PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/31/11

"An enchanted life has many moments when the heart is overwhelmed with beauty and the imagination is electrified by some haunting quality in the world or by a spirit of voice speaking from deep within a thing, a place or a person."...I think that says it all. I love you Ruidoso and #57, sometimes so much that it makes my heart hurt just a little.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/29/11

What a fun day with Shari, Katie and Michael...this day reminded me so much of the times we would all get together and spend the days together. After lunch at Red Robin, we rocked the bowling lane 13 with some amazing bowling. Between the 5 of us, we scored 401...not bad for amateurs ;). More pics to post when uploaded...and maybe even a little video of the Pro Bowlers Women's tour next to us who just took it a little more seriously than we did. :) One thing that I know for sure is that WE had more fun! Look how big these 3 kids are getting...and to think they are the "younger ones"...so glad we have this lifetime friendship with all of them.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/28/11

Zach found Tab yesterday after it not being in stores for so long. Last time we found it, it was at the King Soopers in Conifer after Christmas. While this is not earth shattering news, I have this connection to Tab as it came out when I was a kid, and now, Zach likes the taste of it also. Now, I'm not even sure why I like it and not sure I really like the taste, but I can't pass up that pink can and drink it when it is really cold. Hope we can continue to find it, however, Diet Pepsi, you will always be my #1 and I'll be back soon. Love, Your #1 Fan

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/27/11

So excited...Fed Ex just delivered my iPad...now I have no clue what to do with it but I am going to soon figure it out, I am sure. I think I will use it so much and I splurged by using money I had earned on my own. It is nice timing now that the yearbook is done and my dads book is at the printers...so, welcome to my world, iPad 2...we're going to become very good friends I am sure.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/27/11

The outside of the club was filled with springtime flowers (more pics to follow) and I am so amazed at these 3 boys...so handsome, growing up way too quickly and very kind.

Love this photo Todd took as Nick helped Grammama out after lunch. She isn't as strong as she used to be and this is just, for lack of a better word, touching. It makes me want to cry.

Oh, my sweet Grammama...she always loves me and vice versa and just getting to spend some time with her is something I always look forward to and I am so grateful we continue to have this time together. I don't think there is anyone who loves me in quite the way she does...and that doesn't discredit anyone else...just a special way.

So thankful for such a beautiful time today at Cherry Hills Country Club with my family and Grammama and Harvey. We had made plans to do this for quite some time and it was a beautiful spring day to enjoy it out at this beautiful club that holds so many memories for me. Growing up, it was such a great to get to go out there with Grammama and Grandad Dell and it is still a pleasure to go out there when we get these opportunities. Every time we go, we all say that this may be the last time...and it may be, but I will always treasure these times I have spent there. Grammama and Harvey are getting older and life is just not as easy for them, but to have this time today is something that is never taken for granted and always appreciated. I enjoyed hearing Harvey tell about his time at University of Wyoming when he had to go there for a year and would hitchhike back home to Longmont on weekends (which, at that time wasn't a bad thing as truck drivers were happy to bring home someone in uniform...Army) until his "folks bought him an old Ford" to get back and forth. I also didn't know that he commuted to college in Boulder (CU) every day and never lived on campus. We have been very fortunate to have time to really get to know eachother and appreciate eachother and I know he loves me very much, and again, this is vice versa 100%.

When reflecting, I fear the day my Grammama is not here with me physically. I know it will happen and although I can't imagine it happening for awhile, I am scared because I have never known life without her. One time, after Grandad Dell died, I told her that when she died, I wanted her to let me know she was okay and to give me a sign, but not to scare me...just let me know she wasn't very far away. So thankful I said that and I have no doubt she will...but not yet, please.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/26/11

The book is now sent to the printers. After literally several years, this labor of love and gift of story telling is now one step closer to being shared with many people. The writing within this story is brilliant and so professionally done with a special touch of caring and love. What started out as a vision in my dad's mind came together through many hours of research, interviews, writing, rewrites and even more rewrites along with editing, tweaking and perfecting this story of a small area of Colorado that was filled with so many stories. What I think is so perfect is that these stories are true and this was life in this small 9 mile stretch during a time where life was not always easy, but where life was enjoyed, lived and had a story. I have always believed that everything and everyone has a story and they need to be told. By doing this, my dad has told something that was is so important and endearing.

What I think I loved most about having a small part within this project is when my dad and I went down to the Denver Public LIbrary and we went through the journal of a lady who spent summers in this area. She kept an immaculate journal filled with stories of the happenings at that time as well as a photographic journal of life as it was at that very moment. While many of the photos and stories were not pertinent to this project, I found it amazing that life had been told through her eyes and we were lucky to be able to have access to it.

Another favorite memory is the time we spent pouring through the photos...looking for the right ones to tell the story as well as taking photos of places we thought we would want to include. A final highlight was this past June when Nick, Dad and I went up to the cabin on a rainy Friday afternoon, drove around the area and then, the next morning, (again, a very rainy day) packed up and headed down to the "Rhubarb Festival" in Pine, Colorado. It is where townpeople and people from the area gathered to celebrate and eat all the pancakes they could eat. We got a chance to drive around Pine Grove and see glimpses of the past and how, although so much time had passed, these buildings were still standing and the spirit of those who lived here so many years ago still were part of the community today.

So, as I close this post, I just have to say how proud I am of my dad...to document such an interesting story that gets to be shared now and always. My mom has been a tremendous support and between the two of them, they have created ReVista Publishing...an continuing legacy that represents the strength and inspiration of two very amazing people, who just happen to be my parents.

On a selfish side point, I am actually beyond thrilled to have my name published in this book as "Designed by" and under acknowledgments...it is something I am very proud of, and the artwork that is on the cover and within the book is just amazing, and I am so proud of Todd and his talent to be represented in this special book.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/25/11

NEW SHOES: MENS SIZE 8...it is official...all 3 boys are now considered "men" in the shoe world. Today, Zach went to get a new pair of shoes and has been at the highest size in kids and not quite ready for "mens" sizes, but today was the day when all that changed. Thank goodness, because, as I have now found out 3 times, it is very hard to find shoes that fit between the transition of sizes. Zach is very particular about what he likes and wanted something with some color (not white) and was looking for purple or green along with a neutral color...he did a great job finding these and they were a perfect fit.

Today, I took Nick to the DMV to get a new license after losing his wallet in Santa Fe. Thankfully, it was a very easy fix and the wait was not bad at all. Later, Chris, Zach and I met Tami and the kids at Brunswick Zone for a round of Laser Tag and lunch and then we all went over to Kohls. It is so great how all the kids are such good friends and really watch out for eachother. Josh came over for a while afterwards which ended a very fun week for all of us.

Nick and Chris go back to school on Monday for the final stretch before summer break. During that time, Chris has his final quarter of middle school (which he is very happy about) and Nick finishes his JR. year with a tough school schedule, taking the ACT at the end of April, 3 college visits in April (to Wyoming, UCCS and CSU) and then the AP Euro History test at the beginning of May...along with regular school work and tennis. It will be interesting to see what schools he likes and if any of them have a good fit for him. It will also give him a feel of what college will be like and qualities he is going to want to find that are right for him. Can't even go further thinking about this, but just want him to have options and feel good about it.

Finishing up my final Stone Mountain yearbook this weekend along with getting ready to send Dad's book of to be printed...life is busy and oh so good...

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/24/11

This is such a beautiful church (St. Francis de Assisi) right in the middle of Santa Fe near the Plaza. Although not Catholic, you couldn't help but feel the holiness within the cathedral and the beauty and architecture was truly amazing. I particularly loved the outside and the statue of St. Francis de Assisi with the animals as he is the Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology. Within all the photos, I took one of Christopher in front of this because I can see Chris in a similar light (not a saint, of course, but a person of love, kindness and compassion to animals and the environment). I had fun using photoshop to capture this a little differently than the original photo and reflect back on this photo with peace and a special memory.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/19/11

What an incredible full moon...it is the closet point in its orbit and won't be like this for another 18 years.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/18/11

Yesterday, it was a beautiful day until the wind started up and clouds turned dark and then it quickly got cold. By bedtime, they were saying it would be snowing and it sure felt like it. This morning, we woke up to snow on the ground and on every outdoor surface. It was absolutely beautiful and it was perfect because we knew it would quickly melt away and springtime would be back. Now, at 1:30, the sun is shining brightly and there are very few reminders of the nighttime snow, except these photos.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/17/11

Happy St. Patrick's Day! As has been the case for many years, the leprechauns did choose to visit our house again. They tipped over the chairs and left a note...this years visitors are named Patrick, Seamus and Fred. Along with their note they left each of the boys a lucky penny for the day and Lucky Charms that they had already opened and spilled over the table. It is a tradition in our house to have these little guys visit us. When the boys were young, they would see them scampering across the ground inside or run across the grass outside ;)...I think they still see them, but just don't admit it. Tonight we had corned beef, red potatos, green beans, and kiwi topped of with store bought key lime cake...nothing like celebrating the Irish.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/16/11

SURVIVOR NIGHT...EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 7:00...MORE PICs to come!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/15/11

Since I have bookclub here tonight, I thought it would be nice to have some colorful flowers in the entry way. Here is a quick snapshot. The orange flower is just such a beautiful color and I always love white daisies. We are going to discuss "The Space Between Us"...love this book.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/14/11

It's TIME....Time for Cobra Soccer. This is the first season that Todd hasn't been head coach in quite a while and this could be Z's last season with HRSA. I'm trying not to even think about that because it makes me quite sad. Zach has been counting down to soccer season since last week. He was very psyched that he had practice this afternoon. Last season was a little rough with merging with another team and hopefully, this will be back to the way it was in all the other seasons he has played...I think it will be. He and Josh are playing together and have been since Zach was 5 so this is a huge thing. I'm looking forward to staying quiet on the sidelines (ya right... :) ) and cheering him on. He's a leader on this team and a very cool soccer player...so, in Zach's words of the past...'BRING IT'

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/13/11

This is another photo from Josh's birthday party last night...This photo immediately caught my eye and I appreciated the geniune smiles, comfortable positions and a Grandfather that truly adores these 3 boys. The feeling is most definitely mutual and they always have so much fun together. He and mom truly know each of the boys as individuals and appreciates and acknowleges them and accepts them as they are. This photo is just a visual reminder of that relationship and it will always remain a special one.

Also, Happy Birthday to Joshua David Bertelsen. 11 years ago today, he entered this world and we have all become better people because of him. I remember that I took all 3 boys to Swedish Hospital to see him just a couple hours after he was born. We got to see him finish up his first bath and my little Zachary was only 8 months old. WOW! It seems impossible it has been 11 years, but we are so blessed to have him in our lives and as Zach's best friend from the very start. May this year bring him positive new experiences and growth as well as just plain happiness and fun.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/12/11

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TO JOSHUA! Fun party to celebrate him. He really wanted money and he definitely scored in that arena. We also gave him Mountain Dew Voltage and Dorito chips. Love this photo of the 3 Bertelsen kids together as well as my boys with my daddy...and of course, my FB potd, "Sister Photo Op" ...Just changed the photo of the boys with Grandaddy to 3/12.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/11/11

New haircut...It really wasn't "time" to get my hair cut, but I had an idea in my mind with some visual aids and I could get in with Vicky for a haircut, so I did. Love the back of the hair...somewhat updated and feels so good. Glad I went ahead and did it or I'd be thinking about it until I had my appt. Now, I'm thinking I need some blond highlights...wondering if I can convince Todd to help me out???? ;)

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/10/11

This is the view out our front door at 4:30 this afternoon. It is proof that spring is right around the corner. There is still snow on the top of the mountains and I'm sure there will be a spring storm that will hit us before all is said and done, but there is nothing much better than a day like today. Right now, it is 66 degrees and it is perfect weather. While standing outside talking to a neighbor, I could feel the sun on my face without any chill in the air. BEAUTIFUL!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/9/11

Love Glee and the music. I play it during the day and so I could resist purchasing the newest CD...it's not a necessity, but it is something "usable" so that is how I have rationalized it. Can't help but love that show.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/8/11

PHOTOGRAPH MEMORIES: These are two photos of photos/projects I've done for my parents. The upper shelf photos hang above my dads computer desk downstairs. They include photos of the farm, black and white photos of the Stock building Grandpa used to work at and other memories. This collage frame was made by me for my parents for Christmas my senior year of highschool. I remember making this in my bedroom for my parents and lovingly chose each and every photo. Whenever I pass it, I can picture the memories and moments in time and each one I could tell you details about that very day. Maybe that is a future project for myself...take this collage of photos and write about each one...ahhh...I like that idea. It's a good thing to have a blog so I can refer back to my "brilliant ideas". :)

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/7/11

REALITY: Honestly, the picture says it all...the boys are home, we are all working on different projects and homework or just "hanging out" and there is lots to be done and eventually, it will :) Enjoying a day of not rushing and hopefully, becoming more productive as it continues, but for now, this is LIFE!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/6/11

Just now, you were outside, hanging out and watching dad and Zach playing catch. You didn't want to play, but you just went out to pat the dogs and climb up our hill and check things out. What you don't know I see, but I do, is that you are a free spirit, comfortable with yourself and your surroundings, passionate about what you love, caring and kind, you have a quick, easy smile and you laugh at things that surprise you...you are very smart...both book smart and life smart and you can read people very well...you like Guns and Roses and we play it in the car when we go somewhere. You don't always like "extra attention" but sometimes, I think you need it and sometimes I just want to give it to you. I look forward to what lies ahead for you and feel confident in your path ahead...and may you always feel that same way. These photos make me smile and reflect that person who you are...a kid that is eye to eye with his mom and will soon be passing me up and looking down on me :), however, you've always been the kind of person I actually am happy to look up to in so many different ways. Love you, CNS!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/5/11

AND THE AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATED, CARING AND FOCUSED MIDDLE SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR GOES TO....TODD NELSON! Even though his team barely lost, it was so fun to go cheer the Titans (and Todd) on. Mom, Dad, Tami, Carly and myself headed to the Springs to watch the Championship game. I found myself going in to high gear cheering for his team. The thing with this team is that they do not always come from easy lives or parents that completely support them...not necessarily because they don't want to but they just don't have the same "family life" that we have had growing up and that our kids have now. Todd took a group of kids who came together and played amazing basketball with a passion they may not always have in other parts of their lives. As the buzzer ended the game, the kids walked off the court sad and many had tears in their eyes...as did I. Todd took his team out and talked to them, and while I'm sure he dealt with many issues throughout the season, he should be so proud of these kids, and most of all, himself. I remember many many games cheering him on as he played basketball and tennis and I felt that same "big sister pride" as I watched him coach on the sidelines today. So, although they may have not won the championship, those kids had an opportunity to play basketball and play with a coach that truly cared about them and I hope they never ever forget that, wherever their lives may go. Now, that is the kind of person who does deserve COACH AND PERSON OF THE YEAR! Good job to my little brother!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/4/11

I must admit that I was getting very concerned yesterday and was stressed out...as seen in yesterdays potd...definitely looking forward to the weekend today and went to lunch in downtown Littleton with Shari. As always, we had so much to catch up on and talk about and never got through everything on our minds, but always know that we have eachother and that is a great feeling. Very lucky to have such an amazing friendship...quick post right now but more later.

American Idol update: Think Lauren Alaina may take it...very talented 15 year old girl...wow!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/3/11

It's one of those days where I feel like I'm trying to figure out too many things, have lots of things on my mind and need to just focus on one thing at a time. Today, I'm trying to work on the yearbook and things are not going as I would like them to go...blurry pictures, templates that don't work, pictures I need to redo UGH! I just want it to be good and I don't want to panic right at the deadline. When I picked up Chris from school, I treated us both to a trip to 7-11 for a fountain pop for me and a slurpee for Chris. Thanks Nick for capturing this lovely frustrated looking photo :) (and for standing above me as I'm typing this so you can use the computer)

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/2/11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SUESS! I have my first book I received in 1974 from Grammama and Grandad Dell. It was fun to open it and see Grammama's handwriting with mine also (I guess I wanted to make sure that no one would take my book :) ). Through the years, Dr. Suess has remained a favorite of mine, Todd and the boys. This first book was "Scrambled Eggs Super" and I still remember getting it. Dr. Suess has most certainly impacted millions of people through the years.

FAVORITE DR. SUESS BOOKS:
Tracy: "Horton Hears a Who"

Todd: "The Grinch"

Nick: "Cat in the Hat"

Chris: "Hop on Pop"

Zach: "Sneetches"

FAVORITE DR. SUESS QUOTES:
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind"

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple"

"Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is YOUer than you."

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

"I meant what I said and I said what I meant"

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."

"A persons a person, no matter how small."

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. Your the guy who'll decide where to go."

"Think left and think right and think high and think low. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!"

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/1/11

So glad to get to play with Elli one day a week again. She came in this morning and knew just what to do and happily greeted Mocha and Cocoa, ran upstairs to say hi to Liza and then yelled "toodle-oooo" to Zach as he walked to school. She really has grown up a lot and is such a fun, funny and spunky kiddo. She was talking about her cousins and listing them and then included Mocha, Cocoa and Liza also. We have had a fun day.

Nick had a practice ACT this morning and then came home since he doesn't have CSAP's this year. Elli was very glad to have him here and we all had a picnic outside for lunch (McDonald's Happy Meal for Elli and Big Mac Meal for Nick) and then they even did some homework/drawing together.

I remember when Nick was about the age of Elli and it doesn't seem that long ago. This is a classic picture of "biggest and littlest" cousins and I think this is truly a treasure.