PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/20/11

Shari and I were at Hallmark on Friday and were looking at the Christmas ornaments. We found this "blast from the past" Fisher Price house that is exactly the same as the ones we had in childhood...down to the wooden people and little doorbell. I can remember spending many hours pretending and playing and I loved how the garage would open and the doorbell would ring. The Fisher Price toys of today are not classics like this. Even as we got older, I remember opening the shower curtain that covered the shelves in our basement bathroom and seeing it sitting there. Just writing about this takes me back to 27th Place and happy childhood memories. I can even smell the musty smell of the basement and feel the carpet under my feet.What I wouldn't give to have just a few hours to be able to go back in time and enjoy the childhood and innocence of playing with my Fisher Price house...most likely, with Tami by my side and Todd coming down to see what we were up to with his blankey and stuffed animal.

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 8/18/11

A very fun day with my favorite photo taking friend. We went to Einsteins and sat there for a while and then had more adventures as we traveled back in time to Snoopy and the Fisher Price house made as a Christmas ornament at Hallmark. It was not complete without watching the You Tube video of Anderson Cooper giggling and the side of the ARC truck (enough said)...such a great way to start the weekend.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/17/11

Cocoa and Liza at bedtime. Almost every night, Cocoa comes up with us to sit on our bed and crash out until Todd has to take her back down (which is very reluctant about doing). This is Liza's "room" so they often times join eachother on the bed. Usually, Cocoa is chilled out and Liza comes up and starts bugging her. Todd captured this photo last night as they were just hanging out enjoying KDVR News at 9.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/16/11

I was at Tattered Cover yesterday when I noticed this issue of Scrapbooks Etc... was in. I was pretty sure this layout was in the October issue, but wasn't sure until I turned to PAGE 14 and saw it for myself. This was one of my favorite layouts I ever did when I submitted it and was so glad when it was picked up. It is one I will treasure forever and love that I got paid for something I love so much.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/15/11

One of my most favorite things in the world is meeting my dad (and mom) for coffee and a chat. Today, we met at Starbucks on Santa Fe so I could borrow his copy of Huckleberry Finn for Chris to read for his English class. We sat in the leather chairs and spent some time talking about the rewrites on his book, publicity options and family analysis...all good discussions and more than anything, just fun and easy. Very very blessed to have both of my parents as my best friends. What makes me smile is that I pulled out my camera for this photo and he knew exactly how to "pose" for the perfect photo op :)

PROJECT 365 PICTURE A DAY 8/14/11

Headed out on a hike to the Backcountry/Daniels Park area. Nick stayed home and had homework, so the remaining 4 took off along the same path we had gone several times on with Mocha many years ago. Chris has a good eye because he found this horney toad near the side of the path. It was just a baby that could've been easily stepped on so it's good to have him with us. Both he and Zach held it and then placed him back off the path. Loved spending the late morning doing this.