Texas. Josh taught there, the older teachers remember when the girls were born, and Hannah was finishing her 6th year there. It was like home, teachers like family, and forever in our hearts friends.

Close to every day bff Ellie and the girls would talk and play endless childhood games, searching for bugs and riding bikes...what kids should do. (And my dearest neighbor friend Mimi...miss our walks/talks already, girl.)

Always fun. These kiddos have grown up with eachother. We have pictures of the older one's on a blanket when they were mere months old at their first "playdate". Tender, sweet friendships.

We had a moving sale. I had been holding onto a big box of the girls baby clothes and it was time to say goodbye to the adorable little outfits (still spit up stains on some of them!) and the princess games, MY old Barbie convertible, play makeup, etc... oh, oh, oh........just too much.

I had packed up all frames, mirrors, decor, fragile stuff right away. The one frame I left out was this one. I feel like it was one more goodbye to Dad and all the Texas memories we had with him.

spring has sprung.

2011-03-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

One day last week we looked at the grass in our backyard and it was brown. Then just that afternoon Josh and I looked at eachother and mentioned how our grass was turning green already. Seems like when spring decides to show up in East Texas, well, it shows up within a few hours. No kidding. Buds popped overnight it seemed. Get out the shorts and t-shirts.

I love springtime. Always have. I love the flowers (and taking pictures of them:), the colors, the fresh smell, being outside, the sunshine, the fragrant breezes, the new skip in everyone's step. Needless to say, we have been c-r-a-z-y busy here with the clock ticking and the boxes piling getting ready to move. We are floating around with a ton of emotions and in a whirlwind of lists and to-do's. In the midst we have been really digging down deep to be able to stop and enjoy the breezes a tad. The girls had their Spring Break this past week. It consisted of: a fabulous ladies night away with best friends for me, taxes started/finished, a nasty stomach bug for Hannah and I (with fever, headache to boot), two sleepovers with the girls bff's, roofers/insurance adjuster chaos, Josh in Dallas (along with being a salesman, electrician, plumber, all-around fixer up'er here), packing, sorting, organizing, clearing, did I mention packing, tossing and finally selling way too much of our big and small accumulated stuff at our two-day garage sale.

By Saturday night Josh and I agreed our bodies felt like they had run triathlons. Where's the pillow?

It was Spring without the BREAK part for the adults in the house.

birthday fun

2011-03-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

Hannah didn't want to have a large party thing this year for her 11th birthday. She has sweet friends at school, but she has this one really special friend. Her name is Ellie. She will be one of those best friends that you cherish your entire life and tell everyone that you've been friends since the third grade. Ellie's 11th birthday is just 2 days after Hannah's. They wanted to celebrate together! Josh mentioned that a freebie mall scavenger hunt would be fun to do. It was SO much FUN! We had teams and searched for 45 things at the mall in 45 minutes. Everything from a picture of a pair of red high heels and a JCPenney salesperson signature to how many dressing rooms at the Gap. (Daddy was a fierce competitor and it ended up being a tie!)

My mom has always made the birthday cake for both the girls birthdays since they were born. She is a cake master and I have loved that special tradition. Only one problem this year- she lives in Colorado! So, I surprised Hannah and Ellie telling them that THEY will be making their birthday cake this year. They were super crazy excited about the idea, did it all themselves, and I know it will be a sweet memory.

Hannah love. love. loves the water. So, off to a nearby indoor water park. What a perfect birthday weekend for her and her birthday bff!

Two favorite gifts: Wii Just Dance and a book of string games. She went to Camp Tyler last week with her class and Momma Bear camp counselor taught her some. She was hooked. Remember Jacob's ladder, Witches Broom...? I've enjoyed these favs just as much as her :)

Not sayin' goodbye. Just "see ya soon"!

2011-02-28T21:06:00.000-08:00

The buyers of our home looked at around 48 homes before they saw ours online, came through the door soon after and put an offer in 2 hours later. I think it was magically their home when they first walked in. What's even sweeter is they have two light headed little girls. I remember sweating my panties off with little time to clean but kept saying to myself "if this couple loves this house, they won't care about the big fat dust bunnies, toothpaste stains in the sink, nasty windows..." I guess that peace and instinct was right.

I'm feeling like I can b r e a t h e and at the same time feeling like I'm suffocating in lists, questions and deadlines too. It has been a long 11 months of waiting, trusting and giving it all up to God. Now everything seems to be happening so quickly. We've had this "Colorado dream" softly singing over us for several years actually. Feeling it in our souls (along with prayer and a really nice job that landed into Josh's lap about 6 weeks after my Mom moves out there) a decision was made to go for it. I know that the life we have right now is just the beginning. Many, many more adventures, experiences and opportunities await us. We are ready. It's time to go. It's time to say farewell and we will see you soon, but never bye-bye.

I can't possibly hold all the emotions together. Our walls are getting bare and closets are being organized into boxes. There are big smiles and the easily flowing tears. What I do know is that within the uncertainty this past year my heart has been laced with the most beautiful hope, courage and trust that was being built every single day.

Looking back at the past almost 14 years here overwhelms me such goodness. Josh and I were still freshly married and ready to get out of the town we grew up in Ohio. We went forward, trusted tremendous faith and packed up a tiny U-Haul truck. We knew my folks were down here but we didn't have jobs, a place to live, friends. It was indeed crazy big faith, but we yearned for a fresh new jump in our step and new beginning. It was without question the best decision we had ever made in our love together. We've seen a lot, grew up a ton, worked hard, learned and changed by leaps and bounds in this Texas air. In a nutshell: Josh got a teaching job, we became responsible homeowners, started a precious family, built a house, changed jobs, experienced immense loss, pain, hardship, enjoyed an incredible church, had miraculous love enter into our hearts and made the most amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. Big stuff. Big time "roots" here. Our babies are now heading to 6th grade and 4th grade this year. This part of our journey has indeed been a blink of an eye.
A whisper in this lifetime.

Did I mention that it's all too much for my heart to handle at times? Yep.

We are anxiously looking onto the next chapter. The next 14+ years is about looking forward and always looking back with gratitude and love. All of it is so sweetly drenched in the most special memories. We wouldn't trade these years for anything. We wouldn't be who we are today without them. How and why should I/we be scared or nervous about the brand new unseen path before us?
The Lord took us graciously on this lovely Texas road and what a treasure and blessing the next one will be to take a ride on.

Hannah.

2011-02-22T06:16:00.000-08:00

She is wearing my shoe size and my small fitted t-shirts. She oozes sweetness. Is stylish and a tad sassy at times. She's smart and sensitive and is having an opinion and rolling her eyes saying "aaaw, Mooommmeee" on more than one occasion. She's learning about what she loves and discovering what she doesn't. She's also beginning to understand what is a little scary and what is very comfortable in her little world.

She is so lovely both inside and out and is having her 11th birthday today?

I'm feeling excited about who Hannah is right now and who she is to become. I've been such a huge part of her where she has been and often wonder what part I am going to have in the future. I remember in the hospital room when she was only maybe a minute old and she leaned over to gaze at me because she heard my voice. It was the most magical and unforgettable moment. Our eyes locked and it was the beginning her precious life and of my new life and journey as a mother. I have been forever changed since that moment. She was a dream come true. Total and complete love at first sight.

Her freckles, her wide smile, her dreams, desires and giggles that warm anyone's heart is what I love right now. She's organized. A planner. She has the biggest sweet tooth known to man. She worries. She is crazy funny. Loves to relax. Loves to play hard and still loves to pretend. (Yesterday the girls didn't have school, and they wanted to finger paint. Yes!) It all seems to flip and flop back and forth. She's still young and stuck right smack in between being a little girl and a teen.

She's not too sure and not knowing what to feel sometimes. Apparently all this is normal and these days it is called being a beautiful, blossoming "tween".

Where? Did? The? Years? Go?

She's a piece of me and I love that she is an even bigger piece and reminds me of her Daddy.

She's adored in every way by everyone in her life and a splendid part of exactly who God made her to be. I've been so in love and will forever be trying enjoy and cherish every moment and do what I can to make this journey of hers just how it should be.
Dreamy and fun....beautiful and full of love.

Just like her.

February randomness

2011-02-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

"Life is like a box of chocolates.

You never know what you're gonna get." -Forrest Gump

It's cold and flurry...everywhere. Got Ohio-blood in me, so I can take it. (Sometimes.)

Our little pooch is prepared!

We go to get juicy burgers at Smashburger every time Daddy is gone- been there alot lately, so it's tradition now.

Missing Daddy.

Did I mention missing Daddy? Yea. He left love notes (and jewelry:) under random things for me. He's been texting me to "look in the tea bag container in the pantry" and "look under the lamp by the yellow chair" etc. etc. every night this week. Romantic? Uh huh. I'm still fallin' head over heels.

Speaking of loooove. We created some quick Valentine yummies. Found these on the link "UCreate" on the left of my blog. Just pretzels with Hershey kisses melted a bit on top and squeeze a peanut butter filled m'n'm on top. Bathing suit season yet? I doooon't think so.

Patient Polly. She had eye surgery last week. She's our baaaaby.

One last BIG not-so-random thing:

WE HAVE A CONTRACT ON OUR HOUSE!

(a family fell in L-O-V-E with our sweet haven and after a week of slooow negotiations which means happy, sad, smiles, tears, nervous, ready...overwhelmed on all levels possible, really)

custom painting 101

2011-01-31T18:17:00.000-08:00

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt

When I was pregnant with Hannah, I looked at her empty walls in the nursery and told myself I should paint something on them. And....so all big and round in month 8 I did. A tree, grass, clouds on ceiling (Daddy did that), birds, a window, picket fence, flowers. I never realized that her room would have opened up a door for me for the next 11 years in an art business. One person saw the room, then another, and then word spread. I have never advertised since. It has all been word of mouth. For 5 years I did wall murals when my Mom would watch the girls until I tuckered myself out without having any help, then moved onto doing a some shows, canvas, wood, furniture painting for a baby boutique in town. So here I am. Really blessed and happy to have had a part-time (although inconsistent at times), set my own hours job for the past decade or so. I am feeling like I lack in the business and administration part of everything, but I think that will come down the road when I figure out what ONE thing I want to market myself with. Not there yet.

I often think I don't have a solid, cohesive look or style. I've done mainly kids stuff because that's where I was in life when I started and where I still am. Starting as a young artist and then pursuing it in college a tad, I'm trying to embrace the process of growing as an artist and knowing it just might take some time to get where I want. I am continuing to dream about the next avenue I want to take. In the midst of learning, changing and balancing who I am- I'm still chugging along with custom stuff.

This post is a look at how I go about doing customized work. I always want to remember how I started. Whether it's been a simple name sign, frame, canvas, mural or furniture- this is how it goes. Here is a toy box that I have been working on. I haven't done furniture in awhile and thought it would be fun. A gal's father-in-law built it for her and she wanted it to be handpainted as a sweet heirloom piece. Super special and I was happy to cute it up.

Here is a basic 10-step way I paint most personalized items:

1. Sand and smooth out piece. Base coat with Kilz primer. Perhaps sand again.
2. Choose 3-4 colors to work with and base coat main colors. I mix within those for darker and lighter shades. It just gives a more uniform look and looks balanced to use only a few colors.
3. Using a good brush add texture freehand, work with stamps, painters tape, bubble wrap, foam blocks etc. Whatever inspires me. I usually use tone on tone (darker/lighter shade on top of the base coat) for this step.
4. Have a design or main concept to be the focal point. With this toy box, it was the bird and branches.
5. Work with fabric, magazine ideas, room decor, and sketch out some thoughts on paper. I get those from the client or on my own; usually bedding, rug, special request, room colors, etc.
6. Pencil in the main design and get started on the details.
7. Step back and really look at it. Walk away a bit. It's always looks newer the next day to work on.
8. Touch up and add final strokes with accents of brown, white, black or a dominant color to make the entire piece "pop".
9. Seal it with a water-based polyurethane sealant. This can be brushed or sprayed (with furniture- brush it on).
10. Voila! Too fun.

Here is the final piece. The client wanted it to have a simple-grow-with-her-daughter design. With the fabric and stuff she gave me I figured it was a "victorian-modern-potterybarnkids" look. I think that's the hardest part in doing this kind of painting. I always tell them to give me or share as much as they can so that I can paint what they are thinking in their head. Alot of clients just tell me "oh, I trust you- just do whatever you think". Love that!

Greetings 2011.

2011-01-12T20:54:00.000-08:00

Past: Give it to God. Present: Live it for God. Future: Entrust it to God.

My mother-in-law called today and mentioned that I hadn't blogged in awhile (she is a big blog fan of mine apparently :) Not much happening but finishing holiday orders, organizing, getting ready to list our house on the market again. Almost 9 months and counting. I did also think about summing up the past year and perhaps actually writing the resolutions down for 2011 that have consumed a small chunk of my brain. So here goes.

I think we are all in the frigid, post-holiday wish-I-were-at-a-beachy-location state right now. Winter has finally hit Texas- and everywhere else I hear. We had a whopping 2 inches of snow this past weekend and this is where you would have found me (and other sweet souls who joined me at times). Toasty in front of the fire, good book, sketch book, hot cocoa, dreaming, catching up on my snoozing. Can I say, aaaaahhh.

Since it is the second week of January, I figured I would put down some of the dozen things or so that I resolve to do this year. Many that know me well know that I am a dreamer and wisher...and...but we all have to start somewhere right? (in random order)

- Have a faith-walk in every detail to come this year.
- Go on individual "dates" with the girls.
- Bring rainbows of color, pattern in the decor of our next home and my wardrobe. Mix it up.
- Continue (and enjoy/be okay) with my journey as an artist.
- Keep conquering the icky gremlins that creep up and steal the good space in my head and the day. (I would mention what those are- but TMI)
- Keep it organized, simple and mindful.
- Eat fresh. Stay active.
- Quiet times. Among my stack of books to be read, a devotional book (luv it) that I got from a forever friend will help with that.
- DO Dave Ramsey's book. Not just READ it again. (Wanna read this too. Getting carried away here.)
- Linger in the small, simple moments that bring happiness and are rich in love. As a "still growing up and trying to figure all this out" adult I realize it's these moments that matter the most. Not much else matters in fact. (aka: this weekend: freeze tag bundled up outside, sweet chats with Hannah on the floor of our closet, breakfast in bread from J, dancing to good music, snuggly doggy....you get the idea.)

Goodbye 2010. You were good. Full of love. You were filled with uncertainty and "we'll see" and "I dunno". You were hard. Delightful. Fun. A roller coaster. I feel like I have grown/learned, laughed/cried, had chaos/peace, was strong/weak, fearless/scared, full/empty, confused/getting it, excited, content, positive, negative, thankful, quitting, patient.

Blessed with a happy fine-tuned, well constructed God path of about everything this past year.

Bring it on, 2011.

"Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling."-Margaret L. Runbeck

Colorado Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

We seem to be the traveling family these days. Not just the holidays, but Josh has certainly put some miles on these past months. What's a few more? We decided to drive to Co. for Christmas, had a little family celebration here, "packed up like sardines" in the car and we...outta...here. J needed to work a couple days out there, so we tagged along (without an inch to waist!). It was super fun. Delightful. Busy. Lovely. Sweet. Blessing upon blessing once again.

I have something like, 176 pictures. Hey, we were busy but I won't bore you. Here is a quick glance at the week:

1. A Santa Claus outing. Tristan cute-d up (oooh, he is a sweetheart!) in an adorable outfit for him and my girls weren't too sure about the Santa-thing.
2. Christmas Eve service was lovely in so many ways. At a church my Mom/Josh were going to a bit and I felt an immediate "this could be our church home" feeling.
3. Happy Birthday Jesus! Gifts. Brunch. More gifts. Chillin'. Laughing. Teary. Eating. Loving.
4. Santa hats tradition.
5. Went to Boulder. (loooove it.) Shopped, ate at a chic tavern, tried to hike to some beautiful falls.
6. All bundled up we went to see pretty holiday lights displayed beautifully at Hudson Gardens near Denver.
7. Colorado Springs! Went to old, famous Broadmoor Hotel. Ate at old, famous Golden Bee Pub. Went to old, famous "Cave of the Winds" to tour the most awesome cave. It was all old, famous and too cool.
8. Shopped a tad. Okay- the malls around there ROCK.
9. Happy 40th Steve! You ROCK! Downtown Denver celebration at Denver Chophouse.
10. Bison Park to run, jump, chase. It ROCKS too.
11. Home-bound. Up around 4am and we outta there. A big snowy storm brewing. Although tempted to stay and have fun in it, we opted out.
12. Drove 16 hrs. straight through. Made it, but got a bit "car craaazy" at times. The "packed in like sardines" part when we left...yeah, even worse coming home.

There you have it. A Colorado Christmas. Now you know and now I have it all in here so that our family will forever be remembering it. We have all of 2008, 2009, 2010- journaled via blog form. Joy, Joy! (Bloggers out there: use this to put your blog into a book.)

Christmasy fun

2010-12-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Wishing you...a dream to be blessed, a star to guide and peace and harmony inside!

Merry Christmas

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 1Corinthians 16:23

These are a few recent December pictures of making, creating,

sharing, singing, dancing, playing, laughing and loving!

artsy this-n-that

2010-12-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

"Art evolves. So does life. Art is never stagnant. Neither is life. The beautiful life that is being created for yourself and those you love is your art. It is the highest authentic art."-anonymous

I have favorite custom pieces that I do. I loved these cute birdies and I love who's room (below) this huge canvas is going in. Hope you love your new artwork, sweet Hailey!

The things that I paint are so random lately. I just had to turn down a way too HUGE without any help mural job for 25 examination rooms for a pediatrician's office yesterday! I feel like this randomness of painting furniture to dogs is okay. LIFE is so random for me and our family right now in regards to our big move coming this 2011, so it's kind of in sync I guess.
We are in a holding-onto-our-faith-n-praying pattern and there are a zillion questions. I am finding little joy's in the things that I create in the days, and believe that I WILL find that ONE area that I want to use to build into a big business, have a shop, etc.
These are just the joyful steps to finding the answers to my next adventure. I'm listening.

Here is a pile of some gifty things I worked on this past week. (They are stacked up because that would steal the surprise to the recipients!) I will put them on so you can see them later. Custom name signs are consistent work for me- they do make special gifts :)

normal holiday time silliness

2010-12-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

It was one of those many Mommy days today when I sport black yoga pants and a favorite baseball cap. A no shower day. You Mommy's out there know what I'm talking about. A quick spaghetti and meatball dinner tonight (Daddy's been gone for the week and we do really easy-n-simple) and I need a shower.

Ya know what? Forget the shower, bath it is. Holidays? Yessss, it's bubble bath time. We have this clawfoot tub that I couldn't live without, so I need to take more long, relaxing baths in in, right? Glass of red wine in hand (good for antioxidants :) and I'm there. Not quite 5 minutes (it's only 7pm so what do I expect) and knock. knock. knock. "Mommy...whatcha doin'?...Taaaaking aaaa baaath?!!..Can I take one after yooou...?" (Huh? Mommy's take some time out for herself for a moment?)

Okay, here's the funny part. I hear whispers. They come back with the whoopee cushion that they found (and sat on it on the floor) in the $1 section of a store last night. Yep, in front of strangers and they are belly giggling with everyone laughing with them in the aisle. It automatically infates after you sit on it, mind you. HAD to buy it.

Well of course they get it and place a part of it UNDER the closed bathroom door and SIT on it....pppppphhhhllllbbb....and CRACK UP so hard. Ah, bathroom humor at it's best.

Never a dull moment. Yes, even with girls. "Shy, sweet and quiet" one's at that.

Here's a couple dogs I did this week. I love doing them. Enough to do a little happy dance after I'm done. No kidding.

a Christmasy time

2010-12-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.-Mary Anne Radmacher
Christmas exploded in our home on Sunday. I'll be honest with you and say that I wasn't sure if I was feeling the "let's-decorate!" spirit. I thought of some excuses but, not so. I came home from a fabulous annual GNA (Girlfriend Night Away in Dallas) and the tree was assembled, boxes out. Ready to go. Seriously- Josh puts up the tree, the lights and does the pretty magic outside. What is it that I am fussing about?

Despite the fact that you pretty much have to CLEAN those enormous dust bunnies in the corners, tables, fireplace, it was a delight. Putting up a tree is soaked in tradition and memory for us- not just from our childhoods, but here in the present with our kiddos. Love the lights, the memories/stories behind the "deck the halls" items, the music, and the time together is just what it's all about.

All of the zillions of ornaments get pulled out. Handmade one's when I was seven, vacations, first home, first baby, special gifts, cherished handmade one's from relatives, preschool handmade, the list goes on. (Did I mention handmade? Ha. Yea. Every year we seem to keep that tradition.)
Sweet. Sweet. Sweet.
So here we are (although not full blown decorated this year). Furniture re-arranged, nativity, fire in the fireplace, garlands, berries, stockings...POOF...Christmas arrived at the Foster's in a few hours.

turkey time

2010-12-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Northerner:
A Northerner is a person born or living in the North, fast paced, aggressive, fast-talking, and friendly but cautious, devoted to basements, skyscrapers, blizzards, apples and maple syrup.
(Yep!)
Southerner:
A Southerner is a person born or living in the South, gracious, easy-going, slow-talking, friendly folk, devoted to front porches, oak trees, cool breezes, magnolias, peaches and fried chicken.
(Love it!)
We got home from Ohio very late this Monday night to be shoved into normal (whatever that is right now). An overfilled work week for J, mountains of dirty laundry, an abundance of mail, painting orders, and Christmas on our minds. Never mind the pumpkins that needed to be put in the garbage, the holiday lists keep on keepin' on!

It was a great trip back "home". Ohio is our Northern "roots" and time seems to stop when we visit. It was Foster-family-time and unfortunately not enough chunks of time for visiting our old forever friends. Josh's folks live in hilly, pretty Holmes County "Amish country". It is filled with fresh home-cooking (I had a bit of an apple pie ala-mode addiction), horse-n-buggy's, old barns, quaint gift shops, antiques, sweet children in their Amish clothes near a one-room school house and just a plain and simple life.

We headed to Cleveland/Lake Erie for fabulous food and to hang out with Josh's bro's, went to the zoo/rainforest, hiked/ate at a beautiful Inn in the country, and of course ate and ate and ate in between T.V. and board game playing. It was a sweet together time and Grandma and Grandpa spoiled two special little girls to pieces. We are continually blessed beyond measure!

Here's most of the Foster gang at turkey time.

Adorable cousin Isabella...of whom the girls ADORE

Thankful.

2010-11-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

The week is already over? It's already almost Thanksgiving? It's gonna already be December? Where? Did? The? Year? Go?! I wanted to pause today to be grateful. Shouldn't we alway pause like this?

I am asking way too many questions here.

Aren't we always thankful for the stuff that we know we should be thankful for? (Another question- what is with me?) Of course we are always giving thanks for family, friends, home...but what about every day? It's good to be grateful for the big aaand the small. To delight in every day thankfulness.

Here are 10 of my thankful's TODAY.
1. My best friend is home. He is the smile and heartbeat of this house and has been missed!
2. Sleeping in. (and having self-sufficient kiddos in the a.m.)
3. The get-well fairy waved her wand and I am on the threshold of feeling better. Hallelujah!
4. Being in the presence of angels (who are blonde and live in the same house as me :) every single day.
5. Subway steak and cheese sub with chipotle sauce, loaded up with every single veggie.
6. Comfy sneakers for my bruised toe, a furry companion and fresh air at the park with my lovey's.
7. Doing what I love and making money doing it.
8. Conquering 5 loads of laundry and my favorite sweater smelling fresh from the dryer. (Yes, THAT one.)

9. An abundantly generous, helpful, and cherished friend.
10. Being blessed by the Grace that holds on to my life each and every day.

Check out what Lauren did on our mudroom dry erase board. Her interpretation of a turkey I guess. One in jail. One pondering being cooked. One ninja turkey (with mask and all). Thankful for a cute, creative soul in the family.

"Serious art is born from serious play."~ Julia Cameron

2010-11-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

I will confess. These mornings I have been waking up as a grump. (I know many of you are saying....what else is new, Stac?) It has taken every cell in me to smile, encourage, and pack extra love in the girls school lunches this week. Shame on me. Well, I've been icky-sicky Momma AGAIN. Se-ri-ous-ly? Same symptoms September. October. Now November? I disagree with the doc and don't think I have allergies. There's some weird connection with the pattern of Josh being in Denver and my achey, sneezy, coughy, headachy, sniffley bod when he leaves. I'm just Josh-sick I suppose.

I finally "put my big girl panties on", started up J's power drill, toughened up like a trooper with Kleenex in hand... and finished my work. Here are some of the quick and simple 25 cheery, gifty and colorful designs I did on canvas board for the local sale. (That top one is a big canvas and love the way the abstract design turned out!)

Gresham Barn Sale

2010-11-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to sell some of my colorful canvas panels at the "Christmas in the Country" Gresham Barn Sale from November 18-20th. If you go to the blog you will see more info about it and a small write up on me there. It's a unique type of Christmas sale; including antiques, vintage items and handmade, high quality gift items. It's all arranged beautifully in a cute and festive setting. Sure to get you in a holiday mood!

Still chuggin' along with custom goodies. Here are two cuties:

This name sign was done for a nursery with soft silver sage colors and simple look.

This one was done for a nursery with more modern, fun and simply sweet flair.

To do's.

2010-11-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

I know I'm not the only one that feels the to-do's getting larger and larger as the holidays approach. Mommy's out there are queens of them. The lists. I am one of those crazy list makers. If ya tell me something that needs to be remembered, it will be written down somewhere (yes, even my hands at times). Lists in my car. My purse. Next to the bed. When I work. You name it.

This past week I have felt like a big list. Aaah the things a Momma has to remember. The this and the that seem to be never ending at times really. On my list every day is starting/finishing paintings. I certainly don't want this "100 paintings in 100 days" to be stressful. I want it to be enjoyable. Enlightening. It needs to be a bit of a release and I'm excited play around with them most days.

Speaking of painting canvases and to-do's. There still is this big huge blank canvas of life before us, and to be honest, it seems to be eating away at me a bit lately. The "huh?...now what?...really?...well..?" is getting real. God's purpose is totally and completely in the whole Colorado transition AND we are ready for it! In the meantime we're here, we're blessed and I need to trust every day. Every day seems to be exciting and scary at the same time. Is that possible? Sure is for me.
Speaking of selling this house and Co. journey before us (I'm getting carried away with the writing on here I suppose). Here is my mess in Josh's workshop. I do have a studio upstairs all decked out with piles and piles of creative BUT, I've never really liked it up there. Spoiled I tell ya. It's dark, no windows, lonely...so I paint on the kitchen table once in awhile (not good when your house is up for sale) and now I'm in hubby's cool, open, light, music blaring, workshop. I now officially have my art-stuff ALL OVER this house!

catchin' up on this...and that

2010-11-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Been about a week. I try to post something at least once a week if I can. So here ya have it. My Mom was in last week (when Josh was in Denver!) and us girls had such fun. Don't ladies always seem to have fun together? Lot's of talking, laughing, shopping, eating.... all the girly stuff that we miss doing together. Mom's in such a happy spot in her life and it was a treasure to have her here. We all love her to pieces and pieces.

Edom Art Fair is a collection of fabulous artists in a teeny tiny town around here. It's what the town is known for once a year. About 80 awesome artists? I/we are there. Fine artists come from all over to sell and I ooou and aaaw and get totally inspired. Here are the girls at a canvas-kid-painting area...

Ah, our little Lauren. When she gets her mind to something- well, she does it. So she had this kind-of-not-really-wiggly front tooth (mind you, it IS late for losing those) and she just kept wigglin' and wigglin' one day after school. A day later it got to a point where it was just hangin' there and she was looking like this crazy haggle tooth girl. Here's the thing...I WANTED TO HAVE FAMILY PICTURES TAKEN before this!
Too late. We just told her to yank it. So she happily did.
The tooth fairy had to come and leave some serious cash ($2!) for this one.
Hello empty space.
It really is so cute!!
(BUT, maybe we can Photoshop a tooth in for the family pics:-)

Enough about that. On to Halloween:
-Girls picked a favorite book and painted a pumpkin of the book character for a school contest.
-Made witches hats and ghost cookies with Nana.
-Painted faces at the Trunk or Treat community service project for our church.
-Pumpkin carving party at a friends house. (Super cute annual thing; over 100 pumpkins carved and then lit up around the yard.)
-A bonfire, yummo soup and caramel apples at a friends then, "trick or treat!" I think we have over 5 lbs of candy to consume now, friends. I suppose we have to store up some extra padding for the winter!
-Every year since the girls were itty bitty they have "coordinated" with costumes. Well this year they had their minds set and didn't like that idea. Boo hoo. So we had a very blonde 98% good witch and a doctor. Josh said they certainly are coordinated this year...as a Witch Doctor. (hee. hee!)

tick. tock.

2010-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

"I don't know what I expect from me as an artist. I will just have to figure it out as I go I suppose. It's just simpler that way." -artist from "Great Work of Art"

Time is tickin' and tockin' on this 100 paintings in 100 days project of mine. It's almost the end of month two and I am about 25 paintings behind or so. I want to be at 60 by the end of this month. (I haven't put pictures of everything on this blog.) I told my sweet, supportive Josh that I was this behind and with gentle eyes he looked at me and was like, "good luck with that." I know I was sick, it's been busy and I'm a bit creatively delirious at times. Okay, koo-coo. BUT- I'm not giving up!! I indeed have a pattern of starting MANY things and not finishing them. My Mom said I have AADD (Artist Attention Deficit Disorder!). Ha! It's true.

For me, art needs to be from the heart. Needs to mean something, bring joy, and be different. Plus FUN. I was ready to have some serious fun, so one early evening I whipped out about 10 small canvas panels I had and stuck them on Josh's workshop (sorry honey!), got my colors out and went to town on them. No plans or rules. Finished all ten that night. Uh huh. Aaaaand, they ended up being CUTE!
Fun, I tell ya.

Stay tuned. I will put some on here. They're kinda "gifty" and will be sold in November.

Here's a group of custom canvases I did recently to coordinate with a sweet shower curtain fabric.

State Fair and Big Tex

2010-10-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's the simple things that make you smile.

Being that we are heading to the mountains one of these days, we are wanting to get the most out of this grand state. We feel like we've seen a good portion of Texas. I mean, it is pretty big so we're being realistic here. From Fort Worth to Austin to San Antonio to Galveston and whatever in between...for the most part, we've seen it or done it. We had not gone to the Texas State Fair yet, though. Apparently it is the oldest, largest and best fair in this great nation of ours. Soooo by all means, we gotta go!

It WAS big and crowded/expensive but it what a blast of a day we had. We'll never do it again, so we made the most of it. Road some rides (the most unforgettable spinny-whirly ride actually), played some games, went through the Botanical Garden and Museum of Nature & Science, people watched (oh, you gotta love that), held hands and loved the big blue sky.

I need to start an entirely different paragraph for the food there. Seriously. We just stuck with the typical corndog (best ever though), lemonade, cotton candy route. BUT, oh my goodness....fried EVERYTHING surrounded us. I am not talking like fried chicken here, friends. I am talking deep fried: club salad, pbjelly, caviar, Pop Tart's, Frito pie, chocolate, BUTTER, frozen margarita, Snicker's, latte, lemonade. And last but not least, fried BEER. All I gotta say is "how in the world do you fry these things?" They do it there. They must do it well, because the lines were HUGE.

It was great. With sun kissed-cheeks, junk-filled bellies and worn-out toesies-- Texas State Fair? Check.

The treasure is called right now.

2010-10-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

I had my camera and wanted to capture some pictures of tonight. A pretty normal night on school days actually. A bonus that the air is having a chill to it, and we get to wear long sleeves outside. Hip, hip, hoorah! Check out what a Monday night in the Foster house looks like.

Josh's continual attempts to get that gopher/mole(s) that tear up our yard. Remember Bill Murray in Caddy Shack? Yeah. Hannah had a the vocab word "persistant" in her homework tonight. That's Daddy!

Our poochie looking for some trouble.

She is all that! And so happy on her wheels--love the socks, L.

So sweet from her teacher. I agree!

Homework. More homework? Showers. Pj's. Dessert. A little T.V. and xoxo.

There can always be a wonder in the here and now.
Nightie. night.

So long September.

2010-10-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Have one of those weeks lately and it's just plain "ugh"? From Sunday to Sunday- that was me. Sick (again), stress, emotional,... just puny stuff to some, but big in my world. Sometimes life can be so overwhelming. We all carry around our own stress, brokenness and "stuff". So, being that this is a new week- I wanted to get my heart straight. I needed to look at the past week. See the negative. Know it's real (and you know I like keeping it real) but also stick a positive with it.

Josh left for Co. for the week.
Hoorah for modern technology (iphone vs. droid) helping us stay connected.
My heartstrings stretched with devastating stuff that happened to some special someone's in my life.
There is the power of prayer and God is our refuge and strength in difficult times.
The art teacher forgot I was subbing on Monday= no lesson plans and I had to pretty much wing it.
It actually ended up being fun. Then on Fri. I patiently taught a kindergarten class (who barely know how to draw shapes) to draw a cute cat! They were ALL so excited and proud.
Polly ate some of my lunch and barfed (!!) for a couple days.
Polly is a comfortable companion when I'm lonely.
Need to vent every once in awhile.
I am blessed with THE most incredible friends that are always there. To listen. To encourage, love.
I am 12 art pieces or so behind (including custom work).
I CAN and WILL catch up and love my new paints!
Sick. Run over by a semi-truck? Head a big balloon? (Have I developed allergies?)
Thank you Motrin. Benadryl. Comfy bed. Understanding kiddos and hubby.
It's Fall. October. 3 years since Dad died. Sad spots in the days.
Blessed with memories and love that can never be taken from me. (Also lovin' Fall weather- bye bye almost 4 months of 100 degree weather.)
Missing my Mom (and not just 'cuz she was a free kidsitter!).
Yay! She booked a flight to come in a few weeks.
How many times to I have to ask? Squibble, squabbling again?
I get the honor of mothering angels.
For Sale sign still sitting pretty. No lookers.
Not wasting too much energy lately on the dust bunnies, grime and spider webs.
Our water bill is whaaat?? Bills. Bills. Bills.
Saturday night backyard campfire. Friends. Family. Laughter.

Last, leaving it on a big time positive- the angels are singing and our hearts are jumping for joy... another Whiting to be born next spring!