tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060022123766734812024-03-19T05:18:29.254-07:00Alfano ArchivesKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-54029121150201352272009-11-30T10:58:00.001-08:002009-11-30T12:02:06.644-08:00Things to shareI can't believe it took me another month before I updated the blog. Life has been eventful. Here are just a few things I want to share to give you an idea of what our life is like.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Nick had a Veterans day parade at school. They have one every year and since Nick is in 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade this will be his last year in elementary school and to do the parade. *sigh* Where does time go. It seems like yesterday that he went to kindergarten. Here is a picture of that.</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409974200726288722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsQzqlxc5omJe2sM4MAXipJpNcA3CUXB4v61LJqngW3i9qlMiJ_adrU1rt-j2UAfoWKvhRlGgT1UmGTiQtc-tRHA5CzySF8OnEH0gzMbBHKNDEjxW6XQNzzuJJsifkflsRtXDfFTOJRi3/s320/003.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Then of course there is Thanksgiving. We celebrated with Scott, Joanna, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Laila</span>, and Dennis at their home. Scott made the turkey and other necessities and I brought a few things. The turkey was delicious and it was fun celebrating <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Laila's</span> first Thanksgiving with her. Here's the spread! My mouth is watering all over again.</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409974205324394610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqik0oP2NBKPpp7O-j_PezxmENaL6QyniAyOacT1fsVcBARRVjRsnh2IVtLGokeRy6vl5KlK9Mq3gykvVoscoQdo2F4IiG06dIkG769G9PczRTeh5_isuARFbOIcYzYqL96zfx7UGDL1YU/s320/004.JPG" /><br />Before dinner, Joanna took our picture. I figured we should do it before we plowed our way through the food. I have to say, we clean up pretty well. Guy has been growing a beard just to see what it's like. He even named it, I think it's Frank. I could live with or without it, but I think it's going away soon cause Guy says it's starting to itch.</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409974211001515986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaVhaPbjfScQS4U8eVrA7pSSQId4VhnEKyGbk6bXzz7dS9RFTzUqrGBFo2pakHy14FLwxOue_giFcG4EVpYNAvJaZ7kgfynHho-14ucplBkBc6HJoLRXZ9o4253Xog0-B3M9ZMM5KgaJN/s320/Thanksgiving+2009+008+-+Copy.jpg" /><br /><div> </div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gab's</span> loves to do crafts but mommy doesn't always have the patience for the mess. But every now and then we break out the stuff and make something. So this last month she painted some egg carton <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">thingys</span> and made a lady bug and bird. I tried to restrain myself from helping so that these could truly be her creations. Why is it so hard not to take over when they miss a spot painting, glue an eye on funny or put all the spots on one side? Anybody else have this problem? I sat on my hands and bit my tongue and these are truly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gab's</span>. Be nice. Don't make fun.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409974224528180306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2nut5nCrv5orXtL0emO_eeU4Gv9_FQFn_FlVwDQg1VwEDqxaMSh2MsbuqOi5Z83FiqJNj0zhO_b2kD0fm4WJKwl1h6pahe3yekRrswVsD15Wx0AyHaZN2dcpSzxQe9ypTC6M8ef5cRFv/s320/079.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409974218178632514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7omb2iMpk9fCbCYJQNAgeoEGepNsOMcXqDjzjgATzKvs2Wmrr1DpmQwjZ3AZXdd1itpitOqVHCiJEHLPWEzLLeV32QZ0xKelF1gKf09qp6v_rRtgMjZNqqzu04QGXwuhGibReRSN6ALd6/s320/080.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Next I think I'll share a story that doesn't need a picture. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gab's</span> likes to make up stories. She's creative just like her big brother. In fact Guy and I were sitting on the couch when Guy started marveling at her creativity. So that night as I was putting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gab's</span> to bed she began telling me a story. She told me about her friend who is a bug named <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seelee</span>. Lately she has named everything <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seelee</span>. We now have a fire bellied toad named <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seelee</span>. But I digress. From here I will quote <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gab's</span> as best as I remember. "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seelee</span> has big purple wings and can fly high. She's very beautiful and nice and loves everybody." Then <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gab's</span> looks at me (she's sitting in my lap) smiles and says,"and she has poop in her butt." *sigh* That is definitely my child. I tried hard not to laugh but gave her a disapproving look, (she knew why) but inside I was laughing very hard and trying to remember to share her "creativity" with her father after I put her to bed.<br /><br /></p><p>Last thing I can think of is our new additions to the house. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">afore</span> mentioned fire bellied toads. Guy was laying on the bed asking me if his friend could let these frogs loose in a near by creek. I knew most likely that any aquarium pet would not last long in the wild. So I said no and asked him why. Guy proceeds to tell me that his friend inherited these frogs when his girlfriend moved out and doesn't know what to do with them. I used to have little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">african</span> dwarf frogs and knew that they were easy to care for and kind of cool. Thinking this I suggest we take them cause I think the kids will get a kick out of them. Guy calls his friend and sets it up. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>So the next day while I'm at the library his friend drops them off. Turns out they were not frogs but toads, there are 3 of them and they only eat live crickets. *sigh* We look up online how to care for them and learn that they can live 15 years. *sigh* Also they are mildly posionous. We should be fine as long as we don't eat one or lick them excessively. Well we set up their tank and $45 dollars later they seem just as happy as they were before. We have fed them and we all get some kind of sick kick out of watching them hop on the crickets and eat them in one bite. So I guess it worked out. Now here is our household tally:</p><br /><br /><p>1 tabby male cat -Zen</p><p>1fawn male pug-Gus</p><p>1 black male pug-Jack </p><p>1 black female pug-Cassie</p><p>3 fire bellied toads (sex unknown)-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seelee</span> (named by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gab's</span>), Blaze (named by Nick), and Mr <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Croakers</span> (named by me, quit laughing, I think the name is cute)</p><p align="center">Here is the original tank with the toads.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409986918202231634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinKQkuRaAh6pv7lYofbFyE9jouNcKlWBeo6mRE-7OOwzumrzcFdFZdI0c7bKhhaZmpcFTuct00O_4CL0GOwINXq7L-WKIxZadvKPRensHndgimb0kxugnWSCYOW0iABJ5EKxdRdBwxjtg/s320/132.JPG" /></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">Here it is $45 dollars later. Better?</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409986936366196770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MsSBoR0d7ck9jqyjTJRT0nBd54NyYBMNNYMknEBN0B4er-HoklppUMgZNPo1SgmN6A0mlHnKqOmWBJuYCUQ_pHD9aXgqfFB5vXwABuhlOFgv34dpJ8lB57zk95J1xzJ0cQ0qWYiXkZvV/s320/157.JPG" /></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">Do they look happier? (just say yes, that's all I want to hear)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409986928157163874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVWDkENHjLcfNn0HqkCPD3H6NXsOPzwVs1LZW-99J6ln3zOWsUKVIqpOE0V_v8S16C_ZXMPWF6I_z6TC893M0zAyxsx4ZNNYfsKkKX5wyr_THnfhuPB0X-gDKHP9IYTcCDV3eZHUvPYEE/s320/155.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /></p><p>We will not be getting any more pets....I hope...</p><p></p><p>Oops almost forgot. I've gotten a part time job at Home Depot as a cashier and have been working for a couple of weeks now. We can certainly use the extra money and I enjoy getting out of the house and talking to adults. Guy has been helping out at home a little. He says he's easing in to it. :) But he really is helping. Plus the kids are enjoying the time they get with their dad. Guy likes his time with them too.</p><br /><p></p><p>And there you have it in a nut shell. The last month.</p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-8040448143166040132009-11-30T08:35:00.000-08:002009-11-30T10:06:38.310-08:00The North Pole<div align="left">I don't know if you have ever heard of it but there is an amusement park at the base of Pikes Peak called The North Pole. They have Santa (a really good one), rides, shows, deer, and more. Guy suggested that we should take the kids there this year. (I know, I was shocked as well since he hates crowds. Shows you how much he loves his kids.) We got up early Saturday morning and headed out to be there when they opened. I had looked it up on line and they said to go see Santa first, order our pictures and then enjoy the rest of the park. Excellent advice! We were the 3rd people to see Santa and then ordered our pictures (without a line). Later when we left and picked up our pictures there was a huge line.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409938680806056194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ_sddMYZMtei6qmHQ8Jr-5DJjkCpk3lVMGrK1j9nhyPxXB-fGJ-BuysSp5fkQeGLavC2dOUFFUYR6w-AwuJyQNNe-SKwp9iANtzSQlNzpm2H7vezd0q-XF-fyBvCI7GDlUkOm1d2sAv4/s320/009.JPG" /></div><div align="center">This was Santa's house. I don't have picture with my camera of Santa because they keep the house dimly lit and you aren't allowed to use a flash in there. But for a price you can purchase the pictures they take for you! They thought that one out well. Gab's was brave and told Santa that she wanted a toy dinosaur for Christmas. She had her picture taken with Santa and then we had a picture taken of the whole family with Santa. Of course we bought sets of both and purchased a ceramic ornament with each of the pictures on them. I do wish I'd gotten a picture of Nick and Gab's on Santa's lap. Oh well. Maybe next year.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409942333197046338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-85biRR_6VlIlulR1n4XhTEZFitfjbYJBdjW04j1_kTcGdmroY3pj48NstL4WOJ86EGWexvjaohC6Y_gITOkDzWYN962EoMCbTVNrCuIH0J84exP-Donn2vI3KeTPmQO2hB6Gg_5XgBer/s320/028.JPG" /></div><div align="center">This was a little area with a bunch of blow up stuff. We like Pooh of course.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409938688967460290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5IjEOKi-N6D1x0RgVbdSgFVGgv-NUBoYAPy3hcvPHaYRU7_71kRjQC5VG6KHFSzouvcVN8R8TxS60F9j91NpcW7PFLH33BkuVGt1lx1Lz6we3M_GNZxaVVZ3HlQpBVPLilNrWLJD8YRf/s320/013.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Gabrielle liked the motorcycles. My little Harley girl.</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409938695645495602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFlqM2W9M8O6nXCTDp7TyleAdkjzwV3KuMeCer8pljc0y6CxeZAtSNaJX6kl63fuQfEdFjjzvq4D6gphIfp9BjI6jgst6Lk1gTtA4rvGDirg4R0LmW0BZ2l90VUM5bg83VQOujCJm7oXb/s320/015.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Meanwhile, Guy and Nick waited in line at a ride. They really didn't have to wait long. They were only about third in line.</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409938701141425714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09D_-ajRQHbr_NExCRePjrXX3jL5_uiPjwlfRVGN_4K732I5cXJViL0s5YgFgeAcdhDSZhZux7tfiBcAk6OGmo0CyiseVld3XydlEl-iKt1iMe6be8Rinwe38WkcyYRaCXptobTUelg6g/s320/018.JPG" /></div><div align="center">This is them on the ride waiting for it to start. Such handsome boys.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409938706699679746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4BMZze9T9PKN3BZS7C_siB4IqQsGSHwi7OSVSp-1xc_1XQRympXhQDdcSQsjSyzzZn2j7GNXPhr_hPyyGSwHDNp7Af6-yJtrKuNaeWWzSNSvbs5UDNyLPnex74PA-BAtEQML4ACpezn6/s320/022.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Gabrielle and I went on the ride at the same time Guy and Nick did. But when it was over Gab's wanted to go again so I GLADLY let Guy take her. I do not like spinning in circle's. I'm very happy I didn't get sick the only time I rode it. I can't believe how fearless Gab's can be. She loved the ride. And it went fast!</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409942324402220306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvCcn63Lbi11OoB-5ILsm_8MiOrS63qOEXwQ8p5rjWOdmMRtsEeQAX2stZBImDpBai8bYXUTQ6kWhrHIMmichXH0Y2YbPu98TgZcsXknMV6kej-li8tmLY09pfkyoKyV_xDs4gj-fIOna/s320/025.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Guy and Gab's are the second set of people in this picture. They went high and fast! </div><div align="center"></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409942314595091810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCgTLroKk_mja0FYV5KJCQ8QHe1vnm6knwjw_WvEmu6WSvi0xDJTma6CRS2Etftv-Q1CQ31nem_UL2GVJJJuPzHYel05pKads3uONo3MfUPu3xCCVjz74iKVXPpJjqdPuIit2qT-E504C/s320/023.JPG" /></div><div align="center">While Guy and Gab's went the on the whirly thingy (not the actual name), Nick did the Tilt-A-Whirl (actual name). He loved it. He'd sit back with his hands clasped behind his head to show off how easy it was. Boys!</div><div></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409942336961740834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAwh3vaAUJq8DgQsZa1XghJZTaLbAliUPK4amHfr6A520YTICn0i7ytCzHXq451no8qKevUzC1XvbYeQjhW3CjTldxO9hgx4_eIMIzm4sjzQhzkE4Sa-Fb83p-O1VTgIdXOM3CouRyJU2/s320/033.JPG" /></div><div align="center">This was an ornament attached to a huge white Christmas tree. Adults have to ride with the kids but they didn't make the ride "Adult Friendly". Guy barely fit in and it wasn't too comfortable when he did. What a trooper.</div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409942341743474818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqtS_6Tk3zGIOi95d59EzKB7p0uWZQLCNSuO3Isd-gcNMvaLeUUb09wEmXOQUpxoMORHP8nBxEAvEcv5eorAKvh3pRRum1QGoMAUMGPOKjVM9pXCoLp6x2A4zFJ6VWp-Pn3eueXuJ_X8N/s320/035.JPG" /></div><div></div><div align="center">Nick rode the ornament ride too. He was going to ride with Gab's but they insisted it be an adult with her. Nick rode anyway. Hey it is a ride after all.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409944473721587922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6jRd1PS0YO8WEmiGqBll5apSVHEDmiy1hbLXK8sbEAg7PqFA5FjLPWpWSCkOTYWuLcatrvsdwtORmRc_ShIUSXJraf68xngPntjubHsYF_7FbSheI1c64kqfzCh29HUnIMk7pgiLzu4R/s320/041.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Nick rode this lady bug ride with Gab's. Always the good big brother. Gab's told Guy that evening that this was her favorite ride. Love this picture. The moment of Gab's picking her nose on this ride will now live forever. joy.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409947586381472786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhGuPOH5cjmfJmbiwacLNRR5o2t9EcL2cbMLKc-_5QadXVIvnPo9oUHBOMrWmNHlXcyFF2apGWRXCZxQrGp_ac9eOdjlXxX93ezVseAUINJYJgBiaRc5HVLE16JgKzvZeO_jzHexDaUn8/s320/047.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Guy, Gab', and Nick rode the carasol together. It had anorexic looking reindeer on it, but they chose to ride the horses. The reindeer need to unionize to get more feed.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409947576424324226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTlH8D7m6RErKcoBM7mNyrknkH5_0LSFUS20o9xZtHnzo1DFlIFShw_vuLejLQ-BloaWO0K77YyxFldfutxef65e8XaRamgTpsI6w3NgeaSA88mtwPBTz44meryby3Gcc661WiXAz0VGB/s320/048.JPG" /></div><div align="center">This was just a little rocket ride. How come everything seems to go in circle's??? Not a good thing for a equilibrium challenged person, ie. me.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409947573867869570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPOiBIcRxujZRbnla7qYTx4ITXOAHKSQG0hAiscZWJFjWUlR-5BUTyUJH2WGV2Cfn84Ln7KfhzUoPWf3MIbe_Fhr40c_gOYTucOx0McLGN4wxyRo1IRLJX2vBiCTANJ3dm076BpvZpKzt/s320/049.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Nick of course rode too. This ride went a lot faster than you'd think. Some little kid who rode it with his dad got off of it before Nick and Gab's rode it and he was crying. He wasn't trusting daddy's opinion of 'fun' rides anymore.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409947564403346386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5jcNEABSM5KmGwlBV8yQ3G992B1mTMubU7ZrzG6L7641Nccs1WfK3TyCvvAYGpAu0oYG_56FZTl-KobaZ0zZYmQKMyNPAFkgHo4_BayGTTMiep_gTHQn6qckB4A_b2y7_LZoVzSLhZv7/s320/051.JPG" /></div><div align="center">They both had fun.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409947560165187266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeXbhFaQU9t3949OeG1v2bDYf0Jiqs5P1BeQNkA27k8DPY9ayOmQlGVL9xRqlbNZ58iMRdBPwBcKtn6hswPyF3yRlPyow-2v8CsMieBdgrEavx5SJQ2qI8Z_9PaRaYexlrO7_YVaLizPb/s320/054.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Next was a Shuttle ride that swung back and forth high. Once again, not a mommy ride. I wanted to keep my breakfast where it was. The kids were all for it though.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409944500718077650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkwDy1RjkTpEUHTtoTUV0vhgvB_lZuFwjPGGjWAq9rReabyInJ8QbbDON0Mrj7ht0hflj0DOkhMoqZWJVtjRQlURaVJmUksSc2mGZxm_ssfqMVxrmL_NBqQafy3TRC7uHr9rB0SanrwQn/s320/058.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Wow! It went high. Gab's did get a little scared but when it was over she wanted to go again. Nick loved it and of course this was right up Guys alley. I was happy taking pictures.</div><div align="center"> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409944493713856018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p5-RMJ-2zx-JquSgZ-1FKWHX0EU6qW4iQquO7wzkehf5luQgfzGiuUe9YRzHGLFSqozwZXr7kSyqmPMXMnMKhz3YizxNNU5Zyox0gg6YgG6-xyuoR1kFVJB5Xj836kbagfrB-WIxO8FF/s320/059.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Nick rode on the Scrambler. He seemed to love the twisty turny rides that throw you all over.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409944487271762914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3b7o8WwFoD5B6uJHE8ji3SnDgGozox52UT5lNc9TsGowQWM4icy3PBVzQ7ZfIAcUA7HHvwIpwjjNZ2jujLw6uRnJmajB-wyFufD_kTb0We0GgK7G3GN-QgBGNTa0riKiSzbd6okOo7QW/s320/063.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Guy rode with Gab's again. And once again, she loved it and had a great time. Did I mention that she's only 3??? She has spirit.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409944478747572098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Mg5hcGw0j4wCd4aRACyYYsifIDE7GDjQs45JaJeODgXTzbzmyiylkR0iuh-Nos2MqfOnCjNlZ4SAYVXT3DMQCdNmm7ytOPXK_H8EFTvURR_eP6_3frdB_7wX5UKkJ8dp-DoOUgQTSF2/s320/067.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><p align="center">We did find Gab's weakness though. The Ferris Wheel. She wanted no part of it. So Guy and Nick did that while I took Gab's to the deer. She loved them. I thought they were cute but immediately sanitized her hands when we were done. After that Gab's and I went and got hot coco and funnel cake to eat while we waited for Guy and Nick to get off the Ferris Wheel. They waited in line a long time. After that we left. It was so much fun. We have the pictures with Santa and the ornaments with those pictures on them hanging on our tree. A great memory that we will always have.</p><p> </p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-66496780744791751982009-09-30T08:19:00.000-07:002009-09-30T08:32:32.794-07:00Catching upOkay, too long since I've posted. So much has happened. Joanna had surgery, Guy had a heart attack. Crazy! Guy was playing hockey and then had all the classic symptoms. Tightness in his chest, couldn't breath, etc... Anyway we took him to the hospital and he spent 5 days in the hospital. Stayed home a week and then went back to work. We are all now on a low sodium diet, Guy has a ton of meds, but all is well. His is doing very good. Of course he has stopped smoking. All in all we are recovering.<br /><br /><div><div>Today is Nick's birthday. Can't believe he is 11!!!! We are having chimichangas for dinner tonight at his request, and his birthday party will be at Dave and Busters. Lots of fun!! Here are some pics.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387282244604636498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rkYpgdeScy9dF5B128IVnt9_zFf5HSxwRWUCmd52d4Ga32gNF9wouB5pUJYS05g5Vz5Nf9VKub5fJgF2wHKTT59LYhXupw7P5PhWPVvk09qv_xxcTGTqA8UAWkaTnRtFh9XlhpuiwhEU/s320/nicks+game.bmp" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Nick got a Nintendo DSI for his birthday from Guy and I and Nancy and Ken.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387282264791743762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsetQfewcHlYZzeUrj1_uh6Tw6Hermv6s2cUYz2tZSXbeYOCi0PJymj_1EKWCqyG_TTmGdl42KgTv5PNrtMime3fhbOikz3y2wITijr1iGFsvWBhB2zMuVx4bM8V5vgW-dfdSNaNuWF2t/s320/pricess+tea+party+2.bmp" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Nancy, Gabrielle and I had a princess tea party with pink frosted cookies and oj in my fancy teacups. Of course tiaras were required.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387282253179505906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSeQ2xKTSAHPapSJP7gWQcItECE2ry5hgUunM2eWYP8dgLLr8yMwBYCiAiNF0kJBqHhuEOTWPHZFdqchCuPCo2NGNA5We_M2kgrTeIRWfCPGtSrEiJUd1NFaLWsU-21ttxm1uvwwpE9qq/s320/Leisha+and+Kate.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p align="center">Leisha stopped in Denver for a layover and we had 1 1/2 hrs together. I didn't realize how much I missed her. It's nice to have friends that care about you so much.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387282258081647250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq-TrmcSTXAaUN1t1eGC_3yF9uzks_qicd8Hrfq0XrxxCYlfz2T_MV2USW1qRu_QA72EgXZfccc5z7s6DVlHnEATTt6xgBfT4ZZm_IJ4WDVHN-98uWlBsy6ZsLpUg3jvzVzfPhrUAvSfD/s320/Leisha+and+Kate2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">We always have to have a crazy picture together.</p><p> </p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-90581614500099299752009-08-04T08:03:00.001-07:002009-08-05T06:29:47.982-07:00Gabrielle Turns Three!So for Gabrielle's 3rd birthday we had an extravaganza! It started by going to the Denver Zoo at 9:00 am. In attendance was my mom and dad, Guy, me of course, Nick, Nick's friend Angel (whom Gabrielle loves!), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Laila</span>, and Gabs. Aunt Joanna couldn't go because of her recent surgery and we missed her. Here is Gabrielle on her dad's shoulders looking at the giraffes.<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavBTT2mlL6fAh2fDbC2Nd1nWlhO_mR1JJUDeS49pZp_jA9XRir5pEHKzfa6VFOpHeoMaVx76VJduHXDgoi0d0LanHyYQej4ZicrsASZSz2oRUiiM1_nKNTfDPMiiLD5hFgY6Mz8y2A62K/s1600-h/HPIM1676.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366125385238094594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavBTT2mlL6fAh2fDbC2Nd1nWlhO_mR1JJUDeS49pZp_jA9XRir5pEHKzfa6VFOpHeoMaVx76VJduHXDgoi0d0LanHyYQej4ZicrsASZSz2oRUiiM1_nKNTfDPMiiLD5hFgY6Mz8y2A62K/s320/HPIM1676.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Nick and Angel.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366128089592444370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7l2V44cBodrjAYM-GWAM-5clTihn10BTIvyJZfyBuOLSE9lJENGXPf_DkyFgZfl0OjT9Y1jFyTXK-yJR9jDJIEj7hPFDZFnvl-eRu_WBZ3aD7Us0-43YOTC0KPOHln49AKTQ7KOWpuF6/s320/HPIM1679.JPG" border="0" /><br />My mom, dad, and Gabrielle looking at an exhibit.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj786QxM3tyU5NTtabj1FyX31PgDGiESKUPGEqrYC-lPTIu6u61xKbQ-1tqYBAZ78dfJNcfC9VYlmIqch2CQ9MA0TbB7nwB3Iaya0eyzyEK-mq1imu88aj1XG6xK3FmR9dwOhOpzt47thau/s1600-h/HPIM1674.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366125382688435650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj786QxM3tyU5NTtabj1FyX31PgDGiESKUPGEqrYC-lPTIu6u61xKbQ-1tqYBAZ78dfJNcfC9VYlmIqch2CQ9MA0TbB7nwB3Iaya0eyzyEK-mq1imu88aj1XG6xK3FmR9dwOhOpzt47thau/s320/HPIM1674.JPG" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Laila</span> peeking at her driver (me). But don't let this picture fool you, she barely rode in the stroller and much preferred to be carried. She was fascinated by the animals and wanted to pet them.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126051586507202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5-XWNDNB6wSSNL__2HITlyg2IBuqmwHq3s3_YV9_W3xjjTwoT2WCPu_vPBHi1yxeEgqoEOCkWVf1BlthvwTAOSsRVGnTiMPdGqXdb-N8NWULzpDbLxOkP2prGhLeh5-jy6D_uVjjyo6n/s320/HPIM1678.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br />Gabrielle got in free and had a coupon to ride the carousel. That's her grandmother beside her.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366125359049352002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LrYfKjkVmZbcuPFxPlOgJSDSDmmsdl7IgzCRRYJlzQkE80tD2fPJ6dOF7x1tcOFLm-En5wL7fnmRvBkCg-ndCW5hC5HwzbGqjPxvBI1BQYtLIlSFEJh8TeklbTsH8ekRjXFszhuWX8YR/s320/HPIM1669.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Gabs again and there is Angel. Angel had hurried on the carousel to get Gabrielle the leopard. She's very sweet to Gabs.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIh0twsfG5epmH6zP_rKq3qgGn1kHfLtlrGVsLcMecPTVNz_4l2wlxs1NRYZlmEKcJgzOh6oBfiaaetEd0DBLF2og_iGxfvBimZKGWFTp8oC8XXgaiB7inmwgk_uOupVS2yzz1V0QDaW3c/s1600-h/HPIM1671.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366125365593369378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIh0twsfG5epmH6zP_rKq3qgGn1kHfLtlrGVsLcMecPTVNz_4l2wlxs1NRYZlmEKcJgzOh6oBfiaaetEd0DBLF2og_iGxfvBimZKGWFTp8oC8XXgaiB7inmwgk_uOupVS2yzz1V0QDaW3c/s320/HPIM1671.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nick chose a dolphin to ride on.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366125370901842290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCZYTm5R-0ZVN_33s1go_3Zng6rcDsk5XUXWQgKFGW0GpCz5umZ8niHrnytxVuAagbLVwLA2Rt2k9Gwm646a7rbBLLX_ts85VPtnoz7-2w49HkkaGZxJPxtM8VAL50BcfG-RA7Yq5bM__/s320/HPIM1673.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>After the zoo we went <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">home</span> and Gabrielle and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Laila</span> took naps. I ran around trying to get ready for her party. She had a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">balloons,</span> one was a big lion head. She thought it was very cool. We had everyone over for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bbq</span>. So it was the same crew as the zoo with some additions. Uncle Scott and Aunt Joanna were there as well as Uncle Dennis. Angel's mom Leah. We ate hamburgers and hot dogs. My mom made homemade potato salad and dad had bought some fresh picked sweet corn in Kansas. It was yummy!</div><div></div><div>Present time! I was very impressed with Gabrielle. She thanked everyone for her presents and had so much fun opening them. She was even excited about the clothes. She seemed to appreciate everything and didn't get greedy.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126065985698290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwD1x66JVJi10HPG0aFcX_YVHIxiETfR-MExtTXwSycgYjtF_JTz_pKtlytiF-2mOF_UQqCln5cei3zUbzBLs2CRiglM6Z8wsSCY1RdEPC5cZ8f1icxRC9tN3tkR-UnYw0t6Wr7zH3nZe/s320/HPIM1682.JPG" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Laila</span> offering some assistance in opening the presents. I can't wait till her birthday!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126069309818162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6pOMiaMuhn-LHmXJxAecaKlcfY08jsQZVIXkCMoK9wfdpB6qwTd8wc0MAMQY96l59SObLqFWLy2i7gCAXlKCqpd-GTIceGMbRIPXwncUtSDluZePMbJp1nbIOVoVdUmzBJ6c-jGgC2Ea/s320/HPIM1683.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Gabrielle got a bike! She loved it. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126075244351378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uz0cCGWjW91Bz1FZXrkha8ztqYI468Pcwy77OKg7ZBppkNQOCtZ6F_tPnY2p5zNxfX5ExIIh96ATj8tiZT3VEvm1B4R-pF5r9HkT9qFtVctozgdG6tEJMSfxM5Wv3_NsrKJIJYpbBj65/s320/HPIM1684.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Had to get a butt shot of Guy. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hehehe</span></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126774307144434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_uyxvmBkRbxHng2QBGeUmooFlgu899PkZ4guZ3RzGyaji9qwc23TtYXYqBnsFfSmSpoASRaLzeeKjVlH3LlxUZuOhQk1kzo1ENeNF6KXERFvn3FZwLrH8ImbV1oePgePaOQFj1U3Ed5t/s320/HPIM1685.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>In case you are wondering. Guy is wearing a tie because Gabrielle wanted him to be a prince and thought that prince's should wear ties. Guy even let her pick out the tie. He was a good daddy helping her with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">pedaling</span> and steering up and down our block.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126791894533026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI7sYKTd70jhANGGyIeVpQWygfgGw17LIy9oRW7_rFhjZSMmUevN4zBRfNzAYDWrTnd6EPzFHFOnqFOtm-8mqwTfQgFfBCtZ-VyD3aOnZWz-tI5_ps2NQmfCvKJcrLa6ZXRA5uzcqDvco/s320/HPIM1691.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126779563405842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWlEiJ4M4LirzTb6lM52we-BiiQIpBN3373LheHS71OC50bI2Abd8YZol11vdLm9QIFEVdYGLi3JZ1hUdbUJz8A9VeALsvDp1TCIzK3IdQEWt7_V3YDRiGLuanoMo1E2rcIsvxaSjEByz/s320/HPIM1688.JPG" border="0" /><br />After bike riding it was on to cake and ice cream. Her cake was an elephant. That was what she had requested.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126795402940610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0a1m7Q6k6sojWn7SLtg3HfZd9Rqd_F_fUm_YuRiW2YdpdxIiLKLcSaoxVU81H6K5fNKDpP9QmifTZsoHYTpA5c3BzM0chT6EohvXtJkA1LjYPMWUjMkZrfIRMPH6xQ7MShXoKP-hrts5/s320/HPIM1692.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>She blew out her candles (with a little subtle help from daddy).</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366126803523586738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH6AuSAXgTr_wkSt9G8xAJ7xoR-KIV2kpLMikZiyaA_aEHGeXd8-Bjfarh7wjOgTNpJd59vUHkSNMCfZ0WiMNeOypHFfbbaF3vBqa8Wy5CyzQvSkbKmx2Qm-psVaMTMQdfby-4GbAPq2D/s320/HPIM1694.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mmmm</span> good. She shoveled it down.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366127433547051474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8djObm_b29shCwdHXOPgh89DXxnNd0O3ExLZFhC-lQCS4rAysZ0ZqhYyLPpZV8DbAZx95JNdOeLLkjq2oKhlhkj4PdcfuPAdRgS9q41TsFhiOFCCtdSzUFaXKhxGTeo0KmF_DZNbPq9Mr/s320/HPIM1695.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Laila</span> managed to force some down as well. Gabrielle had picked out cookies and cream ice cream.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366127448467149234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_IkPzVmsgsh99AL0POi2mqFoiKTDtU0V5l2O5GOqYSMCTkuHSHzkq68LqbSjARWkkeW7CWiwJm4KE8xxIKWamXN65iz6gINtAzzBB-jxofkyri8mCRPeNXMWGW8yNDz6rz3_ELOz9PU-/s320/HPIM1698.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Nick, Angel and Angel's mom Leah.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366127437266458274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQxY8jCbEUdZ0nyBb4x37cVCcHyu1w4dTYZYL3xhJUSFA-FkfbjNblbQTWKlpqCgwyHy6W2IoqP10A157qeNq9aQLNJSp8ilC84hoS4dHd5VdFN4Rarq1WZfd2xtnFZ5gKXl34ohUsa6R/s320/HPIM1696.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Dad, Grandma, and Gabrielle.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366127456483533490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzQjXW30dTlZwutr_M1gESvZ3cDAyjzz8RBdbymcHelM95kIAxMAv4UeU_NwH44G46QJDMJlkhHbgCyTQZTQmeDSdSBBMW2aE4Y5JjoR_UAIYOWA5WaJnF-SnbFppAjLM8Gi0IBvA_sB6/s320/HPIM1701.JPG" border="0" />Gabrielle told grandma that this was the greatest birthday ever. Everyone left around 8pm. A long but happy birthday. It was a lot of work but so worth it. Now my little 2 year old is three and growing. I love her so much and am thankful for getting to help guide her through this life. I love both my children and enjoy raising them with the help of my husband. So here's to many more birthday's!!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-90052685782194089592009-08-04T07:42:00.000-07:002009-08-05T06:31:50.125-07:00Playtime!Before we got Laila I had posted that I couldn't wait for her and Gabrielle to play together in Gab's tent. I've got my wish. They run and jump in the tent and then I'm suppose to say, "Where is Gabrielle and Laila? I can't find them." (they have me so well trained). Then after I do this a while. Laila and Gabrielle pop out the door smiling and Gabs says, "Here we are!" It's great fun and they enjoy it<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366120676867625346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYJsmtK2Q7Y98fY-Rhu-UnjTuVi6dpNbOlCX1VUZmFta5URLVFVbWojdC1EmRY7ldALvLuj090I1UALK28bgVryKK-RizWHPq95JvNMDpYEOL3pnKmORGF0Qcw95paHmjRl4upTB9zmkX/s320/HPIM1652.JPG" border="0" /><br />Also they just hang out in there and play. Apparently Gabs had to take this call. Her fans are so demanding.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366120687966881570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WX2qGSuEuyCZXy_bsbFE_6u-4fgYiDJrDgoO9zc0qrt0J93wGg5BG9pN1KyQo1RoUImln4bTubRkZCmkra1VXoMSRum8OVFBlvXI0g7LZ5n1P3bYlU1IFy9K_uwFwaX3_KehCaG3NM3k/s320/HPIM1641.JPG" border="0" /><br />This is a tunnel that we've had for a while and I got out for the girls. It was a little dangerous when they tried to pass each other in it. It's not that big. But they liked it.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366120690457611218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBI9zTcPcDEhUmy_LMDCPDMchsebX4zd_no5uVDuzeTe5gvxR1E3YAyddZCMzSXJpTYjd7F8seE_5LdCYHac1G17z07UgyvSlcotDA5jFMw3YJt8Ddxx1jyM2JIcCS-2LVM-Vqz380n_B/s320/HPIM1653.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Then there is dress up time. Gabs loves to be either a princess or witch. She switches back and forth. I'm trying to encourage the princess over the witch. She enjoys being mean too much.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366120683428112114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7Cvmmk-oekgZ0pFbK47m-uFXb1iPjFHVa74zlCkCg0o03ZC1rZr36asJaMaoEYAW8t30WwB90_0Fn1UwtNLT7mYb-4yaiG4RPrAxRVY6BmvJcpoZTZTXTNn7VIvPeYXJL1HaqwlruZT3/s320/HPIM1640.JPG" border="0" /><br />Notice the wand in this picture. She likes to caste spells as either a princess or a witch. She yells out "SPELL!" really loud.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366120698744386914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAtm2sZv_2X6jF-hP1zRJluoUWSqLoZVQfMYkF8VK_SOCOGbYEFi2PbEnTt4BL8Jh1u08jxXkqVvk72V9KrroMTtr4iAOkOP3I91CVcVYIr3asYtOEFsV3n7iHXkJ2vmiV6P5-fd_5H6-/s320/HPIM1655.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>Here's poor Laila being tortured by Aunt Kate. She's so small the clothes just fell off of her so I used a clothes pin to hold them up. I was greatly amused and she tolerated me.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366121096522791410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1Y-7sGkMLxa9dRlzcgRYlp7SCaGXjjnWMp4_QQwCG2n9dINiAqDKSv8Kqd9QBX_rx3C7wyqk1STc-aIKzZ8qcv6FtvOrKRxTZRZxmwhYPyr5kZdnnebTFJ2NEWIGIRjBBBQslmsjPZT1/s320/HPIM1658.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>I love this picture. Laila looks like she's thinking, "What the heck Aunt Kate?!" Gabs is just loving it.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366121097993074002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrRBZR0ZzYmdoosgU3y6xL6374G9LZRiP0v48GhEQUytSHym5cxT1Jxxmrlv2f7WS9FUbPPQmYR6P6kKF5LDgUIcHKLsiZ3Gc_D_r8-tqiynd8wynEm0VF93EdVexlYNCg9e9uQJrziuw/s320/HPIM1660.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Even Nick got in on the fun! What a pretty princess. This should be worth something for blackmail in his teenage years. HEHEHE!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366121104287570962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzmr3Sh5Wry6ykjC1tPGnT12hbULMRFv_6tS0ptEgy_1v5eosFRslJqIianJ9MXL5RvCYobWhrneSQtZMLYpN3UA2ZTiL5P98hsmAS8ZTIl8Z62XnzyszOhkTw5vT_Vi-NZFwU3LQbYAo/s320/HPIM1663.JPG" border="0" /></p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-91444225225245973022009-08-04T07:20:00.000-07:002009-08-05T06:40:38.076-07:00Estes ParkWell I'm late posting this but we went to Estes Park for a Saturday to relax with our little family, Scott, Joanna and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Laila</span>. We had a really nice time. We took a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scenic</span> route and enjoyed the mountains. Gabrielle calls them "her mountains". After all, it is her world and we're just living in it. When we got to Estes we took the tram to the mountain top and fed the chipmunks and ground squirrels peanuts. For those of you who haven't been there, the chipmunks and ground squirrels will come up to you and take the peanuts right out of your hand. There are hundreds of them that just hang out there and get fed all day long. Nick of course loves it and is good at sitting still so they'll come up. Gabs was old enough to do it this year and did a really good job with some coaching. She was so excited that they came to her. Before we even got there she decided that one of them was her pet and it was named Chippy. And every single one we saw was that one named Chippy. Like I said, her world. We did some shopping in Estes because they have the best candy store there that makes fresh pecan turtles and fudge! Gabs loved the fudge and Nick got a huge sucker. I hammered the turtles. They never had a chance. Then we ate lunch at a local place. We were very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disappointed</span> in it and will try something else next time we visit. But all in all a nice relaxing trip. I love living so close to the mountains!<br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366116715055066610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnoQIaqzy1DFnhFcf8-eT9S1TyHOY3xAlvMGMR2hmqzjfirVQpvD6Q-RjVwShEh67uCeZeoWb8JrlvGCtnYQKack9feHgLbZnk8fviJCyeGU5d8UQGQVw2iRLxJRROjCKUMUhvCjsBEQV/s320/HPIM1624.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Gabrielle and Guy on the tram</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366116723361049442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnTUyxCSWjEqr4QFm62K0cs2aPF2a3Am36QN3ASkvj1gqs5ZE_PVee3Ck_FZjV4J0sMvOfQGTmgTwuhnA1CzZ9I4ilZjJtYfxKkzuwltHNno4MqCpmL3zCSzCU88jkM0Lv4IbEfesY7LE/s320/HPIM1627.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Guy, Gabrielle, and Nick in the tram</p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366116936654083970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZC6OcB82zPnMmS9_vG0aL7DCCO0WZy01vDpqcLCrbvRgkjEiHO64c2vjl3e26TOEXOc2_YbPAmj99jUZ8Oz8I1lSr-7LObG6Mkjh8v1qfkM23x1klkg3R5BS4JVQ60RLjOgZaB_Hebt2/s320/HPIM1625.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Joanna, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Laila</span>, and Scott</p><p align="center"></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366116730309586114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJMEjVhGIvojhaz3d0ibiGsMaxxByEZfd_cC4hmgS3h2s-bXlA5kxrWj7EI9c-pwYO9ahIHodefzeF9PyvmKxmft_9OEYSesuUWKcdWwBJul_PBILDPCOvZfQ8Ka8G3vyvyd14hPIwuKU/s320/HPIM1628.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Gabrielle</p><p align="center"></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366116744293946930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUFQC6QI7gDd2Efd2-Lpzd-j-SojM8ykWOBaWOzYjoRcqA933Sx4DczyhIiIF2NScYIaGIB_gKcpfoUk8OOigOxjqM7FoVT2TwFq-AQWrIaAuOGfBE7fZ0N4sTT988phPPSTmRHMEKJal/s320/HPIM1631.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Nick relaxing at the mountain top</p><p align="center"></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366116945189931762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGgHrmx0qU8XNOlufO9M0BFJCb2hklCDYkvDSZTycsPkMHNn3Fi2U7VP4plrZ2i2jqlqJdSEWfe5Fz53iNz_dAl5ZWq726Ucgz2PvfRKAltfjuYbWcLW4sCnc6dMJCl-_sCs5dTRpg7Gf/s320/HPIM1632.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Me with Nick</p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-51431578280441850442009-05-18T18:49:00.001-07:002009-05-18T18:54:01.529-07:00Evolution of Nicks Hair<div align="center"><div align="left">I gave Nick a hair cut on Sunday afternoon. He had named his hair 'fluffy' due to it's volumious nature. I tamed it. Here are some pictures of it.</div><div align="center">Traditional 'morning hair'</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337346899393618146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjISSt7X2MyY3iAF1jzaCRpI5k-kUltHfVpqvRL17is8ESAro8_YDaodFs7IPE76FVaslQQkRf0K0Dh5HEpEVa_FIDfh8Ya5QDnqbl-rn2nL-SI7JmUzUlIEtOAEmNT-aQCoaHsZ2fOVXq/s320/159.JPG" border="0" />Pre hair cut<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337346901182928386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-hZlfzpYb_jHLtYzTi4IEC38zMRYFs1lM3lmRbDYLVK8j_nPawOIXOhIxL33pdF-kb2nv9pXa7swjxUPnuelCsN9ETHTBuGup6_wftm684ksgVeaYsFkhpGj-ukCnqvYwPmC-ocD8ETF/s320/161.JPG" border="0" />Post hair cut<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337346906455774274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gFmWbluJ_ifHljVgygPc-BhSfUqYPhoH4PvtjzXINfZvANNOYuHk4xJK9Cj_H1oxqjMO2-X_cT7pM-L2SLsexZMFBhldzB3MzTozoEGK739afkbumKv0xiEDbZnk4UJapMaFqqRXFRsC/s320/162.JPG" border="0" />What a good looking boy.<br /><br /></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-65204758083493856652009-05-18T14:56:00.000-07:002009-05-18T15:13:34.345-07:00New Niece LailaYes that's right! Laila is here and beautiful. She is truly a delight. We met Joanna, Scott and Laila at the airport with my mom, dad, Nick, Gabrielle, and Joanna's dad Dennis. Laila seemed reserved and just took us all in. We had made shirts the night before that had a picture of when Scott and Joann had first held Laila on her gotcha day. Above the picture it said, 'Laila Jeanneli Van Gieson, Gotcha Day, May 4, 2009'. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337290053785868882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjXb_7Ejq1yrY_Ai_owpGreB0ePlqwmkubWrTg4LhIUkyp7LVq3Ycz6wP1Ozq2R2afmoV9OMcnVFwtxpm1CElaaySJ07JPfIdXwqKwNFPS8Xq-6t7DcZgtfdo7tEO53lVC0FshZWJWQop/s320/031.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>On our way to the baggage claim Gabs held her hand out to Laila and they held hands smiling at each other. It was a very precious moment we won't forget soon. We walked out to the cars (we had to come in two cars to have room for everyone) then to our surprise Laila reached out for my dad to hold her! We had expected it to be awhile before she would let any of us hold her but she seemed right at ease with all of us. After we went to Scott and Joanna's house (we had decorated it for their arrival) Laila let each one of us hold her and laughed and played. They are still adjusting to the time change but Laila has been a joy. She is so happy and rarely ever cranky. And that is with 4 teeth coming in! Gabs is having a few jealousy issues but over all is handleing the change like a champ. Nick of course is sweet with her and loves holding her. Here are some pictures for you all to enjoy.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337290057499364242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeAnAmuHo2k-IEZauqrkNQWZmbzUX6W9lIFJYehDTmuVh-G8G9Bc01B7i54XCR7558gMKcmFTRVanUm5dHaQBQxdDrmcDNXYF3eaJq0-cmY6d-ML3kwQd3Megr-Fh5AzHNv_TLkVAv9lB/s320/046.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337290063003163634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5qVwhz2u9Dnx9FKWyg3ZHyjIf8ztUgUtuEnczV1tf0kn6TcVnvtPfAzx6tHftz4VPeM94fvDMfiyo8TILfzsdjSTDbm7K-QGtocOvV21GBZNccP9lsFXC24gILWUqYniiinfOnv8_qNf/s320/047.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337290064779619474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOumGtmdA4JJTl_vjoSg6dIzVqQVA7zI0KPsBCHBOVZ5YiFuCmwmgKJuMf5Yk1Zvr5-AkwDRAMKbl8D1sDKkN-qjCzEeD6Jp35oTr985e9xrhdiwqTRY4M_EMN98kkC0Cd_ZZ0FKklyBO/s320/174.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337290069624641378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWyFHC7PPkNPy_UYQ3i93aoNXM7o3yEuQtE9tRYzrXCPOiwaCwtbilO-dWf8U2zfAE5WOLTo2oDw2K5PIK8Dm7Xz4yCwutJqfbFUZsTc3hJZmAU2Rgjnu1yafxsUaHH3fylduBpqrZ3OK/s320/171.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-32405822379907656212009-05-01T09:37:00.001-07:002009-05-01T09:51:09.767-07:00Nick's Science FairNick had a science fair at school yesterday. He had been working for 2 weeks on it. They had a science log that they had to keep which is what most of their grade was based on. Nick choose to test 3 different stains and see which one would stain the worst after it had been washed 3 times. He chose coke, black marker, and paint. His hypothsis was that paint would stain the worst since it was so durable on walls. He was correct. He put together a presentation board with all his data and results plus a chatchy title for the presentation. He came up with "Who wants to be a super stain?". I thought he was really creative. The judges gave ribbons according to if the experiment was completed and they had gathered all the data, kept up with their logs and also interviewed each student in front of their presentation boards to test their knowledge of the experiment. Nick got a 1st place ribbon! We were very proud of him. His friend Angel did an experiment to see which cat food her cats liked best. She has four cats and in her summary about the experiment she said she learned that it is very hard to get 4 cats into 4 different rooms! I thought that was so true and funny! Angel's mom took Nick, Angel , and their friend Tyler out for ice cream afterwards. Lots of fun.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330897705948968898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei28oyN7WJo82b1H2UVNFVIHb4JTxg-fzbluZZFGYqTQfdC66AZU_O8FDmN4086J7B8sCvbgEp6Orgc7qAasQqD99jxqN-nqxL4kU9U7QpR6C6aDHGlLaX0ut9cOXAlYhS2T7WQwbs_ro/s320/008.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Nick's Presentation Board</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330897709862127202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHNPHHAZVnKI-JyeXGxg9HnIRfQKC9M322Mr1tXO-Lx_e_ScO2edvWllOmb9_vGUEpG2x9j6f3C0tsoexzXbLATPu1l-5zBQAk2vWAuvAd1z5Y154NF2nZyj_AkLsuVmDH0Oxa18eYGNu/s320/009.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Nick and his board</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330897714097631298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYlsvKYzRgsBX4v-c8xHhio7jTC54TiTd4OXkP7oZPWRDRiNEciRwlZ3AczICH-FYPN2nhXEBA9GO0BrPXhREx-R-2vj2CY1DKtJQOKGzUy5FDK0XKLsnG0iNJbsMrg1pWYXDJVOBQZ_E/s320/010.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Angel's Board<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330897725001560354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7syaOgxPIyvdsEqV4C0CdoIieQFaIq76eO6ow4EC9UBt7rVD-KFxTHjY8Qj98-AE0bGR_uX-ASaD8Nsvzyd569BAwyXySBMD2po0mP4AH0u9kDHajg_330XIzu5PpJyjJ_YMFp8tPUdR6/s320/011.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Angel and her board</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-11573804599466723082009-04-30T11:29:00.000-07:002009-05-01T06:27:04.185-07:00Darren turns 40!!!<div align="left">The kids and I drove to Wichita this last weekend to celebrate Darren's 40th birthday. Although I am much to young to have a brother that's 40, no one consulted me on allowing him to get older. Mom planned a surprise party for him at the church and it was not easy to pull off. Darren is never in town and mom had to plot with his boss Pat to arrange it so he had to be in Wichita. Some how they did it! Then the kids and I left Friday morning and drove all day to Wichita. Unfortuantely Darren's car was parked in the driveway when we got there. He didn't know we were coming. That was a surprise too. I called mom as we pulled up and she said to act like we were surprising them. I told the kids to walk in and tell Mema surprise and NOT to mention anything about Uncle Darren's birthday. Gab's loved being able to yell surprise when we walked in which really helped our cover and mom was <u>very</u> convincing in her surprise. I'm not sure how much I'm going to trust her reactions from now on. She was way too good at lying. Thankfully my best friend Debbie had just had her new baby Cameron Lee and I added coming to she her and her new little one as part of the surprise. Thanks for timing that just right for me Deb. I had talked with her monthes earlier about if she could manage to have the baby around then as it would be really convient for me. She's got great timing. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Mom, dad, and the kids and I went out to Cici's for dinner (the kids favorite) and then did a little running to get a couple of last minute things for the party. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The next day Darren came over for breakfast and we all went to mom and dad's usual hang out at McD's. It's their "Cheers", everyone knows them by name. I agreed to go shopping with Darren to get him out of the way so mom could get everything ready and loaded in the car. She called me while we were out shopping and gave me the story of having to help her serve a brunch at the church with her because someone had cancelled on her. I went back to their house, changed and we headed to pick up some of the food and set the church up. My grandmother who is suffering from a sever case of shingles willed herself to be well enough to go to the party. Darren is very special to her and does a lot for her. My Aunt Pat was there as well from Oklahoma City to help out and celebrate as well. Uncle Larry and his wife Helen stayed upstairs to guide guests in and warned us when Darren showed up. I had called him and told him we needed his help carrying some stuff. He had been hanging out with Dad and Nick. They walked in and we yelled surprise. We knew he was surprised because he turned every shade of red you can imagine. We had a great time. Darren's best friends from California came, Sharon and Greg. That was also a surprise to him. We had a lot of fun. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The kids and I left the next morning to go back to Denver and I never got the chance to see Debbie and Cameron. I will defintely see them next time!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330558142053244978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVsCmAgYDp3Tij-hODx53n4vIho26PMoztDcOiC6JTcrTzkiUhjmHDzJ__Dfo1eEp2-vP65pd-zsNW_1dhAFkiuUso3m596akhOEoZnMCc60Nm3sC2otRqvYAqxiq23JeH9EbADvdu2Oh/s320/Darren's+Family.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Dad, Mom, Darren, Me (Kate), Aunt Pat, Grandmother Colvin</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330558141314973138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxCIFl78PcRWClfsLZv34zKcXtcCtig1fdLf_fCxgvmZL6fLHxzC8YSliz_avvvXgY4mTGiqaBv7xOQ3R_xWTq9r2XcpKFkfvSUmdi4Bj7FE9jz9l7vkgwB_Yi47Sx5vaVc7XFBZXPlJY/s320/DSC03450.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Greg, Sharon, Darren</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330558146988667810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0r-sRsW8FgV1cx8YgPsfwVA9oUQcSWTqUaRf3uVWzbY_zh_-uSKErieOy9U3yuOab8jGnFK26JQAXZjh9l4k9s7fpk7_-TP_Ov_-vmayMcdx5dxcFb_vaddHRYufJu8tgZT3jN-SPG5b/s320/DSC03459.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Darren and Brenda</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330558139538785762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjHA4eOxjxQxkHrLjCZ153TcurP5Als_OhKvMJwo5lGVsgx-NAPaQthuAKzSx2QTnrr1vimuRsb91WOmC_9CT6H7fr5DnxjWGvrXWVlVNuFDYt-YkH33KcQ2lt3LqIDGHHKAQdEEOaXvU/s320/Cameron+Pettrota.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center">Cameron Lee</p><p></p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-65264695363586847522009-04-30T11:08:00.000-07:002009-04-30T11:29:21.054-07:00Easter<div><div><div>Okay, I haven't been keeping up with this like I'd hoped so I'm ging to update it now. First, Easter. The kids had a great time dying eggs and being creative. This was the first time Gabrielle had dyed eggs and she enjoyed it. She did the 'drop' method of dying making me glad that we used her little table to work at instead of the kitchen table that I love. Nick put a lot of thought into his eggs and had a great time working on them. Here are some pics. Gabs thought that the dye was stinky as you can tell by her face here.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330550047867124178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglujhqxyQxxxtbBU0VyugemYPp9sr3SkCC3y5x-eIIngfhuoV6b6qhACo9rEvQU5d0uVbYuBBA2FgPlQuVvdsrO8WGWkRrkSg0p6tGOCdIgnXjzrjVos1wunpcnRlrb8MhtWwk9cFWFftK/s320/043.JPG" border="0" />Here are their baskets. Nick had star wars action figures and cards that go with a book series that he's into plus the obligitory candy. Gabrielle's was a farm themed basket since she loves farms right now, especially cows. She had a bucket of farm animals a cow cup, a cow bowl and a chick plastic egg and a sheep plastic egg. <div></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330550051159494514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk7bXLbcTjLrDNNODyQAh0g33q3JKbkgIKWXVaxjBYckGIKRqiFhNsC2cDJzC6D6r2VHejtA9Y-PJLDiVUxsRoq9ocpohUy1Ma5tUm1Ofo_xlZf4ZKPSDpXJllW_gcZT6GzACdD59ozTW/s320/045.JPG" border="0" />This is Nick and Gabrielle in the process of hunting eggs. Nick being the great big brother he is would find them and point them out to Gabs. Everytime Gabs found one she would hold it up triumphantly and say "Egg!".<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330550054320445650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCH7EBZRtA6UO6LdUxHuZWzbRDtl-SphRC5X-JJHREIs26klKSubMQjpaPBMpOeWeMFt2pG80lcwPVAfjH-mfNMcltX-xW06l61O_7oe6AWXOg5C5NuoFjA_UlyJHvb1poFNncNSm-kqS/s320/054.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330550060433299874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSQnH_ZfsJoy9I2MqNtaMf_Vq4Nu2BqgKmH-O9dcxAX0SXU3PWgsUlYLwZx6RmUO9YJB4U7dsSO9GvZhFnDxkbnCJgXTvl1i4jaL1f_c290PaNBY-r_9a_U1O4XGxUOh_dUHc8dBDhvoL/s320/055.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>This is Gabrielle in her Easter dress. She was ticked at me because I put her hair in the dreaded ponytail. She hates having her hair done. But I forced in on her this day but she was determined to be mad about it. I've learned Gabs will be in whatever mood she wants and there is nothing you can do about it so I might as well take a picture no matter if she is smiling or not.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330550064870908034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_nx1TtrO6fT2CgkmHDrDaC517Xtp-I4FBLtznAkiooNKN3mo5vGsbAZc6ewigR4SVenjjS1ggY_38X5MguN5jk9SXuHFjpusb4nMQxIPurjlGJBHun6Ghq2ZoHYv53lFZARjRs89v1ae/s320/057.JPG" border="0" />They had an Easter egg "pick-up" at church. You can't really call it a hunt since the eggs are just lying EVERYWHERE on the gym floor as thick as carpeting. You can't even walk in there. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of it but Nick and Gabrielle had a good time picking them up.</div><div></div><div>After church Joanna and Scott came over for lunch. We had ribs, chicken, sliced potatos, fresh pineapple, hawaiian rolls and easter cookies for dessert. We all had a great time!<br /><div></div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-43837144949332568742009-04-13T09:40:00.000-07:002009-04-13T09:57:17.360-07:00Sad weekLast week was such a bad week that I am very glad it's over. Scott and Joanna's dogs have been fighting and they decided to send them back to prison (a training program at a women's correctional facility). I took Mia and Zoey in for them on Thursday. On Tuesday night my cat Tao came out of the basement (his usual hang out) and as I petted him I noticed that he had lost a TON of weight. I knew something drastically was wrong. I took him to the vet clinic in downtown Denver. They ran some tests and found out that his kidney's were failing. Guy, being the loving supportive husband he is told me to whatever I needed to and not worry about the money. The vet said that we could try 3 days of fluids and medications to try and jumpstart Tao's kidney's. The vet said that many times this works with cats. We decided to try. Unfortunately 3 days later he still wouldn't eat and was in the same condition. I spoke with another vet there on Friday who said we could try 2 more days but he really didn't think it would change. He as very supportive and left the decisions to me. I decided to let Tao go and not make him suffer any longer. Guy came home early from work to be with Gabrielle and went to see Tao and say good-bye. The vet put us in a room especially for these situations with a couch and chair, very homey. He gave us time together and when I told him I was ready, he gave Tao the shot. He went very quickly and peacefully. <br /><br />God gave me 11 wonderful years with him and for that I'm thankful. I'm thankful I could be with him at the end and not feel like I'd abandoned him. The Vet staff was so helpful and understanding and made a very difficult situation as painless as possible. They treated Tao with great care and respect. Even after Tao had left they treated his body with such respect and care. I'm very grateful to them. I'm also grateful to Guy for his understanding and comfort through this hard time for me. Nick has fortunately done very well with this. I was concerned how he would handle it but I'm always impressed with him. Gab's was concerned for me but after a few hugs she was fine. Life will go on but for now it will just be a little bit emptier.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-14585835090452985632009-03-23T13:51:00.000-07:002009-03-23T14:16:51.149-07:00Gabrielle's World<div><div>This blog will be about Gab's. So lately Gab's has been in love with farm animals and specifically cows. Well, we went to Chick-Fil-A for dinner and unbeknowest to us there was a fundraiser that night for the local junior high. That meant that TONS of people showed up. So we got our dinner and sat down close to the playland so that I could watch the kids while I ate. Suddenly the Chick-Fil-A cow came out. Gab's was in love. She was waving and smiling. I asked her if she wanted to go see the cow and of course she said yes. I took her over and she hugged the cow and smiled but was too star-struck to actually talk to him. We went back to our table and Gab's went into the play area to burn some energy (hopefully). Our table was outside the playland but upagainst the huge glass wall that looks into it. Chick-Fil-A is frickin' brilliant and must have sound proofed the playland because you can't hear anyone whose in there. But Gab's is in there and see's the cow still and stands on the bench where you are suppose to sit and take your shoes off and is waving and smiling and yelling "Hi cow!" but of course no one can hear her. As we left she was sure to hug the cow goodbye and tell him, "Bye mister cow!".</div><div></div><br /><div>A couple of days later I took Gabrielle shopping with me as I picked out presents for Laila to give Joanna at her shower the next weekend. I ask Gab's if she wanted to pick out a present for Laila too and she said yes. I stressed to her over and over that this is for Laila and not for her. She said yes she understood. So we went to the toys and what did she pick out but two cows. A mom and baby. Once again I reminded her that they were for Laila and not her and after much debate she concided and settled for a box of animal crackers for herself. Then later that evening Joanna came over and I decide to let Gab's give Joanna her present for Laila. I said, "Do you want to give your present for Laila to Aunt Jo?" And she looked at Joanna and said, "Yes, it's 2 cows." So glad I picked out a gift bag especially for it. She's so funny.</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfufArNjoLuhGIT7qPMsNfBr96fOewEe5RSkctcDBnjiRrWmc0stxPMg2ALaT7vl76AHm6yPGwoIRYlY9F5vsuMfJeZ4kwqoNVJ92RIlRqEN_xwUYfzHD7C7KSsd2cXCGje61NGnwZVWmU/s1600-h/006.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_nI6ajBCDd0hPGlvB2iTvyb4WD-ZY4g7sbJPtSXGZBW91Tf3tIPAuWDNwbtOWHlWRl_CIYjkDQsLykpN53O87493JehQWrsW_5Nl8yPdzywmuTpfQEghpPP0NxsztpqLlx8Vp7Sa2SwU/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316493771729883826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_nI6ajBCDd0hPGlvB2iTvyb4WD-ZY4g7sbJPtSXGZBW91Tf3tIPAuWDNwbtOWHlWRl_CIYjkDQsLykpN53O87493JehQWrsW_5Nl8yPdzywmuTpfQEghpPP0NxsztpqLlx8Vp7Sa2SwU/s320/007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today, I got out a tent she received for christmas last year and set it up in our empty living room. She was so excited and thought that it was new and kept saying, "It's for me?? Thank you!" I can't wait to see her and Laila playing in it together. They will have such a blast. And this ends my ramblings for today.</div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506002212376673481.post-50670362874806274292009-03-19T18:06:00.000-07:002009-03-20T05:49:11.034-07:00My first blogOkay, I haven't done this before but thought I'd give blogging a try. I have soooo much going on right now. My brother and sister(inlaw) are adoptiong from China and they just got their referral 3 weeks ago. They have the pre-approval and are waiting for the LOA. Exciting times. We are having the shower for Joanna (the sister in law) in a week and a half and there is so much to do for that.<br /><div><br /><div><div></div><br /><div>I have a beautiful and spirited 2 1/2 yr old daughter Gabrielle, who I'm trying to keep up with. The weather has been so nice that we have been spending a lot of time outside playing. She's a total outdoor girl and is so full of energy. She's also full of opinions and has very definite ideas of how things should be, but such a great heart and that is full of love as well.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315073300427666626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXIfSAGCajIennhC0qjphRIBFVHNuUgTM_ZCr4cyOCkHQo3qJOZx2MuPBPmQmCXa6IR5oPsaUQQobySyfZLYWrXdiuVA0b2RAPPOwQCoK1GBNSf_3tx36kbcpZgf0S9bcMWKLtVAOVtvE/s320/020.JPG" border="0" /><br />Then there is my 10 year old son Nick. He is witty, smart, cute, and has one of the kindest hearts I've ever come across. He just got his report card with straight A's, and I had a parent-teacher conference this week where his teacher let me know how awesome he is (as if I didn't already know). He is taking gutiar lessons and is constantly having friends over to play and for sleep overs. Plus his girl friend Angel who is a sweet girl and an animal lover which wins her brownie points with me. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315075234741996642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwTVv2hhXsTkz72TU0u6XPm4q19VuYfilMQzVukWCXcx9q6XKXo45iYMAgkrv1xAOpPdis9U_OJodAM4z-X_a4mp3FmHFvIY5mu-vi4OoFkjGFOB57JxNbDSxwDNVVnHDNfA6oeOrNzr4/s320/028.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><br /><p>Guy (myhubby) and I just took him snowboarding for the second time since we moved to Colorado. He loves it and is really good at it. </p><br /><p>Guy is my love and while we have our ummm...disagreements, there is no one I would rather share my life with or wake up next to every day. He works hard and makes it possible for me to stay home and take care of our family full time. He's a senior engineer and kicks butt daily. But besides working full time he is going to school part time too and so far getting A's. Yes that's right smart and good looking. I know how to pick them.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315079224172649074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCblVbR6R-pBZ1XfrQVBeAcgZI-1SXCgLxPPt-OCZYJbNGAcAE9yw5MVCRhcta4-YFIwmcrT5eeDJ0xmUwnrHNeX_DUbw1ILggh__7kqVuIR_mEemG1cZIsr0FxSyzrnnmoK4BrAxHVANI/s320/011.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p>Also we have 3 pugs. Gus a fawn boy 4 yrs old, Cassie a black girl 3 yrs old, and our newest addition Jack a black boy 5months old. And right now keeping up with his training is not easy. He is very full of energy and stubborn. He bugs Cassie constantly which I think is great payback for how she drove us nuts with her hyperness. Gus just doesn't want to be bothered by Jack. They all follow me everywhere in the house and want to be next to me and be loved.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315077505397859698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzjExpbVi3n2ro0uvJ14KU5tR5FJ0siVzGXmm6CKFilhZ0AI25R8PMUSO1ZE2Xa4TlO6zGOHYkEtJum1CSA1fZpKJxIcmgBouXxSwergQa_Kn_VaG-QIql8PrnGwG_HI0XcSZOw9XYihA/s200/097.JPG" border="0" /> That's the Alfano's in a nut shell. So welcome to our story and I will update our blog as is warranted by our clan. Stay tuned...<br /><br /><p></p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12041768184735979500noreply@blogger.com1