PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/30/11

THIRTY TWO YEARS AGO... wow! It does not seem that long ago. I could replay this 11th birthday in my mind like it was "yesterday". Breakfast on the front deck, being in Ruidoso spending my special day, making Caesar salad on the lower patio and then having steak and green beans and of course, this cake that was decorated for me and the photo taken on the back deck prior to dinner. That was a good day...as so many of my birthdays have been. They have been filled with family, friends and celebrations that I hold deep within my heart and remember almost every single birthday in quite a lot of detail. So so thankful for the love of family and having the life I have had...for 43 YEARS! 43 YEARS OLD...I can hardly even believe that.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/30/11

32 YEARS AGO...since this photo was taken on the back deck in Ruidoso. I remember this day vividly

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/29/11

Celebrating moms and my birthdays this morning with Grammama and Harvey over at their new "home". So nice that Tami could join us also. For my entire life, Grammama has been there for every birthday and celebration so I'm glad we could continue that this year also. For years, we would go shopping at Loehmann's for my birthday present and then I would come back to their house to share it with Grandad Dell. For our birthdays, we would usually have dinner in their backyard to celebrate me and my mom...fun, special, treasured memories.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/28/11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MAMA! Loved getting to go through many many photos of her growing up. I put together a book for her to look through and then document her memories throughout. These two photos were favorites among many...because, she most definitely TAKES THE CAKE :) (pardon the pun). It was a fun day celebrating her as we went over for lunch and cupcakes along with Tami, Joel and the girls. I have always loved celebrating our birthdays together.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/27/11

It doesn't seem so long ago that both Nick and Chris were taking tennis lessons at Redstone Park in the spring and summer...for that matter, it doesn't seem so long ago that I was playing summer leagues every summer from the age of 8-17. I guess that when I think of summer, I naturally think of tennis. I also look very forward to Wimbledon being played every June near my birthday. I can't remember a year I haven't watched it. Chris and NIck both took some lessons when young and Chris continued through several years up until somewhat recently. I do wish he would start up again but time will tell. Nick started playing again the summer before his freshman year and has really worked himself up the ranks. He is a very good tennis player and is stronger this year than ever before...today, he won 6-0 6-1 and was frustrated because he didn't think he played well so he's got that competitive spirit. I'm thinking that Zach should play some just to see if he likes it but once again, time will tell. For now, I will have fun cheering Nick on (as quietly as I can) from the sidelines and enjoying the second week of Wimbledon.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/26/11

In honor of my Birthday Week, I chose this photo for the POTD. I can truly remember this day at WAshington Park celebrating my moms and my birthdays. I have other photos of this day also and I know that my grandparents, great grandparents, aunt, cousins, siblings and parents were all there. I'm quite sure we had a picnic under the tree and I think this might be the year I told my mom I wanted an applesauce cake. Somehow, she found a way to make one and I recall sitting at the cement picnic bench getting ready to blow out my candles. I loved this red gingham dress also and I just have to wonder what was in that present I am opening. I am quite sure I loved the wrapping paper with the bright, fun flowers.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/25/11

Zach's summer job...well you can't really call it a job when you are the one that has so much fun. Zach is petsitting the Jimenez's new puppy, Maggie, when they are out for a long period of time. He's getting paid $20 each time and goes over 2-3 times to let her out, play with her etc... To watch him play with her and laugh as he licks his face and jumps on him is something that brings such a smile to my face. She is such a sweet dog and Mocha and Cocoa run to the fence to greet her every time she comes out. They love having a new friend right behind the fence.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/24/11

Carly's State gymnastics meet was today and I am so glad I was able to go. She shows a joy and confidence and that was so great to see. In fact, she is joyful and confident and happy in every aspect of her life and is a pleasure to be around all the time. Of course, I am biased because I am her Favorite Aunt Tracy, but all that meet her feel the same way, I know. She did an amazing job today and won 2 medals along with ribbons. Also, this photo of Carly is a spitting image of Tami at that age all the way down to the pigtails, color of hair, eyelashes and overall profile...holy cow. Way to go, Carly D...you worked hard, persevered and focused to prepare yourself for this day. I see many more of these state gymnastics meets in the future...or success in other activities that you find you enjoy. I love you!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/23/11

Kickball feet...our team of 5 is now back and complete...love this photo of the boys and their feet. I barely got Zach's foot in but I did, and I think this may ultimately be one of my favorite photos of the summer...the photo itself and the story of our "Family Kickball Night" we have almost every night/day in the summer.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/22/11

Chris at Stonehenge....it just blows me away that he was standing right amongst this mysterious arrangement of prehistoric architecture. It is filled with an amazing history within this area. Several weeks ago, we had seen a show on "Nova" on how it had been built...theories and history to back it up. They even did live tests to see how those rocks could've been moved...the rocks that are tons and tons and absolutely gigantic. I want to hear more details from Chris on what he thought when he got there knowing the information he already knew. I am absolutely fascinated by this and of course, my favorite part is that Chris is in the photo with the whole expanse of Stonehenge behind him. I want to get more of this information down in writing and also his view of all of it and what he knows to document this photo and the others he took there. These are the times I wish I would've majored in history...not for any other reason except to just know more about these kinds of things.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/21/11

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER...6.21.11...happy summer solstice...longest day of the year and also one of my favorite times of the year.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/20/11

After 2 long plane trips...to and from...3 countries....seeing places people only read about....time spent in hotel rooms, busses, subways and trains...many experiences...almost 500 photos and many videos...and many stories we look forward to hearing in the days to come...CHRIS IS HOME! He may never know how much I missed him and was so excited to know what he was doing each day and what he was seeing...that I would look up his itinerary and then look up the places where he was visiting...that I would fall asleep and wake up to figure out what time it was where he was (along with doing that many times during each day) ...that I woke up this morning with the anticipation of a child on Christmas Day...I could hardly wait to see this kid... this experience he has had has amazed me, impressed me, worried me, made me sad (selfishly), made me want to explore more, made me beam with pride at Chris being able to do this, made me miss someone more than I thought I could and made me smile in my heart that he is HOME...SAFE AND SOUND!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/19/11

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO DAD AND TODD...Two incredible days who have always loved their kids so much. This morning we went over to Mom and Dad's...brought in Starbuck's for all of us and enjoyed it on their front porch. As far as gifts go, I was very excited to give Dad his presents...a book about American's in Paris (fitting since Chris has been there now) by David McCullough (good history) and then, the piece de resistance (in my very most French like accent)..."Lady Gaga" cd. Within a few minutes, he went in and put it on and her voice filled the house. What a nice way to spend the beginning of Father's Day. We then came home and watched the US Open (won by Rory McIlroy...22 years old from Northern Ireland who led the entire tournament) and went for dinner around 3 at Outback for their steak and lobster and then came home and played a family kickball game. It must be duly noted that Todd and I beat Zach and Nick 6-1 and we even gave them an extra inning as a bonus and still...we won! Todd made a blueberry cobbler for dessert and we watched Food Networks "The Next Food Network Star" which is a Sunday night tradtion. The only thing missing from this day was Chris (who comes home MOnday night...YAY!) but he even borrwed a phone and texted Todd to wish him Happy Father's Day so he was most definitely here with us in spirit. A very good day, indeed.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/18/11

Camping trip #1 of the year is now in the books...Buffalo Peaks...campfires...cold nights...hanging out...awesome breakfast...wolves howling in the distance...Nick didn't bring a sweatshirt, thus quite chilly...worst part: putting up the tents...best part: being there...

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/18/11

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/17/11

This was taken at Cherry Hills during Grammama and Grandad Dell's 40th Anniversary party. The skirt outfit I am wearing was purchased on a shopping trip along with Tami with Gmama and GDDell on a day in November. They wanted us to have special new outfits to wear to their party. The dress that Grammama is wearing is now hanging in my closet as we clean out her house. This is not a "perfect" photo...very washed out and fuzzy, however, to me, it tells a huge story. It shows both Grammama and I smiling and really listening to this person talking, it captures a moment in time that I may have not remembered and to me, the lighting, shadows, blur and smiles on our face really make it actually...well...perfect. These are sometimes the very best photos in the world.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/16/11

It's hard to imagine, but this "mess" is better than it was yesterday, but it is...I'm ready to get my living room/dining room back to a more normal and I plan to spend most of the day working on it. Within the boxes, there are hundreds of memories, documents and photos that I want to make sure are preserved for all of us now and always so that is the goal for today. The dining room will be another mission. Sure miss having all the boys gone...Chris in Europe and Todd, Nick and Zach up camping at Buffalo Peaks, but trying to consider it a "treat" and giving me a chance to get these things done in a relaxed way.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/15/11

In honor of Father's Day weekend this Sunday, I added this photo to my Facebook profile and my photo of the day for today. When looking through childhood photos, there was never a doubt in my mind from the very beginning that I wasn't loved by my dad, mom and family. I'm not sure everyone has that opportunity and that is just something I am so blessed to have. This reflection photo makes me smile (just about like the smile I have in that photo). Thanks, dad, for the unconditional love, support, laughs, and even tears you have always given me...and that "you're a sweetheart." :)

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/14/11

On his way home from work, Todd make a stop at Sam's to pick up the necessities for their camping trip this week...health food at its finest. YUM! (to the left side of this photo, there are grapes for them to take also...my contribution)

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/13/11

"I want to walk on water"...a very simple statement from Chris during the summer of 2002. During that summer, the boys (Nick and Chris) took swimming lessons at Columbine Knolls along with the Kimmey kids. Zach did take some lessons also, however, usually was sitting at the edge of the baby pool "observing" instead :). This photo was one of the first of him jumping off the diving board. He really didn't show any fear as he walked to the edge...and then he JUMPED and for just a moment, he really did walk on water. This is an all-time favorite photo and it is proof that you can do anything you set your mind to.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/12/11

Happy 89th Birthday to Grammama...enjoyed spending time with her, Harvey and my parents this morning at her new "home" at Sunrise.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/11/11

Rhubarb Festival 2011...Pine Grove Colorado. Dad and Todd went up today and had the opportunity to share "The Elk Creek Chronicles" with some of the people that live where much of the book takes place. It almost gives me chills, and tears every time I see the book cover and read the stories within this book. I know how much love, care, intent and the craft of history and story telling went into this and I just am so pleased that this has all come to this level.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/11/11

Chris took this photo while testing out his new camera he has with him in Europe. These flowers are against the fence of the "dog resort" so we get to see them everytime we walk out the door. They have gone crazy this year and have spread up, out and around. I like this photo because of the purple contrasting against the green leaves and the rocks along with seeing a bit of the chicken wire. To me, this is a very interesting photo and well balanced.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/9/11

...and he's off...to Paris, London, Edinburgh. What a crazy feeling to send of my "little boy" to 3 different countries in a completely different continent. He should be in Paris right now as I type this and will be there for 4 days and then onto London and finally, to Edinburgh. What an experience he will have. So strange to know he's so far away . It is certainly more quiet and different without him here and I have to say that I sure miss him already.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/8/11

A favorite photo from when were were downtown this past Sunday. I have several in a similar pose, but I like how everyone is more close up, has a similar expression on their face and the urban setting itself...the brick building, the red traffic meter and, of course, these 4 boys.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/7/11

This has always been one of my favorite photos. I think I like it a lot because I loved that yellow short outfit I had. Of course, the people that are in this photo are the most important. I remember that it was a Sunday afternoon in the summer and we had gone over to see Grammama and Grandad Dell. As we were leaving, we sat on the brick wall and my dad took this picture. Those smiling faces and the comfortable, caring love that is seen in this photo is incredible and these moments dont' seem that long ago, even though it was Summertime 1979.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/6/11

REFLECTIONS: A great day yesterday...you three reflect all that is good in the world and what life is all about. I love you, mom

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/5/11

If there could be a "perfect day", I think yesterday would have been one of them. For the past several years, we have gone downtown to Larimer Square for the "Chalk Art" event that is held early in June. We then have a tradition of going to "Spaghetti Factory" for lunch. We walked up and down to see all the works of art which is pretty amazing. The art on the streets is very short lived, but what these people do is pretty amazing and always fun to see. There was a stand selling the pastels and art drawing books so we picked up a few supplies. I think seeing the crayons/colors in boxes and laid out on the street is probably one of my favorite parts of being there.

The best part of the day was being all together. I can't exactly describe it, but being all together was so incredible. LUnch was fun and funny and there were lots of laughs, funny stories and just a good time. It was apparent how much fun we really do all have together, that we are able to be ourselves with eachother (good thing since we are a family ;) ) and how close the boys are as friends and brothers.

Later in the afternoon, we were all outside...playing kickball and then just sitting around the table hanging out. To top off the day, we watched the season premier of Food Network "The Next Food Network Star." Who knew that tv shows like this could pull a family all together. That will be our "family time" on Sunday nights.

Chris leaves for Europe on Thursday so this time was extra special since he will be gone for 12 days. There sure will be a missing hole in our house until he comes back home. I will treasure this day and reflect on it until he returns home. Sunday was just a perfect day.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/4/11

Poppies from our new perennial garden in front. These are some of my all time favorite summertime flowers and the colors are just amazing. So happy!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/3/11

Yesterday, I posted the photo of Zach on his first day of preschool 2002...now, this is the final "offical" last day photo of Elementary School. Whata ride this has been for the past 11 years of kids in elementary school. While I know what it is like as kids move into middle school and high school, it is strange because this is my "baby"...the little boy who hung out with me while his brothers started school and he was the "little brother." He definitely holds his own now and is ready for this move, but I will miss those days of hanging out with him in the mornings after everyone has gone to school, being able to walk up to school and walk by his classroom while there and say "hi" and to see him walk to and from school...those days will change and he will continue to grow up, but I will always be thankful for the time that has past and look very forward to the times ahead. I can't think of a person who has worked harder in school than Zach...but that is another post and another story. Today, I want to celebrate the 'LAST DAY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/2/11

First day of school at St. Luke's LIttle School. We took first day photos in the backyard at our home on English Sparrow Trail and NIck headed off to school and Chris walked him into his classroom (he was in kindergarten PM) in Ms. Bonnie's Duck Class. His new lunchbox was green with bugs on it and his shoes were Caillou shoes. Caillou became one of his favorite childhood characters. Tomorrow, we will watch him finish his last day of elementary school at Stone Mtn. Elementary. What started in 2002 has been quite a journey and I could not be more pleased for the person and student that Zach has become. Right now, I want to focus on that little "stinker" look in this photo, those bright white shoes ready to meet the world and thank God for this gift of this little boy whom I absolutely adore.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 6/1/11

Unrelated to this photo, I first want to remember my Granddad Walt's birthday today. He would have been 120 years old. He lived until he was 95 years old and lived a life of grace and faith until the very end.

Now, back to the photo of the day...Chris spent almost 3 hours shredding documents from Grammama's house. The ones he worked on today were from the 8 months that Grandad Dell was sick prior to his death. Those were the ones to get done and get out of the house...such a sad time and those are just reminders. Thank you to Chris who did this for me and earned some extra spending money for his upcoming trip to Paris, London and Edinburgh. He leaves in just 8 days...I can't even quite imagine it but I am excited for him. What I do know is that I will miss him so very much and be looking forward to seeing him come home safe and sound.