PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/19/11

A couple times this year, I have driven up to home during the day and saw Nick's car parked in the driveway as he came home between classes. He has 2 periods off this year and a the afternoon off of classes on Wednesdays so it is extraordinarily cool to have him home at more random times and just "drop in." I took this photo the other day because I didn't want to forget this. It still is a little crazy to see him drive up into the driveway but it always makes me smile and appreciate that he is here. The bittersweet part (which I've been feeling a lot of them as his senior year starts) is that this is definitely something to notice and appreciate because next year, it won't be the same. UGH...I said it...I try very hard to just live in the moment and treasure the time with all 3 of the boys, but the impending "college is coming" gets to me sometimes. For now, I will look forward to him walking in the door in the middle of the day, asking "what do we have to eat" and "hi, mom" usually followed with a quick hug. You're growing up, Nick, and that is really great, but don't ever forget that you always have a home to come home to and just "drop in".

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 6/14/11

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 1/31/11

This could've turned out to be a disaster. I have had this box of hair color for several weeks and was going to touch up my roots that are turning very dark (and grey..eeek!). Usually, I have Todd assist with this, but today, I thought that I could easily do this by myself, which I learned that I could IF I put the correct solution in the correct bottle. Instead of adding the color to the bottle, I just felt free and added the post color conditioner in...then when I washed it all out, I started to put the color on as conditioner...until I smelled the bleachy smell and realized that I was moving too quickly and didn't even look at the tubes. Oh MY...I added a little of the color to my hair that was drenched and washed it out. I think maybe it lightened it all a little but I definitely made my own creative combo. I will be needing to do this process again fairly soon and , I'm thinkin', just to prove to myself I CAN follow directions, I will mix up the solution again and do it the right way. Now, I'm just hoping that my hair doesn't start falling out or something crazy. This is true proof why I do not enjoy baking and probably shouldn't spend too much time coloring my own hair...because you have to follow the directions step by step...LESSON LEARNED!

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 1/1/11

Okay...it's day 1 (actually January 2, but just catching up) and I am posting my first photo for "Project 365". Todd and I were "posing" in the mirror for a few shots and I really liked this one. Great way to start the year.

In regards for the "word" project chosen by each of the 5 of us, here is the official list:
Tracy: EXPLORE
Todd: BETTER (as in doing everything a little better and being thoughtful of that)
Nick: STRIVE (to be the best or do his best)
Chris: TRAVEL (which will be happening this next summer, but also throughout the year, I'm sure...both literally and figuratively)
Zach: WIN (play to win and work to win...and as Grandad Dell would say, "it's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game" and I think that when you do your best you automatically win and I think Zach will do great)

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.

AWESOME DADS!

Happy Father's Day to my dad. He truly has always put his family first and this continues with his grandchildren also. The boys absolutely love being with him and my mom. Whether it is playing darts or ping pong or a game of "Horse" or "Pig" , he enjoys every moment with the boys. I especially enjoy meeting him for coffee or going on a hike. Special times that I never want to take for granted.

This picture shows what a fun, great dad Todd is. He likes nothing better than running over to the pool for a "quick dip" that usually turns in to more than just a short outing. Sharks and minnows and "Hot Monkey" are favorite games to play, especially first thing on a weekend morning before anyone else is at the pool.