tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65770954510753506792024-03-14T01:18:34.875-04:00Our NY LifeKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.comBlogger261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-6588620881849342292010-01-15T08:18:00.002-05:002010-01-17T08:37:08.775-05:00Goodbye to Our NY LifeI can't believe that I am about to post this, but it's time to say goodbye to Our NY Life. <br /><br />I want to thank everyone who has read along and enjoyed seeing what our NY Life was like this last year. What a great year for us. <br /><br />For those friends who didn't make it out to visit us, I wish we were still there to show you around and provide a free place to stay, and for those of you who did make it out to visit....thanks for all the wonderful memories!<br /><br />Life will be a lot different for us from here on out, but I'm looking forward to our future adventures here in our new, but familiar, Colorado life. <br /><br />I will have another blog, but I'm unsure what it will look like or what I will name it. I hope to have it up and running before Baby Gus arrives in April, so please stay tuned.<br /><br />The best way to find the new, not-yet-created blog, will be to go to my <a href="http://www.khphotography.net">photography website</a>, and click on the blog link. It is linked to this blog for now, but will be linked to the new blog when it arrives.<br /><br />Thanks everyone, and God bless. Now go have an adventure.<br /><br />"New York City. It will be a great place if they ever finish it."Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-26218851630295671702010-01-11T09:18:00.000-05:002010-01-12T09:41:12.715-05:00Handmade GoodiesI love getting handmade gifts. Especially from crafty friends. One day last week, I headed up to Janna's house with our friend Erin for lunch and a time to hang out and let the kids play. You may remember Janna and Erin visiting me in NYC for Janna's 30th bday last March. <a href="http://ournylife.blogspot.com/2009/03/last-day-with-girls.html">Check 'em out</a>. <br /><br />Well the most exciting thing is that we are all pregnant! Erin is due one week before me with her first, and Janna is due mid-June with her third. Pregnancy is so much more fun when you can share it with other pregos. <br /><br />Janna surprised me with some Christmas presents that she made. Look at these adorable coasters she made and hand stitched for me!! I am super impressed with her embroidery skills. The Statue of Liberty cannot be the easiest thing.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4269047270_b2841b6dee_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4269047270_b2841b6dee_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4268302963_e497256de0_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4268302963_e497256de0_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And if you are a photographer and don't have a <a href="http://shootsac.com/">Shootsac</a>, go get one. Then contact <a href="http://www.mustardseeds.typepad.com/">Janna</a> for a custom shootsac cover. This fabric is what I used for Ava's bedskirt in her room, and I just love it!! <br /><br />Thanks friend for all the wonderful gifts. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4269047496_8f060a0b4d_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4269047496_8f060a0b4d_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-24713018195761181002010-01-10T08:46:00.001-05:002010-01-12T09:40:42.835-05:00Last Days in NYCWe had one full day in NYC before we flew home. <br /><br />Unfortunately for us, it was bitter cold, so we didn't make it to Central Park, but that meant we got to ride in a lot of taxis...which made my pregnant self and the kids very happy.<br /><br />We had breakfast at Tick Tock Diner, then wandered to a couple bookstores, but ended up at <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/">Strands</a>, one of New York's best independent bookstores that boasts 18 miles of books. My friend Angela introduced it to me when she visited in November, and they have a great kid's section, so we ended up sitting there reading for quite a while. Oh, and bought some books, because they really do have the BEST prices. Curious George books for $2....everywhere else they are $4. Love it!!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4269046010_71dbaac9b9_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 724px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4269046010_71dbaac9b9_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4268301485_32f2161c25_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 724px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4268301485_32f2161c25_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4269045888_e83160598b_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 724px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4269045888_e83160598b_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4269045768_2bc84ca07e_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 724px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4269045768_2bc84ca07e_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4268301633_1e17764671_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 724px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4268301633_1e17764671_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />After Strands, we headed back to the hotel room, and that's when all the sickness started. So we ordered room service for dinner and watched a movie in bed. Ahhh.....<br /><br />The kid's favorite thing about our hotel room, other than the fact we let them jump on the beds, was that we had <br />an amazing view of Times' Square, and there was the perfect kid-sized ledge by the window to give them the best seats in the house. Each morning the first thing they would do is climb up there and watch the sun come up over the tall buildings.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4269047656_c4aa59b5ff_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4269047656_c4aa59b5ff_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And this was our view on New Year's Eve Day with the City being blanketed in snow. Very peaceful from 38 floors up...<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4268303439_921eaf974d_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4268303439_921eaf974d_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-58727694706252246792010-01-09T19:00:00.002-05:002010-01-09T19:23:35.676-05:00Happy New Year etc...So Happy New Year everyone! <br /><br />Is it really 2010? This is the year I will have our third baby and we will celebrate our 10th anniversary. Not to mention a new job for Wade, and a new place to live. Quite the way to begin this decade, don't you think?<br /><br />So it's been a few days, understandably, since I've even thought of the blog. We have now officially been in Colorado just over a week, and I can't believe all that has happened in these last 7 days. <br /><br />To begin, we flew back on New Year's Eve, while NYC was getting blanketed by snow. It was gorgeous to see (Wade blames me because I told him I would love to see the City in snow one more time), but it made travelling a little hairy. Ava was sick. Literally. To the point we had to buy her new clothes at LaGuardia. Ya, that kind of sick. And then that kind of sick on the plane. <br /><br />The plane ride was one of the worst experiences I've had flying. To begin, we didn't have assigned seats. Who knows why. We went to check in the night before and there were no seats available. After our flight was delayed a bit, they finally got us seats...2 in the exit row, and 2 a few rows behind. <br /><br />"Your children will have to sit by themselves as they are not allowed in the exit row."<br /><br />Excuse me?? <br /><br />Oh, and by the way, did you not notice I am REALLY pregnant? I don't think pregos are allowed in the exit row either.<br /><br />So after 5 minutes of some creative seat switching, I was able to sit with the kids and Wade was in the exit row. Only problem is the kids were not allowed to "visit" him in the exit row, and I was not allowed to trade seats with him so we could tag team taking care of the kids...one of whom was ill. Like being in a tiny squished seat at 6 months pregnant isn't bad enough! Oh, and I couldn't convince any passengers around me to switch seats with Wade....why wouldn't you trade someone for an exit row??!!! Hello???!!!!!!<br /><br />But we made it. 4 1/2 hours later, we made it. I could have kissed the ground at DIA. <br /><br />So this last week, the illness has spread to Tyson, myself, Wade, both my parents, and even Wade's parents. So stay away unless you want us to spread "the love"!!!<br /><br />We are slowly recovering, settling into my parent's house (God bless 'em), and getting used to the idea that we actually moved back. <br /><br />Oh, and did I mention we bought a house a couple days ago? What could have been a lllooooonnnngggggg house hunt (mostly because I am fairly particular), we found one we could agree on that only had one negative thing going for it. It's in Highlands Ranch. A place we thought we would never live. It is the ULTIMATE in suburban living, but we're giving it a whirl. Love the house, the layout, the space, and the schools. I honestly would have loved to buy an older home and done some really cool renovations, but at this stage in our life, I just don't think that is best for us. <br /><br />My new goal in life is to make a 3 year old suburban home look like it has "character". I will be adding crown moulding, some hardwoods (a little bit down the road), and some bead board. I am kind of excited to marry the modern conveniences with my antique/flea market/modern style. Maybe my new blog should be called, "Our Suburban Life". What do you think?<br /><br />We close at the end of January, which is a big blessing, so we should be in our new digs by the first week of February. <br /><br />So to wrap up my ramblings, I just went through some pictures from the last couple weeks, and I have a few more posts on this blog before I bid it farewell. I WILL have another blog that will be linked to my <a href="http://www.khphotography.net">photography website</a>, but I do not know what it will be called or exactly when I will start it. <br /><br />But for now, I wanted to share my favorite photo from Christmas morning. My favorite thing on Christmas morning is to get up before ANYONE and just sit by the tree and soak in the atmosphere. I could just sit and stare at a decorated tree while the rest of the world sleeps....<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4260216035_5949a4f111_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4260216035_5949a4f111_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />P.S. My Christmas present from Wade is priceless. He downloaded my entire blog into a .pdf file that we can publish as a book. I looked at it, and just started bawling. Why wouldn't I? This has been one of the most incredible and exciting years in my life. We will wait until my very last post to do final editing and then I will have a memento to last a lifetime. I love it Wade. And I love you.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-88307341781845971442009-12-29T19:21:00.002-05:002009-12-30T07:38:41.397-05:00Goodbye RyeMovers are gone, cars were loaded on a flatbed truck, the house is empty, and we've said goodbye to Rye and our wonderful friends. The past couple days have been somewhat a blur with our lives being turned completely upside down and nothing being "normal". Please remind me to never move cross country again when I'm 6 months pregnant!<br /><br />Luckily Wade and I have been able to keep our sense of humor through the whole thing. I love my husband. Not sure if I've ever told you before.<br /><br />It is bitter cold here in NY, and we boarded the Rye train all bundled up with our two suitcases and our HUGE car seats. We are staying in the city for the next couple nights and will spend tomorrow running around NYC as a family for the last time. We're staying a couple blocks off of Times Square and we're on the 38th floor. We have an amazing view of the square and if we were here 1 more night, we could watch the festivities and the ball drop from our hotel room window!!<br /><br />Goodnight!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-18667292826592278782009-12-27T09:01:00.002-05:002009-12-27T09:10:26.986-05:00Happy Anniversary!Just wanted to give my big sis and b-in-law a shout out. Happy Anniversary! What is it....18 years?? I think that's right. They got married in 1991. And it was a swanky affair, let me tell you. <br /><br />Happy Anniversary guys. I hope you're able to get out and celebrate today. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4218246369_87ff26a4a5_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4218246369_87ff26a4a5_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I'm off to IKEA this morning with two neighbors. Sigh....my last IKEA run. Have they broken ground yet in Denver??? You Denver people will LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!! Then back to the house to finish some packing, organizing etc. Movers are showing up tomorrow am to get us packed up!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-4745060602383455452009-12-25T07:10:00.001-05:002009-12-25T07:10:00.205-05:00Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas everyone! <br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4208706350_9be2e14358_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 544px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4208706350_9be2e14358_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-23109978092770636172009-12-24T13:36:00.002-05:002009-12-24T13:42:17.715-05:00Sledding at the beachMerry Christmas Eve!<br /><br />We decided to go sledding at the beach today with all the leftover snow from last weekend's storm. Never thought I would be able to say that I went sledding at the beach! Perfect weather, lots of sun, and a lot of laughs...<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4211660418_16d8ba4b11_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4211660418_16d8ba4b11_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/4210895225_074efc2853_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/4210895225_074efc2853_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4210895347_2cbc9b5f48_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4210895347_2cbc9b5f48_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4211660500_7cc0519952_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4211660500_7cc0519952_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/4210895381_7b1bdd976a_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/4210895381_7b1bdd976a_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/4211660534_298c443d83_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/4211660534_298c443d83_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-6747401472498105522009-12-22T15:24:00.002-05:002009-12-22T15:45:17.023-05:00Princesses, Princesses, PrincessesSo we're back in New York, and actually had zero flight trouble given all the snow New York got this last weekend. Yeah!<br /><br />I'm still a bit of an emotional wreck, as I'm trying to keep my head screwed on straight these next days. I'll just blame the pregnancy. Luckily there is no packing or anything to do until after Christmas, and even then, the movers will be packing everything for us on Monday. I just need to get some things washed and organized....oh, and I need to get the washing machine fixed as it decided to blow up the day we flew to Denver. <br /><br />So today was Ava's last day of preschool and go figure, I was the one crying, not her. I was fine all day (Wade and I were helping parents in her class today) until it was time to say goodbye and she gave her teachers a hug. Oh boy. Do you know how embarrassing it is to cry in front of a room full of 4 year-olds with their parents waiting on the sidelines?? I ran straight for the tissue box. Oh well, let it flow. I have loved Rye and our time here. It's been hard, but I have loved it. <br /><br />So I found these pictures on my iPhone that I haven't had a chance to post. A couple Friday's ago, I gave Ava an early Christmas present which was a date with me into the City to see a special screening of The Princess and the Frog. We had assigned seats and special passes to go meet ALL, yes ALL, the princesses after the movie. It was pretty cool. I used to think that Ava would be a tomboy and NOT AT ALL into princesses as she used to only play with Thomas trains, but one trip to Disney world changed that!! Thanks Grandpa. :) We love it. <br /><br />We stood in line to get a picture with each princess except for the newest, Tiana, because the line was just too long and we were getting tired. It was a great night, and I think the movie was really well done, but I have to say that good vs. evil was definitely present in this movie, with good winning (of course)...but the evil was pretty evil, and may not be appropriate for some. I covered Ava's eyes a couple times.<br /><br />Here's a self-portrait at our Rye train station waiting for our train. It was cold!!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/4206380863_6f33c22285_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/4206380863_6f33c22285_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And a quick stop by the Rockefeller tree...and oh my, the wrinkles are getting more noticeable. When did those happen???!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4207139426_66e13d68ed_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4207139426_66e13d68ed_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The movie theater...<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/4207139278_6713425dc6_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/4207139278_6713425dc6_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And bring on the Princesses...let's see if you can name them all (even though their names are on the background).<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/4207138654_ff40706df7_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/4207138654_ff40706df7_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4207138780_6fedf73d3a_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4207138780_6fedf73d3a_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4206381037_65e0eef7cc_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4206381037_65e0eef7cc_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4207138850_3bee7c2f1b_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4207138850_3bee7c2f1b_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4207138974_679c5a0b30_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4207138974_679c5a0b30_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4207139046_34c4fcac68_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4207139046_34c4fcac68_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4207139126_60722d8fdc_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4207139126_60722d8fdc_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2726/4206381323_c2914afde9_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2726/4206381323_c2914afde9_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And a quick peek at Princess Tiana. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/4206381407_78c5e928f8_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/4206381407_78c5e928f8_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-56196711787281295122009-12-20T07:07:00.004-05:002009-12-20T07:30:57.737-05:00My body thinks I'm in NYGood morning...<br /><br />It's a whopping 5am in Denver, and I've been awake for an hour. I'm sitting in the dark in my in-laws basement trying not to type too loudly so I wake up Wade. I've been waking up pretty much at 4am every morning because my body is on NY time, and I cannot turn my brain off when my body wakes up. Are you that way?? Yesterday I woke up crying, and at least I'm not doing that today. I woke up yesterday in a panic thinking that I would have to bring Baby Gus "home" to either my parent's house or a rental house and he/she would have to sleep in a box. <br /><br />The last two days have been a whirlwind, and we have seen about 30 houses. Did we buy one?? In a word....no.<br /><br />I can't tell you how much I love Colorado, but this transition back home is proving to be harder than I anticipated. I love living here, and I love being near family, and I love the mountains and the fresh air and the outdoor living, but I'm really having a hard time. <br /><br />House hunting is proving to be a real challenge for us. Ok, me. There are so many neighborhoods and so many schools. Do we buy for the school district? Do we buy because of the house? If we buy for the school district, will I really love the house? My renovation blood is going to kick into high gear, and do I want to do that with 3 little ones and a new baby? And will I over-renovate....again? If we buy for the house, will we like the schools? Is there any room for equity growth? What about Wade's commute? What about being near family? Suburb living, or city living?? Can I really live in the burbs?? I won't be able to walk to my grocery store!!!! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! Turn off brain!!!!!!!<br /><br />These are the thoughts that run through my head at 4am. <br /><br />One thing we know for sure is that it is a great time to buy a house. Rates are low, and I think we can get a better deal now that we could two years ago. It's just a matter of finding the right combo that fits. <br /><br />My prayer through this whole thing is that whatever house we buy, I want it to be a blessing to the seller. There are some hurting people out there and if we find the right house and it could be a blessing to some family out there who HAS to sell, well then that's the house I want to buy. <br /><br />We head back to NY this afternoon, despite the blizzard they are having...I guess we should double check our flights....and the movers come in one week. ONE WEEK. I have one week left in NY. And I have to say goodbye to our life and friends there. And our cute house. And our neighbors. And Ava's preschool.<br /><br />OK, now the tears are coming. So much for not crying today.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-67462773201734664852009-12-14T10:41:00.002-05:002009-12-15T10:50:20.711-05:00MovingI just realized today that the movers are coming two weeks from today to pack us up.<br /><br />I'm freakin' out just a little bit....<br /><br />We are heading to Denver on Thursday for a short two-day house hunting trip, and we also just found out today that our #1 house that we've been eyeing for the last month or so just got rented. I guess it was listed for sale or rent, and they ended up renting it. I cannot tell you how depressed I am! I had already moved in mentally (despite my best efforts not to), and I had already come up with some rearranging of just a couple walls. Argh. <br /><br />I know "there's something better out there", which I've already told myself, but quite honestly that doesn't help. I just want to wallow in my self-pity for a few days. <br /><br />So I'm hoping we see some great things while we're home, and I'm just praying for an open heart and mind for me. I'm just too picky!<br /><br />P.S. We had a great time in DC this last weekend, but you know what? I forgot to take pictures! So lame. Anyway, the show went well, and I sold some stuff, but more importantly we got to see friends and hang out with family before we move. <br /><br />Happy Monday everyone!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-46408746990183767072009-12-11T08:44:00.003-05:002009-12-11T08:44:00.163-05:00Come see me in Washington DCHi everyone!<br /><br />If you happen to be in Washington DC, or the area, come see me! For 42 years, my aunt and uncle have hosted an open house to sell their wares. Mal is a potter and Judy does shibori silks. In recent years, they have invited other artists to join in, and I was able to participate about 5-6 years ago. Lucky for me, I get to go again this year. <br /><br />I'll be selling prints and cards, and there will be other local artists there as well. Good time to Christmas shop!<br /><br />So we are all driving to DC in the morning and will stay with our good friends in Frederick, MD. Wade and the kids will probably go to a couple museums on Saturday and Sunday while I'm at the show, and then back to NY on Sunday.<br /><br />More from the show...<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4171138245_c5d50c36c4_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 563px; height: 636px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4171138245_c5d50c36c4_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-51279855247830212192009-12-09T08:18:00.003-05:002009-12-09T08:25:47.867-05:00Bon voyage Brad & Kendall!Brad & Kendall leave today. Sniff sniff. They have been troopers here while Wade and I have both been sick, we're distracted with moving, and our kids are acting out because they need our attention!<br /><br />You guys are saints and we love you. Lucky for us they've both been here before and they have friends in the City. It's raining hard today which kind of matches my mood since I'm sad to see them go, but I'm glad that we'll get to see them more often once we move. That will make up for our lack of quality time during their visit. <br /><br />We got one date night with them on Tuesday, and ate a great restaurant in the East Village, <a href="http://www.ctrnyc.com/THESMITH/index.html">The Smith</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4171848364_35186ebcb8_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 703px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4171848364_35186ebcb8_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />If you have an iPhone, go get the <a href="http://shakeitphoto.com/">Shake It Photo</a> app. It takes your picture like a Polaroid and then you shake it to get it to develop. So fun! And it gives it a bit of a vintage vibe. <br /><br />So Brad and Kendall, thanks for coming to visit us and we'll see you in a few weeks in Denver. WE LOVE YOU!!!!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-90802009171088975292009-12-08T15:24:00.005-05:002009-12-08T15:39:59.463-05:00Sick of being sickWell Wade is sick in bed today with 102 fever. It has been one thing after the other these last two weeks. And not all bad things either, but just one thing after the other!<br /><br />Baby Gus ultrasound scare: BAD THING TURNED GOOD<br />Hosted a fabulous baby shower: GOOD THING<br />Ava got sick: BAD THING<br />Tyson got sick: BAD THING<br />Thanksgiving with fabulous neighbors: GOOD THING<br />Mom and Emma visit: GOOD THING<br />Kids still kind of sick: BAD THING<br />Fun in NYC with Mom and Emma: GOOD THING<br />Mom and Emma fly home: BAD THING<br />Brad and Kendall fly in: GOOD THING<br />I get sick: BAD THING<br />Kids still coughing and snotty: BAD THING<br />Wade sick: BAD THING<br /><br />We are sick of being sick!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-20492145496646095172009-12-05T15:15:00.003-05:002009-12-08T15:23:56.927-05:00SickSick in bed today. Throat hurting, head pounding, and just feeling cruddy. I think the last two weeks of the kids being sick off and on has finally caught up with me.<br /><br />Mom and Emma flew home yesterday and Brad and Kendall (good friends from Denver) flew in. I went to bed straight after dinner, and haven't gotten up since. Good thing for us, Brad and Kendall are the EASIEST houseguests EVER!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-41665919742972707062009-12-04T10:52:00.001-05:002009-12-08T11:20:52.436-05:00All I wanted for my birthday.......is Jude Law on Broadway in Hamlet.<br /><br />My oh-so-tricky husband gave me my present at breakfast...which was an apple slicer and potato peeler. NICE!!! <br /><br />But that was from the kids. <br /><br />Then he gave me Hamlet tickets!!!! Oh, I love him (Wade, that is).<br /><br />Since Mom and Emma are in town, we had built in babysitters and Wade took me out to dinner at Celsius in Bryant Park. This restaurant only pops up (literally) once a year at Christmas when the park installs an ice skating rink over the grassy park. <br /><br />The park was beautifully lit with Christmas lights, there was Christmas music on the ice rink, and all the Christmas craft stalls were set up and open. Our table was right up against the windows and we looked down onto the ice rink. GORGEOUS!!! It was one of THOSE New York moments. <br /><br />It's just amazing that in a few short weeks, all this will be taken down and Bryant Park will be back to normal.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2672/4169498012_cfa7f0f3d8_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 473px; height: 1024px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2672/4169498012_cfa7f0f3d8_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And true to our tradition, I like to take pictures of our food. It was soooo yummy. I had a salad and Wade had steak and fries. For dessert, I had chocolate molten cake a la mode, and Wade had chocolate chip cookies a la mode. Although those cookies had NOTHING on the ones he and his Mom make. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/4169497888_bb4c7379c6_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 492px; height: 1024px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/4169497888_bb4c7379c6_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />After strolling hand in hand through all the craft vendor stalls, we made our way over to Times Square to see Jude. <br /><br />His performance was unbelievable as Hamlet and I walked out of that theater emotionally drained from watching the 120% he puts into that role. Not to mention it was 11pm, and WAY past my bedtime. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4168735687_7df29fbb05_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4168735687_7df29fbb05_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/4168735643_b10658a598_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/4168735643_b10658a598_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/4169498148_aac670e443_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/4169498148_aac670e443_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />So Wade, thank you for making my 35th so memorable. I wouldn't want to spend my birthday with anyone but you. I love you. <br /><br />P.S. I love my apple slicer too. :)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-35060334213971990762009-12-02T20:51:00.001-05:002009-12-05T21:05:37.114-05:00Boxes at my back door......make me happy!<br /><br />I love finding boxes that the mailman leaves at my back door, and this one was extra fun. It was for me!!<br /><br />We spent the day in the City at Macy's with the kids so they could see Santa, and when we got home, I had a surprise waiting for me at my back door! <br /><br />Tomorrow is my bday, and I love getting packages!!! Thank you thank you thank you <a href="http://erinlphoto.blogspot.com/">Erin</a>!!! I love my new coasters!!!!! And the card?? Priceless!!! Love you! <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/4161877736_79697a6428_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 1208px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/4161877736_79697a6428_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-11319975393981100452009-12-01T19:18:00.002-05:002009-12-05T19:46:02.918-05:00American Girl StoreI can't believe I gave in.<br /><br />Ava has been talking about an American Girl doll for a year now...ever since we moved to NY. Both my nieces have one (or three), and while I think they are great, they are spankin' expensive!!!<br /><br />BUT, I told Ava we would get her one before we left New York, since the big mega store is here in NYC. Of course I was planning on buying her one for her 6th birthday (in 2011), but since our NY stay has been cut short, we had to do it now!<br /><br />Since cousin Emma is in town, we booked a dinner reservation in the American Girl Cafe, met Mom and Emma after they saw the Rockettes, and we bought Ava her blond-hair-green-eyed doll. <br /><br />We dined, with the dolls of course, in a pink dining room and enjoyed yummy appetizers, pink lemonade, chicken pot pie, chocolate mousse, cakes and cookies. <br /><br />This is a must do for every little girl in NYC. And I guarantee your little girl will go home happy...mine did.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4160939855_3bfdd310cd_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4160939855_3bfdd310cd_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4161696388_510a9db3ee_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4161696388_510a9db3ee_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4161696372_170a8f41d2_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4161696372_170a8f41d2_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/4161696318_ca90ba9608_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/4161696318_ca90ba9608_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4161696344_1abea113bd_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4161696344_1abea113bd_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/4161696290_eb1d55a138_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/4161696290_eb1d55a138_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4161696280_ae2bcc641b_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4161696280_ae2bcc641b_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-91026274500005465292009-11-29T15:49:00.001-05:002009-12-05T15:53:19.106-05:00Rye Street FairRye closed down downtown Purchase Street today for it's annual Christmas Street Fair. They had Santa, reindeer, train rides, sleigh rides, bouncy castles, food, and all sorts of fun.<br /><br />Ava really wanted to get her face painted, so we waiting patiently in line and she got transformed into a snow princess!<br /><br />She doesn't look very happy, but I swear she was as happy as a kid in a candy store. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4161240522_3fbf162337_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4161240522_3fbf162337_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-51788637161508778012009-11-28T21:35:00.000-05:002009-12-05T15:36:40.903-05:00Cutting down our christmas tree......makes me happy. VERY happy!!<br /><br />There is nothing like cutting down your own tree and having your house smell of fresh pine. We used to have an artificial tree, but a few years ago we started cutting down our tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It gets a little tricky with kids...especially in Colorado when you have to wander the National Forest a while to find your PERFECT tree, but we've found a great place here that works great for our family.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jonesfamilyfarms.com/">Jones Family Farm</a>.<br /><br />I have vivid memories of cutting down our tree in the mountains of Colorado growing up, and I remember one particular year Dad leading us into the forest with snow thigh deep and I believe our little Jeep got stuck more than once. Very Griswold-esque. Ever had one of those experiences??!!!<br /><br />The nice thing about Jones is that you don't have to wander very far to find a tree, since it is a tree farm, and for a pregnant lady with two young kids?? Heaven!<br /><br />Mom and Emma flew in yesterday from Phoenix for their NYC Gran/Grandaughter week, so we had two more helping hands. I'm sorry, but Christmas in Phoenix just doesn't sound appealing! Luckily my sister and her family will be in Colorado for Christmas.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4161064660_c21fe47cf2_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4161064660_c21fe47cf2_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The property had candy canes scattered all around, and Tyson just had to have his picture at every one. "Nother picture, Gran?" Just look at this cousin love Emma is giving him!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4160309039_1348a5b2d5_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 726px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 545px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4160309039_1348a5b2d5_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I just love Mom's face in this one. Pure delight. Tyson was a big boy this year and helped Daddy cut it down. Meanwhile, Ava stood back with me and took pictures with her camera. Like Mother like daughter!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/4161064790_7099203bd1_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/4161064790_7099203bd1_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/4161064828_c7d97c8aa9_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/4161064828_c7d97c8aa9_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/4161064956_4d6ae07e94_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/4161064956_4d6ae07e94_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/4160309283_d248f9b61e_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/4160309283_d248f9b61e_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4161064882_e88aa3da14_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4161064882_e88aa3da14_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The farm binds your tree for you, then we all enjoyed lunch in the van while Wade mounted our White Pine beauty to the roof.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4160309397_2df9f1088d_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4160309397_2df9f1088d_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4160309441_5ac76b1e36_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4160309441_5ac76b1e36_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Then off to the barn for some play time...<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4160309555_37ab6f07ba_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4160309555_37ab6f07ba_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/4160309487_39e8652795_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/4160309487_39e8652795_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4161065168_6da62afa97_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4161065168_6da62afa97_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/4161065192_e77dbe3a3c_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/4161065192_e77dbe3a3c_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/4160309687_a735fd110a_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/4160309687_a735fd110a_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4160309741_8af29d5492_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4160309741_8af29d5492_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4161065312_26bf8a584e_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4161065312_26bf8a584e_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />...and a letter to Santa. Ava's letter said, "Santa, Barbie please. Ava."<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/4160310009_2b40c8a0bc_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 726px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 545px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/4160310009_2b40c8a0bc_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Yummy homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies at the Christmas canteen...<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/4160309771_af9bd5861e_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/4160309771_af9bd5861e_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />...and checking out the fresh garland and cones for sale.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4160309947_20160d8368_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4160309947_20160d8368_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/4160309895_d69f6e6712_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/4160309895_d69f6e6712_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4160309825_f8c5e8a3ec_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4160309825_f8c5e8a3ec_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4161065470_9f2f5408f7_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4161065470_9f2f5408f7_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />We got the tree home no problem, and we picked out such a PERFECT tree that it needed NO trimming!! It was the perfect height, and I LOVE white pine. The needles are so soft it's like touching velvet! Mom and the kids made construction paper chains while we listened to Christmas music and decorated the whole house. <br /><br />I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4161065620_a60e39a58f_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 726px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 363px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4161065620_a60e39a58f_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-34624079533943655962009-11-27T05:34:00.002-05:002009-11-30T06:20:37.301-05:00A Little More of Fall....So before the Advent season kicks into high gear, I wanted to share some more "fall" with you. I still haven't shared our whole Vermont trip with you.<br /><br />I don't think I've told you before how much I loved Vermont. Oh...I have? I did?? Oh, sorry. Well I do.<br /><br />So this was a day we spent at Shelburne Farms. And I use the term "farm" lightly. The farms I've spent time in England and South Dakota are farms. This was an estate that oh-by-the-way has sheep, cows and makes their own cheese.<br /><br />It's 1400 acres. A Vanderbilt estate whose grounds were designed by the same guy who did Central Park. Ya, it's no ordinary farm. We hopped in a wagon for a grand tour of the estate. Check it out...<br /><br /><p><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4146982700_bbc225214f_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4146982700_bbc225214f_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/4146982646_e44243fde4_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/4146982646_e44243fde4_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/4146224751_a3bf52aebd_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/4146224751_a3bf52aebd_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />So this is the "house". The summer house for the family, when they wanted to get away to the country after being in New York. Nice, eh? It backs up to Lake Champlain and you can see the New York Adironacks on the other side of the lake. It's now a working B&B, and if I had the opportunity or the funds to stay as a guest, I would!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4146224519_cf2d115d8b_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4146224519_cf2d115d8b_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Here's the back....<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4146224701_a31f6bf365_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4146224701_a31f6bf365_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />And the view from the back....<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4146982866_92d05c0270_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4146982866_92d05c0270_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4146982776_5761f36acf_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4146982776_5761f36acf_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/4146982806_4f55859bd9_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/4146982806_4f55859bd9_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />We did decide to splurge a little bit and we all (4 adults and 4 kids under 4) had brunch in the house. This restaurant is a fine china kind of place, so we had an adult sitting on either side of a child, and we brought in our arsenal of car toys for everyone to play with. We only had one drink spill, and overall it was quite a success! We took the last reservation time, so we were practically the only guests eating, so that helped too. <br /><br />It was an amazing breakfast. Everything was homemade and farm fresh. Tyson enjoyed his pancakes with real Vermont maple syrup...<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/4146225195_cffd4fa0e2_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/4146225195_cffd4fa0e2_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Then we took a little time to let the kids play off their maple syrup and fresh orange juice high.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/4146983390_017569c038_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/4146983390_017569c038_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />And then onto the "barn". No, this isn't the house. This is for the animals. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4146983460_3821d238ce_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4146983460_3821d238ce_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4146225343_56b31bcf53_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4146225343_56b31bcf53_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Here is our transportation. The kids LOVED it.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/4146225225_bf13e88344_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/4146225225_bf13e88344_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4146225145_26368f84f8_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4146225145_26368f84f8_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/4146225113_e80b05b46c_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/4146225113_e80b05b46c_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Tyson and Evan checking out the big tractor tires. Although I have to say, this tire has NOTHING on the South Dakota tires I've sat in. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4146225089_b5c93f8ee8_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4146225089_b5c93f8ee8_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />The barn is now used for educational purposes. They host all sorts of children's programs throughout the year. This is also where the farm makes their own cheese. The whole place is geared towards children and the children's farm, so there was plenty for us to see and do.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4146983216_b45f5e49e8_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4146983216_b45f5e49e8_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/4146983258_830c0d5ceb_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/4146983258_830c0d5ceb_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />We got to meet and pet a baby calf...<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/4146224999_70ccc1611f_b.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 1024px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 683px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/4146224999_70ccc1611f_b.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />...play dress up....<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/4146982998_90de6c3228_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/4146982998_90de6c3228_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />...go inside the largest chicken coop I've ever seen....<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4146225515_6a3a4aa240_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4146225515_6a3a4aa240_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />....play "farm"...with John Deere of course....<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4146225485_48bb5c8401_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4146225485_48bb5c8401_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />....and meet and milk a cow!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4146983692_d3a2dc1cfb_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4146983692_d3a2dc1cfb_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4146225437_a3c9f1a747_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 725px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 483px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4146225437_a3c9f1a747_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4146225413_9b621802f6_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4146225413_9b621802f6_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4146983610_1afc67fbea_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4146983610_1afc67fbea_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4146225371_fccc3fb0a3_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4146225371_fccc3fb0a3_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Oh, and Ava and Wade learned how to identify different kind of animal poop. You never know when that life skill may come in handy!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4146225317_3e77f057af_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4146225317_3e77f057af_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />And then back to our wagon to finish our tour back to the visitor center to taste all the homemade cheddar. </p><p>If you ever get the chance, a visit to Shelburne Farms is a must!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4146983512_a77f53db2e_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4146983512_a77f53db2e_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Oh, and this is Tyson on the wagon ride. I entered my kids for the Gap casting call, and this is one of the pictures of Tyson I entered. Can't you see him hanging in Gap Kids windows nationwide???!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4146983488_3098bd114d_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 483px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 725px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4146983488_3098bd114d_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Happy Day after Thanksgiving!!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-74046566576878063922009-11-26T13:35:00.002-05:002009-11-26T13:37:09.775-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!I hope you and yours have a special and blessed Thanksgiving this year! Even though we are celebrating far away from family, we have so much to be thankful for!<br /><br />Gobble gobble. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4135868927_59242240dc_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4135868927_59242240dc_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-57682899142582582922009-11-25T07:28:00.003-05:002009-11-25T07:49:50.208-05:00My Head is Full....LiterallyI've been awake since 4:30am. I feel like my Mother. I didn't think was supposed to happen until you're 50 or something!<br /><br />Well I woke up because I, of course, had to pee because that's what pregnant women do at 4:30 in the morning. But then I wanted to check on Tyson's fever (he was at 103.4 last night), and then I realized how much my throat hurt, and then Baby Gus woke up and wouldn't stop kicking me, and then my brain turned on. There was no hope of going back to sleep.<br /><br />This week has been exhausting, but surprisingly enough, I'm doing OK. With last Friday's ultrasound scare, then Ava getting sick, then Tyson getting sick, and trying to keep myself well through all this....it's pretty exhausting. <br /><br />Wade is taking 1/2 day off today, and I CA-NNOT wait. Did I tell you his last day of work in Monday? Can you believe it? I can't. <br /><br />So I know I threw out the fact that we are moving back to Colorado a couple posts ago, and I thought I should explain.<br /><br />WE ARE MOVING BACK TO COLORADO. At Christmas. No wonder I can't turn my brain off!<br /><br />Back in September, Wade got a call from one of his Denver clients (his favorite) wondering if he would be interested in working for them. Talk about left field. We spent a couple weeks thinking, talking and praying about the two options before us: <br /><br />Stay at KPMG in NY and continue his career here and wherever the firm may take us, or <br /><br />Leave NY early, move back to Colorado (aka home) and have a job that he's excited about AND allows Wade to be home for dinner on weeknights??!! <br /><br />It was a hard decision, but we obviously chose option 2. He's been with KPMG 11 years now, and it is hard to say goodbye, but taking this job and moving back to Denver is ultimately what is best for our family. The hardest part for me is leaving NY. Honestly, how could you NOT love living here? Other than the cost of living of course.<br /><br />Since Wade's last day with the firm is next week, he gets to use most of his vacation before we leave. Which means we get the next few weeks all to ourselves to run around and be tourists in NYC during Christmas!! I could not be MORE excited to have him home. We'll spend a quiet Christmas here, just us, then have movers come and pack us up. We hope to be home by New Years. <br /><br />So that's our story. We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. An amazing year in NY, a soon-to-be healthy family, a healthy pregnancy, and an opportunity to be back home in 2010.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-22258307533638161542009-11-23T20:36:00.003-05:002009-11-24T16:02:06.175-05:00Dana's Baby PartyHave I ever told you that my dream is to be a freelance photographer for magazines? OK, I said it. That's my dream. <br /><br />I love to photograph parties, events, places and details. I would love to photograph for Real Simple, Country Living or Cottage Living...if it was still published!! Still mourning the loss of my favorite magazine...<br /><br />So yesterday I helped host my fabulous neighbor Dana's baby shower with Dana's good friends Diane and Heidi. Dana is having her first baby, a girl, and is due in February. I can't believe I won't be here to meet her, and I won't be here for her to Baby Gus!!! <br /><br />We hosted it at the Rye Square House Museum, which is one of the oldest houses in Rye, built in 1730 I think. It was a great location, and I had sooooo much fun getting all the decor together. <br /><br />Check it...<br /><br />The front door with baby things put together by Diane.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4131821956_d5befc907d_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 543px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4131821956_d5befc907d_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Diane and Heidi also did this this clothespin line filled with baby clothes for Dana. Isn't it adorable?? It looked so great and they had to get Dana's baby a Brooklyn onesie since that's where Dana lived before Rye.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/4131821982_a77f38e0f2_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 800px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/4131821982_a77f38e0f2_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I had a lot of fun doing this setup. I got baby pictures and young girl pictures of Dana and displayed them on my vintage potato chip holder that I snagged for $6 at the Paris Street Market in Denver. This is a staple in my house and holds pictures, Christmas Cards, announcements, vintage postcards....anything that I want to display. <br /><br />I also framed Dana's ultrasound picture and used my scrabble letters so everyone would know what they are looking at. Idea courtesy of my sister as she always has scrabble letters in her house.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4131822006_c8ab4936d0_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 646px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4131822006_c8ab4936d0_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />On to the cakes. Oh my. It doesn't hurt that our neighbor across the street (the one whose chocolate shop we went to in Boston a couple weeks ago) used to be a pastry chef. What? You're offering to do a cake for the shower?? Um, let's think about that one. YES!!!!!<br /><br />Wow, it was good, and Wade is enjoying some of the leftovers. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4131822022_39445855d6_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 545px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4131822022_39445855d6_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />OK, now this was too cute. Diane and Heidi put together this diaper cake. Every diaper was individually rolled and taped down and set up as a tiered cake. Is this not the coolest thing ever? So it was double duty...decoration and gift. Dana is set for the first week (OK, maybe just the first few days) of diaper changing!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4131822166_3fd1144fb5_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4131822166_3fd1144fb5_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This next project belonged to me and Tyson. We went on a nature walk at the Nature Center and collected sticks, then spray painted them white. I ordered <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?demandPrefix=11&productId=IN-3/1390&mode=Searching&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&xsaleSku=3/1391&sku=3/1390&cm_sp=Cross%20Sell-_-Product%20Detail-_-Product%20Detail">these</a> tissue paper flowers from Oriental Trading Company and displayed them in white vases as the food table centerpieces. Then we pinned extra baby socks and stuff to them. <br /><br />So each centerpiece cost like $3. Love it!<br /> <br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4131059025_cab7bb2fd9_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 545px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4131059025_cab7bb2fd9_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I love all my enamelware, some of which I picked up recently at flea markets here, and I used them for forks and napkins. White white white was the theme. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4131059195_e994a3227c_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4131059195_e994a3227c_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />There were two fireplaces in the room, so I bought scrapbook paper and sewed a garland of flags to go across the mantels and used my telephone pole glass things that I picked up at Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in NYC as weights. I also used my spinning gourds from that I won from Janna's blog to decorate the mantel. <br /><br />By the way, the flag idea also came from my sister. She made some for Tyson's shower and we hung them in his room. So Dana took these home and can use them to decorate in her baby room. And again...like $3 per garland. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4131059063_47ebe874bb_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4131059063_47ebe874bb_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/4131822118_511f72d5af_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/4131822118_511f72d5af_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/4131059131_060350a08b_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/4131059131_060350a08b_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Dana's mom came up from Savannah, which was so special. She reminds me on my own Mom and I just got attached to her immediately. She helped us shop for food at Costco on Saturday and was such a trooper. <br /><br />Diane and I had asked everyone coming to write a wish or blessing for Dana that they could read (if they wanted) at the shower and bless Dana and her baby girl. <br /><br />Lots of tears were shed, and it was one HUGE love fest. <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4131822446_3973e15657_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4131822446_3973e15657_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4131822230_28c65b796f_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 725px; height: 483px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4131822230_28c65b796f_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4131059423_aa6be2e702_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4131059423_aa6be2e702_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4131822384_8d11ea51da_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4131822384_8d11ea51da_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4131822318_9fedcce0cc_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/4131822318_9fedcce0cc_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4131059371_376ff43924_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4131059371_376ff43924_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4131822288_e9f319530e_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4131822288_e9f319530e_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4131822248_446b52417d_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4131822248_446b52417d_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It was such a great and special afternoon, and I'm so glad I had the chance to be a part of it. Love you Dana!!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577095451075350679.post-8294359708756088482009-11-21T07:17:00.001-05:002009-11-21T09:20:46.255-05:00It's a new dayI woke up this morning kind of in a blur of yesterday's happenings. I can't (but also can) believe how emotionally overwhelming yesterday was. Most who know me well know that I am not great at showing emotions, let alone crying. It's like that song "Stand in the Rain" by Superchick...."The shadows are long and she fears if she cries that first tear, the tears will not stop raining down". <br /><br />That's pretty much how I am. If I allow the tears to come, which I need to do more often, the tears don't stop and I cry one of those cries where you can't catch your breath and all you do is blubber. But man, it feels good when it's over. <br /><br />So that was me yesterday. As I sat in the doctor's office after I was told the baby had some bleeding on the brain, I was attempting to be strong and not let my mind wander down a path that would inevitably bring the downpour of tears. I had my children with me for crying out loud!! But after being left alone in an exam room for about 20 minutes alone with my thoughts, and my children who thought the exam table's stirrups (yes, THOSE stirrups) were meant to be a jungle gym, I completely lost it. Especially when Wade called and I had to explain what was going on. <br /><br />Ava sweetly asked why my face was so red, and I think Tyson was oblivious to my emotional reaction. I had to explain to Ava what was going on and that the doctor's were talking to see what we could do for Baby Gus, and she just looked at me with her big hazel eyes and gave me a big 4 year old hug that melts a mother's heart. She is my compassionate one. <br /><br />So that was the first of many episodes of "losing it" yesterday and I even surprised myself at how freely I was letting the tears flow...even though there was no confirmation as to what was really going on. <br /><br />Looking back, I realize the emotion of yesterday was more than the possibility of my baby suffering, but was also a lot of cooped up emotion that I've been holding onto because we're moving back to Colorado. Yes, you read right. We are cutting our 3 year rotation in NY short. Wade got a job offer from a client in Denver that he accepted and we are moving back to Colorado just after Christmas. But that's a whole other post. <br /><br />More than anything, I am grateful BEYOND WORDS to all our friends, family and neighbors who came around us in such a short amount of time to pray, take care of the kids, support, and petition God for healing. I wanted to share with you some of the encouraging words I received through e-mails, texts, facebook, and the blog. This is all IN ADDITION to many phone calls received, and all this came pouring in within just a couple hours. <br /><br />Here are the words and prayers that carried me through yesterday...<br /><br />Angela - "Wow. I am praying right now. I love you sweet friend." <br /><br />My Dad - "I pray that our gracious Lord gave you a restful night of sleep and the joy of waking up to happy, healthy little children sounds. I’m sure there were lots of family hugs going all around this morning. There wasn’t more than a minute or two that you were out of my prayers for the 4-5 hours which inched by today until you again called mom on your way home. Believe me, it was difficult not to call you to rejoice, but I would only have broken down. I can only imagine how absolutely exhausted you all were tonight.It ’s experiences like this that make us far more sensitive and empathetic to others who bear more burdens than we could ever understand. Dear Jesus, we all are VERY humbled by your continuing, unmerited grace you shower on us all."<br /><br />Melissa - "Praying! Psalm 139 got me through all the worry with Andy before he was born. I'm with Erin, Remove, Reverse and Restore! Love you!"<br /><br />Aunt Shari & Uncle Bob - "Jodi called and alerted us to the stresses that your family is under right now. We are definitely praying that everything will turn out good. My Bible study/prayer group will also be praying. I love your friend's prayer: Re-move, Re-verse, Re-store! Two of my favorite verses that I rely on over and over: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the God of peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4: 6-7. So rest assured! Take care and keep in touch.... you're in our thoughts and prayers"<br /><br />Julie - "hey you,read your blog and i am lifting you up and praying like crazy. i had a similar scare with William's u/s and multiple cysts on his brain (and a variety of horrible scenarios as a result) and just reading your post brought me right back to that time. as Phil wisely counseled me through my moments of fear (there were many)---god does not make mistakes. so i pray HIS blanket of peace to cover you. he has hand crafted that little baby and is and will be glorified in his creation. all my love."<br /><br />Marla - "Praying for you, Wade and baby Gus! I love Jeremiah 1:5. God knows Gus inside and out and loves him so, so much!!"<br /><br />Cousin Jodi - "Praying for baby Gus and the rest of you! Remember everything is just as God intended."<br /><br />Wendi - "Just read your blog.....I am so thankful to hear that all is well with baby Gus." <br /><br />Erin - "Praying for this to be RE-versed, RE-moved, and RE-stored. The Lord is my Helper, I will not fear. Hebrews 13:6. In the Greek, Helper = Boethos which describes God as One who comes RUNNING when we cry for help. Describes the Lord as poised and read to rush to the relief of His children when they call for help. We got you covered Kristen."<br /><br />My Mom - "You are being covered in prayer even as I type. I have called and spoken with Sharon so all the So. Dakota family is praying. Joanne and family and friends are praying as well as our own prayer chain at church and friends in the Springs. God is wit h you in every circumstance and will be your strength and fort.Just know how Dad & I wish we could be there to wrap you in our arms of love...our prayers and our loving God will be so much better though."<br /><br />My sister - "Love you, sis. Been praying and praising right along with you from AtoZ."<br /><br />Dana - "Please let me know what I can do for you. I am here for you my friend! Sending you lots of love."<br /><br />This whole experience may have been a mistake in reading the ultrasound by our first technician, but I really do believe we experienced a miracle yesterday and I will be forever praising God for his faithfulness in our lives. I am constantly amazed at the family of God and how quickly everyone comes together. <br /><br />As my neighbor Berl put it best, I enlisted my "talented group"...referring to my fellow prayer warriors. He has no idea how true that is!!!<br /><br />Last, I of course to post some sort of picture. This scene greets me at my front door, and I think it's message hits home in a special way this Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/4121405107_eeee9bd00d_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 483px; height: 725px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/4121405107_eeee9bd00d_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10842736394820518151noreply@blogger.com5