NEVER FORGET

I never forget the feeling I felt when Todd called and said that a plane had flown into the WTC in New York. I remember saying "that isn't even funny"...and then he said "Another just flew in the other building." I could not even imagine what was happening and even further could not believe that something was attacking America. As we turned on the tv, my three little boys and I watched in horror as they showed live coverage. Nick, who was in 2nd grade, said, "Look mom, Washington DC is on fire, too." I quickly said that they must be showing old tape or something and then I looked and realized that we were really under attack and nothing was ever going to be the same. I got Nick ready for school and took him not knowing what was happening or what could happen, but thinking that it would be better for him to be at school then to be seeing this on tv. I then dropped Chris off at preschool and the teachers had small tv's watching what was happening. I think I just wanted to keep life as normal as I could that day. Then, Zach and I, my sweet little two year old, went to the bank to withdraw cash and to fill out my van with gas. We didn't know what would happen, so we need to do what we could to protect ourselves . By noon, I was asking Todd to please come home after watching the towers crumble to the ground and bring Chris home. I didn't want him at school any more. We left Nick at school and all walked down to school to pick him up afterwards. It was something we needed to do...to all be together. We were in a state of shock and truly couldn't believe what had happened.

Today, as I watched live coverage on the news, I remember that day 8 years ago as if were happening now. It was like time had stood still. As I saw the names of those lost on that day read on tv and bells toll for the times the Towers were hit and fell, the Pentagon was hit and when the plane in Shankville, PA plummeled to the ground, I had tears fall down my cheeks. No matter how life goes on and how we get in to our every day routines, it is proof that we never forget...never forget where we were that moment in time, never forget those whose lives were lost and changed forever, never forget that we Americans and stronger and more resiliant that those cowardly men ever could have been. So today I fly my flag in my front yard with great pride and know that never, never, NEVER will we forget.

TENNIS SEASON

It is tennis season for Nick right now. He is playing JV again but at a much higher level this year. Yesterday, he and his partner/friend, Andrew, played a great match and it was so fun to see their skill, teamwork and perseverence. It's a little hard being on the sidelines and not being able to scream out (must be the old cheerleader in me???) Anyways, it is so fun to see him play, improve and be part of a team. I am definitely his biggest fan and get critical of his game...but it's easy for me to analyze from the sidelines. Here's to a great season for Nick and his team.


I love tennis and it is the one sport that I like to play too. Todd and I went out to play the other day and he beat me so I am looking forward to a rematch very soon. Although I'm not a competitive personality usually, I get a little edgy with tennis. Todd better watch out next time;). I think we would make a pretty good mixed doubles team. Chris and Zach are good players, too, so it'll be fun to get them out to play also.

GOODBYE TO VIC!

30 days ago, Zach brought a new pet in to our home. He was a green anole (mini chameleon) that he picked out. He had wanted one for a long time and had done tons of research. We purchased the tank and all the materials needed and set it up and then I took him up to Petsmart to pick him out. He knew that he wanted to name him "Vic" ...with the emphasis on ViC (with the strong "c" sound at the end :) ). Vic quickly became a member of our family and we would all walk by to see what he was up to or spray water in to his cage to make sure he had lots of humidity. Zach cleaned out his cage, made sure he had plenty of food and basking options and truly loved him.

He was a lucky chameleon, but on Sunday, Zach noticed that he was not looking very well and yesterday morning, he was on the leaf in the morning, but Zach checked on him shortly after and he was dying. Zach knew it and he was heartbroken (as was I). By the time he left for school, Vic had died, but was bright green and lying under the plant. When they are bright green, it means they are happy and content and that is what I reminded Zach of. He and Todd buried him in the backyard under the tree where all of Nick's firebellied toads have been buried. (Nick still has "Lucky" and we hope he is around for a while longer...but that's another "pet story"). Both Nick and Chris felt very bad about this for Zach. It's funny how a little tiny lizard becomes part of your family. Last night, Zach wrote about him in his journal. As he went to bed and we were talking about it, I told him that in 30 years, we would probably all be sitting around the Thanksgiving dinner table and remembering "Vic" and what happened. That brought a smile to his face. So people can say that pets are just pets, but when you love them, they become more than that to those who cared.

(Sidenote: Today, as we walked to school, we saw a black/white salamander on the sidewalk. At first I thought...maybe we should let it live in Zach's tank and he could have a new lizard for a while. Well, Zach was just going to move it into the grass and we found out it was no longer alive. THEN...we continued our on our walk and we saw a couple baby toads (no longer alive also) BUT to redeem our walk to school, Zach did save 3 baby toads and moved them to safer ground. Hope he remembered to wash his hands as soon as he got there. )

GETTING IN THE SWING OF THINGS

It's been a while since I last posted...now Chris and Nick are well in to the swing of things as well as Zach. Nick is getting to school at 6:30 for his 0 hour Honors Algebra 2 class and then playing tennis every day after school as well as doing challenge matches and keeping up with homework. It looks like he will be a top player on the JV team this year which is a great opportunity to play well and be a leader on that team. Chris started middle school with a great attitude and has adjusted really well to the different teachers, 8 different classrooms and LOTS of kids. Last week, he auditioned for the school play and got a "call back" and then found out that he MADE IT and will be in the fall play. He did this all on his own and had the confidence to go for it! Zach is doing great in school and I think he likes the social part as much as the learning. He is doing well being on his own without his brothers.

Since I'm behind, I included pictures of Nick and Chris' first day photos and I hope to be a little better about blogging. If nothing else, I love having a place to share my thoughts and journal. It's great for me to look back and see what I have written so far and the pics I have included so I'm very glad I started this blog.

ONE DOWN...TWO TO GO (and I don't like it)

Zach is starting 5th grade today. Chris will follow on Monday and Nick on Tuesday. We had to do our traditional photos in the backyard and the dogs were definitely a part of the photo session. They think the house is pretty quiet when the boys aren't around. (me too)

Nick and Chris were nice to cooperate with me getting the 3 of them together...especially since they had to get halfway ready for the pics. Since they all go on different days this year and will go earlier, I may not get another chance to get all 3 together for my annual shot.

I remember when I thought that 5th grade was so old, but now with my "littlest baby" in 5th grade, I think he is still little (at least in my mind). Zach has worked so hard to overcome the struggles of learning to read and is doing awesome. His least favorite subject is math, but loves to write (wouldn't his teachers in kindergarten and first grade be surprised!). I hope this year will be awesome. His teacher is great and I think he will have a fun time with her...she's young, energetic, creative and organized...all things that will be good for Zachy. He is so organized so it will help him to have a teacher like that, too. She is a big CU fan, so Zach and several others wore their Ram shirts today :). It will probably be a friendly rivalry throughout the year.

I always dread the days the boys start back...always have. I do get back in a regular schedule, but I love having them home and just hang out. I get to know them in different ways and see their different personalities. ONe thing I do consistently see is that these 3 boys are truly really good friends and, even though they will fight and argue, they are there for eachother and are eachother's biggest advocates and support and best friends. . My biggest hope for that is that it continues throughout their life.

Had fun taking Zach to lunch yesterday (his choice was Arby's) and Todd met us. We also went to Kohl's and picked out a couple new things. Today, Chris and I head to Chick Fil A for his back to school lunch (and he's not too interested in shopping, but is fine with me picking him up a few new things) and then on Monday, Nick and I are planning to go to breakfast. Love spending time with each of them and can't believe that I really get to be their mom! I think I'm the lucky one!

REALITY...

It's a fact, no matter how much I want to try posting a photo a day, it is just not going to happen. It doesn't mean there isn't a picture a day...just that getting it done may not happen. My new goal is just to post as often as I can and include at least one photo in each post (probably, more). It will still be a good documentation of what is going on, without the pressure of trying to keep up or "catch up". In reality, any kind of documentation of a life is good so I am cutting myself a break :).

Great weekend up in Ft. Collins for the Wake/Theta reunion. It's too much to process to post what I feel about the house selling and our chapter closing. It was an incredible time to spend up there with old friends and fun memories and it is proof of what an important part of my life this was.

Todd and the boys are up at Wellington Lake for the day/night and so the house is a little quiet. Zach starts school on Friday, with Chris following on next Monday and NIck on Tuesday. I am NOT ready for summer to end and for them to be heading back. I LOVE getting to have them home. We have had a great summer and hopefully, this little mini vacation will get them rested and relaxed and ready to start a great new school year.

Someday I'll catch up...

but until then, I will just do what I can. I have tons of pictures on my flash card from the past weeks but haven't uploaded them. Someday, there is going to be one really long post and updated photos. I still intend on posting "photo a day" but am not pressuring myself to do it in any sort of order (which is something I don't usually do, but it's good to mix it up, right?)

Tomorrow, I'm headed up to Ft. Collins to say goodbye to the Theta house and see lots of old friends. Looking so forward to it. It will be so nice to see friends that I haven't seen in years and catch up with everyone. Cameras are ready and starting to get packed. Still can't believe the house is going to be sold. My mom was one of the first to live in that house and I always thought it was so neat that we lived in the same house in college...many years apart. It's been fun to go through old pictures from college and remember funny times and happy memories.

I'm posting a picture of Bucky, Caroline, Nootz and myself taken this year...and I'll have many more to come after this weekend.

photo a day 7/14/09...ON OUR WAY

These are the same swings that were here when we were "kids"...some things never change. I still love to swing and get that crazy feeling in my stomach when I go high. Nick gets that too and gets a little freaked out sometimes, but how can you not love to swing so high that you can almost touch the sky. :)

Yay! We are here...just had to document that in the picture of Zach and me!

We officially hit the road at 7:07 am...heading for Ruidoso, New Mexico. Everyone was excited to get going on our 9 hour drive. With IPODS, portable DVD's and comfy seats, the boys were set to travel in luxury. We stopped at Village Inn for breakfast and then made little stops along the way until we got to Carrizozo where we ate an early dinner at "4 Winds". It is the same place we used to stop when we came when I was young.

By about 5:15, we were entering in to Ruidoso and I have to admit, I was a little giddy with excitement as I started to see familiar places. We made the grand tour of all the important places, #57 Grenoble (which I will always consider my grandparents), the duck pond, the fishing lake, pool, tennis courts and around the golf course and last, but certainly NOT least, the playground and clubhouse area. I went to bed that nighta very happy, relaxed person .

PHOTO A DAY-7/13/09

Another photo from Elk Creek and the "boys weekend". They came home early Monday morning to start getting ready for our trip. One last bit of mountain goodness before heading home to mow the lawn, pack the car, drop the dogs off at Granny's. We were so thankful that they could go over there and stay with Granny and Ellie. It was very nice to know that they were in good hand and we wouldn't worry about them.

Nick played a really good doubles match today. They lost 4-6, 4-6, but could've easily won with a few less shots in to the net. Fun to see good tennis being played.

EXCITING NEWS FOR ME

While this isn't "earth shattering" I received an e-mail from Creating Keepsakes magazine yesterday asking if a layout I had submitted for "Becky's sketch" article was still available. It will be published in the December issue. What is really cool is that this two page layout is about my grandmother and her Christmas decorating. Can't post the layout, but it's a huge compliment to have it chosen and very cool to have two layouts published in two national magazines within a year...especially because I really don't "submit" very often. Now, off to get it ready to send to the magazine :)

PHOTO from 7/12/09--Elk Creek boys weekend

For Joshua's birthday in March, instead of a party, he wanted a "boys weekend" with Zach, Joel, Grandaddy and Todd, at the cabin. Finally, we found a time and it would work. Zach went up withmy dad, Joel and Josh on Saturday morning and they spent the day doing work around the cabin and enjoying the "great outdoors." Todd came up to join them on Sunday and Grandaddy came home in the afternoon. Josh and Zach built a "trap door" as you can see in the photo and worked very hard to do this. Shooting bb guns and just spending time together were additional highlights.

Nick, Chris and myself spent time together and went to lunch at Schlotzskys and ran a couple errands for our trip to Ruidoso the next week. My mom and I went to Megan's baby shower at Sues on Sunday night so the boys went to hang out with Grandaddy while I was there. We then came home and stayed up until 11 so we could watch "The Next Food Network Star" as we are hooked on this show for the past two summers.

Photo from 7/11/09--Day with Grammama

Today, Grammama and I had planned a day to spend together after trying to schedule a "date". I had looked forward to this time for a long time. After we took our pictures together on their front porch, we headed to Pine Creek Clothing, a very nice clothing store on Gaylord Street. Grammama had heard about it and wanted to check it out. I loved how they divided their clothing by color. They also had very fun accessories so I think I will have to go there again when I need something special. Gaylord Street is a very fun place to be. We then went to lunch at Washington Park Grille and we both had chicken salad sandwiches on croissants and sweet potato salad (really good). Afterwards, we went back to watch my 40th b-day video and pictures on a DVD from her 87th birthday picnic. How fortunate I am to be able to do this with my Grammama. I am just smiling as I type this. I love this picture below of her. She's out working with her flowers every day in the summer and it sure shows. We have a lot of fun spending time together and I cherish that.

photo from 7/10/09--Rockies game

We went to the Rockies game vs. Atlanta. Our next door neighbors had 5 tickets and offered them to us and we couldn't pass it up. The weather started out a little cloudy and lightening started. By the end of the 5th inning, we were sure the storm was coming so we headed to our car. They soon called the game for an hour due to the weather. What we didn't know was the worst of the weather was to come. We drove home in the most horrendous rain, wind and low visibility I think I had ever been in. There were huge puddles and we were very grateful to be home.

Before the weather started, we shared nachos and enjoyed the start of the game (which they got scored on right away :( and ended up losing the game was play resumed). I just love being at a baseball game in the summer. The atmosphere at a ball field is like no other sporting event I have gone to. The good news is that I am taking my dad to another game this Friday. Todd won "Club level seats" at work and gave them to me for my b-day and thought that I should take my dad, so, after losing them and finding them again, we are going to head to Coors Field to watch the Rockies play the SF Giants. They (Rockies) are ahead of them by 1/2 game for the wildcard place, so hopefully, we will we gain a bigger lead in this series.

One last thing, I took a picture of the scoreboard/Chris Ianetta, because I always think he looks a little like my Chris :)

PHOTOS FROM 7/9/09-HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACHY

Here's a few photos of Zach's big day...turning double digits. After swimming first thing in the morning and Nick's tennis practice, we picked up Subway and headed over to GG and GD for lunch. The guy at Subway heard it was his b-day and called him a "Double Digit Midget" :). Zach hung out with GG and GD until dinner time when they came over for dinner along with Granny. His choice for dinner was shrimp and chicken along with sauteed mushrooms/onions, fruit salad and wild rice...a menu I will definitely choose to redo.

After dinner, the Bertelsen's came to join us for dessert: lemon meringue pie and a cake decorated as a rainbow trout. The inside of the cake was "rainbow"...thus really being the rainbow :). Todd was an expert at carving out and decorating the cake like he has done many times through the years for the boys.

His big gift from us and my parents was an IPOD Nano which he had been wanting for a long time. Being a persistent person, I don't think there was a day that he didn't remind me that it was the "only thing that I want" and it had to be either grey or black. He was not disappointed and was very pleased. Since it got it, he has added quite a lot of "tunes" to it and loves it. He also enjoyed and appreciated his other gifts from family.

Although we have offered it many times, Z does not ever want a big birthday party. There is not a bigger "ham" in the world than Zach, but when it comes down to a party for him, he doesn't like the single focus on him and is uncomfortable with it, so he chooses his special day to be just the way he likes it. Can't believe he is already 10 years old. I really don't like how quickly time goes. HAPPY BIRTHDAY...DOUBLE DIGIT MIDGET!

PHOTO FROM 7/8/09

This is just an early morning photo of the boys hanging out in the family room watching TV. It is always nice to have the "hang out mornings" in the summertime.

Home again

(this picture is taken in the back of my grandparents townhome...#57)

WOW! I am going to have to spend a lot of time catching this up with my photos. I definitely have one (or many) I can use for my photo a day since I stopped posting so it will be fun updating this a little at a time. We had a great time in Ruidoso and it brought back a flood of old memories from the summers I spent down there with my family/grandparents. It is a little bittersweet, but it would be sad if I didn't have those feelings. I have decided there is no place in this world that I feel more calm, happy and peaceful. That means it's a good place to be and keep in my heart all year long. Can't wait to go back again. I'm very fortunate I have the memories of the past and the fun times and memories created in the present. I'm also so glad that my kids and Todd find this place pretty special, too.

STILL DOING THIS....

I haven't updated my photos for a while, but am still taking them and will post them when we get back from Ruidoso. I am having so much fun doing this and will love looking back on this next year. If I was up to date on my photos, today, i would probably decide to post the photo of Zach holding his latest toad, Ribbit. Chris also found one hanging out in our back yard, but I'm not sure if he figured out a name he liked yet. I suggested Harold, but he nixed that one pretty quick.

Can't wait to go to my favorite place in the whole world...Ruidoso. So many summers spent there with my family. I still picture it in my mind and the happy times there. Tomorrow night, I will be able to revisit all those special places live and in person. I am quite sure there will be many photos to capture this amazing place and our adventures. I plan to hit the playground and swing on the swings, but if they still have that old, metal slide, I think I'm going to pass. I'm quite sure it would not meet safety standards anymore. Of course, I hope the merry go round is there. We would beg my dad repeatedly to spin us around, and, he did it over and over again. Last time we were there, five years ago, he got to spin my kids around like he did for us.

Sure wish my parents were going with us again. It was so much fun to have them with us last time we went. My mom and I even peeked in Grammama and GrandadDell's townhome and were careful not to set up off the alarm. Still looked very much the same. This time, I won't have my partner in crime and I'm not sure I'll be as daring without her with me :).

PHOTO FROM 7/7/09

I just got done taking Zach's 10 year old pictures...double digits in 2 days. I have done a similar photo shoot for both Nick and Chris so it is finally his turn (whata lucky guy). He actually does a really good job cooperating (for the most part) and I probably got 50 plus pictures I have to work with. While we were outside tonight, Zach visited his toad, Jamal, that lives near our pond and then he found a new, huge frog that he quickly named Trilo. Lawrence the toad lives in our front yard. I think we are acquiring a new natural, menagerie. I'm glad they dont' freak me out, but I certainly wouldn't want to accidentally step on one or have one jump in front of me when I wasn't expecting it.

Sad day in that Michael Jackson was memorialized. He is such an icon of my time, and probably the biggest entertainer of all time. His songs are a timestamp of my life and it's amazing what an impact his music has made on my kids even when they didn't know it. What came out of the whole thing is that he was a human being who lived a superhuman existence. Because of that he was hounded by the press, accused and assaulted, but at the end of the day, when his daughter stood up and said that he was the best daddy and she loved him, it shows that he is a lot like all of us...just trying to survive, doing our best to help others and making some kind of difference in the world (which he definitely did). Ultimately, he was "daddy" to 3 young children and they have lost that most important person as well as his mom lost her son...what a tragedy. His music and legacy will live on and for that, I am grateful.

PHOTOS FROM 7/6/09

Zach and I have noticed this donkey (ass) hanging out with these horses so today, we took a little detour and checked them out. Zach thought the jack ass' name should be "Ned". I had my camera in the back so we shot these two photos. I wanted to get a picture of these two pretty horses, and would've preferred it wasn't their "backside", but Zach and I were both laughing and he suggested this "rear" photo just as I was about to take it. I'm thinking our personalities and warped sense of humor is similar (poor Zachy!!)

Nick played a great match today. Although he didn't win, he played a really good match and had almost game within a single point so it definitely was good playing all the way around. Think he's still adapting to his new racket and he's not convinced he likes it yet. He really is a good player and it's amazing to think that he just started playing tennis again only a year ago. He played a kid from Cherry Creek and it is almost impossible to compete with a school like that, but he gave that kid a run for his money and they definitely were competitive against eachother.

PHOTOS FROM 7/5/09

A cherry pie cooling in an open window. It reminds me of old cartoons with the pie cooling in the window and a dog or some character steals it from the window as the lady in the house turns her back. Of course, the "lady in the house" in this case did not bake this pie. What would we do without Todd and his amazing baking skills? (maybe lose a few pounds ;) ). I have to say that this may have been the first pie ever that the five of us have finished off in one evening. It obviously tasted as good as it looks in these photos.

PHOTOS FROM 7/4/09

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA! It makes me really proud when I see our flag waving outside our front window. We spent the day up at the cabin with my parents and sister and her family. It was kinda a last minute get-together and those sometimes work out better than too much planning. It was a great day and the weather was so nice. That night, we hung out in the front yard with neighbors lighting fireworks and watching them from our block. It was a really fun day. Zach was very exited to get these poppers like we had last year.

PHOTO FROM 7/3/09

Adding two pictures from 7/3/09... Todd and Zach were at the mailbox and then started walking home while I was in my car. I looked in the mirror and saw this photo op and just happened to have my mini camera in my purse. I pulled it out and got this photo. Love knowing that I'm the one taking it from the mirror and seeing them walk down the street together...not knowing what I'm doing.

Here's a snapshot in to our lives. This is a cart full of stuff from our trip to Sams Club yesterday. Todd goes there at least once a week to pick up our 4-5 gallons of milk we got through every week. As you can see, we got more than milk this time ;).

PHOTOS FROM 7/2/09

In between rainstorms yesterday, the boys got out to play with my birthday gift, Speedminton. It is a combo of tennis, badminton and raquetball and we have had so much fun playing it the past couple of days. I love looking out and seeing all 3 of the boys playing together. They really are eachother's best friends and that is becoming more apparent as they get older. Of course, there are the arguments, teaming up on eachother and yelling, but that doesn't last for too long and it is so nice to know that they always have someone on their side in the world (other than their parents ;) ).

This ball basket has always been in the garage, but with Nick's new car, it has found a new temporary location...the living room. It actually is a great place to have it because whether we are heading out to the front or back yard, we can grab what we need and go out and put it away afterwards. Quite convenient, actually :). This picture cracks me up with the lovely rainbow sheet (from my childhood) covering up the loveseat in the entry room (lovingly called, Mocha's couch). I can even see the "baby gate" that keeps the dogs from heading upstairs. Quite a kid family, family friendly and pet family home.

DAY 2...PHOTO A DAY

Yesterday, my brother came up for the day from Colorado Springs and surprised me on my birthday. When we were leaving Village Inn, he went to his car and brought back this rose. He had one for my mom, Tami and myself. What a thoughtful thing for him to do and I appreciate it so much. It is such a pretty color and I wanted to photograph it and remember this really kind gesture. He's a pretty awesome "little brother". Thanks Todd!