Busy, Busy, Busy

Here's a look at what we have been doing the past few weeks and keeping me away from my blogging :( Just kidding I love spending time with my family. We were lucky that Jeff and Kris were able to come over for Memorial Day weekend and that we were able to spend time with them, it was a blast.

Collin and Chantelle

Joseph helping Chantelle blow out her birthday candles.

Joseph enjoying watching the lightning and hail.

The river in Estes Park

Papa, Joseph and Grandma

Aunt Kris by the lake.

A herd of Elk just as we entered Rocky Mtn. National Park

Overlooking the valley from the summit in Rocky Mtn. National Park

Jeff and Kris enjoying the view and the Elk!

Our view coming down the other side of Rocky Mtn. National Park.The fog was so thick in places you couldn't see ANYTHING! I was glad when we were off the mountain.

The dinosaur Joseph built. He runs around the house all day yelling ROOOOAARRR!

Ben showing off his mad wood working skillz, built this boat for Joseph to play with in the tub.

Ben finished remodeling the shower in our other bathroom. HOORAY! HOORAY!

WE ARE ......

COLUMBINE!!!!

As the sun dawns this new day it is strangely like the one so long ago on that tragic day. On this day 10 years ago myself along with thousands of others witnessed the worst possible thing any one could imagined, the dark side of people.

I have done my fair share of grieving for those whose lives were taken that day and have moved forward with my life while still holding the memories of that day in a special place in my heart. But I find this year as the anniversary approached and even today my emotions are running on high and I am feeling vulnerable and raw.

I knew this year there would be lots of attention drawn to it and I told myself I could handle it and just move through my day like any other but I find myself sitting here reminiscing and grieving as if it were happening all over again.

Last night I went to the Columbine memorial and as soon as I stepped out of the car the first thing I saw was news vans and camera crews and with that image came a rush of memories . I know that this experience has taught me so much and will always be a part of me but I am reminded of the scripture in 1 Nephi 13:37

" And Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.

Here are some pics of the memorial.

The memorial from the top of Rebel Hill.
The ribbon on the ground. It says Never Forgotten

A saying on the wall that I really really like and is so very true.

Family Pictures Contest

My sister in law sent me this link this afternoon for a photographer in Denver who is giving away a free family photo session to anyone who lives in the denver area or is willing to travel. If you are interested just click on the link below. Check this out the pictures on her website are AMAZING!!!

http://thirtyhandmadedays.blogspot.com/ or you can also go to her website at

http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/

Once Upon A Time....

In the land of Denver we ACTUALLY got more then two inches of snow and had a real mini blizzard. On Thursday we spent the day inside the house watching it just pile up outside our door and on Friday we got to enjoy it. Ben and Joseph built Joseph's first snowmen. I think Joseph had more fun throwing snow at daddy but the snowmen did get done and it turned out great.

Joseph and Daddy rolling the middle.

The finished snowmen

Frosty

Joseph marching after daddy.

Wishing you a....

Happy St. Patrick's Day !!!

A Little Bit of Culture

Last night Ben and I had the opportunity to spend the evening with good friends, food and entertainment. We started the evening with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (Yum) and then we headed over to the Buell Theater for Phantom of the Opera. I love this play and for a long time it was my favorite until I saw Wicked (Thanks Dixie). I have to say that Ben and I were both a little disappointed with the performance. It just wasn't as good as others we have seen. Christine had a nice voice but she lacked the power behind it and when they had multiple people singing you couldn't hear them that well, maybe they were having technical dificulties.

I do have to say however that the man who played the phantom was AMAZING! He has quite a talent, he is the only man to play the leading role in Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables on Broadway. Overall though I must say that we did enjoy ourselves and are looking forward to the next time we get a chance to go back to the theater.

Can't Make Me Smile